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.
A devastating fire has swept through a girls’ boarding school in central Kenya, leaving at least 16 students dead and dozens more injured in one of the country’s worst school tragedies in recent years.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy, located in Nakuru County, roughly 120 kilometres north of Nairobi. Authorities said the fire broke out around 1:00 a.m. while about 220 students were asleep inside the dormitory.
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Emergency responders, including the Kenyan Red Cross and local security agencies, rushed to the scene and evacuated survivors.
At least 73 students have been hospitalised with varying degrees of burns and smoke inhalation, while rescue operations and search efforts continued into the morning.
Police sources said the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations have been launched to determine what triggered the deadly blaze.
The affected dormitory has since been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene.
Parents gathered anxiously outside the school as authorities worked to account for all students. Officials have urged calm, assuring that full details will be released once investigations are completed.
The tragedy adds to a troubling history of school dormitory fires in Kenya, where boarding schools remain common.
In previous years, similar incidents have raised serious concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
Government officials are expected to revisit school safety regulations following the latest disaster.
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday following reports of a new United States military strike on Iran, raising fresh concerns over stability in the Middle East and possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
Brent crude rose significantly in early trading, while West Texas Intermediate also recorded gains as investors reacted to renewed hostilities and uncertainty around the fragile ceasefire in the region.
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According to reports, the latest US action included targeted strikes on Iranian positions following a series of drone and maritime incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military described its operations as “measured and defensive,” aimed at preventing further escalation and protecting strategic interests in the region.
The developments triggered immediate reactions across global financial markets, with Asian stocks mostly declining amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for nearly a fifth of global crude supply.
Market analysts warn that sustained instability could push energy prices even higher, fueling inflationary pressures worldwide and potentially forcing central banks to maintain tighter monetary policies.
In Asia, major indices recorded losses, while tech-driven gains in select markets were overshadowed by broader investor caution. Safe-haven assets strengthened slightly as traders moved away from riskier positions.
Economists say the situation remains highly volatile, with conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran adding to uncertainty.
Any further escalation, they caution, could send oil prices even higher and deepen global economic pressure.
For now, investors are closely watching diplomatic developments and military activity in the region, as the world braces for possible further shocks to energy markets.
The United States has issued its strongest travel advisory against Uganda, warning citizens to completely avoid travel to the country due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease.
In the updated alert, the United States Department of State upgraded Uganda’s travel status to Level 4, the highest risk classification, which is widely understood as a “Do Not Travel” warning.
The decision was based on serious health threats and the rapid spread of the virus in affected areas.
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Authorities also warned of the risk of cross-border transmission, noting that continued movement across neighbouring countries could worsen the situation despite ongoing containment efforts.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had placed Uganda under a lower-level health advisory, advising travellers to take standard precautions.
However, a surge in infections and deteriorating conditions led to the tightening of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have stepped up emergency response measures, including stricter border surveillance, movement restrictions in affected zones, and reductions in public transportation and market activities in high-risk areas.
Health agencies remain on high alert as the outbreak continues to raise concern over possible regional spread across East Africa.
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