As the government carries out a crackdown on Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, supporters in Punjab province say authorities are targeting the businesses of people sympathetic to the former prime minister.

Imran Khan supporters say their businesses targeted in Pakistan

Not so long ago, Jahangir Tareen was an aide of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, now he has launched his own party with defectors from Imran Khan's party by his side. This comes as the government continues with its crackdown on the former Prime Minister and his party.

Is it the end of the road for Imran Khan?

The former PTI leader made the announcement during a press conference in Lahore with several other PTI defectors — including those who left in the aftermath of the May 9 incidents — by his side.

Jahangir Tareen launches Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party with PTI defectors by his side

Chinese pair&nbsp;Liang&nbsp;Wenbo&nbsp;and Li Hang were given lifetime bans from snooker on Tuesday for match-fixing after a "heart-breaking" corruption scandal rocked the sport.

In total, 10 Chinese players were handed bans of varying lengths by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) on Tuesday.

Lu Ning, Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao, Chen Zifan, Zhang Jiankang, Bai Langning, Zhao Jianbo and Chang Bingyu were the other players suspended.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/benzema-signs-for-saudi-arabias-al-ittihad-601469">Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema inks three-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad</a>

Yan, the 2021 Masters champion, has been banned for five years until December 2027 after his initial seven and a half-year suspension was reduced following his early admissions and guilty plea.

Former UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong will serve a 20-month suspension, reduced from two-and-a-half years after his early admissions and guilty plea, that ends in September 2024.

The charges included manipulating games, approaching players to cheat, betting on snooker and fixing a match.

"It has been heart-breaking to see some young, talented players fall foul of the WPBSA conduct regulations through pressure exerted by two senior players (Liang&nbsp;and Li)," WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said.

"This behaviour has been recognised as wholly unacceptable by the imposition of two lifetime bans from participating in recognised snooker in any way."

"This outcome must be taken as a lesson to those who think they can avoid detection. If any player is involved in fixing a snooker match, they will be caught and will face severe penalties."

World number 72&nbsp;Liang, who won the 2016 English Open, and world number 71 Li must also pay £43,000 ($53,000) in costs.

The International Betting Integrity Association became aware of wrongdoing in August 2022 and a detailed investigation was carried out by the WPBSA Integrity Unit and Sportradar.

Liang&nbsp;was found to have "fixed or been a party to fix five snooker matches" between July 24 and September 28, 2022.

<h2>Threats and a cover-up</h2>

The panel determined that the 36-year-old "solicited, induced, enticed, persuaded, encouraged or facilitated players to fix nine matches" between July 24 and December 13, 2022.

Liang&nbsp;was accused of behaving "in conduct that was corrupt by threatening another player and making him delete his messages on his phone".

He was also found to have threatened another player to seek to persuade him not to assist the WPBSA enquiry.

When aware of the WPBSA enquiry,&nbsp;Liang&nbsp;was also found to have covered up or attempted to cover up his involvement in match-fixing by deleting messages on his phone and by telling other players to delete&nbsp;messages.

Li has been found to be in breach of the regulations as he fixed or was a party to fix five snooker matches between July 24 and September 29, 2022.

The WPBSA also found he "solicited, induced, enticed, persuaded, encouraged or facilitated" players to fix seven matches between July 24 and December 13, 2022.

He was also found to have bet on snooker matches on or after September 1, 2022 when aware of the WPBSA enquiry, while covering up or attempting to cover up his involvement in match-fixing.

Yan, ranked 23, admitted he fixed four matches he played in and also bet on snooker matches.

The other players all accepted fixing matches except for world number 11 Zhao Xintong, who accepted he was a party to another player fixing two matches and that he had bet on snooker.

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Chinese pair Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were given lifetime bans from snooker on Tuesday for match-fixing after a "heart-breaking" corruption scandal rocked the sport.

