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The UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are collaborating to develop tools to combat online child exploitation, including AI detection and financial disruption. Australia is also implementing strict social media bans for minors, raising concerns about privacy and access for vulnerable groups. The moves reflect growing global efforts against AI-generated abuse material.
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Shares borrowed for short selling hit a high since March, driven by a stock's inclusion in the S&P 500, while major tech firms like ByteDance and Xiaohongshu see significant valuation increases amid regulatory and investment shifts. These developments highlight ongoing market optimism and regulatory uncertainties as of September 10, 2025.
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Nepal temporarily lifted a social media ban imposed last week following violent protests over new registration rules for platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The crackdown, which led to at least 19 deaths, was triggered by public outrage and escalating clashes with security forces. The government cited safety concerns but faced international criticism for restricting free expression.
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YouTube announced new AI-powered features for creators, including likeness detection, auto-dubbing, Shorts enhancements, and live stream updates. These tools aim to improve content creation, engagement, and monetization, with a focus on Shorts and podcasts. The updates are rolling out globally, starting in the US, as of September 20, 2025.
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OpenAI has introduced new safety controls for ChatGPT, linking teen and parent accounts, with content restrictions and distress alerts, following recent tragedies and legal scrutiny over AI's impact on youth. The updates aim to improve safety but are not foolproof.
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OpenAI has launched Sora, an AI-powered video app, amid rapid growth and controversy. The app enables users to create short, realistic videos of themselves and others, raising concerns over copyright, misinformation, and the impact of AI-generated content on social media. Critics warn of 'AI slop' flooding feeds, while supporters see creative potential.
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Meta introduces a paid, ad-free version of Facebook and Instagram in the UK, offering users the choice to pay £2.99 or £3.99 monthly to avoid targeted ads. The move responds to UK regulatory guidance and aims to give users more control over their data, while continuing to offer free, ad-supported access.
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Former 'Love Is Blind' star Shayne Jansen has undergone a significant body transformation after battling substance abuse and mental health issues. Moving from Chicago to Austin, he focused on fitness and sobriety, gaining a new outlook on love and life. His story highlights personal recovery and resilience.
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China launches a two-month campaign targeting online negativity and social media influencers. Papua New Guinea considers age restrictions amid concerns over harmful content, while Indonesia explores biometric verification to curb abuse. Meanwhile, the EU debates stricter age limits and privacy protections for minors.
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Hackers compromised a third-party vendor managing Discord's age verification data, exposing government ID photos of about 70,000 users globally. The breach includes contact details and messages, with extortion attempts reported. Discord has revoked vendor access, launched an investigation, and contacted law enforcement. The incident raises concerns over data privacy and security in age verification processes.
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Australia has introduced a new law banning social media accounts for users under 16, effective December 10. Platforms face fines up to A$50 million if they fail to comply. The law aims to protect children from online risks, amid ongoing debates about enforcement and privacy concerns.
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Germany is experiencing a resurgence in mushroom foraging and interest in functional fungi. Guided tours, social media, and health benefits are fueling the trend, driven by pandemic restrictions and the popularity of veganism. Experts highlight the ecological importance and potential health advantages of mushrooms, with a focus on safety and education.
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As of October 2025, Instagram enforces PG-13 content settings by default for users under 18, restricting exposure to mature themes unless parents approve changes. The update includes stricter filters on sensitive topics, limits on interactions with inappropriate accounts, and enhanced parental controls. The rollout begins in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, expanding globally next year amid ongoing concerns about teen safety online.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing advancements and strategic shifts in AI development, corporate adoption, and regulation. From AI-driven coding experiments to China’s regional AI cooperation, and corporate hiring strategies, the stories reflect a rapidly changing landscape with significant implications for industry and policy as of October 17, 2025.
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Recent advances in AI-generated videos, notably OpenAI's Sora 2, have produced highly realistic content, including celebrity images and fetish material, raising fears over misinformation, misuse, and regulation gaps. Experts warn these developments could distort truth, with Australia lagging behind in regulation. Incidents include unauthorized celebrity images and niche fetish content.
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Australia and the EU are investigating Meta and TikTok for compliance with new digital regulations. Australia plans to remove underage accounts, while the EU criticizes their data access and content moderation practices. Both face potential fines and increased oversight.
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Meta's shares fell over 6-9% after revealing increased costs driven by aggressive AI infrastructure investments and employee hiring. Despite revenue growth, expenses surged, and the company faces regulatory challenges. Meta emphasizes AI's role in future growth, but market reaction reflects investor concern over costs and legal risks.
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Australia will require social media platforms to block under-16 accounts from December 10, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance. The law targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks. Exemptions include messaging and educational platforms, with ongoing assessments of impact.
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Denmark plans to restrict social media for children under 15, with some parental exemptions from age 13. The move aims to address concerns over youth mental health and online safety, following similar measures in Australia. Legislation is expected to pass after months of debate, with enforcement relying on digital ID and age verification systems.
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Recent articles highlight evolving holiday food trends, including regional pie preferences, innovative recipes like Martha Stewart's salted maple bourbon pie, and the viral return of Trader Joe's chocolate mascarpone. Meanwhile, unconventional food experiments and store-bought pies continue to spark debate and curiosity as the holiday season approaches.
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Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist and a pioneer in neural networks, is departing to establish a startup focused on advanced AI that understands the physical world. Meta will partner with the new venture amid ongoing internal restructuring and shifting AI priorities.
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Meta has announced it will restrict access for Australian users aged 13-15 starting December 4, ahead of a new law requiring social media platforms to exclude under-16s. The law, effective December 10, aims to protect minors but raises concerns over privacy and effectiveness.
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Australia will enforce a law from December 10 that bans social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch from allowing users under 16. The law aims to protect minors from online harm, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Twitch plans to deactivate underage accounts from January 9.
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Malaysia's government is reviewing measures to restrict social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's upcoming ban at age 16. The move aims to protect youths from online harms like cyberbullying and scams, with plans to implement electronic age verification methods next year.
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From December 10, Australia enforces a pioneering law banning under-16s from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Companies face fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Platforms must block underage accounts, with Meta and TikTok already notifying users. The law aims to protect youth mental health but faces a High Court challenge over free speech rights.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.