UK regulator Ofcom has proposed new measures under the Online Safety Act requiring major tech platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube to ban scam advertisers. The proposals aim to prevent fraudulent ads, protect users from scams, and ensure financial service ads have clearance. Failure to comply could result in significant fines.
Ofcom has proposed new measures requiring tech platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to tackle scam adverts. Firms failing to comply could face fines of up to £18m or 10% of global turnover. The proposals aim to protect users from fraudulent ads and hold platforms accountable.
The UK government plans to implement a social media ban for under-16s, defying US objections. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the UK's priority is "British young people" and dismissed concerns about investment from US tech firms.
UK campaigners are urging Keir Starmer to implement strict safety standards for social media apps accessed by under-16s, rather than a blanket ban. They propose vetting platforms and features before children can use them, citing concerns over infinite scrolling and disappearing messages.
Australia's privacy commissioner Carly Kind has ordered 2Apply, operated by InspectRealEstate, to cease collecting excessive personal information from rental applicants, finding the data collection unfair and exploitative amid the housing crisis. The determination identified 10 categories of unnecessary data including gender, dependents, bankruptcy status, citizenship and visa expiry. The platform processed over 8.5 million applications as of March 2025 and used 'confirmshaming' tactics to pressure tenants into providing excessive information.
China's market regulator fined seven tech platforms 3.6 billion yuan (US$528 million) after an antitrust probe revealed obstruction tactics. Investigators at Pinduoduo discovered a hidden office area, while PDD's security head led a group that stormed the site, hospitalizing an official with a head injury. A PDD employee was also caught passing and then swallowing notes with instructions to stay silent during questioning.
