Global short-form video platform known as Douyin in Greater China.
LinkedIn is introducing a ‘seems like AI slop’ button to flag AI-generated posts. The feature, currently in testing, aims to reduce low-quality, automated content and is part of broader efforts to refine AI-detection and improve feed quality across the platform.
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have achieved the longest-running UK No. 1, spending 19 non-consecutive weeks at the top and surpassing Frankie Laine’s 1953 record. The duet’s ascent began in 2025, with a gradual climb to No. 1 in 2026, aided by Dean’s new verse and live performances. Critics praise its authenticity and emotional depth.
A government-commissioned study shows three months after Australia’s age-restricted social media ban, under-16s continue to access platforms and use them at similar rates. Age‐check measures are failing, and many kids retain or recreate accounts by listing themselves as older. Officials defend the policy as a game changer in public debate.
Ofcom has found 26% of UK viewers now turn to Netflix first when choosing what to watch, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%, while ITV is first for 15%. YouTube viewing has surged: TV viewing of YouTube has doubled since 2022 to 19 minutes a day and total daily YouTube time is 41 minutes. Traditional broadcasters’ weekly reach has fallen to 70%.
Electrical Safety First found 14 travel adaptors bought from AliExpress, eBay, Amazon Marketplace and TikTok Shop fail basic safety tests, risking electric shocks and fires. Independent and BBC corroborate, urging shoppers to buy only from trusted retailers. Regulators warn thousands may already be in UK homes.
A Western Australia District Court jury has found Yung Filly star Andres Barrientos not guilty on three counts of sexual penetration without consent, but has convicted him on two counts of assault causing bodily harm. The jury could not reach verdicts on three rape charges. Barrientos remains on bail as sentencing is scheduled for August 21 after the mixed verdicts in Perth.
E. Jean Carroll has received $5,625,005.48 that a 2023 jury awarded after finding Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The funds had been held in a court-controlled escrow account while Trump exhausted appeals and sought last-minute delays; his legal team is continuing challenges tied to a separate $83.3m judgment.
Sephora has opened its first Scottish store in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter. The launch drew long queues, entertainment, and freebies, signaling strong local demand for prestige beauty and marking a milestone in the brand’s UK expansion.
Kenya faces rising political violence as youth goon squads stalk public events ahead of elections. Reports describe shootings, property damage and arrests linked to clashes in Kisumu and Nyahururu, with security forces promising firm action. Dozens of suspects have been detained as authorities warn violence will not go unpunished.
A roundup of current Amazon Haul deals highlights bargain-priced items across Lego, Adidas, Salter and other brands. The feature notes low prices due to direct-from-manufacturer sourcing, with delivery times of up to two weeks.
Los Angeles prosecutors have presented messages, photos and forensic evidence at a preliminary hearing accusing singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, of murdering and sexually abusing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Testimony has detailed long-running communications, a pregnancy and abortion, purchases of tools and a body bag, and DNA matches linking blood in Burke’s garage and a Tesla to the victim.
Charli xcx has released Music, Fashion, Film, a 11-track project that blends electronic textures with guitar-driven moments. The artist has explained the release as a reflection on creativity, identity, and the pressures of fame, with responses to Brat and earlier projects.
The Tate brothers have been held in federal detention in Miami after their arrest, with the UK CPS adding 38 new charges spanning alleged offenses from 2010 to 2017. They deny any wrongdoing and are contesting extradition as court proceedings continue.
France has approved a law that will require social platforms to verify users' ages and bar under‑15s from accounts. The measure also bans mobile phones in secondary schools, phases in from September and will apply to existing accounts from January 2027. The law faces constitutional review and questions about technical feasibility and privacy.
A rundown of recent beauty product reviews and shopping guides. The New York Post and other outlets highlight mascara, oils, and sales, with a focus on accessible, everyday routines and budget-friendly buys.
Spain has won the World Cup, a victory that Palestinians see as a symbol of solidarity amid Gaza’s war. Reports describe celebrations across Palestinian communities and in Gaza, where football remains a rare escape from conflict. The tournament underscores political divides and global advocacy around Gaza, with Spain’s stance on Palestine shaping the conversation.
Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles to identify John Does who hacked collaborators’ accounts, leaking 45 unreleased songs in 2023 and claiming ongoing theft and disruption to her career.
A 15-year-old plaintiff known as R.K.C. has withdrawn his claims against Meta over alleged social media addiction, days before a Los Angeles trial was due to start. He had earlier settled with YouTube, TikTok and reached a tentative deal with Snap. Meta says he received no payment and calls the suits baseless.
Roxette has postponed its North American 40th anniversary tour due to increased touring costs and logistical challenges. Tickets will be refunded, and the group hopes to reschedule in the near future.
The Brombil Reservoir near Neath Port Talbot has seen heavy visitor traffic after going viral on TikTok. Owners say a £2 site maintenance fee is a temporary deterrent to fund safety and environmental work; barriers on the dam face have been removed by trespassers, and all access remains restricted without prior consent. The site was bought in 2024 and remains privately managed.
Yope has closed a $12.3 million seed round led by Northzone and is launching an AI-native social platform centered on private micro-communities. The app emphasizes privacy, no advertising, and a subscription model while offering AI-powered mini-games and real-world meetups.
