Trump’s AI Gaza video elicits mockery from Middle East social media users The US president’s video depicting a future Gaza under American authority was widely shared on Arabic and Hebrew social media, with many Palestinian users criticizing it. Palestine
In first since regime fall, Syria’s Asma al-Assad breaks silence: What to know In a series of posts on an X account attributed to her, Syria’s former first lady Asma al-Assad wished the Syrian people safety and said she will not intervene in political issues in the future. Syria
After sharing escape plan, Hafez Bashar al-Assad's alleged X account suspended The son of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad posted about his family’s final days in Damascus before the rebel takeover. Syria
Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say The bill is seen as a major blow to the already weak independent civil society organizations in Turkey. Turkey
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Gazan shares realities of poverty via TikTok A young man from Gaza is using social media to shed light on the poverty and difficult living conditions of many residents in the besieged enclave amid the lack of action from Palestinian authorities. Palestine
Turkey’s plans for new social media restrictions threaten five years in prison for spreading fake news The latest crackdown on online speech could see users jailed for posting fake news that critics say could criminalize dissent. Turkey
Turkish prosecutor investigates tweets calling for help with wildfires Ankara claims that Twitter hashtags calling for international aid with the wildfires raging through the country were "organized abroad" with "ideological motivations" in what critics say is a panicked attempt to change the narrative of Turkish helplessness to contain the crisis. Turkey
Facebook says Iranian hackers spied on US military personnel using fake accounts The social media company said the hackers baited targets into clicking on malicious links that would infect their devices with malware. Iran
Turkish sexologists attract following on social media As the ruling AKP tries to shut down the conversation on sexuality, Turkey's public finds new ways to gather and speak openly about their lives and desires. Turkey
Egypt sentences two TikTok activists to jail The ruling issued by an Egyptian court sentencing two TikTok activists to prison sparked controversy over the status of the electronic application in the country, amid parliamentary demands to censor its content. Egypt
Egypt arrests TikTok influencer over 'human trafficking' A Cairo court sentenced university student Haneen Hossam to 10 years in prison and fined her 200,000 Egyptian pounds. Egypt
US government seizes news sites linked to Iran The US government seized several websites affiliated with Iran and its allies, including Press TV. Iran
Syria's Idlib University bans mixed-gender online groups Idlib University, managed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s government in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, issued a decision banning mixed-gender groups on social media, causing uproar and division among students. Syria
Fact-checkers face obstacles to bring news to Gazans during wartime During the recent Israeli military attack on Gaza, misleading and fake news quickly spread, leading fact-checking platforms to work on debunking rumors and ensure fair access to information. Palestine
Rep. Omar clarifies comments on 'atrocities' by the US, Israel, Hamas and the Taliban The Democratic representative said that domestic courts are insufficient to prosecute crimes against humanity, but her reference prompted criticism from some of her Democratic House colleagues. United States
Is Muslim Brotherhood using Clubhouse app to mobilize Egyptian support? Many security sources and social media activists fear the Muslim Brotherhood could exploit the Clubhouse app to promote its ideas and recruit new operatives in Egypt. Egypt
