WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users.

"We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook"

These words were put by WhatsApp on its status.

The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones.

However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">delaying implementation of its policy</a>.

The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach.

Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-delays-privacy-policy-update-signal-faces-glitches-357021">WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches</a>

After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal.

WhatsApp appeared to pull all stops to assure users that their privacy was the messenger apps priority. WhatsApp is currently on backfoot after its new privacy policy led to thousands of users choosing to switch to rival apps such as Telegram and Signal. On Sunday, Whatsapp put up status that had messages for its users. "We are committed to your privacy", "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-to-end encrypted", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook" These words were put by WhatsApp on its status. The privacy policy changes from WhatsApp were to come into effect on February 8. Users were asked to accept the changes or the app was to be deleted from their phones. However, following the backlash and exodus from its platform, WhatsApp said on Saturday that it was delaying implementation of its policy. The messenger app has gone on a media blitzkrieg in recent days with ads in traditional media as well as online. The status update is part of that outreach. Telegram and Signal have been the main beneficiaries of users' displeasure at WhatsApp. The downloads of both apps have skyrocketted. These apps are considered to be safer. Also Read | WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches After the spike in the download, Signal even faced technical issues for several days. It is being said that the crash is due to sudden spike in number of users. Telegram has not made a public declaration of such issue if ever the developers are facing it.

Whatsapp reaches out to users via status, says it values privacy

Ecuador's interior minister Patricio Pazmino said on Saturday that the country's police had seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug was kept in containers that was to go to Estonia. The cocaine was found in Guayaquil port. Sniffer dogs found the drugs.

"With the support of the anti-narcotics canine, Garo, the drugs were detected in a container that was to be transported to Estonia, in Europe," said Pazmino

Ecuadorean police seized a record 120 tonnes of drugs on 2020. This drug bust broke the previous record of 110 tonnes in 2016.

Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru, which are the world's two largest producers of cocaine, according to the United Nations.

Ecuador's interior minister Patricio Pazmino said on Saturday that the country's police had seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug was kept in containers that was to go to Estonia.

Ecuador's interior minister Patricio Pazmino said on Saturday that the country's police had seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug was kept in containers that was to go to Estonia. The cocaine was found in Guayaquil port. Sniffer dogs found the drugs. "With the support of the anti-narcotics canine, Garo, the drugs were detected in a container that was to be transported to Estonia, in Europe," said Pazmino Ecuadorean police seized a record 120 tonnes of drugs on 2020. This drug bust broke the previous record of 110 tonnes in 2016. Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru, which are the world's two largest producers of cocaine, according to the United Nations.

Ecuador seizes 1.3 tonnes cocaine headed for Estonia

Throughout four years of scandals and investigations, President Donald Trump has maintained an approval rating that rarely budged from a 10-point band between 35% and 45%. Nothing he could say, do or tweet appeared to dramatically change public opinion of him.

But the events of Jan. 6 — when a violent mob of Trump supporters incited by the president stormed the Capitol — appear to have damaged him in his final days in office in a way that finally moved the needle.

Trump is set to depart office Wednesday with an approval rating of 29%, the lowest of his presidency, according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center.

About 75% of the public said Trump bore some responsibility for the violence and destruction of Jan. 6, which put the lives of the vice president and members of Congress at risk and resulted in five deaths, according to the survey.

And his behavior since the election — a period during which he has repeatedly tried to contest his loss, relied on conspiracy theorists for advice, encouraged supporters who do not view President-elect Joe Biden as legitimate, and refused to concede — has cost Trump support even with those individuals who have loyally supported him until now.

According to Pew, the share of his supporters who described his conduct as “poor” has doubled, from 10% to 20%, over the past two months.

Biden, in contrast, has benefited from how he has handled the transition period. About 64% of voters said they had a positive opinion of his conduct since the November election. The majority of voters said they also approved of his Cabinet selections.

Trump’s polling while in office has been surprisingly stagnant, despite regular eruptions from the president. He was the only president in the history of Gallup’s polling who never earned the support of a majority of Americans for even one day of his term. But he also held onto his durable base, who appeared willing to overlook any behavior they did not approve of, or any promises that Trump never followed through on.

