The case was investigated by the London Counter-Terrorism Policing Unit (CTP) (representative image)
A man who came under scrutiny from security agencies after visiting Pakistan two years ago has been found guilty by a British court of possessing and distributing Islamist terrorism material.Shuja Gibraeel Mohsin, 20, was found guilty on Friday after a two-week trial at London’s Old Bailey court. He will be sentenced on August 14.According to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), which investigated Mohsin, he was intercepted by police at Heathrow Airport in January 2024 after returning to the UK from Pakistan.“After the stop, Mohsin was allowed to continue his journey, but further examination of his devices and USB drives was carried out by expert officials who found evidence that he had been viewing material and joining various chat groups related to extremist Islamic groups such as the Taliban, Hamas and Daesh (ISIS),” the CTP said in a statement.“When they examined his mobile phone, police discovered material of particular concern, including bomb-making manuals, as well as videos of Daesh executions that Mohsin had sent to his online contacts,” the statement added.He was subsequently arrested twice, in March and July 2024, and his computer was confiscated. He was later released on bail. After further questioning and an examination of his equipment, the Crown Prosecution Service approved charges against him in April 2025.According to the statement, Mohsin was convicted of possessing a document related to a bomb-making manual that could be useful to terrorists. He was also found guilty of two counts of disseminating terrorist material related to ISIS execution videos he shared with his online contacts.After the sentencing, Commander Helen Flanagan, head of London CTP, said Mosin fell into extremist ideology when he was just 14 or 15 years old. She urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.“Our investigation shows that Mohsin began being exposed to extremist and terrorist material and ideology when he was 14 or 15 years old. It is vital that parents and caregivers understand what their children are doing on the internet. I implore you to have a conversation and be curious about what your children are doing online… Otherwise, those involved in downloading or sharing horrific content online face very clear and severe consequences, a reality that Mohsin is now facing,” the statement quoted Flanagan as saying.
Visa Notices Issued by the United States State Council The July 2026 bill raises another challenge for Indian applicants seeking employment-based green cards, declaring EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 unavailable while also delaying the EB-1 final action date by two months.
July US Visa Bulletin: The July Bulletin shows some progress for certain family sponsorship categories in India, with improved final action dates for F1, F2B and F3.
The announcement comes as the U.S. approaches the final quarter of fiscal year 2026, indicating huge demand from Indian applicants for a limited number of employment-based immigrant visas.
U.S. visa announcement in July: EB-2 and EB-5 categories are not applicable to Indian job seekers
EB-1 Final Action Date India Moved backward from December 15, 2022 in June to October 15, 2022 in July. Therefore, only applicants with priority dates before October 15, 2022, will be eligible for final approval provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
In explaining this adjustment, State Council It cited “high demand and volume usage” and warned that “it may be necessary to further roll back or make the category unavailable” before the end of the financial year on September 30.
The most significant setback is for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category, which involves professionals with advanced degrees and individuals of exceptional ability.
In July, the category was designated “U,” or unavailable, in stark contrast to the final action date of September 1, 2013, indicated in the June announcement. The U.S. State Department said India’s prorated EB-2 limit has been exhausted, rendering the category unavailable for the remainder of fiscal year 2026.
Therefore, EB-2 immigrant visa numbers cannot be assigned to Indian applicants until the annual limits are reset at the beginning of fiscal year 2027 on October 1, 2026.
The U.S. Department of State mentioned that the EB-2 India final action date is expected to progress in October to at least the date released in the May 2026 announcement. However, the actual deadline will depend on demand from Indian applicants and employment visa allocations for FY2027.
Additionally, unreserved EB-5 India is also listed as unavailable, with the final action date changed from May 1, 2022 in June to “U” in July. This category is for investors applying outside the pool set aside for rural, high unemployment and infrastructure investment.
The department similarly stated that unreserved EB-5 India will remain unavailable for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. The final action date for this category is expected to be brought forward in October to at least the deadline announced in the June announcement, although this change will depend on demand and new annual allocations.
