Hong Kong’s security chief has announced that a dedicated police unit is being set up and would be ready to enforce controversial new national security laws from day one.

There is widespread international and commercial concern about the impact of the laws that are&nbsp;being imposed on the semi-autonomous region&nbsp;directly by Beijing, bypassing Hong Kong’s legislature.

The move has prompted the&nbsp;UK to offer a visa to millions of people living in Hong Kong&nbsp;if they felt uncomfortable staying.

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State media said on Thursday that legislators were working “day and night” to draft the legislation.

Kennedy Wong Ying-ho – the deputy secretary general of the&nbsp;Hong Kong&nbsp;Coalition, an influential pro-Beijing group led by former chief executives of the region – told the state-run Global Times the laws would likely take effect within a month. He did not specify whether he was referring to a month from now, or from the time the laws were approved.

Attendees at a forum organised by the coalition heard the powerful standing committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) would “spare no effort” in drafting the laws quickly.

The standing committee of the NPC drafts the new security laws and bills are meant to go through three readings before approval but can be adopted sooner.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s security chief, John Lee Ka-chiu, said police were establishing a separate dedicated unit to enforce the proposed national security laws, led by police commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung.

“The new body will have intelligence-gathering capability, we’ll have investigation capability, we’ll have an action arm,”&nbsp;Lee said. “We should also have a strategy for the long-term development of this dedicated unit.”

Lee would not say how it would work with mainland agencies, but suggested there would be heavy involvement.

“I’m sure that the mainland authorities have a much wider network of intelligence gathering and also a much higher level of analysis,” Lee said. “They have a helicopter view of the whole thing. So they will let us know the whole picture when we, as a city, may not be able to just using our information.”

The Global Times reported the new Hong Kong force would work with mainland agencies on joint operations.

The laws have fuelled&nbsp;international&nbsp;and business concern over Beijing’s growing interference with Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms.

The laws are the latest in a string of significant economically destabilising events in Hong Kong, and there is widespread concern of an exodus of international corporations. A year of protests, the US-China trade war, and large-scale shutdowns due to the pandemic have had a significant impact on businesses.

“We just can’t seem to catch a break and things are ratcheting up,” said Tara Joseph, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is a really valuable place for people both business-wise and personally. Nobody wants to run for the exit or throw the baby out with the bath water.”

Joseph said there was little detail coming forward about the laws, or about&nbsp;the US government’s increasingly provocative plans&nbsp;for its responses to Hong Kong and China.

“It’s a very fluid situation and lots of unanswered questions and that’s worrying because everyone’s trying to figure out how hard the security laws are going to be, and how difficult the changes that the US may put out there will be,” said Joseph.

A survey of its members this month found 82 per cent&nbsp;had held regular headquarter-level discussions on crisis management, on how to help staff cope with social division and distress, and on strategy adjustments. Almost one quarter were considering scaling back operations or moving out of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s security chief has announced that a dedicated police unit is being set up and would be ready to enforce controversial new national security laws from day one.

Hong Kong’s security chief has announced that a dedicated police unit is being set up and would be ready to enforce controversial new national security laws from day one. There is widespread international and commercial concern about the impact of the laws that are being imposed on the semi-autonomous region directly by Beijing, bypassing Hong Kong’s legislature. The move has prompted the UK to offer a visa to millions of people living in Hong Kong if they felt uncomfortable staying. State media said on Thursday that legislators were working “day and night” to draft the legislation. Kennedy Wong Ying-ho – the deputy secretary general of the Hong Kong Coalition, an influential pro-Beijing group led by former chief executives of the region – told the state-run Global Times the laws would likely take effect within a month. He did not specify whether he was referring to a month from now, or from the time the laws were approved. Attendees at a forum organised by the coalition heard the powerful standing committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) would “spare no effort” in drafting the laws quickly. The standing committee of the NPC drafts the new security laws and bills are meant to go through three readings before approval but can be adopted sooner. On Wednesday, Hong Kong’s security chief, John Lee Ka-chiu, said police were establishing a separate dedicated unit to enforce the proposed national security laws, led by police commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung. “The new body will have intelligence-gathering capability, we’ll have investigation capability, we’ll have an action arm,” Lee said. “We should also have a strategy for the long-term development of this dedicated unit.” Lee would not say how it would work with mainland agencies, but suggested there would be heavy involvement. “I’m sure that the mainland authorities have a much wider network of intelligence gathering and also a much higher level of analysis,” Lee said. “They have a helicopter view of the whole thing. So they will let us know the whole picture when we, as a city, may not be able to just using our information.” The Global Times reported the new Hong Kong force would work with mainland agencies on joint operations. The laws have fuelled international and business concern over Beijing’s growing interference with Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms. The laws are the latest in a string of significant economically destabilising events in Hong Kong, and there is widespread concern of an exodus of international corporations. A year of protests, the US-China trade war, and large-scale shutdowns due to the pandemic have had a significant impact on businesses. “We just can’t seem to catch a break and things are ratcheting up,” said Tara Joseph, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is a really valuable place for people both business-wise and personally. Nobody wants to run for the exit or throw the baby out with the bath water.” Joseph said there was little detail coming forward about the laws, or about the US government’s increasingly provocative plans for its responses to Hong Kong and China. “It’s a very fluid situation and lots of unanswered questions and that’s worrying because everyone’s trying to figure out how hard the security laws are going to be, and how difficult the changes that the US may put out there will be,” said Joseph. A survey of its members this month found 82 per cent had held regular headquarter-level discussions on crisis management, on how to help staff cope with social division and distress, and on strategy adjustments. Almost one quarter were considering scaling back operations or moving out of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong to establish new police unit to enforce new security laws

