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Telegram Founder Durov Slams Spain’s Proposed Social Media Curbs as Censorship

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Telegram founder Pavel Durov has criticised proposed social media restrictions in Spain, saying they amount to censorship and excessive state control. In a message to Telegram users, Durov warned that plans by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to restrict access for under-16s and tighten hate speech laws would force platforms to collect user data and remove content to avoid prosecution.

Durov said the proposed legislation, which would criminalise algorithms seen as amplifying harmful content, could allow governments to control what users see online. Calling the measures a step “toward total control,” he accused authorities of using safety concerns as a pretext to silence critics. His remarks echoed criticism from Elon Musk, who has also condemned the Spanish government’s proposals.

Spain’s government defended the plans, arguing they are needed to protect minors and curb misinformation. Sanchez’s office accused Durov of abusing his control over Telegram by sending mass messages to Spanish users and spreading propaganda. The proposals are part of a broader European push to regulate social media, following similar debates in countries such as Britain, France and Greece, and Australia’s recent ban on social media use for children under 16.

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Russian Comedian Jailed for Nearly Six Years Over Joke About War Veteran

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A Russian court has sentenced stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin to nearly six years in prison for inciting hatred after a joke he made about a war veteran sparked public outrage. Ostanin was handed a jail term of five years and nine months along with a fine of 300,000 roubles, a Reuters reporter said, in one of the latest cases targeting speech deemed offensive to the military during Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The conviction stemmed from a March 2025 performance in which Ostanin joked about a war veteran who had lost his legs to a mine and was using a skateboard to get around, as well as referring to a wheelchair in derogatory terms. A video of the performance later went viral on Telegram after being shared by nationalist groups and military bloggers, who accused the comedian of mocking veterans fighting for the country.

Ostanin was also found guilty of offending the feelings of Christians over a separate joke about Jesus, drawing criticism from Orthodox nationalist organisations. After facing mounting backlash, he attempted to flee Russia but was arrested in Belarus and returned to Moscow to stand trial. Speaking in court after the verdict, Ostanin said he did not accept the ruling, calling the punishment excessive.

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TikTok Cooperates with EU Probe on 2024 Romanian Election

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TikTok is “extremely cooperative” with the European Commission’s ongoing investigation into potential interference in Romania’s 2024 elections, according to Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier. He noted that TikTok has implemented several measures and maintained open engagement with the Commission.

The European Union opened formal proceedings against TikTok in December 2024, citing concerns that the social media platform failed to sufficiently limit election interference during the Romanian presidential vote.

Regnier emphasized that TikTok’s responsiveness highlights the company’s willingness to work collaboratively with EU authorities, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing regulatory concerns about election integrity.

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Storm Leo Batters Iberian Peninsula, Authorities Brace for Floods

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Spanish and Portuguese authorities are preparing for the impact of Storm Leo, which has brought torrential rains to the Iberian Peninsula just a week after Storm Kristin caused widespread damage. In southern Spain’s Sierra Grazalema, rainfall is expected to reach levels equivalent to a full year’s precipitation, prompting class suspensions and travel warnings across affected areas.

The storm has raised concerns over flooding, especially as the ground remains saturated from January’s record rainfall. Emergency services in Andalusia have deployed personnel, aircraft, and helicopters to monitor flood-prone zones, stabilize landslide areas, and provide rapid response to evacuations. Around 3,000 residents in high-risk zones such as Grazalema, Campo de Gibraltar, Ronda, and Jaen have already been evacuated.

In Portugal, the national Civil Protection Service has raised its preparedness to the highest level, deploying up to 3,000 armed forces personnel and 42 inflatable boats to protect flood-prone sections of major rivers. Authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, close day centres, and cancel outdoor activities as the storm progresses.

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Pope Leo Urges Russia and US to Renew New START Treaty

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Pope Leo XIV called on Russia and the United States to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty, which limits the number of strategic nuclear weapons deployed by each country. Speaking at his weekly audience at the Vatican, the pope emphasized that the current global situation “calls for doing everything possible to avert a new arms race.”

Signed in 2010, the treaty is set to expire on Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an informal one-year extension in September, but as of Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump had not responded, raising concerns about the potential lapse of the agreement.

The pope described the renewal as urgent, stressing the need to replace “the logic of fear and distrust with a shared ethic” that prioritizes the common good. Letting the treaty expire would mark the end of over 50 years of nuclear weapons constraints, a significant step in global arms control.

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14 Migrants Killed After Boat Collision with Greek Coast Guard

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Fourteen migrants lost their lives in the Aegean Sea after a dinghy carrying them collided with a Greek coast guard vessel near the island of Chios. Authorities said the boat was heading towards the island, located close to Turkey’s coastline, when coast guard officials instructed it to turn back. According to officials, smugglers operating the vessel reportedly manoeuvred towards the coast guard ship, leading to the fatal collision, though the exact sequence of events has not been independently verified.

