featured News Trending

France Votes on Social Media Ban for Under-15s

By 99 0

French lawmakers are voting on a proposed law that would ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. If approved, the legislation would require platforms to implement age verification systems approved by France’s privacy regulator, with the government aiming to enforce the rules before the next academic year.

Under the proposal, children younger than 15 would be barred from creating new social media accounts from September 1, while platforms would have four months to close existing accounts belonging to underage users. Educational websites and online encyclopaedias would remain accessible, while platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube would be affected by the restrictions.

The move follows similar action in Australia and reflects growing global concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health and safety. President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the legislation, arguing that limiting social media use among young people will help improve their well-being, attention, and development.

News Trending

Guinness World Records reviews ‘world’s oldest dog’ title

By 780 0

In the recent past, a Portuguese dog named Bobi gained worldwide attention for being declared the oldest dog ever by Guinness World Records (GWR), surpassing a century-old record. However, doubts regarding the accuracy of Bobi’s age have emerged, leading GWR to suspend the title and initiate an investigation.

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, was officially recorded as living to 31 years and 165 days based on Portugal’s pet database managed by the National Union of Veterinarians. Skepticism arose as some experts questioned the evidence, including discrepancies in old photos and the absence of definitive registration confirming Bobi’s birth in 1992.

Wired magazine’s investigation revealed uncertainties about the accuracy of Bobi’s age claim, leading to growing skepticism among veterinarians. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons member, Danny Chambers, expressed doubt, stating that none of his veterinary colleagues believed Bobi was genuinely 31 years old.

In response, Guinness World Records has launched a formal investigation, temporarily halting applications for both the titles of the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever until conclusive findings are communicated. Bobi, who lived with the Costa family in Portugal, reportedly faced backlash from some in the veterinary community, with owner Leonel Costa attributing the skepticism to Bobi’s unconventional diet, similar to that of humans, rather than traditional pet food.

Leonel Costa emphasized that all requirements set by GWR to validate Bobi’s age were met, defending Bobi’s unique diet choice against the recommendations of many veterinarians. The controversy arises after Bobi’s death, challenging the record previously held by Australia’s Bluey, who lived to the age of 29 and died in 1939.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright