WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia.

The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION.

Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries.

Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, WION, said: "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape."

The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content would involve issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events.

"The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience," the head of the directorate, Vasily Pushkov, said at a letter-exchange ceremony between WION and Sputnik at Vladivostok.

The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India.

WION is India’s first news channel dedicated to putting forth India’s perspective on emerging global issues to the world. WION's vision is to create avenues for discourse which can complement India’s efforts in setting a new global agenda on principles of free trade, human rights and co-existence of civilizations that in turn can consolidate India’s position in the world as a responsible global power.

As a responsible fourth pillar of democracy, WION believes in the importance of providing news that is rich in content and allows viewers to form an informed view on key debates affecting India and the world. In order to achieve this end, WION actively engages with global leaders, game changers, influencers, activists, environmentalists and corporate leaders from all quarters of the world to fulfill its goals.

India's premier English channel&nbsp;was inaugurated by the honourable Prime Minister of India&nbsp;Narendra Modi and former President of India&nbsp;Pranab Mukherjee in 2016.

Sputnik is one of the largest international media houses combining multimedia and regional Internet sites in 32 languages including in analogue and digital broadcasting in Russian, English, French and other languages ​​in more than 90 cities around the world and on the Internet.&nbsp;

Sputnik's through&nbsp;its news feeds delivers information to leading publications around the world in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Farsi.

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia.

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia. The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION. Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries. Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, WION, said: "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape." The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content would involve issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events. "The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience," the head of the directorate, Vasily Pushkov, said at a letter-exchange ceremony between WION and Sputnik at Vladivostok. The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India. WION is India’s first news channel dedicated to putting forth India’s perspective on emerging global issues to the world. WION's vision is to create avenues for discourse which can complement India’s efforts in setting a new global agenda on principles of free trade, human rights and co-existence of civilizations that in turn can consolidate India’s position in the world as a responsible global power. As a responsible fourth pillar of democracy, WION believes in the importance of providing news that is rich in content and allows viewers to form an informed view on key debates affecting India and the world. In order to achieve this end, WION actively engages with global leaders, game changers, influencers, activists, environmentalists and corporate leaders from all quarters of the world to fulfill its goals. India's premier English channel was inaugurated by the honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and former President of India Pranab Mukherjee in 2016. Sputnik is one of the largest international media houses combining multimedia and regional Internet sites in 32 languages including in analogue and digital broadcasting in Russian, English, French and other languages in more than 90 cities around the world and on the Internet. Sputnik's through its news feeds delivers information to leading publications around the world in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Farsi.

WION & Sputnik partnership announced at Eastern Economic Forum, Vladivostok

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tests-medium-range-cruise-missile-after-exiting-inf-treaty-244247">nuclear pact with the US</a> which ended last month.

"We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear."

Last month the US had tested a medium-range <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-set-to-deploy-new-weapons-as-cold-war-era-inf-treaty-ends-239966">ground-launched cruise missile</a>, just weeks after walking out the pact. The test occurred even as Russian President Putin urged the United States to begin new arms talks after the collapse of a Cold War nuclear pact between the two world powers.

Russia has blamed the Trump administration for unilaterally ending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty signed in 1987 between the then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. &nbsp;

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin while replying to a question said: "In case they are deployed in Japan and South Korea, we understand it will be done under a pretext of neutralising the threat from North Korea. But it also creates certain major problems for us because most likely these missile systems would cover a significant part of Russian territory including at the Far East."

"The fact that Pentagon chiefs said that the US plan to deploy them in Japan and South Korea does not make us happy, it is regrettable and causes some concern," the Russian president added.

However, Japanese President Shinzo Abe who was present at the forum denied the US had given any indication to deploy the missiles.

"I would like to make it clear that the US, of course, hasn't talked about deploying such missiles and there is no plan to do so," the Japanese president said.

Washington and NATO had accused Russia of developing the new 9M729 missile which they said violates the treaty, but Russia shot back saying that its range was&nbsp;short of 500 kilometres.

Putin had said earlier that if the US deploys new missiles, it "will be forced to begin the full-scale development of similar missiles". 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the nuclear pact with the US which ended last month. "We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the nuclear pact with the US which ended last month. "We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear." Last month the US had tested a medium-range ground-launched cruise missile, just weeks after walking out the pact. The test occurred even as Russian President Putin urged the United States to begin new arms talks after the collapse of a Cold War nuclear pact between the two world powers. Russia has blamed the Trump administration for unilaterally ending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty signed in 1987 between the then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin while replying to a question said: "In case they are deployed in Japan and South Korea, we understand it will be done under a pretext of neutralising the threat from North Korea. But it also creates certain major problems for us because most likely these missile systems would cover a significant part of Russian territory including at the Far East." "The fact that Pentagon chiefs said that the US plan to deploy them in Japan and South Korea does not make us happy, it is regrettable and causes some concern," the Russian president added. However, Japanese President Shinzo Abe who was present at the forum denied the US had given any indication to deploy the missiles. "I would like to make it clear that the US, of course, hasn't talked about deploying such missiles and there is no plan to do so," the Japanese president said. Washington and NATO had accused Russia of developing the new 9M729 missile which they said violates the treaty, but Russia shot back saying that its range was short of 500 kilometres. Putin had said earlier that if the US deploys new missiles, it "will be forced to begin the full-scale development of similar missiles".

Will produce same missiles as US cruise test but won't deploy: Putin

The British Parliament on Wednesday voted to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-row-uk-pm-johnson-proposes-early-election-on-october-15-247599">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal as the British prime minister sought an election just weeks before Brexit.

After wresting control of the parliamentary agenda from Johnson six weeks into his premiership, lawmakers voted 329-300 in the second, most important, reading of a bill that would force the government to request a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-activity-contracts-over-brexit-turmoil-raises-recession-risk-247628">three-month Brexit delay </a>rather than leave without a divorce agreement.

Johnson cast the legislative move in the House of Commons as an attempt to surrender to the EU over Brexit and demanded an October 15 snap election, a step that could free him of any constraints if he won a majority.

The second most powerful man in the Labour Party, John McDonnell, said the no-deal blocking legislation had to get assent from Queen Elizabeth, putting the law onto the statute book, before the party would agree to an election. This could, in theory, happen next Monday.

"We're ... not going to be tricked or conned by Johnson so we're looking at every way in which, having secured the legislation, he can't wriggle out of abiding by the law and implementing it," McDonnell said.

Parliament's bid to tie Johnson's hands leaves Brexit up in the air, with possible outcomes ranging from a turbulent no-deal EU exit to abandoning the whole endeavour - both outcomes that would be unacceptable to swathes of the United Kingdom's voters.

In a heated parliamentary debate, Johnson said that if Corbyn voted in favour of a draft law against the government's Brexit strategy then he should also support an election to "allow the people of this country to have their view".

The Conservative leader said he wanted an early general election on October 15 if lawmakers vote against him again on Wednesday and force him to seek a three-month Brexit extension from Brussels with a new law.

The European Commission also on Wednesday said the risk of a no-deal Brexit had increased, warning that it saw no alternative to the current withdrawal deal. 
&nbsp;

The British Parliament on Wednesday voted to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal as the British prime minister sought an election just weeks before Brexit.

The British Parliament on Wednesday voted to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal as the British prime minister sought an election just weeks before Brexit. After wresting control of the parliamentary agenda from Johnson six weeks into his premiership, lawmakers voted 329-300 in the second, most important, reading of a bill that would force the government to request a three-month Brexit delay rather than leave without a divorce agreement. Johnson cast the legislative move in the House of Commons as an attempt to surrender to the EU over Brexit and demanded an October 15 snap election, a step that could free him of any constraints if he won a majority. The second most powerful man in the Labour Party, John McDonnell, said the no-deal blocking legislation had to get assent from Queen Elizabeth, putting the law onto the statute book, before the party would agree to an election. This could, in theory, happen next Monday. "We're ... not going to be tricked or conned by Johnson so we're looking at every way in which, having secured the legislation, he can't wriggle out of abiding by the law and implementing it," McDonnell said. Parliament's bid to tie Johnson's hands leaves Brexit up in the air, with possible outcomes ranging from a turbulent no-deal EU exit to abandoning the whole endeavour - both outcomes that would be unacceptable to swathes of the United Kingdom's voters. In a heated parliamentary debate, Johnson said that if Corbyn voted in favour of a draft law against the government's Brexit strategy then he should also support an election to "allow the people of this country to have their view". The Conservative leader said he wanted an early general election on October 15 if lawmakers vote against him again on Wednesday and force him to seek a three-month Brexit extension from Brussels with a new law. The European Commission also on Wednesday said the risk of a no-deal Brexit had increased, warning that it saw no alternative to the current withdrawal deal.

British lawmakers vote to block no-deal Brexit in fresh blow to PM Johnson

Oil prices rose nearly 3 per cent on Wednesday, boosted by a wider market pickup on positive news from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-pegged-back-by-mounting-concern-over-us-economy-246329">China's services sector</a>, after three days of losses due to fears about a weakening global economy.

Brent crude was up $1.55, or 2.66 per cent, at $59.81 a barrel by 1401 GMT, while US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate futures gained $1.56, or 2.66 per cent, to $55.50 a barrel.

Global markets rebounded after a private survey showed that activity in China's services sector expanded at the fastest pace in three months in August as new orders rose, prompting the biggest increase in hiring in more than a year.

China is the world's second-largest oil consumer and largest importer.

But US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned he would be "tougher" on Beijing in a second term if trade talks dragged on, compounding market fears that trade disputes between the two countries could trigger a US&nbsp;recession.

US&nbsp;data released on Wednesday showed manufacturing activity contracted in August for the first time in three years, while euro zone activity shrank for a seventh month.

Some analysts argued that the overall fundamentals of the oil market remained discouraging.

"The bullish bandwagon seen earlier this year will not be making another appearance," Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM said.

Data due this week on US&nbsp;oil inventory levels will be delayed by a day to Wednesday and Thursday because of the US&nbsp;Labor Day holiday on Monday.

US&nbsp;crude stockpiles are expected to have declined for a third straight week, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.

"Crude oil remains troubled by reports that production from OPEC, Russia and the US&nbsp;all rose last month. This (comes) at a time when the strength of demand growth, due to trade war pessimism, has increasingly been called into question," Saxo Bank commodity strategist Ole Hansen said.

But supply looks set to stay constrained as Russian officials and OPEC sources indicated the countries would remain committed to their agreement to rein in production despite a shake-up in Saudi Arabia's oil industry.

In a possible sign of tension easing in the energy-rich Gulf, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday that Tehran would free seven crew members of the detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero.

The vessel was seized two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar which was released in August.

Oil prices rose nearly 3 per cent on Wednesday, boosted by a wider market pickup on positive news from China's services sector, after three days of losses due to fears about a weakening global economy.

