The probe would involve the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation and potentially the Senate Committee on Women.

Her move was prompted by recent reports based on newly released U.S. government documents suggesting that, as early as 2010, Epstein or his associates hired a Philippines-based team to scrub damaging information about him from the internet .

“This is very recent. It’s right here at our doorstep. I don’t know whether it was him personally or his associates, but this convicted pedophile — who was supposedly a financial wizard at the time and who died or was killed — had a network in the Philippines,” Legarda said.

She added that the alleged operation went beyond sexual exploitation networks and may have involved businesses and other sectors used as cover. 

“We must see because they even work with a public relations company to cleanse their image,” she said.

The planned Senate resolution comes as lawmakers debated Senate Bill No. 1819, which seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ laws against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children . 

Epstein’s past in the Philippines was first reported by Philstar.com , citing emails included in the so-called “Epstein Files,” which described how reputation management tactics were deployed to manipulate search engine results and online platforms. 

These efforts allegedly involved Filipino workers tasked with mass link-building, creating websites and editing online entries to bury references to Epstein’s criminal record.

According to the report, the operation relied on early search engine optimisation techniques to flood the internet with neutral or positive content, pushing reports of Epstein’s jail time and abuse allegations out of prominent search results. 

Legarda said investigators must determine whether Philippine laws were violated and whether local entities knowingly participated in concealing crimes involving child sexual abuse. 

This advisory followed data showing that the gap between male and female births has widened year after year.

From 2024 to 2025, Nepal recorded 206,374 male births and 176,831 female births, resulting in a difference of nearly 30,000, which experts said falls well below the natural birth ratio of approximately 105 boys for every 100 girls.

The imbalance is sharper in some provinces. Sudurpaschim and Madhesh recorded male-to-female birth gaps of more than 24%, the highest in the country, suggesting that sex selection before birth is widespread.

“We are headed towards disaster,” said Dr. Uddhab Puri, associate professor at the Tribhuvan University, who has carried out multiple research studies on the birth rate in Nepal. “If we fail to check sex-selective abortions, this trend could lead to long-term social and demographic consequences.”

The practice is not limited to rural or less educated areas. Studies show high disparities in cities and districts near the Indian border, where access to ultrasound services and foetal sex identification is easier.

Doctors said many families now want only one child because of rising living costs and later marriages. If the first child is a daughter, some parents try to determine the sex of the next pregnancy and abort it if it is female.

Both fetal sex identification and sex-selective abortion are banned under Nepal’s criminal law , with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines. Yet, no one has been convicted, indicating weak enforcement.

Abortion was legalised in Nepal in 2002, in a move regarded as a major step in protecting women’s health and rights. But experts warn that unless son preference and enforcement gaps are addressed, the country risks a long-term gender imbalance with serious social costs.

“This research gives us a biological explanation for why limiting screen time in the first two years is crucial,” said Dr Tan Ai Peng, the study’s lead researcher. “It also highlights the importance of parental engagement, showing that parent-child activities, like reading together, can make a real difference.”

Brain scans carried out when the children were aged four and a half, six and seven and a half showed that higher screen exposure in infancy was linked to faster maturation of brain networks involved in visual processing and cognitive control. While early brain maturation may sound positive, Dr Tan warned that this is not necessarily the case.

“The first few years of life is when the brain is starting to learn real-world experiences,” she said. “It is important that they get exposed to different types of environmental stimuli, and not just very excessive visual stimulation like what they get on screen.”

For children whose parents read to them frequently from the age of three, the link between early screen exposure and later brain changes was significantly weakened.

“When we started this study, we wanted to see how altered brain development might lead to anxiety symptoms during adolescence,” Dr Tan said. “There is a high possibility that they may not be able to cope well in new social environments.”

Published in the medical journal eBioMedicine, the findings add to growing global concerns about excessive screen use in early childhood.

Under the regulation, platforms will be required to enforce minimum age requirements for users and restrict children’s access based on the level of risk posed by each service. 

The government will classify platforms into risk categories, with stricter limits applied to high-risk services such as social media.

