International News
US State Bans Under-14 Children From Social Media
Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis made headlines on Monday by signing into law a groundbreaking bill targeting social media use among minors.
Under the new legislation, children under the age of 14 are barred from accessing social media platforms within the state while those aged 14 or 15 will need parental consent to create accounts.
Dubbed HB3, the law also mandates social media companies to promptly delete accounts held by users under 14 or face potential lawsuits.
Non-compliant companies risk legal repercussions, facing potential lawsuits filed on behalf of underage users who create accounts on their platforms.
As stipulated in the bill, minors could be entitled to receive damages of up to $10,000 for any infractions.
Companies found to be in breach of the law could face substantial penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, in addition to covering attorney’s fees and court costs.
Speaking at the bill-signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis emphasized the legislation’s goal of assisting parents in navigating the complex landscape of raising children in today’s digital age.
Notably, DeSantis had previously vetoed a stricter iteration of the bill, which proposed banning social media accounts for minors under 16 and required Florida residents to provide identification to join social media platforms.
Set to take effect in January 2025, HB3 emerges amidst a growing push for social media regulation nationwide.
Parents’ concerns about the platforms’ insufficient safety measures for children have fueled this momentum.
In December, over 200 organizations rallied behind the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to fast-track a vote.
KOSA aims to hold apps and online platforms accountable by establishing liability, or a “duty of care,” for content recommendations that could detrimentally impact minors’ mental health.
In January, lawmakers subjected CEOs from TikTok, X, and Meta to rigorous questioning regarding online child safety.
Despite facing scrutiny, the tech executives reiterated their dedication to child safety and highlighted the array of tools they provide as evidence of their proactive approach to combatting online exploitation.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and other proponents of the new legislation contend that social media usage poses risks to children’s mental well-being and facilitates communication between minors and sexual predators.
Renner emphasized the importance of active involvement in addressing social media’s impact, stating, “None of us can afford to be on the sidelines when it comes to social media,” during the bill signing.
NetChoice LLC, a coalition representing prominent social media platforms such as Meta, Google, and X, has challenged laws in several states, like Ohio and Arkansas, aimed at restricting teenage social media access.
Similarly, Florida’s legislation is anticipated to encounter legal hurdles, particularly concerning assertions of First Amendment violations.
Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel for NetChoice, expressed disappointment in Governor DeSantis’s decision to endorse the legislation, labeling it as “unconstitutional” in an email statement.
Szabo emphasized that there are alternative methods to ensure online safety for Floridians and their families without infringing upon their freedoms.
Both Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner acknowledged the anticipated legal challenges in their remarks.
Renner emphasized the bill’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment, stating, “You will not find a line in this bill that addresses good speech or bad speech because that would violate the First Amendment.
“We’ve not addressed that at all. What we have addressed is the addictive features that are at the heart of why children stay on these platforms for hours and hours on end.”
DeSantis addressed NetChoice directly, asserting, “We’re going to beat them, and we’re never ever going to stop.”
He maintained that the bill is constitutionally sound, emphasizing its adherence to constitutional principles.
DeSantis reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional principles, stating, “Any time I see a bill, if I don’t think it’s constitutional, I veto it.”
He characterized the bill as “a fair application of the law and Constitution,” highlighting its alignment with constitutional standards.
Portugal officially inaugurated its new president, Antonio Jose Seguro, on Monday, pledging to bring stability to a nation shaken by political uncertainty and natural disasters.
Seguro, the centre-left candidate, won last month’s presidential run-off against far-right rival Andre Ventura, following weeks of catastrophic storms that killed at least seven people and caused approximately €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in damage.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony in Lisbon’s parliament, Seguro emphasized cooperation with the minority right-wing government and vowed to end the country’s “electoral frenzy.”
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“I will do everything I can to put an end to this electoral frenzy,” he said, pointing to the inability of previous governments to complete their terms.
Amid global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East and a more isolationist US approach under President Donald Trump, Seguro stressed the importance of multilateralism.
“The force of law has been replaced by the power of the strongest,” he remarked.
Seguro succeeds Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a conservative who leaves office at 77 after serving two five-year terms.
While the Portuguese presidency is largely ceremonial, Seguro’s leadership signals a commitment to political stability and international engagement.
The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensified on its fourth day Tuesday, with fresh explosions reported in Tehran, missile interceptions over Jerusalem, and rising tensions spreading across Lebanon and Gulf states.
AFP journalists in Tehran reported loud blasts across several parts of the Iranian capital, though officials did not immediately confirm the exact targets.
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The conflict began over the weekend after coordinated US and Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region.
Iran Appeals to UN
Iran called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the war. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the council had a responsibility to act, insisting there were no legal obstacles preventing immediate action.
Oil Surges as Hormuz Disrupted
Global oil prices spiked amid fears of supply disruption, particularly as the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a crucial oil shipping route — was effectively closed.
Brent crude rose more than eight percent to $85.12 per barrel, its highest level since mid-2024. Meanwhile, precious metals fell sharply, with gold dropping over four percent and silver plunging more than 12 percent as investors shifted toward energy and the US dollar.
Iran Issues Fresh Threats
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of intensified attacks on US forces and Israeli targets.
A spokesman vowed that “continuous punitive attacks” would follow, declaring that the “gates of hell” would open against both nations.
Israeli Troops Advance in Lebanon
Israeli ground forces reportedly advanced into areas near Kfar Kila and the Khiam plains along the Lebanon border.
Israel said the move was aimed at creating a buffer zone to protect its northern communities.
The escalation has displaced at least 30,000 people in Lebanon, according to the UN refugee agency.
Nuclear Site Damaged
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran’s Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant sustained recent damage to entrance buildings at its underground facility. However, the agency said no radiological consequences were expected.
Gulf Capitals, US Embassy Hit
Explosions were also reported in Manama and Doha as Iranian strikes continued into a fourth day.
In the UAE, drone debris sparked a fire in an oil zone in Fujairah, though authorities said the blaze was contained.
Two drones reportedly struck the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a fire. Saudi officials condemned the attack as unjustified.
Tech Infrastructure Targeted
US tech giant Amazon confirmed that two of its data centres in the UAE were directly hit by drones, disrupting cloud services in parts of the Middle East. A nearby facility in Bahrain was also damaged.
Global Reactions
US President Donald Trump criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over disagreements on the use of British military bases, saying relations were “not like they used to be.”
France deployed Rafale fighter jets to protect its bases in the UAE, while China urged all sides to ensure safety in the Strait of Hormuz and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently intervene and halt the ongoing war involving the Islamic Republic, Israel and the United States.
Speaking during a weekly foreign ministry briefing on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the global body has both the authority and responsibility to act in order to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
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“The United Nations Security Council has a duty… if it wishes, it can certainly act, because there is no obstacle to its action except its own will,” Baqaei stated.
His remarks come amid rising tensions and continued military exchanges that have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran maintains that international institutions must step in decisively to prevent further loss of life and instability across the Middle East.
Tehran’s appeal places renewed pressure on the Security Council’s five permanent members, whose divisions have often stalled unified action in past conflicts involving major global powers.
Analyst say any meaningful intervention would require consensus among key stakeholders, including Washington and its allies.
The war has drawn global concern, with several countries calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement to avoid further deterioration of security in the region.
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