@throws_lemy@reddthat.com

• Signal’s new beta introduces numberless registration for new users.

• It costs a one-time fee of $3, which is paid anonymously and not linked to your Signal account.

• It also adds support for two-factor authentication for numberless accounts.

According to a draft of the proposed regulation seen by Computer Weekly, the proposals extend beyond social media companies. Video-sharing services, online games, chatbots and app stores will also be required to follow “safety by design” requirements, including verifying the age of users.

The draft has raised concerns among some critics that it would lead to the widespread use of “identity checkpoints” on internet services to verify people’s ages, changing the “open nature” of online services.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp said on Wednesday French restrictions limiting government use of US-made software were proving counterproductive. His comments followed France’s decision to replace Palantir with domestic provider ChapsVision at intelligence agency DGSI over data sovereignty concerns. Karp said Europe’s regulatory environment was hurting competitiveness.