The European Union has ordered TikTok to change its platform design or face massive financial penalties. The European Commission said the video app violated EU online safety rules. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s features shape user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and endless content feeds. They said these features can harm users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok did not implement sufficient safeguards to reduce these risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm called…
Author: Grace Johnson
For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files reveal years of alleged sex trafficking by the wealthy financier. President Donald Trump now urges Americans to move on. Washington, however, shows little sign of letting the story fade. Justice department concludes its review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has ended. Congress mandated the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no grounds for new criminal charges. He confirmed the files include emails, photographs, and extensive correspondence. He added that the material alone cannot justify…
Netflix faced tough questions from US senators over its $82bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, amid concerns for consumers, workers, and competition. On Tuesday, members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee, including Democrats and Republicans, warned the deal could raise prices and threaten cinemas. The Department of Justice is reviewing the merger, which would give Netflix control of Warner Bros’ film and TV studios and the HBO Max streaming service. Rival bidder Paramount Skydance continues to push its competing offer. Senators’ questions revealed bipartisan unease, while the DoJ decides whether to approve or block the deal. Senators probe theatres and workforce…
China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles amid rising safety concerns. The country becomes the first to prohibit the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face increased scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly accidents prompted the move. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars produced by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors. Mechanical Door Access Becomes Mandatory The new rules allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported full details of the regulations. Authorities want to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators aim to prevent…
Gold and silver prices fell sharply after a dramatic reversal erased recent record highs. Investors reacted quickly to changing market signals. Metals Slide After Record Peaks In Monday’s Asian trade, spot gold dropped more than 9% to $4,403 an ounce, while silver plunged 15% to under $72. Both metals had reached fresh highs in January as investors sought “safe haven” assets amid geopolitical uncertainty. Markets also worried about the independence of the US Federal Reserve. Fed Nomination Sparks Market Reaction Prices fell after President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh, a former central bank governor, as Fed chair. Financial markets welcomed…
Carlos Alcaraz won a thrilling Australian Open final and became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at 22. He denied Novak Djokovic a record 25th major title. Alcaraz fell to the court after sealing a 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory. The Melbourne crowd celebrated a moment that could redefine men’s tennis. Sportsmanship marks a historic moment Djokovic showed grace despite the loss. He climbed over the net and hugged Alcaraz as applause filled Rod Laver Arena. The Serbian champion recognised the significance of the occasion. He knows chances to further cement his legacy now come less often.…
Donald Trump warned that doing business with China posed serious risks for the UK as Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai. The prime minister reached the city on the third day of his official visit to China. Trump reacted to agreements designed to expand trade and investment between Britain and China. Officials announced those deals after Sir Keir met President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump made the remarks while attending a documentary premiere about his wife, Melania, on Thursday. He described Xi as a friend and said he knew the Chinese president very well. Trump did not offer further details…
A landmark trial over alleged social media addiction begins Tuesday in California. Senior executives from major technology companies are expected to testify. The case could reshape legal accountability for digital platforms. The plaintiff is a 19-year-old woman identified as KGM. She claims platform algorithms caused addiction and harmed her mental health. She says design choices encouraged compulsive use during her teenage years. The defendants include Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, TikTok owner ByteDance, and YouTube parent Google. Snapchat reached a settlement with the plaintiff last week. The remaining companies now face court. The trial will take place at Los…
Gold prices climbed above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time, extending a historic rally. The metal has gained more than 60% during 2025, marking one of its strongest years ever. Geopolitical and financial tensions have driven the surge. Disputes between the United States and Nato over Greenland have unsettled investors. Markets remain highly sensitive to global instability. US President Donald Trump has added to uncertainty with aggressive trade policies. He recently threatened a 100% tariff on Canada. The warning targets any Canadian trade deal with China. Safe-haven demand drives metals higher Investors often turn to gold during turbulent…
US President Donald Trump has delivered a stark warning to Canada. He said the United States would impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods. Trump shared the warning on his social media platform. He said the tariffs would take effect immediately. The threat targets any trade deal or partnership between Canada and China. Trump said Canada would face severe penalties if it pursued agreements with Beijing. He said the tariffs would cover all Canadian products entering the United States. He framed the move as protection for American industries. He offered no exemptions or negotiations. The statement escalated tensions between Washington…
