Russia's security service chief on Thursday warned about some<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-send-back-foreign-islamic-state-fighters-259537"> 2,000 women and children</a> related to Russian fighters for the Islamic State group who he said could return and commit attacks.

"Currently there are around 2,000 women and children on whom we have data who are relatives of fighters, that's just Russian nationals," the head of the FSB security service Alexander Bortnikov said at a regional security forum in Tashkent, TASS news agency reported.

He said that this included both family members who are still in the Middle East or who have left the region.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nearly-800-islamic-state-supporters-escaped-from-syria-255684/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Some of these may still have extremist views and could commit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-wants-to-bolster-fight-against-islamic-state-after-its-leaders-death-258646">terror attacks back</a> in Russia, he warned.

"Such returnees quite often adhere to extremist religious ideology," Bortnikov said.

He said "the heads of international terror organisations target such people as suicide bombers, proselytisers and recruiters and agents for the underground terrorist network."

Unlike some other countries, Russia has organised the repatriation of some women and children of Islamist fighters, particularly to its Caucasus regions. 
&nbsp;

Russia's security service chief on Thursday warned about some 2,000 women and children related to Russian fighters for the Islamic State group who he said could return and commit attacks.

Russia's security service chief on Thursday warned about some 2,000 women and children related to Russian fighters for the Islamic State group who he said could return and commit attacks. "Currently there are around 2,000 women and children on whom we have data who are relatives of fighters, that's just Russian nationals," the head of the FSB security service Alexander Bortnikov said at a regional security forum in Tashkent, TASS news agency reported. He said that this included both family members who are still in the Middle East or who have left the region. Watch Video: Some of these may still have extremist views and could commit terror attacks back in Russia, he warned. "Such returnees quite often adhere to extremist religious ideology," Bortnikov said. He said "the heads of international terror organisations target such people as suicide bombers, proselytisers and recruiters and agents for the underground terrorist network." Unlike some other countries, Russia has organised the repatriation of some women and children of Islamist fighters, particularly to its Caucasus regions.

Relatives of Islamic State fighters returning home could commit terror attacks: Russia

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday as the biggest wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-13-killed-as-iraq-resumes-live-gunfire-against-protesters-260185">anti-government demonstrations</a> in decades spread out across the capital.

Reuters correspondents said the shootings took place on or near three of Baghdad's main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada, and Bab al-Muatham - which have become focal points of the protests.

There appeared to be no deaths. At least 27 people sustained tear gas-related injuries, medical and security sources said.

Protesters had blocked the Shuhada Bridge over the River Tigris since Tuesday afternoon as part of efforts to bring the country to a standstill, with thousands joining anti-government demonstrations in the capital and southern provinces.

They had tried to take Ahrar Bridge on Monday when security forces opened fire, killing at least five.

"More youth started gathering so they kept firing tear gas and live bullets. Maybe four were injured. We didn't do anything but they came and arrested everyone. The youth are peaceful from the start of the sit-in," Qusay Mahdi, a protester on Shuhada Bridge, said on Wednesday.

Security forces were also arresting protesters en masse. A Reuters correspondent saw police pull over a tuk-tuk in the vicinity of one of the bridges and beat the driver before arresting him.

Clashes over two other bridges near the central Tahrir Square where thousands had been gathering for weeks had been taking place regularly, bringing the total of blocked bridges to five.

More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a political class they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. In the 24 hours to late Tuesday, security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters.

Four more people died on Wednesday from injuries sustained at earlier protests over the past week, medical sources said.

Iraqis have been congregating in Tahrir Square for weeks, demanding an overhaul of the political system in the biggest wave of mass protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Thousands have also been gathering in the impoverished southern Shi'ite heartland.

Since defeating Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

The root cause of grievances is the sectarian power-sharing system of governance introduced in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Many see political elites as subservient to one or another of Baghdad's main allies, the United States and Iran, who use Iraq as a proxy in a struggle for regional influence.

Protesters are now escalating their tactics, saying civil disobedience is their only recourse and calling for strikes as the government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year, has found no response to the protests.

Protesters on Wednesday blocked the entrance to the Nassiriya oil refinery, security and oil sources said. They stopped tankers that transport fuel to gas stations from entering the refinery, causing fuel shortages.

Security forces forcibly dispersed a sit-in there overnight in oil-producing Basra but no deaths were reported, security sources said. Protesters had camped out in front the provincial government building.

Thousands have been blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr, near Basra.

Operations at the port, which receives most of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, have been at a complete standstill for a week.

The Umm Qasr blockade has cost the country more than $6 billion so far, a spokesman for the prime minister said.

There were clashes there overnight as the families of protesters killed in previous attempts to disperse the sit-in threw rocks at security forces stationed near Basra port. No deaths occurred, security sources said

In a televised address on Tuesday, Abdul Mahdi said the protests were having an economic impact the country could not afford, and he asked demonstrators to refrain from further damaging public and private property.

Security sources said on Wednesday that arrest warrants for protest organisers arrived from Baghdad to all provinces on Tuesday. Dozens have already been arrested in Basra and Nassiriya, they said.

The government's blocking of the internet across much of Iraq has an estimated economic impact to national GDP of over $1 billion in October, said internet outage observatory NetBlocks.

Internet remained blocked across much of Iraq on Wednesday, having been completely shutdown late on Monday and briefly restored for less than four hours on Tuesday morning.

