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As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, laws that protect underage people online often lag behind. This creates a dangerous gap in the legal system, which puts children and teenagers at risk of exploitation, harassment, and other forms of abuse. In this article, we will explore some of the laws that are lagging behind technology in regard to protecting underage people online, as well as provide examples like swatting. One of the most significant challenges facing lawmakers is the issue of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that takes place online or through digital communication, and it can have devastating consequences for young people. Unfortunately, laws that specifically address cyberbullying are often limited and vary by state, making it difficult to prosecute offenders. Furthermore, social media platforms and other online communities often struggle to effectively manage and address incidents of cyberbullying on their platforms. Another area where laws are lagging behind the technology is the protection of personal information. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to identity theft, as they often have limited experience managing their personal information online. However, many existing privacy laws do not adequately address young people's unique challenges. In addition, social media and other online platforms frequently collect vast amounts of data from their users, which can be used for targeted advertising and other purposes. Young people may not fully understand the risks associated with sharing personal information online, making them easy targets for exploitation and other forms of abuse. One of the most high-profile examples of how technology has outpaced the law in recent years is swatting. Swatting is the act of falsely reporting an emergency, such as a hostage situation or active shooter, in order to prompt a SWAT team response at a targeted individual's location. Swatting can be extremely dangerous and has resulted in numerous injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, many existing laws do not specifically address swatting, making it difficult to prosecute offenders. In addition to swatting, there are numerous other examples of how technology has created new forms of risk and abuse for young people. For instance, the rise of social media and other online communities has led to an increase in incidents of online grooming and sexual exploitation. These activities can have long-lasting impacts on the lives of young people, yet existing laws are often insufficient to protect them. To address these challenges, lawmakers and other stakeholders must create new laws and regulations protecting underage people online. This will require a collaborative effort between government agencies, social media platforms, educators, parents, and other stakeholders. Some possible steps that can be taken include: Creating more specific and comprehensive laws that address cyberbullying, swatting, and other forms of online abuse. Providing more education and training for young people on protecting their personal information and staying safe online. Developing better tools and technologies for detecting and addressing incidents of cyberbullying and other forms of abuse on social media platforms and other online communities. Encouraging social media platforms and other online communities to take a more proactive role in protecting their users, particularly underage users. Providing law enforcement agencies with more resources and training to investigate incidents of online abuse and prosecute offenders. Ultimately, the key to protecting underage people online is to recognize the unique challenges and risks they face in the digital age. By working together to create more effective laws and regulations, we can help ensure that young people can enjoy the many benefits of the internet while staying safe from harm. Sources: https://www.law.georgetown.edu https://www.fosi.org https://www.justice.gov

Online gaming has become an increasingly popular pastime for people of all ages, from children to adults. While online gaming can be a fun and social activity, it also exposes individuals to certain dangers, particularly from online predators. Online predators can take advantage of the anonymity and accessibility of the internet to groom, exploit, and harm both adult and underage gamers. This article will examine adult and underage gamers' dangers from online predators within video games and chat services like Discord. One of the main dangers that adult and underage gamers face is the risk of being groomed by online predators. Groomers often pose as fellow gamers, using their knowledge of the gaming community and common interests to build trust with their potential victims. They may pretend to be a friendly and helpful mentor, offering tips and advice on how to improve at the game. Over time, they may ask for personal information or try to establish a deeper connection with the individual, eventually manipulating them into sending explicit images, engaging in online sexual activities, or even meeting in person. Another danger that adult and underage gamers face is the risk of exploitation. Online predators may use the information they gather from gaming and chat services to exploit the victim in various ways. For example, they may use personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, or credit card information to steal identities, open bank accounts, or make unauthorized purchases. In some cases, online predators may even blackmail their victims into sending more explicit images or performing sexual acts online. Under-age gamers are particularly vulnerable to these dangers as they may not fully understand the risks associated with sharing personal information online. They may also be more susceptible to grooming and exploitation, as they may not have the same level of life experience and judgment as adult gamers. As such, it is crucial for parents and guardians to educate their children about online safety and to supervise their online activities to reduce the risk of harm. To protect against online predators, adult and underage gamers should take several precautions. Firstly, they should never reveal personal information online, especially not to strangers. This includes full names, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card information. Secondly, they should be cautious of anyone who tries to establish a deeper connection or who asks for personal data, even if they appear to be a fellow gamer or a helpful mentor. If someone makes them feel uncomfortable or asks for explicit images or personal information, they should immediately stop communicating with them and report the incident to the relevant authorities. Additionally, gamers should be aware of the privacy settings in the video games they play and in chat services like Discord. They should adjust their settings to limit who can see their profile information, game activity, and chat messages. They should also avoid sharing links or personal information in public chat rooms and groups, as anyone can see them and may attract online predators. In conclusion, online gaming can be a fun and social activity for adult and underage gamers, but it also exposes them to certain dangers, particularly online predators. Online predators can groom, exploit, and harm individuals by using the anonymity and accessibility of the internet. To protect against these dangers, adult and underage gamers should take precautions such as not revealing personal information online, being cautious of anyone who tries to establish a deeper connection, and being aware of the privacy settings in their video games and chat services. By taking these precautions, adult and underage gamers can reduce the risk of harm from online predators and enjoy online gaming safely and securely.

Online communication platforms like Discord have become a crucial part of our daily lives, providing us with an easy and efficient way to communicate and connect with others. However, as with any online platform, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers that come with using these services. In this post, we will be discussing ways in which users can stay safe and help promote a culture of online safety on Discord servers. Be mindful of the information you share: One of the biggest risks associated with online platforms is the sharing of personal information. This includes anything from your full name and address to your phone number and email. It is important to be mindful of what information you share on Discord, as it can easily be seen by others, including those who may have malicious intent. Be sure to only share information that is necessary and consider whether the information you are sharing could be used to harm you or others. Use strong passwords: The use of strong passwords is crucial in protecting your online accounts. This is especially important when using Discord, as this platform allows for communication with others. Make sure to use a unique password for your Discord account, and avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as “password123”. Watch out for phishing scams: Phishing scams are a common type of online scam that can occur on Discord. These scams can come in the form of fake links, emails, or messages that are designed to trick you into providing your personal information. To protect yourself from these scams, be sure to never click on links or provide personal information unless you are certain of the source. Be aware of impersonation scams: Impersonation scams occur when someone creates a fake account pretending to be someone else. This can be a serious issue on Discord, as it can be used to trick others into providing personal information or to spread false information. Be sure to verify the identity of the person you are communicating with, and never share personal information with anyone you are not sure of. Report inappropriate behavior: Discord has a reporting system that allows users to report any inappropriate behavior they encounter on the platform. This includes anything from harassment, bullying, and hate speech to the sharing of inappropriate content. If you encounter any of these types of behavior, be sure to report it immediately so that the Discord team can take appropriate action. Take control of your privacy settings: Discord allows you to control your privacy settings, including who can see your profile, who can send you friend requests, and who can send you messages. Take advantage of these settings to limit the amount of personal information you are sharing and to control who has access to your account. Educate others about online safety: Education is key to promoting a culture of online safety on Discord. Take the time to educate others about the dangers associated with online communication and help to create a safe and respectful environment for all users. In conclusion, staying safe on Discord requires a combination of good habits, careful decision-making, and an awareness of the potential dangers associated with online communication. By following these tips, you can help to create a culture of online safety and ensure that your experience on Discord is enjoyable and safe. Remember, the internet is a public space, so be mindful of what you share, who you share it with, and always be aware of potential dangers.

Online gaming communities have become a popular pastime for millions of people worldwide, offering a fun and interactive way to connect with others and play video games together. However, while online gaming can be a great source of entertainment, it can also pose serious dangers to children and young people who may not be fully aware of the risks associated with these virtual environments. One of the primary dangers of online gaming communities is the exposure to explicit and inappropriate content. Many online games contain graphic violence, sexual content, and explicit language that can be harmful to children and young people. Additionally, these games may also expose players to cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech. In extreme cases, children and young people may also be subjected to online grooming by predators who use online gaming communities to target and exploit vulnerable individuals. Another significant danger of online gaming communities is the risk of addiction. The social and competitive nature of online gaming can be highly addictive, and children and young people can easily spend excessive amounts of time playing games and neglecting other important aspects of their lives, such as school, family, and friends. This can lead to physical and emotional problems, including poor performance in school, social isolation, and depression. To help keep children and young people safe while they enjoy online gaming, parents can take several precautions. Firstly, it is important to monitor the type of games your child is playing and to ensure that they are appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Parents should also take steps to limit the amount of time their children spend playing online games, and to encourage them to participate in other activities and hobbies that promote physical activity and social interaction. Another way to help keep children safe while playing online games is to educate them about online safety and the dangers associated with online gaming communities. Parents should teach their children about the importance of maintaining their privacy online and avoiding sharing personal information, such as their full name, address, and phone number. They should also advise their children to avoid interacting with strangers and to report any incidents of bullying or harassment to a trusted adult. It is also essential for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about online gaming and the potential dangers associated with it. Parents should encourage their children to be mindful of their online behavior and to report any concerning or problematic experiences to them. In addition to these precautions, parents can also consider using parental controls and monitoring tools to help keep their children safe while playing online games. These tools can be used to limit the amount of time their children spend playing games, block inappropriate websites and games, and monitor their children's online activity. Finally, parents should encourage their children to take breaks from playing online games and to engage in other activities that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being. This can include participating in sports, joining clubs and organizations, and spending time with family and friends. In conclusion, while online gaming communities can be a great source of entertainment, they can also pose serious dangers to children and young people. Parents can help keep their children safe while allowing them to enjoy video games by monitoring the games they play, educating them about online safety, and encouraging them to engage in other activities that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being. By taking these precautions, parents can help their children to safely navigate the virtual world and to enjoy all that online gaming has to offer.

