A shocking video shows a woman being pulled from a moving train in Sri Lanka while attempting to film an Instagram reel. The incident highlights the escalating risks individuals take for online fame and the potential dangers of prioritizing social media content over personal safety.
Australia has officially banned social media use for under-16s, passing legislation requiring age verification on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. The government aims to combat cyberbullying and its impact on mental health, but the implementation details remain a subject of ongoing discussion.
TikTok announces new global restrictions on beauty filters for users aged 13-18, following new UK and EU regulations aimed at protecting young people from the harmful effects of unrealistic beauty standards promoted online. The platform is also enhancing age verification measures to prevent underage users from accessing the app.
Cybercriminals are using a bizarre search term, ‘Are Bengal Cats Legal in Australia,’ to lure unsuspecting users into malicious websites that infect their computers with harmful malware. This strategy, known as ‘SEO poisoning,’ aims to manipulate search results and exploit low-competition keywords for malicious purposes. Experts urge users to be vigilant and cautious when clicking on search results, especially those that seem unusual or trigger unexpected downloads.
Turkey has banned the popular communication platform Discord, citing concerns over child sexual abuse and obscenity. The ban follows a court ruling and public outrage over recent incidents involving the platform. This move is part of a broader global trend of increased scrutiny on social media platforms for their role in protecting children online.
Romance scams are on the rise, with Santander reporting a staggering £3.8 million loss to fraudsters in the last six months. This represents a 27% increase compared to the previous period, with the average victim losing a significant £4,500. The bank warns that scammers target people of all ages, with victims ranging from 18 to 93 years old. This alarming trend highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking precautions to protect yourself from online scams.
Instagram has launched Teen Accounts, a new account type designed to enhance safety for users under 16. These accounts come with built-in protections, including privacy settings, content filters, and time limits. Parents can also utilize a Supervision feature to monitor their teens’ activity.
Meta, Snap, and TikTok have joined forces to combat the spread of suicide and self-harm content on their platforms. The initiative, named ‘Thrive,’ involves sharing information about harmful content to proactively address the issue. This collaborative effort comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on young users’ mental health.
Texas has implemented a new law requiring parental approval for children to create social media accounts. This law, part of the SCOPE Act, aims to protect children from potential online dangers such as cyberbullying and predators. While some social media companies argue they already have safeguards in place, the law mandates parental involvement in children’s online activity.
A new poll reveals that parents are most concerned about online safety and misinformation as their children return to school. The study, conducted by Tesco Mobile, highlights the growing anxieties surrounding children’s digital world and the need for more support for parents.
