Discord will soon require users worldwide to verify their age with a face scan or ID to access adult content, while Spotify saw a surge in paid subscribers despite criticism over artist compensation, and Amazon is reportedly considering a marketplace for media sites to license content to AI companies. These developments come as OpenAI faced internal conflict and tech workers express frustration over their companies' silence on social issues.
Discord announced it would begin rolling out age verification measures globally in early March, according to BBC Technology. The online chat service, which boasts over 200 million monthly users, will require users to verify their age with a face scan or ID to access adult content. This move aims to protect users by placing everyone into a teen-appropriate experience "by default." The company already implements age checks in the UK and Australia to comply with online safety laws.
Spotify, despite facing criticism over artist compensation, experienced a boost in its paid subscriber base. BBC Business reported that paid subscribers increased by 9 million in the last three months of 2025, reaching 290 million. This growth helped the music giant achieve a net profit of $1.17 billion. However, the Swedish firm continues to face criticism from artists who claim they are not adequately compensated for having their songs on the platform, even though Spotify paid almost $11 billion to artists.
In the AI industry, Amazon is reportedly considering launching a marketplace where media sites can license their content directly to AI companies, according to TechCrunch. The Information reported that the e-commerce giant has been meeting with publishing executives to discuss the plans. This move comes as tech companies seek legally safe sources of AI training data, addressing the ongoing issue of copyright infringement. An Amazon spokesperson did not directly address the marketplace plans when contacted by TechCrunch.
Meanwhile, OpenAI faced internal conflict, as reported by TechCrunch. Ryan Beiermeister, the company's vice president of product policy, was reportedly fired in January after a male colleague accused her of sex discrimination. The termination came after Beiermeister expressed criticism of a planned ChatGPT feature dubbed "adult mode," which would introduce erotica into the chatbot user experience. Beiermeister told the Wall Street Journal that the allegation of discrimination was "absolutely false."
Finally, The Verge reported that tech workers are frustrated by their companies' silence on social issues, specifically regarding ICE. Workers describe a fear-based culture and pressure to fall in line, with many interpreting their CEOs' silence as a directive to "keep your head down" and "compartmentalize."
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment