• U.S. Charges Ex-Health Official in COVID-19 Records Conspiracy

• Japan Jails Man for Describing Movie Plots

• Turkey Wants to Ban “Unapproved” VPNs

U.S. Charges Ex-Health Official in COVID-19 Records Conspiracy

In the United States, a former senior official at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), David M. Morens, 78, has been charged with conspiracy. According to the indictment, he aided and abetted the conspiracy and destroyed, altered, falsified, concealed, removed, or tampered with documents, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

From 2006 to 2022, David M. Morens, 78, served as a scientific advisor to the director of NIAID - who at the time was Anthony Fauci - and advised senior staff on policy matters. He drafted recommendations and solutions that influenced the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and guided staff on epidemiological studies and infectious disease issues. Morens also gathered information from grant recipients and researchers to verify facts about the coronavirus. As a result, Morens was aware of the NIH and NIAID’s prior coronavirus research. By virtue of his position, he relayed this information to NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, who in turn conveyed it to the President, Congress, and the public.

According to the indictment, Morens conspired with at least two accomplices to commit multiple acts of fraud during the coronavirus pandemic. For example, after the government ended funding for bat coronavirus research (see also here), Morens promised to help restore that funding and to fight the claim that COVID-19 leaked from a lab (see also here, here, here, here, here). Anticipating that such correspondence might be made public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Morens agreed in writing with his accomplices to conceal their communications. To do so, they used Morens’s personal Gmail account instead of his official NIH email (see also here). In private emails, the parties exchanged non-public NIH information and discussed how to influence the NIH to fund a certain company. They sent each other drafts of letters intended for NIH leadership and relayed information to a high-ranking NIAID official through covert channels. According to the indictment, all of these actions were part of Morens’s official duties, and he should have conducted them through official channels and systems.

In addition, Morens and one co-conspirator are accused of agreeing to accept illegal gifts. The accomplice gave Morens wine as a reward for his “secret shenanigans” and had it delivered to Morens’s home in Maryland. Morens, in turn, wrote a scientific commentary in a prestigious medical journal claiming that COVID-19 was of natural origin. The co-conspirator had also promised Morens a host of other gifts, such as meals at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, New York, and Washington.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche explained: “As alleged in the indictment, Dr. Morens and his co-conspirators deliberately concealed information and falsified records in an effort to suppress alternative theories regarding the origins of COVID-19. Government officials have a solemn duty to provide honest, well-grounded facts and advice in service of the public interest — not to advance their own personal or ideological agendas.” According to U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes, officials undermine public trust and the integrity of institutions when they flout the law by concealing their communications. “This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when transparency was needed most,” she added, vowing to continue holding accountable those who attempt to evade their obligations for personal gain.

If convicted, Morens faces a significant number of years in prison for multiple crimes. The maximum sentence for conspiracy against the government is 5 years; it is 20 years for destroying, altering, or forging documents; and 3 years for concealing, removing, or tampering with documents. That said, maximum sentences are often unlikely, as penalties for violations of federal laws are usually lighter than the maximum.

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Japan jails man for describing movie plots

The Tokyo District Court found Wataru Takeuchi guilty of copyright infringement, more specifically for “creating a new work by making creative modifications to the original while preserving its essential characteristics.” For this, the court sentenced the man to 18 months in prison and a fine of 1 million yen (about 5,000 euros). In practice, however, Takeuchi merely managed a website where he published articles by himself and other authors that described films and TV series in detail, as reported by Reclaim The Net.

The case began with two articles published on the website. The first concerned the film “Godzilla Minus One,” and the second covered the anime “Overlord III.” The authors of both articles were external to the website, rather than Takeuchi himself.

Japanese media giants Toho (owner of Godzilla) and Kadokawa Shoten (publisher of Overlord) filed a joint lawsuit regarding these two articles through the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA). The lawsuit is based on a law that prohibits the creation of “a new work by making creative modifications to the original while preserving its essential characteristics.” However, “essential characteristics” are defined vaguely, leaving the plaintiffs with broad discretion.

In this case, CODA argued that combining dialogue transcripts, scene descriptions, and press photos creates something equivalent to watching the film. This is argued to deter paying customers, who, after reading an accurate description, may no longer watch the original. “Numerous websites that extract text from movies and other content have been identified and are considered problematic as so-called ‘spoiler sites’,” said CODA. “While these actions tend to be perceived as less serious than piracy sites or illegal uploads that upload the content itself, they are clear copyright infringements that go beyond the scope of fair use and are serious crimes.” CODA does recognize fair use, but considers any sufficiently detailed description to fall outside its scope.

The decisive factor in the Takeuchi case appears to be the fact that his website generated revenue. In 2023, it reportedly brought in 38 million yen (approx. 206,000 euros) in advertising revenue. Accordingly, it was found that the man was able to generate revenue by publishing copyrighted intellectual property, and this in turn negated the argument that the author was dealing with the work for its own sake.

However, the vast majority of entertainment journalism publishes advertisements, and most reviews and summaries describe content. As a result, the Takeuchi case has now raised the question of how much description is too much, where the line of acceptable coverage lies, and when an author has overstepped and is liable to punishment. According to critics, the law does not provide an answer; rather, the line is drawn by CODA, film studios, and prosecutors. In any case, CODA has made it clear that the Takeuchi case will not be the only one, as the association plans to “strive for the proper protection of copyrights and implement effective measures against similar websites.”

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Turkey Wants to Ban “Unapproved” VPNs

Turkey plans to make the use of anonymous VPNs illegal. An “approved” VPN would refer to a registered service, while unlicensed VPN services would be illegal. Authorities also want to require that all approved VPN providers log user activity and provide this data to Turkish authorities upon request, according to Reclaim The Net.

According to officials, this is part of a broader package of measures aimed at protecting children. The main motivations are reportedly school attacks in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş, where the attackers were allegedly interested in violent mobile games. In addition to VPN restrictions, the plan includes SIM cards for children that parents can control and limits on the number of mobile numbers registered under a single person’s name.

Critics argue that a VPN that logs user activity and transmits data is no longer a VPN, but merely another surveillance channel, and anonymity would be criminalized by law. At the same time, child protection is seen as merely a pretext, and the licensed VPN infrastructure being created would actually affect all adults. It would ensure that Turkish users cannot bypass web blocks with a “wrong” VPN or keep their online activities hidden from the state. Only those VPNs that agree to store data and share it with authorities would be usable. In other words, a user’s online activity would be logged, making it possible to track who they communicate with, what they read, and their entire online path. The license would also give authorities the power to decide which service providers qualify at all, and VPN providers that refuse to log data would simply be excluded from the market. However, anyone using an “unapproved” service would be breaking the law.

According to critics, a VPN that records user activity and transmits data is no longer a VPN, but merely another surveillance channel, and anonymity would be criminalized by law. At the same time, child protection is merely a pretext, and the licensed VPN infrastructure being created will actually affect all adults, ensuring that Turkish users cannot bypass web blocks with a “wrong” VPN or keep their online activities hidden from the state. Only those VPNs that agree to store data and share it with the authorities would be usable. In other words, a user’s online activity would be logged, and it would be possible to track who they communicated with, what they read, and their entire online path. The license would also give authorities the power to decide which service providers qualify at all, and VPN providers that refuse to log data would simply be excluded from the market. However, anyone using an “unapproved” service would be breaking the law.

Proton VPN CEO David Peterson confirmed that demand for the service in Turkey has surged following the news, and that the company is also seeing connection blocks in the country. Proton VPN is one of 27 service providers whose services are already restricted in Turkey but are still used there. Consequently, the company has observed an increase in user numbers before. For example, in March of last year, when the government restricted social media platforms, the number of Proton registrations increased by 1,100% compared to the baseline. According to Proton, Vodafone Turkey - which controls approximately one-third of the country’s mobile internet - has been the most prominent actor in these incidents. Proton estimates that the cause of previous outages is more likely due to the operator’s DNS manipulations than to actual technical failures.

• UK Hospital Imposes Language Ban on Staff

• Hackers Obtain Millions of Personal Records from French Government Portal

• Japan Weighs Content-Focused Social Media Age Verification

Hackers Obtain Millions of Personal Records from French Government Portal

According to the French government, the National Agency for Secure Documents (l’Agence nationale des titres sécurisés, ANTS) discovered on March 15 that the portal ants.gouv.fr had been hacked. This is a portal where citizens can perform official transactions, including those related to identity documents (passports, ID cards), driver’s licenses, and vehicles. According to authorities, the security incident affects 11.7 million accounts, while the hackers claim to be selling approximately 19 million records.

According to the agency, the data breach includes usernames, titles, last names, first names, email addresses, dates of birth, account identifiers, and, for some accounts, postal addresses and phone numbers. Biometric data, for example, has reportedly not been compromised. Authorities are advising citizens to change their account passwords and remain vigilant regarding suspicious or unusual messages that appear to have been sent by ANTS. The incident has also been reported to the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) and the public prosecutor’s office.

According to Cybernews, a hacker group operating under the aliases breach3d and ExtaseHunters recently posted an announcement on dark web forums claiming to have successfully breached the agency’s digital infrastructure. The hackers claim that their dataset contains 18–19 million records, which significantly exceeds the figure released by the government and covers nearly a third of the country’s population. The sellers confirm that the data is authentic and that this is a new breach, not a previously compiled collection.

A post by the hacker breach3d on April 16 states: “Today, we are announcing a major data compromise of the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Securises). The French government agency responsible for secure identification and legal titles. Despite their mandates on ‘security,’ their infrastructure proved insufficient. As a result, we are listing a database containing 18,000,000 records for sale.” The hackers state quite bluntly that the French government is not exactly a model of excellence in the field of digital security: “It seems the French government should stick to culinary arts, their digital defenses are as flaky as their croissants.”

Incidentally, the first reports emerged last September claiming that approximately 12–13 million user records were being offered. Government agencies have not confirmed this data breach, but the dataset has reportedly been circulating on dark web forums ever since. If this leak is confirmed, it must be acknowledged that the French government has either completely failed at their task or did not notice the security issues.

At the same time, these attacks are by no means the first or the largest in France. For example, in 2024, healthcare payment service providers Viamedis and Almerys reported a data breach affecting approximately 33 million people. This February, the bank account registry was hacked, and in January, the immigration office was breached. However, hackers obtained personal data from ANTS, including passport, ID card, driver’s license, residence permit, and vehicle registration data, which may be far more valuable to criminals. Consequently, affected citizens are at risk of attacks stemming from social engineering and user profiling.

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UK Hospital Imposes Language Ban on Staff

A teaching hospital trust in Lancashire, UK, has instructed medical staff to stop using common English expressions such as “it’s raining cats and dogs” and “the early bird catches the worm.” The hospital trust is promoting diversity and inclusion in this way and believes that the language restrictions are necessary because certain expressions may offend foreigners, according to GB News.

Although the guidelines compiled by the trust were first published last year, they are updated every three years. According to the guidelines, it is extremely important for healthcare workers to use inclusive and respectful language, thereby helping to create a healthier society. Common English expressions such as “it’s raining cats and dogs” and “the early bird catches the worm” have now been added to the list of banned phrases. In addition, the guidelines recommend avoiding the word “chairman” and using “chairperson” instead. It is also considered inappropriate to address a group as “guys”; instead, neutral alternatives such as “colleagues,” “team,” or “members” should be used. Employees are also instructed to use the pronoun “they” when gender is unclear, rather than the default masculine or feminine pronouns “he” or “she.” (See also UN Language Guidelines.)

According to the hospital trust, these words and phrases are not “culturally sensitive,” may not translate easily into other languages, and could require additional explanations for colleagues and patients of other nationalities.

