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A truck driver built a model of NYC with over 800,000 structures for fun. Now it’s a museum exhibit
NEW YORK | For more than two decades, truck driver Joe Macken spent his free time building a massive scale model of his native New York City out of balsa wood and foam board. When he finished, his daughter convinced him to show off the sprawling basement creation — encompassing over 800,000 structures — on […]
EU chief proposes bloc-wide social media ban for kids under 13
BRUSSELS | The European Union’s top official proposed on Wednesday banning children under 13 across the 27-nation bloc from using social media sites and imposing limits for older teens on accessing the platforms. The plan outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen adds to global efforts to protect young people using platforms such […]
Six teenagers face charges linked to Aurora shopping center teen takeover Aug. 30
AURORA | Aurora police said six teenage juveniles face charges linked to a teen takeover of a local shopping center late in August that drew hundreds of people, overwhelming the parking lot and some stores, vandalizing property and stealing merchandise. “This is something that we are not going to tolerate in our community,” Police Chief […]
Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
CANBERRA, Australia | Australian social media users would be given a choice to opt out of algorithms under proposed laws announced by the government Tuesday that would let users have more control over what they see on their social media feeds. “We’ll require social media platforms to provide user empowerment tools that give people over […]
‘Divorce-tok’ fills social media as creators find audiences — and support — by sharing heartbreak
On Instagram feeds that are often teeming with curated, contrived content, a recent post from Monette Wagner stood out for her disarming openness. Looking into the camera, Wagner, a 36-year-old mother of three, said in the video: “Divorce can feel like a death.” In what resembles a digital journal, Wagner has posted videos in real […]
Social media companies are trying harder to know which users are kids
Of the child safety measures agreed to in Meta’s landmark legal settlement, no category contains more detailed requirements than its commitments on age assurance — and for good reason. No matter how well the protections work, they are of little use if Meta can’t tell which users are kids. Determining which accounts belong to children […]
UK unveils plans for social media curfew for older teens – but it’s voluntary
LONDON | The British government announced plans Wednesday to introduce a six-hour social media curfew from midnight for 16- and 17-year-olds — though they will be able to override the proposed default setting. In its latest attempt to reduce the risks of online harm for children, Britain’s Labour government also said that features that can […]