Taken by Baywatch

ALISTER: The UK’s Online Safety Act is turning out to be a right mess. We've gone from cookie warnings to providing ID! VPN signups have spiked 1,400%, because people refuse to share their passport info to watch a cat video on Reddit.

MERIDYTH: You're being a bit dramatic. We now have actual safeguards instead of the those "Are you over 18?" buttons that many kids simply lie and click. Apparently, 8% of children (8-14yo) access porn sites monthly. That's not okay.

ALISTER: There are already a few hacks that a couple of ethical hackers found just to prove a point and another one using “photo mode” from a video game. Meanwhile, we're seeing content, such as what’s happening in Gaza, being completely restricted.

MERIDYTH: Look, I get that the execution isn't perfect, but that's exactly why we needed this push. It needed to start somewhere and now adult sites have proper verification checks.

ALISTER: And don’t get me started on how uploading your ID on these sites is an open invitation for hackers. From identity theft to data breaches and even ‘sextortion,’ these “safeguards” are a gold mine for cybercriminals, not added security.

MERIDYTH: I agree breaches are worrying, but the risk is in how the data’s handled, not the laws themselves. With proper encryption, strict retention limits, and secure third-party processors, the risk can be mitigated. Same as with online banking or NHS records, if we ever want to tackle underage access, some risk is unavoidable.

⛪️ “Goodnight Ozzy - Birmingham forever.“ An emotional display as thousands gathered for a unique funeral procession to celebrate the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne — driving through Birmingham and over Black Sabbath Bridge, named after his band.

🤑 Diamond hands govt. When you think of crypto-bros, the UK govt probably doesn't come to mind, who just seized £5.2bn worth of Bitcoins from a money launderer! Now the govt is figuring out how to sell the assets to offset debt. If you think that’s a lot, the US holds almost three times as much 🤯 

🏠️ House by the railway. The govt has pledged to build up to 40k new homes on disused railway land. It sounds like a great idea, but homebuilders have said the issue is planning permission approval and they have enough homes awaiting the greenlight.

🚐 Driving to the Mainland? You know how I know the summer holidays are in full swing? Ridiculously long lines. Travellers are being warned of major delays at the French border of 90 minutes! Bring a good book to read and download an extra film for the kiddies!

GOOD NEWS… for Palestine as more countries move to recognise the disputed state. BAD NEWS… for Russia after an earthquake triggered the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere. Things aren’t much better in El Salvador after a new law means indefinite presidential re-election.

🔫 Unconditional ceasefire. After an intense week Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Even US President Trump got in on the action and claimed he helped broker the peace deal by threatening a pause on trade deals.

🎶 Speaking of bags of air… Trump visited Scotland last week. Protestors were out in force. We’d love to show you some clips of the different speeches, but all of them have been drowned out by the sounds of bagpipes and virtual jeers to him cheating on the golf course. 😆 

🚢 For the history buffs. For decades, the mysterious death of Winston Churchill’s rare platypus, a wartime diplomatic gift from Australia, baffled many. Was it the Nazis or something random? Turns out, the poor thing was “cooked” by tropical heat on its secret voyage! 😢

🚬 Just a gateway? New research has found that a third of teens who vape will start smoking. E-cigarettes act as a gateway to nicotine addiction, which contradicts original research showing falling rates of new smokers. 😬

🍷 Warning! After years of cigarette packaging showing clear warnings and gross images, new plans are moving ahead to do enact similar and mandatory warnings for alcohol. Time to bring out those wine bottle sleeves!

🩸 100% effective. A new HIV prevention drug has been approved and will look to be distributed globally. The first of its kind to be 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission, it only requires two injections per year.

🎪 “Amazing” music festival for… some of the biggest Glastonbury headliners over 3 days with 45k attendees expected. Let’s go! Wait, it doesn’t exist. A convicted fraudster had pitched and raised money based on lies. We seemed to have found a Fyre Festival copycat in the UK.

📰 Not in vogue. Readers of legendary Vogue magazine are cancelling their subscriptions in droves. Their latest issue contains AI-generated models. As if beauty standards couldn’t get anymore impossible, these literally don’t exist!

⚽️ Heroines. The back to back win of the women’s Euros is having a stunning impact on football in the UK generally. Not only is it stirring more excitement in football across the nations but it’s engaged more girls and women than ever before!

🗣️ Watch what you ask ChatGPT. According to OpenAI’s owner, Sam Altman, your conversations with ChatGPT aren’t protected. If you’re involved in a lawsuit, OpenAI could be legally required to hand over everything you’ve discussed with their AI.

By Alister

Ever since Netflix went on the offensive with their “gut health” programmes that Meridyth kept nagging me to watch, I’ve introduced a daily probiotic into my life.

And since I refuse to eat fermented cabbage, I’ve been taking a daily dose of Kirkland Signature ProbioPlus for the past 8 months. As skeptical as I was, I have to admit there’s been a noticeable difference.

Its combination of high potency, quality strains, and low cost is nearly unmatched in the UK market. It contains a clinically proven dose, unlike cheaper options, and a multi-strain formula.

Kirkland brands are usually found at Costco. But don’t worry if you don’t have a membership. An alternative option ticks all the same boxes — Healthspan Super20® Probiotic.

By Alister

I have been loving all the remixes of the “Jet2holidays advert.” It’s been so popular, the voice over lady was invited to a DJ set! Sadly, like all good memes, someone has to come along and ruin it.

The US White House account has used the advert audio to cover their latest video post on X/Twitter of… ICE deporting people on a plane.

It’s equal parts unbelievable and inappropriate. Both the singer and the advert’s voiceover have spoken out about this. Jet2 has yet to comment.

Whew, you made it!

August at last! Firstly, it’s Alister’s birthday… 🎉 and secondly he won’t be here next week! Get ready for a special Meridyth edition in next week’s squabble.

Alister & Meridyth