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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Over half of top TikTok mental health videos contain misinformation, study finds
Listen to article More than half of the 100 most popular mental health videos on TikTok contain misleading or inaccurate information, a Guardian investigation has revealed, prompting concern from mental health professionals and UK MPs. The analysis examined top videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips, with input from psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic experts. Of the reviewed posts, 52 were found to contain some form of misinformation, particularly around conditions such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. Examples of misleading content included simplistic 'quick-fix' advice, such as eating an orange in the shower to ease anxiety, as well as unproven claims about supplements like saffron and magnesium glycinate. Some videos promoted the idea that trauma could be 'healed' in under an hour or mislabelled everyday emotional experiences as symptoms of serious mental illness. Dr David Okai, a consultant neuropsychiatrist at King's College London, warned that misuse of clinical terms such as 'anxiety', 'wellbeing', and 'mental disorder' could lead to confusion about what constitutes a diagnosable mental health condition. Former health minister and NHS psychiatrist Dan Poulter said several posts pathologised normal feelings, risking the trivialisation of genuine mental illness. Psychologist Amber Johnston added that the trauma-related content oversimplified complex conditions like PTSD, often presenting misleading 'universal solutions'. TikTok stated that it removes harmful content and directs users to official NHS sources when they search for terms like anxiety or depression. The platform defended users' rights to share personal experiences, but critics argue that algorithms often amplify emotionally charged misinformation. Chi Onwurah MP, who chairs the Commons technology committee, said the findings raise 'significant concerns' about the efficacy of the Online Safety Act (OSA) in tackling false and harmful health advice online. Other MPs echoed calls for stronger regulation, warning of the psychological harm misinformation may cause. Experts emphasised that mental illness can only be accurately diagnosed by qualified professionals following a thorough assessment. They urged the public to rely on evidence-based guidance from trusted health institutions. The government says it is acting through the OSA to compel platforms to reduce harmful content, particularly material posing risks to children.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Brother of espionage accused held over SIM supply to Pakistan: Delhi Police
Delhi Police's special cell on Saturday arrested a 42-year-old man from Rajasthan's Deeg in a case related to an alleged spying network run in India by the Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), officers said. The arrested accused, Mohammad Hasin, is the brother of Mohammad Kasim,34, a cleric who was nabbed earlier this week on charges of espionage and sending pre-activated Indian SIM cards to Pakistan, police said. Hasin was absconding since Kasim's arrest in the Official Secret Act (OSA) case that was registered earlier this week at the special cell police station. Police said that interrogation of the arrested brothers may lead to arrests of more Indians who were part of the alleged spying network. 'In August 2024, Hasin sent some Indian SIM cards to Pakistan through Kasim. One of the SIM cards was in his name, and the same was used by the PIOs. Hasin revealed that he sent pictures of sensitive Indian Army establishments to PIOs and received money in return. He also provided them with the One-Time Password (OTP) to activate WhatsApp in Pakistan,' a statement by the special cell read. Police said Hasin was produced before court and his custody was secured for an in-depth investigation regarding his network of espionage across the country. The mobile phones seized from Hasin and Kasim were sent to Delhi's forensic lab to retrieve deleted data.
