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Tag: social media

  • French Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

    French Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

    Lawmakers in France have approved landmark legislation that would ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, marking one of the country’s most comprehensive efforts to strengthen online protections for minors.

    The legislation, which received broad support in the French Parliament, is designed to reduce young people’s exposure to harmful online content, cyberbullying, digital addiction, and other risks associated with excessive social media use.

    Under the proposed law, social media companies will be required to implement stronger age verification systems to prevent users under 15 from creating or maintaining accounts without appropriate authorization where applicable. Platforms that fail to comply with the new rules could face regulatory action and financial penalties.

    Supporters of the measure argue that stricter controls are necessary to protect children’s mental health, privacy, and overall well-being in an increasingly digital world. They cite growing evidence linking excessive social media use among young people to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and reduced academic performance.

    Critics, however, have questioned how the restrictions will be enforced in practice, raising concerns about the effectiveness of age verification technology, data privacy, and the possibility that children could bypass the new rules.

    The legislation reflects a broader international trend, with governments in Europe and other regions considering stricter regulations for technology companies and stronger online safety measures for minors.

    French officials said the law forms part of a wider strategy to create a safer digital environment for children while encouraging responsible internet use and greater accountability among major technology platforms.

    If fully implemented, the new rules would place France among the countries with the strictest regulations governing children’s access to social media services.

    Swifteradio.com

  • NAF Urges Nigerians to Reject Misinformation, Says False Reports Aid Terrorist Activities

    NAF Urges Nigerians to Reject Misinformation, Says False Reports Aid Terrorist Activities

    The Nigerian Air Force> (NAF) has urged Nigerians to rely on verified and official information, warning that the spread of misinformation and unverified reports can inadvertently assist terrorist groups and undermine national security efforts.

    In a statement, the Air Force emphasized that false information circulating on social media and other platforms can create unnecessary panic, mislead the public, and provide strategic advantages to criminal and terrorist organizations operating across the country.

    NAF called on citizens to obtain information from credible and official government sources, stressing that responsible communication is essential in supporting ongoing military operations against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

    According to the Air Force, misinformation can distort public perception, weaken confidence in security institutions, and interfere with efforts to protect lives and property. Officials noted that malicious actors often exploit false narratives to spread fear, confusion, and propaganda.

    The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining transparency by providing timely and accurate updates on security operations through official communication channels.

    NAF also encouraged media organizations, content creators, and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, urging Nigerians to avoid amplifying rumours or unconfirmed reports that could compromise national security.

    Security experts have consistently warned that misinformation has become a growing challenge during conflicts, with extremist groups increasingly using digital platforms to spread propaganda and manipulate public opinion.

    The Air Force assured Nigerians that security agencies remain committed to combating terrorism and protecting communities while working closely with other branches of the armed forces and relevant stakeholders.

    Citizens were encouraged to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through appropriate channels rather than relying on speculation or misinformation circulated online.

    The appeal underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s broader efforts to strengthen public trust and encourage responsible information sharing as the country continues confronting evolving security challenges.

    SWIFTERADIO.COM

  • EU Chief Considers Age Restrictions for Children Using Social Media

    EU Chief Considers Age Restrictions for Children Using Social Media

    The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has indicated that the European Union is considering introducing stricter age restrictions for children using social media platforms as part of broader efforts to strengthen online safety.

    Speaking on digital safety and child protection, von der Leyen said the European Union is exploring additional measures to better protect minors from harmful online content, addictive platform features, cyberbullying, and other digital risks.

    The proposal is expected to examine whether a minimum age requirement or stronger age-verification systems should be introduced across major social media platforms operating within the EU.

    European officials argue that while digital platforms offer educational and social benefits, they also expose children to significant risks, including inappropriate content, privacy concerns, misinformation, and excessive screen time.

    The discussions build on existing provisions under the Digital Services Act, which already requires large technology companies to take greater responsibility for protecting users, particularly minors.

    Technology companies may face additional obligations if new rules are adopted, including enhanced parental controls, stricter identity verification processes, and greater transparency regarding algorithms that recommend content to young users.

    Child safety advocates have welcomed the initiative, arguing that stronger safeguards are necessary as children gain access to social media at increasingly younger ages.

    However, some digital rights organizations have cautioned that any new regulations must balance child protection with privacy rights, freedom of expression, and practical enforcement challenges.

    Several EU member states have also been exploring national legislation aimed at limiting children’s access to social media or strengthening online protections for young users.

