Govt boots legal but harmful provision from online safety bill November 28, 2022 The “legal but harmful” provision has been formally scrapped from the online safety bill, in a push to water down moderation and put greater focus on free speech protection. The provision, which would have allowed tech firms to remove content that wasn’t actually illegal, sparked controversy across free speech advocates raising concerns around overcensorship. However, [...]
Bob Dylan apologises for using machine to ‘hand-sign’ new £495 book November 28, 2022 Bob Dylan has issued a public apology after using a machine to “hand-sign” limited-edition copies of his new book, Philosophy Of Modern Song. In a rare statement, the 81-year-old music legend said it was an “error in judgement” to use a machine, blaming pandemic complications and vertigo for his decision making. “So, during the pandemic, [...]
I’m A Celeb: Matt Hancock finishes third as Lioness Jill Scott crowned Queen of Jungle November 28, 2022 Matt Hancock finished third in the ITV reality show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, as Lioness Jill Scott was crowned Queen of the Jungle. The MP, who lost the Conservative whip upon entering the Australian rainforest, was kept in the competition until the end, but proved not to be the winner. The [...]
Camelot posts record half year thanks to online boost November 23, 2022 Outgoing National Lottery operator Camelot posted its highest half-year sales this morning as soaring online sales continue to save the day. The company said that the rising number of online players offset the dwindling in-store ticket and scratchcard demand, with sales topping £4bn for the first time in its history. Despite the “difficult” retail landscape [...]
Posties reject Royal Mail’s ‘final and best offer’ as Black Friday strikes go ahead November 23, 2022 The UK postal service is facing an “Armageddon moment” as Royal Mail’s eleventh hour bid to call off Black Friday strikes fails. Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) rejected Royal Mail’s “final and best” offer this afternoon, scuppering hopes that industrial action happening tomorrow and Black Friday – two of the biggest online shopping [...]
Teens keep flocking to TikTok for book inspiration November 23, 2022 Youngsters say that TikTok has helped them rediscover their love for reading, as the tech giant continues to push into the book selling market. New research from the Publishers Association published today found that BookTok, the social media trend focusing on books and literature, is playing a key role in getting Gen-Z reading again. In a [...]
Two thirds of punters say spending limits on bets would spark black market boom November 23, 2022 Two thirds of punters believe spending limits on betting would spark a dramatic rise in the gambling black market. According to a new YouGov survey for the standards body Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), 67 per cent of people said that compulsory spending limits on gambling could drive more people to the unsafe, unregulated gambling [...]
Only 5.8m viewers stuck around for whole England v Iran 6-2 victory November 22, 2022 Only 5.8m viewers stuck around to watch the whole of England’s 6-2 victory against Iran in its World Cup opening match yesterday. According to fresh data from ratings body Barb, the lunchtime match raked in far fewer viewers than the Lions’ opening match back in 2018 at the Russia World Cup, as well as the [...]
Bob Iger makes shock Disney comeback November 21, 2022 Ex-Disney boss Bob Iger has made a dramatic comeback as the media giant continues to grapple with inflationary pressure and growing competition. The businessman will take the reins from Bob Chapek, who took over as chief executive in February 2020, hoping to lead the iconic brand to a digital future. “We thank Bob Chapek for [...]
Simon & Schuster to let £2bn Penguin deal fall through November 21, 2022 Simon & Schuster owner is set to let its $2.2bn (£1.9bn) sale to Penguin Random House collapse today after the deal was blocked by US regulators. Sources told Reuters that German media group Bertelsmann, which owns Penguin, has been unable to convince Paramount Global, Simon & Schuster’s owner, to launch an appeal of the decision. [...]