Spectator
4 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
America is coming for Britain's social media censors
In 2021, after the barbaric Islamist murder of Sir David Amess MP, the response of Britain's political class was as baffling as it was shameful: it decided to ramp up censorship of the internet. Somehow, MPs' vital personal safety came to be equated with the nebulous concept of 'safety' online, along with the protection of 'democracy' from hurty words and unapproved opinions. The Online Safety Act (OSA) was born, handing vast new powers to Ofcom to 'regulate' what could be said online. Well, that was then, and this is now. Twitter, the most influential platform for political news, has become X, and its new owner Elon Musk has made online free speech his mission. The Trump administration has done the same, and with Britain increasingly viewed in MAGA-world as something of a police state, this has set up a clash with the new regime in Washington.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Woman Who Crossed LoC To Meet Her ‘Love' Facing Spying Charges
Nagpur: A 43-year-old woman from Nagpur, Sunita, finds herself at the centre of a high-stakes investigation after being charged with espionage under Official Secrets Act (OSA) late Sunday. Handed over to Border Security Force (BSF) by Pakistani authorities at Attari on Saturday, Sunita's case raised suspicions of spying amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). The Amritsar rural police registered a 'zero FIR' under OSA against her, and she was handed over to Nagpur's Kapil Nagar police on Monday night for further investigation. The former nurse will be brought back to the city in the next 48 hours. Sunita's mysterious journey began on May 14, when she abandoned her 15-year-old son in Hundermaan, a frontier hamlet in Kargil, and crossed the LoC into Pakistan-occupied territory. Initial findings suggest she traversed a treacherous mountainous stretch to meet two Pakistani contacts — Zulfikar and a "pastor" — with whom she communicated extensively via social media. Security agencies, now in possession of her cellphone, are scrutinising her chats, which reportedly reveal exchanges of private details, hinting at a relationship that may extend beyond personal affection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here To Read More - micro segmentation software Expertinspector Click Here Undo The case baffled authorities because Pakistani agencies detained Sunita for nine days before handing her over to BSP at Attari, 700km from where she crossed the LoC at Kargil. A senior Punjab police official stated, "Her crossing over to PoK during heightened tensions raises serious concerns. We cannot rule out the possibility of her acting as a spy and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani agencies. The case is under detailed investigation. " The timing and circumstances of her detention fuelled speculation about her motives. This is not Sunita's first attempt to breach the border. Earlier in March 2025, she was apprehended at Attari, while trying to cross into Pakistan but was sent back due to concerns about her mental health. This time, however, her actions led to slapping of serious charges under the anti-espionage law. Amritsar rural police, led by senior superintendent Maninder Singh, initiated the legal process, with the case set to be transferred to Nagpur police for further probe. Nagpur zonal DCP Niketan Kadam confirmed that a team from Kapil Nagar police station will bring Sunita back to the city for a thorough probe into her background and motives. "We will investigate all aspects, including her communications and intentions," Kadam said. The case exposed potential security vulnerabilities, given Sunita's ability to cross the LoC undetected. Sunita's interactions with Pakistani contacts raised questions about whether her actions were driven by love or if she was unwittingly drawn into a larger espionage plot. Sunita's case underscores the complexities of cross-border interactions in a digital age, where personal relationships can intersect with national security concerns. Earlier, Kargil police had registered a missing case. A similar missing case was registered at Nagpur's Kapil Nagar police station too. Kapil Nagar police will investigate the fresh offence against Sunita. Kargil Child Welfare Committee chairperson Niyaz Ali stated they have received permission from their govt to escort Sunita's son back to Nagpur.
The Mainichi
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Japan gives rescue boat to Fiji in 1st provision of security aid
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's government on Monday provided the Fiji navy with a rescue boat and other equipment for surveillance activities, in the first such delivery to a foreign military under Tokyo's security aid framework launched in 2023. The provision was made under Japan's Official Security Assistance program that is intended to deepen security ties with like-minded countries. The scheme was launched as China intensified its military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. A handover ceremony was held at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in the Fijian capital of Suva, attended by senior officials from both governments, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. The assistance is expected to "contribute to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific through maintenance and enhancement of maritime security in the seas around Fiji and the Indo-Pacific region," the ministry said. Having set aside 400 million yen ($2.8 million) for aid to Fiji in fiscal 2023, Japan will deliver additional items such as patrol and rescue boats to the Pacific island nation. The defense aid program was created months after the National Security Strategy, Japan's long-term policy guideline, was updated in December 2022 amid a worsening security environment, including North Korea's expanding missile and nuclear activities and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Japan has also decided to supply defense equipment to Bangladesh, Djibouti, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia and the Philippines under the program. For fiscal 2025 that began in April, the government earmarked 8.1 billion yen for OSA assistance, up from 2 billion yen in fiscal 2023 and 5 billion yen in fiscal 2024.
