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WhatsApp introduces "Strict Account Settings," a new feature designed to safeguard high-risk users like journalists from cyberattacks by automatically blocking unknown senders' media and calls. This enhanced security measure, developed in response to past spyware incidents, also limits profile visibility and group additions, providing a robust defense against sophisticated cyber campaigns, though it's recommended only for those facing credible threats.

WhatsApp introduces "Strict Account Settings," a new feature designed to safeguard high-risk users like journalists from cyberattacks by automatically blocking unknown senders' media and calls. This enhanced security measure, developed in response to past spyware incidents, also limits profile visibility and group additions, providing a robust defense against sophisticated cyber campaigns, though it's recommended only for those facing credible threats.

Multiple news sources report that Benfica, managed by former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, will face Real Madrid in a crucial UEFA Champions League match where both teams need a win for different reasons: Benfica to avoid elimination and Real Madrid to guarantee passage to the last 16 after a turbulent season that included a coaching change. The game holds personal significance for Mourinho as he faces his former club.

Multiple news sources report that Benfica, managed by former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, will face Real Madrid in a crucial UEFA Champions League match where both teams need a win for different reasons: Benfica to avoid elimination and Real Madrid to guarantee passage to the last 16 after a turbulent season that included a coaching change. The game holds personal significance for Mourinho as he faces his former club.

Multiple news sources report a growing push within the EU, spearheaded by Italy, to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization due to the violent crackdown on protesters that has resulted in thousands of deaths, although France remains hesitant, citing limited impact beyond existing sanctions. While casualty figures vary across sources, with some reporting around 5,777 deaths and others citing figures as high as 30,000, the widespread condemnation of the IRGC's actions is expected to lead to new EU sanctions.

Multiple news sources report a growing push within the EU, spearheaded by Italy, to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization due to the violent crackdown on protesters that has resulted in thousands of deaths, although France remains hesitant, citing limited impact beyond existing sanctions. While casualty figures vary across sources, with some reporting around 5,777 deaths and others citing figures as high as 30,000, the widespread condemnation of the IRGC's actions is expected to lead to new EU sanctions.

Multiple news sources report that the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations, hosted by David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood, are imminent, with "One Battle After Another" leading the longlists, and the ceremony set for February 22nd in London. Meanwhile, Netflix's "Bridgerton" is returning with its fourth season, focusing on Benedict, premiering in two parts on January 29th and February 26th, and the trailer for "How to Divorce During the War," a film about a Lithuanian couple divorcing amidst the Ukrainian refugee crisis, has been released after its Sundance premiere.

Multiple news sources report that the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations, hosted by David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood, are imminent, with "One Battle After Another" leading the longlists, and the ceremony set for February 22nd in London. Meanwhile, Netflix's "Bridgerton" is returning with its fourth season, focusing on Benedict, premiering in two parts on January 29th and February 26th, and the trailer for "How to Divorce During the War," a film about a Lithuanian couple divorcing amidst the Ukrainian refugee crisis, has been released after its Sundance premiere.

Multiple news sources indicate that the Clarity Act, aimed at legitimizing digital assets, is progressing after a contentious amendment regarding credit card swipe fees was withdrawn, removing a potential roadblock to its passage. Despite bipartisan support and the Trump administration's generally favorable stance towards crypto, the bill faced unexpected opposition from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong over stablecoin yield restrictions, adding to the industry's recent struggles amid significant price declines for major cryptocurrencies.

Multiple news sources indicate that the Clarity Act, aimed at legitimizing digital assets, is progressing after a contentious amendment regarding credit card swipe fees was withdrawn, removing a potential roadblock to its passage. Despite bipartisan support and the Trump administration's generally favorable stance towards crypto, the bill faced unexpected opposition from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong over stablecoin yield restrictions, adding to the industry's recent struggles amid significant price declines for major cryptocurrencies.

Multiple news sources report that at least 6,126 people have died in Iran due to a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, prompting the U.S. to deploy a carrier strike group to the region as tensions escalate. While some Iranian-backed militias have expressed willingness to retaliate against potential U.S. action, others remain hesitant, highlighting the disarray within Iran's regional alliances following recent conflicts, including a war with Israel.

Multiple news sources report that at least 6,126 people have died in Iran due to a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, prompting the U.S. to deploy a carrier strike group to the region as tensions escalate. While some Iranian-backed militias have expressed willingness to retaliate against potential U.S. action, others remain hesitant, highlighting the disarray within Iran's regional alliances following recent conflicts, including a war with Israel.

Google is expanding its AI offerings with the launch of a more affordable "Google AI Plus" plan, priced at $7.99/month in the US, aiming to capture a broader market segment. This expansion, reaching 35 new countries, provides access to Gemini Pro and Nano, 200GB of storage, and family sharing, potentially impacting the competitive landscape of AI-powered services and driving wider adoption of Google's AI technology.

Google is expanding its AI offerings with the launch of a more affordable "Google AI Plus" plan, priced at $7.99/month in the US, aiming to capture a broader market segment. This expansion, reaching 35 new countries, provides access to Gemini Pro and Nano, 200GB of storage, and family sharing, potentially impacting the competitive landscape of AI-powered services and driving wider adoption of Google's AI technology.

This week's news, compiled from multiple sources, highlights advancements and challenges across various sectors, including AI, finance, entertainment, and science. Key developments include ethical debates surrounding tech giants, entertainment industry competition, financial difficulties for private equity, scientific breakthroughs like CytoTape, and environmental innovations like ethical footprint tracking.

This week's news, compiled from multiple sources, highlights advancements and challenges across various sectors, including AI, finance, entertainment, and science. Key developments include ethical debates surrounding tech giants, entertainment industry competition, financial difficulties for private equity, scientific breakthroughs like CytoTape, and environmental innovations like ethical footprint tracking.

Multiple news sources report that Spain's government plans to grant legal status to an estimated half a million undocumented migrants who can prove residency of at least five months before the end of 2025 and have no criminal record, offering a one-year residence permit that can be extended. This initiative, driven by the socialist-led coalition, aims to reinforce human rights, integration, and economic growth, addressing a significant increase in undocumented migrants, primarily from Latin America, while Spain's economy outperforms other major EU economies.

Multiple news sources report that Spain's government plans to grant legal status to an estimated half a million undocumented migrants who can prove residency of at least five months before the end of 2025 and have no criminal record, offering a one-year residence permit that can be extended. This initiative, driven by the socialist-led coalition, aims to reinforce human rights, integration, and economic growth, addressing a significant increase in undocumented migrants, primarily from Latin America, while Spain's economy outperforms other major EU economies.

Growing concerns over U.S. sanctions and technological dominance are pushing Europe to re-evaluate its reliance on American tech. The case of a sanctioned ICC judge highlights the potential for disruption, prompting European leaders to seek alternatives and reduce dependence on U.S. systems. This shift could reshape the tech landscape, fostering innovation and competition from European companies.

Growing concerns over U.S. sanctions and technological dominance are pushing Europe to re-evaluate its reliance on American tech. The case of a sanctioned ICC judge highlights the potential for disruption, prompting European leaders to seek alternatives and reduce dependence on U.S. systems. This shift could reshape the tech landscape, fostering innovation and competition from European companies.