<p>Isn't it ironic that MrBeast – the man who inspires many youth to become YouTubers through his success story as the most-subscribed channel– worries that artificial intelligence flooding the American video-sharing platform could kill small creators? What many don’t tell you is that 94 per cent of YouTube channels are never monetised. The hype around the so-called "creator economy" is almost essential for platforms like YouTube, which survive and thrive on other people’s content, running billions of dollars’ worth of ads on videos made by small creators – while giving many of them nothing in return. Here’s why MrBeast’s recent statement should be a cautionary tale for anyone hoping to make money on YouTube.</p><h2>What did MrBeast say?</h2><p>MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, is currently the most-subscribed YouTuber in the world. In a recent X post, he said: "When AI videos are just as good as normal videos, I wonder what that will do to YouTube and how it will impact the millions of creators currently making content for a living… scary times."</p><p>His post, viewed more than 6.3 million times, came as new tools like OpenAI’s Sora 2 are now capable of generating cinematic-quality video from simple text prompts.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-admits-to-censorship-under-biden-administration-agrees-to-restore-banned-youtube-accounts-1758794113113">'Unacceptable and wrong': Google admits to censorship under Biden administration, agrees to restore banned YouTube accounts</a></p><p>&nbsp;MrBeast’s concern is also partially hypocritical. Earlier this year, he faced backlash for launching an AI-powered thumbnail generator via his analytics platform, Viewstats. After creators criticised the move for displacing human artists, MrBeast pulled the tool and instead added a directory for hiring real thumbnail designers. In a follow-up, he stated: “I care more than any of you could ever imagine about the YouTube community… I missed the mark.”</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/youtube-premium-lite-which-services-you-will-receive-for-rs-89-per-month-1759141360174">YouTube Premium Lite: Which services you will receive&nbsp;for Rs 89 per month?</a></p><h2>The sad reality of the creator economy on YouTube: You've been warned</h2><p>YouTube’s creator economy is already deeply unequal. AI-generated video – heavily promoted by YouTube’s parent companies Google and Alphabet – has added another layer of disruption. Mass-produced, algorithm-friendly videos (sometimes derided as “AI slop”) are increasingly crowding the platform, making it harder than ever for small creators to gain visibility, let alone earn money.</p><p>Many of these videos are now being produced by Google-backed systems like Veo and NanoBanana, which can churn out synthetic content at scale. This arms race in content production is eroding the space that was once available to human creators.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/youtube-updates-monetization-rules-ai-made-content-may-lose-ad-revenue-1752689638111/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/youtube-updates-monetization-rules-ai-made-content-may-lose-ad-revenue-1752689638111/embed</a></p><p>Gone are the days when amateur-looking videos filmed on smartphones could reliably generate income. Video production – from hardware to editing software – has become so sophisticated that many uploads now rival Netflix-quality. Smaller creators are left scrambling to keep up, while AI-generated shorts and clickbait content rack up millions of views with minimal effort or cost.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tanmay-bhatt-reacts-as-he-is-named-the-richest-youtuber-in-india-beats-bhuvam-bam-dhruv-rathee-samay-raina-1759807613878">Tanmay Bhat reacts as he is named the richest YouTuber in India, beats Bhuvam Bam, Dhruv Rathee, Samay Raina</a></p><h2>How many channels are really monetised on YouTube? Only 6 per cent</h2><p>As of March 2025, YouTube had an estimated 114 million active channels. Only around 6 per cent of these are accepted into the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), which allows monetisation. That leaves 94 per cent – over 100 million channels – unmonetised, either because they fail to meet eligibility thresholds or are inactive.</p><p>Given MrBeast’s position at the top of the platform (No. 1 on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators list, with $85 million in earnings), his warnings carry weight. They reflect a broader anxiety: that the future of YouTube – and content creation more generally – may belong not to passionate individuals, but to cheap, fast, AI-generated noise.</p>

Gone are the days when amateurish videos could be monetised on YouTube. Production hardware and software are so sophisticated that many uploads can now rival Netflix-quality. Smaller creators, already left scrambling, have now been hit harder by AI slop. Is the 'creative economy a sham?

Isn't it ironic that MrBeast – the man who inspires many youth to become YouTubers through his success story as the most-subscribed channel– worries that artificial intelligence flooding the American video-sharing platform could kill small creators? What many don’t tell you is that 94 per cent of YouTube channels are never monetised. The hype around the so-called "creator economy" is almost essential for platforms like YouTube, which survive and thrive on other people’s content, running billions of dollars’ worth of ads on videos made by small creators – while giving many of them nothing in return. Here’s why MrBeast’s recent statement should be a cautionary tale for anyone hoping to make money on YouTube. What did MrBeast say? MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, is currently the most-subscribed YouTuber in the world. In a recent X post, he said: "When AI videos are just as good as normal videos, I wonder what that will do to YouTube and how it will impact the millions of creators currently making content for a living… scary times." His post, viewed more than 6.3 million times, came as new tools like OpenAI’s Sora 2 are now capable of generating cinematic-quality video from simple text prompts. Also read: 'Unacceptable and wrong': Google admits to censorship under Biden administration, agrees to restore banned YouTube accounts MrBeast’s concern is also partially hypocritical. Earlier this year, he faced backlash for launching an AI-powered thumbnail generator via his analytics platform, Viewstats. After creators criticised the move for displacing human artists, MrBeast pulled the tool and instead added a directory for hiring real thumbnail designers. In a follow-up, he stated: “I care more than any of you could ever imagine about the YouTube community… I missed the mark.” Also read: YouTube Premium Lite: Which services you will receive for Rs 89 per month? The sad reality of the creator economy on YouTube: You've been warned YouTube’s creator economy is already deeply unequal. AI-generated video – heavily promoted by YouTube’s parent companies Google and Alphabet – has added another layer of disruption. Mass-produced, algorithm-friendly videos (sometimes derided as “AI slop”) are increasingly crowding the platform, making it harder than ever for small creators to gain visibility, let alone earn money. Many of these videos are now being produced by Google-backed systems like Veo and NanoBanana, which can churn out synthetic content at scale. This arms race in content production is eroding the space that was once available to human creators. https://www.wionews.com/videos/youtube-updates-monetization-rules-ai-made-content-may-lose-ad-revenue-1752689638111/embed Gone are the days when amateur-looking videos filmed on smartphones could reliably generate income. Video production – from hardware to editing software – has become so sophisticated that many uploads now rival Netflix-quality. Smaller creators are left scrambling to keep up, while AI-generated shorts and clickbait content rack up millions of views with minimal effort or cost. Also read: Tanmay Bhat reacts as he is named the richest YouTuber in India, beats Bhuvam Bam, Dhruv Rathee, Samay Raina How many channels are really monetised on YouTube? Only 6 per cent As of March 2025, YouTube had an estimated 114 million active channels. Only around 6 per cent of these are accepted into the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), which allows monetisation. That leaves 94 per cent – over 100 million channels – unmonetised, either because they fail to meet eligibility thresholds or are inactive. Given MrBeast’s position at the top of the platform (No. 1 on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators list, with $85 million in earnings), his warnings carry weight. They reflect a broader anxiety: that the future of YouTube – and content creation more generally – may belong not to passionate individuals, but to cheap, fast, AI-generated noise.

<p>Gone are the days when amateurish videos could be monetised on YouTube. Production hardware and software are so sophisticated that many uploads can now rival Netflix-quality. Smaller creators, already left scrambling, have now been hit harder by AI slop. Is the 'creative economy a sham?</p>

Creator economy sham: MrBeast feels AI slop will kill small creators on YouTube. Truth is, 94 per cent of channels are not monetised

<p>For decades, Indian-origin businesspeople—predominantly Gujaratis, often bearing the surname Patel—have been the backbone of America’s motel industry: a saga often described as proof of resilience, hard work, and immigrant success. But the recent murders of two Indian-origin motel workers have shaken the community and highlighted once again the decades-old racism and hate they have suffered silently. How did Indian Americans, particularly the Patels, become the most prominent community running American motels? And is their success now exposing them to greater danger in a polarised and hate-filled America of the Trump era?</p><h2>The murders that shocked American motel owners</h2><p>In September, Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, a 50-year-old manager from Dallas, Texas, was decapitated by a co-worker. The assailant had a violent criminal past and had been released from custody despite previous deportation orders. This horrific murder sparked a fierce debate on immigration policies, with political leaders demanding stricter enforcement and Indian-American community urging safer hiring practices within their own communities.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/key-concerns-for-indian-americans-in-the-2024-us-elections-immigration-and-unemployment-773103/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/key-concerns-for-indian-americans-in-the-2024-us-elections-immigration-and-unemployment-773103/embed</a></p><p>Just weeks later, on October 3 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, motel owner Rakesh Ehagaban was fatally shot while trying to intervene in a disturbance. The assailant was a guest with a violent past.&nbsp;</p><p>In June 2024, Indian-American motel manager Hemant Mistry was punched to death in Oklahoma.&nbsp;<br>These incidents exposed the vulnerability of motel owners, many of whom live on site and face unpredictable, and at times dangerous, clientele.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-beheaded-in-us-after-argument-with-employee-1757645218088">Indian-origin man beheaded in US after argument with motel staff</a></p><h2>How the Indian community, particularly Gujaratis, became the most prominent US motel owners</h2><p>Starting in the 1940s, early Gujarati immigrants purchased motels often sold at low prices amid the post-World War II economic downturn. They lived on site to cut costs, and reinvested profits into expanding their businesses. The 1965 Immigration Act further fuelled this growth by easing immigration for skilled workers and family members. Their business model is deeply rooted in family ties—relatives are often hired to manage day-to-day operations, fostering both economic self-sufficiency and community support.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-are-you-alright-indian-origin-motel-manager-shot-dead-in-pittsburgh-after-confrontation-in-parking-lot-1759723569074">'Are you alright?': Indian-origin motel manager shot dead in Pittsburgh after confrontation in parking lot</a></p><h2>How Indian-American motel owners contribute to the US economy</h2><p>Even though they make up just about 1 per cent of the population, Indian Americans—particularly Gujaratis—own up to 60 per cent of motels across the United States. In small towns and rural areas, this figure rises to as much as 90 per cent. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), founded in 1989 and primarily representing Indian-owned hotels, accounts for nearly 34,000 properties valued at around $1 trillion. Employing more than 1.1 million people and generating over $50 billion annually, these motel businesses contribute nearly 1.5 per cent of the US GDP.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/motel-6-sold-to-indian-hotel-operator-in-525-million-deal-761512">Motel 6 sold to Indian hotel operator in $525 million deal</a></p><h2>Indian-owned motels in the US: A success story that also exposes them to hate and crimes</h2><p>The community’s economic success has come with serious risks. Indian-American motel owners face crimes ranging from petty theft to hate-fuelled abuse and violent attacks on both people and property.</p><p>In the 1970s and 1980s, xenophoic hate groups like the 'Dotbusters' in New Jersey targeted Indian immigrants, particularly Hindus, with physical assaults and threats. In the same period, the "American Owned" movement emerged, where some motel owners promoted their businesses as non-immigrant-owned in an attempt to isolate Indian-run establishments.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-chandra-mouli-nagamallaiah-indian-man-beheaded-in-us-chilling-details-of-murder-emerge-1757663125185">Who was Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, Indian man beheaded in US? Chilling details of murder emerge</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 24/7 nature of motel operations continues to make them vulnerable to theft and random violence, especially in remote and isolated pockets with limited staff and security.</p><p>As Indian Americans continue to run a significant part of the US hospitality industry, these repeated incidents highlight a troubling reality: their visibility and success have also made them vulnerable in an increasingly divided and hostile nation.</p>

How did Indians become the most prominent community running American motels? And is their success now exposing them to greater danger in a polarised America of the Trump era?

For decades, Indian-origin businesspeople—predominantly Gujaratis, often bearing the surname Patel—have been the backbone of America’s motel industry: a saga often described as proof of resilience, hard work, and immigrant success. But the recent murders of two Indian-origin motel workers have shaken the community and highlighted once again the decades-old racism and hate they have suffered silently. How did Indian Americans, particularly the Patels, become the most prominent community running American motels? And is their success now exposing them to greater danger in a polarised and hate-filled America of the Trump era? The murders that shocked American motel owners In September, Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, a 50-year-old manager from Dallas, Texas, was decapitated by a co-worker. The assailant had a violent criminal past and had been released from custody despite previous deportation orders. This horrific murder sparked a fierce debate on immigration policies, with political leaders demanding stricter enforcement and Indian-American community urging safer hiring practices within their own communities. https://www.wionews.com/videos/key-concerns-for-indian-americans-in-the-2024-us-elections-immigration-and-unemployment-773103/embed Just weeks later, on October 3 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, motel owner Rakesh Ehagaban was fatally shot while trying to intervene in a disturbance. The assailant was a guest with a violent past. In June 2024, Indian-American motel manager Hemant Mistry was punched to death in Oklahoma. These incidents exposed the vulnerability of motel owners, many of whom live on site and face unpredictable, and at times dangerous, clientele. Also read: Indian-origin man beheaded in US after argument with motel staff How the Indian community, particularly Gujaratis, became the most prominent US motel owners Starting in the 1940s, early Gujarati immigrants purchased motels often sold at low prices amid the post-World War II economic downturn. They lived on site to cut costs, and reinvested profits into expanding their businesses. The 1965 Immigration Act further fuelled this growth by easing immigration for skilled workers and family members. Their business model is deeply rooted in family ties—relatives are often hired to manage day-to-day operations, fostering both economic self-sufficiency and community support. Also read: 'Are you alright?': Indian-origin motel manager shot dead in Pittsburgh after confrontation in parking lot How Indian-American motel owners contribute to the US economy Even though they make up just about 1 per cent of the population, Indian Americans—particularly Gujaratis—own up to 60 per cent of motels across the United States. In small towns and rural areas, this figure rises to as much as 90 per cent. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), founded in 1989 and primarily representing Indian-owned hotels, accounts for nearly 34,000 properties valued at around $1 trillion. Employing more than 1.1 million people and generating over $50 billion annually, these motel businesses contribute nearly 1.5 per cent of the US GDP. Also read: Motel 6 sold to Indian hotel operator in $525 million deal Indian-owned motels in the US: A success story that also exposes them to hate and crimes The community’s economic success has come with serious risks. Indian-American motel owners face crimes ranging from petty theft to hate-fuelled abuse and violent attacks on both people and property. In the 1970s and 1980s, xenophoic hate groups like the 'Dotbusters' in New Jersey targeted Indian immigrants, particularly Hindus, with physical assaults and threats. In the same period, the "American Owned" movement emerged, where some motel owners promoted their businesses as non-immigrant-owned in an attempt to isolate Indian-run establishments. Also read: Who was Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, Indian man beheaded in US? Chilling details of murder emerge The 24/7 nature of motel operations continues to make them vulnerable to theft and random violence, especially in remote and isolated pockets with limited staff and security. As Indian Americans continue to run a significant part of the US hospitality industry, these repeated incidents highlight a troubling reality: their visibility and success have also made them vulnerable in an increasingly divided and hostile nation.

