Tech
Instagram pauses “Instagram Kids” in attempt to gain parent support
The Facebook powered service is creating a kid-friendly platform for young Instagram users, but it doesn’t come without controversy.
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
Tech
OpenAI to launch TikTok-like AI video app Sora
OpenAI to launch Sora, an AI-driven social app with TikTok-like features amid TikTok’s regulatory uncertainties
OpenAI to launch Sora, an AI-driven social app with TikTok-like features amid TikTok’s regulatory uncertainties
– OpenAI is launching Sora 2, a social media app with AI-generated videos, competing with TikTok.
– The app features a unique identity verification system and provides short video content without uploads.
A unique identity verification system allows users to authenticate their likeness for use in AI-generated videos. Users will be notified when their likeness is used in videos, regardless of whether these are published. Video lengths are capped at 10 seconds, with no capability to upload personal content.
The app includes typical social media features like likes and comments, with a user interface that resembles TikTok’s “For You” page.
Strategic Launch
OpenAI’s timing for this launch is strategic, coinciding with uncertainties surrounding TikTok’s U.S. operations. Recent deals aim to transfer majority control of TikTok’s American business to U.S. investors while permitting ByteDance a minority stake.
OpenAI perceives the current turbulence as a unique opportunity to introduce a competitive platform for short-form videos, appealing to users seeking alternatives during this period of regulatory scrutiny.
Tech
Optus CEO under pressure after second emergency outage
Optus under mounting pressure for CEO resignation after second emergency outage affects thousands and raises safety concerns
Optus under mounting pressure for CEO resignation after second emergency outage affects thousands and raises safety concerns
– Optus faces pressure after a second emergency service outage, affecting 4,500 customers for nine hours.
– Calls for CEO Stephen Rue’s resignation intensify amid scrutiny over network investment and safety mechanisms.
Calls for CEO Stephen Rue’s resignation have intensified, with opposition spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh stating that citizens need confidence in the emergency network.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as “completely unacceptable.” The response from Optus has faced criticism, especially regarding the delay in notifying emergency services after the September 18 incident.
Efforts to address the failures are underway, with Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon scheduled to meet with Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has launched an investigation into the outages.
Governance experts caution that merely replacing leadership will not resolve underlying issues, suggesting that reduced spending on network infrastructure is a contributing factor.
Federal Investigation
New scrutiny has emerged regarding Optus’s network investment, with reports indicating a budget decrease from $850 million in 2024 to $613 million this year.
Concerns have been raised about the absence of critical safety mechanisms, including a reliable system to reroute emergency calls when failures occur.
Tech
Meta intensifies robot development amidst competitive landscape
Meta enters robotics market with strategic partnerships and significant investments amid competition from Tesla, Apple and Google
Meta enters robotics market with strategic partnerships and significant investments amid competition from Tesla, Apple and Google
– Meta is launching autonomous robots, beginning with a CA-1 AI robot in Germany for domestic tasks.
– The company plans to hire 100 engineers as part of a $60-65 billion AI investment for 2025.
Meta recently launched its first autonomous robot in Germany through a partnership with Circus SE, deploying a CA-1 AI robot at its Munich office.
The initiative is part of Meta’s objective to gather data to support its robotics focus on domestic tasks such as cleaning and laundry folding.
Strategic Investment
Industry analysts point to Meta’s software-licensing strategy as crucial in the competitive landscape, where firms often encounter challenges with hardware costs.
By positioning itself to gain from various robotics manufacturers’ successes, Meta utilises lessons from its virtual reality investments, which have seen substantial spending with limited consumer uptake.
The company is set to hire around 100 engineers for its robotics programme within a broader $60-65 billion AI infrastructure investment plan for 2025.
The indicates a strong commitment to integrating AI into physical applications.
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