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Canadian privacy watchdogs call for TikTok to enhance protection for children on platform

**Canadian Privacy Authorities Find TikTok’s Protection for Children Inadequate, But Steps Are Being Taken**

*OTTAWA, Ontario (AP)* — TikTok’s efforts to keep children off its platform and prevent the collection and use of their sensitive personal information have been found “inadequate,” according to Canadian privacy authorities. However, the company is taking steps to address these concerns, officials said Tuesday.

Federal Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne emphasized that TikTok must do more to keep underage children off the platform and improve transparency around its data collection practices, especially for youth. TikTok maintains that its platform is not intended for users under the age of 13.

“Our investigation found that measures TikTok uses to keep children off the popular video-sharing platform and to prevent the collection and use of their sensitive personal information … were inadequate,” Dufresne stated.

In response, TikTok has agreed to enhance its underage assurance methods to better exclude underage users. The company will also strengthen its privacy communications to help users understand how their data is being used.

“There are some steps they still have to take. For the moment, we find it’s conditionally resolved,” Dufresne said. “We are going to be monitoring the situation.”

Dufresne also noted that TikTok’s privacy policies currently lack detail and are difficult to locate.

The federal, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia privacy commissioners publicly released the results of their joint investigation, which was launched in 2023. The findings highlighted that in Quebec, 40% of young people aged 6 to 17 have a TikTok account. Among children aged 6 to 12, that figure stands at 17%.

“We were certainly struck by how elaborate a profiling that was being used by TikTok,” said British Columbia Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey. He pointed out concerns over the extensive data collection, including facial and voice analytics, combined with location information, used to create detailed inferences about users, such as their spending power. This information then influences the content and advertising shown to them.

Last year, following a national security review of TikTok’s Chinese parent company, the Canadian government decided not to block access to the popular app but ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business.

Meanwhile, in the United States, former President Donald Trump suggested that prominent billionaires—such as media mogul Rupert Murdoch and tech founder Michael Dell—could be involved in a deal where the U.S. would take control of the social video platform.
https://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-canadian-privacy-watchdogs-call-for-tiktok-to-enhance-protection-for-children-on-platform/

Megaworld moves to jack up shares with P2-B buyback

MANILA, Philippines — Megaworld Corp. intends to buy back up to P2 billion worth of its shares in hopes of raising the value of its stock as it continues to pursue township expansion, its main income driver.

In a regulatory filing on Thursday, the developer led by billionaire Andrew Tan said its board of directors approved the share buyback program.

https://business.inquirer.net/549237/megaworld-moves-to-jack-up-shares-with-p2-b-buyback

Stocks Decline as Bond Yields Push Higher

The S&P 500 Index (PX) (SPY) on Thursday closed down 0.50%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index (OWI) (DIA) closed down 0.38%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index (UXX) (QQQ) closed down 0.43%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) fell 0.48%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) fell 0.47%.

Stock indexes were under pressure on Thursday, with the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrials, and the Nasdaq 100 all falling to one-week lows. Stocks retreated for the third consecutive session as rising bond yields undercut stock prices.

Signs that the US economy is stronger than expected pushed Treasury note yields higher following the release of better-than-expected US GDP, jobless claims, and core capital goods orders reports. The 10-year Treasury note yield posted a three-week high, finishing up 2 basis points at 4.17%.

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**Economic Data Highlights**

– The US Q2 GDP was revised upward to +3.8% (quarter-over-quarter annualized), stronger than the initial estimate of +3.3%.
– Q2 personal consumption was revised upward to +2.5%, exceeding expectations of +1.7%.
– The Q2 core PCE price index was unexpectedly revised upward to +2.6%, versus prior expectations of 2.5%.
– US weekly initial unemployment claims fell by 14,000 to a two-month low of 218,000, showing a stronger labor market than the expected increase to 233,000.
– August core capital goods new orders (excluding defense and aircraft), a proxy for capital spending, rose 0.6% month-over-month, beating expectations of no change.
– August existing home sales fell 0.2% month-over-month to 4.00 million, slightly better than the expected 3.95 million.

