Latest news with #internetprivacy
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmakers introduce competing proposal for online age verification
Rep. Heidi Workman, R-Rootstown, (left) alongside Rep. Phil Plummer, R-Dayton, introducing their legislation. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.) Ohio lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are concerned about protecting minors on the internet, but how exactly to handle age verification has been a bit of challenge. Now, legislators are offering competing visions for determining an internet users' age. One of those visions, backed by social media companies like Facebook parent company Meta, would put the onus squarely on app stores. Another, introduced last week, shares responsibility between the app stores and app developers. A complicated system added to the 2023 state budget was summarily rejected by federal courts earlier this year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The newest proposal, House Bill 302, is sponsored by state Reps. Heidi Workman, R-Rootstown, and Phil Plummer, R-Dayton. They describe the proposal as a way to split duties between the companies building apps and the ones providing access to those apps. An app store would act as a kind of dashboard, providing a central location for parental controls, and delivering an 'age signal' to developers so they can determine what user experience is appropriate. 'These duties reflect what app stores are uniquely positioned to do,' Workman said, 'provide infrastructure, support consistency and enable parental oversight in a scalable, privacy-conscious way.' But the work doesn't end there. 'App developers who understand the intricacies of their own platforms are responsible for implementing practical protections tailored to the risks present in their apps,' she said. Plummer said their approach ensures developers get no more information than is necessary. The bill also contains safeguards against developers sharing that age information or leveraging children's data for targeted ads. Plummer said H.B. 302 is 'structured to provide meaningful protections where they're needed, without overreaching into areas where they are not.' He also said the measure is flexible enough to respond as technology grows and changes. Part of that flexibility, however, comes from seemingly vague standards and requirements in the bill's language. Apps are only 'covered' if they offer different experiences for adults and minors. Initial determinations about a user's age come down to an estimate, the nature of which is unclear. Ohio judge permanently blocks social media age verification law Companies 'may use' tools that are 'commercially reasonable' to estimate a user's age category 'with a reasonable level of certainty proportionate to the risks that arise from access to and use of the relevant service or portion thereof,' according to the bill's language. Users who are estimated to be a minor can verify their age. The bill doesn't describe how they do so. It's a notable departure from Ohio's first stab at age verification, known as the Social Media Parental Notification Act. That measure tried to pre-determine every sort of website where adult content might be available, while drafting exceptions for news or commerce sites. When he put that law on hold, U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley called it a 'breathtakingly blunt instrument.' Marbley permanently enjoined the measure last April. Running parallel to Workman and Plummer's proposal is a competing measure sponsored by state Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, and state Sen. Michele Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester. Miller and Reynolds want to put the responsibility for age verification and parental consent on the app store. Meta strongly supports the legislation. Ohio Republicans propose new social media age verification plan Jennifer Hanley, who heads up North American safety policy for the company told Ohio lawmakers understanding a user's age is 'fundamental' to providing age-appropriate content, but insisted that responsibility shouldn't fall on her company. 'We think the easiest, most consistent, and most privacy-protective solution is to require app stores to verify age and get a parent's approval any time a teen wants to download an app,' Hanley said. The method compares to a person buying a six-pack of Budweiser at a store – they show their ID to the cashier, not to the beer company. If app stores are a one-stop-shop for all the games, messaging and social media services a person will download, the app store, not the app company, would determine the age. But companies who operate app stores, most notably Apple and Google, are uncomfortable with carrying that much responsibility. As Plummer put it, 'app stores can provide consistent tools (and) centralized access points, but they should not be forced to manage risk they cannot fully access.' Speaking after the hearing introducing the bill, Workman acknowledged they've been working with app store companies to develop their legislation. She said they wanted to 'bring all stakeholders to the table.' Workman said those companies believe the proposal offers a workable solution, but no other state has actually implemented the provisions. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Gizmodo
How to Get a Colombian IP Address: Stream, Bank, and Browse Like a Local