Donald Trump supporters who attend the US President's upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website.

Rallygoers are asked to RSVP to gain admission to the event and by registering, they must agree to a disclaimer that states they acknowledge the "inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present."

"By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury," the disclaimer reads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-to-unite-country-trump-reopens-re-election-campaign-305215" hreflang="en">Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign</a>

The rally is being held in the Bank of Oklahoma Center and comes as the city is in phase three of reopening from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Republican billionaire announced on Wednesday, June 10, that he would resume his campaign rallies in 4 states: Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, despite the coronavirus pandemic that continues to rage in the US.

More than 113,000 people have died in the country of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, while more than two million cases have been recorded.

In Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, the number of infections has even started to rise again.

Donald Trump supporters who attend the US President's upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website.

Donald Trump supporters who attend the US President's upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website. Rallygoers are asked to RSVP to gain admission to the event and by registering, they must agree to a disclaimer that states they acknowledge the "inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present." "By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury," the disclaimer reads. Also read: Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign The rally is being held in the Bank of Oklahoma Center and comes as the city is in phase three of reopening from the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican billionaire announced on Wednesday, June 10, that he would resume his campaign rallies in 4 states: Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, despite the coronavirus pandemic that continues to rage in the US. More than 113,000 people have died in the country of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, while more than two million cases have been recorded. In Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, the number of infections has even started to rise again.

Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'

June 12 in history: Nelson Mandela's life imprisonment, Russia's first President and more

Apple Inc&nbsp;said on Thursday it will increase spending with black-owned suppliers as part of a $100 million racial equity and justice initiative, while Google-owned&nbsp;YouTube said it will spend $100 million to fund black artists.

The efforts join a wave of actions by big companies, including banks and retailers, aiming to show support for the black community as recent protests in the United States and elsewhere call attention to longstanding discrimination against African Americans.

The protests followed the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man, while detained by Minneapolis police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/do-black-lives-matter-yes-say-siri-alexa-and-google-assistant-305068">Do black lives matter? Yes, say Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant</a>

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook in a video posted to Twitter said the iPhone maker seeks to increase minority representation among the firms it does business with.

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The unfinished work of racial justice and equality call us all to account. Things must change, and Apple's committed to being a force for that change. Today, I'm proud to announce Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, with a $100 million commitment. <a href="https://t.co/AoYafq2xlp">pic.twitter.com/AoYafq2xlp</a>
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1271113929754685441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Other moves will include programs to foster black application developers and new initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion within Apple, Cook said.

YouTube Chief Executive Susan Wojcicki said in a blog post the video service would spend $100 million over multiple years on "amplifying and developing the voices of black creators and artists and their stories."

The fund's first video project, "Bear Witness, Take Action," will premiere on YouTube at 6 p.m. ET Saturday, Wojcicki said.

Apple Inc said on Thursday it will increase spending with black-owned suppliers as part of a $100 million racial equity and justice initiative, while Google-owned YouTube said it will spend $100 million to fund black artists.

Apple Inc said on Thursday it will increase spending with black-owned suppliers as part of a $100 million racial equity and justice initiative, while Google-owned YouTube said it will spend $100 million to fund black artists. The efforts join a wave of actions by big companies, including banks and retailers, aiming to show support for the black community as recent protests in the United States and elsewhere call attention to longstanding discrimination against African Americans. The protests followed the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man, while detained by Minneapolis police. Also read: Do black lives matter? Yes, say Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook in a video posted to Twitter said the iPhone maker seeks to increase minority representation among the firms it does business with. The unfinished work of racial justice and equality call us all to account. Things must change, and Apple's committed to being a force for that change. Today, I'm proud to announce Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, with a $100 million commitment. pic.twitter.com/AoYafq2xlp — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 11, 2020 × Other moves will include programs to foster black application developers and new initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion within Apple, Cook said. YouTube Chief Executive Susan Wojcicki said in a blog post the video service would spend $100 million over multiple years on "amplifying and developing the voices of black creators and artists and their stories." The fund's first video project, "Bear Witness, Take Action," will premiere on YouTube at 6 p.m. ET Saturday, Wojcicki said.

