Category: Digital

Authorities in Gabon have ordered the immediate suspension of major social media platforms across the country, accusing them of spreading false information and harmful content capable of destabilising public order.

The decision was announced on February 17, 2026, by the country’s media regulator, the High Authority for Communication (HAC). In a statement, the regulator said the suspension would remain in place “until further notice.”

Although the order did not publish an exhaustive list of affected platforms, access to Facebook, TikTok, and other widely used social media services was disrupted nationwide shortly after the announcement.

According to the regulator, the decision was taken in response to what it described as the growing circulation of “false information,” defamatory content, hate speech, cyberbullying, and the unauthorised disclosure of personal data online.

The HAC argued that such activities pose a threat to social cohesion, public order, and national stability. Authorities also suggested that existing content moderation efforts by platform owners were insufficient to curb abuses.

Officials maintained that the move does not amount to a violation of freedom of expression, stating that constitutional rights must be exercised within legal limits, particularly when national security and public order are at stake.

The suspension comes amid heightened political and social tension in the country, with recent reports of protests and labour unrest. Observers say governments in several countries have previously imposed similar restrictions during periods of instability, often sparking debate about the balance between security concerns and digital freedoms.

The shutdown is expected to significantly affect communication, small businesses, digital creators, and media outlets that rely on social platforms for outreach and information sharing. Many citizens use social media not only for social interaction but also for commerce, news consumption, and civic engagement.

Nigeria’s data privacy regulator has launched an investigation into fast-growing e-commerce platform Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) over alleged violations of the country’s data protection laws.

The commission confirmed that it has opened a formal probe into Temu, following concerns about how the platform collects, processes, and transfers personal data belonging to Nigerian users.

According to the NDPC, the investigation was prompted by concerns that Temu’s data processing practices may not fully align with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

The commission is reportedly examining the scale and nature of personal data collection from Nigerian users, including whether the company complies with data minimisation principles and whether it maintains transparency in how user data is processed. Regulators are also reviewing issues surrounding cross-border data transfers and whether appropriate legal safeguards are in place, as well as the platform’s overall accountability and duty of care obligations under Nigerian law.

At the centre of the probe is the question of whether Temu collects more personal data than is necessary for its services and whether users are adequately informed about how their data is being used.

Preliminary reports suggest that Temu processes the personal data of approximately 12.7 million Nigerian users. If confirmed, that would make the case one of the most significant data protection investigations in Nigeria’s digital economy so far.

The scale of the platform’s operations has raised broader questions about how foreign-linked digital marketplaces comply with Nigerian regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas concerning privacy standards and cross-border data handling.

The NDPC’s National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Olatunji, has consistently maintained that data controllers and processors operating in Nigeria must strictly comply with the NDPA.

Under the law, organisations found in violation of data protection requirements may face administrative penalties, regulatory sanctions, corrective compliance directives, and potential financial fines. The commission has also emphasized that third-party data processors are not exempt from liability and must independently verify compliance.

Since the enactment of the NDPA in 2023, authorities have signaled a more proactive enforcement approach aimed at protecting citizens’ personal data.

As e-commerce adoption grows across Nigeria, scrutiny of how tech platforms manage user data is expected to intensify. The outcome of the Temu investigation could set an important precedent for other multinational digital companies operating in the country.

For now, the NDPC says the investigation is ongoing. Temu has yet to issue a detailed public response regarding the allegations.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.

The social media platform X experienced a widespread outage on Monday, leaving thousands of users across multiple countries unable to access the app and website.

Reports of the disruption began surfacing earlier on, with users complaining that their timelines would not refresh, posts would not load, and the platform displayed repeated error messages. In many cases, users encountered the message: “Something went wrong. Try reloading.”

Outage-tracking service Downdetector recorded a sharp spike in complaints from the United States, the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, suggesting the issue was global rather than regional. Users in Nigeria also reported being locked out of the platform during the disruption.

According to reports from Reuters, thousands of outage reports were logged within a short window, indicating a significant service interruption. The exact cause of the outage has not yet been officially disclosed.