That group now appears to have shrunk, although Trump still has some stalwart supporters who believe the conspiracy theories he has encouraged about election fraud. About 34% of respondents said they believed that Trump was “definitely” or “probably” the rightful election winner.

Trump’s advisers have tried to play up that base of loyal support to him, noting that there are “welcome home” events planned for his arrival in Florida on Wednesday. They have also planned an upbeat send-off Wednesday morning to commemorate his final departure from Washington as president, aboard Air Force One.

But whatever show of support he sees on his way out will belie the reality of his situation.

Not only has he made history as the first president to be impeached twice. But he appears to be on track to leave office with the lowest approval rating of any modern-day president.

Throughout four years of scandals and investigations, President Donald Trump has maintained an approval rating that rarely budged from a 10-point band between 35% and 45%.

Throughout four years of scandals and investigations, President Donald Trump has maintained an approval rating that rarely budged from a 10-point band between 35% and 45%. Nothing he could say, do or tweet appeared to dramatically change public opinion of him. But the events of Jan. 6 — when a violent mob of Trump supporters incited by the president stormed the Capitol — appear to have damaged him in his final days in office in a way that finally moved the needle. Trump is set to depart office Wednesday with an approval rating of 29%, the lowest of his presidency, according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center. About 75% of the public said Trump bore some responsibility for the violence and destruction of Jan. 6, which put the lives of the vice president and members of Congress at risk and resulted in five deaths, according to the survey. And his behavior since the election — a period during which he has repeatedly tried to contest his loss, relied on conspiracy theorists for advice, encouraged supporters who do not view President-elect Joe Biden as legitimate, and refused to concede — has cost Trump support even with those individuals who have loyally supported him until now. According to Pew, the share of his supporters who described his conduct as “poor” has doubled, from 10% to 20%, over the past two months. Biden, in contrast, has benefited from how he has handled the transition period. About 64% of voters said they had a positive opinion of his conduct since the November election. The majority of voters said they also approved of his Cabinet selections. Trump’s polling while in office has been surprisingly stagnant, despite regular eruptions from the president. He was the only president in the history of Gallup’s polling who never earned the support of a majority of Americans for even one day of his term. But he also held onto his durable base, who appeared willing to overlook any behavior they did not approve of, or any promises that Trump never followed through on. That group now appears to have shrunk, although Trump still has some stalwart supporters who believe the conspiracy theories he has encouraged about election fraud. About 34% of respondents said they believed that Trump was “definitely” or “probably” the rightful election winner. Trump’s advisers have tried to play up that base of loyal support to him, noting that there are “welcome home” events planned for his arrival in Florida on Wednesday. They have also planned an upbeat send-off Wednesday morning to commemorate his final departure from Washington as president, aboard Air Force One. But whatever show of support he sees on his way out will belie the reality of his situation. Not only has he made history as the first president to be impeached twice. But he appears to be on track to leave office with the lowest approval rating of any modern-day president.

Trump will leave office with the worst approval rating of his presidency

Anthime Joseph Gionet, a far-right media personality nicknamed “Baked Alaska” who is known for livestreaming himself participating in illegal activity, was arrested by the FBI on Friday and accused of illegally storming the Capitol during the attack on the building by President Donald Trump’s supporters last week.

Gionet, who has been banned from Twitter and YouTube for his content, livestreamed himself in the mob on DLive, a streaming service becoming more popular after a mass exodus of right-wing figures from more mainstream platforms. He posted a video that showed supporters of Trump taking selfies with officers in the Capitol who calmly asked them to leave the premises. The video showed the Trump supporters talking among themselves, laughing, and telling the officers and each other: “This is only the beginning.”

Gionet was arrested in Houston on Friday, according to the Justice Department’s website, and charged with two federal crimes. In a court filing, Nicole Miller, an FBI agent, said Gionet had recorded a 27-minute video in which he appeared to chant, “Patriots are in control,” and said, “We are in the Capitol building, 1776 will commence again.”

Authorities on Saturday also arrested Lisa Marie Eisenhart, the mother of Eric Gavelek Munchel, the man pictured holding zip ties in the Capitol during the riot. Jack Jesse Griffith, another person arrested Saturday, was identified through an Instagram video posted by someone else at the riot, according to documents. Both were arrested in Tennessee.

