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Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth
AppWizard
February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.
Anonymous messaging apps can harm children. Here's how feds and LA prosecutors stopped NGL
AppWizard
August 28, 2024

Anonymous messaging apps can harm children. Here’s how feds and LA prosecutors stopped NGL

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has prohibited the anonymous messaging app NGL from hosting users under 18 due to serious allegations regarding its marketing practices and safety measures for minors. NGL, launched in 2021, was marketed as a “safe space for teens” but reportedly targeted minors, failed to protect them from cyberbullying, and made false claims about its AI content moderation. The app generated fake messages for publicity, misled users into subscribing to NGL Pro, and did not obtain verifiable parental consent for data collection from users under 13, violating COPPA. As a result, NGL has been ordered to pay a million-dollar settlement and must reform its practices, including eliminating misleading representations, ensuring informed consent for subscription charges, and implementing age verification measures.
Telegram messaging app CEO Pavel Durov arrested at French airport
AppWizard
August 26, 2024

Telegram messaging app CEO Pavel Durov arrested at French airport

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris after arriving from Baku, Azerbaijan. He is scheduled to appear in court following his detention related to a preliminary investigation involving serious allegations such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promoting terrorism. The French office OFMIN issued an arrest warrant due to concerns about Durov's alleged inaction regarding criminal exploitation on his platform. The Russian embassy in Paris has expressed concerns over Durov's arrest and accused French authorities of a lack of cooperation. Dmitry Medvedev, former president of Russia, commented on Durov's situation, suggesting he miscalculated by leaving Russia and avoiding cooperation with security services. Telegram, which has over 900 million active users, is based in Dubai and promotes itself as a privacy-centric messaging app, despite facing criticism for being a platform for misinformation and harmful content.
Telegram Ban In India? Messenger App Under Investigation Over Extortion, Gambling
AppWizard
August 26, 2024

Telegram Ban In India? Messenger App Under Investigation Over Extortion, Gambling

The Indian government is investigating the messaging platform Telegram due to concerns about its use in illegal activities like extortion and gambling. The inquiry, conducted by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, may lead to a potential ban on the app. Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris on August 24, linked to a search warrant from France's Office for Minors regarding allegations of fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promoting terrorism. Telegram is popular in Russia and other former Soviet states, aiming to reach a billion users while facing scrutiny for facilitating illicit activities and lacking adequate content moderation. The platform has played a significant role in information dissemination during the Ukraine conflict, serving various political figures.
All you need to know about: Malaysia’s new licence for social media platforms and messenger apps
AppWizard
August 1, 2024

All you need to know about: Malaysia’s new licence for social media platforms and messenger apps

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has established a regulatory framework requiring social media and messaging applications with at least eight million Malaysian users to obtain an annual license, effective January 1, 2025. This requirement does not apply to individual users. Major platforms affected include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and others. The MCMC will use official surveys and publicly available data to determine eligibility for the license. Licensed platforms must protect user data, ensure child safety, address online harms, enhance advertisement transparency, and manage harmful content. The license is valid for one year, and failure to register by the deadline may lead to penalties, including fines up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. There is a five-month grace period for service providers to apply. The MCMC can take action against license breaches, with responses ranging from warnings to prosecution.
FTC Cracks Down On NGL Messaging App Over Alleged Stealth Marketing, AI Falsehoods
AppWizard
July 15, 2024

FTC Cracks Down On NGL Messaging App Over Alleged Stealth Marketing, AI Falsehoods

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against NGL Labs, a California-based company, for unfairly marketing to minors, overstating its efforts to protect users from cyberbullying, sending fake messages to trick users into signing up for paid subscriptions, violating laws around collecting personal data of children under 13, and failing to comply with COPPA privacy protections.
Anonymous messaging app allegedly sent 'fake' messages, exposed kids to 'cyberbullying'
AppWizard
July 10, 2024

Anonymous messaging app allegedly sent ‘fake’ messages, exposed kids to ‘cyberbullying’

NGL Labs has settled with the Federal Trade Commission for a million dollars due to various law violations related to their anonymous messaging app, "NGL: ask me anything." The app was accused of sending fake messages to users, including intrusive questions and statements, in order to increase user engagement. As part of the settlement, NGL Labs is prohibited from marketing to individuals under the age of 18.
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