Critics have dismissed the guidelines as an April Fool’s joke but are concerned that language policing is becoming increasingly widespread, including within the healthcare system. Toby Young, head of the Free Speech Union, warned that such guidelines could trigger a witch hunt against employees who have used perfectly ordinary expressions. Meanwhile, critics argue that language policymakers keep adding new guidelines and banning more and more words and phrases. According to Young, the concept of “cultural insensitivity” is extremely broad and too easily applied. “If you’re not fluent in ‘woke-ish’ – which is a constantly changing modern dialect – you will eventually be cancelled,” Young added.

It is worth noting that the hospital trust is facing significant financial difficulties and had recorded a deficit of 42.1 million pounds (approx. 48 million euros) as of November 2024. At the same time, the trust spent £100,723 (approx. €115,000) on salaries for 2.3 employees in the equality and diversity sector during the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The highest-paying position is in the diversity sector, with an annual salary of 48,526 pounds (approx. 56,000 euros). By comparison, a hospital nurse’s salary is only 31,049 pounds (approx. 36,000 euros) per year.

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Japan Weighs Content-Focused Social Media Age Verification

Japanese politicians are considering their own version of social media age verification, focusing on content filtering. In other words, they are considering default, age-based content sorting to combat social media addiction. In addition, Japan is exploring a system that would measure the risks of each platform, according to Biometric Update.

More specifically, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications wants age-based filtering to be enabled by default on social media. According to the ministry, operators verify a customer’s identity at the time of purchase, and, under current law, social media companies are already required to filter out content unsuitable for minors. However, measures taken by platforms have varied widely so far, and parents can easily disable such filters. As a result, authorities doubt the effectiveness of the current system.

The government has not yet announced age ranges for content control or specific technical solutions. Currently, the Japanese government is awaiting a final report on potential solutions, after which it plans to introduce more specific legislative changes or guidelines.

The government has also announced that it is developing a new assessment system to determine the risks of social media platforms, such as overuse or exposure to harmful content. The system would focus on features such as content filters, ad display restrictions, and other time limits.

Among Asian countries, Indonesia has banned social media for those under 16, affecting approximately 70 million minors, with the government citing the ban as a measure to “restore children’s sovereignty over their future”. Malaysia is also drafting social media rules to prevent those under 16 from accessing social media. Malaysia’s plan may include identity verification and MyDigital ID, which critics say could result in one of the world’s strictest controls.

These quotes highlight:

- the value of various individual freedoms, including freedom of speech and thought, academic freedom, freedom over one’s personal way of life, etc.

- the importance of value-based governance, and the dangers and harm of corrupt practices.

1. Benjamin Franklin, statesman (1706-1790)

2. Edmund Burke, statesman, and philosopher (1729-1797)

3. Margaret Thatcher, politician (1925-2013)

• London Police Win Court Battle Over Facial Recognition Systems

• The U.S. Plans Age Verification at the Operating System Level

• Tech Companies Continue Scanning Private Messages Despite Regulation Expiry

London Police Win Court Battle Over Facial Recognition Systems

Privacy advocates in the UK lost a case in the High Court in which they sought to prevent or restrict the London Police’s use of real-time facial recognition technology. The High Court has now rejected claims that, by scanning everyone’s faces in public places, the Met Police have violated human rights and privacy, reports the BBC.

The complaint was filed by youth worker Shaun Thompson and Silkie Carlo, director of the campaign group Big Brother Watch. They argued that facial recognition could be used arbitrarily or in a discriminatory manner, particularly against ethnic minorities. The lawyers also argued that facial recognition cameras make it impossible for people to move about without their biometric data being collected and processed. The plaintiffs argued that the system violates the right to privacy established in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. In the plaintiffs’ view, the technology gives the police too much discretion and has a negative impact on the willingness to protest.

Thompson is, in fact, one of those who has suffered from a false positive result by facial recognition technology. In February 2024, the London police detained him, mistaking Thompson for his brother, who was a suspect in a crime. Thompson describes this experience as frightening and unfair, because although he was cooperative, his bank cards and passport were not enough to convince the police that the facial recognition technology had made a mistake. He has vowed to appeal the current court ruling.

The High Court, however, found that “the risk and potential scope of racial discrimination was only weakly alleged” and that Thompson’s and Carlo’s human rights had not been violated. Thus, the British High Court essentially gave the police permission to continue using real-time facial recognition technology. Police Commissioner Mark Rowley, of course, praised the court’s decision, calling it a huge victory for public safety. He added: “The courts have confirmed our approach is lawful. The public supports its use. It works. And it helps us keep Londoners safe.” The Commissioner believes that the question is no longer whether the police should use facial recognition, but why they shouldn’t.

Police Minister Sarah Jones also welcomed the decision enthusiastically, stating that “there can be no true freedom if people live in fear of crime in their communities.” According to the minister, a massive investment is planned to roll out facial recognition systems across the entire country. Jones emphasized the often-cited argument that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, as their technology is supposed to target only wanted individuals. Although there are countless examples to the contrary from every corner of the world in recent years (see also here, here, here).

Scotland Yard plans to deploy vehicles equipped with real-time facial recognition at selected locations in the capital. The cameras will then scan everyone walking on the street, and the images will be compared against a database of criminals or missing persons. If a face is not found in the database, the system is supposed to delete the image immediately. In the event of a potential match, the system notifies the police. The police are then supposed to verify the match once more before deciding to detain the person.

According to London police, 2,100 arrests have been made using facial recognition technology since the beginning of 2024. Last year, more than three million people passed in front of real-time facial recognition cameras, and 12 false alarms were recorded, none of which led to an arrest.

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The U.S. Plans Age Verification at the Operating System Level

Last week, the U.S lawmakers from both parties introduced a joint bill, the “Parents Decide Act” (HR 8250), which would require operating system providers to verify the age of every user. The bill would shift responsibility for age verification from individual apps to operating system providers, according to Biometric Update.

The “Parents Decide Act” was introduced by Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Elise Stefanik. Gottheimer explained that the internet is becoming increasingly dangerous for children, and the issue is no longer limited to social media but also includes artificial intelligence and other platforms that shape children’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. He argued that safety measures are often lacking, and that children are currently expected to manage their own online safety. However, according to Gottheimer, this is neither realistic nor responsible. Parents, he said, should decide which apps children can download, what content they see, and how they interact online - not the algorithms of tech companies.

Gottheimer also emphasized that the law would establish a consistent standard for all platforms. The phone’s operating system would transmit the restrictions set by a parent to apps and artificial intelligence systems. He argued that this would give parents meaningful control, with the new age verification law working alongside other efforts to promote online safety, including the Sammy Act, the Children’s Online Safety Act, and the Children and Teenagers’ Online Privacy Protection Act.

Under the proposed bill, users would have to provide their date of birth to use an operating system. If a user is under 18, a parent or legal guardian would need to verify their age. Operating system companies would be required to develop systems to process the information necessary for age verification. Under Federal Trade Commission (FTC) privacy and data protection rules, oversight would remain with the Commission, which would be required to issue regulations within 180 days of the law taking effect. These rules would address shared devices, parental controls, and data protection to ensure that date-of-birth data is collected securely and misuse is prevented. The FTC would also be required to report to Congress on rulemaking progress and how companies are complying with the new law.

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Tech Companies Continue Scanning Private Messages Despite Regulation Expiry

Major tech companies have confirmed that they are still scanning private messages, even though the EU’s temporary regulation requiring them to do so has expired. The European Commission, however, is not saying whether the practice is in line with EU law, but rather is avoiding questions on the matter. Instead, a spokesperson emphasized last week that “proactive behavior by companies is essential to protect children in the EU and elsewhere” and that child protection should not depend on companies’ business decisions, writes EUPerspectives.

The EU introduced a temporary Chat Control measure in 2021 to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. This measure was intended to last only until a permanent law was adopted. But the European Parliament voted on March 11 to extend the temporary message monitoring until August 3, 2027, with the condition that the monitoring be more limited. Parliament demanded targeted detection, a ban on monitoring encrypted messages, and that the measure be applied only to specific suspects or groups. On March 26, Parliament also rejected a last-minute attempt to extend the measure, and it expired on April 3.

Just one day after the measure expired, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Snap issued a joint statement confirming that they would continue scanning private messages. “As EU institutions continue to negotiate an immediate, interim solution and a durable framework, signatory companies (Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Snap) reaffirm their continued commitment to protecting children and preserving privacy, and will continue to take voluntary action on our relevant Interpersonal Communication Services,” the companies stated in a press release published on April 4. The companies warned that the expiration of the measure could leave children unprotected and criticized EU institutions for inaction, saying they had failed to reach an agreement in time.

Thus, the EU now faces a regulatory gap. The companies claim they are complying with the original requirement, but now on their own terms. The European Commission, however, has not clarified whether such a practice is in line with EU law. At the same time, negotiations are continuing in the EU on the next version of message control (“Chat Control 2.0”), which would replace the temporary measure with a permanent one.

According to the website Fightchatcontrol.eu, six countries opposed message control last November. By now, the number of opposing countries has dropped to four: the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland. Austria, Belgium, and Finland, which previously opposed the measure, appear to have joined the ranks of supporters. Countries that had not yet decided in November - such as Germany, Greece, Romania, Luxembourg, and Slovenia - also now appear to support the measure.

• Following COVID Pass: EU Rolls out Age Verification App

• Cancel Culture Silences British Youth on Politics

• Kazakhstan To Introduce Palm Biometrics in Banking

Following COVID Pass: EU Rolls Out Age Verification App

The European Commission has long promoted age verification as the main solution for ensuring the safety of minors online and protecting them from the mental health risks posed by social media. On April 15, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU’s digital age verification app is ready and will soon be rolled out, reports Politico. “We are holding accountable those online platforms that do not protect our kids enough. The new age verification solution and the enforcement of our rules go hand in hand,” said von der Leyen. But critics argue that such an app will lead not to the protection of children, but rather to censorship and the silencing of “inappropriate” people.

Age verification technology is promoted as a way for people to verify their age online using a government-approved and certified system. EU officials claim that citizens’ privacy and personal data are safeguarded in the system. The Commission began testing the age verification app last August, and the app is designed to work with the digital wallet solution.

Notably, in the press release, President von der Leyen drew a parallel between the COVID-19 pandemic and the so-called vaccine passport introduced then. Thus, von der Leyen emphasizes that the age verification app is not the first time the Commission has proposed an innovative solution to a new problem. “We all remember the COVID-19 pandemic. Our world came to a complete standstill. But as we emerged from lockdowns and as vaccines became available, the Commission developed the COVID app in record time—three months—to help bring us back to normal life in a safe way. By scanning our COVID certificates, we could attend a concert or board a plane to travel again, and so on. Seventy-eight countries across four continents used this app, so it was a huge success. And now we have taken this success and applied it to the age verification app. It follows the same principles, the same model,” von der Leyen explained.

Von der Leyen also emphasized that, like the vaccine passport, the age verification app is user-friendly. Citizens must download the app and set it up using their passport or ID card. Then they can verify their age on web platforms without disclosing any other personal data. “Put simply, it is completely anonymous: users cannot be tracked. Third, the app works on any device – phone, tablet, computer, you name it. And, finally, it is fully open source – everyone can check the code. This means that our partner countries can also use it. It is very important that this can be used by our global partners,” von der Leyen said. Thus, web platforms will no longer have excuses for failing to verify age for technological or other reasons. Instead, she suggested, Europe is offering a free solution to everyone, meaning the Commission no longer has to tolerate any company that “does not respect our children’s rights.”

However, hundreds of security and privacy researchers recently signed a document with opposite conclusions. They warned against a social media ban and the accompanying age verification, arguing that it may lead to censorship and the silencing of “inappropriate” people without solving any problems. The signatories say it is unclear how widespread age verification will affect security, privacy, and people’s freedom and autonomy – in other words, the researchers’ views are in direct contradiction to the European Commission President’s claims.

