BBC

X restricts Grok AI image editing to paid users after sexualised deepfakes

X limited Grok’s image editing on the platform to paying users after backlash over the tool being used to create sexualised deepfakes, including requests to digitally undress people without consent.

Landfill collapse in Cebu leaves one dead and dozens missing

A rubbish mountain collapsed at the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City, killing a 22-year-old woman, injuring 12 sanitation workers, and leaving more than 30 people missing.

Japan nuclear safety agency employee loses work phone with confidential contacts in China

An employee at Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority lost a work phone containing confidential contact details of nuclear security staff during a personal trip to China.

Lebanese army takes over security in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah disarmament pressure continues

The Lebanese army said it has taken over security in southern Lebanon and met its initial goal of clearing non-state weapons south of the Litani river, while Israel continues strikes and disputes persist over Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Spain creates a compensation process for Catholic Church sexual abuse victims

Spain’s Roman Catholic Church and the government agreed on a system for compensating victims of clergy sexual abuse, including cases that can no longer go through courts because of time limits or the accused person’s death.

Arrests and demolition actions target underground Protestant churches in China

Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu reported nine detentions in police raids, while authorities in Wenzhou began demolishing part of Yayang Church and deployed police outside the building.

US suspends assistance to Somalia over alleged seizure of WFP food aid

The US suspended all assistance to Somalia’s government, alleging Somali officials destroyed a WFP warehouse and illegally seized 76 tonnes of donor-funded food aid intended for vulnerable Somalis.

Australia launches royal commission into Bondi shooting that targeted a Jewish festival

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a royal commission into the Bondi Beach shooting that targeted a Jewish festival and killed 15 people.

US withdrawal from dozens of international organisations including key climate bodies

US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from 66 international organisations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Heatwaves and catastrophic fire danger in parts of Australia

Parts of Australia face severe to extreme heatwaves and catastrophic fire conditions, with Victoria imposing a total fire ban and closing hundreds of schools in northern areas.

Russian attacks cause widespread blackouts in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia

Russian attacks left Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions almost entirely without power, disrupting critical infrastructure, water supplies, and the internet.

US seizes two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports

The United States said it seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.

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