children
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NGL becomes the first app banned from hosting minors by the FTC
On Tuesday, the FTC unanimously banned the social messaging app NGL from hosting minors as part of a $5 million settlement. The first-of-its-kind ban comes after revelations that the company actively marketed the app to children with bait-and-switch tactics and other offenses.
Will Shanklin07.09.2024
YouTube is putting new age restrictions on gun videos
YouTube quietly snuck in a policy change that will age-restrict some gun-related videos and bar others altogether. Content featuring homemade and automatic firearms will be banned for viewers under 18, while tutorials for removing safety devices will be prohibited regardless of age.
Will Shanklin06.05.2024
Facebook and Instagram's algorithms facilitated child sexual harassment, state lawsuit claims
An unredacted Meta internal presentation has revealed that the company's own employees recommended that 100,000 child users were harassed daily.
Steve Dent01.18.2024
The FTC wants to strengthen COPPA to make it harder for companies to monetize kids’ data
The FTC is proposing changes to the COPPA to make it harder for tech companies to track and monetize children’s data.
Malak Saleh12.21.2023
Apple says it's aware of a bug that may affect Screen Time restrictions for kids
Apple has promised to fix a bug in iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices that may affect Screen Time restrictions for kids.
Steve Dent07.31.2023
Sony didn’t want ‘Roblox’ on PlayStation due to child safety concerns
Sony blocked Roblox from PlayStation consoles because it was worried about inappropriate content reaching children. The revelation comes from a 2022 document, first reported by Axios, uncovered in the FTC’s Microsoft trial. However, Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan said at the time that the company’s stance was softening, leaving the door open to an eventual PlayStation port for the viral user-generated platform.
Will Shanklin06.30.2023
Discord (still) has a child safety issue
A new report has revealed alarming statistics about Discord's issues with child safety.
Steve Dent06.22.2023
Senators reintroduce COPPA 2.0 bill to tighten child safety online
Senators have reintroduced a sequel to COPPA meant to protect kids' online privacy.
Jon Fingas05.03.2023
Bipartisan Senate group reintroduces a revised Kids Online Safety Act
US Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced a bill today that would put the onus on social media companies to add online safeguards for children. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) was first introduced last February (sponsored by the same pair) but never made it to the Senate floor after backlash from advocacy groups.
Will Shanklin05.02.2023
YouTube Kids is coming to game consoles and Roku
YouTube Kids is now available on game consoles and Roku thanks to an upgrade to the usual YouTube app.
Jon Fingas02.16.2023
Microsoft wants students to develop better online research habits
Microsoft has unveiled a search 'coach' in Teams that helps students search for reliable sources and spot misinformation.
Jon Fingas02.09.2023
Verizon's new kids’ smartwatch has a camera to let kids video call their parents
Verizon's new Gizmo Watch 3 builds on the basic smart features (and parental tracking features) found in previous models.
Will Shanklin01.03.2023
Google revamps Assistant parental controls and adds a kids' dictionary
Google Assistant now has parental controls for content, and can give age-appropriate answers to questions.
Jon Fingas11.02.2022
UK warns TikTok of £27 million fine over child privacy violations
A UK regulator has warned TikTok that it might pay a £27 million fine for potentially violating kids' privacy.
Jon Fingas09.26.2022
Robotic sleeves can provide arm control to kids with cerebral palsy
Scientists are building robotic sleeves that could offer arm control to children with cerebral palsy, not to mention others with mobility issues.
Jon Fingas09.23.2022
Uber Eats now delivers office and school supplies
Uber is now delivering school supplies thanks to a team-up with Office Depot.
Jon Fingas08.15.2022
In-person Apple Camp creative sessions return June 20th
Apple Camp is returning to in-person sessions after two years, with the first starting June 20th.
Jon Fingas06.15.2022
Disney+ won’t show ads to preschoolers on its new streaming plan
Disney+ has promised only a limited number of commercials for its ad-supported tier, and preschoolers won't see any.
Jon Fingas05.17.2022
Lego finally adds Princess Peach to its Super Mario sets
Lego has introduced Princess Peach to its Super Mario universe, including a new set.
Jon Fingas03.10.2022
Biden wants to ban advertising targeted toward kids
In his first State of the Union address, President Biden has asked Congress to implement new laws to increase child safety on social media platforms.
Steve Dent03.02.2022