The first few days of the age verification app have already revealed serious security flaws. Security researcher Paul Moore demonstrated that the app can be hacked in under two minutes. During setup, users create a PIN, which the app encrypts and stores in a shared preferences file. However, an attacker with an access to the device’s filesystem can simply delete the encrypted PIN values, restart the app, choose a new PIN, and then present the original user’s credentials as valid. Moore warns that this design makes a major breach “just a matter of time.” (See also here, here.)

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Cancel Culture Silences British Youth on Politics

A survey by the Economist Educational Foundation has found that 22% of 15–17-year-olds and 19% of 10–14-year-olds in the United Kingdom are reluctant to express their political opinions because they fear criticism and cancellation. In addition, 23% of more than 4,000 students aged 10–17 who took part in the survey said they had been asked not to express political views at school, according to Sky News.

Tiffany Smyly, chief growth officer at the Economist Educational Foundation, said: “If teenagers are worried about being cancelled, then they are not going to be sharing their viewpoints at school or with friends.” She warned that fear of cancellation and criticism is pushing teenagers towards “extreme” communities, chat rooms, and forums where they can then express themselves more freely. However, views in these spaces may become even more polarised. Smyly believes efforts should instead focus on channelling young people’s political interest in a more positive and constructive direction. The study also showed that young people’s main concerns are the cost of living and healthcare.

In addition, 44% of 15–17-year-olds said they do not feel prepared to vote in the next election. The UK government announced last year that it plans to lower the voting age to 16, enfranchising 9.5 million more people. While many are curious about politics, two-thirds of 15–17-year-olds admitted they would feel more confident about voting if they knew more about different political views and policies.

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Kazakhstan To Introduce Palm Biometrics in Banking

The National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Agency for the Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) have approved new rules governing how financial institutions must identify customers using biometric data. In addition to facial recognition, citizens can now be identified using palm biometrics, Biometric Update reports.

Kazakhstan has approved new rules requiring the use of biometric identification, including palm prints, for logging into banking apps, opening accounts, initial registration for digital banking, high-risk financial transactions, loans, and issuing electronic digital signatures.

The new biometric solution introduces palm-print authentication. In addition to the biometric data already known to the state – such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris scans – citizens must also provide a palm print that includes both the surface pattern and the vein pattern of the palm. Financial institutions must use special hardware or security terminals for palm verification, and citizens are limited to only three attempts when verifying their identity. A 95% match is required for successful authentication. If palm-based identity verification fails, the next step is to use facial biometrics. All authentication attempts are recorded and stored for at least five years in both the national system and the financial institution – even if the customer relationship with the respective bank ends.

Under the new system, banks connect to the national central system and do not store citizens’ biometric data themselves. In other words, the bank establishes a connection to the national systems for each authentication. Citizens’ biometric data is collected via video or a scanner and then transmitted to the national system.

In line with the new regulations, palm-based payment systems are already becoming increasingly popular in Kazakhstan’s retail and service sectors. Such a payment solution links the user’s biometric signature directly to their bank account, enabling payments without cards, phones, or cash.

Now, if you look at all the elements of the system Fitts calls the digital control grid – facial recognition cameras, QR code checkpoints, smartphones, etc., and you have AI data centers to analyse them all – then once you fuse it all together, it’s a digital concentration camp.

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Fitts is one of the most prominent voices in the world warning about our rapid march into a digital dystopia. She describes the emerging digital surveillance system as a panopticon, a concept introduced by Jeremy Bentham in which the possibility of constant observation by a central authority ensures discipline and control, most famously exemplified by a prison. The problem, Fitts argues, is that this new 21st-century digital control grid – this modern panopticon – will be overwhelming and total. With the technocratic tools now in development, it could potentially surveil everyone everywhere, and restrict our personal freedoms at will.

Catherine Austin Fitts is the founder and president of Solari, Inc., publisher of the Solari Report, and managing member of Solari Investment Screens, LLC.

Fitts has had a long and distinguished career. She has served as Managing Director and member of the Board of Directors of the Wall Street investment bank Dillon, Read & Co. Inc., as Assistant Secretary of Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development during the first Bush Administration, and as President of Hamilton Securities Group, Inc. Fitts has designed and closed over $25 billion in transactions and investments and has led portfolio and investment strategy for $300 billion of financial assets and liabilities.

• Greece to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15

• Russia Building WeChat-Style State Messaging App

• Spain Approves Legal Status for Undocumented Immigrants

Greece to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15

Starting January 1, 2027, Greece will ban social media for children under 15. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cited children’s rising anxiety, sleep disorders, and the addictive nature of online platforms as the main reasons for the ban. “Greece is among the first countries to implement such a measure,” the prime minister said, according to Reuters.

Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou stated that, from January 1, 2027, platforms must be able to restrict underage users or face fines under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). These fines can reach up to 6% of a company’s global turnover. As a reminder, the first major fine under the DSA was €20 million issued to the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, the European Commission penalized the American company for technical issues and its defense of free speech.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis added that Greece aims to encourage the rest of the European Union to adopt a similar social media ban and age verification system. He explained that he has proposed a coordinated EU-wide approach, as national measures alone are not enough to protect minors from internet addiction. Greece also suggested establishing a “digital age” of 15 across the Union and requiring all platforms to verify users’ ages. Furthermore, the country believes uniform enforcement rules and penalties should be introduced, with common EU regulations potentially finalized by the end of this year.

Currently, Greece cannot yet force social media platforms to verify users’ ages, as parliament does not plan to pass the law until mid-year. The government is therefore recommending the use of existing mechanisms already in place under the European Union and in Greece. It has also called on parents for support. According to a February opinion poll, about 80% of respondents backed the social media ban. Mobile phones are already prohibited in Greek schools, and the government has created parental control platforms to help limit teenagers’ screen time.

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Russia Building WeChat-Style State Messaging App

The Kremlin has long urged Russians to switch from foreign messaging apps to Max, a domestic app developed by VK. To push adoption, authorities have introduced several coercive measures, trying to make Max seem indispensable for everyday life. Despite these efforts, Russian users have not embraced the app enthusiastically. While some claim Max’s functionality is inferior, critics argue its main drawback is that it serves as a powerful state surveillance tool, Reuters reports.

So far, Russia’s most popular messaging app has been Telegram, created by Pavel Durov. However, the authorities have attacked it for years through blocks and fines. Nevertheless, Telegram has grown from a simple messaging service into a major platform offering business tools, monetization for content creators, and even crypto transactions. The Russian government sees this “platform economy” as a key way to accelerate slowing economic growth.

That is why VK CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko has drawn inspiration from Chinese messaging apps while developing Max. The plan is to integrate third-party chatbots into an open system, just as WeChat does in China, to create new services for businesses. “The Asian model, exemplified by WeChat, succeeded thanks to its open system,” Kiriyenko explained, adding that partnerships are the key to success. For example, last month China’s Tencent launched ClawBot, a tool that integrates WeChat with OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent capable of transferring files and sending emails on behalf of users. Kiriyenko also confirmed that VK is studying Douyin’s short-video e-commerce model, which has proven highly successful. “When people consume content, they follow creators who promote products and services in areas such as beauty, health, and fashion. I am currently working on developing this into a more collaboration-oriented format,” he said, noting that around 500,000 businesses have already registered as Max users.

Vladimir Kiriyenko was appointed CEO of VK in 2021. It is worth noting that his father, Sergei Kiriyenko, is a former prime minister and currently serves as first deputy head of the Kremlin administration. There he oversees domestic policy and is considered one of the most influential figures in Russia’s power structure — often called Putin’s “gray cardinal.”

The messaging app Max began to be aggressively promoted in Russia last year. Ads appeared everywhere, combining threats and direct coercion to force users to switch. Max is now required to be pre-installed on all new smart devices. At the same time, authorities continue to restrict other messaging apps after years of trying to control or monitor WhatsApp and Telegram. They have also targeted Western internet giants such as Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon, encouraging users to choose domestic alternatives like Yandex, VK, and Mail.ru.

It is no secret that the state strongly supports these domestic apps - especially Max - whose ultimate goal is to become the single platform for all communication with the government and other services. The Kremlin has stated that citizens should be able to file complaints about garbage collection, register for school classes, or book dentist appointments through Max. Several schools have already announced that all communication will move to Max, and some have even blocked access for students who refuse to use it (see also here, here).

Max works closely with Gosuslugi, Russia’s e-government portal launched more than 15 years ago. The portal forms the core of the country’s age verification systems and has been increasingly integrated with VK since 2022. Last year it was reported that digital signatures (GosKlyuch) on Gosuslugi now require Max.

In any case, Max has had a reputation as a surveillance tool from the very beginning. Critics say the app enables user monitoring, shares data with third parties and government agencies, and logs IP addresses and activity. All actions within the app are effectively under the watchful eye of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

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Spain Approves Legal Status for Undocumented Immigrants

The Spanish government has approved a plan to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote in a social media post: “An act of normalization, of recognizing the reality of nearly half a million people who already form part of our daily life. And, also, an act of justice and a necessity.” He considers the decision a model of justice and, at the same time, extremely necessary for Spain, as immigrants can now integrate into the labor market, as BBC reports.

Specifically, Sánchez believes that immigrants have helped create a prosperous, open, and diverse Spain, which has also been the country’s goal. And the immigrants now being legalized are desperately needed for the economy and public services, especially in Spain’s aging population.

Under the government’s plan, immigrants residing illegally in Spain will be eligible to apply for a residence permit initially valid for one year, which can be extended in the future. Applicants must prove that they have lived in Spain for five months and that they have no criminal record, including in their country of origin. Applications can be submitted from April 16 through the end of June.

According to estimates by the think tank Funcas, there are approximately 840,000 undocumented immigrants living in Spain, most from Latin America. However, according to the opposition, both the government’s and the think tank’s figures are inaccurate, as the current legalization process is expected to result in closer to a million applications.

Spanish immigration authorities, however, have threatened to go on strike next week, on April 21 as the country’s systems are not ready to handle up to half a million applications. Cesar Perez, head of the Spanish immigration officers’ union, said: “The government is once again implementing a new legalization program without providing the agencies with sufficient funding.”

Spanish immigration authorities, however, have threatened to go on strike next week, on April 21, because the country’s systems are not ready to handle up to half a million applications. Cesar Perez, head of the Spanish immigration officers’ union, said: “The government is once again implementing a new legalization program without providing the agencies with sufficient funding.”

• Germany Plans To Ban Property Deals Based on Politics

• Australia’s Police State: No Right To Remain Silent

• Russia Labels Communist Crimes Archive “Extremist”

Germany Plans to Block Property Deals Based on Politics

The German government has proposed granting local authorities the right to block real estate transactions, including the purchase of residential property, if a potential buyer is suspected of “unconstitutional” activities. However, the term is worded rather vaguely in the laws and could allow the state to target dissidents and politically “undesirable persons” even if they have not broken any laws, according to Remix News.

The bill is being led by Verena Hubertz, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) Construction Minister, and according to the explanatory memorandum, the aim is to “strengthen the orientation toward the common good,” “prevent social injustices,” and halt “the spatial impact of organized crime as well as right-wing, left-wing, or religiously motivated extremist activities.” Unconstitutional activity is characterized as an active approach to achieving one’s goals, but it is not necessarily combative, aggressive, or illegal. At the same time, it must objectively be capable of exerting political influence at some point in time.

Thus, a local government may take action if it finds that a buyer supports such activities and if, in the local government’s view, the purchase endangers the “socially stable population structure” or the “region’s suitability for meeting the social and cultural needs of the population.”

Moreover, the potential buyer does not need to have a valid criminal conviction nor to have broken the law. As a result, these new powers could provide grounds to prohibit real estate transactions solely on the basis of political views. Given the German authorities’ past behaviour, the focus is likely to be on those on the right.