Oil prices rose nearly 3 per cent on Wednesday, boosted by a wider market pickup on positive news from China's services sector, after three days of losses due to fears about a weakening global economy. Brent crude was up $1.55, or 2.66 per cent, at $59.81 a barrel by 1401 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate futures gained $1.56, or 2.66 per cent, to $55.50 a barrel. Global markets rebounded after a private survey showed that activity in China's services sector expanded at the fastest pace in three months in August as new orders rose, prompting the biggest increase in hiring in more than a year. China is the world's second-largest oil consumer and largest importer. But US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned he would be "tougher" on Beijing in a second term if trade talks dragged on, compounding market fears that trade disputes between the two countries could trigger a US recession. US data released on Wednesday showed manufacturing activity contracted in August for the first time in three years, while euro zone activity shrank for a seventh month. Some analysts argued that the overall fundamentals of the oil market remained discouraging. "The bullish bandwagon seen earlier this year will not be making another appearance," Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM said. Data due this week on US oil inventory levels will be delayed by a day to Wednesday and Thursday because of the US Labor Day holiday on Monday. US crude stockpiles are expected to have declined for a third straight week, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. "Crude oil remains troubled by reports that production from OPEC, Russia and the US all rose last month. This (comes) at a time when the strength of demand growth, due to trade war pessimism, has increasingly been called into question," Saxo Bank commodity strategist Ole Hansen said. But supply looks set to stay constrained as Russian officials and OPEC sources indicated the countries would remain committed to their agreement to rein in production despite a shake-up in Saudi Arabia's oil industry. In a possible sign of tension easing in the energy-rich Gulf, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday that Tehran would free seven crew members of the detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero. The vessel was seized two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar which was released in August.

Oil prices rise nearly 3% on China service sector expansion

The safe-haven dollar and yen fell on Wednesday as risk sentiment improved after global political worries eased with what markets perceived as positive news in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-announces-withdrawal-of-extradition-bill-report-247563">Hong Kong</a>, Italy and Britain.

The dollar index slid for a second straight session, while the yen, which draws safe-haven bids in times of geopolitical stress, dropped for the first time in four days against the greenback.

Risk appetite rose on reports Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam would announce the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered months of unrest.

In Italy, the 5-Star Movement approved a coalition deal with the Democratic Party, paving the way for a new government, while lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit gained the upper hand in Britain, triggering a global equities rally.

Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York, said the dollar's weakness was triggered by this "risk-on move in Hong Kong that gave Hong Kong equities one of the best moves in a few years." That has boosted appetite for riskier currencies that have generally higher yields, he added.

"Everyone has been waiting for this major dollar reversal for quite some time. It has never come to fruition," Moya said. "This is providing a little bit of unwinding of some dollar bullish positions."

In mid-morning trading, the dollar was last down 0.4 per cent against a basket of major currencies, at 98.656.

The yen fell against the dollar, which rose 0.3 per cent to 106.27 yen. It also declined against the euro, which gained 0.7 per cent&nbsp;to 117.045 yen.

The euro also rose 0.4 per cent versus the dollar to $1.1011 after comments from Christine Lagarde, who will likely be the European Central Bank's next president, introduced some doubt over the scale of an ECB stimulus package expected next week.

Lagarde said highly accommodative monetary policy for a prolonged period was necessary but she added that the bank needed to be mindful of the negative side-effects of such tools.

Expectations for an interest cut, the relaunch of asset purchases and other ECB measures to stimulate the economy have weighed on the euro. On Tuesday, it hit a 28-month low around $1.0924.

The dollar's weakness helped China's offshore yuan pull away further from record lows plumbed earlier this week. The Chinese currency was last up 0.4 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar, which fell to 7.1511 yuan.

The British pound recovered Tuesday's losses, when it hit a three-year low, after the latest parliamentary attempt to stop a no-deal Brexit took a step forward.

Sterling bounced 0.9 per cent&nbsp;to $1.2185 , and against the euro it rallied 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to 90.45 pence.

Lawmakers who defeated Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government on a crucial motion late on Tuesday are expected to introduce a bill in parliament seeking to stop Britain from leaving the European Union on Oct. 31 without transitional arrangements.

The safe-haven dollar and yen fell on Wednesday as risk sentiment improved after global political worries eased with what markets perceived as positive news in Hong Kong, Italy and Britain.

The safe-haven dollar and yen fell on Wednesday as risk sentiment improved after global political worries eased with what markets perceived as positive news in Hong Kong, Italy and Britain. The dollar index slid for a second straight session, while the yen, which draws safe-haven bids in times of geopolitical stress, dropped for the first time in four days against the greenback. Risk appetite rose on reports Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam would announce the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered months of unrest. In Italy, the 5-Star Movement approved a coalition deal with the Democratic Party, paving the way for a new government, while lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit gained the upper hand in Britain, triggering a global equities rally. Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York, said the dollar's weakness was triggered by this "risk-on move in Hong Kong that gave Hong Kong equities one of the best moves in a few years." That has boosted appetite for riskier currencies that have generally higher yields, he added. "Everyone has been waiting for this major dollar reversal for quite some time. It has never come to fruition," Moya said. "This is providing a little bit of unwinding of some dollar bullish positions." In mid-morning trading, the dollar was last down 0.4 per cent against a basket of major currencies, at 98.656. The yen fell against the dollar, which rose 0.3 per cent to 106.27 yen. It also declined against the euro, which gained 0.7 per cent to 117.045 yen. The euro also rose 0.4 per cent versus the dollar to $1.1011 after comments from Christine Lagarde, who will likely be the European Central Bank's next president, introduced some doubt over the scale of an ECB stimulus package expected next week. Lagarde said highly accommodative monetary policy for a prolonged period was necessary but she added that the bank needed to be mindful of the negative side-effects of such tools. Expectations for an interest cut, the relaunch of asset purchases and other ECB measures to stimulate the economy have weighed on the euro. On Tuesday, it hit a 28-month low around $1.0924. The dollar's weakness helped China's offshore yuan pull away further from record lows plumbed earlier this week. The Chinese currency was last up 0.4 per cent against the dollar, which fell to 7.1511 yuan. The British pound recovered Tuesday's losses, when it hit a three-year low, after the latest parliamentary attempt to stop a no-deal Brexit took a step forward. Sterling bounced 0.9 per cent to $1.2185 , and against the euro it rallied 0.4 per cent to 90.45 pence. Lawmakers who defeated Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government on a crucial motion late on Tuesday are expected to introduce a bill in parliament seeking to stop Britain from leaving the European Union on Oct. 31 without transitional arrangements.

