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Ofcom urges social media platforms to combat abuse and limit online ‘pile-ons’
New guidance from UK regulator aims to combat misogynist abuse and ‘revenge porn’ Social media platforms are being urged to limit internet “pile-ons” under new guidelines to protect women and girls online. The guidance from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, to combat misogynist abuse, coercive control and the sharing of intimate images without consent comes…
‘Enshittification’: how we got the internet no one asked for – podcast
Tech critic Cory Doctorow explains why for so many the internet – from Amazon to Google to Instagram – seems to be getting worse Do you ever get the feeling that the internet isn’t what it used to be? Well, tech critic Cory Doctorow thinks you’re right – and he has a term to describe…
Father of teen whose death was linked to social media has ‘lost faith’ in Ofcom
Ian Russell says watchdog lacks ‘urgency’ and is not willing to use its powers ‘to the extent required’ The father of Molly Russell, a British teenager who killed herself after viewing harmful online content, has called for a change in leadership at the UK’s communications watchdog after losing faith in its ability to make the…
Meta could face millions in fines for not signing content deals in Australia
Labor’s proposed media bargaining incentive to apply to platforms with Australian-derived revenue of at least $250m, according to Treasury Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Meta and other tech companies refusing to sign content deals with Australian news outlets face millions…
Facebook’s job ads algorithm is sexist, French equality watchdog rules
Regulator found ads for mechanics skewed towards men while those for preschool teachers targeted women The French equalities regulator has ruled that Facebook’s algorithm for placing job adverts is sexist, after an investigation found that adverts for mechanic roles skewed towards men while those for preschool teachers were targeted at women. The Défenseur des Droits…
Oakley Meta Vanguard review: fantastic AI running glasses linked to Garmin
Camera-equipped sports shades have secure fit, open-ear speakers, mics and advanced Garmin and Strava integration The Oakley Meta Vanguard are new displayless AI glasses designed for running, cycling and action sports with deep Garmin and Strava integration, which may make them the first smart glasses for sport that actually work. They are a replacement for…
Meta found in breach of EU law over ‘ineffective’ complaints system for flagging illegal content
European Commission initial finding says Facebook and Instagram introduced unnecessary steps for users to submit reports Instagram and Facebook have breached EU law by failing to provide users with simple ways to complain or flag illegal content, including child sexual abuse material and terrorist content, the European Commission has said. In a preliminary finding on…
Instagram keeps flubbing on teen safety. Will its new ‘PG-13’ guidelines make a difference? | Tayo Bero
The content guardrails introduced this week feel like hollow posturing after the failure of past promises For months, Instagram has been struggling to convince parents, advocates and officials that it’s a safe place for kids, even though there’s a mountain of evidence to show quite the opposite. Now, the company is introducing yet another set…
Parents will be able to block Meta bots from talking to their children under new safeguards
Measures come amid concern generative AI characters are having inappropriate conversations with under-18s Parents will be able to block their children’s interactions with Meta’s AI character chatbots, as the tech company addresses concerns over inappropriate conversations. The social media company is adding new safeguards to its “teen accounts”, which are a default setting for under-18…
Meta AI adviser spreads disinformation about shootings, vaccines and trans people
Critics condemn Robby Starbuck, appointed in lawsuit settlement, for ‘peddling lies and pushing extremism’ A prominent anti-DEI campaigner appointed by Meta in August as an adviser on AI bias has spent the weeks since his appointment spreading disinformation about shootings, transgender people, vaccines, crime, and protests. Robby Starbuck, 36, of Nashville, was appointed in August…