Regulation
Ongoing coverage on Regulation.
Latest coverage
Sony Demands Your Face to Play: PlayStation Age Verification Begins
Sony is implementing mandatory age verification for certain PlayStation features, requiring users to submit facial scans or upload government IDs via the Yoti service. This move is in response to global regulatory pressure for age verification laws aimed at protecting younger users. The policy shift raises significant privacy concerns among advocates and marks an end to digital anonymity on the platform.
The European Commission wants to push Google off its web search throne with a data sharing proposal
The European Commission is proposing that Google share its search data, including ranking, query, and click data, with third-party search engines. This initiative aims to foster competition and comply with the Digital Markets Act. Google has previously resisted similar data-sharing proposals, citing privacy and innovation concerns.
'AI experts' disagree with the public about whether it's a good thing
A report from Stanford University's Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence group indicates a significant gap in optimism between AI experts and the general public regarding AI's impact on jobs. While 73% of experts believe AI will be beneficial, only 23% of US adults agree. Public trust in AI regulation and companies is low in the US, with higher optimism observed in Southeast Asia. The article also touches on AI disclosure policies and investment trends.
Majority of Australian kids are still on banned social media platforms, study finds
A study by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of Australian children aged 12-15 continue to use social media platforms banned for their age group, questioning the effectiveness of the country's new regulations. Many children reported easily bypassing the ban, and the Australian government is investigating platforms like TikTok and Meta for non-compliance, with potential penalties up to A$49.5 million.
AI Yi-Yi!
OpenAI has reportedly paused a significant investment deal in the UK due to concerns over energy costs and regulatory hurdles. The decision highlights challenges faced by AI companies in scaling operations and navigating governmental oversight.
Greece will ban all kids under 15 from using social media
Greece will ban children under 15 from using social media starting next year, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis citing concerns about anxiety and addictive design. Social media companies will be legally required to verify user ages, facing fines under the EU’s Digital Services Act if they fail to comply. This initiative aims to push the European Union towards similar regulations.
Evening Legal Briefs
The CFTC has filed lawsuits against three states, alleging they are attempting to improperly regulate prediction markets. This action highlights ongoing legal battles over the oversight of such financial instruments.
CFTC sues three states for trying to regulate prediction markets
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is suing Illinois, Arizona, and Connecticut for attempting to regulate prediction markets, asserting its exclusive jurisdiction. The CFTC views these markets as trading in futures contracts, distinct from illegal gambling, while the states argue they are overstepping their authority. The lawsuit highlights ongoing disputes over the classification and oversight of prediction markets, with potential implications for market participants and regulatory frameworks.
As a court rules that social media platforms are harmful and addictive, new bans are considered, and VPN use is sure to rise
A court has ruled that Meta and YouTube knowingly created addictive products that harmed users, leading to considerations of new bans on social media platforms. This ruling, coupled with potential new regulations in the UK, is expected to increase the appeal and use of VPNs.
Brazil Now Requires Age Verification for League of Legends and All Riot Games
Riot Games has implemented mandatory age verification for all its titles, including League of Legends, VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift, in Brazil starting March 17. This new policy requires players to prove their age before accessing games, raising concerns about accessibility for younger players while aligning with global trends in digital safety for minors. The move could influence other countries and game companies to adopt similar age verification systems.
White House releases stricter AI guidelines attempting to preempt state regulation
The White House has released new guidelines for Artificial Intelligence, aiming to preempt state-level regulation. The administration intends to discourage and potentially penalize states that enact their own AI legislation.
The White House proposes new AI policy framework that supersedes state laws
The White House has proposed a new AI policy framework that advocates for federal regulation to supersede state laws, aiming to create a uniform approach to AI development and deployment across the United States. The framework addresses areas such as child privacy and AI's role in the workforce, while allowing states to enforce existing laws protecting children, even when AI is involved in generating harmful content.
Generative AI in game development: Navigating IP, regulation, and reputation
The use of generative AI in game development presents significant legal and reputational challenges concerning intellectual property, regulation, and public perception. While AI tools offer potential benefits like faster iteration and cost savings, studios must proactively manage risks related to copyright infringement, likeness rights, and potential monetization exploitation. Careful governance and awareness of evolving platform policies and legal developments are crucial for studios integrating AI.
The Different Types of Online Games - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This article discusses the diverse landscape of online casino gaming, categorizing experiences into slot games, table games like blackjack and roulette, poker variants, live casino formats, and specialty games. It highlights how technology has adapted traditional formats for digital access, emphasizing the role of online platforms and regulatory frameworks in providing structured and transparent entertainment options.
Op Ed
This opinion piece argues that PEGI's changes to loot box regulations are a positive step but should be applied retrospectively. The author believes that applying these new rules to existing games is crucial for fairness and consumer protection.
This VPN ban is edging ever closer, and here's what it means for your privacy
A new consultation in the UK, concluding in May 2026, will decide whether to implement a ban on Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage for individuals under 18. This potential ban raises concerns about user privacy and the future of online access for young people.
From next week, Australians will need to verify their age to play GTA Online and other R18+ online games
Starting next week, Australians will be required to verify their age to access online games classified as R18+, including Grand Theft Auto Online. Publishers face significant fines if they fail to implement robust age assurance methods, a measure aimed at protecting minors from adult content online.