Dollar, yen fall as global tensions ease

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on a shipping network it said was run by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-set-to-make-new-cut-in-nuclear-commitments-247582">Iran's Revolutionary Guards</a>, saying it sold millions of barrels of oil to benefit Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The sanctions on 16 entities, 10 people and 11 vessels were announced just as Iran was threatening to cut further its commitments under a nuclear deal unless the United States eases its pressure.

The Treasury Department said that the Qods Force, a unit of the elite Revolutionary Guards responsible for external operations, had backed both Assad and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah through crude oil shipments, mostly to Syria.&nbsp;

"The Iranian regime is leveraging a terrorist organization as its chief conduit for obfuscating and selling hundreds of millions of dollars of illicit oil to fuel its nefarious agenda," said Sigal Mandelker, the under secretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence.

The State Department said separately that it was offering a $15 million reward for information that can disrupt the financial mechanisms of the Revolutionary Guards, including the Qods Force.

The entities that are facing the new sanctions include the Mehdi Group, based in US ally India, and its director Ali Zaheer Mehdi, which the Treasury Department said has managed vessels for Iranian oil.

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, saying it sold millions of barrels of oil to benefit Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on a shipping network it said was run by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, saying it sold millions of barrels of oil to benefit Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The sanctions on 16 entities, 10 people and 11 vessels were announced just as Iran was threatening to cut further its commitments under a nuclear deal unless the United States eases its pressure. The Treasury Department said that the Qods Force, a unit of the elite Revolutionary Guards responsible for external operations, had backed both Assad and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah through crude oil shipments, mostly to Syria. "The Iranian regime is leveraging a terrorist organization as its chief conduit for obfuscating and selling hundreds of millions of dollars of illicit oil to fuel its nefarious agenda," said Sigal Mandelker, the under secretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence. The State Department said separately that it was offering a $15 million reward for information that can disrupt the financial mechanisms of the Revolutionary Guards, including the Qods Force. The entities that are facing the new sanctions include the Mehdi Group, based in US ally India, and its director Ali Zaheer Mehdi, which the Treasury Department said has managed vessels for Iranian oil.

Now, US imposes sanctions on Iran's shipping network over supplying oil to Syria

A 19-year-old American tourist arrested in Russia while carrying marijuana for personal medical use could face up to three years in prison in the country known for its harsh drug policy.

Audrey Elise Lorber had 19 grams (over half an ounce) of cannabis and a medical use permit with her when she was searched in Pulkovo airport in Saint Petersburg, the city's courts press service said this week.

She was arrested and charged with possession.&nbsp;

Lorber "kept the narcotic substance for her personal use" but the US use permit "is not valid on Russian territory," according to the press service.

She remains in custody pending a hearing at a district court in Russia's second-largest city.

Lorber is a film student from New York who was in Russia with her mother on a tourist visit, according to local media, referring to her social media accounts.

It is not the first case of nationals from countries where cannabis is legal being arrested in Russia for possession.

Naama Issachar, a 25-year-old Israeli-American, has been in custody for over four months on charges of smuggling nine grams of cannabis into Russia.&nbsp;

According to Israeli media, the drugs were found in her checked luggage while she was transferring flights from India to Israel at Sheremetyevo airport.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a court in Khimki outside Moscow ruled to extend Issachar's pre-trial detention to September 25. A Change.org petition to free her has gathered over 5,000 signatures.

Russia's drug policy is notoriously punitive and the global trend toward legalising marijuana has not had any effect on the country's laws.

A 19-year-old American tourist arrested in Russia while carrying marijuana for personal medical use could face up to three years in prison in the country known for its harsh drug policy.

A 19-year-old American tourist arrested in Russia while carrying marijuana for personal medical use could face up to three years in prison in the country known for its harsh drug policy. Audrey Elise Lorber had 19 grams (over half an ounce) of cannabis and a medical use permit with her when she was searched in Pulkovo airport in Saint Petersburg, the city's courts press service said this week. She was arrested and charged with possession. Lorber "kept the narcotic substance for her personal use" but the US use permit "is not valid on Russian territory," according to the press service. She remains in custody pending a hearing at a district court in Russia's second-largest city. Lorber is a film student from New York who was in Russia with her mother on a tourist visit, according to local media, referring to her social media accounts. It is not the first case of nationals from countries where cannabis is legal being arrested in Russia for possession. Naama Issachar, a 25-year-old Israeli-American, has been in custody for over four months on charges of smuggling nine grams of cannabis into Russia. According to Israeli media, the drugs were found in her checked luggage while she was transferring flights from India to Israel at Sheremetyevo airport. On Tuesday, a court in Khimki outside Moscow ruled to extend Issachar's pre-trial detention to September 25. A Change.org petition to free her has gathered over 5,000 signatures. Russia's drug policy is notoriously punitive and the global trend toward legalising marijuana has not had any effect on the country's laws.

