Regulation
Ongoing coverage on Regulation.
Latest coverage
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.
Harm without a home: Roblox casinos, loot boxes, and responsibility avoidance
Roblox-based gambling site BloxFlip has returned, highlighting a global failure in regulating digital products targeted at young audiences. Despite evidence of illegal gambling and loot box mechanics in games like CS2 and on platforms like Steam, regulatory bodies worldwide have shown a significant lack of enforcement, leading to continued harm and responsibility avoidance by companies.
Morning Metaverse
The article mentions a government consultation on banning under-16s from social media, with "Steering" backing the ban. It also notes an update for Mozilla Firefox version 151.0.2, detailing new features, updates, and fixes.
Spain blocks Polymarket and Kalshi as it investigates prediction market platforms
Spanish authorities have blocked access to prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi as part of an ongoing investigation. This action follows similar regulatory attempts by US states, though the federal government has not taken the same stance.
I've been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I'm here to say parts of Roblox need to…
A veteran games journalist argues that Roblox Corporation employs exploitative monetization tactics and dark patterns that prey on children's developmental vulnerabilities. The article highlights how the platform's design encourages spending through complex currency systems and deceptive practices, leading to concerns about child safety and a call for government intervention.
'The company’s current business model is unsustainable': CEO of Bitcoin ATM operator blames increasing…
Bitcoin Depot, once North America's largest bitcoin ATM operator, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to an unsustainable business model and declining revenue. The company's network of over 9,000 machines is offline. This comes amidst increased regulatory scrutiny and lawsuits, such as one filed by the Iowa Attorney General, alleging failure to protect users from crypto scams and excessive fees.
X, a bastion for hate, claims it will reduce hate content in the UK
X, formerly known as Twitter, has committed to Ofcom that it will improve its review of reported posts to reduce hate content within the UK. This move comes as the platform faces scrutiny over its content moderation policies.
Applying MMO Economy Skills at the Blackjack Table
Online casinos have developed advanced payment technologies due to intense competition and customer demand for speed and convenience. They support a wide range of options including digital wallets, instant bank transfers, and familiar brands like PayPal, while also navigating complex regulatory requirements for security and compliance.
Apple backs Google after EU orders Android be opened up to AI rivals
Apple has sided with Google in a dispute with the European Union regarding the opening up of Android to AI rivals. Both companies argue that such a move would jeopardize European users' privacy and safety.
Saturday Legal Briefs
The FCC has extended the deadline for updating foreign-made routers and drones until 2029. This decision impacts the regulatory landscape for network and aerial technology.
The Rise of Licensed Gaming Platforms in Southeast Asia: How Regulation is Shaping the Future of Competitive
Southeast Asia's online gaming market is rapidly expanding, driven by mobile accessibility and a young population. The region is seeing a rise in government-licensed gaming platforms, exemplified by the Philippines' PAGCOR framework, which emphasizes player protection, fair outcomes, and platform stability. This regulatory approach is influencing other countries in the region and fostering more sustainable gaming communities.
Evening Legal Briefs
A court has struck down an anti-discrimination rule implemented by the Federal Communications Commission. The rule, which was opposed by internet providers, has been overturned.
How Online Pokies Quietly Borrowed Their Playbook From Video Games
Online pokies have increasingly adopted production values, design language, and progression mechanics from mainstream video games, a trend particularly evident in Australia due to high console ownership and gambling rates. This convergence includes cinematic intros, named characters, achievement systems, and procedural generation, blurring the lines between gambling and gaming. Regulators are examining this overlap, especially concerning mechanics like loot boxes in video games that share similarities with slot machine engagement.
Epic Games Store & Fortnite come to iPhone in Japan
Epic Games Store and Fortnite are coming to iPhone in Japan following the passage of the Mobile Software Competition Act. This new legislation, effective December 2025, mandates support for third-party app stores and payment options on mobile platforms.
AI Yi-Yi!
The Trump administration is considering mandatory pre-release vetting for artificial intelligence models. This potential policy reversal was reportedly influenced by Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, which was cited as a catalyst for the consideration.
The White House is considering tighter regulation of new AI models
The White House is reportedly considering new regulations for artificial intelligence models. A working group may be established to review new AI models before their public release, indicating a move towards tighter oversight in the AI industry.
Why Casino Gaming Payments Are So Advanced
Online casino payment systems have become highly advanced due to intense competition and the need for speed and security. Operators support a wide range of methods including digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, alongside traditional options and instant bank transfers. This innovation is driven by customer expectations for seamless transactions and strict regulatory compliance, making the sector a testing ground for future digital payment technologies.
