Travel restrictions were quickly put in place worldwideJIJI PRESS/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockThese are the key events of the covid-19 pandemic, from first infections to the end of the emergency:12.12.19: Reports of an unusual pneumonia emerge from Wuhan, China31.12.19: The World Health Organization (WHO) is informed of cases of this pneumonia07.01.20: Public health officials in China identify a novel coronavirus as the cause11.01.20: China reports its first death13.01.20: Thailand reports the first confirmed case outside China20.01.20: The US reports its first case

Jon KrauseIt is hard to tell if a chicken is an optimist. After all, you cant ask it if a glass of water is half full or half empty. But you can repeatedly show it a white card in front of a bowl of tasty mealworms and a black card in front of an empty bowl. Once a chick has learned to reliably choose the white card, you show it a grey card. Chicks that head immediately for this card apparently surmise that it is more white than black, and thus probably contains food the equivalent of deeming a glass half full. On this basis, most chickens do indeed turn out to be optimistic.You can test optimism-like behaviour in many animals and even fine-tune it. European starlings become more optimistic if they can take a bath whenever they want. Bottlenose dolphins show more optimistic behaviour if they have been swimming in synchrony with each other. Bumblebees make more optimistic choices after being given an unexpected sweet treat.These findings might seem eccentric, but the fact that optimism, of a sort, appears in such a wide range of animals suggests that a positive outlook might be important in our own lives and that it is deeply connected to our well-being. In recent years, these and other insights into how a glass-half-full way of thinking can affect our health have begun to help us distinguish different types of optimism. This, in turn, has allowed us to identify types that are good for us, and

Recorded on January 3, 2025Unveiling the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025Speakers: Amy Nordrum, executive editor, and Charlotte Jee, news editor.Each year, MIT Technology Review publishes an annual list of the top ten breakthrough technologies that will have the greatest impact on how we live and work in the future. This year, the 10 Breakthrough Technologies list was unveiled live by our editors. Hear fromMIT Technology Reviewexecutive editor Amy Nordrum and news editor Charlotte Jee as they share an unveiling of the list of the 10 breakthrough technologies.Related CoverageThe 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 20253 things that didnt make the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025 listThe 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2024

Growing evidence has linked alcohol to a higher risk of cancer. Can it be part of a healthy diet?The Mediterranean diet and Blue Zones diet, linked to longevity, both include wine in moderation.Wine's role in a healthy diet may be related to factors like stress relief and social connection.Doctors, including the US Surgeon General, are sounding the alarm that drinking alcohol is linked to cancer but some of the longest-living people in the world enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.The Mediterranean diet, based on eating traditions in countries like Spain, Italy, and Turkey, is widely acknowledged as the healthiest way to eat.Along with olive oil and whole grains, it includes wine in moderation Longevity "Blue Zones," areas of the world where people reportedly live longer, healthier lives, are home to rich wine-drinking cultures like Ikaria, Greece and Sardinia, Italy.While some researchers say there are clear benefits of drinking wine including a social outlet and a boost of antioxidants others say there's no safe amount of alcohol.So how come wine features in the healthiest diet? Here's what we know.Can wine be good for you?Some people live into their 90s or past 100 while enjoying wine, beer, or even whiskey.One clear benefit is socializing.Blue Zones are known for being hubs of community and support, and research suggests those strong social bonds contribute to longevity. Drinking wine brings people together, which can relieve stress, reduce loneliness, and positively stimulate the nervous system. Plus, people who eat with friends and family tend to eat more moderately and mindfully.The second factor is sustainability.The healthiest diet is one you'll follow, and dietitians routinely emphasize that an all-or-nothing approach to eating (and drinking) can lead to cycles of restriction and binging, which damages your metabolism.While that's no reason to start drinking, if you don't already, flexible habits make it easier to stick to a healthier lifestyle overall with a little indulgence in things you enjoy.Several studies over the years have found some benefit to drinking in moderation such as lower risk of heart disease and dying early.A 2023 study found light drinking was linked to lower risk of heart attack, especially in people with