The EB-3 and EB-4 categories provide limited relief.
Not all employment-based categories experienced regression.
The final action date for EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals has moved slightly from December 15, 2013 to January 1, 2014. Cutoff dates for other worker categories have experienced the same advancement.
EB-4 involving certain special immigrants has been moved forward two months, from July 15, 2022 to September 15, 2022.
Despite this progress, India’s EB-3 application backlog remains more than 12 years old, underscoring the long wait experienced by Indian professionals in the traditional employment-based green card system.
The submission date remains unchanged.
There is no change in the application date sheet for any Indian employment category.
The filing date for EB-1 is December 1, 2023, while the filing date for EB-2, EB-3, and other workers remains January 15, 2015. The EB-4 date remains January 1, 2023, and the unreserved EB-5 date remains May 1, 2024.
The submission chart specifies when applicants can begin submitting documents, while the final action date chart indicates when visa numbers will be available for approval.
According to USCIS regulations, employment-based adjustment of status applicants need to refer to the July final action date chart. Therefore, applicants wishing to file Form I-485 must have a priority date that is earlier than the relevant final action date.
This situation resulted in Indian applicants for EB-2 and Unreserved EB-5 being unable to file applications under these categories in July as both were marked as unavailable.
Previously submitted applications can remain pending; however, final green card approval cannot be granted until a visa number is obtained.
The EB-5 reserved category remains in effect.
All three EB-5 set-aside categories are currently available to applicants from all countries, including India and China.
These categories include investments in rural areas, areas with high unemployment and infrastructure projects. Because of their current status, eligible applicants will not encounter priority date deadlines and may have the opportunity to file both an immigration application and an adjustment of status application simultaneously under USCIS regulations.
Although the unreserved EB-5 queue has closed, the reserved category has become one of the few backlog-free employment pathways for Indian applicants.
The family-sponsored category showed selective gains.
Progress for certain family sponsorship categories in India has been limited compared to the challenges faced by employment-based applicants.
Final action date for family support – India (July 2026)
Announcements in July presented a more optimistic outlook for various categories of home sponsorship in India.
The F1 final action date for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens has been moved up five months, from September 1, 2017 to February 1, 2018.
The F2B category (for unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents) has been advanced from September 22, 2017 to November 22, 2017. The F3 category (for married children of U.S. citizens) has been brought forward from February 15, 2012 to April 15, 2012.
Instead, the F2A deadline for permanent resident spouses and minor children remains unchanged at January 1, 2025, and the F4 category deadline for siblings of adult U.S. citizens continues at November 1, 2006.
For Indian majors, the July communiqué is a sign of mounting pressure as the financial year-end approaches.
Possess EB-2 without reservation EB-5 Because the option is unavailable and EB-1 is back in reverse again, the additional restrictions cannot be lifted until visa allocations reset on October 1.
How does this impact H-1B holders from India?
The July announcement underscores an important reality: The employment-based immigration backlog of Indian nationals is the worst within the U.S. immigration framework.
Even highly qualified professionals who are sponsored by their employer often encounter waiting periods of several years due to country restrictions and annual caps.
Points to consider:
In July, the final action date for EB-1 India will be pushed back two months, while the final action date for EB-3 India will be moved up two weeks.
The final action date for EB-3 China will be brought forward nearly five months.
Most other employment-based final action dates will be moved up or remain unchanged.
EB-2 India and EB-5 India will continue to be unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year.
USCIS will allow employment-based adjustment of status applications for aliens with priority dates that are earlier than the final action date specified in the Department of State’s July Visa Bulletin.
Gaurav Chopra, 19, killed his father, mother and grandmother in a shooting rampage in Texas.
