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During a <keyword id="20036897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jonas-Brothers" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Jonas Brothers" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Jonas Brothers">Jonas Brothers</keyword> concert in Prague, singer <keyword id="19996491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nick-Jonas" source="keywords">Nick Jonas</keyword> had to abruptly leave the stage due to a concerning incident. A laser was reportedly aimed at him from the audience, as captured in fan videos circulating on social media. The incident occurred on Tuesday as the Jonas Brothers, consisting of Nick, Kevin, and <keyword id="19909509" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="joe-jonas" source="keywords">Joe Jonas</keyword>, performed as part of their world tour.<br /><br />In one video, Nick is seen looking toward the audience before quickly exiting the stage, signalling to a security guard for assistance. According to a fan page, @jonasdailynews_, the laser was directed at Nick's forehead, prompting the brief interruption. The individual responsible was reportedly removed from the venue, and the concert resumed shortly after.<div type="twitter" handle="PopBase" handlename="PopBase" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1846413283529793570"></div>Fans took to social media to express their relief that Nick was unharmed, with one commenting, "I'm glad Nick and the rest of the band are safe." Many also questioned the <keyword id="19926439" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="security-measures" source="keywords">security measures</keyword> at the event, asking how someone could bring a laser into the venue undetected.<br /><br />The Jonas Brothers have not yet issued an official statement about the incident. This occurred shortly after Nick's return to social media, where he shared photos from Paris and announced he was taking time for himself. The band is scheduled to continue their tour with a performance in Krakow, Poland.<br />

Nick Jonas runs off stage after audience member points laser at his forehead!

<keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords">Kerala</keyword> is on high alert following the death of a 14-year-old boy from <keyword id="20824677" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malappuram" source="keywords">Malappuram</keyword> district due to the <keyword id="21881533" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nipah-virus" source="keywords">Nipah virus</keyword>. To prevent the situation from escalating further, the central government has stepped in to assist the <keyword id="73082" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kerala-government" source="Orion">Kerala government</keyword> and safeguard the public.<br /><br />A zoonotic illness, the <keyword id="20197512" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nipah" source="keywords">Nipah</keyword> virus,infection is transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, as well as through contaminated food and contact with an infected person. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has even flagged the virus as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential.<br /><br />The boy from Malappuram showed symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and was initially treated in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health centre Kozhikode. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune subsequently confirmed the <keyword id="22489646" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nipah-virus-infection" source="keywords">Nipah virus infection</keyword>.<br /><br />In response, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management and a mobile Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory for testing additional samples from contacts. Unfortunately, the boy's “poor general condition” prevented the administration of the antibodies.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Health ministry advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures" comment="subhead" text="Health ministry advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures"><span data-til="noop"><keyword id="19896140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="keywords">Health ministry</keyword> advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures</span></cmsannotation><br />The 14-year-old’s demise in Malappuram has triggered an urgent public health response from the Centre, with the Union health ministry advising Kerala to take four immediate health measures to ensure public safety. They are as follows:<br /><br />1. <strong>Active Case Search</strong>: The state government should begin active case searches within the family of the confirmed case, the neighbourhood and other areas with similar topography to identify any additional cases. This proactive approach will help in early detection and containment.<br /><br />2. <strong>Contact Tracing</strong>: The state should trace contacts the identified case had over the past 12 days. This includes monitoring these contacts for symptoms and taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus. Detailed records of interactions and movements of the infected individual will be crucial.<br /><br />3. <strong>Quarantine and Isolation</strong>: Contacts of the confirmed case should be strictly quarantined, and any suspects showing symptoms should be isolated. This measure is essential to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading within the community.<br /><br />4. <strong>Sample Collection and Testing</strong>: Samples from potential contacts and suspects should be collected and transported for laboratory testing. This ensures early detection and allows for a swift response to any new cases that may arise.<br /><br />To assist the Kerala government, a multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘<keyword id="15536661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="One-Health-Mission" source="Orion">One Health Mission</keyword>’ will be deployed. This team will help investigate the case, identify epidemiological linkages and provide technical support.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111771996" title="What is the Chandipura virus that has already claimed the lives of 6 children in Gujarat?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that an additional 60 people have been identified as high-risk for contracting the disease.<br /><br />Amid this situation, residents in vulnerable areas have been instructed to take precautions, such as wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits.<br /><br />The Nipah virus has been linked to dozens of deaths in Kerala since its first report in 2018. The state has faced multiple outbreaks, with the most recent occurring in 2023 in Kozhikode district.<br />

