Tag

Digital Regulation

All articles tagged with #digital regulation

Washington labels Canberra’s algorithm opt-out law as censorship
politics20 days ago

Washington labels Canberra’s algorithm opt-out law as censorship

The U.S. Embassy in Canberra formally criticized Australia’s proposed 'Digital Duty of Care' legislation, arguing that mandatory algorithm opt-outs constitute censorship. While Washington warns the law could suppress protected speech and harm American tech firms, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends the measures as user empowerment. The dispute highlights a growing trans-Pacific rift over the regulation of global technology platforms.

EU Draft Law Targets Online Games with New Restrictions on Lootboxes and Login Bonuses
policy-and-regulation25 days ago

EU Draft Law Targets Online Games with New Restrictions on Lootboxes and Login Bonuses

The European Commission has published a draft for the EU KIDS Act, which proposes sweeping restrictions on online games sold in EU territories. While the most severe bans on social media apply to under-13s, the draft also targets gaming features like login bonuses, in-game currency transparency, and user communications. The legislation aims to prevent addictive design patterns and requires parental controls, though its application to games remains legally ambiguous compared to social media platforms.

EU Kids Act Draft Reveals Age-Tiered Access and Mandatory Verification for Tech Platforms
technology28 days ago

EU Kids Act Draft Reveals Age-Tiered Access and Mandatory Verification for Tech Platforms

The European Commission is set to unveil the 'EU Kids Act' on Thursday, introducing strict age-based restrictions for social media, video-sharing platforms, online games, and AI chatbots. The draft legislation mandates that users under 15 cannot hold autonomous accounts, with tiered access levels ranging from no access for children under 3 to fully parent-controlled accounts for those aged 3 to 12. Platforms must implement age verification at account creation, potentially using a new EU-wide tool, and pay a supervisory fee to fund enforcement. The rules exclude educational and industrial AI services but target 'addictive' design features like infinite scrolling. While the Commission aims to protect minors from exploitation, the proposal faces scrutiny over privacy risks associated with mandatory age verification and its compatibility with existing Digital Services Act enforcement.

EU unveils tiered 'KIDS Act' to restrict under-15 social media access
technology29 days ago

EU unveils tiered 'KIDS Act' to restrict under-15 social media access

The European Commission is set to introduce the 'EU KIDS Act,' a new regulatory framework requiring social media and AI platforms to implement age-based restrictions for minors. The proposal mandates a tiered system where children under 13 use guardian-controlled accounts, while those aged 13 to 15 access limited introductory accounts with strict parental controls. Full access is reserved for users over 15. The rules also cover AI companions and video-sharing platforms, excluding educational tools, and will be enforced through a centralized architecture similar to the Digital Services Act.

Indonesia Expands Age Gate: No Social Media for Those Under 16
world7 months ago

Indonesia Expands Age Gate: No Social Media for Those Under 16

Indonesia will ban social media accounts for anyone under 16 on high‑risk platforms—such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox—with a phased rollout starting March 28 to give platforms time to comply, aiming to shield children from pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and addiction, while acknowledging potential initial discomfort and the need for enforcement across major platforms.

EU Investigates Musk's Grok AI Over Sexual Deepfake Concerns
world9 months ago

EU Investigates Musk's Grok AI Over Sexual Deepfake Concerns

The European Commission is investigating Elon Musk's AI tool Grok for potentially generating and distributing sexually explicit images of minors, amid concerns over illegal content and previous EU fines on X (formerly Twitter) for digital content violations. The EU emphasizes strict enforcement of digital laws and has called on X to comply with regulations.

Australia extends teen social media ban to Reddit and Kick
world11 months ago

Australia extends teen social media ban to Reddit and Kick

Australia is implementing a social media ban for children under 16, adding Reddit and Kick to a list of platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, with penalties for non-compliance starting December 10. The ban aims to protect minors from harmful online content, though it raises concerns about privacy, effectiveness, and impact on social connection. Some platforms will still allow viewing but restrict account creation and interaction.

Trump escalates trade tensions with Europe over tech regulations and tariffs
world1 year ago

Trump escalates trade tensions with Europe over tech regulations and tariffs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended a recent EU-US trade deal, highlighting its role in ending a trade conflict, but Donald Trump responded with threats of new tariffs and sanctions related to digital regulations, indicating that the trade tensions and digital sovereignty disputes between the US and EU are far from resolved.

"EU Antitrust Chief Pushes for iPhone App Sideloading Ahead of Deadline"
business-technology2 years ago

"EU Antitrust Chief Pushes for iPhone App Sideloading Ahead of Deadline"

Apple CEO Tim Cook met with the EU's antitrust chief to discuss European competition policy and digital regulation, particularly focusing on Apple's impending obligation to allow users to install third-party app stores and sideload apps under the Digital Markets Act. The meeting also touched on ongoing investigations involving Apple, such as a complaint raised by Spotify against Apple Music. The EU's new rules designate major tech companies as "gatekeepers" and compel them to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers, which is expected to force Apple to make significant changes to the way the App Store, FaceTime, and Siri work in Europe.