The US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday condemned the deadly violence against unarmed demonstrators, and urged Iraq's leaders to engage urgently with the thousands who have been protesting.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday as the biggest wave of anti-government demonstrations in decades spread out across the capital.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday as the biggest wave of anti-government demonstrations in decades spread out across the capital. Reuters correspondents said the shootings took place on or near three of Baghdad's main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada, and Bab al-Muatham - which have become focal points of the protests. There appeared to be no deaths. At least 27 people sustained tear gas-related injuries, medical and security sources said. Protesters had blocked the Shuhada Bridge over the River Tigris since Tuesday afternoon as part of efforts to bring the country to a standstill, with thousands joining anti-government demonstrations in the capital and southern provinces. They had tried to take Ahrar Bridge on Monday when security forces opened fire, killing at least five. "More youth started gathering so they kept firing tear gas and live bullets. Maybe four were injured. We didn't do anything but they came and arrested everyone. The youth are peaceful from the start of the sit-in," Qusay Mahdi, a protester on Shuhada Bridge, said on Wednesday. Security forces were also arresting protesters en masse. A Reuters correspondent saw police pull over a tuk-tuk in the vicinity of one of the bridges and beat the driver before arresting him. Clashes over two other bridges near the central Tahrir Square where thousands had been gathering for weeks had been taking place regularly, bringing the total of blocked bridges to five. More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a political class they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. In the 24 hours to late Tuesday, security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters. Four more people died on Wednesday from injuries sustained at earlier protests over the past week, medical sources said. Iraqis have been congregating in Tahrir Square for weeks, demanding an overhaul of the political system in the biggest wave of mass protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Thousands have also been gathering in the impoverished southern Shi'ite heartland. Since defeating Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education. The root cause of grievances is the sectarian power-sharing system of governance introduced in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Many see political elites as subservient to one or another of Baghdad's main allies, the United States and Iran, who use Iraq as a proxy in a struggle for regional influence. Protesters are now escalating their tactics, saying civil disobedience is their only recourse and calling for strikes as the government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year, has found no response to the protests. Protesters on Wednesday blocked the entrance to the Nassiriya oil refinery, security and oil sources said. They stopped tankers that transport fuel to gas stations from entering the refinery, causing fuel shortages. Security forces forcibly dispersed a sit-in there overnight in oil-producing Basra but no deaths were reported, security sources said. Protesters had camped out in front the provincial government building. Thousands have been blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr, near Basra. Operations at the port, which receives most of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, have been at a complete standstill for a week. The Umm Qasr blockade has cost the country more than $6 billion so far, a spokesman for the prime minister said. There were clashes there overnight as the families of protesters killed in previous attempts to disperse the sit-in threw rocks at security forces stationed near Basra port. No deaths occurred, security sources said In a televised address on Tuesday, Abdul Mahdi said the protests were having an economic impact the country could not afford, and he asked demonstrators to refrain from further damaging public and private property. Security sources said on Wednesday that arrest warrants for protest organisers arrived from Baghdad to all provinces on Tuesday. Dozens have already been arrested in Basra and Nassiriya, they said. The government's blocking of the internet across much of Iraq has an estimated economic impact to national GDP of over $1 billion in October, said internet outage observatory NetBlocks. Internet remained blocked across much of Iraq on Wednesday, having been completely shutdown late on Monday and briefly restored for less than four hours on Tuesday morning. The US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday condemned the deadly violence against unarmed demonstrators, and urged Iraq's leaders to engage urgently with the thousands who have been protesting.

Iraqi security forces break up protests in Baghdad's main bridges

Chile's President Sebastian Piner said Wednesday his government had "nothing to hide" concerning allegations that police killed, tortured and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-leader-pinera-says-will-not-resign-over-protests-260205">sexually assaulted civilians</a> during deadly protests against him.

Prosecutors say five of the 20 deaths recorded in the protests against high living costs were suspected to have been at the hands of security forces.

"We have been totally transparent about the figures because we have nothing to hide," President Sebastian Pinera said in a speech on Wednesday.

A UN human rights mission is investigating allegations of police brutality during the unrest.

Chile's independent National Human Rights Institute says it has brought legal action over 181 cases including alleged murders, sexual violence and torture by the military police.

Pinera said state agents who committed abuses would be punished just as severely as those who carried out vandalism or violence in the protests.

Pinera has reshuffled his government and announced a series of measures aimed at placating the protesters.

In the latest of these, on Wednesday he signed a law guaranteeing a minimum monthly wage of some $467.

But protesters have continued demanding that the right-wing billionaire president step down.

Pinera said in a BBC interview broadcast Tuesday that he would not resign over the protests.

Chile's President Sebastian Piner said Wednesday his government had "nothing to hide" concerning allegations that police killed, tortured and sexually assaulted civilians during deadly protests against him.

Chile's President Sebastian Piner said Wednesday his government had "nothing to hide" concerning allegations that police killed, tortured and sexually assaulted civilians during deadly protests against him. Prosecutors say five of the 20 deaths recorded in the protests against high living costs were suspected to have been at the hands of security forces. "We have been totally transparent about the figures because we have nothing to hide," President Sebastian Pinera said in a speech on Wednesday. A UN human rights mission is investigating allegations of police brutality during the unrest. Chile's independent National Human Rights Institute says it has brought legal action over 181 cases including alleged murders, sexual violence and torture by the military police. Pinera said state agents who committed abuses would be punished just as severely as those who carried out vandalism or violence in the protests. Pinera has reshuffled his government and announced a series of measures aimed at placating the protesters. In the latest of these, on Wednesday he signed a law guaranteeing a minimum monthly wage of some $467. But protesters have continued demanding that the right-wing billionaire president step down. Pinera said in a BBC interview broadcast Tuesday that he would not resign over the protests.

