Technology
X Elevates Privacy with Chat—Encrypted DMs, Calls, But Security Concerns Persist
X replaces legacy DMs with Chat: encrypted messaging, file sharing, disappearing messages, voice and video calls. Some vulnerabilities remain unchanged.
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Power & Policy
China Travel Warning Sends Japanese Tourism Stocks Sliding
Stocks tied to travel and retail in Japan dropped sharply after Beijing urged its citizens to avoid traveling or studying there following remarks by PM Takaichi. Japan dispatched a senior diplomat to Beijing to calm the situation.
Power & Policy
Japan’s Q3 Economy Contracts as U.S. Tariffs Weigh on Exports
Japan’s economy shrank in Q3 2025, pulled down by declining exports amid U.S. tariffs, though business investment and consumption offered modest support.
Power & Policy
US Ends Penny Production, Seeks Savings Amid Cash Decline
The US has stopped minting the penny, which costs more to produce than it’s worth, aiming to cut losses and adapt to a digital payments shift.
Technology
Disney–YouTube TV strike deal, ending two‑week blackout
After a 15‑day carriage dispute, YouTube TV restored access to Disney channels including ESPN and ABC following a new agreement that also protects subscriber value.
UN flags $700 billion biodiversity finance shortfall, calls for systemic reform
UN report highlights staggering $700 billion annual gap in biodiversity funding and urges policy shifts to integrate nature and climate finance.
Business & Markets
TikTok Shop Matches eBay, Surpasses $26B in Global GMV
TikTok Shop’s Q3 2025 sales hit $19B globally, U.S. sales doubled. First‑half 2025 GMV reached $26B, with the U.S. and Southeast Asia driving growth.
Business & Markets
OpenAI pilots ChatGPT group chats in Asia-Pacific
OpenAI has introduced pilot group chat functionality in ChatGPT across Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan, enabling collaborative conversations with GPT-5.1 Auto.
Technology
WhatsApp expands to Apple Watch, offering full messaging from your wrist
WhatsApp has released a full-featured Apple Watch app, letting users read, respond, and manage chats—with features like call alerts, voice notes, and media—directly on their watch.