Topic: online safety
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UK Fines 4Chan for Online Safety Failures
The UK has fined 4Chan £20,000 for failing to comply with an Online Safety Act investigation by not providing required information on earnings and risk assessments for illegal content. Ofcom warns that continued non-compliance could lead to additional daily fines and emphasizes this as a strict m...
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Secure Your Digital Life This Cybersecurity Month
Digital technology's pervasive role in daily life makes online safety a critical necessity, with governments emphasizing mandatory protection against cyber threats in our interconnected environment. Australians have suffered over $48 million in losses from approximately 25,000 scam incidents this...
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Can a Social Media Ban for Under-16s Actually Protect Kids?
Australia is proposing a social media ban for users under sixteen to protect them from online dangers like cyberbullying and predatory contact, with initial restrictions on major platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Critics argue teens may bypass the ban using VPNs, but technology companies ha...
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The 'Papers, Please' Internet Is Here
Global mandatory online age verification is rapidly expanding from initial UK proposals to worldwide legislation, with the EU, Australia, and the U.S. Supreme Court enabling such requirements. Implementation reveals significant challenges including security vulnerabilities, loopholes, VPN usage, ...
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Bluesky Expands Age Verification to South Dakota & Wyoming
Bluesky has expanded age verification requirements to users in South Dakota and Wyoming, requiring government ID, credit card details, or facial recognition scans to confirm legal age. The verification process is managed through Epic Games’ Kids Web Services, aiming to balance compliance with use...
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UK Steam Users Now Require Credit Card for Mature Content Games
Steam now requires UK users to store a valid credit card to verify age for accessing mature-rated games and content, in compliance with the UK's Online Safety Act. Valve uses credit card verification instead of facial recognition to protect user privacy and prevent account sharing, shifting age c...
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Apple's New App Rules for Texas Users
A new Texas law (SB2420) requires Apple to implement age verification for App Store users, prompting concerns about privacy despite supporting child safety objectives. Starting January 1, 2026, Texas users must confirm they are 18 or older to create accounts, with minors requiring parental approv...
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Apple, Google Forced to Adopt Texas Age Checks
Starting in 2026, Texas, Utah, and Louisiana will require age verification for app downloads from major platforms like Apple's App Store and Google Play to protect minors online. Apple and Google are implementing these systems under state laws but have raised privacy concerns, as the measures nec...
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California's New Internet Age-Verification Law Takes Effect
California has enacted the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), requiring operating systems and app stores to verify users' ages during new device setup, with enforcement starting in 2027 and penalties for noncompliance. The law aims to enhance online safety for minors, reflecting a national tren...
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Imgur Blocks UK Users in Surprise Geo-Ban
Imgur has blocked all access for UK users, preventing them from logging in, viewing, or uploading content as of September 30, 2025, following a warning from the UK's data protection authority. The UK's Information Commissioner’s Office is investigating Imgur over its handling of children's data a...
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California's New AI Law: Bots Must Reveal Their Identity
California has passed the nation's first law requiring AI companion chatbots to clearly disclose their non-human identity to prevent deceptive emotional attachments. The legislation mandates annual mental health reports for certain chatbots, detailing mechanisms to address users expressing suicid...
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Texas Age Verification Law: How It Impacts Your App Use
A new Texas law (SB 2420) will require mandatory age verification for users of major app stores like Apple and Google starting in 2026, aiming to protect minors but raising privacy concerns. Tech giants Apple and Google will comply with the law but warn it forces users to share sensitive personal...
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US Told to Exempt Big Tech from Digital Services Act
US regulators oppose the EU's Digital Services Act, arguing it threatens free speech and digital security for American users under First Amendment protections. The FTC warns that compliance with foreign regulations like the DSA or GDPR must not weaken encryption or lead to censorship, as this cou...
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Apple Locks Down iPhones to Comply With Texas Age Law
Starting January 2026, Apple will enforce age verification for new Apple Account creations in Texas, requiring users to confirm they are at least 18 years old, with minors needing parental consent via Family Sharing for app downloads and transactions. Apple is updating its Declared Age Range API ...
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