Nothing to hide over police abuse claims: Chile Sebastian Pinera

A record-breaking 44,000 people have been infected with mosquito-borne dengue in Pakistan this year, a senior health official said Wednesday, as increased outbreaks linked to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall ravage other parts of Asia.

Dr Rana Safdar, a senior official at the National Institute of Health (NIH), told AFP the figure is a huge leap from the previous record of 27,000 infections in 2011.

Safdar said 66 people had been killed by the disease so far in 2019, compared to 370 in 2011.

He blamed climate change for the surge, but would not elaborate. The government was "employing all available resources at its disposal to contain the problem", he said.

Physician Dr Mahseema Siddique, who treats dengue patients, blamed the government for the rise in cases, saying local authorities in Punjab and Islamabad, in particular, had failed to take precautions such as covering up water reservoirs or spraying anti-dengue chemicals.

"They woke up only after hundreds of people got infected and that was too late. There are a large number of areas where spray teams could not make it," he said.

The highest number of patients was recorded in the capital Islamabad and neighbouring garrison city of Rawalpindi, where 12,433 people were found infected with the virus.

Dengue is transmitted mainly by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which thrives in densely-populated tropical climates and breeds in stagnant pools of water.

Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected humans -- even asymptomatic ones -- and pass it along to other people through bites.

Infections have steadily climbed across the globe since the 1970s due to rising temperatures and irregular monsoon rains linked to climate change, which allow for ideal mosquito breeding conditions. &nbsp;

But this year outbreaks have rampaged through Southeast Asia in particular, infecting hundreds of thousands, killing hundreds, and crippling health care systems as governments struggle to contain the untreatable virus.

Dengue is mostly found in crowded areas, and breakneck urbanisation across the globe has helped the virus thrive.

Dubbed "breakbone fever", it inflicts suffers from intense flu-like symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, full-body aches, high fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rash.

A record-breaking 44,000 people have been infected with mosquito-borne dengue in Pakistan this year, a senior health official said Wednesday, as increased outbreaks linked to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall ravage other parts of Asia.

A record-breaking 44,000 people have been infected with mosquito-borne dengue in Pakistan this year, a senior health official said Wednesday, as increased outbreaks linked to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall ravage other parts of Asia. Dr Rana Safdar, a senior official at the National Institute of Health (NIH), told AFP the figure is a huge leap from the previous record of 27,000 infections in 2011. Safdar said 66 people had been killed by the disease so far in 2019, compared to 370 in 2011. He blamed climate change for the surge, but would not elaborate. The government was "employing all available resources at its disposal to contain the problem", he said. Physician Dr Mahseema Siddique, who treats dengue patients, blamed the government for the rise in cases, saying local authorities in Punjab and Islamabad, in particular, had failed to take precautions such as covering up water reservoirs or spraying anti-dengue chemicals. "They woke up only after hundreds of people got infected and that was too late. There are a large number of areas where spray teams could not make it," he said. The highest number of patients was recorded in the capital Islamabad and neighbouring garrison city of Rawalpindi, where 12,433 people were found infected with the virus. Dengue is transmitted mainly by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which thrives in densely-populated tropical climates and breeds in stagnant pools of water. Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected humans -- even asymptomatic ones -- and pass it along to other people through bites. Infections have steadily climbed across the globe since the 1970s due to rising temperatures and irregular monsoon rains linked to climate change, which allow for ideal mosquito breeding conditions. But this year outbreaks have rampaged through Southeast Asia in particular, infecting hundreds of thousands, killing hundreds, and crippling health care systems as governments struggle to contain the untreatable virus. Dengue is mostly found in crowded areas, and breakneck urbanisation across the globe has helped the virus thrive. Dubbed "breakbone fever", it inflicts suffers from intense flu-like symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, full-body aches, high fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rash.

Dengue cases soar to record high in Pakistan

Women footballers playing for Australia's national team will earn the same as their male counterparts under a deal unveiled Wednesday and hailed as a landmark for gender equality in sport.

Under a new centralised contract system announced by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-federation-australia-to-announce-gender-parity-pay-deal-report-259994">Football Federation Australia</a> (FFA), Matildas stars such as Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter will be paid an equal amount as big-name Socceroos like Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan.

They will also be afforded business class flights to international fixtures and tournaments, like the men.

The breakthrough will be a big boost for America's women footballers, who have filed an equal-pay lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation due to be heard in May next year.

The United States triumphed at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">Women's World Cup</a> in France this year with chants of "equal pay" ringing out after they defeated the Netherlands in the final.

"Football is the game for everyone, and this new collective bargaining agreement is another huge step toward ensuring that we live the values of equality, inclusivity and opportunity," said FFA chairman Chris Nikou.

Under the four-year deal, through the next World Cup cycles, the Socceroos and Matildas will receive a 24 per cent share of national team revenues, rising by one per cent each year.

In other words, the better they do, the more they get paid.&nbsp;

FFA chief David Gallop said it was the "Socceroos' choice to share the revenue", and national captain Mark Milligan said women were getting "what they deserve".

"It's been clear for everybody how much the women's game has grown over the past few years and how well our Matildas have been doing," he said, adding that the success of the World Cup in France, where the Matildas were knocked out on penalties in the last 16, underscored this.

"It really drove home for me in these negotiations that they got what they deserved. Going forward, what a value they are to the Australian football community."

From the national revenues, the players have agreed to plough five per cent back into Australian youth national teams, guaranteeing a minimum level of investment for future generations.

