Newsflash

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1198: Ukrainian GenZ engineers transform TikTok drones into tank killers

Ukraine has launched a series of bold military operations, notably "Operation Spiderweb," which targeted and destroyed over 40 Russian strategic aircraft across five airbases, significantly depleting Russia's bomber fleet. This deep-strike mission, executed with advanced intelligence and preemptive measures, also neutralized Russian Iskander launchers poised to strike Kyiv, showcasing Ukraine's strategic prowess and technological advancements. Additionally, Ukraine conducted drone attacks on the Millerovo air base, disrupting energy supplies in occupied southern territories and complicating Russia's plans to reactivate the Zaporizhzhia power station.

In response to Russia's threats of retaliation, Ukraine has called out President Putin, urging him to accept a ceasefire rather than escalating tensions. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) revealed that drones used in these operations continued their missions autonomously using pre-programmed routes and AI algorithms, highlighting the country's innovative use of technology in warfare.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is bolstering its drone capabilities under the leadership of Robert "Madiar" Brovdy, a seasoned commander and former entrepreneur. Despite China's alleged support for Russia's drone production through proxies, Ukraine and its European allies are forging ahead with plans to establish drone manufacturing facilities in Ukraine, with Montenegro set to produce drones under a US-backed deal. However, challenges remain, as anti-aircraft weapons destined for Ukraine were found abandoned in a Polish hangar, prompting an investigation.

On the international front, Europe is pushing for a postwar shield to deter future Russian aggression, but the US, under President Trump, has declined to support these security guarantees. This reluctance complicates the UK and France's plans for long-term security commitments to Ukraine. Additionally, North Korea has pledged full support for Russia's war efforts, deepening the strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Ukraine faces significant humanitarian and political challenges, including warnings of a potential Europe-wide nuclear disaster as Russia plans to reconnect the Zaporizhzhia power plant. The plant, currently in cold shutdown, lacks spare parts and qualified personnel, raising fears of a nuclear crisis. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes continue to claim civilian lives, with recent attacks killing a Ukrainian baby and seven other people. Politically, President Trump's pursuit of peace talks and reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia have drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who urges stronger international action against Russian aggression. 💥🛡️

Russia launches 407 drones and 45 missiles against Ukraine in overnight assault, Air Force says (updated)

In the early hours of June 6, Russia launched a significant aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying a total of 452 aerial attack assets, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. This massive onslaught targeted multiple regions, with Kyiv, Ternopil, and Lutsk among the hardest-hit areas. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the attack involved 407 Shahed-type strike drones and decoy UAVs, six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles, two Iskander-K cruise missiles, and one Kh-31P anti-radar missile.

Ukraine's air defenses responded swiftly, deploying anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and aviation assets, including F-16 and Mirage-2000 fighter jets. By 10:00, Ukrainian forces had successfully intercepted or neutralized 406 of the incoming threats. This included shooting down 199 drones, suppressing or losing 169 via electronic warfare, intercepting four ballistic missiles, downing 30 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and destroying both Iskander-K missiles. The airstrikes resulted in direct hits in 13 locations, with debris from intercepted weapons falling in an additional 19 areas. The assault caused civilian casualties and injuries, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict. 💥🛸

After months, Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian fuel depots, targets airfields and military factories (video)

Ukraine has resumed its strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure, targeting the Engels oil depot in Saratov Oblast, which supplies fuel to the Engels-2 air base housing strategic bombers used in recent missile attacks against Ukraine. The drone strike on June 6 ignited a massive fire at the Kristall oil depot, with videos showing multiple fuel tanks ablaze. This is the third time the Engels depot has been targeted this year, with previous strikes in January causing significant fuel losses. The attack on the Engels depot is part of a broader campaign, with Ukrainian forces also striking military airfields and industrial defense sites across at least six Russian oblasts overnight.