<p>How did Indians become the most prominent community running American motels? And is their success now exposing them to greater danger in a polarised America of the Trump era?</p>

Motels and Patels: Once a source of pride for Indian Americans, small hotels are now spots of hate crimes targeting them

<p>In spite of its end-to-end encryption and other security features, WhatsApp accounts can be hacked. Cybercriminals employ a variety of methods like social engineering, telecom fraud, and malware to target individual users rather than the app itself. They find loopholes in phone carrier systems and device vulnerabilities to hijack accounts. Compromised accounts are used to access private messages, impersonate users to scam contacts and extort money, and even to spread malware. Users in India are particularly vulnerable due to the enormous user base of more than 500 million and the prevalent use of mobile phone numbers for banking and UPI transactions.</p><p>Here is what you should know to keep your WhatsApp account safe:</p><h2>SIM Swapping or Port-Out Fraud</h2><p>One of the most common methods worldwide, SIM swapping involves attackers impersonating victims to telecom providers, tricking or bribing staff, or using forged documents to transfer the victim’s phone number to a new SIM card. This gives them control over the number. The attackers receive all SMS and voice verification codes for WhatsApp and other services.</p><p>This is highly prevalent in India, particularly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Pune, and Mumbai. This method has been used for large-scale banking and UPI fraud. This form of attack has also been reported in the US and UK, often linked to crypto theft and financial scams.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe:</strong> Set a SIM card PIN or port-out password with your carrier. Monitor for unexpected service loss. Where available, request a “port freeze” protection.</p><h2>Verification Code Phishing Through Social Engineering</h2><p>Attackers trick users into sharing the SMS verification codes sent by WhatsApp during login attempts. They impersonate friends, family, WhatsApp support, or banks using urgent or emotional appeals.</p><p>This fraud is common in India. Once attackers gain access to users' contact lists, they launch chain scams that often demand money from the users’ contacts. In the UK and Europe, a so-called “Hi Mum” scam led to over £1.5 million in losses, where attackers posed as family members in distress.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Never share verification codes with anyone. Enable WhatsApp two-step verification by following this path: Settings &gt; Account &gt; Two-step verification.</p><h2>Call Forwarding Exploitation</h2><p>In this fraud, scammers trick victims into dialling codes like `21` followed by the attacker’s number under false pretences, such as delivery verification. This enables call forwarding, including WhatsApp voice verification calls, to the attacker.</p><p>In India, such cases have been reported in Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR. Similar schemes were reported in the US and EU.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Check your call forwarding status using `*#21#` and disable forwarding with `##21#`. Avoid dialling unsolicited codes.</p><h2>QR Code Phishing or 'Quishing' for WhatsApp Web</h2><p>Hackers send fake QR links leading to malicious websites. Once the victim scans them, the attacker can access the user’s WhatsApp Web session.</p><p>This fraud has been reported in Indian tech hubs like Bengaluru, and has been linked to job scams. In the US and Europe, users have been tricked with meeting invites or fake links.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Only scan QR codes from the official WhatsApp Web site (web.whatsapp.com). Regularly check and log out from unknown devices under Linked Devices in Settings.</p><h2>Malware and Spyware Infection</h2><p>Malicious apps, trojans, or advanced spyware like Pegasus and Paragon installed on the victim’s phone can steal WhatsApp messages, verification codes, or control the device remotely.</p><p>There were more than 90 reported spyware infection cases in 2025, targeting journalists and activists. Globally, such spyware campaigns and ransomware attacks have been reported in Europe and the US.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe:</strong> Avoid installing apps from unknown sources. Keep your operating system and WhatsApp updated, and use reputable antivirus software.</p><h2>Voicemail Hacking</h2><p>When WhatsApp verification calls are missed, the code might be left in voicemail. Attackers who hack voicemail systems with default or weak PINs can retrieve these codes.</p><p>This crime has been reported in rural areas of India like Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in countries like the UK and Switzerland.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe:</strong> Set strong voicemail PINs. Regularly check for unauthorised access to voicemail.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/meta-to-allow-whatsapp-users-to-share-status-updates-on-instagram-facebook-8643224">Meta to allow WhatsApp users to share status updates on Instagram, Facebook</a></p><h2>Linked Platform Exploits Such as Facebook Impersonation</h2><p>Hackers have compromised linked accounts from Meta (which owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) to phish WhatsApp codes or send malicious group invites. This is often used for crypto extortion.</p><p>In India, Kolkata has reported such scams. Similar impersonation was reported from Singapore.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Secure your linked accounts in the Meta ecosystem with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Avoid suspicious invites.</p><h2>Physical Access or Device Cloning</h2><p>Fraudsters can use stolen or lost phones to restore backups or clone SIM cards, gaining access to WhatsApp data.</p><p>This is common in urban thefts in India’s Mumbai and Delhi. Travel scams have been reported across the world using such device cloning techniques.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Use biometric locks such as fingerprints, and strong PINs. Enable remote logout from WhatsApp Web sessions.</p><h2>Account Takeover via Cloud Backups</h2><p>Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in cloud backups on Google Drive or iCloud. They can restore chats if backup encryption (which is optional and must be manually enabled) is not turned on.</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Enable end-to-end encrypted backups in WhatsApp settings. Secure your cloud accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/user-report-whatsapp-web-s-scrolling-bug-1757417688375">WhatsApp Web's 'scrolling bug', users report chats not loading properly</a></p><h2>Fake or Modified WhatsApp Apps</h2><p>Using unofficial WhatsApp clients or downloading APKs can lead to leaked credentials through backdoors.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How to stay safe: </strong>Download WhatsApp only from official sources like Google Play, Apple App Store, or via web.whatsapp.com.</p><h2>What are the signs that your WhatsApp account may be compromised?</h2><p>Check for the following: You are unexpectedly logged out or receive a “registered on a new device” alert.<br>You receive unsolicited verification codes.<br>Unknown messages are sent from your account, or you are added to groups you didn’t join.<br>Friends report receiving strange messages or money requests from your number.<br>You see unrecognised logins in the Linked Devices section.<br>Messages appear as read (blue ticks), even though you didn’t open them.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-arattai-app-by-zoho-india-s-answer-to-whatsapp-app-surges-past-whatsapp-in-india-1759150223475/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-arattai-app-by-zoho-india-s-answer-to-whatsapp-app-surges-past-whatsapp-in-india-1759150223475/embed</a></p><h2>What to do if your account is hacked</h2><p>1. Immediately re-register WhatsApp on your phone using your number to log the attacker out.<br>2. Notify your contacts via another platform that your account was compromised.<br>3. Report the incident to WhatsApp through in-app support.<br>4. Contact your mobile operator if you suspect SIM swap or port-out fraud.<br>5. Change passwords and enable MFA on your associated email and cloud accounts.<br>6. File a cybercrime complaint with local authorities. (In India, visit: cybercrime.gov.in)</p>

<p>You are unexpectedly logged out or receive a “registered on a new device” alert.<br>You receive unsolicited verification codes.<br>Unknown messages are sent from your account, or you are added to groups you didn’t join.<br>Friends report receiving strange messages or money requests from your number.<br>You see unrecognised logins in the Linked Devices section.<br>Messages appear as read (blue ticks), even though you didn’t open them.</p><p>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/can-cia-read-your-whatapp-messages-this-is-what-mark-zuckerberg-has-to-say-8612166"> Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say...</a></p><h2>What to do if your WhatsApp account is hacked?</h2><p>1. Immediately re-register WhatsApp on your phone using your number to log the attacker out.<br>2. Notify your contacts via another platform that your account was compromised.<br>3. Report the incident to WhatsApp through in-app support.<br>4. Contact your mobile operator if you suspect SIM swap or port-out fraud.<br>5. Change passwords and enable MFA on your associated email and cloud accounts.<br>6. File a cybercrime complaint with local authorities. (In India, visit: cybercrime.gov.in)</p>

Learn how WhatsApp accounts get hacked through SIM swapping, phishing, malware, and other methods. Here are  tips to protect your account, avoid scams, and secure your WhatsApp account

In spite of its end-to-end encryption and other security features, WhatsApp accounts can be hacked. Cybercriminals employ a variety of methods like social engineering, telecom fraud, and malware to target individual users rather than the app itself. They find loopholes in phone carrier systems and device vulnerabilities to hijack accounts. Compromised accounts are used to access private messages, impersonate users to scam contacts and extort money, and even to spread malware. Users in India are particularly vulnerable due to the enormous user base of more than 500 million and the prevalent use of mobile phone numbers for banking and UPI transactions. Here is what you should know to keep your WhatsApp account safe: SIM Swapping or Port-Out Fraud One of the most common methods worldwide, SIM swapping involves attackers impersonating victims to telecom providers, tricking or bribing staff, or using forged documents to transfer the victim’s phone number to a new SIM card. This gives them control over the number. The attackers receive all SMS and voice verification codes for WhatsApp and other services. This is highly prevalent in India, particularly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Pune, and Mumbai. This method has been used for large-scale banking and UPI fraud. This form of attack has also been reported in the US and UK, often linked to crypto theft and financial scams. How to stay safe: Set a SIM card PIN or port-out password with your carrier. Monitor for unexpected service loss. Where available, request a “port freeze” protection. Verification Code Phishing Through Social Engineering Attackers trick users into sharing the SMS verification codes sent by WhatsApp during login attempts. They impersonate friends, family, WhatsApp support, or banks using urgent or emotional appeals. This fraud is common in India. Once attackers gain access to users' contact lists, they launch chain scams that often demand money from the users’ contacts. In the UK and Europe, a so-called “Hi Mum” scam led to over £1.5 million in losses, where attackers posed as family members in distress. How to stay safe: Never share verification codes with anyone. Enable WhatsApp two-step verification by following this path: Settings > Account > Two-step verification. Call Forwarding Exploitation In this fraud, scammers trick victims into dialling codes like `21` followed by the attacker’s number under false pretences, such as delivery verification. This enables call forwarding, including WhatsApp voice verification calls, to the attacker. In India, such cases have been reported in Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR. Similar schemes were reported in the US and EU. How to stay safe: Check your call forwarding status using `*#21#` and disable forwarding with `##21#`. Avoid dialling unsolicited codes. QR Code Phishing or 'Quishing' for WhatsApp Web Hackers send fake QR links leading to malicious websites. Once the victim scans them, the attacker can access the user’s WhatsApp Web session. This fraud has been reported in Indian tech hubs like Bengaluru, and has been linked to job scams. In the US and Europe, users have been tricked with meeting invites or fake links. How to stay safe: Only scan QR codes from the official WhatsApp Web site (web.whatsapp.com). Regularly check and log out from unknown devices under Linked Devices in Settings. Malware and Spyware Infection Malicious apps, trojans, or advanced spyware like Pegasus and Paragon installed on the victim’s phone can steal WhatsApp messages, verification codes, or control the device remotely. There were more than 90 reported spyware infection cases in 2025, targeting journalists and activists. Globally, such spyware campaigns and ransomware attacks have been reported in Europe and the US. How to stay safe: Avoid installing apps from unknown sources. Keep your operating system and WhatsApp updated, and use reputable antivirus software. Voicemail Hacking When WhatsApp verification calls are missed, the code might be left in voicemail. Attackers who hack voicemail systems with default or weak PINs can retrieve these codes. This crime has been reported in rural areas of India like Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in countries like the UK and Switzerland. How to stay safe: Set strong voicemail PINs. Regularly check for unauthorised access to voicemail. Also read: Meta to allow WhatsApp users to share status updates on Instagram, Facebook Linked Platform Exploits Such as Facebook Impersonation Hackers have compromised linked accounts from Meta (which owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) to phish WhatsApp codes or send malicious group invites. This is often used for crypto extortion. In India, Kolkata has reported such scams. Similar impersonation was reported from Singapore. How to stay safe: Secure your linked accounts in the Meta ecosystem with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Avoid suspicious invites. Physical Access or Device Cloning Fraudsters can use stolen or lost phones to restore backups or clone SIM cards, gaining access to WhatsApp data. This is common in urban thefts in India’s Mumbai and Delhi. Travel scams have been reported across the world using such device cloning techniques. How to stay safe: Use biometric locks such as fingerprints, and strong PINs. Enable remote logout from WhatsApp Web sessions. Account Takeover via Cloud Backups Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in cloud backups on Google Drive or iCloud. They can restore chats if backup encryption (which is optional and must be manually enabled) is not turned on. How to stay safe: Enable end-to-end encrypted backups in WhatsApp settings. Secure your cloud accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Also read: WhatsApp Web's 'scrolling bug', users report chats not loading properly Fake or Modified WhatsApp Apps Using unofficial WhatsApp clients or downloading APKs can lead to leaked credentials through backdoors. How to stay safe: Download WhatsApp only from official sources like Google Play, Apple App Store, or via web.whatsapp.com. What are the signs that your WhatsApp account may be compromised? Check for the following: You are unexpectedly logged out or receive a “registered on a new device” alert. You receive unsolicited verification codes. Unknown messages are sent from your account, or you are added to groups you didn’t join. Friends report receiving strange messages or money requests from your number. You see unrecognised logins in the Linked Devices section. Messages appear as read (blue ticks), even though you didn’t open them. https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-arattai-app-by-zoho-india-s-answer-to-whatsapp-app-surges-past-whatsapp-in-india-1759150223475/embed What to do if your account is hacked 1. Immediately re-register WhatsApp on your phone using your number to log the attacker out. 2. Notify your contacts via another platform that your account was compromised. 3. Report the incident to WhatsApp through in-app support. 4. Contact your mobile operator if you suspect SIM swap or port-out fraud. 5. Change passwords and enable MFA on your associated email and cloud accounts. 6. File a cybercrime complaint with local authorities. (In India, visit: cybercrime.gov.in)

<p>Learn how WhatsApp accounts get hacked through SIM swapping, phishing, malware, and other methods. Here are &nbsp;tips to protect your account, avoid scams, and secure your WhatsApp account</p>

Is your WhatsApp account safe? These are the ways cybercriminals hack It – and what you should do

