Independent Malaysian news, politics and national affairs.
The UAE has become the first Arab nation to ban social media use for children under 15, following similar moves by Australia and Britain. Platforms face blocking if they fail to enforce age restrictions.
Telegram, the encrypted messaging platform favoured by activists and journalists, faces mounting pressure from governments worldwide over alleged links to terrorism, fraud, and disinformation. Recent bans in India, Russia, and Brazil highlight growing tensions between digital privacy and state control.
India's Delhi High Court has rejected Telegram's legal challenge against a temporary ban imposed to prevent exam-related fraud. The messaging platform, with over 150 million Indian users, remains blocked until June 22 during a critical medical entrance examination period.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for children under 16, with enforcement targeting platforms rather than minors themselves.