Minimum Age To Use WhatsApp In Europe Lowered To 13

Apr 13 2024

Meta has recently lowered the minimum age requirement for WhatsApp in Europe from 16 to 13, aligning with the age restriction already announced in the United Kingdom earlier this year.

This change, which took effect in the European Union on Thursday, has sparked criticism from children’s rights advocates who argue that it exposes young people to significant online risks.

Campaign groups, including Smartphone Free Childhood in the UK, have called on WhatsApp to reverse this decision, emphasizing concerns over children’s safety and well-being. Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, criticized WhatsApp for prioritizing shareholder profits over children’s safety.

UK lawmaker Vicky Ford also expressed concern, calling the decision irresponsible and highlighting the lack of consultation with parents prior to lowering the age limit.

In response, a WhatsApp spokesperson emphasized the platform’s features that allow users to control their interactions and block unknown contacts for added safety.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has faced widespread criticism for its approach to age restrictions and online safety.

Last year, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, was accused of obstructing efforts to improve teen well-being on Facebook and Instagram, showing ongoing concerns about the impact of social media on young users.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, has not yet commented on this recent change. This controversy reflects broader debates over social media regulation and the responsibilities of tech companies in protecting young users from online harms.

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Prime Minister In Vienna For Talks On Malta’s Future

Apr 13 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela was invited by President of the European Council Charles Michel to engage in discussions concerning Malta’s strategic direction for the next five years within the broader European context.

In a post-meeting briefing with journalists, Prime Minister Abela highlighted the pivotal role of addressing irregular immigration during the discussions. He emphasized Malta’s extensive experience in managing this complex issue, navigating challenges to balance humanitarian obligations with national security imperatives.

Abela underscored the evolving dynamics, noting that more countries are now facing similar challenges and seeking insights from Malta, a notable shift from the situation in 2020. Reflecting on Malta’s approach, especially amidst ongoing conflicts and instability in the Middle East contributing to irregular migration flows, Abela stressed the importance of nuanced communications and collaborative efforts with North African nations.

The Prime Minister’s participation in these discussions underscores Malta’s proactive engagement in addressing regional and European challenges, particularly in immigration and security. By sharing Malta’s experiences and strategies, Abela highlighted the country’s growing role and influence within the European Union, advocating for comprehensive, cooperative solutions to complex issues affecting the region.

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Footage Source: TVM News

Maltese Throw Away Average 154KG Of Food Per Person

Apr 13 2024

Published statistics on food wastage in Europe for 2021 reveal that Maltese individuals discard an average of 154 kilograms of food per person, placing Malta in 7th position among 27 countries.

Across the European Union, the average food wastage per person stands at 131 kilograms, according to Eurostat’s estimations.

Cyprus leads the chart with the highest food wastage per capita, amounting to approximately 400 kilograms per person.

Other countries ranking high in food wastage include Belgium, Denmark, Greece, and Portugal. Conversely, Sweden, Croatia, and Slovenia exhibit significantly lower levels of food wastage per person.

In total, food wastage in the EU surpassed 58 million tonnes in 2021. Private households accounted for 54% of this figure.

The second-largest contributor to food wastage was food processing and production, comprising 21%. Restaurants generated over 5 million tonnes of food wastage, equivalent to 9% of the total, while other food sectors contributed more than 4 million tonnes, representing 7% of total food wastage.

Food wastage encompasses not only uneaten food but also includes discarded food products such as peels, fruit pulp, and bones. These statistics underscore the significant challenge of reducing food wastage across Europe and highlight the need for sustainable practices to minimize this environmental and economic burden.

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LESA Transport Malta Increase Checks As Accidents, Traffic Rise

Apr 13 2024

A video uploaded to TikTok shows a LESA and Transport Malta road block as officials check for licenses, particularly for third country nationals working deliveries in Malta.

LESA and Transport Malta have increased their checks as Malta notes a rise in everything from cars on the road to traffic accidents to increases in fines.

The video shows a driver being stopped by an official to check for his driving license, with the driver, recording with his attached camera, providing the officer what he needs and explaining that his ID card is undergoing a renewal process by Identita.

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Despite not having a photo of his blue paper, the driver complies by providing the driving license, which the officer accepts.

Last January, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri revealed that between 2022 and 2023, up to half a million LESA tickets and fines were issued.

In 2023 alone, 262,737 fines were issued, with the COVID-19 measure breaches having decreased considerably if not almost completely when compared to 2022.

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