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into Gaza with the explicit intention of destroying and disarming Hamas, the main perpetrator of the October 7 terror attack on Israel in 2023. As the attack and subsequent war enter their third year, Hamas still runs the Palestinian enclave. Once backed by the Israeli prime minister, the militant group has turned into his biggest enemy. In spite of Israel pummelling Gaza with bombs and a ground invasion, and killing some of its main leaders, Hamas fighters were on full armed display during recent hostage exchanges. Why is Hamas still standing? Here are the seven reasons, collected from expert commentary, think tank analysis, and media reports.</p><h2>Current ground situation of Hamas</h2><p>Since the October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 people, Hamas indeed suffered heavy losses, having lost thousands of its fighters and top leaders like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. But it continues to operate, recruit, and exert influence in Gaza, with its top negotiators even escaping an air attack in Doha, Qatar. Despite Israel’s intensive military campaign, including the recent invasion of Gaza City, Hamas is neither fully disarmed nor defeated. Here are the possible reasons:</p><h2>Why Hamas still stands- Reason 1: Guerrilla tactics and an extensive tunnel network</h2><p>Israel is engaged in what is known in military terms as an asymmetric war with Hamas. Over the past decade, Hamas has fortified Gaza with underground tunnels. These tunnels, often passing under civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools, allow movement, ambushes, and weapons storage. Attacking them directly invites global criticism of Israel, turning the conflict into a prolonged urban war of attrition. Israeli forces have had to repeatedly re-enter cleared areas, complicating efforts to eliminate Hamas while minimising civilian casualties to avoid violating international law.</p><p>Also read: <a href="IDF halts Gaza offensive, negotiators brace for talks amid Trump’s push to end war">IDF halts Gaza offensive, negotiators brace for talks amid Trump’s push to end war</a></p><h2>Reason 2: Resilience and decentralised structure of Hamas</h2><p>Israel’s elimination of top Hamas leaders and many of its fighters failed to diminish its warfighting capabilities. Hamas has managed to replace fighters, almost as many as it has lost, through steady recruitment. With a decentralised leadership model, Hamas was able to regroup under mid-level commanders to continue the fighting even after its leaders were killed. Hamas' civil administration has also resumed work in some areas, while its fighters still manage to mount sporadic attacks on Israeli forces.</p><h2>Reason 3: Ideological commitment informed by the idea of jihad</h2><p>Losing lives for the Palestinian cause is accepted by many Hamas fighters as a rite of passage, inspired by a religious-nationalist ideology. This contrasts with Israeli soldiers, who are performing their duty for their nation. Many Hamas fighters reject the idea of surrender or disarmament and prefer to die on the battlefield, with the group's propaganda framing the war as a justified struggle against occupation. This has the backing of many Palestinians, who oppose the complete disarmament of Hamas and even praise the October 7 attack.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-re-always-so-f-ing-negative-did-trump-snap-at-netanyahu-amid-hamas-gaza-peace-talks-1759676340037">‘You’re always so f***ing negative’: Did Trump snap at Netanyahu amid Gaza peace talks?</a></p><h2>Reason 4: Hamas still has local Palestinian support</h2><p>Even as some Palestinians blame Hamas for the devastation and humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war in Gaza, others view its survival as resistance. In many parts of Gaza, Hamas still enjoys higher approval ratings than the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, the other part of the would-be state of Palestine. The endurance of Hamas has strengthened its legitimacy among supporters.</p><h2>Reason 5: The leverage from keeping hostages</h2><p>The hostage-taking on October 7 has been used by Hamas to its advantage. It managed to get Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for some hostages and their dead bodies, at an almost one-to-three proportion. Hamas still holds about 50 hostages—some dead, but mostly alive—and uses them as bargaining tools. This limits Israel’s military options amid concerns over hostage safety, even as their relatives continue to hold massive protests in Jerusalem.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-complete-obliteration-trump-s-warning-to-hamas-if-they-don-t-accept-his-gaza-peace-plan-1759684778374">‘Complete Obliteration!’: Trump’s warning to Hamas if they don’t accept his Gaza peace plan</a></p><h2>Reason 6: How Israel’s hands are tied due to international pressure</h2><p>Israel and its leaders have faced accusations of war crimes, global condemnation, and even sanctions. This restricts Israel’s ability to act decisively against Hamas. Despite having US President Donald Trump as an ally in Washington DC, diplomatic constraints remain. Since the war began, international opinion has shifted from sympathy towards Israel to shock and concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel faces further isolation as several Western countries have recognised the state of Palestine, which is a diplomatic victory for Hamas.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-thousands-of-people-protest-demanding-end-of-war-in-gaza-1759720862453/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-thousands-of-people-protest-demanding-end-of-war-in-gaza-1759720862453/embed</a></p><h2>Reason 7: Israeli domestic challenges are forcing it to act carefully against Hamas</h2><p>Even as Netanyahu and his war cabinet push further into Gaza, internal divisions in Israel affect the offensive against Hamas. There is public fatigue, with demonstrations against Netanyahu continuing unabated since the war began. With over 1,000 soldiers killed in the conflict, Israel’s military is strained. Discontent with leadership, which is a minority government, and conflicting political pressures hinder strategic clarity.</p><p>All these factors have led to a situation where, despite high casualties (Palestinian casualties are reported to be at least 24,000, but could be as high as 60,000) and prolonged fighting, Israel has not achieved its goals of eliminating Hamas or controlling Gaza.</p><p>While there are hopes of a final hostage exchange, the war remains at a stalemate as it finishes its second year.</p>

Despite intense Israeli efforts, Palestinian militant group Hamas remains active in Gaza, as two years of war have passed. From guerrilla tactics to tunnel networks, and hostage leverage to local support, here are the factors helping it



Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into Gaza with the explicit intention of destroying and disarming Hamas, the main perpetrator of the October 7 terror attack on Israel in 2023. As the attack and subsequent war enter their third year, Hamas still runs the Palestinian enclave. Once backed by the Israeli prime minister, the militant group has turned into his biggest enemy. In spite of Israel pummelling Gaza with bombs and a ground invasion, and killing some of its main leaders, Hamas fighters were on full armed display during recent hostage exchanges. Why is Hamas still standing? Here are the seven reasons, collected from expert commentary, think tank analysis, and media reports. Current ground situation of Hamas Since the October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 people, Hamas indeed suffered heavy losses, having lost thousands of its fighters and top leaders like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. But it continues to operate, recruit, and exert influence in Gaza, with its top negotiators even escaping an air attack in Doha, Qatar. Despite Israel’s intensive military campaign, including the recent invasion of Gaza City, Hamas is neither fully disarmed nor defeated. Here are the possible reasons: Why Hamas still stands- Reason 1: Guerrilla tactics and an extensive tunnel network Israel is engaged in what is known in military terms as an asymmetric war with Hamas. Over the past decade, Hamas has fortified Gaza with underground tunnels. These tunnels, often passing under civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools, allow movement, ambushes, and weapons storage. Attacking them directly invites global criticism of Israel, turning the conflict into a prolonged urban war of attrition. Israeli forces have had to repeatedly re-enter cleared areas, complicating efforts to eliminate Hamas while minimising civilian casualties to avoid violating international law. Also read: IDF halts Gaza offensive, negotiators brace for talks amid Trump’s push to end war Reason 2: Resilience and decentralised structure of Hamas Israel’s elimination of top Hamas leaders and many of its fighters failed to diminish its warfighting capabilities. Hamas has managed to replace fighters, almost as many as it has lost, through steady recruitment. With a decentralised leadership model, Hamas was able to regroup under mid-level commanders to continue the fighting even after its leaders were killed. Hamas' civil administration has also resumed work in some areas, while its fighters still manage to mount sporadic attacks on Israeli forces. Reason 3: Ideological commitment informed by the idea of jihad Losing lives for the Palestinian cause is accepted by many Hamas fighters as a rite of passage, inspired by a religious-nationalist ideology. This contrasts with Israeli soldiers, who are performing their duty for their nation. Many Hamas fighters reject the idea of surrender or disarmament and prefer to die on the battlefield, with the group's propaganda framing the war as a justified struggle against occupation. This has the backing of many Palestinians, who oppose the complete disarmament of Hamas and even praise the October 7 attack. Also read: ‘You’re always so f***ing negative’: Did Trump snap at Netanyahu amid Gaza peace talks? Reason 4: Hamas still has local Palestinian support Even as some Palestinians blame Hamas for the devastation and humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war in Gaza, others view its survival as resistance. In many parts of Gaza, Hamas still enjoys higher approval ratings than the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, the other part of the would-be state of Palestine. The endurance of Hamas has strengthened its legitimacy among supporters. Reason 5: The leverage from keeping hostages The hostage-taking on October 7 has been used by Hamas to its advantage. It managed to get Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for some hostages and their dead bodies, at an almost one-to-three proportion. Hamas still holds about 50 hostages—some dead, but mostly alive—and uses them as bargaining tools. This limits Israel’s military options amid concerns over hostage safety, even as their relatives continue to hold massive protests in Jerusalem. Also read: ‘Complete Obliteration!’: Trump’s warning to Hamas if they don’t accept his Gaza peace plan Reason 6: How Israel’s hands are tied due to international pressure Israel and its leaders have faced accusations of war crimes, global condemnation, and even sanctions. This restricts Israel’s ability to act decisively against Hamas. Despite having US President Donald Trump as an ally in Washington DC, diplomatic constraints remain. Since the war began, international opinion has shifted from sympathy towards Israel to shock and concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel faces further isolation as several Western countries have recognised the state of Palestine, which is a diplomatic victory for Hamas. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-thousands-of-people-protest-demanding-end-of-war-in-gaza-1759720862453/embed Reason 7: Israeli domestic challenges are forcing it to act carefully against Hamas Even as Netanyahu and his war cabinet push further into Gaza, internal divisions in Israel affect the offensive against Hamas. There is public fatigue, with demonstrations against Netanyahu continuing unabated since the war began. With over 1,000 soldiers killed in the conflict, Israel’s military is strained. Discontent with leadership, which is a minority government, and conflicting political pressures hinder strategic clarity. All these factors have led to a situation where, despite high casualties (Palestinian casualties are reported to be at least 24,000, but could be as high as 60,000) and prolonged fighting, Israel has not achieved its goals of eliminating Hamas or controlling Gaza. While there are hopes of a final hostage exchange, the war remains at a stalemate as it finishes its second year.

<p>Despite intense Israeli efforts, Palestinian militant group Hamas remains active in Gaza, as two years of war have passed. From guerrilla tactics to tunnel networks, and hostage leverage to local support, here are the factors helping it</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Bibi's monster: 7 reasons why Hamas still stands despite Israeli efforts to obliterate it from Gaza

<p>President Donald Trump reportedly informed Congress through a confidential Pentagon memo that the US is engaged in a "non-international armed conflict" against Latin American drug cartels, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, and Venezuelan groups like Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles. These groups are designated as 'terrorists' and drug smugglers as "unlawful combatants," thereby invoking the international law of armed conflict. The designation means the US military can conduct pre-emptive strikes without imminent threat, detain suspects indefinitely, and try them in military tribunals, bypassing traditional criminal due process.</p><p>There have already been three lethal strikes in September against Venezuelan boats suspected of fentanyl smuggling, killing at least 11. The White House described the actions as self-defence against an "armed attack" through drug trafficking. These moves overstep the presidential war powers, equating economic crimes with acts of war, possibly breaching international law. This could be executive overreach according to critics, while supporters called it decisive leadership against cartels.</p><p>But the US has been here many times. The so-called war on drugs is more than half a century old now. Most of it failed, to the extent that even some law enforcement officials have called for legalising drugs. Below is that story.</p><h2>America's long history of militarised drug policy: How Nixon started it all by creating the DEA and making marijuana illegal</h2><p>The drug epidemic in the US is not new. Cartel violence, mostly in the drug-producing countries in the Americas, has been going on for over 40 years. The War on Drugs officially began in 1971 under President Richard Nixon, who famously called drug abuse "public enemy number one" in a national address. The focus shifted from treating drug addiction to law enforcement and the interdiction of drugs. It was Nixon who created the powerful Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He also enacted the Controlled Substances Act. At the height of the counterculture movement, this law categorised marijuana and other drugs as 'highly dangerous with no medical use.' Most funding went to enforcement. But despite all this, youth drug use spiked in the 1970s. Heroin addiction spread among Vietnam War veterans. A Nixon aide later admitted that the policy basically targeted anti-war activists and Black communities under the guise of fighting addiction.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-for-use-of-military-force-against-drug-cartels-abroad-1754675354707">Trump signs order for use of military force against drug cartels abroad: Report</a></p><h2>Ford and Carter tried moderating policy: Efforts to decriminalise marijuana possession</h2><p>The next presidents, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, tried to moderate drug war policies. In 1977, Carter attempted to decriminalise marijuana possession while stressing treatment for addicts. But they had to reverse course due to political opposition and increasing drug use, including cocaine, in the late 1970s. By 1979, Carter hardened his anti-drug stance, returning to strict enforcement. Mass incarceration of people on drug charges began during Carter’s presidency.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-says-drug-cartel-behind-longstanding-problem-of-illegal-fishing-in-gulf-of-mexico-world-news-779660/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-says-drug-cartel-behind-longstanding-problem-of-illegal-fishing-in-gulf-of-mexico-world-news-779660/embed</a></p><h2>Ronald Reagan's militarised anti-drug war failed too</h2><p>Republican President Ronald Reagan gave more teeth to the War on Drugs by passing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986. The law imposed harsh mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for crack cocaine offences. More people were imprisoned, disproportionately Blacks and Latinos. The Reagan administration also launched a propaganda campaign, "Just Say No", to spread anti-drug awareness. Aggressive policing tactics and increased military involvement in drug interdiction were seen during this period. Despite all this, drug availability and purity continued to rise. The policies failed to reduce drug supply or violence, either in the US or in origin countries. In fact, it was during the Reagan administration that drug cartels like Medellín expanded, as US demand grew.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-drug-syndicate-controls-an-entire-state-in-mexico-all-about-sinaloa-cartel-1750064018732">This drug syndicate controls an entire state in Mexico! All about Sinaloa Cartel</a></p><h2>George H.W. Bush expanded the militarisation of drug enforcement, while Clinton enacted tougher laws</h2><p>George H.W. Bush created the Office of National Drug Control Policy and gave more aid to the military in Latin America to combat drug trafficking locally. Seizures of drugs grew. But cocaine and heroin prices fell, leading to an abundance in supply. During this period, drug-related homicides reached record highs, and demand remained strong.</p><p>Bill Clinton, even while advocating treatment, enacted tougher crime laws. Under his presidency, more drug arrests were made, with federal drug prisoners tripling by 2000. Again, Black Americans were disproportionately targeted. Overdose deaths increased even as cartels adapted by moving into synthetic, 'party' drugs.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-f-35-vs-drug-cartels-why-america-s-most-advanced-jet-is-entering-a-narco-war-1757061012868">'F-35 vs Drug Cartels': Why America’s most advanced jet is entering a 'Narco War'</a></p><h2>Bush spent billions on military aid, but overdose deaths doubled</h2><p>George W. Bush expanded the drug war globally with Plan Colombia. This involved billions of dollars of US investment in military aid and aerial eradication of drug plantations in Colombia, the main supply nation at the time. The actions of enforcement agencies displaced millions. Drug-related cartel violence intensified. Despite eradication efforts, coca production increased by 2007. Meanwhile, US overdose deaths doubled, and incarceration peaked.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-banks-caught-moving-mafia-cash-and-how-they-got-away-1756629970207">5 banks caught moving cartel cash and how they got away</a></p><h2>Obama's humane approach didn’t help either</h2><p>Barack Obama reduced drug sentencing disparities, commuting some nonviolent offenders’ sentences while stressing treatment. But heroin overdoses quadrupled, and a new entrant emerged: fentanyl. Marijuana arrests remained high at the federal level, even as some states started legalising it.</p><h2>Trump began his drug war during his first term</h2><p>Donald Trump’s first term saw the declaration of the ‘opioid crisis’ as a public health emergency. His focus, however, was mostly on the border, even proposing a "beautiful wall" to block cartels. But by the end of his first tenure in 2021, overdose deaths breached 100,000 annually, driven largely by fentanyl from Mexican cartels. Despite high levels of drug arrests, trafficking continued unabated.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-bodies-decapitated-hanging-from-a-bridge-how-sinaloa-drug-cartel-engulfed-in-war-explained-1751389912130">'Bodies decapitated, hanging from a bridge': How Sinaloa Drug Cartel got engulfed in war - EXPLAINED</a></p><h2>Biden's drug policies were forgettable, as fentanyl deaths peaked</h2><p>Joe Biden only made incremental changes to drug policies, mostly on the moderate side, such as pardoning simple marijuana possession. Under his term, cannabis was reclassified to a lower Schedule III status. Biden, whose son Hunter has struggled with addiction, increased treatment funding. Exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and mental health issues, the fentanyl crisis worsened during Biden's term. Fentanyl overdose deaths peaked at 110,000 in 2023, even as cartel violence in Mexico surged with over 30,000 homicides recorded per year.</p><h2>How the War on Drugs cost a trillion dollars for the US</h2><p>Estimates show the War on Drugs has cost the US more than $1 trillion over five decades, without reducing drug use or availability. Drugs remain easily available, with prices falling by 80 per cent for cocaine and heroin since the 1980s. Drug-related crimes and violence escalated globally, with Mexico alone reporting 400,000 deaths in its drug war since 2006. The United Nations and the Global Commission on Drug Policy condemned the War on Drugs as a failure. They advocate decriminalisation and public health-centred approaches.</p><h2>Here is the secret why Trump’s war on drugs will fail too</h2><p>The issue is simple: demand remains high, and suppliers will meet that demand, as long as the underlying causes of drug use and addiction are not addressed. Trump’s "armed conflict" could lead to more militarisation of drug policy. But the core issue is that the US demand accounts for nearly 80 per cent of cartel revenue from fentanyl and heroin.</p><p>Military strikes have only temporarily disrupted trafficking routes. In fact, at such times, drug prices rise as supply becomes scarce, leading to greater profits for cartels, which fuels even more cartel violence. This is a vicious circle, making enforcement-focused strategies fail.</p><p>Drug addiction and overdose deaths in the US have not been adequately addressed. Only 10 per cent of the US drug budget is allocated to treatment.</p><p>Trump’s approach, like those before him, risks perpetuating a costly, ineffective cycle of prohibition, not halting drug abuse and cartel violence.</p>

Trump declared armed conflict on drug cartels, echoing decades of failed US drug war policies that led to deaths, incarcerations and violence. Despite spending $1 trillion, drug use, overdoses, and cartel violence continue to rise. It's déjà vu time.

President Donald Trump reportedly informed Congress through a confidential Pentagon memo that the US is engaged in a "non-international armed conflict" against Latin American drug cartels, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, and Venezuelan groups like Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles. These groups are designated as 'terrorists' and drug smugglers as "unlawful combatants," thereby invoking the international law of armed conflict. The designation means the US military can conduct pre-emptive strikes without imminent threat, detain suspects indefinitely, and try them in military tribunals, bypassing traditional criminal due process. There have already been three lethal strikes in September against Venezuelan boats suspected of fentanyl smuggling, killing at least 11. The White House described the actions as self-defence against an "armed attack" through drug trafficking. These moves overstep the presidential war powers, equating economic crimes with acts of war, possibly breaching international law. This could be executive overreach according to critics, while supporters called it decisive leadership against cartels. But the US has been here many times. The so-called war on drugs is more than half a century old now. Most of it failed, to the extent that even some law enforcement officials have called for legalising drugs. Below is that story. America's long history of militarised drug policy: How Nixon started it all by creating the DEA and making marijuana illegal The drug epidemic in the US is not new. Cartel violence, mostly in the drug-producing countries in the Americas, has been going on for over 40 years. The War on Drugs officially began in 1971 under President Richard Nixon, who famously called drug abuse "public enemy number one" in a national address. The focus shifted from treating drug addiction to law enforcement and the interdiction of drugs. It was Nixon who created the powerful Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He also enacted the Controlled Substances Act. At the height of the counterculture movement, this law categorised marijuana and other drugs as 'highly dangerous with no medical use.' Most funding went to enforcement. But despite all this, youth drug use spiked in the 1970s. Heroin addiction spread among Vietnam War veterans. A Nixon aide later admitted that the policy basically targeted anti-war activists and Black communities under the guise of fighting addiction. Also read: Trump signs order for use of military force against drug cartels abroad: Report Ford and Carter tried moderating policy: Efforts to decriminalise marijuana possession The next presidents, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, tried to moderate drug war policies. In 1977, Carter attempted to decriminalise marijuana possession while stressing treatment for addicts. But they had to reverse course due to political opposition and increasing drug use, including cocaine, in the late 1970s. By 1979, Carter hardened his anti-drug stance, returning to strict enforcement. Mass incarceration of people on drug charges began during Carter’s presidency. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-says-drug-cartel-behind-longstanding-problem-of-illegal-fishing-in-gulf-of-mexico-world-news-779660/embed Ronald Reagan's militarised anti-drug war failed too Republican President Ronald Reagan gave more teeth to the War on Drugs by passing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986. The law imposed harsh mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for crack cocaine offences. More people were imprisoned, disproportionately Blacks and Latinos. The Reagan administration also launched a propaganda campaign, "Just Say No", to spread anti-drug awareness. Aggressive policing tactics and increased military involvement in drug interdiction were seen during this period. Despite all this, drug availability and purity continued to rise. The policies failed to reduce drug supply or violence, either in the US or in origin countries. In fact, it was during the Reagan administration that drug cartels like Medellín expanded, as US demand grew. Also read: This drug syndicate controls an entire state in Mexico! All about Sinaloa Cartel George H.W. Bush expanded the militarisation of drug enforcement, while Clinton enacted tougher laws George H.W. Bush created the Office of National Drug Control Policy and gave more aid to the military in Latin America to combat drug trafficking locally. Seizures of drugs grew. But cocaine and heroin prices fell, leading to an abundance in supply. During this period, drug-related homicides reached record highs, and demand remained strong. Bill Clinton, even while advocating treatment, enacted tougher crime laws. Under his presidency, more drug arrests were made, with federal drug prisoners tripling by 2000. Again, Black Americans were disproportionately targeted. Overdose deaths increased even as cartels adapted by moving into synthetic, 'party' drugs. Also read: 'F-35 vs Drug Cartels': Why America’s most advanced jet is entering a 'Narco War' Bush spent billions on military aid, but overdose deaths doubled George W. Bush expanded the drug war globally with Plan Colombia. This involved billions of dollars of US investment in military aid and aerial eradication of drug plantations in Colombia, the main supply nation at the time. The actions of enforcement agencies displaced millions. Drug-related cartel violence intensified. Despite eradication efforts, coca production increased by 2007. Meanwhile, US overdose deaths doubled, and incarceration peaked. Also read: 5 banks caught moving cartel cash and how they got away Obama's humane approach didn’t help either Barack Obama reduced drug sentencing disparities, commuting some nonviolent offenders’ sentences while stressing treatment. But heroin overdoses quadrupled, and a new entrant emerged: fentanyl. Marijuana arrests remained high at the federal level, even as some states started legalising it. Trump began his drug war during his first term Donald Trump’s first term saw the declaration of the ‘opioid crisis’ as a public health emergency. His focus, however, was mostly on the border, even proposing a "beautiful wall" to block cartels. But by the end of his first tenure in 2021, overdose deaths breached 100,000 annually, driven largely by fentanyl from Mexican cartels. Despite high levels of drug arrests, trafficking continued unabated. Also read: 'Bodies decapitated, hanging from a bridge': How Sinaloa Drug Cartel got engulfed in war - EXPLAINED Biden's drug policies were forgettable, as fentanyl deaths peaked Joe Biden only made incremental changes to drug policies, mostly on the moderate side, such as pardoning simple marijuana possession. Under his term, cannabis was reclassified to a lower Schedule III status. Biden, whose son Hunter has struggled with addiction, increased treatment funding. Exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and mental health issues, the fentanyl crisis worsened during Biden's term. Fentanyl overdose deaths peaked at 110,000 in 2023, even as cartel violence in Mexico surged with over 30,000 homicides recorded per year. How the War on Drugs cost a trillion dollars for the US Estimates show the War on Drugs has cost the US more than $1 trillion over five decades, without reducing drug use or availability. Drugs remain easily available, with prices falling by 80 per cent for cocaine and heroin since the 1980s. Drug-related crimes and violence escalated globally, with Mexico alone reporting 400,000 deaths in its drug war since 2006. The United Nations and the Global Commission on Drug Policy condemned the War on Drugs as a failure. They advocate decriminalisation and public health-centred approaches. Here is the secret why Trump’s war on drugs will fail too The issue is simple: demand remains high, and suppliers will meet that demand, as long as the underlying causes of drug use and addiction are not addressed. Trump’s "armed conflict" could lead to more militarisation of drug policy. But the core issue is that the US demand accounts for nearly 80 per cent of cartel revenue from fentanyl and heroin. Military strikes have only temporarily disrupted trafficking routes. In fact, at such times, drug prices rise as supply becomes scarce, leading to greater profits for cartels, which fuels even more cartel violence. This is a vicious circle, making enforcement-focused strategies fail. Drug addiction and overdose deaths in the US have not been adequately addressed. Only 10 per cent of the US drug budget is allocated to treatment. Trump’s approach, like those before him, risks perpetuating a costly, ineffective cycle of prohibition, not halting drug abuse and cartel violence.

<p>Trump declared armed conflict on drug cartels, echoing decades of failed US drug war policies that led to deaths, incarcerations and violence. Despite spending $1 trillion, drug use, overdoses, and cartel violence continue to rise. It's déjà vu time.</p>

WAR ON DRUGS: Trump declares 'armed conflict' on cartels. Past presidents failed, and he will too, because...

<p>The White House has escalated pressure on American universities, sending letters to nine elite institutions including Harvard, Columbia and Stanford, demanding that they publicly pledge alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda, according to media reports. This pledge involves commitments to overhaul admissions and hiring policies, restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, enforce stricter campus speech controls, and increase transparency in foreign funding, New York Times and other outlets reported. Those who do not comply could see cuts to their federal research grants and other goverment funding. The move follows reports of Harvard agreeing to pay $500 million in fines over pro-Palestinian activism and alleged antisemitism on campus. The row erupted particularly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.</p><h2>Which universities received the White House letters?</h2><p>According to multiple sources cited in New York Times and other media, the letters were sent to nine prominent universities: Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. These institutions, mostly considered Ivy League, were identified by the administration as having policies or programmes considered "hostile" to the administration’s stated values on free speech, merit-based admissions and antisemitism, said the reports.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-bars-harvard-from-enrolling-international-students-what-this-means-for-788-indian-students-1747965828425">Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students: What it means for 788 Indians enrolled currently?</a></p><h2>What does the White House letter to American universities say?</h2><p>The White House letter reportedly instructed the universities to "demonstrate clear support" for new federal guidelines on admissions, speech regulation, and transparency, which is code for complying with Trump policies.&nbsp;</p><p>It demanded that these institutions publicly commit to ending race-based admissions and hiring, scaling back DEI initiatives, said the reports.</p><p>The institutions were also asked to implement disciplinary measures against students participating in ‘unauthorised’ protests, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian activism. The universities are also being asked to declare their adherence to what the administration calls "First Amendment-compatible campus policies." Failure to respond or comply could result in the suspension or withdrawal of federal research funding, the letter indicated, according to the reports.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-harvard-donald-trump-says-harvard-deal-is-close-university-will-pay-500-million-1759332943087/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-harvard-donald-trump-says-harvard-deal-is-close-university-will-pay-500-million-1759332943087/embed</a></p><h2>Trump administration is linking federal funds to university compliance</h2><p>Trump is reportedly leveraging billions of dollars in frozen research grants and federal investigations to compel ideological conformity on US campuses. Harvard had earlier refused his administration’s demands, resulting in a freeze of over $2.2 billion in research funding since April 2025.</p><p>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-university-widener-library-has-a-strange-link-to-the-titanic-8966557"> Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves</a></p><p>A federal judge ruled in September that these funding cuts were unlawful and violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights and procedural due process. It called the cuts a "targeted, ideologically motivated assault" on academic freedom. The Trump administration plans to appeal the court ruling and continue enforcing the policies.</p><p>Despite having the favourable court ruling, Harvard negotiated a settlement that could involve paying a fine of approximately $500 million to restore its frozen funds.</p><h2>Trump administration's assault on academic freedom in the US?</h2><p>Academics, Democrat politicians including former president Barack Obama, and organisations like the American Association of University Professors have condemned the White House actions, describing them as authoritarian overreach and a threat to academic freedom.<br>Conservative supporters of the Trump agenda, meanwhile, argue that the measures combat bias and antisemitism and ensure ideological balance on campuses.</p>

Trump administration is reportedly pressuring top US universities to pledge alignment with the president's agenda, or lose funding. Harvard has already agreed to pay $500 million in fines. This is sparing debate on academic freedoms in the US campuses



The White House has escalated pressure on American universities, sending letters to nine elite institutions including Harvard, Columbia and Stanford, demanding that they publicly pledge alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda, according to media reports. This pledge involves commitments to overhaul admissions and hiring policies, restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, enforce stricter campus speech controls, and increase transparency in foreign funding, New York Times and other outlets reported. Those who do not comply could see cuts to their federal research grants and other goverment funding. The move follows reports of Harvard agreeing to pay $500 million in fines over pro-Palestinian activism and alleged antisemitism on campus. The row erupted particularly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Which universities received the White House letters? According to multiple sources cited in New York Times and other media, the letters were sent to nine prominent universities: Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. These institutions, mostly considered Ivy League, were identified by the administration as having policies or programmes considered "hostile" to the administration’s stated values on free speech, merit-based admissions and antisemitism, said the reports. Also read: Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students: What it means for 788 Indians enrolled currently? What does the White House letter to American universities say? The White House letter reportedly instructed the universities to "demonstrate clear support" for new federal guidelines on admissions, speech regulation, and transparency, which is code for complying with Trump policies. It demanded that these institutions publicly commit to ending race-based admissions and hiring, scaling back DEI initiatives, said the reports. The institutions were also asked to implement disciplinary measures against students participating in ‘unauthorised’ protests, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian activism. The universities are also being asked to declare their adherence to what the administration calls "First Amendment-compatible campus policies." Failure to respond or comply could result in the suspension or withdrawal of federal research funding, the letter indicated, according to the reports. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-harvard-donald-trump-says-harvard-deal-is-close-university-will-pay-500-million-1759332943087/embed Trump administration is linking federal funds to university compliance Trump is reportedly leveraging billions of dollars in frozen research grants and federal investigations to compel ideological conformity on US campuses. Harvard had earlier refused his administration’s demands, resulting in a freeze of over $2.2 billion in research funding since April 2025. Also read: Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves A federal judge ruled in September that these funding cuts were unlawful and violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights and procedural due process. It called the cuts a "targeted, ideologically motivated assault" on academic freedom. The Trump administration plans to appeal the court ruling and continue enforcing the policies. Despite having the favourable court ruling, Harvard negotiated a settlement that could involve paying a fine of approximately $500 million to restore its frozen funds. Trump administration's assault on academic freedom in the US? Academics, Democrat politicians including former president Barack Obama, and organisations like the American Association of University Professors have condemned the White House actions, describing them as authoritarian overreach and a threat to academic freedom. Conservative supporters of the Trump agenda, meanwhile, argue that the measures combat bias and antisemitism and ensure ideological balance on campuses.

