Australia to force social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms 08. September 2026 (10:38) Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children’s exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder contentAustralia will allow social media account holders to opt out of the powerful algorithms pushing dangerous and divisive content into users’ feeds, part of new laws designed to boost online safety.Users over 16 years of age will be given new tools to turn off algorithm-driven content, with platforms facing fines of more than A$100m for non-compliance. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Low turnout threatens Commons vote on assisted dying, say MPs 08. September 2026 (10:16) Backers seek support for second attempt to get law through House of Lords after ‘undemocratic’ rejection last yearMPs on both sides of the assisted dying debate have voiced fears about turnout affecting the vote on Friday, when the bill returns to the Commons for its second attempt to become law.Those who back the change in the law in England and Wales have been emphasising the “undemocratic” nature of the bill’s rejection by the House of Lords after it was talked out by a handful of peers after passing the House of Commons. The bill fell despite multiple days of debate from peers because of the number of amendments tabled in the Lords. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
One Nation’s Warren Pickering admits to illegal drug use and says he is ‘no angel’ in extraordinary press conference 08. September 2026 (10:04) Victorian One Nation leader says his actions ‘hurt people I loved, and I will live with that forever’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian One Nation leader, Warren Pickering, has admitted he “made mistakes” in his 20s, including using ecstasy, methamphetamines and marijuana, losing his licence multiple times for drink driving and hurting people he loved.But he has denied claims by his ex-partner, published by The Australian, that he smoked ice – also known as crystal meth – in front of children and said he was considering legal action against the publication at a press conference on Tuesday. Guardian Australia and the ABC were barred from attending the press conference. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Billionaire Chris Rokos, who paid £330m in tax last year, to quit UK 08. September 2026 (09:44) Hedge fund tycoon is latest financier to exit amid fears among super-rich over tax risesBusiness live – latest updatesThe hedge fund billionaire Chris Rokos is poised to leave the UK, the latest in a string of high-profile exits among Britain’s super-rich.The founder of Rokos Capital Management is preparing to move his residency to Greece, and will open an office in Athens as part of the move, according to Bloomberg. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK commits £100m to bolster Ukraine’s air defences over winter 08. September 2026 (09:24) Package of military equipment includes Patriot missiles, supplies of which have dwindled amid Russian attacksThe UK has committed £100m to boost Ukraine’s air defences over winter with a package of military equipment including Patriot missiles.Defence interceptors, large-calibre artillery rounds and drones will be supplied to Ukraine through the contribution to Nato’s prioritised Ukraine requirements list. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Why India’s economic data has sparked a furore 08. September 2026 (08:30) India’s statistical system once commanded respect, and its data on economic and social indicators was considered rigorous – that appears to have erodedThere isn’t much that we Indians agree on these days. GDP numbers are no exception. Last week, India released glowing GDP numbers for the latest quarter – 7.8% growth – higher than the forecast 7%. It sparked a furore.Subhash Garg, a former finance secretary under Narendra Modi’s government and now a critic, reframed what Modi called a “herculean feat” as mere smoke and mirrors. According to Garg, the government revised last year’s current-price GDP downwards to inflate this year’s number – he believes the real growth is only 2.6%. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if 08. September 2026 (08:23) Even if the legislation passes, tech companies may still find ways to frustrate its intent and keep Australians hooked on their feedSocial media could become a “choose your own adventure” between the doom-scrolling status quo, or just the feed of the friends you want to see, if the government’s planned digital duty of care legislation passes, and the tech companies don’t muck around on compliance.But that’s a big if. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘It breaks my heart’: far-right’s big election victory sparks dismay in German state capital 08. September 2026 (08:13) Fears expressed for immigrants and for country’s future after AfD vote hits historic high in Saxony-AnhaltMaryam and her best friend were ambling through Magdeburg toward the railway station, talking over the dramatic events of the previous evening and the surge by the far-right Alternative für Deutschland to a historically high vote in the Saxony-Anhalt elections.“Don’t laugh at me,” she said, “but I wish we could go back to the days of Angela Merkel, when things were OK in Germany”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tokyo tourist hotspot bans short-term rentals amid surge in complaints 08. September 2026 (07:31) Shinjuku ward targets accommodation in residential areas and near cultural sites as locals complain visitors disposing of rubbish improperly and being too noisyA neighbourhood in Tokyo popular with foreign tourists will ban visitors from using thousands of short-term rental accommodations after a slew of complaints about behaviour.In the latest sign that Japan’s patience with mass tourism is wearing thin, Shinjuku ward – home to the notorious Kabukicho nightlife district and the world’s busiest railway station – will prevent visitors from using private lodgings in residential areas and near schools and important cultural sites, Japanese media reported this week. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andrew Hastie threatens One Nation with ‘costly’ fight over claims he is a ‘traitor’ to Australia 08. September 2026 (07:12) Liberal MP says One Nation is trying to unseat him because he gave evidence against Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-SmithFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAndrew Hastie has threatened Pauline Hanson and One Nation strategist James Ashby with a “costly” fight over claims he is a traitor to Australia, labelling his critics “cowards” who don’t believe in the rule of law.In some of the Liberal MP’s strongest comments yet about attacks from Hanson and her party, the Liberal MP said One Nation was trying to unseat him at the next election because he gave evidence against Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith in a failed defamation case against the Nine newspapers. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
