Britons watch YouTube for 51 minutes a day, regulator Ofcom says

McDonald’s faced significant backlash after releasing an AI-generated Christmas advertisement, leading to the decision to turn off comments on YouTube and set the video to private. The controversy highlights the challenges companies face when integrating AI into marketing strategies, particularly during sensitive times like the holiday season.

A recent survey by Ofcom revealed that UK residents are spending an average of four hours and 30 minutes online daily in 2025, which is half an hour longer than during the pandemic. This increase highlights a shift in digital consumption patterns as people continue to adapt to a more online-centric lifestyle.

Paramount has initiated a $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, escalating the competitive landscape in the media industry just days after Warner's shareholders accepted a significant deal with Netflix. This move marks one of the most audacious bids in corporate history, as Paramount seeks to assert its dominance in the entertainment sector.

Chocolate prices in Great Britain have surged by 18.4% year-on-year as of November, according to research from Worldpanel, indicating a significant increase in costs for consumers during the festive season. Meanwhile, the average cost of Christmas dinner has seen a decline, providing a contrasting economic picture for households.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to overhaul a range of retail investment rules aimed at facilitating easier access for Britons to invest their own money in financial markets. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance consumer participation in investment opportunities.

Australia is set to implement a nationwide ban on social media access for individuals under 16, becoming the first major democracy to do so. This legislation, effective December 10, mandates the removal of existing accounts for this age group on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and Twitch, aiming to combat online bullying, self-harm content, and addictive design targeting young users.