Instagram and Facebook will now prevent strangers from messaging minors by default
- Under 16s (or 18 in some countries) will not receive messages or be added to group chats from users they do not follow or aren’t connected with on Instagram or Messenger.
- Parents will have more control over their children’s privacy settings on Instagram, such as being prompted to approve or deny requests to prevent them from switching from private to public profiles, for example.
- Meta is also developing a new feature designed to protect users from receiving unwanted or inappropriate images in messages from people they are already connected with.
- For more, please visit The Verge website.
Apple to allow rival app stores on iPhones in EU
- The EU’s Digital Markets Act will force Apple to allow alternative app stores on iPhones.
- This is aimed at creating a fairer market for established companies and smaller firms.
- Apple will comply with the act but warns of increased security risks for its customers.
- For more, please visit the BBC News website.
Every year spent in school or university improves life expectancy, study says
- A study found every year spent in school or university increases life expectancy by 2%.
- It found not attending school is as bad for your health as smoking or heavy drinking.
- Whilst the benefits of education on life expectancy have been recognised, this is the first study to calculate the number of years of education and its connections to reducing mortality.
- For more, please visit The Guardian website.
Northern Ireland parents hit out at lack of support for childcare as preschool application deadline looms
- A group representing parents across Northern Ireland have called for more support for working families as the deadline for preschool applications closes.
- Parents in NI are struggling to afford childcare costs, which are increasing by as much as 20% in April.
- The Department of Education says it is developing a strategy to address the issue, but this will require Executive agreement.
- For more, please visit the Belfast Telegraph website.