Children aged 13 to 16 will be subject to differentiated access controls depending on a platform’s risk profile, Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said, adding that the government will publish an official list of high- and low-risk platforms.

PP Tunas also prohibits platforms from profiling children or collecting, analysing and exploiting their personal data, marking one of the strongest child data protections introduced in Indonesia to date.

Platforms that breach the rules will face escalating administrative sanctions , starting with formal warnings, followed by fines and, in severe or repeated cases, the termination of access to their services in Indonesia.

The government has completed public consultations on the implementing guidelines and has begun pilot testing the rules with child users in several regions ahead of full enforcement.

Officials said the regulation is designed to apply across the entire digital ecosystem rather than targeting social media alone, placing obligations on platforms to actively protect children from online risks once the rules come into force in 2026.

The boys, aged between 11 and 15, disappeared during a military security operation in the southern neighbourhood of Las Malvinas on 8 December 2024. Witness testimony and evidence presented at trial indicated that the children were detained by soldiers and later found dead in a rural area outside Guayaquil, with severe injuries prior to their deaths.

Five additional soldiers received shorter sentences of 2.5 years for their cooperation with prosecutors, while one officer was acquitted. The trial, which followed months of investigation and international attention, highlighted both procedural scrutiny and demands for accountability from civil society groups and rights organisations.

The convictions come amid wider debate in Ecuador over the use of military forces in civilian security operations. The case has drawn attention beyond the country’s borders, underscoring broader global concerns about human rights and the conduct of armed forces in internal security roles. Observers say the ruling could have implications for how other nations address allegations of abuse during counter‑crime operations.

According to Gloria Arriero, Director of Colombia’s national immigration service, the adults arrived in the country between 22 and 23 October from the United States and Panama, entering with valid documentation. Their presence drew immediate attention after an alert and an anonymous tip prompted a joint investigation by Migration Colombia, the Gaula Militar Oriente, and the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF). The adults were held temporarily in Medellín before being transferred to New York , while the minors were placed under ICBF protection.

Arriero said the children would remain under the custody of New York State authorities to guarantee their safety and determine long-term protective measures. Colombian officials framed the operation as part of broader efforts to address cross-border risks involving vulnerable minors, especially in cases linked to groups already under international scrutiny.

Lev Tahor has faced years of allegations of abuse, mistreatment, and educational deprivation, reported by former members in different countries. The community, which established a compound in Colombia in October, has also been the subject of legal cases abroad. Its original leader, Shlomo Helbrans, convicted of fraud in the United States, died in Mexico in 2017, and the group has since attempted to establish communities in Canada and Guatemala.

Despite the controversies, Lev Tahor has repeatedly denied all accusations, insisting it is the target of religious persecution. The latest intervention in Colombia adds to a growing list of international actions involving the group, reflecting a wider global concern over the welfare of children within isolated religious communities.

“Caning (as a) punishment has various categories, including the method and number of strikes, and this should be reconsidered before being reintroduced,” he said at an anti-bullying campaign in late November. 

Shazeli said a regulated approach was needed to prevent the misuse of power among teachers, arguing that experiential consequences are more effective than verbal reprimands alone.

“ People learn from experience and the feelings they go through, which is more effective than just talking or communicating without experiencing it first-hand,” he added.

The proposal comes as authorities confront a rise in school-related crime . 

Between January and October 2024, 108 students in Selangor were detained for offences including bullying, extortion and assault. The figure increased to 122 students over the same period this year.

Police say gang-linked violence is becoming increasingly common in both primary and secondary schools . 

“Upon examining fights and disturbances, there is often an element from outside, particularly for gangsterism,” Shazeli said.

He suggested that softer disciplinary approaches have weakened students’ sense of consequence. 

“Such measures should have been available to teachers to enforce discipline and manage the school,” he said, warning that the “fear factor” had faded.

Shazeli also urged schools and families to be more vigilant about serious incidents involving injury or organized groups. 

The anti-bullying campaign—organised jointly by the Selangor Police and the Selangor Education Department—drew about 700 participants, including Parent Teacher Association members, teachers and community stakeholders.

The renewed debate reflects a broader national crisis. 

