This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.
Instagram Tests AI to Verify Teen Users’ Ages
Meta Platforms has announced that Instagram is beginning to use artificial intelligence to proactively detect when users are lying about their age. If a user is found to be underage, the platform will convert the account into a restricted teen profile. Teen accounts on Instagram are private by default and include content limitations, time-use alerts, and a “sleep mode” that reduces activity from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The move comes amid increasing public and legal scrutiny over social media’s impact on youth mental health and safety. Meta says the AI uses behavioral cues and account data to assess user age and plans to notify parents about the importance of truthful age representation. Read More (AP News Rating)
DOJ Pushes for Chrome Divestiture in Google Antitrust Trial
In a landmark antitrust remedy trial, the U.S. Department of Justice is calling for Google to divest from its Chrome browser, arguing it would curb the tech giant’s monopoly over online search. This follows a previous court ruling that Google’s exclusive search agreements violated antitrust laws. DOJ lawyers argue the divestiture and additional restrictions are essential to foster competition. Google counters that the proposals are excessive and harmful to innovation. This case is part of a broader antitrust push involving major tech platforms, including a recent loss for Google in an ad tech monopoly case and an ongoing FTC trial against Meta. Read More (The Hill Rating)
Appeals Court Lifts Block on Mississippi Social Media Age Law
A federal appellate court has allowed a controversial Mississippi law requiring digital platforms to verify users’ ages to move forward. The law, which bans minors from creating social media accounts without parental permission, was initially blocked by a lower court over constitutional concerns. However, the 5th Circuit Court said more fact-finding is needed to determine which companies the law applies to, sending the case back to the lower court. Critics, including tech group NetChoice, argue the law violates free speech rights and is overly vague, while supporters see it as a necessary step to protect children from harmful online content. Read More (MediaPost Rating)
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