There has also been an increase from 30 to 40 per cent in players' share of prize money earned on qualifying for a World Cup.

Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight said the deal showed "respect" towards women.

"As a female footballer, it's kind of what we always dreamed of," she said.

It follows a more general deal struck earlier this year that will see all professional female footballers in Australia receive the same minimum wage as their male counterparts.

Professional Footballers Australia chief John Didulica called the agreement "unique" in world football.

"We believe it sets the model for where all federations and players -- male and female -- can take the game to unlock the incredible social and commercial opportunity that, in particular, women's football presents," he said.

Australia has emerged as a champion for equality in the sports arena with netballers and women cricketers also winning better pay deals in recent years.

Earlier this year, 17 sporting chief executives in Australia all threw their weight behind a drive to close the pay gap and advance all aspects of women's sport.

Only last month, the International Cricket Council announced a 320 per cent increase in prize money for the women's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia next year.

It still left women earning less than men at a similar tournament, prompting Cricket Australia to pledge it would make up the difference to ensure parity with the men's winnings for its team.

A handful of other sports have also moved to address gender inequality, with the World Surf League for the first time this year paying equal prize money following a backlash on social media.

Tennis was a leader in introducing equal pay for women at the Grand Slams, with the Williams sisters among the most outspoken on pay parity.

Women footballers playing for Australia's national team will earn the same as their male counterparts under a deal unveiled Wednesday and hailed as a landmark for gender equality in sport.

Women footballers playing for Australia's national team will earn the same as their male counterparts under a deal unveiled Wednesday and hailed as a landmark for gender equality in sport. Under a new centralised contract system announced by Football Federation Australia (FFA), Matildas stars such as Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter will be paid an equal amount as big-name Socceroos like Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan. They will also be afforded business class flights to international fixtures and tournaments, like the men. The breakthrough will be a big boost for America's women footballers, who have filed an equal-pay lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation due to be heard in May next year. The United States triumphed at the Women's World Cup in France this year with chants of "equal pay" ringing out after they defeated the Netherlands in the final. "Football is the game for everyone, and this new collective bargaining agreement is another huge step toward ensuring that we live the values of equality, inclusivity and opportunity," said FFA chairman Chris Nikou. Under the four-year deal, through the next World Cup cycles, the Socceroos and Matildas will receive a 24 per cent share of national team revenues, rising by one per cent each year. In other words, the better they do, the more they get paid. FFA chief David Gallop said it was the "Socceroos' choice to share the revenue", and national captain Mark Milligan said women were getting "what they deserve". "It's been clear for everybody how much the women's game has grown over the past few years and how well our Matildas have been doing," he said, adding that the success of the World Cup in France, where the Matildas were knocked out on penalties in the last 16, underscored this. "It really drove home for me in these negotiations that they got what they deserved. Going forward, what a value they are to the Australian football community." From the national revenues, the players have agreed to plough five per cent back into Australian youth national teams, guaranteeing a minimum level of investment for future generations. There has also been an increase from 30 to 40 per cent in players' share of prize money earned on qualifying for a World Cup. Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight said the deal showed "respect" towards women. "As a female footballer, it's kind of what we always dreamed of," she said. It follows a more general deal struck earlier this year that will see all professional female footballers in Australia receive the same minimum wage as their male counterparts. Professional Footballers Australia chief John Didulica called the agreement "unique" in world football. "We believe it sets the model for where all federations and players -- male and female -- can take the game to unlock the incredible social and commercial opportunity that, in particular, women's football presents," he said. Australia has emerged as a champion for equality in the sports arena with netballers and women cricketers also winning better pay deals in recent years. Earlier this year, 17 sporting chief executives in Australia all threw their weight behind a drive to close the pay gap and advance all aspects of women's sport. Only last month, the International Cricket Council announced a 320 per cent increase in prize money for the women's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia next year. It still left women earning less than men at a similar tournament, prompting Cricket Australia to pledge it would make up the difference to ensure parity with the men's winnings for its team. A handful of other sports have also moved to address gender inequality, with the World Surf League for the first time this year paying equal prize money following a backlash on social media. Tennis was a leader in introducing equal pay for women at the Grand Slams, with the Williams sisters among the most outspoken on pay parity.

Australia's women footballers get landmark equal pay deal

Saudi Aramco has approached Malaysian state energy company Petronas&nbsp;to participate in Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), Petronas said on Wednesday, as the Middle Eastern oil giant seeks cornerstone investors for the listing.

The Saudi government plans to sell 2 per cent&nbsp;of state-run <a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/saudis-scramble-to-raise-cash-for-aramco-share-sale-260106">Aramco</a>, the world's most profitable company, in a domestic listing on December&nbsp;11, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The approach comes as Petronas, officially known as Petroliam Nasional Bhd, nears the start of commercial operations at a $27 billion refinery and the petrochemical project built jointly with Aramco in southern Malaysia.

"We have been recently approached by representatives of Saudi Aramco to consider Petronas' participation in its initial public offering exercise," Petronas, the Malaysian government's cash cow, told Reuters.

"However, we will not be providing any further comments on this matter at this time."

Aramco's much-vaunted IPO was delayed as deal advisers said they needed more time to lock in cornerstone or anchor, investors such as sovereign wealth funds. In 2016, state-owned Postal Savings Bank of China&nbsp;sold 77 percent&nbsp;of its $7.4 billion&nbsp;IPO to such backers.

Reuters reported in September that Aramco had approached Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Singapore's GIC and other sovereign wealth funds to invest in the domestic leg of its listing.

