Topic
Child Safety
60 stories related to this topic, newest first.
thewire.inworld1 day ago
Study Finds 60 Percent of Social Media Safety Tools Failed Tests While Others Functioned as Intended
Researchers examined 86 features on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. About 60 percent did not work as the companies had described. The Independent reported the findings from a 58-page analysis by Heat Initiative and the Cybersafety Research Center.
sbs.com.auworld3 days ago
Study Finds 60 Percent of Social Media Safety Tools for Children Fall Short
Researchers tested 86 safety features on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. About 60 percent did not function as described or were not reachable by children. The platforms disputed the findings and described ongoing improvements.
sbs.com.autechnology4 days ago
UK Agencies Advise Parents to Restrict Children's Photos on Social Media over AI-CSAM Risks
The National Crime Agency and Internet Watch Foundation issued guidance on July 3 warning of AI-generated child sexual abuse material risks. The advice urges privacy controls and limited sharing of images.
channel4.comworld5 days ago
Panel discusses NHS maternity report and child safety sentences
GB News aired a segment in which four panelists examined an NHS maternity care report, child safety issues, online child sexual abuse, mental health, and a Court of Appeal decision on two teenage rape cases.
Abc Newstechnology5 days ago
Australian Prime Minister Condemns Senate Delay on Child Social Media Ban Changes
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized senators for referring amendments to an eight-week inquiry. The changes would expand enforcement powers for the existing ban on accounts for children under 16.
abcnews.go.comtechnology8 days ago
House Passes Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act in 267-117 Vote
The U.S. House approved the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act on Monday by a 267-117 margin. The bill combines elements from 14 prior measures and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
slate.comworld9 days ago
Democratic Policy Group Releases Online Child Safety Framework
Project 2029, a liberal policy group formed as a counterweight to Project 2025, released a plan to narrow Section 230 protections and restrict social media access for minors. The proposal includes bans on accounts for children under 16 and limits on data collection.
New Scientistscience10 days ago
UK Prime Minister Tells Tech Firms to Block Explicit Images on Devices Used by Children or Face New Law
Keir Starmer called on Apple and Google to extend existing nudity-detection tools to all apps and cameras. The government said it will legislate if companies do not comply within the deadline.
Bloombergworld10 days agoUpdated
Australia Raises Maximum Fine for Social Media Age Ban to A$99 Million
The government will increase the maximum penalty for violations of its under-16 social media ban and expand the regulator's information-gathering powers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the changes address continued use of the platforms by children.
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naturalnews.compolitics11 days ago
Democratic Senators Urge House to Reject Kids Online Safety Bill
Two Democratic senators warned House members against advancing a House version of the Kids Online Safety Act, saying it could face tech industry pressure in the Senate and risk years of bipartisan work. The House measure is scheduled for floor consideration next week under suspen…
The Independenttechnology12 days agoUpdated
Australia Plans to Strengthen Laws Banning Children Under 16 From Social Media
The government announced plans to reinforce the ban after data showed most children under 16 still hold accounts on major platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said officials are reviewing whether existing laws and the eSafety Commissioner's powers are sufficient. The legisl…
nypost.comworld12 days ago
Three-Year-Old Boy Dies After Becoming Trapped in Car Near Paris
A three-year-old boy died after becoming trapped inside a vehicle in Saint-Gratien near Paris during record heat. The incident occurred on France's hottest day since 1947, with additional heat-related deaths reported elsewhere in the country.
New York Postworld13 days ago
Lawsuit Filed Over Snapchat Contact Leading to Rape of Missouri Girl
Parents of a Missouri girl identified as J.F. sued the parent company of Snapchat and the man who raped her at age 12. The complaint alleges the platform recommended the adult as a friend and later supplied her address through Snap Maps.
abcnews.go.combusiness13 days ago
Lawsuit Filed Against Snapchat Parent Over Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl
Parents of a Missouri girl allege the social media platform enabled contact with an adult who later raped her. The suit seeks damages and changes to app features that connect minors with strangers.
