The FTC Offers COPPA Enforcement Exemption for Companies Using Age Verification, Gemini AI Introduces Task Automation on Pixel 10, Galaxy S26, and Instagram Rolls Out New Suicide and Self-Harm Search Alerts for Parents.
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Show Notes
eBay Cuts 800 Jobs in Third Round of Layoffs
eBay is cutting approximately 800 jobs, or 6% of its full-time workforce, to better align its organizational structure with strategic priorities and allow for reinvestment. This is the third round of layoffs in three years, following a 9% cut in early 2024 and a 4% cut in early 2023, despite recent strong performance, including a 15% increase in fourth-quarter revenue and the acquisition of Depop for $1.2 billion.
Read More: Bloomberg
FTC Exempts Age Verification From COPPA Enforcement
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a policy that will exempt companies from enforcement under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) if they use age verification technologies, provided they adhere to specific conditions. These conditions require companies to use the age data only for verification, delete it immediately after verification, provide clear notice, ensure data confidentiality with third parties, implement strong security, and use accurate verification methods. The FTC also plans a broader review of the COPPA Rule regarding age verification.
Read More: The Record
Gemini AI Adds Task Automation to Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26
Google’s Gemini AI is launching a “task automation” feature, starting on select Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 phones, allowing it to independently execute actions like hailing an Uber or placing a DoorDash order from a simple prompt. The AI achieves this by virtually launching and navigating apps, though developers can also integrate via specific frameworks. Users can monitor the process or let it run in the background. Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat calls this a move toward viewing Android as an “intelligence system.” This automation is planned for Android 17 with an early preview available in the US and Korea for a limited number of apps, including Uber and Grubhub, on the S26 and Pixel 10 models.
Read More: The Verge
Instagram to Alert Parents About Teen Self-Harm Searches
Instagram is launching a new parental supervision feature next week, starting in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, that will notify parents if their teen repeatedly searches for terms related to suicide or self-harm. The alert system will send notifications via email, text, WhatsApp, and in-app messages, including optional resources, to encourage parental intervention. This is in addition to Instagram’s existing policy of blocking these searches and directing users to helplines.
Read More: The Verge
Newark Airport to Test Self-Driving Shuttle Buses
Newark Liberty International Airport is launching a trial of self-driving shuttle buses this spring, involving three companies (Oceaneering, Ohmio, and Glydways Inc.). Each company will run two-week tests between March and May. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is exploring autonomous vehicles to transport passengers between terminals and the future AirTrain system (opening in 2030), with the goal of issuing a request for proposals in 2027. Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole highlighted the move as a focus on a safe, efficient, and customer-first solution, though the full implementation of driverless services still faces regulatory hurdles.
Read More: Bloomberg
OpenAI to Open Largest Research Hub Outside U.S. in London
OpenAI announced it is opening its largest research hub outside the U.S. in London, citing the UK’s strong technology ecosystem, talent, and universities as reasons for the decision. This expansion is seen as a “huge vote of confidence” in the UK’s goal of becoming a leading “AI superpower.” The new hub will focus on the software and infrastructure needed to develop and run OpenAI’s AI models. OpenAI already has a London office (opened in 2023) and its European headquarters in Dublin, but did not reveal the investment size or number of new jobs for this new hub.
Read More: Reuters
Alphabet’s Intrinsic Integrates More Closely With Google
Intrinsic, a company developing AI and software for industrial robots, is integrating more closely with Google, utilizing Google DeepMind and Gemini AI models, and cloud services while remaining a distinct entity. Intrinsic, which originated from Alphabet’s X, the company’s moonshot division, in 2021, has expanded through acquisitions, launched products like Flowstate and Intrinsic Vision AI, and entered a joint venture with Foxconn to create general-purpose intelligent robots for factory automation, a goal it will now pursue with Google’s enhanced AI support.
Read More: TechCrunch
New York Sues Valve Over Loot Boxes
Letitia James has sued video game developer Valve, alleging the company promotes illegal gambling and addiction, especially among children, through “loot boxes.” James claims the loot boxes are “quintessential gambling” and violate state law. The complaint notes Valve earns billions selling “keys” to open the boxes, with one game mechanism likened to a slot machine. The lawsuit demands player restitution and a fine of three times Valve’s alleged illegal profits, underscoring growing regulatory pressure on loot boxes, which also included an FTC fine against Cognosphere for misleading players about prize odds.
Read More: Reuters
Snap Launches “The Snappy Awards Show”
Snap Inc. is launching “The Snappy Awards Show” on March 31, hosted by comedian Matt Friend, as part of a strategy to engage influencers. The awards show, which will include categories like Spotlight MVP and Breakout Creator of the Year, follows the example of platforms like TikTok and aims to spotlight popular creators across various fields.
Read More: Engadget
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