Latest News

Meta’s Legal Battle Over Youth Privacy Rages On

The ongoing legal skirmish between Meta Platforms Inc. and a coalition of more than 30 state attorneys general has reignited concerns over the protection of minors online. The lawsuit alleges that Meta deliberately enticed children to use Instagram and Facebook, leveraging addictive features and thereby harming their mental well-being. Moreover, Meta is accused of breaching federal children’s privacy laws by not obtaining parental consent for users under 13.

Meta, the case argues, ineffectively used age-gating methods to deter underage users, while evidence suggests many under-13 users were still accessing the platforms. The prosecutors propose that Meta could have implemented alternative age-verification methods, like requiring student IDs during sign-up, to prevent this issue.
Amid growing pressures for platforms to safeguard young users from damaging content, the debate over the effectiveness and privacy implications of age-verification technologies, including biometric methods, has intensified. Tech and civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the invasive nature of these technologies and potential breaches of First Amendment rights, leading to a series of legal challenges across the United States.
While the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) does not mandate platforms to verify users’ ages, it does require parental consent for data collection from users under 13 if the platforms have actual knowledge of their presence. The attorneys general contend that Meta, while publicly claiming to disallow users under 13, in practice, often failed to enforce this policy, thus ignoring its responsibility to secure parental consent.

The recent actions against Meta sidestep legislative processes and place the onus on federal courts to address this modern dilemma. Critics worry about the privacy risks associated with gathering more intrusive forms of identification, such as student IDs, and the storage and usage of biometric data.
As the Federal Trade Commission mulls over allowing age-estimation tools under COPPA, the outcome of Meta’s lawsuit could set a precedent, forcing the hand of social media giants to enhance their age-gating measures or to adopt verifiable parental consent mechanisms. This shift has already begun to take shape, with Instagram piloting new age-verification methods.

This pivotal case, though centered on Meta, signals a warning to all digital platforms: the landscape of online child protection is evolving, and any service catering to potentially underage users must rigorously evaluate its age-verification procedures to stay ahead of the curve and legal scrutiny.

Latest News

Supreme Court to Review Texas Porn Law

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging Texas Bill 1181, a law requiring age verification and health warnings for pornography websites. Enacted in September 2023, the law mandates age verification for sites with sexually explicit content comprising at least one-third of their material. Acceptable methods include state IDs or commercial age verification systems.

Intended to prevent minors’ access to pornography, the law defines harmful material as sexually explicit content lacking serious value for minors. Non-compliant websites face penalties of up to $10,000 per day and $250,000 if a minor accesses pornography.

The Fifth Circuit upheld the age verification requirement but blocked the health warnings. Free Speech Coalition’s executive director, Alison Boden, stated, “We look forward to defending the rights of all Americans to access the internet privately and free from surveillance.”

Source: jurist.org

Latest News

Le Shaw and SWOP Behind Bars announces a new alliance for human rights and advocacy

Le Shaw, the International Sexual Health and Wellness Research Institute, proudly announces its partnership with SWOP Behind Bars, a national social justice network dedicated to advocating for the fundamental human rights of sex workers, victims of trafficking, and their communities, with a particular focus on those currently incarcerated.

SWOP Behind Bars works tirelessly to support incarcerated sex workers, providing resources and advocacy to help them navigate the criminal justice system and reintegrate into society. Le Shaw will enhance SWOP Behind Bars’ efforts to promote human rights and reduce stigma by contributing with its research expertise and industry knowledge.

When asked about the partnership, Bobbi Bidochka, Director of le Shaw, expressed her enthusiasm: “SWOP Behind Bars’ activities are crucial in supporting some of the most marginalized members of the sex work community. By joining forces, we can amplify our impact and promote justice and well-being for incarcerated sex workers to advocate for systemic change.”

For more information about le Shaw and its partnership with SWOP Behind Bars, please contact bobbi.bidochka@byborgenterprises.com.

Finance & Business

BCAMS Magazine, the 22th issue!

The independent livecam industry resource for news and tips & tricks for cam models and camsites.

Welcome to June issue, where we explore the transformative impact of technology and cultural shifts across various industries. This edition features four captivating chapters that highlight significant developments in Tech & IT, Self-Care & Sexual Wellness, Finance & Business, and Beauty & Lifestyle.

In the Tech & IT section, we delve into the innovative ways Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping industries. Cryos International is pioneering the use of VR in sperm donation to enhance donor experiences and improve sample quality. Meanwhile, a study using AI reveals key factors in problematic pornography use, providing valuable insights for prevention and treatment. These technological advancements underscore the profound impact of VR and AI in addressing complex issues and improving user experiences.

Our Self-Care & Sexual Wellness chapter pays tribute to historical and contemporary figures fighting for equality and protection of marginalized communities. We revisit Josephine Butler’s courageous campaign against invasive laws targeting women in the 19th century, highlighting her lasting impact on gender equality. Simultaneously, we spotlight the rising threats faced by LGBTQ+ librarians amid escalating book bans and physical attacks, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for safe and inclusive spaces.

In the Finance & Business section, we explore the burgeoning adult gaming industry and the launch of Go.Cam, an open-source age verification system. The adult games market, featuring insights from experts at Nutaku, Erolabs, Anduo Games, and Texic, is ripe with potential and creativity despite challenges like high production costs and demand. Go.Cam addresses concerns over minors’ exposure to sexual content by offering a secure, privacy-respecting age verification solution, setting a new standard in online safety.

Our Beauty & Lifestyle chapter examines the vibrant resurgence of Y2K fashion and delves into the often misunderstood world of foot fetishes. Y2K fashion is making a comeback, now with a focus on body inclusivity, challenging outdated beauty standards. Additionally, we explore the allure of foot fetishes, emphasizing the importance of consent and mutual enjoyment in sexual desires, helping to demystify this common preference.

Through these articles, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technology and cultural shifts are redefining various sectors. We hope these insights inspire a deeper appreciation for innovation, inclusivity, and the ever-evolving landscape of human expression.

Read the full magazine here