Chinese pair Liang Wenbo and Li Hang were given lifetime bans from snooker on Tuesday for match-fixing after a "heart-breaking" corruption scandal rocked the sport. In total, 10 Chinese players were handed bans of varying lengths by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) on Tuesday. Lu Ning, Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao, Chen Zifan, Zhang Jiankang, Bai Langning, Zhao Jianbo and Chang Bingyu were the other players suspended. Also Read: Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema inks three-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad Yan, the 2021 Masters champion, has been banned for five years until December 2027 after his initial seven and a half-year suspension was reduced following his early admissions and guilty plea. Former UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong will serve a 20-month suspension, reduced from two-and-a-half years after his early admissions and guilty plea, that ends in September 2024. The charges included manipulating games, approaching players to cheat, betting on snooker and fixing a match. "It has been heart-breaking to see some young, talented players fall foul of the WPBSA conduct regulations through pressure exerted by two senior players (Liang and Li)," WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said. "This behaviour has been recognised as wholly unacceptable by the imposition of two lifetime bans from participating in recognised snooker in any way." "This outcome must be taken as a lesson to those who think they can avoid detection. If any player is involved in fixing a snooker match, they will be caught and will face severe penalties." World number 72 Liang, who won the 2016 English Open, and world number 71 Li must also pay £43,000 ($53,000) in costs. The International Betting Integrity Association became aware of wrongdoing in August 2022 and a detailed investigation was carried out by the WPBSA Integrity Unit and Sportradar. Liang was found to have "fixed or been a party to fix five snooker matches" between July 24 and September 28, 2022. Threats and a cover-up The panel determined that the 36-year-old "solicited, induced, enticed, persuaded, encouraged or facilitated players to fix nine matches" between July 24 and December 13, 2022. Liang was accused of behaving "in conduct that was corrupt by threatening another player and making him delete his messages on his phone". He was also found to have threatened another player to seek to persuade him not to assist the WPBSA enquiry. When aware of the WPBSA enquiry, Liang was also found to have covered up or attempted to cover up his involvement in match-fixing by deleting messages on his phone and by telling other players to delete messages. Li has been found to be in breach of the regulations as he fixed or was a party to fix five snooker matches between July 24 and September 29, 2022. The WPBSA also found he "solicited, induced, enticed, persuaded, encouraged or facilitated" players to fix seven matches between July 24 and December 13, 2022. He was also found to have bet on snooker matches on or after September 1, 2022 when aware of the WPBSA enquiry, while covering up or attempting to cover up his involvement in match-fixing. Yan, ranked 23, admitted he fixed four matches he played in and also bet on snooker matches. The other players all accepted fixing matches except for world number 11 Zhao Xintong, who accepted he was a party to another player fixing two matches and that he had bet on snooker. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese snooker players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang handed lifetime ban over match-fixing

Since his controversial arrest and the violence that followed it, more than two dozen leaders from former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have quit the party, which blames the continuing government crackdown for the exodus.

A PTI party 'minus' Imran Khan ?

Since his ouster, Imran khan has had a public fallout with the military, despite previously enjoying close ties with the country’s most powerful institution. The former prime minister has fired unprecedented criticism at Pakistan's leaders and powerful military elite. He has accused them of plotting a November assassination attempt that saw him shot in the leg. Pakistani politicians have frequently been arrested and jailed since the country's founding in 1947. But few have so directly challenged a military that holds significant influence over domestic politics and foreign policy. The Pakistani military has staged at least three coups and ruled for more than three decades. It has ensured dominance over the political elite - during periods of martial law; or as guardians of centrally controlled civilian regimes. Over the years, the military has repressed political parties and cobbled together regime-friendly alliances.

In Imran Khan vs Pak Army, key leaders quit | Military has staged 3 coups & ruled for over 3 decades

Pakistani police kept up their siege around the home of Imran Khan as a 24-hour deadline given to the former premier to hand over suspects allegedly sheltered inside expired on Thursday.

Pakistani police besiege Imran Khan's home as deadline for him to hand over suspects expires

Russia said on Friday that it has banned 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country in reaction to US sanctions.

"In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the foreign ministry stated, adding that Obama was on the list.

The United States added hundreds of fresh companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist on Friday, broadening its efforts to choke off Russia's economy in response to the Ukraine conflict, as reported by AFP.

"Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the foreign ministry said.

Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers were among those named.

Erin Burnett of CNN and Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC were also present on the list.&nbsp;

Russia claimed it has blacklisted senators, congressmen, and think tank members "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes," as well as the leaders of companies that "supply weapons to Ukraine."

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In the same announcement, Russia refused a consular access to jailed US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was seized in March on suspicion of espionage.

