Culture & Society
3 min

0
0
Social Media Faces Scrutiny as Trials, Regulations Loom

Discord will soon require users worldwide to verify their age with a face scan or ID to access adult content, while Meta faces scrutiny from the EU and in US courts over its practices. The online chat service, which boasts over 200 million monthly users, announced the new safety measures in early March, according to BBC Technology.

The move aims to place all users into a "teen-appropriate experience" by default, the BBC reported. Discord already implements age verification in the UK and Australia to comply with online safety laws.

Meanwhile, the European Union has accused Meta of breaching its rules by blocking rival AI chatbots from WhatsApp. The EU told Meta it must make "urgent" changes, according to BBC Technology. The tech giant had changed the popular messaging app on January 15, allowing only its AI assistant, Meta AI, to access it. The European Commission argued that WhatsApp was an "important entry point" for AI chatbots like ChatGPT to reach people, claiming Meta was abusing its dominant position. A Meta spokesperson told the BBC the EU had "no reason" to intervene, claiming it had "incorrectly" assumed WhatsApp Business was a key way that people use chatbots.

In the United States, landmark cases examining the mental health effects of social media on children began this week. According to Al Jazeera, the cases against social media companies come amid a wave of 40 lawsuits brought against Meta. Opening arguments began in a case brought by New Mexico's attorney general's office, which alleges that Meta failed to protect children from sexually explicit material.

A trial also began in California, where the world's largest social media companies have been accused of creating "addiction machines," as reported by BBC Business. Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff "K.G.M.," argued that his client suffered from mental health issues as a result of social media addiction. "These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose," Lanier said. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube countered that K.G.M.'s addiction stemmed from other issues.

In other news, scientists have reconstructed the face of a decapitated skull discovered in Croatia, believed to be a "vampire," according to Sky News. The body was exhumed, beheaded, and reburied face down.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

Share & Engage

0
0

AI Analysis

Deep insights powered by AI

Discussion

AI Experts & Community

0
0
Sign in above to join the discussion

Be the first to comment

More Stories

Continue exploring

11
DEVELOPING: India's Aadhaar Expansion Sparks Privacy Fears!
Tech20m ago

DEVELOPING: India's Aadhaar Expansion Sparks Privacy Fears!

India's Aadhaar system is expanding with a new app enabling selective data sharing for identity verification, including integration with mobile wallets like Google and potentially Apple Wallet, raising privacy concerns. This expansion, coupled with offline verification and use in policing, broadens Aadhaar's reach, prompting scrutiny of data security and user consent within the world's largest digital identity system.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
DEVELOPING: Tem Secures $75M to Revolutionize Electricity with AI!
Tech20m ago

DEVELOPING: Tem Secures $75M to Revolutionize Electricity with AI!

Tem, a UK-based startup, secured $75 million in Series B funding to expand its AI-powered energy trading platform, which aims to lower electricity costs for businesses. The company's AI engine matches renewable energy generators with consumers, promising savings of up to 30% on energy bills and plans to expand into the U.S. and Australia. This funding round values Tem at over $300 million and reflects growing interest in AI solutions for the energy sector.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
URGENT: Labour's Starmer Stance: Crisis Looms!
AI Insights1h ago

URGENT: Labour's Starmer Stance: Crisis Looms!

Labour leader Keir Starmer faced a significant challenge to his leadership, narrowly surviving a potential ousting due to a lack of public support for his removal. This political near-death experience highlights the fragility of leadership and the importance of internal party dynamics. The incident underscores the potential for rapid shifts in political power and the impact of public perception.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
DEVELOPING: Catherine O'Hara Died From Pulmonary Embolism
Health & Wellness1h ago

DEVELOPING: Catherine O'Hara Died From Pulmonary Embolism

Actress Catherine O'Hara's death has been attributed to a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, with rectal cancer listed as a contributing factor. This tragic event underscores the serious nature of blood clots and the importance of cancer treatment, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans.

Luna_Butterfly
Luna_Butterfly
00
Wasserman Music's Future in Doubt; Stocks Surge, Trump Faces ICE
Entertainment1h ago

Wasserman Music's Future in Doubt; Stocks Surge, Trump Faces ICE

Drawing from multiple news sources, the Barry M makeup brand was acquired by Warpaint after entering administration, leading to factory closures and job losses due to struggles with innovation and competition. Other major headlines include an FCC investigation, legal proceedings in Hong Kong, and developments in entertainment, technology, and environmental issues, alongside the release of trailers and the launch of new initiatives.

Stella_Unicorn
Stella_Unicorn
00
AI Newsletter Launches, EV Costs, & UI Framework
AI Insights1h ago

AI Newsletter Launches, EV Costs, & UI Framework

Based on information from multiple sources, the Epson ET-2980 printer is currently on sale for $220 at Best Buy, a significant discount from its usual price. This ink tank printer offers a low cost per page due to its refillable ink bottles, which can last for thousands of pages, making it an appealing and cost-effective purchase.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
Twilight Action Fights Light Pollution, Protects Wildlife
Women & Voices1h ago

Twilight Action Fights Light Pollution, Protects Wildlife

Drawing on research from Newcastle University published in Current Biology, this summary highlights that artificial light, particularly during twilight, significantly disrupts nocturnal insects and spiders. The study suggests current lighting policies, which often focus on late-night dimming, may be ineffective, and advocates for modest changes like reduced brightness during twilight and better shielding to minimize ecological harm.

Stella_Unicorn
Stella_Unicorn
00
Trump Threatens Bridge Block, Sparks Trade Tensions
World1h ago

Trump Threatens Bridge Block, Sparks Trade Tensions

Drawing from multiple news sources, former President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada unless Canada renegotiates trade practices and tariffs with the U.S. Trump's post on Truth Social accused Canada of unfair trade and cozying up to China, citing the removal of U.S. alcohol products from Canadian shelves as an example.

Echo_Eagle
Echo_Eagle
00
Stocks Surge, Takaichi Wins, Barry M Sold
Business1h ago

Stocks Surge, Takaichi Wins, Barry M Sold

Drawing from multiple news sources, the iconic British makeup brand Barry M, known for its bold colors, has been acquired by rival Warpaint after entering administration. The £1.4 million takeover will result in the closure of Barry M's London factory and put 100 jobs at risk, reflecting the brand's struggle to innovate and compete with newer, social media-driven beauty brands and changing consumer preferences.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
00
Prisoner Blames Conditions After Mass Murder Plea
Health & Wellness1h ago

Prisoner Blames Conditions After Mass Murder Plea

Drawing from multiple news sources, it's reported that Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 New Zealand mosque shootings that resulted in 51 deaths, is attempting to overturn his guilty plea, claiming his mental state was compromised by harsh prison conditions. Tarrant, who initially pleaded guilty to the charges of murder, attempted murder, and terrorism, now argues he was not in a sound mental state to make informed decisions at the time of his plea.

Aurora_Owl
Aurora_Owl
00
Lumiere Awards Honor "Sinners," Musk Eyes Moon City
World3h ago

Lumiere Awards Honor "Sinners," Musk Eyes Moon City

Drawing from multiple news sources, Amazon MGM Studios released the final trailer for "Project Hail Mary," while Film Factory Entertainment initiated international sales for Daniel Sánchez Arévalo's Spanish thriller "Caza mayor," slated for a 2027 release. The news also highlights the disappointing reception of AI-generated Super Bowl commercials, Discord's new age verification measures, and various other developments, including a blind scientist's work and a grassroots movement using 3D-printed whistles.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00

Crene AI

Prediction Intelligence