<p>Trump administration is reportedly pressuring top US universities to pledge alignment with the president's agenda, or lose funding. Harvard has already agreed to pay $500 million in fines. This is sparing debate on academic freedoms in the US campuses</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Pledge allegiance to Trump agenda, or else: White House ultimatum to US universities. Is academic freedom dying on American campuses?

<p>At least two people have died in Moroccan Gen Z protests, also dubbed "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising", in yet another flare-up of youth-led anger similar to movements in Nepal and Bangladesh. This is the most significant protest movement in Morocco since the 2011 February 20 movement linked to the Arab Spring, and the 2016–2017 Hirak Rif uprising. Who are the organisers of this protest? And what is the football link to this protest? Here is what you should know.</p><h2>Morocco Gen Z protest, launched by tech-savvy youth</h2><p>From September 27, protests erupted across at least 15 cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Tangier, mainly led by Moroccan youth born in the mid-1990s to early 2010s.&nbsp;</p><p>These young people are frustrated over economic hardship, regional inequalities, crumbling public services, and youth unemployment that has hit 35.8 percent.&nbsp;</p><p>They are also protesting alleged corruption under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s government.</p><h2>The death of pregnant women in a Morocco hospital that triggered protests</h2><p>Morocco is no stranger to protest movements. The immediate spark for the latest uprising came in mid-September, after eight pregnant women died in a public hospital in Agadir due to overcrowding, understaffing, and shortage of medical equipment. This tragedy exposed systemic failures in healthcare and highlighted the neglect of rural populations, particularly in the Agadir region. Morocco has only 7.7 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization's recommendation of 25. The ratio is even lower in Agadir, at 4.4. The women’s deaths have become a symbol of broader inequality.</p><h2>The football link: Anger over World Cup spending</h2><p>The Moroccan government’s multibillion-dollar investments in football infrastructure for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup drew sharp criticism from the youth. Protest slogans included "We want hospitals, not stadiums".&nbsp;</p><p>The massive spending on stadiums—over $5 billion by some estimates—is seen by many as a symbol of elite interests overtaking public needs.&nbsp;</p><p>Rural youth, in particular, feel excluded from national progress. This anger at the government’s priorities spilled into the streets, especially in regions still recovering from the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, which reportedly killed thousands and destroyed entire villages.</p><h2>GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice: Who are the digital-savvy organisers of the Morocco protest?&nbsp;</h2><p>Two faceless, youth-led digital collectives are at the forefront of the current uprising: GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice.&nbsp;</p><p>GenZ 212 is named after Rabat’s area code. It operates through online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Facebook. Initially, it promoted peaceful protests while rejecting political affiliations.&nbsp;</p><p>Morocco Youth Voice focuses on human rights and regional logistics, particularly emphasising women’s issues.&nbsp;</p><p>Both these groups reject traditional political leadership and operate as decentralised, leaderless movements. They have been using so-called “digital guerrilla tactics”, including AI-generated content and live-streamed events, to gather attention. In just a few days, the membership of GenZ 212 grew rapidly, with some posts reaching millions of views.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-gen-z-protests-heads-roll-from-nepal-to-indonesia-and-beyond-tiktok-generation-leads-change-in-politics-dominated-by-the-old-and-senile-1757401084536">When Gen Z protests, heads roll: From Nepal to Indonesia and beyond, TikTok generation leads change in politics dominated by the old and senile</a></p><h2>What is different about the 2025 Morocco protest?</h2><p>Earlier protests in Morocco were led by trade unions, leftist groups, or opposition parties. But the Gen Z protests of 2025 are a decentralised movement, whose main organisers are digitally native youth who mostly stayed anonymous. They are demanding healthcare reform, investment in education, a crackdown on corruption, and the redirection of World Cup funding toward essential public services.</p><p>While not explicitly anti-monarchy, the protests challenge entrenched systems of power, particularly the ‘Makhzen’, a collective term used to refer to Morocco’s traditional governing elite, including the monarchy, security apparatus, and business interests. The protesters have not directly targeted the king, yet the calls for transparency, dignity, and opportunity question the broader political and economic structure.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ladakh-s-gen-z-protests-urged-to-choose-dialogue-over-discord-in-land-of-lamas-peace-chants-1758806213531">Ladakh’s Gen Z protesters urged to choose dialogue over discord in Land of Lamas’ peace chants</a></p><h2>How the Morocco protests became violent</h2><p>The protests began peacefully in late September, but on Wedenesday (Oct 1), violence broke out in cities like Inezgane and Oujda. At least three protesters have been killed so far—two in Leqliaa (near Agadir), and one in Oujda. At least 263 security personnel and 23 civilians have been injured, and more than 400 people arrested, including minors. Trials are set to begin on October 7 for those detained on charges related to public disorder.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/morocco-protests-rallies-against-government-corruption-and-extortion-1759390539946/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/morocco-protests-rallies-against-government-corruption-and-extortion-1759390539946/embed</a></p><h2>What is the government doing about the Morocco protests?</h2><p>The government has praised the security response to the protests as “balanced” and promised reforms. However, human rights groups have alleged the use of excessive force and accused authorities of restricting freedom of expression. Critics argued that the government is evading accountability and suppressing legitimate dissent.</p><p>With parliamentary elections set for 2026, these protests signal a generational shift in Moroccan politics, with local grievances converging with the fast-growing wave of global Gen Z activism. With their voices amplified on social media and international solidarity growing, the unrest shows no sign of abating.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The 2025 Moroccan Gen Z protests, often referred to as the "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising," represent a significant wave of youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Morocco in recent months. Here is how it's different, and why it matters

At least two people have died in Moroccan Gen Z protests, also dubbed "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising", in yet another flare-up of youth-led anger similar to movements in Nepal and Bangladesh. This is the most significant protest movement in Morocco since the 2011 February 20 movement linked to the Arab Spring, and the 2016–2017 Hirak Rif uprising. Who are the organisers of this protest? And what is the football link to this protest? Here is what you should know. Morocco Gen Z protest, launched by tech-savvy youth From September 27, protests erupted across at least 15 cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Tangier, mainly led by Moroccan youth born in the mid-1990s to early 2010s. These young people are frustrated over economic hardship, regional inequalities, crumbling public services, and youth unemployment that has hit 35.8 percent. They are also protesting alleged corruption under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s government. The death of pregnant women in a Morocco hospital that triggered protests Morocco is no stranger to protest movements. The immediate spark for the latest uprising came in mid-September, after eight pregnant women died in a public hospital in Agadir due to overcrowding, understaffing, and shortage of medical equipment. This tragedy exposed systemic failures in healthcare and highlighted the neglect of rural populations, particularly in the Agadir region. Morocco has only 7.7 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization's recommendation of 25. The ratio is even lower in Agadir, at 4.4. The women’s deaths have become a symbol of broader inequality. The football link: Anger over World Cup spending The Moroccan government’s multibillion-dollar investments in football infrastructure for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup drew sharp criticism from the youth. Protest slogans included "We want hospitals, not stadiums". The massive spending on stadiums—over $5 billion by some estimates—is seen by many as a symbol of elite interests overtaking public needs. Rural youth, in particular, feel excluded from national progress. This anger at the government’s priorities spilled into the streets, especially in regions still recovering from the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, which reportedly killed thousands and destroyed entire villages. GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice: Who are the digital-savvy organisers of the Morocco protest? Two faceless, youth-led digital collectives are at the forefront of the current uprising: GenZ 212 and Morocco Youth Voice. GenZ 212 is named after Rabat’s area code. It operates through online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Facebook. Initially, it promoted peaceful protests while rejecting political affiliations. Morocco Youth Voice focuses on human rights and regional logistics, particularly emphasising women’s issues. Both these groups reject traditional political leadership and operate as decentralised, leaderless movements. They have been using so-called “digital guerrilla tactics”, including AI-generated content and live-streamed events, to gather attention. In just a few days, the membership of GenZ 212 grew rapidly, with some posts reaching millions of views. Also read: When Gen Z protests, heads roll: From Nepal to Indonesia and beyond, TikTok generation leads change in politics dominated by the old and senile What is different about the 2025 Morocco protest? Earlier protests in Morocco were led by trade unions, leftist groups, or opposition parties. But the Gen Z protests of 2025 are a decentralised movement, whose main organisers are digitally native youth who mostly stayed anonymous. They are demanding healthcare reform, investment in education, a crackdown on corruption, and the redirection of World Cup funding toward essential public services. While not explicitly anti-monarchy, the protests challenge entrenched systems of power, particularly the ‘Makhzen’, a collective term used to refer to Morocco’s traditional governing elite, including the monarchy, security apparatus, and business interests. The protesters have not directly targeted the king, yet the calls for transparency, dignity, and opportunity question the broader political and economic structure. Also read: Ladakh’s Gen Z protesters urged to choose dialogue over discord in Land of Lamas’ peace chants How the Morocco protests became violent The protests began peacefully in late September, but on Wedenesday (Oct 1), violence broke out in cities like Inezgane and Oujda. At least three protesters have been killed so far—two in Leqliaa (near Agadir), and one in Oujda. At least 263 security personnel and 23 civilians have been injured, and more than 400 people arrested, including minors. Trials are set to begin on October 7 for those detained on charges related to public disorder. https://www.wionews.com/videos/morocco-protests-rallies-against-government-corruption-and-extortion-1759390539946/embed What is the government doing about the Morocco protests? The government has praised the security response to the protests as “balanced” and promised reforms. However, human rights groups have alleged the use of excessive force and accused authorities of restricting freedom of expression. Critics argued that the government is evading accountability and suppressing legitimate dissent. With parliamentary elections set for 2026, these protests signal a generational shift in Moroccan politics, with local grievances converging with the fast-growing wave of global Gen Z activism. With their voices amplified on social media and international solidarity growing, the unrest shows no sign of abating.

<p>The 2025 Moroccan Gen Z protests, often referred to as the "GenZ212" or the "Gen Z Uprising," represent a significant wave of youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Morocco in recent months. Here is how it's different, and why it matters</p>

Morocco Gen Z protests kill 3: What's 'Gen Z 212' and the 'hospitals, not stadiums' football link to yet another youth-led movement?

<p>The Philippines was rocked by yet another earthquake on Wednesday (Oct 1), with at least 69 people killed in a magnitude 6.9 tremor centred near Bogo City in northern Cebu. The shallow nature of the quake, detected at a depth of around 5 to 10 kilometres, intensified the shaking felt across Central Visayas, injuring at least 150 people. A state of emergency is in place as search, rescue, and relief operations continue. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, infrastructure has suffered damage, and the power grid in parts of the Visayas region remains strained after 27 power plants tripped offline. Authorities have recorded at least 379 aftershocks following the main shock at least one of which was above magnitude 6. The Southeast Asian nation reportedly experiences an average of 60 seismic events of varying magnitudes every 24 hours. But why is the Philippines so prone to earthquakes and related damage to life and property?</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-atleast-60-dead-in-6-9-magnitude-earthquake-rescue-operations-ongoing-1759306815609/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-atleast-60-dead-in-6-9-magnitude-earthquake-rescue-operations-ongoing-1759306815609/embed</a></p><h2>Philippines ground shaking: A country in constant motion</h2><p>The Philippines is located along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000-kilometre horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean where 75 per cent of the world's earthquakes and 90 per cent of volcanoes occur. As a result, the country experiences intense seismic activity every year.</p><p>Geologically, the archipelago lies within the Philippine Mobile Belt—a tectonically complex region where the Philippine Sea Plate converges with the Eurasian Plate and the Sunda Plate. Subduction zones along the Manila Trench to the west and the Philippine Trench to the east are major sources of large, deep earthquakes and tsunamis. Meanwhile, on land, a number of active faults including the Philippine Fault Zone and the Marikina Valley Fault System generate shallow but destructive earthquakes near population centres.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/philippines-quake-kills-over-50-topples-historic-church-in-cebu-in-pics-1759299073687">Philippines quake kills over 50, topples historic church in Cebu | In Pics</a></p><h2>Philippines and earthquakes: What’s rumbling beneath the ground?&nbsp;</h2><p>The internal fault systems mentioned above pose significant risks. The Philippine Fault Zone alone stretches over 1,200 kilometres and is capable of producing magnitude 7 or higher earthquakes. In 1990, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Luzon, linked to this fault system, killed nearly 2,000 people. The 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake of magnitude 8.0 triggered a tsunami that killed more than 5,000 people.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to interplate quakes caused by tectonic collisions, the Philippines also experiences intraplate earthquakes—those occurring away from tectonic boundaries—due to stress accumulation in the crust. These can occur in areas that appear geologically stable, which means no region can be considered entirely safe.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-powerful-quakes-hit-philippines-within-minutes-people-dash-out-of-homes-1759256914867">Three powerful quakes hit Philippines within minutes, people dash out of homes</a></p><h2>Philippine earthquakes in numbers: 60 seismic events per day</h2><p>According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the country experiences an average of 20 to 30 detectable earthquakes each day. During periods of heightened activity or following a major tremor, this number can exceed 60 in a 24-hour period, especially when microquakes below magnitude 2.5 are included.</p><p>In total, roughly 15,000 to 20,000 earthquakes are recorded across the Philippines each year. Of these, about 100 to 200 are strong enough to be felt, while around 800 to 900 exceed magnitude 4.0. These figures vary depending on aftershock sequences, volcanic activity, and detection thresholds.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-people-buried-under-rubble-philippines-quake-death-toll-rises-to-26-over-147-injured-rescuers-search-for-survivors-1759279794615">‘People buried under rubble’: Philippines quake death toll rises to 26, over 147 injured; rescuers search for survivors</a></p><h2>No region is safe: How quake risk affects nearly all regions of Philippines</h2><p>Almost every part of the Philippine archipelago is exposed to some level of earthquake risk. While areas such as parts of Palawan are considered relatively stable, much of the country lies near active faults or subduction zones.</p><p>Major urban areas, including Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City, are built near major faults. This increases the potential for devastating impacts when a strong earthquake occurs. Secondary hazards such as tsunamis, landslides, liquefaction, and fires further increase the risks—especially for densely populated, low-lying, and coastal areas.</p>

The Philippines, which was hit by yet another quake on Wednesday,  faces up to 60 seismic events of varying magnitude every day. Tectonic location, active faults and dense population drive constant earthquake risk for the Southeast Asian archepalago.