If your playlists are full of Sebastián Yatra, your football loyalty screams Atlético Nacional, or your work relies on Colombian web tools, a local IP is pretty much essential. The internet still draws invisible borders, and if you're outside Colombia, you'll feel the block instantly: slower speeds, regional restrictions, and services that ghost you like a bad Tinder date. The simple solution is to get a Colombian IP address through a reliable VPN. And it's not just a niche thing anymore, VPN usage in Latin America has surged, with Colombia leading in mobile-first VPN adoption. In this guide, we're getting hands-on. We tested the best VPNs with real servers in Bogotá (spoiler: not all 'Colombian' IPs are actually located in Colombia), ran speed tests, and streamed regional content to find out what actually works. So if you're tired of being blocked, slowed, or tracked, here's how to get a Colombian IP address — the right way. Why You Should Use a VPN to Get a Colombian IP Address Obtaining a Colombian IP sounds simple on paper. But not every method actually works, or works safely. We tried them all, and here's what we found. Proxies and Smart DNS: Half Solutions, Zero Privacy Proxies and Smart DNS services promise easy region-switching. But in practice? They're like renting a disguise without checking if it actually fits. Yes, some Smart DNS tools let you spoof your region. But they don't encrypt your traffic, so your data is still exposed. Worse, many Colombian sites that require logins or banking verification sniff these out and block them anyway. And proxies? Forget it. They're slow, unstable, and often run on questionable infrastructure. We tried three of the highest-rated Colombian proxies. Out of these, two didn't connect, and one loaded a broken page, which is not exactly confidence-inspiring. Free VPNs: Limited, Leaky, and Not Actually Colombian Then we turned to free VPNs. The idea sounds great — hide your IP address, access local sites, pay nothing. But here's the catch: most free VPNs don't have Colombian servers. Even Proton VPN, which is the best free VPN service in 2025, doesn't offer servers in Colombia. That meant no real Colombian IP, and the whole 'free VPN' angle was a non-starter for this test. Other freebies we tested did have a 'Colombian' option, but a quick IP check showed we were actually connecting through Miami or São Paulo. That's not going to cut it for anything that really requires local verification. A VPN Is the Only Tool That Works — If You Pick the Right One The only solution that worked end-to-end with a reliable connection, true Colombian IP, strong encryption, and streaming compatibility was a premium VPN with physical servers in Bogotá. That instantly ruled out most providers. NordVPN was the clear winner here, but we'll get into that next. If you want a Colombian IP that just works (for streaming, banking, browsing, or privacy), a real VPN with real Colombian servers is the only move worth making. How to Get a Colombian IP Address: Step-by-Step Guide Getting a Colombian IP isn't just about clicking 'connect.' If you want a real IP located inside Colombia, with no leaks, no performance hiccups, and full compatibility with local services, here's exactly how to do it, tested and verified using NordVPN. Step 1: Sign Up for NordVPN Go to NordVPN's official site and choose a plan. The long-term options offer the best bang for your buck (just over $3/month), and you're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's zero risk in trying it out. Get a Colombian IP with NordVPN Step 2: Download the NordVPN App NordVPN supports almost every platform: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, and even routers. Download and install the app for your device, and log in with the account you just created. Step 3: Connect to a Colombian Server Launch the app, type 'Colombia' into the search bar, and connect to one of the physical servers located in Bogotá. You'll be automatically routed through the fastest server available. During our tests, we hit Bogotá-#343, and consistently got low ping and high speeds. Step 4: Verify Your Colombian IP Address Before opening any geo-locked sites, verify that your IP is actually Colombian. Visit You should see 'Bogotá, Colombia' as your active location. If it still shows your real location, make sure Kill Switch is on and try reconnecting. Step 5: Stream, Surf, or Log In Securely Now you're good to go. You can safely access Colombian TV platforms from abroad, local banking portals, or search results tailored to Colombia. All your traffic is encrypted, and your true IP stays hidden, even on public Wi-Fi. Why We Picked NordVPN for This Guide We tested multiple VPNs, and NordVPN was the only one with physical servers in Bogotá that consistently delivered stable speeds, real Colombian IPs, and zero DNS leaks. It also supports SmartPlay (great for streaming Colombian content), allows unlimited bandwidth, and has extra security tools like Threat Protection and Meshnet. So, whether you're accessing local services or just want a fast, private, Colombian browsing experience, NordVPN is the one we'd trust to get the job done. Best VPNs for a Colombian IP Address in 2025 We didn't just Google 'VPN with Colombian servers' and call it a day. We went full hands-on mode. We tested connection speeds, IP accuracy, app reliability, and whether each VPN actually gave us a real Colombian IP (not just one claiming to be Colombian while routing traffic through Florida). Only a few VPNs made the cut. And only one came out on top. 7492 servers 118 covered countries 30 days money-back guarantee 10 simultaneous connections 9.4 /10 Visit site Our