Global Scans · Social · Weekly Summary

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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 future of China-South Africa cooperation will continue to go beyond the energy sector to include culture, youth empowerment, and innovation. The Star
• [New] Eastern suburbs institution Cranbrook will ban its primary students from owning a smartphone from 2026, with parents instructed to instead purchase a basic Nokia for students to use, as schools prepare students to lose access to social media apps next week. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] Africa is rich, not just in minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earths, but in human potential, culture, and ingenuity. Dawan Africa
• [New] The social media marketing world of 2025 will be AI-enhanced, video-centric, community-driven, and authenticity-focused. NorthPennNow
• [New] As consumers continue to prioritize credible sources and evidence, 2025 will see a growing culture of informed decision-making in health and wellness. Acceler8ar.com
• [New] AI-driven social engineering and ransomware/extortion attacks are viewed as the most significant cyber threats facing organizations in 2026. ISACA
• [New] Even tech giants like Facebook have recognized UGC's potential, prominently featuring UGC as a recommended advertising option for businesses looking to maximize their social media impact. Keyla
• [New] Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s will begin in just a few days. The Guardian
• [New] Benin, a peaceful West African nation known for its rich culture and active ports, now risks being caught in the expansion of the U.S. travel ban. Travel And Tour World
• [New] In Georgia, legislative restrictions on civil society and media independence threaten to suffocate public dissent. GOV.UK
• [New] Taiwan says it will block access to popular Chinese social media app RedNote or Xiaohongshu for one year following concerns over online shopping scams. BBC News
• [New] By 2025, cross-platform functionality will likely become the standard for most multiplayer titles, fostering greater inclusivity and community. MercoPress
• [New] The Social Security changes coming into effect in 2026 play an important role in supporting millions of Americans who depend on monthly benefits for financial security. DEfault Site
• [New] Beginning in 2026, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments will rise by 2.8%. MTD CLTD
• [New] VCOSS is calling on the Victorian Government to: Set a target to build 7,990 new social housing dwellings every year for the next 10 years, as part of a pathway to reach the additional 377,000 new social homes required by 2051. A deep dive on the 2025 Victorian Budget | VCOSS
• [New] The UN calls for developed countries to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact in SDG 13 and The Paris Agreement sets up the net-zero goal for our global society: stating that greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 at the latest and decline 43% by 2030. UNSW Sites
• [New] In 2025, threats like ransomware and social engineering are expected to become even more sophisticated, as threat actors leverage advanced techniques to bypass traditional security measures and impact businesses. CFC
• [New] Virtual experiences of the Amazon rainforest, Rio de Janeiro's beaches, and the historic city of Salvador are becoming more popular, offering users the opportunity to explore Brazil's rich natural and cultural heritage in an entirely new way. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Civil liberties groups see the threat of hostile state officials using subpoenas to target viewpoints they oppose. SCOTUSblog
• [New] In 2026, security teams and broader stakeholders will face a culture and mindset shift: determining what to trust, what to validate, and how to respond responsibly to AI-driven outputs. ComputerWeekly.com
• [New] The American Communities Project-Ipsos survey finds pessimism across every community type, with majorities expecting AI to harm daily life, children, and job security. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] The Nigerian Women Trust Fund has opened its 2026 grant cycle, inviting women-led or women-focused civil-society organizations across Nigeria to submit proposals. Impact Funding
• [New] In 2026, more brands will need to adapt to Gen-Z and Gen Alpha's desire to unplug from social media and AI platforms. Forbes

Last updated: 08 December 2025