United News of Bangladesh

The U.K.'s data protection watchdog said Monday that it's investigating how TikTok uses the personal information of teenagers to deliver content recommendations to them when they use the social media platform. The Information Commissioner's Office said that there are growing concerns around how social media platforms were using data generated by children’s online activity to power their recommendation algorithms, and the potential for young people to see inappropriate or harmful content as a result. Trump orders US wealth fund, suggests TikTok stake inclusion The regulator said that it wanted to ensure the robustness of TikTok's safety procedures when it comes to using the personal information of teens ranging in age from 13 to 17. “It’s what they’re collecting, it’s how they work,” information commissioner John Edwards said. “I will expect to find that there will be many benign and positive uses of children’s data in their recommender systems." “What I am concerned about is whether they are sufficiently robust to prevent children being exposed to harm, either from addictive practices on the device or the platform, or from content that they see, or from other unhealthy practices,” he said. As part of the investigation, the regulator will also look into how online forum site Reddit and image-sharing site Imgur use children's personal data and how they estimate or verify a child's age. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, said in a statement that it was “deeply committed to ensuring a positive experience for young people on TikTok.” TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US “Our recommender systems are designed and operate under strict and comprehensive measures that protect the privacy and safety of teens, including industry-leading safety features and robust restrictions on the content allowed in teens’ feeds," it said. In 2023, the regulator imposed a fine of 12.7 million pounds (about $16 million) on the video sharing app for misusing children's data and violating other protections for young users' personal information. The office said at the time that TikTok didn’t adequately identify and remove children under 13 from the platform, and that it allowed as many as 1.4 million children in the U.K. under 13 to use the app in 2020, despite the platform’s own rules prohibiting children that young from setting up accounts.

Filmmakers Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, known for directing Sanam Teri Kasam, recently shared a heartwarming incident involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The duo, who debuted as directors with Lucky: No Time for Love, recalled an act of generosity by Salman during the film’s shoot in Russia.  Speaking to MK Talks, Vinay Sapru recounted how Salman’s kindness left a 65-year-old crew member in tears. The woman, responsible for handling Salman’s costume continuity, was a Russian national and had developed a motherly bond with the actor. Despite being a major star, Salman would always laugh off her scoldings on set.  “One day, she arrived on set crying, and when we asked why, she showed us an envelope Salman had left for her,” Radhika and Vinay revealed. The woman expressed that the amount was enough to support her for at least three to four years. Overwhelmed by the gesture, she couldn't even thank Salman personally, as he had already left Russia after completing the shoot.  Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 3’ set to go on the floor in June The directors disclosed that Salman had gifted her over $10,000, a gesture that deeply moved the entire crew. The story has since gained attention online, with Reddit users praising Salman’s generosity. One user commented, “Respect him for wanting to help others. This is special,” while another wrote, “That’s extremely sweet of him.”  Salman’s upcoming movie Salman is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming movie Sikandar. Helmed by AR Murugadoss, the action drama also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar in key roles. The film is set for a festive release on Eid this year. With inputs from Indian media

Japanese singer Ado is making history as her music embarks on a journey beyond Earth, launched aboard a SpaceX rocket as part of a groundbreaking cultural experiment.  The 22-year-old J-pop star, known for her anonymous persona and massive online following, is the first artist chosen for Cannes Gala’s “BandWagon2” project, according to Variety. This initiative, involving creative teams from the UK, Japan, and the US, aims to bring music to the lunar surface.  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully delivered Ado’s recordings to a satellite in low Earth orbit, marking the first step in this cultural experiment. While the ultimate goal is to broadcast music from the Moon, significant technical challenges remain. Since sound waves cannot travel in space, specialised equipment must be developed to endure extreme lunar conditions. The project aligns with NASA’s Artemis programme, which seeks to integrate artistic expression into space exploration. “Our global influence and strategic connections played a crucial role in making this mission a reality,” said Taichi Ito, founder of international film studio NOMA and chair of Cannes Gala. “This initiative connects artistic creativity with technological ambition. Ado’s music is truly reaching new frontiers.” Art and craft converge at Tod’s Milan Runway Show highlighting ‘Artisanal Intelligence’ Ado gained widespread recognition in 2020 with her breakout hit “Usseewa” and later solidified her status as a J-pop icon by performing “New Genesis,” the theme song for One Piece Film: Red. The Cannes Gala, an exclusive event held during the Cannes Film Festival, recognises industry contributors and supports charitable causes. If the project succeeds, Ado will be the first artist to have her voice transmitted from the Moon.

