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A US appeals court has cleared the way for thousands of lawsuits against tech giants like Meta and Alphabet, alleging that their products are intentionally designed to be addictive to young users.
As daily transactions increasingly move to digital platforms, payment cards for children are becoming more common. This raises questions about whether they serve as a valuable tool for financial education or introduce new risks for young users.
A new major lawsuit has commenced in Tennessee against Meta, with the state alleging that the company knowingly disregarded internal research on the harmful effects of Instagram on teenagers to boost profits from young users.
A German article discusses the debate around social media bans for children and teenagers, arguing that tech companies should be compelled to control their addictive algorithms rather than simply excluding young users.
A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals that 71% of Europeans are most concerned about the risks of cyberbullying and humiliation faced by children on social media platforms. The findings highlight widespread anxiety regarding online safety for young users.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Australia's efforts to regulate social media and protect young users, stating that India is 'taking lessons' from their approach.
Doctors and health authorities in Denmark are raising alarm over new dangerous forms of drug abuse, specifically 'blotters' which are stamps soaked with extremely potent substances. These new drugs pose a significant threat to young users.
The European Union is reportedly set to intensify its investigation into Meta Platforms regarding the addictive design of its platforms, particularly concerning their impact on children. The probe will focus on features that hook young users.
The United Arab Emirates has announced a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, becoming the first Arab nation to implement such a rule. This decision aims to limit teen social media access and address concerns about its impact on young users.
An increasing number of countries are considering or legislating bans on social media for young users, leading experts to believe the world may be reaching a tipping point in online safety regulations. These restrictions aim to improve the well-being and safety of youth online.
OpenAI is facing an investigation by a coalition of US state attorneys general regarding the potential impact of its ChatGPT AI on young users. The company has stated its commitment to learning and addressing concerns raised by the inquiry.
Instagram is implementing new restrictions on its algorithm to prevent the widespread dissemination of harmful content to young users, aiming to create a safer online environment for adolescents.
Academics from the University of Galway are calling for tougher regulations on social media platforms to better protect young users from potential harm.
Several prominent tech CEOs have been invited to testify before the US Capitol in June regarding the critical issue of children's online safety. The hearing aims to address concerns about the impact of digital platforms on young users.
Despite pioneering legislation in Australia, a ban on social media for teenagers is not working, with up to seven out of ten young users still maintaining accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
A new social media app is driving the trend of real-time, unedited vlogs, allowing young users to share their daily lives without polished posts. This shift reflects a growing preference for authentic, fleeting content.
An Amnesty International report alleges that TikTok's algorithms expose young users to content related to suicide and depression, raising concerns about mental health.
Several countries are proposing or implementing age restrictions for minors accessing social media platforms. Some reports indicate these age limits could come into effect as early as 2027, aiming to create a "digital shield" for young users.
An article explores the potential implications and appearance of a social media ban for young users within the context of Bangladesh.
A new report indicates that vaping significantly raises the risk of developing lung and oral cancer. Vapes, often marketed as a smoking cessation tool, have also attracted young users who previously had no interest in traditional cigarettes.
The UK Labour party's perceived dithering on regulating children's screen time and social media continues, with Keir Starmer expressing impatience with platforms, while Google's UK and Ireland boss, Kate Alessi, stated that a social media ban for under-16s is 'not the right approach' and YouTube is enhancing safety features for young users.
Meta's chief legal officer has stated the company will aggressively appeal recent jury verdicts that found the tech giant liable for designing addictive platforms for young users.
A New Mexico jury has ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties, finding the company liable for misleading consumers about platform safety and enabling harm to young users, a verdict hailed as a historic victory for child protection.
A current court case against Meta reveals internal documents showing that the company knowingly implemented features on Instagram that could negatively impact the mental health of young users, despite publicly advocating for responsibility.
A new study indicates that young people, regardless of their political leanings, are increasingly exposed to right-wing content on social media platforms, with test feeds often dominated by a single ideological viewpoint.
