Nearly a quarter of children aged 8-17 in the UK lie about their age to access adult social media platforms, according to a new Ofcom report. The media regulator criticised current verification processes as insufficient and warned tech companies they face heavy fines if they fail to improve safety measures under the Online Safety Act, which takes effect in 2025.
The law will require platforms to implement ‘highly effective’ age assurance to prevent underage users from accessing adult content. Ofcom’s findings highlight the risks children face from harmful material online, sparking concerns from advocates like the Molly Rose Foundation, which warns that tech companies are not enforcing their own rules.
Some social media platforms, including TikTok, claim they are enhancing safety measures with machine learning and other innovations. However, BBC investigations and feedback from teenagers suggest that bypassing current systems remains alarmingly easy, with no ID verification required for account setup. Calls for stricter regulation continue as online safety concerns grow.
T-Mobile has reported recent attempts by cyber attackers to infiltrate its systems. The US telecom giant confirmed that its security measures successfully prevented access to sensitive customer data, including calls, voicemails, and texts. The intrusion originated from a compromised network connected to T-Mobile’s systems, prompting the company to sever the connection.
The attackers’ traits resembled those of Salt Typhoon, a Chinese-linked cyber espionage group, though T-Mobile has not confirmed their identity. The firm’s Chief Security Officer, Jeff Simon, stated that customer information remained secure, with no disruption to services. Findings were reported to the US government for further investigation.
Simon attended a White House meeting last week to discuss escalating cyber threats. The FBI and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency recently disclosed an ongoing investigation into a Chinese-linked espionage campaign targeting several US telecom providers.
The broader operation reportedly infiltrated multiple companies, stealing sensitive call data and accessing private communications. Such breaches compromised the devices of individuals in government and politics, including campaign staff during the 2020 US presidential election, raising concerns about national security.
Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has increased its annual revenue and profit projections, reporting a 29% rise in third-quarter revenue to $1.01 billion, surpassing analyst estimates. The company credits robust demand for its comprehensive cybersecurity services as businesses address growing online threats. Notable clients, including AT&T and Ticketmaster, have faced recent cyberattacks, driving greater investment in digital defences.
CrowdStrike now expects annual revenue between $3.92 billion and $3.93 billion, up from previous forecasts. Adjusted profit per share estimates have also been raised to $3.74–$3.76. However, its fourth-quarter revenue outlook, in line with analyst expectations, led to a slight dip in share value.
Rival Palo Alto Networks has similarly seen strong growth, reflecting increased spending in the cybersecurity sector. Despite challenges such as a July outage, CrowdStrike maintains optimism for sustained growth, bolstered by its enhanced customer engagement programmes.
A new survey by UNESCO reveals that over 60% of online influencers fail to fact-check the content they share with their followers. The study, conducted by researchers at Bowling Green State University, surveyed 500 influencers across 45 countries about their content-sharing practices. It found that many influencers struggle to assess the reliability of information, with 42% relying on the number of likes and shares a post receives as a measure of credibility.
The survey also highlighted that only 37% of content creators use mainstream media as a source, with personal experiences and their own research being the top sources for content. While many influencers are aware of the challenge of misinformation, only 73% expressed interest in training to better handle disinformation and online hate speech.
UNESCO is responding to this need by launching a month-long training program designed to equip influencers with tools to combat disinformation. The course will teach content creators how to verify information, source from diverse outlets, and debunk false narratives, aiming to improve the overall quality of online information.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on the United States to remove export restrictions on certain technologies during an event in Hanoi hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce. Chinh emphasised Vietnam’s interest in satellite communications development and revealed ongoing talks with SpaceX to boost aerospace cooperation. He also urged the US to recognise Vietnam as a market economy, a step that could lower trade tariffs.
The US currently restricts Vietnam’s access to technologies deemed critical to national security, though Vietnam is allowed to import conventional weapons and some advanced technologies. Chinh questioned the necessity of the embargo, stating, “We are not fighting anyone, so why do you keep the embargo?”
Despite potential US tariffs of up to 20% on imports under the next Trump administration, Chinh avoided addressing the issue directly. He instead highlighted Vietnam’s $25 billion in expected foreign investment this year and stressed the importance of maintaining strong US-Vietnam relations to tackle global challenges.
Australia’s House of Representatives passed a groundbreaking bill on Wednesday aiming to ban social media use for children under 16. The bill, supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government and the opposition, introduces strict measures requiring platforms to implement age-verification systems. Companies could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for breaches. The Senate will debate the bill next, with Albanese pushing for its approval before the year ends.
The law follows an emotional inquiry that highlighted cyberbullying’s devastating effects, including testimony from parents of children who self-harmed. While advocates argue the ban will protect young people’s mental health, critics, including youth groups and human rights organisations, warn it risks cutting off teens from vital social connections. Tech giants like Google, Meta, and TikTok have urged the government to delay the legislation until a proposed age-verification trial concludes in 2025.
Despite these concerns, public opinion overwhelmingly supports the ban, with recent polls showing 77% approval. Parent advocacy groups have praised the initiative as a critical step in addressing the negative impacts of social media on children. However, critics within parliament and civil rights groups have called for more nuanced solutions, emphasising the importance of balancing protection with privacy and self-expression rights.
If passed, Australia will become a global leader in stringent social media regulations, but the debate over how best to safeguard young users while respecting their freedoms is far from over.
Google and Meta are urging the Australian government to delay a proposed law that would prohibit social media use for children under 16, citing insufficient time to evaluate its potential effects. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government aims to pass the bill, which includes some of the strictest child social media controls globally, before the parliamentary year ends on Thursday. However, critics argue the rushed timeline undermines thorough debate and expert input.
The bill mandates social media platforms, not parents or children, to implement age-verification systems, potentially involving biometrics or government IDs. Platforms failing to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million ($32 million). While the Liberal opposition is likely to support the legislation, some independents and tech companies like TikTok and Elon Musk’s X have raised concerns about its clarity and impact on human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
Tech companies argue the government should wait for the results of an age-verification trial before proceeding. TikTok called the bill rushed and poorly consulted, while Meta described it as “inconsistent and ineffective.” Meanwhile, Elon Musk criticised the bill as a potential tool for broader internet control, amplifying debates over balancing child safety with digital freedoms.
As a Senate committee prepares a report on the legislation, the controversy underscores the global challenge of regulating children’s online activity without infringing on broader rights.
A United States federal appeals court is set to rule by 6 December on whether ByteDance, TikTok‘s Chinese parent company, must divest its US operations or face a ban. The ruling will address national security concerns raised by the Justice Department, which alleges that TikTok’s Chinese ownership poses risks due to access to vast American user data. ByteDance has challenged the law as unconstitutional, arguing it unfairly targets TikTok and violates free speech.
The three-judge panel could uphold the law, leading to a likely appeal by ByteDance. Alternatively, the court might allow the law but criticise its fairness, requiring further certification of TikTok as a security risk. A ruling deeming the law unconstitutional could halt efforts to force ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US assets. Any outcome may result in further legal battles, including an appeal to the Supreme Court.
The case underscores tensions between US national security priorities and free market principles, with over 170 million Americans actively using TikTok. The final decision could shape the future of tech regulation and US-China relations.
The French government has initiated negotiations to acquire the advanced computing unit of IT firm Atos for €500M. This move seeks to safeguard critical technologies supporting the military and intelligence sectors. The agreement, which includes an initial payment of €150M, could rise to €625Mwith additional performance-based payouts. Atos’ advanced computing and cybersecurity operations generate €900M annually and employ 4,000 people.
Once a European tech leader, Atos has faced financial difficulties, with its survival hinging on an accelerated restructuring plan. The French state, emphasising national sovereignty, aims to maintain control over strategic assets. Finance Minister Antoine Armand stated that protecting key industrial activities is essential for ensuring the country’s security and independence.
The proposed deal reflects growing government interest in Atos’ assets, with nationalisation also being considered. Despite years of financial struggles, Atos shares surged 160% following the announcement, reflecting renewed investor optimism about its recovery and restructuring efforts.
Meta has proposed a unified system for age verification and safety standards across the EU to better protect teenagers online. The plan includes requiring parental approval for app downloads by users under 16, with app stores notifying parents for consent. Meta also advocates for consistent age-appropriate content guidelines and supervision tools for teens that parents can manage.
The proposal follows calls from incoming EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen, who emphasised protecting minors as a priority. Meta’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, highlighted the fragmented nature of current European regulations, urging the adoption of uniform rules to ensure better protections for teens.
Although some EU frameworks like the Digital Services Act and Audiovisual Media Services Directive touch on youth safety, the lack of EU-wide standards leaves much to member states. Meta’s proposal aligns with ongoing discussions around the Child Sexual Abuse Material regulation, which aims to enhance online protections for minors.
