Australia Becomes First Country to Ban Social Media for Under-16s as Platforms Lock Out Millions

Australia has enacted a historic law banning all children under 16 from using major social media platforms, making it the first country in the world to implement such a sweeping restriction. Beginning at midnight, platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and X were forced to block underage users or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. The crackdown—described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as one of the most significant cultural shifts in Australia’s history—has already resulted in hundreds of thousands of accounts being disabled. While the government argues the ban will protect young people’s mental health, critics warn that mandatory age-verification technology amounts to invasive surveillance. Meanwhile, teenagers flooded social media with emotional farewell posts as their accounts went offline.

Australia has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of efforts to improve online safety

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the measure, contained in the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 will take effect on 10 December 2025

The government explained that the legislation aims to protect minors from risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content & the addictive effects of social media algorithms.

Under the new law, it will be illegal for anyone under 16 to create or maintain accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, formerly Twitter/ YouTube, Reddit & Kick.

In a post on X on Monday, Albanese emphasized that the move is focused on safeguarding young people. He stated in a press release, “This is about letting kids be kids. It’s also about empowering parents to be able to have those discussions with their children.”

He further wrote, “We’re banning social media for under-16s to keep them safe online.”

NDLEA Nabs Lagos, Onitsha Boutique Owner With 127 Wraps of Cocaine Hidden in Stomach and Underwear.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria.

Ejiofor, who reportedly owns boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. A body scan revealed that he had ingested several pellets of cocaine and concealed more inside his underwear.

“Ejiofor was immediately taken into custody after the scan confirmed he had ingested the drugs. A total of 58 wraps were recovered from his underwear, while another 69 pellets were later excreted in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms,” the statement said.

In related operations, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted three shipments of illicit drugs bound for the United Kingdom between October 9 and 10. The seizures included 1.74 kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers.

The agency also foiled attempts by other drug syndicates to smuggle 2.6 kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol disguised as black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in women’s handbags destined for Australia, and 568 grams of “Loyd” cannabis concealed in herbal containers en route to the United Arab Emirates.

NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking networks across Nigeria and beyond.

MTV to Shut Down Music Channels After Nearly Four Decades of Broadcasting.

MTV, the world’s first 24-hour music television network, is set to end its long-standing run of non-stop music broadcasting in the UK after nearly 40 years. The network will shut down five of its UK music channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live on December 31, according to reports

The decision marks a significant shift in viewing habits, as audiences now primarily watch music videos on YouTube and social media platforms instead of traditional TV. Paramount, MTV’s parent company, has not issued an official statement regarding the closures.

Launched in the US in 1981, MTV revolutionized music entertainment by airing pop videos introduced by “video jockeys” or VJs, who became stars in their own right. The channel delivered iconic moments such as the debut of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, the 1985 Live Aid concert broadcast, and the creation of the MTV Video Music Awards.

MTV expanded to Europe in 1987, and the UK launched its own channel in 1997 with Three Lions by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner as its first video. The network helped launch the careers of several presenters, including Cat Deeley, Zane Lowe, and Emma Willis, and later moved into original reality programming with shows like Ex On The Beach and Teen Mom UK.

Reports suggest that Paramount will also shut down MTV music channels in other countries such as Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil, as part of a global cost-cutting plan aimed at saving around $500 million (£376 million).

Earlier this year, Paramount also closed its Television Studios division, which produced Jack Ryan and The Spiderwick Chronicles. In the UK, MTV’s original productions like Gonzo and Fresh Out UK were also cancelled.

Despite declining viewership, MTV’s UK music channels still drew modest audiences, with MTV Music reaching 1.3 million viewers and MTV 90s attracting 949,000 in July, according to Barb ratings.

MTV will continue to maintain its presence through social media platforms and Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+.

Denmark Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s as PM Warns Phones Are ‘Stealing Childhood’

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has announced plans to ban social media use for children under 15, warning that smartphones and online platforms are “stealing our children’s childhood.”

Speaking at the opening of the Danish parliament on Tuesday, Frederiksen described the internet age as having “unleashed a monster,” citing alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and attention problems among young people. She said many children are exposed to harmful content online and struggle with reading and focus due to excessive screen time.

While the specific platforms to be affected were not named, the proposal would cover several major social networks. Parents, however, may be allowed to grant permission for children as young as 13 to use social media.

If approved, the ban could take effect as early as next year. Denmark’s move follows similar actions in Australia, which plans to restrict access for under-16s, and Norway, where the government is pushing to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15 to shield children from “the power of algorithms.”

US Reportedly Revokes Visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Remarks

The United States has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro following remarks he made during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York on Friday.

In a post on X, the US State Department said Petro’s “reckless and incendiary actions” prompted the decision. Addressing demonstrators outside the UN headquarters in Manhattan, Petro called for the creation of a global armed force to liberate Palestinians, saying it “must be stronger than the United States.”

He went further by urging American soldiers to defy President Donald Trump’s orders: “Do not point your guns at people. Disobey Trump’s orders. Obey the orders of humanity,” he declared in Spanish.