In Alton, Texas, Sweeta Ram, an Indian businessman, was killed along with his wife and mother-in-law in an unexplained shooting of their 19-year-old son, Gaurav Chopra. As Gaurav faces justice, the communities of Alton and Palmview grieve over this mindless act of violence. Sweeta Ram, 56, is well known in the community for her local business.Palmview Mayor Ricardo Villarreal said Ram was like a family member and a brother to him. “He’s the best,” Villarreal said. “He was a scrappy, driven guy who always said positive things. I never heard him say a negative word.”“He brought a lot of fun, food and entertainment to the city,” Villarreal said. “I knew him more like a brother than a friend.”Neighbors and friends said Ram spoke proudly about his wife and children and often hosted parties. They watched their children grow up and could not accept such a tragedy.
Killing parents, grandmother; missing brother: How the unconscious tragedy unfolds
On Tuesday, June 16, a man called 911 and claimed that his brother, Gaurav Chopra, shot their entire family and then fled the scene. The younger brother was also hit, but not hit. The younger brother saw the body and Chopra at the scene. When Chipra saw him, he shot his brother, who fled the house.The victims were identified as Sweeta Ram, 56, Kamlesh Rani, 46, and Minder Kaur, 76, all from the Indian state of Punjab.Ram was still alive when police arrived and first aid was immediately administered. He was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment, but later died from his injuries.Chopra’s arrest also involved a dramatic car chase that sent the pair to the hospital after a speeding Chopra crashed into their car. A handgun was also found at the crash site.Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra did not reveal any motive for the killing. Police are not aware of any previous criminal conduct by the family.Gaurav Chopra is a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “UTRGV is aware that law enforcement has identified a suspect in an off-campus criminal investigation as a current student,” the university said in a statement. “The university is cooperating with law enforcement as appropriate. As this is an active criminal investigation, questions regarding the case should be directed to the investigating agency.”Chopra was arraigned on multiple murder and attempted murder charges, for which bail has not been set. Chopra also faces a charge of evading arrest and her bail was set at $250,000.
Major modifications to the U.S. migrant Regulations may soon complicate the ability of international students to stay in the country and complete their entire academic program without seeking additional approval.
The United States will revise the immigration rules for international students from a status period system to a fixed enrollment period. (X/@USA and India)
this White House The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a final rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to replace the long-standing “Delimitation of Status” (D/S) system of fixed enrollment periods for international students and exchange visitors, The Times of India reported on Tuesday.
The move is one of the most significant changes to student visa rules in recent years and could affect thousands of Indian students planning to study in the United States.
Currently, most international students hold F-1 visa Admission to the United States is granted under a system called “Term of Status,” or D/S.
Within this framework, students can remain in the country as long as they meet visa requirements, including maintaining full-time enrollment and maintaining valid student status. Their stay has no scheduled end date.
This flexibility enables students to:
If necessary, their study time can be extended.
Change their academic curriculum.
Transition from bachelor’s to master’s programs.
Transfer between different universities.
If eligible, complete Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT.
Impact of new changes
The new regulations will replace the D/S system and stipulate access deadlines.
Although the final text has not yet been released, an early draft of the proposal suggests that most F-1 and J-1 visa holders would be granted entry for up to four years. Students enrolled in courses beyond this time frame will need to seek an extension from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In effect, this suggests that international students will no longer automatically maintain their identity simply by studying.
Instead, they may need to obtain additional government approval to continue their education beyond the approved enrollment period.
Immigration experts warned that the change could create further challenges for international students, especially those with broad academic trajectories.
Students may encounter risks associated with deferment of application and unlawful presence
According to global immigration firm Fragomen, the most significant changes will involve replacing the existing duration of status (D/S) system with fixed periods of entry for F, J and I visa holders.
Currently, international students can stay in the United States as long as they maintain student status. Fragomen noted that if the proposed rule is enacted:
Students and exchange visitors whose courses extend beyond the authorized period of enrollment may be required to submit an extension of residence application to USCIS.
Such expansion may require additional processing and biometric data collection
Students who remain in the country beyond a designated period without appropriate authorization may begin to accumulate unlawful presence, which may result in serious immigration consequences.
Additionally, Fragomen emphasized that the proposal could reduce the grace period for F-1 students after program completion from 60 days to 30 days
Why did the U.S. government decide to implement this change?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes that the current Duration of Status (D/S) system complicates visa compliance monitoring and overstay tracking.
