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Australia's government plans to introduce legislation banning social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposal, which will be tabled in Parliament on November 18, 2024, and take effect a year later, placing enforcement responsibility on social media platforms.
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Norway plans to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15, aiming to protect children from harmful content. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre acknowledges the challenge of enforcing this regulation against powerful tech companies. Current data shows significant underage usage despite existing restrictions.
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Recent discussions highlight the growing concerns over smartphone usage and its effects on mental health and social interactions. Individuals share experiences of increased screen time, withdrawal symptoms, and attempts to manage device dependency, reflecting a broader societal trend towards reevaluating technology's role in daily life.
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Northern Rail's reliance on fax machines for communication has sparked outrage among officials, particularly Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. During a recent meeting, it was revealed that the outdated technology contributes to service delays and cancellations, raising questions about the rail operator's modernization efforts.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent Budget has sparked significant internal dissent within the Labour Party, despite initial public support. The Budget, which includes substantial tax increases and spending commitments, has raised concerns about its impact on economic growth and living standards, leading to fears of future austerity measures.
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New data reveals a staggering 7,062 sexual communication with a child offences recorded in the UK for 2023-24, marking an 89% increase since 2017-18. Snapchat is identified as the primary platform used by offenders, raising concerns about child safety online.
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The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared the Vodafone and Three merger, contingent on an £11 billion investment in network upgrades and price protections for consumers. This marks a significant shift from earlier concerns about competition and pricing.
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The UK government is set to classify non-consensual intimate images (NCIIs) as illegal under the Online Safety Act, following a significant rise in revenge porn cases. Meanwhile, South Korea is intensifying its crackdown on deepfake pornography, revising laws to impose harsher penalties on offenders.
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Roblox and Pinwheel have announced significant updates to enhance child safety on their platforms. Roblox will implement new parental controls and content restrictions, while Pinwheel offers a smartphone designed for children with robust monitoring features. These changes respond to growing concerns about online safety for young users.
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Instagram is testing a new feature allowing users to reset their content recommendations, aiming to enhance user control and safety. This move comes as the UK prepares to enforce the Online Safety Act, which mandates greater accountability from social media platforms regarding harmful content.