anxiety, suggesting it may have a benefit for reducing stress.The risks of drinking wine, even in moderationAlcohol is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).International agencies like the World Health Organization have warned that any alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk.Heavy drinking more than four drinks per session for women and five for men, or more than eight to 15 drinks per week can lead to high blood pressure, liver disease, and higher risk of stroke, according to the CDC.Cardiologists, oncologists, and gastroenterologists generally agree that drinking less is one of the biggest ways to reduce your risk of illnesses like heart disease and cancer.Is natural wine better for you?Natural wines are popular in the Mediterranean and Blue Zones like Sardinia, Italy, said researcher Dan Buettner in a 2023 docuseries on longevity.Natural wines carry the same health risks as any alcohol, but they tend to have less sugar, fewer additives, and lower alcohol content.As a result, natural wines may be a healthier drink option, helping to lower the risks associated with too much alcohol and sugar, and may offer more antioxidants than conventional wines.Polyphenols, plant-based compounds found in berries, grapes, and wine, offer benefits such as improved gut health, research suggests. However, wine by itself doesn't contain high enough amounts to back up the benefits seen from some polyphenols like resveratrol in health and longevity studies.How to get the benefits of alcohol without drinkingIf you're interested in cutting down your drinking, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.You can cut back on drinking by limiting the number of drinks you have per day or week and planning alcohol-free days.You could also harness the social benefits of alcohol while drinking alcohol-free alternatives like kombucha or non-alcoholic beer.

BYD doesn't stand for anything officially.The BYD nameplate is associated with the slogan "Build Your Dreams," but that came after the company was formed. picture alliance Wang Chuanfu and a cousin founded BYD in 1995. Then a 29-year-old government researcher, Wang came from a family of rice farmers. He earned a university scholarship and eventually moved to the Special Economic Zone in Shenzhen to start his new company.The "YD" in the name came from Yadi, the village in Shenzhen where the company originally was, one South Korean newspaper reported. The "B" was added later as a promotional tool, the report said. Wang has said in interviews that, taken together, the BYD name doesn't stand for anything in particular.It was only later that Wang derived the slogan "Build Your Dreams." The company has also acquired another nickname: "Bring Your Dollars."The company was originally a cellphone-battery manufacturer.Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao testing a Samsung cellphone in the 1990s. Samsung was one of BYD's earliest customers. Kim Jae-Hwang/AFP via Getty Images The company's original business wasn't cars. It was cellphone batteries. BYD challenged the established Japanese suppliers Toyota and Sony by providing a cheaper alternative. By 2002, companies such as Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Samsung were all using BYD batteries. They started making cars in 2003.A BYD F3DM. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images BYD moved into the car business after buying Xi'an Tsinchuan, a failing state-owned automaker that was then an arm of the defense contractor Norinco, the South China Morning Post reported.The company launched its first car in 2005. The BYD F3 was a compact sedan that resembled the Toyota Corolla. It sold for as little as 40,000 yuan, or about $5,850. Warren Buffett was a key early booster.Wang Chuanfu welcomed the investors Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates to celebrate the launch of the BYD M6 in 2010. Visual China Group via Getty Images The billionaire investor Warren Buffett was one of the high-profile names who took an interest in BYD early on. Looking to invest in China's booming car market, Buffett toured BYD's headquarters.The Wall Street Journal reported that while the Berkshire Hathaway tycoon was there, Wang took a sip of battery fluid to prove how clean his batteries were. Buffett was so impressed by the experience that he offered to buy 25% of the company.Wang declined that offer, but Buffett was not deterred. Berkshire Hathaway acquired a 10% stake in BYD for $232 million in 2008. Their first electric car drew scorn from Elon Musk.A BYD E6. Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images The company debuted its first fully electric vehicle, the E6, in 2010. Benefiting from Chinese government subsidies, it was able to compete with its Japanese counterparts.But not everyone was impressed. Tesla CEO Elon Musk laughed in a 2011 interview when asked whether he considered BYD a serious rival to Tesla."Have you seen their car?" he said. "I don't think they make a good product. I don't think it's particularly attractive. The technology is not very strong." BYD's hybrid cars turned it into a titan of Chinese automakers.Chuanfu introduced the BYD Qin in 2012. AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan BYD established itself as one of the top automakers for hybrid vehicles in China in the 2010s. Its most popular offering was the Qin, introduced in 2012, which became one of the best-selling cars in China.That wasn't the only offering that propelled BYD to prominence, however. The company also released the Tang, a hybrid SUV, and partnered with Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz) to make its Denza line. BYD took the EV crown from Tesla briefly.A BYD Atto 3. Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters Even though most of its sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 came from the Chinese market, BYD made headlines across the globe when it seemingly did the impossible it unseated Tesla as the world's top seller of electric cars.The Chinese automaker rode the EV wave on the back of its new Seagull, which debuted for 73,000 yuan, or about $10,000, as well as its Song, Qin Plus, Dolphin, Yuan Plus, and Han EVs.Tesla reclaimed the crown in the first quarter of 2024, though both companies saw steep declines in their sales. BYD's Shark takes aim at Tesla's CybertruckThe BYD Shark is supposed to represent an actual shark, according to the launch event. BYD Auto Mxico The Shark, unveiled in May, is the latest model offered by BYD.It's a midsize hybrid pickup truck, and the cabin's design fuses outdoor functionality with modern style and durability.The truck has more than 430 horsepower, or 170 less than Tesla's all-wheel-drive Cybertruc. BYD says it can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers an hour, or about 62 miles an hour, in roughly 5.7 seconds. The vehicle has five seats and a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 kilograms, which is just more than 5,500 pounds. That's about half of the Cybertruck's towing capability.Designed for everyday trips and off-road driving, the Shark has three terrain modes: sand, mud, and snow.It also has built-in features to make camping and off-roading more accessible. The vehicle offers bidirectional charging, according to BYD's site.While the Shark isn't in direct competition with the Cybertruck as a hybrid model that doesn't sell in the US, it may entice EV fans looking for a more traditional pickup design. It's also priced competitively at about $53,451, which is lower than Cybertruck's $60,990 starting price tag. Don't expect to see a BYD car on American roads anytime soon.New BYD cars waiting to be loaded onto a ship in China's Shandong province. Future Publishing For a time, it looked as if we were just a few years away from getting Chinese electric cars in the United States. A BYD executive said as much in 2017, and the company even hired Leonardo DiCaprio as a brand ambassador for English-speaking customers.Since then, BYD has expanded overseas. The Chinese automaker is planning a factory in Mexico alarming US officials and even created its own shipping fleet in a bid to cut down on export costs.But the company says it has abandoned its plans of selling its EVs to Americans. Analysts have pointed to geopolitical tensions and trade barriers between the two countries, as well as the slumping demand for EVs in the United States. BYD is launching a new hybrid powertrain system on two midsize sedans and it can drive 1,250 miles without charging or stopping to fill up for gas.The upgraded powertrains will launch in two sedans for under $14,000. Getty Images BYD is upgrading its hybrid powertrain system.The company announced that the upgraded powertrains will launch in two of sedans, one of which will be the BYD Seal 06, Bloomberg reported. Both models will reportedly be under 100,000 yuan, according to the company.Hybrids make up the majority of BYD vehicles sold, according to a Reuters report. The new upgrade gives them a competitive edge against rivals like Toyota and Volkswagon, which mostly sell fuel-powered vehicles.The powertrain system translates to about 81 miles per gallon at full charge, which is over triple the US fuel economy average for 2022 cars. That's also close to 500 more miles of range than a hybrid 2023 Lexus ES, which was the longest-range hybrid in the Kelley Blue Book's list last year.Additional reporting by Graham Rapier. BYD hit record sales in the fourth quarter of 2024BYD sold 1.76 million battery EVs in 2024. VCG/VCG via Getty Images BYD sold 1.76 million EVS in 2024, according to figures released Wednesday.That total was part of a larger haul of 4.27 million cars sold overall, which includes both hybrid and EV models.In an effort to boost sales in the holiday quarter, Tesla boosted discounts towards the end of the year. However, Tesla sold about 1.79 million cars in 2024, marking its first year-over-year decline.BYD similarly launched a series of discounts toward the end of the year and has grown in popularity with its hybrid models in the last few months. BYD's 2024 sales include a monthly record of over 500,000 EVs and hybrids sold just in December, the company said.

