Australia to Ban Under-16 Social Media Accounts by December:
The Australian government has issued detailed guidance for technology companies ahead of a new law set to ban social media accounts for users under the age of 16. The law will take effect on December 10, and platforms must take steps to comply with the new age restrictions or face penalties.The eSafety Commission released documentation, including a self-assessment tool, to help companies determine whether their services fall under the scope of the law. Platforms used primarily for education, health, professional networking, or online gaming may be exempt.
The Grit, The Throw, The Glory: Arshad Nadeem Steps Back on the Global Stage:
Every great athlete knows that the real work begins far from the spotlight. In his latest training video, Arshad Nadeem shows the true spirit of a champion, combining relentless focus with the determination to rise stronger. His passion is unmistakable, his commitment unyielding, and his drive unrelenting. Each frame captures him training with precision and intensity, shutting out everything but the javelin, the runway, and the moment that lies ahead.
Vivo Y31 5G Series Launched with Massive 6,500 mAh Battery, Starting at Just $170:
Vivo has officially launched two new smartphones in its Y-series, the Y31 5G and the Y31 Pro 5G. These models succeed the Vivo Y29 and bring upgrades in performance, display quality, and battery capacity. Both devices target budget-conscious users looking for 5G connectivity and large batteries, with slight differences in build and features.The Vivo Y31 5G comes with a 6.68-inch HD+ IPS LCD display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1000 nits. It is available in Rose Red and Diamond Green color options. The Y31 Pro 5G features a slightly larger 6.72-inch display with a sharper FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, along with 1050 nits of peak brightness. The Pro version is available in Mocha Brown and Dreamy White.
“Stop Killing Games” Campaign Nears EU Commission Action After 1.45 Million Signatures:
The Stop Killing Games campaign is continuing to gain momentum after surpassing one million signatures in July. As of the July 31 deadline, the movement had secured approximately 1.45 million signatures, which organizers are now verifying. The campaign aims to push for legislation that ensures continued access to video games, even after developers end support. The movement gained traction following Ubisoft’s controversial delisting of The Crew, which revoked access to players who had already purchased the title.
PTA Chairman Files Appeal Against Islamabad High Court’s Removal Order:
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, has filed an intra-court appeal challenging the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision that ordered his removal from office. The appeal contests the judgment delivered by Justice Babar Sattar, which declared his appointment as chairman unlawful.
The appeal, filed under the provisions of the Intra-Court Appeal Ordinance, 1972, argues that the appointment of Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman was conducted in accordance with the law and relevant rules. It asserts that the IHC’s decision to invalidate his appointment was unwarranted.
Islamabad High Court Orders Removal of Illegally Appointed PTA Chairman:
The Islamabad High Court has declared the appointment of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retired) Hafeez ur Rehman unconstitutional and unlawful, ordering his immediate removal from office. Justice Babar Sattar, in a detailed 99-page verdict released Monday, ruled that the creation of the post of Member (Administration) was beyond the mandate of the Telecom Act and was introduced for extraneous reasons. The court held that amendments to the PTA Appointment Rules made to accommodate the appointment were invalid under the Constitution and the Telecom Act.
vivo Announces Brand Ambassador for the Upcoming V Series in Pakistan:
vivo, a leading global smartphone brand, has officially announced Atif Aslam as the Brand Ambassador for its upcoming V series in Pakistan. Known for his soulful voice and charismatic personality, Atif Aslam perfectly embodies the superstar essence and style that vivo’s V series represents. The collaboration aims to highlight the V series sleek design, next level camera, and powerful performance, aligning seamlessly with Atif Aslam’s vibrant persona and strong influence among the audience. As one of Pakistan’s most celebrated artists, Atif Aslam brings an unmatched connection with fans, making him the ideal face for vivo’s next big launch.
Pakistan’s Biggest Gaming and Animation Hub is Now Official:
Ignite National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, and HUM Network officially signed the establishment of the Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA), an initiative designed to transform the nation’s immense creative talent into a global force.This hub will serve as the engine for Pakistan’s digital future, empowering a new generation of developers, animators, and entrepreneurs.
Seamless KYC Information Updates via NCCPL API Now Live at Munir Khanani Securities:
In a landmark development for Pakistan’s capital market, the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Ltd (NCCPL) has successfully launched its API-based KYC Information Update Service, with Muhammad Munir Muhammad Ahmed Khanani Securities Ltd. becoming the first brokerage house to implement the functionality. The end-to-end integration was delivered by Microlinks Pvt. Ltd. as technology partner.To acknowledge this achievement a ceremony was held on 12th September 2025 at NCCPL House, where Mr. Naveed Qazi, Chief Executive Officer of NCCPL formally presented a commemorative memento to Mr. Muhammad Munir Khanani, Chief Executive Officer of Munir Khanani Securities, recognizing his leadership as “The First Securities Broker to Automate KYC Information Updation Process.”
