Australia’s top political leaders doubled down on plans to ban social media access for children under 16, showing rare unity on the issue ahead of the May 3 election even as pressure from tech giants is expected to mount.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have reaffirmed their support for Australia’s upcoming ban on social media access for children under 16, despite expected pressure from major tech companies.
During a televised election debate ahead of the May 3 national vote, both leaders expressed strong bipartisan backing for the new restrictions, set to begin in December. The law will limit under- 16s' use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, and require tech firms to pay for hosting Australian news content.
Albanese said he anticipates lobbying efforts from social media giants as the enforcement date nears but emphasized that his government will not back down. He called the ban a "world-leading" measure.
Dutton echoed this stance, describing the opposition coalition as fully aligned with Labor on the issue. He criticized tech companies for exploiting young users and stressed the need to hold them accountable.
The debate panel declared Dutton the winner of the night’s exchange, although current polls show him trailing Albanese, with cost-of-living and housing remaining top concerns for voters.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
Australia is considering a formal dispute at the World Trade Organization over President Donald Trump's plan to double steel and aluminum tariffs, as Canberra warns of economic harm and prepares for upcoming talks.
Australia pushes back on U.S. request to raise defence budget, saying strategic needs must come first.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has urged China to be more transparent about its military build-up and operations, calling for better communication amid rising concerns over Beijing’s presence in the Pacific.
The US has urged Australia to boost its defense spending as Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that nuclear submarine development is progressing well.
Britain’s Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds is set for a pivotal week of negotiations with U.S., EU, and Indian officials as fresh U.S. steel tariffs complicate the implementation of recent trade agreements.
An Egyptian national charged with tossing gasoline bombs at a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado, injuring a dozen people, planned his attack for a year and used Molotov cocktails instead of a gun because his noncitizen status blocked him from buying firearms as prosecutors said.
Russia's overnight attacks killed one person in Ukraine's northeastern region of Kharkiv and injured several more in the northern city of Chernihiv, regional Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Türkiye near Mugla’s Marmaris district, causing panic and minor injuries. Officials report building cracks and dozens injured after jumping in fear.
Russia laid out strict demands for ending the war during peace talks in Istanbul, calling on Ukraine to cede territory and limit its military.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
Canada is speeding up approval of major infrastructure projects to boost its economy amid rising tariffs from the U.S. The government aims to strengthen national resilience while expanding markets and securing sovereignty.
Mongolia’s Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene has stepped down after losing parliamentary confidence amid public outrage over corruption allegations. His resignation follows weeks of protests in Ulaanbaatar accusing him and his family of misconduct.
Britain’s Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds is set for a pivotal week of negotiations with U.S., EU, and Indian officials as fresh U.S. steel tariffs complicate the implementation of recent trade agreements.
An Egyptian national charged with tossing gasoline bombs at a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado, injuring a dozen people, planned his attack for a year and used Molotov cocktails instead of a gun because his noncitizen status blocked him from buying firearms as prosecutors said.
Russia's overnight attacks killed one person in Ukraine's northeastern region of Kharkiv and injured several more in the northern city of Chernihiv, regional Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.
Britain’s Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds is set for a pivotal week of negotiations with U.S., EU, and Indian officials as fresh U.S. steel tariffs complicate the implementation of recent trade agreements.
An Egyptian national charged with tossing gasoline bombs at a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado, injuring a dozen people, planned his attack for a year and used Molotov cocktails instead of a gun because his noncitizen status blocked him from buying firearms as prosecutors said.
Russia's overnight attacks killed one person in Ukraine's northeastern region of Kharkiv and injured several more in the northern city of Chernihiv, regional Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Türkiye near Mugla’s Marmaris district, causing panic and minor injuries. Officials report building cracks and dozens injured after jumping in fear.
Russia laid out strict demands for ending the war during peace talks in Istanbul, calling on Ukraine to cede territory and limit its military.
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