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As of October 2025, OpenAI's valuation surged to $500 billion following a $6.6 billion secondary share sale by current and former employees to investors including SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and MGX. Despite not yet turning a profit, OpenAI has secured massive AI infrastructure deals with Oracle, Nvidia, and AMD, fueling rapid growth and complex partnerships across Silicon Valley's AI ecosystem.
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Netflix’s third season of "Monster," titled "The Ed Gein Story," premiered on October 3, 2025, starring Charlie Hunnam as the infamous Wisconsin killer. The series dramatizes Gein’s crimes and their cultural impact, inspiring horror icons like "Psycho" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." While Hunnam’s performance has been praised, critics and historians have challenged the show’s historical accuracy and narrative choices, sparking debate among viewers and experts.
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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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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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Recent articles highlight ongoing travel challenges, including cramped train cabins, airport overbookings, and high hotel prices during major events. Travelers are improvising, sleeping in airports, or choosing solo trips for flexibility amid systemic infrastructure issues. These stories reveal persistent systemic travel problems and individual resilience.
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A DHS social media post claiming drug cartels put a bounty on agents was found to be based on a misleading video with a different caption. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over DHS messaging, social media use, and immigration enforcement practices, with some officials and public figures criticizing the department's approach.
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President Trump is in South Korea for the APEC summit, where he expects to meet Xi Jinping to de-escalate trade tensions. Talks focus on tariffs, export controls, and US-China relations amid ongoing disputes over trade practices, rare earths, and technology restrictions. The outcome remains uncertain but signals a potential easing of tensions.
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Trade negotiations between the US and China have produced a framework that halts imminent tariffs and advances discussions on TikTok, rare earths, and agricultural purchases. Both sides aim for a summit in South Korea, with optimism tempered by caution over implementation and deeper strategic issues.
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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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The US and China are close to finalizing an agreement on TikTok, with Chinese approval expected soon. The deal involves US control over TikTok's US operations, including algorithm retraining, and aims to address national security concerns. The deal is anticipated to be finalized in the coming weeks.
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Two men, Tyler Avalos and Nicholas Ray, were arrested after posting violent threats online targeting public figures. Avalos's threats against Pam Bondi led to his detention in Minnesota, while Ray's threats against Laura Loomer resulted in charges in Florida. Both cases highlight the dangers of online threats and the challenges of free speech.
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The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus, with a watered-down statement removing direct accusations against Lukashenko's regime to secure Hungary's support. The move follows recent balloon incidents and highlights ongoing tensions over Belarus's role in regional security and disinformation. EU diplomats see the statement as a compromise amid diplomatic negotiations.
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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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Recent reports detail a rise in cybercrime, including North Korean hacking schemes, phishing kits sold by Chinese groups, and UK fraud prevention efforts. Authorities are deploying AI, call tracing, and international cooperation to combat these threats, which impact millions globally and target individuals, businesses, and governments.
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As of November 2025, Japan is experiencing a historic surge in bear attacks, with 13 deaths and over 100 injuries since April. The spike is concentrated in northern prefectures like Akita and Iwate, driven by food shortages and rural depopulation. The government has deployed the military to assist in trapping bears, while travel advisories warn residents and tourists of increased risks.
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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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Recent articles highlight evolving food trends, from innovative mocktails in New York to regional dessert debates and creative holiday pies. Stories include viral food experiments, store-bought pie reviews, and insights into traditional favorites like pumpkin and sweet potato pie.
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Recent articles highlight contrasting approaches to economic growth and governance. US debates focus on taxing the wealthy and attracting business, while UK local leaders emphasize practical solutions like public transport and affordable housing. Both stories reflect broader tensions between economic policies and community needs, with implications for future policy directions. Today's date: Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:20:12 +0000.
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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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Recent articles highlight how AI is increasingly used for app development and content moderation. Non-technical users are building apps with AI tools, while platforms like TikTok are relying more on AI for safety, reducing human moderators. Workers warn of AI's fallibility and ethical concerns.
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Australia plans to enforce a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, aiming to protect children from online harms. The government is reviewing mechanisms used in other countries, including Malaysia, to implement age restrictions and ensure platform compliance.
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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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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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A TikToker, Vanessa, shared her emotional experience of being body-shamed by a seatmate on a Delta flight from Tampa to New York. The incident, which went viral, highlights issues of body positivity and airline passenger behavior, with the man sending a body-shaming message and Vanessa receiving widespread support online.
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Deceptive AI-generated videos of health experts are circulating on TikTok and other platforms, promoting unproven health products. These videos impersonate real professionals, raising concerns about misinformation and platform moderation failures. TikTok has removed some content after complaints, but the issue persists.
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This week saw major geopolitical shifts, including Putin's return to Alaska, US diplomatic antics, and political upheavals across Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, US domestic politics remain volatile with controversial comments from Trump and rising support for unconventional candidates, reflecting a turbulent international and national landscape.
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South Korea will enforce new regulations on AI-generated ads, requiring labels and stricter monitoring to combat false advertising and deepfake health videos. The government aims to protect consumers, especially vulnerable groups, amid rising AI misuse across social media platforms.
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Australia has ordered major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to block around one million users under 16, citing concerns over youth safety. Content creators report significant drops in followers and engagement, impacting their income and connection with young audiences. The ban affects approximately 200,000 TikTok accounts so far.
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Claire Tracy, a 19-year-old Rice University student, died from asphyxia due to helium inhalation, ruled a suicide. She had posted about mental health struggles and participated in a TikTok trend involving ChatGPT. Her death raises concerns about social media's impact on vulnerable youth.
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Reddit has filed a legal challenge in the High Court against Australia's new law requiring social media platforms to restrict users under 16. The company argues the law infringes on free political communication and is improperly applied, despite plans to comply. The case follows similar challenges from other platforms and government enforcement efforts.