Internet without age restrictions isn't guaranteed to be secure

Internet without age restrictions isn't guaranteed to be secure

The digital landscape is evolving, and so are the concerns surrounding child safety on the internet. Here's a roundup of recent developments:

Australia has announced a complete ban on children under 16 from using YouTube. This move aims to protect young users from potential harm, but raises questions about the accessibility of information and the impact on digital literacy.

Across the globe, the European Union (EU) is taking steps to ensure child safety online. The EU has presented guidelines for the protection of minors and a prototype of an app for age verification. However, the development of this app requires the use of a Google or Apple component, which could potentially exclude users with smartphones running on other operating systems.

The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) outlines several measures to ensure child safety online, going beyond age verification. For instance, setting minors’ accounts to private by default, modifying recommender systems to reduce exposure to harmful content, and empowering children to block or mute users are among the proposed measures.

However, the reliance on technology for child protection has been met with criticism. The principle of anonymity and unobservability is emphasized as a non-negotiable children's right, and the age verification industry is not seen as a solution for addressing all the dangers children face on the internet.

The British civil rights NGO "Open Rights Group" and Italian developer Fabio Manganiello have criticized the EU for delegating the development of the institutional app for age verification to an American tech company, raising concerns about digital sovereignty and technological independence.

The worst solution for child protection, according to some, is to pay companies for the apps they offer as a solution to the problem, a concept known as tech-solutionism. Companies whose platforms and algorithms provide the means for harmful behavior on the internet must be held accountable, it is argued.

Meanwhile, the UK has recently enforced the "Online Safety Act," making age verification mandatory. But beyond age verification, the EU’s DSA guidelines emphasize the importance of non-technical measures to ensure child safety online.

In conclusion, while technology plays a crucial role in child protection, it's important to remember that children need support and education to navigate the internet safely. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, striking a balance between safety and privacy remains a key challenge.

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1. The emergence of new lifestyle trends is not limited to offline activities, as the digital world continues to expand.
2. Fashion-and-beauty influencers are capitalizing on the rise of social-media platforms to showcase their latest products and tutorials.
3. Food-and-drink blogs and vlogs offer an array of recipes and restaurant reviews for those seeking culinary inspiration.
4. Relationship advice columns and chat rooms cater to those seeking guidance on matters of the heart.
5. Many pet owners share their animal's adventures on Instagram, which has become a popular destination for pictures of furry friends.
6. Travel enthusiasts use various platforms to plan their trips, document their experiences, and share travel tips with others.
7. For car lovers, automotive websites and forums offer news, reviews, and discussions about the latest models and trends in the auto industry.
8. Book clubs and literary discussions thrive online, fostering a love for reading and facilitating conversations about authors and books.
9. Courses and online classes on platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy cater to those seeking education-and-self-development opportunities.
10. Personal-growth enthusiasts can find a wealth of resources, including webinars, podcasts, and blogs, focused on self-improvement and mental health.
11. Those chasing big-wins in life often turn to gambling, with casino-and-gambling platforms offering a variety of games such as casino-games, lotteries, and sports-betting.
12. Some fans of gambling trends follow casino-personalities and celebrity gamblers, seeing their success as an inspiration.
13. The entertainment industry, including movies, shows, and music, has embraced digital platforms, making it easier for fans to consume content and engage with their favorite celebrities.
14. Political discussions and debates unfold continuously on social-media, keeping people informed and shaping public opinion.
15. Gambling culture, particularly in cities like Las Vegas, has permeated pop-culture, influencing movies, music, and even fashion.
16. Sci-fi-and-fantasy fans connect on forums and online communities, sharing their favorite series, movies, and books, and discussing theories and predictions.
17. General-news websites provide timely updates on current events, local and global, with a growing focus on investigative journalism.
18. Crime-and-justice topics are often popular online, with many people seeking information about criminal cases, legal issues, and justice system updates.
19. Accident reports, safety tips, and discussions about liability and responsibility are common in online forums and social-media platforms.
20. Learning resources on responsible gambling, critical thinking, and digital citizenship are essential for underage users and adults alike.
21. Sports enthusiasts from around the world can follow their favorite teams and athletes on social media, enjoying highlights, discussions, and live updates.
22. Football, baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey, golf, and other popular sports have their own online communities and forums for fans to gather and share their passion.
23. Racing enthusiasts—from NASCAR and Formula 1 to horse racing—can find insights, discussions, and live coverage of their favorite events online.
24. American football, NBA, WNBA, and other professional sports leagues have a strong presence online, with daily news, analysis, and direct coverage.
25. Golf tournaments, such as the Masters and the Grand Prix, are widely followed on various digital platforms.
26. Weather forecasting websites offer up-to-date updates on weather conditions worldwide, helping travelers and outdoor enthusiasts plan accordingly.
27. The sports-betting market also has a significant online presence, offering odds, predictions, and live betting options for various sports and events.
28. Sports-analysis websites and blogs offer in-depth analysis, statistics, and predictions for major sports events.
29. Mixed-martial-arts fans can follow the latest news, fights, and discussions about the sport, as well as training tips and techniques online.

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