Apple, YouTube unveil $100 million funds to support racial justice amid protests

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Manila Friday against anti-terrorism legislation that critics fear would give Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent.&nbsp;

The bill, which has been approved by Congress and is expected to be signed into law by Duterte, would create a council of presidential appointees that could order warrantless arrests of people it deems are terrorists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-president-duterte-set-to-sign-bill-aimed-at-stifling-dissent-303691">Philippines President Duterte set to sign bill aimed at stifling dissent</a>

It also allows for weeks of detention without charge.&nbsp;

Activists fear the legislation could open the door to a crackdown on Duterte's opponents.

"They (authorities) shouldn't fool us that &nbsp;this terror bill is for terrorists. It's for all of us," said Neri Colmenares, an activist and lawyer.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-philippines-president-duterte-is-playing-into-the-hands-of-xis-china-304890">How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China</a>

Groups such as the kidnap-for-ransom gang Abu Sayyaf would continue killing regardless of the legislation, Colmenares told protesters who had ignored police warnings they were breaching coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Protester Ana Celestial said she feared the bill would be the "death of democracy for all of us".

The legislation defines terrorism as intending to cause death or injury, damage government or private property or use weapons of mass destruction to "spread a message of fear" or intimidate the government.&nbsp;

Suspects could be held up to 24 days without charge in violation of a three-day limit in the Constitution, said rights group National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL).

The vague wording of the bill gives "almost absolute power to designate, even wrongly, mistakenly or maliciously,&nbsp;groups as 'terrorists'", NUPL said.

The United Nations' human rights office has also criticised the legislation, saying in a recent report that it "dilutes human rights safeguards".

But government officials say the alarm is overblown, citing provisions that exempt "advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work... not intended to cause death or serious physical harm".

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that "anybody who makes peaceful protests, they're not terrorists."

Authorities argue the Philippines needs additional powers to battle the multiple armed groups that regularly carry out attacks on police and civilians.

However, watchdogs note that on top of granting new powers to authorities, the legislation also strips away old safeguards.&nbsp;

The act would do away with penalties against law enforcement agents of up to $10,000 for every day a suspect was found to have been wrongfully detained, Human Rights Watch said.

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Manila Friday against anti-terrorism legislation that critics fear would give Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent.

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Manila Friday against anti-terrorism legislation that critics fear would give Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent. The bill, which has been approved by Congress and is expected to be signed into law by Duterte, would create a council of presidential appointees that could order warrantless arrests of people it deems are terrorists. Also read: Philippines President Duterte set to sign bill aimed at stifling dissent It also allows for weeks of detention without charge. Activists fear the legislation could open the door to a crackdown on Duterte's opponents. "They (authorities) shouldn't fool us that this terror bill is for terrorists. It's for all of us," said Neri Colmenares, an activist and lawyer. Also read: How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China Groups such as the kidnap-for-ransom gang Abu Sayyaf would continue killing regardless of the legislation, Colmenares told protesters who had ignored police warnings they were breaching coronavirus restrictions. Protester Ana Celestial said she feared the bill would be the "death of democracy for all of us". The legislation defines terrorism as intending to cause death or injury, damage government or private property or use weapons of mass destruction to "spread a message of fear" or intimidate the government. Suspects could be held up to 24 days without charge in violation of a three-day limit in the Constitution, said rights group National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL). The vague wording of the bill gives "almost absolute power to designate, even wrongly, mistakenly or maliciously, groups as 'terrorists'", NUPL said. The United Nations' human rights office has also criticised the legislation, saying in a recent report that it "dilutes human rights safeguards". But government officials say the alarm is overblown, citing provisions that exempt "advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work... not intended to cause death or serious physical harm". Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that "anybody who makes peaceful protests, they're not terrorists." Authorities argue the Philippines needs additional powers to battle the multiple armed groups that regularly carry out attacks on police and civilians. However, watchdogs note that on top of granting new powers to authorities, the legislation also strips away old safeguards. The act would do away with penalties against law enforcement agents of up to $10,000 for every day a suspect was found to have been wrongfully detained, Human Rights Watch said.

Philippines: Protesters rally against Duterte's anti-terrorism bill

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologised on Friday&nbsp;after his controversial comments on Australian slavery and&nbsp;and acknowledged that “all sorts of hideous practices” that have taken place.

Speaking at&nbsp;a news conference in Canberra&nbsp;Friday, Morrison said he was referring specifically to the fact that the first Australian colony of New South Wales was set up without the widespread use of slave labor.

"My comments were not intended to give offense, and if they did, I deeply regret that and apologize for that," he said, adding that he was a passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-draws-criticism-for-his-no-slavery-in-australia-comment-305134">Australian PM draws criticism for his 'no slavery in Australia&nbsp;comment</a>

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</ul>

"I was simply trying to make point that Australia, yes, we have had issues in our history, we have acknowledged them, I have acknowledged them, and we need to address them."

Asked whether&nbsp;the practice of “blackbirding”&nbsp;could be considered slavery, Morrison told reporters he did not want to get into the ''history wars,'' but acknowledged ''there have been all sorts of hideous practices that have taken place, and so I’m not denying any of that.''