Explosions and fires were reported in Bryansk, Ryazan, Tambov, Moscow, and Kaluga oblasts. In Bryansk, explosions near the airport were attributed to Ukrainian defense forces. In Ryazan, drone activity and fires were reported at the Dyagilevo air base. In Tambov, drones struck the Progress plant, causing a roof collapse and fire damage. In Moscow, six drones were destroyed, and additional drones were intercepted in the region. In Kaluga, five drones were shot down, with debris damaging vehicles. Additionally, a train derailment in Belgorod Oblast was suspected to be caused by an explosive device, although this remains unconfirmed. These coordinated attacks highlight Ukraine's renewed efforts to disrupt Russian military capabilities and infrastructure. 💥🛢️

Brussels pushes EU sanctions leadership amid Trump uncertainty, exposes Russia’s $ 1 trillion war windfall

A policy document presented in Brussels on May 26 advocates for the European Union to lead the international sanctions coalition and intensify economic pressure on Russia. The "White Paper: The Future of European Leadership in the Economic Deterrence of Aggression" analyzes the effectiveness of EU sanctions and proposes tools to bolster economic security. Key recommendations include establishing a unified EU sanctions body, implementing an entity list similar to the U.S. model, strengthening export controls, and maintaining sanctions on Russia's defense sector and critical infrastructure post-conflict.

The document highlights Russia's significant earnings from energy exports since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, totaling approximately €887 billion, which far exceeds the €211 billion spent on its war effort. Despite existing sanctions, the EU spent over €207 billion on Russian fossil fuel imports from February 2022 to early 2025. The white paper also addresses challenges such as limited extraterritorial application of sanctions, consensus requirements that hinder decision-making, and varied enforcement across member states.

The paper identifies the "shadow fleet" of over 1,000 vessels used by Russia to evade sanctions, with only 153 currently under EU sanctions. This fleet poses environmental risks due to aging vessels and complex ownership structures. The document also discusses the legal challenges of confiscating frozen Russian assets, estimated at €210 billion within the EU, and recommends adopting EU Council decisions to seize and transfer these assets to support Ukraine.

The initiative has garnered support from officials like Tomáš Šindelář of the European External Action Service, who highlighted the evolving nature of EU sanctions instruments. The white paper calls for a more robust and coordinated approach to sanctions, aiming to disrupt Russia's military-industrial potential and end the war in Ukraine swiftly. 🇪🇺💥

Two years later, Russia is still unpunished for drowning 100,000 people in Kherson Oblast

The Kakhovka Hydropower Plant, a critical component of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, must be rebuilt to restore energy independence and national security. The state enterprise Ukrhydroenergo is preparing to design a new complex as soon as conditions allow. The plant's destruction, attributed to Russia, was one of the most significant environmental and energy-related war crimes, causing widespread flooding, loss of life, and economic damage.

The reconstruction of the Kakhovka Hydropower Plant is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures a stable water supply for the entire country. Secondly, it helps balance the power system, as the plant was part of the Dnipro cascade of hydropower stations, which efficiently utilizes water from Kyiv to the Black Sea. The destruction of Kakhovka has halted shipping, threatened the cooling of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and disrupted clean energy generation.

The plant's reconstruction is contingent on the end of the war, de-occupation of the area, and necessary agreements. Ukrhydroenergo has already created a 3D model of the Kakhovka Reservoir bed, planned communication routes, and designed a temporary dam. However, actual construction can only commence after de-mining efforts are completed. The plant's restoration is a strategic step towards Ukraine's energy independence and national security, ensuring a stable water supply and balanced power system. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydropower Plant had severe consequences, including flooding across four regions, affecting 100,000 people, and causing at least 32 deaths and $1.5 billion in damages. The act is seen by some analysts as a retaliatory measure against Kherson Oblast for resisting Russian occupation and a demonstration of Russia's willingness to take extreme actions when unable to maintain control over territory. 💦💥

Four dead in Russian drone attack on Kyiv as Ukraine targets Russia’s air fields

Overnight, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and injuring 20 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack, which included ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), caused fires and damage across the city, including to residential buildings, infrastructure, and a metal hangar. Train tracks in the Kyiv region were also damaged, leading to significant delays.

In response to the Russian assault, Ukraine's armed forces conducted a preemptive strike on Russian airfields in the Saratov and Ryazan regions, as well as fuel reservoirs. This retaliatory action came after a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who vowed retaliation following Ukrainian drone attacks that destroyed several strategic bomber aircraft deep within Russian territory.

