Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have called for the full release of files related to the late sex offender, while New York City grapples with the aftermath of extreme cold weather that claimed 18 lives, and social media giants face accusations of creating "addiction machines" in a landmark trial. Additionally, Discord will soon require face scans or ID verification for access to adult content, and a major report warns businesses of potential extinction if they fail to protect nature.
In a 40-second video released in the US on Super Bowl Sunday, Epstein survivors, appearing with black redaction marks over their mouths, urged for the release of all files related to the case. The video, produced by the World Without Exploitation group, featured survivors holding photographs of their younger selves and stating, "we all deserve the truth," according to BBC World. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) was legally obligated to make all files public in December of the previous year, but only some have been released, many with redactions.
New York City has endured a period of extreme cold weather since late January, including 13 days of temperatures at or below 0C (32F), one of the longest stretches of sub-zero weather the city has seen in six decades, according to BBC World. The extreme cold has resulted in 18 deaths, as reported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. While temperatures are expected to rise this week, they will remain below average, prompting Mamdani to advise residents to "stay safe."
In the realm of technology, Discord announced it will soon require all users globally to verify their age with a face scan or by uploading a form of ID to access adult content. The online chat service, which boasts over 200 million monthly users, aims to protect users by placing everyone into a teen-appropriate experience "by default," as reported by BBC Technology. The age checks will roll out worldwide from early March.
Meanwhile, the world's largest social media companies are facing a landmark trial in California, where they are accused of creating "addiction machines." Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff "K.G.M.," argued that his client suffered from mental health issues as a result of social media addiction, according to BBC Business. "These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose," Lanier stated. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube are expected to argue that K.G.M.'s addiction stemmed from other factors.
Finally, a major new report warns businesses of potential extinction if they fail to protect and restore the natural world. The assessment, by Ipbes (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), is based on contributions from leading scientists and approved by 150 governments. Experts are calling for urgent action to restore the natural systems that keep the economy running, according to BBC Business. Businesses can either lead the way or "ultimately face extinction," the report suggests.
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