Worldwide tech roundup: September

Written by Nikita Purnama and Fany

Private folder feature from Google

Google this fall will release the Locked Folder feature which will be available on all devices running on Android 6 OS and above. The feature will allow users to hide sensitive photos and videos from the main library and secure them in a passcode- or biometric-protected folder. The feature was released in June on newer Pixel phones. The exact date of the wider release is still unknown.

EU to impose similar charger for all phones

The European Union (EU) on 24 September ruled to force USB-C chargers for all phones. In the proposal, the EU said that it aims to reduce waste by encouraging consumers to reuse existing chargers. Apple opposes the plan, saying that it would cause setbacks to innovations, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world. The company added that by 2030, it aims to make every single product carbon-neutral.

Facebook puts Instagram Kids on hold after backlash

Facebook on Monday (27 September) announced that it will halt the development of Instagram Kids, a social media platform for children under the age of 13, after facing backlash from child advocates, parents and lawmakers. Instagram Head Adam Mosseri said that the company is still committed to the product, but is also willing to address the stakeholders’ concerns. The decision is made after child advocates and the Wall Street Journal investigation brought up Facebook’s research that shows that Instagram has a negative impact on teens' mental health. 

Apple threatens to remove Facebook over slavery post

Apple threatened to remove Facebook’s products from App Store after BBC found that Facebook apps were used for human trafficking. The threat was revealed in the Wall Street Journal’s Facebook Files. The document also shows that Facebook knew about it and had been investigating human trafficking rings on its applications. It all began in 2019 after BBC News Arabic Investigation exposed an online black market in the Middle East that uses Facebook for the illegal buying and selling of domestic workers.