Scammers could target gamers in the rapidly expanding metaverse

  • Research from TalkTalk shows that 71% of gamers have been targeted or know someone who has been targeted by cyber-criminals when gaming online.
  • 29% of gamers have accessed the Metaverse and a further 37% plan to, which raises questions for online safety.
  • TalkTalk warns that the lack of identification checks on the Metaverse makes using fake identities or avatars and impersonating others to gain personal information easier.
  • You can read the full story through TalkTalk.

Tinder’s new Blind Date feature

  • Tinder is adding a ‘blind date’ feature in which users chat before seeing each other’s picture, ditching the app’s usual swiping feature.
  • With this feature, users will be paired based on what they have in common, answer comments and play games.
  • If both users decide to ‘match’ based on these, they can access each other’s pictures.
  • You can read the full story through The Verge.

Charity Commission publishes Kids Company report

  • The Charity Commission has published a report into Kids Company declaring that the charity operated a ‘high risk business model’.
  • The charity had a heavy dependence on grants and donations, reliance on one individual for funding, low reserves, and a demand-led service.
  • The publication follows the conclusion of High Court proceedings in 2021.
  • You can read the full story through the uk website.

‘Red flag’ survey prompts call for support to children’s services

  • Urgent calls are being made to bolster current policy to protect children and young people’s organisations.
  • A survey completed by groups helping children, young people and families in Scotland found that 90% were facing barriers to providing services.
  • Almost three quarters report that they are dealing with limited staff numbers, primary due to an increase in demand.
  • You can read the full story through STV News.

Children in East Sussex needing mental health treatment left waiting

  • Almost 80% of East Sussex children needing help with their mental health were still waiting for treatment at the end of the year.
  • Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza reported that the challenge is greater due to the pandemic which seen a sharp increase in the number of children experiencing mental health problems.
  • While more children are thought to need help, less referrals were made in 2020/21.
  • You can read the full story through the Sussex Express.