Regulation
Ongoing coverage on Regulation.
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Steam now requires Australian gamers to verify their age with something most don’t use – a credit card
Valve has implemented a new age verification policy for Australian gamers on Steam, requiring users to use a credit card to access R 18+ rated games. This move, intended to comply with Australia's Online Safety Act, has drawn significant criticism from users who lack credit cards or find the requirement inconvenient and overly restrictive.
US appeals court sides with Nevada in legal fight with Kalshi
A US appeals court has ruled in favor of Nevada in its legal dispute with Kalshi. The decision prevents Kalshi from blocking the state's efforts to regulate its trading platform.
Gemini taps Apex to pipe crypto prediction markets into brokerages
Gemini has signed a letter of intent with Apex Fintech Solutions to distribute its regulated crypto prediction markets to brokerage firms. This partnership will make Gemini Titan the exclusive venue for crypto event contracts routed through Apex's futures commission merchant to its brokerage clients. The move aims to leverage Gemini's regulatory licenses and Apex's distribution network to expand the reach of prediction markets in the cryptocurrency space.
Why Sweepstakes Casino Reputation Depends on Transparency
The reputation of sweepstakes casinos hinges on transparency regarding their rules, identity checks, and prize redemption processes. Regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. has made this a critical business issue, requiring brands to clearly explain how their virtual currencies, eligibility, and redemption systems work. Building trust involves plain language, visible ownership, and responsible play information, rather than relying solely on promotional content.
Crypto trade groups pile on: two more lawsuits target Illinois’ 0.2% digital asset levy
Two major crypto trade groups, the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Blockchain Association, have filed lawsuits against Illinois over its new 0.2% tax on digital asset transactions. They argue the tax is unconstitutional and discriminatory, as it applies to transactions even when they result in a loss and lacks equivalent taxation for traditional assets. This follows a similar suit filed by the Digital Chamber, indicating significant industry opposition to the levy.
The US Senate are investigating Roblox for prioritising "revenue and engagement metrics over the safety and well-being of our children"
The US Senate has launched an investigation into Roblox, accusing the company of prioritizing revenue and engagement metrics over child safety. Senators Josh Hawley and Richard J. Durbin have requested extensive documentation from Roblox CEO David Baszucki regarding the platform's alleged facilitation of child exploitation, grooming, and exposure to violent content. Roblox has been given until August 31st to provide the requested information, which includes details on user demographics, safety tools, and revenue streams related to potentially harmful content.
US Senate to investigate Roblox following claims it "prioritises revenue and engagement" over child safety
The US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism has launched an investigation into Roblox, citing concerns that the platform prioritizes revenue and engagement over child safety. Senators Josh Hawley and Dick Durbin have requested extensive documentation from Roblox CEO David Baszucki regarding child exploitation, abuse, and financial harm on the platform, with a deadline of August 31, 2026. This investigation follows similar concerns raised by several US states and the Australian government, despite Roblox's recent implementation of new safety measures.
Clarity Act stumbles, Strategy trims again, and the fight nobody saw behind Mastercard’s $1.8 billion BVNK buy
The cryptocurrency industry is undergoing a significant stress test, with events like a major Bitcoin outflow due to a Coldcard wallet attack, the failure of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to pass the Senate, and multiple corporate treasury sales of Bitcoin. Despite these challenges, institutional interest remains, with Fidelity proposing staking rewards for its Ether ETF and Goldman Sachs acquiring NEOS. Meanwhile, Bybit has sued North Korea over a $1.5 billion hack, and over 100 crypto projects have shut down this year, indicating a market shakeout.
Bitcoin, Ether and USDT: Russia’s Central Bank Narrows Retail Crypto Trading to Three Assets
Russia's central bank has decided to allow retail investors access to only three cryptocurrencies on regulated exchanges: Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether (USDT). Non-qualified investors will be subject to an annual trading limit of 300,000 rubles per intermediary, while qualified investors are exempt. Crypto payments remain banned within the country.