15. Fayetteville, ArkansasFayetteville, Arkansas. Michael Warren/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 113,010Median household income: $70,165Median home price: $281,646Median age: 33 years oldKnown for: Locatedlocal favorites like a deep-fried catfish sandwich. 14. Richmond, VirginiaRichmond, Virginia. Bill Dickinson/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 240,938Median household income: $68,814Median home price: $321,874Median age: 36 years oldKnown for: Richmond is a historic city founded in 1737, but that doesn't mean it's old-fashioned. A thriving downtown scene with art galleries, concert halls, and trendy restaurants meld the city's rich history with the modern times, and Richmond's more than 100 local parks offer plenty of outdoor recreation for residents. 13. Hartford, ConnecticutHartford, Connecticut. f11photo/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 118,273Median household income: $46,377Median home price: $214,546Median age: 36 years oldKnown for: While the population of Hartford skews older than some cities on this list, there's no shortage of buzzy restaurants and corporate offices for those looking to grow their careers in the Connecticut capital. The Bushnell Theater brings Broadway shows to town regularly, and The Mark Twain House and Museum is a popular destination for literary buffs. 12. Greenville, South CarolinaGreenville, South Carolina. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 77,387Median household income: $76,193Median home price: $393,809Median age: 37 years oldKnown for: College football is huge in Greenville, which is home to Clemson University, but there's a thriving art scene, too. Outdoor activities also abound in this Southern city, thanks to multiple hiking and biking trails. 11. San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California. Art Wager/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 1,404,745Median household income: $109,765Median home price: $807,264Median age: 38 years oldKnown for: San Diego residents enjoy outdoor activities, from surfing to boating and volleyball on one of the city's over 80 beaches. The city is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. 10. Asheville, North CarolinaAsheville, North Carolina. Derek Olson Photography/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 113,353Median household income: $69,429Median home price: $400,587Median age: 42 years oldKnown for: Set among the Blue Ridge Mountains and defined by a thriving farm-to-table food scene, brewery culture, and a focus on local artisans, Asheville is an easygoing city with a lot to offer people of all ages, whether visiting or putting down roots in this creative Southern city. 9. Boston, MassachusettsBoston, Massachusetts. Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.1Population of the metro area: 673,264Median household income: $95,674Median home price: $744,221Median age: 35 years oldKnown for: One of the most historic cities in the country, Boston offers many exciting cultural activities, including walks along the Freedom Trail and performances by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Fine dining and buzz-worthy restaurants abound, as do historic taverns and bars, and two Boston chefs were nominated for the James Beard Awards in 2024, Eater reported. 8. Virginia Beach, VirginiaVirginia Beach, Virginia. Shutterstock/Ritu Manoj Jethani Quality of life score: 7.1Population of the metro area: 460,069Median household income: $96,805Median home price: $358,477Median age: 39 years oldKnown for: Virginia Beach boasts 38 miles of coastline, offering plenty of activities from swimming to fishing, kayaking, and waterskiing. If you're not outdoorsy, however, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, museums, and taking in the local cuisine. 7. Portland, MaineBoats docked in Portland, Maine. Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.1Population of the metro area: 68,430Median household income: $77,286Median home price: $449,949Median age: 39 years oldKnown for: Portland, Maine, has quickly become the New England city to watch, thanks to its thriving food scene, plethora of outdoor recreational activities, and exciting music and nightlife scenes. However, the cost of living in Portland is rising steadily, leaving the city at a crossroads of how to create more affordable housing while retaining Portland's small-town feel. 6. Madison, WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin. halbergman/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.2Population of the metro area: 269,692Median household income: $79,166Median home price: $367,653Median age: 35 years oldKnown for: As the capital of Wisconsin's Dairyland, Madison has a thriving food scene built off local cheese and breweries. The city's lakes and bike paths also make this city a great place to live in the warmer months. 