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A landmark California trial has begun, accusing Meta and YouTube of deliberately designing platforms to be addictive, especially targeting children. Testimonies reveal internal debates over safety measures and profit motives, with the case potentially setting a precedent for future litigation on social media's impact on mental health.
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Major tech companies and billionaires are relocating to Florida, citing lower taxes, warmer weather, and safer neighborhoods. This shift is impacting regional economies, politics, and social landscapes, with companies like Palantir, Apple, and Citadel expanding their presence in South Florida amid a broader migration trend.
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As of early March 2026, President Trump hosted major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and OpenAI to sign a voluntary 'ratepayer protection pledge.' The pledge commits these firms to build or buy their own power generation for AI data centers to prevent electricity price hikes for consumers amid surging energy demand. Experts remain skeptical about the pledge's enforceability and impact on rising utility costs.
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Samsung has begun preorders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, priced at $1,299, with promotions including a $200 Amazon gift card and trade-in offers. The new model features minor design tweaks, upgraded internals, and a new Privacy Display feature. The lineup arrives March 11, amid a broader focus on AI integration.
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South Korea has approved Google's request to export high-precision map data under strict security conditions. This move ends years of restrictions, potentially enabling full Google Maps functionality in Korea and challenging local mapping giants. The decision follows a review addressing national security concerns and data sensitivity.
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As of March 6, 2026, Indonesia has enacted a regulation banning children under 16 from having accounts on high-risk social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live. The ban will be implemented gradually starting March 28, with penalties for non-compliant platforms. This makes Indonesia the first Southeast Asian country to impose such restrictions, following Australia's December 2025 ban.
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Leaders like BlackRock's Larry Fink warn that AI's growth could deepen economic inequality, benefiting a few large companies and investors. Concerns about a potential bubble and market risks are rising as AI investments surge, with new startups like LeCun's AMI Labs aiming to develop more advanced AI systems.
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As of March 22, 2026, the ongoing Iran conflict has pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel, disrupting global energy markets and complicating economic forecasts. The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.6%, citing uncertainty from the war and its inflationary impact. Weak US job growth and rising inflation have heightened fears of stagflation, while markets brace for prolonged volatility.
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As of March 13, 2026, Meta has delayed the launch of its new AI model, Avocado, to May after internal tests showed it underperformed compared to Google's latest Gemini 3.0. Meanwhile, Meta acquired Moltbook, a social platform for AI agents, integrating its founders into Meta's AI research division to advance AI agent technology.
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The Pentagon designated Anthropic a supply chain risk, leading to legal battles and industry concern. Microsoft and other tech giants oppose the move, citing potential harm to AI development and national security. The dispute centers on AI's use in military and surveillance applications.
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Multiple stories today highlight efforts to boost technological progress and economic growth. The US hosts a summit on AI and education, Liberia promotes SMEs and tourism, Uganda enhances export capacity, and Angola launches its first Earth observation satellite. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, economic resilience, and international cooperation.
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Young people are increasingly questioning capitalism, influenced by social media trends and dissatisfaction with economic opportunities. Simultaneously, some Gen Zers show interest in China, reflecting broader discontent with Western systems. Experts suggest these shifts signal a need for systemic change.
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On March 25, 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent for designing addictive social media platforms that harmed a young user’s mental health. The plaintiff, KGM, began using YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine. The jury awarded $6 million in damages and will soon decide on punitive damages. This verdict follows a $375 million ruling against Meta in New Mexico.