Regulation
Ongoing coverage on Regulation.
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ChatGPT and Roblox will reportedly be subject to tighter rules in the EU
OpenAI's ChatGPT and Roblox Corporation are reportedly set to be classified as 'very large online platforms' by the European Union. This designation will subject both companies to stricter regulatory rules within the EU.
The US government's robot ban also includes vacuums
The US government, through the Federal Communications Commission, has implemented a ban on foreign-made robots. This ban extends beyond advanced robotics to include common household items like robot vacuums, impacting a wider range of consumer products.
Regulation Made Slot Games More Fun to Play | Invision Game Community
New regulations, particularly those banning autoplay and mandating pauses between spins, have significantly altered the design of slot games. This has forced developers to rethink pacing and build more engaging moments, leading to a higher quality player experience. While larger studios treated these rules as a design opportunity, smaller developers faced greater challenges in adapting, widening the quality gap in the market.
Console Players Already Get How Ontario Casinos Work
Console players possess skills transferable to navigating Ontario's regulated online casino market, including understanding certification, variable reward mechanics, and spending controls. The article draws parallels between game store page evaluations and vetting casino sites, highlighting how gaming literacy prepares players for regulated gambling platforms. It emphasizes using built-in spending controls and checking official iGaming Ontario registration for a safer experience.
GTA Online in-game gambling reportedly blocked in Australia, leaving folks down under locked out of Diamond Casino games
Grand Theft Auto Online players in Australia are reportedly unable to access in-game gambling features like poker, blackjack, and the Lucky Wheel. Rockstar Games appears to have implemented geo-restrictions for the country, possibly due to new Australian regulations regarding simulated gambling content in video games.
AI company employees petition US government for regulation
Over a thousand employees from AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta have signed a letter petitioning the US government for regulation of artificial intelligence. The petition calls for government intervention to ensure responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
EU says TikTok hasn't done enough to ensure minors' safety
The European Union has determined that TikTok has not adequately ensured the safety of minors on its platform. This finding could lead to a significant fine, potentially up to six percent of the company's annual revenue.
AI Yi-Yi!
Anthropic is urging states to accelerate AI regulation, while The Register reports on AI spam filters being compromised by traditional text salting techniques. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges in managing and securing AI technologies.
Morning Metaverse
YouTube and X are reportedly being used as 'gateways' to nudify applications, prompting discussions about content moderation. In the UK, there are plans to implement a social media curfew for individuals aged 16 and 17.
NY governor orders a pause on large AI data center construction, to ensure that 'when companies succeed because of…
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a year-long moratorium on the construction of new high-powered data centers, requiring at least 50 megawatts of power. This pause aims to allow state agencies to develop regulations addressing concerns about water usage, noise, power consumption, and community impact. The move comes amid growing local opposition and broader discussions about the environmental and infrastructural effects of data center development.
New York to impose moratorium on data centers
New York is implementing a one-year moratorium on the construction of new large data centers, making it the first state to do so. Governor Kathy Hochul's executive order aims to establish new regulations concerning the energy and water consumption of these facilities, addressing concerns about utility bills and resource depletion.
'Not once have we been asked to verify our age': Study suggests companies falling under Australia's under-16 social media ban are failing to verify accounts
A recent study suggests that social media companies are failing to enforce Australia's ban on users under 16, with many platforms not verifying account ages. Testers found that nine out of ten services, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, did not ask for proof of age. Only Kick reportedly implemented age verification measures.
OpenAI GPT-5.6 access will be approved on a customer by customer basis by the Trump administration
The Trump administration has requested OpenAI to stagger the release of its new GPT-5.6 model, approving access on a customer-by-customer basis during the preview period. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence security and follows the White House's release of stricter AI guidelines. OpenAI and Microsoft are also facing a lawsuit from newspaper publishers over alleged copyright infringement.
Evening Legal Briefs
The rapid expansion of data centers in the United States is approaching a critical juncture as federal security and sustainability protections are set to expire. This regulatory gap poses significant challenges for the booming industry.
UK social media crackdown presents a "threat" to gaming comms innovation, expert warns
A UK government plan to enhance online child safety, including a social media ban for under-16s and restrictions on features like livestreaming and chatting to strangers, poses a significant threat to innovation in the gaming industry. Experts warn that developers, especially smaller studios, may face costly implementation of age verification and communication controls, potentially limiting new game development and features. Concerns also exist that broader restrictions on 'addictive features' or simply time spent in-game could inappropriately impact game design elements and discourage engagement with complex or creative titles.
EU orders Meta to stop blocking rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp
The European Commission has ordered Meta to allow third-party AI chatbots to operate on its WhatsApp platform. This decision aims to prevent Meta from blocking rival AI services and promote competition within the messaging application.
Evening Legal Briefs
The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a ban on untraceable "burner phones" to combat illegal activities. This move aims to enhance public safety by making it harder for criminals to operate anonymously.
Apple begins requiring age verification for App Store use in Texas
Apple will begin requiring age verification for App Store use in Texas starting tomorrow, in compliance with a new state law governing app usage by minors. This policy change affects how users in Texas interact with and download applications.
Poland wants to ban phones and smartwatches in schools
The Polish government has approved new legislation that includes a ban on mobile phones and smartwatches in classrooms. This policy aims to reduce distractions and improve the learning environment for students.
UK social media ban could impact video game platforms
UK online safety minister Kanishka Narayan is considering extending a potential social media ban for children to video game platforms, citing concerns about online interactions between minors and adults. This discussion comes as the UK government explores policies to protect young people online, with specific worries raised about features in games like Roblox and Fortnite that allow user-to-user communication. Officials are weighing the effectiveness and potential harms of such restrictions, drawing parallels to Australia's social media ban.
