A social video platform known as Douyin in Greater China.
A US magistrate has denied Andrew and Tristan Tate’s motion for release, saying their wealth and frequent travel make them "quintessential flight risks." The brothers have been held in Miami since July 18 while UK extradition and Romanian proceedings continue; the UK has until 16 September to submit its full extradition request.
Gavin Newsom has signed 13 laws aimed at protecting children online, including banning addictive features for those under 16 and requiring risk assessments for AI chatbots. The measures also expand penalties for harming minors and regulate AI-enabled toys, framing California as a leader in youth digital safety.
The Grand Tour has a new trio of hosts: Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman have stepped into Clarkson, Hammond and May’s roles. The team has worked to win over fans, with Clarkson making a cameo and the newcomers stressing the show’s car-enthusiast core as they premiere on Prime Video.
Meta has agreed to paid settlements in the US totaling up to $16.68-18 billion and to implement stricter controls on Facebook and Instagram, including two-hour daily limits for under-18s and nighttime blocks. The deal, which still requires court approval, marks a rare regulatory constraint on a major platform, with debates extending globally as other jurisdictions consider similar rules.
Universities and policymakers have accelerated alternatives to traditional four‑year degrees: three‑year, 90‑credit bachelor’s tracks, expanded apprenticeships and technical routes are gaining traction as families and adult learners face cost and labour‑market pressure. Critics warn shortened degrees and cuts to specialist support for disabled students will narrow learning and harm future prospects.
Meta has rolled out updates to its AR glasses to deter covert filming, adding a stronger capture LED safeguard and hardware-based privacy measures. The moves come as regulators in the EU probe the glasses and venues consider bans; the company reports a small share of devices have been tampered with and vows ongoing updates.
An 18-year-old suspect armed with a sword has attacked Brinell School in Fagersta, northwest of Stockholm. One student has died and several others, including two under 18, are injured. The suspect has been detained and police are treating the incident as murder and attempted murder. Prime Minister and other leaders have visited the scene as nearby schools are placed on lockdown.
Two Cleveland police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, and five people in a Volkswagen Passat have been pronounced dead after the Passat travelled the wrong way on the A66 at South Bank and collided with a marked armed response vehicle. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation and dozens of arrests have been made in linked inquiries.
Actor Mark Ruffalo has urged lawmakers to block Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery, linking the deal to Oracle’s ties to Israel. Paramount calls the rhetoric antisemitic tropes; George Clooney defends Ruffalo’s right to speak. Over 170 Jewish artists have signed a letter supporting Ruffalo. The merger remains under antitrust scrutiny and on hold as debate intensifies.
Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and to change Facebook and Instagram defaults for US users under 18. The deal ends a federal trial and requires age verification, a two-hour daily cap, night blocks, muted school-hour notifications, removal of visible like counts and limits on cosmetic filters.
Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo foldable, the iPhone 18 Pro with the A20 chip, AirPods 5 and two refreshed Apple Watch lines during a near-80-minute keynote in Cupertino. New chief executive John Ternus has led the presentation and Apple is rolling out upgraded Siri features while positioning hardware at the centre of its strategy.
Meta has agreed to safeguards for users under 18, including a two-hour daily limit, a nighttime access block, non-algorithmic feeds by default, muted notifications during school hours, and bans on extreme makeup filters. The changes apply to Instagram and Facebook in participating U.S. states, with broader adoption possible after judicial approval and potential alignment with rivals.
Brazil’s government is pursuing a formal damages case against Discord after a teenager’s death sparked scrutiny of the platform’s safety and age-verification measures. The lawsuit seeks to strengthen parental controls, collaborate with law enforcement, and curb dangerous content, while Discord disputes the allegations.
The Tate brothers have remained in a federal detention center in Miami since their July 18 arrest. A judge will decide if they should stay detained during a prolonged extradition process, with prosecutors arguing flight risk and defense contending wealth claims were exaggerated online.
