Indonesia Set to Enforce Social Media Curbs for Under-16s

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Indonesia is preparing to implement new restrictions on social media use for users under 16, but uncertainty remains over how the rules will be enforced.

The regulation targets platforms deemed “high-risk,” including Roblox, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube, TikTok and X. These services may be required to deactivate accounts belonging to underage users or restrict access based on risk criteria such as exposure to strangers, addictive algorithms and psychological harm.

Officials say the policy is designed to reduce cyberbullying and digital addiction among children. However, key implementation details—such as verification systems and enforcement mechanisms—remain unclear just as the rules are set to take effect.

Authorities indicated that account deactivations will begin gradually, with some platforms already outlining initial compliance steps. Roblox, for example, is expected to introduce stricter controls for younger users, while TikTok and X have signaled readiness to enforce minimum age requirements.

Despite these measures, experts question the effectiveness of the policy, noting that enforcement could be technically complex and that children may still find ways to bypass restrictions.

The move reflects a broader global trend of tightening social media regulations for minors, as governments respond to increasing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design.

Google Finally Lets Users Change Their Gmail Address; US Rollout Begins

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Google on Tuesday announced a long-standing update that finally allows users to change their primary Gmail address. It marks a significant shift as Google previously did not allow users to modify their main Gmail address once the account was created. According to the Mountain View-based tech giant, it applies to a user’s entire Google Account, including services like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, and Google Drive. The functionality, however, is currently rolling out only to users in the US.

The company, notably, first hinted towards this capability in December 2025, when it updated its support page with the mention of the ability to change the Gmail address. At the time, however, it was yet to be rolled out.

Changing Gmail Address
With this update, users can switch to a new @gmail.com address. This means they will continue to receive emails sent to their previous address and can still use it to sign in or send messages. Google says users can change their email address once per year, up to three times in total, and all emails, data, and account history will remain intact during the transition.

They can also revert to their previous email address later, if needed.

Once the user selects a new Gmail address, their existing one will be treated as an alias, the company said. All contacts, Drive files, emails, photos, purchases, and subscriptions will remain intact. Existing sign-in access for services like Gmail, Drive, YouTube, and Maps is also confirmed to remain unaffected.

The feature is expected to be particularly useful for long-time Gmail users who may want to move away from older or less professional email IDs. Until now, while Gmail allowed aliases and additional addresses, it did not support changing the primary account email itself.

SoftBank Secures $40B Loan to Expand OpenAI Investments

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SoftBank Group has secured a $40 billion bridge loan to strengthen its investments in OpenAI and support broader corporate initiatives.

The unsecured loan, which matures in March 2027, was arranged with major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and leading Japanese banks. The funding reflects SoftBank’s continued push into artificial intelligence as global competition intensifies.

The company, led by Masayoshi Son, has already committed significant capital to OpenAI through its Vision Fund and is deepening its involvement in AI infrastructure and development.

OpenAI, supported by Microsoft, has become a central player in the AI boom, driving large-scale investments across the industry. SoftBank has also been involved in major initiatives such as the Stargate Project, aimed at building AI infrastructure in the United States.

The new financing highlights SoftBank’s increasingly aggressive strategy in artificial intelligence after years of mixed performance from its investment portfolio.