Georgians protest ‘Russia-inspired’ bill and other global news from EU’s Meta probe that you may have overlooked

The European Commission has launched an investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over its content moderation practices. The inquiry, conducted under the Digital Services Act (DSA), aims to ensure a more secure and transparent online environment for users.

A spokesperson for Meta responded to the inquiry by stating that the company has a well-established process for identifying and mitigating risks on its platforms. The European Commission has the authority to conduct raids on company premises, interview officials, and gather evidence to ensure compliance with the DSA.

If found in violation of the law, companies like Meta could face fines of up to 6 percent of their global revenue. This investigation is part of a series of regulatory actions taken by EU authorities, with similar inquiries into platforms like TikTok and ‘X’ (formerly) also underway.

The regulatory action comes amidst concerns about foreign sources of disinformation, particularly from countries like Russia, China, and Iran. A report by AI Forensics highlighted a Russian information network purchasing misleading ads through deceptive methods.

In another part of the world, protests in Georgia turned violent as clashes erupted between security forces and demonstrators opposing a draft “foreign influence” bill. The bill, modeled after a 2012 Russian law, requires organizations receiving over 20 percent of their finances from international sources to register as a “foreign agent.”

The bill, set for its final reading in May, has sparked outrage among the public and drawn significant youth participation in protests. Tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries, including the chairman of the main Opposition party.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, a severe cash shortage has led to long queues at ATMs as people hoard currency due to the country’s economic challenges. Entrepreneurs and businesses are holding onto pesos to exchange for foreign currency on the informal market.

Lastly, in the Solomon Islands, foreign minister Jeremiah Manele has been appointed as the new Prime Minister, known for his pro-China stance. Manele aims to improve the economic situation for the people and strengthen ties with Beijing.