Global Pulse

博客

  • Meta starts kicking Australian children off Instagram and Facebook

    Meta starts kicking Australian children off Instagram and Facebook

    Australia has implemented a groundbreaking legislative measure prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking the world’s first comprehensive ban of its kind. The landmark policy, which officially commences on December 10th, requires technology companies to implement stringent age verification systems or face substantial penalties reaching A$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million).

    Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, has proactively initiated compliance measures by systematically disabling accounts belonging to users aged 13-15. The tech giant estimates approximately 500,000 accounts across its platforms will be affected, with notifications sent to users throughout November regarding impending account deactivations starting December 4th.

    The company has implemented procedures allowing affected minors to download their personal data—including posts, videos, and messages—prior to account termination. Those incorrectly identified as underage can request review through video selfie verification or submission of government-issued identification documents.

    Meta has expressed reservations about the regulatory approach, advocating instead for age verification at the app store level with parental consent mechanisms. “While committed to legal compliance, we believe a more effective, standardized, and privacy-preserving approach is necessary,” a company spokesperson stated.

    The ban extends beyond Meta’s ecosystem to include YouTube, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. YouTube, initially exempted before being included, criticized the legislation as “rushed” and argued that account-based parental controls provide superior protection compared to complete exclusion.

    Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the policy as essential for protecting Generation Alpha from what she described as “predatory algorithms” that function as “behavioral cocaine” creating a “dopamine drip” dependency. The government cites research indicating 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% exposed to harmful content including misogynistic material, violence, and content promoting eating disorders and suicide. Additional findings reveal one in seven children experienced grooming behavior, while over half reported cyberbullying victimization.

    Critics caution that the ban might isolate vulnerable groups who rely on digital communities for connection and could drive youth toward less-regulated internet spaces. The international community is closely monitoring Australia’s unprecedented digital policy experiment, which could establish precedents for global social media regulation.

  • Pearl Initiative celebrates 15 years of advancing governance excellence in the Gulf region

    Pearl Initiative celebrates 15 years of advancing governance excellence in the Gulf region

    DUBAI – The Pearl Initiative commemorated fifteen years of transformative work in corporate governance excellence with a landmark forum that assembled over 150 senior executives, including more than thirty chief executives, from across the Gulf region. The high-level gathering, titled “Governance in Focus: Powering Gulf Economies Through Integrity and Innovation,” served as a strategic platform for cross-sector dialogue on strengthening governance frameworks to drive economic diversification and enhance regional competitiveness.

    The forum marked a significant milestone for the non-profit organization, reflecting on its decade-and-a-half contribution to fostering cultures of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership throughout Gulf corporations. Participants engaged in robust discussions examining how robust governance mechanisms have accelerated enterprise growth, reinforced market trust, and positioned regional economies for their next phase of transformation.

    Strategic partnerships with leading regional corporations provided substantial backing for the event. Saudi Arabia’s premier digital enabler, stc group, served as strategic partner, while Chalhoub Group, the region’s dominant luxury retail conglomerate, provided supporting partnership – demonstrating sustained corporate commitment to governance advancement.

    Badr Jafar, Founder of Pearl Initiative, emphasized the organization’s pioneering role: “Since 2010, we have championed corporate governance conversations across the Gulf, inspiring ethical leadership that builds trust and delivers long-term value. This forum not only celebrates our progress but reinforces that strong governance remains the engine of competitiveness and innovation.”

    The agenda featured a powerful panel discussion with H.E. Ghassan Al-Sulaiman, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s National Family Business Center, exploring governance frameworks for building resilient, investment-ready enterprises. Eng. Khalid Al Hussan, CEO of Saudi Tadawul Group, addressed unlocking growth through public-private collaboration, while Nabeel Al Mansour of Saudi Aramco highlighted governance’s critical role in enabling Vision 2030 economic transformation.

    Mathad Alajmi of stc group commented: “As the Middle East’s leading digital enabler, strong governance underpins our growth, allowing responsible scaling and market impact. We strengthen leadership in governance by supporting best practices and initiatives like Pearl Initiative.”

    Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group, noted: “Our collaboration reflects the shared belief that good governance and ethical leadership are essential foundations. Sustainability is central to how we think, operate, and grow.”

    Ralph Choueiri, Executive Director of Pearl Initiative, concluded: “This forum strengthened momentum for collective action, highlighting governance’s role in preparing for a next-generation Gulf economy. We will deepen programs and partnerships supporting progress toward a resilient, innovation-led regional economy.”

