Roblox, one of the world’s most popular gaming platforms, is rolling out mandatory age verification for users accessing its chat features as part of a significant expansion of its safety measures. Starting in December, accounts in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands will undergo age checks, with global implementation set for January. This move comes amid growing criticism and legal challenges in the U.S., where Roblox faces lawsuits in Texas, Kentucky, and Louisiana over child safety concerns. The platform, which averaged over 80 million daily players in 2024—40% of whom are under 13—has been accused of exposing young users to inappropriate content and interactions with adults. The new system uses facial estimation technology to estimate a user’s age through their device’s camera. Images are processed by an external provider and deleted immediately after verification. Users will be categorized into age groups, and chat access will be restricted to peers within similar age ranges, except for trusted connections. Under-13s will still require parental permission for private messages. Roblox’s Chief Safety Officer, Matt Kaufman, claims the technology is highly accurate, estimating ages within a one-to-two-year margin for users aged 5 to 25. The platform’s efforts have been welcomed by child safety advocates, though groups like ParentsTogether Action and UltraViolet are staging a virtual protest within Roblox, demanding stronger measures to protect children from online predators. The changes align with global regulatory trends, including the UK’s Online Safety Act, which mandates tech firms to prioritize child safety. Roblox’s initiative marks a significant step toward creating a safer digital environment for young users, with the company urging other platforms to adopt similar measures.
分类： technology
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Abu Dhabi launches AI-powered autonomous e-commerce delivery vehicles
Abu Dhabi has taken a significant leap in smart mobility with the launch of a pilot project for AI-powered autonomous e-commerce delivery vehicles. Developed in collaboration with Noon and AutoGo, a subsidiary of K2, these vehicles are equipped with advanced smart sensors and artificial intelligence, enabling them to navigate city streets safely and efficiently without human intervention. The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to develop a smarter, more sustainable mobility system, aiming to have 25% of all trips in the emirate conducted through smart transport by 2040. The project integrates AutoGo’s self-driving delivery vehicles into Noon’s logistics network, enhancing the efficiency of mini-fulfilment centers across the city. Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), emphasized that this initiative underscores the role of innovative technologies in advancing sustainability and improving community quality of life. Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon, highlighted that the partnership aims to redefine the future of e-commerce by improving logistics efficiency and sustainability. Following the initial launch, AutoGo plans to expand the pilot to more neighborhoods and include a wider range of products, with full commercial operations expected soon. This project not only positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in smart transport and digital transformation but also sets a new benchmark for innovation in the e-commerce sector.
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Judge rules Meta doesn’t have monopoly after Instagram, WhatsApp acquisitions
A US district judge in Washington has ruled that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, did not violate antitrust laws through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp over a decade ago. The decision, delivered by Judge James Boasberg, marks a significant setback for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had accused Meta of monopolizing the social media market by purchasing its competitors. The FTC filed the lawsuit in 2020, alleging that Meta’s acquisitions stifled competition. However, Judge Boasberg concluded that the FTC failed to prove Meta holds a monopoly in the relevant market, stating, “Meta faces fierce competition.” The court also noted that the FTC had previously approved Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. The FTC argued that Meta overpaid for these platforms, but the judge emphasized the dynamic nature of the social media landscape, where apps constantly evolve and compete. Meta celebrated the ruling, asserting that its products drive innovation and economic growth. The FTC expressed disappointment but has not yet decided whether to appeal. The case highlights the challenges of antitrust enforcement in the rapidly changing tech industry. Meanwhile, Meta continues to face legal scrutiny, including an upcoming trial addressing the impact of social media on young people, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are set to testify.
