Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

UAE Media Council launches Advertiser Permit for social media content creators
The UAE Media Council has launched an official Advertiser Permit required for individuals who publish promotional content on social media platforms, whether their content is paid or unpaid. The Advertiser Permit seeks to enhance the quality of...

UAE launches Advertiser Permit for content creators to publish promotional matter on social media
The UAE Media Council has announced the launch of the Advertiser Permit for individuals who publish promotional content on social media platforms, whether their content is paid or unpaid. This initiative is part of an integrated framework aimed at...

UAE introduces mandatory ‘advertiser permit’ for social media content
The UAE Media Council has announced that anyone displaying promotional content on their social media channels will soon be required to apply for a licence, regardless of whether the content is paid for or not. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, secretary...
‘Baffling’: Leftist media downplays Obama’s Russiagate connection amid Gabbard claims
American Culture Project Senior Fellow Corey DeAngelis says it is “baffling” that the media are not covering Obama’s involvement in the Russiagate collusion. “The American people were the victim of this Russia collusion hoax that was pushed for...

Joey Swoll quits social media and forced to apologize over controversy following WWE legend Hulk Hogan’s death
A FITNESS influencer has apologized over a Hulk Hogan tribute. And he sent a cryptic message which sparked fears he's about to quit social media. 2 Joey Swoll apparently quit social media over a Hulk Hogan backlashCredit: TikTok / @thejoeswoll 2...

MovieVerse Studios, Beacon Media forge content alliance for Global South
MovieVerse Studios, the mainstream content arm of IN10 Media Network, has partnered with Beacon Media to establish a global content alliance centred on the Global South. The collaboration aims to create a borderless content ecosystem that connects...

What did Ari Lennox say about Martin Lawrence's show? Singer’s remarks spark controversy online
American R&B singer and songwriter Ari Lennox recently shared her thoughts about Martin Lawrence’s show, Martin, in a viral audio clip. She specifically addressed how the character of Pamela “Pam” James was treated. The clip was shared on X by...

Top three most-watched media services in UK revealed with 'traditional TV fading'
Brits used to solely rely on the TV schedule for entertainment. If they wanted to tune into their favourite show or catch up with a soap, they would need to wait until the omnibus or re-run was shown, always at a set time. Now, kids can watch...

The quiet rebellion against fashion’s social media algorithms
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Piprahwa Relics of Gautam Buddha Return to India After 127 Years, PM Narendra Modi Calls It ‘A Joyous Day for Our Cultural Heritage’ (See Pics)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced the return of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautam Buddha to India, 127 years after they were taken abroad during the colonial era. Discovered in 1898 in Uttar Pradesh, the relics had resurfaced...

UAE launches 'advertiser permit' for social media users
Anyone displaying promotional content on their social media channels is to be required to apply for a licence, the UAE Media Council has announced. The advertiser permit will be needed if the content is paid for or not. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi,...

Joey Swoll Cancelled Over Hulk Hogan Video? Inside the Controversy That Ended His Social Media Career
Fitness influencer Joey Swoll has quit social media after receiving widespread backlash over a tribute video to Hulk Hogan, posted days after the wrestler's death. The incident unfolded in late July 2025 across TikTok, Instagram and X (formerly...

The pros and cons of being online
WHAT HAPPENS Online is all about figuring out who you are online and offline. It provides positive discussion on topics impacting teens today, including peer pressure, online culture, mental health and bullying. In Nathanael Lessore’s true style...

Polly Vernon: Porn, The Online Safety Bill, And Bonnie Blue
On 25 July the UK Government’s online safety legislation enforced more stringent age checks on anyone accessing porn sites. These incorporate tools like facial age estimation using live video, and credit card, bank, phone provider and passport...

Perspective: Support your public media
Well, it finally happened — funding for NPR and PBS has been cut. For over 50 years, public media has provided a vital service to our national community. Programs like Sesame Street, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, PBS NewsHour, All Things Considered,...

"Won't be watching his movies anymore"— Leonardo DiCaprio faces boycott as internet reacts to actor building a luxury hotel in Israel
A luxury hotel project in Israel's Herzliya Marina, in which Leonardo DiCaprio owns a 10% stake, has been approved, according to The Jerusalem Post. An article published by the outlet on July 29 claimed that the Hagag Group Real Estate...

How much land does Oprah own in Hawaii? Private road controversy explained as mogul faces online backlash
Independent American journalist and content creator Nick Sortor took to X on July 29, 2025, and claimed that Oprah Winfrey has kept her “private road” connecting Wailea to Kula in Hawaii, allegedly closed. According to Sortor, locals are thus...

UAE Media Council launches Advertiser Permit for individuals
This initiative is part of an integrated framework aimed at creating a flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with the rapid evolution of the media industry. It seeks to enhance content quality, increase the sector’s attractiveness for...

Black-Owned Social Media Platform Fanbase Raises Over $12.7 Million Through Equity Crowdfunding
They’re showing what happens when we invest in us! Fanbase is a Black-owned social media platform built with creators in mind, where anyone can monetize their content from day one. Founded by Isaac Hayes III, son of the legendary soul artist Isaac...

CMA’s Media Summer Camp marks a decade of youth impact
Abu Dhabi: The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced the successful completion of the tenth annual Media Summer Camp, marking a decade of inspiring and equipping the next generation of media professionals in the UAE. Launched in 2016, the...