Say goodbye to social media kids

Hi Global Recap readers,

Happy Thanksgiving!

For our non-US readers wondering why everyone’s posting turkey-roasting videos—now you know.

✍️ Fun fact: US presidents traditionally pardon turkeys to save them from being roasted… while still eating others. Hmm.

Here’s President Biden pardoning two lucky ones.  👇

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
Australia Bans Social Media for Kids

Australia has just passed a groundbreaking law banning social media for children under 16.

This world-first legislation aims to protect young users from online harm, but it’s stirring up quite the debate.

The New Law

• Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram face fines of up to AU$50 million ($33 million) for non-compliance.

• The bill passed the Senate 34-19 and the House of Representatives 102-13.

• Platforms have one year to implement the ban before penalties kick in.

Industry Reaction

The tech industry is not thrilled (understandably).

• Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation was “crushed.”

• Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) expressed concerns about the law’s impact and its technical feasibility.

Privacy Protections

The law includes measures to protect user privacy.

• Platforms cannot require government-issued IDs or digital identification through a government system.

• The House is set to pass these amendments soon.

Concerns and Criticisms

Not everyone is on board with the new law.

• Critics argue it could isolate vulnerable children, especially in regional and LGBTQI communities.

• Mental health experts worry about the unintended consequences of cutting off social media support networks.

Supporters’ View

Supporters believe the law is necessary for child safety.

• Sen. Maria Kovacic emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility.

• Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan called the Senate vote a “monumental moment” for child protection.

The Bigger Picture

The government hopes the law will reassure parents ahead of the upcoming general election.

• Critics argue the legislation was rushed and could cause more harm than good.

• The debate continues on whether this move will truly protect children or create new challenges.

📊 Poll

I think it’s fair to compare social media to cigarettes—addictive and harmful to children’s brains—but far less visible or immediately noticeable.

Mindless consumption of content can severely impact impressionable children, who generally lack self-control. Meanwhile, foreign troll farms are known to operate 24/7 to manipulate the behaviors of their targets.

But that being said, it’s not just children who fall victim; adults also neglect fact-checking and overconsume content.

So, here are the questions to consider:

• If social media harms all ages, why focus restrictions only on children?

• Shouldn’t parents take responsibility for guiding and educating their kids?

What are your thoughts?

🇨🇳 CHINA
Defense Minister Dong Jun Investigated

China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun is under investigation for corruption, causing quite a stir in Beijing.

This probe is part of a larger anti-corruption campaign shaking up the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and it comes just after the former chairman of the Bank of China was sentenced to death for corruption on Tuesday.

Investigation Details

Dong Jun’s fate is uncertain as he faces a corruption probe.

• Two US officials confirmed the investigation.

• The probe is linked to a wider anti-corruption effort within the PLA.

• Dong was appointed by President Xi Jinping in December 2023.

Mixed Reactions

There are differing opinions on the investigation’s significance.

• One US official highlighted the importance due to Dong’s appointment by Xi.

• Another official urged caution, not confirming the report’s accuracy.

Historical Context

Dong is not the first defense minister to face such scrutiny.

• His predecessors, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were also investigated for corruption.

• Both were expelled from the Communist Party for “serious violations of discipline.”

Recent Developments

Dong’s recent actions have also drawn attention.

• He declined to meet US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week.

• This refusal was due to US actions over Taiwan.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Putin Threatens Kyiv with Missiles

As I mentioned yesterday, Russia’s currency is utterly failing right now.

While Putin’s critics might see this as good news, some are starting to worry that it could push him into making rash decisions that could escalate the war even further.

Putin’s Warning

Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia might target “decision-making centers” in Kyiv with its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile. This comes as a response to Ukraine’s use of Western missiles on Russian territory.

• The Oreshnik missile, first fired at a Ukrainian city last week, is claimed to be unstoppable.

• Targets could include military facilities, defense enterprises, or government offices.

• This is in retaliation for Ukraine’s use of US ATACMS ballistic missiles.

Escalation of Conflict

The war has intensified with recent missile exchanges.

• Russia’s massive overnight attack on Ukraine was a response to Kyiv’s missile strikes.

• Over 1 million people lost power due to the attack.

• Ukraine’s President Zelensky condemned the use of cruise missiles with cluster munitions.

New Missile Capabilities

Russia boasts about its new missile’s power.

• Putin claims the Oreshnik is comparable to a nuclear weapon in destructive power.

• The missile reached a top speed of 13,600 kph (8,450 mph) but carried dummy warheads.

• Western experts are skeptical about its capabilities.

• Despite the tensions, US intelligence believes the risk of a nuclear attack remains low.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
It’s Only Been A Day…

Well, that didn’t last long.

Just one day after the ceasefire took effect, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out an airstrike on a Hezbollah site in southern Lebanon after a violation of the deal was observed.

The Airstrike

The IDF targeted a Hezbollah site housing medium-range rockets.

• The strike aimed to neutralize a terror threat.

• It was the first airstrike since the cease-fire took effect early Wednesday.

• IDF forces remain deployed in southern Lebanon to enforce the truce.

Curfew Imposed

A curfew has been announced for southern Lebanon.

• IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee warned residents against movement south of the Litani River.

• The curfew is from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning.

• Residents already south of the river must stay put for their safety.

False Alarm

There was a brief scare in the Western Galilee.

• IDF air defenses launched an interceptor missile following a false identification.

• The incident concluded without any threat.

Regional Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the situation with Lebanon.

• Araghchi claimed recent developments in Syria are part of an Israeli-American plan to destabilize regional security.

• The conversation highlights the broader regional implications of the conflict.