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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 food trends, from innovative mocktails in New York to regional dessert debates and creative holiday pies. Stories include viral food experiments, store-bought pie reviews, and insights into traditional favorites like pumpkin and sweet potato pie.
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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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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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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.
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Deceptive AI-generated videos of health experts are circulating on TikTok and other platforms, promoting unproven health products. These videos impersonate real professionals, raising concerns about misinformation and platform moderation failures. TikTok has removed some content after complaints, but the issue persists.
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This week saw major geopolitical shifts, including Putin's return to Alaska, US diplomatic antics, and political upheavals across Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, US domestic politics remain volatile with controversial comments from Trump and rising support for unconventional candidates, reflecting a turbulent international and national landscape.
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South Korea plans to enforce new regulations on AI-generated ads, requiring labels and stricter monitoring to combat false advertising and deepfake health videos. The government aims to protect consumers, especially vulnerable groups, amid rising AI misuse across social media platforms.
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Australia has ordered major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to block around one million users under 16, citing concerns over youth safety. Content creators report significant drops in followers and engagement, impacting their income and connection with young audiences. The ban affects approximately 200,000 TikTok accounts so far.