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Google boss warns no company immune if AI bubble bursts
In a recent interview with the BBC, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet, issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble burst. Pichai emphasized that no company, including Google, would be immune to the fallout. He acknowledged the ‘irrationality’ driving the current AI investment boom, which has fueled a tech rally but also raised concerns about sustainability. Recent fears of an AI bubble have triggered a selloff, causing global stock markets to tumble in recent months. Pichai highlighted the ‘immense’ energy demands of AI, which accounted for 1.5% of global electricity consumption last year, according to the International Energy Agency. By 2030, AI’s global computing footprint could reach 200 gigawatts—equivalent to Brazil’s annual electricity consumption—with half of that demand concentrated in the United States. The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, driven by geopolitical tensions, has led to the construction of massive data centers housing tens of thousands of power-hungry chips. Pichai stressed the urgent need for new energy sources and infrastructure development to meet these demands. He also admitted that Alphabet’s AI operations would delay the company’s climate goals but reaffirmed its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Pichai further discussed AI’s societal impact, predicting ‘disruptions’ across industries, including potential changes in leadership roles. He urged individuals to adapt to AI tools, stating that those who embrace the technology will thrive in their professions. Despite the challenges, Alphabet reported a record $100 billion in quarterly revenue in October, attributing the success to its ability to capitalize on the AI boom. The company has significantly increased spending to meet AI infrastructure demands and has rolled out AI features globally, including in Google Search and its Gemini AI models.
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Logitech Spot named a TIME Best Invention of 2025
Logitech has achieved a significant milestone with its innovative workplace sensor, Logitech Spot, being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. This radar-based device, recognized in the productivity category, is revolutionizing how companies optimize office spaces, enhance employee comfort, and reduce energy costs. Designed to address unseen barriers to productivity and workspace health, Logitech Spot is a compact, wireless sensor that measures room occupancy, air quality, and environmental factors impacting energy consumption. Its peel-and-stick design makes it easy to install on any wall without the need for wiring. Logitech Spot was developed to help businesses uncover hidden inefficiencies, such as underutilized spaces and poor air quality, which can drain resources and hinder employee performance. By providing real-time data on occupancy, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter, the sensor empowers companies to make informed decisions about their workspaces. Henry Levak, VP of Product at Logitech for Business, emphasized that many office challenges stem from a lack of data. Logitech Spot transforms these unknowns into actionable insights, enabling businesses to rightsize their office footprint and improve employee well-being. The device also integrates with the Logitech Sync management portal, allowing IT and Facilities teams to monitor Health and Energy Scores across all workspaces. This marks Logitech’s first foray into environmental sensing, expanding its portfolio of space management solutions, which includes automated room booking, desk booking technology, and digital wayfinding. Logitech Spot is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its mission to enhance workplace efficiency and sustainability.
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SelfDrive Mobility launches the region’s first conversational AI car rental reservation system
SelfDrive Mobility, a leading UAE-based smart mobility innovator, has unveiled the SelfDrive Intelligence Assistant (SIA), the region’s first commercially launched conversational AI system for car rentals. This groundbreaking technology, accessible via the SelfDrive website and mobile app, supports over 40 languages and offers an intuitive, human-like booking experience. SIA transforms the traditionally complex car rental process into a seamless, conversational interaction, allowing users to search, compare, and book vehicles effortlessly in their preferred language. The system’s advanced capabilities include contextual understanding, adaptive recommendations, and real-time personalization, ensuring a faster, smarter, and more personalized experience for users. Soham Shah, founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility, emphasized that SIA bridges the gap between AI efficiency and human-centric service, automating routine tasks while enabling customer agents to focus on higher-value interactions. The launch aligns with the UAE’s national AI vision, positioning the country as a global leader in intelligent technology adoption. Since its soft launch, SelfDrive has seen a 25% increase in AI-driven bookings, reflecting strong consumer trust and enthusiasm. To celebrate the official launch, SelfDrive is offering exclusive discounts, including Dh100 off monthly rentals and Dh50 off daily or weekly bookings. SIA is now live and ready to revolutionize the car rental experience at www.selfdrive.ae.
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Artificial intelligence sparks debate at COP30 climate talks in Brazil
At the U.N. climate talks in Belem, Brazil, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword in the fight against global warming. Known as COP30, the conference has become a battleground for debates on AI’s potential to both combat and exacerbate climate change. Tech companies and several nations are championing AI as a transformative tool, capable of enhancing electrical grid efficiency, aiding farmers in weather prediction, tracking marine species, and designing resilient infrastructure. However, climate activists are raising alarms over AI’s environmental toll, particularly its escalating demand for electricity and water to power data centers and search operations. They argue that unchecked AI growth could derail global efforts to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement targets. Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity, labeled AI as ‘a completely unregulated beast,’ while Adam Elman, Google’s sustainability director, hailed it as ‘a real enabler.’ The conference featured at least 24 AI-related sessions, including discussions on AI-driven energy sharing between cities, forest crime prediction, and an award for an AI project addressing water scarcity in Laos. Despite its promise, AI’s environmental impact remains a pressing concern. Data centers, essential for AI operations, consume vast amounts of electricity and water, contributing significantly to emissions. The International Energy Agency reported that data centers accounted for 1.5% of global electricity consumption in 2024, with their energy use growing at 12% annually since 2017. Environmental groups at COP30 are advocating for stricter regulations, such as mandatory renewable energy use in data centers and public interest assessments for new facilities. As AI continues to evolve, its role in climate change remains a contentious issue, balancing immense potential with significant risks.