Internal documents show that social media employees developed ideas like scroll-pauses and night modes to better protect young users, but these initiatives were reportedly sidelined in favor of company profits.
Instagram will begin notifying parents when their teenage children repeatedly search for content related to suicide or self-harm, platform owner Meta announced Thursday, as the company faces mounting legal pressure over its handling of young users. The post Instagram to warn parents when teens search for suicide terms appeared first on Vanguard News.
The data also point to a sharp expansion in listening activity, rising consumption of local-language music and fast-growing audiences for multiple genres, driven largely by young users with high discovery habits. The post Asake, Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Davido are most- most-streamed artistes in Nigeria since 2021- Spotify appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Meta Platforms CEO and billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is set to be questioned for the first time in a U.S. court on Wednesday about Instagram's effect on the mental health of young users, as a landmark trial over youth social media addiction continues.
A US appeals court has ruled that thousands of lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, and other tech companies over social media addiction can proceed. The lawsuits allege that these platforms cause harm to children and young users.
Reports indicate that children as young as 10 are expressing concerns about wrinkles, with strong anti-aging products causing severe skin symptoms, including burns, in young users.
Germany is exploring measures to protect children on social media, drawing insights from Australia, the first country to ban social media for individuals under 16. Research suggests short videos on these platforms can have cognitive consequences for young users.
A Finnish article discusses how social media algorithms contribute to radicalizing children and suggests banning addictive features and certain recommendation engines on platforms aimed at young users.
The European Commission is set to announce new restrictions for social media platforms concerning minors after the summer, signaling a stronger stance on protecting young users online.
Several US states are suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook, seeking $1.4 trillion in damages over concerns regarding the safety of young users on its platforms.
TikTok is reportedly finalizing a settlement with a teenage plaintiff in an addiction lawsuit, aiming to avoid a trial in California. The agreement seeks to resolve claims related to the social media platform's impact on young users.
Meta is actively lobbying the US Congress to secure legal protections against lawsuits related to child harm on its platforms. The company seeks to mitigate its liability concerning the well-being of young users.
Families in Italy are suing Meta and TikTok, alleging that social media algorithms expose minors to harmful content, while the companies deny the accusations and state they protect young users.
The United Kingdom announced plans to supply Ukraine with nuclear fuel and impose new sanctions on Russia. This move aims to bolster Ukraine's energy security and further pressure Moscow.
Snapchat has launched new restrictions aimed at providing greater protection for users under the age of 16, enhancing safety measures on the platform.
An Austrian experiment, 'ORF-Dok-1-Handyexperiment,' found that 74 percent of young users exhibit problematic social media consumption. The study, scientifically supported by the Anton Proksch Institute, concluded that abstaining from mobile phones for three weeks led to improved sleep, overall well-being, and fewer depressive phases.
Several major social media companies have reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging their platforms harmed the mental health of young users. The agreement was made just ahead of a wave of trials.
Meta and Google have enlisted trusted children's brands like Sesame Street and Girl Scouts to promote moderate technology use among kids, even as their apps are designed to make it difficult for young users to disengage.
Social media executives are scheduled to appear before an Oireachtas committee for questioning regarding children's safety on their online platforms. The committee will scrutinize measures taken to protect young users.
Last year, 17 people in the Czech Republic died from kratom overdose, with 13 of them having combined the substance with others. As a result, kratom will only be sold in licensed specialized stores starting in 2025, amidst a rise in emergency calls involving young users.
Social media executives have publicly denied claims that their platforms are inherently addictive to children. They assert that their services do not cause addiction in young users.
An investigation by Norwegian broadcaster NRK found that YouTube's algorithms can quickly guide children from child-friendly content to inappropriate material, highlighting concerns about online safety for young users.
