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September 12, 2023

Meta is blocking ‘potentially sensitive’ topics from Threads search

  • Threads recently introduced keyword-searching abilities, and it turns out that some searches are blocked for several “potentially sensitive” words. 
  • Words that have previously been linked to misinformation on Meta’s platform, such as “vaccines” and “covid” and other unsavoury terms such as “gore”, “nude” and “sex” are currently among those words being blocked.  
  • These limits are an attempt to prevent controversial content from spreading on Meta’s latest app. 
  • Meta has confirmed that blocking these searches is a temporary measure whilst search is being rolled out.  
  • For more, please visit the Engadget’s website.  

Ban on disposable vapes to stop children becoming addicted

  • Government proposals to ban single-use disposable vapes may be unveiled as early as next week.
  • The decision will be revealed in a consultation issued by the Health Department imminently.
  • The ban would apply to England, with other devolved administrations having to set policy for Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
  • Much research has been carried out on this health behaviour, a new study presented to the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan haws found that vaping has been linked to a more than twofold rise in chronic stress among young people.
  • For more, please visit the Telegraph’s website.

NI education body cuts lunch spend after blowing £100k on sandwiches in three years

  • The Education Authority (EA) has cut its spending on teachers’ lunches after spending £100k on food in three years.
  • C2k spent this money on catering between 2013-2016.
  • In the 2022/2023 financial year, spending was £9,623.
  • In November 2022, Chris Heaton-Harris told the EA savings of over £100 million would need to be made.
  • Instead of doing this, it has cut services such as Engage, Healthy Minds, extended school funding and holiday school meal provision.
  • The Department of Education (DENI) faces a huge depletion of £66.4m in 2023/24, even though the demand for services has increased, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
  • For more, please visit the Belfast Telegraph website.

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