EU tightens grip on WhatsApp under digital rules
The European Union has given Meta Platforms Inc’s WhatsApp until mid-May 2026 to comply with the Digital Services Act after its Channels broadcast feature crossed the threshold for “very large online platforms”.
With an estimated 51.7 million monthly users in the EU, Channels will now face stricter oversight, including mandatory risk assessments and mitigation measures relating to illegal content, electoral manipulation, privacy and fundamental rights. The European Commission stressed that WhatsApp’s encrypted private messaging remains outside the scope of the new obligations.
France moves closer to banning social media for under-15s
France’s National Assembly has begun debating legislation that would bar children under 15 from accessing platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.
Emmanuel Macron, French president, wants the ban in place by September, citing mounting evidence of harm to children’s mental health. The bill is expected to gain cross-party support and would also extend restrictions on mobile phone use to senior secondary schools.
Beckhams reunite publicly amid family dispute
The Beckham family made a joint public appearance in Paris for the first time since Brooklyn Beckham confirmed a rift with his parents.
David Beckham and Victoria Beckham were joined by three of their children at Haute Couture Fashion Week, where Lady Beckham was honoured with the Order of Arts and Letters.
Spain cuts speed on key rail link after track fault
Spain has temporarily reduced speeds on part of the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed rail line after a crack was discovered west of Barcelona.
Óscar Puente, Spain’s transport minister, said the fault posed no immediate danger, though the decision comes days after a deadly rail collision elsewhere in the country heightened public concern.
Gun attack kills at least 11 in central Mexico
Gunmen opened fire at a football pitch in Salamanca, central Mexico, killing at least 11 people, including a woman and a child.
Authorities have not established a motive. The attack occurred in Guanajuato state, Mexico’s deadliest region last year.
AFRICA
UN condemns South Sudan army rhetoric
The United Nations has expressed grave concern after a senior South Sudanese military commander urged troops to “spare no-one” during operations in opposition-held areas.
The UN Mission in South Sudan described the remarks as abhorrent amid escalating clashes linked to forces aligned with Riek Machar, South Sudan’s suspended vice-president.
Uganda army denies assault on Bobi Wine’s wife
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief, has rejected claims that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi during a raid on the home of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Wine alleges his wife was held at gunpoint and beaten while officers searched for him. The claims follow disputed election results that Wine says were fraudulent.
Guyana opposition picks leader facing US fraud case
Guyana’s opposition has elected businessman Azruddin Mohamed as its leader, despite ongoing efforts by the United States to extradite him on fraud and corruption charges.
Mohamed, whose party emerged as the largest opposition bloc in parliament last year, said the leadership vote was swift and unanimous.
Islamic State-linked militants kill civilians in DR Congo
At least 22 civilians were killed in an attack on a village in Ituri province, eastern Congo, according to a UN report.
The assault was attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces, an armed group aligned with Islamic State, and follows a string of deadly raids in the region.
Kenyan cult leader faces new charges
Kenyan prosecutors say cult leader Paul Mackenzie will face charges over 52 additional deaths linked to followers allegedly encouraged to starve themselves.
Mackenzie has denied wrongdoing and is already facing multiple manslaughter charges related to earlier mass graves discovered in Shakahola forest.
Kenya’s former deputy president alleges assassination attempt
Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s former deputy president, claims there was an attempt on his life during a church service, alleging police fired tear gas and shots.
The government has rejected the accusation, while police say an investigation is under way and no injuries were reported.