''Blackbirding''&nbsp;is a term used to describe the practice of coercing people to work as indentured labourers, often through deception or force. It was common throughout the Pacific in the 19th century.

South Pacific Islanders&nbsp;were brought to work on Queensland plantations, and there are well-documented cases of Indigenous people being used for free labour in the pastoral industry and as household servants – a practice that began during colonial times and persisted well into the 20th century.

Morrison was criticised&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;for saying "there was no slavery in Australia" during a discussion on the early days of British settlement.Historians, Aboriginal activists and some lawmakers had expressed shock and dismay at the comments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

Morrison said the initial motives of protesters were "fair", but the push for the removal of the statues was being driven by political agendas.

The Black Lives Movement globally has refocused attention in Australia on the mistreatment of indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal deaths in custody.

A rally is scheduled to take place in Sydney later on Friday and more are planned around the country over the weekend. Organisers said they would push ahead with the unauthorised Sydney gathering despite warnings of on-the-spot fines and arrest.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologised on Friday after his controversial comments on Australian slavery and and acknowledged that “all sorts of hideous practices” that have taken place.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologised on Friday after his controversial comments on Australian slavery and and acknowledged that “all sorts of hideous practices” that have taken place. Speaking at a news conference in Canberra Friday, Morrison said he was referring specifically to the fact that the first Australian colony of New South Wales was set up without the widespread use of slave labor. "My comments were not intended to give offense, and if they did, I deeply regret that and apologize for that," he said, adding that he was a passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australians. Also read | Australian PM draws criticism for his 'no slavery in Australia comment "I was simply trying to make point that Australia, yes, we have had issues in our history, we have acknowledged them, I have acknowledged them, and we need to address them." Asked whether the practice of “blackbirding” could be considered slavery, Morrison told reporters he did not want to get into the ''history wars,'' but acknowledged ''there have been all sorts of hideous practices that have taken place, and so I’m not denying any of that.'' ''Blackbirding'' is a term used to describe the practice of coercing people to work as indentured labourers, often through deception or force. It was common throughout the Pacific in the 19th century. South Pacific Islanders were brought to work on Queensland plantations, and there are well-documented cases of Indigenous people being used for free labour in the pastoral industry and as household servants – a practice that began during colonial times and persisted well into the 20th century. Morrison was criticised on Thursday for saying "there was no slavery in Australia" during a discussion on the early days of British settlement.Historians, Aboriginal activists and some lawmakers had expressed shock and dismay at the comments. Also read | Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety Morrison said the initial motives of protesters were "fair", but the push for the removal of the statues was being driven by political agendas. The Black Lives Movement globally has refocused attention in Australia on the mistreatment of indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal deaths in custody. A rally is scheduled to take place in Sydney later on Friday and more are planned around the country over the weekend. Organisers said they would push ahead with the unauthorised Sydney gathering despite warnings of on-the-spot fines and arrest.

Scott Morrison apologises for 'no slavery in Australia' comment; acknowledges 'hideous practices'

Three US&nbsp;lawmakers asked Zoom Video Communications Inc to clarify its data-collection practices and relationship with the Chinese government after the firm said it had suspended user accounts to meet demands from Beijing.

The California-based firm has come under heavy scrutiny after three US&nbsp;and Hong Kong-based activists said their accounts had been suspended and meetings disrupted after they tried to hold events related to the anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zoom-admits-user-accounts-suspended-after-chinese-government-demanded-it-305291" hreflang="en">Zoom admits user accounts suspended after Chinese government demanded it</a>

Zoom said on Friday it was notified of the events and asked to take action by the Chinese government in May and early June. It said it suspended one account in Hong and two in the United States but has now reinstated these accounts and will not allow further requests from China to affect users outside the country.

"We did not provide any user information or meeting content to the Chinese government," Zoom said in a statement. "We do not have a backdoor that allows someone to enter a meeting without being visible."

The online meeting platform, which has surged in popularity as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions around the world indoors, has seen its downloads soar in China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zoom-shuts-account-of-us-based-chinese-dissidents-after-tiananmen-anniversary-meeting-304999">Zoom shuts account of US-based Chinese dissidents after Tiananmen anniversary meeting</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The service is not blocked in China, unlike many Western platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which abandoned efforts to crack China's market years ago due to government demands to censor and monitor content. Twitter on Thursday said it had removed accounts tied to a Beijing-backed influence operation. [L1N2DO2AD]

Representatives Greg Walden, the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the ranking member of a consumer subcommittee, sent a letter to Zoom CEO Eric Yuan on Thursday asking him to clarify the company's data practices, whether any was shared with Beijing and whether it encrypted users' communications.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley also wrote to Yuan asking him to "pick a side" between the United States and China.

The three politicians have previously expressed concerns about TikTok's owner, Chinese firm ByteDance, which is being scrutinized by U.S. regulators over the personal data the short video app handles.

"We appreciate the outreach we have received from various elected officials and look forward to engaging with them," a Zoom spokesman said.

