Discord will soon require users worldwide to verify their age with a face scan or ID to access adult content, while lawsuits against social media giants regarding their impact on children begin this week in the US, according to multiple news sources. These developments come amid growing concerns about online safety and the effects of technology on young users.
The online chat service Discord, which boasts over 200 million monthly users, will implement the age verification measures globally starting in early March, according to BBC Technology. The move aims to place all users into a "teen-appropriate experience" by default. This follows existing age verification practices in the UK and Australia.
Meanwhile, in the US, lawsuits against major social media companies are underway. Two cases, marking the first legal efforts to hold companies like Meta accountable for the effects of their products on young users, began this week, as reported by Al Jazeera. One case, brought by New Mexico's attorney general, alleges that Meta failed to protect children from sexually explicit material. These lawsuits are part of a wave of 40 brought against Meta, accusing the social media giant of prioritizing profits over children's safety, according to Al Jazeera.
These developments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of technology on society. The BBC also reported on a study from the University of Oxford, which found that AI chatbots give inaccurate and inconsistent medical advice, potentially posing risks to users. Dr. Rebecca Payne, lead medical practitioner on the study, stated that it could be "dangerous" for people to ask chatbots about their symptoms.
In other news, the tech industry continues to evolve, with some companies embracing extreme work schedules. One New York-based tech business, Rilla, is advertising 70-hour work weeks, according to BBC Business. The recruitment website promises perks, but the job ads warn potential employees not to apply if they are not excited about the demanding schedule.
Finally, a Sky News report detailed the reconstruction of the face of a man believed to be a "vampire," whose remains were found in Croatia. The body had been exhumed, beheaded, and reburied face down, a practice intended to prevent the deceased from returning.
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