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Tag: regulation

  • Spain Steps Forward as a Leader in European Gambling Regulation

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    Spain has taken a decisive step, positioning itself at the forefront of European gambling regulation. The country hosted the recent International Gaming Congress to showcase its policy ambitions and its growing influence among EU regulators. The event provided a platform for senior officials, operators, academics, and international experts to discuss the industry’s responsibilities.

    Lawmakers Are Aware of Emerging Challenges

    Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, opened the event. He stressed that the protection of minors and the prevention of early exposure to gambling products remain a leading priority for Spain. According to Bustinduy, the ministry aims to foster an environment where gaming can exist without compromising public health or leading to gambling harm.

    Andrés Barragán, Spain’s Secretary General of Consumer Affairs and Gaming, took a harsher stance, highlighting a series of new measures targeting consumer rights recently approved by the country’s Congress of Deputies. Highlights include a complete ban on welcome bonuses for new players and a rule requiring that any online gaming payment must come from a bank card registered to the same person who holds the gaming account. 

    The event also provided a platform for academic researchers. Their work focused on behavioural patterns, harm-prevention strategies, and the social consequences of gambling. The format encouraged dialogue between researchers and industry, aligning with the event’s goal to foster collaboration over confrontation. These new findings will be invaluable in striking a balance between consumer safety and economic sustainability.

    Cross-Border Collaboration Remains Crucial

    Spain’s focus on gambling regulation innovation became even more evident during a separate meeting on November 12 hosted by the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ). Regulators from Germany, France, Austria, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Portugal agreed to enhance cross-border cooperation against illegal online gambling, an issue exacerbated by rapid technological innovation.

    Officials pointed out that unlicensed operators often manage to circumvent local restrictions, exploiting consumers and undermining the regulated sector. Illegal advertising was another emerging issue due to the proliferation of problematic marketing across social media platforms, video-hosting sites, and affiliate networks. Such ads often seek to blur the line between licensed and illicit operators.

    The regulators agreed to share information on illegal operators, file joint complaints with social media and digital platforms to remove illicit advertising, and share best practices to improve detection and enforcement. A voluntary regulatory framework for regulators and operators, endorsed by national standardisation bodies, is due for publication in early 2026. 

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Thai Police Arrest 5 Indians Suspected of Illegal Online Gambling Operations

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    Thailand police have detained five Indian nationals who are suspected of serving as administrators for an online gambling operation during a raid at a condominium in Pattaya.

    Police Raid Results in Five Arrests

    On Wednesday, Chon Buri immigration police searched a second-floor condominium room on Soi Thep Prasit 17 in Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, following reports that a group of Indian nationals were residing and working there. Inside the room, officers discovered five men using laptop computers, along with more than 20 mobile phones scattered across a table.

    The five arrested men, aged between 24 and 39, were taken in for questioning. While all denied any involvement in illegal activities, police noted that their statements were inconsistent. According to Pol Col Napasphong Khositsuriyamanee, chief of Chon Buri immigration, the men reportedly acknowledged acting as administrators responding to customers but declined to reveal the specific nature of the services they provided.

    The arrests come at a time when Thailand seems to be changing to a more hardline stance against gambling. Earlier this month, for example, Thailand’s Prime Minister paused initiatives to legalize casinos in the country, a move which many observers see as critical for his new government.

    How Did the Scheme Work?

    Investigators reported that seized notebooks contained transaction records totaling several million Indian rupees, roughly equivalent to THB 2 million (around $54,000). The funds are suspected to be connected to online gambling platforms targeting foreign clients. During the raid, the arresting team seized three laptops, 22 mobile phones, a tablet, credit cards, and notebooks containing records of money transfers. Said funds are suspected to be linked to online gambling platforms that target foreign customers.

    Authorities believe the group may be part of a larger network operating offshore gambling sites while using Thailand as an administrative base. Such operations typically manage customer service, payments, and player verification to support illegal gambling platforms, which are beyond Thailand’s jurisdiction.

    The five suspects are being detained for further questioning while immigration and cybercrime authorities review the seized devices and financial records. They are expected to face charges for working without proper permits or engaging in work beyond what is allowed under the Foreigners’ Working Management Decree, although police have said that additional charges may be filed once the digital evidence is fully analyzed.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • xQc Shares Plans to Circumvent Twitch’s Gambling Bans

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    Despite Twitch’s ban on all gambling-related content, popular streamer xQc may be poised to make a bold move by broadcasting gambling content from Kick on Twitch, made possible by the Counter-Strike StarLadder Budapest Major exemption from the rules.

    xQc Plans to Circumvent Twitch’s Rules

    Recently, Twitch agreed to allow the Counter-Strike StarLadder Budapest Major to air, even though the Rollbit crypto casino is one of its primary partners. Tournament organizers are committed to avoiding any verbal references to the brand during broadcasts, limiting its presence to physical branding only.

    xQc has hinted that he might use this situation as a chance to bring Stake back into his Twitch content, which is something he hasn’t been able to do since the platform’s gambling ban. He believes that keeping the operator’s logo off the on-screen overlay could allow him to circumvent Twitch’s rules. On Thursday, he outlined a plan to hang a large Stake banner behind him in his room while streaming slot gameplay.

