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UK banks are grappling with a significant rise in fraud cases, particularly involving unauthorised transactions and authorised push payment (APP) scams. Despite a slight decrease in total losses, the number of reported fraud cases has surged. New regulations mandate banks to reimburse victims up to £85,000 within five days, enhancing consumer protection.
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Meta is trialing facial recognition technology to combat celebrity bait scams on its platforms. The system will compare images in flagged ads with public figures' profile pictures to detect and remove fraudulent content. Initial tests show promising results, but the rollout will not include the UK or EU due to regulatory discussions.
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's recent visit to China aimed to reset diplomatic ties strained by human rights issues and geopolitical tensions. Meeting with Chinese officials, he emphasized the need for pragmatic engagement while addressing concerns over Hong Kong and Xinjiang. The visit included discussions on trade, climate change, and cooperation in various sectors.
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On September 21, 2024, President Biden hosted leaders from Australia, India, and Japan in Wilmington, Delaware, for the Quad summit. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation, including a new maritime agreement and initiatives to combat illegal fishing and improve health outcomes in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Instagram has launched new features for teen accounts aimed at enhancing safety and privacy for users under 18. These changes include default private settings, restricted messaging, and parental controls. The updates come amid increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding the platform's impact on youth mental health.
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An inquiry in Australia has heard calls to raise the minimum age for social media access to 18, mirroring restrictions on alcohol and tobacco. Advocates argue this would protect children from online harm, while some organizations caution against blanket bans due to enforcement challenges. The inquiry's recommendations are expected in November 2024.
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Coles and Woolworths are under investigation by the ACCC for allegedly misleading consumers about pricing through deceptive discount practices. This follows a report revealing Aldi as the cheapest supermarket in Australia, while UK convenience stores show significant price markups compared to larger supermarkets. The situation highlights growing concerns over food affordability and transparency in the retail sector.
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On the anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel, thousands protested in Sydney, Melbourne, and London, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanese victims. The demonstrations faced police scrutiny over Hezbollah flags and alleged antisemitic chants, leading to multiple arrests. The protests reflect ongoing tensions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.
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Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba proposes an Asian NATO to enhance regional security amid rising tensions with North Korea and China. However, skepticism from allies, including the US and India, highlights the challenges of establishing mutual defense obligations in Asia. The proposal is seen as a long-term vision rather than an immediate plan.
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As the Israel-Hamas war nears its one-year mark, Israel intensifies military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Recent airstrikes have targeted key Hezbollah leaders and disrupted vital border crossings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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On the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attack, thousands gathered worldwide for vigils and protests. Events took place in cities like Tel Aviv, London, and Sydney, reflecting on the attack's impact, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and ongoing conflict in Gaza, where casualties have exceeded 41,000.
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Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has faced backlash for her protest during King Charles's reception in Australia, where she interrupted the event with strong statements against colonialism. Despite calls for her resignation, Thorpe remains defiant, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for Indigenous rights.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla have commenced their first official tour of Australia since his coronation. The visit, which includes a series of public engagements, is notable for its reduced schedule due to the King's ongoing cancer treatment. The absence of state premiers at a key reception has reignited debates about the monarchy's relevance in Australia.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is being criticized for buying a multimillion dollar waterfront home during a national housing crisis with federal elections only months away
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are on their first official tour of Australia as monarchs, celebrating the country's culture and heritage. The visit comes amid Charles's ongoing cancer treatment, marking significant firsts for the royal couple. They will engage in various events, including a meeting with Prime Minister Albanese.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla are on a six-day tour of Australia, marking the King's first major foreign trip since his cancer diagnosis. Their visit includes engagements with local politicians and church services, amidst rising republican sentiment and protests advocating for Indigenous rights.
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During King Charles's visit to Australia, Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe confronted him in Parliament, accusing the monarchy of genocide and demanding a treaty for First Nations people. This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding Australia's colonial history and the lack of treaties with Indigenous Australians.