Latest news for 18 June 2025

UNITED STATES

TikTok deadline pushed back.

President Trump will reportedly extend TikTok’s US ban-or-sell deadline for the third time, allowing the app to continue operating in the US for another 90 days. (BBC)

Comment: This particular can has now been kicked so far down the road, we wonder if there’s still political appetite for a TikTok ban at all. Each new 90-day stay of execution still, however, preserves a bit of US leverage in ongoing talks with China.

INDONESIA

Volcano thwarts Bali flights.

A volcano east of Bali has shot a huge ash column into the sky, prompting authorities to raise the disaster alert while cancelling dozens of flights. (Guardian)

KAZAKHSTAN

Let’s go nuclear.

Astana has awarded lucrative contracts for China and Russia to build its first nuclear plants, edging out bids from export-ambitious France and South Korea (Euractiv).

Comment: That decision to split the pot between China and Russia reflects Kazakhstan’s push to balance ties between its two giant neighbours. But it’s also an indication of how rapidly things are changing: before Putin wagered all his chips on invading Ukraine, this entire Kazakh pot of gold would’ve been his for the taking.

NETHERLANDS

Social media rules.

The Dutch government has advised parents to only allow kids over 15 on Instagram and TikTok, citing the platforms’ harmful impacts on mental health. While still just advice rather than law, it’s another signal where things are headed. (Politico)

THAILAND

Scammers down.

Thai police have arrested a dozen foreigners (mostly Brits and Aussies) on allegations their Bangkok ✌️investment office✌️ duped folks out of ~$1.2M. (ABC)

Comment: Sure, it’s a reminder how alleged crims can exploit lax visas and modern tech to evade their home authorities while screwing innocents; but it’s also a reminder how (with effective Thai-Australia police partnership), the good guys can still win.

BRAZIL

Oil me up, Gladys!

Brazil has auctioned 34 onshore and offshore oil sites near the Amazon, generating a record $180M in signing bonuses paid by the winning firms. (AP)

Comment: For Brazil’s left-leaning administration to fast-track licensing and shrug off environmental and indigenous objections, just months out from Brazil’s COP climate summit, it’s a pretty clear indication of how far this whole issue has shifted.

TOGO

French out.

Family-ruled Togo has now suspended French broadcasters RFI and France 24, alleging unspecified disinformation as protestors continue to demand President Gnassingbé step down. They’re peeved at last year’s constitutional amendments that could leave him in power forever. (RFI)