Cardano earned its ETF fast lane on Aug. 9 — its only sponsor had quit on Aug. 7
Grayscale withdrew its Cardano Trust ETF registration just days before Cardano met the SEC's six-month CME futures threshold, a requirement that would have expedited the ETF's review process. This withdrawal leaves a gap in the market for a dedicated spot Cardano ETF, with existing futures-based or basket ETFs holding minimal assets. The article analyzes whether another sponsor will step in or if this signifies a lack of institutional interest in Cardano.
Xbox now requires Australians to prove their age to access games rated 18+, though "games you already own won't be affected"
Microsoft's Xbox platform is implementing mandatory age verification for users in Australia to access games rated 18+ on the Xbox and Microsoft Stores. This new policy, which begins in late August 2026, requires users to verify their identity through methods like email, credit card, government ID, or facial verification to comply with Australian regulations. Games already owned by users will not be affected by this change.
Australians must now prove their age to buy R18+ games on the Xbox store
Microsoft will implement age verification for R18+ games on the Xbox and PC stores in Australia starting August 2026 to comply with new regulations. Users may need to verify their age using methods like a selfie, credit card, or government ID. This change comes as both Australia and the UK introduce stricter age verification requirements, while platforms like Steam and PlayStation have not yet implemented similar measures in Australia.
Russia’s hardware wallet demand doubles ahead of new crypto rules
Demand for hardware wallets in Russia has doubled ahead of new cryptocurrency regulations set to take effect on September 1, 2024. Retailers M.Video and Wildberries reported significant increases in unit sales, with customers opting for more affordable models. The new framework will restrict crypto transactions to regulated entities and limit retail investor purchases, driving demand for non-custodial wallets to store private keys outside these channels.
Investors hate Roblox’ new direction – but a reversal may be impossible | Opinion
Roblox's stock has significantly declined as investors question its shift away from aggressive growth strategies towards more sustainable practices, a move more suited for a mature company. This transition is partly driven by increasing global regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning child safety and online platform responsibilities, forcing Roblox to adapt despite the impact on its growth-oriented valuation. The company is likely to be valued as a games company rather than a tech firm in the future.
Bitcoin’s volatility gauge has gone quiet — and that should worry you more than it comforts you
Bitcoin's 30-day implied volatility has fallen to 36%, a level that typically precedes significant price swings rather than indicating market stability. Despite recent negative developments like a major hack and institutional outflows, traders are not actively hedging, suggesting a potential for a sharp upward or downward move. On-chain data shows strong buying interest around the $62,000-$65,000 range, which is currently absorbing selling pressure and keeping the price range-bound.
EU AI labeling law is now live — and breaking it can cost €15 million
The European Union's transparency rules for Artificial Intelligence are now in effect, requiring AI-generated content and interactions to be clearly labeled. Companies face significant fines of up to €15 million or three percent of worldwide annual revenue for non-compliance. The regulations aim to foster trust and prevent deception by ensuring users know when they are interacting with AI or exposed to AI-generated content.
AI Yi-Yi!
The European Union's AI Act, which includes rules for chatbots and content, is set to take effect this week, despite some speculation about delays. Meanwhile, China's AI models are creating a divide between Silicon Valley and the White House, impacting international AI development and policy.
EU announces new rules on AI transparency
The European Union has announced that new rules regarding AI transparency are now enforceable across the bloc. These regulations aim to provide greater clarity and oversight on artificial intelligence technologies.
EU will mandate labels on authentic-looking AI content starting August 2
The European Union will mandate labels on AI-generated content that appears authentic starting in August. This regulation aims to protect consumers and safeguard democratic processes by ensuring transparency in AI-generated media.
Roblox and ChatGPT will reportedly have to suck less thanks to the EU's Digital Services Act
Roblox and ChatGPT are reportedly set to be designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the EU's Digital Services Act. This designation will impose stricter regulations on both companies, requiring increased transparency in their terms of service, advertising, content moderation, and recommender systems. They will also need to identify and mitigate systemic risks related to illegal content, fundamental rights, and user well-being.
