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EU accuses TikTok of 'addictive design' and seeks changes to protect users

EU accuses TikTok of 'addictive design' and seeks changes to protect users

The European Union accuses TikTok of breaching digital rules with features like autoplay and infinite scroll

European Commission Accuses TikTok of Violating Digital Safety Laws with 'Addictive Design'

European Commission Accuses TikTok of Violating Digital Safety Laws with 'Addictive Design'

The European Commission has accused TikTok of breaching the EU's Digital Services Act due to its 'addictive design' features, such as autoplay and infinite scroll. These features are believed to harm the physical and mental health of users, including children and vulnerable adults. The Commission, which enforces the bloc's digital rules, has called for TikTok to change the basic design of its service to better protect users. TikTok has denied these accusations, stating that the findings are false and meritless, and plans to challenge them. The company faces potential fines of up to 6% of its total annual revenue if found non-compliant. This development is part of broader efforts by European governments to regulate social media platforms and protect minors from harmful content.

European Lawmakers Propose Stricter Social Media Age Limits to Protect Youth

European Lawmakers Propose Stricter Social Media Age Limits to Protect Youth

European lawmakers are considering implementing stricter age limits for social media usage to protect young users from potential harms. The European Parliament has proposed a resolution to set a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media platforms, with parental consent required for those aged 13 to 16. This move aims to address concerns about the exposure of minors to harmful content and addictive engagement models on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The proposal also suggests disabling features such as infinite scroll and auto-play by default. Several European countries, including Spain and France, are drafting laws to enforce these age restrictions, with Spain planning to ban access for children under 16 unless strict age verification is implemented.

Australia's Social Media Ban Raises Concerns for Disabled Youth's Connectivity

Australia's Social Media Ban Raises Concerns for Disabled Youth's Connectivity

Australia has implemented new age restriction rules for social media use, requiring platforms to ban accounts of users under 16. This policy, introduced by the Albanese government, aims to protect young people from harmful online content. However, advocacy groups warn that the ban could isolate young people with disabilities who rely on social media for social interaction. For instance, a 14-year-old autistic girl named Indy expressed that social media was her primary means of socializing, and the ban has left her feeling disconnected. The Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) highlighted that social media often serves as a lifeline for disabled youth, providing accessible ways to build connections. The Youth Disability Network also expressed concerns about the disproportionate impact on disabled youth, who may not have alternative means to connect with peers.

Quality Over Quantity: How Singapore is Redefining Asia-Pacific Travel Without Crowding its Streets

Quality Over Quantity: How Singapore is Redefining Asia-Pacific Travel Without Crowding its Streets

Singapore has established itself as a premier tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its strate...

EU Demands TikTok Redesign to Address Addictive Features, Threatens Fines

EU Demands TikTok Redesign to Address Addictive Features, Threatens Fines

The European Union has issued a warning to TikTok, accusing the platform of employing 'addictive design' features that could harm users, particularly minors. The EU's preliminary findings suggest that TikTok's features, such as infinite scroll and autoplay, encourage compulsive use and reduce self-control among users. The European Commission, which enforces the Digital Services Act, has called for TikTok to implement changes, including disabling infinite scroll, introducing effective screen time breaks, and modifying its recommendation system. TikTok has denied these accusations, stating that the Commission's findings are false and meritless. The company plans to challenge the findings and has highlighted its existing tools, such as custom screen time limits and sleep reminders, which it claims help users manage their app usage.

European Nations Consider Social Media Restrictions for Minors Amid Safety Concerns

European Nations Consider Social Media Restrictions for Minors Amid Safety Concerns

Several European countries, including Spain, France, and Denmark, are contemplating stringent regulations on social media usage among minors. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has proposed banning social media for children under 16, describing the digital space as a 'wild west' where laws are often ignored. This move is part of a broader European effort to address the potential harms of social media on young users, such as issues related to self-image, mental health, and exposure to misinformation. The European Commission has also criticized platforms like TikTok for their 'addictive design' and is pushing for changes to protect users, particularly children. These initiatives reflect growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth and the need for platforms to be accountable for their content and engagement strategies.

How Quantum Engineering Became a Global Priority

How Quantum Engineering Became a Global Priority

Quantum engineering is a field that has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, driven by the need to harness the principles of quantum mechanic...

Spain and Greece Propose Teen Social Media Bans Amid Concerns Over Addictive Platforms

Spain and Greece Propose Teen Social Media Bans Amid Concerns Over Addictive Platforms

Spain and Greece have proposed bans on social media use by teenagers, reflecting a growing concern among European nations about the addictive nature of technology platforms and their potential to expose children to harmful content. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans to prohibit social media for those under 16, while Greece is considering a similar ban for children under 15. This move aligns with actions by other countries, such as Australia, which recently implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the impact of screen time on children's development and mental well-being. Spain has also joined a coalition of European countries, dubbed the 'Coalition of the Digitally Willing,' to coordinate cross-border regulation of digital platforms.

Malaysian Authorities Fine Tankers for Unauthorized Oil Transfers in Exclusive Economic Zone

Malaysian Authorities Fine Tankers for Unauthorized Oil Transfers in Exclusive Economic Zone

Malaysian authorities have fined two tankers involved in unauthorized ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers within Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The tankers, the stateless Nora and the Cameroon-flagged Rcelebra, were caught transferring Iranian crude oil 24 nautical miles off Penang's coast. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detained the crews and initially announced the seizure of the cargo. However, both vessels were released after paying a $76,000 bond, the maximum penalty under Malaysian maritime law for unauthorized STS transfers. The Nora has since headed back towards Iran, while the Rcelebra remains anchored off Johore. This incident highlights Malaysia's enforcement of its maritime safety and environmental ordinances, although it does not enforce international sanctions or International Maritime Organization (IMO) decisions on STS activities.

US hosts countries for talks to weaken China's grip on critical minerals

US hosts countries for talks to weaken China's grip on critical minerals

By Michael Martina and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The United States will host more than 50 countries on Wednesday for talks aimed at boosting their access to critical minerals, in a bid to loosen China's grip over vital industrial inputs that has allowed it to control global supply

Snap forecasts quarterly revenue below estimates as ad competition hurts

Snap forecasts quarterly revenue below estimates as ad competition hurts

Feb 4 (Reuters) - Snap forecast first-quarter revenue below Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, signaling tough competition for digital advertising dollars from bigger rivals such as Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram. The social media company faced major hiccups ranging from U.S.