Abu Dhabi's state investor Mubadala Investment Co has also been approached by Aramco's advisers.

Asked about its interest in the Aramco IPO, Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd told Reuters it "does not have any investments in the oil and gas sector".

Saudi Aramco has approached Malaysian state energy company Petronas to participate in Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), Petronas said on Wednesday, as the Middle Eastern oil giant seeks cornerstone investors for the listing.

Saudi Aramco has approached Malaysian state energy company Petronas to participate in Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), Petronas said on Wednesday, as the Middle Eastern oil giant seeks cornerstone investors for the listing. The Saudi government plans to sell 2 per cent of state-run Aramco, the world's most profitable company, in a domestic listing on December 11, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The approach comes as Petronas, officially known as Petroliam Nasional Bhd, nears the start of commercial operations at a $27 billion refinery and the petrochemical project built jointly with Aramco in southern Malaysia. "We have been recently approached by representatives of Saudi Aramco to consider Petronas' participation in its initial public offering exercise," Petronas, the Malaysian government's cash cow, told Reuters. "However, we will not be providing any further comments on this matter at this time." Aramco's much-vaunted IPO was delayed as deal advisers said they needed more time to lock in cornerstone or anchor, investors such as sovereign wealth funds. In 2016, state-owned Postal Savings Bank of China sold 77 percent of its $7.4 billion IPO to such backers. Reuters reported in September that Aramco had approached Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Singapore's GIC and other sovereign wealth funds to invest in the domestic leg of its listing. Abu Dhabi's state investor Mubadala Investment Co has also been approached by Aramco's advisers. Asked about its interest in the Aramco IPO, Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd told Reuters it "does not have any investments in the oil and gas sector".

Aramco approaches Malaysia's Petronas to participate in IPO

China has agreed to resume imports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-suspend-pork-imports-from-canada-report-228329">Canadian beef and pork</a>, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday, signalling a breakthrough in their tense relations.

"Good news for Canadian farmers today: Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume," Trudeau said in a tweet.

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Good news for Canadian farmers today: Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume. Thanks to Ambassador Barton and the Canadian meat industry for their work on re-opening this important market for our meat producers and their families.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1191776808481542145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He lauded Canada's new ambassador to China, Dominic Barton, who was appointed in September, and the country's meat industry for working to reopen "this important market for our meat producers and their families."

China had blocked beef and pork shipments from Canada in June, alleging contamination in pork shipments and bogus documents -- claims disputed by Ottawa -&nbsp;amid an escalating diplomatic row.

It was not clear what exactly convinced Beijing to change tack.

But meat producers said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would start issuing export certificates immediately for shipments destined for China.

Trade and agriculture ministers Jim Carr and Marie-Claude Bibeau said in a statement that Canada's foreign ministry and food inspection agency "engaged with China" on the beef and pork ban over the past few months.

"We will continue to work closely with beef and pork producers and processors in the coming days and weeks to ensure successful resumption of trade," the pair said in a joint statement.

Prior to the ban, China was Canada's third-largest market for beef and its fifth-largest for pork, according to government data.

In June, China had asked Canada to investigate what it said were false veterinary health certificates attached to a batch of pork, while the official Xinhua news agency said customs officials in the eastern city of Nanjing had found ractopamine in pork shipments.

The feed additive, which boosts the growth of animals, is widely used in the United States but banned in the European Union and China.

The forgery allegations -&nbsp;which federal police were called in to investigate -&nbsp;came after relations between the two nations were strained by Canada's arrest of a senior Chinese telecoms executive and China's detention of two Canadian nationals in apparent retaliation.

Although no official link was made, the pork ban was seen as an escalation in response to Canada's arrest in December of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou on a US extradition request related to alleged Iran sanctions violations.

Cattlemen at the time were said to have been puzzled why they were included in the ban.

From the start, Canada has treated the matter as a "technical issue," focusing on proving to Chinese authorities that its meat was safe.

Carr also suggested in June in regards to the forgeries that someone may have illicitly used "the Canadian brand to move product into the Chinese market."

Chinese concerns about supply shortages for Chinese consumers -- after a swine fever outbreak reduced its domestic herd by millions -- may also have been a factor in the decision to end the ban.

"Our long-standing trade relationship with China is very important to both sides and this represents an important step for both countries," commented Canadian Meat Council president Chris White.

He noted that the decision comes on the eve of an industry-led mission to China to work through any lingering customs and shipping issues.

Meng's extradition hearing is set to start in January.

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor, meanwhile, remain in Chinese custody, accused of espionage -- which Ottawa refutes.

And Beijing continues to block billions worth of Canadian canola sales.

China has agreed to resume imports of Canadian beef and pork, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday, signalling a breakthrough in their tense relations.