More than 70 arrests have been made in relation to the riots, and at least 170 cases have been opened. Many of the mob participants have been easily identified through their social media posts.

Emily Hernandez, a woman photographed with part of the wooden name plate torn from the entrance to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, was charged in federal court Friday.

Hernandez was seen in numerous videos and photographs holding Pelosi’s splintered nameplate like a prized keepsake. According to documents from the FBI, the agency received tips about Hernandez from her friends and acquaintances after she posted pictures and videos of herself parading around with the nameplate on Facebook and Snapchat. One tipster recognized her from a widely circulated video by ITV News, which is based in Britain.

Jenna Ryan, a real estate broker from Frisco, Texas, who took a private plane to Washington to participate in the mob, was also charged Friday. She was easily identified after she posted about her participation in various ways, including by posting a picture to her Twitter account that showed her standing in front of a broken window at the Capitol with the caption, “Window at The capital.”

Then, just before she entered, she turned to the camera and said: “Y’all know who to hire for your realtor. Jenna Ryan for your realtor.”

Anthime Joseph Gionet, a far-right media personality nicknamed “Baked Alaska” who is known for livestreaming himself participating in illegal activity, was arrested by the FBI on Friday and accused of illegally storming the Capitol during the attack on the building by President Donald Trump’s supporters last week.

Anthime Joseph Gionet, a far-right media personality nicknamed “Baked Alaska” who is known for livestreaming himself participating in illegal activity, was arrested by the FBI on Friday and accused of illegally storming the Capitol during the attack on the building by President Donald Trump’s supporters last week. Gionet, who has been banned from Twitter and YouTube for his content, livestreamed himself in the mob on DLive, a streaming service becoming more popular after a mass exodus of right-wing figures from more mainstream platforms. He posted a video that showed supporters of Trump taking selfies with officers in the Capitol who calmly asked them to leave the premises. The video showed the Trump supporters talking among themselves, laughing, and telling the officers and each other: “This is only the beginning.” Gionet was arrested in Houston on Friday, according to the Justice Department’s website, and charged with two federal crimes. In a court filing, Nicole Miller, an FBI agent, said Gionet had recorded a 27-minute video in which he appeared to chant, “Patriots are in control,” and said, “We are in the Capitol building, 1776 will commence again.” Authorities on Saturday also arrested Lisa Marie Eisenhart, the mother of Eric Gavelek Munchel, the man pictured holding zip ties in the Capitol during the riot. Jack Jesse Griffith, another person arrested Saturday, was identified through an Instagram video posted by someone else at the riot, according to documents. Both were arrested in Tennessee. More than 70 arrests have been made in relation to the riots, and at least 170 cases have been opened. Many of the mob participants have been easily identified through their social media posts. Emily Hernandez, a woman photographed with part of the wooden name plate torn from the entrance to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, was charged in federal court Friday. Hernandez was seen in numerous videos and photographs holding Pelosi’s splintered nameplate like a prized keepsake. According to documents from the FBI, the agency received tips about Hernandez from her friends and acquaintances after she posted pictures and videos of herself parading around with the nameplate on Facebook and Snapchat. One tipster recognized her from a widely circulated video by ITV News, which is based in Britain. Jenna Ryan, a real estate broker from Frisco, Texas, who took a private plane to Washington to participate in the mob, was also charged Friday. She was easily identified after she posted about her participation in various ways, including by posting a picture to her Twitter account that showed her standing in front of a broken window at the Capitol with the caption, “Window at The capital.” Then, just before she entered, she turned to the camera and said: “Y’all know who to hire for your realtor. Jenna Ryan for your realtor.”

Far-right activist ‘Baked Alaska’ among latest Capitol rioters arrested

As UK aims to boost coronavirus vaccine rollout, cathedrals across the region have been converted into makeshift COVID vaccination centres for people aged 70 and more along with other vulnerable groups. People queuing at cathedrals in Salisbury and Blackburn were able to enjoy soothing organ music as they marvelled at the grand buildings.