Officials believe that by establishing a fixed end date, they will increase oversight of foreign students, exchange visitors and other certain visa holders. Furthermore, the government claims that this change will help standardize immigration monitoring and strengthen enforcement.
How will Indian students be affected?
India is one of the largest sources of international students in the United States. For Indian students, the potential consequences could be quite serious.
Students on long-term academic travel may need to apply for an extension from USCIS.
Under the proposed framework, changing schools, changing degree levels, or changing academic goals may become increasingly challenging. Several immigration experts warned that the rule could limit students’ ability to transfer schools or adjust their education plans without further approval.
Additionally, the proposal considers shortening the existing 60-day grace period for F-1 students after they complete their program.
Doctoral programs typically take five to seven years to complete. Students on these courses may be significantly affected as they may need to apply for deferment during their studies.
What happens next?
The White House has just completed its review of the final regulations. This means the new rules will not take effect immediately.
Next steps include publishing the final rules and then the government announcing an effective date. Legal experts predict that implementation could happen later in 2026, but the exact timeline remains unclear.
Waleed Saeed, a British-born Somali man, was jailed for 16 years.
A man who ran a massive online extortion campaign targeting young Muslim men and teenagers has been jailed for 16 years, a court heard he used more than 100 fake social media accounts to obtain intimate photos and sexually exploit his victims.Waleed Saeed, 31, a British-born man of Somali descent, was found guilty and sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 17 charges including rape, attempted rape, blackmail and taking indecent images of children, the BBC reported.The court heard Syed spent years creating false identities on social media and dating platforms, using them to contact young people across the UK. After gaining the victim’s trust, he convinced the victim to send intimate photos and videos and then threatened to reveal the material to family and friends.Prosecutors said many of the targets were young Muslim men and teenagers who feared the consequences of their sexual orientation being known within their families or communities.In some cases, Said asked for funds to keep the images private. When victims were unable to comply with his demands, he would use the threat of exposure to maintain control over them, sometimes arranging face-to-face meetings that resulted in sexual offences.The case came to light in August 2024 when an 18-year-old reported being raped in a London park. Investigators later discovered a broader pattern of crimes that stretched back several years.Police tracked Syed through evidence discovered during the investigation and seized mobile phones containing intimate images relating to numerous victims, including children.Earlier this year, Saeed pleaded guilty to several offences, including blackmail-related charges and making indecent images of children. A jury later found him guilty of other charges, including rape, attempted rape and other extortion charges.Judge Green said in sentencing that Syed deliberately exploited his victims’ fear of exposure.“You exploited the fact that cultural issues made them particularly vulnerable to the threat of exposure,” the judge told him.The Metropolitan Police believe the scale of the crime may be far greater than the cases already heard in court. Detectives are currently examining approximately 100 additional potential victims in connection with Saeed’s activities.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah The situation in Lebanon came under renewed pressure on Saturday after a new round of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed five people, including a Lebanese army soldier and two children, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.The latest attack came less than 24 hours after a U.S.-Qatar-brokered ceasefire came into effect, raising new concerns about the viability of a broader Iran-U.S. peace framework that includes provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon.An Israeli airstrike on the Kfarremane roundabout killed a Lebanese Army soldier, NNA reported. Four members of the same family, including a father, mother and two children, were killed in separate attacks in the towns of Somur, Shibr and Barish in the Jezin district.The agency also reported airstrikes in the Hima Labaya area, drones flying at low altitudes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and a series of attacks in Kfarreman, Habboush, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Choukine, Zebdine and Kfarjouz. Civil defense teams and emergency rescue workers are continuing search and rescue operations, with reports that many people are still trapped under the rubble.The violence comes after Israel launched its deadliest wave of attacks on Lebanon since the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding was announced earlier this week. Four Israeli soldiers, including a battalion commander, were killed in a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon on Thursday night, leaving at least 18 people dead in Israeli attacks, according to Lebanese authorities.Although the ceasefire came into effect on Friday afternoon, Israel reportedly launched air strikes near the southern Lebanese town of Sajid shortly after, Lebanese media reported.