China has agreed to resume imports of Canadian beef and pork, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday, signalling a breakthrough in their tense relations. "Good news for Canadian farmers today: Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume," Trudeau said in a tweet. Good news for Canadian farmers today: Canadian pork and beef exports to China will resume. Thanks to Ambassador Barton and the Canadian meat industry for their work on re-opening this important market for our meat producers and their families. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 5, 2019 × He lauded Canada's new ambassador to China, Dominic Barton, who was appointed in September, and the country's meat industry for working to reopen "this important market for our meat producers and their families." China had blocked beef and pork shipments from Canada in June, alleging contamination in pork shipments and bogus documents -- claims disputed by Ottawa - amid an escalating diplomatic row. It was not clear what exactly convinced Beijing to change tack. But meat producers said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would start issuing export certificates immediately for shipments destined for China. Trade and agriculture ministers Jim Carr and Marie-Claude Bibeau said in a statement that Canada's foreign ministry and food inspection agency "engaged with China" on the beef and pork ban over the past few months. "We will continue to work closely with beef and pork producers and processors in the coming days and weeks to ensure successful resumption of trade," the pair said in a joint statement. Prior to the ban, China was Canada's third-largest market for beef and its fifth-largest for pork, according to government data. In June, China had asked Canada to investigate what it said were false veterinary health certificates attached to a batch of pork, while the official Xinhua news agency said customs officials in the eastern city of Nanjing had found ractopamine in pork shipments. The feed additive, which boosts the growth of animals, is widely used in the United States but banned in the European Union and China. The forgery allegations - which federal police were called in to investigate - came after relations between the two nations were strained by Canada's arrest of a senior Chinese telecoms executive and China's detention of two Canadian nationals in apparent retaliation. Although no official link was made, the pork ban was seen as an escalation in response to Canada's arrest in December of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou on a US extradition request related to alleged Iran sanctions violations. Cattlemen at the time were said to have been puzzled why they were included in the ban. From the start, Canada has treated the matter as a "technical issue," focusing on proving to Chinese authorities that its meat was safe. Carr also suggested in June in regards to the forgeries that someone may have illicitly used "the Canadian brand to move product into the Chinese market." Chinese concerns about supply shortages for Chinese consumers -- after a swine fever outbreak reduced its domestic herd by millions -- may also have been a factor in the decision to end the ban. "Our long-standing trade relationship with China is very important to both sides and this represents an important step for both countries," commented Canadian Meat Council president Chris White. He noted that the decision comes on the eve of an industry-led mission to China to work through any lingering customs and shipping issues. Meng's extradition hearing is set to start in January. Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor, meanwhile, remain in Chinese custody, accused of espionage -- which Ottawa refutes. And Beijing continues to block billions worth of Canadian canola sales.

Canadian pork, beef exports to China to resume: Trudeau

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing&nbsp;pollution.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution.&nbsp;

"You cannot deal with road dust, construction &amp; demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?" Justice Mishra told Delhi Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Dev, reports ANI.&nbsp;

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Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra asked Delhi Chief Secretary, you cannot deal with road dust, construction &amp; demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?
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This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-supreme-court-asks-logic-behind-odd-even-scheme-imposes-fine-of-rs-1-lakh-on-violators-of-construction-ban-259884">second time </a>in two days the top court has&nbsp;questioned Delhi's approach towards improving&nbsp;Delhi's toxic air.

"Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi]&nbsp;getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," the SC told the Delhi government on Monday.

The governments of Punjab and Haryana were also not sparred on the issue of stubble burning.

"We want immediate action to deal with stubble burning. It seems that there is no coordination among the officers and the state government to deal with this situation," Justice Mishra said to Punjab government, reports ANI. Justice Mishra told Punjab and neighbouring Haryana governments that they have "miserably" failed in performing its duty.&nbsp;

In order to prevent farmers from burning stubble, the SC ordered an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to small and marginal farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for handling residue of non-Basmati rice crops.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court also questioned the implementation of the funds coming from World Bank in order to improve infrastructure. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of a smart city? Why have the roads not improved," Justice Mishra asked.&nbsp;

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Earlier today, Delhi's air quality improved slightly from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-improves-but-still-under-very-poor-category-259978">"very poor" to "poor" category</a>. Schools also reopened&nbsp;in the national capital on Wednesday.

Due to the arrival of winter combined with other factors such as stubble burning, bursting of crackers, etc, the national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog from the past few weeks.

As per a report by WHO, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-complete-halt-to-stubble-burning-around-delhi-260081">14 Indian cities </a>feature in world's 15 most polluted cities. Nearly 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing pollution. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing pollution. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution. "You cannot deal with road dust, construction & demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?" Justice Mishra told Delhi Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Dev, reports ANI. Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra asked Delhi Chief Secretary, you cannot deal with road dust, construction & demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post? — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × This is the second time in two days the top court has questioned Delhi's approach towards improving Delhi's toxic air. "Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi] getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," the SC told the Delhi government on Monday. The governments of Punjab and Haryana were also not sparred on the issue of stubble burning. "We want immediate action to deal with stubble burning. It seems that there is no coordination among the officers and the state government to deal with this situation," Justice Mishra said to Punjab government, reports ANI. Justice Mishra told Punjab and neighbouring Haryana governments that they have "miserably" failed in performing its duty. In order to prevent farmers from burning stubble, the SC ordered an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to small and marginal farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for handling residue of non-Basmati rice crops. The Supreme Court also questioned the implementation of the funds coming from World Bank in order to improve infrastructure. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of a smart city? Why have the roads not improved," Justice Mishra asked. Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra says, what is happening to the funds coming from World Bank for better infrastructure and development. So much of funds have come, where is the concept of smart city? Why have the roads not improved? — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × Earlier today, Delhi's air quality improved slightly from "very poor" to "poor" category. Schools also reopened in the national capital on Wednesday. Due to the arrival of winter combined with other factors such as stubble burning, bursting of crackers, etc, the national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog from the past few weeks. As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities feature in world's 15 most polluted cities. Nearly 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.

Supreme Court pulls up Centre, state governments over failure to improve air quality

North Korea on Wednesday slammed Washington for plans to conduct a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-us-could-hold-talks-in-mid-november-south-korean-lawmaker-259824"> joint military exercise </a>with Seoul next month, as negotiations over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal remain deadlocked.