Nipah virus: Health Ministry instructs Kerala to enforce four immediate safety measures following 14-year-old's death

As festival season rolls around, many people are excited about purchasing an <keyword id="19906970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="keywords">electric vehicle</keyword> (EV) not just for the eco-friendly benefits but also for the attractive discounts. With the growing popularity of EVs — a third of car-aspirants plan to buy an EV this year, reveals a Way2News survey — one lingering concern that might cross your mind is the risk of the car catching fire. While EV fires are rare, they can still happen under certain conditions, so it's essential to understand the risks and know how to prevent them.<br /><h2>Why do they burn?</h2>First and foremost, EV fires are most commonly linked to the lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles. When an EV is involved in a crash, or if its battery is physically damaged in any way, there is a risk of what is known as "<keyword id="19981370" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thermal-runaway" source="keywords">thermal runaway</keyword>." This happens when heat inside the battery cannot dissipate quickly enough, causing the cells to overheat and, in rare cases, ignite. <br /><br />Thankfully, EV manufacturers extensively test vehicles to minimise this risk, and incidents are exceedingly rare. In fact, statistics show that electric car fires are significantly less frequent than fires in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. A study from Sweden's Civil Contingencies Agency found that only 0.004% of EVs caught fire in 2022, compared to 0.08% for ICE cars.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113816837" title="PM E-DRIVE scheme with ₹10,900 crore outlay announced for electric vehicles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As such, the ambient temperature can also play a significant role in the safety and performance of EV batteries. Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of the battery cells overheating and entering thermal runaway, which may lead to a fire. High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions within lithium-ion batteries, making them more prone to malfunctions.<br /><br />Therefore, it is important to avoid exposing your EV to prolonged high heat, such as parking it under direct sunlight for extended periods, especially in regions where temperatures soar during the summer. Regular maintenance of the battery's cooling system is also critical, as it ensures the battery stays within a safe operating range, preventing overheating and extending the battery's lifespan<br /><h2>Charging and flooding</h2>Another key risk comes from improper charging practices. Overcharging the battery, or using poorly regulated, non-certified charging stations, can cause the battery to overheat. It's crucial that EV owners use certified, high-quality charging stations and follow manufacturer recommendations to avoid overloading the system. Many modern EVs come with software that automatically stops charging once the battery is full, but it’s always a good idea to avoid prolonged charging beyond the battery's capacity.<br /><br />Water exposure can also be hazardous for EVs, particularly in flood-prone areas. While most EVs are designed to handle a fair amount of moisture, saltwater exposure, such as during coastal floods, can create serious problems. Saltwater can corrode the battery and create short circuits, which might lead to fires long after the vehicle has been submerged.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113857238" title="Ron DeSantis said EVs could catch fire if caught up in Hurricane Helene. Experts say he&amp;#39;s right — and that you should take these steps to protect yourself." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, for example, there were reports of submerged EVs catching fire even days after the floodwaters receded. If you live in an area prone to flooding, take extra precautions by parking your EV in a sheltered area, and if your car has been exposed to water, have it inspected immediately.<br /><h2>Those annoying software updates are important!</h2>It’s also important to stay updated on any recalls or software updates. EVs, like any other technology, may occasionally be subject to recalls due to manufacturing defects or safety concerns. Being proactive in checking for recalls can prevent potential issues from becoming dangerous. For instance, some EV models have had recall campaigns specifically to address battery-related risks, ensuring that any faulty cells are replaced before they pose a threat.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113315022" title="Waiting for the festive season to buy an EV? Cabinet approves PM E-Drive subsidising most EVs, sans electric cars" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Finally, while EV fires may capture attention when they happen, it’s essential to keep them in perspective. Despite the fear surrounding them, EV fires are much less common than fires in gasoline-powered cars. The data shows that EVs are about 80 times less likely to catch fire than their gasoline counterparts.<br /><br />When considering an EV purchase, focus on the safety features and proactive measures in place to keep you and your vehicle safe. With proper charging, regular inspections, and staying informed, you can confidently enjoy the benefits of your new EV this festive season!<br />