5. Raleigh, North CarolinaRaleigh, North Carolina. John_T/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.2Population of the metro area: 469,960Median household income: $87,708Median home price: $382,677Median age: 37 years oldKnown for: Raleigh-Durham is quickly becoming a premier destination for great food and entertainment with a second-tier city feel. Home to some of the state's top universities and colleges, as well as more than 20 craft breweries, shopping centers, and local museums, this region of North Carolina is a great place to lay down roots. 4. Honolulu, HawaiiHonolulu, Hawaii. M Swiet Productions/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.4Population of the metro area: 408,930Median household income: $103,096Median home price: $869,639Median age: 45 years oldKnown for: Honolulu is a slice of paradise on Earth with stretches of stunning beaches, fine dining establishments, resorts, a diverse local culture, and shopping destinations. History buffs can also visit sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial. 3. Boise, IdahoBoise, Idaho. Darwin Fan/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.4Population of the metro area: 277,498Median household income: $85,886Median home price: $422,080Median age: 39 years oldKnown for: Boise's stunning natural surroundings are just one reason to move to this up-and-coming city. In addition to more than 180 miles of public trails for hiking, biking, and running, artistically inclined folks can take in a show at one of the city's theaters, while sports fans can root for the Boise State University Broncos. 2. Boulder, ColoradoBoulder, Colorado. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.4Population of the metro area: 122,362Median household income: $97,017Median home price: $854,424Median age: 36 years oldKnown for: Boulder is known for 1. Ann Arbor, MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan. Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.7Population of the metro area: 125,664Median household income: $86,628Median home price: $456,578Median age: 34 years oldKnown for: Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor combines a small-town feel with the benefits of a bigger city.According to US News & World Report, more than 90% of Ann Arbor residents live less than a 10-minute walk from a public park, which gives them access to hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. The city's downtown is also a thriving hub for shops and restaurants, as well as craft breweries and distilleries.

A new social media post appears to show a first in-game screenshot of GTA 6, and it was reportedly bizarrely snapped by Rockstar San Diego's janitor years ago but the wait for a trailer goes onTech18:15, 03 Jan 2025The screenshot that 'leaked' appears to show Lucia(Image: Rockstar Games/AFP via Getty Ima)GTA 6 has gone from gaming's best kept secret to arguably the biggest game in the world despite an entire year since we last saw anything from Rockstar Games.Just days after the studio's parent company said the game will "deliver something phenomenal", it appears we've got our first look at gameplay.While Take-Two's head honcho has previously described the game as "extraordinary" in the wait for a second trailer, a janitor at Rockstar San Diego has reportedly snapped a picture of the game's protagonist, Lucia, roaming the world of Vice City.Content cannot be displayed without consentIn a post from GTA 6 Countdown on X (formerly Twitter), the screenshot shows a screenshot of a female character on a display hooked up to a PlayStation 5 development kit."A janitor at Rockstar San Diego allegedly took this picture in 2021 that just got leaked, showing a PS5 devkit and early GTA 6 footage," the post reads."The footage shows Lucia standing outside what appears to be a military base/storage facility with containers and two hangers [sic] on the right," it continues, although one fan has suggested these could be lots from the Vice City movie studios.In a follow-up post, the account says the picture "was taken during the pandemic in 2021, which explains why the office was empty", while another dev kit, this time for an Xbox, is also seen. Also considering this was taken so long ago, the game may not even look anything like this when eventually launched.GTA 6 Countdown even suggests the IP address on the console confirms it's located in San Diego, but we're still waiting for any news from Rockstar about the game. We've reached out for comment from Rockstar over the bizarre post to verify but have yet to hear back from them at the time of writing.After a year of silence since GTA's record-setting first trailer, the game has already broken a Rockstar Games record for the longest gap between info and assets from the studio.Thankfully, the new Agents of Sabotage update for GTA Online launched last month to give players something to tide them over.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