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said military operations would continue despite the truce.IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Efe Devlin said: “These Hezbollah attacks violate the ceasefire agreement. They prove that Hezbollah’s goals remain the same: to remain on Israel’s borders and plan and carry out attacks against our civilians. This is not a reality we can accept, and it is why the IDF continues to operate in southern Lebanon. Recent events have made one thing clear: IDF soldiers must stand between Hezbollah and Israeli civilians.”“We will not wait for the next attack to strike our homes. We will continue to eliminate immediate threats, respond to Hezbollah’s violations and take all necessary measures to protect our civilians,” he added.Israel said its latest action was in response to a Hezbollah attack that killed four soldiers and wounded many others. The Israel Defense Forces claimed to have attacked more than 100 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and eliminated dozens of militants.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the military action and vowed to take further action.“I express my heartfelt condolences to the commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gadeliya Ben Simon, and to the families of the three heroic fighters whose names have not yet been released, may their bloodshed be avenged, and wish the wounded in yesterday’s exchange of fire a full recovery. Following Hezbollah’s heinous attack in flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement, I directed the Israel Defense Forces to attack Hezbollah with all its strength last night,” Netanyahu said.“The IDF struck more than 80 terrorist targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Subsequently, the IDF attacked Hezbollah’s headquarters in the Bekaa Valley this morning,” he added.He further warned: “This morning I conducted a situation assessment with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of General Staff. My instructions are clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory and will demand a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks.” As I made clear yesterday: Israel will remain in the southern Lebanese safe zone for as long as necessary to protect the settlements in the north.“The escalation also came with inflammatory remarks by Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew widespread criticism.“Every tear of an Israeli mother makes a thousand Lebanese mothers cry. All of Lebanon must be burned! ” Ben Gwire wrote on X.“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must show the world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens will not be lost. All of Lebanon must be burned.”“Enough with ping pong. In the Middle East, you don’t win through measured reaction and restraint – you need to go crazy. To exterminate. To suppress terror.”On the Lebanese side, Hezbollah leader Naeem Qasim said the group would continue to defend itself if attacked.“The plan to eliminate Hezbollah and consolidate the occupation has failed and the Israelis will withdraw from every inch of our land,” Qasim said in a televised address.He also accused Israel and the United States of trying to weaken Lebanon’s resistance and meddling in the country’s future.The new round of fighting threatens a key provision of the 14-point Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding, which calls for an immediate and permanent halt to military operations, including in Lebanon, while negotiations on a broader settlement continue.The violence came as technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland that were expected to focus on implementing the deal were also postponed. The delay heightened concerns that ongoing hostilities in Lebanon could undermine efforts to stabilize the region following a recent breakthrough in U.S.-Iran relations.For now, the ceasefire appears to remain largely on paper, with both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of violations while military operations on the ground continue. The latest attacks underscore the rapid rise of Lebanon’s frontline as one of the biggest tests facing the fragile peace process taking shape across the Middle East.
Ukrainian-born duo jailed for Russia-linked arson plot
Two men have been jailed for a series of arson attacks on a car and property linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a plot that investigators say was orchestrated on behalf of Russia.Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian citizen, was sentenced to seven years in prison at London’s Old Bailey, while Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian citizen who was born in Ukraine, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The attack unfolded in May 2025 in north London. On May 8, a Toyota Rav4 previously owned by Starmer was set on fire in Kentish Town. Three days later, a fire was discovered in an Islington apartment linked to a property owned by the Prime Minister in the past.In the early hours of May 12, a fire broke out again at Starmer’s former home in Kentish Town, where Starmer’s sister-in-law Judith Alexander, her daughter and partner lived at the time.Thick black smoke quickly spread throughout the house, putting the occupants at risk, the court heard.