It was unclear if Petro remained in New York afterward, as his office and Colombia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Trump administration has tightened its stance on pro-Palestinian voices even as countries such as France, Britain, Australia, and Canada have formally recognized a Palestinian state, moves that have strained relations with Israel and Washington.

Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president and a strong critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, had earlier accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” during his UN General Assembly address. He also called for criminal proceedings against the US over missile strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

Britain, Australia, and Canada on Sunday recognised a Palestinian state in a seismic shift in decades of Western foreign policy, triggering swift Israeli anger.

Asian Stocks Mixed After Fed Cuts Rates by 25 Points

Asian markets were choppy on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points but left investors uncertain about the pace of future easing.

The move, the Fed’s first reduction since December, came in response to weakening labor market data despite inflation remaining above the 2% target. Chair Jerome Powell said “labour demand has softened” and job creation is running below levels needed to stabilize unemployment.

The Fed’s forecast showed a split outlook: a slim majority of policymakers anticipate two more cuts, while others see no further action this year. Powell stressed decisions would be made “meeting by meeting.”

U.S. markets ended mixed, with the Dow edging higher while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped. In Asia, Tokyo gained as a stronger dollar boosted exporters, while Hong Kong and Shanghai fluctuated. Seoul, Taipei, and Jakarta advanced, but Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, and Manila retreated.

Gold held near $3,660 an ounce after hitting a record above $3,707 on Wednesday. Oil prices slipped, with Brent crude down 0.4% to $67.66.

In corporate news, Australian energy firm Santos tumbled nearly 12% after a consortium led by Abu Dhabi’s state oil company withdrew a takeover bid.

Key Figures (as of 0230 GMT):

Tokyo (Nikkei 225): +1.1% at 45,277.43

Hong Kong (Hang Seng): –0.4% at 26,813.58

Shanghai Composite: +0.2% at 3,882.18

Euro/dollar: $1.1816 (+0.0005)

Pound/dollar: $1.3622 (–0.0004)

Dollar/yen: ¥147.04 (+0.04)

WTI Crude: –0.5% at $63.73

Brent Crude: –0.4% at $67.66

New York (Dow): +0.6% at 46,018.32 (close)

London (FTSE 100): +0.1% at 9,208.37 (close)

Source: Channels Television

Australian Bank Fires Long-Serving Employee, Replaces Her With AI She Helped Build

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has come under criticism after sacking 65-year-old Kathryn Sullivan, a former teller who had worked at the bank for 25 years, only to replace her with the very AI system she helped train.

Sullivan was made redundant in July after weeks spent scripting and testing responses for “Bumblebee,” the bank’s chatbot, which later took over her role. “I was completely shell-shocked,” she said, adding that she and a colleague felt devalued after years of service.

While acknowledging AI’s potential, Sullivan called for regulations to prevent abuse and protect human jobs. The bank initially ignored her inquiries but later admitted its AI rollout was premature, offering to reinstate the affected workers. Sullivan declined the offer, citing job insecurity.

A man has died on a Sydney beach after being bitten by a suspected "large shark", Australia's New South Wales police have said.

An investigation has been launched after a grandfather mistakenly took home the wrong child from a daycare centre in Sydney, Australia.

World number one Jannik Sinner cruised into the US Open third round with a straight-sets win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Italian, who needed just two hours and one minute, sealed the match 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, breaking Popyrin five times.

Sinner, the defending champion and winner of two Grand Slams this year, will face Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in the third round as he bids to become the first man since Roger Federer (2008) to defend the US Open title.

#USOpen #JannikSinner #Tennis

Court Jails Man Three Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos

Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Innocent Owie Ochuko to three months imprisonment for internet fraud.

He was arraigned on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime.

The charge reads: “That you, INNOCENT OWIE OCHUKO, on or about the 20th June, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and with intent to gain advantage, held out yourself as "Hibrave Thugger" with an email: hibravethugger@gmail.com, through Google Account profile to unsuspecting victims, wherein you gained financial benefit to yourself through Bitcoin Investment Scam, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, I.G. Akhanolu called on Leonard Ayokor, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case .

In his review, Ayokor stated that “the defendant confessed his involvement in a Bitcoin investment scam. He also confessed that he assumed the fictitious name, Exxes, from the United States of America and that he benefited the sum of $1,000 AUD( One Thousand Australian Dollars). During investigations, an iPhone 15 and a Samsung S9 were recovered from him. He has restituted the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) through Zenith Bank manager’s cheque.”

Justice Dipeolu, , in view of the defendant’s plea and evidence tendered by the prosecution, found him guilty and also convicted him. He also sentenced him to three months imprisonment ,with an option of a N700,000 fine.

He equally ordered that the mobile devices recovered from him as well as the N300,000 manager’s cheque issued as restitution be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested on June 20, 2025 at County Estate, Lekki, Lagos in a sting operation by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for being involved in internet fraud. He was charged to court and jailed.