UK Government is aiming to vaccinate 2 million people a week. This will enable it to vaccinate those in four highest risk tiers- the elderly, clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers

Dean of Blackburn Peter Howell-Jones praised the role the buildings will play in offering vaccinations to the community saying, ''with a space this sort of size we should be able to see thousands of people vaccinated each week, and it feels really great to be part of that process."

Government data showed on Saturday (January 16) that almost 3.6 million people had received one dose of vaccine, the most in Europe and an increase of 324,000 on the day before.

The government has already said that it plans to quarantine whoever arrives in UK in addition to a compulsory COVID-19 negative certificate. These measures come into effect on Monday.

"This means that if you come to this country you must have proof of a negative Covid virus test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving," &nbsp;said UK PM Boris Johnson on Friday.

The UK had previously made an exception for travellers from certain countries and territories with low Covid caseloads, allowing them to arrive freely through "corridors", without showing negative virus tests or quarantining afterwards.

These included Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore as well as Bermuda and Gibraltar.

(With AFP inputs)

As UK aims to boost coronavirus vaccine rollout, cathedrals across the region have been converted into makeshift COVID vaccination centres for people aged 70 and more along with other vulnerable groups.

As UK aims to boost coronavirus vaccine rollout, cathedrals across the region have been converted into makeshift COVID vaccination centres for people aged 70 and more along with other vulnerable groups. People queuing at cathedrals in Salisbury and Blackburn were able to enjoy soothing organ music as they marvelled at the grand buildings. UK Government is aiming to vaccinate 2 million people a week. This will enable it to vaccinate those in four highest risk tiers- the elderly, clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers Dean of Blackburn Peter Howell-Jones praised the role the buildings will play in offering vaccinations to the community saying, ''with a space this sort of size we should be able to see thousands of people vaccinated each week, and it feels really great to be part of that process." Government data showed on Saturday (January 16) that almost 3.6 million people had received one dose of vaccine, the most in Europe and an increase of 324,000 on the day before. The government has already said that it plans to quarantine whoever arrives in UK in addition to a compulsory COVID-19 negative certificate. These measures come into effect on Monday. "This means that if you come to this country you must have proof of a negative Covid virus test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving," said UK PM Boris Johnson on Friday. The UK had previously made an exception for travellers from certain countries and territories with low Covid caseloads, allowing them to arrive freely through "corridors", without showing negative virus tests or quarantining afterwards. These included Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore as well as Bermuda and Gibraltar. (With AFP inputs)

UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres

On Friday, global death toll due to coronavirus infection crossed the 2 million mark, as per numbers gathered by news agencies Reuters and AFP. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed this a "heart-wrenching milestone". Projections as per the tally by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation that the death toll can increase to 2.9 million.

Given how fast the virus is spreading due to more infectious variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned the worst could be ahead.

The United States has the highest total number of deaths at over 386,000 and accounts for one in every four deaths reported worldwide each day. The next worst-affected countries are Brazil, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Combined, the five countries contribute to almost 50% of all COVID-19 deaths in the world but represent only 27% of the global population.

The one-million death mark was breached on September 28, over nine months after the first death was reported in China. Since then the pandemic has accelerated and one million people have died in less than four months.

Last week was the deadliest since the pandemic broke out, with an average of over 13,600 deaths daily worldwide -- a 20 percent rise over the previous week.

Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic since October, accounting for a third of global deaths. The 52 countries and territories in the region have recorded an average of 5,570 deaths every day -- 17 percent higher than a week earlier.

Latin America and the Caribbean saw deaths rise by 25 percent last week, with a daily average of 2,751 fatalities, followed by the US and Canada (up 20 percent at 3,490) and Africa, also up 20 percent at 869. 
&nbsp;

On Friday, global death toll due to coronavirus infection crossed the 2 million mark, as per numbers gathered by news agencies Reuters and AFP. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed this a "heart-wrenching milestone".

