social media safety
Instagram Introduces "Your Algorithm": New AI Tool Gives Users Control Over Content Recommendations
Dec 11, 2025 02:50 am CST
Instagram has launched an innovative AI-powered feature called "Your Algorithm" that provides unprecedented transparency and control over content recommendations in users' Reels feeds. This tool allows users to view their algorithmically-determined interests and actively shape their content experience, marking a significant step toward greater transparency in social media amid growing regulatory pressure and concerns about algorithmic content curation.
YouTube Warns Australia's Social Media Ban Will Make Children Less Safe Online
Dec 03, 2025 08:11 am CST
YouTube has criticized Australia's unprecedented social media ban for users under 16, claiming it will make children less safe online rather than protecting them. Starting December 10, the ban will force platforms to log out underage users, removing access to safety features while still allowing anonymous browsing. The controversial legislation has sparked debate about online safety approaches and freedom of expression.
Class 7 Student Lured Through Instagram and Gang-Raped in Lucknow Hotel: Police Investigation Underway
Nov 06, 2025 05:30 pm CST
A 7th-grade student in Lucknow became the victim of a gang rape after being lured by an Instagram contact and his accomplices. The minor was confined to a hotel room for two days where she was repeatedly assaulted. Two suspects have been arrested under POCSO Act charges, while police continue searching for the primary perpetrator who initiated contact through social media.
Human Trafficking Ring Busted: Facebook Friendship Leads to Sale of Meghalaya Woman for Rs 3 Lakh in Rajasthan
Oct 29, 2025 02:40 am CST
Police have dismantled a multi-state human trafficking network after rescuing a Meghalaya woman who was sold for Rs 3 lakh and forced into marriage in Rajasthan. Three suspects were arrested in connection with a larger operation that has trafficked at least six women from Northeast India over two years. The victim was lured through Facebook by a man who promised marriage before selling her. Authorities warn of increasing social media-based trafficking targeting vulnerable individuals from rural areas.
Meta Introduces Parental Controls to Block AI Characters from Interacting with Teens on Social Platforms
Oct 17, 2025 10:11 pm CST
Meta is implementing new safety measures allowing parents to disable private conversations between their teenagers and AI characters on platforms like Instagram. Starting in early 2025 across select countries, parents can block specific AI characters and monitor conversation topics without completely removing AI access, addressing concerns about inappropriate AI interactions with minors following increased regulatory scrutiny.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Champion Youth Mental Health and Fight Against Predatory Social Media Practices
Oct 10, 2025 04:27 pm CST
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, honored as Humanitarians of the Year by Project Healthy Minds, are calling on parents to combat exploitative social media algorithms that harm children's mental health. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their Archewell Foundation's Parents Network is partnering with ParentsTogether to build a movement for online safety, highlighting their ongoing commitment to creating safer digital spaces for young people.
Meta Rolls Out Enhanced 'Teen Accounts' Globally for Facebook and Messenger Users
Sep 26, 2025 02:11 am CST
Meta has expanded its protective 'Teen Accounts' feature worldwide for Facebook and Messenger users aged 13-17, implementing additional security settings, content restrictions, and parental controls that cannot be removed without parental consent for users under 16, addressing growing concerns about adolescent social media usage and online safety.