Tech
Roblox to require age verification for every user’s chat access in January
Roblox, the hugely popular online platform known for user-generated games and social interaction, is imposing a sweeping new requirement: beginning early January 2026, all users who wish to access chat features must complete an age-check process.
The initiative follows mounting pressure from authorities and parents: the company has faced lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny in the US and elsewhere over child-safety concerns.
As of December 2025, the age-check system will go live in select markets (Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands), and from January the measure will expand globally wherever chat is available.
Users will complete a facial age-estimation or ID verification via a selfie or video prompt, processed by vendor Persona, and then be placed into one of six age brackets: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, 21 plus.
Once grouped, chat access is limited: for example, a 12-year-old may be allowed to chat only with users aged 15 or younger; an 18-year-old might chat with users 16+ or younger only if designated as a ‘Trusted Connection’.
Roblox emphasises that the camera images/videos will be deleted after processing.
Yet the move raises privacy and implementation questions. The age-estimation technology is less reliable at the extremes of age ranges, as noted by experts.
The broader context: Roblox has previously rolled out age-estimation and verification tools (e.g., earlier in 2025 for teens and trusted connections).
For creators, players and parents, the change signals a shift: chat features will no longer be uniformly available, and users may need to verify their age before fully engaging socially. Roblox aims to make its platform safer for younger users, and to show regulators that it is responding. But some critics argue the technology may misclassify users or create friction.
In sum, Roblox’s upcoming age-check requirement marks a milestone in how online gaming platforms attempt to safeguard minors, enforce age-appropriate interaction, and respond to legal and reputational risks. Whether the system will seamlessly balance safety, privacy and user experience remains to be seen.
Gulf news
Tech
SIRI Getting Smarter
Google and Apple have confirmed a multi‑year partnership under which Apple will rely on Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and cloud infrastructure to power the next generation of its AI features — notably a revamped Siri voice assistant and Apple Intelligence system slated to roll out later in 2026.
The announcement marks a significant collaboration between two longtime rivals in consumer technology. According to the joint statement, Apple selected Google’s AI after extensive evaluation, citing Gemini’s performance as the most capable foundation for its future Apple Foundation Models.
Under the agreement, Apple will integrate Gemini models into its internal AI ecosystem — including the long‑anticipated Siri upgrade, which has faced delays in recent years amid challenges in expanding its capabilities. Apple says that despite using Google’s models for core intelligence, key AI features will continue to run on Apple devices and through the company’s Private Cloud Compute platform, maintaining the firm’s strong privacy safeguards.
Multiple outlets confirm that the deal will see Google’s technology underpinning Apple’s AI innovation, but it does not involve sending raw user queries back to Google’s systems. The Verge notes that while Gemini will assist models and features, Apple retains control over on‑device processing and user privacy.
Market reaction was swift: news of the partnership contributed to Alphabet briefly crossing a $4 trillion market valuation, as investor confidence in AI technologies continues to buoy major tech stocks. The collaboration is seen as a validation of Google’s rapid progress with Gemini models — a family of AI systems that have been widely deployed across Google services and rated highly against competitor benchmarks.
The deal also reflects a strategic shift for Apple’s AI roadmap, which has historically focused on in‑house foundation models and selective integrations with third‑party systems like ChatGPT. By choosing Google’s infrastructure, Apple aims to accelerate innovation and close the gap in features such as personalised voice interaction, context‑aware responses and deeper integration with applications.
Experts tell reporters this collaboration could influence the broader AI ecosystem — positioning Gemini as a core engine not just for Google’s own products but also across rival platforms. Meanwhile, consumers can expect to see the first fruits of the partnership as Apple begins rolling out AI‑enhanced Siri features throughout 2026, with updates likely highlighted at Apple’s annual developer conference.
GM
Education
WiseTech Global and Elm Company collaborate to drive innovation and digital transformation in the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia
7 January 2027
Sydney, Australia – WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), the world-leading developer of logistics execution and supply chain management solutions, and Elm Company, a leading provider of digital solutions for both public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore and leverage modern technologies to drive innovation and deliver advanced technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and overall performance of the logistics sector, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation objectives.
The scope of the collaboration includes exploring digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience through technology solutions focused on simplicity, flexibility, and service quality.