review Monthly price 3,09 $ 27 MONTHS 4,99 $ 12 MONTHS 11,99 $ 1 MONTH Our opinion: The best overall VPN for reliability and security Speed Security Features Ease of use Customer support Value for money SEE MORE 1 3000 servers 105 covered countries 30 days money-back guarantee 8 simultaneous connections 9.1 /10 Visit site Our review Monthly price 6,67 $ 15 MONTHS 9,99 $ 6 MONTHS 12,95 $ 1 MONTH Our opinion: The fast and easy to use quality VPN Speed Security Features Ease of use Customer support Value for money SEE MORE 2 27000 servers 91 covered countries 30 days money-back guarantee Unlimited connections 9 /10 Visit site Our review Monthly price 2,19 $ 24+2 MONTHS 7,50 $ 6 MONTHS 11,99 $ 1 MONTH Our opinion: The best VPN at affordable rates Speed Security Features Ease of use Customer support Value for money SEE MORE 3 1. NordVPN If you're serious about getting a true Colombian IP, NordVPN is where the conversation starts, and probably ends. Unlike most services that rely on virtual locations, NordVPN offers physical servers right in Bogotá, making it the best VPN for Colombia. That means when you hit connect, your traffic actually goes through Colombia, not some workaround server across the continent. We verified the IP location multiple times during our test, and it nailed it every time. What makes Colombian access shine is SmartPlay technology. It blends Smart DNS and VPN tunneling, making it seamless to access regional Colombian platforms like RCN Televisión, Caracol Play, and Banco de Bogotá with zero buffering and no CAPTCHA loops. We tested on both desktop and mobile, and it was flawless across the board. Thanks to the Bogotá servers, latency also stayed low. Whether we were streaming on an Android TV or loading up Colombian marketplaces from Europe, the experience was smooth, responsive, and glitch-free. NordVPN also gives you top-tier privacy tools baked into the same package, with things like Threat Protection (for blocking malware, ads, and trackers), Meshnet (for secure device-to-device links), and multiple VPN protocols (including NordLynx, based on WireGuard, for speed and efficiency). Pricing starts at just over $3/month on long-term plans, and they back it with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's no risk to try it yourself. In our hands-on testing with NordVPN, it was the only service that checked every box: speed, reliability, real IP location, and serious privacy protections. If you want to feel like you're in Colombia (digitally speaking) this is the one to get. Try NordVPN Now 2. ExpressVPN ExpressVPN has long been the gold standard for polished, high-performance VPNs. Now that it includes real physical servers in Bogotá, it's a genuinely strong option for anyone who wants a Colombian IP that just works. We tested it across multiple platforms (desktop, Android, iOS, and Smart TV), and the Bogotá server consistently delivered great speeds and zero IP leaks. Whether we were watching Canal RCN, accessing local financial platforms, or just browsing Colombian news sites, the connection felt fast and reliable every time. ExpressVPN uses Lightway Turbo, its proprietary VPN protocol, which helps keep latency low and streaming smooth. You also get TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers for zero data persistence), and a rock-solid no-logs policy that's been independently audited multiple times. Setup is ridiculously easy, and it's the kind of app you could install on your parents' Smart TV without worrying about it. It works across everything: PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and even routers. Pricing starts at $5/month for a 24-month plan, and it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want a Colombian IP with top-tier privacy and a seamless user experience, ExpressVPN absolutely outperforms NordVPN. Try ExpressVPN Now 3. Private Internet Access Private Internet Access VPN surprised us in a good way. It's one of the few budget VPNs that actually offers real Colombian servers, physically based in Bogotá. That alone earns it serious points in a sea of fake location claims. Performance-wise, it held up decently. Speeds with PIA VPN were lower than NordVPN's, especially on mobile, but stability was solid. The app gives you insane customization options, like choosing between 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, tweaking protocols, or even setting per-app VPN rules. Great if you love fine-tuning. Private Internet Access VPN is also ridiculously affordable. It starts around $2 per month on long-term deals and comes with a 30-day refund policy. That said, it's not perfect. The interface is a bit clunky compared to others, and its unblocking performance on more sensitive Colombian platforms was hit or miss. Try Private Internet Access Now Final Words If you're outside Colombia and want to access geo-blocked content, use local services, or just browse like you're in Bogotá, getting a real Colombian IP address is the key. However, free VPNs rarely work, proxies are unreliable, and most VPNs don't even offer local servers. After hands-on testing, it's clear that NordVPN is the best way to obtain a Colombian IP from anywhere in 2025. It's one of the only top-tier VPN services with physical servers in Bogotá, plus airtight security, blazing speeds, and the tools to bypass restrictions without breaking a sweat. Whether you're watching Caracol Play, accessing your Colombian bank, or just staying private online, NordVPN gives you the full experience of being there, without actually being there.
