Social media ban made little difference in Australia, concerns over smart glasses filming retail staff

Some 85% of under-16s are still using social media in Australia despite a ban being put in place in December, a major new study suggests. Not only were the vast majority of underage users still on social media, there was little difference in the amount of time they spent on it, according to research published in The BMJ. Daily social media use stayed the same among 12-13 year olds, reduced from 78% to 69% in 14-15 year olds, and increased by 9% in those aged over 16. Sky News 

The US government has opened a second federal investigation into a recent crash of a Tesla that reportedly had driver-assistance technology engaged, struck a Texas home and killed a resident. Meanwhile, the family of Martha Avila, the 76-year-old resident who was killed, has sued over the wreck. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Wednesday that it was launching an investigation into the 19 June crash that killed Avila in the Houston suburb of Katy. The Guardian 

Recently there’s been some controversy about the iPhone Ultra‘s release window, with a report claiming it was delayed, which was then immediately refuted by another source, and then another one. Today we get one more ‘confirmation’ that the iPhone Ultra will be unveiled as scheduled, in September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The issues relating to the hinge have allegedly been resolved, and the mass production of the iPhone Ultra will be starting in late July. This information comes from a report in Korean media, purportedly originating from “Apple supply chain officials”. GSM Arena 

Retail staff being filmed by members of the public without their knowledge or consent is an “increasing problem”, a shop workers’ union has said. It comes after a sales assistant told the BBC he had appeared in a video uploaded to TikTok and YouTube by former TV presenter Michael Barrymore without being asked for his permission.  Barrymore often films videos, including trips to the shops and interactions with the public, via a small built-in camera on his smart glasses, and uploads them to his several million followers. BBC 

Grand Theft Auto VI, the most highly anticipated game of the year, will be released without a physical copy – and that’s riled up some gamers. Pre-orders were released on Thursday, with the game costing £69.99 in the UK and $79.99 in the US – but for those planning to buy a physical copy to install, they might be disappointed. The plastic Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) boxes that will no doubt line every game shop’s window come 19 November won’t contain discs. Instead, there’ll just be a digital download code inside. Sky News 

Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused of ‘flip-flopping’ over controversial £50m tech contract for the Met Police. The mayor initially blocked a deal after he said the force had only spoken to one supplier – tech giant Palantir. His intervention was subject to a legal challenge by the Florida-based company. Sir Sadiq has now given an extra 12 months to run a pilot while the force sorts out a permanent long-term supplier. “We are pleased MOPAC has approved the Met to continue to use this capability for a further 12 months to strengthen professional standards, root out misconduct and increase public confidence,” Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams said. ITV News