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SAVE $250: As of March 25, the brand new Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum is on sale for the first time ever during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. The $949.99 sale price is 27% off its usual $1,299.99.
Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum $949.99 at AmazonThe new Dyson robot vacuum with a laser would have been much more exciting if the robot vacuum itself were more reliable — or if Shark hadn't released a better robot vacuum with a UV light a few weeks before. Plus, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 is on sale for the first time: Grab it for $949.99 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.
That's an impressive $350 drop from its $1,299.99 MSRP (and a $250 difference from the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai). This is just one of several Amazon spring sale vacuum deals on elite 2026 robot vacuums that are hot off the press. But having just come out on March 3, I definitely wasn't expecting a Shark UV Reveal discount this early.
SEE ALSO: Shark's new scrubbing-centric robot vacuum finds stains with a UV light. I tested it against other top robot mops.But since everyone is stocking up on their favorite disinfectant sprays for spring cleaning, it feels very correct for a robot vacuum with this level of sanitation to be in the mix. I've personally witnessed the UV light find two separate dried cat hairball splatters that the AI stain detection cameras of premium Dreame and Roborock robot vacuums missed that week.
The UV Reveal mopped my hardwood floors extremely thoroughly. Look at that shine. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableWhen the UV light lights up a stain, the vacuum's glow turns turquoise. The Shark then drives back and forth over the stain from multiple angles while its vibrating mopping pad scrubs. The whole process is quite thorough — we're talking up to 30 seconds spent from each direction.
During a more casual vacuuming and mopping session, the Shark UV Reveal is still very detail-oriented. Its mopping pad can extend out past the vacuum's circular body, allowing much closer edge mopping than previous mopping Shark vacuums I've tested. Its small obstacle avoidance technology has also improved majorly.
I'll note that the Shark UV Reveal 2-in-1 isn't the best choice for keeping up with pet hair on carpet. But for pet hair on hardwood floors or tile floors, it's stellar.
If you're signing up for Tinder in the UK, you'll now need to undergo a facial scan.
Today, Tinder announces that it's launching the facial verification feature, Face Check, in the country. This follows Tinder requiring all new U.S. users to do the same as of Oct. 2025, following a test in California.
New Tinder users must now complete a facial scan in the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, and countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, according to Tinder.
SEE ALSO: Tinder drops a slew of updates, including an AI way to 'cut through dating fatigue'Users start by taking a video selfie on the app, and Tinder scans it to check if it matches their profile photos. If it's a match, users receive a Photo Verified badge. The feature can also apparently detect if a user has multiple accounts.
Tinder first launched photo verification in 2021 and video verification in 2023. Then, in 2024, Tinder began requiring ID checks if users wanted a verification checkmark.
Face Check comes at a time when identity verification is increasing in various spaces online, especially in the UK, given the Online Safety Act. The law requires age verification if a site or app hosts content that might be "restricted to adults." Days before the Online Safety Act went into effect in July 2025, major dating apps, including Tinder, announced that they'd install age checks.
Recently, dating apps have also been under increased scrutiny for multiple reasons, including the presence of scammers, which Face Check seeks to reduce. Sixty-three percent of 18-24-year-olds say scams are harder to spot than ever, according to an Aug. 2025 survey of 2,000 singles in the UK.
Internal Tinder data shows an over 60 percent decrease in exposure to "potential bad actors," including spam, scam, or fake profiles, and over 40 percent decrease in bad actor reports.
Dating apps have also been criticized for other safety reasons lately. In Dec. 2025, several women filed a lawsuit claiming that Match Group (which owns Tinder, Hinge, and other dating apps) allowed a serial rapist on its platforms.
In Feb., Mashable reported that Match Group's other offering, Hinge, is also planning to start testing compulsory facial scans.
SAVE $25: As of March 25, the Fire Stick 4K Select is on sale for $14.99 with the code FTVSELECT. That's a 55% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select $14.99 at AmazonAmazon's Big Spring Sale is here and it's dropping prices across hundreds of products. And if you've been looking for a new streaming device, there are plenty of deals to be found across Amazon's range of Fire TV Sticks, like this latest deal on the Fire Stick 4K Select.
As part of the sale, the 4K Select is reduced to $17.99, which is already a record low for this model. However, if you add the code FTVSELECT at the checkout, this will bring the price down further to $14.99. This gives you a total saving of $25 on list price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The 4K Select is the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's range, offering 4K streaming with the key features you need, at a lower price. The setup is the same as other Fire Sticks, you simply plug it into an outlet and your TV's HDMI port, and that's all you need to do. When you turn on your TV you'll find you have access to Fire TV OS, with streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video at your fingertips.
It also has Alexa built-in, so you can use your voice to search and launch shows, manage smart home devices, and even ask it to check the weather.
You can find this great streaming deal in Amazon's Big Spring Sale right now.