On Friday, global death toll due to coronavirus infection crossed the 2 million mark, as per numbers gathered by news agencies Reuters and AFP. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed this a "heart-wrenching milestone". Projections as per the tally by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation that the death toll can increase to 2.9 million. Given how fast the virus is spreading due to more infectious variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned the worst could be ahead. The United States has the highest total number of deaths at over 386,000 and accounts for one in every four deaths reported worldwide each day. The next worst-affected countries are Brazil, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Combined, the five countries contribute to almost 50% of all COVID-19 deaths in the world but represent only 27% of the global population. The one-million death mark was breached on September 28, over nine months after the first death was reported in China. Since then the pandemic has accelerated and one million people have died in less than four months. Last week was the deadliest since the pandemic broke out, with an average of over 13,600 deaths daily worldwide -- a 20 percent rise over the previous week. Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic since October, accounting for a third of global deaths. The 52 countries and territories in the region have recorded an average of 5,570 deaths every day -- 17 percent higher than a week earlier. Latin America and the Caribbean saw deaths rise by 25 percent last week, with a daily average of 2,751 fatalities, followed by the US and Canada (up 20 percent at 3,490) and Africa, also up 20 percent at 869.

Global COVID death toll crosses 2 million

Today in history: League of Nations first meet, Hitler retreats to bunker, more

Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users. Under the rules that are being worked on, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others will only be able to take action if the content or person breaks Polish law. The legislation proposes setting up a 'freedom of speech council' that will review complaints by users whose content has been removed or account blocked.

"The law will provide tools guaranteeing the basic freedoms and liberties of Polish citizens on the internet," Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro told reporters in Warsaw.

The new legal framework would require "global players" to respect Polish law, he said, adding that "today social media decide for themselves what content will be censored." 
Parliament would appoint the members of the future council for six-year terms and politicians would not be eligible, he said.

"The council will protect the constitutional right to exercise freedom of speech on all social media operating in Poland," the minister said.

The measures are to come into effect by next January.

"The platform considers the complaint and either restores access to the content and the case is closed, or it does not accept the complaint," said Sabastian Kaleta, a senior justice ministry official.

"The user will then have the right to appeal to the council, which will have seven days to consider the user's complaint," he added, explaining the procedure will be entirely electronic. 
Decisions by the council will be subject to appeal in a Polish court.

Non-compliance with the rulings of the council and court will carry fines for social media platforms ranging up to 50 million zloty (11 million euros, $13 million).

(With AFP inputs)

Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users. Under the rules that are being worked on, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others will only be able to take action if the content or person breaks Polish law.

Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users. Under the rules that are being worked on, platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others will only be able to take action if the content or person breaks Polish law. The legislation proposes setting up a 'freedom of speech council' that will review complaints by users whose content has been removed or account blocked. "The law will provide tools guaranteeing the basic freedoms and liberties of Polish citizens on the internet," Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro told reporters in Warsaw. The new legal framework would require "global players" to respect Polish law, he said, adding that "today social media decide for themselves what content will be censored." Parliament would appoint the members of the future council for six-year terms and politicians would not be eligible, he said. "The council will protect the constitutional right to exercise freedom of speech on all social media operating in Poland," the minister said. The measures are to come into effect by next January. "The platform considers the complaint and either restores access to the content and the case is closed, or it does not accept the complaint," said Sabastian Kaleta, a senior justice ministry official. "The user will then have the right to appeal to the council, which will have seven days to consider the user's complaint," he added, explaining the procedure will be entirely electronic. Decisions by the council will be subject to appeal in a Polish court. Non-compliance with the rulings of the council and court will carry fines for social media platforms ranging up to 50 million zloty (11 million euros, $13 million). (With AFP inputs)

Poland works on law limiting powers of Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms

In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened. Michigan state police set up metal fencing encircling the capitol. In Illinois, workers boarded up windows at the state capitol while in New York, roads leading to the state capitol were blocked by concrete barriers.

The enhanced security measures came after the FBI posted bulletins and called law enforcement agencies nationwide to call attention to potential protests.

Law enforcement agencies are keeping tab of extremist chatter online. The activity is being monitored for possible signs of attack just like that on US Capitol Building on January 6.