China's internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China, did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment from Reuters. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Friday that she was not aware of the details.

SEPARATE CHINA FROM THE WORLD

Wang Dan, a U.-based dissident and exiled student leader of the crushed 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, had his Zoom account suspended. He said he was shocked to hear Zoom acknowledge it had interrupted meetings he was participating in. His June 3 event with about 200 participants was deactivated midstream, he said.

"Zoom complied with China's request, preventing us from going about our lives smoothly," Wang said in an email to Reuters. "It cannot get away with just a statement. We shall continue to use legal means and public opinion to ask Zoom to take responsibility for its mistake."

The company said it is now developing technology to enable it to remove or block participants based on geography, allowing it to comply with requests from local authorities. It said it would publish an updated global policy on June 30.

US-based Humanitarian China founder Zhou Fengsuo said he welcomed Zoom's acknowledgement of the suspensions but told Reuters it was unacceptable for the company "to separate China users from the rest of the world."

The company's China links have been called into question before.

Toronto-based internet watchdog Citizen Lab said in April it had found evidence some calls made in North America, as well as the encryption keys used to secure those calls, were routed through China. Zoom said it had mistakenly allowed Chinese data centres to accept calls.

Zoom says it has many research and development personnel in China. Its founder Yuan grew up and attended university in China before migrating to the United States in the mid 1990s. He is now an American citizen.

Bill Bishop, editor of the China-focused Sinocism news letter, wrote on Friday that "Zoom should no longer get the benefit of the doubt over its China-related issues and given how many people, organizations, government bodies and political campaigns now rely on its services the company must err on the side of transparency.

Three US lawmakers asked Zoom Video Communications Inc to clarify its data-collection practices and relationship with the Chinese government after the firm said it had suspended user accounts to meet demands from Beijing.

Three US lawmakers asked Zoom Video Communications Inc to clarify its data-collection practices and relationship with the Chinese government after the firm said it had suspended user accounts to meet demands from Beijing. The California-based firm has come under heavy scrutiny after three US and Hong Kong-based activists said their accounts had been suspended and meetings disrupted after they tried to hold events related to the anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown. Also read| Zoom admits user accounts suspended after Chinese government demanded it Zoom said on Friday it was notified of the events and asked to take action by the Chinese government in May and early June. It said it suspended one account in Hong and two in the United States but has now reinstated these accounts and will not allow further requests from China to affect users outside the country. "We did not provide any user information or meeting content to the Chinese government," Zoom said in a statement. "We do not have a backdoor that allows someone to enter a meeting without being visible." The online meeting platform, which has surged in popularity as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions around the world indoors, has seen its downloads soar in China. Also read | Zoom shuts account of US-based Chinese dissidents after Tiananmen anniversary meeting The service is not blocked in China, unlike many Western platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which abandoned efforts to crack China's market years ago due to government demands to censor and monitor content. Twitter on Thursday said it had removed accounts tied to a Beijing-backed influence operation. [L1N2DO2AD] Representatives Greg Walden, the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the ranking member of a consumer subcommittee, sent a letter to Zoom CEO Eric Yuan on Thursday asking him to clarify the company's data practices, whether any was shared with Beijing and whether it encrypted users' communications. Republican Senator Josh Hawley also wrote to Yuan asking him to "pick a side" between the United States and China. The three politicians have previously expressed concerns about TikTok's owner, Chinese firm ByteDance, which is being scrutinized by U.S. regulators over the personal data the short video app handles. "We appreciate the outreach we have received from various elected officials and look forward to engaging with them," a Zoom spokesman said. China's internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China, did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment from Reuters. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Friday that she was not aware of the details. SEPARATE CHINA FROM THE WORLD Wang Dan, a U.-based dissident and exiled student leader of the crushed 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, had his Zoom account suspended. He said he was shocked to hear Zoom acknowledge it had interrupted meetings he was participating in. His June 3 event with about 200 participants was deactivated midstream, he said. "Zoom complied with China's request, preventing us from going about our lives smoothly," Wang said in an email to Reuters. "It cannot get away with just a statement. We shall continue to use legal means and public opinion to ask Zoom to take responsibility for its mistake." The company said it is now developing technology to enable it to remove or block participants based on geography, allowing it to comply with requests from local authorities. It said it would publish an updated global policy on June 30. US-based Humanitarian China founder Zhou Fengsuo said he welcomed Zoom's acknowledgement of the suspensions but told Reuters it was unacceptable for the company "to separate China users from the rest of the world." The company's China links have been called into question before. Toronto-based internet watchdog Citizen Lab said in April it had found evidence some calls made in North America, as well as the encryption keys used to secure those calls, were routed through China. Zoom said it had mistakenly allowed Chinese data centres to accept calls. Zoom says it has many research and development personnel in China. Its founder Yuan grew up and attended university in China before migrating to the United States in the mid 1990s. He is now an American citizen. Bill Bishop, editor of the China-focused Sinocism news letter, wrote on Friday that "Zoom should no longer get the benefit of the doubt over its China-related issues and given how many people, organizations, government bodies and political campaigns now rely on its services the company must err on the side of transparency.

