Social media giants Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are facing a landmark trial in California over claims that their platforms negatively impact the mental health of young users. The trial, which began Tuesday in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, marks the first time these companies will argue their case before a jury, according to Al Jazeera.
Jury selection commenced with 75 potential jurors being questioned daily, a process expected to last at least through Thursday, Al Jazeera reported. The social media companies dispute the allegations, asserting that they have implemented numerous safeguards over the years to protect children.
Meanwhile, in Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's economic policies have caused turbulence in global markets. Takaichi's pledges regarding tax and spending, made in advance of snap elections next month, have specifically impacted Japanese government bonds and the yen, according to Al Jazeera. The Liberal Democratic Party leader unveiled plans to pause the country's consumption tax if her party wins the February 8 vote.
In Iran, protests over economic collapse in late December were met with deadly force by the regime. According to Euronews, analysts say the government decided on mass killings to suppress the demonstrations, with clear orders for lethal force against unarmed demonstrators. International human rights organizations have described the regime's response as one of the largest mass killings of protesters in modern times. The international community is now faced with the question of how to respond to the atrocities, Euronews reported.
Across the Atlantic, in the United States, Greg Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official, has become a prominent figure in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, Euronews reported. Bovino's rise follows escalated enforcement and mass deportation initiatives.
In Scotland, a different kind of fire was celebrated. Hundreds of "vikings" marched through the streets of Lerwick for the Up Helly Aa festivities, Euronews reported. The day-long celebration of the islands' Norse heritage culminated in a torchlit procession and the ceremonial burning of a replica longship. Almost 1,000 guizers, many wearing horned helmets and cloaks, participated in the march, carrying burning torches as crowds lined the route.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment