How can we properly tackle child online safety?
No. 77: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
Children are more online than ever - iPads, wearables, and smartphones are ubiquitous across the younger generation, growing their digital footprints astronomically. This calls for a sharp focus on the privacy and data rights of children. This task remains increasingly complex, especially when weighed up against competing rights such as freedom of expression.
The EU has opened an investigation into TikTok for potential violations of the EU Digital Services Act. This follows allegations that TikTok might have inadequately protected children's data, potentially exposing them to online risks.
Meanwhile, a recent ruling in Ohio found the state's law restricted teens' access to social media platforms and was unconstitutional and clashed with the First Amendment.
There are clearly challenges with digital governance and to creating safe online environments for children. How can we bridge the tricky balance between protecting children from digital harm and respecting their rights to free expression and access to information?
Ultimately, it requires nuanced solutions. On one hand, the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into every aspect of daily life requires robust mechanisms to shield young users from potential harm, ranging from privacy breaches to exposure to inappropriate content. On the other, these protective measures must not infringe upon the fundamental rights of minors to access information, express themselves, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.
Balancing these considerations requires a collaborative effort among policymakers, technology companies, parents, and educators to develop and enforce policies that are both effective and respectful of children's rights. Ultimately, the goal is to create a digital ecosystem where children can safely explore, learn, and grow, without diminishing their rights. This process is not just about preventing harm, but about envisioning a digital future that empowers and respects the youngest among us.
As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.
Seena, Editor
News
EU investigates TikTok for potential Digital Services Act violations
The European Union has initiated an investigation into TikTok to determine whether the platform has violated the Digital Services Act. This inquiry will explore TikTok's content design, algorithmic systems which potentially foster addictive behaviours, and its measures for safeguarding minors' privacy and security.
Reuters: EU opens formal investigation into TikTok over possible online content breaches
Investigations find "spy" cameras used to exploit minors
Recent federal investigations and legal actions have found that household cameras and items doubling as cameras sold on Amazon, eBay and Walmart have been used for child exploitation. The alleged misuse of these devices has raised questions about the responsibility of online retailers and the potential for these products to be deemed categorically illegal.
Forbes: Spy Cameras For Sale On Amazon And eBay Are Being Used For Child Exploitation
ICO orders Serco stop facial recognition use amid privacy concerns
The Information Commissioner's Office has mandated Serco to cease facial recognition use for staff monitoring at its leisure facilities, citing a violation of privacy rights by prioritising business interests over employee privacy. This decision comes after the ICO found Serco Leisure, alongside community leisure trusts, unlawfully processed the biometric data of over 2,000 employees without considering less intrusive alternatives or offering a clear opt-out.
BBC: Leisure firm told scanning staff faces is illegal
Sky News: Serco ordered to stop using facial recognition technology to monitor staff
US states make moves to regulate brain-scanning technology
Colorado and Minnesota have taken initial steps to regulate the collection and use of data from electrical neural signals by consumer neurotechnologies. This movement addresses the rapid development of neurotechnologies, ranging from wearable devices to brain-computer interfaces, and aims to fill the regulatory void in non-medical contexts.
Bloomberg: Brain-Scanning Technology Spurs State Moves on Neural Privacy
IAPP: US states look toward privacy safeguards for brain-scanning tech
South African province to be granted access to over 6,000 cameras in bid to tackle crime
The video surveillance service, Vumacam, has teamed up with the Gauteng Provincial Government to grant access to its expansive surveillance network as part of a strategy to bolster crime-fighting initiatives across the province. This collaboration aims to extend coverage into underprivileged areas and is backed by significant investments.
IT Web: SA's economic hub gets access to 6000+ CCTV camera network
Engineering News: Vumacam partners with Gauteng government to provide surveillance access
AI Snippet of the Week
Google's AI chatbot's image generation faces criticisms over historical inaccuracies
Google has announced a temporary halt to the image generation capabilities of its Gemini artificial intelligence chatbot, specifically concerning the creation of human images. This decision follows criticism over the chatbot's generation of historically inaccurate depictions.
The Guardian: Google pauses AI-generated images of people after ethnicity criticism
AP News: Google suspends Gemini AI chatbot’s ability to generate pictures of people
Policy Updates
Federal judge blocks Ohio's social media law citing First Amendment violations
A federal judge in Ohio has ruled that the state's new law infringes on the First Amendment rights of both minors and tech companies. The judge found the law overly restricts minors' access to online content and interactions.
Reuters: US judge blocks Ohio law restricting children's use of social media
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