US lawmakers ask Zoom to clarify China ties after it suspends accounts

China on Friday said Twitter should shut down accounts that smear China if it wants to fight disinformation, arguing that the country is the biggest victim of disinformation.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters during a briefing that many platforms had much falsehood about China and that there was a need for Chinese voices with objective views.

Earlier, the US tech giant had&nbsp;deleted&nbsp;thousands of accounts praising&nbsp;China's response to COVID-19 and others which were linked to Hong Kong protests. These included&nbsp;23,750 "highly engaged core" accounts and 150,000 "amplifier" accounts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/twitter-deletes-thousands-of-accounts-linked-to-chinas-covid-19-spin-hong-kong-protests-305264">Twitter deletes thousands of accounts linked to China's COVID-19 spin, Hong Kong protests</a>

"They were tweeting predominantly in Chinese languages and spreading geopolitical narratives favorable to the Communist Party of China, while continuing to push deceptive narratives about the political dynamics in Hong Kong," Twitter said.

Twitter had earlier deleted accounts during the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests in August last year and it took help of the same system to uncover the Chinese network.

The company said the network had "failed to achieve considerable traction" but was "involved in a range of manipulative and coordinated activities". The accounts have been placed in Twitter's archive.

Twitter is banned from China along with other US sites including Facebook, Google and YouTube.

China on Friday said Twitter should shut down accounts that smear China if it wants to fight disinformation, arguing that the country is the biggest victim of disinformation.

China on Friday said Twitter should shut down accounts that smear China if it wants to fight disinformation, arguing that the country is the biggest victim of disinformation. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters during a briefing that many platforms had much falsehood about China and that there was a need for Chinese voices with objective views. Earlier, the US tech giant had deleted thousands of accounts praising China's response to COVID-19 and others which were linked to Hong Kong protests. These included 23,750 "highly engaged core" accounts and 150,000 "amplifier" accounts. Also read: Twitter deletes thousands of accounts linked to China's COVID-19 spin, Hong Kong protests "They were tweeting predominantly in Chinese languages and spreading geopolitical narratives favorable to the Communist Party of China, while continuing to push deceptive narratives about the political dynamics in Hong Kong," Twitter said. Twitter had earlier deleted accounts during the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests in August last year and it took help of the same system to uncover the Chinese network. The company said the network had "failed to achieve considerable traction" but was "involved in a range of manipulative and coordinated activities". The accounts have been placed in Twitter's archive. Twitter is banned from China along with other US sites including Facebook, Google and YouTube.

China says Twitter should shut down accounts that besmirches its reputation

Bolsonaro supporter knocks over symbolic COVID-19 'graveyard'

As countries reopen and travel begins to resume in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, one small town in Italy is selling homes for just one dollar.

In the southern area of Calabria, the quaint community of Cinquefrondi overlooks picturesque coasts. Amid the ongoing pandemic, the town claims to be a "COVID-free village''.

With the hope of attracting more residents and revitalizing its urban areas, it's selling homes for just a little more than a dollar, calling the mission "Operation Beauty." Similar to the other towns in Italy with homes on the market for almost nothing, many of Cindquefrondi's young people have been moving away to search for jobs, causing a trend of depopulation.

<img alt="Cinquefrondi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32521ca0-a555-4515-aa46-aa4da7b62ae5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_32.jpg" /> 
Like many Italian villages and towns, Cinquefrondi has suffered from depopulation.

"Finding new owners for the many abandoned houses we have is a key part of the Operation Beauty [mission] that I have launched to recover degraded, lost parts of town," said Cinquefrondi Mayor Michele Conia.&nbsp;

"I grew up in Germany where my parents had migrated, then I came back to save my land. Too many people have fled from here over the decades, leaving behind empty houses. We can't succumb to resignation."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-italy-reopens-with-strict-guidelines-after-nearly-two-months-296654">Coronavirus: Italy reopens with strict guidelines after nearly two months</a>

The new home owners will have to renovate their house within three years. As opposed to other Italian towns that have offered homes for a euro, Cinquefrondi won't require a hefty down payment the buyer must give up if they fail to renovate the home. The town only requires an annual €250 policy insurance fee until work on the home is complete.

If the new home owners don't revamp the home within the deadline, they're liable €20,000 fine. But the one-euro houses, which once belonged to farmers, shepherds, and artisans, are fairly small,&nbsp;so the three-year timeline seems doable.

Cinquefrondi has reported zero coronavirus cases among its residents and is located within a region which has&nbsp;had one of Italy's lowest levels of contagion.

Nationwide, Italy has begun to open borders to visitors after making significant progress in reducing the infection.

As countries reopen and travel begins to resume in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, one small town in Italy is selling homes for just one dollar. In the southern area of Calabria, the quaint community of Cinquefrondi overlooks picturesque coasts.