Reports of bullying in Malaysia’s schools have surged from 3,883 cases in 2022 to 6,528 in 2023, and 6,208 cases were recorded between January and October 2024. 

Public anger intensified after the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in July, which triggered protests and revived calls for systemic reform, including a dedicated anti-bullying Act now under government consideration.

Xu alleged that Tang still owes him the money after he transferred large sums to her between 2012 and 2018. He says she has returned part of the funds but not the full amount, prompting him to file a lawsuit this year.

Tang has rejected the accusations, stating that the money was used to support what she called their “big family of 300 children.” She claimed on social media that the vast majority of the funds were spent on living costs and childcare expenses.

When questioned online, Tang insisted the number was not exaggerated, saying it could even be under-reported. She also said many of the children lack official household registration documents.

Tang further claimed that a recent court hearing ended in her favour, dismissing Xu’s demand for repayment. She said she is now raising 11 children said to have been fathered by Xu and is fighting for custody of their two daughters.

Duoyi Network responded with a public statement, accusing an unnamed individual of spreading false information and urging social media platforms to remove damaging posts.

The controversy has rekindled criticism of Xu, who has previously faced accusations of promoting misogynistic and polygamous views. He once publicly stated his ambition to father at least 50 “high-quality sons.”

The claims have sparked widespread anger online, with many users questioning the ethical and legal implications if the allegations are true.

The case continues to dominate Chinese social media, where calls are growing for authorities to investigate the extraordinary claims surrounding the tech entrepreneur.

According to Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Twitch qualifies for the ban because its livestreaming and real-time interaction features pose risks for younger users.

Other services, such as Pinterest, LegoPlay and WhatsApp, have been allowed to remain accessible for teenagers. Several additional platforms are still under review.

Twitch, which has more than 7 million livestream artists, said most of its audience is between 18 and 34. It did not disclose how many users are younger, though current rules already prohibit anyone under 13 from joining.

The legislation has faced heavy pushback from tech companies, which argue that enforcing strict age limits online is practically unworkable and that the policy has been rushed. Critics say without reliable age-verification technology, the ban may function more as a political statement than a meaningful barrier.

Even so, the move is being closely watched by governments exploring their own approaches. 

New Zealand ’s Prime Minister has pledged to pursue similar laws, and officials in the Netherlands have advised parents to keep children under 15 off apps like TikTok and Snapchat.

As it stands, Australia now holds one of the toughest positions on youth access to social media . 

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has praised Ghana for its strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, highlighting the country’s Budget execution and tracking system as a global model for transparency. Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s 2023 SDG Budget and Expenditure Report, UNICEF noted that Ghana is among a few countries implementing such an advanced accountability mechanism. The latest report shows SDG-related spending increased from GH₵83 billion in 2022 to GH₵180 billion in 2023, reflecting major investments in health, education, social protection, and human capital. Despite Ghana’s ranking of 120th globally on SDG attainment, UNICEF’s Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion, Paulina Sarvilahti, expressed optimism, saying Ghana’s data-driven approach provides a solid foundation for accelerated progress.

Opposition MPs decry delay in reintroducing anti-LGBTQ bill

Ghana’s main opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticised what it calls an unnecessary delay in the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Lead sponsor and NPP MP John Ntim Fordjour told Parliament on November 21 that it had been five weeks since the Speaker indicated the bill was undergoing final fine-tuning, yet it had not appeared on the order paper. He urged that any oversight be corrected immediately. Responding, Yusif Sulemana, an MP of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) cautioned against politicising the matter, noting former President Akufo-Addo did not sign the bill when it was first passed. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected claims of obstruction and assured the House that the government remained committed to its passage. The bill, which seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and restrict LGBTQ activities, continues to draw significant criticism from rights groups.

Ghana to host its first-ever Entertainment Week in December

Ghana will host its maiden Entertainment Week this December, an initiative aimed at celebrating the country’s fast-growing creative economy beyond the regular festive-season parties. The event will bring together creatives, investors, fans, and industry stakeholders for a week-long showcase covering music, film, fashion, digital arts, and live experiences. In a televised show on November 22, Entertainment Week Ghana partner Joseph Adjei said years of tracking Ghana’s vibrant December events inspired the idea. He revealed that December activities often exceed 250 events, driven by a tourism boom that sees nearly 3 million visitors—many from the diaspora—arriving to invest, collaborate, or relocate based on their cultural and entertainment experiences.

