Australia increases maximum penalty to AUD 99 million for tech firms failing to enforce social media ban for under-16s, strengthens regulator's powers amid little observed impact on teen usage.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a social media ban for under-16s, aiming to enhance online safety. While welcomed by many parents, scientists question the evidence for bans' effectiveness, and campaigners argue it lets social media firms evade platform changes.
Meta has strongly criticized Australia's proposed News Bargaining Incentive, calling it a "grossly unfair" and "discriminatory tax" that targets a select few foreign companies. The plan would tax digital platforms up to 2.25% of their Australian revenue unless they pay local news organizations for content.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has called for social media companies to be regulated like the tobacco industry, advocating for a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms. The UK government is consulting on age limits and other measures to protect young people online.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has called for social media companies to be regulated like the tobacco industry, advocating for a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms. The UK government is consulting on age limits and other measures to protect children online.
Oregon has become the first state to pass "Kristil's Law," requiring communication companies to respond to law enforcement warrants in stalking and domestic violence cases within 72 hours to five days, aiming to prevent tragedies like the murder of Kristil Krug.
Meta, X, and Snapchat have blocked accounts of Saudi dissidents within the kingdom following orders from Saudi authorities. Activists criticize the platforms for acting as instruments of repression, while Meta states it restricts content violating local laws but not its own standards, sometimes informing users. X has notified users of Saudi requests but taken no action yet.
Meta and X have blocked accounts of Saudi dissidents within the kingdom, following requests from Saudi authorities. While Meta restricted access to 108 items, X has notified users of potential violations of Saudi laws.
Meta, TikTok, Snap, and Google's YouTube have settled initial lawsuits with hundreds of school districts over the child mental health crisis, attributing it to social media addiction. The settlements follow significant court losses for Meta and YouTube.
Over 1,200 school districts are initiating legal action against social media companies, marking a significant confrontation between educational institutions and tech giants.
Social media companies are facing over 1,200 lawsuits alleging harm to students, potentially leading to billions in liability. One case has been amicably resolved, with companies focusing on age-appropriate products.
Two California Assembly members have introduced AB 1946, a bill allowing lawsuits against social media companies that fail to detect or remove child sexual abuse material. The legislation follows landmark verdicts against Meta and YouTube in March. Companies would face 48-hour response windows and be required to perform biannual safety audits. If passed by August, the bill would take effect January 2027.
Trump has threatened to impose a 'big tariff' on the UK if it does not drop its digital services tax, a 2% levy on revenues of major tech firms introduced in 2020. The US president warned the UK 'better be careful', claiming the tax results in the US being 'taken advantage of'. The threat comes amid heightened UK-US tensions over the Iran war, with Starmer insisting the UK 'will not' join the conflict.
Executives from Meta, Roblox and TikTok denied their platforms are inherently addictive to children during a Westminster hearing, arguing there is no evidence platforms are 'addictive by nature'. The appearance followed a Los Angeles court case last month where Meta and YouTube were found liable for designing addictive products. The committee chair warned Snapchat, which cancelled, that they would be summoned. The UK government is consulting on whether to ban under-16s from social media, following Australia's example.
