New Zealand's government has announced plans to ban children under 16 from social media, requiring high-risk platforms to verify user ages through facial estimation, digital identity, and official documents. Education Minister Erika Stanford said the move is aimed at protecting young people and holding tech companies accountable.
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Shein has launched its Hong Kong IPO at a valuation of around $27 billion, roughly a quarter of its $100 billion peak in 2022. The fast-fashion retailer is offering 280 million shares at between HK$47.60 and HK$49.50 each, with trading expected to begin on 1 September.
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Bitcoin surged toward $80,000 in its best weekly performance in years, driven by a wave of forced short closures, fresh ETF inflows, and growing macro fears around US debt. Analysts say the rally has more structural backing than previous rebounds, but warn that sustained demand, not short squeezes, will determine whether it holds.
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Oil prices fell more than 1% on Monday as investors locked in gains ahead of a planned US announcement on new Iran sanctions. Both Brent and WTI had risen more than 5% last week as US-Iran talks remained deadlocked and Strait of Hormuz flows stayed constrained.
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Gold prices climbed to their highest level in more than three months on Monday, with spot gold rising 0.7% to $4,636.34 per ounce. Silver, platinum, and palladium all posted gains alongside the move.
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Google has launched a suite of AI study tools across Search and Gemini, including 3D simulations, practice quizzes, and a dedicated student hub. Google Lens support, allowing students to photograph problems for AI-guided explanations, is set to follow in the coming weeks.
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The US dollar fell toward multi-month lows on Monday, with the euro clearing 1.16 and the yuan nearing a three-year high after eight consecutive weeks of gains. The greenback also recorded its steepest weekly loss against Bitcoin in over three years.
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Barcelona began their bid for a third straight La Liga title with a 5-0 win over Elche, as Raphinha and Fermin Lopez each scored twice. Summer signing Karim Adeyemi marked his competitive debut with a goal, though Gavi left the pitch before half-time with a knee complaint.
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