    If he goes through with it, creators in the gambling space will be watching closely to see how Twitch responds. With more than 12 million followers, xQc ranks among the platform’s top ten creators, and if his approach works, others may be tempted to attempt similar methods to work around Twitch’s strict policies. Some social media users have even speculated that the platform might be open to relaxing its rules due to recent drops in advertising revenue.

    It’s Been Several Years Since Twitch Banned Gambling

    Twitch banned the streaming of certain crypto gambling websites back in 2022. The ban targeted sites offering slots, roulette, and dice games that were not licensed in the US or in “other jurisdictions that provide sufficient consumer protection.” Concerns over potential harm to users were cited as the main reason behind the Amazon-owned platform’s decision.

    The policy change followed threats from several of the platform’s top streamers to quit if Twitch did not revise its rules on gambling streams. Twitch did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Gambling on the platform has long been a point of controversy, even before the ban happened. Тhe company had been facing criticism from both streamers and users for failing to control popular gambling categories that could pose risks, especially to younger audiences.Stake.com, Rollbit.com, and Duelbits.com were all websites that came under the initial ban. However, over the past few years, more and more online casinos have also been added to the list.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Republicans get serious on housing crisis with high-profile conservative influencer leading the charge

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    FIRST ON FOX: Conservative influencer Benny Johnson is leading a new initiative to “Make Housing Great Again” amid concerns that Millennials and Gen Z are being pushed out of homeownership by rising costs, stagnant wages and regulatory burdens.

    The new initiative, which is being announced Friday, will be led by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) with help from Johnson, who will be the initiative’s co-chair and national spokesperson, serving as the voice of the initiative. Johnson will also help lead a business advisory council related to making housing more affordable.

    “Benny has 4 million followers. He is, you know, so influential. He’s been talking about this a lot on his own social media platforms, and so he is the perfect person to help deliver the policies,” Ashley Hayek, AFPI’s Executive Vice President and co-chair of the initiative, told Fox News Digital. “He has young children. I have young children. And for us, we are both very fired up about this issue.”

    I WORKED WITH CHARLIE KIRK FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. AMERICA LOST A FUTURE PRESIDENT

    Conservative influencer Benny Johnson will be the voice of the America First Policy Institute’s new ‘Make Housing Great Again’ initiative launched on Friday. (Brett Carlsen and Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Hayek pointed out that advocating for policy is, at least in part, a messaging war, and Johnson’s ability to articulate himself well will help with that. Additionally, he has the attention of many young people, who Hayek noted often aren’t aware of the tools out there to help them buy a home. 

    Greg Sindelar, AFPI’s interim president, added that the current culture in the United States “too often diminishes traditional aspirations,” like homeownership and building a family, which has taken a toll on younger generations.

    Even Democrats tend to agree. Former Democrat congressman and ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post in August explaining how the increased difficulty of homeownership is depressing young men, particularly due to the fact that buying a home is often seen as such a pivotal part of achieving the American Dream.

    “Rising costs, stagnant wages, regulatory burdens, and a culture that too often diminishes traditional aspirations have left millions feeling directionless and forgotten,” Sindelar said. “AFPI is committed to reversing this trend by advancing meaningful, actionable policy solutions rooted in the principles of the America First movement.”

    BIPARTISAN PLAN AIMS TO MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM AFFORDABLE AGAIN FOR MILLIONS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS 

    The new initiative, announced Friday, laid out a list of policy proposals it plans to advance across government of all levels.

    Housing development

    Single family homes in a residential neighborhood in San Marcos, Texas, US, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Among those proposals is a push to eliminate capital gains taxes on first home sales as long as they reinvest in another home within the following five years. This proposal is aimed at mirroring the spirit of President Donald Trump’s “Opportunity Zones” aimed at accelerating wealth and economic development for low-income communities. 

    “Homes are too expensive and totally out of reach for young people. The slow death of the American Dream is happening before our eyes. It is a generational betrayal and we must reverse this trend by Making Housing Great Again,” Johnson told Fox News Digital. “Today, the average age of a first-time homebuyer in America is 40 years old. That is well past the optimal age for marriage and family creation. The battle for homeownership is a battle for our cultural and civilizational survival. We need more young people to get married and start families and that cannot happen without a culture of homeownership.  We must deliver on this promise for our young people. The American Dream hangs in the balance.”

    Another proposal includes a push for the creation of “Home Savings Accounts” similar to a Health Savings Account (HSA) that allows individuals to contribute pre-tax dollars to pay for their healthcare needs.

    One proposal also includes a plan to reduce regulations and increase incentives across states and localities that have restricted the development of new housing supply. One example they point to is “green building standards,” which the initiative says bloats costs for builders. By getting rid of these regulations, they say that it will dramatically reduce the cost for builders, who will then in turn be able to increase supply.

    Conservative commentator Benny Johnson.

    Conservative commentator Benny Johnson has 3.8 million followers on X and 5.6 million YouTube subscribers.  (Fox News Digital)

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    Other proposals include measures to stop predatory lending to young people, while promoting innovative housing like tiny homes. 

    Tax-focused proposals are in the mix as well, such as a “Family Formation Mortgage Credit,” aimed at making family formation and homeownership financially synergistic. It will give families that marry and have a child within five years a $10,000 reduction on their mortgage through a refundable tax credit. The initiative will also push to double the child-tax credit for households filing their taxes jointly and own a home, or are planning to own one.

