Social Media Archives - Page 2 of 4

Despite Ban, Many Australian teens under 16 continue using social media

March 13, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

A significant number of Australian teenagers under the age of 16 continued using social media platforms even two months after the country introduced a ban restricting access for minors, according to new industry data, raising concerns about the effectiveness of age-verification systems.

A report by parental control software company Qustodio revealed that more than one-fifth of teenagers aged 13 to 15 were still active on popular platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat between December and February, despite the restrictions.

The findings provide some of the earliest insights into how young users’ online behaviour has changed since Australia implemented the social media ban in December. The policy has drawn global attention, with several governments considering similar measures to protect minors online.

According to the report, the number of teenagers aged 13–15 using Snapchat dropped by 13.8 percentage points from November to February, bringing the total to about 20.3%. Usage of TikTok among the same age group also declined by 5.7 percentage points, falling to 21.2%.

Meanwhile, usage of YouTube among teenagers dipped slightly by one percentage point to 36.9%, although the data did not confirm whether these users were logged into accounts. The Australian law still allows people of all ages to access YouTube without logging in.

Under the new regulations, major platforms including Meta’s Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, along with TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, must block users under the age of 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (about $35 million).

A spokesperson for Australia’s internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, said authorities were aware that some minors were still able to access social media and were actively working with platforms and age-verification providers to monitor compliance and address potential violations of the law.

The office said it was reviewing multiple data sources and insights to assess whether companies are properly enforcing the restrictions.

A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that raising the minimum age for social media access represents a cultural shift that will take time to fully implement.

The data also suggested that social media use among teenagers typically declines during December and January due to Australia’s long summer school holidays. However, the sharper drop compared to the previous year indicates the ban may have had some effect.

Despite earlier concerns, the report found little evidence that teenagers were shifting to unregulated platforms. However, usage of WhatsApp among 13- to 15-year-olds showed a slight increase during the same period

60-year-old man’s marriage to young woman sparks social media debate

February 25, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

RAWALPINDI: A video of a 60-year-old man marrying a young woman has gone viral in Pakistan over the past three days, triggering a mix of criticism and discussion online.

Social media users expressed outrage over the videos, arguing that such actions at his age are inappropriate for an elder.

یاسر شامی کی حرکتیں چیک کریں ، ڈرامے بازی کی بھی کوئی حد ہوتی ہے pic.twitter.com/hVrqi7fz5M
— Nadir Baloch (@BalochNadir5) February 24, 2026

Initially, reactions were mostly negative. Some criticized the elderly man, while others suggested that the young bride had married him for financial reasons.

Elderly Groom Calls It a ‘Love Marriage’

Speaking to media, the 60-year-old groom described his marriage as both arranged and a love marriage. “First, we fell in love, then we got married, which follows the Sunnah. It is both an arranged and love marriage. My wife fell in love first, then the arranged marriage took place,” he explained.

یاسر شامی نے بےشرمی کے تمام ریکارڈ توڑ ڈالے pic.twitter.com/kpZrwugl2o
— Nadir Baloch (@BalochNadir5) February 25, 2026

He added, “The heart should stay young—age is just a number. She was divorced, and I followed Allah’s command and the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah. I committed no wrongdoing, so why are people criticizing?”

Groom Defends His Marriage Against Criticism

The man further commented, “Negative remarks usually come from those who have had girlfriends or improper relationships and avoid marriage, deceiving women instead. I did the right thing by marrying her.”

His wife also defended the union, saying, “When you truly love someone from the heart, age doesn’t matter. When your heart chooses someone, there should be no delay in marriage.”

Mixed Social Media Reactions

Following the couple’s story, some social media users praised the groom for promoting marriage instead of illicit relationships. “He chose marriage over sin; this should be encouraged,” one user said.

