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Uber Found Liable for Sexual Assault as EU Regulators Target TikTok's Addictive Design
Uber was found liable for the sexual assault of a passenger in a landmark case that could impact thousands of similar lawsuits, while in Europe, regulators are scrutinizing TikTok's design for being excessively addictive. A federal jury in Phoenix ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million in damages to the victim, potentially setting a precedent for over 3,000 similar cases consolidated in US federal court, according to The Verge. Simultaneously, the European Commission declared that TikTok's "addictive design" may violate the Digital Services Act (DSA), potentially leading to significant fines and required changes to the app's fundamental structure, according to a report by Euronews.
The Uber case marks the first of many sexual assault lawsuits against the ride-sharing company to reach a verdict. Jess Weatherbed of The Verge reported that the ruling could pave the way for future judgements.
Meanwhile, the European Commission's investigation into TikTok focuses on its infinite scroll feature and other design elements that regulators believe contribute to excessive usage. Dominic Preston of The Verge noted that if the preliminary findings are confirmed, TikTok could face major penalties.
In other news, Portugal is grappling with a state of emergency due to severe storms. According to Euronews, the Portuguese government extended the state of emergency until the end of next week, citing a "devastating crisis" caused by recent storms that have resulted in fatalities and widespread damage. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stated during a press conference in Lisbon that many people "will continue to face situations of extreme difficulties." The storms have blocked roads with flooded rivers and fallen trees, and have snapped power lines, forcing evacuations.
In South America, a US military strike in international waters near Colombia resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Rafael Salido of Euronews reported that the US Southern Command confirmed the lethal attack on a vessel allegedly used by drug trafficking organizations. The Pentagon stated that the strike was part of Operation Southern Lance, targeting maritime drug trafficking networks. The US military described the deceased as "narco-terrorists."
Adding to global environmental concerns, Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a recurring waste crisis. Euronews reported that thousands of cubic meters of trash, including plastic, furniture, and medical waste, are accumulating behind a debris barrier at the Visegrad hydro plant on the Drina River. The waste originates from illegal dumps in Bosnia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Activists warn that this annual event poses risks to tourism and public health, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 cubic meters of rubbish arriving each season.
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