Online Child Safety

TikTok Bans #SkinnyTok: A PR Stunt or Real Concern?

Following pressure from French Digital Minister Clara Chappaz and the EU, TikTok removed the pro-eating disorder hashtag #SkinnyTok and replaced it with a link to mental health resources. This action, part of an ongoing review of TikTok’s safety measures, follows concerns raised by regulators regarding the platform’s algorithm and its impact on children’s mental wellbeing. The EU’s investigation into TikTok’s algorithms under the Digital Services Act continues, highlighting the growing focus on online child safety. This incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding social media’s effect on young users and the need for stricter content moderation. Prior efforts to mitigate these risks include TikTok’s 2024 suspension of its screen-time reward program.

Read More

EU Investigates Pornhub, Others Over Child Safety Concerns

The European Commission launched an investigation into Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) for insufficient age verification measures. The Commission alleges the platforms’ one-click self-declarations are ineffective in preventing minors from accessing adult content. Potential penalties include fines up to 6% of global annual turnover if the platforms fail to implement effective age verification. While Stripchat’s designation as a “very large online platform” was revoked, the investigation into its age verification practices continues. The Commission emphasized its commitment to swift action depending on the platforms’ response.

Read More

Georgia Couple Receives 100-Year Sentence for Child Sex Abuse

A Walton County couple recently received a 100-year sentence without parole for the horrific sexual abuse of the two young boys they had adopted. This devastating case underscores the profound betrayal of trust and the lasting trauma inflicted on vulnerable children. The sheer scale of the abuse, documented in over seven terabytes of electronic evidence, including surveillance footage and graphic messages, is truly shocking. This volume of evidence paints a horrifying picture of repeated and systematic abuse, leaving an indelible mark on the victims’ lives.

The sentence itself, while significant, raises complex questions. Many commenters expressed the belief that the perpetrators deserved a far harsher punishment, even suggesting cruel and unusual punishments, reflecting the visceral outrage felt by the public at the severity of their crimes.… Continue reading