US teen arrested in Russia over medical marijuana

British business activity shrank in August, slammed by weakness in the key construction, manufacturing and services sectors, as the economy suffers from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-row-uk-pm-johnson-proposes-early-election-on-october-15-247599">Brexit turmoil</a>, a key survey showed Wednesday.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for all UK sectors dropped to 49.7 from 50.3 in July, according to IHS Markit, which compiles the data.

A figure below 50 indicates contraction.

"The PMI surveys are so far indicating a 0.1-percent contraction of GDP in the third quarter," which would mean Britain had fallen into recession, noted Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit.

Britain's economy unexpectedly shrank in the second quarter of the year.

The official definition of recession is two quarters of economic contraction in a row.

"Companies have grown increasingly gloomy about the outlook due to the political situation and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, adding to downside risks in the coming months," Williamson added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

British business activity shrank in August, slammed by weakness in the key construction, manufacturing and services sectors, as the economy suffers from Brexit turmoil, a key survey showed Wednesday.

British business activity shrank in August, slammed by weakness in the key construction, manufacturing and services sectors, as the economy suffers from Brexit turmoil, a key survey showed Wednesday. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for all UK sectors dropped to 49.7 from 50.3 in July, according to IHS Markit, which compiles the data. A figure below 50 indicates contraction. "The PMI surveys are so far indicating a 0.1-percent contraction of GDP in the third quarter," which would mean Britain had fallen into recession, noted Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit. Britain's economy unexpectedly shrank in the second quarter of the year. The official definition of recession is two quarters of economic contraction in a row. "Companies have grown increasingly gloomy about the outlook due to the political situation and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, adding to downside risks in the coming months," Williamson added.

UK business activity contracts over Brexit turmoil, raises recession risk

The Afghan government expressed doubts Wednesday about a prospective deal between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/deadly-taliban-attack-in-afghan-capital-casts-shadow-on-peace-deal-247453">US and the Taliban</a>, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Kabul this week when he shared with Afghan officials an agreement "in principle" Washington has forged with the Taliban that would lead to a pull-out of American troops.

The prospect of a US-Taliban deal has engendered high anxiety among many Afghans, who feel sidelined from the process, worry the hardline Islamists will return to power, and see a beaten America selling out their interests in a bid to escape Afghanistan after 18 years of gruelling war.

Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, said that while the Kabul administration supports any progress in an eventual peace process, it wants to prevent any negative consequences.

Kabul is "concerned, therefore we seek clarification about this document so that we can carefully analyse the risks and potential negative consequences, and prevent any danger it may cause," Sediqqi said on Twitter.

The statement is Kabul's first such reaction to the prospective deal, which Khalilzad presented on Monday.

Ghani and his government have until now been largely sidelined in negotiations between the US and the Taliban, who see Ghani as illegitimate and have insisted on dealing first with the Americans.

Kabul's concerns build on a position expressed Tuesday by former US ambassadors to Afghanistan, who warned in a joint statement against a major troop withdrawal without a comprehensive peace accord.

"A major withdrawal of US forces should follow, not come in advance, of (a) real peace agreement," the former envoys wrote.

According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull thousands of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hew to their security pledges.&nbsp;

The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven.

Ultimately, though, Kabul has&nbsp;no say in whether the US and the Taliban make a deal, and can only hope the insurgents honour a pledge to sit down with the Afghan government to build a separate accord.

The Afghan government expressed doubts Wednesday about a prospective deal between the US and the Taliban, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses.

The Afghan government expressed doubts Wednesday about a prospective deal between the US and the Taliban, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Kabul this week when he shared with Afghan officials an agreement "in principle" Washington has forged with the Taliban that would lead to a pull-out of American troops. The prospect of a US-Taliban deal has engendered high anxiety among many Afghans, who feel sidelined from the process, worry the hardline Islamists will return to power, and see a beaten America selling out their interests in a bid to escape Afghanistan after 18 years of gruelling war. Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, said that while the Kabul administration supports any progress in an eventual peace process, it wants to prevent any negative consequences. Kabul is "concerned, therefore we seek clarification about this document so that we can carefully analyse the risks and potential negative consequences, and prevent any danger it may cause," Sediqqi said on Twitter. The statement is Kabul's first such reaction to the prospective deal, which Khalilzad presented on Monday. Ghani and his government have until now been largely sidelined in negotiations between the US and the Taliban, who see Ghani as illegitimate and have insisted on dealing first with the Americans. Kabul's concerns build on a position expressed Tuesday by former US ambassadors to Afghanistan, who warned in a joint statement against a major troop withdrawal without a comprehensive peace accord. "A major withdrawal of US forces should follow, not come in advance, of (a) real peace agreement," the former envoys wrote. According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull thousands of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hew to their security pledges. The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven. Ultimately, though, Kabul has no say in whether the US and the Taliban make a deal, and can only hope the insurgents honour a pledge to sit down with the Afghan government to build a separate accord.