As countries reopen and travel begins to resume in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, one small town in Italy is selling homes for just one dollar. In the southern area of Calabria, the quaint community of Cinquefrondi overlooks picturesque coasts. Amid the ongoing pandemic, the town claims to be a "COVID-free village''. With the hope of attracting more residents and revitalizing its urban areas, it's selling homes for just a little more than a dollar, calling the mission "Operation Beauty." Similar to the other towns in Italy with homes on the market for almost nothing, many of Cindquefrondi's young people have been moving away to search for jobs, causing a trend of depopulation. Like many Italian villages and towns, Cinquefrondi has suffered from depopulation. "Finding new owners for the many abandoned houses we have is a key part of the Operation Beauty [mission] that I have launched to recover degraded, lost parts of town," said Cinquefrondi Mayor Michele Conia. "I grew up in Germany where my parents had migrated, then I came back to save my land. Too many people have fled from here over the decades, leaving behind empty houses. We can't succumb to resignation." Also read: Coronavirus: Italy reopens with strict guidelines after nearly two months The new home owners will have to renovate their house within three years. As opposed to other Italian towns that have offered homes for a euro, Cinquefrondi won't require a hefty down payment the buyer must give up if they fail to renovate the home. The town only requires an annual €250 policy insurance fee until work on the home is complete. If the new home owners don't revamp the home within the deadline, they're liable €20,000 fine. But the one-euro houses, which once belonged to farmers, shepherds, and artisans, are fairly small, so the three-year timeline seems doable. Cinquefrondi has reported zero coronavirus cases among its residents and is located within a region which has had one of Italy's lowest levels of contagion. Nationwide, Italy has begun to open borders to visitors after making significant progress in reducing the infection.

Coronavirus free Italian town selling houses at merely $1

The water at the 50,000-year-old&nbsp;Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district has mysteriously turned reddish-pink over the past week.

The change in colour of water of the lake, having a mean diameter of 1.2 km has left forest officials and scientist puzzled as on normal days, the lake appears stays greenish in colour.

Experts say this is not the first time that the colour change has happened, but this time it is more glaring.

<img alt="Lonar lake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aca5207d-efc5-4ce5-8f34-0bdb572e4a00" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_90.jpg" /> 
Lonar lake: Before versus after

A similar phenomenon was reported from the Talawe wetlands in Navi Mumbai on May 16 as one section of the wetland patch had turned pink.

In the Lonar case, after local residents shared photographs with the Maharashtra forest department, the latter on Wednesday asked the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur to assess why there has been a change in colour.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/worlds-most-expensive-cities-for-expats-in-2020-revealed-mercers-annual-survey-304869" hreflang="en">World's most expensive cities for expats in 2020 revealed -- Mercer’s annual survey</a>

“We will be collecting water samples and sending it to NEERI soon. We will know the exact reason within two weeks,” said MS Reddy, additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and field director, Melghat Tiger Reserve.

Other officials said some local residents had informed the department about a similar change in water colour last year during this period as well. “The colour, however, was not this dense. Although this needs to be verified by scientists, but this is most likely due to algal growth. During late summer season when water levels reduce and there is high salinity, an algal bloom results in such changes in colour,” said Nitin Kakodkar, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Maharashtra.

In Talawe’s case, researchers and microbiologists had attributed the change in colour to vigorous growth of algae or bacteria (halobacteria) growing in an extremely high saline environment having beta-Carotene, which gives this type of characteristic colouration to the water.

“The uniqueness of this lake is that it is alkaline as well as saline at the same time, and the water level parameters change as we move from one end to the other making it a complex ecosystem home to large biodiversity,” said Kakodkar.

Located 500km from Mumbai and over 90km from Buldhana city, the oval-shaped Lonar Lake is a part of the 383-hectare Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary declared on June 8, 2000 as part of the Deccan plateau.&nbsp;

The 113-hectare Lonar lake, also known as Lonar Crater, in Buldhana district of Maharashtra, was created by an asteroid collision with earth impact during the Pleistocene Epoch some 50,000 years ago.

The water at the 50,000-year-old Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district has mysteriously turned reddish-pink over the past week. The change in colour of water of the lake, having a mean diameter of 1.

