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] By connecting global expertise with local business communities, the Digital Commerce Labs will create a scalable education model that can be replicated across markets to help entrepreneurs translate digital knowledge into real-world growth opportunities. Newsroom | TikTok
• [New] The potential shutdown could disrupt marketing strategies and community engagement for projects with Russian user bases. MEXC
• [New] Prime Air service will be able to serve communities with 30 million customers by the end of the year, with a much wider catalog of goods to choose from, and is expected to annually deliver 500 million packages by the end of the decade in under 30 minutes. Postaltimes
• [New] Degraded coastal communities in the UK could soon be transformed by floating wetlands as part of a drive to boost biodiversity. Positive News
• [New] CDA has said that it will closely monitor Singapore's measles situation and adjust public health measures as it evolves, to prevent community transmission and maintain herd immunity. ST
• [New] There is little real-world evidence to suggest an opt-out model will reduce the social, emotional and financial harms caused by gambling in Australia. The Guardian
• [New] The current framework for the new gambling rules, due to be introduced to parliament next month, would need to address several grey areas that gambling companies and social media could exploit. The Guardian
• [New] The UK is moving toward a cashless society, with cash payments expected to account for only 4% of transactions by 2034. The Fintech Times
• [New] With AI expected to disrupt traditional jobs, OpenAI emphasizes the need for stronger social support systems. The AI Insider
• [New] By 2026, social commerce will be the primary means of selling products, replacing its popularity. Amaano blog
• [New] TikTok Shop's US sales are forecast to exceed $20 billion in 2026, with half of all US social shoppers projected to make a purchase on TikTok. 2POINT Agency - Best Digital Marketing Agency
• [New] Community services are critical to Australia's response to crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2019/20 catastrophic bushfires and now major disruptions to fuel and supply chains. Mirage News
• [New] In the UK, hundreds of teenagers will trial social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps under a government pilot, alongside a consultation on whether under-16s should be barred from accessing social media. The Guardian

Last updated: 13 April 2026