EU Parliament Approves Stronger Rules To Tackle Online Child Abuse

Jun 19 2025

European Parliament has voted to strengthen legislation aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse, exploitation, and the spread of abuse material especially in the growing online world influenced by artificial intelligence.

Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba, one of the lead negotiators (rapporteurs) on the new rules targeting online child sexual abuse (CSAM), spoke during the parliamentary debate held in Strasbourg.

“This is an emergency,” said Agius Saliba. “There are no more serious crimes to imagine, as a father, than those committed against children. And while the facts horrify me, we must accept that child sexual abuse is on the rise.”

The updated Directive is a response to alarming data from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which reported 29.2 million global cases involving 63 million images and videos — a dramatic increase since the pandemic.

The new rules aim to modernise EU law by accounting for the dangers posed by online platforms and AI technologies. The Directive will, Recognise the use of AI in grooming and producing abuse content, Extend limitation periods so victims can come forward years after the offence, Strengthen the responsibility of tech platforms to protect minors and Improve coordination between EU law enforcement agencies.

MEP Agius Saliba shared a troubling local example: “A Maltese family recently contacted me after their daughter became the target of AI-generated explicit content. Big Tech must take responsibility for the safety of their platforms.”

The updated rules highlight the urgent need for shared intelligence, thorough investigations, and stronger enforcement across borders to stop these crimes before more children are harmed.

More on the data from NCMEC: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline/cybertiplinedata

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Group Of Tourists Moves Other Car To Make Way For Parking

Jun 19 2025

As party season kicks off, finding a parking spot can feel impossible unless you are these guys.

In the video shared on TikTok, by @jusjermaineclips, which now has over 277k views. A group of tourists in Malta couldn’t find parking before the function so they made their own by grouping together and lifting the other car to the side to make space for their own car.

@jusjermaineclips We made our own parking spot 😂 #dltmalta #malta #fyp #dayslikethis #uktok #fyppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

The video shows the group gathering around a small car that was in the way. Working together, they physically lifted the car and shifted it to the side, creating just enough space to park their own vehicle.

What do you think of this?

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Sliema’s Chalet, Qui-Si-Sana Area Sewage Leak Prompts Swimming Ban

Jun 19 2025

Swimming has been stopped at the Chalet area in Sliema after a sewage leak was found. The Environmental Health Directorate has warned people not to swim there for now. Dirty water is leaking into the sea near Tower Road, and this could make the water unsafe.

Officials, with help from the Waste Water Unit of the Water Services Corporation, investigated the case. It was quickly confirmed that the source of the leak is a defective drainage system in a nearby private establishment. The case will now be followed up by the Environmental Health Directorate.

The public is asked to stay out of the sea near the Chalet until it is declared safe. Warning signs may be placed in the area to alert swimmers.

For more information, the public can contact the Environmental Health Directorate on 2133 7333 during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) or email [email protected].

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Inside The Role: Holding Space for Foster Carers

"It’s Not Easy, But Worth It": Malta’s Foster Carers Unite

Jun 19 2025

Johanna Rizzo, a counsellor with the Directorate for Alternative Care at FSWS, leads support groups for foster carers, a role she describes as both rewarding and challenging.

Held around three times a year, these sessions provide a safe environment where carers can openly share their experiences, struggles, and ways of coping.

Rizzo’s approach centres on trust and non-judgement. “It’s a privilege to hold space for people who invest daily in vulnerable children’s wellbeing,” she says.

“These groups remind carers they are not alone.” Emotional honesty often characterises the sessions, and Rizzo carefully guides discussions through intense moments, mindful of each carer’s background and emotional state.

A unique aspect of the sessions is the involvement of a co-facilitator, usually a foster carer, who offers insight from lived experience. A trainee therapist has also recently joined the groups, gaining valuable exposure to support work in practice.

Still, Rizzo acknowledges the emotional toll. “There are times I feel limited in how much support I can give,” she says, going on to highlight the importance of further collaboration among professionals.

What stays with her most is the foster carers’ quiet dedication. “Their commitment to nurturing children who’ve experienced trauma is a reminder of why this work matters.”

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