World Reels: Hacking, Treaties, and Gen Z Revolt!

Global Events Unfold: From Social Media Bans to International Crises

The world is grappling with a series of significant events, ranging from proposed social media restrictions in Spain to international conflicts and humanitarian crises. These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of preparations for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Spain is considering a ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16, joining a growing number of countries seeking to protect young people from potential online harms. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the proposed ban at the World Government Summit in Dubai, criticizing tech companies for their failure to control disinformation and illegal content. "Social media has become a failed state, a place where laws are ignored, and crime is endured," Sánchez stated, adding that algorithms distort public conversation and user data is exploited.

Meanwhile, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, New START, is set to expire. According to Vox, the treaty, signed in 2010, is a 15-year-old agreement. The expiration raises concerns about a potential new arms race between the two nations.

Geopolitical tensions are further fueled by President Donald Trump's foreign policy decisions, which are reportedly alienating Gen Z voters. Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, a research firm focused on Gen Z, noted that this generation "really doesn't want to go to war."

In the Mediterranean, at least 15 people died when a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek coast guard vessel off the island of Chios. Euronews reported that the Greek Coast Guard stated the speedboat, lacking navigation lights, attempted to evade their patrol boat, leading to the collision and capsizing. A search is ongoing for those still missing.

Despite these global challenges, preparations continue for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Multiple news sources, including Time, report that Lindsey Vonn is determined to compete despite a severe knee injury. The games are expected to draw athletes and spectators from around the world. In California, a 12-year-old girl miraculously escaped serious injury after falling from a ski lift.