Australia's social media ban shows UK child safety measures are bound to fail — and it's not because of VPNs

techradar.com Jun 20, 2026

Australia’s social media ban shows UK child safety measures are bound to fail — and it’s not because of VPNs

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Australia has implemented a social media ban for children under 16, but the law has been difficult to enforce, with around seven in 10 under-16s still having active accounts on major platforms. Despite this, the UK government plans to implement a similar model by spring next year, citing it as the right step for Britain. However, the privacy tech industry and children's safety groups have raised concerns, arguing that the ban may not bring the hoped-for results and could even be a step back in children's online protection. The Australian experience has shown no notable changes in cyberbullying or image-based abuse reported by children.

💡 Why It Matters

· Strict age verification checks pose a significant risk to digital privacy, and the UK's proposal may compromise the security of all social media users.
· Children's safety groups argue that alternative solutions are needed to protect children online without putting everyone's privacy at risk.

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Microsoft is killing Office 2021 in October to push you onto Microsoft…

Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Office 2021 on October 13, 2026, after which users will no longer receive patches, fixes, or security updates. This move is part of Microsoft's effort to push users towards its subscription-based productivity offerings, such as Microsoft 365. Users who choose to stay with Office 2021 can take steps to mitigate potential security risks, including keeping the software offline, practicing safe document handling, and keeping Windows Security updated.

💡 Microsoft's decision to end support for Office 2021 highlights the company's increasing reliance on subscription-based models, which may not appeal to users who value the stability and predictability of a one-time purchase. As a result, users who choose to stay with Office 2021 may be forced to adopt workarounds to maintain security and functionality.

techcrunch.com · Jun 20

Go eyes robotaxis and acquisitions after Japan’s biggest IPO of 2026. Here’s…

Go, Japan's largest ride-hailing app, has successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO), raising ¥88.6 billion ($553 million) to expand its robotaxi business and make strategic acquisitions. The company plans to use the funds to address Japan's shortage of taxi drivers, which has fallen by roughly 20% in recent years due to an aging population. Go has partnered with Waymo and Nihon Kotsu to develop autonomous driving technology and aims to begin fully driverless operations when validated and approved.

💡 The IPO's success underscores global institutional investors' willingness to back Japanese startups, despite the country's quiet listing season. Go's robotaxi ambitions also highlight the growing competition in Japan's taxi industry, with Uber, Wayve, and Nissan planning to pilot robotaxi services in Tokyo by late 2026.

9to5google.com · Jun 19

Google Meet for Android Auto now rolling out widely

Google has confirmed the full rollout of Google Meet for Android Auto, a feature that allows users to make conference calls from their vehicles. The feature is enabled by default and works automatically when a phone is connected to a supported Android Auto head unit. The rollout is expected to be complete by June 2026, with users seeing the feature on their car's in-car entertainment OS. A notification will inform users that "Meet is available" and allow them to log in.

💡 Google's integration of Google Meet into Android Auto marks a significant shift in how people use video conferencing on-the-go. By streamlining the process and limiting distractions, Google is making it easier for professionals to stay connected while driving, potentially increasing productivity and reducing the need for lengthy breaks.

appleinsider.com · Jun 19

EU-style App Store rules reach Brazil with new app stores & payments

Apple has agreed to introduce EU-style App Store rules in Brazil, allowing developers to distribute iPhone apps through marketplaces outside the App Store. Under the agreement with Brazil's antitrust regulator, CADE, developers can begin integrating the new capabilities immediately. The changes will be part of iOS 26.5, requiring alternative marketplaces to receive authorization from Apple and comply with ongoing requirements, including a notarization process to identify malware and security threats.

💡 The move expands Apple's concessions to a key emerging market, potentially setting a precedent for other countries to follow. By allowing alternative marketplaces, Apple may be forced to adapt its App Store business model to accommodate increased competition.

9to5google.com · Jun 19

Android developer verification on track for September, ‘Verifier’ service will soon auto-install

Google has published an update on its Android developer verification process, which is set to launch in September. Millions of apps have been verified since the registration process began in March. The service, called 'Verifier', will automatically install on Android 8+ devices starting in June, validating that an app is registered to a verified developer. The initial launch will cover Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global launch planned for 2027. Google is also launching a new type of Android developer account for students and hobbyists, and an API to streamline app registration.

💡 The Android developer verification requirement will significantly reduce the risk of malicious actors exploiting unknown developers, protecting users from potentially harmful apps. The new system service will also provide a more streamlined and secure experience for verified developers, allowing them to reach a wider audience without compromising on security.

9to5google.com · Jun 19

YouTube TV’s quiet update restricts ‘less powerful devices,’ including Roku

Google has released an update for YouTube TV that restricts background playback and shortens the future program list for users on older and less powerful devices, including Roku. The update aims to prevent crashing and create a seamless experience for these devices. Users on devices with less than 512MB of memory may experience a different experience, with some features not available. The update has been reported to affect several Roku devices, with users advised to upgrade to newer hardware to enjoy the full YouTube TV experience.

💡 The YouTube TV update highlights the trade-off between performance and functionality on lower-end devices, forcing users to choose between a degraded experience or upgrading their hardware.