The draft bill notes that right-wing and left-wing groups often purchase real estate, with left-wing groups even seizing properties to create politically motivated housing projects. At the same time, the draft focuses more on right-wing examples, where right-wing dominance is said not to be coincidental but a deliberate strategy. “Handouts on prevention against right-wing extremism always refer to the involvement and activation of the local population. However, at a certain point, a counterweight of civil society initiatives can no longer be achieved, which can further promote segregation of the resident population,” write the draft’s supporters.

The draft of the bill asks local governments to rely on information from security agencies, and to this end, the law governing the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) will also be amended. The BfV is an influential intelligence agency in Germany that has, for example, monitored members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party (see also here, here). With this legislative change, the BfV will be authorized to share personal data with local governments to vet potential buyers.

Critics warn that the law could be used much more broadly than its stated objectives claim. For example, the criminal police have investigated individuals for offenses such as “the use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.” However, such charges have often been levelled against those who have criticized the government (see here, here, here, here, here, here).

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Australia’s Police State: No Right To Remain Silent

Australia plans to amend its laws so that ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers become permanent and no longer require the filing of charges. However, citizens will no longer have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer will be limited. In other words, the plan is to expand the powers of the country’s main intelligence agency and significantly curtail citizens’ rights, writes Sydney Criminal Lawyers.

The Australian House of Representatives has passed and sent to the Senate Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 (ASIO Bill), which seeks to perpetuate the temporary provisions established in 2003 and renewed several times since that time. These provisions form a part of more than 100 national security and counter-terrorism laws.

Among these is, for example, the ASIO Director-General’s authority to summon individuals who are not suspected of any offence and who are as young as 14, to be interrogated regarding espionage, politically motivated violence (including terrorism), and foreign interference in order to gather information about threats to national security. The questioning may last up to a total of 24 hours. It is worth noting that the current temporary regulations allow both minors and adults to be questioned for a total of 24 hours as well, but the maximum consecutive questioning time permitted for adults is 8 hours and for minors only up to 2 hours.

The authorities are also seeking, through the current amendments, to expand the scope of compulsory questioning, for it to include sabotage, incitement to communal violence, and attacks against the Australian Defence Force. On top of it, there is also a completely new provision: “The protection of Australia’s territorial and border integrity from serious threats.”

Furthermore, the mandatory questioning procedure grants the head of ASIO the authority to request an interrogation order from the Australian Attorney-General for adults or minors – including those as young as 14 – even if they are not suspected of any crime. Australian police may, at the same time, detain the person, if necessary. A detained person is compelled to answer any questions and produce required documents or items. Failure to do so can result in up to 5 years’ imprisonment, meaning the person being questioned has no right to refuse what is asked of him or her.

ASIO regulations also stipulate that an adult may contact a lawyer at any time during the proceedings, and a minor must have a representative, such as a lawyer, parent, or guardian. However, if an adult must appear for questioning immediately, the Department of Home Affairs will appoint a temporary lawyer for him. Furthermore, ASIO has the right to refuse a specific lawyer requested by the individual if the state considers the lawyer a potential threat to national security. But it doesn’t stop there – the individual’s lawyer may also be removed from the proceedings during questioning if they are deemed disruptive.

According to the government, the new measures are based on the 2025 Threat Assessment by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess. It assumes that Australia is likely to face multiple threats over the next five years, as the national security environment becomes “more dynamic, more diverse, and more challenging.”

Many lawyers and civil rights advocates, however, describe the new ASIO powers as “police state” measures. They argue that innocent people can be forced to speak, their rights are significantly restricted, and the powers can be easily abused. According to the critics, these strict rules may silence dissenting opinions and wrongly affect ordinary citizens. Although the temporary powers have reportedly been used only rarely so far, they are nevertheless highly problematic in a democratic country.

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Russia Labels Communist Crimes Archive “Extremist”

This Thursday, Russia’s Supreme Court declared the human rights center Memorial an extremist group, making the center’s activities and its employees subject to criminal prosecution and effectively bringing the organization’s work to an end. The center was founded in the late 1980s and documented political repression during the Soviet era while assisting modern-day political prisoners. In 2022, the center was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, reports The Moscow Times.

The Supreme Court referred to the center as “the Memorial international public movement,” justifying the decision by claiming that the center’s activities are “significantly anti-Russian” and aimed at “undermining historical, cultural, spiritual, and moral values,” thereby damaging “the foundations of the Russian state.”

The authorities now have the right to shut down all remaining projects or departments associated with Memorial. Furthermore, they may file criminal charges against any Russian citizen who cooperates with Memorial’s refugee network, shares its content, or provides financial support to the organization.

The Memorial Human Rights Center was founded in 1987 to document political repression in the Soviet Union and provide legal aid to political prisoners. In 2022, the center was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as one of Russia’s oldest civil rights organizations. Even then, the Russian authorities had begun to crack down on the center, claiming it had repeatedly violated the “foreign agents” law. Following the Nobel Peace Prize, a Moscow court ordered the confiscation of Memorial’s headquarters and demanded them to be converted into state revenue.

In any case, the center’s activities were increasingly at odds with the current regime under President Vladimir Putin, who has sought to improve the Soviet Union’s image. The authorities have now delivered the final blow.

Memorial announced that in order to protect its staff and volunteers from the repressive state apparatus, it is ceasing all direct operations in Russia. The center added that the Supreme Court’s ruling is unlawful and represents the final stage in the state’s attempt to completely crush independent civil society.

The EU Delegation in Russia called the Supreme Court’s ruling politically motivated. The Delegation noted that Memorial has been a bastion of historical memory and the defense of human rights for decades. “This step cannot erase its legacy,” the Delegation affirmed, adding that the Russian state itself had previously recognized and supported the center’s activities.

These quotes highlight:
- the value of various individual freedoms, including freedom of speech and thought, academic freedom, freedom over one’s personal way of life, etc.
- the importance of value-based governance, and the dangers and harm of corrupt practices.

1. Edmund Burke, statesman, and philosopher (1729-1797)

2. Seneca, a Roman philosopher and statesman (4 BC - 65 AD)

3. John Adams, 2nd President of the United States (1735-1826)

• Turkey Enforces ID Login for Social Media

• Mexico Moves to Restrict Cash Payments

• Man Arrested in France After AI Conversation

Turkey Enforces ID Login for Social Media

Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced in early April that a new requirement will be introduced within three months, obligating Turkish citizens to provide their national identification number when logging into social media platforms. According to the minister, the measure aims to curb online abuse, disinformation, and criminal activity. Accounts that fail to comply during the three-month transition period will be closed, including fake and bot accounts, reports Turkish Minute.

Akın Gürlek explained that verified identities will make it possible to hold users legally accountable for spreading harmful content, inciting harassment, attacking individuals, or engaging in illegal activity online. The minister believes that anonymity has enabled intimidation campaigns, the spread of false information, and attacks on both public figures and private individuals. Therefore, clearer accountability would help create a safer digital environment.

If parliament approves the bill, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) will be responsible for enforcing the law. Existing accounts may receive a three-month transition period, after which unverified accounts will face restrictions or closure. According to Gürlek, the measure forms part of a broader legal reform aimed at adapting the justice system to the risks of rapidly evolving digital platforms. Turkey is also planning to tighten other digital regulations. For example, parliament is considering a separate bill that would ban social media for users under 15 and introduce mandatory age verification.

Freedom of speech advocates argue that Turkish authorities have for years been strengthening control over online information through new laws and monitoring of users’ social media activity. The Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) claims that the government has already blocked access to approximately 1.2 million websites and social media posts. The association noted that technology companies operating in Turkey must appoint local representatives and are required to remove content at the authorities’ request. Non-compliance can result in advertising bans or reduced internet speeds.

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Mexico Moves to Restrict Cash Payments

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced in her opening remarks at the 89th Banking Conference, held in early April, that the government will ban cash payments at gas stations and toll booths by the end of this year and make digital payments mandatory. The broader goal is to fully digitize Mexico’s economy, writes Mexico News Daily.

“This will allow us to move forward with the digitization of the country through other schemes,” Sheinbaum added. According to the president, her government’s priority is to create an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth.

Sheinbaum also praised recent improvements to the CoDi (Cobro Digital) system, which now allows access via mobile phones without service fees. CoDi is a real-time digital payment platform developed by the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). The government also plans to involve Banco del Bienestar - a state-owned development bank that provides financial services and promotes financial inclusion, particularly among recipients of social assistance and people living in remote or marginalized communities - in the digitalization effort.

The banking sector in Mexico has lobbied heavily for digital banking and to significantly reduce the use of cash, particularly in public services. Currently, however, cash is still widely used in Mexico: approximately 80% of transactions are conducted in cash.

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Man Arrested in France After AI Conversation

A 37-year-old man was arrested in Strasbourg, France, after he mentioned during a conversation with an artificial intelligence chatbot his intention to buy a weapon to “kill a CIA, Mossad, or DGSI intelligence agent.” These alarming messages quickly caught the attention of the U.S. FBI, which reported them to the French platform Pharos - the official channel where instances of illegal online content and suspicious behavior can be reported - as detailed by L’Est Républicain and other regional newspapers.

However, no weapons were found during the search of the suspect’s home. As a result, he was released from police custody shortly afterward and the criminal case was closed without further charges. According to authorities, the man had a known history of mental health issues and had reportedly been under medical follow-up; following his arrest, he was placed in a psychiatric hospital.

Following his arrest, the man explained that he had simply wanted to test the reliability of artificial intelligence and the level of oversight applied to conversations with such systems. In any case, his question received a clear answer: conversations with artificial intelligence appear to be monitored, and it seems that rapid action can be taken - including internationally - when serious threats are detected. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has publicly stated, for example, that in “very rare” cases involving serious and direct threats to safety, conversations with the AI may be forwarded to the relevant authorities. “If human reviewers determine that a case involves an imminent threat of serious physical harm to others, we may refer it to law enforcement,” the company has emphasized.

• Apple Rolls Out Age Verification for UK iPhones

• Russia Tightens VPN Restrictions

• Russia Removes 30% of Books from Ural Libraries

Apple Rolls Out Age Verification for UK iPhones

In the UK, Apple iPhone and iPad users must now verify their age after Apple quietly added an age verification feature in the latest iOS 18.4 update. Until the user verifies their age, their device will function as a child-safe smartphone with web content filters automatically activated, reports the BBC.

According to Apple Support, users can verify their age by providing a credit card or ID. In some cases, Apple may use the customer’s existing account and registered payment method. Following the update, Apple devices in the UK now display the message: “UK law requires you to confirm you are an adult to change content restrictions.” However, the Online Safety Act does not require age verification to be performed directly on the device. The law, which came into effect last year, requires technology companies to strengthen child protection online, including age checks for certain websites.

According to the communications regulator Ofcom, the agency worked closely with Apple to ensure the measure “can be applied in a variety of contexts to ensure users are protected.” Ofcom called Apple’s decision “a win for children and families.”

However, Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, an organisation advocating for digital freedoms, believes Apple is stifling Britons’ freedom of expression online. Carlo stated that with this software update, Apple has crossed the Rubicon and is essentially acting like ransomware, leaving millions of Britons with “kids’ devices” if they do not complete age verification. She acknowledged that children’s safety online is extremely important, but argued that a more responsible approach is needed instead of imposing sweeping and draconian requirements such as presenting ID or a credit card.

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Russia Tightens VPN Restrictions

Russian Digital Minister Maksut Shadayev announced that the country plans to further restrict the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs remain quite popular in Russia, as citizens use them to circumvent internet controls and censorship, Reuters reports.

According to Digital Minister Shadayev, the goal is to reduce the use of VPNs. He added that the Ministry of Digital Development aims to implement the restrictions in a way that affects users as little as possible. The minister published the announcement on the notorious state-backed messaging service MAX, which has been accused of surveillance and control.