TL;DR: Live stream Croatia vs. Colombia in a 2026 International Friendly for free on Caracol TV. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, so leading international sides are busy preparing with a string of high-profile friendly fixtures this week. There are a number of interesting matchups on the schedule, including Croatia vs. Colombia. Both of these sides will be looking to perform strongly in this summer's tournament, so building some momentum here would be a good start.
If you want to watch Croatia vs. Colombia in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Croatia vs. Colombia?Croatia vs. Colombia kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Citrus Bowl.
How to watch Croatia vs. Colombia for freeCroatia vs. Colombia is available to live stream for free on Caracol TV.
Caracol TV is geo-restricted to Colombia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Colombia, meaning you can access free live streams on Caracol TV from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Colombia
Visit Caracol TV
Stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Croatia vs. Colombia without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for Caracol TV?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Caracol TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Colombia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free with ExpressVPN.
SAVE $80: As of March 25, the DJI Mic 2 is down to $189 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's $80 off the list price of $269.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 2 $189 at AmazonIf you’re a content creator or media professional, there are all kinds of helpful devices available — the problem, as always with tech, is that the best stuff isn’t exactly cheap. That’s why we love a sale event like the Amazon Big Spring Sale, because it’s a chase to snap up devices that are usually that little bit too expensive. One device that’s caught our eye — and is sure to catch sound, too — is the DJI Mic 2.
The DJI Mic 2 is currently priced at $189, an overall saving of $80. That’s 30% off the list price of $269.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!This DJI Mic 2 bundle includes a set of two high-quality microphones that come with a receiver and charging case. These are perfect for vloggers or anyone who records audio as part of their day job, whether you need to record minutes of a meeting, livestream, or shoot professional video.
It has intelligent noise cancellation — that means it will dampen out external noise like wind — with 14 hours of audio storage and up to 18 hours of battery with the charging case. And with a range of 820 feet, you’ll have space to move around.
If this deal on the DJI Mic 2 sounds good, just wait until you hear the audio.
SAVE $170: As of March 25, the DJI Mini 3 drone is down to its lowest-ever price of $379 at Amazon. That's $170 off the list price of $549.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Drone $379 at AmazonThe Amazon Big Spring Sale certainly isn’t short of drone deals, but we’ve landed on the DJI Mini 3 as one of the best options. An intermediate drone equipped with a 4K HDR camera, it flies the line between casual fun and professional photography. It will suit almost all drone enthusiasts — especially those looking for a bargain.
The DJI Mini 3 is currently marked down to $379, which is a saving of $170 from the usual list price of $549. According to camelcamelcamel, that's a record-low price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!One of the great things about the DJI Mini 3 is the sheer number of shooting options, including vertical video, 4x digital zoom, and one-tap QuickShot modes.
That’s all bolstered by wind resistance, a 10km transmission range, and an extended battery life of up to 51 minutes. As with other advanced drones, you can rely on the fact that it has an automatic Return to Home function — there’s zero danger of this clever little flyer ever getting away from you. You also get auto-landing and an FPV view via the hand controller — not to mention all the features and extra control via the DJI Fly app.
Don't miss your chance to fly with a record-low deal on the DJI Mini 3.
TL;DR: Get the Youbooks AI non-fiction book generator lifetime subscription for $41.65 (reg. $359) with code MARCH15 and turn ideas into structured drafts faster.
Opens in a new window Credit: Youbooks Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription $41.65Writing a non-fiction book is a great idea — right up until you roll up your sleeves and realize you actually have to write it. Youbooks AI is designed to speed up that process, helping turn ideas into structured drafts, and a lifetime subscription is currently on sale for $41.65 (reg. $359) with code MARCH15.
On paper, writing non-fiction sounds manageable. You already have the knowledge, the research, or at least a rough idea of what you want to say. But once you actually start, organizing everything into something coherent — and finishing it — is where things tend to stall. That’s where Youbooks comes in. It’s an AI-powered platform built to help turn loose ideas into more structured, long-form drafts you can actually work with.
Think of it as a writing assistant that doesn’t tap out halfway through. Youbooks pulls from multiple AI models — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama — to produce more nuanced content rather than relying on a single tool. It’s not doing the thinking for you, but it can help you get from scattered notes to something that looks like a real draft.
Where Youbooks can be useful:
Built-in research support: Pulls in up-to-date information as you write
Custom tone and style: Helps keep your voice consistent across sections
Source integration: Upload your own notes, transcripts, or materials
Long-form capability: Generate drafts up to 200,000 words
Commercial rights: Keep full ownership of what you create
It’s designed to be relatively simple to use. Provide a topic, set your preferred tone and structure, and the platform generates a draft you can refine. You can export your work in formats like DOCX, EPUB, or Markdown, depending on how you plan to use it.
With the Fan Plan, you get 200,000 monthly credits (roughly one credit per word), along with storage for style samples and source documents. Future updates are included, too.