By Ed Cara Published January 3, 2025 | Comments (0) | A southern resident killer whale seen with her calf. MarkMalleson via Getty Humans arent the only ones who experience grief over losing their loved ones. Whale researchers have just documented an orca mother carrying around her recently deceased calfan act that many experts believe to be a example of mourning among whales.Scientists at the Center for Whale Research reported the sighting on Wednesday in a Facebook post, involving a female orca designated J35 and her deceased female calf, known as J61. Its the second time in seven years that J35, also known as Tahlequah, has been observed carrying one of her dead calves. While the exact nature of this behavior may never be fully understood, at least some marine scientists do believe that J35 is truly lamenting her childs death. I think its fair to say that she is grieving or mourning, Joe Gaydos, science director of SeaDoc at the University of California, Davis, told the AP Friday.Tahlequah isnt the only whale who has been observed displaying grief-like behavior, but she may be the most well-known. In 2018, scientists documented Tahlequah carrying her dead calf for 17 days across more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) of water. Not only did Tahlequah carry her calf much longer than other whales seen doing something similar, but there were points where other members of her close-knit pod appeared to take turns carrying the calf as well. Other highly social animals seem capable of grieving as well, which may be especially connected to the death of their young. Elephants have been seen burying their dead calves, for instance, while the female members of different primate species have been documented holding onto their decreased children in much the same manner as Tahlequah and her calves.J61s death is especially tragic given the state of orcas in the area. While orcas can be found throughout the world in healthy numbers, the southern resident killer whales that live off the Pacific Northwest are endangered. So this death could further imperil the long-term survival of Tahlequahs pod. Orca calves in general face a harsh environment. According to the Center for Whale Research, only about 50% of calves survive their first year of life. The researchers first received reports of J61s arrival about two weeks ago, but quickly grew concerned about the calfs health based on behavioral observations of J61 and Tahlequah. There is a potential sliver lining, at least: The researchers have also confirmed the arrival of another calf traveling with J pod, designated J62. Though J62s sex is still unknown, the calf does appear to be physically and behaviorally healthy for the time being.Researchers from CWR, NOAA, and other research groups will conduct follow-up observations of J35, as well as new calf J62 when conditions and the movements of the whales allow, the Center said in its Facebook post detailing J61 and J62s latest status.Humans and orcas arent the only animals that appear to mourn. Some scientists have argued that a much wider variety of non-human animals can recognize and respond to the concept of dying than is currently assumedan emerging field of science called comparative thanatology. So as human-like as orcas like Tahlequah might seem to us, there are perhaps many other animals out there that have their own unique way of grasping death.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Ed Cara Published December 26, 2024 By Margherita Bassi Published December 15, 2024 By Isaac Schultz Published December 2, 2024 By Ed Cara Published November 29, 2024 By Isaac Schultz Published November 20, 2024 By Ed Cara Published September 30, 2024

