Epic and Lego partner to build a metaverse for kids

  • A partnership between Fortnite developer Epic Games and Lego is seeking to create a virtual space in the metaverse aimed at children and families.
  • The partnership intends to “ensure that the next iteration of the internet is designed from the outset with the wellbeing of kids in mind”.
  • No more details have been revealed yet, but you can read our article on the metaverse to find out more about what it is.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

YouTube testing stricter moderation system for comment spam

  • YouTube is testing a moderation feature that will “increase strictness” of review for potentially inappropriate comments.
  • This aims to combat the recent reports from YouTubers of malicious comments attempting to impersonate YouTubers.
  • These comments promise viewers a reward for messaging them privately, often on a different platform to scam them.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

Google removes apps for secretly copying phone numbers

  • Google has removed more than a dozen apps from the Play Store that contained malicious code.
  • The code was harvesting user locations, phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Some of the apps had over 10 million downloads and included a weather app, a QR scanner and Muslim prayer apps.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.

Fermanagh police reveal child sexual exploitation stats

  • There has been a reduction in children at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Fermanagh since last September.
  • New figures reveal six children in the local area are at risk.
  • The PSNI is set to continue work in the local area on educating staff in hospitality sectors, including pubs and hotels, of the signs of CSE.
  • You can read the full story on the Impartial Reporter’s website.

East Belfast brothers released on probation after child sexual abuse material charges

  • Two brothers from East Belfast who admitted to making images of child sexual abuse and possessing extreme pornographic images have been released on three years’ probation.
  • The Belfast Crown Court Judge said he was ‘satisfied there would be greater protection of the public and more meaningful rehabilitation’.
  • They were also identified as requiring a range of sex offender programmes which would take up to two years.
  • You can read the full story on the Belfast Telegraph’s website.