EU lawmakers advocate for 'youth mode' on social media to protect children
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
EU lawmakers are calling for social media platforms to implement a "youth mode" for children, which would disable addictive features and targeted advertising. This initiative is part of a broader push for a "safety-by-design" approach, ensuring platforms are safe for children before use. EU lawmaker Sandro Ruotolo emphasized that the responsibility for children's safety lies with those who design and manage digital platforms. Concerns include features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalized recommender systems. The parliament's culture committee also proposed an "EU code of conduct" for influencers and a common definition of "influencer marketing," alongside greater transparency regarding algorithms and content moderation. An expert report also suggested restricting social media access for children under 13, allowing it only with adult supervision. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen supports these age limits, with a legal proposal expected after the summer break. The EU has already pressured platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to address addictive features, with new rules from the European Commission on the horizon to enforce changes in platform design.
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The Nigerian Federal Government is prepared to collaborate with investors to address the nation's housing deficit, offering land nationwide for mass housing projects. This was announced by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Darma, during a meeting with a Chinese delegation. The delegation, led by Chief Engineer Lewis Chima, proposed a partnership to deliver large-scale affordable housing. Darma noted that this proposal aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes affordable housing through public-private partnerships. The minister affirmed the ministry's commitment to facilitating access to land and providing institutional support for successful project implementation. Chima stated that the company was drawn to Nigeria due to its significant housing demand and economic potential, aiming to complement the Renewed Hope Housing Programme by providing affordable, durable, and rapidly deployable housing solutions across the country鈥檚 six geopolitical zones. The company plans to use advanced prefabricated construction technology under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing model to deliver 10,000 housing units within 30 months, reducing costs and improving quality. Darma has directed a committee to review the proposal. Nigeria faces an estimated housing deficit of about 17 million units, which the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aims to tackle through various initiatives, including Renewed Hope Cities, Estate
The Federal Government has launched an initiative offering free registration for 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN and Corporate Affairs Commission CAC formalisation programme. Approved by President Bola Tinubu, this program aims to eliminate business registration costs for eligible nano, micro, and small businesses, thereby integrating more entrepreneurs into Nigeria's formal economy. Successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration, with the Federal Government covering the statutory fees. The initiative, announced during the 8th National MSME Awards in Abuja on June 27, also provides beneficiaries with technical training, business development support, and access to growth opportunities. Interested business owners can apply via the official SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng by creating an account, completing the MSME registration form, and indicating they do not have an existing CAC registration number. Businesses already in the SMEDAN database without CAC registration may automatically qualify. This program follows a Memorandum of Understanding between CAC and SMEDAN to formalise 250,000 enterprises nationwide, with President Tinubu formally approving the free formalisation in 2026 to ease financial burdens for entrepreneurs and integrate them into Nigeria's formal banking and regulatory system.
Must ReadAtiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has demanded an independent investigation into new corruption allegations against Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Chief of Staff. In a statement shared by Paul Ibe on X, the former vice president stated that the allegations are too serious to be disregarded. He emphasized that public officials must be held accountable regardless of their position. This call for an investigation follows a report by Peoples Gazette, which claims that Gbajabiamila unlawfully diverted oil and gas royalties from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission through an allegedly illegal presidential approval. Atiku Abubakar asserted that the issue transcends politics and is about combating corruption that harms the welfare of Nigerians. He accused the Federal Government of applying inconsistent standards in its anti-corruption efforts, suggesting that corruption is being overlooked within the administration while opposition figures are prosecuted. Atiku argued that the Chief of Staff should be subjected to the same scrutiny as other public officials facing corruption allegations, citing the suspension of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, under the Muhammadu Buhari administration as a precedent. He further alleged that the Tinubu administration has not adequately addressed corruption scandals involving senior government officials. Gbajabiamila has