Passports may soon become obsolete as facial recognition and smartphones take over

YouTube is introducing age-estimation technology in the U.S. to better identify teen users, thereby enhancing age-appropriate protections like disabling personalized ads and limiting repetitive content viewing. Users misidentified as under 18 can verify their age via credit card, ID, or selfie, with the rollout starting with a small group of signed-in users across all platforms. Want More Context? 🔎

Apple's iOS 26 introduces a spam text filtering feature that could significantly impact political campaigns, particularly for the GOP, which estimates a potential $25 million loss in revenue and $500 million overall due to reduced fundraising from text messages. The National Republican Senatorial Committee's memo highlights that the feature affects all parties equally, as it filters messages from unknown senders without content filtering. Want More Context? 🔎

YouTube has updated its monetization policy to allow videos with strong profanity, such as "fuck," in the first seven seconds to be fully monetized, a shift from previous limitations. This change reflects evolving advertiser expectations, although videos that feature profanity in titles or thumbnails still face restrictions, and excessive use remains against YouTube's content guidelines. Want More Context? 🔎

LG's StanbyMe 2 features a 27-inch 1440p detachable display, enhanced connectivity with additional ports, and a built-in battery lasting four hours, priced at $1,299.99. Additionally, LG's Smart Monitor Switch offers a larger 31.5-inch 4K touchscreen for the same price but requires a power outlet. Want More Context? 🔎

YouTube will implement AI-powered age estimation technology starting August 13th to identify users under 18 based on account activity, automatically applying protections such as blocking age-restricted content and non-personalized ads. Users can verify their age via government ID or selfie if incorrectly categorized, and this move aligns with global efforts to enhance online child safety. Want More Context? 🔎

India has surpassed China to become the leading source of smartphones sold in the US, driven by Apple's increased production in the country. In the June quarter, India accounted for 44% of US smartphone shipments, while China's share dropped to 25%, as manufacturers adjusted inventories amid tariff concerns, despite an 11% decline in Apple's iPhone shipments. Want More Context? 🔎