TikTok’s Legal Troubles, Facebook’s Revamp, and Is Roblox Lying About Their Finances?

If this week’s roundup teaches us anything, it’s that Big Tech is in it for the money. Shocking, we know.

Catch up on this week’s headlines.

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Roblox’s False Narrative

In a scathing exposé, Hindenburg Research accuses Roblox of inflating key financial metrics to lure investors while allowing disturbing content to flourish on its platform. 

The report questions the company’s true growth potential and criticizes Roblox for fostering an unsafe environment with lax moderation, resulting in harmful content for young users.

Roblox: Inflated Key Metrics For Wall Street And A Pedophile Hellscape For Kids | Hindenburg Research

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Tech Titans Battle Child Safety Legislation By Claiming Free Speech Rights

As Congress considers the Kids Online Safety Act, NetChoice — tech lobby who represents Google and Meta — is warning lawmakers of potential legal issues. 

NetChoice argues that state laws limiting harmful content online, such as cyberbullying and self-harm, infringe on free speech. 

NetChoice has successfully halted several child safety initiatives, raising concerns over the future of online regulation.

The Tech Lobbying Group Helping to Broaden the First Amendment’s Reach | The New York Times

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13 States Suing TikTok Over Youth Addiction

Thirteen U.S. states and D.C. have filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the platform of harming young users through addictive practices and ineffective content moderation. 

These states claim TikTok exploits children’s vulnerabilities for profit, likening its features to an unregulated “virtual strip club.” TikTok disputes these allegations.

TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users | Reuters

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Facebook Revamp Aimed at Gen Z

To attract younger users, Facebook (Meta) is redesigning its platform, emphasizing local community content, videos, and Groups. 

New features include a “Local” tab for regional updates, an “Explore” tab for personalized interests, and enhanced video options. 

These updates target Gen Z amidst declining teen engagement.

Facebook launches a Gen Z-focused redesign | Tech Crunch

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Google’s New Blue Checkmarks

Google is experimenting with blue verified checkmarks in search results to help users identify authentic businesses. 

The feature uses website verification, Merchant Center data, and manual reviews to decide which websites deserve the checkmark. 

Google has not officially announced the search checkmarks or provided a timeline for when more users will have access to this feature.

Google is testing verified check marks in search | The Verge

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Snapchat Introduces Ads in Chat Tab

​​Snapchat is adding ads to its Chat tab, featuring “Sponsored Snaps” from brands like Disney. 

Users won’t be notified about these ads but can identify them separately. 

Additionally, “Promoted Places” will showcase national brands on Snap Map, responding to the platform’s advertising struggles amid slower growth.

Snapchat is bringing ads to the Chat tab | Tech Crunch

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Other Headlines

• One change I made to my social media use made a big difference on my mood | CNN

• Meta Unveils Instant A.I. Video Generator That Adds Sounds | The New York Times

• The disturbing new after-school special that parents of teenagers need to see | Los Angeles Times

• Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids | The Atlantic

• AI can generate recipes that can be deadly. Food bloggers are not happy | NPR

• This little robot is helping sick children attend school | CNN

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Did we miss anything?

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