This New Screen Could Make $160 Phones Look Like Flagships:
BOE Technology Group (formerly Beijing Oriental Electronics Group) is one of the biggest and most prolific mobile display manufacturers nowadays. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of LCDs, OLEDs, and flexible displays, and now it has introduced a new type of IPS LCD panel that brings several improvements.BOE has now unveiled an advanced new ADS Pro (IPS LCD) display for smartphones. It is a 6.74-inch panel with a 2720 × 1224 pixel resolution, which works out to around 443 ppi. The display will come with either a 120Hz or 144Hz variable refresh rate. When described as variable, it means in fixed steps, likely 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz/144Hz.
vivo Pakistan Teases the Arrival of V60: A New Chapter in Portrait Photography Begins:
A single moment can hold a world of feeling, and vivo is about to change how we capture it. As a global pioneer in smartphone innovation, vivo Pakistan is building momentum toward its next big reveal: the brand-new vivo V60, an upcoming flagship in its celebrated V Series lineup. While the full picture is yet to be revealed, early whispers suggest the V60 will deliver vivo’s most expressive camera experience to date, co-engineered with ZEISS for portraiture that transcends the frame.
TECNO Launches Latest Spark 40 in Pakistan:
TECNO has officially launched the Spark 40 in Pakistan, the newest addition to its popular Spark Series. Designed to deliver power, style, and durability, the Spark 40 combines a sleek slim build, a 5200mAh battery with 45W Fast Charging, and reliable toughness — making it more than just a smartphone, but a lifestyle partner for today’s youth.At the heart of the Spark 40 is a 5200mAh battery that powers users through gaming, streaming, and work all day long. With 45W Super Charge technology, downtime is minimized, ensuring uninterrupted performance on the go.
Engro Holdings Sees Growth in Tower Business:
Engro Holding Company (ENGROH) is projecting strong growth across its businesses, with management highlighting expansion opportunities in telecom towers, fertilizers, and coal mining, according to a briefing with Topline Securities.Engro Corp’s consolidated revenue has grown at a six-year compound annual growth rate of 21%, reaching Rs. 540 billion ($1.9 billion), while net profit rose 19% annually to Rs. 67 billion. The company recently closed a $563 million deal with VEON Group Pakistan, making it the 16th largest independent telecom operator globally.
Resolution Submitted in Punjab Assembly Seeking Ban on TikTok:
A resolution calling for a permanent ban on the social media platform TikTok has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly. The resolution was moved by opposition lawmaker Farrukh Javed, according to assembly sources.The text of the resolution alleges that the TikTok “mafia” in Pakistan is promoting vulgarity and obscenity, particularly through its live chat feature. It claims that the application is encouraging inappropriate conversations among young users, especially children, and drawing them toward immoral behavior.The resolution further states that TikTok is luring the younger generation into a culture of cheap fame and money, which, it argued, poses serious risks to societal values. It emphasized that such trends are not acceptable in an Islamic society and that decisive steps must be taken to protect the moral fabric of the nation.
US Offers $11 Million Bounty for Major Ukranian Hacker:
The United States has announced an $11 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, a Ukrainian national accused of orchestrating multiple ransomware campaigns. Tymoshchuk faces seven federal charges tied to cyberattacks that allegedly resulted in the theft of $18 billion between December 2018 and October 2021. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Authorities accuse Tymoshchuk of leading operations behind MegaCortex, LockerGoga, and Nefilim ransomware strains. These attacks targeted blue-chip US companies, health care providers, and foreign industrial firms. One of the most notable cases was the 2019 LockerGoga attack on Norsk Hydro, which disrupted operations at 170 sites and caused damages of around $81 million.
New PECA Amendment Puts Internet Providers Directly in the Firing Line:
The government has proposed significant changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, aimed at tightening regulations on social media platforms and service providers. The amendment seeks to remove the legal protection that currently shields internet companies from action if they fail to block or remove objectionable online content.PML-N Senator presented the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Senate, a move officials describe as critical to ensuring a safer online environment in Pakistan. The bill specifically addresses Section 38 of PECA, which currently protects service providers from direct legal liability.The amendment proposes ending this protection if companies ignore content removal orders issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or other relevant institutions.
Deal is done to keep TikTok in the US, says Trump:
A deal has been made between the US and China to keep TikTok running in the US, according to President Donald Trump. “We have a deal on TikTok, I’ve reached a deal with China, I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a state visit to the UK. The social media platform, which is run by Chinese company ByteDance, was told it had to sell its US operations or risk being shut down. However, Trump has repeatedly delayed the ban since it was first announced in January. Later on Tuesday, he ordered the deadline extended again, until 16 December.
