Culture & Society
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TikTok Faces EU Fines Over Addictive Design

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has voiced his support for a traditional Ghanaian outfit, the "fugu," after online criticism of the attire worn by Ghana's president during a recent visit. Meanwhile, the European Union has ordered TikTok to modify its "addictive design" or face substantial fines, and police are investigating a new message potentially linked to the disappearance of the mother of US news presenter Savannah Guthrie. Additionally, emails have revealed that Prince Andrew considered David Rowland, a financier, his "trusted money man," and in Malawi, thousands of businesses have closed in protest over new tax changes.

President Hichilema's remarks came in response to social media users who mocked the fugu, with some Zambians referring to it as a "blouse," according to BBC World. Hichilema, speaking at the Ghana-Zambia Business Forum in Lusaka, shared his appreciation for the design and stated he would be ordering the outfit for himself. Ghana's foreign minister noted that the online discussion indicated a desire among young people to reconnect with their cultural roots.

In other news, the European Union has taken action against TikTok, citing breaches of online safety rules. The European Commission's investigation, which began in February 2024, found that TikTok did not adequately assess how features like autoplay could harm users, particularly children, and failed to implement measures to mitigate these risks, as reported by BBC Technology. A TikTok spokesperson refuted the findings, calling them a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform," and indicated plans to challenge the decision. The EU's directive requires TikTok to make changes or face significant penalties.

Authorities are also investigating a new message related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, according to BBC World. Police are examining the information provided in the message for accuracy. This development follows public appeals from the Guthrie family for proof of her well-being and the passing of the first deadline in an alleged ransom demand.

Furthermore, emails have shed light on Prince Andrew's relationship with financier David Rowland, revealing that Andrew described Rowland to Jeffrey Epstein as his "trusted money man," according to BBC Business. The emails suggest Andrew attempted to promote Rowland's financial ventures while serving as the UK's trade envoy. However, Epstein appeared hesitant to engage with Rowland, who was reportedly labeled a "shady financier" by the UK press.

Finally, in Malawi, thousands of businesses have closed in protest against new tax changes, as reported by The Guardian. Demonstrations across the country's four main cities led to a delay in the introduction of a new tax regime that business owners fear will harm their livelihoods. Tens of thousands of people signed petitions that were presented this week.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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