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  • Europe Aimed to Set Standards for Tech Rules, Now It Wants to Roll Them Back

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    BERLIN—Europe is moving to relax some of the world’s tightest digital regulations in a bid to boost growth and reduce its reliance on U.S. tech.

    Germany and France on Tuesday backed an effort by the European Union, long seen as a global rulesetter for technology, artificial intelligence and digital services, to loosen regulatory strictures on the fast-growing, U.S.-dominated sectors.

    Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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    Bertrand Benoit

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  • AUSTRAC Warns Payment Providers over Child Abuse Payments

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    The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) announced that it has warned online payment providers over recent suspicions of payments for child sexual exploitation. The body has therefore asked payment companies to tighten their controls and remain vigilant.

    AUSTRAC Identified Risky Payments

    In a letter to the online payment platforms sector, the AUSTRAC explained that its regulatory operations team discovered “a number of customers suspected to be making payments for child sexual exploitation.”

    The discovery came as part of a recent supervisory campaign seeking to detect child sexual exploitation activities among the customer base of certain payment providers.

    The AUSTRAC elaborated that the team identified other issues too, including low suspicious matter reporting, poor transaction monitoring and failures to identify and address higher-risk customers.  

    As a result of the investigation, the AUSTRAC asked WorldRemit to appoint an external auditor. At the same time, it also sent a letter of concern to five businesses, while continuing to investigate several others.

    The Failures Are Inexcusable, AUSTRAC Says  

    Brendan Thomas, AUSTRAC’s chief executive officer, commented on the discoveries, saying that some payments, unfortunately, were likely tied to exploitation.

    The team conducted their own transaction monitoring simulation, identifying suspicious customer behaviour and transfers that were very likely payments for child sexual exploitation.

    Brendan Thomas, CEO, AUSTRAC

    Thomas noted that the suspicious client accounts should have been closed immediately due to the severe risk they posed. The accounts in question have now been referred to the Australian Border Force and law enforcement.

    Thomas added that the payment providers’ failure to identify some of these risky accounts is inexcusable.

    Failure to effectively monitor for suspicious transactions and to submit timely reports means we miss out on critical intelligence our customs and border, and law enforcement agencies can use to catch the offenders and other criminals.

    Brendan Thomas, CEO, AUSTRAC

    The AUSTRAC noted that there are 90 payment platforms operating in Australia, 50 of which are also registered as remitters. All of these businesses are required to comply with Australia’s AML and CTF laws.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Trump Sends Pentagon Officials to Ukraine in Effort to Restart Peace Talks

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    President Trump dispatched a high-level Pentagon delegation to Kyiv for talks Wednesday in the administration’s latest attempt to revive negotiations on halting Russia’s war with Ukraine, according to senior U.S. officials.

    Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, along with two four-star Army generals, was scheduled to hold discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials, as well as top military and industry representatives, two of the officials said. Driscoll is planning to meet with Russian officials at a later date.

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    Lara Seligman

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  • AI art in ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’ leads Rep. Ro Khanna to call for more regulation

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    Rep. Ro Khanna (D–Calif.) called for regulation that would stop companies from replacing workers with AI on Friday, following denunciations of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 for featuring AI-generated art. The constituency of video game designers may be niche, but Khanna’s proposal is sweeping: a tax on mass displacement that would throttle technological adoption and slow economic growth.

    Black Ops 7, the latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise, was released Friday. That day, video game journalists called attention to the game’s apparent use of “AI-generated artwork across its core assets,” including calling cards, posters, and reward icons.

    But AI was not used to synthesize the game’s most significant visual elements, including the landscapes, character models, vehicles, or weapon animations. And even those upset by the inclusion of any AI-generated art acknowledge that Activision, the game’s developer, disclosed that its “team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets.”

    Lewis White, FRVR editor in chief, lambasts the game’s AI-generated calling cards as “images prompted by a bored intern who doesn’t have a creative bone in their body.” Product quality is certainly grounds for condemnation from consumers, but White also objects on the grounds that, “When [he pays] for a game, [he pays] for a service to the creatives making that game.” It’s a mistake, however, to view products as job programs—this only leads to higher costs and to people using spoons instead of shovels to move earth.

    About 66 percent of creative professionals who use AI tools say they make better content with it, and 58 percent reported an increase in the quantity of content, according to an Adobe survey published in February 2024. In short, AI doesn’t necessarily just substitute the work of creative professionals; it complements their work too.

    Regardless of AI’s benefits, Khanna insists “we need regulations [to] prevent companies from using AI to eliminate jobs [and] there should be a tax on mass displacement.” AI is merely one of many tools that can replace certain jobs; if the government should prevent companies from eliminating jobs with AI, then it should prevent companies from doing so with any other technology. The predictable result of such invasive government management of businesses would be economic stagnation and shrinkage—leaving everyone worse off.

    A tax on “mass displacement” is a tax on creative destruction, the process by which resource-, energy-, and labor-intensive modes of production are replaced with less costly ones that better satisfy consumer preferences. Khanna’s requirement for “artists [to] have a say in how AI is deployed” would arbitrarily privilege the interests of a narrow group of producers over the rest of us.