For months, far-right extremists have been openly posting their threats on public sites. Now, wary of surveillance and amid a crackdown by social media, some are shifting their online communications to private chats or lesser known platforms that could make those threats harder to find.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-leave-washington-on-morning-of-bidens-inauguration-357019">Trump to leave Washington on morning of Biden’s inauguration</a>

Several social media websites that are popular havens for far-right views have closed, crashed or cracked down on violent rhetoric over the past week. For example, Apple and Amazon suspended the social media site Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service, saying it had not taken adequate measures to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence.

The FBI received nearly 100,000 "digital media tips" about potential unrest related to the election and Biden's inauguration, an official told reporters on Tuesday, and has pleaded for more information from the American public.

(With Reuters inputs)

In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened. Michigan state police set up metal fencing encircling the capitol.

In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened. Michigan state police set up metal fencing encircling the capitol. In Illinois, workers boarded up windows at the state capitol while in New York, roads leading to the state capitol were blocked by concrete barriers. The enhanced security measures came after the FBI posted bulletins and called law enforcement agencies nationwide to call attention to potential protests. Law enforcement agencies are keeping tab of extremist chatter online. The activity is being monitored for possible signs of attack just like that on US Capitol Building on January 6. For months, far-right extremists have been openly posting their threats on public sites. Now, wary of surveillance and amid a crackdown by social media, some are shifting their online communications to private chats or lesser known platforms that could make those threats harder to find. Also Read | Trump to leave Washington on morning of Biden’s inauguration Several social media websites that are popular havens for far-right views have closed, crashed or cracked down on violent rhetoric over the past week. For example, Apple and Amazon suspended the social media site Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service, saying it had not taken adequate measures to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence. The FBI received nearly 100,000 "digital media tips" about potential unrest related to the election and Biden's inauguration, an official told reporters on Tuesday, and has pleaded for more information from the American public. (With Reuters inputs)

State capitols across US tighten security to repel possible attacks

Human activities have always had an impact on nature. Although there has been increased awareness and efforts to mitigate the effects lately, more needs to be done. Human activities have changed the shape and element of Earth, so to speak. The hazardous effect span from those to the biosphere as well as atmosphere. Global warming, Greenhouse gases are problems enough, but out footprint on the only planet we call home has endangered species of plants and animals.

A study has hinted that US Navy's Sonar use may be a factor behind increased beachings of whales in the Pacific. Beaching refers to the giant fish coming out of the water and getting stuck on beaches and losing lives in many instances. The effect of Sonar on whale beaching has been seen in Northern Marina Islands in western Pacific Ocean. These islands are surrounded by USA's Mariana Islands Training and Testing area (MITT).

In February last year, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography published a study in which they had examined effect of Sonar on whale beachings. The study noted beachings of at least 10 Cuvier's beaked whales that took place between 2006 and 2019. Many of them occurred within six days of Sonar use by US armed forces.

A hypothesis suggests that Sonar waves cause whales to surface too quickly. forming bubbles in their blood and organs.

US Navy spokesperson Lieutenant James Adams was quoted by the Guardian as saying that there was "insufficient evidence" to suggest that navy's use of the Sonar had caused more whale beachings. 
&nbsp;

Human activities have always had an impact on nature. Although there has been increased awareness and efforts to mitigate the effects lately, more needs to be done.

Human activities have always had an impact on nature. Although there has been increased awareness and efforts to mitigate the effects lately, more needs to be done. Human activities have changed the shape and element of Earth, so to speak. The hazardous effect span from those to the biosphere as well as atmosphere. Global warming, Greenhouse gases are problems enough, but out footprint on the only planet we call home has endangered species of plants and animals. A study has hinted that US Navy's Sonar use may be a factor behind increased beachings of whales in the Pacific. Beaching refers to the giant fish coming out of the water and getting stuck on beaches and losing lives in many instances. The effect of Sonar on whale beaching has been seen in Northern Marina Islands in western Pacific Ocean. These islands are surrounded by USA's Mariana Islands Training and Testing area (MITT). In February last year, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography published a study in which they had examined effect of Sonar on whale beachings. The study noted beachings of at least 10 Cuvier's beaked whales that took place between 2006 and 2019. Many of them occurred within six days of Sonar use by US armed forces. A hypothesis suggests that Sonar waves cause whales to surface too quickly. forming bubbles in their blood and organs. US Navy spokesperson Lieutenant James Adams was quoted by the Guardian as saying that there was "insufficient evidence" to suggest that navy's use of the Sonar had caused more whale beachings.

