American photo and short-form video sharing platform owned by Meta
Brooke George, a 23-year-old from Gravesend, Kent, has been charged with murder in Dubai after meeting a man online and traveling there. Advocacy group Detained in Dubai says she acted in self‑defence during an alleged violent assault by her partner. She faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
The UK has announced a plan to ban under-16s from major social media platforms by spring 2027, joining a global trend sparked by Australia’s earlier restrictions. Parents and experts say safeguards are needed while tech firms push back. Australia has already doubled penalties for breaches, with mixed results on compliance among youths.
The government has a public consultation closing soon on measures to curb online harms for young people. Campaigners have urged a safety-first approach, with proposals ranging from under-16 bans on risky features to age checks and app curfews. Officials are preparing potential steps to be announced this summer.
Santa Clara County has filed a civil lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company knowingly profits from scam advertising and monetises deception on its platforms. The suit cites internal documents and a March ruling finding addictive design, and says Meta removed millions of scam ads while still serving billions of deceptive messages.
The government is evaluating measures to curb social media harms for young people, with options including a blanket ban for under-16s or restrictions on features such as infinite scrolling, location sharing and autoplay. The consultation closed recently, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to act quickly, amid pressure from bereaved families and cross-party voices.
Meta is expanding teen content safety measures while facing multiple lawsuits over addictive design features. The company is appealing Vermont’s court ruling that lets a state AG’s suit proceed and is under scrutiny from California, New Mexico and others over concerns about teen mental health and body image linked to Instagram and related platforms.
Iran has been gradually restoring internet access after an 88-day nationwide blackout tied to protests and regional conflict. While connectivity is returning, many users report slow, unstable service and continued restrictions on platforms. Prices for data and VPNs remain high as the economy endures upheaval.
The Guardian’s Grace Dent reviews The Golden Tooth in north London, praising chef Matthew Scott and wine merchant Charlie Carr for maturing a pub dining concept with a refined menu, low-intervention wines and a focus on bold, comforting dishes.
Malaysia has introduced rules requiring age-verification for platforms with at least 8 million users, blocking under-16 accounts and imposing penalties for non-compliance; the moves aim to protect children from online harms while critics warn about privacy and effectiveness.
Record ticket and travel prices have left many supporters unable to attend the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA's dynamic pricing, an expanded 48-team schedule and rising transport and accommodation costs have pushed some fans to cancel plans, resell tickets or watch from home, while host states warn of heavy transit bills. (Updated 17 Jun 2026)
Hackers have exploited Meta's AI-powered Instagram support to link target accounts to new emails and reset passwords, exposing thousands of accounts. Meta has fixed the flaw and is securing affected users, while security researchers warn of broader AI-enabled identity risks.
The UK government has announced plans to bar under‑16s from major social platforms and to restrict risky features, including livestreaming, stranger‑to‑stranger chats and romantic AI chatbots for under‑18s. Ministers say the measures will start next spring; critics warn the ban is rushed, risks driving children to unregulated services and could face legal challenges.
Meta has expanded its AI agent capabilities, introducing Meta Business Agent across WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. The tools are designed for customer inquiries, product recommendations and appointment bookings, bundled within a Meta One subscription tier. The move positions Meta to monetize AI beyond advertising amid growing competition in AI agents.
Authorities have issued a warrant for Deebo Samuel Aiyuk after a December video allegedly showing speeding over 100 mph. Aiyuk has apologized publicly, and the situation follows contract tensions with the 49ers as he remains on the reserve list amid knee rehab.
California appeals court has granted a stay, allowing Kars4Kids’ ads to continue while the case proceeds. Lower-court findings that the ads misled donors about how funds are used remain under review. The charity argues it primarily funds Oorah programs; opponents say disclosures were missing and ads were misleading.
Business owners across the UK are retooling operations as market conditions shift. New reporting highlights how firms are adjusting pricing, services and staffing to survive a volatile economy.
The UK faces a surge in AI-generated deepfake content impersonating public figures, linked to online scams and misleading ads. Officials urge vigilance as regulators consider mandatory labeling.
Canada has introduced legislation to require age verification and create a Digital Safety Commission to oversee platform safety. The government has said platforms can obtain exemptions if safeguards are in place, as Ottawa joins a global push to tighten online protections for children.
The government has moved to tighten online safety rules after FOI data links more than 100,000 offences on Snapchat to sexual exploitation. Ministers are preparing an Australian-style ban for under-16s and are weighing curbs on addictive features and AI chatbots. The consultation drew around 120,000 responses, underscoring public concern.
The provided articles show menopause policy moves in the U.S. and new health-tech features from Apple and other outlets. States are advancing legislation and insurers are expanding coverage, while Apple adds perimenopause support to its cycle tracker, signaling growing mainstream attention.
New York celebrates a historic Knicks victory as citywide joy spills into streets and venues, with celebrities joining the celebration and a parade planned for Thursday. The tension between public euphoria and security concerns is evident as police report rising incidents amid the celebrations.
A 51-year-old man, Paul Kueker of Niantic, Connecticut, has died after falling from an elevated seating area inside Madison Square Garden during a Goose concert. Witnesses reported he appeared intoxicated before the fall. The band and venue are offering condolences and grief support, while investigators continue to determine the cause of death. The event prompted the band to proceed with a Central Park show and to coordinate support for fans affected by the tragedy.
