Meta has deactivated over 544,052 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads belonging to users believed to be under 16, following Australia’s new social media ban, which went into effect in December. The ban, covering ten platforms, requires age verification, but the opposition claims implementation has been ineffective, with many accounts remaining active or migrating to other platforms. While Meta is complying, the company also expressed concerns about age verification methods and urged the government to collaborate with the industry. The ban is being closely monitored globally, with the UK also considering similar measures.
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In early January 2026, social media users widely shared a post from “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, who stated he would vote for a 2028 presidential candidate promising to “prosecute the former regime at every level.” The post, referencing the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the death of Renee Nicole Good, was correctly attributed to Jennings’ verified Bluesky account. This comment, which appeared on January 7, 2026, echoed Jennings’ history of controversial social media remarks, including past criticisms of Donald Trump. Jennings became the permanent host of “Jeopardy!” in 2023, after serving as interim host, and holds significant records for his performance on the show.
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The death of Renee Good, an American citizen, by an ICE agent’s gunfire in Minneapolis has been heavily influenced by right-wing media and “citizen journalists,” whose misinformation campaigns have demonized immigrant communities. These individuals, empowered by platforms like X and figures such as Elon Musk, disseminate fact-free narratives and amplify sensationalized content, often targeting liberal protests or immigrant groups. This environment allows for the spread of lies and the erosion of journalistic integrity, as seen in the Good case, where these influencers attempted to rewrite the circumstances of the shooting, and are increasingly incentivized to push false narratives for clout and financial gain. Consequently, these actions contribute to a toxic media landscape where truth is distorted, and accountability for harmful acts, such as Good’s death, is undermined.
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Following the tragic deaths of Minnesota State Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, President Donald Trump shared a social media post promoting a conspiracy theory linking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the murders. In response, the Hortmans’ children, Colin and Sophie, have publicly urged Trump to remove the post, denouncing it as misinformation that dishonors their mother’s memory and fuels political division. The families’ statements have called for responsibility and compassion during this difficult time. Trump’s post was shared amidst investigations into allegations of fraud in Minnesota state programs.
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X, formerly Twitter, has transformed into a platform where the right engages with the extreme right, largely due to Elon Musk’s changes. These shifts, including relaxed content moderation and creator payouts, have incentivized a race to the bottom with bigotry and conspiracy theories gaining traction. Right-wing figures are now concerned as the platform loses its ability to unite the right, fostering internal conflict. Meanwhile, the Trump administration remains fixated on appeasing the online right, potentially alienating ordinary voters and jeopardizing the MAGA 2.0 coalition.
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In a renewed effort to safeguard children, France is considering a ban on social media access for children under 15, with the draft law aiming for implementation by September of next year. The proposed legislation, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, addresses concerns about the various risks associated with excessive screen time, including exposure to inappropriate content and cyber-harassment. The draft law includes two articles, one prohibiting online platforms from providing social media services to those under 15 and the other banning mobile phone use in secondary schools. This follows Australia’s recent social media ban on under 16s.
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During Christmas Day, Donald Trump engaged in a prolific social media posting spree, attacking various targets and amplifying claims made by supporters. Analysis revealed that a significant portion of the shared content originated from foreign accounts, despite claims of being based in the U.S. These accounts, often located in South Asia and Eastern Europe, promoted pro-MAGA rhetoric and echoed Trump’s sentiments on issues like election integrity and immigration. This behavior isn’t new, as Trump has previously relied on foreign accounts to bolster his online presence and support for his agenda.
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Following Christmas, Donald Trump engaged in an extensive social media posting spree on Truth Social, averaging a post every two minutes. His posts covered a wide range of topics, including his immigration policies, claims of election fraud, and celebrations of decreased federal employment, while also referencing Bill Clinton in the Epstein files. He also distanced himself from Jeffrey Epstein in some of his posts. These posts, made from his Mar-a-Lago resort, were met with both criticism and attention on social media.
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On Christmas Day, Donald Trump flooded Truth Social with nearly 150 posts, revisiting familiar targets such as the 2020 election, the media, and Democrats. The posts included amplified claims from allies like Rudy Giuliani, who has faced legal consequences for election-related actions, and re-shared a conspiracy theory from Roseanne Barr about the COVID pandemic. Trump also shared a video from Stephen Miller attacking Somali immigrants and called for the deportation of Rep. Ilhan Omar, while also defending the economy.
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China social media thrashes one-child policy after population control czar dies, and the digital landscape is buzzing with a fury that’s been simmering for years. The recent passing of Peng Peiyun, a figure often associated with the controversial policy, has ignited a wave of online condemnation. It’s a complex situation, and it’s fascinating to watch how it’s playing out in real-time.
The criticism, it seems, isn’t just about Peng Peiyun, but about the policy itself. While some acknowledge the initial rationale behind the one-child policy, framed as a response to a population explosion, the sentiment leans heavily towards the devastating consequences.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood