Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban - Newstrends
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Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban

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Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban

Meta announced on Thursday that it will begin removing under-16 users in Australia from Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, ahead of the country’s pioneering youth social media ban. Australia’s law, which also affects TikTok and YouTube, comes into effect on December 10 and requires platforms to block underage users or face fines of AUS$49.5 million (US$32 million) for failing to take “reasonable steps” to comply.

A Meta spokesperson said the company is working to remove all users believed to be under 16 by the deadline. Young users will be able to download and save their online histories, and upon turning 16, regain access with their content fully restored.

The law is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of Australian adolescents, with Instagram alone reporting roughly 350,000 users aged 13 to 15. Platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp are currently exempt, though the exemption list is under review.

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While committing to compliance, Meta urged app stores to take responsibility for age verification and parental approval at download, arguing this would reduce repeated verification across multiple apps and ensure teens remain in age-appropriate experiences.

YouTube has criticized the law, claiming it could make under-16s less safe by removing safety filters if they access the site without an account. Australia’s Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed this as “weird,” noting that the law aims to protect teens from harmful algorithm-driven content that can negatively affect self-esteem.

The law has faced legal challenges. The Digital Freedom Project has launched a High Court case, arguing the ban infringes on freedom of speech. Authorities also anticipate attempts by teens to bypass the restrictions using fake IDs or AI tools.

Australia’s ban is drawing global attention as other countries consider similar measures. Malaysia plans to block children under 16 from social media next year, while New Zealand is preparing to introduce a similar law.

Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban

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Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

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Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by US federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday morning during a sweeping immigration enforcement operation, marking the second fatal shooting by federal authorities in the city in recent weeks.

Officials said the incident occurred near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street, where Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol agents were conducting operations linked to federal immigration enforcement. Authorities claim the man allegedly approached officers with a firearm, prompting agents to fire in self-defense. The victim, a licensed gun owner and U.S. citizen, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The shooting has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Minneapolis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the operation “horrific” and urged the federal government to withdraw agents, warning that the enforcement actions are destabilizing communities.

This incident follows the fatal shooting of Renée Good on January 7 during a previous ICE operation, whose death was later ruled a homicide by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. Community leaders and lawmakers have criticised the federal immigration crackdown, calling for increased accountability and oversight of federal agents.

Political figures including U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representative Nikki Budzinski have condemned the operations, demanding transparency and stronger regulations to prevent further loss of life. The shootings have intensified debates over the use of force by federal law enforcement, the role of ICE, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties in the United States.

Second Man Killed by US Federal Agents in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

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Brazil’s Lula Accuses US President Trump of Seeking to Create ‘New UN’

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump

Brazil’s Lula Accuses US President Trump of Seeking to Create ‘New UN’ 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to establish a “new United Nations”, warning that the move could weaken existing multilateral institutions and destabilise the global diplomatic order.

Lula made the remarks while addressing supporters in Brazil, reacting to Trump’s proposal for a new international body reportedly aimed at managing global conflicts outside the traditional United Nations framework. According to the Brazilian leader, such an initiative risks undermining the UN Charter, replacing collective decision-making with unilateral influence dominated by powerful states.

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The criticism follows Trump’s recent unveiling of a proposed “Board of Peace”, which he has promoted as a more effective alternative to the UN in resolving global crises. Lula argued that instead of creating parallel structures, world powers should focus on reforming the United Nations, particularly by expanding the UN Security Council to better represent Africa, Latin America and the Global South.

Lula warned that the world is entering a “very dangerous moment” where multilateralism is being challenged by selective alliances and power blocs. He stressed that peace and stability can only be sustained through inclusive global dialogue, not through institutions controlled by a few countries.

The comments come amid broader geopolitical shifts, with several Global South leaders expressing concern over growing pressure on international institutions. China has also reaffirmed its support for the central role of the United Nations, aligning with Brazil’s position that global governance must remain balanced and rules-based.

Analysts say Lula’s remarks highlight widening divisions over the future of global governance, as debates intensify around reforming the UN versus creating alternative international platforms championed by major powers.

Brazil’s Lula Accuses US President Trump of Seeking to Create ‘New UN’ 

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Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing

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Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing

Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing

A deadly landslide in West Java, Indonesia has claimed the lives of at least seven people and left more than 80 others missing, authorities confirmed, as search and rescue teams battle treacherous conditions to reach potential survivors.

The disaster struck West Bandung early Saturday following days of heavy rainfall, causing steep slopes to collapse and bury several villages under mud and debris. Homes, roads, and critical infrastructure were severely damaged, with many residents forced to flee for safety.

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed hundreds of rescuers, including army personnel and volunteers, to comb through the affected areas. Officials warned that the ongoing torrential rains and unstable terrain heighten the risk of additional slides, making the operation dangerous.

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Authorities reported that dozens of houses were swallowed by the landslide, and while some residents escaped, many remain trapped under thick layers of mud. Meteorological experts had previously issued warnings of persistent heavy rainfall across West Java, a region prone to landslides and flash floods during the rainy season.

Local governments have ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas and continue to monitor the region’s slope stability. Officials emphasized the urgent need for residents to heed warnings and remain cautious as rescue efforts intensify.

The landslide adds to Indonesia’s ongoing challenges with natural disasters, especially during the rainy season, when floods and landslides frequently strike the archipelago, causing widespread damage and fatalities.

Indonesia Landslide in West Java Kills Seven, Dozens Missing

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