koreatimes.co.krworld13 days ago
Missouri family sues Snapchat parent company over alleged grooming and rape of 12-year-old
The family of a Missouri teenager filed suit Wednesday in state court against the company that operates Snapchat, alleging its features enabled an adult to contact and sexually assault the girl when she was 12. The complaint also names the man, who has already been sentenced to 1…
forbes.comfinance17 days ago
U.K. Sets Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Effective 2027
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the restriction on June 15. Legislation will reach Parliament before Christmas and the ban is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
The Vergetechnology21 days agoUpdated
Florida Sues TikTok Over Alleged Violations of Child Social Media Law
Florida filed a civil lawsuit against TikTok on June 15, 2026, alleging the platform violates state law restricting social media access for children under 14 and requiring parental consent for 15- and 16-year-olds. The suit claims TikTok exposes minors to harmful content and uses…
ventureburn.comai22 days ago
White House Backs Blackburn Child-Safety Rules in AI Preemption Package
The White House told child safety groups and Big Tech it would back Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s KOSA laws as part of an AI preemption deal, without first informing House Republicans or Senate Democrats who helped craft the measure.
Nbc Newsworld23 days ago
Roblox Begins Age-Based Accounts With Biometric Checks as User Numbers Fall
The platform began placing users into Kids, Select and adult accounts in June 2026 after testing its facial-analysis tool at headquarters in late May.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewtechnology20 days agoUpdated
UK Announces Social Media Restrictions for Under-16s Starting Spring 2027
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the ban Monday after a consultation drew 116,000 responses. Platforms that fail to block minors face multimillion-dollar fines.
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Bloombergworld24 days ago
UK plans social media age limit for under-16s
Officials will announce a ban on social media use by children under 16 later this week. The measure is described as one part of broader efforts to protect children online.
thecanary.coworld25 days ago
UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s After 116,211 Consultation Responses
The government is reviewing options including a possible ban for under-16s. A charity says evidence does not support an Australia-style prohibition.
680news.compolitics27 days agoUpdated
Canada Proposes Ban on Social Media for Under-16s With Compliance Exemption
Canada introduced legislation Wednesday that would bar children under 16 from social media platforms unless companies demonstrate harm-reduction policies. The bill also creates a new regulator and sets fines up to the greater of $10 million or 3 percent of global revenue.
citizen.co.zaworld28 days ago
More Than 119,000 South African Teachers Remain Unvetted Three Years After Process Began
Provincial education departments report that more than 119,000 teachers across seven provinces have not been checked against the National Register for Sex Offenders. The vetting process started in 2023.
upi.comtechnology29 days ago
Apple Releases New Parental Controls for Child Accounts and Messaging as Critics Say It Shifts Burden to Parents
Apple announced expanded parental controls for apps, websites and contacts on its devices at its annual conference in Cupertino. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the changes were partly inspired by Australia's under-16 social media ban.
Euronewstechnology29 days agoUpdated
UK Government Requires Apple and Google to Enable On-Device Nudity Detection on Smartphones and Tablets
Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave technology companies three months to activate on-device tools that detect and block sexually explicit material for users under 18.
Los Angeles Timesworld32 days ago
Body of 11-Year-Old Lyhanna Found in Farm Silo; 41-Year-Old Suspect Taken Into Custody
An 11-year-old girl vanished after school on May 29. A body matching her description was recovered from a silo on June 4, and a man known to her family is in custody.
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rnz.co.nzpolitics38 days ago
Analysis finds one in four children leave primary school unable to swim
New figures show child drowning deaths in England doubled between 2019-20 and 2022-23. An Oxford academic called for mandatory water-safety checks before pupils finish primary school.
finance41 days ago
Parent Describes Using AirTag on Child's Bike and Subsequent Reaction
A parent placed an AirTag on an 8-year-old's bicycle to monitor location. The child discovered the device and expressed feeling betrayed. The parent concluded that undisclosed tracking damaged trust.
bbc.co.ukworld41 days ago
12-Year-Old Boy Named as Child Who Died in River Ribble
Police have identified the child who died after entering the River Ribble at Ribchester, Lancashire, as 12-year-old Junior Slater. The incident occurred when the boy got into difficulty in the water.
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Euronewstechnology45 days ago
UK Police Chiefs Call for Age Limits on Social Media Features
The National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Crime Agency urged restrictions on private messaging and other features for users under 16. The agencies responded to a government consultation on social media access for minors.
nationalpost.comworld46 days ago
Texas Attorney General Sues Discord Over Child Safety Practices
Texas filed a lawsuit against Discord on May 22, 2026, alleging the platform failed to protect minors from sexual abuse. The suit seeks court-ordered changes to age verification and safety settings. Discord stated its systems combine technology and human review to address harmful…
Engadgettechnology47 days ago
Malaysia to Require Age Verification on Social Media Platforms Starting June 1
Malaysia will require social media platforms to implement age verification systems beginning June 1 to prevent users under 16 from accessing services. The rules were approved by the cabinet in November 2025.
