Labubu Diplomacy
China seems to be winning more hearts and mind abroad. Has it gotten better at soft power?
Social Media
Police arresting 1,000 paedophile suspects a month across UK
National Crime Agency says rise in child sexual abuse being driven by technology and online forumsChild sexual abuse in the UK is soaring, police have said, with 1,000 paedophile suspects being arrested each month and the number of children being rescu…
A binge and a prayer: Italian monks told to avoid Netflix and social media
Prior of hermitage says digital technologies are designed to be addictive and present ‘challenge for monastic life’The prior of a hermitage in Tuscany has urged monks living in the secluded retreat to avoid the use of social media and streaming service…
Spain to Investigate Social Media Giants, Escalating Trans-Atlantic Tech Dispute
The government wants prosecutors to investigate X, Meta and TikTok, adding to a growing clash between the U.S. and Europe over regulating social media.
Government abandons plans to delay 30 local council elections in May – UK politics live
The government was warned by its lawyers that such a move could be illegal as it pledges an additional £63m to help councils with reorganisationIn his Q&A with journalists, Keir Starmer was also asked to respond to a report by the BBC’s James Landa…
Who’s Pulling the Strings on the World Stage? Ask the Puppets.
Eurasia Group, the geopolitical risk consultancy run by Ian Bremmer, gets into the political satire game with its Instagram show “Puppet Regime.”
Record 1,000 UK taxpayers under 30 earned more than £1m last year
HMRC figures show 11% rise in young million-pound earners, with influencers and tech pay cited as keyTheir generation is often derided for being work-shy, self-centred and overly sensitive. But when it comes to making money, people under 30 are proving…
Can’t Buy Love? Kenya Bans Bouquets Made of Cash.
Floral arrangements crafted from carefully-folded, colorful bank notes, had become a popular symbol of love in Nairobi.
Scottish Labour leader says he doesn’t regret calling for Starmer to quit – UK politics live
Anas Sarwar said that he stood by what he said when he announced on Monday that he wanted the prime minister to stand downThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has welcomed a high court ruling defending the interim guidance it issued to organisation…
Trump doubles down on racist video, saying no staffer has been disciplined
US president, who blamed aide for post depicting Obamas as apes, maintains video is not a problemDonald Trump on Thursday continued to brush off widespread backlash over a racist video posted to his social media account last week, and said no White Hou…