  • Yemen’s UAE-backed STC seizes control of city in Hadhramaut offensive

    Yemen’s UAE-backed STC seizes control of city in Hadhramaut offensive

    In a significant escalation of Yemen’s complex civil war, forces aligned with the UAE-supported Southern Transitional Council (STC) have successfully captured Seiyun, a major urban center in Yemen’s resource-rich Hadhramaut province. The military advance, part of an operation dubbed “The Promising Future,” has heightened tensions between Emirati-backed and Saudi-supported factions within southern Yemen.

    Geopolitical analysts identify Hadhramaut as a critically strategic prize, constituting approximately one-third of Yemen’s territory and containing an estimated 80% of the nation’s limited oil reserves. The STC-aligned Hadrami Elite Forces, spearheading the offensive, have openly threatened the Saudi-backed Hadramout Tribes Alliance, accusing them of advancing “foreign agendas” that undermine southern Yemen’s independence aspirations.

    Commander Abu Ali al-Hadrami of the Elite Forces declared his troops would not “stand idly by while attempts are made to impose a new reality in Hadramout by force.” This provocation prompted a stern response from Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, leader of the tribal coalition, who vowed to resist any “foreign or non-local military presence in Hadhramout” with armed force.

    The confrontation turned violent on Wednesday as STC forces clashed with regional troops affiliated with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council at Seiyun’s presidential palace and international airport, resulting in at least three fatalities. Meanwhile, Yemen’s primary oil producer, PetroMasila, suspended operations after armed tribesmen entered its facilities.

    International observers report concerning evidence of external military support, with STC forces utilizing UAE-supplied artillery systems and armored vehicles. Intelligence sources suggest an Emirati-orchestrated strategy to secure Hadhramaut’s oil fields and critical supply routes connecting to the Saudi border, further complicating the already fragmented conflict landscape.

  • Watch: Recreation of Kerala festival in Dubai pays tribute to UAE leaders

    Watch: Recreation of Kerala festival in Dubai pays tribute to UAE leaders

    Dubai witnessed an extraordinary cultural fusion as the MMDE Thrissur Pooram festival, a UNESCO-recognized Indian celebration, was spectacularly recreated at Etisalat Academy during the UAE National Day weekend. The two-day event attracted more than 30,000 attendees who experienced a vibrant showcase of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through musical performances, celebrity appearances, and innovative technological displays.

    The festival’s most poignant moment occurred when organizers paid tribute to UAE leadership through a groundbreaking ceremonial presentation. Seven robotic elephants, each adorned with ceremonial umbrellas bearing portraits of the seven emirates’ rulers, were unveiled in a heartfelt gesture of gratitude. This fusion of traditional Kerala culture with modern technology earned a standing ovation from the captivated audience.

    This sixth Dubai edition faithfully recreated elements from the original Thrissur Pooram, which has been celebrated annually in Kerala’s Thrissur district since 1798. The event featured an elaborate Ilanjithara Melam percussion ensemble with artists playing traditional instruments including chenda, ilathalam, kuzhal, and kombu. Malayalam actor Jayaram joined legendary percussionists Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar and Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar in leading the authentic performances.

    The immersive experience included a meticulously crafted replica temple façade, an illuminated Poorappandal canopy, and traditional ceremonial décor complete with artistic umbrellas and temple instruments. This event marked the second recent recreation of the Kerala festival in Dubai, following a similar celebration at Zabeel Park last month commemorating Kerala’s formation day.

  • Turkey drone magnate Baykar enters small reactor nuclear race

    Turkey drone magnate Baykar enters small reactor nuclear race

    In a significant technological diversification, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is now developing small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology according to Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The announcement came during a press briefing on Wednesday, revealing Turkey’s ambitious nuclear energy roadmap that aims to derive 10-15% of its electricity from nuclear sources by 2050 through twelve conventional reactors.

    The government’s comprehensive plan includes achieving 5,000 megawatts of capacity from innovative SMR technology. Minister Bayraktar specified that Baykar is currently engineering a 40-megawatt unit, representing Turkey’s entry into advanced nuclear development.

    Supporting this technological push, Ankara is preparing new nuclear legislation that will establish regulatory frameworks and enable private companies to develop prototypes upon meeting specific conditions. The ministry has announced substantial incentives to stimulate investment in this emerging sector.

    Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman of Baykar (unrelated to the energy minister), emphasized at a September event that nuclear energy will be crucial as global energy demands escalate. He noted Turkey’s current underrepresentation in the field and stressed the need for developing indigenous nuclear capability through extensive engineering education.

    Baykar, renowned for its Bayraktar TB2 combat drones that have impacted conflicts across Syria, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Libya, is now expanding into energy technology. While SMRs remain experimental and capital-intensive, Turkey is actively exploring multiple technological approaches. A recent delegation visited Copenhagen Atomics in Denmark to study autonomous thorium-powered reactors—particularly relevant given Turkey’s substantial thorium reserves that could fuel future energy independence.

  • Can Max Verstappen equal Michael Schumacher’s record in Abu Dhabi GP?

    Can Max Verstappen equal Michael Schumacher’s record in Abu Dhabi GP?

    The stage is set for a historic climax at the Yas Marina Circuit as the 2025 Formula 1 season concludes with a three-way championship battle in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen stands on the precipice of motorsport immortality, needing a victory and specific podium circumstances to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive world championships.

    The season began with McLaren establishing early dominance, with Lando Norris claiming victory in Melbourne and Oscar Piastri securing a commanding 1-2 finish in Shanghai. By Miami, Piastri had built a 16-point championship lead while Verstappen struggled with Red Bull’s performance and internal turmoil. The team’s mid-season leadership change, replacing Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies amid sexual misconduct allegations, marked a turning point in their campaign.

    McLaren’s championship prospects were compromised by intra-team rivalry and strategic errors. The Canadian Grand Prix saw both drivers collide, eliminating Norris from the race, while subsequent incidents in Singapore and Las Vegas exposed tactical vulnerabilities. The Vegas disqualification for technical infringements and Qatar’s safety car misjudgment proved particularly costly, allowing Verstappen to close what was once a 104-point deficit.

    Entering the finale, Norris holds a precarious 12-point advantage over Verstappen, with Piastri just four points further back. The championship mathematics requires Verstappen to win Sunday’s race while preventing Norris from finishing on the podium—a scenario that would see the Dutchman match Schumacher’s legendary achievement at the same circuit where he claimed his first title in 2021.

  • President Trump’s contempt shocks the country’s largest Somali community

    President Trump’s contempt shocks the country’s largest Somali community

    President Donald Trump’s characterization of Somali immigrants as “garbage” who “should be out of here” and have “destroyed our country” has ignited fierce backlash within America’s largest Somali community in Minneapolis. The remarks, made during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting and reiterated Wednesday, specifically targeted Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar alongside broader condemnation of Somali immigrants.

    The Minneapolis-St. Paul area hosts approximately 84,000 Somali descendants, representing nearly one-third of all Somalis in the United States. This community has developed substantial political and economic influence since refugees first began settling in Minnesota during the 1990s, attracted by robust social services and established diaspora networks.

    Hamse Warfa, a Somali-born U.S. citizen and successful entrepreneur who now leads national education nonprofit World Savvy, responded unequivocally: “I am not garbage.” Emphasizing the weight of presidential rhetoric, Warfa noted, “Words matter a lot — especially when it’s the president of the United States who is talking.”

    The administration’s verbal attacks coincide with operational changes, including pausing all immigration applications from 19 banned nations—Somalia among them—following a recent National Guard shooting in Washington. Reports also indicate federal authorities are preparing targeted immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota focusing primarily on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S., though most Minnesota Somalis are U.S. citizens, many born domestically.

    Local leadership including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have pledged to protect Somali residents against broader blame for recent fraud cases in public programs. Frey affirmed Minneapolis “will remain a city that stands up for our residents,” signaling continued support for the community amidst escalating tensions.

  • Hegseth could have endangered troop safety with Signal chat – Pentagon watchdog

    Hegseth could have endangered troop safety with Signal chat – Pentagon watchdog

    A Pentagon inspector general report has revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth potentially compromised military operational security by utilizing an unsecured commercial messaging application to discuss sensitive details of a planned airstrike in Yemen. The investigation, initiated by the Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee, determined that Hegseth violated established Department of Defense policy by transmitting classified information via his personal device on the Signal app.

    The security breach gained public attention when an Atlantic magazine editor was inadvertently added to the group chat by then-National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The exposed communications included specific operational details such as target coordinates, mission timing, and weapon specifications—information derived from a classified email marked ‘SECRET//NOFORN,’ indicating its potential to damage national security if disclosed to foreign entities.

