Online Safety
Ongoing coverage on Online Safety.
Latest coverage
Morning Safety Dance
Roblox has launched a new real-time chat rephrasing feature aimed at maintaining civility within its platform. The article also touches on broader topics of privacy controls and cybersecurity threats, referencing reports from BBC and The Register concerning Iranian hacking attempts on IP cameras.
Scientists warn against crappy age verification: 'if implemented without careful consideration… the new regulation might cause more harm than good'
Over 400 researchers and scientists have signed an open letter warning that current age verification technologies and regulations may cause more harm than good. The letter highlights significant privacy and data protection concerns, the potential for users to be pushed to dangerous fringe websites, and the risk of censorship if such systems are misused by authoritarian governments. Concerns are amplified by past data breaches, such as one involving Discord, where user IDs were exposed.
How recent laws impact game design, from in-game chat to notifications
Recent and upcoming laws are significantly impacting game design, particularly concerning dark patterns, in-game chat, notifications, loot boxes, and virtual currencies. Developers must navigate regulations like the DMCCA and DSA to avoid misleading practices and ensure transparency, especially regarding in-app purchases and player interactions. The EU AI Act also introduces new labeling requirements for AI-generated content.
Discord admits it rushed age checks and is rethinking the rollout
Discord has delayed its global age-verification rollout until the second half of 2026, admitting it mishandled the initial announcement and faced user backlash. The company plans to introduce more verification options, enhance transparency regarding data handling and partners, and ensure on-device processing for any facial age estimation. This decision comes amid growing concerns about facial scans, ID checks, and third-party vendors, as well as increasing online safety laws in various regions.
Discord delay global rollout of age verification to improve transparency and add more options
Discord is delaying the global rollout of its age verification system to improve transparency and offer more user options. The company acknowledges a failure in clearly explaining the process and intends to add more verification methods, such as credit card verification, and enhance vendor transparency before proceeding. For regions where age checks are legally mandated, such as the UK and Australia, current rules will remain in place.