This marks another high-profile disruption for X under the ownership of Elon Musk. Since Musk acquired the platform in 2022 and rebranded it from Twitter to X, the company has experienced occasional technical outages, though most have been resolved within hours.

As of the time of filing this report, the app and website appear to be functioning normally again. Users are once more able to refresh feeds, post content, and access their accounts.

While temporary, the outage once again highlights the platform’s central role in global communication and how quickly disruptions are felt across regions when it goes offline.

We will update this story if X releases an official statement explaining the cause of the outage.

Norwegian electronics retailer Komplett has unveiled one of the most unusual promotional campaigns in gaming history, linking Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) to an extraordinary local offer.

The promotion gives free copies of GTA 6 to parents whose child is born exactly on the game’s confirmed release date: November 19, 2026. Komplett cleverly tied the campaign to the “nine-month” countdown between the promotion launch and the game’s release, playing on the parallel between pregnancy duration and the wait for GTA 6.

As part of the campaign, Komplett rolled out pregnancy-themed billboards and social media posts, featuring lines such as:

“GTA 6 drops in 9 months — same as a baby, so if yours arrives that day, the game is on us.”

Dexerto reported that Komplett confirmed the campaign’s legitimacy on Instagram, stating:

“This is actually not a joke.”

This promotion has quickly gone viral across social media platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and X, sparking memes and humorous discussions about timing births or planning parental leave around the game’s release.

While the campaign is a retailer-driven initiative and not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive, it coincides perfectly with the official GTA 6 release date, confirmed by Take-Two Interactive, ensuring the promotion aligns with the global launch.

This inventive marketing stunt demonstrates how retailers are pushing creative boundaries to generate hype for major releases, capturing attention in local markets while engaging audiences in unexpected ways.

In a move that underscores the escalating battle between generative AI and intellectual property rights, Google has started blocking prompts related to Disney characters across its AI platforms, including its Gemini models. This change comes shortly after The Walt Disney Company issued a legal warning claiming that Google’s AI was producing unauthorized content featuring Disney’s iconic characters.

According to reports, Disney’s legal team argued that Google’s AI tools were capable of generating images, videos, and other content involving characters from franchises like Frozen, Marvel, and Star Wars without permission. The company described this as copyright infringement on a “massive scale,” warning that such content could mislead users and harm Disney’s brand reputation.

Since the warning, Google has adjusted its AI systems. Users attempting to generate content featuring popular Disney characters have reported receiving error messages or refusals from the AI, signaling at least a partial compliance with Disney’s demands. Attempts to generate images of Elsa, Iron Man, or other recognizable Disney and Marvel characters may now be blocked entirely.

While Disney is cracking down on unlicensed AI-generated content, the company is also taking a more collaborative approach with some AI firms. Disney recently struck a multi-million-dollar licensing deal with OpenAI, giving the company official access to Disney characters for AI applications. This contrast highlights a strategic dual approach: protecting intellectual property through legal enforcement while enabling controlled, licensed AI collaborations.

Experts see this development as a key moment in the ongoing debate over AI-generated content and copyright law. The restrictions from Google’s AI tools signal that tech companies may need to adapt their systems to respect intellectual property, while navigating the growing demand for AI creativity.

Google is not alone. Other AI companies, including image generators and character-based AI platforms, have received similar warnings. At the same time. 

In latest updates, The Walt Disney Company has announced that Josh D’Amaro will take over as its Chief Executive Officer on March 18, 2026. This leadership transition marks the beginning of a new era for the entertainment powerhouse, following the legendary tenure of Bob Iger.

Disney’s decision comes after a thorough succession planning process, signaling the board’s confidence in D’Amaro’s ability to guide the company through an evolving media and entertainment landscape.

Josh D’Amaro has spent nearly 30 years at Disney, climbing the ranks from entry-level roles to become Chairman of Disney Experiences, the division that oversees theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and merchandise. His leadership has been credited with driving significant growth across Disney’s largest business unit, including major expansions at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and international parks.

D’Amaro’s operational expertise, particularly in the company’s most profitable segment, positions him to balance Disney’s diverse portfolio; from box office films to Disney+ streaming and immersive experiences.