Tod’s celebrated the fusion of artistry and craftsmanship in its latest womenswear collection for next fall and winter, unveiled at the Gallery of Modern Art during Milan Fashion Week on Friday. At the entrance, Italian model Carla Bruni donned a striking leather dress assembled from strips of scrap leather, serving as a living tribute to Tod’s dedication to craftsmanship. Nearby, artisans demonstrated their skills by hand-stitching the brand’s signature Gommino car shoes in a live display of traditional techniques. “Machines will never replace the hands of artisans,’’ Tod’s founder Diego della Valle told reporters ahead of the show. Outerwear dominated Matteo Tamburini’s third collection as creative director, featuring meticulously tailored leather trenches, intarsia shearling coats, and warm woolen pea coats. Knitwear elegantly complemented asymmetrical leather skirts or cinched sheer skirts with belts. Structured blouses with broad shoulders made a powerful statement, paired with neatly tailored trousers. Tamburini drew inspiration from artistic surface treatments, replicating painterly strokes with brushed alpaca wool, combed jacquard, and patchwork leather. Among the notable attendees was actor Keira Knightley, seated in the front row.

South Korean police said Friday they are summoning a Japanese woman for questioning over allegedly kissing Jin, a member of the K-pop supergroup BTS, without consent during a free hug event last year. A police officer who answered the phone at Seoul’s Songpa police station said it requested the woman to appear for questioning over an allegation of sexual harassment. The police station refused to disclose her identity citing privacy. The station said it had launched an investigation after receiving an online complaint and refused to provide further details because an investigation was under way. Media reports said that South Korean police were able to confirm the identity of the woman with the help of Japanese police. The reports said the woman, who is in her 50s, was refusing to appear for questioning. Gene Hackman, wife and dog found dead in their New Mexico Home A day after finishing his mandatory 18-month military service in June 2024, Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, celebrated his discharge and the band’s 11-year anniversary by offering free hugs to his fans at an event in Seoul. During the event, reportedly attended by 1,000 people, a woman abruptly kissed Jin, on his cheek. Video footage that went viral showed Jin apparently looking uncomfortable. The woman wrote in an online blog post that “My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft,” according to Yonhap news agency. BTS was created in 2013 and has a legion of global supporters who call themselves the “Army.” Jin, 32, is the oldest member of the band.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in their New Mexico home Wednesday, authorities said. Foul play is not suspected, however authorities did not release any details of the circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation is ongoing. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila said deputies responded to a request to do a welfare check at the home Wednesday around 1:45 pm local time and found Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and a dog dead. Hackman, 95, was a five-time Oscar nominee who starred in dozens of films and one of the industry's most respected and honored performers. His two Oscar wins, for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” were spaced out 21 years apart. TV actor Azad shot at his Ashulia residence News of his death comes just four days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. Hackman played a variety of roles, appearing in action movies, thrillers and even appearing in a comedic part in “Young Frankenstein.” Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired in his mid-70s. An email sent to his publicist was not immediately returned early Thursday.

Fans were abuzz after spotting Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas strolling through London’s Soho neighbourhood on February 13. The two Hollywood stars had just left a restaurant when they stopped to chat with admirers, posing for selfies before getting into a taxi and driving away.  Their public outing immediately sparked dating rumours. “Everyone was excited, thinking they might be a couple,” a source told In Touch, noting that Tom has not been in a serious relationship since his 2012 split from Katie Holmes.  Tom Hardy faces his past in Netflix’s crime thriller ‘Havoc’ trailer However, while some media outlets began questioning if the Valentine’s Day Eve dinner was a date, others reported that the Mission: Impossible star, 62, and the Knives Out actress, 36, are simply new friends discussing potential collaboration. This seems more likely, according to the source, as Ana was seen with her boyfriend just days later.  Ana de Armas is in a relationship  The actress has been linked to Manuel Anido Cuesta, a 27-year-old lawyer and stepson of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. The couple was first photographed together in November, sharing a kiss. Most recently, they were spotted in Spain on February 17.  Will Smith wins $1.7m copyright lawsuit over Gemini Man Still, Tom’s history of dating Spanish-speaking actresses fuels curiosity. He was briefly linked to Sofía Vergara in 2005 before dating Katie Holmes, and from 2001 to 2004, he was in a relationship with his Vanilla Sky co-star, Penélope Cruz. Given their chemistry, the source remarked, “Tom and Ana would make a great-looking couple, too.” 

