No phone calls at the ATM, Japan's Osaka tells over-65s

23 Sept 04:31 Key points summarised by AI

Osaka, Japan, will ban individuals aged 65 and older from using ATMs while on a phone call, effective August, to combat a rising wave of targeted scams.
This new ordinance aims to tackle organized fraud schemes, which caused a record 72.2 billion yen ($500 million) in damages nationwide last year, with elderly people often being prime targets.
ATM operators are required to notify patrons of the ban through posters or fliers, but there will be no penalties for elderly people or institutions that fail to comply.
The revised law also encourages businesses to explore using AI technology to help ATMs detect users speaking on mobile phones, enhancing scam prevention efforts.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.