The Philippines was rocked by yet another earthquake on Wednesday (Oct 1), with at least 69 people killed in a magnitude 6.9 tremor centred near Bogo City in northern Cebu. The shallow nature of the quake, detected at a depth of around 5 to 10 kilometres, intensified the shaking felt across Central Visayas, injuring at least 150 people. A state of emergency is in place as search, rescue, and relief operations continue. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, infrastructure has suffered damage, and the power grid in parts of the Visayas region remains strained after 27 power plants tripped offline. Authorities have recorded at least 379 aftershocks following the main shock at least one of which was above magnitude 6. The Southeast Asian nation reportedly experiences an average of 60 seismic events of varying magnitudes every 24 hours. But why is the Philippines so prone to earthquakes and related damage to life and property? https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-atleast-60-dead-in-6-9-magnitude-earthquake-rescue-operations-ongoing-1759306815609/embed Philippines ground shaking: A country in constant motion The Philippines is located along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000-kilometre horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean where 75 per cent of the world's earthquakes and 90 per cent of volcanoes occur. As a result, the country experiences intense seismic activity every year. Geologically, the archipelago lies within the Philippine Mobile Belt—a tectonically complex region where the Philippine Sea Plate converges with the Eurasian Plate and the Sunda Plate. Subduction zones along the Manila Trench to the west and the Philippine Trench to the east are major sources of large, deep earthquakes and tsunamis. Meanwhile, on land, a number of active faults including the Philippine Fault Zone and the Marikina Valley Fault System generate shallow but destructive earthquakes near population centres. Also read: Philippines quake kills over 50, topples historic church in Cebu | In Pics Philippines and earthquakes: What’s rumbling beneath the ground? The internal fault systems mentioned above pose significant risks. The Philippine Fault Zone alone stretches over 1,200 kilometres and is capable of producing magnitude 7 or higher earthquakes. In 1990, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Luzon, linked to this fault system, killed nearly 2,000 people. The 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake of magnitude 8.0 triggered a tsunami that killed more than 5,000 people. In addition to interplate quakes caused by tectonic collisions, the Philippines also experiences intraplate earthquakes—those occurring away from tectonic boundaries—due to stress accumulation in the crust. These can occur in areas that appear geologically stable, which means no region can be considered entirely safe. Also read: Three powerful quakes hit Philippines within minutes, people dash out of homes Philippine earthquakes in numbers: 60 seismic events per day According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the country experiences an average of 20 to 30 detectable earthquakes each day. During periods of heightened activity or following a major tremor, this number can exceed 60 in a 24-hour period, especially when microquakes below magnitude 2.5 are included. In total, roughly 15,000 to 20,000 earthquakes are recorded across the Philippines each year. Of these, about 100 to 200 are strong enough to be felt, while around 800 to 900 exceed magnitude 4.0. These figures vary depending on aftershock sequences, volcanic activity, and detection thresholds. Also read: ‘People buried under rubble’: Philippines quake death toll rises to 26, over 147 injured; rescuers search for survivors No region is safe: How quake risk affects nearly all regions of Philippines Almost every part of the Philippine archipelago is exposed to some level of earthquake risk. While areas such as parts of Palawan are considered relatively stable, much of the country lies near active faults or subduction zones. Major urban areas, including Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City, are built near major faults. This increases the potential for devastating impacts when a strong earthquake occurs. Secondary hazards such as tsunamis, landslides, liquefaction, and fires further increase the risks—especially for densely populated, low-lying, and coastal areas.

<p>The Philippines, which was hit by yet another quake on Wednesday, &nbsp;faces up to 60 seismic events of varying magnitude every day. Tectonic location, active faults and dense population drive constant earthquake risk for the Southeast Asian archepalago.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Philippines earthquake: With 60 seismic events a day, why is the Asian nation prone to so much shaking?

<p>US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed some 800 senior military generals at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia on Tuesday (Sep 30), which was shocking to many, and encouraging for others, depending on their political leanings. The unprecedented gathering was held after calling officers from global posts at short notice at a cost of thousands of dollars in travel expenses. Declaring war on ‘fat generals’, Hegseth slammed "woke" policies, diversity initiatives, and announced new directives like bi-annual fitness tests, tighter grooming standards (no beards), and a return to "male-level" physical requirements for combat roles. Both Trump and Hegseth urged dissenters to resign. Trump, who spoke for 70 minutes after Hegseth, said the US is in a war from within, and asked the military to use cities like Chicago and Portland as the military's “training grounds”, while praising his own deployment orders for the National Guard in several cities. The audience, which had mostly battle-hardened generals, was largely silent, with muted applause, as it adhered to military nonpartisanship. But reactions from mainly US veterans and military observers were far from muted. The opinions were polarised. Some conservative veterans praised the return to "warfighting ethos", while critics, mostly Democrats or moderate politicians—condemned the lectures as politicisation, unconstitutional, and erosive to morale. Here is a breakdown.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-donald-trump-to-attend-rare-military-gathering-at-quantico-base-in-virginia-1759166437921/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-donald-trump-to-attend-rare-military-gathering-at-quantico-base-in-virginia-1759166437921/embed</a></p><h2>Who praised Trump and Hegseth?</h2><p>Buzz Patterson, a US Air Force veteran and bestselling author, praised the duo for reclaiming the military from radical causes and erosion from diversity initiatives. He said it’s time for America to reclaim its military, whose core role is to win wars.</p><p>Chip Roy, a Congressman, supported Hegseth's warfighting focus, saying that the days of ‘woke social engineering’ of the Defence Department are over, adding, "If it’s good enough for the Founding Fathers, it’s good enough for me."</p><p>Ruben Rod, an Air Force veteran, shared on social media "PREPARE FOR WAR... PRESIDENT TRUMP &amp; GENERAL PATTON," framing Hegseth as George S Patton, the legendary US general during World War II.</p><p>Many pro-Trump military veterans mostly praised the speeches for ending politically correct leadership and focusing on war-readiness.</p><h2>How the military veterans turned politicians criticised Trump and Hegseth</h2><p>While some anonymous active-duty officers and retired generals did criticise, what’s publicly known are reactions from veteran-turned-politicians. Several of them slammed the perceived politicisation of the military and warned against deploying the troops domestically.</p><p>Representative Pat Ryan, an Iraq War veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, said that deploying troops against US citizens in American cities isn’t just unprecedented and unconstitutional but also 'un-American'.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-two-n-words-you-can-t-use-trump-lectures-not-to-throw-around-nuclear-word-but-warns-russia-of-us-submarines-1759240065127">‘Two N-words you can’t use’: Trump lectures not to ‘throw around’ nuclear word but warns Russia of US submarines</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego, an Iraq War Marine veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, asked, “We flew every general from across the world for this?” Slamming the fitness mandates and threats to resign or conform, he said, "This is not leadership; it's a stunt."</p><p>Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iran War veteran who lost her legs in combat, said she was worried about what Hegseth's remarks would mean for the future of the US military. The Senate Armed Services member said the domestic focus "erodes trust and readiness," while demanding Pentagon cost details for the events.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-you-don-t-like-what-i-m-saying-leave-the-room-trump-tells-military-officers-to-quit-if-they-dislike-his-address-says-there-goes-your-rank-1759241574525">‘If you don’t like what I’m saying, leave the room’: Trump tells military officers to quit if they dislike his address, says 'there goes your rank'</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mark Hertling, former CENTCOM commander, while speaking to CNN, called the speeches "shocking and offensive", adding "this is not how you lead professionals... It's an insult to the oath we swore to the Constitution, not a person."</p><p>Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, speaking to Politico, said, "Could have been an email", comparing the speeches more akin to ‘a campaign rally than command guidance.’</p><p>A report in The Washington Post, citing active-duty sources, said that the reactions were mixed, with some 'furious or exasperated'. The report noted the general silence from active-duty officers is from pressure to avoid reacting to overtly political comments.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-a-bad-look-hegseth-slams-fat-generals-vows-to-end-racial-gender-diversity-in-military-1759244549847">‘It’s a bad look’: Hegseth shames ‘fat generals’, vows to end racial, gender diversity in US military</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Paul Eaton, a retired Iraq US Army trainer, was quoted in Reuters as saying that Hegseth's ultimatum to 'conform or resign' is "profoundly dangerous" and signals that “partisan loyalty matters more than service to the Constitution."</p>

Trump and Defence Secretary Hegseth’s Quantico speeches were praised by conservatives and criticised by some veterans and politicians for politicising the military, damaging morale and constitutional principles amid calls to deploy troops domestically. Here is a breakdown



US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed some 800 senior military generals at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia on Tuesday (Sep 30), which was shocking to many, and encouraging for others, depending on their political leanings. The unprecedented gathering was held after calling officers from global posts at short notice at a cost of thousands of dollars in travel expenses. Declaring war on ‘fat generals’, Hegseth slammed "woke" policies, diversity initiatives, and announced new directives like bi-annual fitness tests, tighter grooming standards (no beards), and a return to "male-level" physical requirements for combat roles. Both Trump and Hegseth urged dissenters to resign. Trump, who spoke for 70 minutes after Hegseth, said the US is in a war from within, and asked the military to use cities like Chicago and Portland as the military's “training grounds”, while praising his own deployment orders for the National Guard in several cities. The audience, which had mostly battle-hardened generals, was largely silent, with muted applause, as it adhered to military nonpartisanship. But reactions from mainly US veterans and military observers were far from muted. The opinions were polarised. Some conservative veterans praised the return to "warfighting ethos", while critics, mostly Democrats or moderate politicians—condemned the lectures as politicisation, unconstitutional, and erosive to morale. Here is a breakdown. https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-donald-trump-to-attend-rare-military-gathering-at-quantico-base-in-virginia-1759166437921/embed Who praised Trump and Hegseth? Buzz Patterson, a US Air Force veteran and bestselling author, praised the duo for reclaiming the military from radical causes and erosion from diversity initiatives. He said it’s time for America to reclaim its military, whose core role is to win wars. Chip Roy, a Congressman, supported Hegseth's warfighting focus, saying that the days of ‘woke social engineering’ of the Defence Department are over, adding, "If it’s good enough for the Founding Fathers, it’s good enough for me." Ruben Rod, an Air Force veteran, shared on social media "PREPARE FOR WAR... PRESIDENT TRUMP & GENERAL PATTON," framing Hegseth as George S Patton, the legendary US general during World War II. Many pro-Trump military veterans mostly praised the speeches for ending politically correct leadership and focusing on war-readiness. How the military veterans turned politicians criticised Trump and Hegseth While some anonymous active-duty officers and retired generals did criticise, what’s publicly known are reactions from veteran-turned-politicians. Several of them slammed the perceived politicisation of the military and warned against deploying the troops domestically. Representative Pat Ryan, an Iraq War veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, said that deploying troops against US citizens in American cities isn’t just unprecedented and unconstitutional but also 'un-American'. Also read: ‘Two N-words you can’t use’: Trump lectures not to ‘throw around’ nuclear word but warns Russia of US submarines Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego, an Iraq War Marine veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, asked, “We flew every general from across the world for this?” Slamming the fitness mandates and threats to resign or conform, he said, "This is not leadership; it's a stunt." Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iran War veteran who lost her legs in combat, said she was worried about what Hegseth's remarks would mean for the future of the US military. The Senate Armed Services member said the domestic focus "erodes trust and readiness," while demanding Pentagon cost details for the events. Also read: ‘If you don’t like what I’m saying, leave the room’: Trump tells military officers to quit if they dislike his address, says 'there goes your rank' Mark Hertling, former CENTCOM commander, while speaking to CNN, called the speeches "shocking and offensive", adding "this is not how you lead professionals... It's an insult to the oath we swore to the Constitution, not a person." Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, speaking to Politico, said, "Could have been an email", comparing the speeches more akin to ‘a campaign rally than command guidance.’ A report in The Washington Post, citing active-duty sources, said that the reactions were mixed, with some 'furious or exasperated'. The report noted the general silence from active-duty officers is from pressure to avoid reacting to overtly political comments. Also read: ‘It’s a bad look’: Hegseth shames ‘fat generals’, vows to end racial, gender diversity in US military Paul Eaton, a retired Iraq US Army trainer, was quoted in Reuters as saying that Hegseth's ultimatum to 'conform or resign' is "profoundly dangerous" and signals that “partisan loyalty matters more than service to the Constitution."

<p>Trump and Defence Secretary Hegseth’s Quantico speeches were praised by conservatives and criticised by some veterans and politicians for politicising the military, damaging morale and constitutional principles amid calls to deploy troops domestically. Here is a breakdown</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Did Trump cross a line with Quantico hectoring? From 'unconstitutional', 'moral erosion' to ‘great move’, how veterans reacted

<p>From Tuesday (Sep 30), accessing porn sites in yet another US state will become harder, hitting the multi-billion-dollar American adult entertainment industry. Ohio’s age verification law takes effect on Tuesday, even as at least 21 of the 50 US states have enforced laws requiring adult websites to verify that users are 18 or older in order to access the sites. These porn blockades have led to significant changes in how adult sites operate. Millions of Americans will essentially stop accessing these sites as they will have to provide identifiable personal information to prove their age.</p><h2>America's porn crackdown</h2><p>For decades, pornography in America hid behind the freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution. But the crackdown intensified starting in 2022, when Louisiana became the first state to require age verification for sexually explicit websites like Pornhub. The Supreme Court upheld Texas’s HB 1181 in a landmark 6–3 ruling on June 27 this year, ruling that such laws do not violate the First Amendment as long as they merely require adults to verify their age before accessing content deemed “harmful to minors.”</p><p>Emboldened by the Supreme Court’s stamp of approval, lawmakers across the country swung to action. Now, at least 25 states have passed some form of age verification legislation, and 12 more are mulling similar bills. Platforms have been forced to use government-issued ID checks such as driver’s licences and Social Security cards, facial recognition, or bank transaction data to ensure that only adults access porn sites.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/choking-in-porn-to-be-banned-in-the-uk-heres-why-9031957">Choking in porn could be banned in the UK. Here's why</a></p><h2>How are the US porn platforms reacting to the blockades?</h2><p>Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, has entirely blocked access to the world’s largest porn site in 21 states, citing privacy concerns for users and what it called “unworkable enforcement schemes.” Users in these states now see error pages instead of content, though verified creators in those states can still upload content.</p><p>OnlyFans, the user-generated content platform, and some smaller platforms have opted to comply by using third-party age verification services such as Yoti, which uses facial estimation technology.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctored-image-of-giorgia-meloni-on-porn-site-sparks-outrage-in-italy-sickening-details-emerge-1756396723406">Doctored image of Giorgia Meloni on porn site sparks outrage in Italy. Sickening details emerge</a></p><h2>How are the users trying to dodge the porn blockade?</h2><p>VPN usage has reportedly exploded in states with active bans, with Florida alone seeing a 1,150 per cent surge in VPN traffic after its law took effect in January. A study from NYU found that searches for VPNs rose 23 per cent in restricted states, with users often rerouting their connections through less restrictive areas like New York to bypass the blocks.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-did-the-government-ban-soft-porn-ott-apps-websites-list-1753435037461">Why did the government ban 'soft-porn' OTT apps, websites? List</a></p><h2>Protecting minors vs curbing civil liberties: The legal arguments on porn blockades</h2><p>The ostensible reason for the blockade is protecting children, but critics, including civil liberty and sex worker advocacy groups, warn that these laws could drive users toward more dangerous, unregulated platforms. The block has started a debate on surveillance, privacy, and potential data breaches stemming from ID verification systems.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/porn-age-verification-is-coming-but-can-it-protect-your-privacy-1752774112491">Porn age verification is coming. But can it protect your privacy?</a></p><h2>How the porn industry is hit by the blockade</h2><p>Pornhub reportedly saw an 80 per cent drop in traffic in Louisiana after the state enacted its law, translating into millions in lost advertising revenue. Industry experts estimate that age-verification laws could cost adult platforms over $500 million annually if current enforcement continues. The US online adult entertainment revenue could drop by 10–15 per cent in 2025 alone, a loss of up to $450 million, according to estimates.</p><p>Several independent adult content creators have seen subscriber losses and declining visibility. Their income in blocked states has dropped 20 per cent or more. With roughly 100,000 adult content creators estimated to operate in affected states, the economic ripple effects could be wide-ranging.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sexual-pleasure-a-gift-from-god-but-avoid-porn-says-pope-francis-681192/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sexual-pleasure-a-gift-from-god-but-avoid-porn-says-pope-francis-681192/embed</a></p><h2>A boon for the age verification tech industry</h2><p>The global market for age verification tools reached $2.22 billion in 2025 and is expected to more than double by 2033. But for adult entertainment platforms, the cost of compliance is high, with each verification possibly costing up to 50 cents, adding up to tens of millions in new operational costs for high-traffic sites.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-to-enforce-age-verification-checks-for-porn-access-from-next-week-but-there-is-a-problem-adult-content-rules-online-safety-act-1752755234257">Age verification for porn site access is coming to 14 million UK users next week. But there is a problem...</a></p><h2>What happens next in the porn sites vs age verification battle?</h2><p>One aspect everyone is watching closely is federal legislation that would ensure unified standards. There are already lawsuits challenging age verification laws in states like Florida and Kansas, and ongoing legal battles could clarify enforcement by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the industry continues to face disruption and uncertainty as access becomes increasingly restricted across the country.<br>&nbsp;</p>

