Core Viewpoint - Australia has become the first country to formally prohibit users under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, a move that is expected to influence global tech companies and policymakers [1][3]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The ban, effective from midnight local time, targets 10 major platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat, and X, requiring them to implement age-verification methods [2][3]. - All targeted platforms have agreed to comply with the policy, with X being one of the last to signal compliance [3]. Group 2: Public Support and Opposition - A YouGov survey indicated that 77% of Australians supported the under-16 social media ban, with proponents arguing it protects children from social media-related harms [4]. - Critics argue that the ban infringes on freedom of expression, raises privacy concerns, and undermines parental responsibility, with groups like Amnesty Tech labeling it an ineffective solution [9][10]. Group 3: Enforcement Challenges - Tech companies, including Google, have expressed concerns about the difficulty of enforcing the policy, citing inaccuracies in age-verification technology [13]. - Reports suggest that many children have already found ways to bypass the ban, indicating potential enforcement challenges [13][15]. Group 4: Global Implications - The Australian policy is expected to set a precedent for other countries considering similar bans, with nations like Denmark, Norway, France, Spain, Malaysia, and New Zealand monitoring the situation [3][16]. - The European Parliament has also proposed a minimum age of 16 for social media access, reflecting a growing trend in regulatory scrutiny of social media platforms [17][19].

Core Perspective - A division has developed within Meta between its leading artificial intelligence team and long-standing associates of Mark Zuckerberg, indicating potential internal conflicts and differing priorities within the company [1] Group 1 - The emergence of an "us-versus-them" mentality highlights the growing tensions between different factions within Meta [1] - The top artificial intelligence team is positioned against the traditional leadership, suggesting a clash of innovation versus established practices [1] - This internal strife could impact Meta's strategic direction and its ability to compete in the AI landscape [1]

I am a qualified economist specializing in economic theory and I have been investing and trading since 2005. Since 2018, I have been investing in US equities. Until 2022, I was part of TopStepTrader, having passed the combine for a funded trader. I am a conservative investor, and for a long time, I have been using my model for evaluating companies, based on a mix of quantitative and fundamental analysis. This model allows me to assess objectively almost any public business and answer the question of investm ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes a conservative investment strategy focused on long-term equity investments in US mega and large-cap companies, utilizing a model that combines quantitative and fundamental analysis [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The primary investment strategy involves regularly purchasing shares with a portion of income intended for long-term holding [1]. - The analysis excludes banks, insurance companies, and REITs, focusing instead on comprehensive evaluations of financial statements [1]. Group 2: Analytical Approach - The analysis is updated quarterly to reflect the latest financial performance, aiming to provide an independent view of large and well-known companies [1]. - The article suggests that the financial performance analysis of META stock is the basis for its attractive status or buy rating, without considering current valuation [3].

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is comparing the unchecked power of America's social media giants to drug lords, while accusing tech billionaires of distorting democracy and shaping foreign policy to protect their business models.America Is A ‘Digital Narco-State’In his newsletter on Tuesday, Krugman argued that the United States has “in practice, become a digital narco-state,” noting that social media platforms in the country were as dangerous as drugs, which “do considerable harm” while continu ...

Social Media Ban in Australia - Australia has implemented a ban on social media for individuals under 16, potentially affecting 1 million accounts across major platforms [3] - The law requires tech companies to take measures to prevent underage account creation, facing fines up to $32 million for non-compliance [4] - A national study revealed that 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% exposed to harmful content [9] Potential Impacts and Concerns - The ban aims to protect young people from negative effects of social media, such as unrealistic body image and online bullying [6] - Critics argue the ban may infringe on constitutional rights and drive young users to unregulated platforms [8] - There are concerns about the methods tech companies may use to verify age, potentially raising privacy issues [5] Global Implications - Australia's ban is considered a potential template for other countries, with the EU also considering similar measures [9] - Malaysia is set to implement a similar ban starting January 1st, and New Zealand and Denmark are discussing it [15] - Some social media apps are implementing more restrictions for children and teens [16] Workarounds and Reactions - Young people are exploring ways to circumvent the ban, such as using VPNs or requesting adults to create accounts [12][13][14] - 77% of Australians surveyed support the ban [12]

Core Points - Australia has implemented a social media ban for users under 16, becoming the first democracy to do so, in response to concerns about the negative impacts of social media on minors [1][2] - The law mandates platforms like TikTok and Instagram to restrict access for under-16s or face significant fines, with penalties reaching A$49.5 million ($33 million) [2] - Other countries, including Indonesia, Denmark, and Brazil, are observing Australia's actions and considering similar regulations to protect young users [3][9] Industry Impact - Major social media platforms, including Snapchat, YouTube, and Reddit, are affected by the ban and have expressed intentions to comply, although some have raised concerns about the rushed nature of the legislation [3][4] - Following the ban, alternative platforms like Lemon8 and Yepo have seen a surge in popularity, indicating a shift in user behavior among young Australians [5][6] - The demand for virtual private networks (VPNs) has increased significantly, with a 103% rise in usage on the day of the ban, suggesting that some users may seek ways to bypass restrictions [7] User Reactions - Young users have expressed mixed feelings about the ban on platforms like TikTok, with some supporting the measure for its protective intentions, while others have voiced opposition [8] - The ban has prompted discussions among policymakers globally, with some countries already planning to implement similar measures to safeguard minors [9][10]

Employers used to hate it. Now Starbucks, Delta and others are recruiting staffers to create social-media content about life at work. https://t.co/Bi68erz2yA https://t.co/ORboATU0mf ...

Alternative social media platforms have surged in popularity in Australia Wednesday, as the nation’s landmark ban for under-16s drives children to non-restricted apps https://t.co/VXbI0fX0mF ...

Snap likely isn't going to make a comeback anytime soon.It's been tough to hold Snap (SNAP 1.37%) stock. Shares have dropped by 30% this year and have crashed by more than 80% over the past five years. The IPO excitement of a new social network is long gone as investors come to terms with low revenue growth, high losses, and intense competition.Snap stock still isn't a current buy at current levels, and investors shouldn't waste their time looking for an attractive entry point. There are plenty of good oppo ...