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France may make influencers label their filtered photos

France may make influencers label their filtered photos
Mar 30 2023 Share

The French government is currently considering a proposed legislation which would require influencers to label content which is filtered, retouched or augmented in any way. 

This proposal would also ban the influencers from promoting plastic surgery as part of paid partnerships. 

France’s Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire revealed via a Tweet on March 24th that enacting this law would help limit the ‘destructive psychological effects of filtering and retouching on internet users’ self-esteem.’ 

Despite research concerning this requiring further investigation, it is currently being reported that heavy social media use and the viewing of highly manipulated images showcasing ‘perfect’ bodies can have negative psychological impacts on young users, especially girls. 

This follows a recent social media uproar caused by the New Bold Glamour TikTok filter. 

The filter was used by millions as they highlighted how accurate the filter was, not being impacted by waving hands in front of one’s face. Many critiqued the filter for its potentially damaging effects on self-esteem. 

#MaltaDaily 

UK could ban fruit-flavoured vapes to crack down on overuse

UK could ban fruit-flavoured vapes to crack down on overuse
Mar 30 2023 Share

The UK government is looking to crack down on the use of vapes and could end up even banning the fruit-favourite nicotine products. 

According to ITV, it is expected that Public Health minister Neil O’Brien will make a statement next month to call for an investigation into the issue. This could potentially bring the end for the fruity flavoured vapes after they were found to have risen in popularity, and rates of addiction, in recent years. 

Still, the UK government is keen on promoting vaping among adults as an alternative to youth. It was found by an Ash report last year that the proportion of children aged 11 to 17 using vapes rose from 4% in 2020 to 7% in 2022. 

This would follow a similar move by the Chinese government, which banned the sale of the e-cigarettes as part of a crackdown. The e-cigarettes can still be manufactured in China to be shipped around the world, but the vapes that have flavourings other than tobacco cannot be sold on the domestic market. 

#MaltaDaily 

Over 15,000 e-scooter rides everyday in summer confirms Minister

Over 15,000 e-scooter rides everyday in summer confirms Minister
Mar 30 2023 Share

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Aaron Farrugia said on Wednesday revealed plans to introduce parking bays for e-scooters in various Maltese localities due to the amount of rides which take place. 

Farrugia confirmed that this proposal, which comes after the introduction of 40 parking bays in San Gwann, aims to replicate the success achieved in that locality. 

Among the localities which will get parking bays include St Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira, and Ta’ Xbiex. The Minister also confirmed that there were 15,000 daily e-scooter rides in the summer. 

This also comes after much pushback by the Maltese public as well as prominent figures, including Shadow Minister Adrian Delia, for more regulation in regards to the use of this alternative mode of transportation. 

What do you think of this new proposal?

#MaltaDaily 

Italy moves to ban lab grown meat to ‘protect food heritage’

Italy moves to ban lab grown meat to 'protect food heritage'
Mar 30 2023 Share

Italy’s government has backed a new bill that seeks to ban laboratory-produced meat and other synthetic foods. 

If the proposal goes through, which highlights ‘Italian food heritage’ and ‘health protection’, breaking the ban would attract fines of up to €60,000. 

Francesco Lollobrigida, who runs the rebranded ministry for agriculture and food sovereignty, cited the importance of Italy’s food tradition as part of the move. This earned the praise of the farmer’s lobby but the criticism of animal welfare groups and even the Opposition. 

The production of cell-based food avoids the need for animals to be killed and is better for the environment, supporters of the practice argue. 

Meanwhile, Italian health minister Orazio Schillaci said that the ban is based on precautionary principles. This echoes what the new rightwing government, led by Giorgia Meloni, promised before coming into power – protecting food from technological advancements. 

Just last November, the FFDA cleared cell-cultured chicken for human consumption after ‘careful evaluation.’ Despite no approval sought by the European Food Safety Authority, the EU Commission has suggested that this could be considered a promising and innovative solution for health and environmentally friendly food systems. 

#MaltaDaily