Tag: Social media

International Business and TradePolicy

Trump Considers Cutting Trade Ties with China Over Cooking Oil, Soybean Disputes

U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential trade cuts with China, targeting cooking oil and other goods as retaliation for reduced soybean imports. This move escalates ongoing disputes over tariffs, technology, and geopolitical issues.

In a recent social media statement, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Washington is evaluating the termination of certain trade relationships with China, specifically mentioning cooking oil and other trade elements. Trump framed China’s decision to slash U.S. soybean purchases as an “Economically Hostile Act,” emphasizing that the U.S. could produce cooking oil domestically without relying on Chinese imports. This development underscores the deepening trade rift between the two nations, which has been fueled by disagreements over tariffs, technology, and broader geopolitical tensions.

Trump’s Rationale for Trade Termination

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologySoftware Guides

Apple Maps and Find My Service Disruptions: Current Status and User Impact

Apple has acknowledged service disruptions impacting both Find My and Apple Maps functionality. The company confirms these partial outages began earlier today and are currently under investigation.

Apple has confirmed ongoing service disruptions affecting core location services, with both Find My and Apple Maps experiencing partial outages according to the company’s official status page. The technology giant indicates that “some users are affected” by these issues, though the exact scope and specific technical problems remain under active investigation.

Current Service Status and Investigation Timeline

by Ortega Rafael
InternetPolicy

Afghanistan VPN Usage Soars 35,000% Amid Social Media Ban

Following government-imposed social media restrictions, Afghanistan has witnessed a staggering 35,000% increase in VPN usage. The ban affects platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X as authorities implement content controls across the country’s internet infrastructure.

Afghanistan’s social media restrictions trigger VPN surge

Afghanistan has experienced a dramatic 35,000% increase in VPN usage following government-imposed restrictions on popular social media platforms. The unprecedented spike occurred between October 6-7, 2025, according to data from Proton VPN Observatory, highlighting citizens’ desperate attempts to maintain online access amid growing internet censorship.

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologyPolicy

California AI Companion Chatbot Law Requires Break Reminders for Kids

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation requiring AI companion chatbots to notify young users they’re not human and remind them to take breaks. The law addresses growing concerns about children’s mental health and AI interactions.

California has enacted groundbreaking legislation requiring AI companion chatbots to disclose their artificial nature and remind young users to take regular breaks. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 243 into law Monday, establishing new safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence systems as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life.

What the New California Chatbot Law Requires

by Ortega Rafael
MediaSoftware Guides

YouTube Second Chance Program Reinstates Banned Creators in Policy Shift

YouTube has initiated a second chance program for previously banned creators, focusing on channels removed under policies the platform has since abandoned. The announcement coincides with political pressure over alleged censorship concerns. Not all terminated channels qualify for reinstatement.

YouTube has opened applications for banned creators to return to the platform through a new “limited pilot project” announced last month. The second chance program specifically targets channels removed under policies that YouTube has since abandoned, marking a significant shift in the platform’s approach to content moderation and creator rehabilitation. This initiative represents one of the most substantial changes to YouTube’s enforcement policies in recent years.

YouTube’s Second Chance Program Eligibility Requirements

by Daniel R.Collins