    While the inspector general confirmed that Hegseth shared materials from a classified report, the investigation could not ascertain whether the defense secretary had formally exercised his authority to declassify the information prior to its dissemination. The classified version of the report was delivered to Congress on Tuesday, with an unclassified version anticipated for public release later this week.

    The Pentagon has vigorously defended Hegseth, with a spokesperson characterizing the report as ‘a total exoneration’ that confirms ‘no classified information was shared.’ White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt similarly asserted that ‘no classified information was leaked, and operational security was not compromised.’

    However, Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has called for Hegseth’s resignation, stating the report demonstrates ‘a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgement.’ Warner emphasized that the findings leave ‘no doubt: Secretary Hegseth endangered the lives of American pilots’ through his actions.

    The controversy compounds existing scrutiny surrounding Hegseth’s leadership, including recent questions about his oversight of a separate military operation against suspected drug traffickers.

  • ‘My heart breaks every time I’m called a hero’ – Hong Kong fire survivor

    ‘My heart breaks every time I’m called a hero’ – Hong Kong fire survivor

    In the aftermath of Hong Kong’s most catastrophic building fire in over seventy years, survivors are grappling with profound trauma amid revelations of critical safety failures. The Wang Fuk Court inferno, which claimed at least 159 lives, has exposed alarming lapses in fire safety protocols while highlighting extraordinary acts of courage during the disaster.

    William Li, a 40-year-old lifelong resident of Wang Cheong House, embodies the complex psychological aftermath of the tragedy. Despite being hailed as a hero for rescuing neighbors, Li is tormented by guilt over those he couldn’t save. ‘My heart breaks every time someone calls me a hero,’ he revealed through tears, describing how he dragged two neighbors to safety by touch through smoke-obscured corridors.

    The disaster’s severity was compounded by multiple systemic failures. Investigation findings confirm the installation of non-fire-resistant netting around the building and malfunctioning fire alarms that never activated. These deficiencies created a deadly trap for residents like Li, who initially underestimated the danger when his wife called about the fire.

    Among the many tragic stories emerges that of Bai Shui Lin, a 66-year-old woman who successfully alerted multiple families but perished in the process. Her son Yip Ka-Kui noted, ‘We know her. She wouldn’t have left without warning others.’ The tragedy also affected Hong Kong’s migrant community, with ten foreign domestic workers among the casualties.

    Rhodora Alcaraz, a 28-year-old domestic worker, maintained her post caring for her employer’s three-month-old baby and elderly mother throughout the ordeal, sending desperate voice messages to her sister saying, ‘I’m feeling very weak. I can’t breathe.’ All three were eventually rescued by firefighters.

    The property management company, a subsidiary of Danish firm ISS, has not responded to inquiries regarding reports that emergency exits were locked during the disaster. Hong Kong’s chief executive has ordered an independent investigation into both the fire’s origins and the inadequate emergency response that left residents like Li waiting over two hours for rescue.

    As the community mourns, survivors face not only physical recovery but profound psychological challenges. Li describes experiencing complete emotional collapse upon reaching the hospital: ‘I no longer had any strength in me and my knees gave in. A burning smell lingered in my nose.’ He has since dedicated himself to seeking truth and justice for all affected residents, hoping widespread attention will prevent similar tragedies.

  • Banquet, Royal Family and Starmer on first day of German state visit

    Banquet, Royal Family and Starmer on first day of German state visit

    The United Kingdom rolled out the ceremonial red carpet for Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, marking the first German state visit to Britain in over a quarter-century. The historic occasion commenced with traditional pomp and circumstance at Windsor Castle, where the Royal Family hosted a series of diplomatic engagements.

    This significant diplomatic event featured an elaborate state banquet attended by key political figures including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signaling the reinforced ties between the two European powers. The meticulously orchestrated ceremonies blended centuries-old royal traditions with contemporary diplomatic dialogue, creating a powerful visual representation of Anglo-German relations.

    The three-day visit represents a carefully choreographed demonstration of post-Brexit European cooperation and international diplomacy. Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the agenda includes substantive discussions on trade, security cooperation, and collaborative efforts addressing global challenges from climate change to geopolitical stability.

    The choice of Windsor Castle as the primary venue underscored the visit’s importance, with its rich historical significance providing an impressive backdrop for strengthening bilateral relations. This state visit, the first since 1997, occurs at a pivotal moment as both nations navigate new European political dynamics and seek to deepen their strategic partnership.