Prosecutors said Lavrinovich was recruited via Telegram by an anonymous Russian-speaking contact named “EL” or “El Money.” The individual allegedly promised payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for carrying out the attack, filming the attack and ensuring the attack received media attention.Evidence presented during the trial showed that after the fire, handlers instructed Lavrinovich to throw away his clothes, collect cryptocurrency payments and leave London. He was arrested hours later when counter-terrorism officers raided his home in Sydenham.Investigators also revealed that Lavrinovich had previously completed other tasks for the same contact, including posting far-right posters.
Judge calls Lavrinovich a ‘useful idiot’
In handing down the sentence, Judge Garnham made a scathing assessment of Lavrinovich’s conduct. “You agreed to carry out this blind arson for money. You were easily bribed,” the judge said, describing him as a “useful idiot” who acted as a pawn for an unknown agenda.The judge rejected claims that Lavrinovich was unaware the property was occupied, saying he had a “complete disregard” for the danger he posed to residents.“You were used by Eastern Lightning to advance causes you knew nothing about,” he added.
Kapiuk plays a supporting role
The court found that Carpiuc played a minor role in the conspiracy, primarily handling cryptocurrency transactions related to the operation.His lawyers argued that Kapiuk did not expect to profit from the attacks but became involved while trying to help a friend raise money for his father’s medical treatment.Despite this, the judge ruled he knowingly supported a “completely reckless” criminal activity.
Third defendant acquitted
A third defendant, 35-year-old Ukrainian citizen Petro Pochynok, was acquitted on conspiracy charges.Lavrinovich was also convicted of damaging property by setting fire without regard to the danger to life. However, he was cleared of intentionally attempting to endanger life.
Family members express shock and shame
Outside court, Lavrinovich’s mother said she was “heartbroken and ashamed” of her son’s actions, describing him as naive and easily manipulated.Kapiuk’s father criticized the sentences, arguing that the mysterious Telegram recruiter who allegedly directed the attacks was unidentified and had not been punished.Helen Flanagan, London’s counter-terrorism policing commander, said the case highlighted a growing trend of crimes being directed remotely by anonymous online handlers who offer financial rewards.“Criminal acts such as arson being directed by anonymous online accounts promising payments is a recurring pattern in our investigations,” she said.
The Indian Embassy has announced that it will suspend passport and visa services from June 26 to 30.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced changes to its outsourced consular services provider in the UAE, with Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC taking over passport, visa and authentication services from July 1, 2026.As part of the transition, existing service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global will stop accepting new applications after June 25. The embassy also said that scheduled appointments for passport, visa or consular services will no longer be available between June 26 and 30.In a notice issued on Friday, the embassy advised applicants to plan their submissions accordingly ahead of the transition period.Emergency consular services during the five-day transition window will be handled directly by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Applicants requiring emergency assistance may use the following contact details:
The change follows the embassy’s earlier announcement that Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC had been selected as the new outsourcing provider following a tender and evaluation process.Applications submitted before the transition date will continue to be processed through existing service centers. From July 1, all applications for new passports, visas and consular services will be processed through centers operated by Al Hind Tours and Travel.The embassy urges members of the Indian community and other applicants to rely on official channels for the latest information related to passport, visa and consular services during the transition period.According to the embassy, arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth handover while maintaining access to essential services across the UAE.
Polish President Karol Nauroki has stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Poland’s highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, over Kiev’s decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), the nationalist massacres of Poles during World War II.“I have decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from the president of Ukraine,” Naroki declared in a statement.“We cannot silently betray the sacrifices of our ancestors. These are graves that should not be forgotten. These are the wounds of history that demand truth, remembrance and respect.”Norocki said the decision was made in consultation with the Knights of the White Eagle. “Whereas President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to name a unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine “Heroes of UPA”… I have decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle. “He emphasized that “this decision is not directed at the Ukrainian people” and “does not mean a change in the strategic direction of Poland’s security policy.”