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**Fed Comments and Market Implications**

Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid signaled that the Federal Reserve may not need to lower interest rates again soon. He remarked that the current stance of Fed policy is “slightly restrictive,” which he believes is appropriate as inflation remains too high while the labor market, though cooling, still remains largely balanced.

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**Cryptocurrency and Market Risks**

The price of Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than 3% to a three-week low ahead of the expiration of monthly options. More than $17 billion in notional open interest tied to Bitcoin is set to expire on Friday, according to derivatives exchange Deribit.

Another potential bearish factor for stocks is the looming possibility of a US government shutdown on October 1 if lawmakers fail to pass a spending bill. The White House issued a memo on Wednesday warning that a shutdown would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don’t align with President Trump’s priorities.

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**Corporate Earnings Outlook**

On a more positive note, rising corporate earnings expectations provide a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of S&P 500 companies have provided guidance indicating that their Q3 earnings results are expected to beat analysts’ estimates—the highest percentage in a year.

S&P companies are projected to post 6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up slightly from 6.7% as of the end of May.

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**Upcoming Market Focus**

This week, markets will be paying close attention to any fresh trade or tariff news. On Friday, August personal spending is expected to increase by 0.5% month-over-month and personal income by 0.3% month-over-month.

Additionally, the August core PCE price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—is expected to rise 0.2% month-over-month and 2.9% year-over-year. The University of Michigan’s September US consumer sentiment index is forecasted to remain unchanged at 55.4.

Markets currently price in an 86% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for October 28-29.

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**Overseas Markets and Interest Rates**

Overseas stock markets on Thursday settled mixed:

– The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down 0.36%.
– China’s Shanghai Composite closed down 0.01%.
– Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up 0.27%.

In the bond market, December 10-year Treasury notes (ZNZ5) closed down 10 ticks. The 10-year Treasury note yield rose 2.1 basis points to 4.168%, climbing to a three-week high of 4.199% earlier in the session.

Stronger-than-expected US economic reports were hawkish for Fed policy and bearish for T-notes. Hawkish comments from Kansas City Fed President Schmid also weighed on T-notes, signaling that further rate cuts may not be imminent.

Demand was weak at the $44 billion auction of 7-year T-notes, which had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.40—the lowest in 2.5 years and below the 10-auction average of 2.63.

European government bond yields also moved higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose 2.6 basis points to 2.773%, a three-week high. The 10-year UK gilt yield climbed 8.8 basis points to 4.757%, also a three-week high.

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**Eurozone Economic Data**

– August new car registrations rose 5.3% year-over-year to 678,000 units.
– August M3 money supply rose 2.9% year-over-year, weaker than the expected 3.3%, marking the slowest pace of increase on a year.
– The German October GfK consumer confidence survey improved by 1.2 points to -22.3, better than expectations of -23.3.

Swaps are discounting only a 1% chance for a 25 basis point rate cut by the European Central Bank (ECB) at its October 30 policy meeting.

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**US Stock Movers**

The weakness in chip stocks on Thursday weighed on the overall market:

– Micron Technology (MU) closed down more than 3%.
– ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) and ON Semiconductor (ON) both closed down more than 2%.
– Microchip Technology (MCHP), Broadcom (AVGO), Qualcomm (QCOM), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), and Texas Instruments (TXN) all declined more than 1%.

Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks also faced pressure amid Bitcoin’s decline. Strategy (MSTR) led the Nasdaq 100 losers, down more than 7%. Other cryptocurrency-linked stocks like Coinbase Global (COIN), Bit Digital (BTBT), Galaxy Digital (GLXY), MARA Holdings (MARA), and Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed down more than 4%.

CarMax (KMX) was the biggest loser in the S&P 500, closing down more than 20% after reporting Q2 net sales and operating revenue of $6.59 billion—well below consensus estimates of $7.01 billion.

Oklo Inc (OKLO) dropped more than 8% after Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a neutral rating and a price target of $117.

Jabil (JBL) fell more than 6% despite posting better-than-expected Q4 net revenue, as Vital Knowledge highlighted margin pressures in its AI-exposed Intelligent Infrastructure segment.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) declined more than 6%, adding to Wednesday’s 16% plunge after declaring force majeure on contracted copper supplies and suspending operations at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia following a deadly mudslide.