Just a few days earlier, government official Andrey Svintsov claimed that Roskomnadzor had developed the technical capability to selectively restrict VPN traffic. According to the newspaper Kommersant, Russia had blocked more than 400 VPNs by mid-January – 70% more than at the end of last year. At the same time, for every VPN that is shut down, new services tend to emerge, and many young people switch VPNs every day.

Apple is reportedly among the first to have removed VPN services from the Russian App Store; for example, Streisand, V2Box, v2RayTun, and Happ Proxy Utility are no longer available. AppleCensorship confirms that these apps have been removed from both the Russian and Chinese App Stores. This is not the first time Apple has removed VPN services from the Russian App Store. In 2024 alone, the tech giant removed at least 60 VPN apps, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN. Although these apps can no longer be downloaded, they can still be used by those who had previously installed them. However, they will no longer receive software updates, security fixes, or new features.

In any case, the latest cleanup of the Apple App Store marks a new phase in Russian internet censorship, with Roskomnadzor systematically closing “loopholes.” Diplomats are calling this a “major crackdown.” In addition to VPNs, authorities have repeatedly blocked mobile internet and major messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp in recent months. Allegedly, these platforms failed to comply with the law, and the internet blocks were necessary to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks.

Russia Removes 30% of Books from Ural Libraries

Approximately 30% of the books in Yekaterinburg’s libraries must be removed because they were purchased with funds from the George Soros Foundation. The Soros Foundation operated in Russia from the late 1980s until 2003. In 2015, Russian authorities declared it an undesirable organization, accusing it of undermining the country’s constitutional order, reports Meduza.

According to Irina Cheremisova, director of the Yekaterinburg library network, most of the books slated for removal were purchased in the 1990s. “We have to remove some books from the collection because they were purchased with Soros’s money. This accounts for about 30% of our collection,” she said. Cheremisova added that the book purge stems from changes in the law requiring the removal of works funded by undesirable organizations. She noted that the same problem now exists in almost all libraries in the region. At the same time, however, libraries face a shortage of books, while lacking funds to acquire new ones.

The Soros Foundation operated in Russia from the late 1980s until 2003. Its main partners were the non-profit organizations Open Society and Sodeistviye. The foundation supported educational programs, helped students and researchers, funded internet centers, and paid for printing books and textbooks. As said, in 2015, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office declared it an “undesirable organization” and accused it of undermining Russia’s constitutional order.

These quotes highlight:
- the value of various individual freedoms, including freedom of speech and thought, academic freedom, freedom over one’s personal way of life, etc.
- the importance of value-based governance, and the dangers and harm of corrupt practices.

1. Aldous Huxley, writer (1894-1963)

   

2. Benjamin Franklin, statesman (1706-1790)

   

3. James Madison, 4th President of the United States (1751-1836)

• Austria to Ban Social Media for Under-14s

• VPN Users Surge in 62 Countries

• Brussels: Work From Home and Travel Less

Austria Plans to Ban Social Media for Children Under 14

Austria is the latest country to plan a ban on social media for children under the age of 14. According to information released so far by Austria’s conservative-led coalition government, the draft legislation is expected to be ready by the end of June. If possible, an EU-wide age verification app would be used, the BBC reports.

Social Democrat Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, who announced the plan, said the government cannot stand by and watch as social media turns children into “addicts and often sick individuals.” Babler stated that it is the responsibility of politicians to protect children, and the ban should be treated like those on alcohol or tobacco. “There must be clear rules in the digital world too,” he said. Austrian Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr emphasized the “harmful” nature of social media and the need for people to learn to use it responsibly. The draft bill is expected to specify technical solutions for age verification. Where possible, the EU system will be used. Otherwise, Austria’s own solution would be implemented.

Christian Hafenecker, secretary-general of the opposition party, condemned the social media ban plan, calling it an attack on young people’s freedom of speech and freedom of information.

It appears that worldwide, the push for social media bans on young people and children has been fueled by a ruling handed down in March by a Los Angeles court. The court found that two social media giants - Meta and YouTube - had intentionally created addictive algorithms that harmed young people’s mental health. The case reached the court following a complaint alleging that the platforms had caused the plaintiff to develop a social media addiction during childhood. The court awarded the plaintiff $6 million (approximately €5.5 million) in damages, of which $3 million (approximately €2.8 million) was compensatory and $3 million was punitive. The court found that the platforms acted with “malice, oppression, or fraud.” Meta must pay 70% of the damages, with Google covering the remaining 30%. It is believed that this ruling will likely affect hundreds of similar cases currently pending in U.S. courts.

Meta and Google announced that they disagree with the court’s ruling and intend to appeal it. Meta argues that teenagers’ mental health is extremely complex and cannot be attributed to a single app. Google explained that YouTube has been misunderstood in this case because it os “responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.” The platforms have also noted that users under the age of 13 are not permitted to join their platforms and that parental control versions are available.

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VPN Users Surge in 62 Countries

Proton, a developer of virtual private networks (VPNs), reported that it recorded a sharp increase in demand for its VPN service in 62 countries. The company defines a sharp increase as any rise exceeding 100% of the previous baseline. Demand grew by more than 1,000% in 10 countries, over 5,000% in 6 countries, and up to 10,000% in 4 countries. Proton cites increasing internet restrictions by governments as the cause, including blocks, closed platforms, and mandatory age verification. However, for many users, the concern is not merely about access to the internet or a particular website, but rather the requirement to provide official identification or biometric data to access websites. This comes against the backdrop of several major data breaches.

Thus, Proton concludes that the past year was yet another challenging year for democracy and internet freedom. Authoritarian governments are increasingly willing to damage their own economies and their citizens’ livelihoods by implementing total internet shutdowns. According to Proton’s report, the most serious examples come from countries where the internet has been blocked due to conflicts or political control. For example, in Iran, authorities imposed a near-total internet blackout for three days on June 18 during the Iran-Israel conflict. The government cut off international connections and blocked access to websites, social media, messaging apps, and foreign VPN servers. Citizens could only use the country’s internal network and government-approved services. When limited connectivity was restored, Proton recorded a 5,500% increase in VPN users by June 26.

In Afghanistan, the increase was even greater. On September 29, the Taliban authorities imposed a 24-hour internet blackout, allegedly for moral reasons. The internet blockade was implemented after the regime began removing books written by women from universities and restricting girls’ education after the age of 12, which pushed learning toward online platforms. When connectivity was restored, access to social media remained restricted, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. However, VPN registrations increased by 35,000%. Subsequent internet disruptions, including the outage on October 14, have kept demand for VPNs in Afghanistan high.

Tanzania blocked the internet for five days during the October general election. This was due to protests that broke out in several cities after the two main opposition candidates were barred from participating. Tanzanian security forces responded to the protests with lethal force, and when service was restored, VPN registrations surged by 2,000%.

In March, Papua New Guinea temporarily blocked Facebook, claiming it was a “test” to limit misinformation, hate speech, pornography, and other harmful content during a national emergency. According to critics, the restriction coincided with Prime Minister James Marape’s testimony in a corruption trial and was intended to suppress real-time news and commentary. For many residents of Papua New Guinea, Facebook is the primary gateway to the wider internet, which is why demand for VPNs surged by more than 14,000% on the very first day of the block.

Equally serious, however, has been the growing threat to internet freedom in Western democracies, which are generally considered “free.” In democratic countries, internet control does not mean blocking access outright, but rather introducing an increasing number of legal measures and regulations. These often require individuals to verify their age and identity online, creating pressure to share personal data even to access legal content.

The United Kingdom is at the forefront of such regulations. The controversial Online Safety Act came into force last July, requiring websites to verify users’ ages and imposing numerous other obligations under threat of massive fines and sanctions. This also required adults to verify their identity, for example, using official identification or biometric data. At the same time, several large-scale data breaches have come to light, such as the Tea app data breach, which involved 72,000 images, including 13,000 user photos and ID card images, followed by breaches at Discord and Mixpanel. All these incidents confirmed fears about how web services collect, store, and protect personal data, which is why Britons are not very confident about submitting their data to websites. After the law came into effect, demand for VPNs in the UK rose by 1,200%.

Spain, however, has so far imposed internet restrictions in a rather clever and indirect manner. The increase in demand for VPNs was driven by blocking requests from La Liga (the soccer league). La Liga sought to combat the illegal streaming of matches and obtained a court order authorizing it to require internet service providers to block IP addresses associated with piracy. However, since many of these IP addresses were hosted on Cloudflare’s infrastructure, thousands of legitimate websites were also blocked. According to Proton, this situation persists in Spain to this day, with the government increasingly announcing various restrictions publicly - social media ban for minors and hate speech detection using artificial intelligence - rather than relying on indirect measures. In any case, VPN service registrations in the country have increased throughout the year, particularly by 110% in February and 200% in October. Proton also points out that demand for VPNs in Spain grew with every new block, not just during the games. This growth was likely driven by the need to access blocked legal websites.

In the United States, Proton recorded a 520% surge on January 19, 2025, when TikTok and CapCut were briefly offline and when TikTok disappeared from app stores during the enforcement of the federal sales ban. Although the enforcement was later postponed, the incident demonstrated how quickly consumer restrictions can drive demand for VPNs.

In conclusion, Proton notes that instead of a single major event, there were many large spikes in sign-ups throughout the year. This points to the fact that users are trying to access regular websites that are also subject to indirect blocking. According to Proton’s assessment, last year’s trends show no signs of abating this year. Governments around the world are increasingly willing to restrict internet access, particularly in the face of political pressure, civil unrest, or for regulatory purposes. Authoritarian states act more overtly, imposing more frequent and severe disruptions, while democracies act more subtly, yet pose an equally significant threat to internet freedoms.

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Brussels Official: Work From Home and Travel Less

European Commission Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen is urging people to work from home, drive and fly less, and calling on member states to rapidly adopt renewable energy sources. The top official also warns of a prolonged energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Persian Gulf, according to Politico.

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen’s speech echoed remarks made at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that Europe is facing a very serious situation with no end in sight. “Even if ... peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in the foreseeable future,” he said after an emergency meeting of EU energy ministers held on Tuesday. According to the energy commissioner, the more citizens can do - especially by conserving diesel and jet fuel - the better for everyone.

Jørgensen called on member states to follow the recommendations of the International Energy Agency, which advised prioritizing working from home whenever possible, driving more slowly, reducing highway speed limits by 10 km/h, promoting public transportation, limiting the use of private vehicles, increasing car-sharing, and adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The Energy Commissioner added to the already long list a call to invest even more in renewable energy. He explained that the current moment must be used to finally change course and become truly energy independent.

Although the ministers’ meeting ended without concrete proposals, Jørgensen promised that the Commission would soon announce a package of measures at the EU level. The discussions reportedly also covered the need for state aid, nuclear energy, and the Commission’s proposal to support greater use of biofuels.

In any case, the scope of the energy crisis has expanded with each passing day, with prices surging daily. Since the conflict began, gas prices have gone up around 70%, and oil prices have risen 60%, adding €14 billion to the EU’s import bill. There are fears of a crisis even more severe than the 1970s oil crisis, with global economic consequences comparable to those of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Finnish Supreme Court Finds Päivi Räsänen Guilty of “Hate Speech”

• IOC: Women’s Sports for Biological Women Only from 2028

• Ofcom Investigates Climate Remarks on TalkTV

Finnish Supreme Court Finds Päivi Räsänen Guilty of “Hate Speech”

Finland’s Supreme Court passed its ruling this week on one of Päivi Räsänen’s online writings, in which she had referred to homosexuality as a psychosexual development disorder, and found the accused guilty of insulting homosexuals as a group and hence inciting hatred against them. The court thus overturned the earlier acquittals by the district court and the court of appeals, which had ruled that the writings, though offensive, did not constitute punishable hate speech, reports Yle. Päivi Räsänen is a Member of the Finnish Parliament and a former government minister.

