In today’s Digest, we cover Starmer targeting youth social media access, Ireland’s DPC probing X over Grok imagery, and Ad Net Zero’s young leaders making new recommendations. We also look at Warner Bros giving Paramount a final bid deadline

Starmer targets youth social media access; DPC probes X over Grok imagery

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to accelerate new safeguards governing young people’s use of social media, promising action in “months, not years”, though he stopped short of committing to an outright ban for under-16s. 

Speaking at a London event, Starmer said a prohibition remained “a possibility” but stressed that the government would first examine evidence gathered during a three-month consultation. He acknowledged sharply divided views, noting that while some campaigners favour a blanket ban, organisations such as the NSPCC have platform’s Grok chatbot. The Ireland Data Protection Commission (DPC), said it would examine whether the processing of EU user data in connection with potentially harmful images breached core privacy obligations. 

The probe follows widespread backlash earlier this year after thousands of sexualised deepfakes of women were reportedly generated using Grok and integrated directly into X’s social media feeds.

Ad Net Zero young leaders make recommendations

Emerging leaders from across the advertising industry have set out a series of practical proposals aimed at accelerating climate action and futureproofing businesses, arguing that sustainability can no longer be deferred to a perfect moment. The Young Leaders group warns that the effects of climate change are already disrupting livelihoods and wellbeing worldwide, increasing demand for executives who can balance immediate commercial pressures with long-term environmental responsibility. 

Their recommendations, developed over a year-long programme of workshops, forums and cross-company collaboration, reflect contributions from more than 40 professionals spanning agencies, media owners, brands and industry partners. The initiative, supported by Ad Net Zero partners, showcases case studies that demonstrate tangible progress. 

Warner Bros gives Paramount final bid deadline

Warner Bros. Discovery has reopened takeover discussions with Paramount, giving the group seven days to submit what it describes as a “best and final” offer capable of surpassing Netflix’s agreed USD$83bn (£61.4 bn) bid or withdraw from the process. The move is designed to force Paramount to either improve on its USD$108bn (£79.9bn) hostile approach for the full company including cable assets excluded from the Netflix deal or step aside.