Oracle (ORCL) closed down more than 5% after Rothschild & Co Redburn initiated coverage with a sell recommendation and a price target of $175.

Tesla (TSLA) fell more than 4% after reporting European August car sales down 22%, giving it a market share of only 1.9%.

—

**Notable Gainers**

Lithium Americas (LAC) surged more than 22%, adding to Wednesday’s 96% jump following reports that the Trump administration is pursuing a stake in the company. Lithium producer Albemarle (ALB) also gained more than 4% on the news.

Intel (INTC) rose more than 8%, leading gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reports that the company approached Apple about securing an investment.

International Business Machines (IBM) climbed more than 5%, leading gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials, after HSBC Holdings Plc announced a breakthrough in deploying quantum computing in financial markets using IBM’s Heron quantum processor to improve bond price predictions.

Marvell Technology (MRVL) rose more than 4% on insider buying, with CEO Murphy purchasing $1.05 million of shares on Thursday.

United Natural Foods (UNFI) increased more than 3% after BMO Capital Markets upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $36.

CME Group (CME) gained more than 1% following an upgrade to buy from neutral by Citigroup, with a price target of $300.

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**Earnings Reports (September 26, 2025)**

– Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI)
– Immersion Corp (IMMR)
– Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc (MFH)
– Triller Group Inc (ILLR)
– XCF Global Inc (SAFX)

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**Disclosure**

On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not hold (directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data are for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.

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**More from Barchart**

– The 2 Best Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years
– How I Used Barchart’s Stock Tools to Test a 70-Year-Old Wall Street Slogan
– Warren Buffett Just Dumped the Last of His BYD Stock. Should You Give Up, Too?
– This Quantum Computing Stock Just Got a New Street-High Price Target

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*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/stocks-decline-bond-yields-push-higher

SEC launches Philippine Green Equity Guidelines

MANILA, Philippines — Companies with more sustainability initiatives now have another way of attracting investors after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched Southeast Asia’s first Green Equity Guidelines. This development aims to channel more capital flows toward businesses that champion sustainability.

The corporate watchdog on Thursday released SEC Memorandum Circular No. 13 Series of 2025. The memorandum serves as a framework to encourage and guide companies in incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their equity offerings.

https://business.inquirer.net/549235/sec-launches-philippine-green-equity-guidelines

Mumbai News: EOW Files 10,526-Page Chargesheet In ₹58 Crore NSCI Embezzlement Case; President, Consultants Named As Accused

**Mumbai: Economic Offences Wing Files Chargesheet in ₹58 Crore NSCI Embezzlement Case**

In a significant development, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a comprehensive 10,526-page chargesheet in the alleged ₹58 crore embezzlement case involving the National Sports Club of India (NSCI).

The chargesheet names several key individuals as accused, including NSCI President Jayantilal Shah, Shailesh Parab of Sateri Consultants and SP Consultants, and Chartered Accountant Manoj Saraf. Statements from over 100 witnesses have been recorded during the investigation.

**FIR and Investigation**

According to EOW officials, the FIR was initially registered at Tardeo Police Station in December 2020 for cheating and forgery, with the fraud estimated at ₹58 crore. However, the EOW’s detailed probe uncovered misappropriation amounting to ₹6.90 crore.

**Modus Operandi**

The investigation revealed that invoices were raised under the pretext of obtaining licenses and NOCs from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police for NSCI’s bar and other establishments. This fraudulent activity siphoned off ₹6.90 crore, while the actual expenses for these works amounted to just about ₹13 lakh.

Further probe showed that orders for 108 licenses were placed without any tenders or quotations. Companies linked to Shailesh Parab raised invoices totaling ₹2.56 crore, while Chartered Accountant Manoj Saraf allegedly assisted in fabricating bogus invoices to facilitate the fraud.

**Background of the Case**

The case originated on December 11, 2020, when the Tardeo Police registered an FIR against Jayantilal Shah, Rakesh Malhotra, Sebastian Paul, Bhisham Sahjwani, and others under sections related to cheating and forgery of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Following the discovery of the large-scale fraud, the case was subsequently transferred to the Economic Offences Wing for further investigation.