The water at the 50,000-year-old Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district has mysteriously turned reddish-pink over the past week. The change in colour of water of the lake, having a mean diameter of 1.2 km has left forest officials and scientist puzzled as on normal days, the lake appears stays greenish in colour. Experts say this is not the first time that the colour change has happened, but this time it is more glaring. Lonar lake: Before versus after A similar phenomenon was reported from the Talawe wetlands in Navi Mumbai on May 16 as one section of the wetland patch had turned pink. In the Lonar case, after local residents shared photographs with the Maharashtra forest department, the latter on Wednesday asked the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur to assess why there has been a change in colour. Also see: World's most expensive cities for expats in 2020 revealed -- Mercer’s annual survey “We will be collecting water samples and sending it to NEERI soon. We will know the exact reason within two weeks,” said MS Reddy, additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and field director, Melghat Tiger Reserve. Other officials said some local residents had informed the department about a similar change in water colour last year during this period as well. “The colour, however, was not this dense. Although this needs to be verified by scientists, but this is most likely due to algal growth. During late summer season when water levels reduce and there is high salinity, an algal bloom results in such changes in colour,” said Nitin Kakodkar, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Maharashtra. In Talawe’s case, researchers and microbiologists had attributed the change in colour to vigorous growth of algae or bacteria (halobacteria) growing in an extremely high saline environment having beta-Carotene, which gives this type of characteristic colouration to the water. “The uniqueness of this lake is that it is alkaline as well as saline at the same time, and the water level parameters change as we move from one end to the other making it a complex ecosystem home to large biodiversity,” said Kakodkar. Located 500km from Mumbai and over 90km from Buldhana city, the oval-shaped Lonar Lake is a part of the 383-hectare Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary declared on June 8, 2000 as part of the Deccan plateau. The 113-hectare Lonar lake, also known as Lonar Crater, in Buldhana district of Maharashtra, was created by an asteroid collision with earth impact during the Pleistocene Epoch some 50,000 years ago.

Maharashtra's 50,000-year-old Lonar lake mysteriously turns pink, scientists probe cause

Swiss police have investigated an eight-year-old boy after he allegedly asked whether he could use a toy banknote in a village shop.

The fake euro note was Chinese joss paper “spirit money”, used as symbolic burnt offerings at funerals to ensure the dead have a happy afterlife, according to the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper.

The unnamed boy was not charged with any offence but his name will reportedly be on police records until May 2032.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-donkey-arrested-in-pakistan-for-participating-in-gambling-304846" hreflang="en">Watch: Donkey arrested in Pakistan for 'participating in gambling'</a>

The pretend euros had been distributed in early March at the Sissach town carnival in the northern Basel-Landschaft region, where Swiss francs are the official currency. The notes, printed on ordinary paper and featuring blue Chinese characters, were picked up by children, said the BaZ.

At the end of April, the boy, his 10-year-old brother and the girl next door went to their local village shop in nearby Dietgen, where the younger brother asked if he could use the note, the report said.

Even though the note was clearly identified as pretend money, shop staff felt obliged to call the police. “It is our policy; we were instructed to do so by the headquarters in Winterthur,” BaZ quoted store manager Tanja Baumann as saying.

On 28 May, the police contacted the boy’s parents and visited their home for three hours the following day.

They brought along stills from surveillance footage, including one of the boy and the girl standing at the till, the report said.

A spokesman for the Basel-Landschaft police said: “We were informed that children with a bundle of counterfeit euro notes tried to buy goods. There was therefore suspicion of counterfeit money being put into circulation.”

He said the investigating officer had to determine whether the fake money was used deliberately and whether the children were punishable by law.

The brothers had mug shots taken, said the BaZ.

And their house was searched for further toy money: three 50-euro notes, two 20-euro notes, five 10-euro notes and three five-euro notes were seized on the grounds of preventing crime, it reported.

Swiss police have investigated an eight-year-old boy after he allegedly asked whether he could use a toy banknote in a village shop. The fake euro note was Chinese joss paper “spirit money”, used as symbolic burnt offerings at funerals to ensure the dead have a happy afterlife, according to the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper.

Swiss police have investigated an eight-year-old boy after he allegedly asked whether he could use a toy banknote in a village shop. The fake euro note was Chinese joss paper “spirit money”, used as symbolic burnt offerings at funerals to ensure the dead have a happy afterlife, according to the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper. The unnamed boy was not charged with any offence but his name will reportedly be on police records until May 2032. Watch: Donkey arrested in Pakistan for 'participating in gambling' The pretend euros had been distributed in early March at the Sissach town carnival in the northern Basel-Landschaft region, where Swiss francs are the official currency. The notes, printed on ordinary paper and featuring blue Chinese characters, were picked up by children, said the BaZ. At the end of April, the boy, his 10-year-old brother and the girl next door went to their local village shop in nearby Dietgen, where the younger brother asked if he could use the note, the report said. Even though the note was clearly identified as pretend money, shop staff felt obliged to call the police. “It is our policy; we were instructed to do so by the headquarters in Winterthur,” BaZ quoted store manager Tanja Baumann as saying. On 28 May, the police contacted the boy’s parents and visited their home for three hours the following day. They brought along stills from surveillance footage, including one of the boy and the girl standing at the till, the report said. A spokesman for the Basel-Landschaft police said: “We were informed that children with a bundle of counterfeit euro notes tried to buy goods. There was therefore suspicion of counterfeit money being put into circulation.” He said the investigating officer had to determine whether the fake money was used deliberately and whether the children were punishable by law. The brothers had mug shots taken, said the BaZ. And their house was searched for further toy money: three 50-euro notes, two 20-euro notes, five 10-euro notes and three five-euro notes were seized on the grounds of preventing crime, it reported.

Swiss police investigates 8-year-old boy over toy banknotes

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