In the same announcement, the company says it's rolling out a new in-house "age assurance model" that classifies a user's age based on the type of characters they choose to chat with, in combination with other on-site or third-party data information. Both new and existing users will be run through the age model, and users flagged as under-18 will automatically be directed to the company's teen-safe version of its chat, which it rolled out last year, until the November cutoff.
Snapchat has launched a new digital literacy program, called "The Keys," which aims to highlight the dangers of online interaction for young users, and better equip them with knowledge on how to protect themselves, and avoid problems in social apps. "Developed in collaboration with Common Sense Media, informed by safety experts, and reviewed by members of Snap's teen Council for Digital Well-Being, this program aims to educate teens about four key risks they may face online - bullying, illicit drug activity, nude and intimate images, and sextortion - and teaches platform-specific skills for helping to stay safe on Snapchat.
Carly Calland recalls her son Jacob as always busy and active, but after a catastrophic e-scooter crash, he tragically lost his life just 18 minutes after leaving home.
The Orange County district attorney's office has charged a Santa Ana High School student with murder and assault in the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old classmate.