Gizmodo
14-05-2025
- General
- Gizmodo
Disneyland 70
Don't Miss This: One of the Best VPNs Is Practically Free Right Now 5/13/2025, 6:00 pm
Gizmodo
09-05-2025
- Gizmodo
The Best VPN for Greece in 2025
Greece may be ancient in history, but its internet scene is very 2025. With over 85% of Greeks online, connectivity is everywhere—from rooftop cafés in Thessaloniki to island-hopping ferries. But a stable connection doesn't always mean unrestricted access. Whether you're a local, a digital nomad, or a Greek expat abroad, a VPN for Greece gives you the power to control your digital location, safeguard your privacy, and unlock content without borders. The best part? You don't need to be tech-savvy to use it. In this guide, we've tested and ranked the best VPNs for Greece based on speed, privacy, streaming access, and ease of use—so you can browse, stream, and scroll without limits. Why Do You Need a VPN for Greece? Living in or traveling through Greece means you're likely connected, but not necessarily unrestricted. While internet access is strong across most cities and islands, limitations pop up the moment you try to stream something geo-blocked, connect on public Wi-Fi, or keep your data fully private. That's where a VPN becomes a no-brainer. To Watch Greek TV While Abroad If you're a Greek expat or a tourist who's grown fond of local programming, streaming platforms like ERTFLIX, ANT1+, Skai TV, or Alpha TV are usually blocked outside Greece. Whether it's a news program, a football match, or a late-night show, geo-blocks prevent you from tuning in unless you're physically located in the country. A VPN with servers in Greece lets you stream from anywhere — no 'this content isn't available in your region' messages, just direct access to homegrown content on demand. To Unblock International Streaming Content Within Greece It works both ways. While in Greece, you'll find that BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Max, or certain Netflix libraries don't load or show you a watered-down catalog. Licensing restrictions are the culprit, but a VPN can route your traffic through countries like the UK, US, or Canada to instantly unlock their full libraries. This is especially handy for expats, digital nomads, or long-term travelers who want to keep their streaming routines intact while in Greece. You'll have no trouble watching BBC programs outside the UK or enjoying fuboTV without being in the United States. To Protect Yourself on Public Wi-Fi Whether you're working remotely from a Thessaloniki café or hopping on ferry terminal Wi-Fi between islands, Greece has no shortage of free public connections. But many of them lack proper encryption. A VPN encrypts your entire connection, shielding your passwords, browsing activity, and payment info from prying eyes and data harvesters. To Avoid Throttling and Network Restrictions Some Greek ISPs have been known to throttle bandwidth during peak hours, especially for high-data activities like gaming, streaming, or large downloads. A VPN hides your traffic from your ISP, so they can't selectively slow you down based on what you're doing online. To Secure Your Online Freedom Apart from just accessing content, a VPN reinforces your right to privacy in a country where data collection and targeted ads are becoming increasingly aggressive. A provider like NordVPN, with its obfuscated servers, no-logs policy, and Threat Protection, gives you top-tier security without sacrificing speed. Now that we've covered why you need one, let's dig into the best VPN for Greece and see which ones are worth your bandwidth. Best VPN for Greece in 2025 – Our Experts' Recommendations We tested the biggest VPNs across Athens' fiber lines, Cycladic hotel Wi-Fi, and remote work sessions overlooking the Ionian. And here's the truth: not every VPN can handle Greece. Some lack Greek servers altogether. Others choke the moment you try to stream Mega TV from abroad or connect to BBC iPlayer from a rooftop café. This section is all about the VPNs that actually work in Greece. The ones we'd recommend for streaming Greek TV outside the country, unblocking international content from within, or just protecting your connection when the neighborhood Wi-Fi gets sketchy. 1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Greece When it comes to speed, server coverage, and security, NordVPN is easily the top VPN for Greece in 2025. Whether you're streaming ANT1 while abroad or trying to securely access PayPal on a public hotspot in Crete, it just works every single time. NordVPN offers servers in Greece, giving locals and expats reliable connections for Greek sites, apps, and TV. But it also has 7,500+ servers in 118 countries, which came in clutch when we wanted to switch to the US or UK to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or even Canada-only YouTube videos. Thanks to the NordLynx protocol, we consistently maintained over 400 Mbps on a 500 Mbps connection, even during peak hours. There were no dropouts, stuttering, or anything messy. It was all just clean, fast access to everything from local Greek news to US-based game servers. NordVPN backs up its performance with serious privacy tools. You get AES-256 encryption, obfuscated servers to avoid detection, and Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware mid-browse. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy, verified by multiple independent audits. We used NordVPN on Windows, macOS (it offers the best VPN app for Mac), Android, iOS, and even tested router setup for smart TVs. The apps are slick, fast, and offer quick access to Greek servers, which makes it perfect for switching between local and international content on the fly. Starting at just over $3/month on long-term plans (see our NordVPN pricing analysis for more details), it delivers serious value as one of the best VPNs for Greece. Add in a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it's a low-risk way to upgrade your connection, whether you're streaming, working remote, or just trying to browse in peace. Visit NordVPN Pros 7,500+ servers for global content access Works with all major streaming platforms Threat Protection and obfuscated servers Excellent speeds Supports mobiles, computers, and routers Long-term plans are affordable Cons Obfuscation needs to be toggled manually 2. ExpressVPN – Easiest VPN for Streaming in Greece If your main priority is speed with simplicity, ExpressVPN is the VPN that just gets out of your way and lets you enjoy the internet without any fiddling with settings, buffering loops, or drama. Whether you're watching Survivor Greece from abroad or trying to catch the latest Formula 1 race on a UK stream while vacationing in Mykonos, ExpressVPN is the way to go. ExpressVPN has servers in Greece, meaning Greek users can maintain fast local speeds and unblock domestic content securely, all while encrypting their traffic and avoiding ISP throttling. But the real magic is in its global spread: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. We used it to hop between Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu from inside Athens without running into any proxy blocks or speed hiccups. Visit ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, far from the EU and US surveillance zones. It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Plus, its no-logs policy has been verified by independent audits, including PwC and Cure53. ExpressVPN runs on its custom Lightway protocol, which consistently delivers speeds north of 85% of the baseline, even when connecting through servers in the UK, Canada, and Japan. We streamed in 4K, gamed online, and video-called without any buffering or latency. At around $5/month for a long-term plan, ExpressVPN is a bit pricier than other options, but it earns its keep with blazing speeds, dead-simple usability, and unmatched streaming access. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Pros Servers in 105 countries Super-fast Lightway for lag-free streaming Works with Greek TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc TrustedServer tech wipes data with every reboot Beginner-friendly apps Cons Slightly more expensive than other top VPNs No manual server selection within Greece 3. Private Internet Access – Best Customizable VPN for Power Users in Greece If you're the type who wants full control over how your VPN behaves, Private Internet Access is where you dial things in. It's highly customizable, affordable, and surprisingly powerful once you configure it right. We used this budget VPN for Greece across Athens, Thessaloniki, and even on spotty hotel Wi-Fi in Paros, and once set up, it didn't blink. You can tweak everything in PIA, from choosing between OpenVPN and WireGuard, to setting encryption levels for max speed or max privacy. It also includes MACE, its own tracker and malware blocker, and lets you enable port forwarding (great for torrenting safely or advanced remote work setups). Visit Private Internet Access Private Internet Access gives users access to servers in Greece, meaning locals and travelers can stream Greek content (like ANT1, Skai TV, or COSMOTE Sport) securely and without geo-blocks. But the real flex is that it covers 90+ countries, with thousands of servers to jump between if you want access to global content libraries, low-ping gaming servers, or uncensored news. PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which is perfect if you're sharing with family, running it on a home router, or juggling multiple devices while remote working across Greece. It's no coincidence that it ranks among the best VPNs for multiple devices. At just over $2/month on a long-term plan, Private Internet Access is the most affordable of the three, without sacrificing privacy or flexibility. And like the others, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out. Pros Servers in Greece + huge global network Full customization over speed vs security settings Unlimited devices on one account Most affordable premium VPN on this list Cons Not as fast as NordVPN UI may overwhelm beginners Final Words Whether you're trying to stream Alpha TV from abroad, unblock Netflix US while living in Athens, or just keep your connection safe on public Wi-Fi in Thessaloniki, a reliable VPN is essential in Greece. We tested dozens of services and narrowed them down to the three that actually deliver, not just on paper, but on real Greek connections, across real use cases. NordVPN stood out as the most complete option, with blazing