Australia expects platforms to "stop under-16s from using VPNs" to evade social media ban

Concerns are escalating regarding the safety of sensitive internal and user data in the AI era, with questions about unauthorized access becoming increasingly prominent. The ongoing discourse highlights the need for transparency and reliability in AI systems as they become integral to various sectors.

Passwordless authentication is often misunderstood, with myths surrounding its implementation hindering its adoption. The technology promises to enhance security by eliminating traditional passwords, which are frequently compromised. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for organizations looking to modernize their security protocols.

Over two-thirds of retailers have begun to partially implement AI agents to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in customer service. This trend indicates a growing reliance on artificial intelligence to streamline processes and improve customer interactions.

OpenAI has initiated testing of app suggestions within ChatGPT conversations, affecting even Pro subscribers who pay $200 monthly. This move has sparked significant user backlash, as many feel that the introduction of ads detracts from the user experience they expect from a premium service.

An AI evaluation has been conducted on ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, focusing on their multimodal capabilities. This assessment highlights the competitive landscape of AI technologies, particularly as Google’s Gemini 3 has rapidly gained popularity, amassing 200 million users within three months of its launch. The test aims to provide insights into how these models perform in understanding and responding to user requests.

Microsoft has encountered a significant issue with the dark mode feature in File Explorer for Windows 11, where users are experiencing unexpected white flashes when opening folders. This bug emerged following a recent preview update intended to enhance the dark mode functionality.

Australia is set to enforce a social media age limit of 16 starting next week, requiring platforms to provide monthly reports on the closure of children's accounts or face fines. This initiative aims to enhance online safety for minors, reflecting growing concerns about their exposure to potential risks on social media.

YouTube has announced its compliance with Australia's upcoming ban on social media access for individuals under 16, which is set to take effect on November 10, 2025. This decision follows a warning from Google's parent company that the laws may not effectively enhance online safety for teenagers. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the platform's responsibility to ensure user safety.