Amid global concerns about social media's impact on young users, Meta is emphasizing "Teen Accounts" features and engaging with Kazakhstan to enhance youth safety measures on its platforms.
American reality star Kris Jenner has emerged as a digital symbol of good fortune on Chinese social media platforms, where young users are employing her image to manifest success and wealth.
South Korea is taking steps to curb social media algorithms specifically designed for children, aiming to address concerns about their impact on young users.
An independent developer for the popular gaming platform Roblox has issued a warning that current safety measures for young users are insufficient, advising parents to monitor their children's activities 24/7.
Apple employs various methods to safeguard children online, focusing on digital safety and privacy measures within its ecosystem, with a new report detailing three specific ways the company protects young users.
A verdict is anticipated in a significant trial in Los Angeles where families of US victims accuse Google and Meta of deliberately fueling social media addiction, particularly among young users.
The UK government has launched a consultation on social media use for individuals under 16, opting against an immediate ban but potentially empowering the science minister to set certain restrictions for young users.
Jurors in New Mexico watched a deposition from Mark Zuckerberg during a bellwether trial concerning Meta's child safety practices, as the company faces scrutiny over its platforms' impact on young users.
The information comes as Meta is facing a wave of litigation and regulatory threats globally linked to the welfare of young users on its platforms
Meta is facing accusations of designing addictive features that harm young users, prompting a discussion on the potential negative impacts of social media.
A court in New Mexico has ordered Meta to pay $567 million in fines for causing harm to young users, labeling the company's actions as a 'public nuisance.' The ruling suggests that Meta prioritized profits over the safety of its younger audience.
An expert panel in Singapore has advised focusing on regulating harmful social media features rather than implementing outright age bans. The panel also called for stronger age checks and increased support for young users and parents.
France has become the first EU country to pass a law banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. The new legislation aims to protect young users and will come into effect on September 1st.
European Union lawmakers are increasing pressure on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, demanding they implement a 'non-addictive youth mode' and dismantle features deemed harmful to young users.
Meta has filed an appeal against a significant jury verdict that found the company responsible for contributing to social media addiction among young users.
Meta has disclosed that US states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties as part of a youth safety trial scheduled for August, alleging that the company's platforms contribute to youth addiction. This substantial figure highlights the severe financial implications Meta could face regarding claims of harm to young users.
YouTube has reached a settlement in a case concerning the harm social media platforms can cause to children, averting a new US addiction trial. The settlement addresses concerns about the impact of social media on young users.
The United Arab Emirates has implemented a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. This measure aims to address concerns about the impact of social media on young users.
New Mexico is seeking a substantial penalty from Meta after a jury found the tech giant liable for endangering children. The state's action follows a verdict that held Meta responsible for its platforms' impact on young users.
Major tech companies have voiced strong opposition to the UK's new legislation banning social media for teenagers, arguing it could push young users to unregulated parts of the internet.
The "Domche" application, designed to help children in the diaspora learn the Macedonian language, has launched a mobile version, offering an engaging way for them to connect with their heritage. The app aims to make learning fun and accessible for young users.
Global short-video platform TikTok is strengthening its commitment to platform safety by collaborating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to protect young users in Malaysia.
Meta has reached a settlement in the first U.S. school district lawsuit alleging its social media platforms negatively impact youth mental health. This marks a significant development in ongoing legal challenges against tech companies regarding their impact on young users.
Tech giants Meta and Google are providing funding to various US children's advocacy groups, a move that comes as critics continue to raise concerns about the potential risks social media poses to young users.
Despite significant risks, many young users are active on social networks, prompting calls for the EU or national states to take action to address how social media influences a generation.
Following concerns from parents, online gaming platform Roblox announced new protections for young users and agreed to pay the state of Nevada $12 million to fund initiatives for a safer online environment for children.
A new social media app called Setlog is gaining traction among young users by encouraging real-time vlogs, where users record two-second life fragments every hour, moving away from polished posts.