Bob Iger, whose tenure reshaped Disney through blockbuster acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, will remain with the company as a senior advisor until his full retirement later this year. Under Iger, Disney became a global entertainment leader, launching Disney+ and cementing its presence in streaming, television, and theme parks.

Alongside D’Amaro’s appointment, Disney named Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer. Walden will oversee Disney’s creative direction across film, television, and streaming content.

This dual leadership approach highlights Disney’s commitment to storytelling and innovation while maintaining operational excellence. It ensures that while Disney expands its parks and experiences, creative content remains at the heart of the brand.

Netflix will no longer be available on PlayStation 3.

After nearly two decades of streaming, Netflix is officially saying goodbye to the PlayStation 3. Starting March 2, 2026, the popular streaming app will no longer be accessible on Sony’s eighth-generation console, marking the end of an era for gamers and cord-cutters alike.

PS3 users who try to open Netflix after this date will see a message informing them that the app is no longer supported. The decision follows years of gradual app retirements on older devices, as streaming platforms shift focus to newer hardware that can support updated features, faster streaming, and improved security.

For PlayStation 3 owners, this change is a reminder of the console’s age. Originally released in 2006, the PS3 has outlived many of its contemporaries, maintaining a dedicated fan base that has relied on it for gaming and entertainment. Netflix has not provided an official explanation for the shutdown, but experts suggest that maintaining support for legacy systems is increasingly expensive and technically challenging.

The good news is that Netflix remains available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, smart TVs, and mobile devices, ensuring that users can continue streaming their favorite shows and movies without interruption. For PS3 owners, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer console or alternative streaming device to maintain uninterrupted access to Netflix.

While this move may disappoint long-time PS3 users, it’s part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry: older hardware is gradually phased out in favor of newer, more capable devices. Netflix has previously retired support on other legacy devices, including certain smart TVs and media players, and the PS3 is now the latest in this list.

For gamers who have relied on the PS3 as their entertainment hub, March 2, 2026, marks the end of a significant chapter. The console will still work for games, but streaming Netflix will no longer be an option. Those looking to continue their binge-watching experience are encouraged to explore alternative platforms that support the service, including PS4, PS5, PCs, and mobile devices.

Access Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Ifeyinwa Osime as its new Chairman of the Board, confirming a key leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s most influential financial institutions.

The appointment follows the retirement of Paul Usoro, SAN, who stepped down after completing his regulatory tenure, in line with corporate governance requirements. The development was disclosed by Access Holdings Plc in a formal filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

According to the disclosure, Osime’s appointment forms part of Access Bank’s broader succession and governance strategy, aimed at ensuring continuity at board level while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the transition as timely, noting that Osime’s experience and familiarity with the institution would support the bank’s long-term strategic objectives.

Her emergence as Board Chair comes at a period when Nigerian banks are navigating tightening regulations, evolving capital requirements, and increased scrutiny around governance and sustainability.

Ifeyinwa Osime is a seasoned legal practitioner with extensive experience in corporate governance and board oversight. She joined the Access Bank board in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director, giving her over six years of direct involvement in the bank’s governance structure.

During her time on the board, she chaired several critical committees, including the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Board Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee; roles that placed her at the centre of leadership development, board evaluation, and succession planning within the institution.

Her committee work is widely viewed as a key factor in her elevation to the board’s highest leadership position.

Ifeyinwa Osime’s appointment signals Access Bank’s continued emphasis on institutional stability and governance continuity, rather than abrupt leadership shifts. As Chairman, she will oversee board strategy, risk oversight, and executive accountability at a time of growing competition within Nigeria’s banking sector and increased regional expansion by the Access brand.

Industry watchers note that her legal and governance background could strengthen board-level decision-making, particularly around compliance, sustainability frameworks, and long-term shareholder value.

With Ifeyinwa Osime now at the helm of the board, Access Bank enters its next phase of leadership with a chairman who combines institutional memory with governance expertise.

Last week, millions of TikTok users in the United States and beyond faced a platform in chaos. Videos refused to upload, feeds stalled, and likes or view counts mysteriously dropped to zero. For many creators, it felt like a technical nightmare but for others, it sparked a deeper suspicion: had TikTok started censoring content?