By AJ Dellinger Published January 3, 2025 | Comments (7) | Smartphone screen displays the logo of social media app TikTok Anna Barclay/Getty Images TikTok is fighting wars on multiple fronts. Not only is it locked into a fight for its life with the federal government as it waits for its day before the Supreme Court next week, but it also has the Attorney General of Utah breathing down its neck. Bloomberg acquired a redacted version of a lawsuit filed by the states leading prosecutor that alleges TikTok knew that its Live streaming feature was a breeding ground for all sorts of illicit content and harmful behavior, including grooming children.The lawsuit reveals two internal investigations that TikTok launched into the activity on its Live platform. The first, Project Meramec, found that there were underage users performing sexualized acts on livestreams, done in exchange for virtual gifts given to them by viewers. At the time of the investigation, TikTok policy forbade users who were 16 years old or younger from broadcasting on Live, and it prevented users under the age of 18 from sending or receiving virtual gifts that could be redeemed for money. However, enforcement of that fell short: the companys internal review found that 112,000 underage users hosted livestreams during one single month in 2022. On top of that, the company found that its algorithm was boosting sexualized content, so those underage streamers were likely being recommended to viewers. Theres no real reason to wonder why that was happening: TikTok gets a cut of every virtual gift purchased. Users who get more gifts also generate more revenue for TikTok.The second internal investigation, dubbed Project Jupiter, looked into money laundering operations that were being carried out using TikToks livestreaming service. That probe found that some criminal operations were using TikTok Live to move money around, while others were selling drugs and illegal services in exchange for virtual gifts. Internal communications between TikTok employees showed conversations about how Live may have been used to fund terrorist organizations like the Islamic State. TikToks investigation into underage users followed an investigation published by Forbes that found numerous examples of older male users enticing young women to perform sexual acts on TikTok Live in exchange for gifts. Leah Plunkett, an assistant dean at Harvard Law School, told Forbes it was the digital equivalent of going down the street to a strip club filled with 15-year-olds.Its far from the first time TikToks lack of moderation, particularly as it relates to content involving minors, has gotten the company into hot water. Back in 2022, the US Department of Homeland Security launched an investigation into TikToks handling of child sexual abuse material. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice sued the company for violations of the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, alleging that the company knowingly allowed underage users to create accounts and interact with adults on the platform. TikTok is not the only social platform with a child predator problem. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that Meta was having issues removing pedophiles from Facebook and Instagram and that its algorithms were actively promoting and guiding users to child exploitation content. Twitter, under Elon Musks guidance, axed its moderation team in charge of monitoring child sexual abuse and saw networks of child pornography traders crop up on the platform while actively unbanning users who were booted for posting child exploitation content.Its possible that none of these platforms are good, actually.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By AJ Dellinger Published December 31, 2024 By AJ Dellinger Published December 20, 2024 By AJ Dellinger Published December 18, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 16, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 10, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 6, 2024

Sabina Graves covers genre television and film for Gizmodo, with a focus on animation, fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes, mythology, and horror. Her writing advocates for keeping streamers mindful in fairness with their creative collaborators to give audiences better art that will represent many and not be canceled after only one season. She also covers immersive entertainment, theme parks, and interactive experiences that take you to your favorite fandom worlds. You can follow her coverage here.The top story Stranger Things season five is set to premiere this year and it will be interesting to see if the series finale will be a satisfying one for the Netflix juggernaut with all the delays and aging cast members. If the show doesnt stick the landing (bring back Eddie), we expect to be distracted by Wednesday season two and maybe a look at Chopper ahead of One Piece season two. What were waiting for As we ring in another year in dystopia, Hulus Handmaids Tale is set to end with its sixth season since its all but coming true in the real world. Netflixs Squid Game 2 left us hanging in December with a shorter season meant to build up to the series final arc this year, as