“A ‘like’ that doesn't come from someone truly interested in connecting with a page benefits no one.” So begins a blog entry posted by the Facebook security team on Friday. It might look a statement of the obvious - but it signals that the social network is finally emerging from its state of denial about the true value of “likes”, which have been.....

A ban on smoking in closed public spaces in Lebanon has led some restaurant-owners to stage sit-in protests, while smokers bemoan the new law. More...

Portugal says it has asked for EU assistance to tackle dozens of forest fires which have left at least one person dead. More...

David Cameron is planning his first major reshuffle as MPs return to Westminster and the government announces more economic measures. More...

International criticism and concern grows following the release of a convicted murderer after his transfer from Hungary to Azerbaijan. More...

A woman in her 40s found dead in a Norfolk river was probably strangled, a post mortem examination shows. More...

BAE Systems' most advanced helmet can see through solid walls, and enables the pilot to see the target and fire without turning the plane. More...

Oscar Pistorius claimed that his rival was wearing blades that were too long. So how long are blades allowed to be? More...