    Khanna insists that he is not for a “Luddite complete ban,” but supports “guardrails for worker input before deployment” and tax reforms to discourage “excessive automation.” What such generalities mean in practice is to substitute workers’ interest to secure the largest share of revenue for themselves with business owners’ interest to produce the best product at the lowest price. The latter is conducive to a growing economy that benefits everyone; the former is not.

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    Jack Nicastro

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  • Peptides Are Booming in Wellness Clinics 

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    Peptides have become the latest must-have in the world of wellness and aesthetics. Marketed for everything from fat loss and muscle gain to anti-aging and libido, these powerful compounds are quickly finding their way into med spas, concierge clinics, and health optimization businesses. 

    For entrepreneurs, peptides represent a high-growth opportunity in a market hungry for innovation. They’re buzzy, in-demand, and often promise high margins. But beneath the surface, this industry is moving much faster than the infrastructure meant to regulate it. And for business owners jumping in, that gap creates more than just uncertainty; it creates real risk. 
     
    The rise of the peptide economy 

    Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling agents in the body, triggering processes like fat metabolism, tissue repair, or hormone release. While some are FDA-approved for specific medical uses, many are being offered in wellness clinics for broader, more experimental purposes, often “off-label” or without formal approval. 

    Semaglutide, for instance, was approved for type 2 diabetes but is now widely used for weight loss. Others, such as BPC-157 or CJC-1295, are marketed for recovery, inflammation, and longevity, even though they haven’t received the same level of regulatory approval. 

    For patients, peptides “promise” results that feel more advanced than vitamins and less invasive than surgery. For founders, the appeal is obvious: They tap into massive consumer trends, performance, longevity, and aesthetics, and allow clinics to differentiate their offerings in a saturated market. 

    A business opportunity moving faster than the rules 

    The demand is growing. But the rules are vague, and enforcement is inconsistent. The FDA has flagged concerns about certain peptides sold online. State regulatory boards differ on who can prescribe or administer them. And entrepreneurs sourcing these products often find themselves navigating a maze of inconsistent supplier quality, unclear liability, and shifting guidance. 

    It’s not that founders are intentionally cutting corners. In many cases, they don’t even realize the gray areas in which they’re operating. 

    What founders should know before offering peptides 

    Whether you’re a solo operator or scaling a national wellness brand, the same principle applies: Peptides can absolutely be part of a smart, strategic offering, but only if you’re clear-eyed about what you’re getting into. 

    Here are a few key points to consider: 

    1. Know what you’re offering. 
    Not all peptides are approved, and most are being used off-label. Understand what that means for your business model, your staff, and your clients. 

    2. Source responsibly. 
    Vet suppliers carefully. Look for licensed compounding pharmacies with this licensing documentation and transparency. Your product quality impacts your reputation and potentially your liability. 

    3. Get clinical guidance. 
    Don’t make medical assumptions based on what’s trending online. Work with licensed professionals to create safe protocols, especially when using peptides as part of IV therapy, injections, or personalized treatment plans. 

    4. Educate your clients. 
    Patients are drawn in by big promises. But the more transparent you are about what peptides can and can’t do, the more trust you’ll build. Clarity isn’t just ethical, it’s good business. 

    5. Build for sustainability. 
    Peptides aren’t just a passing trend; they’re part of a larger shift in health optimization. But staying ahead means playing the long game. Short-term growth without infrastructure usually leads to burnout, blowback, or both. 
     
    The bottom line 

    Peptides represent one of the most exciting frontiers in wellness right now. They’re powerful, in-demand, and full of potential. But in many ways, this is still a Wild West moment, where innovation is outpacing oversight, and boldness needs to be matched with responsibility. 

    If you’re a founder in the wellness or aesthetic space, this isn’t a call to avoid peptides. It’s a call to approach them like any great opportunity—with ambition, but also with discipline. 

    Because the businesses that will lead this market forward won’t just be the ones chasing trends, they’ll be the ones building trust. 

    The early-rate deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, November 14, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

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    Sara Shikhman

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  • U.S. to Cut Tariffs on Bananas, Coffee and Other Goods From Four Countries

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    The U.S. plans to eliminate tariffs on bananas, coffee, beef and certain apparel and textile products under framework agreements with four Latin American nations, a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.

    The expected move—which would apply to some goods from Ecuador, Argentina, El Salvador and Guatemala—is part of a shift from the Trump administration to water down some of its so-called reciprocal tariffs in the midst of rising prices for consumers, as well as legal uncertainty after a Supreme Court hearing this month.

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    Gavin Bade

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  • Bessent Says ‘Tenfold’ Growth in Stablecoins Will Lift Demand for Treasurys

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    Bessent Says ‘Tenfold’ Growth in Stablecoins Will Lift Demand for Treasurys

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  • Alaska’s New Mining Rush Chases Something More Coveted Than Gold

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    ESTER, Alaska—At a mining site here, Rod Blakestad cracked open a shiny rock with his pick. He found quartz, a sign that the rock may contain gold.

    But Blakestad, a veteran gold hunter, tossed the rock aside. He and his team of geologists were searching for something even more sought-after: antimony, an obscure element widely used in the defense industry that is now at the center of the bitter U.S.-China trade fight.

    Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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    Jon Emont

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  • Protecting kids from AI chatbots: What the GUARD Act means

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    A new bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., would bar minors (under 18) from interacting with certain AI chatbots. It taps into growing alarm about children using “AI companions” and the risks these systems may pose.

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    What’s the deal with the proposed GUARD Act?

    Here are some of the key features of the proposed Guard Act:

    • AI companies would be required to verify user age with “reasonable age-verification measures” (for example, a government ID) rather than simply asking for a birthdate.
    • If a user is found to be under 18, a company must prohibit them from accessing an “AI companion.”
    • The bill also mandates that chatbots clearly disclose they are not human and do not hold professional credentials (therapy, medical, legal) in every conversation.
    • It creates new criminal and civil penalties for companies that knowingly provide chatbots to minors that solicit or facilitate sexual content, self-harm or violence.

    Bipartisan lawmakers, including Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal, introduced the GUARD Act to protect minors from unregulated AI chatbots. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    The motivation: lawmakers cite testimony of parents, child welfare experts and growing lawsuits alleging that some chatbots manipulated minors, encouraged self-harm or worse. The basic framework of the GUARD Act is clear, but the details reveal how extensive its reach could be for tech companies and families alike.

    META AI DOCS EXPOSED, ALLOWING CHATBOTS TO FLIRT WITH KIDS

    Why is this such a big deal?

    This bill is more than another piece of tech regulation. It sits at the center of a growing debate over how far artificial intelligence should reach into children’s lives.

    Rapid AI growth + child safety concerns

    AI chatbots are no longer toys. Many kids are using them. Hawley cited more than 70 percent of American children engaging with these products. These chatbots can provide human-like responses, emotional mimicry and sometimes invite ongoing conversations. For minors, these interactions can blur boundaries between machine and human, and they may seek guidance or emotional connection from an algorithm rather than a real person.

    Legal, ethical and technological stakes

    If this bill passes, it could reshape how the AI industry manages minors, age verification, disclosures and liability. It shows that Congress is ready to move away from voluntary self-regulation and toward firm guardrails when children are involved. The proposal may also open the door for similar laws in other high-risk areas, such as mental health bots and educational assistants. Overall, it marks a shift from waiting to see how AI develops to acting now to protect young users.

    A girl uses a smartphone.

    Parents across the country are calling for stronger safeguards as more than 70 percent of children use AI chatbots that can mimic empathy and emotional support. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Industry pushback and innovation concerns

    Some tech companies argue that such regulation could stifle innovation, limit beneficial uses of conversational AI (education, mental-health support for older teens) or impose heavy compliance burdens. This tension between safety and innovation is at the heart of the debate.

    What the GUARD Act requires from AI companies

    If passed, the GUARD Act would impose strict federal standards on how AI companies design, verify and manage their chatbots, especially when minors are involved. The bill outlines several key obligations aimed at protecting children and holding companies accountable for harmful interactions.

    • The first major requirement centers on age verification. Companies must use reliable methods such as government-issued identification or other proven tools to confirm that a user is at least 18 years old. Simply asking for a birthdate is no longer enough.
    • The second rule involves clear disclosures. Every chatbot must tell users at the start of each conversation, and at regular intervals, that it is an artificial intelligence system, not a human being. The chatbot must also clarify that it does not hold professional credentials such as medical, legal or therapeutic licenses.
    • Another provision establishes an access ban for minors. If a user is verified as under 18, the company must block access to any “AI companion” feature that simulates friendship, therapy or emotional communication.
    • The bill also introduces civil and criminal penalties for companies that violate these rules. Any chatbot that encourages or engages in sexually explicit conversations with minors, promotes self-harm or incites violence could trigger significant fines or legal consequences.
    • Finally, the GUARD Act defines an AI companion as a system designed to foster interpersonal or emotional interaction with users, such as friendship or therapeutic dialogue. This definition makes it clear that the law targets chatbots capable of forming human-like connections, not limited-purpose assistants.
    A boy holds a smartphone horizontally.

    The proposed GUARD Act would require chatbots to verify users’ ages, disclose they are not human and block under-18 users from AI companion features.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    OHIO LAWMAKER PROPOSES COMPREHENSIVE BAN ON MARRYING AI SYSTEMS AND GRANTING LEGAL PERSONHOOD

    How to stay safe in the meantime

    Technology often moves faster than laws, which means families, schools and caregivers must take the lead in protecting young users right now. These steps can help create safer online habits while lawmakers debate how to regulate AI chatbots.

    1) Know which bots your kids use

    Start by finding out which chatbots your kids talk to and what those bots are designed for. Some are made for entertainment or education, while others focus on emotional support or companionship. Understanding each bot’s purpose helps you spot when a tool crosses from harmless fun into something more personal or manipulative.

    2) Set clear rules about interaction

    Even if a chatbot is labeled safe, decide together when and how it can be used. Encourage open communication by asking your child to show you their chats and explain what they like about them. Framing this as curiosity, not control, builds trust and keeps the conversation ongoing.

    3) Use parental controls and age filters

    Take advantage of built-in safety features whenever possible. Turn on parental controls, activate kid-friendly modes and block apps that allow private or unmonitored chats. Small settings changes can make a big difference in reducing exposure to harmful or suggestive content.