Instagram has rolled out new updates designed to enhance the safety of teen accounts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These features aim to provide a more secure online environment for young users in the region.
The Flemish government has decided to set a minimum legal age of 13 for accessing social media platforms that could have harmful effects on minors. This new regulation aims to protect young users.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns about MrBeast's Step banking app for teens, questioning its crypto messaging and how it targets young users, warning it may encourage children to influence parents' financial decisions.
Austria's government has announced plans to propose a ban on social media for children under 14, joining other countries in introducing restrictions for young users and citing concerns about addiction and health.
Parents see hope in back-to-back rulings that social media providers failed to protect young users AP News
A report highlights that AI-powered toys designed for children are failing to accurately recognize emotions, which could have problematic consequences for young users learning social interactions.
Generative artificial intelligence has rapidly transitioned from a new technology to an everyday tool, with millions relying on it for personal, professional, and educational purposes, raising concerns about a potential loss of critical thinking skills among young users.
The online gaming platform Roblox is under fire and will have to answer to the European Commission regarding accusations of being a 'pedocriminal haven.' The platform, criticized for insufficient protection of its young users, could soon be regulated under the Digital Services Act.
Jurors in a bellwether trial about the impacts of social media on teenagers and children on Wednesday watched a deposition of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg that explores what the architects of Facebook and Instagram knew from internal research about negative experiences by young users and how the company responded since its early years
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is facing allegations from global leaders that the company’s products harm young users
Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the Los Angeles Superior Court. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images Zuckerberg's courthouse entourage showed up in Meta Ray-Bans. The judge warned that anybody recording proceedings with smart glasses could face contempt. Meta's smart glasses are surging. Sales tripled in 2025, the company said. As Mark Zuckerberg was ushered into the Los Angeles Superior Court early on Wednesday morning, one accessory in his entourage stood out: Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Zuckerberg, wearing a navy blue suit and tie, arrived without any glasses. Flanking either side of him as he walked up to the courthouse were longtime executive assistant Andrea Besmehn and an unidentified man donning Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. Meta declined to comment about the accessory choice. AI-powered smart glasses weren't just a hot accessory in the California sun. They were a hot topic inside the courtroom. The judge presiding over the trial announced that anyone using glasses to record inside the courtroom would be "held in contempt of the court," according to CNBC. This isn't the first trial where Meta's glasses have caused issues. Last year, while Meta battled the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust allegations, New York Times reporter Mike Isaac posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had been reprimanded by the court for wearing Meta Ray-Bans. do not wear camera glasses in federal buildings folks 😞 — rat king 🐀 (@MikeIsaac) April 15, 2025 Andrea Besmehn (left) and an unidentified man donning Meta's Ray-Ban glasses while accompanying Zuckerberg. Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images; Mike Blake/Reuters The glasses cameo came as Zuckerberg took the stand in a Los Angeles trial accusing major social media companies of building addictive products that harm young users. The case centers on a now-20-year-old plaintiff, identified in court filings as "KGM," who alleged that Instagram and YouTube worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts after she started using the apps as a child. TikTok and Snap have already settled, leaving Meta and Google's YouTube as the remaining defendants in the trial, which could shape similar lawsuits nationwide. The trial underway in Los Angeles is focused on design features that plaintiffs say keep teens scrolling. Zuckerberg's testimony follows an earlier appearance from Instagram chief Adam Mosseri. Meta's Ray Ban smart glasses have become a surprise hit. On the company's earnings call last month, Zuckerberg said that sales of the glasses more than tripled in 2025, and compared the moment to the shift from flip phones to smartphones. Meta has increasingly positioned the glasses as a vehicle for its AI ambitions. In addition to taking pictures and playing music, users can ask questions to Meta AI, Meta's AI assistant, about anything that they're looking at through the glasses. Last week, the New York Times reported that Meta is planning to add facial recognition technology to the glasses. Read the original article on Business Insider