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Guarding Children in the Digital World: Act Today for Their Safety
EU Ministers Sound the Alarm on Digital Wellness

When 21 ministers from 13 different EU countries got together it was less about party politics and more about the future of our online lives. They’re demanding that the digital world becomes a place where kids grow up healthy, learners thrive, and friendships actually matter.

Here’s what the coalition is shouting from the rooftops:
- Instant Action needed: “If we’re serious about making sure the internet nurtures people, we’ve got to act—and fast.”
- Health First: Focus on tools that keep us physically and mentally fit.
- Learning Without Borders: Digital spaces should be as enriching as a good classroom.
- Real Connections Over Likes: Let’s create platforms that foster genuine relationships, not just followers.
Think of it like a digital diet plan—excluding junk content, training raw skills, and ensuring everyone gets a balanced share of online goodness.

What This Means for Us

If we all get on board, the net could become a safer, smarter playground. It’s the kind of change that turns scrolling from a pastime into a productive, life‑shaping habit.

A Call to Action

So, next time you tap open an app or scroll through a feed, remember: behind the pixels, a group of leaders wants the web to be the best version of itself. Are you in?

Digital Kids: Surfing Too Far, What’s the Deal?

Why the School of Hardship is Now Online

Kids today grow up with social media in the same tight spot as homework and family meals. It’s a tech boost for learning, creativity, and staying in touch, but the oops‑moment is it’s also a rainmaker of real‑world risk.

Numbers that Make Your Head Spin
- The European Commission’s 2023 report tells us a solid 1 in 3 youngsters are glued to their screens for more than three hours a day.
- A 2024 WHO study found “problematic” social media use jumped from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022 – that’s hardly a tiny shift.
What’s Happening Inside?

All those glowing posts and filtered smiles aren’t just harmless scrolling. The creepy part is that these platforms are crafted to keep you hooked — think ever‑scrolling feeds, endless like‑buttons, and steaming notifications.

Feeling Small in a Big‑Picture World

When every snapshot looks like a life chosen by a camera, it can wind up comparing yourself to unrealistic standards. That’s why many feel inadequate and dissatisfied – like they’re in a bad reality‑TV episode where everyone else is winning.

Beyond the Numbers: The Kids Behind the Stats

Those overhead graphs aren’t just data points; they’re real, emotional stories of a generation that’s navigating swipes, likes, and shares without a healthy compass. They’re struggling with anxiety, depression, and even low self‑esteem – all under the watchful eyes of algorithms that love a good eyeball.

So, next time you see a teen chasing a perfect “like” count, remember: behind that screen lives a human with emotions, fears, and hopes. Let’s help them find balance, not just endless scroll.

What is it that we are asking for?

Securing the Digital Playground: Europe’s Call to Action for Kids Online

Europe has recently given us some bright ideas—think the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) push and the Digital Services Act (DSA)—but the reality on the ground is still a bit rough around the edges. Protecting our little tech‑savvy dreamers needs to rise from a policy slogan to a full‑blown societal crusade, backed by solid, enforceable moves.

First Things First: Lock‑Down Default Privacy

Picture a new kid on the block, trying to text strangers or get lost in endless “friend” requests. We can’t let that happen. The plan calls for:
- Default privacy settings for kids’ accounts—no random pings from unknown users.
- Recommender systems tuned to yours, not the algorithm’s drama. Kids choose the topics that interest them, cutting the chances of them sliding into a content rabbit hole.
- Even a simple “mute / block” button so they can silence unwelcome voices.
Say No to Unwanted Group Chats

Everyone loves a good chat, but nobody wants embarrassing messages unless they ask for it. Kids should be able to:
- Read “you’re invited” only after they give a thumbs-up.
- Be shielded from cyberbullying that can sneak in via group invitations.
The Big Gear: Age Verification for All

Think of age verification as a digital guard dog. The EU’s latest draft guidelines for minors under the DSA turn it from a nice idea into a must‑have feature for every social platform. What does that do?
- Blocks toddlers from hacking past age gates.
- Reduces children’s exposure to harmful content.
- Lets platform owners enforce their own terms of service more effectively.
- Ensures EU laws on age restrictions stay firm.
Why the Delay is Dangerous

If we’re serious about giving kids a healthy digital playground—where learning, growth, and genuine connection bloom instead of anxiety, addiction, or danger—then we need to act now. Waiting only means letting the problem grow.

Who’s Rallying Behind This?