The denial was precipitated by Washington's reluctance to give visas to journalists accompanying Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the United Nations in April.&nbsp;

<h2>Fresh round of sanctions against Russia at G7 summit in Hiroshima</h2>

The United States slapped penalties on more than 300 targets on Friday as the Group of Seven leaders convened in Japan, intending to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and expanding one of the strongest sanctions campaigns ever launched.

The measure, which targets Russia's sanctions evasion, future oil income, and military-industrial supply networks, is the latest in a series of sanctions and export controls aimed at Moscow, which have already impacted thousands of targets and put severe restrictions on Russia.

"Today’s&nbsp;actions will further tighten the vise on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to wage his barbaric invasion and will advance our global efforts to cut off Russian attempts to evade&nbsp;sanctions," US&nbsp;Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

Experts believe that while the sanctions have certainly harmed Russia's economy, they have so far failed to deter Putin from prosecuting a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and reduced towns to ashes.

As per US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the operation on Friday targeted a worldwide network that procures components for the Russia-based firm in charge of manufacturing the Orlan drone, which Russian military and its proxies are operating in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia said on Friday that it has banned 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country in reaction to US sanctions. "In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration.

Russia said on Friday that it has banned 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country in reaction to US sanctions. "In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the foreign ministry stated, adding that Obama was on the list. The United States added hundreds of fresh companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist on Friday, broadening its efforts to choke off Russia's economy in response to the Ukraine conflict, as reported by AFP. "Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the foreign ministry said. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers were among those named. Erin Burnett of CNN and Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC were also present on the list. Russia claimed it has blacklisted senators, congressmen, and think tank members "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes," as well as the leaders of companies that "supply weapons to Ukraine." In the same announcement, Russia refused a consular access to jailed US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was seized in March on suspicion of espionage. The denial was precipitated by Washington's reluctance to give visas to journalists accompanying Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the United Nations in April. Fresh round of sanctions against Russia at G7 summit in Hiroshima The United States slapped penalties on more than 300 targets on Friday as the Group of Seven leaders convened in Japan, intending to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and expanding one of the strongest sanctions campaigns ever launched. The measure, which targets Russia's sanctions evasion, future oil income, and military-industrial supply networks, is the latest in a series of sanctions and export controls aimed at Moscow, which have already impacted thousands of targets and put severe restrictions on Russia. "Today’s actions will further tighten the vise on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to wage his barbaric invasion and will advance our global efforts to cut off Russian attempts to evade sanctions," US Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, as reported by Reuters. Experts believe that while the sanctions have certainly harmed Russia's economy, they have so far failed to deter Putin from prosecuting a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and reduced towns to ashes. As per US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the operation on Friday targeted a worldwide network that procures components for the Russia-based firm in charge of manufacturing the Orlan drone, which Russian military and its proxies are operating in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Barack Obama among 500 Americans prohibited from entering Russia in retaliation for US sanctions

Five users of TikTok in the US have filed a lawsuit in a federal court to overturn the statewide ban imposed on the video-sharing app in Montana, saying the restriction violates their right to free speech. 
 
The lawsuit has been filed hours after the unprecedented prohibition was signed into law by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday. 
 
Taking to Twitter, Gianforte said that the ban has been endorsed by him to "protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party". TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and has been facing a firestorm of criticism over storing in China the private data on users. 
 
The lawsuit filed by the content makers states that national security power is being exercised by the state which only the federal government has power to wield and hence, it is violating people's right to free speech in the process.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tiktok-car-theft-challenge-makes-hyundai-and-kia-pay-up-200-million-594047">TikTok 'car theft challenge' makes Hyundai and Kia pay up $200 million</a>

 
"Montana can no more ban its residents from viewing or posting to TikTok than it could ban the Wall Street Journal because of who owns it or the ideas it publishes," argued the lawsuit.

&nbsp;

<h2>TikTok - China's&nbsp;tool of espionage?</h2>

 
ByteDance has been accused by several US politicians of having the Chinese government's tutelage. They have called it a tool of espionage being used by Beijing, something which has been furiously denied by the company. 
 
The plaintiffs mentioned in the legal suit include a businesswoman who sells swimwear, a mother living with her family on a ranch, a former US Marine Corps sergeant, and a student who shares video snippets featuring her outdoor adventures. 
 