The court’s final ruling emphasized that it is erroneous to refer to homosexuality as a psychosexual developmental disorder. In the court’s view, Räsänen’s writings did not treat homosexuals as equal to heterosexuals, as heterosexuality was presented as the normal standard toward which a homosexual could strive. In the court’s view, these statements by Räsänen insulted homosexuals as a group on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Räsänen’s statements in question come from her 2004 online pamphlet “He created them male and female. Homosexual relationships call into question the nature of the Christian view of humanity,” which was published in 2007 on the websites of the Finnish Lutheran Foundation and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese. However, because Räsänen reposted the pamphlet on her Facebook page in 2019 and 2020, the Supreme Court could find her now guilty of inciting hatred. The court imposed a fine of 20 daily rates, which amounts to 1,800 euros, based on Räsänen’s income.

The other defendant was Bishop Juhana Pohjola, a representative of the Finnish Lutheran Foundation. The court found that, as he was a member of the foundation’s board, publishing the text in question served the foundation’s interests. The court sentenced Pohjola to a fine of 20 daily rates for inciting hatred against the group. The court imposed a fine of 5,000 euros on the foundation.

The court found that Räsänen’s offensive writings were not so much a matter of religion or religious belief, but rather opinions based on the author’s social and medical views. Thus, the court ruled that freedom of religion does not protect the presentation of opinions unrelated to religion under the guise of religious writing. Freedom of speech was central to the court proceedings, while freedom of religion carried less weight.

At the same time, the Supreme Court noted that the punishment imposed on Räsänen and Pohjola does not conflict with freedom of speech and religion, which are guaranteed by both the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. In the court’s view, the European Court of Human Rights has taken a strict stance on generalizing statements that attack an entire group – such as homosexuals – or portray such a group in a negative light. The court further emphasized that Räsänen made all of these statements in her capacity as a member of parliament and a doctor, and that the topics in question stemmed from her political activities. In the court’s view, her position and medical training have increased the potential harm of the statements. Finally, the court ordered that the offensive paragraphs be removed from Räsänen’s Facebook page and elsewhere on the web. The latter, however, pertains only to specific paragraphs and sentences and does not prevent the rest of the text from being published.

Päivi Räsänen said at a press conference that the Supreme Court’s decision came as a shock to her. “I was prepared for a completely different ruling, and therefore I am not even ready to comment on it,” Räsänen said, but promised to decide after a thorough analysis whether to appeal the ruling to the European Court of Human Rights. In any case, Räsänen does not consider herself at fault and sees no need to apologize, as her writing was and remains lawful and did not constitute an insult to anyone, but rather expressed the truth of the Bible. Räsänen emphasized that she had confirmed in all of the court proceedings that the 2004 text was now outdated, yet the court still declared the text unlawful. Räsänen stated that she is concerned about freedom of speech and that the court ruling gives everyone a reason to self-censor themselves in the future.

Finance Minister Riikka Purra wrote on the ruling: “Freedom of speech took another severe blow today through the Supreme Court’s decision. Whatever your opinion may be regarding the message in question (or its wording), defend freedom of speech. It is of critical importance for a functioning democracy and a healthy society.”

Minister of Justice Leena Meri has also expressed her opinion on the case, writing that freedom of speech is a central fundamental right and that the Penal Code must be clear, precise, and predictable. According to the minister, it is unthinkable that citizens would not know in advance which words or topics could lead to punishment. Both ministers believe the law must be amended.

The prosecutor sought punishment for Räsänen also for inciting hatred against a group on social media. Räsänen posted a message on Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook in the summer of 2019, in which she asked the church leadership for their reasons for becoming an official partner of the Pride event. “How does the church’s doctrinal foundation – the Bible – align with the idea that shame and sin are being celebrated as pride?” she wrote, quoting supporting verses from the Bible.

The Supreme Court dismissed this charge, finding that although Räsänen expressed her opinion on sexual acts between people of the same sex in a negative tone, given the context, the message cannot be considered criminally offensive to homosexuals.

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IOC: Women’s Sports for Biological Women Only from 2028

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that starting in 2028 – that is, beginning with the Los Angeles Summer Olympics – only biological women will be allowed to compete in women’s categories. The goal is to end the years-long controversy surrounding men who identify as women and individuals with differences in sexual development (DSD), who have always had natural advantages over women in every sport, reports the BBC.

According to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the decision was preceded by an analysis by medical experts, which found that men always have advantages over women in all sports due to greater strength, power, and endurance. Even a very small difference can determine victory or defeat in competition. “So it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe,” said the IOC president. These claims have also been confirmed previously by the UN, whose report states that men do indeed have gender-specific advantages over women and that, due to “trans women,” more than 600 female athletes had lost more than 890 medals by 2024.

According to the IOC, gender will henceforth be determined by SRY gene testing – that is, the presence of the sex-determining Y chromosome will be identified through a test that an athlete must take once in their lifetime. “The IOC considers that SRY gene screening via saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample is non-invasive compared to other possible methods,” the organization stated. Athletes who do not take the test may still compete in other categories for which they have qualified. “For example, they are eligible for any male category, including in a designated male slot within any mixed category, and any open category, or in sports and events that do not classify athletes by sex,” the IOC stated.

Until this decision, the IOC had left gender rules to the discretion of individual sports governing bodies and had not implemented a uniform approach. For example, in track and field, swimming, cycling, and rowing, men were prohibited from competing in women’s categories. In many other sports, however, men who identified as women were still permitted to compete in women’s categories, if they suppressed their testosterone levels.

According to the supporters of the Olympic Committee’s decision, track and field and boxing have recently used genetic testing successfully. This is a reliable, confidential, and proportionate approach supported by both sports scientists and the majority of athletes. Supporters also believe that genetic testing is far more humane than requiring a transgender person or someone with DSD to suppress their natural testosterone levels. This would also avoid the intense media coverage that has accompanied many such cases.

Critics of the decision, however, argue that genetic testing is unnecessary, invasive, costly, and carries a high risk of false positives. Some critics have gone so far as to label the system “gender policing” and a step backward, arguing that such a test violates athletes’ rights and may lead to stigmatization and psychological stress. The test is said to fail to reflect “the complex nature of gender.”

The IOC did in fact employ the SRY gene test in the 1980s, but abandoned it in the 1990s. The test had produced false-positive results, and there were fears that female athletes would be penalized for natural variations.

The first openly transgender woman, New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, competed in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. No known transgender women competed in the Paris Olympics last year, but a scandal was caused by Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won the gold medal in women’s middleweight boxing despite having been disqualified from the world championships just a year earlier for allegedly failing a gender test. Khelif has already announced that she will undergo gender testing in order to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics.

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Ofcom Investigates Climate-sceptical Remarks on TalkTV

The UK communications regulator Ofcom is being accused of Orwellian tactics after launching its first investigation in over a decade into alleged climate-sceptical comments, which tightens the already strict restrictions on free speech, according to the Daily Mail.

Initially, Ofcom did not pursue complaints about discussions of climate change in two programmes aired on the TV channel Talk last year. One complaint concerned a remark by a TalkTV guest, who said that “it was a deliberate effort to create fake anxiety… out of something that is false.” The programme discussed a report by the UK Health Security Agency on how climate change could affect mental health and what the government’s messaging on the issue should be. The second complaint concerned a statement by a guest on another programme, in which he described the Labour Party’s energy policy as “suicidal,” “driven by pseudoscience in many cases,” and “a kind of cultish behaviour.” That programme discussed the potential impact of climate change and carbon-neutrality policies on the population.

However, Ofcom changed its mind after the climate activist group Good Law Project (GLP) lobbied it and demanded an explanation for the initial decision. Subsequently, Ofcom performed a U-turn and now considers that so-called climate-skeptical claims may violate the Broadcasting Code. As a result, the impartiality and potentially misleading nature of the statements must be re-examined.

According to Toby Young, head of the Free Speech Union, these complaints come from climate activists who want to use the government agency to advance their agenda and silence opposing views. “The pretence that the science of global warming is ‘settled’ and that anyone who challenges any aspect of the environmentalist agenda, including Net Zero, is a ‘denier’, has long been a tactic of climate alarmists to silence dissent,” said Young. The Free Speech Union believes Ofcom should simply treat such complaints as nuisance and reject them, as it has done since 2017.

Conservative Party member Craig Mackinlay criticised the move as well: “Ofcom runs the risk of becoming an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth’ – truly dangerous territory in a supposed democratic society.” Mackinlay added that all fields of science evolve and change, and they should be given the freedom to do so. “As a libertarian Conservative, I take a simplistic view of broadcasting content – if I don’t like what I’m listening to or watching, I simply turn it off. We should perhaps do the same to Ofcom, saving millions of pounds by closing this unloved, out-of-control quango,” said Mackinlay.

The GLP has previously attacked the Labour government over its climate and carbon-neutrality policies, arguing that they do not go far enough. The group has also threatened the government with legal action, claiming that “[Keir] Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life”. Furthermore, the group has sought to overturn a Supreme Court ruling stating that the terms “woman” and “sex” refer to biological sex. This year, the organisation unsuccessfully challenged a ruling by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that trans women should not be allowed to use women’s restrooms in the workplace or public institutions. Regarding Ofcom’s recent change of heart, a GLP spokesperson wrote that right-wing channels had been allowed to spread dangerous climate lies unchecked for too long, and finally Ofcom had listened. The spokesperson added that Ofcom must curb the fossil fuel propaganda dominating the media.

Since January 2020, 1,221 complaints regarding climate change have been filed with Ofcom. None of these cases have been deemed a violation of the Broadcasting Act.

These quotes highlight:
- the value of various individual freedoms, including freedom of speech and thought, academic freedom, freedom over one’s personal way of life, etc.
- the importance of value-based governance, and the dangers and harm of corrupt practices.

1. George Orwell, writer (1902-1950).

   

2. John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States (1917-1963).

   

3. Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965).

   

• IEA Recommends Vehicle Restrictions Amid Fuel Crisis

• Slovenia Introduces Fuel Rationing – First in the EU

• Meteorologists Warn: Super-El Niño Is Coming

IEA Recommends Vehicle Restrictions Amid Fuel Crisis

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended emergency measures similar to COVID-19 restrictions in order to address the fuel crisis triggered by the conflict that has erupted in the Middle East and the closure of supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. For example, the agency recommends imposing restrictions on passenger car traffic in major cities, limiting the use of private vehicles in general, moving offices back into homes, and prioritizing electric stoves over gas stoves.

According to the IEA, one key emergency measure is to curb demand, and all countries worldwide should be prepared to implement such steps. Governments should lead by example and introduce obligations to rapidly reduce oil demand and costs.

The agency also describes a system of zones in major cities where private vehicles would be allowed to enter only on certain days, based on license plate numbers. A similar measure is already being considered by South Korea, where citizens would have to refrain from using their vehicles one day every five or ten days. Historically, this approach was used during the first oil crisis in Italy, with car-free Sundays and an odd/even license plate system.

As another measure, the IEA notes that lowering speed limits for cars, buses, and trucks on highways by 10 km/h could reduce fuel consumption. Therefore, governments could lower speed limits and encourage drivers to voluntarily drive more slowly. This measure has been applied in the past, for example by France during the 1973 oil crisis and the 2022 energy crisis. Due to the current crisis, Pakistan has already lowered its speed limits.

In addition, the agency points out that shifting from private vehicles to public transportation can reduce fuel demand, but walking or cycling would help even more. The agency also addresses car-sharing and fuel-efficient driving habits, such as smoother acceleration, proper tire pressure, and optimal air conditioning settings. It recommends designating separate lanes and parking spaces for shared vehicles, supporting ride-sharing apps, and encouraging drivers to change their habits.

