Assistive TechnologyEnergy Policy

California Enacts New Internet Age-Gating Law for Devices and App Stores

California has enacted a groundbreaking internet age-gating law that mandates age verification for device operating systems and app stores. The law requires users to enter their age when setting up new devices, with significant penalties for non-compliance. Companies have until 2027 to implement these new digital safety measures.

California’s New Digital Age Verification Requirements

California has enacted a comprehensive internet age-gating law that fundamentally changes how operating system providers and app store platforms handle user registration. The legislation mandates that device manufacturers and software distributors require age verification during initial device setup, creating a new layer of digital protection for minors.

International Business and TradeMining and Drilling

U.S. Rare Earth Stocks Surge Amid Trade Dispute Over Critical Minerals

Rare earth mining stocks surged dramatically as U.S.-China trade tensions intensified over critical minerals. The Defense Department accelerates $1 billion stockpiling initiative while JPMorgan commits $10 billion to national security sectors. Market analysts see sustained momentum in domestic rare earth production.

U.S. rare earth mining stocks experienced dramatic gains in early trading Monday as trade tensions escalated between Washington and Beijing over critical minerals export controls. The surge followed President Donald Trump’s threats of retaliatory tariffs against China’s strict export restrictions on rare earth elements, highlighting the growing strategic importance of domestic supply chains for national security and advanced technologies.

Market Reaction to Trade Tensions

Assistive TechnologyDesktop CustomizationDigital Video

Apple Discontinues Clips Video Editing App Support

Apple has officially discontinued support for its Clips video editing application, removing it from the App Store and ceasing future updates. The app will remain functional for existing users until at least October 2025. Users should preserve their videos directly to their Photos library to prevent potential data loss.

Apple has officially ended support for its Clips video editing application, marking the conclusion of an eight-year run for the social media-focused creative tool. The company has removed the app from the App Store and confirmed it will no longer receive updates, though existing installations will continue to function for the time being. This decision reflects Apple’s evolving strategy in the competitive video editing software landscape.

Clips App Development Timeline and Features