Planning to purchase an EV? Here's how to ensure it never catches on fire

In a landmark judgement, the <keyword id="19900742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Supreme Court of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Supreme Court of India">Supreme Court of India</keyword> has broadened the definition of crimes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court ruled that simply viewing <keyword id="20456028" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="child-pornography" source="keywords">child pornography</keyword> on the internet, without physically possessing or storing the material, is now a criminal offence under Section 15 of the <keyword id="19920672" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="POCSO-Act" source="keywords">POCSO Act</keyword> and provisions of the <keyword id="19930099" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="information-technology" source="keywords">Information Technology</keyword> (IT) Act. This ruling significantly expands the scope of the law to address the evolving challenges posed by digital platforms.<br /><h2>A wider net</h2>In its ruling, a bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice J.B. Pardiwala stated, "Any act of viewing, distributing, or displaying child pornographic material by a person over the internet without any actual or physical possession or storage of such material in any device or in any form or manner would also amount to 'possession' in terms of Section 15 of POCSO Act."<br /><br />This interpretation effectively settled conflicting verdicts from various high courts, notably overturning a Madras High Court decision that had quashed a POCSO case against an individual who had viewed child pornography but had not circulated it. The Supreme Court, in agreeing with senior advocate H.S. Phoolka's arguments, deemed the earlier judgement "egregiously erroneous."<br /><h2>Crimes categorised</h2>In a further clarification, the Supreme Court divided crimes related to child pornography under Section 15 of the POCSO Act into three distinct categories. The decision emphasised that law enforcement and courts must carefully assess each case to determine the specific category under which an offence falls.<br /><br />One critical insight from the judgement is that an offender cannot escape prosecution by simply deleting illegal content before an FIR is registered. The bench declared, "We clarify that there is no requirement under Section 15 of POCSO Act that ‘storage’ or ‘possession’ must continue to exist at the time of initiation of the criminal proceeding, and no such requirement can be read into the said provision."<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113417654" title="“Learned no lessons from Nirbhaya case”: Madhya Pradesh High Court criticises lenient treatment of crime-accused juvies in India" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>This means that even if an individual deletes the material before the authorities take action, they may still face <keyword id="20554971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="legal-consequences" source="keywords">legal consequences</keyword> based on the mere act of viewing or temporary possession.<br /><h2><keyword id="23293250" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="automatic-downloads" source="keywords">Automatic downloads</keyword></h2>Acknowledging the complexities of <keyword id="20573374" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-media" source="keywords">digital media</keyword>, the Supreme Court recognised that certain child pornographic content might be automatically downloaded onto devices without the user’s knowledge. To address this, the court created a safeguard for those unaware of the offensive material stored on their devices. If a person discovers such material on their device through automatic downloads, they will not be prosecuted if they take immediate steps to delete it and report it to the authorities.<br /><br />However, the onus is on the device owner to act swiftly. Failure to delete or report the offensive material after becoming aware of it would constitute an offence under the law.<br /><br />To avoid the automatic downloading of problematic material, there are several proactive measures you can take. First, adjust your browser settings to disable automatic downloads and pop-ups, ensuring you have to approve any file before it is downloaded to your device. Regularly update your web browser and security software to benefit from the latest protections against malicious websites.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113146443" title="Karnataka HC rejects school teacher&amp;#39;s plea to quash POCSO case over filming of girl students" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Additionally, be cautious about the sites you visit, particularly those that seem suspicious or unfamiliar; stick to well-known, reputable sources. Additionally, consider using ad blockers or content filters that can prevent potentially harmful content from loading. Always be mindful of any unsolicited links in emails or messages, as these can lead to automatic downloads of unwanted material. Lastly, routinely monitor your device for any unfamiliar files and promptly delete anything that looks suspicious to minimise your risk of unknowingly storing problematic content.<br /><h2>What this means for the future</h2>This judgement sends a clear message: India is taking a zero-tolerance approach toward child pornography in all its forms, whether stored, distributed, or merely viewed. The ruling adapts the legal framework to modern challenges, ensuring that perpetrators can no longer hide behind technicalities such as the absence of physical possession.<br /><br />The Supreme Court’s interpretation also places a burden on individuals to exercise responsibility in the digital world. Anyone who stumbles upon child pornography, whether intentionally or accidentally, must take swift action to avoid legal consequences.<br /><br /><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />

You can now be prosecuted for unknowingly “auto-downloading” child porn. Here’re some safe browsing habits

A recent study has revealed that more than 3,600 chemicals used in <keyword id="21367852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-packaging" source="keywords">food packaging</keyword> and preparation have been detected in human bodies, raising concerns about their potential impact on health. These chemicals, some of which are hazardous, are finding their way into the food we consume, sparking calls for more research and stricter regulations.<br /><h2>Chemicals we don’t know enough about</h2>Of the thousands of chemicals identified, around 100 are classified as being of “high concern” for <keyword id="20060201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-health" source="keywords">human health</keyword>. According to Birgit Geueke, the lead author of the study from the <keyword id="23220554" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Food-Packaging-Forum-Foundation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Food Packaging Forum Foundation" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Food Packaging Forum Foundation">Food Packaging Forum Foundation</keyword>, some of these chemicals are well-known, while the health effects of others remain largely unexplored.<br /><br />Chemicals such as <keyword id="20307473" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PFAS" source="keywords">PFAS</keyword> (often referred to as "forever chemicals") and bisphenol A (<keyword id="20186545" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BPA" source="keywords">BPA</keyword>) are familiar names in the scientific community. Both have been extensively studied and are linked to a range of health problems. PFAS, for example, have been detected in multiple parts of the human body and are associated with various diseases, including cancer, liver damage, and thyroid dysfunction. Bisphenol A, commonly found in plastics, is a hormone-disrupting chemical that has been banned from baby bottles in many countries due to its harmful effects on reproductive health.<br /><br />However, many of the other chemicals detected—like oligomers, byproducts of plastic production—are still a mystery in terms of their health implications. "There is almost no evidence on the health effects of these chemicals," Geueke said, highlighting the need for further research.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111250040" title="Karnataka Health Department bans use of artificial food colouring in kebabs; imposes hefty fine of 10 lakhs!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2>How do these chemicals enter our bodies?<br /></h2>Food contact chemicals (FCCs) are substances that can "migrate" from packaging materials—such as plastic, paper, glass, or metal—into the food we eat. These chemicals can also enter the food chain from other parts of the food-making process, such as conveyor belts and kitchen utensils.<br /><br />The study originally catalogued about 14,000 FCCs, but researchers were astonished to find 3,601 of them present in human biomonitoring databases, which track chemicals found in human tissues and fluids. This unexpected result underscores how pervasive these substances are.<br /><h2>High concern: PFAS, BPA and Phthalates<br /></h2>Among the most troubling chemicals are the PFAS, which have gained notoriety as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. These chemicals have been linked to a host of health issues, including immune system suppression, developmental problems, and various cancers.<br /><br />Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor used in the production of plastics, is another substance of concern. BPA can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, particularly oestrogen, and has been associated with fertility problems, breast cancer, and developmental disorders in children.<br /><br />Phthalates, another group of hormone-disrupting chemicals, are used to make plastics more flexible. They have been linked to infertility and developmental issues, making their presence in food packaging particularly concerning.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112623051" title="474 Indian spice samples fail FSSAI&amp;#39;s safety tests as countries suspend sale of Indian spice brands" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2>What can we do?<br /></h2>While this study doesn’t determine how much of these chemicals we’re exposed to or their specific sources, it does highlight the need for more comprehensive research and better data on their potential <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword>.<br /><br />Duane Mellor, a specialist in evidence-based medicine at Aston University in the UK, praised the study for being thorough but cautioned against panic. Instead, he encouraged consumers to advocate for stronger regulations on <keyword id="21364182" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="chemicals-in-food" source="keywords">chemicals in food</keyword> packaging. "Rather than being unduly alarmed, people should demand better data and minimise unnecessary exposure," Mellor said.<br /><br />To reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals, Geueke recommended simple measures like reducing the time food spends in contact with packaging and avoiding heating food in the containers it comes in. Many of these chemicals migrate more easily into food when heated, making microwaving plastic containers or takeout packaging a common source of contamination.<br /><h2>The regulatory response<br /></h2>Some chemicals are already facing bans. The European Union is in the final stages of banning the use of PFAS in food packaging, and a similar ban on bisphenol A is expected to come into effect by the end of this year.<br /><br />As more research emerges, governments around the world may follow the EU's lead in implementing stricter controls on these hazardous chemicals, protecting consumers from hidden dangers in their everyday meals.<br /><br />For now, the best way to protect yourself is to stay informed, reduce unnecessary exposure, and support efforts for stricter regulations on food packaging materials.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109322441" title="2 foods Michael Pollan always buys organic to reduce his exposure to harmful chemicals" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

