Discord to Require Age Verification for Adult Content Access

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.

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Riot Games cuts 2XKO development team in half, citing strategic shifts in player engagement

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.

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Spotify Surpasses 750 Million Monthly Users, Driven by AI Innovation and Industry Growth

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.

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Discord to Require Age Verification for Accessing Adult Content Starting in March

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.

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EU threatens Meta with interim measures over antitrust violations on WhatsApp AI access

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.

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Lyft introduces teen accounts with enhanced safety features for peace of mind

Lyft has launched teen accounts for ages 13-17, allowing teenagers to request their own rides with added safety measures. Parents can monitor rides in real-time, communicate with drivers, and ensure driver quality standards. With features like PIN verification and audio recording, Lyft Teen offers peace of mind for both teens and parents. Currently available in 200 markets, including major cities like NYC and Chicago, with plans for further expansion.

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Spotify’s ‘About the Song’ feature brings new depth to music listening experience

Spotify’s latest feature, ‘About the Song’, allows users to swipe on songs to access short story cards that provide insights and behind-the-scenes details about the music. This feature enhances the listening experience by bringing context and interesting information to favorite tunes, similar to the concept of the old VH1 show ‘Pop Up Video’. The tool is currently available for Premium users on iOS and Android in select countries, offering a more enriching and immersive experience for music lovers.

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Apple Prepares for Major Hardware Updates with New iPads and MacBooks Expected Soon

Apple is set to announce upgrades for the entry-level iPad, iPad Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air in the coming weeks. The new devices are likely to feature the latest M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, as well as support for Apple Intelligence. Alongside these updates, Apple is also expected to refresh the Mac Studio, Studio Display, and Mac mini, with a low-cost MacBook also rumored to be released soon.

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