A Guardian survey reveals about 1 million young people in the UK are not in work, education or training, a figure that could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without action. Readers share practical advice on job hunting and staying resilient.
Multiple suspects across states have been charged after foiled plots tied to accelerationist ideologies and online recruitment on platforms like TikTok. Investigations show how social networks and radical content can recruit and mobilize individuals toward violence.
Two helicopters crashed mid-air over Rio de Janeiro’s Recreio dos Bandeirantes, killing all six people aboard and igniting a fire in a car dealership parking lot. One chopper carried five people, including Oliver Tree. Investigators are examining the cause amid lithium-ion battery fire risks.
JD Vance is weighing a 2028 presidential run, but says he will decide after the 2026 midterms. He notes the president would be supportive, and the dynamic with Trump continues to shape his planning as family life and faith influence his timing.
The UK government has announced plans to block children under 16 from major social media platforms and to restrict livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming services, following Australia’s model. Legislation is expected before Christmas with protections due to take effect in spring 2027; Ofcom will design "highly effective" age checks.
The government has announced a sweeping ban on major social-media platforms for users under 16, with age-assurance checks and enforcement measures to curb harmful content and online abuse. The move mirrors Australia’s approach and is set to be implemented ahead of next year.
The UK has joined a global push to restrict social-media access for minors, following Australia’s lead last year. Governments are advancing measures to curb risks like cyberbullying and addiction, while critics warn of privacy harms and effectiveness. Several countries are moving toward bans or age-verification rules for under-16s, with Canada, Denmark and others proposing or implementing measures.
Polymarket bettors had wagered nearly $1 million on Spain to win Group H, but Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha made seven saves to secure a 0-0 draw. The result upends expectations and triggers seven-figure payouts for a rival bettor, highlighting the volatility of prediction markets in the World Cup.
Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain has tested the expanded World Cup format, showing that emergent nations can compete at the highest level. Vozinha’s saves and a stubborn defense have elevated Cape Verde’s profile and sparked global attention.
A Reuters Institute report shows social media and video platforms have surpassed traditional outlets as the main source of news in 2026, with 54% of respondents citing these platforms. While youth lean toward digital sources, older audiences still rely on traditional media elsewhere. The shift reflects changing habits, advertising dynamics, and growing trust concerns in legacy outlets.
Toy Story 5 centers Jessie and Woody as Bonnie’s world is reshaped by a Lilypad tablet. The film explores the tension between imaginative play and screen time, with the toy characters confronting digital distraction and its impact on friendship and creativity. The narrative follows parental concerns about devices and the evolving role of technology in children’s lives.
Clarkson has disclosed an aggressive but early-stage cancer diagnosis. He has undergone prostate surgery and remains optimistic about continuing farming and the show. New episodes reveal the confrontation with his illness, with a potential sixth season on the horizon.
Lil Nas X has shared in a new video that he has been in rehab for months, has returned to Atlanta and Los Angeles, and is continuing therapy for a bipolar disorder diagnosis. He says there is new music on the way and expresses gratitude to fans.
Jenny Simpson has collapsed at a Raleigh track event. CPR and an automated external defibrillator restored her pulse. She is receiving medical care; organizers thank responders and share well-wishes. Simpson is a three-time Olympian with a storied career in middle- and long-distance running.
An 8-year-old rescue poodle mix named Osito has become a viral sensation at the World Cup opener in Mexico, riding on the back of a cargo bicycle with a Mexico jersey while his owner delivers goods. The duo’s bond and Osito’s calm demeanor have drawn widespread admiration from fans and broadcasters alike.
A wave of articles, led by commentary from the New York Times and coverage in the New York Post, examines the tradwife phenomenon, its portrayal in media, and the political angles surrounding women’s roles in the home and public life. The discourse intersects with rising discussions about family, policy, and leadership amid broader fertility and demographic concerns.
Business Insider UK and The Guardian report on how brands harness AI-generated influencers, personalized experiences, and data-driven storytelling. Mastercard's former CMO argues for experiential marketing and AI’s potential to elevate creativity, while Guardian findings spotlight transparency concerns around AI influencers and new regulatory expectations in the EU.
Meta has paused its Model Capability Initiative after a privacy backlash and a data-access leak. The program tracked employees’ keystrokes and mouse activity to improve AI models, prompting protests and internal scrutiny. The pause follows reports that data tables were exposed within the company. Meta says it will investigate and respect personal choices on participation.
Meta Platforms is developing an independent, app-based prediction market dubbed Arena, seeking to compete with Kalshi and Polymarket. The project would initially use a points system rather than real money, with potential moves toward real-money betting in the future. Reports indicate Arena is a high-priority experimental project that could leverage Meta’s vast user base.
A BMJ study finds that three months after Australia introduced a blanket ban on under-16s from major social platforms, around 85% of youths report still using the sites, with common circumvention methods including self-declared ages, fake accounts, and VPNs. The UK plans a similar ban by 2027, but experts warn the approach lacks a coherent strategy and may not improve well-being.
The government has announced it is strengthening rules to keep under-16s off social platforms as evidence shows current bans are failing. Ministers are considering stronger powers and new digital duty-of-care legislation to hold platforms accountable for harms caused by content and algorithms. The move follows data showing many youths still hold accounts on major platforms.