Danylo Yavhusishyn, a Ukrainian refugee, has made history by becoming the first Ukrainian to win a sumo tournament in Japan, while in Australia, the government faces challenges ahead of implementing a controversial social media ban aimed at protecting children. Yavhusishyn's triumph at the Kyushu tournament and the impending social media regulations highlight significant cultural and legislative developments in both nations.

Ukrainian Sumo Champion
Danylo Yavhusishyn, a 21-year-old sumo wrestler, secured his place in history by winning the Kyushu tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, marking the first time a Ukrainian has claimed an elite sumo title. The victory came after a tie-breaking match against grand champion Hoshoryu from Mongolia. Yavhusishyn, who fled Ukraine in 2022 due to the war, expressed his gratitude to fans in fluent Japanese, stating, "I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine." His rapid ascent in the sport has been remarkable, as he is set to be promoted to "ozeki," the second-highest rank in sumo.

Challenges of Social Media Regulation in Australia
In Australia, the Labor government is preparing to implement a social media ban for users under 16 years of age, set to take effect on December 10. The legislation, which was passed swiftly through parliament last year, aims to combat online bullying and mental health issues related to social media use among minors. However, concerns are growing regarding the effectiveness of age verification systems that major tech companies must adopt to comply with the law. Companies like Meta and Twitch have been added to the list of platforms facing hefty fines if they fail to enforce the ban.

Government's Response and Industry Concerns
Despite bipartisan support for the social media legislation, there are increasing doubts about its feasibility. Meta has warned of potential inaccuracies in age estimation, suggesting that some children may evade the ban while some adults could be mistakenly caught up in it. The shadow communications minister criticized the government's last-minute additions to the list of platforms, calling it a "last-minute scramble." Experts in digital media have also expressed skepticism about the practicality of the age verification technology required for compliance.

Wrap-up
The achievements of Danylo Yavhusishyn in sumo wrestling and the impending challenges of the social media ban in Australia reflect broader societal issues regarding cultural integration and online safety. As Yavhusishyn aims for the pinnacle of sumo, the Australian government must navigate the complexities of protecting young users in an increasingly digital world.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team