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How AI turns horror scenes into viral ‘nightmare fragrance’
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now making waves in the fragrance industry, transforming the way scents are created and experienced. From crafting spine-chilling ‘nightmare fragrances’ inspired by horror scenes to enabling consumers to design personalized perfumes, AI is redefining the boundaries of olfactory innovation. This groundbreaking shift is particularly significant in Dubai, a global hub for fragrances, where the next iconic Arabian oud might be co-created by AI. Alex Wiltschko, Founder and CEO of Osmo, recently highlighted these advancements at the Dubai Business Forum – USA Edition in New York City. Osmo’s Olfactory Intelligence (OI) platform, which originated from Google Brain, allows brands and consumers to design fragrances digitally. Wiltschko explained how AI can interpret sensory inputs, such as movie scripts, to create unique scents. For instance, Osmo developed a viral ‘nightmare fragrance’ for a horror film, combining notes of mildew, metallic edges, and blood. Wiltschko’s journey into the world of scent began in his Texas childhood, where he became fascinated by the transformative power of fragrances. His dual passions for coding and neuroscience eventually led him to pioneer AI-driven scent technology. Today, AI-designed fragrances are already available in stores, including a vibrant electric-guitar-inspired scent created for Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture. Wiltschko’s vision is to democratize perfume design, empowering individuals and brands to craft bespoke scents. This innovation marks a new era in the fragrance industry, blending art, science, and technology.
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EU to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft cloud businesses need extra scrutiny
European Union regulators are intensifying their examination of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, contemplating whether these cloud computing giants should be classified as ‘gatekeepers’ under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA, a comprehensive regulatory framework, aims to curb the market dominance of major tech companies by imposing strict operational guidelines and penalties for non-compliance. Gatekeepers are subject to additional obligations, and the EU has already designated other segments of Amazon and Microsoft, such as Amazon Marketplace and LinkedIn, under this classification. However, applying the gatekeeper label to cloud services presents unique challenges, as it is partly based on user numbers, which are less straightforward to measure in the cloud computing sector. The European Commission is investigating whether AWS and Azure serve as critical intermediaries between businesses and consumers, despite not meeting the traditional thresholds. Market research indicates that these providers hold significant market power, influencing both business and consumer landscapes. The recent AWS outage, which disrupted internet services for hours, underscored the critical reliance of digital services, including artificial intelligence, on cloud computing platforms. AWS has expressed confidence that the European Commission will recognize the dynamic and competitive nature of the cloud sector, emphasizing the risks of stifling innovation and increasing costs for European companies. Microsoft has also highlighted the innovative and competitive environment of Europe’s cloud industry, pledging to cooperate with the Commission’s inquiry.
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AI should be used to inject more vitality into city culture, experts say
At the 2025 World Conference on City Culture held in Shanghai’s Hongkou district from November 14 to 16, experts emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping urban cultural landscapes. Against the backdrop of AI’s rapid proliferation, they called for innovative approaches to infuse city culture with renewed vitality. The conference highlighted how AI technologies are fostering new cultural ecosystems by integrating sectors such as tourism, business, and sports, thereby creating robust consumption engines. AI is also revolutionizing the production and delivery of culture, enabling creative expressions that transcend traditional time and space constraints. Emerging models like digitalized tourism and smart technology-based industries are providing deeper, more detailed insights into city culture. Hongkou district, a focal point of these advancements, has seen significant economic growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), with its GDP surpassing 150 billion yuan ($21 billion) by the end of 2024. The value of technology service providers in the district has surged ninefold since 2020, underscoring AI’s pivotal role in driving development.