Jewish Council, Six Other Groups Urge Sanctions on Israel Over Gaza Bombardment

The Jewish Council of Australia has joined six other Jewish organisations in calling on the Australian government to impose sanctions on Israel following renewed airstrikes on Gaza.

In a joint statement, the groups condemned Israel’s assault, which has killed more than 750 Palestinians since 18 March, describing it as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign. The signatories include Jews against the Occupation ’48, Emet Australia, the Australian Jewish Democratic Society, Jewish Women 4 Peace Action Ready Group, Australian Jewish members of Sydney Friends of Standing Together, Jews for Palestine WA, and the Jewish Council of Australia.

The organisations rejected Israel’s claim that the attacks aim to free hostages, arguing the bombardment only endangers them while devastating Palestinian communities already facing famine, collapsed health services, and mass displacement.

Jewish Council executive officer Sarah Schwartz said the “tide has turned,” urging the Albanese government to end its reliance on a “monolithic view of the Jewish community” to justify support for Israel. She added that Israel’s so-called “Voluntary Emigration Bureau” is a cover for ethnic cleansing.

The statement reaffirmed Palestinians’ right to return, rebuild, and determine their own future, urging Australia to act decisively to uphold international law.

#Gaza #Sanctions #Australia

A British backpacker has pleaded guilty to killing a man in Australia after hitting him while riding an e-scooter with an alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

Australia to Recognise Palestinian Statehood at UN Assembly — PM Albanese
August 11, 2025 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that Australia will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September. He described the move as part of a coordinated global push for a two-state solution to end the Gaza crisis, following consultations with global leaders including UK PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement comes amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s expanded operations in Gaza.

#Australia #Palestine #AnthonyAlbanese #UNGA80

A researcher at an Australian university has discovered a new "supersized" species of stick insect in a remote rainforest in Queensland, Australia.

YouTube will be included in Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16, after the government ditched a previous exemption for the platform.

56-year-old Grandmother-of-Twelve Finds Love Again With Younger Nigerian Man, Welcomes twins.

Angela Peters, a grandmother of twelve from Australia, has captured public attention after ending her long-term marriage and beginning a new life with Bright, a younger Nigerian man she connected with online.
In August 2024, Angela gave birth to twin girls, Khorus and Knowyn, at the age of 56.

An Australian grandmother of twelve, Angela Peters, has made headlines after divorcing her husband of several decades and starting a new life with a much younger Nigerian man, Bright, whom she met online.


Angela, now 56, is a mother of five and had her first child at 19. After her marriage ended in 2019, she embraced single life but still longed for love. In 2020, she joined a dating site and connected with a Nigerian man, Emeka, who introduced her to his brother, Bright. According to Angela, it was love at first sight.

The couple finally met in Nigeria in 2021, and within days, Bright proposed. They tied the knot in a simple civil ceremony, despite concerns from Angela’s children, who feared she was being scammed.

Angela, who had accepted that motherhood was behind her due to her age, was shocked when Bright confidently said they would one day have twin girls. Despite age restrictions on IVF in Australia, the couple found a clinic in Nigeria that helped them conceive using a donor egg and Bright’s sperm.

In August 2024, Angela gave birth to twin girls, Khorus and Knowyn, at the age of 56. She says the experience has brought her family closer and hopes her story encourages other women not to give up on motherhood.

Despite criticism online, Angela remains proud of her journey and says age should never be a barrier to love or parenthood.

POPULAR NIGERIAN GOSPEL SINGER IS DEAD.

Popular gospel singer Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, known by his stage name New Jerusalem, is dead.
He passed away at the age of 53.

News of his death has sparked widespread mourning across Benue State, particularly within the Christian community, where he was revered for transforming Tiv Swange music into a powerful medium for spreading the gospel.

Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, led tributes to the late gospel icon during a condolence visit to his residence in Makurdi. Accompanied by members of the Brethren Prayer Group, Ortom described Ikyereve as a devoted Christian whose music resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“His songs touched my heart as a lover of Christ,” Ortom said. “That attraction led me to seek a personal relationship with him, which began a lasting bond with his family.”

The former governor recounted witnessing the late singer’s music featured in an international programme in Australia, where a Tiv man was teaching music while New Jerusalem’s songs played in the background.

According to Ortom, this was a clear testament to the global impact of Ikyereve’s gospel ministry.

He offered prayers for the bereaved family and pledged his continued support to them and the New Jerusalem Gospel Music Troupe, promising not to abandon them after the burial.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Iorshagher Ikyereve, the elder brother of the deceased, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ortom for his unwavering support throughout the late singer’s illness and beyond.

He also disclosed that one of Israel’s sons was named “Ortom” in honour of the former governor’s compassionate involvement in their lives.

Prayers were also led by Rev. Pastor Tor Ujah and Dr Joseph Antyo, both leaders of the Brethren Prayer Group.

The late gospel artist is survived by his wife, fellow gospel singer Deborah Msendoo Ikyereve, four children, and several relatives.

His burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Sati Agirigi, Mbamo, Shitile, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.