Topic: Uk Column

The XBB.1.5 variant has been nicknamed "Kraken" by some media outlets and researchers to increase public awareness and concern. Bloomberg reports that the variant was first detected last year and is particularly dominant in New York. Despite the aggressive name, health officials state they do not yet know if the variant is more contagious or deadly than previous Omicron strains.

The UK's Authority for Television on Demand (ATVOD) issues a regulatory demand to the UK Column website, claiming their video content is "television-like." The hosts warn that this is a precursor to broader government regulation of independent digital media under the guise of preventing hate speech.