World Bank applauds progress under Ghana Digital Acceleration Project

A World Bank delegation has commended Ghana’s progress under the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) during a technical visit focused on strengthening digital development and cybersecurity. Led by Regional Practice Director Michel Rogy, the team visited the Cyber Security Authority’s National CERT facility and held discussions on enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in artificial intelligence, digital job creation, public-sector digitalisation, and cybersecurity resilience. 

UNICEF partners with Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene to launch child-rights anthem

Award-winning Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene has partnered with UNICEF Ghana to release a new child-rights anthem titled “Let Them Shine” in celebration of World Children’s Day. The song highlights every child’s right to education, healthcare, nutrition, safety, and protection from abuse, according to UNICEF . Its release coincides with the 36th anniversary of Ghana’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reaffirming the country’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding children. UNICEF Representative Osama Makawi said the collaboration goes beyond music, serving as a strategic tool to elevate child-rights advocacy nationwide. Kuami Eugene expressed pride in using his platform to empower young people, noting that every child in Ghana deserves to be heard, valued, and protected. 

In January 2025, a Texas man was arrested after using Roblox to issue violent extremist threats.

Authorities in Singapore and Germany have documented similar incidents. A 16-year-old in Singapore used Roblox to share pro-Islamic State propaganda, while two 12-year-olds in Germany encountered Nazi-themed content in World War II games before being lured into extremist Discord servers.

Experts say extremists use gaming environments to break down barriers: gameplay builds trust, shared interests make conversations feel harmless, and the shift to private channels happens quickly. 

For many youths, these encounters become their first exposure to radical ideas.

The problem isn’t limited to jihadist or far-right groups. Networks like the nihilistic group “764” and even Proud Boys-linked accounts have been spotted on gaming platforms, targeting very young users who may not recognise extremist symbolism.

Regulators and child-safety advocates are urging platforms to strengthen oversight. Roblox has introduced new age-tier controls and AI moderation systems, but researchers say the sheer volume of content — billions of chat messages a day — makes full monitoring nearly impossible.

Still, specialists caution against blaming the games alone. They note that young people drawn into extremist circles often feel isolated offline, making them more susceptible to belonging and validation online.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has directed all regional and district governors to begin submitting monthly public reports on their work. The order is intended to improve transparency and keep local officials accountable to the public. This move reflects the administration’s ongoing governance reforms aimed at decentralisation and civic engagement, ensuring that regional leaders stay in closer touch with citizens’ needs and development goals.

New governors appointed across multiple districts and cities

A series of new gubernatorial appointments have been announced in several regions and cities across Uzbekistan. The reshuffle is designed to strengthen leadership and improve socio-economic management at the local level. The government says the changes are part of a broader push to modernise governance structures, empower regional administrations, and align local strategies with national development targets.

New appointments to presidential advisory team

President Mirziyoyev has also made changes within his advisory circle. Ravshan Gulyamov and Aziz Magrupov have been appointed to new roles, focusing on regional and economic development. Their inclusion in the presidential advisory team underscores the government’s intent to streamline policy implementation and attract investment while ensuring sustainable regional growth.

Another governor dismissed in Navoi region

Leadership changes continue in the Navoi region, where a previous governor was dismissed amid ongoing administrative restructuring. Alisher Rashidov has been appointed as the new regional governor. The government has not disclosed the reasons behind the dismissal, but the decision fits into the wider pattern of leadership accountability initiatives rolled out by Mirziyoyev’s administration in recent months.

Deputy Azizova calls for life imprisonment for pedophiles

A powerful debate on child protection laws is gaining traction in Uzbekistan following remarks by Deputy Azizova, who declared that “pedophiles must be punished with life imprisonment.” Her comments have received significant public support, with citizens and advocacy groups urging tougher legal measures against sexual violence involving minors. The proposal aligns with Uzbekistan’s ongoing legal reforms aimed at strengthening justice and social protection systems.