TikTok tests new desktop livestreaming app

  • TikTok is currently testing a new desktop streaming app aimed at gaming.
  • The ‘TikTok Live Studio’ app would enable users to broadcast direct from their PCs to TikTok Live.
  • The app facilitates direct streaming from desktop and features a live chat.
  • TikTok Live Studio is currently only available for a small number of users for testing purposes.
  • Full story, here.

 

Meta bans surveillance-for-hire firms for targeting users

  • Facebook’s parent company, Meta has banned seven surveillance companies for targeting users on its platforms.
  • A report states that about 50,000 users will receive warnings about the “malicious activities”.
  • Surveillance firms allegedly created fake accounts, befriended target users, and used hacking methods to harvest information.
  • The report revealed that over 1,500 pages had been suspended by Meta across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp following a months-long investigation.
  • Full story, here.

 

Age of Criminal Responsibility raised in Scotland

  • The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 raises the age a child can be charged with a crime rises 8 to 12 years today.
  • Having an age of criminal responsibility is a requirement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
  • However, the UNCRC revised their guidance around the age of criminal responsibility in 2019 and set a minimum recommended age of at least 14.
  • Clan Childlaw welcomes the new act but cautions that Scotland should be “aiming much higher”.
  • Full story, here.

Ex-teachers asked to return to schools if Omicron wave hits staff numbers

  • Education secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, is calling ex-teachers to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new variant.
  • A letter sent to the education sector, including to supply agencies, aims to boost the workforce.
  • There are mounting concerns over the high levels of absence and the decreasing availability of supply staff.
  • Full story, here.

 

US schools step up security amid shooting and bomb threats on TikTok

  • Educators in the US have announced plans to increase security in response to TikTok posts warning of shooting and bomb threats at schools.
  • The posts were vague and circulated online warning that multiple schools would receive shooting and bomb threats.
  • Internet companies such as TikTok are generally exempt from liability under US law for the material users post on their networks.
  • Administrators of several schools across the US have reported that police departments would increase their presence around schools.
  • Full story, here.