The recent visit of the global YouTuber IShowSpeed to Algeria sparked widespread debate, especially following the incident that occurred in the stadium. This incident was interpreted in many different ways across media outlets and social platforms. However, an essential point was either ignored or oversimplified.

What happened was not a rejection of Speed as a person, nor hostility toward foreigners. Rather, it was a direct reaction to behavior that the Algerian public considered inappropriate in a public space. His use of explicit body gestures, including touching a private area of his body in front of the audience and cameras, came as a shock to a society that is inherently conservative and deeply respectful of public conduct, particularly in family-oriented and sports environments.

While the reaction itself was unacceptable in its form, it nevertheless reflects a deeply rooted value system within Algerian society, where such public behavior is not tolerated, regardless of the individual’s fame or intentions. This does not indicate backwardness or intolerance, but rather a cultural conservatism that defines a people who still consider public respect a red line.

The real issue here is not cultural difference in itself, but the lack of awareness of it. What may be considered spontaneous or entertaining content in one place can be seen as a clear offense in another. This is where the responsibility of global influencers lies: to respect the cultural context of the countries they visit.

Algeria does not reject openness, nor does it oppose global fame, but it rightfully demands respect. What happened in that moment was an expression albeit in an incorrect way of that demand.

In the end, Speed’s visit revealed an important truth:

Our people are hospitable, yet conservative. Open to the world, yet unwilling to accept the crossing of their boundaries.

And this is not a weakness… it is identity.

By Hind Benkohila

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have transferred their Parents Network project to the nonprofit ParentsTogether, continuing their mission to protect children from online harms.

After previously announcing a partnership between Parents Network and ParentsTogether in October 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation granted ParentsTogether the full operational capacity and structure of the network, systems and processes, brand and creative assets. Archewell also gave a cash grant to cover the first year of core operations, with additional funding from Archewell supporters ring-fenced to fund the expansion and transition.

PEOPLE understands that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, are expected to remain involved with the Parents Network in some capacity, though no formal decisions about their ongoing role have been finalized.

An Archewell source tells PEOPLE that the move follows an established model where we incubate initiatives before transitioning them to independent, sustainable organizations — much like the Invictus Games and Travalyst.

“ParentsTogether has built trusted relationships with many of these families over years, and their expertise makes them the ideal permanent home for The Parents Network,” the source says.

The insider adds, “We couldn’t be more excited to see these families supported and amplified in such capable hands.”

The move follows Meghan and Harry renaming the Archewell Foundation as Archewell Philanthropies, as the organization marks its fifth anniversary. Under the new structure, Archewell is adopting a fiscal sponsorship model that keeps it within a nonprofit framework while allowing greater flexibility to expand its global philanthropic work.

Amid the restructuring, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed staff cuts at Archewell were “inevitable.”

The Parents’ Network began in 2022 as a community of families in the U.S. who lost a child to social media-driven suicide or whose children have struggled because of online platforms.

In a CBS Sunday Morning segment that aired in August 2024, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down with Jane Pauley to discuss the program’s wider launch, drawing on their own experiences with online harassment and as parents of son Prince Archie, now 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, now 4.

Meghan said, “Our kids are young — they’re 3 and 5. They’re amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them. So as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”

Added Prince Harry, “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder. And even the best first responders in the world wouldn’t be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this.”

In April 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex helped unveil The Lost Screen Memorial, an installation in New York City comprised of 50 smartphones, each displaying the lock screen photo of a child whose life was cut short due to the harmful effects of social media. The personal images were shared by parents and members of the Parents’ Network, in hopes of calling attention to the need for safer digital spaces.

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People

The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 has reinforced its position as one of the world’s most influential gatherings for the creator economy, bringing together digital creators, global platforms, brands, policymakers, and technology leaders under one roof. Held in Dubai, the summit continues to shape conversations around content creation, monetisation, digital influence, and the future of social media at scale.

Designed as a knowledge-driven and opportunity-focused event, the 2026 edition placed strong emphasis on sustainable creator growth, platform innovation, and the evolving relationship between creators, audiences, and brands.

A Global Platform for Creators and Digital Leaders

The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 welcomed thousands of attendees from across the world, reflecting the truly global nature of today’s creator economy. Participants included content creators, influencers, media professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and executives from leading social media platforms.

Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and live sessions, the summit provided a comprehensive view of how digital influence is reshaping industries such as media, marketing, entertainment, education, and commerce.

Focus on Creator Growth, Monetisation, and Innovation

A core theme of the 2026 summit was empowering creators with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to build long-term, scalable careers. Sessions explored topics including creator monetisation models, audience engagement, brand partnerships, intellectual property, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in content creation.

Workshops and masterclasses offered practical guidance on platform algorithms, short-form video strategies, community building, and cross-platform growth, enabling creators to adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Major Platform Participation and Strategic Announcements

Leading global digital platforms played a central role throughout the summit, hosting dedicated sessions, training programs, and interactive discussions. Several companies used the event to announce new initiatives aimed at supporting creators, investing in talent development, and enhancing monetisation opportunities.

These announcements underscored the summit’s role as a launchpad for industry-defining programs and partnerships, positioning Dubai as a strategic hub for the global creator economy.

Dubai’s Role as a Global Digital and Creative Hub

The hosting of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 in Dubai further strengthened the city’s reputation as a centre for innovation, media, and future-focused industries. By convening global voices and fostering cross-border collaboration, the summit aligned with the UAE’s broader vision to lead in digital transformation, creative industries, and knowledge-based economies.

The event also highlighted regional success stories, showcasing how creators from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia are increasingly shaping global digital culture.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Creator Economy

As digital influence continues to expand across platforms and industries, the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 demonstrated that the creator economy is no longer a niche sector but a core pillar of the global digital ecosystem. The discussions and insights shared during the summit reflected a clear shift toward professionalism, regulation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

With its strong focus on education, innovation, and collaboration, the summit continues to play a defining role in shaping the future of content creation and digital influence worldwide.