Often when Robert Pattinson gets a script, one of the first things he does — to the annoyance of his girlfriend, Suki Waterhouse — is try on different voices to bring his character to life. "I’ve always had that sort of response to a script,” he reflected, but said it became a practice while making his 2014 film, “The Rover.” “I think I feel very uncomfortable just doing something in my own accent. And for a while I felt like just doing an American accent felt like I was acting more.” It’s unsurprising, then, that when he was offered a starring role in “Mickey 17” — director Bong Joon Ho’s first feature film since his Oscar-winning “Parasite” — Pattinson’s wheels immediately began turning over what his character(s) would sound like. “Mickey 17,” a Warner Bros. release hitting theaters March 7, tells the story of Mickey Barnes, a naive but sympathetic protagonist who signs up to be an “expendable” in a world that makes use of “human printing” for dangerous tasks and research. When an expendable dies on the job, another version of them is printed with their consciousness and memories of their death intact. But Mickey’s immortality is threatened when a very different version of him is printed while the 17th Mickey is mistakenly believed to be dead. “I needed to find an actor who could cover both personalities,” Bong said through a translator, recalling Pattinson’s performances in “The Lighthouse” and “Good Time” as he considered the more sinister and conniving Mickey 18. The inspiration — and creative choices — behind ‘Mickey 17’ The film is based on Edward Ashton's 2022 novel, “Mickey7.” But Pattinson, who read the book before he got the script, said he still can’t believe how different they are from one another. “When I read the script and Bong’s changes to it, I was like, ‘How did you see this tone in this book at all?’ It’s very, very different tonally. But I thought it’s fascinating to have that interpretation,” he said. DC Studios faces uncertainty with Batman franchise, Penguin series Although Pattinson was eager to work with the acclaimed Korean filmmaker, he wasn’t given a lot of initial information about the movie or role. “The only thing I knew was that it was in English and that the part was impossible,” Pattinson said, laughing. As he eventually gleaned more about the story and his character, ideas for Mickey — and Mickey’s voices — began swirling around in his head. Pattinson envisioned slapstick montages of his myriad deaths à la “The Tom and Jerry Show” — but that portion of the film turned out to be much darker than he expected. One early idea for voices that Bong shut down was inspired by Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville — Pattinson was a devout “Jackass” fan growing up and even repped a “Jackass” T-shirt to school “almost every day.” But one initial idea the 38-year-old had did stick. “My first thought, on pretty much the first read of it, was, ‘It’s like Ren and Stimpy,’” he said of the irreverent animated Nickelodeon series from the 90's about a cat and dog. The dynamic between the two Mickeys is an apt comparison given Ren’s short temper and diabolical nature (Mickey 18), which stands in stark contrast to Stimpy’s naivete (Mickey 17). The similarities in their voices can also be heard. “I kind of wanted to do this like cartoon character performance. You start out really, really extreme and then kind of gradually tone it down," he said of how he refined the characters. “When directors just let you do stuff, you just come out of the box doing whatever and wherever your instinct is taking you." Working with Bong Joon Ho after ‘Parasite’ In addition to Pattison, the sci-fi comedy boasts an impressive cast, including Mark Ruffalo,Steven Yeun,Toni Collette and Naomi Ackie. Although Ackie, who plays Mickey’s romantic partner in the film, hadn’t worked with Pattinson before, she said they quickly hit it off. “We’re both quite similar in how we work, which is very chatty up until the point of ‘Action,’ and then we do the acting. And I really enjoy that kind of separation between character and self. I find it quite difficult to hold onto characters once there’s no cameras on,” she said. British musicians release silent album to protest plans to let AI use their work But it wasn’t just Pattinson who made the experience a positive one for her. “I’m pretty certain you could ask anyone who works with Bong Joon Ho, ‘Would you go back?’ And they’d be like, ‘I’d pay money.’” Despite the notoriety the director has reaped since “Parasite” racked up four Oscars in 2020, including best picture and best director, Bong said the experience hasn't changed him. “It was fun and exciting to meet with all these famous artists and filmmakers during the campaign, but I didn’t feel like I was like on cloud nine. It was actually very mentally and physically exhausting because the campaign is so long and I just remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is really tough,’” he recalled. “We kept just like handing each other vitamins.”

A new album titled Is This What We Want? showcases over 1,000 musicians and one prominent feature: silence. Artists like Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stevens, and Damon Albarn contributed to the album, which was released on Tuesday in protest of proposed changes to U.K. artificial intelligence laws. The changes, if enacted, would allow tech companies to use copyrighted materials without explicit consent from the creators, a move that artists fear could strip them of control over their work. The British government is considering allowing AI firms to utilize copyrighted content for training their models unless artists opt out. Opponents argue that this could undermine the creative sector and make it more difficult for musicians to protect their intellectual property. High-profile figures like Elton John and Paul McCartney have publicly opposed the plan. The FBI's new deputy director is a popular podcaster — who has had plenty to say about the agency The protest album features recordings of vacant studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the potential decline of creative venues under these new policies. The 12 tracks on the album spell out the message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.” Ed Newton-Rex, a composer and AI developer who organized the album, criticized the proposal, saying it would allow AI companies to use musicians’ works without compensation, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. “This is not only harmful to musicians, but it’s entirely unnecessary,” Newton-Rex stated. “The U.K. can lead in AI without sacrificing our world-renowned creative industries.” The Labour Party government aims to make the U.K. a global leader in AI and recently initiated a consultation on how copyright law can balance the interests of creators and AI developers. The consultation period ends on Tuesday.