The Independentworld47 days ago
British police agencies back social media ban for under-16s
Britain's National Crime Agency and National Police Chiefs' Council have called for a ban on social media for children under 16 unless platforms change high-risk features. The agencies made the statement ahead of the close of a government consultation on the issue.
newsone.comworld47 days ago
Alabama Man Charged With Manslaughter After 1-Year-Old Found Dead in Vehicle
An Alabama man faces manslaughter charges after authorities found his 1-year-old child dead in a vehicle. The father had been caring for the infant and admitted to drinking throughout the day.
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yahoo.comworld48 days ago
Groups advise schools to remove student photos over AI photo alteration
Groups have warned schools against posting photos of children following reports of AI being used to alter images for blackmail. The practice has occurred several times in the U.S.
nypost.comworld49 days ago
Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Identifies Cause of Death for 12-Year-Old Girl
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced Tuesday that a 12-year-old girl died from a rare birth condition involving fragile blood vessels in the brain. The announcement followed an initial investigation into the circumstances of her death.
insurancejournal.comscience49 days ago
Australian Regulators Recall Metallic Cake Decorating Powders After Toddler Inhales Product
A 14-month-old boy was hospitalized after inhaling metallic cake decorating powder that turned into a paste in his lungs. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has ordered a national recall of the product line sold since 2019.
flipboard.comworld49 days ago
Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bill Restricting AI Chatbots for Minors
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation that would bar companies from providing AI companion chatbots to users under 18. The measure requires age verification and prohibits chatbots from generating explicit content or encouraging self-harm.
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Reasonpolitics50 days ago
British Government Considers Age Verification Law for Online Services
The British government is reviewing a proposal that would impose internet curfews for younger users and age checks across games, VPNs, and websites. Privacy groups and technology companies have raised concerns about effects on anonymity and data security.
New York Postpolitics51 days ago
Texas Toddler Dies After Antique Dresser Falls on Her
A 2-year-old girl in Denton, Texas, was killed when an unsecured antique dresser toppled onto her while she climbed it to reach a toy. Her mother later shared the story to warn other parents about securing furniture.
flipboard.comtechnology53 days ago
Senate Judiciary Committee to Hold June Hearing With Tech CEOs on Child Online Safety
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley announced a June 23 hearing that will call four technology company CEOs to testify on platform safety for children. The session follows recent court rulings that held social media companies liable for harms to young users. Grassley is seek…
bbc.co.ukworld54 days ago
Parents Group Sues Meta and TikTok in Milan Court Over Minors' Social Media Use
A parents' group is facing Meta and TikTok in a Milan court hearing over concerns about minors' use of social media platforms. The case centers on potential harms to children from platform features and content. The proceedings are the latest in global debates about regulating chi…
betakit.comworld54 days ago
Tech Companies Partner With Sesame Street and Girl Scouts on Children's Online Safety
Technology companies are working with Sesame Workshop and the Girl Scouts on initiatives aimed at addressing concerns about children's screen time and online safety. The partnerships include educational programs and new tools to help families manage device usage. Reuters reported…
New York Posttechnology54 days ago
Meta and Google Fund Sesame Street, Girl Scouts and Highlights to Teach Kids Digital Moderation and Safety
The tech companies provided tens of millions of dollars to children's organizations that reached hundreds of thousands of kids and parents with lessons on personal responsibility and screen time. Reuters reviewed internal documents showing Meta's strategy began several years ago…
deccanchronicle.comscience56 days ago
Study Estimates 7 Million U.S. Children Live in Homes With Unlocked, Loaded Firearms
A JAMA Network Open study published Tuesday estimates 32 million children live in homes with firearms, including nearly 7 million in households with at least one gun that is unlocked and loaded. Lead author Matthew Miller said safe storage reduces firearm suicide risk by threefol…
flowingdata.comtechnology58 days ago
Half of UK Children Own AI Toys, Survey Finds
A survey by the British Standards Institution found that 50 per cent of children aged 16 and under in the UK own at least one AI-enabled toy or device. Nearly half of parents believe their children would be better off without AI access, and most expressed concerns about data risk…
BBC Newsworld61 days ago
Instagram Ends Optional End-to-End Encryption for Direct Messages
Meta switched off the feature on 8 May 2026 after updating its terms in March, citing low user opt-in rates. The reversal ends a 2019 pledge by the company to expand encryption across its messaging services. Child protection groups welcomed the move while privacy advocates expres…
bbc.co.ukworld62 days ago
England Considers Requiring CCTV in Nurseries After Child Deaths
Ministers in England have asked experts whether CCTV should be required in all nurseries following several high-profile cases of child abuse and deaths. Two infants died in 2022 despite the presence of CCTV at their nurseries, which later provided evidence used in prosecutions.
