Ireland's data privacy regulator slapped a $277 million fine on Meta, bringing to nearly $1 billion the amount it has fined the parent company of Facebook for failing to protect users' data.
The penalty resulted from an investigation into the discovery of a collection of personal data that had previously been scraped from Facebook and made available online.
Facebook was also ordered to make changes to its systems and remove the ability to scrape its services in this way using phone numbers.
Meta said it had cooperated with the investigation by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner (DCP) and made changes to the system during the time in question.
These include removing the ability to scrape Facebook’s features using phone numbers.
The DCP said it would continue to monitor Facebook’s compliance with the order.
In September, the watchdog hit Instagram with a record fine of €405 million, which Meta said it will challenge. The DCP has 13 other investigations into Facebook ongoing.
OPEC+ agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, further accelerating output increases at its first meeting since oil prices jumped - and then retreated - following Israeli and US attacks on Iran.
The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its status as a leading force and key player in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place globally as a top destination for digital nomads in 2025.
A walkout by French air traffic controllers to protest against staff shortages and ageing equipment forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights on Thursday, just as the summer season gets under way.
Abu Dhabi’s economy continues to show strong momentum in 2025, with new data from the Statistics Centre–Abu Dhabi revealing a GDP of AED 291 billion in the first quarter, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year.
Dubai has launched a programme for first-time home buyers, aiming to make homeownership more accessible and affordable by facilitating priority access to new launches, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions.
Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “The Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the official theme for Emirati Women's Day 2025 has been approved as “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years”.
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with Italy, over an explosion at a petrol station in the capital, Rome, which resulted in several injuries.
The United Arab Emirates has brought its pioneering "Youth Dialogue" model to Brazil for the very first time as part of its broader participation in the BRICS Summit.