Below are the European luminaries who signed the opinion piece championing these ideas:
- Alexander Pröll – State Secretary for Digitalisation, Austria
- Prof Radovan Fuchs – Minister of Science, Education & Youth, Croatia
- Damir Habijan – Minister of Justice & Digital Transformation, Croatia
- Dr Nicodemos Damianou – Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, Cyprus
- Caroline Stage Olsen – Minister for Digital Affairs, Denmark
- Clara Chappaz – Minister of AI & Digital Affairs, France
- Elisabeth Borne – Minister of National Education & Higher Education, France
- Catherine Vautrin – Minister of Labour, Health & Families, France
- Karin Prien – Federal Minister of Education, Family Affairs, Women & Youth, Germany
- Dimitrios Papastergiou – Minister of Digital Governance, Greece
- Sofia Zacharaki – Minister of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports, Greece
- Patrick O’Donovan – Minister for Culture & Communications, Ireland
- Prof Giuseppe Valditar – Minister for Education & Merit, Italy
- Alessio Butti – Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of Ministers, Italy
- Elisabeth Margue – Minister of Justice & Media Connectivity, Luxembourg
- Claude Meisch – Minister for Children & Youth, Luxembourg
- Tomáš Drucker – Minister of Education, Research & Youth, Slovakia
- Ksenija Klampfer – Minister of Digital Transformation, Slovenia
- Vinko Logaj – Minister of Education & Care, Slovenia
- Mattias Tesfaye – Minister for Children & Education, Denmark
- Oscar López Águeda – Minister for Digital Transformation, Spain
- María del Pilar Alegría Continente – Minister for Education & Vocational Training, Spain
With this collective support, Europe is ready to shift from promise to practice—building a safer, kinder digital world for its youngest citizens.
2025-09-20
DHS Secretary Says Southern Border Wall Will Be Painted Black To Deter Illegal Crossings

Authored by Aldgra Fredly via The Epoch Times,

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Aug. 19 that President Donald Trump has requested that the entire wall along the U.S.-Mexico border be painted black in order to deter illegal crossings.

Speaking to reporters in New Mexico, Noem said the border wall is being built tall and extended deep underground to prevent any breaches, and the metal would be painted black to make it even more difficult to climb.

“That is specifically at the request of the president, who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer, and it will make it even harder for people to climb,” she said.

“So we are going to be painting the entire southern border wall black to make sure that we encourage individuals to not come into our country illegally, to not break our federal laws.”

Noem noted that cameras and sensors would be installed in the future to enhance security at the border, adding that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also plans to build “water-borne infrastructure.”

“Construction right now is at the pace of a little bit less than a half a mile a day, and the border wall will look very different based on the topography and the geography of where it is built,” she added.

Noem did not provide details on the wall’s construction cost. The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law by Trump last month, allocated about $46.5 billion for the construction of a wall along the border with Mexico.

Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border after taking office for a second term on Jan. 20, directing the deployment of armed forces to assist with border security efforts.

Under the declaration, Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were ordered to take “all appropriate action” to construct more physical barriers along the border. Following that order, Noem issued a waiver in April that enabled the immediate construction of 2.5 miles of border in California.

Trump has signed several executive actions aimed at deterring illegal immigration, including a memo authorizing the military to take control of land along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) last month shows that illegal border crossings fell to their lowest level in June, with no parole releases of illegal immigrants.

There were 25,228 total encounters nationwide in June, down from 29,478 the previous month, marking the lowest monthly total ever recorded by CBP, the agency stated.

Border Patrol apprehensions nationwide also dropped to a historic low, with 8,024 apprehensions recorded, compared with 10,357 in May, according to the agency.

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2025-08-23
Google unveils its $1,799 Pixel 10 Pro Fold

At its Made by Google 2025 event, the company unveiled its next foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, alongside the rest of the new Pixel 10 line. The foldable comes with a new gearless hinge, camera improvements, and a Tensor G5 chip to deliver higher-quality AI experiences.

The device starts at $1,799 and is available in Moonstone and Jade. It features 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

The phone’s new gearless hinge allows for a larger outer display with smaller bezels, and the hinge is 2x more durable than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s hinge, Google says. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is capable of 10+ years of folding.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has the largest inner display on a foldable at 8 inches, plus a bigger 6.4-inch outer display thanks to smaller bezels. The 8-inch Super Actual Flex display inside has been re-engineered with resilient ultra-thin glass and dual layers of anti-impact films for added protection against drops.Image Credits:Google

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has IP68 water and dust resistance for the first time, and its battery can last for up to 30 hours. Additionally, it reaches 50% in 30 minutes. Google also touts that both the inner and outer displays get 11% brighter than its predecessor, with a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits.