“For the vast majority of Polish society, the UPA remains first and foremost an organization responsible for the brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during World War II,” Narocki said. “The facts are non-negotiable; they do not change with political circumstances or necessity. The fact is that at least 100,000 Polish citizens were murdered by the UPA.”“They were not soldiers on the battlefield. They were unarmed civilians. They were brutally killed,” he added.Poland has officially recognized the massacre as genocide. Ukraine rejects the label and believes the massacre occurred against the backdrop of a long history of anti-Ukrainian policies by the Polish state before the war.Narocki cited recent progress in Polish-Ukrainian relations, including the return of St. Nicholas Church in Kiev and allowing the exhumation of Polish victims at multiple sites. “All these actions give rise to the belief that Poland and Ukraine are gradually finding a path to lasting reconciliation,” he said. “That is why the decision of the Ukrainian authorities to glorify the UPA is not only outrageous. This is also incomprehensible and deeply disappointing. “
Ukraine strikes back, Tusk urges calm
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha called the decision “a strategic mistake from which only Moscow benefits.”Zelenskiy’s chief of staff Andrei Yermak said on Saturday he would give up the Polish state medal he had received in solidarity with the president.Narocki said the UPA issue was particularly sensitive because “the Polish military has trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers. Today, we cannot remain indifferent to the fact that some of them will now serve under the banner of UP. This is unacceptable to us. “Noroki’s political rival, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, wrote on social media: “The conflict between Poland and Ukraine delights Putin and alarms our allies. The task of Presidents Zelensky and Noroki is to calm emotions, not inflame tensions. The front lines are elsewhere.”Navroki spoke about the EU’s aspirations: “Ukraine’s path towards European structures also requires a willingness to face honestly the difficult chapters of its own history. A united Europe is based on the rejection of totalitarianism and the cult of violence. These principles must apply to everyone. There can be no place in the EU for those who do not understand this, and Poland will certainly not allow this.”“In 2023, former President Andrzej Duda awarded Zelensky the Order of the White Eagle. “The Order of the White Eagle is not just an ordinary award. It is a symbol of the highest trust in the Republic of Poland. It marks a special bond with the Polish state and the deep gratitude of the nation,” Noroki said.The decision comes days before Zelenskiy travels to Poland to attend the Gdansk Conference on the Renewal of Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that the country would ban everyone under the age of 16 from accessing a range of social media sites, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat and X. The UK Parliament is due to approve legislation before the end of this year, with the ban expected to come into force in spring 2027.
Logo for social media application with prohibition sign. The UAE announced a social media ban on children under 15 on June 18, joining a growing list of countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada taking similar measures. (AFP)
The government says enforcement will target technology companies, not children. Social media companies that fail to prove they have taken “reasonable steps” to prevent children from using their services will face hefty fines.
“Every parent can see for themselves. Social media makes children unhappy,” Starmer said when announcing the policy.
Starmer said the ban was influenced by Australia’s experience and the UK would go further. He did not deny that some teenagers would find ways to get around the limit, but argued that enforcement difficulties had never been seen as a reason to abandon the drinking age limit.
A few days later, on June 18, UAE announced A resolution banning social media use by children under 15, among other restrictions on youth access to such apps.
The UK and the UAE are the latest in a series of countries to have legislated or are moving ahead with restricting children’s access to social media.
Australia has set the template. The Cybersecurity Amendment (Minimum Age for Social Media) Bill 2024 came into effect on December 10 last year, making Australia the first country to impose nationwide restrictions. Under their laws, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Twitch, X and Kick must take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts.
Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately US$32 million). The Australian government said that within weeks of the ban, nearly 5 million accounts identified as belonging to children were closed, and it would take action to delete another 300,000 accounts by March 2026.
Indonesia implemented similar age restrictions in March 2026, covering platforms that could expose young people to addiction, pornography, online fraud and cyberbullying. Brazil has enacted a law requiring people under 16 to link social media accounts to a legal guardian, while also banning addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling.
Canada legislated this year to establish a Digital Safety Commission, which would have the power to ban children under 16 from using social media unless social media companies prove they have removed harmful content. Malaysia has also asked social media apps in the country, which has more than 8 million users, to prevent users under the age of 16 from holding accounts. France, Spain, Denmark, Greece, South Korea and Thailand are studying or advancing similar measures.