Toxic behavior in online video games has been a growing problem for years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. From verbal abuse and harassment to cheating and griefing, the list of harmful behaviors found in online gaming communities is long and varied. One of the major contributing factors to toxic behavior in online gaming is the anonymity that the internet provides. Without the social cues and consequences that come with face-to-face interactions, it is easy for players to say and do things that they would never dream of doing in real life. This anonymity also makes it difficult for other players to hold individuals accountable for their actions. Another factor is the competitive nature of many online games. The desire to win at all costs can lead some players to engage in toxic behavior in order to gain an advantage over their opponents. This can range from simple trash talk to more serious offenses like cheating or exploiting game mechanics. The rise of "toxic gaming culture" has led to calls for better moderation and consequences for toxic players. Some gaming companies have implemented stricter rules and penalties for toxic behavior, while others have turned to community-driven solutions like reporting systems and player-driven justice. Despite these efforts, toxic behavior in online gaming remains a persistent problem. It is up to both individual players and the gaming industry as a whole to take a stand against toxic behavior and create a more positive and inclusive gaming experience for everyone.

Werewolf Gaming Review Date: 16 Oct 2022 Information: Werewolf Gaming is a multi-gaming online community with both Rust and Garry's Mod servers. They have a total of 10,052 members as of the review. Servers: Their servers can be found at the provided link: https://www.werewolfgaming.co/servers/ PSAR Rating: AC18 Notes: Store - Werewolf Gaming allows their users to purchase ranks, perks, upgrades, and items that can be used on their servers. Community Forums - Their forums do not contain a privacy policy and any information on how they handle your data. They also allow behavior that is concerning. (images below) Instead of closing/deleting the topic, they continue to allow such behavior to continue and escalate.

Monolith Servers Review Date: 9 Oct 2022 Information: Thriving Ventures AB trading as Monolith Servers is a registered Swedish gaming community based on the game Garry's Mod. Servers: https://monolithservers.com/ PSAR Rating: PC+ Notes: Monolith Servers goes above and beyond by being one of the few communities that are registered as a business. Their website even contains a proper Terms of Service as well as a Privacy Policy. They do have a store which allows a user to either buy a premium account or in-game currency.

Kobralost Roleplay Review Date: 9 Oct 2022 Information: Kobralost Roleplay is a French gaming community based on the game Garry's Mod. Servers: https://www.kobralost-rp.fr/#servers PSAR Rating: AC18 Notes: Kobralost Roleplay has micro transactions that vary from in game consumables to temporary monthly items for sale in their store. We applaud them for having a solid terms and conditions as well as a privacy policy that users have easy access to.

Icefuse Networks Review Date: 2 Oct 2022 Information: Icefuse is a multi-gaming community that focuses on both Rust and Garry's Mod servers. Servers: https://icefuse.net/servers/ PSAR Rating: AC18 Notes: Icefuse has in game currencies that can be purchased with real money in the form of a 'Credit Package'. PGCA Reasons: No Privacy Policy Adult Content

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/malicious-npm-packages-steal-discord-users-payment-card-info/

Cloud Gaming Review Date: 19 Jun 2022 Information: Cloud Gaming is a gaming community based on the game Garry's Mod. Servers: DarkRP PSAR Rating: AC18 Notes: Cloud Gaming has in game currencies that can be purchased with real money. We have issued a PGCA due to the lack of a Privacy Policy on their website.

Ethereal Gaming Review Date: 19 Jun 2022 Information: Ethereal Gaming is a gaming community based on the game Garry's Mod. Servers: Purge PSAR Rating: AC18 Notes: Ethereal Gaming has in game currencies that can be purchased with real money. Within the store you can purchase adult content. We have issued a PGCA due to the lack of a Privacy Policy on their website.

Civil Gamers Review Date: 12 Jun 2022 Information: Civil Gamers is a multi-server gaming community based on the game Garry's Mod. Servers: SCPRP x2 CityRP WW3 RP PSAR Rating: PC+ Notes: The community does have a payment area where you can purchase points to redeem for in-game content.

GamingLight Review Date: 12 Jun 2022 Information: Gaming Light is a multi-server gaming community based on the game Garry's Mod. Servers: SCPRP ImperialRP PoliceRP PSAR Rating: AC18 Notes: The community sells credits (1 credit - $1) which you can redeem for in-game content on their servers. An item that they sell is a "Warn Wipe" for 100 Credits that removes warns from a player. In our opinion, this would promote server admins/moderators to warn their players at an increasing rate for minor issues to enhance their bottom line. Due to this item in their store, we have issued a PGCA.

We have updated our website to reflect ourselves better and serve the gaming community more personally. If you wish to submit a report against another player on Steam or a user on Discord, you will have to go through the support tab. From there, you will need to select the reports department. We will provide in-depth guides for users down the road. Coming Soon: Discord Blacklist Bot: Our Discord bot dubbed "Guard Dog" will be packed with the following features. Blacklist Blocking. On/Off switch. Spam Protection. Easy User reporting to our Blacklist. Stay tuned for a release date! Site Moderation: With our new look and more interaction from the community, we will be looking to add some Community Support Moderators to keep everything safe and friendly.