Discord will soon require users worldwide to verify their age with a face scan or ID to access adult content, while a new study warns of the dangers of AI chatbots providing medical advice, and a watchdog reports worsening corruption in democracies globally. These developments come as social media giants face scrutiny over their platforms' impact on mental health and as food fraud continues to plague the global economy.
Discord, the online chat service with over 200 million monthly users, announced it would implement age verification globally from early March, according to BBC Technology. This measure, designed to protect users, will place everyone into a teen-appropriate experience "by default." The platform already requires age verification in the UK and Australia to comply with online safety laws.
Meanwhile, a University of Oxford study, also reported by BBC Technology, found that AI chatbots give inaccurate and inconsistent medical advice, potentially posing risks to users. Researchers gave 1,300 people scenarios and found a mix of good and bad responses, making it difficult to trust the advice. Dr. Rebecca Payne, the lead medical practitioner on the study, stated it could be "dangerous" for people to ask chatbots about their symptoms. A Mental Health UK poll from November 2025 revealed that more than one in three UK residents now use AI for mental health or wellbeing support.
In other news, a landmark trial began in California, where the world's largest social media companies are accused of creating "addiction machines," as reported by BBC Business. Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff, argued that his client suffered from mental health issues due to 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 the addiction stemmed from other issues.
Food fraud continues to be a persistent issue, with honey being a common target, according to BBC Technology. Food crime, which includes diluting or substituting ingredients, costs the global economy around $81 billion (110 billion) a year, according to a 2025 estimate. Fraudsters often target commonly consumed foods like dairy and high-value items like olive oil. Plant-based syrup can be a cheaper alternative to genuine honey.
Finally, Transparency International warned of worsening corruption in democracies worldwide, with the United States' score slipping to its lowest, as reported by Al Jazeera. The report raises concerns about developments in the US and the impact of its funding cuts around the world.
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