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France Bans Social Media Use for Children Under 15

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On January 27, the French National Assembly held an overnight session and passed a bill with 130 votes in favor and 21 against, banning children under 15 from using social media. The bill will next be sent to the French Senate for consideration, after which it will become law. President Emmanuel Macron has strongly supported the measure, viewing it as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.

The legislation will also ban mobile phone use in high schools, making France the second country after Australia to adopt such measures. With the growth of social media, concerns have risen about excessive screen time harming children’s development and causing mental health issues.

“Our children and teenagers’ emotions should not be sold or manipulated, whether by U.S. platforms or Chinese algorithms,” Macron said in a video broadcast on Saturday.

Authorities plan to enforce these measures for newly registered accounts starting in the 2026 school year. Macron added that “social media platforms must deactivate existing accounts that do not comply with the age limits by December 31.”

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Starmer suggests Prince Andrew testify to US Congress

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The BBC reports that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that former royal, stripped of his titles, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, should testify before the US Congress regarding documents, photos, and communications related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Recently released documents and photos show interactions and meetings between Andrew and Epstein, including some concerning images. BBC Verify has confirmed that parts of the interior and other images match Epstein’s New York mansion, implying a connection to past cases.

Starmer stated that anyone holding key information should consider testifying in Congress, especially from the victims’ perspective, to ensure full transparency of evidence. These recommendations follow the release of a batch of documents including historical communications and photos, though Andrew himself denies any wrongdoing.

Other newly revealed documents include communications and financial transactions involving other individuals, some of whom deny wrongdoing or claim the situation has been exaggerated.

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Hollywood Star Mickey Rourke’s Fundraiser Halted

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Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke recently faced reports of overdue rent and possible eviction. An online fundraising campaign initiated by a team member, which had raised over $149,000 USD (approximately 200,000 AUD), was subsequently halted, and all donations were refunded.

Rourke had been renting a property in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, where his monthly rent increased from around $5,200 USD ($7,700 AUD) in 2025 to about $7,000 USD ($10,000 AUD), and he owed nearly $60,000 USD in back rent. The fundraiser on GoFundMe, launched by a member of his management team to help him cover the rent, quickly attracted significant support.

However, Rourke stated on social media that he felt “humiliated” and confused by the initiative, emphasizing that he did not request outside donations and did not approve of this type of “charity-style” fundraising, which he felt did not fit his style. The fundraiser page was then suspended, and all contributions were gradually returned.

Rourke’s manager said the fundraiser was intended as a goodwill effort to prevent eviction, without any malice. All donations had not been used and were being refunded to supporters.

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Trump Warns Iran of Swift Attack if Nuclear Talks Refused

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US President Donald Trump recently issued an unprecedented warning to Iran, threatening that if Tehran does not reach a nuclear agreement, the US will launch a military strike with “speed and violence.” The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln and several missile destroyers to the Middle East, ready to take action at any moment.

Trump called on Iran via social media to “immediately negotiate and reach an agreement banning nuclear weapons,” warning that the consequences would be more severe than last year’s US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded that it is willing to engage in dialogue based on mutual respect and interests but warned it would defend itself with unprecedented force if pressured.

Domestic protests in Iran have lasted about a month, evolving into a challenge against the theocratic regime, with at least 6,221 people reported dead due to the crackdown. The Iranian rial recently fell to a historic low, sparking public anxiety and anger. Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have stated they will not allow US forces to use their airspace for attacks on Iran. Egypt and Turkey have also attempted diplomatic interventions to ease tensions and prevent the region from falling into a cycle of instability.

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