The Russian barrage also targeted western Ukraine, with strikes hitting the cities of Lutsk and Ternopil, causing injuries and damage to buildings and infrastructure. Ukraine's air defense units successfully intercepted 406 out of 452 Russian drones and missiles during the overnight attack. Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil wounded three people in the Tula region, and Russian air defenses shot down a drone heading towards Moscow. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides exchanging blows and leaders exchanging ultimatums. 💥🏙️

"Don't come here to die," says Finnish volunteer fighter in Ukraine

A group of Finnish volunteers in eastern Ukraine narrowly escaped a Russian drone strike last month, as revealed by the group's leader, "Pekka," in an interview with Yle. The incident occurred when a Russian drone collided with a parked SUV, engulfing it in flames. Quick thinking by one of the Finnish soldiers, who spotted the incoming drone and opened fire, saved the group from potential fatalities. The soldier was equipped with a shotgun and night vision gear, but the drone's low approach and the vehicle's engine noise made detection challenging.

The war in Ukraine has seen a significant increase in drone operations, with both sides employing these unmanned aerial vehicles extensively. Russia, in particular, has ramped up its drone activity by at least 60% in recent months, utilizing advanced fibre-optic drones that are resistant to electronic jamming. These drones, which can trail fibre-optic cables up to 20 kilometers, pose a substantial threat to Ukrainian forces. Pekka, who has been fighting in Ukraine for over a year, expressed his concern about the growing drone threat, stating that he fears these drones more than Russian tanks.

Pekka leads a group of almost entirely Finnish fighters, aiming to create a professional unit with strict standards. He discourages new volunteers from joining the fight, warning them about the harsh realities of combat and the high risks involved. Despite the dangers, Pekka believes his most effective contribution to Ukraine's defense is on the front line. The conflict has become increasingly dominated by drone warfare, with both sides experiencing significant losses due to these unmanned aerial vehicles. 🇺🇦🛸

Germany's Pride parades exposed to increasing extremist threats

As Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstrations, also known as LGBTQ Pride parades, approach in Germany, organizers are raising alarms about a surge in anti-queer crimes and threats. Kai Bölle, a board member of the CSD Germany association, reported a significant increase in online threats and hostile actions, particularly from young right-wing extremist groups. These groups have called for counter-protests and sent threatening emails to create a climate of fear, leading some participants to take extra precautions when attending events.

In 2024, there were 27 organized counter-actions by right-wing extremist groups at CSD events. The Federal Criminal Police Office reported 1,765 cases of politically motivated crimes related to sexual orientation, an 18% increase from 2023, and 1,152 cases directed against trans or non-binary individuals, a 35% increase. Andre Lehmann, a board member of the LSVD⁺ Association for Queer Diversity, noted that these numbers likely underrepresent the true extent of the problem, with an estimated 90% of crimes against queer people going unreported. Lehmann advocates for a nationwide reporting office to improve data collection and address the issue more effectively.

CSD events, which begin in June and continue through July, are organized by Pride associations across various German cities. These demonstrations commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and advocate for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Upcoming CSD parades are planned for cities like Hanover, Saarbrücken, and Schwerin, with Berlin's massive CSD parade scheduled for July 26th. German police will be present at these events to ensure the safety of demonstrators. 🏳️‍🌈🚨

How countries in Europe are pushing for curbs on children's social media use

The European Union is intensifying its efforts to regulate Big Tech, particularly focusing on protecting children from the harmful effects of social media. Led by Greece, with support from France and Spain, a new proposal aims to limit children's access to online platforms, addressing concerns about addiction, mental health, and inappropriate content. The plan, to be presented to EU counterparts, suggests setting an age of digital adulthood, requiring parental consent for social media access, and implementing age verification mechanisms. Countries like Denmark and Cyprus have also expressed support, with Denmark planning to prioritize the issue during its upcoming EU presidency.

France has already taken significant steps, including a 2023 law requiring parental consent for users under 15 and age verification for adult websites. TikTok recently banned the #SkinnyTok hashtag, promoting extreme thinness, under pressure from the French government. The Greek proposal emphasizes the need for platforms to know users' real ages to prevent inappropriate content exposure and advocates for built-in age verification on devices like smartphones. The European Commission is set to launch an age-verification app, ensuring privacy protection.

The EU is also taking enforcement actions, investigating Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for potential failures in protecting children from harmful content. Additionally, the EU is probing four pornographic platforms for alleged failures in preventing children from accessing adult content. Despite these efforts, a long-running negotiation on a law to combat child sexual abuse material remains stalled due to privacy concerns and disagreements among EU states. The EU's digital watchdog is pushing for stricter guidelines and enforcement to safeguard minors online. 📵🔒

Justice delivered over 2015 fighter jet crash

In a significant legal development, a Greek court has ordered Lockheed Martin to compensate the families of two Greek pilots killed in a 2015 NATO exercise in Spain. The tragic incident occurred when a Greek F-16 fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff, killing both pilots and nine French military personnel, and injuring 33 others. The court ruled that Lockheed Martin failed to implement necessary safety measures, specifically a warning system to alert crews of incorrect trim settings, which were found to be the cause of the crash.