New York Posttechnology64 days ago
New Mexico Sues Meta Seeking $3.7 Billion in Penalties and Platform Changes
New Mexico's attorney general is seeking extensive reforms to Facebook and Instagram along with up to $3.7 billion in penalties following a jury's finding that Meta failed to protect children from sexual predators. A judge warned that some proposed fixes might exceed what is appr…
Rapplerworld64 days agoUpdated
New Mexico Jury Finds Meta Misrepresented Platform Safety for Children
A New Mexico judge expressed concerns that proposed safety changes for Instagram and Facebook may exceed judicial authority in an ongoing trial. The state seeks extensive reforms and up to $3.7 billion in penalties after a jury found Meta failed to protect children. Meta argues t…
petapixel.comtechnology65 days ago
New Mexico Trial Begins to Determine Remedies After $375 Million Meta Child Safety Verdict
New Mexico's attorney general is pushing for operational changes to Meta's platforms following a $375 million jury award in a child safety case. The three-week trial begins Monday in Santa Fe, focusing on measures like age verification and limits on encryption for minors. The Ver…
The Boston Globetechnology65 days ago
New Mexico Prosecutors Seek Child Safety Changes to Meta Platforms in Trial's Second Phase
New Mexico state prosecutors are pursuing changes to Meta's social media apps and algorithms to protect children in the second phase of a trial. The case follows a jury's decision to impose $375 million in penalties on Meta for harming children's mental health and concealing expl…
videocardz.comfinance67 days ago
Roblox Stock Falls 18% After Q1 Earnings Report
Roblox shares dropped sharply after the company reported first-quarter results that beat revenue estimates but missed user growth expectations. The gaming platform slashed its full-year sales and bookings forecasts, citing friction from new age verification measures. CEO David Ba…
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Cnbcfinance68 days ago
Man Arrested in Northern Territory Child's Death; U.S. Non-Homeowners' 5-Year Homebuying Expectations Fall to 2013 Low
Northern Territory authorities expect charges soon in the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, found after a five-day search in Alice Springs. Separately, U.S. polling shows declining expectations for homeownership amid economic pressures, while safety advocates highligh…
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New York Postbusiness68 days ago
Lawsuit Accuses Roblox, Discord, and Uber of Failing to Prevent Abduction and Assault of Teen
A 19-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, Discord, and Uber, alleging the companies failed to address warnings about a user's predatory behavior. The suit claims the user arranged an off-platform Uber ride to transport her from Indiana to New Jersey, where she was c…
Nprworld70 days ago
EU Commission Releases Preliminary Findings on Meta's Alleged DSA Violations Regarding Child Access to Facebook and Instagram
The European Commission announced on April 29, 2026, that Meta breached the EU's Digital Services Act by failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. The findings highlight ineffective age verification and reporting tools. Meta disagrees and plans t…
Bloombergworld70 days ago
EU Accuses Meta of Breaching Law on Under-13 Access to Platforms
The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that Meta lacks effective measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram, violating the Digital Services Act. Meta disputes the findings and highlights its existing tools for age verification. If…
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nypost.comworld76 days ago
Elizabeth Smart Shares Photo from Fourth Bodybuilding Competition on Instagram
Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart posted an image from her recent bodybuilding competition, expressing pride in her body's resilience. She highlighted her journey as an advocate and mother. The post encourages embracing new challenges.
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Substrate placeholder — needs reviewworld85 days ago
Inquiry Finds Parents and Agencies Failed to Prevent Southport Stabbing Attack
A public inquiry concluded that failures by the parents of Axel Rudakubana and multiple agencies allowed the 2024 Southport attack to occur. The report identified missed opportunities to detain Rudakubana before he killed three girls at a dance class. Recommendations include impr…