Roblox enhances parental controls amid safety concerns
Roblox has introduced new parental controls, enabling caregivers to block specific friends, restrict game access, and monitor screen time. These updates follow concerns about bullying, grooming, and inappropriate content on the platform, which is hugely popular among under-13s. Under the Online Safety Act, tech companies must combat harmful content or face heavy fines.
While safety groups welcome these changes, critics argue that Roblox must do more to remove age-inappropriate content. Roblox’s CEO insists the platform prioritises safety but urges parents to decide whether their children should play. The platform averages 80 million daily users, 40% of whom are under 13.
The changing landscape of work: abuse, AI, and autonomy decline
A new Skills and Employment Survey reveals that one in seven UK employees have faced workplace abuse, with nurses, teachers, and night workers at higher risk. AI adoption has surged from 15% to 24% in under a year, mainly benefiting men and high-skilled workers.
Despite rising demand for degrees, the workforce’s graduate-level qualifications have declined. Employee autonomy has fallen, limiting decision-making, especially for women. Meanwhile, support for unionisation is growing, particularly among young, LGBTQ+, and disabled workers. Researchers warn of increasing workplace inequality, urging action to protect employees’ rights and well-being.
Tony Blair Institute urges UK to relax AI copyright laws
The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has called for the UK to ease copyright laws, allowing AI firms to train on protected content without permission unless creators opt-out. TBI warns that strict regulations could strain UK-US relations and push AI development to less restrictive regions.
The report argues that outdated copyright laws must evolve alongside technology to maintain the UK’s AI competitiveness. Critics, including Baroness Kidron, claim this approach sacrifices artists’ rights in favour of Silicon Valley interests. TBI’s funding from US tech billionaire Larry Ellison has also raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest.