Social Media & Safety: Mongolia will ban social media use in general education schools from the 2026-27 academic year, including parent-teacher-student chat groups, citing online safety and reduced screen dependence. Platform Payments for News: Australia’s parliament passed a law forcing major tech platforms to pay levies (2.75% of local revenues) if they don’t strike deals with at least eight local news outlets, with funds flowing to publishers based on newsroom staffing. Misinformation Check: Italy’s extreme-heat “Great Parmesan Crisis” claims were debunked: Parmigiano Reggiano wheels are stored and aging normally, despite viral posts about “cheese banks.” Press Freedom Under Pressure: A Sowetan journalist says he was intimidated by MP ally Stuart Scharnick at the Madlanga Commission after being told “Let’s take it outside,” while another report alleges Abuja police beat a journalist with an electric cable during a demolition. Media Regulation & Politics: South Korea’s media watchdog replied to U.S. lawmakers defending revisions to its Network Act as not targeting American firms; TikTok also declined to appear publicly before an Irish media committee. Media Business Moves: Nani Media House opened franchise applications for “good news” titles distributed via airports, in-flight networks, newsstands and bookstores. Entertainment & Streaming: Netflix announced Steven Yeun will headline supernatural drama “Pagans.”