HT reports In February this year, the Indian government was considering age-related restrictions on social media usage.
Social media companies are expected to oppose the restrictions. Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, warned that such restrictions would put children at greater risk. In response to the UK statement, a Meta spokesperson said: “As we have seen in Australia, bans have the potential to isolate teenagers from online communities and information and force them to turn to unregulated alternatives that lack built-in protections and parental controls.” Alphabet’s YouTube similarly warned that “blanket bans can turn children away from carefully curated, supervised and rewarding experiences and towards anonymous, less secure services.”
How Australia implemented the ban
Because most restrictions are only in place for a few months in other countries, Australia’s example remains the most comprehensive to date. A key enforcement issue is ensuring that social media companies reliably determine whether a user is under 16.
Prior to imposing restrictions, the Australian government commissioned an independent Age Assurance Technology Trial (AATT) to assess the accuracy, usability, privacy concerns and accessibility of verification methods. Its findings influenced subsequent guidance issued by Australia’s online safety regulator, the Electronic Safety Commissioner.
The guidance recommends against a single mandatory approach and urges companies to allow for a layered system to detect when underage users attempt to open or operate an account. Social media companies cannot rely solely on a user’s declared age (the age a user submits when registering an account) to comply with the ban.
For example, one such method is age inference. Social media applications can leverage existing behavioral data such as IP address geolocation, device history, usage patterns, vocabulary in posts, and interest groups the user follows to flag accounts that may belong to people under the age of 16.
The other is facial age estimation. Companies can work with third parties to verify age through artificial intelligence technology. In simple terms, users submit a selfie or video selfie, which is analyzed by the software to come up with an estimated age range. To mitigate privacy concerns, companies that verify age do not store images after generating age estimates.
The third method is authentication. Social media companies can ask for identification documents or check a user’s age through a bank or email service. In these cases, the user can provide credit card details and the company can contact the bank to confirm only the user’s age.
Compliance is not a one-time check. Social media companies should continually monitor behavioral signals and take action if they suspect a user may be underage.
Even with government restrictions, teenagers have found ways to break through.
Within days of Australia’s restrictions, social media was flooded with posts from young people claiming they were still online.
Journalists also documented the many ways children circumvented the ban. The Washington Post reported in December 2025 that a 14-year-old girl from New South Wales said she could bypass facial inspections by having her mother scan her face on her behalf.
One Reddit user suggested using masks sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms to confuse age recognition systems, Fortune reported.
More commonly, teens turn to VPNs (virtual private networks, software that routes internet traffic through servers in other countries) to mask the user’s actual location and bypass geo-restrictions.
But VPN issues are expected in Australia. Information Age, a publication that covers the country’s technology policy, reported that eSafety told companies they could use the service to detect VPN usage and cross-reference IP intelligence data to spot users trying to circumvent restrictions.
According to Time magazine in April this year, Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells expressed confidence that the large amount of user behavior data held on the platform will eventually catch those who use borrowed credentials or location blocking tools.
Between January 19 and February 2 this year, eSafety Australia conducted a survey of 898 parents and guardians of children aged 8 to 15 years old. The survey found that nearly half (49.7%) of parents surveyed said their children had an account on at least one social media platform before the restrictions. After the ban came into effect, this proportion dropped to 31.3%.
“Reductions in account ownership were observed across 10 platforms,” the company said in a report in March.
But the regulator also noted that despite the reduction, “a significant proportion of under-16s maintain accounts on age-restricted platforms”.
Another survey of 1,050 Australians aged 12 to 15, conducted in April 2026 by suicide prevention organization the Molly Rose Foundation, found that more than 60 per cent of children who had social media accounts before the ban still had access to at least one account.
About two-thirds of respondents also said the companies had taken no action to restrict their accounts. Fortune reported in April 2026 that the foundation’s CEO described the results as “significant questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s social media ban.”