The IEA also states that working from home should be prioritized. According to the agency’s data, fuel consumption from private trips to work accounts for approximately 5–30% of total vehicle fuel use, depending on the region. Three remote work days in a five-day workweek could reduce fuel consumption by about 2–6% per country and up to 20% per person. The agency therefore recommends that governments encourage companies to allow home offices, require public officials to work from home, and even close public sector buildings entirely on certain days.

Finally, the IEA recommends promoting electric cars and other more efficient vehicles, such as hybrids and two-wheelers. Governments should accelerate the development of charging infrastructure, establish low-emission zones, and support the production of sustainable fuels. The agency also suggests replacing oil-fired heating with heat pumps, implementing energy management systems, and increasing the recycling and reuse of plastic waste. Whether intentionally or not, these recommendations strongly resemble the measures that have been promoted for years in the name of the climate transition, as well as some of the draconian measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Slovenia Introduces Fuel Rationing – First in the EU

Slovenia has become the first EU member state to introduce fuel quotas, limiting private vehicles to a maximum of 50 liters per day. The quota for businesses and farmers is higher — up to 200 liters per day, according to the BBC.

This national measure aims to address the ongoing fuel crisis, which was triggered by the recent conflict in the Middle East and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Slovenia’s fuel rationing is also partly a response to so-called “fuel tourism,” where drivers from neighboring countries, especially Austria, have been taking advantage of the country’s lower, state-regulated prices. Until March 24, in Slovenia, a litre of Euro-super 95 petrol cost about 1.47 euros, while diesel cost about 1.53 euros. Since then, the state-regulated prices have increased slightly and are now €1.58 and €1.69 per litre respectively. In neighboring Austria, the same fuels already cost around 1.88 euros and more than 2.00 euros per liter respectively.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob assured the public just this past weekend: “Let me reassure you that there is enough fuel in Slovenia, the warehouses are full and there will be no fuel shortages.” Despite this reassurance, the government has implemented the limits. Gas stations are required to enforce the state-imposed restrictions, and staff must ensure that customers do not exceed the permitted amount. The government is also encouraging retailers to apply stricter limits on vehicles with foreign license plates. Some chains have already done so voluntarily – for example, MOL currently allows only 30 liters per day.

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Meteorologists Warn: Super-El Niño Is Coming

According to data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a high probability of a strong or even super-strong El Niño event this year, particularly in the second half of the year, writes EUobserver.

According to ECMWF models, conditions will begin to change as early as in the spring, intensifying significantly in the summer. The center forecasts a 20–25% probability of a super-El Niño; an 80% probability of a strong El Niño; and a 98% probability of a moderate one.

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a one-in-three chance of a very strong El Niño developing this year, and it will likely form between June and August, lasting at least until the end of the year. NOAA meteorologist Michelle L’Heureux emphasizes that we are currently in the so-called “spring forecastability barrier,” when forecasts are at their least reliable, and points out that models have been wrong in the past. For example, a strong El Niño was also predicted in 2014, but it did not materialize.

However, climatologist Daniel Swain notes on X: “All signs are increasingly pointing to a significant, if not strong to very strong, El Niño event.” According to Swain’s assessment, based on current data, “this is increasingly likely to become a major regional-to-global climate driver in 2026-2027”.

El Niño is a natural phenomenon during which the circulation between the ocean and the atmosphere changes in the tropical Pacific region. Every few years, the warm El Niño phase alternates with the cold La Niña phase. During a typical El Niño, Pacific waters warm by about one-tenth of a degree. During an extremely strong El Niño, it warms by more than two degrees above the long-term average. This is enough to alter the atmospheric circulation and the distribution of precipitation across the entire planet. Heat is released from the water, spreading across the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean and then across the entire planet. An event of this magnitude occurs approximately once every 10–15 years.

The most intense events almost always result in a year with record-breaking heat. Tropical regions face higher risks of drought and extreme heat – for example, in India, Australia, or parts of Africa. On the other side of the globe, however, such as in Peru or Ecuador, there are heavy rains and floods. The hurricane season is also affected, being typically weaker in the Atlantic, but more active in the Pacific region. In Europe, particularly Central Europe, the impacts are mostly indirect, primarily involving extreme heat waves, drier summers, more variable weather, and a higher risk of drought.

Such changes in ocean and atmospheric currents can both stimulate and depress the global economy. For example, a strong El Niño can lead to higher food prices, which are already under significant pressure from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Moscow users started reporting issues on the evening of March 5, struggling to load websites and apps. Some lost service entirely and could no longer make phone calls. Connectivity varied by location: in some areas everything worked fine, but a few streets away the network vanished completely. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that all disruptions and restrictions are “fully in accordance with the law” and stem from “an essential need: ensuring security.” Authorities describe the measure as a way to combat terrorism and Ukrainian drones. For instance, after Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported a drone threat on March 9, users across St. Petersburg lost internet access for about six hours. Peskov acknowledged the outages’ impact on businesses as an issue needing further analysis and promised solutions.

Communication outages in Russia have continued and become relatively common since May 2025, although prior to the legislative amendment that took effect on March 3, they were not as long-lasting or widespread. In February, President Vladimir Putin specifically signed a law that expanded the powers of the Federal Security Service (FSB), granting it the right to completely block communication networks by presidential decree to “protect citizens and the state from emerging security threats.” The law does not define what constitutes a “security threat”; it is a deliberately vague term, thereby giving both the president and the FSB wide latitude in interpretation. In addition, the new law grants telecommunications companies protection from legal liability for service disruptions. This provision is reportedly partly due to last year’s tendency of citizens to sue companies over outages and demand compensation for breach of contract.

Following recent outages in Moscow, sources in the telecommunications sector claimed that operators had been ordered to restrict mobile internet access in certain areas of the city. However, major operators such as Beeline and T2 officially claim that their networks are functioning normally and blame external restrictions for the outages.

The civil rights organization Human Rights Watch believes that Russian authorities have intensified internet censorship over the past month. It is also worth noting that according to an analysis by VPN provider Proton, governments are increasingly using targeted internet outages to strengthen censorship and enhance monitoring of online activity during blackouts. “State control over internet infrastructure has long been a top priority for the Russian government,” said Hugh Williamson, director of Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia division.

Russian Authorities Also Block Messaging Apps, Social Media, and VPN Services

In addition to internet outages, authorities have frequently blocked or restricted messaging apps and social media platforms. For example, in February, restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp were tightened, although users had experienced problems with these apps for some time. According to Roskomnadzor, Telegram needs to be increasingly restricted since the platform violates Russian laws and fails to ensure citizens’ safety. Russian media reports indicate that authorities plan to fully block Telegram in April, while a criminal case has been initiated against its founder Pavel Durov on charges of supporting terrorism. Durov linked the case to an attempt to “restrict the right to privacy and freedom of speech.”

According to Human Rights Watch, authorities are thus forcing users to switch to the state-approved platform Max. This app was created in 2025 by Vkontakte (VK), which is controlled by entities that have close ties with the Russian government. Last July, the government designated Max as the national messaging app as part of a state program integrating messaging with government services. Max allows users to send messages and make calls, but it also provides access to government services, digital documents, and age verification.

Last September, the government announced that Max should be pre-installed on all smartphones and tablets sold in Russia. Schools and universities have already switched their communications to Max, and under a threat of hefty fines, housing cooperatives and property management companies have been forced to use it as well. It has also been reported that Russian users cannot access the digital government services portal Gosuslugi without Max installed.

In January of this year, Max had 73.7 million monthly users; by February, that number rose to 77.6 million. Meanwhile, Telegram had 95.9 million users in January and WhatsApp had 89.4 million, but by February both had lost users – Telegram dropped by 280,000 to about 95.7 million, while WhatsApp fell by 9 million to 80.3 million.

However, the state-run messaging app Max has had a reputation as a government surveillance tool from the start. Critics describe it as enabling user surveillance and sharing data with third parties and government agencies. Max users and web experts have warned that the app collects vast amounts of data and requires extensive permissions. It has also been reported that the app sends queries to WhatsApp and Telegram domains and checks for VPN connections. Max has denied these allegations.

Furthermore, since 2019, internet service providers have been required to install the state-distributed and controlled technological means known as TSPU/ТСПУ in their networks, acclaimedly for countering threats. This technology allows the authorities to monitor, eavesdrop on, filter, redirect, and manipulate internet traffic, giving the government centralized control to block the internet.

However, in addition to internet traffic, authorities have targeted virtual private networks (VPNs). In February, Roskomnadzor confirmed it had blocked 469 VPN services, including the three most popular ones. Fines have been imposed for advertising VPNs, and since last July, Russian users may also face fine for “intentionally” searching for “extremist” content online, including via VPN.

• Nearly Half of Young Muslims in Germany Support Islamism

• Brazil Enacts Strict Online Age Verification Law

• Ofcom Fines 4chan £520,000 for No Age Verification

Nearly Half of Young Muslims in Germany Support Islamism

Per a new annual report by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, nearly half of Muslims under the age of 40 support Islamism – that is, the belief that all social and political systems should be governed by Islamic principles. According to the Ideological Defense Institute, the number of Islamists has doubled in four years.

According to the new 2024/2025 annual report of the Monitoring and Knowledge Transfer Platform (MOTRA) – a radicalization monitoring system funded by the German Ministry of the Interior and coordinated by the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) – 33.6% of Muslims under 40 (aged 18–39) support Islamism covertly and 11.5% do so openly. The report notes that 23.8% of Muslims in all age groups in Germany agree with the statement: “An Islamic theocracy is the best form of government,” and 25.1% agree with “The rules of the Quran are more important to me than German laws.” Islamism researcher Professor Susanne Schröter said: “Islamism-savvy means that Muslims consider Islamist interpretations of Islam to be correct, are attracted to Islamist organizations close to the Muslim Brotherhood or Salafism, prefer Sharia to the Basic Law, and usually also have anti-Semitic prejudices.”

The report’s findings confirm that the proportion of Islamists in Germany has grown significantly in recent years. When data collection began in 2021, only 22.3% of Muslims under 40 were Islamist openly or covertly. Now, these two groups together account for 45.1% of Muslims. In barely four years, the number of Islamists in Germany has nearly doubled.

The MOTRA report states that social media is radicalizing Muslims in Germany. The three most influential platforms for Islamist propaganda are YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Despite this, the German government consistently blames social media platform X instead; the institute attributes this to X allowing freedom of speech and criticism of Islamism.

The MOTRA report, however, blames Israel for the rise in support for Islamism. Yet, per the Ideological Defense Institute, the real cause is uncontrolled immigration from Muslim countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Notably, when Germany’s Federal Criminal Police presented the MOTRA report, it described only the proportion of people open to right-wing extremism, which has risen from 21.8% in 2021 to 29.6% in 2025, and an increase in politically motivated crimes based on prejudice, including anti-Semitism (7.2%) and Islamophobia (28.3%). And not once did it mention that support for Islamism has grown many times over.

Wolfgang Kubicki, an FDP politician and former member of parliament, said on X: “This study should set off all the alarm bells. It is a social time bomb. We must talk not only about migration, but also about integration and faith. A naive policy of looking the other way has encouraged this. This naivety must end.” He noted that the enemies of democracy are those who demand a caliphate. “Anti-democratic individuals without German citizenship, however, should leave the country. Neighborhoods where ghettoization provides fertile ground for radicalization must be reorganized. Islamic associations that do not clearly distance themselves from extremists must not be political partners. Germany must act secularly and with self-confidence,” Kubicki wrote.

Germany is by no means the only country where Islamism is growing in popularity. Last year, a French polling institute published a study showing that approximately 57% of Muslims aged 15–24 believe Islamic law should take precedence over French law, particularly in marriage, inheritance, and ritual slaughter of animals, and about 38% of those surveyed approved of all or some Islamic views.

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Brazil Enacts Strict Online Age Verification Law

On Tuesday, Brazil’s Digital Protection of Children and Adolescents Act (Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente Digital) came into effect. It requires many technology companies to implement reliable mechanisms to verify users’ ages. Under the threat of fines of up to 50 million Brazilian reais (approx. 8.34 million euros) or 10% of Brazilian revenue, apps, operating systems, app stores, video games, and social media platforms must comply, according to Reclaim The Net.

“Brazil has stepped forward as the first country in Latin America to pass a dedicated law to protect children’s online privacy and safety,” reads the official statement.

Web platforms operating in Brazil must now verify users’ ages and restrict content visibility based on those ages. Social networks are not explicitly required to use age verification, but “appropriate” content rules apply to them, and accounts for users under 16 must be linked to a parent’s or guardian’s account. Video game platforms must ban loot boxes for minors and require parental consent for user-to-user chats. Service providers with more than one million underage users must publish semi-annual reports, and foreign companies must appoint a legal representative in Brazil authorized to receive notices and court orders.

The law permits the following age-verification methods: national ID, facial recognition, behavioral analysis (i.e. typing patterns and click behavior), and educational background. All these methods collect users’ personal information and create databases. A simple checkbox for self-declaring “I am over 18 years old” is clearly prohibited.

At the same time, the law stipulates that under no circumstances may general or indiscriminate monitoring be established, permitted, or implemented. However, this requirement conflicts with the permitted “reliable” age verification methods. On the one hand, indiscriminate monitoring is prohibited; on the other, the approved methods specifically require the indiscriminate collection and monitoring of data. The list of approved methods contains no option that does not require a massive amount of data and large datasets.

The Digital Law for Children and Youth applies to any information technology product or service intended for minors or to which minors are likely to have access. The scope of regulation is intentionally broad. Notably, in January, Brazil extended the deadline for 37 technology companies to submit their compliance reports. This list includes expected players such as Amazon, Apple, Discord, Google, Meta, TikTok, and Valve, but also some unexpected ones, such as Canonical, the producer of Ubuntu Linux. The latter is not a social media platform nor intended for children; it is primarily used by developers and IT specialists. This inclusion demonstrates that Brazil intends to apply the law to all technological products offered in Brazil that could theoretically be used by a minor.

Finally, Brazilian law requires service providers to establish systems for reporting and removing “prohibited” content – that is, content involving exploitation, sexual abuse, kidnapping, or grooming. Providers have an obligation to report such content, but the law does not specify whether platforms may limit themselves to user-submitted reports or must proactively scan messages. If proactive screening were required, it would likely necessitate breaking end-to-end encryption, as encrypted messages cannot be inspected before reaching the recipient. What is clear, however, is that no exceptions have been granted for encrypted services, nor have any guidelines been provided on how encrypted applications should comply.

The first examples of the law’s impact emerged even before it took effect. Rockstar Games, the creator of “Grand Theft Auto” and “Red Dead Redemption,” announced that Brazilian players will no longer be able to purchase video games from its app store after March 16. The company is not attempting to comply, but is simply withdrawing from the store and directing players to larger platforms that are more likely to be able to comply with the rules.

Discord, however, decided to comply and now verifies age using the third-party k-ID service. This requires adults to allow their faces to be scanned or submit identification documents if they wish to view age-restricted content. In October last year, approximately 70,000 user IDs were leaked from Discord’s third-party provider, which had collected them for age-related complaints. Even then, Discord did not store the data itself; it was stored by the service provider. Now, however, Discord is creating an even larger data flow in Brazil through a third party, and the risk of a similar data breach is even greater.

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Ofcom Fines 4chan £520,000 for No Age Verification

The UK communications regulator Ofcom imposed a total fine of £520,000 (about €603,000) on 4chan because the website violates the Online Safety Act 2023. The largest portion of the fine – £450,000 (about €522,000) – was for 4chan’s failure to ensure effective age verification. Ofcom also ordered the website to implement age verification by April 2 and will impose a daily fine of £500 (about €580) until 4chan complies, or until June 1, whichever comes first, according to Engadget.

Ofcom also found that 4chan had not conducted a sufficient risk assessment regarding illegal content on the website. For this, the agency fined the website £50,000 (about €58,000). The deadline for the risk assessment is also April 2; otherwise, a daily fine of an additional £200 (about €232) will be imposed. Finally, Ofcom criticized the website for failing to explain in terms of service how the site protects users from illegal content. This was also deemed worthy of a fine – £20,000 (about €23,200) plus a daily penalty of £100 (about €116) from the compliance deadline of April 2 through June 1.

Ofcom launched an investigation into 4chan last June to determine whether the site was complying with the Online Safety Act. Ofcom imposed the first fine of £20,000 on the website back in October of last year. At the time, the reason was that 4chan had failed to comply with requirements to submit a copy of the website’s risk assessment for illegal content and had not reported its global turnover. According to Ofcom, 4chan has not paid the previous fine, and that amount has now increased by 60 days’ worth of daily fines.

4chan’s attorney, Preston Byrne, has previously stated that the company has no intention of paying such fines and has filed a lawsuit in a U.S. court, arguing that the UK’s Online Safety Act violates the U.S. Constitution. The independence of the UK communications regulator has also been called into question, with claims that it is being used as a “weapon of the British state” to violate the civil rights of Americans. On the latest fine, Byrne responded with an AI-generated hamster cartoon and a delightfully savvy reply to Ofcom.

In a subsequent post, 4chan’s lawyer emphasized that the only country where 4chan operates is the United States, and there the website does not violate any laws – its activities are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

These quotes highlight:
- the value of various individual freedoms, including freedom of speech and thought, academic freedom, freedom over one’s personal way of life, etc.
- the importance of value-based governance, and the dangers and harm of corrupt practices.

1. Aldous Huxley, writer (1894-1963)

2. George Orwell, writer (1902-1950)

3. Seneca, a Roman philosopher and statesman (4 BC - 65 AD)

• Instagram Is Phasing Out End-to-End Encryption for Chats

• Belgian Media Council Reprimands 21News for Full JD Vance Speech

• Australia Expands Scope of Age Verification

Instagram Is Phasing Out End-to-End Encryption for Chats

Instagram has published a notice on its Help Center page stating that, starting May 8, 2026, Instagram will no longer support end-to-end encrypted messaging. The page instructs users to download any affected chats or shared media they wish to keep, according to Proton.

Instagram has not explained why it plans to discontinue this support for end-to-end encryption, why such chats must be downloaded before the deadline, or what will happen to these chats after May 8. However, the notice clearly indicates that end-to-end encrypted messaging system will be discontinued. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures message privacy, as messages can only be read by the devices involved in the conversation – not by the platform (including Meta), nor by hackers or governments.

Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has for years promoted encrypted messaging as a key feature of its services. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced in 2019 that he planned to implement encryption in all its messaging apps, namely Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. At the time, Zuckerberg noted that people increasingly want digital spaces with private and secure conversations. As a result, Meta implemented end-to-end encryption in some of its messaging services. However, Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce has clarified that Instagram’s end-to-end encryption was optional and used by very few people. The spokesperson recommends using WhatsApp after May 8 if users want to send private messages.

The change on Instagram comes at a time when end-to-end encrypted messaging is often at the center of political debates. Around the world, authorities are increasingly pressuring social media platforms to “improve” their child safety features. In this context, E2EE is a main target, with demands for backdoors and feature weakening. For example, this year TikTok announced that it does not intend to encrypt chats, claiming the technology is controversial and puts users at risk. Child safety organizations and law enforcement agencies argue that E2EE makes it harder to stop the spread of harmful content online and to conduct certain investigations, since authorities cannot access private conversations. At the same time, privacy and cybersecurity experts warn of the opposite—weaker encryption puts billions of users at risk of surveillance, data leaks, and hacking.

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Belgian Media Council Reprimands 21News for Full JD Vance Speech

The Ethics Commission of the French-language press in Belgium ruled that the Belgian right-wing news outlet 21News violated the journalistic code of ethics and the “cordon sanitaire médiatique” rule by publishing the full text of U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s speech delivered at the 2025 Munich Security Conference. The speech should have been fact-checked before publication and accompanied by explanations, such as noting that the speaker “represents a party that is anti-democratic,” according to Brussels Signal.

As you may recall, in his 2025 speech at the Munich security conference, JD Vance pointed out, among other things, that freedom of speech is declining across Europe and that the continent is struggling with problems caused by immigration.

In the Belgian Ethics Commission’s view, publishing this speech without commentary violated the Code of Ethics for the Media, particularly its provision on social responsibility. 21News should have included a statement that the U.S. Vice President “represented an anti-democratic and liberticidal party.” The outlet should also have used the time between the speech and its publication to verify Vance’s claims, add cross-references, and provide the “correct” context. Because 21News failed to do so, it had allowed “the individual to roll out their talking points and communication strategy without any distance or pushback.”

Thus, the Commission concluded that readers – or a portion of them – might have believed that JD Vance’s claims were accurate, even though the Commission considered many of them were racist or factually incorrect. “This carried the risk of turning the public against the functioning of European democracies or of inciting racism, discrimination, hatred or violence towards migrants,” the Commission stated.

21News responded that the Commission’s decision clearly demonstrates its paternalistic view of journalism, in which citizens should not be allowed to read political statements without filters. The outlet asked whether it is even possible to discuss anything in the French-language media anymore and added: “It [i.e. the speech] immediately provoked many reactions and discussions in Europe. We can judge this controversial discourse, be in deep disagreement with his analysis or his tone. But it is precisely for this reason that it is a significant document for relations between Europe and the United States.” 21News affirmed that it is neither for nor against the U.S. government, but believes that everyone must have the right to express their opinion and form one for themselves – especially at a time when trust in the media is low.

Australia Expands Scope of Age Verification

On December 10, 2025, a full ban on social media for those under 16 came into effect in Australia to protect children from its harmful effects. Many other countries, including the European Union, have begun to present Australia as an excellent example. However, the actual results do not confirm the “excellence” of the ban. Since it took effect, platforms in Australia have deactivated nearly 5 million youth accounts – that is, exactly that many children and young people are now barred from social networks, group chats, sports communities, and other social circles. All of this happens solely because the Canberra government decided so, not the parents, writes Consumer Choice Center.

However, preliminary data show that approximately 20% of Australian 13- to 15-year-olds still use social media platforms such as TikTok or Snapchat, often by using a VPN or some similar technology. Although the number of users in this age group did decline somewhat in January and February, the overall trend still points toward growth. The good news is that – at least so far – the fear that teenagers might migrate to unregulated platforms has not materialized. Only WhatsApp has recorded a slight increase in usage among 13–15-year-olds.

Australian authorities appear unconcerned that young people are not complying with the law. On the contrary, six new age-restriction requirements came into effect on March 9. Now many more internet services – such as artificial intelligence systems, app stores, search engines, and video games – must verify the age of all users to prevent access by those under 18. Australia requires these platforms to verify age using a person’s face, digital wallet, or photo ID. Consequently, even Australian adults must now prove their age almost everywhere online, including just to use a search engine or artificial intelligence.

Social media bans are justified in the same way everywhere: by citing the need to protect children and young people from harmful content and influences. Such claims are usually presented as a definitive scientific consensus. However, a study published in the journal JMIR Mental Health, for example, found insufficient evidence to support the claim that blanket social-media bans solve young people’s mental health problems. Instead, children can be cut off from vital support networks – especially, for example, for children with disabilities or other challenges. Young people also lose the opportunity to learn about and prepare for digital life. They are deprived of the tools, community, and parental guidance needed to navigate the digital world in the future.

According to the critics, Australia’s social media ban, now 100 days old, serves more as a warning than a model. Millions of children and young people have lost their social circles, yet officials cannot agree on what the law actually achieves. Further regulating the internet will not create a safer web, nor does forcing all the citizens to share personal data guarantee security. On the contrary, it puts everyone at greater risk of hacking and data breaches. At the same time, Australia continues to expand its surveillance infrastructure.