speeds, local servers, and flawless access to both Greek and international content. It's smooth, secure, and just works. ExpressVPN brings unmatched speed and simplicity for streaming and casual users who want zero setup hassle, while Private Internet Access caters to power users who love to customize every toggle and connect as many devices as they like, all without breaking the bank. More than a luxury for expats or travelers, the best VPN for Greece is the simplest way to ensure your connection is fast, private, and fully open. Whether you're streaming, working, or browsing smarter, the right VPN makes it all feel effortless. Try NordVPN for yourself FAQs Have a few questions before you hit 'Connect'? Here are the ones we ran into while testing VPNs across Greece, so your life gets a bit easier. Can I use a VPN to get cheaper flight or hotel prices? Yes, and it works more often than you'd think. Many booking platforms adjust pricing based on your location. We tested this with a few popular sites and saw noticeable price drops when connected to servers in countries like Turkey, India, or the Philippines. If you're planning a trip out of Greece, a VPN can help you save simply by switching virtual locations. Do Greek ISPs block or throttle VPNs? No, VPNs are legal in Greece, and most major ISPs don't actively block them. However, during peak evening hours, some providers throttle streaming or gaming traffic. Using a VPN can help you avoid this by masking your traffic type, which is especially useful if your ISP slows down Netflix or YouTube without telling you. Can I use a VPN on a Smart TV or streaming box in Greece? Yes, but only some VPNs offer native apps for Android TV, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV. Others (like PIA) may require you to set up the VPN on a router to cover devices that don't support VPN apps directly. NordVPN and ExpressVPN both offer excellent support for streaming devices and Smart TVs. Are there any good free VPNs for Greece? There are a few, but none we'd recommend for anything beyond basic browsing. Most free VPNs don't offer Greek servers, so if you're trying to stream local channels like ANT1 or access your banking app from abroad, you're out of luck. Services like Proton VPN and offer decent privacy, but their free tiers typically don't include Greece or are too slow for streaming or real-time tasks. Can I use a VPN to access foreign gambling or crypto platforms? Technically, yes—but you should proceed with caution. Some gambling sites and crypto exchanges are geo-restricted in Greece due to regulatory compliance. A reliable VPN for gambling (or crypto trading) can help you access these platforms, but doing so may violate their terms of service. Also, some payment processors and ID verification systems may still detect your real location. Always double-check legal and platform rules before using a VPN for this purpose.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meta supports Alabama bill that would split apps into age categories
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is speaking in favor of a bill in one Alabama House committee. 'We make them wear helmets. We make them do … everything. We protect them physically in all kinds of ways,' said state Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville. 'But when it comes to the internet and cell phones, we don't protect them at all, and this is what this is about.' That bill is about splitting apps into age categories for minor and requiring age verification for children who download them. That's from ages 13 and below all the way to 18 years old. 'Parents want a one-stop shop to verify their teen's age and grant permission for them to download apps in a privacy preserving way,' Meta said in a statement. But Justin Hill with NetChoice, an association advocating for free speech on the internet, argued that permission should start with education, not limitation. 'So we all agree on why, but we disagree on the how,' Hill said. 'NetChoice takes a position to protect the internet — also to be a place of free speech and free enterprise.' Judge denies city's request to stop Alabama from signing Birmingham Water Works Board bill, at least for now Hill said the bill takes parents out of the conversation. 'We won't see the results that we need to see, and I just need to remind you, many of our members, like Apple and Meta and Google, they are actively doing upgrades,' Hill said. If those members offer apps to minors without parental consent, the state could sue them under the bill. Melea Stephens, marriage and family therapist in Birmingham, said it's not about free speech. Children are exploited through some apps. Stephens is also a part of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. 'I work with local law enforcement on these cases, and they're very heartbreaking,' Stephens said. 'So that's one reason I'm so passionate about this measure because it would go a long way to changing the atmosphere of the digital landscape that our children are growing up in in Alabama.' The bill did not receive a vote in committee Tuesday. Lawmakers said they want to keep working together on the effort and figure out what is best for the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