From September 30, accessing porn sites becomes harder in over 20 US states due to new age verification laws. It's hitting website traffic, creators' income, and the adult industry's revenues.


From Tuesday (Sep 30), accessing porn sites in yet another US state will become harder, hitting the multi-billion-dollar American adult entertainment industry. Ohio’s age verification law takes effect on Tuesday, even as at least 21 of the 50 US states have enforced laws requiring adult websites to verify that users are 18 or older in order to access the sites. These porn blockades have led to significant changes in how adult sites operate. Millions of Americans will essentially stop accessing these sites as they will have to provide identifiable personal information to prove their age. America's porn crackdown For decades, pornography in America hid behind the freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution. But the crackdown intensified starting in 2022, when Louisiana became the first state to require age verification for sexually explicit websites like Pornhub. The Supreme Court upheld Texas’s HB 1181 in a landmark 6–3 ruling on June 27 this year, ruling that such laws do not violate the First Amendment as long as they merely require adults to verify their age before accessing content deemed “harmful to minors.” Emboldened by the Supreme Court’s stamp of approval, lawmakers across the country swung to action. Now, at least 25 states have passed some form of age verification legislation, and 12 more are mulling similar bills. Platforms have been forced to use government-issued ID checks such as driver’s licences and Social Security cards, facial recognition, or bank transaction data to ensure that only adults access porn sites. Also read: Choking in porn could be banned in the UK. Here's why How are the US porn platforms reacting to the blockades? Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, has entirely blocked access to the world’s largest porn site in 21 states, citing privacy concerns for users and what it called “unworkable enforcement schemes.” Users in these states now see error pages instead of content, though verified creators in those states can still upload content. OnlyFans, the user-generated content platform, and some smaller platforms have opted to comply by using third-party age verification services such as Yoti, which uses facial estimation technology. Also read: Doctored image of Giorgia Meloni on porn site sparks outrage in Italy. Sickening details emerge How are the users trying to dodge the porn blockade? VPN usage has reportedly exploded in states with active bans, with Florida alone seeing a 1,150 per cent surge in VPN traffic after its law took effect in January. A study from NYU found that searches for VPNs rose 23 per cent in restricted states, with users often rerouting their connections through less restrictive areas like New York to bypass the blocks. Also read: Why did the government ban 'soft-porn' OTT apps, websites? List Protecting minors vs curbing civil liberties: The legal arguments on porn blockades The ostensible reason for the blockade is protecting children, but critics, including civil liberty and sex worker advocacy groups, warn that these laws could drive users toward more dangerous, unregulated platforms. The block has started a debate on surveillance, privacy, and potential data breaches stemming from ID verification systems. Also read: Porn age verification is coming. But can it protect your privacy? How the porn industry is hit by the blockade Pornhub reportedly saw an 80 per cent drop in traffic in Louisiana after the state enacted its law, translating into millions in lost advertising revenue. Industry experts estimate that age-verification laws could cost adult platforms over $500 million annually if current enforcement continues. The US online adult entertainment revenue could drop by 10–15 per cent in 2025 alone, a loss of up to $450 million, according to estimates. Several independent adult content creators have seen subscriber losses and declining visibility. Their income in blocked states has dropped 20 per cent or more. With roughly 100,000 adult content creators estimated to operate in affected states, the economic ripple effects could be wide-ranging. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sexual-pleasure-a-gift-from-god-but-avoid-porn-says-pope-francis-681192/embed A boon for the age verification tech industry The global market for age verification tools reached $2.22 billion in 2025 and is expected to more than double by 2033. But for adult entertainment platforms, the cost of compliance is high, with each verification possibly costing up to 50 cents, adding up to tens of millions in new operational costs for high-traffic sites. Also read: Age verification for porn site access is coming to 14 million UK users next week. But there is a problem... What happens next in the porn sites vs age verification battle? One aspect everyone is watching closely is federal legislation that would ensure unified standards. There are already lawsuits challenging age verification laws in states like Florida and Kansas, and ongoing legal battles could clarify enforcement by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the industry continues to face disruption and uncertainty as access becomes increasingly restricted across the country.

<p>From September 30, accessing porn sites becomes harder in over 20 US states due to new age verification laws. It's hitting website traffic, creators' income, and the adult industry's revenues.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Porn blocked: Multi-billion dollar US adult entertainment industry faces moment of reckoning as more states introduce age verification

<p>On September 18, US President Donald Trump declared he wanted to “get back” Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, citing its proximity to China’s nuclear facilities in Xinjiang. Speaking at a joint press appearance with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, Trump said, “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” and wrote on social media that not reclaiming the base would lead to “BAD THINGS.” He also accused his predecessor, Joe Biden of having surrendered the base “for nothing” during the 2021 withdrawal. However, many analysts and observers argue that the nuclear argument may be a smokescreen. Trump’s comments have revived suspicions that his real interest lies in Afghanistan’s vast, untapped mineral wealth. Social media platforms and geopolitical commentators have pointed out that the “one hour away” claim is exaggerated—the actual flight time from Bagram to Xinjiang is closer to two hours. They note that China is already making significant inroads into Afghanistan’s mining sector through Belt and Road initiatives and direct deals with the Taliban. So what could really be on Trump's mind?</p><h2>Afghanistan’s enormous mineral wealth</h2><p>Afghanistan is home to vast deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, rare earth elements, copper, and iron. These are essential to powering modern electronic devices, electric vehicles, and military technologies. A 2007 US Geological Survey (USGS) report estimated that Afghanistan's nonfuel mineral resources could be worth at least $1 trillion. The Afghan government has previously claimed that the figure could be as high as $3 trillion.</p><p>Among the most prominent sites are the Hajigak iron ore deposit and the Mes Aynak copper deposit in Logar province, which holds millions of tonnes of copper. Lithium and rare earths are also present in significant quantities, to the extent that an internal US Department of Defense memo once described Afghanistan as potentially becoming the “Saudi Arabia of lithium.”</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bagram-base-issue-to-cast-a-shadow-on-trump-talks-1758555329037/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bagram-base-issue-to-cast-a-shadow-on-trump-talks-1758555329037/embed</a></p><h2>What has the US done to access Afghan minerals?</h2><p>Over the years, US agencies including the USGS, USAID, and the Department of Defense invested in geological surveys, mapping, data collection, and legal frameworks to enable mining operations. These efforts spanned both pre-Taliban and Taliban governments. In recent years, even under Taliban rule, contracts worth billions of dollars have reportedly been signed for resources such as iron, gold, lead, and zinc.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-release-us-citizen-after-visit-by-hostage-envoy-qatari-mediation-1759083956142">Taliban release US citizen after visit by hostage envoy, Qatari mediation</a></p><h2>The strategic value of Bagram Air Base</h2><p>Bagram Air Base was a central hub for US operations from its 2001 invasion until the August 2021 withdrawal. It featured long runways, hardened infrastructure, and logistical capability that made it one of the most significant military installations in the region. Its location offers a vantage point not only into Afghanistan but also neighbouring countries like China, Pakistan, and the broader Central Asian region.</p><p>While Trump’s public focus has been on countering China’s nuclear threat, there is growing speculation that regaining Bagram could serve as a launchpad to secure access to Afghanistan’s mineral wealth. This aligns with Trump’s past rhetoric—he has previously suggested that Afghanistan’s natural resources could help offset the costs of America’s military involvement there. Some compare this thinking to his controversial remarks about “buying” Greenland or exploiting Ukraine’s assets.</p><h2>Is a US return to Afghanistan even feasible?</h2><p>Despite the Trump rhetoric, a full-scale American return to Bagram—or any military re-entry into Afghanistan—faces serious challenges. The Taliban firmly rejected any possibility of foreign military bases under current arrangements, citing sovereignty and territorial integrity. China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan issued a joint statement opposing any foreign military presence in Afghanistan, raising the risk of significant regional backlash.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-afghanistan-rulers-taliban-hand-back-bagram-airbase-or-bad-things-are-going-to-happen-1758418119901">Trump warns Taliban: Hand back Bagram airbase or 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN'</a></p><p>Experts argue that retaking and reactivating Bagram would require tens of thousands of troops and billions of dollars in reconstruction. Many consider such a move politically untenable and militarily unsustainable. Even under more favourable conditions, Afghanistan’s terrain, persistent insecurity, and infrastructure deficits have repeatedly stalled mining projects. For example, the Mes Aynak copper project has seen years of delay, reportedly due to security issues, archaeological concerns, and logistical barriers.</p><p>Also, much of the estimated $1–3 trillion in mineral wealth remains unproven or economically unexploitable. Estimates are based on geological potential, not on confirmed reserves or commercially viable extraction plans.</p><p>Also read: <a href="">Taliban issues first response on Trump's Bagram base takeover claims: 'Afghanistan won't give up an inch...'</a></p><h2>What’s next for Trump and the US in Afghanistan?</h2><p>In the short term, we can expect Trump to continue ramping up rhetoric about Bagram and Afghanistan, potentially criticising both the Taliban and the Biden administration. This could lay the groundwork for a more aggressive policy stance. Whether this will translate into actual military re-engagement remains unclear, but many analysts see the framing of Bagram as a convenient pretext—strategically couched in national security language, but economically motivated by the lure of critical minerals.</p><p>In the current context of US-China rivalry, control over rare earths and lithium is becoming a geopolitical priority. Whether through diplomacy, covert deals, or military pressure, Afghanistan’s natural resources are likely to remain central to any renewed American interest in the region. But re-entering Afghanistan militarily, especially through Bagram, would be an enormous and risky undertaking—with no guarantee of success.</p>

Trump’s push to reclaim Bagram Air Base is stirring speculation that his real aim is to access  Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth, not China’s nukes. With $1–3 trillion in untapped critical minerals at stake, Bagram may be a strategic excuse for the US re-entry. 



On September 18, US President Donald Trump declared he wanted to “get back” Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, citing its proximity to China’s nuclear facilities in Xinjiang. Speaking at a joint press appearance with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, Trump said, “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” and wrote on social media that not reclaiming the base would lead to “BAD THINGS.” He also accused his predecessor, Joe Biden of having surrendered the base “for nothing” during the 2021 withdrawal. However, many analysts and observers argue that the nuclear argument may be a smokescreen. Trump’s comments have revived suspicions that his real interest lies in Afghanistan’s vast, untapped mineral wealth. Social media platforms and geopolitical commentators have pointed out that the “one hour away” claim is exaggerated—the actual flight time from Bagram to Xinjiang is closer to two hours. They note that China is already making significant inroads into Afghanistan’s mining sector through Belt and Road initiatives and direct deals with the Taliban. So what could really be on Trump's mind? Afghanistan’s enormous mineral wealth Afghanistan is home to vast deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, rare earth elements, copper, and iron. These are essential to powering modern electronic devices, electric vehicles, and military technologies. A 2007 US Geological Survey (USGS) report estimated that Afghanistan's nonfuel mineral resources could be worth at least $1 trillion. The Afghan government has previously claimed that the figure could be as high as $3 trillion. Among the most prominent sites are the Hajigak iron ore deposit and the Mes Aynak copper deposit in Logar province, which holds millions of tonnes of copper. Lithium and rare earths are also present in significant quantities, to the extent that an internal US Department of Defense memo once described Afghanistan as potentially becoming the “Saudi Arabia of lithium.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/bagram-base-issue-to-cast-a-shadow-on-trump-talks-1758555329037/embed What has the US done to access Afghan minerals? Over the years, US agencies including the USGS, USAID, and the Department of Defense invested in geological surveys, mapping, data collection, and legal frameworks to enable mining operations. These efforts spanned both pre-Taliban and Taliban governments. In recent years, even under Taliban rule, contracts worth billions of dollars have reportedly been signed for resources such as iron, gold, lead, and zinc. Also read: Taliban release US citizen after visit by hostage envoy, Qatari mediation The strategic value of Bagram Air Base Bagram Air Base was a central hub for US operations from its 2001 invasion until the August 2021 withdrawal. It featured long runways, hardened infrastructure, and logistical capability that made it one of the most significant military installations in the region. Its location offers a vantage point not only into Afghanistan but also neighbouring countries like China, Pakistan, and the broader Central Asian region. While Trump’s public focus has been on countering China’s nuclear threat, there is growing speculation that regaining Bagram could serve as a launchpad to secure access to Afghanistan’s mineral wealth. This aligns with Trump’s past rhetoric—he has previously suggested that Afghanistan’s natural resources could help offset the costs of America’s military involvement there. Some compare this thinking to his controversial remarks about “buying” Greenland or exploiting Ukraine’s assets. Is a US return to Afghanistan even feasible? Despite the Trump rhetoric, a full-scale American return to Bagram—or any military re-entry into Afghanistan—faces serious challenges. The Taliban firmly rejected any possibility of foreign military bases under current arrangements, citing sovereignty and territorial integrity. China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan issued a joint statement opposing any foreign military presence in Afghanistan, raising the risk of significant regional backlash. Also read: Trump warns Taliban: Hand back Bagram airbase or 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN' Experts argue that retaking and reactivating Bagram would require tens of thousands of troops and billions of dollars in reconstruction. Many consider such a move politically untenable and militarily unsustainable. Even under more favourable conditions, Afghanistan’s terrain, persistent insecurity, and infrastructure deficits have repeatedly stalled mining projects. For example, the Mes Aynak copper project has seen years of delay, reportedly due to security issues, archaeological concerns, and logistical barriers. Also, much of the estimated $1–3 trillion in mineral wealth remains unproven or economically unexploitable. Estimates are based on geological potential, not on confirmed reserves or commercially viable extraction plans. Also read: Taliban issues first response on Trump's Bagram base takeover claims: 'Afghanistan won't give up an inch...' What’s next for Trump and the US in Afghanistan? In the short term, we can expect Trump to continue ramping up rhetoric about Bagram and Afghanistan, potentially criticising both the Taliban and the Biden administration. This could lay the groundwork for a more aggressive policy stance. Whether this will translate into actual military re-engagement remains unclear, but many analysts see the framing of Bagram as a convenient pretext—strategically couched in national security language, but economically motivated by the lure of critical minerals. In the current context of US-China rivalry, control over rare earths and lithium is becoming a geopolitical priority. Whether through diplomacy, covert deals, or military pressure, Afghanistan’s natural resources are likely to remain central to any renewed American interest in the region. But re-entering Afghanistan militarily, especially through Bagram, would be an enormous and risky undertaking—with no guarantee of success.