Get lifetime access to Youbooks AI for $41.65 (reg. $359) with code MARCH15.
Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Drime Secure Cloud Storage offers 2TB of encrypted storage with collaboration tools for $112.49 (reg. $299) using code CLOUD through April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Opens in a new window Credit: Drime Drime Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $112.50If you’re still switching between cloud storage apps, file-sharing tools, and separate platforms just to collaborate on projects, it can slow everything down.
Drime Secure Cloud Storage brings these tools together in one place, combining secure storage with built-in collaboration features. For a limited time, a lifetime subscription is available for $112.49 (reg. $299) with code CLOUD through April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Store, share, and collaborate in one spotDrime comes loaded with 2TB of storage and handles large file uploads without the usual workarounds. Everything syncs across devices automatically, so your work is always up to date and accessible wherever you are.
Projects live in dedicated collaborative workspaces, files can be shared via password-protected links, and access is controlled through customizable permissions. Built-in editing for documents and media means reviewing, commenting, and making changes all happen in one place.
Security is a core focus with Drime. The encrypted Vault uses 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption, with files encrypted locally so they remain inaccessible to anyone but you.
Hosted in Europe and fully GDPR compliant, Drime is a strong fit for anyone who wants real transparency and control over where their data lives.
More than just storageDrim goes well beyond basic file storage. E-signature collection, 90-day version history, and smooth large-video streaming are all part of the package. Timestamped comments and advanced sharing options keep feedback loops tight and collaboration organized. The setup can make sense for freelancers, teams, or anyone managing multiple projects who wants to keep everything in one place.
If you’re looking for a more private, all-in-one cloud storage solution, you can get Drime Secure Cloud Storage for $112.49 (reg. $299) with code CLOUD through April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Brace yourselves fellow Dungeons and Dragons nerds, because Dropout is coming for the jugular with the next season of Dimension 20. Coming hot on the heels of Gladlands, the next adventure will reunite Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan with intrepid heroes Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson for some role-playing in the realm of Vampire: The Masquerade.
According to the press release from Dropout, the new season, titled City Council of Darkness, will focus on "a brood of flamboyant goth vampires exiled from their ancient castle and forced to assimilate into a painfully wholesome small town, where they unexpectedly find themselves running the local government. Between zoning disputes, bloodthirsty urges, and mandatory bake sales, it’s undead chaos in the quaintest hellscape imaginable."
SEE ALSO: The 'Dimension 20' cast chooses their ultimate Intrepid Heroes squadCheers to the intrepid heroes, who will fill the abyss left by the end of What We Do in the Shadows and the gap before the next season of Interview with the Vampire (aka The Vampire Lestat) with weird, wild bloodsucker fun. This trailer gives a taste of the directions the cast will take their vampires in, with inspirations including superhero movies, Vampire in Brooklyn, Lost Boys, and nunsploitation. ("Whimples on, titties out!")
Welcome to Purpee.
Dimension 20: City Council of Darkness will premiere April 8 on Dropout, with new episodes weekly.
The first teaser for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first season of HBO's Harry Potter series, feels like it was brewed up in a potions lab to induce maximum nostalgia.
SEE ALSO: 7 magic school series to buy young readers that aren't 'Harry Potter'Look, here's Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin) living in the cupboard under the stairs! Here he is meeting Hermione (Arabella Stanton) and Ron (Alastair Stout) on the Hogwarts Express! Here he is unwrapping the Nimbus 2000! All it's missing is "Hedwig's Theme."
I won't lie that my inner child jumped at reentering the storied halls of Hogwarts. But quickly, it became overcome with the frustration that this series exists in the first place. Not only are there more fantasy stories itching to be adapted to the small screen, but Harry Potter's legacy remains tied to its creator's transphobia.
Author J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer on the series, has routinely made harmful, discriminatory comments towards the trans community, with recent behavior including praising the UK's Girlguiding ban of trans girls and attacking Glamour UK for praising trans women in their 2025 Women of the Year issue. In 2025, she also launched the J.K. Rowling Women's Fund, which is devoted to "women's sex-based rights," or further transphobic rhetoric. Rowling is funding this herself with the considerable money she's earned in large part from her Harry Potter empire, which will only continue to grow with the HBO series.
Rowling's discriminatory turn is in stark opposition to Harry Potter's message of inclusion and celebrating differences, and she's only doubled down further in the face of criticism, including some from longtime fans of the franchise. That ugliness hangs like a stain over the teaser for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and as much as I'd like to get excited over visiting Hogwarts again, I simply can't.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres this Christmas on HBO and HBO Max.
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman caused a stir when he told a tech show that the platform was considering some form of ID verification to combat bots. Now Huffman has officially addressed the issues in a message to Reddit users posted right on the platform itself.
