The European Union has ordered TikTok to modify its "addictive design" or face substantial fines, following an investigation into the video-sharing platform's adherence to online safety regulations. The EU's findings, announced in February 2024, indicated that TikTok had not adequately assessed the potential harm of features like autoplay on user well-being, particularly for children, and had failed to implement sufficient risk mitigation measures (BBC Technology).
The investigation, launched by the European Commission, revealed concerns about how TikTok's design could negatively impact its users. A TikTok spokesperson, however, refuted the findings, calling them a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform" and stating the company's intention to challenge the decision (BBC Technology).
In other news, the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan became a venue for expressions of discontent. Jeers were directed toward the Israeli delegation and US Vice President JD Vance during the event, despite pleas for respect from International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry (Sky News).
Meanwhile, in Japan, rising prices are impacting daily life. Tomoko Ida, a graphic designer and mother of two in Tokyo, is finding it difficult to afford Japanese rice daily due to soaring costs (Al Jazeera). This economic strain is a key issue for voters in the upcoming election (Al Jazeera).
Elsewhere, in Egypt, the degradation of Lake Qarun is forcing fishermen to abandon their trade. Pollution has ravaged the lake, destroying the wildlife that once thrived there (Al Jazeera). The smell of rot is now overpowering in Shakshouk, a village near the lake, highlighting the environmental damage (Al Jazeera).
Finally, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized what he perceived as a double standard regarding military expansion in the Middle East. Speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Araghchi condemned the allowance of Israeli military growth while other regional countries are urged to reduce their defensive capabilities (Al Jazeera).
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