News

U.K. Government threatens social media CEOs with jail

Published

3 years ago

January 19, 2023

The U.K.’s Online Safety Bill aims to prevent its social media users – especially children – from being exposed to violent and sexual content online, content including but not limited to sexual abuse and revenge porn.

Political commentators predict the Online Safety Bill will be approved soon, and will result in digital platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Twitter and Google being liable for fines and/or other legal action if violent and sexual content is not removed from its platforms, particularly when content of this nature is already prohibited within the platform’s existing terms and conditions and community standards.

Tech companies have pushed back on the proposed Bill stating that it will be impossible to enforce and have urged UK legislators to loosen its requirements so that it can be successfully adhered to.

However, UK legislators have not agreed with this notion.

Instead, the Bill is expected to make it to the House of Lords this coming February and become law be the end of 2023, meaning that CEOs of social media and other digital platforms will become liable if harmful content is not removed from its platforms, possibly resulting in a prison sentence.

Previous governments, such as the Australian Federal Government, have attempted to impose hefty fines on digital giants such as Meta, but to no avail.

It will be interesting to see whether the threat of jail time will force tech heavyweights to expedite their research, development and processes to clean up their platforms and protect children from harmful content more rapidly than has been the case thus far.

News

Bondi terror attack: Months of planning, extremist videos and a deadly plot exposed

Published

21 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Newly released court documents have revealed chilling details about the Bondi terror attack, marking one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades. Father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly spent months meticulously planning the assault, targeting the “Chanukah by the Sea” festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Police say the pair rehearsed tactics, filmed extremist propaganda, and prepared multiple improvised explosive devices long before the attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

Investigators allege the attack began with the men throwing four improvised bombs into a crowded festival of over 1,000 attendees. The devices, including pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” packed with shrapnel, failed to detonate, but authorities have described them as “viable” IEDs. Moments later, the Akrams opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the festival, creating a scene of chaos and tragedy. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and worshippers who attempted to confront the gunmen.

Court documents also reveal months of preparation, including firearms training in rural New South Wales. The pair was captured on video handling long-barrelled shotguns, moving tactically, and simulating an assault scenario. Additional footage shows the men seated in front of an Islamic State flag, guns and ammunition visible, as Naveed recites passages from the Quran and then outlines the ideological motivations behind the planned Bondi attack. Authorities say these materials demonstrate a pattern of premeditation and adherence to extremist ideology.

Overseas Islamist networks

Investigators also point to digital evidence recovered from Naveed’s phone, which includes a manifesto and detailed plans for the attack. Police allege the pair’s earlier month-long trip to the southern Philippines may have included contacts with overseas Islamist networks. Intelligence agencies previously reviewed Naveed for potential radicalisation in 2019, but concluded he did not pose a threat. Sajid Akram, meanwhile, legally owned six rifles and shotguns that were later used in the attack.

The human toll of the attack has had lasting impacts on the community. Survivors and witnesses recall the terror of that day as families gathered in celebration. Lawmakers have responded with urgency, including NSW Premier Chris Minns fast-tracked reforms to tighten firearm laws, ban public displays of terrorist symbols, and expand police powers. At a national level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured agreement from state and territory leaders to review and strengthen post-Port Arthur gun laws and introduce measures targeting extremist propaganda and hate speech.

The Bondi terror attack stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extremist planning and the importance of vigilant intelligence and community safety measures. While court proceedings continue, the public response underscores the shared grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.

News

China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia border

China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia amidst ongoing tensions and lack of arms control talks with the US

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Harvey Vargas

China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia amidst ongoing tensions and lack of arms control talks with the US

In Short:
– China has deployed over 100 ICBMs in new silos near Mongolia, marking a significant nuclear expansion.
– Beijing aims to enhance military strategies for Taiwan by 2027, potentially affecting U.S. operations in the region.

China has deployed over 100 solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in newly constructed silo fields near its border with Mongolia, according to a draft Pentagon report reviewed by Reuters.This marks the most significant nuclear expansion by Beijing to date. The United States indicates that China shows no intention of engaging in arms control negotiations, despite President Trump’s calls for denuclearization talks with both China and Russia.

The report states that the DF-31 missiles, which have a range of 7,000 to 11,700 kilometers, are positioned across three silo fields. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged these fields, this is the first confirmation of the number of deployed missiles.

China’s nuclear warhead stockpile was estimated at around 600 in 2024. The report projects an increase to over 1,000 warheads by 2030. It highlights a lack of willingness from Beijing to pursue arms control measures.

Beijing has dismissed such reports as attempts to discredit China and claims that it follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense with a no-first-use policy.

Forceful means

The Pentagon assessment indicates that China plans to be capable of fighting and winning a conflict over Taiwan by 2027. Beijing is reportedly enhancing military strategies to capture the island through forceful means.

These military strikes could potentially disrupt U.S. operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Neither the Pentagon nor China’s embassy in Washington responded to requests for comment. U.S. officials cautioned that the draft report could change before its formal submission to lawmakers.

News

Australia’s property market set to soar in 2026

Australia’s property market is set for strong growth in 2026, driven by demand and strategic investments across key regions.

Published

3 days ago

December 22, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s property market is set for strong growth in 2026, driven by demand and strategic investments across key regions.

Australia’s property market is predicted to perform strongly in 2026, with no major losers expected as demand and prices rise across 14 key regions. Hotspotting’s latest analysis highlights which areas are set to shine and the factors driving this unprecedented growth.

Join Tim Graham from Hotspotting as he explains the methodology behind the price predictions and why infrastructure investments and government policies are playing a key role in shaping the market.

From regional hotspots to major cities, we explore emerging trends, buyer behavior, and the outlook for places like Darwin and Perth. Whether you’re a first home buyer or seasoned investor, this episode is packed with insights to navigate Australia’s booming property landscape.

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