Indonesia to Ban YouTube, TikTok, Other Social Media Apps for Children Under 16
Indonesia mandates ban on social media apps like YouTube, TikTok, and others for users under 16, citing profound risks to youth mental health and safety. The policy aligns with global trends restricting algorithmic feeds blamed for addiction and harm. Implementation details pending, enforcement likely via age verification.
CNET • Mar 7
REGULATION SOCIAL DIGITALDIVIDE
Iranians in L.A. turn to WhatsApp, Fox News, for updates on loved ones
Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles aggregates news via WhatsApp groups, social media, and cable outlets to monitor relatives amid Iran crisis. Official channels disrupted, forcing reliance on fragmented private networks. Reveals fault lines in global info flows during geopolitical strife.
Los Angeles Times • Mar 7
SOCIAL DIGITALDIVIDE CENSORSHIP
Waiting for the check marks: The reality of connecting with family in Iran
Iran's internet shutdowns and pervasive surveillance disrupt diaspora communications with family, leaving messages undelivered during crises and protests. Families endure emotional strain from unreliable check marks and throttled access. Regime controls amplify isolation for those abroad.
Rest of World • Mar 6
SURVEILLANCE PRIVACY CENSORSHIP
India's tech state Karnataka bans social media for children under 16
Karnataka's government announced a proposed ban on social media access for children under 16 in its 2026-27 budget presentation. The measure follows Australia's blocking of platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for teens. India has 750 million smartphones and one billion internet users.
Channel News Asia • Mar 6
SOCIAL DIGITALDIVIDE CENSORSHIP
Indonesia is set to ban social media for children under 16, communication minister says
Indonesia's Communication and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced a ban on social media access for children under 16, with deactivations starting March 28 on high-risk platforms. The policy addresses online pornography, cyberbullying, fraud, and addiction. It follows Australia's model of blocking platforms for minors.
Associated Press • Mar 6
REGULATION SOCIAL CENSORSHIP
Florida Legislators Advance a Bill Authorizing Government Surveillance Based on 'Views' or 'Opinions'
Florida House and Senate committees advance a bill establishing a Statewide Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism Unit authorized to surveil individuals based on their 'views' or 'opinions.' The proposal faces criticism for First Amendment violations but proceeds unimpeded. It represents a push to ideologically monitor citizens under security pretexts.
Reason • Mar 6
SURVEILLANCE PRIVACY REGULATION
Congress Is Considering Abolishing Your Right to Be Anonymous Online
Bipartisan legislation including KOSA mandates age verification on online platforms, stripping users of anonymity and enabling pervasive identity tracking. Critics warn it paves the way for mass surveillance and content censorship under the guise of child protection. The bill advances despite First Amendment challenges, threatening core digital privacy norms.
The Intercept • Mar 6
SURVEILLANCE PRIVACY REGULATION
Meta's Oversight Board races to govern the AI surge
Meta's Oversight Board confronts breaking point from generative AI content flooding social platforms, its human-led review model unable to scale against automated misinformation. The board urges platform policy shifts amid surging AI-generated posts evading moderation. Internal debates highlight tensions between speed, accuracy, and global enforcement.
Rest of World • Mar 5
SOCIAL MEMETIC AI
Indonesia gives Meta 'stern warning' over disinformation
Indonesia's communications ministry issued a stern warning to Meta Platforms for inadequate handling of disinformation on Facebook and Instagram. The rebuke comes amid rising concerns over false information threatening social stability and elections. Meta must enhance content moderation or face regulatory penalties.
Channel News Asia • Mar 5
REGULATION SOCIAL MEMETIC
Seoul shares award-winning AI sex crime detection tool for free across South Korea
Seoul Metropolitan Government open-sources its patented AI system for real-time detection and removal of sexually exploitative images and videos on illicit websites and social media to all South Korean institutions. Deployed since 2023, the tool auto-identifies content, requests takedowns, and blocks re-uploads 24/7. Initiative scales automated moderation nationally amid rising online exploitation.
South China Morning Post • Mar 5
SOCIAL AI CENSORSHIP
Men on trial accused of 'shadow policing' for China on British soil
Two men are standing trial in London accused of surveilling Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in the UK at the direction of Hong Kong police. The case reveals covert operations extending authoritarian control beyond borders via informal agent networks.
BBC News • Mar 4
SURVEILLANCE CENSORSHIP
Turkey's ruling party submits bill to ban social media for under-15s
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party submitted a bill to parliament banning social media use for children under 15 and imposing parental consent requirements for 15-17 year olds. The legislation aims to curb addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content amid parental outcry. Platforms face fines for non-compliance with age verification mandates.
Channel News Asia • Mar 4
REGULATION SOCIAL DIGITALDIVIDE
Meta takes down social media handles of prominent Jammu and Kashmir news outlets
Meta disables verified Facebook and Instagram pages of key Jammu and Kashmir news outlets without notice, sparking backlash over suppression of regional journalism. Politicians including Mehbooba Mufti condemn it as an attack on free expression amid political sensitivities.
The Hindu • Mar 4
SOCIAL CENSORSHIP
When the Internet Goes Dark, the Truth Goes With It
Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad recounts how Gaza internet blackouts sever citizen journalism from global view, amplifying state narratives while erasing eyewitness atrocity documentation. Social platforms serve as vital but fragile conduits for unfiltered conflict reporting, vulnerable to shutdowns that weaponize information scarcity.
WIRED • Mar 4
SOCIAL MEMETIC CENSORSHIP
TikTok will not introduce end-to-end encryption, saying it makes users less safe
TikTok declines to implement end-to-end encryption for direct messages, claiming it would impede child protection and illegal content detection efforts.
BBC • Mar 4
CORPORATE PRIVACY CENSORSHIP