The F-16 had not been properly trimmed before takeoff due to a switch controlling the aircraft’s stabilators being inadvertently moved. The court's decision highlighted that similar incidents had occurred previously, and Lockheed Martin should have taken corrective action. The manufacturer denied responsibility, arguing that the aircraft was structurally sound and that the crew bore most of the blame. However, the court found that the design of the trim panel was flawed and that a redesign could have prevented the accident.

The case underscores the importance of safety measures in military aircraft and the potential consequences of design flaws. The court's ruling sends a clear message to manufacturers about their responsibility to ensure the safety of their products, even in the face of complex and high-stakes operations. The families of the pilots, who have fought for justice for nearly a decade, finally have some measure of closure and compensation for their loss. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in military exercises and the need for continuous improvement in aircraft design and safety protocols. 🛩️💥

Ukraine’s ‘Spider's Web’, Gaza, The Trump Musk feud, Elon’s New city

This week has been marked by significant geopolitical developments and high-profile conflicts. Ukraine launched Operation Spider's Web, a meticulously planned drone assault on Russian airfields, resulting in the destruction of numerous fighter jets and strategic bombers. The operation, personally overseen by President Zelensky, has drawn strong condemnation from Russia, with President Putin vowing retaliation.

In Europe, Poland elected a hard-right nationalist president, Karol Navrovski, in a closely contested runoff. Navrovski's victory deals a setback to centrist Prime Minister Donald Tusk's reform agenda. Meanwhile, in South Korea, Lee Jae-Mung won a snap election, following the downfall of his predecessor, Yoon Sun-Yoel, who attempted to impose martial law. Lee, who rallied citizens during the attempted coup, now aims to unite a divided nation.

In the United States, President Trump reinstated a travel ban on citizens from several countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, citing terrorism concerns. The move echoes his 2017 policy and comes in the wake of a recent attack on an Israeli peace march in Colorado. Notably, Egypt, the home country of the suspect, was not included in the ban.

Tensions between Trump and Elon Musk escalated rapidly, with their relationship deteriorating swiftly. The feud highlights the volatile nature of political and corporate alliances in the current climate. 🌐💥

APN Podcast: Will Finland deport you if you lose your job?

A controversial new law set to take effect in Finland will allow for the deportation of individuals on work-based residence permits if they remain unemployed for a specified period. This legislation has sparked significant concern among immigrants and advocacy groups. Aya Ahmed, a Turku resident and founder of an NGO that fosters integration through shared activities, recently received a letter indicating that her visa could be revoked. She expressed her deep ties to Finland, highlighting her family and personal life in the country.

Critics argue that the new law will exacerbate the challenges faced by immigrants in securing employment, particularly in the current economic climate. Sara Rostam Shirazi of Startup Refugees, an NGO assisting immigrants with job searches, believes that the time limits are unrealistic and inhumane. She points out that even Finns struggle to find job opportunities within such short timeframes.

Katri Niskanen, head of the team at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment responsible for the legislation, clarified that the law does not automatically cancel permits after the specified periods. Instead, it triggers a review process to assess the individual's ties to Finland and their efforts to secure employment. The law aims to balance the need for employment with the recognition of the challenges faced by immigrants in integrating into the job market. The implementation of this law has sparked a broader conversation about immigration policies and the support needed for successful integration. 🇫🇮💼

How countries in Europe are pushing for curbs on children's social media use

The European Union is intensifying its efforts to protect children from the harmful effects of social media and online platforms, with several member states pushing for stricter regulations. Led by Greece, with support from France and Spain, a proposal aims to limit children's access to online platforms and set an age of digital adulthood across the EU, requiring parental consent for social media use. This initiative, backed by countries like Denmark and Cyprus, seeks to address the addictive nature of digital platforms and their impact on children's mental and physical health.

