Topic: platform design
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Social Media Firms Privately Discussed Teen Engagement
Major social media companies internally prioritized attracting younger users as a core business strategy, viewing them as a massive growth opportunity, while simultaneously acknowledging the associated risks. Internal documents reveal companies were aware of specific harms, such as difficulties v...
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Meta Faces Trial Over Child Safety in New Mexico
Meta is facing a high-stakes trial in New Mexico, accused of creating unsafe environments for children on its platforms through design and algorithms, marking the first standalone state-led case of its kind in the U.S. The trial will examine critical legal issues like algorithmic amplification an...
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Social Media's Legal Reckoning Arrives in 2026
Major social media companies like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube face historic jury trials over allegations their platform designs harm children's mental health, having overcome the traditional legal shield of Section 230. The initial "bellwether" trials will feature top executives testifying and scru...
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FirstClub's Premium Strategy Defies India's Speed Obsession, Hits $120M Valuation
FirstClub has achieved a $120 million valuation by prioritizing quality over speed, securing $23 million in Series A funding led by Accel and RTP Global. The startup targets India's top 10% of households with curated, exclusive products and a personalized shopping experience, resulting in high av...
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Discord's Age Verification: A Step Toward a Gated Internet?
Discord is implementing mandatory age verification next month, requiring facial scans or government IDs, which will restrict server access and features for non-compliant users. This policy reflects broader industry trends, as platforms like Google and OpenAI use AI to estimate ages and enforce sa...
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