انہیں LOVE ہوا پھر ہم نے ارینج میرج کی۔ عمر کو چھوڑیں دل جوان ہونا چاہیے۔ وہ طلاق یاقتہ تھیں اور اللہ کا حکم ہے کہ طلاق یافتہ سے نکاح کریں، جوان لڑکی سے شادی کرنے والے 60 سالہ حکیم بابر کا ویڈیو پیغام جاری pic.twitter.com/O6Q7RHYqxB
— Rizwan Ghilzai (Remembering Arshad Sharif) (@rizwanghilzai) February 24, 2026

However, subsequent viral videos featuring the couple drew renewed criticism. Users criticized the public display, with comments such as: “He has a long beard, yet behaves like this publicly—where is the dignity? Making such absurd videos at this age is unbecoming.” Another added, “This nation will never reform. Such public displays by an elder show a complete disregard for shame and modesty.”

’دلہن کی گود میں سر رکھ کر فوٹو شوٹ‘

یہ بابا جی کا شو کب ختم ہو گا؟ pic.twitter.com/PRM1ke9xyP
— Rizwan Ghilzai (Remembering Arshad Sharif) (@rizwanghilzai) February 25, 2026

AI creates big-budget cinematic experience in 24 hours

February 19, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

A three-minute AI-generated sci-fi film clip has gone viral on social media after claims that content equivalent to a $200 million high-budget production was created within just 24 hours using artificial intelligence.

The clip was released by German creative studio The Dor Brothers, which stated that the entire project was produced solely with AI tools — without traditional cameras, actors, physical sets, or conventional VFX processing.

High Production Value, Minimal Time

While the $200 million figure does not represent the actual budget, it refers to the production value typically associated with large Hollywood blockbusters. The video features large-scale urban destruction, cinematic explosions, and sweeping camera movements reminiscent of major studio films.

We just made a $200,000,000 AI movie in just one day.

Yes, this is 100% AI. pic.twitter.com/TMotM7rguY
— The Dor Brothers (@thedorbrothers) February 16, 2026

According to the studio, the project was developed using tools available on its DorLabs platform, where concept development, visual generation, and editing were largely assisted by AI systems. Elements such as dynamic camera motion and expansive cityscapes — which normally require months of work and hundreds of VFX artists — were completed within a single day.

Mixed Reactions Online

The viral clip has sparked widespread debate across the entertainment industry. Many viewers praised its photorealistic visuals and fluid animation, while others pointed out flaws in physics, limited character development, and shallow storytelling. Critics argue that the project resembles a technical AI demonstration rather than a fully realized cinematic narrative.

Implications for the Film Industry

The experiment highlights the rapid advancement of generative AI in filmmaking and raises broader questions about the future of traditional production models. Analysts suggest that while AI can now replicate large-scale cinematic visuals in record time, it still struggles to match the emotional depth, character complexity, and narrative nuance delivered by human creators.

The viral clip underscores a growing reality: AI is no longer limited to short-form content or background VFX work. It may soon play a substantial role in full-length feature films, potentially reshaping the creative and economic structure of the global film industry.

Global moves to limit social media for children and teens

February 18, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

In recent months, several countries have announced plans to limit or block social media access for children and teenagers in an effort to protect their mental health and well-being.

Australia

Australia became the first country to implement such a ban at the end of 2025, restricting children under 16 years from using platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Reddit.

WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are exempt.

Companies failing to enforce the ban could face fines of up to AUD 34.4 million.

The government requires social media apps to use robust age verification methods, rather than relying on self-reported ages.

Denmark

Denmark plans to restrict social media for children under 15 years.

In November 2025, government and opposition parties agreed on the proposal.

The law is expected to be introduced mid-2026, along with a dedicated age-verification app.

France

In January 2026, the French Parliament approved a bill to block social media access for children under 15 years.

The French President supports the law, stating it will help keep children away from excessive screen time.

The bill will next move to the upper house before returning to the lower house for final approval.

Germany

Germany’s Chancellor’s party began consultations in early 2026 on restricting social media for children under 16, though approval remains uncertain due to reluctance within the ruling coalition.

Greece

Media reports in February 2026 indicate Greece will soon announce a ban for children under 15 years.

Malaysia

The Malaysian government announced in November 2025 that it plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 years, with implementation expected later in 2026.

Slovenia

Slovenia has drafted legislation to regulate social media for minors and control shared content, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in February 2026.

