The global digital information sphere has become a contested geostrategic and ideological battleground. In this online 'marketplace of ideas', democracy is increasingly under pressure not only from traditional authoritarian governments, but also corporate actors who seek to further their interests. In democratic open information spaces, citizens would ideally be free to express and inform themselves. Authoritarian actors, on the other hand, continue to fine-tune techniques to manipulate public opinion abroad, to undermine democratic societies and processes, all the while tightening control of the information sphere at home to further their own agenda. At the same time, a corporate scramble to lead the development and rollout of new technologies – with artificial intelligence (AI) positioned as a game changer in this quest – is increasingly visible in the geostrategic technology arena. Potential opportunities for tech industrialists, however, come with challenges for citizens and open democracies. Whereas generative AI (Gen AI) tools are already widely used to find, consume and share information, they can also accelerate and transform information manipulation, challenging information integrity in new ways. As pressures on the information space continue to grow, mirrored in public concern, regulators are pushed to act fast. In a changing geostrategic landscape, upholding universal values in the digital realm is particularly pertinent for the EU. Legislation relevant to Gen AI-enabled information manipulation includes the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Digital Services Act (DSA), including the Code of Conduct on Disinformation, the European Media Freedom Act and the Directive on Combating Violence against Women. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox draws on teachings from his Mormon faith to ‘disagree better.’ Studies show his approach could change public attitudes.

Extended conversations with Black, Latino and Asian American voters who cast ballots for Trump in 2024 showed mixed feelings about the president and their votes.

Environmental activists say a recent agreement between the Beer Store and grocers puts the future of Ontario’s successful deposit return program at risk. Grocers with alcohol licences were expected to start accepting empties in the new year, but now they won’t have to after all.

In this issue of our environmental newsletter, we check out a couple of ways you can use your EV charger to earn some extra cash; take a closer look at China's approach to climate action; and find out why Winnipeg is moving to scrap rules that protect migratory birds from smashing into windows.

With food prices soaring — and meat in particular making a dent in wallets — some people may be planning a holiday meal that looks a little different this year.

Following an 11-month court battle, Air Canada has successfully overturned a Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) decision requiring the airline to pay a passenger $2,079 for delayed baggage. But the case isn't over yet.

Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared inside a Utah courtroom flanked by his legal team as they push to further limit media access in the high-profile criminal case.

Minsters are being urged to take a 'modernised approach' to tackling two of the most persistent driving offences on the road: mobile phone misuse and seat belt non-compliance.

Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has been left isolated after a Brussels kingmaker declared that the bloc's deadline for ending sales is being dropped.

An expert has weighed in on Katya Jones's Strictly Come Dancing exit and claimed that she's had a 'tough run'.

Minsters are being urged to take a 'modernised approach' to tackling two of the most persistent driving offences on the road: mobile phone misuse and seat belt non-compliance.

Le Directeur Général de la Jeunesse, M. Breginève Mimbila, a reçu en audience, Emmanuel Obakamba Ombana, Coordonnateur Général du Forum National de la Jeunesse, dans le cadre des préparatifs liés à l'organisation du Dialogue National entre le Président de la République, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema et la Jeunesse gabonaise. 1 - Objet principal de l'audience. Cette rencontre a permis : 1 - de faire le point sur l'état d'avancement des travaux préparatoires, 2 - de passer en revue (...) - SOCIETE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

[allAfrica]

US President Donald Trump has claimed that everyone except Vladimir Zelensky backed his peace plan Read Full Article at RT.com

The US has sanctioned Venezuelan shipping companies and vessels amid a military standoff Read Full Article at RT.com

The King, 77, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in early 2024 and has been receiving weekly treatment ever since.

Lilongwe City Council (LCC) is facing fierce criticism for its laid-back and embarrassingly casual approach to law enforcement after vendors overran the newly-constructed Lilongwe Bridge, turning it once again into a chaotic, dangerous marketplace — right under the council’s nose. What should have been one of the safest pedestrian crossings in the capital has instead […] The post LCC Under Fire for Sleeping on Duty as Lilongwe Bridge Turns Into a Market Again appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Government has unveiled yet another digital platform—this time the Public Sector Reforms Information Management System (PSRIMS)—with First Vice-President Jane Ansah declaring it a “turning point” in Malawi’s long-stalled reform agenda. But as praise filled the conference hall in Lilongwe, a central question lingered beneath the applause: Is this the breakthrough Malawi needs, or simply another […] The post Turning Point or Tired Cycle? Questions Emerge Over Malawi’s New Reform System appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has fired back at growing public confusion, making it clear that it was the Ministry of Trade—not the Commission—that ordered the closure of the SIMAMA sugar shop in Dedza. CFTC says it will not allow its name to be dragged into confusion created by poor communication and blame-shifting, […] The post CFTC Hits Back: Ministry of Trade, Not the Commission, Shut Down SIMAMA Sugar Shop appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Floods have been devastating news in Malawi year after year, leaving thousands displaced and hundreds dead in their persistent wake. While government and other stakeholders attentively warn those residing in flood-prone areas and occasionally relocate them, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable. Moving along the river banks of most rivers stand completely bare, the […] The post  ANALYSIS | Deforested River Banks: Fueling Floods in Malawi appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

At least seven EU governments, including Germany and Italy , and several automakers have been lobbying for softer regulation.

Why is a porn star being given valuable column inches in the double Christmas edition of The Spectator?

Adm. Frank Bradley's three-decade career came down to one defining moment that took minutes to decide.

Despite admitting the brutal rape of a 15-year-old girl, Afghan asylum seekers Jan Jahanzeb and Israr Niazal, both 17, were not remanded in custody until six months after the attack.

Sixty-two-year-old Ray Moore could only watch helplessly on Thursday as firefighters battled the blaze that consumed his home on Mountain View Avenue in St Andrew. Moore’s house of 25 years was one of three destroyed in the fire, which began around 11:20 a.m. and displaced 20 people, including eight children. He recalled being inside his five-bedroom home when he noticed smoke coming from his neighbour’s house.

WESTERN BUREAU: Although the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) reports that leptospirosis cases have begun to decline since mid-November, health minister Dr Christopher Tufton is warning Jamaicans not to become complacent in preventing the spread of the disease following Hurricane Melissa.

WESTERN BUREAU: Tension erupted inside the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC) yesterday as Councillor Lidden Lewis launched a dramatic but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to oust his People’s National Party colleague, Councillor Devon ‘Don Don’ Thomas, from his post as deputy mayor.

Dozens of puppies are being rushed to the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), suffering from severe gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhoea, and agonising pain before many ultimately die. Veterinarians say they are locked in a race against time to save the young animals from a surge in canine parvovirus infections – now proving even more deadly than leptospirosis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

WESTERN BUREAU: The Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) has estimated more than $800 million in damage to roads and public infrastructure across the parish arising from the passage of Hurricane Melissa over a month ago. During Thursday’s monthly meeting of the HMC, Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels reported that the total cost to clear, repair, and reinstate damaged roadways, as well as to fix government buildings and other facilities, stands at $814,844,975.65. The figure was determined based on assessments conducted by the corporation.