Weekly Tech Digest | 21 Dec 2025

Weekly Tech Digest – 21-12-2025

The tech landscape continues to evolve, with discussions ranging from age verification laws to the shifting dynamics of social media. This week’s digest encapsulates key topics that are shaping the industry, reflecting the concerns and innovations that define our digital interactions.

From device-based age verification systems to the implications of US-China tech relations, these conversations highlight the complexities of technology in our daily lives. Here’s a look at the most significant discussions from the past week.

Device-Based Age Verification

This topic revolves around the ongoing discussions about device-based age verification systems, particularly in the context of adult content platforms like Pornhub. The posts highlight the implications of such systems on privacy and user access, as well as recent legal developments in various states.

• Pornhub Is Urging Tech Giants to Enact Device-Based Age Verification

  Discussions surrounding the push for device-based age verification are intensifying.
• Pornhub blocks Montana and North Carolina as their age verification laws take effect

  Montana and North Carolina face blocks from Pornhub due to new age verification laws.

• Porn age verification law is unconstitutional, says judge

  A judge rules against Texas’s porn age verification law, citing constitutional issues.
• Arizona sees spike in demand for VPNs following the introduction of age verification laws

  Demand for VPNs surges in Arizona as age verification laws are implemented.

• Age Verification Laws Send VPN Use Soaring—and Threaten the Open Internet

  The rise in VPN usage poses challenges to the concept of an open internet.

Social Media Trends and Youth Engagement

This topic focuses on the shifting landscape of social media, particularly the decline of Facebook’s popularity among teens and the implications for platforms like Instagram. Discussions include Facebook’s strategies to engage younger users and the potential launch of alternatives.

• Teens have abandoned Facebook, Pew study says – TechCrunch

  A Pew study reveals that teens are moving away from Facebook.

• Facebook Planned to Target Six Year Olds to Compensate for Teen Departures

  Facebook considers targeting younger users to offset losses among teens.
• Lawmakers are going after Facebook’s development of Instagram for kids

  Concerns arise over Facebook’s plans for a kid-friendly Instagram.

• Facebook will try to ‘nudge’ teens away from harmful content

  Facebook implements strategies to guide teens away from harmful content.

• Facebook says Instagram is not ‘toxic for teens,’ despite WSJ report

  Facebook defends Instagram against claims of being harmful to teens.

US-China Tech Relations

This topic addresses the ongoing tensions between the US and China regarding technology, including bans on technology companies and investments aimed at maintaining competitive advantages in high-tech sectors.

• US bans “advanced tech” companies from constructing factories in China for ten years

  The US imposes a decade-long ban on advanced tech firms from building in China.

• US invests $280bn in high tech to compete with China

  A significant investment in high tech aims to counter China’s advancements.
• China wants to decouple from US tech, too

  China signals intentions to reduce reliance on US technology.

• US National Security Experts Warn AI Giants Aren’t Doing Enough to Protect Their Secrets

  Concerns grow over AI companies’ security measures amidst rising tensions.

• New bill bans US government agencies using contractors with Huawei or ZTE tech

  A new bill prohibits US agencies from using technology from certain Chinese firms.

Data Breaches and Privacy Concerns

This topic highlights recent data breaches affecting various platforms, including Discord and Twitter, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of data security and user privacy in the digital age.

• The biggest breach of US government data is under way

  A significant breach of US government data is currently unfolding.

• Twitter said to have suffered data breach as hackers expose 235 million users’ information

  Twitter faces scrutiny after a breach exposes millions of user records.
• Discord says 70,000 users may have had their government IDs leaked in breach

  Discord confirms a breach affecting users’ government IDs.

• Mixcloud breach exposes 21 million user records!!

  Mixcloud suffers a breach that compromises millions of records.

• Australian Government department exposed in PageUp personal data breach

  A personal data breach affects an Australian government department.

Alternative Platforms and Innovations

This topic discusses the rise of alternative social media platforms and the potential funding for projects aimed at creating new options for users seeking alternatives to mainstream platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

• Mark Cuban is ready to fund a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol

  Mark Cuban expresses interest in funding a new TikTok alternative.
• Open source alternatives to Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp raise funds on Kickstarter

  Kickstarter sees a surge in funding for open source social media alternatives.

These topics reflect the current conversations and concerns within the tech community as of the last week. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.