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*Also Watch:*
To explore exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-eow-files-10526-page-chargesheet-in-58-crore-nsci-embezzlement-case-president-consultants-named-as-accused

What does the Cauldron do & how to use it – Hades 2

The hub world in **Hades 2** offers a variety of activities, and one of the features that will catch your eye early on is the **Cauldron**. This large black pot is situated in front of Hecate, and Melinoe can interact with it to access a range of upgrades and purchases. The Cauldron includes Incantations and other items to buy—but what exactly does it all mean? Here’s what you need to know about the Cauldron.

### What is the Cauldron for?

The Cauldron serves as a central upgrade station for the hub world, allowing Melinoe to unlock new weapons, tools, and other useful items. When you interact with the Cauldron, you’ll be presented with a list of **Incantations**, which represent the various upgrades available.

Each Incantation requires a specific amount of resources to unlock, with some needing rare, late-game materials. As you progress through the game, more Incantations become available, expanding the variety of upgrades you can obtain.

### How to Use the Cauldron

To use the Cauldron, approach it and select **Interact**. From there, highlight any Incantation to view the resources needed to unlock it. If you have the required materials, you can choose to unlock the upgrade and immediately benefit from its effects.

The Incantations offer a variety of boosts, including unlocking new vendors, improving the inventory of existing NPCs, or granting access to new Aspects that enhance your weapons.

### Gathering Resources and Making Choices

As you play and fight through the game, you’ll gather materials that can be used at the Cauldron and other locations. After completing a run, return to the Cauldron to check if you have enough resources to purchase any new upgrades.

When you first start, it’s a good idea to unlock whatever upgrades the game recommends. However, as you continue to progress, you’ll want to consider your playstyle and strategy more carefully. While you’ll eventually unlock all Incantations, the order in which you choose to do so can greatly influence your experience.

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The Cauldron is a key part of enhancing your journey through Hades 2, providing valuable upgrades and new options to customize your gameplay. Keep an eye on your materials and plan your purchases wisely!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146097/what-does-the-cauldron-do-hades-2

Federal agencies are studying safety of abortion drug mifepristone, driving new concerns about limits on access

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced they will review the safety and efficacy of mifepristone, one of the primary drugs used for medication abortion.

In a letter dated September 19, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary informed 22 Republican attorneys general that the FDA is examining evidence regarding the safe dispensing of mifepristone. “This Administration will ensure that women’s health is properly protected by thoroughly investigating the circumstances under which mifepristone can be safely dispensed,” they wrote. They added that the FDA would conduct its own review of real-world data and evidence related to the drug’s safety and efficacy.

This move has raised concerns among abortion rights advocates, who worry that the federal government might impose new restrictions on access to medication abortion. Medication abortion access has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly through telehealth services.

Earlier this month, Kennedy told senators that the FDA is actively collecting new data for a safety review of mifepristone. He mentioned that “those studies are progressing and that they’re ongoing.” During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Kennedy claimed the Biden administration had “twisted the data” on mifepristone to “bury one of the safety signals,” though he did not specify the nature of this supposed safety issue. “We’re getting data in all the time — new data that we’re reviewing,” he explained.

The Republican attorneys general referenced a report from the Ethics and Public Policy Center—a conservative think tank opposing what it calls the “extreme progressive agenda”—as evidence that mifepristone poses risks and needs tighter oversight. In response, Kennedy and Makary acknowledged that the report highlighted “potential dangers that may attend offering mifepristone without sufficient medical support or supervision.”

However, many experts have criticized the report, labeling it “junk science.” The report has not undergone peer review or been published in any medical journal. Dr. Ushma Upadhyay, associate professor in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the University of California, San Francisco, identified significant flaws in the report in a comprehensive 10-point review. She pointed out that the report lacks transparency, providing little information about the data sources. Furthermore, it overstated the risks by counting any emergency room visit—including those that required no treatment—as a serious adverse event. Other research suggests that approximately half of abortion-related emergency department visits are for observation only.

The Society of Family Planning, a nonprofit organization dedicated to abortion and contraception research, has urged the FDA to dismiss the report due to its lack of scientific rigor. “In short, this paper is not a methodologically rigorous, evidence-based resource, and does not warrant consideration, particularly in scientific spaces,” the group stated in a letter to Dr. Makary.