The allies cancelled the combined air exercise known as Vigilant Ace along with several other joint drills last year amid a rapid diplomatic thaw with the North, which considers them a rehearsal for invasion.

But Pentagon spokesman David Eastburn said this week that the US had "no plans to skip upcoming combined exercises" this year.

A senior North Korean official said Wednesday that the announcement was equivalent to a "declaration for confrontation" that could jeopardise the diplomatic process.

"We have stressed on several occasions that the joint military drills will force us to reconsider the important steps that we have already taken," said Kwon Jong Gun at the North's foreign ministry.

"Our patience is reaching an uppermost limit," Kwon said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

Kwon was part of the North Korean delegation at the working-level nuclear talks with the US in Sweden last month, when Pyongyang walked away blaming Washington's lack of "new and creative" solutions.

Negotiations have been gridlocked since the Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump broke up in February amid disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return.

Pyongyang has since carried out a series of missile tests, the latest of them last week, when it said it fired a "super-large multiple rocket launcher".

North Korea on Wednesday slammed Washington for plans to conduct a joint military exercise with Seoul next month, as negotiations over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal remain deadlocked.

North Korea on Wednesday slammed Washington for plans to conduct a joint military exercise with Seoul next month, as negotiations over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal remain deadlocked. The allies cancelled the combined air exercise known as Vigilant Ace along with several other joint drills last year amid a rapid diplomatic thaw with the North, which considers them a rehearsal for invasion. But Pentagon spokesman David Eastburn said this week that the US had "no plans to skip upcoming combined exercises" this year. A senior North Korean official said Wednesday that the announcement was equivalent to a "declaration for confrontation" that could jeopardise the diplomatic process. "We have stressed on several occasions that the joint military drills will force us to reconsider the important steps that we have already taken," said Kwon Jong Gun at the North's foreign ministry. "Our patience is reaching an uppermost limit," Kwon said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. Kwon was part of the North Korean delegation at the working-level nuclear talks with the US in Sweden last month, when Pyongyang walked away blaming Washington's lack of "new and creative" solutions. Negotiations have been gridlocked since the Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump broke up in February amid disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return. Pyongyang has since carried out a series of missile tests, the latest of them last week, when it said it fired a "super-large multiple rocket launcher".

Our patience reaching uppermost limit: North Korea on US-South Korea military excercise

A day after Turkish officials announced that they had captured sister of slain Islamic State leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-vows-revenge-against-united-states-for-killing-baghdadi-259266">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a>, Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan said that his wife was also captured.

Turkey president in a speech at Ankara University said: "The United States said Baghdadi killed himself in a tunnel. They started a communication campaign about this but, I am announcing it here for the first time: We captured his wife and didn't make a fuss like them. Similarly, we also captured his sister and brother in law in Syria."

Turkey had said on Tuesday that its forces had captured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-releases-baghdadi-raid-video-warns-of-likely-retribution-attack-258906">Bagdadi's sister Rasmiya Awad</a>, 65 along with five children during a raid near Azaz near the Syrian border town.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi blew himself up after US Delta Force commandos entered his hideout in northwestern Syria. The terrorist group confirmed his death in an audiotape posted online later.

US President Donald Trump who had announced the IS chief's death had said later that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s number one replacement was also killed by US troops. The US president had said that &nbsp;a "large number" of Islamic State terrorists were also killed in the raid.

Trump did not specify who he was referring to, but the United States government confirmed the killing of Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, Islamic State spokesman and a high-ranking figure within the terror group. 
&nbsp;

A day after Turkish officials announced that they had captured sister of slain Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan said that his wife was also captured.

A day after Turkish officials announced that they had captured sister of slain Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan said that his wife was also captured. Turkey president in a speech at Ankara University said: "The United States said Baghdadi killed himself in a tunnel. They started a communication campaign about this but, I am announcing it here for the first time: We captured his wife and didn't make a fuss like them. Similarly, we also captured his sister and brother in law in Syria." Turkey had said on Tuesday that its forces had captured Bagdadi's sister Rasmiya Awad, 65 along with five children during a raid near Azaz near the Syrian border town. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi blew himself up after US Delta Force commandos entered his hideout in northwestern Syria. The terrorist group confirmed his death in an audiotape posted online later. US President Donald Trump who had announced the IS chief's death had said later that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s number one replacement was also killed by US troops. The US president had said that a "large number" of Islamic State terrorists were also killed in the raid. Trump did not specify who he was referring to, but the United States government confirmed the killing of Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, Islamic State spokesman and a high-ranking figure within the terror group.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife captured: Erdogan

As India prepares to take on Bangladesh after suffering a stunning defeat in the Delhi T20 International, stand-in Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said that the team is looking to provide opportunities to younger players in order to make them ready for other formats.&nbsp;

"You have seen many players who have emerged from T20I format and then they have gone on to play ODIs and Tests, " Sharma told reporters ahead of the second T20 against Bangladesh. He added that this move doesn't mean that the team is not looking to win matches.

"Winning games is our top-most priority," the stand-in captain asserted.

On Sunday, Bangladesh tasted their first-ever T20 success against India when they comprehensively defeated India by seven wickets.&nbsp;

Sharma added that the team is not focussing on any one department and the idea is to perform "collectively".&nbsp;

"We will make a little change to our approach. We were playing according to the pitch in the first T20I, but if the pitch is better in the next match, then our approach would be different in the next two T20Is, Sharma said.

The skipper also hoped for a better track at&nbsp;Rajkot. &nbsp;

The second encounter of the three-match series will be held in Rajkot on November 7.