Spain

Spain is planning a social media ban for children under 16, with parliamentary approval required.

The government is also considering laws to hold platform officials accountable for spreading harmful content.

United Kingdom

The UK is exploring ways to restrict social media access for children under 16 years, with ongoing consultations with stakeholders.

These initiatives reflect a growing global concern about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, with countries seeking to balance digital access and safety.

Film Writer Nasir Adeeb targets Shan Shahid in social media

February 12, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani writer Nasir Adeeb has strongly responded to remarks made by legendary actor Shan Shahid during the promotion of his upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr Punjabi film Bhalla.

Shan Shahid had jokingly commented during a promotional event that writer Nasir Adeeb was “probably sitting somewhere criticizing people,” which went viral on social media. While Adeeb initially did not respond, he recently released a video addressing Shan Shahid directly.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pakistani Cinema (@pakistanicinemaa)

In the video, Nasir Adeeb defended his record, stating that his podcast has been running for the past two years and challenging the actor: “Which statement of mine has been wrong? Who have I falsely accused? Whose character have I tried to tarnish?”

Adeeb also emphasized the importance of writers in the film industry, saying: “I did a program about you! You should know that without a writer, where is your heroism? If you are nothing without a writer, then how can you claim I am sitting somewhere criticizing?”

He further explained that his opposition to casting Shan Shahid in the film was due to repeated delays and script objections: actors arriving late, causing hours-long waits, making unauthorized changes to the script, and disregarding the director’s guidance.

Adeeb clarified that he had told the director that if guarantees were given that the actor would cooperate, he had no objection, acknowledging Shan Shahid as a prominent artist.

Criticizing Shan Shahid’s professional conduct, Adeeb stated: “The issue is that you have harmed the Pakistani film industry. Have you ever wondered why the industry is in decline? Your delays and behavior on set have contributed to this downfall, and this is why roles for you became limited.”

The exchange has reignited debates on social media regarding accountability and professionalism in the Pakistani film industry.

Spain to ban social media use for children under 16

February 3, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Madrid: Spain has decided to impose a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of stricter measures to protect minors online.

According to international media reports, the Spanish government is introducing tough new regulations that will require social media platforms to implement mandatory age-verification systems.

The Spanish Prime Minister said the new measures aim to safeguard children from the risks associated with social media, including harmful content and negative impacts on mental health.

He also urged other European countries to adopt similar policies to ensure the protection of minors across the region.

The Prime Minister revealed that Spain has joined the “Coalition for Digital Wellbeing” alongside five other countries to better coordinate cross-border digital regulations.

Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16 in December.

Following this move, several other countries have begun taking steps to introduce age-based restrictions on social media platforms.

Spain is also preparing to table a bill that will hold social media executives accountable for illegal content, criminalize algorithmic manipulation, and mandate robust age-verification mechanisms across digital platforms.

Meanwhile, Greece is expected to announce a ban on social media use for children under 15 in the near future. Senior government sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Greece is “very close” to making the announcement.

Globally, growing concerns over children’s mental health and rising negative online trends have prompted governments to introduce restrictions, reforms, and stricter legal frameworks for social media regulation.

France

In France, the lower house of parliament has overwhelmingly approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15. However, the legislation still requires approval from the Senate before it can be enforced.

According to Reuters, the move is aimed at protecting children from online harassment, psychological stress, and increasing mental health risks. The bill was passed with 116 votes in favor and 23 against. It will now be debated in the Senate before returning to the lower house for final approval.

The bill states that excessive social media use among minors has led to an alarming rise in mental health issues, making regulatory intervention unavoidable. It also proposes extending the existing ban on smartphone use in middle schools to high schools.

United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, a new Child Digital Safety Law has been implemented to ensure safer online environments for children.

According to Gulf News, the law prohibits the use of personal data of children under 13 without explicit, written, and verifiable parental consent.

The legislation also requires social media platforms to provide parents with an easy and immediate option to withdraw consent at any time, without the need to provide justification.

Ramadan: A Month of Transformation for Youth

Nursing – The True Strength of Humanity, Service, and the Healthcare System

Make It or Break It