The collaboration also aims to support digital transformation efforts in the logistics sector through collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two parties, fostering integration in the development of technological solutions to deliver sustainable added value.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2025 on 13 December, with Elm represented by Hesham S. AlNaser, Vice President – Logistics Products, and WiseTech Global represented by Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, Elm’s Spokesperson and Vice President of Marketing, said:
“Elm continues to play its role as a leading digital enabler for government entities and businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, building strategic partnerships that drive the development of innovative digital solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector in line with future aspirations.”

Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer at WiseTech Global, said:
“Saudi Arabia represents significant opportunities for growth and development in the logistics sector. We are delighted to collaborate with Elm to explore innovative technology solutions that enhance operational performance, improve customer experience, and support the sector’s digital transformation journey.”
Photo: L-R Vlad Bilanovsky, WiseTech Global and Hesham Alnasser, ELM Company sign MoU on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.
Media contact information:
WiseTech Global: Claire Hosegood | +61 411 253 663 | claire.hosegood@wisetechglobal.com
Elm Company: To obtain a photo of the official spokesperson or for more information about Elm Company, please visit elm.com.sa or contact: media@elm.sa
About WiseTech Global
WiseTech Global is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000[1] of the world’s logistics companies across 193 countries, including 47 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide[2].
Our mission is to change the world by creating breakthrough products that enable and empower those that own and operate the supply chains of the world. At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 5,700 product enhancements to our global CargoWise application suite in the last five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world’s supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach. For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com.
[1] Includes customers on CargoWise and non-CargoWise platforms whose customers may be counted with reference to installed sites
[2] Armstrong & Associates: Top 50 Global 3PLs & Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders ranked by 2023 gross logistics revenue/turnover and freight forwarding volumes – Updated 14 August 2024
REAL ESTATE
TECOM launches AED615m Innovation Hub Phase 4 at Dubai Internet City
TECOM Group PJSC, the creator of specialised business districts and vibrant communities in Dubai, has launched Phase 4 of Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City to address rising demand for Grade-A office spaces from global multinational companies in vital, future-focused economic sectors.
With a gross leasable area (GLA) of 263,000 sq.ft., the AED615 million development represents the fourth phase of Innovation Hub and strengthens Dubai Internet City’s position as the leading technology hub in the region.
The launch of Innovation Hub Phase 4 supports TECOM Group’s strategic growth plan and raises its total investments in the Innovation Hub project in Dubai Internet City to reach AED 2 billion.
The announcement follows the success of Innovation Hub’s third phase development, which was fully leased ahead of its scheduled completion in 2027. The second phase of Innovation Hub is also complete and fully leased to Fortune 500 companies and digital economy leaders, while Phase 1 serves as the cornerstone for launching the project, which remains a leading destination for global technology businesses such as Google and Gartner.
The fourth phase of Innovation Hub will enhance TECOM Group’s portfolio of Grade-A commercial assets, strengthening its ability to serve new and existing technology customers upon completion in 2028 and amid rising demand for premium office spaces driven by leading national strategies.
Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of TECOM Group, said, “The launch of Innovation Hub Phase 4 reflects TECOM Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting vital future-focused economic activity in the UAE and Dubai. The UAE’s and Dubai’s globally renowned pro-business framework, coupled with visionary strategies such as the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy and Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, continue to highlight our nation’s ability to attract future-focused innovators and investors. This strategic development further enhances Dubai Internet City’s empowering role in the technology sector, ensuring it is well-positioned to serve the evolving needs of the digital economy.
“Our healthy liquidity and strategic roadmap for sustainable growth ensure we are well-placed to capitalise on favourable market dynamics, and we will continue to expand TECOM Group’s portfolio in high-growth sectors that promote innovation to deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”
The Group will utilise its existing resources to finance the development while ensuring it maintains a healthy leverage and liquidity position. The development follows TECOM Group’s strong nine-month financial performance in 2025, led by increased occupancy, higher rental rates, improved efficiencies, and continued portfolio expansion.
The Group reported revenues of more than AED2.1 billion, representing 20 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth during the first nine months of the year, with net profit exceeding AED1.1 billion (+18 percent YoY) compared to the same period in 2024.
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