Tech & IT

Meta Shifts Age Verification Duty to Google and Apple App Stores

In a recent statement, Meta proposed that Google and Apple’s App Stores should take on the responsibility of online age verification for their apps. This move comes amidst increasing pressure for Meta to implement stringent age controls and parental consent mechanisms to safeguard younger users. The company’s head of global safety argued that the varied verification methods across U.S. states make it impractical for social media apps to manage this process uniformly.

Highlights:

Meta rejects app age verification role.
Suggests App Stores handle age checks.
Focus on parental consent, safety.
U.S. state laws vary in verification.

Meta, a leading technology company, recently emphasized its stance on not participating in online age verification for its applications. Instead, it suggested that this responsibility should be managed by the App Stores of Google and Apple. This position was clarified in a post by the company’s head of global safety and security.

This suggestion arises amidst growing discussions about implementing effective age controls and requiring parental consent for young users on Meta platforms. The company’s safety head stated that Meta is not willing to take on this responsibility, citing the inconsistency of verification methods across different U.S. states. Such disparities make it challenging for social media applications to uniformly implement age verification.

Consequently, Meta proposes that parents should be the ones giving permission for their children to use apps through Google Play and the Apple App Store. In this system, when a teenager attempts to install an app, a notification would be sent to their parents for approval. This approach is similar to how parents are alerted about in-app purchases. If a parent approves, the child can install and use the app; otherwise, the installation is blocked.

Furthermore, Meta suggests that age verification could be conducted during the initial setup of a child’s device, allowing parents to set age restrictions once, rather than repeatedly responding to alerts or approval requests.

Meta strongly supports legislation that mandates parental approval for users under 16. The company commits to developing features and settings to facilitate parental assistance in app usage by children.

Currently, there are no widespread regulations specifically mandating online age verification in app stores. However, some states, such as Louisiana, are enacting their own laws. These laws require users to verify their age through government-issued IDs to access certain websites. Utah, for instance, recently passed legislation requiring parental approval for children signing up on various online platforms, including Facebook.

As more states introduce age verification laws, discussions about extending these methods to other online applications are intensifying. Lawmakers are exploring new legislation aimed at expanding internet access regulation and enhancing safety measures for broader audiences, especially younger users.

Tech & IT

“Bombs and Porn” Debate Highlights Growing AI Concerns

AI data center projects across the United States are facing delays, cancellations, and growing public opposition as concerns rise over energy use, pollution, taxes, and the overall impact of artificial intelligence.

Nearly half of the data center capacity planned for 2026 has reportedly already been delayed or canceled. Local communities and lawmakers are increasingly pushing back against large AI infrastructure projects, with some states introducing restrictions on new developments.

Critics continue to question whether AI is truly improving daily life. Instead, AI tools are frequently associated with fake content, misinformation, cheating in schools, and harmful online material. Concerns also grew after reports connected a suspect in the 2025 shooting at Florida State University to extensive conversations with an AI chatbot before the attack.

The debate also includes concerns about AI being used in military and surveillance operations. AI-powered systems are increasingly being adopted by defense and government agencies, raising ethical and privacy concerns.

Environmental impact remains another major issue. Massive AI data center projects are expected to increase electricity demand significantly, with some companies planning new gas-powered infrastructure to support future expansion. Critics warn this could lead to higher emissions and additional pressure on energy grids.

Public skepticism toward AI also remains high. Recent polls show that many Americans believe AI could negatively affect jobs, education, and everyday life, while large numbers oppose building AI data centers near their communities.

Critics argue that instead of focusing on futuristic promises about “superintelligence,” tech companies and politicians should better explain the practical benefits AI is currently providing to ordinary people.

Tech & IT

Apple rolls out UK age verification with iOS 26.4 after Meta and Google child safety fines

Apple has introduced age verification for iPhone and iPad users in the UK with iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, adding a new layer of checks for accounts that require confirmation that the user is 18 or older.

According to the report, UK users may now be asked to verify their age by adding a credit card or scanning an ID, unless Apple has already confirmed that information. Apple says the process is required by law in some countries and regions for actions tied to an Apple Account, including downloading apps, changing certain settings, or accessing specific features. When verification is needed, a prompt appears in the Settings menu.

The rollout comes at a time when child safety rules are tightening across the UK. While current UK law does not specifically require device-level age verification, adult websites, including pornography platforms, are already expected to carry out age checks. That has led to wider discussion about whether verification should also happen at the device level, rather than only on individual sites.

The timing is especially notable because it follows a major child safety case involving Meta and Google. The companies were reportedly ordered to pay $6 million after a lawsuit in Los Angeles claimed that platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube had a serious impact on a young woman’s mental health.

Apple’s move may also reflect broader regulatory pressure. The UK government is reportedly considering stronger restrictions for under-16s on social media, similar to measures seen in Australia. Reports also indicate Apple has been working with Ofcom as these safety tools develop.

For users who cannot verify an adult identity, Apple suggests that some features may be limited or that the account may need to be placed under Family Sharing with a parent or guardian. The exact restrictions could vary depending on the situation.

Tech & IT

Australia Age Checks Now Required for Porn Access

Australia has begun enforcing stricter age-verification rules for online adult content, requiring platforms to take meaningful steps to stop under-18s from accessing pornography and other age-restricted material. The Age-Restricted Material Codes for services including social media, relevant electronic services, equipment providers, and designated internet services came into effect on March 9, 2026.

Under the new framework, some services may now require proof of age before allowing access to legal adult content. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner says the accepted methods can vary by platform, but any age-assurance process must be accurate, reliable, and compliant with Australian privacy law. eSafety has said the changes are intended to reduce children’s exposure to pornography, high-impact violence, and other harmful age-inappropriate material online.

The rollout has already affected access to some major adult platforms in Australia, while debate continues over privacy risks and how effective the rules will be in practice. Recent reporting has also linked the changes to rising interest in VPN services as some users look for ways around the restrictions.