As India prepares to take on Bangladesh after suffering a stunning defeat in the Delhi T20 International, stand-in Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said that the team is looking to provide opportunities to younger players in order to make them ready for other formats.

As India prepares to take on Bangladesh after suffering a stunning defeat in the Delhi T20 International, stand-in Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said that the team is looking to provide opportunities to younger players in order to make them ready for other formats. "You have seen many players who have emerged from T20I format and then they have gone on to play ODIs and Tests, " Sharma told reporters ahead of the second T20 against Bangladesh. He added that this move doesn't mean that the team is not looking to win matches. "Winning games is our top-most priority," the stand-in captain asserted. On Sunday, Bangladesh tasted their first-ever T20 success against India when they comprehensively defeated India by seven wickets. Sharma added that the team is not focussing on any one department and the idea is to perform "collectively". "We will make a little change to our approach. We were playing according to the pitch in the first T20I, but if the pitch is better in the next match, then our approach would be different in the next two T20Is, Sharma said. The skipper also hoped for a better track at Rajkot. The second encounter of the three-match series will be held in Rajkot on November 7.

T20I: India trying youngsters to get them ready for other formats, says Rohit Sharma

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/lawsuit-accuses-facebook-ad-targeting-of-abetting-bias-259200">Facebook</a>&nbsp;will outline on Wednesday plans to expand encryption across its Messenger platform, despite warnings from regulators and government officials that the enhanced security will help protect paedophiles and other criminals.

Executives told Reuters they will also detail safety measures, including stepped-up advisories for recipients of unwanted content.

The moves follow complaints by top law enforcement officials in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia that&nbsp;Facebook's plan to encrypt messaging on all its platforms would put child sex predators and pornographers beyond detection.

The changes, supported by civil rights groups and many technology experts, will be more fully described by company executives at a Lisbon tech conference later in the day.

Facebook&nbsp;messaging privacy chief Jay Sullivan and other executives said the company would press ahead with the changes while more carefully scrutinizing the data that it collects.

Sullivan plans to call attention to a little-publicized option for end-to-end encryption that already exists on Messenger. The firm hopes increased usage will give the company more data to craft additional safety measures before it makes private chats the default setting.

"This is a good testbed for us," Sullivan said. "It’s part of the overarching direction."

The company will also post more on its pages for users about how the Secret Conversations function works. The feature has been available since 2016 but is not easy to find and takes extra clicks to activate.

The company is also considering banning new Messenger accounts not linked to regular&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;profiles. The vast majority of Messenger accounts are associated with&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;profiles but a greater proportion of stand-alone accounts are used for crime and unwelcome communications, executives said.

"We’re considering a registration process where prospective Messenger users will only be able to sign up for Messenger by creating or logging into a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;account,” a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokesperson said.

Requiring a link to&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;would reduce the privacy protections of those Messenger users but give the company more information it could use to warn or block troublesome accounts or report suspected crimes to police.

The enhanced safety measures the company plans include sending reminders to users to report unwanted contacts and inviting recipients of unwanted content to send plain-text versions of the chats to&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;to ban senders or potentially report them to police.

Facebook&nbsp;might also send more prompts to users reached by people with no shared friends or who have had many messages or friend requests rejected.

Facebook&nbsp;had previously said it wanted to ease user reporting of misconduct as it gradually moves toward more encryption, but it has given few details.

Facebook will outline on Wednesday plans to expand encryption across its Messenger platform, despite warnings from regulators and government officials that the enhanced security will help protect paedophiles and other criminals.

Facebook will outline on Wednesday plans to expand encryption across its Messenger platform, despite warnings from regulators and government officials that the enhanced security will help protect paedophiles and other criminals. Executives told Reuters they will also detail safety measures, including stepped-up advisories for recipients of unwanted content. The moves follow complaints by top law enforcement officials in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia that Facebook's plan to encrypt messaging on all its platforms would put child sex predators and pornographers beyond detection. The changes, supported by civil rights groups and many technology experts, will be more fully described by company executives at a Lisbon tech conference later in the day. Facebook messaging privacy chief Jay Sullivan and other executives said the company would press ahead with the changes while more carefully scrutinizing the data that it collects. Sullivan plans to call attention to a little-publicized option for end-to-end encryption that already exists on Messenger. The firm hopes increased usage will give the company more data to craft additional safety measures before it makes private chats the default setting. "This is a good testbed for us," Sullivan said. "It’s part of the overarching direction." The company will also post more on its pages for users about how the Secret Conversations function works. The feature has been available since 2016 but is not easy to find and takes extra clicks to activate. The company is also considering banning new Messenger accounts not linked to regular Facebook profiles. The vast majority of Messenger accounts are associated with Facebook profiles but a greater proportion of stand-alone accounts are used for crime and unwelcome communications, executives said. "We’re considering a registration process where prospective Messenger users will only be able to sign up for Messenger by creating or logging into a Facebook account,” a Facebook spokesperson said. Requiring a link to Facebook would reduce the privacy protections of those Messenger users but give the company more information it could use to warn or block troublesome accounts or report suspected crimes to police. The enhanced safety measures the company plans include sending reminders to users to report unwanted contacts and inviting recipients of unwanted content to send plain-text versions of the chats to Facebook to ban senders or potentially report them to police. Facebook might also send more prompts to users reached by people with no shared friends or who have had many messages or friend requests rejected. Facebook had previously said it wanted to ease user reporting of misconduct as it gradually moves toward more encryption, but it has given few details.

Facebook to expand encryption drive despite warnings over crime

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