Google expands its Play Age Signals API globally to help developers comply with age verification laws, using Family Link app settings without requiring ID or selfies, amid growing regulatory pressures in the US and internationally.
Google has launched a new account recovery feature allowing users to regain access via a selfie video, stored encrypted on its servers. While offering convenience, the system raises privacy and deepfake security concerns, and is not available for Workspace or Advanced Protection Program accounts.
Ofcom has launched an investigation into TikTok's methods for keeping children off its platform and preventing access to harmful content. The probe focuses on "age inference" technology, which the regulator has "serious doubts" about, following a previous criticism of the app's child safety.
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block a Texas law mandating age verification and parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases. Plaintiffs argued it violates free speech rights, while Texas claims it protects children.
The US Supreme Court has allowed Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors' app downloads and purchases, while a legal challenge continues. Critics argue the law infringes on First Amendment free speech rights.
A University of Newcastle study published in the British Medical Journal found that over 85% of Australian teens under 16 continued using social media apps despite a ban and age checks. Most bypassed restrictions through self-declaration or using fake/other accounts, highlighting the ineffectiveness of current enforcement methods and offering lessons for other nations.
The UK plans to introduce age verification for social media, potentially requiring ID for access. This aims to reduce screen time for under-16s but raises concerns about civil liberties, education, and unintended consequences like circumventing the ban or isolating youth.
The UK plans to ban social media access for under-16s without age verification, requiring ID uploads. Critics argue this will increase data collection by Big Tech, harm privacy, and stifle competition, while proponents seek tighter speech restrictions.
Discord's new age verification system, requiring video selfies and ID documents, has led to user backlash and a postponement of its rollout. This has driven users to seek open-source alternatives like Stoat and Element, which offer more control and privacy.
Canada's government has proposed the Safe Social Media Act, which would ban social media for children under 16, requiring age verification and safeguards against harmful content. The bill also targets AI chatbots and mandates better crisis reporting, establishing a new digital safety regulator.
Google Wallet will soon support digital IDs from select EU countries and offer age verification via a partnership with Sparkasse Bank, enhancing online checkout and security.
Apple is enforcing Texas's age verification law (SB 2420) for apps distributed in the state, effective tomorrow. New users will need to verify their age, and parental consent will be required for minors downloading apps, updates, or making in-app purchases.
Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has drafted a report proposing stricter age verification for social media services to protect children. The report calls for service providers to assess risks and disclose age restrictions and verification methods, rather than implementing a blanket age-based ban like in some other countries.
Malaysia's new Online Safety Act 2025 restricts social media accounts for those under 16, requiring platforms like Facebook and TikTok to implement age verification within six months. While educators support the move to protect youth from harmful content, privacy advocates urge a pause, citing data protection concerns.
Malaysia will implement new rules on June 1 requiring social media platforms to verify users are over 16, aiming to protect children from harmful content and interactions. Platforms must implement age verification measures, with a grace period provided.
PornHub has fully restored access for UK Apple users after partially blocking the platform in January due to the Online Safety Act. The site's parent company, Aylo, praised Apple's new device-level age verification as a 'trailblazing' solution.
Podcast discusses upcoming European Parliament vote on EU's next long-term budget with lawmakers pushing for increased funding amid country opposition. The College of Commissioners meets in Strasbourg to discuss legislative drafting efficiency, with critics warning of weakened safeguards. The Commission's new age verification app to protect minors from adult content faces rollout issues. Listener reactions to Sunday shopping debate in Brussels are heated.
Europe's new Age Verification app faces serious security concerns. A researcher claims to have easily hacked the system, highlighting flaws in how it stores data and bypasses security. The app, designed to protect children online, reportedly allows users to prove someone else's age, not their own. This raises questions about its effectiveness and the safety of user data.
Europe's new Age Verification app faces serious security concerns. A researcher claims to have easily hacked the system, highlighting flaws in how it stores data and bypasses security. The app, designed to protect children online, reportedly allows users to prove someone else's age, not their own. This raises questions about its effectiveness and the safety of user data.