The popular right-wing podcaster Dan Bongino has built a career of unleashing sometimes inflammatory rants against the media, Democrats and the federal government. Now, the 50-year-old former New York police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent will return to the government he has so often criticized as President Donald Trump’s selection for deputy FBI director. He said Monday he'll soon leave his daily show to take on the new role. Bongino, who will serve under FBI Director Kash Patel, does not have any experience at the premier federal law enforcement agency. Nonetheless, he has strong opinions about how it should be run. A sampling of Bongino’s podcast commentary from the past year reveals he’s a loyalist to Patel and wants to see sweeping changes, from clearing the bureau of anyone he views as inappropriately political to redirecting investigations away from domestic extremism. Here's a closer look at how Bongino views the FBI, in his own words: He thinks Patel is the only viable leader Even before Trump nominated Patel for FBI director, Bongino was one of his loudest advocates, arguing on his podcast that Patel was the only potential candidate who could “go in there and clean that mess up.” “Kash knows where the bodies are buried,” Bongino told his listeners last November. “And he’s got shovels, man. He’s ready to rock and roll. That’s why they’re so terrified.” Like Patel, Bongino says the FBI needs to expose political weaponization within the agency and move agents out of the nation’s capital to chase criminals elsewhere in the country. What to stream: The Oscars with Conan O’Brien, Kate Hudson in 'Running Point' and 'Nickel Boys' In January, Bongino urged his millions of listeners — whom he refers to as his “Bongino Army” — to call their senators on Patel’s behalf. “We don’t get this guy in at the FBI, you’re never going to get any answers at all,” the podcaster said. He often criticizes FBI employees, past and present In Bongino’s words, Patel’s predecessor Christopher Wray was “incompetent,” “awful” and “potentially corrupt.” Andrew McCabe, the former acting director of the FBI who was a key figure in the bureau’s Trump-Russia investigation, is an “absolute buffoon.” And former FBI general counsel Andrew Weissmann, who served on special counsel Robert Mueller’s team during Trump’s first term, is an “absolute tool bag.” The podcaster isn’t shy about bashing past FBI leadership, sometimes crudely. He views them as having compromised the agency's morals to unfairly target conservatives. Bongino has also extended some harsh words toward the current FBI ranks. Earlier this month, after Trump’s border czar Tom Homan accused the FBI of leaking information about planned immigration raids, Bongino called the supposed leakers “stupid” and said they would be caught and go to jail. “Do you know how hard it was for me in my last line of work, how hard it was for me to listen to these stupid Obama speeches about big government?” Bongino said of his time as a Secret Service agent under President Barack Obama. “But I always took my job as serious as a freaking stroke. Because I swore to do a job, not to be a politician.” He's ready for sweeping changes — immediately Bongino said in December the Republican trifecta in the U.S. government is fleeting — and that's one reason why he wants FBI reform to happen quickly, within the next two years. What changes would he like to see? For one, he wants agents fired if they were involved in investigations into Trump. “If you swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States as an FBI agent and engaged in a tyrannical investigation against Donald Trump with partisan intent and not the Constitution in mind, you do not deserve your job," he said on his podcast earlier this month. The Justice Department has already demanded a list from the FBI of the thousands of agents who participated in investigations into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, a move some within the bureau see as a possible precursor to mass firings. Bongino also has argued the FBI has placed too much focus on domestic intelligence-gathering and as a result dropped the ball on serious criminals and overseas threats. He has suggested federal law enforcement wasted time investigating Jan. 6 rioters and anti-abortion activists. “These are threats to the United States?” he said on a podcast last December. "Grandma is in the gulag for a trespassing charge on January 6th.” Oscar favorite ‘Anora’ wins best film, director and actor at the Independent Spirit Awards He has also criticized the Department of Justice and former Attorney General Merrick Garland for directing the FBI to respond to harassment and threats directed toward school boards and educators. “We are going to make the FBI great again, because if we don’t have an FBI breaking up counterterror plots trying to kill us and they’re worried about Moms for Liberty and pro-lifers, then we got a problem, folks,” Bongino said on his podcast earlier this month, referring to the conservative parental rights group. He may be motivated by a personal connection Bongino frequently laments how he doesn't feel he can trust the FBI and says the agency has lost its credibility. “Whatever the FBI says these days, I tend to believe the opposite,” he said in January after Wray said in an interview that the agency wasn’t tracking any specific or credible threats to Trump’s inauguration. But the new deputy director’s interest in reforming the FBI may hold more personal significance than some realize. In March, Bongino said an FBI representative used to visit his high school when he was a teenager. “All I wanted to be was an FBI agent. That is it, man. I, like, adored these guys, man,” he said. “What happened to this agency?”