The proposal, to be presented in Luxembourg, suggests implementing age verification mechanisms and parental control tools to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content. It also aims to mitigate the risks of excessive screen time, which can hinder the development of critical and relationship skills. The European Commission is set to launch an age-verification app next month, emphasizing privacy protection. Additionally, the EU is investigating major platforms like Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, under the Digital Services Act, to ensure they adequately protect children from harmful content. The bloc is also probing pornographic platforms for potential failures in preventing minors' access to adult content. These efforts come amid ongoing negotiations for a law to combat child sexual abuse material, highlighting the EU's commitment to safeguarding children in the digital age. 🌐🔒

The housing crisis and tax evasion

Greece is grappling with a severe housing crisis and rampant tax evasion in the construction and housing sectors. The government's proposed measures, while addressing some issues, fall short of providing comprehensive solutions. For instance, cross-checking data on closed homes with electricity consumption is a belated but necessary step to identify undeclared rentals. However, the effectiveness of reducing rental income tax is questionable, as property owners often prefer evading taxes to declaring lower incomes. A more equitable approach would be to tax rental income on a unified scale with other income sources.

Some measures, like tax exemptions for renovation costs and low-interest loans for renovations, aim to boost supply but may inadvertently increase the value of older homes, turning them into expensive assets. A one-month rent subsidy is unlikely to curb tax evasion and could even lead to rent increases. A more impactful measure would be to exempt rent paid by average working-class families from their taxable income, thereby reducing undeclared money circulation.

The Greek real estate market has long thrived on undeclared money, from construction to property exploitation. Short-term measures are insufficient; long-term, surprising interventions are needed to disrupt this pattern. The most effective solution, adopted by many European countries, is to increase the supply of social housing. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Italy are building thousands of social housing units, while Austria, the Netherlands, and France have significant social housing stocks. Greece, however, continues to rely on "dynamic modernization" to attract undeclared incomes, a strategy that has proven ineffective in addressing the housing crisis and tax evasion. 🏠💸

OPINION: It's high time Germany scrapped the rent brake

The German Bundestag is poised to extend the Mietpreisbremse, a rent control measure, until 2029, despite growing concerns about its effectiveness and potential negative impacts. The Mietpreisbremse, intended to limit rent increases, has been in place since 2015 and is set to be extended for the second time. However, critics argue that the policy has not only failed to control rent increases but may have exacerbated the problem.

The rent control measure applies only to new rental contracts and is riddled with loopholes, allowing landlords to circumvent the regulations. For instance, landlords can limit contracts to less than a year or partially furnish apartments to charge higher rents. Additionally, the complexity of the rules and the lack of tenant awareness about their rights make enforcement difficult. The Mietpreisbremse also creates a two-tier rental market, where new builds and renovated properties are exempt from controls, leading to higher rents in these segments.

The policy's ineffectiveness is further compounded by the fact that it sets the wrong incentives for landlords. To avoid the rent controls, landlords often invest in renovations that may not be necessary, driving up costs and rents. Moreover, the Mietpreisbremse's temporary nature raises constitutional concerns, as prolonged price-fixing could be deemed unconstitutional in Germany's market economy. With the planned extension, the rent controls will have been in place for nearly 15 years, potentially making them a permanent fixture rather than a temporary measure.

Critics suggest that the Mietpreisbremse should be scrapped, arguing that it has not effectively controlled rent increases and may have contributed to the current housing market stagnation. Instead, they propose focusing on increasing affordable housing stock and simplifying the rental market to benefit both tenants and landlords. The debate highlights the need for a more effective and sustainable approach to addressing Germany's housing affordability crisis. 🏠💸

How countries in Europe are pushing for curbs on children's social media use

The European Union is intensifying its efforts to regulate Big Tech, particularly focusing on protecting children from the harmful effects of social media. Led by Greece, with support from France, Spain, Denmark, and Cyprus, a new proposal aims to limit children's access to online platforms. This initiative, to be presented in Luxembourg, suggests establishing an age of digital adulthood across the EU, requiring parental consent for children to use social media.