    4) Teach children that bots are not humans

    Remind kids that even the most advanced chatbot is still software. It can mimic empathy, but does not understand or care in a human sense. Help them recognize that advice about mental health, relationships or safety should always come from trusted adults, not from an algorithm.

    5) Watch for warning signs

    Stay alert for changes in behavior that could signal a problem. If a child becomes withdrawn, spends long hours chatting privately with a bot or repeats harmful ideas, step in early. Talk openly about what is happening, and if necessary, seek professional help.

    6) Stay informed as the laws evolve

    Regulations such as the GUARD Act and new state measures, including California’s SB 243, are still taking shape. Keep up with updates so you know what protections exist and which questions to ask app developers or schools. Awareness is the first line of defense in a fast-moving digital world.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    The GUARD Act represents a bold step toward regulating the intersection of minors and AI chatbots. It reflects growing concern that unmoderated AI companionship might harm vulnerable users, especially children. Of course, regulation alone won’t solve all problems, industry practices, platform design, parental involvement and education all matter. But this bill signals that the era of “build it and see what happens” for conversational AI may be ending when children are involved. As technology continues to evolve, our laws and our personal practices must evolve too. For now, staying informed, setting boundaries and treating chatbot interactions with the same scrutiny we treat human ones can make a real difference.

    If a law like the GUARD Act becomes reality, should we expect similar regulation for all emotional AI tools aimed at kids (tutors, virtual friends, games) or are chatbots fundamentally different? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. 

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. 

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Tasmania to Consider Gambling Ad Ban in State-Owned Properties

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    Independent upper house MP Meg Webb and lower house MP Kristie Johnston are advocating for a statewide ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship in all publicly owned or state-funded venues across Tasmania, Australia.

    Webb and Johnston Set Motion for Ban on Gambling Ads in State Venues

    Webb and Johnston plan to introduce the motion in parliament this month, contending that gambling advertising during sporting events has normalized betting as part of everyday life. The proposed ban would apply to signage, digital advertising, uniforms, and broadcast content at all state-owned or publicly funded venues. It would also cover future developments, such as the new Macquarie Point Stadium project, ensuring these restrictions remain in place for generations to come.

    According to local news outlet Pulse Tasmania, the proposal aligns with key recommendations from a 2023 federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, many of which remain unimplemented at the national level. Webb and Johnston argue that Tasmania can take independent action to adopt these recommendations, aiming to reduce public exposure to gambling promotions and associated harm while federal progress remains stalled.

    The motion also sets clear implementation timelines: if approved, agencies would have 12 months to establish and enforce the ban. Additionally, it requires the government to present a progress report to parliament after six months, detailing compliance measures, transitional arrangements, and any granted exemptions.

    The Alliance for Gambling Reform has voiced its support for the motion, describing it as a public health initiative that could set a precedent for other states. Spokesperson Mark Kempster said the overwhelming presence of gambling advertising has conditioned audiences, particularly young people, to view betting as an inherent part of sport. He added that eliminating gambling logos and sponsorships from state-funded venues and events would help de-normalize gambling culture and reduce exposure among minors.

    Webb and Johnston’s plan is one of a series of initiatives aimed at further regulating the Australian gambling scene recently. For example, last month Northern Territory crossbenchers called for overhauling Australia’s online gambling regulator, claiming the system has grown too large and powerful to function without proper oversight.

    Data Seems to Support Gambling Ads Ban

    Webb and Johnston’s plan has a high chance of succeeding if we factor in the public’s opinion. Data cited by the motion’s proponents shows strong backing for stricter regulations. National polling indicates that 75% of Australians support a complete ban on gambling advertising, with support rising to 81% for restrictions on online gambling promotions. According to a 2022 survey of AFL fans, reported by Pulse Tasmania, 79% favored removing gambling advertisements from AFL venues.

    Additional data from the Australian Gambling Research Center also sheds light on the motivations behind the proposal. It shows that around three million Australians participate in harmful gambling behaviors, with young adults aged 18 to 24 nearly twice as likely to fall into the high-risk category compared to other age groups.

    Tasmania’s parliament is expected to debate Webb and Johnston’s motion in December, with advocates describing it as a crucial test case for other states and territories.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • China Is Filling Up Its Oil Reserves Fast

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    China has spent months building up its oil reserves. That might come in handy in the wake of the new sanctions the U.S. recently imposed on Russian crude.

    During the first nine months of the year, the world’s second-largest economy imported on average more than 11 million barrels of oil a day, an amount above the daily production of Saudi Arabia, according to official customs data. Analysts estimate 1 million to 1.2 million of those barrels were stashed in reserves each day.

    Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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    Rebecca Feng

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  • Essay | The Trade War Couldn’t Change China’s Economy

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    President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have walked back from the ledge—again. But even as the world’s two superpowers deescalate a trade fight that had threatened to destabilize the global economy, a new reality is setting in—that Washington may finally have to give up on its long-standing aim of pushing Beijing to restructure its economy.

    For years and through successive U.S. administrations, senior officials in Washington had hoped that bringing China into the global trading system would open up the country’s political system. In the decades since China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001, those hopes of political liberalization have largely been dashed. The sense of disappointment has only grown as Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who took power in late 2012, has tightened his control over the domestic political system and civil society more broadly.

    Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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    Jonathan Cheng

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  • Luxembourg Considers Creating a State-Owned Online Gambling Monopoly

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    Luxembourg’s Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue confirmed recently that the small European country is considering the idea of introducing a state-controlled monopoly on online gambling and sports betting. 

    Luxembourg Considering Online Gambling Monopoly

    Margue responded to questions from Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) MP Dan Biancalana, who expressed concerns about player protection and the increasing presence of gaming machines in local cafés. According to European case law, it is possible to establish such a monopoly, but the government must then ensure the protection of its citizens, Margue said. She explained that authorities are examining these issues internally with all relevant parties to determine what actions can and must be taken, and how far measures should go if the initiative proceeds.

    The minister added that reforms are in progress to permit National Lottery gaming terminals in these establishments, while all other similar devices are set to be banned. At the same time, Health Minister Martine Deprez noted that Luxembourg has an agreement with the Center for Excessive Behavior and Behavioral Addictions (ZEV) to tackle problem gambling. With the number of people seeking help for addiction nearly tripling from 2020 to 2024, reaching 100, the ZEV budget has risen from EUR 220,000 (around $254,000) in 2020 to EUR 560,000 ($646,000) this year.

    Should Luxembourg move forward with a monopoly, it would mark a departure from the prevailing approach in Europe. In recent years, many countries across the continent have shifted away from exclusive state control toward open licensing systems. Proponents of this shift argue that competition enhances channelization and consumer protection.

    What’s the State of Online Gambling in Luxembourg?

    Online gambling operators are not established in Luxembourg but are instead based in jurisdictions where such activities are legally permitted. Luxembourg residents are allowed to participate in these online casinos and play for real money, as doing so is not prohibited under national law. Winnings from these platforms can be withdrawn to a local bank account without restriction.

    However, the overall gambling sector in the small European country seems quite healthy. Luxembourg’s gambling market is projected to generate around $447.8 million in revenue in 2025, according to industry estimates. Casinos and casino games are expected to account for the largest share, with a projected market volume of roughly $270 million. Average revenue per user (ARPU) is forecast to reach about $478 next year. Looking ahead, the number of users in the gambling sector is expected to climb to around one million by 2030.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • US Struggles to Rein In Prediction Markets as State Frustration Mounts

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    The United States is entering uncharted territory as it struggles to resolve the discrepancies surrounding prediction markets. What began as a niche segment of the financial market has now evolved into a multi-billion-dollar sector that is testing the limits of federal oversight and state gambling laws. At the forefront of this dispute is Kalshi, a platform that claims to be a federally regulated exchange rather than a sportsbook despite offering wagers on sporting events nationwide.

    State Regulators Are Fighting Back

    The legal advantage of prediction platforms stems from a simple yet powerful distinction. Such companies operate under the Commodity Exchange Act, overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This regulation categorizes the products of platforms like Kalshi as financial derivatives, rather than gambling bets. The distinction allows such companies to operate in all 50 states, even those that ban online sports wagering.

    Kalshi has become the poster child of prediction markets in the US and has leaned heavily into sports markets, introducing contracts on NFL and NHL games. The move has triggered a swift response by state regulators who claim that Kalshi is abusing its CFTC certification to circumvent state gambling bans under the guise of a futures exchange.

    The dispute has already spilled into courts across the USA. After attempts in several jurisdictions to rein in Kalshi’s operations, the company has initiated legal action against the states of Nevada, New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio, in some cases securing preliminary injunctions to keep its services active. Meanwhile, Massachusetts and some Native American tribes in California have seized the initiative, arguing that the platform’s sports contracts constitute unlicensed gambling.

    The CFTC Appears Unwilling to Commit

    According to legal experts, much of the controversy hinges on whether futures trading can legally extend to events such as sporting outcomes. The CFTC has refused to commit to a hard stance, insisting that the matter is up to individual states. However, prediction markets continue to use the federal regulator as a shield, circumventing attempts to hold it accountable under state gambling laws.

    The regulatory vacuum has frustrated state officials. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently warned that prediction platforms directly threaten established gaming systems. Nevada regulators have also taken a strong stand, vowing to scrutinize any operator offering event-based contracts to state residents.

    For the time being, prediction markets like Kalshi continue to expand largely unchecked. The company’s sports contracts now account for over 90% of trading activity, and marketing materials explicitly promote sports wagering options “in all 50 states.” With Donald Trump Jr. holding advisory positions with Kalshi and Polymarket, prediction platforms continue to expand despite the opposition.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • A consumer’s guide to products claiming FDA approval

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    An Instagram ad catches your eye. You click to the product’s website and find reassurance: The product, it says, is “FDA certified” or was “produced in an FDA registered facility.”

    Mention of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — the agency that regulates drugs, biological products, medical devices, food and cosmetics — might give it the veneer of legitimacy. But not all claims about FDA approval, certification or registration are created equal. 

    The FDA warns that some companies advertise products using fake FDA registration certificates. 

    It can be hard to navigate. 

    “Consumers should be aware that many terms and claims may be misleading and have little, if any, relevance regarding the safety or effectiveness of the product,” said Aaron Lottes, a Purdue University engineering professor with medical device regulation expertise.

    Here’s a consumer guide to the FDA’s regulatory terms — and other terms you might encounter that don’t really come from the agency at all. 