Kenya reports elephant deaths linked to possible toxic substances; authorities investigate water and chemical sources. The UGM party calls for independent audits and tighter enforcement to prevent wildlife deaths and protect public health. France 24 highlights dietary cadmium risks and practical steps for consumers amid rising contamination concerns. Multiple outlets reflect on how cadmium exposure enters daily life.
Alphabet, Tesla and other hyperscalers have reported strong revenue but have raised 2026 capital-expenditure plans, pushing some into negative free cash flow and prompting steep share declines this week. Analysts and Moody's have warned rising capex, debt and lease commitments tied to AI data‑centre buildouts will tighten free cash flow and alter credit and investment dynamics across the sector.
Prosecutors have presented evidence in a Los Angeles preliminary hearing that could move D4vd—real name David Burke—toward trial on murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation charges related to Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Defense questions DNA handling and possible alternate suspects as the hearing proceeds.
A series of personal essays from diverse voices recount how reading has changed their lives, tying the UK’s National Year of Reading to Rabat’s UNESCO World Book Capital status. The pieces trace early literary awakenings, midlife shifts to reading as refuge, and entrepreneurial journeys sparked by books.
Meta's AI-powered glasses face renewed scrutiny as platforms roll out rules against harassing content captured on camera. News outlets report on incidents involving covert filming, the response from regulators and civil groups, and the potential for new safeguards.
US officials have alleged that Chinese startup Moonshot distilled capabilities from Anthropic’s Fable to build its open-weight Kimi K3 model, and have threatened sanctions and Entity List action. Tech companies and many researchers have pushed back, arguing distillation and open weights power competition and lower costs for startups and emerging markets.
Vietnam is drafting a decree to allow under-16s to stay logged in to social platforms but under restricted posting, with parent registration guiding monitoring and time limits. The move mirrors similar actions in Australia, France and elsewhere as governments seek safer online spaces for youths.
Paramount+ is rolling out a free, ad-supported tier and testing micro dramas as part of a broader product revamp. The moves are designed to attract new users, boost engagement, and drive future subscriptions, while streaming peers remain constrained by antitrust scrutiny over Paramount’s potential WBD acquisition.
The Guardian and BBC report that Andy Burnham has pursued a social-first strategy since becoming prime minister, using casual video formats, influencer collaborations and on-street outreach to connect with voters. His approach contrasts with Starmer’s and aims to deliver immediate policy signals while monitoring traditional media scrutiny.
European heatwaves are driving a debate over cooling. Reports show rising demand for air conditioning and passive cooling, with Lib Dems calling for climate-ready homes and public buildings while critics warn of energy costs and environmental impact. Analysts emphasize a shift from passive cooling to integrated cooling solutions.
Gunfire erupts at the Bite of Seattle festival at Seattle Center, killing two and injuring several others. A 15-year-old suspect is in custody; a second suspect remains at large. Police confirm no ongoing threat to the public and say investigations are ongoing as city officials review communication during the incident.
The Tate brothers have remained in federal detention in Miami while awaiting extradition to the UK. A detention hearing is set for August 13 to decide bail amid multiple charges including rape, trafficking, and offenses related to indecent images of a child. Lawyers say the brothers deny the allegations.
Arizona State University has launched a bachelor’s program focused on content creation to teach students how to build an online audience, analyze performance metrics, and document measurable results through a capstone project. The program aims to prepare students for the creator economy while addressing concerns about the value of a four-year degree in this field.
Three articles provided cover music copyright, streaming impersonation scams, and a Japanese electronic duo. They show a blend of copyright debates, digital manipulation, and collaborative innovation in a pandemic-era workflow. The latest updates highlight ongoing accuracy concerns and evolving platform safeguards.
A new Iran-linked video calls for violence against President Trump’s wife Melania, showing her in New York City and naming stores; security officials confirm threats are being monitored as tensions simmer after Iran-US tensions.
Tennessee alleges Meta ignored internal research showing Instagram harmed teens, keeping features like autoplay, notifications and infinite scroll to boost ad revenue. Meta counters that it is transparent about risks and has tools to protect young users. The trial in Nashville could force changes or penalties if Meta is found liable.
Enterprise leaders confront rising token costs as tokenmaxxing shifts from hype to pragmatism. Leaders say tokenomics must guide responsible exploration of agentic AI, with a focus on cost efficiency and value.
Amazon Web Services leads the cloud growth sprint, with AWS revenue surging to $42.23 billion in Q2, while Microsoft and Meta report hefty cloud and adtech momentum. Investors see AI investments fueling long‑term returns as data center builds and chip spending rise.
Sims, eight years after a melanoma diagnosis, is warning that tanning is surging again among young people online. Experts say tanning beds dramatically raise melanoma risk, with DNA mutations more likely in users. Reports show 100,000+ melanomas expected in 2026; influencers promote tanning, while dermatologists stress there is no safe tan.
A lawsuit filed in Delaware accuses major social platforms of harms to minors, citing four families from Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota and Tennessee. The filing argues platforms are addictive and dangerous, contributing to sleep deprivation, depression and suicidal ideation among teens. Companies dispute the claims while lawmakers face delays on online-safety legislation.