New research reveals more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies. Is it time we stopped eating food out of takeout containers?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>X, formerly Twitter, is making changes to the platform's block function.</li><li>Blocked users will soon be able to see the posts of the person who blocked them.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-twitter">X</a>, formerly Twitter, recently announced it's changing the way the social media platform's block function works.</p><p>Currently, blocking a user means that account can no longer see the posts of the user who blocked them. But X said this week that would change soon, though it did not specify when.<strong> </strong>Instead, the updated block function will still allow the blocked person to see the posts of the user who blocked them — as long as that user has a public account — but they will be unable to engage with them.</p><p>"Today, block can be used by users to share and hide harmful or private information about those they've blocked. Users will be able to see if such behavior occurs with this update, allowing for greater transparency," the X engineering team said in a post.</p><p>Critics of the change say it could make X less safe for some users, such as victims of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/los-angeles-basic-income-program-domestic-violence-survivors-2024-10">domestic violence</a> or harassment.</p><p>X did not provide comment on these concerns when reached by BI, instead referring to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/XEng/status/1846605254864888180">post</a> by the X engineering team.</p><p>"big day for stalkers and harassers," said X user wrote in response to the announcement. The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/evildeadthing/status/1846611747727134945">post</a> got more than 89,000 likes.</p><p>"That's not blocking. It's supporting stalking," another <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/HeatherThomasAF/status/1846662936242409668">user</a> said.</p><p>"How do I block people whom I've blocked for security (stalking) reasons?" another <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/BKatie617/status/1846614222727196891">user</a> asked.</p><p>"Anything that gives an abusive individual power and control over the victim should be considered carefully by Twitter," Adam Dodge, founder of End Tech-Enabled Abuse, told Business Insider. "The mere knowledge that a person who is seeking to harm a victim can monitor their social media posts puts that victim in an unsafe position."</p><p>Dodge said that this change in the block function could lead to some victims going into a mode of hypervigilence, which can have a severe impact on their emotional and physical wellbeing.</p><p>Dodge said he expects some people to respond to the victims who criticize this change by telling them they should just make their account private, but he said that's blaming the victim.</p><p>In the recent post about the change, X directed users who wanted more control over who could see their posts to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://help.x.com/en/safety-and-security/how-to-make-x-private-and-public">page</a> that explains how they can make their account private.</p><p>Dodge said victims should be able to have their account be public if they choose, and that they should be empowered to block users who are harassing, stalking, or abusing them. There are also people who need a public X account for their work.</p><p>"I think it's going to result in victims being forced to choose between safety and their right to speech on the platform, and we should never be putting victims in that place," he said.</p><p>There are workarounds to the current blocking system. For instance, a blocked user could simply create a new account to view the posts of the user who has blocked them.</p><p>"While it is true that the current blocking system used by social media platforms isn't perfect, it typically creates some measure of a barrier to guard against toxic behavior and bad situations on the platform," Dominic Sellitto, a clinical assistant professor of management science and systems at the University at Buffalo School of Management who researches <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/websites-know-who-you-are-data-brokers-privacy-online-shopping-2024-3">digital privacy</a>, said. "After all, creating another account takes effort, and the typical harassing user on the platform may just move on if they cannot see a user's account who has blocked them."</p><p>Sellitto said consumers still have some power over their privacy, and that they can choose not to use a platform if they do not support its policies. He acknowledged, though, that this can be difficult for people whose accounts are tied to their work, personal brand, or even income.</p><p>"But it is something that every user should consider with any of their online presences, especially if they are encountering toxic situations," he added.</p>

