Author: OMN AI

The European Union has warned TikTok to change its platform design or face severe financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform violated EU online safety legislation. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation that started in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s design choices shape user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and continuous content delivery. They said these features can negatively affect users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok did not introduce sufficient measures to limit those risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson.…

Calls for Consistent Standards Across Borders Starting January 2027, European importers of oil and gas must meet strict monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements for methane emissions from their suppliers. In response, 24 US lawmakers have urged the European Union not to grant exemptions to American energy companies if domestic standards fall short in accuracy or enforcement. In a letter obtained by Euronews, the lawmakers described methane—a short-lived gas up to 30 times more potent than CO₂—as a major contributor to climate change and a key target for reducing wasteful flaring and venting of natural gas. They stressed that clear, consistent…

Wall Street Slides as Alphabet Stumbles Wall Street tumbled on Thursday after Alphabet, Google’s parent company, fell more than 4%, pulling major indexes down and rattling markets from bitcoin to precious metals. The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, marking its sixth loss in seven sessions since hitting a record high. The Dow Jones fell 606 points, while the Nasdaq slid 1.5%. Alphabet was the main drag despite reporting profits above expectations. Investors focused on the company’s plan to nearly double spending on equipment and other investments to $180 billion (€152bn) this year, far surpassing analysts’ $119 billion (€100.5bn) forecast, sparking concerns…

Online sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram giveaways.They offer injectable medicines as competition prizes. The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an unapproved experimental drug.Posts pressure users to enter within 24 hours. Health experts warn these promotions create serious risks.They misuse marketing tactics designed to reduce caution. One group offered retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II as prizes.None of these injectable products have UK approval. UK law allows weight-loss injections only with a prescription.Unapproved drugs cannot be legally sold or advertised. Another seller disguises drug sales as fitness coaching programmes.Platform owners say they ban illegal drug sales.

For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of Epstein-related documents. The files describe alleged sex trafficking by financier Jeffrey Epstein. President Donald Trump now urges Americans to move forward. Political institutions show no sign of letting the issue fade. Justice department ends its official review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has concluded. Congress ordered the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no grounds for further criminal charges. He confirmed the files include emails, photographs, and written correspondence. He said such material does not meet legal standards for prosecution. The…

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than healthy food and need stricter regulation.Scientists from Harvard University, University of Michigan and Duke University led the study.They say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.The products exploit reward pathways, similar to how cigarettes deliver nicotine.The findings appeared in the Milbank Quarterly on 3 February.Researchers criticised marketing claims like “low fat” as misleading health washing.They urged regulation to shift blame from individuals to the food industry.Experts said lessons from tobacco control could reduce diet-related disease.

SpaceX Soars as Tesla Faces Headwinds Elon Musk’s SpaceX has surged to a $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn) valuation after merging with his artificial intelligence venture xAI, bringing it closer to Tesla’s market value and shifting the balance of his business empire. Tesla currently stands at approximately $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn), just 26% higher than the combined SpaceX-xAI. On paper, this means Musk now derives a larger share of his wealth from space and AI than from electric vehicles. Tesla has struggled in early 2026, with shares down roughly 6% after reporting a 16% drop in vehicle deliveries in January and a 3%…

More than half of Americans plan to travel more in 2025 than in the previous year, highlighting strong domestic tourism demand. The trend reflects growing interest in vacations, short trips, and leisure experiences across the United States. Travel experts say that rising consumer confidence, flexible work arrangements, and improved accessibility are driving Americans to plan more trips. From weekend getaways to longer vacations, travelers are seeking experiences that offer relaxation, entertainment, and cultural value. Domestic destinations remain popular for U.S. travelers, including theme parks, natural landmarks, and major cities. Sites such as Central Park in New York and Universal Studios…

Netflix came under intense scrutiny in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid for Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during a high-profile antitrust hearing. Senators fear reduced competition and rising costs Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee warned the deal could weaken competition across entertainment markets. Several senators said consumers might face higher subscription prices. Others raised concerns about the long-term future of cinemas. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed merger. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television studios. The deal…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine and told competitors to “focus on themselves”.He insisted the power unit fully complies with regulations and said rivals missed an opportunity.The dispute centres on engine compression ratios and alleged gains from thermal expansion.FIA discussed the issue with manufacturers but reached no resolution.Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Red Bull Racing maintain their engines are legal.Wolff did not rule out protests after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.