<p>Trump’s push to reclaim Bagram Air Base is stirring speculation that his real aim is to access &nbsp;Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth, not China’s nukes. With $1–3 trillion in untapped critical minerals at stake, Bagram may be a strategic excuse for the US re-entry.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Is Trump using Bagram air base as an excuse for US to re-invade Afghanistan? Real story may be in trillions of dollars' worth of minerals, not China

<p>From Tuesday (Sep 30) some 100,000 federal workers are set to exit in what is being called the largest mass resignation in American government history. By the end of the year, this number is projected to reach 300,000, making it the most significant single-year reduction in the civilian federal workforce since World War II. By comparison, around 100,000 civilian jobs were cut between 1945 and 1946. During the 1990s, the Clinton administration's “reinventing government” initiative eliminated some 250,000 positions, but that process took five years. The current wave of exits is occurring within just one calendar year under the direction of President Donald Trump.</p><p>A potential government shutdown looms on 30 September. Agencies have been ordered to prepare for additional layoffs, particularly targeting non-essential roles. Here is what you should know:</p><h2>How is the mass exodus being made possible by the Trump administration?</h2><p>This wave of resignations is not driven by recession but by direct executive action from the Trump administration. The approach was upheld by the United States Supreme Court, even though it bypassed several long-standing protections for federal employees. Supporters describe the effort as a necessary reset or efficiency reform, while critics call it a destabilising and potentially unlawful dismantling of the civil service.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shutdown-looms-as-republicans-slam-democrats-ahead-of-crucial-white-house-meeting-with-trump-1759088779470">Shutdown looms as Republicans slam Democrats ahead of crucial White House meeting with Trump</a></p><h2>How is the mass resignation happening?</h2><p>The reduction includes a combination of voluntary resignations, early retirements, buyouts, and forced layoffs. The military and postal service are not affected. The civilian federal workforce is expected to shrink from approximately 2.3 million employees in late 2024 to about 2.1 million by the end of September 2025. By the end of the year, over 12 per cent of the workforce will have exited.</p><h2>What is the Deferred Resignation Programme (DRP)?</h2><p>The Deferred Resignation Programme, or DRP, was launched on 28 January through an email from the Office of Personnel Management titled “Fork in the Road”. It followed an executive order signed the same day by President Trump that eliminated key civil service protections.</p><p>The DRP offered nearly all civilian federal employees the option to resign by 6 February in exchange for full pay and benefits through 30 September, without performing any duties during that period. By July, over 154,000 employees accepted. Another 100,000 were set to formally separate on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of the programme.</p><p>The DRP is expected to cost 14.8 billion dollars in 2025. However, the administration projects 28 billion dollars in annual savings through reduced payroll and operational costs in the future.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-pete-hegseth-calls-rare-urgent-meeting-of-all-generals-no-one-knows-why-1758813667064">US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth calls rare, urgent meeting of all Generals - No one knows why</a></p><h2>Hiring freeze and agency closures ordered by DOGE</h2><p>The DRP was accompanied by a government-wide hiring freeze and the closure or downsizing of several federal agencies, including the USAID, or United States Agency for International Development. These measures were implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a newly established agency led by Elon Musk. DOGE also enforced widespread reductions-in-force across multiple departments.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-rejects-stopgap-bill-as-government-shutdown-looms-1758344727225/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-rejects-stopgap-bill-as-government-shutdown-looms-1758344727225/embed</a></p><h2>Legal challenges to the mass exit failed</h2><p>The American Federation of Government Employees and other groups filed lawsuits against the DRP, claiming it violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Anti-Deficiency Act. However, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the programme in an 8 to 1 ruling on 8 July.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-to-federal-workers-if-the-government-shuts-down-white-house-plans-a-strategy-1758796522465">What happens to federal workers if the government shuts down? White House plans a strategy</a></p><h2>Why are US federal employees leaving?</h2><p>Although the resignations were officially voluntary, many were the result of sustained pressure. The hiring freeze and threat of layoffs created a climate of fear. In February, over 24,000 probationary employees in their first one to two years were dismissed en masse. Some were later reinstated by court orders, but reports of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression were widespread.</p><p>The DRP’s offer of eight months' pay without work duties came at a time when the national unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent. Around 75,000 employees accepted the offer in its first phase. The government also used the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority to encourage eligible workers to leave.</p><p>The Trump administration ended remote work options and eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. These changes disproportionately affected women and minority staff. For insatnce, by June 2025, over 300,000 Black women had exited the broader American labour force.</p><p>A survey by Federal News Network in June found that 25 per cent of remaining federal employees were experiencing burnout. Many cited forced reassignments, unclear priorities, and a hostile workplace as their reasons for wanting to leave. Union leaders said many resignations were made under duress.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-administration-reacts-to-democrats-gop-tussle-as-government-shut-down-looms-1758806871414">Trump's administration reacts to Democrats-GOP tussle as government shut down looms</a></p><h2>Which government services will be hit by mass resignations?</h2><p>Key services are already being disrupted. At the Department of the Interior, the processing of federal water rights has slowed. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reassigned patients due to a shortage of social workers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have struggled to respond to crises such as chemical spills and a bird flu outbreak. The Department of Agriculture has had to rehire workers it had previously laid off.</p><p>The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the tax agency, lost about 25 per cent of its workforce, raising concerns about delays in the 2026 tax season.&nbsp;</p><p>The Department of Health and Human Services has seen significant cuts affecting public health surveillance.</p><p>The economic impact is also spreading. Local economies in federal employment hubs such as Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and northern Virginia are suffering.&nbsp;</p><p>The Washington, D.C. metro area alone could lose billions in local spending. With only 22,000 jobs added across the country in August 2025, many of the departing federal employees face a weak job market.</p><p>The reduction has also had a disproportionate effect on diverse agencies. Many of the cuts targeted departments with higher representation of women and minority employees, leading to lasting concerns about equity and representation in the federal workforce.</p><h2>Which agencies are specifically hit?</h2><p>The Department of Agriculture has lost approximately 15,000 of its 100,000 employees, representing a 15 per cent reduction. The Department of Health and Human Services has lost about 20,000 out of 82,000 employees, or 24 per cent, with plans for up to 62,000 additional layoffs. The Department of State has lost 12,000 of 75,000 workers, a 16 per cent cut that has affected diplomacy and contractor services. The General Services Administration has reduced its workforce by over 3,000 out of 12,000 employees, a 25 per cent drop. The Environmental Protection Agency has lost 4,000 out of 15,000 workers, a 27 per cent reduction. The Department of Education had 4,200 employees before 2025 and has lost over 1,000, about 24 per cent. The Internal Revenue Service has lost 20,000 out of 80,000 employees, a 25 per cent reduction. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which has 486,000 staff, has experienced a smaller reduction of about 6 per cent, or 30,000 employees.</p><p>Departments connected to national security, such as the Department of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security, have seen smaller proportional reductions of between 5 and 7 per cent, as they were classified as essential and exempt from most cuts.</p><h2>What happens if there is a government shutdown?</h2><p>If Congress fails to approve a funding bill by 30 September, the federal government will shut down. In that case, over 700,000 non-essential employees could be furloughed. Essential services such as Social Security payments would continue, but the disruption would significantly worsen the staffing crisis already underway in the federal government.</p>

Some 300,000 US federal workers will resign under Trump’s policies. This staffing cuts across agencies, seen as politically motivated, will affect services and risks a government shutdown.



From Tuesday (Sep 30) some 100,000 federal workers are set to exit in what is being called the largest mass resignation in American government history. By the end of the year, this number is projected to reach 300,000, making it the most significant single-year reduction in the civilian federal workforce since World War II. By comparison, around 100,000 civilian jobs were cut between 1945 and 1946. During the 1990s, the Clinton administration's “reinventing government” initiative eliminated some 250,000 positions, but that process took five years. The current wave of exits is occurring within just one calendar year under the direction of President Donald Trump. A potential government shutdown looms on 30 September. Agencies have been ordered to prepare for additional layoffs, particularly targeting non-essential roles. Here is what you should know: How is the mass exodus being made possible by the Trump administration? This wave of resignations is not driven by recession but by direct executive action from the Trump administration. The approach was upheld by the United States Supreme Court, even though it bypassed several long-standing protections for federal employees. Supporters describe the effort as a necessary reset or efficiency reform, while critics call it a destabilising and potentially unlawful dismantling of the civil service. Also read: Shutdown looms as Republicans slam Democrats ahead of crucial White House meeting with Trump How is the mass resignation happening? The reduction includes a combination of voluntary resignations, early retirements, buyouts, and forced layoffs. The military and postal service are not affected. The civilian federal workforce is expected to shrink from approximately 2.3 million employees in late 2024 to about 2.1 million by the end of September 2025. By the end of the year, over 12 per cent of the workforce will have exited. What is the Deferred Resignation Programme (DRP)? The Deferred Resignation Programme, or DRP, was launched on 28 January through an email from the Office of Personnel Management titled “Fork in the Road”. It followed an executive order signed the same day by President Trump that eliminated key civil service protections. The DRP offered nearly all civilian federal employees the option to resign by 6 February in exchange for full pay and benefits through 30 September, without performing any duties during that period. By July, over 154,000 employees accepted. Another 100,000 were set to formally separate on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of the programme. The DRP is expected to cost 14.8 billion dollars in 2025. However, the administration projects 28 billion dollars in annual savings through reduced payroll and operational costs in the future. Also read: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth calls rare, urgent meeting of all Generals - No one knows why Hiring freeze and agency closures ordered by DOGE The DRP was accompanied by a government-wide hiring freeze and the closure or downsizing of several federal agencies, including the USAID, or United States Agency for International Development. These measures were implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a newly established agency led by Elon Musk. DOGE also enforced widespread reductions-in-force across multiple departments. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-rejects-stopgap-bill-as-government-shutdown-looms-1758344727225/embed Legal challenges to the mass exit failed The American Federation of Government Employees and other groups filed lawsuits against the DRP, claiming it violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Anti-Deficiency Act. However, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the programme in an 8 to 1 ruling on 8 July. Also read: What happens to federal workers if the government shuts down? White House plans a strategy Why are US federal employees leaving? Although the resignations were officially voluntary, many were the result of sustained pressure. The hiring freeze and threat of layoffs created a climate of fear. In February, over 24,000 probationary employees in their first one to two years were dismissed en masse. Some were later reinstated by court orders, but reports of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression were widespread. The DRP’s offer of eight months' pay without work duties came at a time when the national unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent. Around 75,000 employees accepted the offer in its first phase. The government also used the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority to encourage eligible workers to leave. The Trump administration ended remote work options and eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. These changes disproportionately affected women and minority staff. For insatnce, by June 2025, over 300,000 Black women had exited the broader American labour force. A survey by Federal News Network in June found that 25 per cent of remaining federal employees were experiencing burnout. Many cited forced reassignments, unclear priorities, and a hostile workplace as their reasons for wanting to leave. Union leaders said many resignations were made under duress. Also read: Trump's administration reacts to Democrats-GOP tussle as government shut down looms Which government services will be hit by mass resignations? Key services are already being disrupted. At the Department of the Interior, the processing of federal water rights has slowed. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reassigned patients due to a shortage of social workers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have struggled to respond to crises such as chemical spills and a bird flu outbreak. The Department of Agriculture has had to rehire workers it had previously laid off. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the tax agency, lost about 25 per cent of its workforce, raising concerns about delays in the 2026 tax season. The Department of Health and Human Services has seen significant cuts affecting public health surveillance. The economic impact is also spreading. Local economies in federal employment hubs such as Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and northern Virginia are suffering. The Washington, D.C. metro area alone could lose billions in local spending. With only 22,000 jobs added across the country in August 2025, many of the departing federal employees face a weak job market. The reduction has also had a disproportionate effect on diverse agencies. Many of the cuts targeted departments with higher representation of women and minority employees, leading to lasting concerns about equity and representation in the federal workforce. Which agencies are specifically hit? The Department of Agriculture has lost approximately 15,000 of its 100,000 employees, representing a 15 per cent reduction. The Department of Health and Human Services has lost about 20,000 out of 82,000 employees, or 24 per cent, with plans for up to 62,000 additional layoffs. The Department of State has lost 12,000 of 75,000 workers, a 16 per cent cut that has affected diplomacy and contractor services. The General Services Administration has reduced its workforce by over 3,000 out of 12,000 employees, a 25 per cent drop. The Environmental Protection Agency has lost 4,000 out of 15,000 workers, a 27 per cent reduction. The Department of Education had 4,200 employees before 2025 and has lost over 1,000, about 24 per cent. The Internal Revenue Service has lost 20,000 out of 80,000 employees, a 25 per cent reduction. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which has 486,000 staff, has experienced a smaller reduction of about 6 per cent, or 30,000 employees. Departments connected to national security, such as the Department of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security, have seen smaller proportional reductions of between 5 and 7 per cent, as they were classified as essential and exempt from most cuts. What happens if there is a government shutdown? If Congress fails to approve a funding bill by 30 September, the federal government will shut down. In that case, over 700,000 non-essential employees could be furloughed. Essential services such as Social Security payments would continue, but the disruption would significantly worsen the staffing crisis already underway in the federal government.

<p>Some 300,000 US federal workers will resign under Trump’s policies. This staffing cuts across agencies, seen as politically motivated, will affect services and risks a government shutdown.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

America faces largest mass resignation of federal workers: Who will be affected, which services to be hit, and why it matters

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