Plus, the phone is the first foldable with Qi2 charging built in, the company says. With Google’s new Pixelsnap magnetic technology that’s built right into the phone, users can pop the “Pixelsnap Charger with Stand” onto their phone even when it’s unfolded, or prop the phone up with the “Pixelsnap Ring Stand” for hands-free streaming.Image Credits:GoogleImage Credits:GoogleImage Credits:GoogleImage Credits:GoogleImage Credits:Google

With Split Screen, users now have the option to resize their apps beyond the screen boundaries and adjust which app has more space on the screen with a tap. Google says this feature can be used to do things like drag a photo from Google Photos or a link from Chrome directly into Messages. Or, you could plan a trip with friends by comparing flight details in one app and checking hotel availability in another.

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Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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In addition, there’s a new game controller functionality on the outer display that lets users enjoy more immersive gaming in titles like “Asphalt Legends” and “Disney Speedstorm.” Google has also optimized streaming on Netflix and Disney+ for immersive streaming on the go.Image Credits:Google

As for the camera, a new Instant View feature lets you review your photos side by side on the unfolded inner screen right as you capture them. Plus, Dual Screen Preview lets everyone see themselves while posing, making it easier to capture the best photo, portrait, or video.

The phone features a 48 MP wide camera, a 5x telephoto lens with Super Res Zoom up to 20x, and an ultrawide lens with Macro Focus. The company says this trio of cameras ensures users are always ready to get the perfect shot, whether it’s using the rear camera for selfies, getting up close and personal, or zooming way in.

Google says The Tensor G5 marks the most significant upgrade to its chip since its debut five years ago, as it’s built for the latest advancements in machine learning and AI. It delivers double-digit performance increases, including a TPU that’s up to 60% more powerful and a CPU that’s 34% faster on average to make web browsing or launching apps more smooth.

Tensor G5 is also the first chip to run Google’s newest Gemini Nano model, unlocking over 20 generative AI experiences at launch, including Gemini Live, Magic Cue, and Daily Hub, plus powerful photography features, including Add Me, Best Take, and Camera Coach.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is available for preorder starting today and hits shelves on October 9.

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2024-10-22
Skylight's TikTok alternative adds community curators to the mix

A startup called Skylight is taking a different approach to short-form video. Instead of restricting users to an algorithmic main feed, as is common on social apps, Skylight is building a community around human curators who post and repost videos to build out their own custom feeds others can subscribe to.

The option, which launched on Monday in the version 2.0 release of the app, could appeal to users who feel a growing sense of unease about traditional social media platforms and their algorithmic manipulations, as well as those annoyed by the increase of low-quality AI-generated content that’s now filling those feeds.

Built on Bluesky’s social network and its underlying AT Protocol, Skylight first launched in April to offer an open alternative to video apps like TikTok. Since then, the app has seen roughly 240,000 downloads and 100,000 videos uploaded to its platform. Skylight also received early funding from Mark Cuban and others.

Like others in this space, Skylight’s ability to authenticate users with their Bluesky credentials gives it a head start on building its own user base. Today, Bluesky is used by over 38.4 million users, who can install, run, and log into an ecosystem of open social apps like Skylight and others built for videos, photos, blogs, wikis, and more.Image Credits:Skylight

With Skylight’s 2.0 launch, the company is focusing on improved curation. Users can now create their own “curator” feed by posting and reposting videos or by using third-party tools to build their own custom feed.

Soon, the company will integrate technology from the custom feed-building platform Graze to allow Skylight users to create those custom feeds inside its own app, as well.

To access the curated feeds, you simply swipe left from the main page to browse through the other selections. If you find a curator you want to follow, you tap the plus (+) button to add them to your set of feeds. Those curators you already follow will be included in this experience.Image Credits:Skylight

The update includes other integrations with services built for the open social web, as well. Skylight is partnering with the livestreaming platform Streamplace, another service built on the same AT Protocol that Bluesky and Skylight uses. By leveraging Streamplace’s technology, Skylight was able to add a livestreaming feature to its app without having to build out the functionality itself.

Plus, Skylight’s app now offers a redesigned player with a full-screen mode and allows users to watch videos in a split-screen window while continuing to browse profiles or search for other content.Image Credits:Skylight

Built by a team of two, co-founders Tori White (CEO) and Reed Harmeyer (CTO), Skylight generates much of its buzz via TikTok, where White’s account, where she shares updates on the app’s progress, now has over 63,000 followers.

Those videos can help spike app installs, at times. Over the past week alone, White tells TechCrunch that Skylight pulled in another 20,000 downloads, for instance, even before the new version arrived. In part, she believes this is due to consumer interest in leaving established social platforms to join open source social communities.

Skylight is a free download on iOS and Android and has a roadmap that includes support for other features like music, bookmarks, an account switcher, and more.

2024-02-13