International News

Large tech companies such as Google and Facebook will have to abide by new competition rules in the UK or risk facing huge fines, the government said. The new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) will be given powers to clamp down on "predatory practices" of some firms. The regulator will also have the power to fine companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they fail to comply. Besides boosting competition among tech firms, the rules also aim to give users more control over their data. T...

The United Kingdom is on track to introducing yet another visa to attract high potential individuals to the country. Expected to launch on May 30, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is aimed at attracting high-skilled foreign university graduates - who will be allowed to work and stay in the U.K. for two or three years, depending on their degree level. Applicants won't need a job offer or sponsorship and holders of this visa will be free to come to the UK to work, set up as self-...

Crossrail will open in just 20 days’ time, Transport for London announced on Wednesday. The long-awaited line, which fell years behind schedule and went billions over budget, will start running through central London on Tuesday May 24. TfL said the “stunning” £20bn project - which will be renamed the Elizabeth line - would transform the capital’s public transport network, adding 10 per cent capacity and boosting the post-pandemic return to work. Wednesday&r...

Ukrainian group Antytila have teamed up with Ed Sheeran, releasing a new song partly filmed and recorded while serving in the war against Russia. Antytila are one of the biggest musical acts in Ukraine but stopped working to join the military. Proceeds from the song, released on Monday, will go to help the people of Ukraine. "Ed feels that pain, compassion and sympathy for Ukrainian people," lead singer Taras Topolya told the BBC. He said the lyrics were created while he was serving ...

Shoppers who prefer using cash will not be able to spend paper £20 and £50 notes in six months time. This is because the Bank of England has said that the paper notes will become void. The central bank has said the deadline to use paper notes is September 30, 2022. This is because they will be permanently replaced with the polymer versions that were released into circulation some years ago. You will still be allowed to exchange their £20 and £50 notes after the Sept...

Australia is among 56 nations signing a political commitment to push for the future of the internet to be underpinned by democratic values, in the face of hostile internet policies from countries such as China and Russia. The commitment — the first such effort of its kind, and known as the Declaration for the Future of the Internet — aims to protect human rights, promote the free flow of information, protect the privacy of users and set rules for a growing global digital economy. ...

Streaming services are set to be regulated by Ofcom for the first time, under new government proposals. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and other streamers will be given new rules that will bring them in line with traditional broadcasters. The culture secretary said the move would protect audiences from harmful material. The government also reiterated its intention to proceed with the privatisation of Channel 4. The broadcasting reforms have been set out in a White Paper - a policy d...

The Queen is celebrating her 96th birthday on Thursday in Sandringham. Britain's longest-reigning monarch travelled by helicopter to her Norfolk estate, where she is being joined by family and friends. She is thought to be staying in a cottage particularly liked by her late husband, Prince Philip. A photograph has been released to mark the birthday, showing the Queen with two ponies and reflecting her lifelong interest in horses. The picture was taken at Windsor Castle, where the...