More than 3,000 federal lawsuits alleging social media addiction are allowed to move forward after a U.S. appeals court decision. On Aug. 10, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed appeals from Meta Platforms and TikTok, which challenged lower court rulings that kept the cases active. The court stated their appeals were filed prematurely. The consolidated federal proceedings are under the jurisdiction of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland.
United Nations urges accelerated measures to shield children and adolescents from escalating risks posed by online information. An upcoming UN issue brief pinpoints disinformation, hate speech, harassment, algorithmic manipulation and artificial intelligence as pressing issues. It also emphasizes dangers associated with data gathering, behavioral advertising, and digital systems engineered to capture attention. These warnings come amid widespread online engagement by young people for education, communication, information, and civic involvement.
Business
Diesel prices remain elevated as tight US and European fuel supplies pressure markets. As of August 10, U.S. retail diesel averaged $5.257 per gallon, down slightly from $5.348 a week earlier but still significantly above the $4.578 recorded on July 6. Refinery outages and restrictions on diesel exports in Russia and the Middle East have further constrained diesel availability, despite elevated refining activity.
News
More than 3,000 federal lawsuits alleging social media addiction are allowed to move forward after a U.S. appeals court decision. On Aug. 10, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed appeals from Meta Platforms and TikTok, which challenged lower court rulings that kept the cases active. The court stated their appeals were filed prematurely. The consolidated federal proceedings are under the jurisdiction of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland.
Health
The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has resulted in 1,916 fatalities, with 4,209 confirmed infections reported up to Aug. 7. This marks an increase of 29 deaths from the previous update, which documented 1,887 fatalities. Health officials also report that 595 patients are currently in isolation for treatment, while 828 individuals have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus outbreak.
