Roundup of global news: NASA observatory hit by wildfires, record El Niño predicted, contagious catfish cancer discovered, and tech reviews/advice.
Food review YouTuber Joe Is Hungry (Joe Desaavedra) unexpectedly gains nearly 20 million views for his KFC Popcorn Chicken review, discussing the viral success and the challenges of his unique filming style.
Meta bans content from its smart glasses on Instagram if it involves surreptitious filming or harassment, amid public backlash over privacy concerns and "pervert glasses" misuse.
US President Donald Trump threatens EU with tariffs in retaliation for $1 billion fine on Google, citing need for trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
Queensland parliament has raised concerns over the social media conduct of Yabun Panjoo Aboriginal Corporation, a publicly funded youth rehabilitation provider. Labor's Di Farmer questioned the provider's Facebook page following adult content creators, while Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber defended the program. The hearing also addressed the funding cancellation of another provider, The Mara Way.
Tencent Holdings dismissed a WeChat division project manager, surnamed Ye, after details of his 3.17 million yuan bonus package leaked online. The company cited his passing sensitive corporate information to external parties, causing severe negative impact.
Zara's wide-legged trousers, dubbed "death pants" on social media, are causing wearers to trip and sustain injuries like fractured knees. Physiotherapists link such fashion to movement difficulties, while tailors attribute the issue to disproportionate sizing compared to average UK women.
Chinese political scientist Yan launched the fourth annual International Relations Basic Knowledge Proficiency Test in Beijing. The exam aims to correct "negative one" level understanding of geopolitics, countering misleading narratives prevalent in short-form social media videos, a trend amplified by China's looser online controls on international affairs content.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances on paper-leak cases and examination reforms. Despite this, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) vows to continue protesting until the education minister resigns, leveraging social media to mobilize youth and challenge traditional political communication.
The Hundred cricket tournament, now in its fifth year, navigates a manufactured identity and increasing influence from IPL owners. Teams like Manchester Super Giants adopt existing branding, while private equity investment raises questions about the tournament's long-term goals and alignment with English cricket's interests, despite its success in attracting families and mainstream attention.
Die EU-Kommission hat vorläufige Ermittlungsergebnisse gegen Tiktok veröffentlicht, die unzureichende Schutzstandards für Kinder und Jugendliche bemängeln. Sollten sich die Vorwürfe bestätigen und Tiktok keine Änderungen vornehmen, droht eine Geldstrafe von bis zu sechs Prozent des weltweiten Jahresumsatzes.
While on a business trip in Yunnan, China, Chen Jie helped a Taiwanese tourist, Fei, take photos. During their casual conversation, they discovered they shared the same ancestral hometown, Puyuan, leading to the realization that they were long-lost relatives.
Vietnam is drafting a decree to ban social media posting, commenting, and reactions for users under 16, requiring parental registration for their accounts. The proposal aims to protect children from harmful content and ensure age-appropriate online environments, mirroring similar global efforts in countries like France and Australia.
The UK plans to implement a social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, including restrictions on "addictive" app features, alongside a total ban for those under 16 from accessing platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
A Hong Kong police officer has been removed from duties and faces a disciplinary investigation after a video circulated showing him repeatedly swearing at a passer-by using a patrol car's loudspeaker at Cho Yiu Chuen housing estate in Lai King.
Australia's Commonwealth Games team has issued strict instructions prohibiting athletes from mentioning billionaire Gina Rinehart or other private benefactors in media or social media until after the 2026 Glasgow Games, to protect official sponsors.
Secondhand fashion is booming, but thrift veterans say rising demand, resale apps, tariffs and inflation have made good finds harder to get and prices harder to afford.
The Supreme Court of India issued an interim order banning social and digital media platforms from transmitting or monetizing clips of court proceedings without prior permission, citing concerns over selective circulation, distortion, and maligning of the judiciary. The decision came during a PIL hearing seeking a regulatory framework.
India's Supreme Court has issued an interim order prohibiting the posting or sharing of audio-video recordings of court proceedings on social media and digital platforms without prior judicial approval, citing misuse concerns. The court also sought responses from the Centre and other stakeholders on regulating such content.
Die EU-Kommission treibt Verfahren gegen TikTok voran, da die Plattform Kinder und Jugendliche durch niedrige Schutzstandards und suchtfördernde Mechanismen gefährdet. Brüssel kritisiert, dass Fremde Minderjährige kontaktieren und Inhalte missbrauchen könnten, und fordert Anpassungen der Einstellungen.
Laura Loomer, a prominent Donald Trump ally and conservative influencer, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a dramatic reversal of her long-held skepticism towards Ukraine and its conflict with Russia. Her shift in perspective, following an air raid experience, could have political implications in Washington.
EU's pro-competition proposals may expose Google Search to hacking risks. OnePlus exits North America and Europe. San Francisco targets 'nudify' apps. Debate on banning social media for kids. China outsmarts Anthropic's geolocation. Europe seeks its own AI, leveraging the Trump factor.
Delhi Police identified and blocked over 400 Pakistani social media handles accused of spreading misinformation and rumors during ongoing protests, urging the public, especially students, to fact-check content and not be provoked by fake posts.
Greece has approved a multibillion-dollar purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone systems to establish an "Achilles Shield" protective dome. The €3 billion deal is part of a larger €4.2 billion defense spending, confirmed by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, and includes other acquisitions like Brazilian transport aircraft and British watercraft.