The proposal addresses concerns about the addictive nature of digital platforms and their impact on children's mental and physical health. It calls for platforms to verify users' real ages to prevent inappropriate content exposure and for devices to have built-in age verification. The EU Commission plans to launch an age-verification app next month, ensuring privacy. Additionally, the EU is investigating Meta's Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and several pornographic platforms for failing to protect children from harmful content. The bloc is also negotiating a law to combat child sexual abuse material, although this has faced privacy concerns and delays. The EU's Digital Services Act and draft guidelines for platforms further emphasize the need for stricter content moderation and protection measures for minors. 📵👶

EXPLAINED: Spain's new residency option for family members of Spaniards

Spain has introduced a significant immigration reform that broadens residency rights for foreign family members of Spanish citizens. The new "Temporary Residence for Relatives of Spaniards" program allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who are related to Spanish citizens to obtain residency and work permits. This initiative is similar to the existing Tarjeta de Familiar de Comunitario but offers expanded access and greater legal protections.

Eligible applicants include spouses over 18, registered and unregistered partners with proven stable relationships, children under 26, first-degree ascendants who are dependents, parents or guardians of Spanish minors, relatives up to the second degree caring for a dependent Spanish citizen, and children of Spanish citizens by origin. To apply, individuals must provide valid passports, proof of family relationships, and other supporting documents.

The residency permit grants the right to live and work in Spain for an initial period of five years, renewable for another five years if all requirements are met. It also allows for subsequent family regrouping. However, residency can be refused or revoked for reasons related to public order, security, public health, broken family ties, fraudulent marriages, or failure to maintain cohabitation. This reform aims to provide greater legal certainty and residency rights for family members of Spanish citizens, fostering a more inclusive immigration policy. 🇪🇸🏠

First ships depart as NATO launches large-scale Baltic Sea exercise

NATO forces have initiated a two-week naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, with the first ships departing from the German port of Rostock on Thursday. The exercise, known as BALTOPS, is led by the U.S. and involves approximately 50 vessels, over 25 aircraft, and around 9,000 personnel from 17 countries. Key participants include the German corvette Magdeburg and the French minesweeper Vulcain. The Baltic Sea holds significant strategic importance, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia being the sole non-NATO member among the nine countries bordering the sea.

Moscow has condemned the exercise, labeling it a provocation, and has conducted its own naval drills in the region in response. The BALTOPS exercise is set to continue until June 20, underscoring NATO's commitment to regional security and deterrence amidst heightened tensions. 🌊🚢

How countries in Europe are pushing for curbs on children's social media use

The European Union is intensifying its efforts to regulate Big Tech's impact on children, with a growing body of evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of social media on their mental and physical health. Greece, backed by France and Spain, is leading a proposal to limit children's access to online platforms, aiming to present the plan to EU counterparts in Luxembourg. The proposal suggests establishing an age of digital adulthood across the EU, requiring parental consent for children to access social media.

The initiative has garnered support from several countries, including Denmark, which will prioritize the issue during its upcoming EU presidency. France has already implemented strict measures, such as requiring parental consent for users under 15 and mandating age verification for adult websites. Greece's proposal also addresses concerns about algorithmic design increasing children's exposure to harmful content and the need for built-in age verification on devices.

The European Commission is set to launch an age-verification app, ensuring privacy while protecting minors. The EU has also published draft guidelines for platforms to safeguard minors, including setting children's accounts to private by default. Additionally, the EU is investigating Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, under the Digital Services Act, and has launched probes into pornographic platforms for failing to prevent children from accessing adult content. The EU is also negotiating a law to combat child sexual abuse material, although it has faced challenges due to privacy concerns. 📵👶

Blame social media? Murder in French Riviera town follows online hate speech

In the French Riviera town of Puget-sur-Argens, a 53-year-old man murdered his Tunisian neighbor and targeted two Kurdish asylum seekers, sparking outrage and raising questions about the role of social media in inciting violence. The perpetrator posted hateful messages on Facebook before and after the attack, including calls to violence and support for far-right political figures. The incident has been classified as a terrorist act, with the French interior minister visiting the town to address the growing concern.

The case has reignited debates about the influence of online hate speech on real-world violence, particularly in light of recent events like the Christchurch mosque shootings. As U.S. tech platforms scale back fact-checking and content moderation, the European Union faces a complex challenge. The EU's Digital Services Act requires enforcement and strengthening, but the bloc is also navigating trade negotiations with the U.S., where concerns about free speech and censorship are prominent.

The incident underscores the delicate balance Europe must strike between protecting free expression and preventing the spread of hate speech. As smartphones become potential tools for inciting violence, the need for effective regulation and enforcement of digital platforms is more pressing than ever. The question remains: can Europe successfully defend the free exchange of ideas while mitigating the risks posed by online hate speech? 📱💬💥