New AI deal could rapidly boost UK economy, says Microsoft boss:
Microsoft says its new $30bn (£22bn) investment in the UK’s AI sector – its largest outside the US – should significantly boost Britain’s economy in the next few years. The package forms a major part of a £31bn agreement, dubbed the “Tech Prosperity Deal”, between the UK government and several US tech giants as part of President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK. The deal will see Google, Nvidia and others invest in British-based infrastructure to support AI, largely in the form of data centres. Microsoft will also now be involved in the creation of a powerful new supercomputer in Essex. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told the BBC he expected AI investment to drive UK growth and productivity.
Two sites in North East become ‘AI growth zone’:
Plans to make it easier to develop AI projects at two sites in north-east England have been revealed. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said Blyth in Northumberland and Cobalt Park in North Tyneside are to be made an AI growth zone, which will “boost economic growth” and create “thousands of jobs”. Teesworks in Redcar was not included in the announcement, despite Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen previously saying the government had given its “commitment” to award the site the same status.
Chip shop cuts costs by using AI to take orders:
A chip shop manager said he has programmed an AI answering service to take orders in a bid to cut costs. Brad Lee, from The Nippy Chippy in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, said because of the rise in fish prices, the cost of living, and wage and National Insurance increases, he decided to utilise the technology. It has saved him the cost of hiring someone specifically for the role, and Mr Lee said he is the only person he knows of using the system in a fish and chip shop. “We’ve been live about six months now and although it’s been hit and miss, a lot of people love it,” he said.
US regulators open Tesla probe after reports of children trapped in cars:
US safety regulators have opened a probe focused on Tesla’s electric-powered door handles, responding to reports that they suddenly stopped working, leaving children trapped in the cars. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday that it had received nine complaints about the handles in Tesla’s 2021 Model Y cars, the company’s flagship model. In four of the cases, the car owners resorted to breaking the window to resolve the issue. Tesla did not immediately comment on the investigation, which is the first step toward a potential recall.
Video games are taking longer to make, but why?:
“It’s been 84 years…” or so says the meme. For video game fans, it can certainly feel like it, as the gap between big releases gets longer. Earlier this month Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to 2017’s Hollow Knight, was finally released. And don’t get us started on Grand Theft Auto 6. But the wait for one big title, Borderlands 4, is finally over, six years after its predecessor came out. “I’m freaking out. It’s wild,” Randy Pitchford, head of developer Gearbox, tells Media.
Why hackers are targeting the world’s shipping:
Lawyer Henry Clack sadly knows a lot about Nigerian criminal gangs. Mr Clack, a solicitor at London-based commercial law firm HFW, has to deal with them when he is representing global shipping firms that have found themselves victims of cyber attacks. “Of the cases which HFW have been involved in, the most common counterparties that we’ve encountered are Nigerian organised criminal organisations,” he says. “They have been responsible for perpetrating several high value ‘man-in-the-middle’ frauds in recent years.”
‘You just can’t recreate that glow’: The people who hunt old TVs:
They are televisions from another era, replaced by the flat screen, high-resolution displays of the modern era. Yet cathode-ray tubes are still surprisingly in demand. The moment he saw pictures of the grubby old televisions for sale, Shaan Joshi knew he had to have them. Joshi, a game developer and writer from central Florida in the US, immediately paid up: $2,500 (£1,900) for 10 cathode-ray tube (CRT) TVs. Chunky boxes with thick glass screens. Relics from another time. Wi-fi connectivity? Apps? Forget about it. These things produced a glow and sound from an earlier era.
These TVs weren’t any ordinary analogue displays though. They were professional video monitors, or PVMs. The kind of sets that once furnished hospital labs, hooked up to very expensive equipment. Broadcasters also used to have huge numbers of them. Today, PVMs light up the dreams of certain die-hard retro gamers.
Will farming under solar panels take off?:
“As a farmer, you’re always at the mercy of weather,” says Harpal Dagar who has a farm on the outskirts of Delhi. “So many times, we lost our produce due to unpredictable conditions,” he says. But five years ago he was approached by Sun Master, a Delhi-based solar power firm, with a deal that would give him a much more predictable income. Sun Master proposed building solar panels above some of Mr Dagar’s fields, with the panels high enough off the ground, that he could continue to farm underneath them. Under the 25-year deal, Mr Dagar would receive annual payments and Sun Master would keep the proceeds from the electricity generated. “When the solar company first approached us… many of us feared losing our land. It sounded too good to be true – maybe even a scam,” says Mr Dagar. “But today, I believe it was the best decision I made. My income has tripled, and I sleep peacefully without the stress of climate or crop failure,” he says. Sun Master pays him around $1,200 (£900) per acre, per year, plus $170 a month for work operating and maintaining the solar panels.