Afghanistan 'concerned' about US-Taliban deal, seeks clarification: official

Rushing to register candidates and train poll workers, Tunisia's electoral commission has raced to organise presidential elections after the death of leader Beji Caid Essebsi, hoping to protect the country's nascent democracy.

The Independent Higher Authority for Elections (ISIE) snapped into action when Essebsi died on July 25, facing immediate pressure from a constitutional deadline and parties seeking favourable dates.

The body, whose nine members are elected by parliament, brought the date of scheduled polls forward by two months, fixing the first round for September 15.

The constitution stipulates that elections must be held 90 days after a head of state's death. The first round of voting will take place just seven weeks after the funeral.

In a mid-summer dash, ISIE stocked up on indelible ink and sorted through nearly 100 candidate applications, selecting a final list of 26 hopefuls.

"We're in a sprint to respect the rules," ISIE spokeswoman Hasna Ben Slimane told AFP.&nbsp;

"We have to train 55,000 people for&nbsp;inspectors and polling station staff," she said.&nbsp;

"ISIE has experience. It has already organised six elections, but it's still complicated."

The body has overseen a series of historic polls following the 2011 overthrow of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in an uprising which sparked revolts across the Arab world.

They include Tunisia's first free election in October 2011 and the first free presidential election in 2014 which brought Essebsi to power.

"ISIE's reaction after the death of Caid Essebsi is a sign of its maturity," said history professor Abdeltif Hannachi.

ISIE has registered some 1.5 million, mostly young, new voters this year, success has given that 65 per cent of voters abstained in the first democratic municipal polls in 2018.

The body has pushed to tighten checks on social networks and campaign finances, Ben Slimane said.&nbsp;

It struggled with both in 2014.

Before campaigning kicked off on Monday, the commission sent "warnings" to political parties asking them to delete problematic sponsored Facebook pages, said ISIE chief Nabil Baffoun.

Tunisian electoral monitor Mourakiboun hailed ISIE for its "independence" but its head Mohamed Marzouk regrets that the body has "not detailed the methods of checking expenses and campaign finances".

Accusations of corruption have swirled in the lead up to the polls, culminating in the arrest of media magnate and presidential hopeful Nabil Karoui for alleged money laundering.&nbsp;

His detention fuelled suspicions of flawed justice, pushing ISIE to quickly assure that nothing, even prison, prevented Karoui from being a candidate.

The decision, Hannachi said, "proves the independence of ISIE, which did not yield to the pressure of those who asked it to remove Nabil Karoui from the race".

Observers have said the previous ISIE-run elections, despite their flaws, were transparent and independent.

Hannachi, who praised the commission's work, said ISIE's model could be "exported to other countries in transition, like Sudan and Algeria".

Rushing to register candidates and train poll workers, Tunisia's electoral commission has raced to organise presidential elections after the death of leader Beji Caid Essebsi, hoping to protect the country's nascent democracy.

Rushing to register candidates and train poll workers, Tunisia's electoral commission has raced to organise presidential elections after the death of leader Beji Caid Essebsi, hoping to protect the country's nascent democracy. The Independent Higher Authority for Elections (ISIE) snapped into action when Essebsi died on July 25, facing immediate pressure from a constitutional deadline and parties seeking favourable dates. The body, whose nine members are elected by parliament, brought the date of scheduled polls forward by two months, fixing the first round for September 15. The constitution stipulates that elections must be held 90 days after a head of state's death. The first round of voting will take place just seven weeks after the funeral. In a mid-summer dash, ISIE stocked up on indelible ink and sorted through nearly 100 candidate applications, selecting a final list of 26 hopefuls. "We're in a sprint to respect the rules," ISIE spokeswoman Hasna Ben Slimane told AFP. "We have to train 55,000 people for inspectors and polling station staff," she said. "ISIE has experience. It has already organised six elections, but it's still complicated." The body has overseen a series of historic polls following the 2011 overthrow of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in an uprising which sparked revolts across the Arab world. They include Tunisia's first free election in October 2011 and the first free presidential election in 2014 which brought Essebsi to power. "ISIE's reaction after the death of Caid Essebsi is a sign of its maturity," said history professor Abdeltif Hannachi. ISIE has registered some 1.5 million, mostly young, new voters this year, success has given that 65 per cent of voters abstained in the first democratic municipal polls in 2018. The body has pushed to tighten checks on social networks and campaign finances, Ben Slimane said. It struggled with both in 2014. Before campaigning kicked off on Monday, the commission sent "warnings" to political parties asking them to delete problematic sponsored Facebook pages, said ISIE chief Nabil Baffoun. Tunisian electoral monitor Mourakiboun hailed ISIE for its "independence" but its head Mohamed Marzouk regrets that the body has "not detailed the methods of checking expenses and campaign finances". Accusations of corruption have swirled in the lead up to the polls, culminating in the arrest of media magnate and presidential hopeful Nabil Karoui for alleged money laundering. His detention fuelled suspicions of flawed justice, pushing ISIE to quickly assure that nothing, even prison, prevented Karoui from being a candidate. The decision, Hannachi said, "proves the independence of ISIE, which did not yield to the pressure of those who asked it to remove Nabil Karoui from the race". Observers have said the previous ISIE-run elections, despite their flaws, were transparent and independent. Hannachi, who praised the commission's work, said ISIE's model could be "exported to other countries in transition, like Sudan and Algeria".

