Author: OMN AI

The European Union has demanded that TikTok change its platform design or face major financial penalties. The European Commission said the video app breached EU online safety rules. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators analysed how TikTok’s features shape user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and endless content feeds. They said these features can harm users, particularly children. Regulators also said TikTok did not implement sufficient safeguards to reduce these risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm called…

Pressure from Washington Starting January 2027, European importers of oil and gas will be required to follow strict monitoring, reporting, and verification rules for methane emissions from producers and exporters. In a letter obtained by Euronews, 24 US lawmakers urged the European Union not to grant exemptions to American energy companies if domestic methane standards fall short on accuracy or enforcement. The lawmakers described the EU’s methane regulations as “a critical tool” to prevent the wasteful flaring or venting of natural gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, up to 30 times more damaging than carbon dioxide over the short…

Alphabet Drop Sends Stocks Lower Wall Street tumbled Thursday after Alphabet, Google’s parent company, fell more than 4%, pulling major indexes down. The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, the Dow lost 606 points, and the Nasdaq fell 1.5%, marking the sixth decline in seven sessions since the S&P hit a record high. Alphabet’s decline came despite reporting stronger-than-expected profits. Investors were rattled by the company’s plan to double spending on equipment and investments to $180 billion (€152bn) this year, far above analysts’ projections of $119 billion (€100.5bn). Weak Job Market Pressures Bonds Concerns over the US labor market added to the…

Sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram competitions.They offer injectable medicines as prizes to attract customers. The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an unapproved experimental drug.Posts pressure users with 24-hour deadlines. Experts warn these tactics are extremely dangerous.They apply aggressive marketing to unlicensed pharmaceuticals. One group offered retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II as prizes.None of these injections hold UK approval. UK law restricts weight-loss drugs to prescription-only supply.Unapproved medicines cannot be legally sold or advertised. Another seller disguises drug sales as fitness coaching.Researchers say this approach bypasses safeguards and increases health risks.

A recent survey by the Cleveland Clinic shows that many Americans are optimistic about aging well. The results suggest that a positive outlook on aging may encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles and preventive habits. The survey found that U.S. adults are taking steps to stay healthy as they age. These include exercising regularly, eating balanced diets, getting routine checkups, and managing stress. Optimism about aging appears linked to a greater willingness to maintain these habits. Health experts say a positive mindset can influence both physical and mental well-being. People who feel confident about their future health are more likely…

For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files detail years of alleged sex trafficking by the wealthy financier. President Donald Trump now calls for the country to move on. Washington, however, shows little sign of letting the story fade. Justice department concludes its review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has finished. Congress mandated the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no grounds for new criminal charges. He confirmed the files include emails, photographs, and extensive correspondence. He added that such material alone…

Ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than fresh food and need tougher regulation, researchers say.Scientists from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke University say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.They cite design tactics that maximise reward responses and speed of intake.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harm.Researchers compare “health washing” claims to past cigarette marketing tactics.They argue regulation should target industry practices, not individual choice.Experts say lessons from tobacco control could reduce diet-related disease burdens.

SpaceX Surpasses Tesla in Private Valuation Elon Musk’s SpaceX, now merged with his AI venture xAI, has reached a $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn) valuation, closing the gap with Tesla, which currently sits at $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn). This shift means Musk now holds more of his wealth in space and AI ventures than in electric vehicles. Tesla’s value has slipped early in 2026, with shares down about 6% after reporting a 16% drop in January deliveries and a 3% decline in 2025 revenue — marking the company’s first annual decline. Increased competition in China and Europe, along with the end of U.S.…

Netflix faced sharp scrutiny in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during an antitrust hearing. Senators warn deal could weaken competition and raise costs Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee said the merger could reduce competition in entertainment markets. Several senators warned that subscription fees might rise. Others questioned whether cinemas could survive if regulators approve the deal. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed transaction. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television studios.…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints about the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He said competitors should “focus on themselves” after missing a regulatory opportunity.Rivals questioned engine compression methods used by Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.Other manufacturers raised concerns with the FIA.Wolff insisted the engine meets regulations and said the FIA agreed.He did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix.