Technology

Starting in March, Discord will implement age verification for users to access adult content and age-gated spaces, aiming to enhance child safety measures. The platform will use an age prediction AI to verify the majority of adult users without requiring a manual age check. Users who fail the automatic age check can submit a selfie video or a government ID for verification. The changes will start rolling out globally in early March.

Major social platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Snap are participating in a new online safety ratings system aimed at protecting adolescent mental health. The Safe Online Standards initiative will evaluate platforms based on policies, tools, and features to ensure they offer a safe environment for users aged 13-19. Participating companies will receive ratings and badges based on their compliance, providing users with transparent information on platform safety.

T-Mobile’s upcoming AI-powered Live Translation feature, which will translate phone calls into over 50 languages without the need for an app, reflects a broader industry push towards removing language barriers in wireless communication. With the beta launch set for this Spring, eligible T-Mobile customers can expect a more seamless and inclusive calling experience in the near future.

Discover the best AirTag accessories for 2026 that help securely attach and protect your tracker from wear and tear. From slim wallet inserts to rugged mounts for bikes and luggage, these accessories not only enhance the functionality of your AirTag but also ensure it stays with you wherever you go.

Starting in March, Discord will implement age verification for users to access adult content and age-gated spaces. The platform’s safety update includes communication settings, content filtering, and restricted access for unverified users. Verification methods include selfie videos or government ID submissions, with promises of data privacy. Discord aims to enhance child safety measures following past incidents involving teen safety and online predators.

YouTuber Jimmy ‘MrBeast’ Donaldson’s Beast Industries has acquired Step, a banking app designed for teens and young adults. This acquisition opens up new possibilities for young users to learn about personal finance and investing through a platform tailored to their needs.

Riot Games has announced significant layoffs within its 2XKO development team, affecting around 80 employees. The decision comes as the company shifts its focus following the recent console launch of the pair-based fighting game. Executive producer Tom Cannon emphasized the need to align team size with overall project momentum, while reaffirming plans for the upcoming 2026 competitive season.

Spotify’s recent announcement of hitting 751 million monthly active users in Q4 of 2025 reflects an 11 percent increase from the previous year, with Premium subscribers also growing by 10 percent. The company attributes its success to AI advancements, aiming to lead the music industry in embracing technological shifts. Spotify’s focus on AI-driven products, such as artist-first music offerings, indicates a strategic move towards enhancing user experience and staying ahead in a competitive market.

Discord will implement a new safety update requiring all users to verify their age to access adult content and age-gated spaces. Users will need to go through a one-time verification process to unlock these features, with options including submitting a government ID or taking a selfie video for age estimation. The changes aim to enhance child safety on the platform and will roll out globally in early March.

The EU is considering taking action against Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, for allegedly violating antitrust laws by blocking third-party AI assistants from operating on WhatsApp. This move could have significant implications for competition in the AI assistant market in Europe, with Meta facing the possibility of interim measures to preserve access for competitors while the investigation unfolds.