X is about to change its block function. Some users worry it will empower abusers and compromise victims' safety.

Amid an increased scrutiny over the alleged proliferation of sexual abuse content about children on its platform, <keyword id="399907" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="meta" source="Orion">Meta</keyword> has said it is expanding and updating its <keyword id="6361460" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="child-safety" source="Orion">child safety</keyword> features aimed at protecting kids.<br /><br />The company said that in addition to developing technology to tackle this abuse, it hires specialists dedicated to online child safety and sharing information with industry peers and law enforcement.<br /><br />"Predators don't limit their attempts to harm children to online spaces, so it's vital that we work together to stop predators and prevent child exploitation," the company said in a statement late on Friday.<br /><br />Meta said it takes recent allegations about the effectiveness of its work very seriously, and "created a task force to review existing policies, examine technology and enforcement systems we have in place, and make changes that strengthen our protections for young people, ban predators, and remove the networks they use to connect with one another".<br /><br />The task force took immediate steps to strengthen its protections, and child safety teams continue to work on additional measures, the company added.<br /><br />The Wall Street Journal recently detailed how <keyword id="819905" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="instagram" source="Orion">Instagram</keyword> and Facebook show inappropriate and sexual child-related content to users. In June, the report detailed how Instagram connects a network of accounts buying and selling child sexual abuse material (CSAM), guiding them to each other via its recommendations algorithm.<br /><br />A follow-up investigation published on Friday showed how the problem extends to Facebook Groups, where there's an ecosystem of pedophile accounts and groups, some with as many as 800,000 members.<br /><br />Meta said that on Instagram, potentially suspicious adults will be prevented from following one another, will not be recommended to each other in places like Explore and Reels, and will not be shown comments from one another on public posts, among other things.<br /><br />"On Facebook, we're using this technology to better find and address certain Groups, Pages and Profiles," said the company.<br /><br />Additionally, Groups whose membership overlaps with other Groups that were removed for violating our child safety policies will not be shown in Search.<br /><br />"We're sending Instagram accounts that exhibit potentially suspicious behaviour to our content reviewers and we'll automatically disable these accounts if they exhibit enough of the 60+ signals we monitor," said the company.<br /><br />After launching a new automated enforcement effort in September, "we saw five times as many automated deletions of Instagram Lives that contained adult nudity and sexual activity."<br /><br />"We actioned over 4 million Reels per month, across Facebook and Instagram globally, for violating our policies," said Meta.  <br />

You Searched For "Safety measures" and got 7 results

Nick Jonas runs off stage after audience member points laser at his forehead!

BI India Bureau

Nipah virus: Health Ministry instructs Kerala to enforce four immediate safety measures following 14-year-old's death

Kunal Kambli

Planning to purchase an EV? Here's how to ensure it never catches on fire

Ankush Banerjee

You can now be prosecuted for unknowingly “auto-downloading” child porn. Here’re some safe browsing habits

BI India Bureau

New research reveals more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies. Is it time we stopped eating food out of takeout containers?

Ashmita Gupta

X is about to change its block function. Some users worry it will empower abusers and compromise victims' safety.

Kelsey Vlamis

Meta expanding child safety measures as scrutiny mounts

IANS

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