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Instagram pauses “Instagram Kids” in attempt to gain parent support

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The Facebook powered service is creating a kid-friendly platform for young Instagram users, but it doesn’t come without controversy.

Instagram pauses new kid-friendly platform project

Social media platform Instagram, powered by Facebook, has pushed pause on their controversial “Instagram Kids” network.

The tech giant is in the process of creating a spin-off of their iconic photo sharing app in what is planned to be a purpose-built networking tool for children.

However, those plans have drawn to a halt as Instagram works to reinforce the app’s parental supervision and safety features.

Instagram’s solution to a bigger problem

Instagram coined the idea in an attempt to address the ongoing issue of children making false claims about their age.

“We started this project to address an important problem seen across our industry,” Instagram says.

“Kids are getting phones younger and younger, misrepresenting their age, and downloading apps that are meant for those 13 or older.”

The original app’s terms and condition’s state that it is intended for users aged thirteen plus, however young users tend to overlook this and proceed to creating an account.

“Instagram Kids” thus provides children with their own platform to explore the world of social media, with Instagram assuring that it’s the parent’s decision on whether their child should have access to the app.

“We firmly believe that it’s better for parents to have the option to give their children access to a version of Instagram that is designed for them … than relying on an app’s ability to verify the age of kids who are too young to have an ID.”

It’s because of the introduction to develop such opt-in parental settings tools, that Instagram has had to press pause on the project.

The tech giant adds that the demands of parents, experts and policy makers will be considered in the app’s development.

In an address to critics

While Instagram is considering all angles of concern, critics continue to argue that the app’s development is a bad idea due to mental health and safety fears.

However, Instagram argues that it was never their intention to create their kid-friendly version the exact same as their current platform.

“The reality is that kids are already online, and we believe that developing age-appropriate experiences designed specifically for them is far better for parents than where we are today,” Instagram says.

“It will require parental permission to join, it won’t have ads, and it will have age-appropriate content and features.”

“Parents can supervise the time their children spend on the app and oversee who can message them, who can follow them and who they can follow. The list goes on.”

Written by Rebecca Borg

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Apple postpones iPhone Air sequel due to poor sales

Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model

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Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model

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In Short:
– Apple has postponed the iPhone Air’s launch due to poor sales of the current model.
– Production of the iPhone Air will stop, with Foxconn and Luxshare ceasing manufacturing by November and October respectively.
Apple has delayed the launch of its second-generation iPhone Air, which was scheduled for fall 2026, due to disappointing sales of the current model that debuted two months ago, as reported by The Information.Engineers and suppliers have been informed that the iPhone Air will be removed from the production schedule without a new release date.

The decision coincides with a significant reduction in the production of the existing model. Foxconn is expected to cease all manufacturing by the end of November, while Luxshare will stop production by the end of October.

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Sales for the iPhone Air have not met Apple’s expectations since its launch in September. Foxconn has limited its production lines for the device, and future orders are projected to decrease significantly. A survey indicated nearly no demand for the iPhone Air, with consumers instead choosing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.

Production Challenges

The underperformance of the iPhone Air continues a trend of failed attempts by Apple to add a fourth model to its lineup.

The iPhone mini was previously discontinued after poor sales, followed by the larger Plus models, which faced similar challenges.

Apple had intended to develop a lighter second-generation iPhone Air with improved specifications but may now reconsider its design approach. The company also has plans for a staggered launch of the iPhone 18 lineup set for 2026 and early 2027.


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Tech giants’ $47 billion AI infrastructure deals announced

Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges

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Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges

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In Short:
– Wall Street started November mixed as AI deals boosted tech stocks, especially Amazon’s share price after a major agreement.
– OpenAI plans $1.4 trillion investment for computing resources, with Big Tech predicting over $250 billion AI infrastructure spending this year.
Wall Street began the month with mixed performances as major artificial intelligence deals influenced tech stocks positively, while broader market indices diverged.
Amazon’s shares rose over 5% following a significant $38 billion cloud services agreement with OpenAI, contributing to gains for the Nasdaq despite a decline in the Dow.The seven-year collaboration with Amazon Web Services marks OpenAI’s first major partnership with AWS, offering access to Nvidia graphics processing units essential for its AI expansion.

Amazon commented on the soaring demand for computing power resulting from rapid AI advancements, aiming for full capacity deployment by the end of 2026.

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Microsoft also sealed a $9.7 billion agreement with IREN, highlighting the industry’s insatiable need for cloud capacity.

The collaborations depict Big Tech’s ongoing commitment to AI infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at catering to the escalating demand for computing resources.

Investment Perspective

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed intentions to invest $1.4 trillion to create 30 gigawatts of computing resources.

Major players, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, have adjusted their capital expenditure forecasts for 2025, anticipating AI infrastructure spending to surpass $250 billion this year.

Despite market caution regarding inflated valuations, analysts remain optimistic about growth in the sector. Even amidst fears of an AI bubble, industry leaders assert ongoing investments will continue to bolster market performance through 2026.


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Xi proposes global AI governance at APEC summit

Xi proposes global AI governance body at APEC, positioning China as trade alternative to US and promoting green technology circulation

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Xi proposes global AI governance body at APEC, positioning China as trade alternative to US and promoting green technology circulation

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In Short:
– Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence at the APEC leaders’ meeting.
– The proposed organisation aims to enhance AI collaboration and benefit international development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence during the APEC leaders’ meeting, aiming to establish China as an alternative to the United States in trade cooperation.This marked Xi’s first major comments on the initiative announced earlier this year. The United States has so far rejected the idea of regulating AI through international bodies.

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Xi suggested that a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could create governance rules and enhance collaboration, framing AI as a “public good for the international community.” He emphasized the importance of AI for future development, stating it should benefit people across all nations.

Chinese officials indicated that the proposed organization could be based in Shanghai, China’s commercial hub. U.S. President Donald Trump attended the summit but left after a meeting with Xi, amidst ongoing tensions regarding trade and technology controls between the two countries.

AI Governance

Analysts expected Xi to leverage the summit to promote China as a leader in multilateral trade and economic development.

California-based Nvidia plays a crucial role in the AI sector, while China-based developer DeepSeek has introduced cost-effective AI models to support Beijing’s goals for algorithmic independence.

Xi called on APEC to facilitate the free circulation of green technologies, reflecting China’s dominance in this sector. APEC members agreed on a joint declaration addressing AI and ageing populations during the summit. The 2026 summit will take place in Shenzhen, a city transformed from a fishing village into a manufacturing powerhouse since the 1980s.

APEC represents 21 nations, accounting for half of global trade.


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