分类： technology

Australia has implemented a groundbreaking legislative measure prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking the world’s first comprehensive ban of its kind. The landmark policy, which officially commences on December 10th, requires technology companies to implement stringent age verification systems or face substantial penalties reaching A$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million).

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, has proactively initiated compliance measures by systematically disabling accounts belonging to users aged 13-15. The tech giant estimates approximately 500,000 accounts across its platforms will be affected, with notifications sent to users throughout November regarding impending account deactivations starting December 4th.

The company has implemented procedures allowing affected minors to download their personal data—including posts, videos, and messages—prior to account termination. Those incorrectly identified as underage can request review through video selfie verification or submission of government-issued identification documents.

Meta has expressed reservations about the regulatory approach, advocating instead for age verification at the app store level with parental consent mechanisms. “While committed to legal compliance, we believe a more effective, standardized, and privacy-preserving approach is necessary,” a company spokesperson stated.

The ban extends beyond Meta’s ecosystem to include YouTube, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. YouTube, initially exempted before being included, criticized the legislation as “rushed” and argued that account-based parental controls provide superior protection compared to complete exclusion.

Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the policy as essential for protecting Generation Alpha from what she described as “predatory algorithms” that function as “behavioral cocaine” creating a “dopamine drip” dependency. The government cites research indicating 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% exposed to harmful content including misogynistic material, violence, and content promoting eating disorders and suicide. Additional findings reveal one in seven children experienced grooming behavior, while over half reported cyberbullying victimization.

Critics caution that the ban might isolate vulnerable groups who rely on digital communities for connection and could drive youth toward less-regulated internet spaces. The international community is closely monitoring Australia’s unprecedented digital policy experiment, which could establish precedents for global social media regulation.

In a significant technological diversification, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is now developing small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology according to Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The announcement came during a press briefing on Wednesday, revealing Turkey’s ambitious nuclear energy roadmap that aims to derive 10-15% of its electricity from nuclear sources by 2050 through twelve conventional reactors.

The government’s comprehensive plan includes achieving 5,000 megawatts of capacity from innovative SMR technology. Minister Bayraktar specified that Baykar is currently engineering a 40-megawatt unit, representing Turkey’s entry into advanced nuclear development.

Supporting this technological push, Ankara is preparing new nuclear legislation that will establish regulatory frameworks and enable private companies to develop prototypes upon meeting specific conditions. The ministry has announced substantial incentives to stimulate investment in this emerging sector.

Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman of Baykar (unrelated to the energy minister), emphasized at a September event that nuclear energy will be crucial as global energy demands escalate. He noted Turkey’s current underrepresentation in the field and stressed the need for developing indigenous nuclear capability through extensive engineering education.

Baykar, renowned for its Bayraktar TB2 combat drones that have impacted conflicts across Syria, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Libya, is now expanding into energy technology. While SMRs remain experimental and capital-intensive, Turkey is actively exploring multiple technological approaches. A recent delegation visited Copenhagen Atomics in Denmark to study autonomous thorium-powered reactors—particularly relevant given Turkey’s substantial thorium reserves that could fuel future energy independence.

In an unprecedented move to enhance cybersecurity, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented a groundbreaking regulation requiring popular messaging applications—including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and SnapChat—to maintain continuous linkage with registered SIM cards. This mandate, described as a “first in the world regulatory measure,” aims to eliminate anonymous digital scams that have plagued Indian telecommunications networks.

The new framework requires these platforms to ensure their services remain permanently tethered to the specific SIM card used during registration. Should the SIM card be removed, deactivated, or relocated internationally, the associated applications will immediately cease functioning. Additionally, web versions of these applications must automatically log users out every six hours, requiring re-authentication via QR code scanning.

According to official statements, this measure directly addresses the growing phenomenon of ‘digital arrest’ frauds and government-impersonation schemes where criminals exploit the current system’s vulnerability. Presently, messaging applications only verify SIM cards during initial installation, allowing accounts to remain active even after SIM deactivation or removal—a loophole that has enabled widespread anonymous criminal activity.

Industry stakeholders including the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have endorsed the mandate, emphasizing its potential to establish complete accountability and traceability for all digital communications. Telecom operators have committed to facilitating seamless implementation within the stipulated 90-day compliance window, with full reporting required within 120 days.

The COAI has further recommended collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India to reinforce financial transaction security, advocating that SMS OTP verification remain the primary authentication method due to its operator-verified security and guaranteed traceability features.

The Indian government has signaled willingness to amend its controversial directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-developed cybersecurity application on all devices. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced Wednesday that authorities are “ready to make changes to the order based on the feedback we receive,” marking a significant shift in position following widespread criticism.

The original mandate, issued confidentially to major technology companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, required pre-loading of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ (Communication Partner) application on all new devices within 90 days. While government officials maintain the app serves exclusively to track and block stolen phones, privacy advocates and opposition leaders have raised substantial concerns about potential surveillance capabilities and data privacy implications.

Opposition Congress party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala formally challenged the directive in parliament, questioning the legal authority for “mandating a non-removable app” and warning that such compulsory installation could create “a backdoor, thereby absolutely compromising the data and privacy of the user.” The notice demanded transparency regarding independent cybersecurity audits and safeguards against misuse.

Technology companies have expressed reservations about the requirement, with Apple reportedly planning to convey its concerns to Indian authorities. Industry sources indicate the company does not comply with similar mandates globally due to privacy and security implications for its iOS ecosystem.