Huffman says Reddit isn't looking to identify its anonymity-loving user base. The company just wants to make sure its users are human.
"Reddit works because it’s human – and we want to keep it that way," a Reddit spokesperson told Mashable in a statement, just as Huffman wrote in another post last year.
Huffman's latest post is summarized in its title, "Humans welcome (bots must wear name tags)." Going forward, the CEO wrote, "good bots" on Reddit will now be labeled as "Apps."
Automation is allowed in certain use cases on the platform, Huffman noted. But bot accounts must not impersonate a human being. Developers will be able to officially register their automated accounts with Reddit; details on how to do so will be shared soon.
What about ID verification? According to Huffman, Reddit will approach this as "human verification." The platform is not looking to identify specific individuals, just confirm that they are an actual person and not a bot.
There will not be any sitewide verification process for Reddit, in other words. Human verification will be performed on a case-by-case basis, if an account is using automation or engaging in other suspicious bot-like activity. Reddit will use a third-party service for human verification.
"If we suspect a user is running an automation, they’ll encounter a verification prompt," a Reddit spokesperson told Mashable. "This will affect a small number of users. Any verification service we use will not have access to your Reddit activity and username, and we will not have access to your real-world identity."
The company says it has successfully been able to detect and remove bots for more than 20 years — and believes these new moves will provide better visibility and transparency to its user base.
As for AI on the platform — including AI slop — Reddit is taking a wait-and-see approach. "For better or worse, using AI to write is part of how people will communicate in the future (albeit annoying), so our current focus is to ensure there is a real, live human behind the accounts you’re seeing," Huffman wrote.
Subreddit communities will able to make their own rules regarding AI, however — and users can always downvote AI content on the platform.
But Huffman isn't closing the door on a sitewide approach to AI in the future. "Things are changing quickly, and we’ll adapt as best we can," he wrote.
As if we all don't order enough Amazon packages on any given day, yet another seasonal Amazon sale is upon us: The 2026 Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 to March 31. In other words, even more packages are about to pile up on doorsteps all over the world. That leaves us with a glaring issue: How do you recycle all those damn boxes, bubble envelopes, and paper bags?
Given the huge variety in packaging, the answer isn't so clear.
SEE ALSO: The 2026 guide to recycling electronics, beauty empties, and clothing The reality of Amazon recyclingAccording to a 2024 report from ocean conservancy organization Oceana, Amazon generated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste from U.S. transactions in 2022. Despite a global decline in plastic waste, the number for U.S. shipping saw a 9.6 percent increase. "This amount of plastic, in the form of air pillows, would circle the Earth more than 200 times," the organization says.
Amazon, for what it's worth, does provide guidelines around the topic. U.S. customers whose orders are fulfilled by Amazon can click on any order in the Amazon app and scroll down to the bottom to view recycling or discard instructions. Customers can also ask Alexa or Siri "How do I recycle my Amazon packaging?" and both will direct them to Amazon's guidelines.
But David Pinsky, a senior plastics campaigner at Greenpeace, doesn't think this information's very useful.
"While it is helpful to provide information, Amazon is continuing to place the burden on customers to manage its enormous packaging footprint. As U.S. and global recycling markets collapse, the truth is that very few plastics are still recyclable and, even if they are collected for recycling, most are not recycled. It's time for Amazon to ditch all single-use packaging and transition to reuse and refill systems," Pinsky, who works to make large companies reduce their single-plastic use, wrote in an email.
Large corporations like Amazon need to take responsibility by eliminating throwaway packaging and switching to reuse and refill systems, Pinsky explained.
In a December 2022 blog post, Amazon acknowledged this disparity: "Although the plastic packaging Amazon uses today is recyclable, it generally requires our customers to take the materials from their homes to store drop-off locations. As a company that obsesses about our customers, we recognize it's not the easiest customer experience."
What Amazon is doing for the planetAmazon does offer a program called Frustration-Free Packaging, which includes products designed to ship in their own packaging without the need for additional Amazon mailers or boxes. According to Amazon, "products in 'Frustration-Free Packaging' offer more sustainable packaging that is right-sized, reduces damages, is made of recyclable packaging materials, and is easier to open." It is also made of 100 percent curbside recyclable materials. And the option is working, to some extent. Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging by 38 percent and eliminated more than 1.5 million tons of packaging material, thanks to programs such as Frustration-Free Packaging.
"In the midst of a rapid increase in customer orders throughout the pandemic, we continued to take steps to reduce single-use plastics in our outbound packaging," the company wrote.
In 2019, Amazon debuted its fully recyclable paper padded mailer. The company had shipped more than 200 million new mailers to customers as of mid-2020 and replaced nearly 70 percent of its mixed material bubble mailers by 2021, offering the same recyclability as Amazon's cardboard box but taking up less space in the recycle bin, says an Amazon spokesperson.
