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Texas probes tech platforms over safety and privacy of minors

Economic Times

Economic Times · 8m ago

Texas probes tech platforms over safety and privacy of minors

The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has launched investigations into over a dozen technology platforms, including Character.AI, Reddit, Instagram, and Discord, over privacy and safety practices for minors. This comes as tech platforms face increasing scrutiny for their impact on children, with social media platforms making billions in advertising revenue from users under 18. The investigations will focus on compliance with Texas laws related to protecting children's online privacy. Tech companies are being warned that Texas is actively enforcing data privacy laws.

Related News

Texas defends requiring ID for porn to SCOTUS: “We’ve done this forever”

Arstechnica

Arstechnica · 7m ago

Texas defends requiring ID for porn to SCOTUS: “We’ve done this forever”

The Supreme Court is reviewing Texas' age-verification law for porn access, which mandates ID checks to block minors. Critics argue it infringes on adults' rights and could stifle free speech, while Texas defends it as necessary to prevent minors from accessing porn online. This case could influence similar laws in other states. Both sides urge SCOTUS for clear guidance, with concerns over privacy and effectiveness in protecting children being central to the debate.

Texas signs into law online safety bill reportedly opposed by Apple's Tim Cook | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 3m ago

Texas signs into law online safety bill reportedly opposed by Apple's Tim Cook | TechCrunch

Texas Governor Abbott signed into law an online child safety bill requiring app stores like Apple and Google's to verify user age and obtain parental consent for minors' app downloads and in-app purchases. The law, effective January 1, faced opposition, particularly from Apple's CEO Tim Cook, who argued it could threaten user privacy. Despite lobbying efforts, the bill proceeded amid a trend of similar legislation emerging across other states.

Apple is hitting back in the war over internet age-gating

The Verge

The Verge · 3m ago

Apple is hitting back in the war over internet age-gating

Apple CEO Tim Cook is opposing a Texas age verification bill, SB 2420, which mandates app stores to verify user ages, fearing privacy risks. The bill could require all Texans' personal data for app downloads, impacting even simple apps. Several states, including Texas, are pushing age verification laws, amid debates on youth online safety. Apple favors a federal Kids Online Safety Act, shifting liability to web platforms.

Google agrees to pay $1.4 billion to settle two privacy lawsuits

Economic Times

Economic Times · 3m ago

Google agrees to pay $1.4 billion to settle two privacy lawsuits

Google agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement with Texas over privacy lawsuits alleging the company violated state residents' privacy by tracking locations and searches, and collecting facial recognition data. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who previously settled with Meta for similar violations, announced the resolution under Texas' data privacy and deceptive trade practices laws. The settlement follows various legal challenges against Google regarding monopolistic behaviors and underscores tensions between tech companies and privacy regulations.

Ready or not, age verification is rolling out across the internet

The Verge

The Verge · 28d ago

Ready or not, age verification is rolling out across the internet

Many countries are enforcing online age verification to protect minors, but these measures face significant challenges and privacy concerns. The UK’s implementation has led some services to exit the country, and users can bypass systems using VPNs. Age verification often relies on third-party services, risking privacy breaches. While initiatives like the EU's digital IDs aim to offer secure solutions, concerns over data leaks and accessibility remain. Lawmakers focus on safety but may overlook broader privacy impacts.

YouTube to begin testing a new AI-powered age verification system in the US - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 16d ago

YouTube to begin testing a new AI-powered age verification system in the US - The Economic Times

YouTube is testing an AI-powered age-verification system in the US to identify adults and minors based on their viewing history. This system will only affect users logged into their accounts and impose restrictions on minors. If inaccurately flagged as a minor, users can verify their age with identification. The initiative aims to enhance safety measures while maintaining privacy. Concerns about potential privacy infringements and free speech violations have been raised by some digital rights groups.

U.K. starts enforcing online age check rules | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 1m ago

U.K. starts enforcing online age check rules | TechCrunch

The U.K. has implemented a law requiring age verification for pornography websites, affecting around 6,000 sites. The law, part of the Online Safety Act, also mandates platforms to shield minors from harmful content, leading sites like Reddit and Grindr to adopt age verification through selfies or IDs. This measure has sparked privacy concerns from groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Some users may attempt to bypass these checks with fake IDs or VPNs.

Meta launches new teen safety features, removes 635,000 accounts that sexualise children - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1m ago

Meta launches new teen safety features, removes 635,000 accounts that sexualise children - The Economic Times

Meta has launched new safety features to protect teenagers on its platforms and removed 635,000 accounts linked to inappropriate interactions with minors. The measures aim to enhance teen safety by allowing easier reporting and blocking of harmful accounts. Meta is also employing AI to verify users' ages and convert them into teen accounts if misrepresented. This comes as Meta faces scrutiny and lawsuits over its impact on youth mental health.

US agency probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash

Reuters · 1y ago

US agency probes driver assistance system use in fatal Ford crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into a fatal crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E in Texas. The crash, which occurred on February 24, is suspected to have been influenced by the use of an advanced driver assistance system. The National Transportation Safety Board has also opened a separate investigation into the incident. According to the police report, the Ford vehicle had "partial automation" engaged at the time of the crash. The investigation will shed light on the role of the driver assistance system in the accident.

Big-name porn sites back online in France after age check row

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2m ago

Big-name porn sites back online in France after age check row

Major adult websites, including Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube, resumed services in France after a court suspended a requirement for age verification on these platforms. The Paris tribunal halted the government decree, questioning its compliance with EU laws. The decree's suspension allowed Aylo, the owner, to seek more effective age-verification methods, emphasizing privacy concerns over data exposure. France's recent regulations aim to protect minors from accessing adult content, similar to laws in other European countries.

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