    The European Commission is expected to consult with governments, technology companies, educators, parents, and child welfare organizations before presenting any formal legislative proposals.

    If implemented, the measures could significantly reshape how social media platforms operate across Europe and influence global discussions on protecting children in the digital environment.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Truth Social Shares Surge After Trump Survives Assassination Attempt

    Truth Social Shares Surge After Trump Survives Assassination Attempt

    By Faarea Masud and Natalie Sherman, Business Reporters, BBC News

    Shares in Donald Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, surged after the former president survived an assassination attempt on Saturday. The company’s stock, managed by Trump Media, closed up about 31%, having risen as much as 70% in pre-market trading before stabilizing.

    Market Reactions and Analyst Insights

    The spike in share price reflects investor optimism about Mr. Trump’s improved chances in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. A bullet grazed Mr. Trump’s ear during an election rally, but the attacker was quickly neutralized by a Secret Service sniper.

    “I’m supposed to be dead, I’m not supposed to be here,” Mr. Trump said in one of his first interviews following the incident. Billionaire Elon Musk is among those who have endorsed Mr. Trump since the attack.

    Susan Schmidt, head of public equity at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, noted, “As the election intensifies, investors are betting that more individuals will tune in to the social media platform to express their views and be among the first to view the postings from President Trump and his team.”

    Wall Street analyst Cary Leahey commented, “This is a trade about the election more than the business. If [Trump’s] chances of being elected go up, is his firm more valuable? Some traders think so. I am confident that if Biden dropped out, Truth Social shares would go down.”

    Company Background and Performance

    Mr. Trump established Trump Media and Technology Group in 2021 after being banned from major social media platforms following the Capitol Hill riots. Truth Social, modeled after Twitter (now X), boasts approximately 2 million active users, though figures vary by source. Mr. Trump remains the majority shareholder.

    At a current share price of roughly $40, Mr. Trump’s holdings are valued at around $5 billion, a figure many analysts believe is not justified by the company’s sales and operations. The stock price has fluctuated significantly, often tied to Mr. Trump’s personal and political fortunes.

    Earlier this year, the stock rallied after Mr. Trump’s primary victories and debut on the Nasdaq, but it slumped at the start of his criminal trial in April, which resulted in a fraud conviction related to hush-money payments to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels. Despite the recent surge, the share price is still below March levels.

    “There is no current fundamental business performance of the company that supports this price, but buyers are likely political supporters purchasing shares to support the President’s wealth ahead of the election,” said Thomas J Hayes, chairman of Great Hill Capital.

    The Assassination Attempt

    Images of Mr. Trump, with blood on his face, defiantly raising his fist after the assassination attempt, stirred his supporters. “I was saved by luck or God,” Mr. Trump later told U.S. media. He explained that a timely turn of his head spared him from a fatal injury.

    The attack resulted in one audience member’s death and serious injuries to two others. The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

    Source: BBC News

  • UWaterloo Protesters Dismantle Encampment, Legal Action Dropped

    WATERLOO, Ont. – Pro-Palestinian protesters have dismantled their encampment at the University of Waterloo, which had lasted nearly two months. In response, the university has decided to withdraw the legal action it had initiated against the group.

    The university filed a lawsuit against the encampment participants, claiming the demonstration, which began on May 13, damaged its property and harmed its reputation.

    The student-led group behind the protest announced they chose to “voluntarily decamp” on Sunday night as a strategic move. The group now plans to focus on the university’s investments and partnerships with Israel, which they assert were exposed due to the encampment protest.

    University president Vivek Goel confirmed the peaceful dismantling of the encampment and stated the school is withdrawing its lawsuit and related injunction proceedings.

    Goel acknowledged the recent period as “difficult and divisive” and emphasized the university’s commitment to exploring opportunities for engagement to address complex issues and bring the community together.

    The university’s lawsuit had named several individual protesters identified as representatives of the encampment, along with unnamed individuals involved in the demonstration. The school sought an order to dismantle the encampment and requested authorization for police to arrest and remove any individuals refusing to leave.

    Protesters criticized the lawsuit on social media, viewing it as an attempt to intimidate students with the threat of unaffordable fines. They also claimed that those named in the lawsuit experienced harassment and that the legal action “emboldened agitators.”

    In his Monday statement, Goel expressed hope that the upcoming weeks would allow the university and students to “work together to bring healing and peace to our community.”

    Source: The Canadian Press