US Navy Sonar may be causing whale beachings in Pacific: Study

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes.

"We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post.

The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15."

There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-leading-signals-growth-following-whatsapp-user-data-row-claims-coo-356715">India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO</a>

New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week.

The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network.

"We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post.

"We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook."

Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp.

"We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post.

(With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets.

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update: WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets. On the same day, Signal app faced technical difficulties. A message on the app's homepage said that the developers were "working very hard to restore service as quickly as possible". Signal and Telegram have massively benefitted from users' search for a secure app in light of privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp in accordance with its new policy. WhatsApp had earlier asked users to accept the changes and declared that the app will be unintstalled on February 8 if a user doesn't take action on policy changes. "We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The platform said it would instead "go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15." There was a massive spike in downloads of Signal and Telegram ever since WhatsApp privacy concerns made users across the globe worried. Signal saw more than 100,000 downloads while Telegram was downloaded 2.2 million times in just two days last week, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower Also Read | India leading Signal's growth following WhatsApp user data row, claims COO New Installs of WhatsApp fell by 11 per cent in the first week of 2021 compared to the previous week. The update concerns how merchants using WhatsApp to chat with customers can share data with Facebook, which could use the information for targeted ads, according to the social network. "We can't see your private messages or hear your calls, and neither can Facebook," WhatsApp said in an earlier blog post. "We don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling. We can't see your shared location and neither can Facebook." Location data along with message contents is encrypted end-to-end, according to WhatsApp. "We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts," WhatsApp said in a post. (With agency inputs)

WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches

In his final days as Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy has moved to thwart a federal judge’s order for an independent examination of a mentally ill prisoner at Guantánamo Bay who was previously tortured there, the Justice Department disclosed Friday.

Lawyers for the prisoner, Mohammed al-Qahtani, 45, had obtained the order in March for two foreign doctors and one from the U.S. Army to examine the man under an Army regulation to determine whether he should be repatriated to his native Saudi Arabia for psychiatric care.

The Defense Department has not permitted such a medical review since the detention center was established in January 2002, and the order was poised to become an early test of the Biden administration as it considers resuming releases from Guantánamo.

But Friday, Justice Department lawyers notified the U.S. District Court in Washington that McCarthy had signed a two-page memorandum Monday excluding detainees at Guantánamo from the regulation that was the basis of the court order.

In March, Judge Rosemary Collyer ruled that the regulation required the medical review and that if the doctors found repatriating Qahtani to Saudi Arabia was in his best interest, she would order it.

The order rattled the Defense Department, which has fought for nearly two decades to block civilian courts from deciding questions involving the detainees. Officials warned that, if an examination were conducted, others among the current 40 detainees would seek medical repatriation.

Collyer has since retired, and another judge, Ellen Segal Huvelle, upheld the order in August. The next month, an appeals court rejected a government pleading to delay the examination, leaving the Trump administration with a quandary: permit the first decisive outside evaluation of a Guantánamo detainee or, as previous administrations have done to avoid court orders to release a detainee, voluntarily transfer Qahtani to a psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia.

It did neither, citing restrictions at Guantánamo during the coronavirus pandemic.

Given McCarthy’s decision to alter the regulation, the Justice Department on Friday asked the court to vacate Collyer’s order. “The entire legal basis underlying this court’s March 2020 Order has evaporated,” it said.

Once President-elect Joe Biden takes office next week, his Justice Department could choose to maintain the same position or withdraw the request to the court.

Qahtani’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, called the move “a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to lock Joe Biden into a path of resisting the independent medical examination of a mentally ill man that the government has admitted torturing.”

Qahtani, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, was captured along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border three months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and subjected to two months of continuous, brutal interrogation at Camp X-Ray at Guantánamo in late 2002 and early 2003.

Leaked documents show that Qahtani was deprived of sleep and water, kept nude and was menaced by dogs, while under the care of military medics.

“There is no real question that the examination will confirm my client’s severe illnesses and lead to his medical repatriation,” said Kassem, a law professor whose clinic at City University of New York represents Qahtani.

