The PYE Download: Jan. 11, 2024

Hello! Every two weeks or so, we share the latest digital news that impacts your family, update you on what the Protect Young Eyes team is up to, and end with a quick note from Chris or Doug.

We hope our research helps you feel informed and confident, and that our work with schools, churches, and non-profits is motivating.

The latest news:

• AI - the next "misinformation superspreader." According to Newsguard, websites that host fake articles written by AI have increased by 1,000%, "...generating hundreds, if not thousands, of articles a day." Combined with fake social media accounts and deepfake technology, it feels like we've unleashed a force that is already beyond control.
• 95% of teens aged 13-17 watch YouTube, and 1/5 watch "almost constantly." New Pew Research shares great insights on where teens spend their time online. Here's our Ultimate Guide to YouTube!
• Over 1,000 images of CSAM were found in an AI training database. This is a terrifying discovery. The AI platforms trained with this data would be "...able to produce content of child exploitation that could resemble real-life child exploitation."
• The TEMU shopping app has been #1 in app stores for months, is rated 4+, but contains highly sexualized goods. With no controls. Please control all app downloads! (Apple, Android)
• Judge allows Snapchat to be sued for reckless features. Parents of teens who died from drugs obtained through Snapchat are celebrating a breakthrough legal victory.
• Twitch allowed "artistic nudity" for two days. Twitch, owned by Amazon, is a massively popular live-streaming app for gamers. After adults exploited the rule, they realized it was a mistake and rolled it back. Our updated Twitch App Review explains everything parents need to know.

What PYE is up to:

Legislation/Policy: Chris and Ben Bull (attorney from NCOSE) spoke to around 50 Alabama business leaders, law enforcement, and legislators last Friday about the Children's Device Protection Bill. It's the common-sense idea that every device knows the age of its user and should do certain things. Protection should be automatic! Our audience agreed. The bill will soon be introduced in multiple states.

Global: Chris is going to the World Economic Forum on Saturday to participate in five roundtable conversations about how technology divides and harms our children. Two of the roundtables deal with educational technology and phone use in schools. He was specifically chosen for these conversations and is honored to add our PYE thinking to the discussions.

We launched a non-profit! This is just a teaser. But, the PYE Foundation is official and will focus on equipping students to thrive online and passing laws that protect them from harm. More soon!

Deepfakes: We are sounding the alarm with schools, churches, and families about deepfake technology, which threatens to overrun digital spaces in 2024. We're asking principals to share our post with all parents. Take steps today to mitigate the risk. The fakes are almost indiscernible from real photos. Tap/click the image below to read more.

Where we speak this month:

(PYE Master Calendar)

• Jan. 9, Cincinnati Hills Christian, OH
• Jan. 11, Rockford Christian, MI
• Jan. 13-20, World Economic Forum
• Jan. 15, Most Holy Trinity, MI
• Jan. 17, Lynnhaven UMC, VA
• Jan. 19, Orland Park Church, IL
• Jan. 22, University Charter School, AL
• Jan. 24, Childrey Baptist, VA
• Jan 25, Trinity Lutheran School, MI
• Jan. 25, Ocean Springs Middle, MS
• Jan. 29, St. Valentine, MI
• Jan. 30, Public USD 237, KS
• Jan. 31, Public USD 385, KS
• ​Email Michele right here to bring us to your community!

A note from Chris:

I'm a fan of having direct, timely conversations about almost everything. It sometimes drives Andrea crazy. Especially when it's 9:30 pm and "I have something I need to talk about!"

Here's a question we received anonymously through our website:

"Chris, why would you attend the World Economic Forum?"

Maybe others have the same question. Good - let's discuss!

I know there are a lot of opinions about the event. My objective is simple. To bring the light of PYE into critical conversations about our children. There will always be other agendas. Writing and defending legislation over the past four years has taught me to always remain vigilant.

But I'm not afraid of stepping into places with people who think differently. And I've been preparing diligently for weeks so that I represent all of you very well. While I also consume enough Swiss chocolate for everyone!

More than ever, in our homes, we must also remain vigilant. There aren't enough laws to fix what's broken in digital spaces. We are the primary formators of our children. And, my team is ready to visit your community and help you create a Tech-Ready home.

Parenting with you,
​Chris & PYE

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