Core Viewpoint - Meta's internal research indicates that Instagram is harmful to children's mental health, with employees referring to the platform as a "drug" and expressing concerns about its addictive nature [1][2][3] Group 1: Allegations and Internal Findings - A coalition of US state attorneys general, school districts, and parents are suing Meta and other social media companies for prioritizing profit over children's safety [2][16] - Internal documents reveal that Meta has a history of downplaying research showing its apps contribute to addiction, anxiety, and exposure to online predators [4][6] - Testimony from former Meta employees suggests that the company has a high threshold for suspending accounts linked to serious violations, such as sex trafficking [6][14] Group 2: Project Mercury Study - The "Project Mercury" study indicated that users who stopped using Facebook and Instagram for a week reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness [9][11] - Instead of publicizing these findings, Meta allegedly chose to suppress the study, claiming it was biased due to media narratives [10][11] - The lawsuit claims that this suppression of research is evidence that Meta executives misled Congress regarding the impact of Instagram on teenage girls [11][12] Group 3: Reactions and Statements - Meta has publicly denied the allegations, stating that the claims are based on selective quotes and misinformed opinions [4][5] - The company asserts that it has made significant changes to protect teens, including the introduction of Teen Accounts with built-in protections [5] - Critics, including the Executive Director of The Tech Oversight Project, accuse Meta's leadership of negligence regarding the safety of children on its platforms [13]

Britain’s Online Safety Act has provoked intense debate about how to reduce harm while protecting privacy and free expression. Yet its effects so far have been mild https://t.co/tkCMeJUOJB ...

Roblox (RBLX) is in the process of rolling out age-based chat, aiming to set a new safety standard to limit communication between adults and minors. Features such as chat will not be accessible unless the age check is complete. During ...

Core Insights - A significant concern exists among consumers regarding online safety when using free public WiFi networks, indicating a demand for more secure networks in these locations [1][6][8] Consumer Sentiment - The Kinetic Business Digital Safety & Privacy report revealed that 57% of consumers feel unsafe using public or business WiFi, while only 17% feel safe, with 24% remaining neutral [2][9] - 77% of consumers express concern about their internet safety, with 60% feeling unsafe online due to current economic conditions and the rise of artificial intelligence [7][8] Data Handling Perception - Consumers' sense of safety is closely linked to their perceived control and accountability over their personal data, with trust diminishing when they feel powerless regarding data collection and usage [4][5] - Familiar and regulated entities, such as healthcare and financial institutions, are viewed as safer for handling personal data compared to distant third-party companies [5] Business Implications - The report emphasizes the necessity for businesses to implement secure guest WiFi networks and enhance transparency around data collection practices to build consumer trust [3][6][8] - As two-thirds of consumers (67%) report being more cautious with their personal data, increased customer education and awareness are essential to address public perception [3][6]

We've been talking in recent weeks. I It's great to finally have you on Bloomberg Tech. Likewise.Now, now bear with me on this one. But let's just start by asking, what is your day job. How would you describe what it is that you do.In technical terms, I'm a content creator. How I might want to describe it is just I love sharing my life online. I love to entertain people. I love to make people happy.That's about it. I'd say it it started with with video games on Twitch like quite a long time ago. you you you ...

Content Creation & Platform Strategy - The content creator started with video games on Twitch in 2013 and expanded to IRL (In Real Life) and just chatting content as the platform evolved [2][3] - Different platforms attract different demographics; Twitch is primarily male and sometimes younger, while TikTok has a majority female audience [5][6] - IRL streaming in Los Angeles requires security due to safety concerns, while streaming in other countries feels safer [7][8] - The content creator prioritizes speaking to direct experiences and advocating for human rights and respect [10][11] Monetization Strategies - Twitch offers a subscription model where viewers pay $5 per month, generating income for the streamer [14] - The primary source of income is sponsorships and contracts, followed by business ventures, and then subscriptions [15] - Income streams vary greatly depending on the platform; Instagram and other platforms rely primarily on ads and sponsors [15] Safety & Moderation - Online and in-person safety are key concerns, requiring moderation and security measures [7][8] - The content creator moderates platforms to ensure personal and community safety [8]

Young Minds gives parents control over what their kids do on the internet, while also protecting their children’s privacy and teaching them good online habits. https://t.co/xWq36WiYSM ...

Do you treat social media as your diary? Oversharing could be putting you in danger. Here are tips from a former detective. https://t.co/cktb21WrWl https://t.co/cktb21WrWl ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the various online dangers children face and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in safeguarding their online activities [2][3][4]. Group 1: Online Harms to Children - Children are exposed to a range of online harms from infancy to late teens, including developmental issues, harmful content, exploitation by online predators, privacy breaches, and mental health challenges [2][4]. - Excessive screen time can negatively impact cognitive development and social skills, while inappropriate online content can affect learning and judgment [4]. Group 2: Parental Guidance and Protection Measures - Ongoing conversations about online safety and setting clear guidelines are crucial for protecting children [3][5]. - Recommended protective measures include establishing rules for internet access, imposing physical limitations on device usage, and prioritizing online safety education [5][6]. Group 3: Digital Security Solutions - Equifax offers a subscription service, Equifax Complete Protection, which includes parental controls, daily credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and device protection to enhance online safety for children [6][8]. - The service costs $34.95 per month and provides various features aimed at protecting personal information and monitoring suspicious activities [7][8].

Meta, Google, TikTok and other digital platforms have been told by Australia’s online safety regulator to prepare now for the country’s social-media ban for under-16s — three months out from when the law comes into force https://t.co/cQzvb4YP7f ...