The company also debuted its "Less Packaging, More Smiles" campaign in 2020 as a way to use less packaging materials in its shipments while helping customers repurpose boxes before recycling. For example, you can reuse Amazon cardboard boxes in fun ways — like to build a rocket, fort, or car for your cat or dog — all via a QR code on the box that provides instructions.
In 2021, the company attempted to address the plastic-film concerns and redesigned many of these plastic products to be more sustainable, increasing the recycled content of plastic film bags from 25 percent to 50 percent, and from 15 percent to over 40 percent for its plastic padded bags. The improvements are expected to eliminate more than 25,000 metric tons of new plastic each year moving forward, according to the company. In March 2022, the company also announced its partnership with the BOTTLE consortium, a U.S. Department of Energy research initiative to reduce plastic pollution, to design new modes of plastic chemical upcycling.
The company encourages customers to shop with Amazon Day Delivery in mind to take advantage of flexible options for when and how packages arrive. "On top of making deliveries work for their personal schedule, choosing Amazon Day is a great way to combine multiple orders into one delivery, potentially reducing the amount of packaging they receive. On average, Amazon Day uses 30 percent fewer boxes and Amazon Day users saved 136 million boxes in 2022," Amazon explained.
But these sustainability efforts might not be going far enough. As the Washington Post reported, in an effort to pack more shipments into delivery planes and trucks, Amazon is using more small plastic mailers rather than cardboard boxes.
SEE ALSO: The 2025 guide to recycling electronics, beauty empties, and clothing The long road to plastic-free PrimeMany of the plastic mailers it uses (like its regular and bubble-lined plastic bags) include plastic film.
In its latest report, Oceana estimated that up to 22 million pounds of such plastic packaging waste would end up in the world’s waterways and seas, noting that plastic film is the most common form of marine plastic litter in nearshore ocean areas and the deadliest to marine life.
Amazon notes on its website that some cities have curbside recycling programs for film, and if your city doesn't, Amazon utilizes a directory to find a drop-off location that will take compatible plastic film, wrap, and bags. However, Pinsky says this website isn't exhaustive because it doesn't include a list of complete options for some areas.
There also aren't that many cities with recycling programs that accept plastic film, says Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist who works on plastic waste issues at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental advocacy organization. When it comes to recycling centers, even if they do accept plastic film, it can be hard, if not impossible, to process, as they often get caught in the center's machinery, a spokesperson from the recycling, landfill, and compost operator Recology wrote in an email.
To avoid this problem, Recology workers try to manually remove loose plastic film before it enters the machinery, but this doesn't always work. "Amazon packages represent a challenging new packaging trend," a Recology spokesperson explained.
Pinsky still suggests conducting your own research to find drop-off locations and asking your supermarket if they recycle plastic film.
And then there's the paper address label. If it's a self-adhesive label, it's probably not recyclable, Hoover says. "It's pretty upsetting to see Amazon has gone in this direction by putting more single-use plastics on the market," Pinsky says.
Although online shopping has become the de-facto way of living, it shouldn't just be the customer's responsibility to figure out how to recycle. Companies need to step up too, Hoover says.
How to recycle Amazon's packagingWhether you're planning a big haul during a sale event like Prime Day or are interested for everyday orders, here's how you can do your part to recycle all of Amazon's packaging.
1. Paper padded envelope mailer Amazon's paper padded envelope mailer. Credit: AmazonAmazon says these paper padded mailers are recyclable, just like cardboard boxes and other paper items.
Paper products should be accepted by most curbside recycling programs, says Pinsky.
2. Bubble-lined plastic bag and plastic bag Amazon's bubble-lined plastic bag. Credit: Amazon Amazon's plastic bag. Credit: AmazonSome cities offer curbside recycling, Amazon writes on its website. If your city doesn't, Amazon suggests using a directory where you can enter your ZIP code to find a drop-off location that accepts plastic film, which these bags contain.
Still, it's questionable if some drop-off locations will accept bubble-lined plastic bags, Pinsky says. Hoover advises people to check drop-off centers' websites to see what they can recycle.
3. Cardboard box and cardboard folder Amazon's cardboard box. Credit: Amazon Amazon's cardboard folder. Credit: AmazonCardboard boxes and folders can be recycled in most curbside recycling, Amazon states on its website. It also says to remove any tape before recycling.
Still, you should check with your local government to see what is recyclable and learn how and if you're supposed to prepare these materials in a particular way, Hoover says.
For example, New York City advises people to flatten cardboard boxes and then tie them together with strong twine before setting them out for recycling.
You can also use your cardboard boxes to start composting.
4. Paper Envelope Amazon's paper envelope. Credit: AmazonAmazon says its paper envelopes are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs.
5. Give Back Box partnership (for cardboard boxes) Give your Amazon cardboard box another life by donating your stuff with it. Credit: AmazonIf you have an extra box lying around, you can also give it a second life. Just fill a box with items you wish to donate, print out a label for free, and ship it at no cost to you through UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Your old things will be re-homed to charities through Amazon's partnership with Give Back Box, and you can write off the donation on your taxes.
6. Packing paper Amazon's brown packing paper. Credit: AmazonPacking paper is recyclable through most curbside recycling programs, according to Amazon.
7. Air pillow Amazon's air pillow. Credit: AmazonAmazon suggests you either recycle its air pillows curbside, if possible, or find a drop-off location that accepts them. Like Amazon's plastic bags, air pillows contain plastic film, which means the packaging is harder to recycle.
When you are able to recycle them, Hoover suggests first popping the air out of the pillow and then bringing it to a drop-off location.
8. Bubble-lined paper mailer Amazon's bubble-lined paper mailer. Credit: AmazonPaper mailers with air bubble padding are not recyclable and should be put in the trash, Amazon says on its website, though also suggests checking with your local recycling program for more details.
Pinsky, for his part, advises throwing out these mailers.
9. Reusable gift bags Amazon's reusable gift bags. Credit: AmazonAs you've probably guessed by the name, Amazon encourages you to reuse these gift bags. But once they're no longer presentable, you'll have to chuck them in the garbage bin. Amazon says it is "currently transitioning to gift bags made of 100 percent recycled material that will replace this version."
Pinsky advises avoiding these gift bags altogether. Most of the bags will end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment.
Instead, he says, "get creative with other ways to share gifts that don’t require single-use plastic bags, paper, or other materials."
10. Amazon Fresh paper bag Credit: AmazonSince they're paper, Amazon Fresh paper bags are recyclable through most curbside recycling programs.
11. Paper ice cream pouch Credit: AmazonPaper envelopes, including the insulation inside, are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs and also can be used again if clean and dry.
12. Amazon Fresh water bottle Amazon Fresh water bottle. Credit: AmazonThis is just a water bottle and can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. Amazon states on its website that these water bottles are used to cool items like food, but you can also drink the water, so don't let it go to waste.
13. Produce bag Amazon's produce bag. Credit: AmazonAgain, because the product has plastic film it may be tricky to recycle because the film often gets stuck in recycling centers' machinery. Amazon says some cities offer curbside recycling for its produce bag, but when not available, you can "use designated store drop-off locations where plastic film is accepted."
It's worth checking where you can recycle it first. Amazon provides a website to find a drop-off location to do so, but you should do your own research and ask your supermarket if they accept the film, says Pinsky.
14. Bottom board and paper insulation Credit: Amazon Amazon's paper insulation. Credit: AmazonBoth products are made of 100 percent cardboard. As such, Amazon says you can recycle both in your curbside recycling program.
You wouldn't think that being able to stride through the White House's East Wing without stumbling would make headlines. But as Melania Trump made her way down the red carpet lined hallway to a classical music arrangement, the First Lady was flanked not by the typical Secret Service agent you'd expect to see on presidential grounds, but by a humanoid robot.
Yes, robots are in the White House now.
SEE ALSO: Meta, YouTube found guilty of negligence in history-making social media addiction trialThe room was filled with other spouses of world leaders and tech executives, gathered for the second day of the administration's latest AI summit, part of the “Fostering the Future Together” initiative. But details from the public-private networking opp paled in comparison to the event's AI-powered special guest: A robot named simply "Figure 3."
Figure 3 was created by American robotics company Figure, a former partner of Trump backer OpenAI (the arrangement between the AI robotics start up and the AI giant ended last year). TIME named the robot one of the best inventions of 2025, and it's perhaps the closest we've gotten to a real world robot butler. Figure 3 can do household chores like fold towels, load the dishwasher, and pick up detritus — whether or not its done efficiently is debatable.
Figure 3 spoke to White House guests in a young, vocal-fry inflected female voice, similar to the rest of its robotic and AI-powered compatriots, and told the crowd that it was an "honor" to be given a prime speaking engagement at the event.
"I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education,” Figure 3 told the room, right after it greeted the space in 11 languages, reported CNN.
The robot didn't stumble once. And for those in the know, that's huge.
The goal of Trump's Fostering the Future Together is to supercharge "advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (Al), to assist children, educators, and parents, while also protecting them from online dangers." This week's summit was convened to connect world leaders (or, in most cases, their spouses) with private tech partners, aligned with Trump's "Be Best" educational initiative, previously launched during President Trump's first term.
In her brief appearance, Trump suggested the future would be filled with AI-powered robot teachers like Figure 3 — a pitch that may be bolstered the of a current wave of AI-only schools peddled by Big Tech and Silicon Valley elite, but has yet to be backed by learning science.
“The future of AI is personified," said Trump. "It will be formed in the shape of humans. Very soon, artificial intelligence will move from our mobile phones to humanoids that deliver utility."
