Young users swiftly evade age checks using fake IDs, faces and third-party accounts Experts warn that verification flaws may lead to misuse and privacy risks The law’s success depends on overcoming technical limitations and ensuring safe alternatives Australia’s world-first ban on social media accounts for under-16s came into force on 10 December 2025, requiring major platforms to remove existing accounts held by younger users and block new registrations. But early signs show how quickly the policy is running into technical and human obstacles. Children have been able to evade checks within minutes by using parents’ accounts, older siblings, VPNs, fake…

Adults in the UK now spend over four and a half hours online daily, a record turn driven by AI and mobile usage Generative AI like ChatGPT dramatically changing search and information consumption Concerns rise over online safety, with increased social media use among young children and new online safety measures impacting traffic UK adults are now spending more than four and a half hours online each day, a record driven by rising use of artificial intelligence and an ever more mobile-first way of living. The finding, from Ofcom’s Online Nation 2025 report, shows how quickly generative AI has shifted…

Julia Beizer departs Bloomberg after eight years to spearhead Microsoft’s AI news products Her move signals a broader trend of media leaders moving into big tech for AI-driven innovation Industry eyes her expertise as platforms race to redefine journalism distribution and monetisation Julia Beizer, chief operating officer of Bloomberg Media, is leaving the company to join Microsoft in a senior role leading its AI news product. Her appointment, reporting directly to Microsoft AI chief executive Mustafa Suleyman, marks another high-profile shift of media leadership into big tech as generative tools become central to how audiences find and use information. Microsoft…

Kamal Ahmed joins as Executive Editorial Director for UK and Europe to boost visibility. Francesca Cassidy is appointed Editor – Features and Fortune 500 C-Suite to focus on insight-driven content. Strategic move aims to deepen connections with Europe’s senior business leaders through journalism and events. Fortune has made a series of senior editorial appointments to strengthen its influence among European business leaders. Kamal Ahmed becomes Executive Editorial Director for the UK and Europe, while Francesca Cassidy takes on the role of Editor – Features and Fortune 500 C-Suite. The hires form part of Fortune’s strategy to grow its visibility and…

Launch of Future Audiences Initiative aiming to foster collaboration between legacy and independent news creators Introduction of News Creator Exchange to support innovative storytelling and audience engagement Focus on building trust, combatting disinformation, and advancing AI adoption in newsrooms worldwide The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has unveiled the Future Audiences Initiative, a global effort to unite established news organisations with independent creators and digital-native publishers. The programme seeks to drive collaboration, innovation and learning across the media spectrum, particularly among those who have lacked access to professional networks and recognition. At its centre is the News Creator…

The Daily Aus achieves financial break-even with 310,000 newsletter subscribers. Pivot from social media reliance to newsletters drives growth and sustainability. Diversified content and trust-driven journalism securing resilience in youth media sector. The Daily Aus, a youth-oriented Australian news outlet, has reached a major milestone by breaking even financially for the first time, marking a rare success story in the struggling digital media sector. Co-founder Sam Koslowski told Mumbrella the company has “totally inverted the revenue mix” over the past two years, shifting from reliance on social media to a strong newsletter-based model. The Daily Aus now claims 310,000 newsletter…

Teen Vogue to operate under Vogue’s digital platform, maintaining its youth-focused identity Editor-in-chief Versha Sharma departs amid organisational restructuring Staff layoffs spark criticism, raising concerns over political coverage for young audiences Teen Vogue is merging with Vogue.com, a major shift that will see its editor-in-chief, Versha Sharma, depart after less than two years in the role. The move is part of Condé Nast’s broader effort to streamline operations and extend Vogue’s digital reach, particularly among younger readers who have become crucial to the brand’s growth online. Chloe Malle, Vogue’s head of editorial content, will oversee both Vogue and Teen Vogue.…

The former National World has appointed Morgan Stevenson as its new chief growth officer Stevenson brings extensive digital and commercial experience from Newsquest and other roles The move signals a strategic push towards digital subscriptions and sustainable growth in regional media Iconic, formerly known as National World, has secured a significant appointment in its leadership ranks by recruiting Morgan Stevenson as its new chief growth officer. Stevenson joins Iconic under its new ownership, Media Concierge, which acquired the company from David Montgomery in May. With a commanding portfolio of 150 regional news brands across the UK and Ireland –including prominent…

Future plc launches Collab to unite digital creators with trusted brands High-profile titles like Marie Claire and Who What Wear participate Initiative aims to deliver authentic content through collaboration and innovation Future has launched a new initiative, Collab, designed to bring together the influence of digital creators with the authority of its established media brands. The programme pairs creators with titles such as Marie Claire, Who What Wear, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens to produce content that speaks authentically to each brand’s audience. Hillary Kerr, senior vice president of Women & Luxury at Future and co-founder of Who What…

51% of adults used a podcast in the past month and 33% in the past week, with 71% having ever tried one Smartphones remain the primary device but smart‑TV listening doubled (4% to 8%); YouTube (20%) now rivals traditional podcast apps while in‑car connectivity is rising Ofcom and industry surveys differ, so publishers and advertisers must prioritise standardised measurement, cross‑platform deduplication and formats that suit both audio and video Podcasts have moved firmly into the mainstream, with 71% of UK adults aged 16-plus having tried one, 51% listening in the past month and 33% in the past week, according to…