Insiders detail how Nepal's Gen Z protests, born on Discord servers, TikTok feeds, and encrypted messaging apps, ended with an online poll to pick the new PM (Tulsi Rauniyar/Wired)

Starting December 10, Australia will implement a ban on social media for kids under 16, affecting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This new legislation marks one of the strictest measures against online usage for young teenagers in democratic nations.

Australia has expanded its social media ban for users under 16 to include Reddit and Kick, adding to an already extensive list that features Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube. This move aims to enhance the safety of young users online.

Vreels is an exciting new social media platform that combines video, chat, shopping, and privacy features. It's being hailed as a potential 'killer' for Instagram and TikTok, and early reports suggest it has a lot of promise. Here's everything we know about its origins and features.

Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into TikTok's algorithm and its compliance with regulations regarding the monitoring and reporting of suicide-related content. This inquiry follows a recent French government report highlighting concerns about the platform's ability to manage harmful content effectively. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for TikTok's operations in France and potentially influence how social media platforms handle sensitive issues globally.

TikTok is facing scrutiny in France for not adequately monitoring content that promotes suicide on its platform. This investigation raises significant concerns about the responsibility of social media companies in protecting vulnerable users, especially young people, from harmful content. As mental health issues continue to be a pressing concern globally, the outcome of this investigation could lead to stricter regulations and greater accountability for platforms like TikTok.

TikTok is set to host its inaugural awards show in the United States on December 18, marking a significant milestone for the platform. This event not only highlights the creativity and influence of its users but also offers a unique opportunity for fans to engage with their favorite creators through a livestream. With nominees like Bretman Rock and Katseye, the awards promise to celebrate the vibrant community that has made TikTok a cultural phenomenon.

A recent study has successfully fine-tuned DialoGPT, a lightweight conversational model, to enhance healthcare delivery in rural Nepal. This is significant because many rural areas lack reliable internet access, making traditional cloud-based solutions impractical. By adapting this model to work offline, the research opens up new possibilities for improving medical conversations and support in underserved communities, potentially transforming healthcare access for many.

TikTok has just announced its first-ever awards show in the US, marking a significant milestone for the platform. This exciting event aims to celebrate the creativity and talent of its users, showcasing the best content and creators from the community.

The FTSE 100 has had an impressive run in 2025, but the upcoming Autumn Budget poses a significant risk to its gains. Investors are concerned that potential changes in fiscal policy could disrupt the market's momentum, making it crucial to monitor how these developments unfold.

Commonwealth Bank is facing backlash after being awarded its fourth CHOICE Shonky Award for refusing to refund $270 million in illegal fees to 2.2 million low-income customers on Centrelink payments from 2019 to 2024. While ANZ has refunded nearly $48 million, CommBank has only compensated $25 million to Indigenous customers and has turned down the rest. This situation highlights the disparity in how banks treat their customers, especially those in vulnerable positions, raising questions about corporate responsibility and ethics.

Australia has made a significant leap in technology by opening the world's first commercial quantum diamond factory in Melbourne, backed by $31 million in government funding. This facility by Quantum Brilliance is set to produce lab-grown diamonds specifically for room-temperature quantum computers, paving the way for advancements in specialized manufacturing and technology insurance. This development not only positions Australia as a leader in quantum technology but also opens up new avenues for innovation and economic growth.

If you're an LLM engineer, you'll want to check out these five free must-read books that delve into essential topics like theory, systems, linguistics, interpretability, and security. These resources are invaluable for enhancing your understanding and skills in the rapidly evolving field of large language models, making them a great addition to your professional toolkit.

The Databricks Free Edition Hackathon is an exciting opportunity for developers and students to showcase their creativity in data and AI. By providing free access to powerful tools, Databricks is fostering innovation and collaboration worldwide. This initiative not only empowers participants to explore new ideas but also highlights the potential of data-driven solutions in various industries, making it a significant event for the tech community.

Walmart has kicked off the holiday shopping season by unveiling its early Black Friday deals for 2025, showcasing a variety of discounts on popular items like TVs and headphones. This is significant as it gives shoppers a head start on their holiday shopping, allowing them to snag great deals before the rush. With more than 20 sales already live, customers can expect to find substantial savings, making it an exciting time for bargain hunters.