TL;DR: Live stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a number of vital World Cup qualifiers taking place this week, including Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina. This one-off semi final takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium in Wales, but it's a really difficult contest to predict. The winner will face either Italy or Northern Ireland for a place in this summer's tournament.
If you want to watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina?Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium.
How to watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina for freeWales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
World Cup qualifiers are taking place this week. Every game is absolutely huge for the nations taking part, with a place in this summer's showpiece event up for grabs.
Italy face off against Northern Ireland at the Stadio di Bergamo. The winner of this one-off semi final will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina. Italy are favorites to advance from this pot, but they've not been particularly impressive thus far in qualification. Northern Ireland will see this as an opportunity to upset the odds.
If you want to watch Italy vs. Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Italy vs. Northern Ireland?Italy vs. Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Stadio di Bergamo.
How to watch Italy vs. Northern Ireland for freeItaly vs. Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Italy vs. Northern Ireland for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Italy vs. Northern Ireland for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Italy vs. Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Italy vs. Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Brazil vs. France in a 2026 International Friendly for free on TF1. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 World Cup is looming on the horizon. Preparations are ramping up for the showpiece event on the football schedule, with some absolutely huge international friendlies taking place this week. There are a number of interesting matchups, but Brazil vs. France is probably the best of the bunch.
Both of these sides will expect to be competing in the latter stages of this summer's tournament, so this contest will give fans an important insight into exactly where Brazil and France stand. It's going to be a fascinating battle at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
If you want to watch Brazil vs. France in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Brazil vs. France?Brazil vs. France kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Gillette Stadium.
How to watch Brazil vs. France for freeBrazil vs. France is available to live stream for free on TF1.
TF1 is geo-restricted to France, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can access free live streams on TF1 from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Brazil vs. France for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in France
Visit TF1
Stream Brazil vs. France for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Brazil vs. France without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for TF1?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TF1, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including France
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Brazil vs. France for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Some huge World Cup qualifiers are taking place this week, including Czechia vs. Ireland. The winner of this one-off semi final will face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place in the 2026 World Cup. The Fortuna Arena is going to be absolutely electric when these two sides come together to battle it out for a place in this summer's showpiece event.
If you want to watch Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Czechia vs. Ireland?Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.
How to watch Czechia vs. Ireland for freeCzechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.
RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can access free live streams on RTÉ Player from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Czechia vs. Ireland for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit RTÉ Player
Stream Czechia vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.
No, Amazon's Big Spring Sale doesn't only apply to spring refresh-related products. Yes, Amazon's spring sale is still home to a ton of great deals on cleaning supplies to get you in the refresh headspace.
Not sure what your spring cleaning routine should entail? Start by picking out just one task in each room that you know you've been putting off: Deep cleaning the bathtub? Scrubbing the crusted grease off the stove? Getting that stain off the couch? Vacuuming more often than once a week? There's an Amazon deal for that.
SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of lazinessDefinitely stock up on your laundry pods and emotional support multi-surface spray while you're at it — big brands like Seventh Generation, Cascade, and Mrs. Meyer's are all participating in the sale. Spending $50 on select products from Clorox, Dawn, The Honest Company, Charmin, and Tide unlocks a $15 Amazon credit.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026 runs from March 25 to 31. Here are the best spring cleaning deals we've spotted so far:
Multi-purpose cleaning dealsMr. Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (12 pack) — $11.89 $14.99 (save $3.10)
Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner (3 pack) — $11.99 $15.99 (save $4)
Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Wipes (3 pack) — $12.22 $20.97 (save $8.75)
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner (3 pack) — $13.89 $17.97 (save $4.08)
Briotech Hypochlorous Bleach-Free Disinfectant (1 gallon) — $26.39 $32.99 (save $6.60)
Hoto Flexi Cordless Electric Spin Scrubber — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Orighty Multipurpose Wire Dishwashing Rag (12 pack) — $6.99 $12.99 (save $6)
Airnex Biodegradable Kitchen Sponge (12 pack) — $13.55 $16.95 (save $3.40)
Active Garbage Disposal Cleaner (1 year supply) — $16.96 $19.95 (save $2.99)
Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods (47 count) — $16.99 $19.99 (save $3)
Cleancult Plant-Based Dish Soap Refill (3 pack) — $17.59 $21.99 (save $4.40)
