26th March 2026

A Los Angeles jury has ruled that social media giants Meta and Google-owned Youtube are guilty of negligent platform design. Jurors found that Google, and Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, intentionally built addictive social media platforms. The court ruled that the platforms' design features were a "substantial factor" in causing mental health-related harms and that company leaders knew their products could be dangerously addictive. The companies were ordered to split compensatory damages of $3 million, with Meta paying 70 percent and YouTube 30 percent, plus an additional $3 million in punitive damages. Meta says it is exploring legal options to appeal the decision.  Mike Proulx, a research director for advisory firm Forrester, said the verdicts underline a "breaking point" between social media companies and the public.  Australia has recently imposed social media restrictions for children and the UK is currently running a pilot programme to see how a ban of social media for people aged under 16 may work.

Loving God, we are sad when companies produce products that are harmfully addictive. We ask your loving care for all victims who have been negatively impacted by social media.  We pray that all businesses will operate with integrity and with a duty of care to their customers and employees.  Guide authorities around the world that they will be able to protect people from the abuse of the tech giants, and ensure that all products are safe, whether online or bought in shops. Father God, help us to stay free from the oppression that deliberate addictive products impose upon us.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen.

Following the reopening of the Burundi–DRC border on 23 February more than 33,000 Congolese refugees have returned from Burundi to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  UNHCR and partners are increasing protection monitoring and urgent humanitarian assistance, in coordination with national and provincial authorities. Teams are deployed at border points and in return areas to monitor risks and identify vulnerable individuals. In Uvira and Fizi, UNHCR is providing emergency tarpaulins, blankets, soap and protection services. as well as delivering hot meals to returnees, alongside registration and screening. 

Almighty and ever living God

we thank you for this new day.

Loving God, we worship you,

we adore you, and praise your Holy name!

We love you Lord, for who you are,

for you are the King of glory.

We praise you and thank you

that in your love for us

you provide everything we need.

You know each of us intimately,

you know our joys and sorrows,

our anxieties and fears.

We thank you for your presence

and that you bring us safely through the storms of life

calming our inner turmoil

and turning it into a refreshing gentle breeze.

There is none like you, Lord.

You give us strength and in you we find refuge.

 You are our God!

We trust in you and know we rest safe in your arms.

Praise and glory be to you,

almighty and ever living  God.

Amen!