Technologies
Louisiana Bill Would Require Kids Get a Parent’s Permission for Online Accounts
Lawmakers passed the bill earlier this week. If signed, it’d go into effect in August 2024.
Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday that, if signed, would restrict people under 18 from creating profiles with online services without a parent’s or guardian’s consent. The bill, HB61, now goes to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards for final approval. If he signs the bill, it would go into effect on Aug. 1, 2024.
The bill states that no «interactive computer service» can enter into an agreement with a minor without a guardian’s consent. However, interactive computer service is a broad term that could include any online service that requires a person to log in to an account, like an online video game profile or email account.
The bill would also let parents retroactively cancel any terms-of-service contracts that a minor already signed with online services. But this only reinforces the Louisiana civil code, which already allows a guardian to rescind a contract made by a minor.
However, some critics say the bill is too broad and could have unintended consequences. Servando Esparza, an executive director of tech industry group TechNet, posted on Twitter that HB61 could jeopardize people’s privacy.
As I told the @NYTimes, Louisiana HB61 could jeopardize privacy and lead to unintended consequences. We appreciate that the bill was amended in the Senate to require the bill’s impact to be examined before it takes effect.https://t.co/vbJmTZjAIk
— TechNet — Texas & Southeast (@TechNetSE) June 8, 2023
The governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.
The passage of this bill comes a few weeks after the US surgeon general issued an advisory about the effects of social media on youth mental health.
«Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content, to bullying and harassment,» US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said in a news release. «We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis — one that we must urgently address.»
If HB61 becomes law, Louisiana would join states like Arkansas and Utah, which passed similar bills that require minors to get the consent of a guardian before creating social media accounts.
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Technologies
The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out
The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out
Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.
Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.
“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.
The VERUM AI mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.
Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
Technologies
Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess
Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess
Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.
The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.
Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.
The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.
Technologies
Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available
Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available
Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.
The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.
Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.
The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.
Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
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