Philippine authorities temporarily banned the GoreBox online gaming app after a school shooting in Tacloban killed three students and injured 20. One suspect reportedly played the game, known for graphic violence. The ban is a precautionary measure to assess the platform's role in the tragic incident.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer plans to ban under-16s from major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, with restrictions for older teens. The "Australia plus" model aims to protect young people from harmful content and stranger contact.
UK police chiefs urge a ban on social media, AI, and gaming apps for under-16s if "high-risk" features like private messaging and contact with strangers are not disabled. The NCA and NPCC argue current online environments are unsafe for children, citing a rise in online child sexual abuse activity.
India's mobile app market generated over $300 million in in-app purchases in Q1 2026, a 33% year-over-year increase, with non-gaming apps leading growth at $200 million, according to Sensor Tower. Annual in-app purchase revenue has risen from $520 million in 2021 to over $1 billion in 2025, projected to reach $1.25 billion this year. Global platforms like Google One, Facebook, ChatGPT, and YouTube captured most spending, while domestic players JioHotstar and SonyLIV dominated video streaming. Generative AI app downloads rose 69% YoY, and short drama platforms surged over 400%. India still generates only $0.03 revenue per download versus $0.20+ in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
