Global Scans · Social · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: In the years to come, social commerce will become more widespread and the level of personalization will improve with advanced AI solutions & chatbots. The number of worldwide social media users is projected to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to 2.5 billion by 2018.

• [New] The mood among some anti-regime Iranians has turned on Trump, shifting from hope of being rescued to dismay at the destruction of infrastructure, culture and lives. The Guardian
• [New] Under the disrupt strand, a new Online Crime Centre will be launched in April, bringing together specialists from UK policing, the UK Intelligence Community, and private sector partners from financial, telecommunications, technology and cyber industries to drive co-ordinated action against fraud. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] Social media platforms have transformed into indispensable tools for businesses worldwide, offering unparalleled opportunities for advertising, community building, and commerce. Qubit Capital
• [New] Since there is a projected shortage of 86,000 physicians over the next decade and physicians are more likely to remain in the communities where they complete medical residency training, both parties highlighted the importance of expanding patient access to care, especially in rural areas. / USA American Medical Association
• [New] A collaboration between the ACS and the American Cancer Society aims to develop strategies to better prepare cancer centers for events that can trigger large-scale disruptions, including climate-related disasters and health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. ACS
• [New] The coming year will test whether global AI governance can keep pace with innovation while protecting democratic values, social trust, and human well-being. hub
• [New] With 34% of agencies believing social commerce will be a major disruptor, according to CreatorIQ, affiliate links and TikTok Shop are expected to become even more central to marketing campaigns, which are two areas of the creator economy in which mid-tier creators thrive. Digiday
• [New] From NYX to Urban Outfitters to Primal Kitchen to Anthropologie to Levi's to Primark, savvy brands have been linking up with the social media platform to build data-driven experiences that turn Pinterest Predicts trends into real-world touchpoints. Event Marketer
• [New] Sustainability Goals: Qatar targets a 40% reduction in food waste and a 50% reduction in unhealthy consumption habits, aligning with Vision 2030's social and environmental pillars. Qatar Day
• [New] The Strategy frames Canada's defence policy as an industrial opportunity - one that requires government and industry to collaborate and jointly invest in capabilities that advance sovereignty, economic prosperity, and northern and Indigenous community resilience. Torys LLP
• [New] The UK government will expand powers to tackle extremism by setting up a new whistleblowing route for university staff and giving the Charity Commission powers to shut down charities, as part of a new action plan to strengthen social cohesion. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] Nigeria's creative economy, spanning fashion, music, and film, continues to gain global recognition, driving both cultural influence and economic opportunity. The National Law Review
• [New] HB 2671 establishes the Kansas Community Harmed by AI Technology Act, mandating user accounts and age verification for AI chatbot access, classifying users by age, requiring parental consent for minors, blocking explicit content, and protecting age information. Transparency Coalition
• [New] National unity and coexistence will not be an obstacle to a new system that prevents hegemony and secures social justice, balanced development, and economic stability. / Lebanon The Washington Institute
• [New] On World TB Day 2026, health organizations will emphasize stronger policies and community participation. Medicover Hospitals
• [New] The Next Era of Local News: What Publishers Need to Know A forward-looking discussion about what the next five years will demand from community newspapers across print, digital, mobile and social - and where sustainable revenue will come from. Editor and Publisher
• [New] The adult social care system is likely to need almost 440,000 more care workers by 2035. BBC News
• [New] Much of the Shiite community is still traumatized from the most recent war with Israel and could overreact to any perceived threats to its security. The Atlantic
• [New] More than fifty million knowledge workers will delete their social network accounts and other surveillance-heavy apps in 2027, causing an unexpected productivity spike. Diginomica
• [New] In the short term, the war in Iran could lead to civil unrest across the world and particularly in Europe. Dazed
• [New] Following in the footsteps of Australia, Indonesia will be the latest country to limit social media usage for children under 16. Engadget
• [New] Purpose-driven leadership, which sees profit and social responsibility as mutually reinforcing, will be a key factor in creating long-term value for both companies and Thai society. null
• More concerning still, rhetoric that frames immigration as a problem risks eroding the very social cohesion that distinguishes Canada. SenCanada

Last updated: 16 March 2026