Tunisia in 'sprint' to arrange poll after president dies

Cathay Pacific announced Wednesday its chairman John Slosar is stepping down to retire, the latest high-profile executive to leave the troubled airline after it drew Beijing's ire over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

The flagship carrier has had a torrid few weeks after Chinese state media and authorities blasted the company because some of its 27,000 employees had taken part in -- or were sympathetic to -- anti-government protests currently rocking Hong Kong.

In a statement posted on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Cathay said Slosar, 63, had stepped down and will be replaced as chairman by Patrick Healy, a veteran from the Swire Group conglomerate, the airline's majority shareholder.&nbsp;

"His resignation is due to his retirement," the statement said, adding that the changes would take effect from November 6 at the conclusion of the company's board meeting.

Slosar's departure ends a nearly four-decade career with Swire and Cathay and caps a tumultuous month of sudden management changes at the airline as it tries to claw its way out of Beijing's bad books.

In August, CEO Rupert Hogg and another senior executive stepped down after China's aviation regulator banned airline staff who had supported the demonstrations from working on flights through its airspace and after state media encouraged a boycott in the crucial mainland market.

Cathay's sin was to be perceived as being sympathetic to protesters, especially after some flight attendants and pilots joined a city-wide strike and protests.

In July, Slosar had said he would not want to tell his tens of thousands of employees what to think or which political views to hold.

But China's public castigation and the threat of being blacklisted from the vital mainland market led to a sudden u-turn by the airline.

Executives issued a series of statements supporting Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders, fired at least four staff and ordered employees not to take part in any strikes or illegal protests.&nbsp;

A flight attendant who was a union organiser also said she was dismissed without explanation.

The staff inside Cathay have since told AFP they believe a witchhunt is underway, with employees frantically deleting social media posts and gutting their friend's lists fearing disciplinary action if they are found to have any links with the protests.

Cathay's statement on Wednesday included a short quote from Slosar thanking his colleagues and expressing confidence in his successor&nbsp;but there was no reference to the recent political woes faced by the airline.

That contrasted with Hogg's resignation last month where he said he was stepping down "to take responsibility as a leader of the Company in view of recent events".

Analysts say the political purge inside Cathay may halt further sanctioning by China.&nbsp;

But by toeing Beijing's line, critics say Cathay has trashed its reputation as a totemic Hong Kong company, which has grown over 72 years in parallel with the city's status as a gateway to Asia.

Since Cathay's woes with Beijing, major businesses with interests in the mainland have swiftly moved to issue statements condemning protesters and supporting the crackdown by Hong Kong's police.

Cathay Pacific announced Wednesday its chairman John Slosar is stepping down to retire, the latest high-profile executive to leave the troubled airline after it drew Beijing's ire over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific announced Wednesday its chairman John Slosar is stepping down to retire, the latest high-profile executive to leave the troubled airline after it drew Beijing's ire over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The flagship carrier has had a torrid few weeks after Chinese state media and authorities blasted the company because some of its 27,000 employees had taken part in -- or were sympathetic to -- anti-government protests currently rocking Hong Kong. In a statement posted on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Cathay said Slosar, 63, had stepped down and will be replaced as chairman by Patrick Healy, a veteran from the Swire Group conglomerate, the airline's majority shareholder. "His resignation is due to his retirement," the statement said, adding that the changes would take effect from November 6 at the conclusion of the company's board meeting. Slosar's departure ends a nearly four-decade career with Swire and Cathay and caps a tumultuous month of sudden management changes at the airline as it tries to claw its way out of Beijing's bad books. In August, CEO Rupert Hogg and another senior executive stepped down after China's aviation regulator banned airline staff who had supported the demonstrations from working on flights through its airspace and after state media encouraged a boycott in the crucial mainland market. Cathay's sin was to be perceived as being sympathetic to protesters, especially after some flight attendants and pilots joined a city-wide strike and protests. In July, Slosar had said he would not want to tell his tens of thousands of employees what to think or which political views to hold. But China's public castigation and the threat of being blacklisted from the vital mainland market led to a sudden u-turn by the airline. Executives issued a series of statements supporting Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders, fired at least four staff and ordered employees not to take part in any strikes or illegal protests. A flight attendant who was a union organiser also said she was dismissed without explanation. The staff inside Cathay have since told AFP they believe a witchhunt is underway, with employees frantically deleting social media posts and gutting their friend's lists fearing disciplinary action if they are found to have any links with the protests. Cathay's statement on Wednesday included a short quote from Slosar thanking his colleagues and expressing confidence in his successor but there was no reference to the recent political woes faced by the airline. That contrasted with Hogg's resignation last month where he said he was stepping down "to take responsibility as a leader of the Company in view of recent events". Analysts say the political purge inside Cathay may halt further sanctioning by China. But by toeing Beijing's line, critics say Cathay has trashed its reputation as a totemic Hong Kong company, which has grown over 72 years in parallel with the city's status as a gateway to Asia. Since Cathay's woes with Beijing, major businesses with interests in the mainland have swiftly moved to issue statements condemning protesters and supporting the crackdown by Hong Kong's police.

Cathay Pacific chairman John Slosar to step down

Google agreed Wednesday to pay $170 million to settle charges that it illegally collected and shared data from children on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-pay-out-150-200-mn-over-youtube-privacy-claims-reports-246791">YouTube video service</a>, a deal critics said was too soft on the internet giant.

The settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and the New York state Attorney General is the largest amount in a case involving the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, a 1998 federal law, officials said.

Officials said YouTube violated the law that requires <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-reveals-years-long-indiscriminate-iphone-hack-246581">child-directed websites</a> and online services to provide notice of their information practices and obtain parental consent prior to collecting personal information from children under 13.

