Utah2026-09-03 22:16:04Utah becomes first U.S. state to require age checks even for VPN-masked visitorsUtah has become the first U.S. state to directly target VPN use in age-verification enforcement, expanding compliance duties for websites that host adult material. Under SB 73, commercial sites that knowingly publish or distribute material harmful to minors must verify the age of Utah visitors when that material makes up more than one-third of their content, even if those users hide their location with VPNs or proxy servers. The law also bars operators from helping users get around the checks, including by offering instructions on how to use VPNs or bypass geoblocks. The measure gives Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection authority to issue administrative fines of up to $2,500 per violation, while courts can impose civil penalties of the same amount and grant other remedies. At the same time, verification providers are barred from retaining identifying data after access is granted. Privacy firm Nym said the law raises a speech issue because it restricts what covered websites can say about privacy tools. The company argued on X that courts have not yet resolved whether such a restriction conflicts with the First Amendment. The Utah law comes as regulators in Brazil, the U.K., and France have also moved to limit VPN-based workarounds tied to platform bans and age-control systems.490
Russia2026-08-06 01:00:00Putin Signs Law on Comprehensive Regulation of Digital Currencies and Digital RightsRussian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that introduces comprehensive regulation of digital currencies and digital rights in Russia. The legislation, reported by China News Service and published on Russia's legal information portal, sets operating rules for crypto exchange platforms, digital asset custodians, and other market participants, while defining conditions for investor purchases of digital currencies. The law covers circulation, accounting, and storage of digital currencies and foreign digital instruments, as well as mining activities and the issuance and circulation of digital rights. Russian citizens will be legally permitted to invest in cryptocurrencies through domestic exchanges and to use services from brokers, trust managers, asset management companies, and crypto exchange institutions. Registration and custody of digital currencies will be handled by digital custodians approved by Russia's central bank, and market participants must meet strict information security requirements. The central bank will also establish a registry of crypto exchange institutions, with credit institutions and brokers managed under a filing system. The law takes effect September 1, though some provisions will be implemented on July 1, 2027 or September 1, 2027.1780
Music NFT2026-07-23 04:05:17What Music NFTs Are and How They Work in the Music IndustryMusic NFTs turn songs, rights, and fan perks into blockchain-based tokens, giving artists direct sales channels and programmable royalties while offering fans ownership, access, or royalty exposure.1800
Iran2026-07-08 15:34:12Iran’s 64-Day Internet Blackout Turns Deadly as Man Reportedly Killed Over Starlink UseIran’s internet blackout has entered its 64th day, with connectivity reportedly down to 1% of normal levels. A local report says a 40-year-old man died after being beaten during questioning over alleged Starlink use.450
