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Zuckerberg Defends Meta in Landmark U.S. Trial Over Teen Social Media Harm

Meta CEO rejects claims that Instagram is deliberately addictive, emphasizing youth safety measures and platform policies.

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Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified this week in Los Angeles in a high-profile trial examining whether Instagram and other social media platforms contribute to harm among children and teenagers. The lawsuit, K.G.M. v. Meta, centers on allegations that the platform’s design features including infinite scrolling, push notifications, and beauty filters intentionally maximize engagement and have negative effects on youth mental health.

The plaintiff, identified only by her initials K.G.M., claims that early and prolonged use of Instagram and YouTube contributed to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Similar claims against TikTok and Snapchat were settled before trial, leaving Meta and Google as the primary defendants. Attorneys for K.G.M. presented internal Meta documents suggesting past corporate goals aimed at increasing “time spent” on the app, raising questions about whether the platform’s design deliberately encouraged addictive behavior among minors.

Zuckerberg rejected the allegations, emphasizing that Instagram prohibits users under age 13 and implements tools to detect and remove underage accounts, even though some users bypass these restrictions. He defended features such as beauty filters as forms of creative self-expression rather than mechanisms of harm and stressed that engagement metrics were used for benchmarking against competitors, not to drive addictive behavior. Meta’s legal team argued that mental health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors and cannot be attributed solely to social media use.

Observers note that this trial could set a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for platform design, algorithmic recommendations, and youth protection. A ruling against Meta could influence engagement strategies, safety features, and age verification standards, as well as the interpretation of Section 230 protections in the United States. As the trial continues, its outcome may have significant implications for regulatory approaches and industry practices worldwide.

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Society

Melania Trump Introduces Talking Robot to Inspire Kids’ Learning

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First Lady Melania Trump wowed attendees at a children’s education and technology summit this week by introducing a walking, talking humanoid robot designed to show how technology can transform learning.
The event, part of a global initiative to explore the role of technology in education, brought together educators, innovators, and officials to discuss ways to prepare children for a future full of digital tools and artificial intelligence.

Trump unveiled a sleek robot named Figure 03, capable of speaking multiple languages, moving naturally, and interacting with people. She described it as a glimpse into the future, where robots could help kids learn subjects like math, science, and literature, offering personalized lessons right at home or in the classroom.

During the presentation, Figure 03 greeted attendees, answered questions, and demonstrated its ability to engage with students showing how robots could supplement teaching in creative and exciting ways.
“Imagine a world where every child has access to instant knowledge and personalized learning,” Trump said, emphasizing that technology can make education more accessible and engaging for all children.

The summit highlighted how AI and robotics are no longer just science fiction, they are becoming practical tools that could reshape the way children learn, think, and explore the world. With initiatives like this, Trump hopes to spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and encourage young people to embrace technology as a part of their education journey.

By bringing a robot into the spotlight, the former First Lady’s message was clear: the classroom of the future is interactive, exciting, and full of possibilities and children should be ready to take advantage of it.

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Tech

Rwanda Accelerates Digital Government and Economy Through Innovative Platforms

Over a decade of strategic investment is transforming public services, connectivity, and technology-driven growth

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Rwanda has spent more than a decade building the foundations of a digital government and digital economy, making technology a central pillar of its national development strategy.

The country’s digital transformation has been driven by policies under the Smart Rwanda Master Plan, implemented by the Rwanda Information Society Authority and guided by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation. The plan focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, improving government services, and encouraging innovation in sectors such as finance, health, and education.

One of Rwanda’s most visible achievements has been the expansion of online government services through the IremboGov platform, which allows citizens and businesses to access public services digitally instead of visiting government offices. The system has helped streamline services such as permit applications, civil registration, and business-related procedures.

Rwanda has also invested heavily in broadband connectivity and digital innovation, including the rollout of nationwide 4G internet and the creation of technology hubs and innovation programs in Kigali.

The introduction of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) strategy represents the next phase of this effort. DPI aims to connect key digital systems such as digital identity, payment platforms, and government databases so that institutions can securely exchange information and deliver faster, more integrated services.

Officials say strengthening these systems will not only improve public service delivery but also create a stronger foundation for data-driven innovation, digital trade, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader ambition to position itself as a regional leader in digital governance and technology-driven economic growth in Africa.

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Musk’s Starlink Teams Up with Kenyan ISP to Bring Internet to Remote Areas

Satellite broadband provider Starlink partners with local firm Mawingu Networks to expand access in rural Kenya.

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Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet network operated by SpaceX, is making a strategic move in Kenya. Instead of expanding alone, the company has teamed up with Mawingu Networks, a Kenyan internet service provider that has spent years connecting rural and semi-urban communities. Together, they plan to roll out high-speed internet to hundreds of community hubs across the country, including schools, farmer cooperatives, and local resource centers.

Starlink works differently from regular internet providers. Its network of satellites in low Earth orbit beams internet signals directly to the ground, allowing coverage in areas where traditional fiber or mobile networks are limited or unreliable. While this technology can reach remote regions quickly, it still needs local support to make the service practical for everyday users. That’s where Mawingu comes in. With its on-the-ground experience and existing infrastructure, Mawingu can manage installations, maintain equipment, and help communities make the most of the connectivity.

The partnership also ties into global efforts, supported by companies like Microsoft, to improve digital access in underserved areas. By combining satellite coverage with local knowledge, the initiative aims to make the internet not just available, but usable, enabling online education, business opportunities, and access to digital services in communities that have long been left behind.

This collaboration marks a shift in Starlink’s strategy in Africa. Initially, the company entered markets as a standalone provider, which caused concern among local operators worried about competition.
By working alongside an established Kenyan ISP, Starlink can expand more smoothly, reduce regulatory friction, and integrate more effectively into the local digital ecosystem.

Instead of operating in isolation, global companies are increasingly finding that partnerships with local operators are essential to deliver technology in a way that benefits communities and supports sustainable growth.

For Kenya, the Starlink-Mawingu partnership could mean faster, more reliable internet for hundreds of communities, unlocking opportunities for learning, commerce, and communication in regions that have long struggled with connectivity gaps.

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