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Recent incidents in the US highlight a rising trend of dumping exotic pets. A juvenile alligator was found in Long Island, and a tegu lizard was spotted in Maine, raising concerns about illegal pet ownership and environmental risks. Authorities are investigating these cases.
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The UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are collaborating to develop tools to combat online child exploitation, including AI detection and financial disruption. Australia is also implementing strict social media bans for minors, raising concerns about privacy and access for vulnerable groups. The moves reflect growing global efforts against AI-generated abuse material.
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Nepal's government has ordered major social media platforms to register locally or face shutdown, citing concerns over online hate, rumors, and cybercrime. Only platforms that comply will be allowed to operate, amid ongoing debates over censorship and digital rights.
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An Indianapolis lawyer named Mark Zuckerberg is suing Meta after his Facebook accounts were repeatedly deactivated due to mistaken identity, impacting his business and finances. Meta has apologized and reinstated his accounts, but the lawsuit continues as he seeks damages and future protections.
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Nepal temporarily lifted a social media ban imposed last week following violent protests over new registration rules for platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The crackdown, which led to at least 19 deaths, was triggered by public outrage and escalating clashes with security forces. The government cited safety concerns but faced international criticism for restricting free expression.
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Recent stories highlight shifting wedding customs, from DIY elopements in Colorado to digital gift-giving at UK weddings. These trends reflect a move toward personalization, cost-consciousness, and innovative ways to celebrate love amid rising wedding costs and changing social norms.
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Multiple recent airline incidents reveal tensions over personal space, political expression, and passenger behavior. A flight attendant asked a passenger to turn inside out a political shirt, while others faced invasions of legroom and confrontations over weight and seating. These stories underscore ongoing challenges in air travel today.
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On September 25, 2025, Amazon agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of deceptive enrollment and difficult cancellation practices for its Prime subscription. The settlement includes a $1 billion civil penalty and $1.5 billion in refunds to about 35 million affected customers. Amazon admitted no wrongdoing but must simplify subscription disclosures and cancellation processes.
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OpenAI has introduced new safety controls for ChatGPT, linking teen and parent accounts, with content restrictions and distress alerts, following recent tragedies and legal scrutiny over AI's impact on youth. The updates aim to improve safety but are not foolproof.
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Meta introduces a paid, ad-free version of Facebook and Instagram in the UK, offering users the choice to pay £2.99 or £3.99 monthly to avoid targeted ads. The move responds to UK regulatory guidance and aims to give users more control over their data, while continuing to offer free, ad-supported access.
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Indonesia temporarily suspended TikTok's license after the platform refused to fully comply with data requests during protests in late August. The move followed TikTok's temporary blackout of its live streaming feature amid escalating protests and regional digital regulation tensions. The license was reinstated after TikTok provided partial data and met obligations.
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China launches a two-month campaign targeting online negativity and social media influencers. Papua New Guinea considers age restrictions amid concerns over harmful content, while Indonesia explores biometric verification to curb abuse. Meanwhile, the EU debates stricter age limits and privacy protections for minors.
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Two men in Bradenton were arrested under a Florida law banning illegal entry, despite a federal judge's order halting enforcement. The arrests occurred after the judge found the state's attorney general in contempt for instructing officers to ignore the court. Prosecutors plan to drop charges, but enforcement persists.
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Australia has introduced a new law banning social media accounts for users under 16, effective December 10. Platforms face fines up to A$50 million if they fail to comply. The law aims to protect children from online risks, amid ongoing debates about enforcement and privacy concerns.
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Google has launched new AI-powered search features, including Search Live and expanded AI Mode, in India and other countries, emphasizing its shift toward AI-first search. Meanwhile, Reddit has expanded its AI chat feature to more countries, aiming to enhance user engagement and diversify its platform offerings.
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New York City has filed a 327-page lawsuit against Meta, Google, Snap, and ByteDance, accusing them of causing a youth mental health crisis and dangerous behaviors like subway surfing. The city claims platforms exploit youth psychology for profit, leading to increased health and safety costs. The case joins a wave of similar litigation.
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Germany is experiencing a resurgence in mushroom foraging and interest in functional fungi. Guided tours, social media, and health benefits are fueling the trend, driven by pandemic restrictions and the popularity of veganism. Experts highlight the ecological importance and potential health advantages of mushrooms, with a focus on safety and education.
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As of October 2025, Instagram enforces PG-13 content settings by default for users under 18, restricting exposure to mature themes unless parents approve changes. The update includes stricter filters on sensitive topics, limits on interactions with inappropriate accounts, and enhanced parental controls. The rollout begins in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, expanding globally next year amid ongoing concerns about teen safety online.
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Australia and the EU are investigating Meta and TikTok for compliance with new digital regulations. Australia plans to remove underage accounts, while the EU criticizes their data access and content moderation practices. Both face potential fines and increased oversight.
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Meta's shares fell over 6-9% after revealing increased costs driven by aggressive AI infrastructure investments and employee hiring. Despite revenue growth, expenses surged, and the company faces regulatory challenges. Meta emphasizes AI's role in future growth, but market reaction reflects investor concern over costs and legal risks.
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Amid looming government shutdown and SNAP funding cuts, US residents are distributing shelf-stable foods to trick-or-treaters to help vulnerable families. Posts on social media show efforts to provide food and essentials, highlighting community resilience and concern over food insecurity.
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Australia will require social media platforms to block under-16 accounts from December 10, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance. The law targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks. Exemptions include messaging and educational platforms, with ongoing assessments of impact.
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Denmark plans to restrict social media for children under 15, with some parental exemptions from age 13. The move aims to address concerns over youth mental health and online safety, following similar measures in Australia. Legislation is expected to pass after months of debate, with enforcement relying on digital ID and age verification systems.
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On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Cloudflare experienced a major internal service degradation that caused widespread outages affecting websites like X, ChatGPT, Spotify, and others globally. The issue stemmed from an internal file doubling in size due to a database permission change, disrupting Cloudflare's bot management system and causing errors across its network. Recovery took several hours.
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Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist and a pioneer in neural networks, is departing to establish a startup focused on advanced AI that understands the physical world. Meta will partner with the new venture amid ongoing internal restructuring and shifting AI priorities.
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Meta has announced it will restrict access for Australian users aged 13-15 starting December 4, ahead of a new law requiring social media platforms to exclude under-16s. The law, effective December 10, aims to protect minors but raises concerns over privacy and effectiveness.
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Australia will enforce a law from December 10 that bans social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch from allowing users under 16. The law aims to protect minors from online harm, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Twitch plans to deactivate underage accounts from January 9.
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Malaysia's government is reviewing measures to restrict social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's upcoming ban at age 16. The move aims to protect youths from online harms like cyberbullying and scams, with plans to implement electronic age verification methods next year.
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From December 10, Australia enforces a pioneering law banning under-16s from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Companies face fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Platforms must block underage accounts, with Meta and TikTok already notifying users. The law aims to protect youth mental health but faces a High Court challenge over free speech rights.