Roblox is implementing mandatory facial verification for all users to access communication features, starting in January. The platform introduces age-based chat, restricting communication to similar age groups.

Users can voluntarily verify their age to secure access to communication features. In December, the age-check becomes mandatory in select markets like Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

The move follows lawsuits over child safety concerns, with reports of young users being exposed to grooming and explicit content.

The age-check involves facial verification through a third-party vendor, Persona, with deletion of images/videos post-verification. Users will be assigned to one of six age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, and 21+.

Roblox is also launching a Safety Center for parents with guidance and tools for Parental Controls.

A pro-AI super PAC, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, is targeting New York Assembly member Alex Bores due to his support for AI regulation.

Bores is the chief sponsor of New York’s bipartisan RAISE Act, which mandates safety plans for large AI labs and imposes penalties for non-compliance. The super PAC, named Leading the Future, aims to counter policymakers who advocate for AI regulation.

Bores stated that AI anxieties are rising among his constituents, who are concerned about issues ranging from data centers increasing utility bills to chatbots impacting mental health. He is coordinating with policymakers in other states to standardize legislation and avoid redundancies with the EU AI Act.

Bores emphasizes that AI regulation is not intended to limit innovation, but to ensure trustworthiness in AI development.

Ford has partnered with Amazon to sell certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon Autos. Customers can browse local dealer inventories, complete paperwork online, and schedule vehicle pickup through Amazon's website. This partnership allows customers to search for vehicles by model, trim, color, and features, as well as secure financing and e-sign paperwork via Amazon Autos.

Certified pre-owned vehicles sold on Amazon Autos come with a money-back guarantee, allowing customers to return the vehicle within 14 days or 1,000 miles. Initially, Ford vehicles on Amazon Autos will be offered in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas.

Swedish automaker Volvo has cancelled a five-year contract with Luminar due to Luminar's failure to meet contractual obligations. This escalation occurs as Luminar faces financial difficulties, including defaulting on loans and a potential bankruptcy. Luminar has laid off 25% of its staff and is exploring a sale of the company.

The relationship between Volvo and Luminar was previously beneficial, with Volvo investing in Luminar and integrating its technology into their vehicles. However, Volvo has decided to limit its supply chain risk exposure due to Luminar's performance. Luminar has made a claim against Volvo for significant damages and suspended further commitments of Iris sensors.

Volvo stated that its products can deliver high levels of safety with or without lidar, but the situation has affected some customer orders. Luminar has also stopped spending money on Iris sensors, leading to a breach of agreement with its supplier.