Qahtani has been suspected of being one of several failed, aspirational 20th hijackers in the Sept. 11 attacks. But he has never been charged with a crime, in part because he was tortured.

Stephen I. Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law who follows Guantánamo litigation, said the Army secretary has the authority to modify a regulation but the question likely confronting the court will be “whether the change is procedurally valid and whether it can be applied retroactively to this pending case.”

He also called the timing suspicious, days before McCarthy is relieved as Army secretary. “They lost on the rule. So they changed the rule.” He called it “a pretty shady way to duck the issue.”

A Pentagon spokesman, Mike Howard, declined to comment on the change, including whether the Department of Defense’s general counsel was consulted beforehand.

In his final days as Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy has moved to thwart a federal judge’s order for an independent examination of a mentally ill prisoner at Guantánamo Bay who was previously tortured there, the Justice Department disclosed Friday.

In his final days as Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy has moved to thwart a federal judge’s order for an independent examination of a mentally ill prisoner at Guantánamo Bay who was previously tortured there, the Justice Department disclosed Friday. Lawyers for the prisoner, Mohammed al-Qahtani, 45, had obtained the order in March for two foreign doctors and one from the U.S. Army to examine the man under an Army regulation to determine whether he should be repatriated to his native Saudi Arabia for psychiatric care. The Defense Department has not permitted such a medical review since the detention center was established in January 2002, and the order was poised to become an early test of the Biden administration as it considers resuming releases from Guantánamo. But Friday, Justice Department lawyers notified the U.S. District Court in Washington that McCarthy had signed a two-page memorandum Monday excluding detainees at Guantánamo from the regulation that was the basis of the court order. In March, Judge Rosemary Collyer ruled that the regulation required the medical review and that if the doctors found repatriating Qahtani to Saudi Arabia was in his best interest, she would order it. The order rattled the Defense Department, which has fought for nearly two decades to block civilian courts from deciding questions involving the detainees. Officials warned that, if an examination were conducted, others among the current 40 detainees would seek medical repatriation. Collyer has since retired, and another judge, Ellen Segal Huvelle, upheld the order in August. The next month, an appeals court rejected a government pleading to delay the examination, leaving the Trump administration with a quandary: permit the first decisive outside evaluation of a Guantánamo detainee or, as previous administrations have done to avoid court orders to release a detainee, voluntarily transfer Qahtani to a psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia. It did neither, citing restrictions at Guantánamo during the coronavirus pandemic. Given McCarthy’s decision to alter the regulation, the Justice Department on Friday asked the court to vacate Collyer’s order. “The entire legal basis underlying this court’s March 2020 Order has evaporated,” it said. Once President-elect Joe Biden takes office next week, his Justice Department could choose to maintain the same position or withdraw the request to the court. Qahtani’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, called the move “a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to lock Joe Biden into a path of resisting the independent medical examination of a mentally ill man that the government has admitted torturing.” Qahtani, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, was captured along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border three months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and subjected to two months of continuous, brutal interrogation at Camp X-Ray at Guantánamo in late 2002 and early 2003. Leaked documents show that Qahtani was deprived of sleep and water, kept nude and was menaced by dogs, while under the care of military medics. “There is no real question that the examination will confirm my client’s severe illnesses and lead to his medical repatriation,” said Kassem, a law professor whose clinic at City University of New York represents Qahtani. Qahtani has been suspected of being one of several failed, aspirational 20th hijackers in the Sept. 11 attacks. But he has never been charged with a crime, in part because he was tortured. Stephen I. Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law who follows Guantánamo litigation, said the Army secretary has the authority to modify a regulation but the question likely confronting the court will be “whether the change is procedurally valid and whether it can be applied retroactively to this pending case.” He also called the timing suspicious, days before McCarthy is relieved as Army secretary. “They lost on the rule. So they changed the rule.” He called it “a pretty shady way to duck the issue.” A Pentagon spokesman, Mike Howard, declined to comment on the change, including whether the Department of Defense’s general counsel was consulted beforehand.

Pentagon moves to block exam of tortured Guantanamo prisoner

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Zee News Rajasthan

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