audiences wondered why there werent too many games this time around as if thats the whole premise of the show and not the very real dangers of late-stage capitalism, really. Heres hoping it gets released sooner rather than later.Xenomorphs are coming home in Noah Hawleys Alien: Earthon FX on Hulu. If only our UAPs could let us know how realistic chest bursters are on Reddit or if a mushroom can really make us clickers. Lots of doom and gloom there too with HBOs The Last of Us returning for season two. Hey, at least Apple TV+s Severance is back later this month! Theres something afoot with Disney and BBC Studio; were waiting on them to announce more Bluey seasons with Ludo Studio, though theyll be without creator Joe Brumm, whos hard at work on the Bluey feature film due out in 2027 (slated to be his last work on the franchise). Will there be more minisodes this year? Or perhaps just an upcoming season announcement? It feels very unfathomable that there will be no more new Bluey for two years.The state of animation on television continues to be in flux as the industry works for a better deal in the face of AI taking jobs and creativity away from the medium. Cartoon Networks website has shut down and for some bizarre reason Warner Bros. Discovery stopped releasing new episodes of Gremlins: The Wild Batch and Tiny Toons Looniversity on Max abruptly in the fall of last year, which left fans on a cliffhanger of the Amblin movie spin-off and without the Tiny Toons holiday specials. Someone get Spielberg on the phone to fix this and check on Tooned Out, his buddy Robert Zemeckis live-action hybrid cartoon show thats due out this year on the streamer too. Over at Disney, the studio has faced scrutiny over the removal of a trans character and their storyline on Pixars upcoming Win or Lose seriesits a shame and a huge L that Disney and Pixar are taking by buckling to bigots. On a more exciting Disney+ note, Andor season two is on the way for more Star Wars rebel versus fascism action. Daredevil returns in Daredevil: Born Again, and so will Ncuti Gatwas Fifteenth Doctor on Doctor Who. DC will continue to tease its new universe in Peacemaker season two on Max, which will bring in characters introduced in the Creature Commandos cartoon but in live-action, and will be released in July alongside James Gunns big-screen Superman.Shows to follow Stranger ThingsSeason 5 NetflixSeverance Apple TV+ Harley Quinn Season 5 MaxDoctor WhoSeason 2 (Series 15) Disney+ The Handmaids Tale Season 6 HuluSquid Game Season 3 Netflix Peacemaker Season 2 Max Alien: Earth FX on HuluTooned Out Max Wednesday Season 2 Netflix Win or Lose Disney+ Andor Season 2 Disney+The Last of Us Season 2 Max Daredevil: Born Again Disney+Wonder Man Disney+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Disney+Welcome to Derry Max The Witcher Season 4 Netflix Cobra Kai (Final Episodes) Netflix Goosebumps: the Vanishing HuluIronheart Disney+ Eyes of Wakanda Disney+ Marvel Zombies Disney+ People to follow The animators behind all your favorite shows need us now more than ever; the medium needs to be protected from AI (which could never think of the running Nosferatu gag from SpongeBob SquarePants)Creator Tony Gilroy with actors Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgrd, and Adria Arjona for Andor season two Wednesday season twos Jenna Ortega and Lady Gaga Daredevil: Born Again cast Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthal, and Vincent DOnofrio James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and filmmakerOne Piece Straw Hat crew: Iaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero, Taz Skylar teasing the next season along with creator Eiichiro Oda and series showrunners Matt Owens and Joe Tracz Companies to watch Warner Bros. Discovery should be put on watch if it continues breaking apart and selling off its scripted television properties piecemeal. Netflix getting is more into the fan experience immersive space to promote its shows and we can see it doing movie theater episode screenings for Stranger Things, Squid Game, Wednesday, and One Piece with Q&As. Disney banking on Bluey meet and greets at Disney Parks and Disney cruises in order to hold fans over: it wont. It also needs to spend time with Jim Henson Studios thinking of The Muppets future: stop fumbling them and give us more parody retellings. Imagine a Muppets Die Hard with Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso, Shrinking) as Hans Gruber. Better yet let Goldstein come up with an adaptation to tackle and star in.A longshot bet No more franchise movies being planned for direct to streaming after the success of Moana 2. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.