Tag: digital policy
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Malaysia to Auto-Register Major Social Platforms Under New Licensing From Jan 1
Overview: A new regulatory requirement for social platforms Starting January 1, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and other major social media and messaging services will be automatically registered under Malaysia’s licensing framework. The move, announced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), marks a significant shift in how digital platforms are governed in the country.…
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Teenagers Challenge Australia’s New Social Media Age Ban in Court
Two Teenagers Launch Court Challenge Against Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s In a bold move that pits digital rights against child protection policies, two Australian teenagers have asked the country’s judiciary to block a landmark law restricting social media access for anyone under 16. The challenge, filed just weeks before the legislation is due…
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Singapore orders TikTok, Meta to disable former ISA detainee’s accounts over posts inciting racial tensions
Singapore calls for social media takedown after posts fueling racial tensions Singapore has directed major social media platforms to disable the online accounts of a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee following a string of posts perceived to inflame tensions within the Malay/Muslim community and its relations with other ethnic groups. The move underscores the…
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Singapore Orders TikTok, Meta to Disable ISA Detainee Accounts Over Posts Stoking Racial Tensions
Singapore orders platforms to curb online incitement Singapore has directed major social media platforms to disable the accounts of a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee after repeated posts that authorities say stirred discontent within Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities against ethnic-Chinese groups. The move underscores the city-state’s ongoing effort to balance free expression with…
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Could smartwatches be next after school phone bans? ERO weighs in
New scrutiny on school device policies Education officials are examining whether the success of current mobile phone bans in schools should lead to broader restrictions on students’ digital access. The Education Review Office (ERO) recently released findings from a review focused on whether removing cell phones during school hours improves learning environments. While the ban…
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Meta to Kick Teens Off Instagram and Facebook Early as Australia Prepares a Social Media Ban
Overview: A Pioneering Move Facing a Landmark Ban Meta has begun notifying hundreds of thousands of Australian teenagers about a forthcoming transition: they must download or delete data from their Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts as a potential global privacy measure looms. The move comes as lawmakers consider a world-first ban on social media access…
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An Uncertain Future for the Global Internet: Key Findings from Freedom on the Net 2025
Overview: A Persistent Slide in Online Freedoms The latest edition of Freedom on the Net, released for 2025, paints a sobering picture of the global internet landscape. For the 15th consecutive year, overall internet freedom has weakened, with 28 out of 72 studied countries showing deteriorated conditions. In contrast, 17 countries recorded gains, underscoring a…
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New Law Could Help Tackle AI-Generated Child Abuse at Source, Says Watchdog
Overview A watchdog organization has highlighted a proposed new law that could empower groups dedicated to protecting children online to intervene at the root of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and other safety bodies say the measure would enable targeted testing and enforcement to prevent the creation and spread of…
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New Law Could Tackle AI-Generated Child Abuse at Source, Warns Watchdog
Overview: A shift in strategy to fight AI-generated abuse A proposed law could change the way authorities and technology companies handle AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by targeting the problem at its source. The initiative comes after growing concerns that synthetic content created by artificial intelligence can be easier to produce and disseminate, potentially…
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GTA 6 Delay Sparks Debate in Polish Parliament: What It Means for Gaming Policy
Introduction: When a Game Delay Becomes a Policy Topic Last week’s six‑month postponement of Grand Theft Auto 6 dominated headlines far beyond the gaming community. In Poland, a country with a growing tech and entertainment sector, the news reached the floor of parliament. A Polish member of parliament (MP) publicly linked the GTA 6 delay…