Viral phenomenon | News and current affairs from Germany and around the world | DW | 08.11.2017

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Viral phenomenon

Viral phenomena are data files that are spread via the internet. They can be video clips, pictures, texts or a combination.

When shared on social media, viral content can spread rapidly. So-called Memes are the best-known example of viral phenomena.

Anzeige von Bahnhof

'Distracted boyfriend meme' ad sexist, says Swedish watchdog 26.09.2018

It was a top meme in 2017, but the infamous shot of a man checking out a passing woman has now landed a Swedish company in hot water with the country's advertising regulator. The firm had retooled it for a job post.
Saudi Arabien | Verschleierte Frauen

Saudis arrest man seen in video eating with woman at work 10.09.2018

An Egyptian national has been arrested in Saudi Arabia after he was seen eating breakfast with a woman on a video. She was feeding him by hand and the conservative backlash in the kingdom has been swift.
Screenshot Facebook | Überwachungsvideo zeigt Angriff eines Mannes auf junge Frau

Viral video of Paris woman assaulted after confronting sexual harassment triggers investigation 30.07.2018

A young woman has taken a stand after being physically attacked in Paris. A video shows a man punching her in front of a crowded street-side cafe.
Frankfurt Städelmuseum Rubens Kraft der Verwandlung

What the Flanders? Viral video makes fun of Facebook's nudity guidelines 25.07.2018

Are social media thought-police finally a reality? A clip of two official-looking men badged as 'fbi' who stop people from viewing nude art in a Belgian gallery has gone viral. But is it censorship, or a publicity stunt?
Flaggen der EU vor Europaparlament in Straßburg

New EU copyright law: Will upload filters destroy the internet as we know it? 25.06.2018

With new copyright filters in the EU, platforms like YouTube will have to filter uploads for copyright infringements. Critics fear the end of memes and say this will destroy the internet as we know it.
Berlin KFC am Alexanderplatz

Racism row after Berlin KFC calls police over 'disruptive' group of black UK tourists 24.05.2018

KFC Germany and Berlin police denied accusations of racism after an online video showed police removing a group of black tourists from a Berlin store. Employees claimed the group was "disruptive," but the guests deny it.
Nonnen nutzen Computer

Nuns on social media: New guidelines advise against online communication 17.05.2018

Mass, not memes. Catholic nuns have been told to try and avoid social media and return to a life of silence. Meanwhile the Pope is still tweeting to his millions of followers.
Screenshot Twitter Mumbai Police

India: Viral video reunites man with family after 40 years 20.04.2018

The man's family recognized him in a Youtube video that showed him singing a popular Bollywood song for money on a Mumbai street. The 66-year-old man, a former soldier, went missing in 1978.
Grumpy Cat

Grumpy Cat wins $710,000 lawsuit 25.01.2018

The feline behind the "Grumpy Cat" internet meme has won a major payout as part of a copyright infringement case against a coffee company. Grumpy Cat's lawyer said it was likely the first time a meme had won in court.
Westjordanland Militärgericht, Ahed Tamimi bei Ramallah

Ahed Tamimi to be held in Israeli detention throughout her trial 17.01.2018

The 16-year-old Palestinian was seen slapping and punching two Israeli soldiers in a viral video. She could remain in detention for months. Human rights groups have called for her immediate release.
Baustelle Bahnprojekt Stuttgart 21

Stuttgart 21 - Germany's other engineering fiasco goes off the rails 13.12.2017

Everyone in Germany has heard the jokes and seen the social media memes about Berlin's BER airport. But the Stuttgart 21 railway project has also developed into a logistical nightmare — and a sinkhole for public money.
Australien Ferry McFerryface

Sydney gets new ferry called 'Ferry McFerryface' 14.11.2017

A new Sydney harbor ferry will be named "Ferry McFerryface" after authorities of New South Wales overruled the front runner "Boaty McBoatface" as unoriginal. The names were suggested via an online poll.
Twitter Jeddah boy

'Macarena' dancing boy detained in Saudi Arabia 23.08.2017

Saudi authorities have detained a 14-year-old boy for dancing the "Macarena" on the street in a viral video. Police said the teenager was questioned over "improper public behavior" and disturbing the traffic.
Berlin Prozess U-Bahn-Treter

Berlin 'subway kicker' sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison 06.07.2017

A man who was seen kicking a woman down the stairs of a Berlin subway station was sentenced to two years and eleven months in jail. The viral video prompted a massive public outcry and a call for increased surveillance.
Euromaxx Boogie Woogie

Retirees boogie their way to web stardom 04.05.2017

German retirees Dietmar and Nellia Ehrentraut have become unintentional web stars. Someone shot a video of them dancing, and then posted it on Facebook. The video went viral in no time at all.  
United Airlines CEO Munoz

United Airlines CEO finally apologizes for violent incident 12.04.2017

After days of hestitation, Oscar Munoz said "I deeply apologize" that a doctor was violently removed from an overbooked flight. David Dao was seen bloodied and dragged from the plane in viral video footage.
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