The European Union has ordered TikTok to modify its "addictive design" or face significant fines, while thousands of businesses in Malawi have closed in protest over new tax changes, and global sports leaders have reached a consensus on a new transgender athlete eligibility policy, according to recent reports. Additionally, Italy announced it cannot join Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" due to constitutional limitations, and Storm Leonardo continues to batter Europe and northern Africa.
The EU's decision regarding TikTok follows an investigation by the European Commission that began in February 2024. According to BBC Technology, the Commission found that TikTok did not "adequately assess" how features like autoplay could harm users, including children, and failed to implement measures to mitigate the risks. A TikTok spokesperson, however, told the BBC that the findings were a "categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform" and that the company planned to challenge them.
In Malawi, demonstrations across the country's four main cities led to a delay in the introduction of a new tax regime. The Guardian reported that business owners claimed the new Electronic Tax Invoicing System (EIS) would cripple their livelihoods. Thousands of shop owners and small businesses participated in protests, forcing a delay in the measures aimed at improving revenue collection.
Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal have been hit with torrential rain and strong winds as Storm Leonardo continues to batter the Iberian peninsula, according to The Guardian. Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, issued its highest red alert for heavy rainfall in Cádiz and parts of Málaga. Flash floods in Morocco have forced over 100,000 people to evacuate.
Italy, according to Al Jazeera, announced it cannot join US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" due to constitutional limitations. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the ANSA news agency that conflicts between Italy's constitution and the charter of the Board of Peace were insurmountable from a legal standpoint, but Italy would always be available to discuss peace initiatives.
Finally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that global sports leaders have reached a consensus on a new set of eligibility criteria for transgender athletes. The new policy, expected to be announced within the first half of this year, will be the first uniform policy adopted by the IOC and international sports federations, applying to major events in dozens of sports, including the Games and world championships, according to Al Jazeera.
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