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May 30, 2023

Twitter withdraws from EU Disinformation Code

  • Twitter are setting a course for a future clash with EU regulators after withdrawing from the EU’s voluntary Code of Practice on online disinformation.
  • The code forms part of the Digital Services Act (DSA).
  • The Code aims to implement clearer reporting and enforcement obligations for big online platforms to prevent spammers, scammers, and the spread of misinformation.
  • In a preliminary report in February, EU regulators noted that Twitter failed to meet many of its reporting obligations.
  • Musk’s arguments around what constitutes misinformation may be a point of contention, alongside its staff cuts which have impacted its moderation teams.
  • For more, please visit the Social Media Today’s website.

10% increase in counselling sessions about exam stress since the pandemic

  • As formal exams returned last year, Childline delivered almost 2,000 counselling sessions about exam stress last year.
  • 44% of these counselling sessions took place in April, May and June.
  • Some students worried that the disruptions to their learning occurring during the pandemic has affected how they perform and their ability to cope with pressure.
  • Many children are struggling with their mental health, family expectations and a lack of motivation.
  • For more, please visit the NSPCC’s website.

Yoti and SuperAwesome announce partnership

  • Digital identity company Yoti has partnered with an Epic Games company SuperAwesome that provides tools for safer, responsible digital engagement for younger audiences.
  • Yoti’s facial age estimation offers people a secure way of proving they are over a certain age without sharing their name, ID or card information.
  • Both companies are merging Yoti’s facial age estimation into SuperAwesome’s Kids Web Services (KWS) parent verification tool in certain countries.
  • KWS enables developers to verify the identity of parents or guardians when granting permission for their child to use features that collect personal information.
  • Director of Regulatory and Policy at Yoti Julie Dawson has said “We are proud to work with SuperAwesome to improve online safety for children and give parents a private way to prove their age”.
  • For more please visit Yoti’s website.

The following story may be regionalised.

 

Government to crack down on promotions ‘targeted at children’

  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he is “deeply concerned” about the increase in children vaping as ministers pledge to close a loophole that allows shops to give free samples of vapes to children in England.
  • The Government have said there will be a review into banning retailers selling “nicotine-free” vapes to under-18s, as well as a review of the rules on issuing fines to shops who illegally sell to children.
  • Such reviews are said to make it easier for local trading standards officials to issue on the spot fines and fixed penalty notices.
  • The crackdown on vaping will also see dedicated police school liaison officers working to keep illegal vapes out of schools.
  • For more, please visit the Sky News website.