On February 1, TikTok announced that the weeklong outage had been resolved. The company attributed the problem to a power outage at a U.S. data center, which triggered cascading failures across its servers. In a statement on X, TikTok emphasized that all services were fully restored and that no user content had been removed.

Yet the timing could not have been more sensitive. TikTok recently underwent a major U.S. ownership transition, handing 80% control of its American operations to Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, while ByteDance retained a 19.9% minority stake. Some users immediately connected the dots, suspecting the outage and glitches were a cover for content suppression, particularly around political topics like immigration enforcement.

While TikTok insists the disruptions were purely technical, the perception of censorship spread rapidly online. High-profile creators even deleted their accounts in protest, questioning whether algorithm changes under new ownership were quietly reshaping the platform’s content visibility.

The outage, while temporary, had tangible effects. Creators worried about lost engagement and interrupted monetization, advertisers questioned reach and analytics, and some users explored alternative apps in search of “uncensored” spaces. Despite the panic, broader usage metrics suggest TikTok remained resilient; daily engagement returned to normal once services were restored.

What this episode reveals is a delicate balancing act for global tech platforms. TikTok is not only navigating technical reliability but also public trust and political scrutiny. In today’s climate, even a simple data center failure can spark conversations about censorship and transparency, especially on platforms that influence culture and politics on a massive scale.

For now, TikTok is back online. But the questions raised during the outage about ownership, trust, and the nature of algorithms are most likely to stay. As millions of users scroll, like, and post, the platform’s challenge is clear: restoring faith in both the service and the system behind it.

YouTube appears to be taking its strongest action yet against low-quality AI-generated content, as several major channels accused of producing so-called “AI slop” have either disappeared or had their videos wiped from the platform.

According to research highlighted by video platform Kapwing, at least 16 high-performing AI-focused channels have been impacted, with their combined reach previously standing at around 4.7 billion views and roughly 35 million subscribers.

While YouTube has not publicly issued a detailed announcement confirming each removal, multiple tech outlets report that these channels are now either gone entirely or left with empty pages, suggesting a platform-wide cleanup effort is underway.

For creators and viewers alike, this could mark a turning point in how YouTube handles mass-produced AI content.

Not all AI content is considered a problem. Many creators use AI tools responsibly to edit videos, generate subtitles, or improve production quality.

But “AI slop” refers to something different.

The term is commonly used to describe low-effort, repetitive videos generated almost entirely by automated systems, usually produced at scale to exploit YouTube’s recommendation algorithm.

These videos often include:

• Automated voiceovers
• Repetitive storytelling formats
• Stock or AI-generated visuals
• Minimal human creativity or originality
• Mass uploads designed purely to capture ad revenue

In short, they are designed to maximize clicks and watch time rather than provide genuine entertainment or value.

Over the past year, viewers have increasingly complained about seeing similar AI-produced videos flooding recommendations, sometimes pushing out original human-created content.

Kapwing’s research suggests that among the top AI-content channels on YouTube, 16 major players have recently been removed or stripped of content.

Some channels were reportedly deleted outright, while others still exist but no longer contain videos.

However, YouTube itself has not publicly listed the affected channels, so exact enforcement details remain partly unclear.

YouTube has been under growing pressure to maintain content quality as AI tools make video production faster and cheaper than ever.

Removing large AI slop networks may be YouTube’s way of protecting both viewer experience and legitimate creators.

Importantly, YouTube is not banning AI content itself.

The issue appears to be low-quality, mass-produced videos, not creators who responsibly use AI tools as part of their creative workflow.

For years, some operators built channels that relied on automation rather than storytelling, originality, or personality. AI tools allowed them to produce hundreds of videos quickly, often earning advertising revenue with minimal human effort.

Now, that model looks increasingly risky.

AI has made content creation accessible to more people than ever before, but it has also created an explosion of automated media designed purely to chase engagement.

TikTok, Instagram, and streaming platforms are all dealing with similar issues as AI content becomes easier to produce at scale.

YouTube’s current actions may only be the beginning of stricter moderation across platforms.

YouTube has not confirmed whether further removals are coming, but analysts expect moderation to increase throughout 2026 as the platform refines policies around AI content.