    ‘FDA approved’

    It means: The FDA determined the product is safe and effective for its intended use. For drugs, it means the drug’s benefits outweigh its known and potential risks when used for its intended purpose and following its approved labeling.

    The FDA evaluates lab, animal and clinical testing outcomes and other scientific information to assess whether a product is safe and effective and whether it can be made according to federal quality standards. 

    Things the FDA approves include: 

    • Drugs or products meant to treat or prevent disease.

    • Biological products such as gene therapies, therapeutic proteins, vaccines, allergenic products and products made from plasma.

    • High-risk human medical devices, including mechanical heart valves and implantable infusion pumps.

    • Human food additives that are added to food for a specific purpose, such as when xanthan gum is added to a food to add texture. 

    • Color additives used in food, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics and some medical devices.

    The FDA generally does not approve cosmetics such as moisturizers, perfumes, makeup, shampoos, toothpastes and deodorants; infant formula; dietary supplements; food labels or nutrition facts; facilities such as doctors’ offices or labs; or tobacco products. It also does not approve compounded drugs, which a pharmacist or doctor might create to meet the needs of patients with allergies. Another example would include the creation of a compounded liquid formulation of a medication commonly available as a pill for someone with a condition that makes swallowing difficult. 

    Some things fall in between. A product might be both a cosmetic and a drug if it has more than one use and one of its uses would contribute to a disease’s diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention. 

    “An antidandruff shampoo is a cosmetic because its intended use is to cleanse the hair, and it is also a drug because its intended use is to treat dandruff,” the FDA said in a statement. 

    Another example would be antiperspirant deodorant or makeup containing sun protection, the statement said. 

    How to verify a company’s claims about FDA approval: Search the FDA’s approved drug database, the cleared and approved medical devices database and the approved animal drugs database. 

    ‘FDA certified’

    It means: The only type of official FDA certification we found applies to a mammography facility that meets strict standards for providing quality mammograms, X-ray pictures of breasts to help with earlier breast cancer detection. 

    Federal law requires mammography facilities be certified as capable of providing quality mammograms by either the FDA or FDA-approved certification agencies in Illinois, Iowa, South Carolina or Texas. A facility must stop providing mammograms if it is not certified.

    The FDA generally does not certify medical devices or facilities that make them.

    Renee Jeria, the imaging manager, shows the working of the mammography screening machine at the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center on April 25, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP)

    How to verify if your mammogram facility is certified: Search the FDA’s certified mammography facilities list or, when you’re there, look for a displayed FDA certificate.

    Watch out for: Companies using fake certificates to claim a product or medical device is FDA certified — a practice the FDA said increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fake certificates often mimic official government documents and display the FDA logo.

    ‘FDA registered’

    It means: The FDA has registration paperwork on file from the owners of a domestic or foreign food, drug or medical device facility that produces and distributes products sold in the U.S.

    A facility’s registration with the FDA does not mean the agency approved, cleared or authorized it or the products it creates or distributes. The FDA doesn’t approve facilities, but it can inspect them to verify that they comply with relevant good manufacturing practices and other requirements.

    A facility must be registered if it: 

    How to verify if something is FDA-registered: Search the FDA’s database of registered medical device manufacturers and the registered tobacco product facilities.

    PolitiFact Staff Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

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  • The Republican Plan to Reform the Census Could Put Everyone’s Privacy at Risk

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    President Donald Trump and the Republican Party have spent the better part of the president’s second term radically reshaping the federal government. But in recent weeks, the GOP has set its sights on taking another run at an old target: the US census.

    Since the first Trump administration, the right has sought to add a question to the census that captures a respondent’s immigration status and to exclude noncitizens from the tallies that determine how seats in Congress are distributed. In 2019, the Supreme Court struck down an attempt by the first Trump administration to add a citizenship question to the census.

    But now, a little-known algorithmic process called “differential privacy,” created to keep census data from being used to identify individual respondents, has become the right’s latest focus. WIRED spoke to six experts about the GOP’s ongoing effort to falsely allege that a system created to protect people’s privacy has made the data from the 2020 census inaccurate.

    If successful, the campaign to get rid of differential privacy could not only radically change the kind of data made available, but could put the data of every person living in the US at risk. The campaign could also discourage immigrants from participating in the census entirely.

    The Census Bureau regularly publishes anonymized data so that policymakers and researchers can use it. That data is also sensitive: Conducted every 10 years, the census counts every person living in the United States, citizen and noncitizen alike. The data includes detailed information like the race, sex, and age, as well the languages they speak, their home address, economic status, and the number of people living in a house. This data is used for allocating the federal funds that support public services like schools and hospitals, as well as for how a state’s population is divided up and represented in Congress. The more people in a state, the more Congressional representation—and more votes in the Electoral College.

    As computers got increasingly sophisticated and data more abundant and accessible, census employees and researchers realized the data published by the Census Bureau could be reverse engineered to identify individual people. According to Title XIII of the US Code, it is illegal for census workers to publish any data that would identify individual people, their homes, or businesses. A a government employee revealing this kind of information could be punished with thousands of dollars in fines or even a possible prison sentence.

    For individuals, this could mean, for instance, someone could use census data without differential privacy to identify transgender youth, according to research from the University of Washington.

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    Vittoria Elliott

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