Across the UK, governments are consulting on banning mobile phones in schools to reduce disruption and address wellbeing concerns. Reports from The Guardian, The Scotsman, BBC Business and The Scotsman show varied approaches, from outright bans to nuanced policies allowing learning-related use. Proposals emphasize safer classrooms, with pilots and consultations underway ahead of potential legislation in multiple regions.
Meta has agreed to an $18bn settlement and new protections for under-18 users, introducing time limits, notifications, and restricted features in the US. The UK and other countries are watching closely as policymakers consider mirroring or strengthening safeguards amid ongoing concerns about teen online safety.
The investigation into the A66 crash that killed seven people, including two officers, has risen to 24 arrests. Four men aged 21, 25, 35 and 40 are being questioned on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life, arson and drugs offences. Several others are held on threats to kill and property offences, with £15,000 seized in cash. Authorities say the force remains focused on pursuing suspected organised criminals.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has discussed housing, immigration and affordability with Jared Kushner in a private meeting, prompting questions about strategy and the left’s expectations as Democrats prepare for a potential return to the House. The talk highlights tensions over healthcare policy and party unity ahead of a possible midterm shift.
Colombian authorities have reported that an attack on a military unit in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, has killed three soldiers and injured others. Officials and multiple outlets have blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN); authorities say drones loaded with explosives were used before ground fighting. President Abelardo de la Espriella has condemned the attack and vowed a forceful response.
Pabst Brewing Co. is offering up to $20,000 for information that leads to the recovery of 1,602 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer stolen on Aug. 17 from an Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California. Two separate thefts on the same day involved about 40,000 pounds of beer valued at roughly $70,000. Police are investigating possible links between the incidents.
Meta has agreed to an $18 billion settlement with 48 states to strengthen age-verification and safety tools on Instagram and Facebook. The deal does not admit liability and carves out ongoing oversight, with audits and time-bound improvements. Other platforms like YouTube and TikTok are urged to follow suit.
Micro-dramas, short mobile-first series, are expanding from China to the US. Revenue is projected to reach billions as platforms like Peacock and TikTok experiment with serialized, one-minute formats. Hollywood talent is entering the space, signaling a broader shift in how audiences pay for and consume portable entertainment.
The BBC has decided to discontinue Ski Sunday as part of a broader review of sport output. The programme, a staple since 1978, is being replaced by digital-first coverage of winter sports across BBC platforms, with more online content and live rights preserved for major events.
Pabst Brewing Co. has offered up to $20,000 for information leading to the recovery of 1,602 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer stolen from a Montclair, California warehouse on Aug. 17. Two separate thefts, including fake documents from a purported subcontractor, led to a total loss of 40,000 pounds and an estimated $70,000 in value. Investigators are pursuing leads and a Sept. 9 return deadline has been set.
Influencers have been credentialed to cover the U.S. Open, doubling from last year. Disruptions during matches have drawn criticism from players and observers about etiquette and the balance between growing the sport and preserving on-court focus. Naomi Osaka and other stars say etiquette must guide fan coverage as attendance rises.
The IPPR study has found that 11- to 24-year-olds in England are increasingly lonely, with one in 20 reporting no close friends. Doomscrolling, housing costs, debt, and austerity contribute to a widening social break, while experts warn that weak social ties hinder development and well-being.
Australia is introducing Digital Duty of Care legislation to let people over 16 opt out of algorithmic feeds, aiming to protect children from harmful online content and require platforms to be more transparent. Penalties for non-compliance can reach AU$109.2 million. The plan follows a world-first under-16s ban and echoes similar regulatory pushes in other countries.
Google has announced a multi-year investment in Finland, funding new data centres in Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala and expanding the Hamina facility to meet surging AI demand. The package includes energy projects and a long-term contract to buy up to 50% of output from the Loviisa nuclear plant through 2050, cementing Finland as a hub for low-carbon AI infrastructure.