The controversy has dominated Indian media coverage, with major newspapers including The Indian Express and Times of India publishing critical editorials. The Times of India editorial specifically called for withdrawal of the order, stating that “phones are our private space and one mandatory intrusion by government raises fears of more in the future.”

This represents the second significant privacy-related challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, following similar concerns about a COVID-19 contact tracing app in 2020 that was ultimately made voluntary after public opposition. Despite the controversy, downloads of the Sanchar Saathi app have increased recently, with market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reporting a 13% daily increase to approximately 78,000 downloads on Monday.

The situation bears resemblance to Russia’s approach, where authorities mandated pre-installation of state-backed applications on mobile devices. As the debate continues, all parties await the government’s proposed modifications to address the mounting privacy and implementation concerns.

In a striking confrontation with Australian regulators, YouTube has launched a vehement critique against the nation’s pioneering social media prohibition for users under 16, branding the legislation as hastily conceived and ultimately detrimental to youth protection online. The video streaming behemoth contends that rather than enhancing security, the ban will compromise the digital safety of Australian minors.

The controversial law, scheduled for implementation on December 10, 2025, will automatically deactivate accounts for users under 16 across major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, utilizing age data linked to Google accounts. This sweeping measure represents the world’s first comprehensive restriction of its kind, compelling social media corporations to undertake substantial compliance measures or face severe financial penalties exceeding AU$49.5 million (approximately US$32 million) for non-compliance.

Rachel Lord, YouTube’s Public Policy Manager, articulated the platform’s position in an official statement, emphasizing that the regulation fundamentally misinterprets both their service and how young Australians engage with digital content. “This legislation will not fulfill its promise to make children safer online,” Lord asserted. “We’ve received concerning feedback from parents and educators who share these apprehensions regarding the ban’s practical implications.”

Originally, YouTube had been exempt from preliminary proposals due to its educational content, but the Australian government expanded the ban in July 2025 citing concerns about “predatory algorithms” that could exploit young users. Under the new framework, underage users attempting to access YouTube without accounts will lose critical protective features including wellbeing settings and safety filters specifically designed to shield them from inappropriate content.

YouTube has announced it will preserve deactivated accounts in archived form, allowing users to reactivate their profiles and access all existing content and data upon turning 16. This approach aims to balance regulatory compliance with user experience preservation.

The company’s stance has drawn sharp rebuke from Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells, who characterized YouTube’s response as “outright weird.” Wells countered that if YouTube acknowledges safety issues on its platform, that represents a problem the company should address directly rather than criticizing protective legislation.

Globally, regulators are closely monitoring Australia’s unprecedented approach to social media age restrictions as they grapple with similar concerns worldwide. The Australian government acknowledges that initial implementation will be imperfect, with some underage users likely circumventing the restrictions during the rollout phase.

Adding legal complexity to the situation, the Digital Freedom Project advocacy group has mounted a High Court challenge against the ban, arguing it constitutes an unfair infringement on freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Meta has already begun preemptively deactivating accounts based on registration age data, signaling platforms’ rapid adaptation to the new regulatory landscape.

The Indian government has abruptly withdrawn a controversial mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the state-developed Sanchar Saathi application on all new devices. The directive, initially issued last week but publicly disclosed on Monday, had triggered significant privacy concerns and industry resistance.

The now-revoked order stipulated that companies like Apple and Samsung would have 90 days to embed the cyber safety application into new handsets in a manner that prevented users from disabling or restricting its functionality. While authorities defended the measure as essential for verifying handset authenticity and combating fraud, digital rights advocates and cybersecurity experts condemned it as a potential surveillance tool that violated privacy norms.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia attempted to allay surveillance fears, asserting that “snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app.” The government cited the app’s “increasing acceptance” as justification for the reversal, noting substantial organic adoption with 14 million downloads to date and 600,000 new registrations recorded on Tuesday alone.

The Internet Freedom Foundation, while welcoming the withdrawal, cautioned that “this should be treated as cautious optimism, not closure” until formal legal documentation is published and independently verified. Industry sources revealed that major smartphone manufacturers had resisted the directive due to concerns about its implementation without prior consultation and potential infringement on user privacy standards.

SHANGHAI — A revolutionary display technology developed by Chinese researchers is poised to transform how we experience three-dimensional content without specialized eyewear. The breakthrough system, dubbed EyeReal, leverages artificial intelligence to generate immersive 3D visuals on desktop-sized screens, addressing a long-standing challenge in consumer electronics.

Published recently in the prestigious journal Nature, the research demonstrates a glasses-free 3D display capable of an unprecedented 100-degree field of view while maintaining full HD resolution. This technological advancement allows viewers to move naturally around their workspace while enjoying consistent, high-quality 3D effects that previous technologies could only achieve on smaller displays or with severely restricted viewing angles.

The interdisciplinary team from Shanghai AI Laboratory and Fudan University has implemented an innovative AI-driven methodology that continuously tracks eye movement and dynamically optimizes imagery using a streamlined arrangement of three standard LCD panels. This sophisticated yet potentially scalable approach positions the technology for future consumer applications.

The display system delivers exceptional technical performance, achieving a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels with refresh rates exceeding 50 frames per second—ensuring smooth, natural visuals that minimize eye strain and maintain image stability during movement.

Researchers indicate the technology could revolutionize multiple sectors, including educational tools, three-dimensional design platforms, and virtual reality applications. By eliminating the need for specialized glasses or headsets, the technology promises more accessible and comfortable 3D experiences for everyday computing and entertainment purposes.

This development represents a significant milestone in display technology, potentially paving the way for mainstream adoption of glasses-free 3D visualization in professional and consumer markets alike.