Mifepristone is typically used in combination with misoprostol for medication abortion in the United States. The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000, and it has since been consistently demonstrated to be safe and effective for terminating pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation.

Clinical studies and decades of real-world use have established its safety profile. Since its approval, there have been approximately five deaths associated with mifepristone per one million users—an extremely low rate of 0.0005%. Studies show that mifepristone’s safety is comparable to that of common over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have repeatedly advocated for increased accessibility to mifepristone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration permitted certified providers to prescribe mifepristone via telehealth and ship the medication by mail. This policy significantly expanded access, especially in rural areas with limited abortion clinic availability.

Despite this, anti-abortion advocates argue that the drug is unsafe and that the FDA did not adequately study it. Republican officials have persistently called for the government to rescind the telemedicine policy and restrict mifepristone distribution to in-person visits only.

In June 2024, the US Supreme Court declined to block the availability of mifepristone but left open the possibility of future regulatory changes. This decision has placed additional scrutiny on federal agencies such as the FDA.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, there were more than 1 million abortions in the US in 2024 for the second consecutive year. Since the Supreme Court’s June 2022 Dobbs decision, which revoked the federal right to abortion, 20 states have enacted bans or severely restricted abortion access, while some have introduced new protections for abortion care.

The rise in access to medication abortion through telehealth has contributed to the increase in abortion numbers. Approximately 14% of abortions in 2024 were provided by online-only clinics, a rise from 10% in 2023—an increase of about 40,000 abortions.

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**Job Hunting Insight:**
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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/federal-agencies-are-studying-safety-of-abortion-drug-mifepristone-driving-new-concerns-about-limits-on/article_f54ccc9e-7012-4a1d-ae30-ab1af77b13ae.html

What does the Cauldron do & how to use it – Hades 2

The hub world in *Hades 2* offers plenty to explore, and one feature that grabs your attention early on is the Cauldron. This large black pot sits prominently in front of Hecate, and Melinoe can interact with it. The Cauldron contains Incantations and other items available for purchase—but what exactly do they all mean? Here’s what you need to know about the Cauldron.

### What is the Cauldron for?

The Cauldron is used to upgrade the hub world and unlock new weapons, tools, and other items for Melinoe to purchase. When you interact with the Cauldron, you’ll see a list of different Incantations. These Incantations act as upgrades, each costing varying amounts of resources. Some upgrades require rare or late-game materials.

As you progress through *Hades 2*, more Incantations will become available in the Cauldron, expanding your options and enhancing your gameplay experience.

### How to Use the Cauldron

To use the Cauldron, simply approach it and select **Interact**. Highlight an Incantation to view the resources needed to unlock it. If you have the required materials, you can purchase the upgrade and immediately benefit from its effects.

Incantations offer a variety of benefits. Some will unlock new vendors, while others improve what NPCs sell. Additionally, there are upgrades that grant Aspects, which let you enhance your weapons.

### Tips for Using the Cauldron

As you fight through the game, you’ll collect materials that can be used at the Cauldron and for other purposes. After each run, be sure to return to the Cauldron and check if you can afford new upgrades.

When you’re just starting out, it’s safe to unlock whatever the game recommends. However, as you progress, consider your playstyle carefully before purchasing upgrades. While you’ll eventually unlock all Incantations, the order in which you do so can significantly impact your journey.

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In summary, the Cauldron is a crucial feature in *Hades 2* for improving your character’s abilities and expanding what’s available in the hub world. Use it wisely to tailor your experience and strengthen Melinoe as you delve deeper into the game.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146097/what-does-the-cauldron-do-hades-2

Power of fieldwork: Understanding customers starts from the trenches

MANILA, Philippines —

We’re often seduced by data. Charts, dashboards, surveys, and analytics seem like the ultimate way to understand customers.

However, data alone won’t give you the full picture. They lack context, can be incomplete or biased, and don’t explain the ‘why’ behind behaviors.

Human judgment and interpretation are essential to turn raw data into meaningful insights.
https://business.inquirer.net/549220/power-of-fieldwork-understanding-customers-starts-from-the-trenches

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