Rescue teams managed to save 24 migrants, while two coast guard officers were injured and hospitalised. Officials said approximately 30 to 35 people were believed to have been on board the overcrowded vessel. A large-scale search and rescue operation involving coast guard ships, private boats and divers was launched to locate any missing survivors.

Greece has long served as a key entry point into Europe for migrants and refugees fleeing conflicts and economic hardship in regions such as the Middle East, Africa and Asia. While migrant arrivals have declined in recent years, the country has tightened border enforcement and increased maritime patrols. However, Greece has faced ongoing criticism from human rights groups over alleged pushbacks and migrant treatment, accusations the government strongly denies.

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Norway Crown Princess’s Son Denies Rape Charges, Admits Lesser Offences in Trial

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Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, pleaded not guilty to rape and domestic violence charges as his high-profile trial began in Oslo. Hoiby faces 38 charges in total, including multiple rape allegations that could lead to several years in prison if proven. While denying the most serious accusations, he admitted to lesser offences such as offensive sexual behaviour, reckless driving and driving without a valid licence, and partially admitted to aggravated assault under Norwegian law.

Prosecutors stressed that Hoiby would receive no special treatment despite his royal connections, stating he would be judged like any other Norwegian citizen. Hoiby’s defence argued that intense media coverage had already created unfair pressure on him. During the court session, Hoiby appeared visibly emotional, sitting behind his legal team as proceedings unfolded. Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon stated that the royal family would not attend the trial but expressed support for his stepson while also acknowledging the suffering of alleged victims.

The case has intensified scrutiny of Norway’s royal family, already facing health concerns and controversies in recent years. Public support for the monarchy has reportedly declined, with recent polling showing reduced approval levels compared to last year. Despite this, Norway’s parliament recently voted strongly in favour of maintaining the monarchy. The trial continues as authorities examine a range of allegations, including assault, drug possession and violation of a restraining order.

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Spain and Greece Push for Teen Social Media Bans Amid Rising Safety Concerns

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Spain and Greece are moving toward banning teenagers from using social media, reflecting growing concerns across Europe about the impact of online platforms on children. Spain plans to restrict social media access for users under 16, while Greece is expected to introduce a similar ban for those under 15. These proposals follow Australia’s landmark decision to block social media access for children under 16 and signal a broader global shift toward tighter digital safety rules.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government would also introduce laws to hold social media executives personally accountable for hate speech and illegal content on their platforms. Spain has joined a group of European countries working together on cross-border digital regulations, aiming to enforce stronger content moderation and introduce effective age-verification systems to protect minors from harmful online exposure.

The debate has intensified due to concerns over excessive screen time, mental health risks, and the rapid growth of AI-generated content, including harmful or inappropriate material involving minors. While supporters argue the measures will improve child safety and social development, critics warn the rules could lead to censorship and restrict freedom of expression. Public opinion in Spain largely supports stricter controls, with surveys showing strong backing for banning younger children from social media.

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Hungary’s Tisza Party Leads Poll Ahead of Crucial Election

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Hungary’s opposition Tisza party has taken the lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party ahead of the April 12 parliamentary elections, according to a recent opinion poll. The survey showed Tisza gaining stronger voter support, signalling a significant challenge to Orban’s long-standing leadership. Another poll also indicated that the far-right Our Homeland party is likely to secure enough votes to enter parliament.

The 21 Institute poll found that Tisza secured 35% support among all voters, slightly increasing from the previous month, while Fidesz stood at 28%. Among decided voters, Tisza gained majority support, further strengthening its position ahead of the election. Meanwhile, the Our Homeland party crossed the minimum 5% vote threshold required for parliamentary representation.

Tisza is led by former government insider Peter Magyar, who has promised to tackle corruption, revive Hungary’s economy by unlocking frozen European Union funds, and strengthen ties with the EU and NATO. Despite Tisza’s growing support, the election outcome remains uncertain as a significant portion of voters is still undecided, making the upcoming vote highly competitive.

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France Probes X as Musk Summoned in Expanding Cybercrime Case

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French authorities have raided the Paris office of Elon Musk’s social media platform X as part of an expanding cybercrime investigation. Prosecutors have also summoned Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino to provide evidence in April. The probe, which began in early 2025, initially focused on allegations of algorithm misuse and fraudulent data extraction, and could further strain relations between Europe and the United States over regulation of big technology firms and free speech.

The investigation has now widened to include complaints related to X’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok. Authorities are examining potential involvement in the circulation of illegal content, including sexually explicit deepfake images and violations of image rights. The probe is being conducted by the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit in coordination with French police and Europol. Musk had previously denied the allegations, describing the investigation as politically motivated.

Officials said the inquiry aims to ensure that X complies with French laws while operating in the country. The summons issued to Musk and other company staff is mandatory, though enforcement may be difficult for individuals residing outside France. Meanwhile, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced it will stop using X and shift its official communications to platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram.

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