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Shower & Tub Scrubber — $9.09 $12.99 (save $3.90)
Stardrops The Pink Stuff Bathroom Cleaning Kit — $21.74 $24.99 (save $3.75)
Select Tide, Downy, Bounce, and Dreft products — save 33% when you buy one detergent and three fabric enhancers
Cleancult Liquid Laundry Detergent (64 loads) — $9.09 $12.99 (save $3.90)
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Sheets (32 pack) — $10.12 $14.99 (save $4.87)
The Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets (32 pack) — $10.87 $12.79 (save $1.92)
Seventh Generation Laundry Pods (64 pack) — $13.53 $19.99 (save $6.46)
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (1 year supply) — $17.99 $22.99 (save $5)
Roborock Q10 S5+ — $279.99 $549.99 (save $270)
Shark Plus 2-in-1 (AV2630WA) — $299.99 $749.99 (save $450)
Roborock Qrevo Series — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)
Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)
Eufy C28 — $499.99 $799.99 (save $250)
Narwal Freo Z10 — $549.99 $1,099.99 (save $550)
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)
Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete — $1,359.90 $1,699.99 (save $250)
Broombi All-Surface Silicone Broom and Squeegee — $27.96 $34.95 (save $6.99)
Shark Steam & Scrub Mop — $119.99 $159.99 (save $40)
Shark Pet IX141 — $149 $299.99 (save $150.99)
Tineco iFloor 5 Breeze — $199 $299.99 (save $100.99)
Bissell PowerClean FurGuard — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
Shark Clean & Empty BU3521 — $249 $399.99 (save $150.99)
Roborock H60 Hub with auto-empty dock — $329.99 $599.99 (save $270)
Tineco Floor One S7 Stretch — $399 $649 (save $250)
Bissell Little Green — $74.99 $99.99 (save $25)
Shark StainForce — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Eufy E28 with portable carpet cleaner — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)
SAVE $20: As of March 25, get 20% off a $100 Roblox digital gift card. That means you only need to pay $80 for a $100 gift card to redeem on Roblox.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roblox $100 Roblox Digital Gift Card $80 at AmazonWhether you're a Roblox fan or you've got kids who won't stay away from it, Robux are a hot in-game commodity.
As of March 25, get 20% off a $100 Roblox digital gift card. That means you only need to pay $80 for a $100 gift card to redeem on Roblox. Saving $20 on the in-game currency is a great idea if you've got your eye on something you'd like to buy, and you can give it to the kids to top up their accounts, too.
This digital code will be emailed to you upon purchase. So you'll get it near-instantly, and you don't have to wait around for a physical card to be mailed to you.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here and surprisingly good: We found 100+ deals on Apple, DJI, and SonyThe premium Roblox currency can be used for a variety of things, including in-game costumes, accessories, and other items. Players can spend it on special abilities, weapons, game passes, changing usernames, and anything else you can think of. While Robux can be earned in small increments in Roblox itself, it's better to to just purchase the currency in the real world for you or your kids to spend en masse. And now, it's even cheaper to do right now thanks to this deal.
If you want to grab this deal, best to do it now so you can fill that virtual Robux wallet before the Amazon Big Spring Sale ends. This is one game-centric discount that's going to be selling like hotcakes, as Roblox has a massive fanbase and even more new players with each day that passes.
A Los Angeles jury has ruled that social media giants Meta and Google-owned Youtube are guilty of negligent platform design that resulted in harm to a young user's mental health.
The ruling came after several days of deliberation in a personal injury lawsuit that industry experts say will have rippling effects on Big Tech.
SEE ALSO: Meta loses major child safety trial, ordered to pay $375 millionThe jury agreed with the plaintiff that the platforms' design features were a "substantial factor" in causing mental health-related harms and that company leaders knew their products were dangerously addictive. The companies have been ordered to split compensatory damages of $3 million, with Meta paying 70 percent and YouTube 30 percent. Meta says it is exploring legal options to appeal the decision.
"Today, a jury saw the truth and held Meta and Google accountable for designing products that addict and harm children," said court-appointed plaintiff counsel Lexi Hazam and Previn Warren, in a statement following the decision. "Top tech executives took the stand, and their own internal documents were put before a jury, revealing that company leadership knew their platforms were hurting kids and repeatedly chose profits over children's safety. This verdict sends an unmistakable message that no company is above accountability when it comes to our children."
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg both testified in front of the jury last month. Other social media platforms were also named in the lawsuit, brought forth by a young user referred to as K.G.M and her mother. K.G.M. accused the platforms of knowingly investing in site features that led to addictive behavior, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts, even after safety warnings were flagged by internal employees — it's the first of a consolidated group of lawsuits filed by more than 1,600 plaintiffs, known as a watershed case. TikTok and Snapchat both settled with K.G.M. prior to the jury trial.
"Social media giants would never have faced trial if they had prioritized kids' safety over engagement. Instead, they buried their own research showing children were being harmed, and used kids and society as guinea pigs in massive, uncontrolled, and wildly profitable experiments. Now, executives are being held to account," wrote James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of child safety nonprofit Common Sense Media.
Hours before the K.G.M decision was announced, a different jury announced another guilty verdict for Meta, which ordered the tech giant to pay $375 million in damages for misleading users about its platform's safety features and endangering young users. The case was brought forth by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, amid a wave of similar state-level lawsuits against social media platforms over the last few years.
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