Category: Policy

PolicyTelecom

Iran’s Digital Crackdown Intensifies Post-Conflict, Isolating Citizens and Businesses

Iran continues to enforce extensive internet restrictions following June’s conflict with Israel, with digital rights monitors reporting slowed speeds, GPS jamming, and blocked international platforms. The measures have left citizens struggling with basic tasks and businesses facing operational challenges during an economic crisis.

Post-War Internet Restrictions Continue in Iran

Iran maintains significant internet restrictions months after its June conflict with Israel, despite technically lifting the initial blackout, according to digital rights experts and local reports. The measures include slowed connection speeds, curtailed online traffic, and jammed geolocation services that have transformed simple daily tasks into hours-long challenges for ordinary citizens.

by Sarah Collins
PolicyTrade

China Tightens Rare Earth Export Controls, Escalating Trade Tensions with US

China has imposed sweeping new controls on rare earth exports, tightening its grip on global supply chains for critical minerals. The move has triggered immediate retaliation threats from the Trump administration and renewed trade war tensions ahead of expected high-level negotiations between the two economic powers.

Trade War Escalation Over Critical Minerals

China has implemented significant new restrictions on rare earth elements exports, according to reports from the country’s Ministry of Commerce. The recently published “announcement No. 62 of 2025” establishes stringent controls that analysts suggest could dramatically impact global technology and defense supply chains.

by Sarah Collins
EnergyPolicy

Lancashire Council Rejects Motion to Support Permanent Fracking Ban

Lancashire County Council has declined to support a motion calling for a permanent ban on fracking. The decision comes after Labour group leaders expressed concern about Reform UK’s position on the controversial extraction method. Council members voted against the ban proposal during a recent meeting.

Council Rejects Fracking Ban Motion

Lancashire County Council, which is led by Reform UK representatives, has refused to support a motion calling for a permanent ban on fracking, according to reports from a recent council meeting. The decision came after Labour group leader Mark Clifford put forward the proposal requesting the council back a government ban on the controversial extraction process.

by Natalie Brooks
BusinessPolicy

Derbyshire Business Park Evacuation Ordered Over Structural Safety Emergency

More than a dozen businesses at a historic Derbyshire mill site have been given 24 hours to vacate following emergency structural safety concerns. Business owners describe the situation as devastating after an emotional meeting with council officials. The evacuation affects Mill One of Pleasley Vale Business Park in the Bolsover District of Derbyshire.

Emergency Evacuation Order for Historic Mill Site

Business owners at a historic mill complex in Derbyshire are facing immediate evacuation after council officials declared the structure unsafe, according to reports. The sudden order has left more than a dozen enterprises scrambling to remove essential items with just 24 hours’ notice. Sources indicate the emergency meeting between business operators and council representatives was highly emotional, with proprietors describing themselves as “gutted” by the development.

by Sarah Collins
GovernmentPolicy

Election Security in Focus as Dominion Voting Systems Acquired by Republican Operative

Dominion Voting Systems has been purchased by a former Republican operative who plans to rebrand the company as Liberty Vote. The acquisition raises questions about election security and domestic manufacturing commitments as the company services 27 states.

Major Voting Machine Company Changes Hands

Election integrity advocates are assessing potential impacts following the acquisition of Dominion Voting Systems by Scott Leiendecker, founder and CEO of Knowink, according to recent reports. Leiendecker, a former Republican Party operative and election director in Missouri, plans to rebrand the company as Liberty Vote in what sources describe as a “bold and historic move to transform and improve election integrity in America.”

by Sarah Collins