The company marketed itself as a destination for children and benefitted by selling advertising to toymakers and others seeking to connect with young audiences, according to the FTC.

"YouTube touted its popularity with children to prospective corporate clients," said FTC chairman Joe Simons.

"Yet when it came to complying with COPPA, the company refused to acknowledge that portions of its platform were clearly directed to kids. There's no excuse for YouTube's violations of the law."

The settlement also calls for YouTube to change the way it handles children's content.

"We will treat data from anyone watching children's content on YouTube as coming from a child, regardless of the age of the user," YouTube chief Susan Wojcicki said in a statement.

"This means that we will limit data collection and use on videos made for kids only to what is needed to support the operation of the service. We will also stop serving personalised ads on this content entirely, and some features will no longer be available on this type of content, like comments and notifications."

Wojcicki added that Google would create a $100 million fund "dedicated to the creation of thoughtful, original children's content on YouTube and YouTube Kids globally."

The settlement, which must be approved by a federal court, calls for the FTC to receive $136 million and New York state the remaining $34 million.

The deal was approved by a 3-2 vote of the FTC commissioners, with the two Democrats calling for tougher penalties.

The deal "repeats many of the same mistakes from the flawed Facebook settlement: no individual accountability, insufficient remedies to address the company's financial incentives, and a fine that still allows the company to profit from its lawbreaking," Democratic commissioner Rohit Chopra said in a dissent.

"The terms of the settlement were not even significant enough to make Google issue a warning to its investors."

Activists who filed a complaint last year against YouTube also said the deal falls short.

"We are gratified that the FTC has finally forced Google to confront its longstanding lie that it wasn't targeting children on YouTube," said Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy, one of the groups in the complaint.

The "paltry financial penalty of $170 million" is a mere slap and "sends a signal that if you are a politically powerful corporation, you do not have to fear any serious financial consequences when you break the law," Chester said.

"Google made billions off the backs of children, developing a host of intrusive and manipulative marketing practices that take advantage of their developmental vulnerabilities. More fundamental changes will be required to ensure that YouTube is a safe and fair platform for young people."

Simons said the deal goes beyond the legal requirements of the law by creating a system through which content creators must self-designate if their products are child-directed.

"This obligation exceeds what any third party in the marketplace currently is required to do," FTC chairman Simons said in a statement with commissioner Christine Wilson.

Simons and Wilson said that it would be difficult to get a harsher penalty imposed in court which would require proving that Google knew about its violations.

Google agreed Wednesday to pay $170 million to settle charges that it illegally collected and shared data from children on its YouTube video service, a deal critics said was too soft on the internet giant.

Google agreed Wednesday to pay $170 million to settle charges that it illegally collected and shared data from children on its YouTube video service, a deal critics said was too soft on the internet giant. The settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and the New York state Attorney General is the largest amount in a case involving the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, a 1998 federal law, officials said. Officials said YouTube violated the law that requires child-directed websites and online services to provide notice of their information practices and obtain parental consent prior to collecting personal information from children under 13. The company marketed itself as a destination for children and benefitted by selling advertising to toymakers and others seeking to connect with young audiences, according to the FTC. "YouTube touted its popularity with children to prospective corporate clients," said FTC chairman Joe Simons. "Yet when it came to complying with COPPA, the company refused to acknowledge that portions of its platform were clearly directed to kids. There's no excuse for YouTube's violations of the law." The settlement also calls for YouTube to change the way it handles children's content. "We will treat data from anyone watching children's content on YouTube as coming from a child, regardless of the age of the user," YouTube chief Susan Wojcicki said in a statement. "This means that we will limit data collection and use on videos made for kids only to what is needed to support the operation of the service. We will also stop serving personalised ads on this content entirely, and some features will no longer be available on this type of content, like comments and notifications." Wojcicki added that Google would create a $100 million fund "dedicated to the creation of thoughtful, original children's content on YouTube and YouTube Kids globally." The settlement, which must be approved by a federal court, calls for the FTC to receive $136 million and New York state the remaining $34 million. The deal was approved by a 3-2 vote of the FTC commissioners, with the two Democrats calling for tougher penalties. The deal "repeats many of the same mistakes from the flawed Facebook settlement: no individual accountability, insufficient remedies to address the company's financial incentives, and a fine that still allows the company to profit from its lawbreaking," Democratic commissioner Rohit Chopra said in a dissent. "The terms of the settlement were not even significant enough to make Google issue a warning to its investors." Activists who filed a complaint last year against YouTube also said the deal falls short. "We are gratified that the FTC has finally forced Google to confront its longstanding lie that it wasn't targeting children on YouTube," said Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy, one of the groups in the complaint. The "paltry financial penalty of $170 million" is a mere slap and "sends a signal that if you are a politically powerful corporation, you do not have to fear any serious financial consequences when you break the law," Chester said. "Google made billions off the backs of children, developing a host of intrusive and manipulative marketing practices that take advantage of their developmental vulnerabilities. More fundamental changes will be required to ensure that YouTube is a safe and fair platform for young people." Simons said the deal goes beyond the legal requirements of the law by creating a system through which content creators must self-designate if their products are child-directed. "This obligation exceeds what any third party in the marketplace currently is required to do," FTC chairman Simons said in a statement with commissioner Christine Wilson. Simons and Wilson said that it would be difficult to get a harsher penalty imposed in court which would require proving that Google knew about its violations.

Google to pay FTC $170 million for illegally collecting, sharing data from kids on YouTube

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.