TikTok content creators enjoy a significant following on the platform and make money from it, as per the suit. The suit has appealed to the court to stop Montana's government from enforcing the ban and to ensure that the legal costs of the plaintiffs are paid. 
 
Montana has become the first state in the country to ban TikTok as the law will come into effect next year and debates continue to escalate over the popular video app's impact and security.

WATCH | TikTok users file lawsuit to block Montana ban

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The prohibition will act as a legal test to see whether the Chinese-owned platform can be banned nationally, something which is being increasingly demanded by lawmakers in Washington. 
 
The imposition of the ban makes it a violation each time "a user accesses TikTok, is offered the ability to access TikTok, or is offered the ability to download TikTok." 
 
For every violation, a fine of $10,000 will be imposed every day it takes place. 
 
As per the law, Google and Apple will have to drop TikTok from their app stores or else they will also face daily fines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Five users of TikTok in the US have filed a lawsuit in a federal court to overturn the statewide ban imposed on the video-sharing app in Montana, saying the restriction violates their right to free speech.

Five users of TikTok in the US have filed a lawsuit in a federal court to overturn the statewide ban imposed on the video-sharing app in Montana, saying the restriction violates their right to free speech. The lawsuit has been filed hours after the unprecedented prohibition was signed into law by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, Gianforte said that the ban has been endorsed by him to "protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party". TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and has been facing a firestorm of criticism over storing in China the private data on users. The lawsuit filed by the content makers states that national security power is being exercised by the state which only the federal government has power to wield and hence, it is violating people's right to free speech in the process. ALSO READ | TikTok 'car theft challenge' makes Hyundai and Kia pay up $200 million "Montana can no more ban its residents from viewing or posting to TikTok than it could ban the Wall Street Journal because of who owns it or the ideas it publishes," argued the lawsuit. TikTok - China's tool of espionage? ByteDance has been accused by several US politicians of having the Chinese government's tutelage. They have called it a tool of espionage being used by Beijing, something which has been furiously denied by the company. The plaintiffs mentioned in the legal suit include a businesswoman who sells swimwear, a mother living with her family on a ranch, a former US Marine Corps sergeant, and a student who shares video snippets featuring her outdoor adventures. TikTok content creators enjoy a significant following on the platform and make money from it, as per the suit. The suit has appealed to the court to stop Montana's government from enforcing the ban and to ensure that the legal costs of the plaintiffs are paid. Montana has become the first state in the country to ban TikTok as the law will come into effect next year and debates continue to escalate over the popular video app's impact and security. WATCH | TikTok users file lawsuit to block Montana ban The prohibition will act as a legal test to see whether the Chinese-owned platform can be banned nationally, something which is being increasingly demanded by lawmakers in Washington. The imposition of the ban makes it a violation each time "a user accesses TikTok, is offered the ability to access TikTok, or is offered the ability to download TikTok." For every violation, a fine of $10,000 will be imposed every day it takes place. As per the law, Google and Apple will have to drop TikTok from their app stores or else they will also face daily fines. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: TikTok content creators file lawsuit against state ban imposed on app in Montana

Montana became the first US state to ban TikTok from personal devices. Governor Greg Gianforte signed the ban into law on Wednesday. It is due to take effect on 1 January.

Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has blamed Army Chief General Asim Munir for his "abduction" on May 9 and distanced himself from the violence across the country after his dramatic arrest from a court.

Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan reached his residence here Saturday early morning after a prolonged standoff with authorities in Islamabad during which he was made to stay in the court premises over the provision of security to him despite being granted bail in a number of cases.

Imran Khan back at Lahore residence after securing bail in many cases

The arrest of the former Pakistan prime minister this week triggered deadly clashes across the country. The top court has ruled his arrest unlawful, but the government has vowed to re-arrest Khan should he be released, setting the stage for more unrest. The al-qadir trust case alleges that Khan, while he was the pm, received land as a bribe in exchange for political favours. Khan has waged a tempestuous campaign for snap elections. The former prime minister has fired unprecedented criticism at Pakistan's leaders and powerful military elite. He has accused them of plotting a November assassination attempt that saw him shot in the leg. Meanwhile, Imran Khan has become tangled in a slew of legal cases. The former pm secured a breather today. The Islamabad high court stayed proceedings in the Toshakhana case. The Toshakhana case relates to gifts that imran khan received from foreign states, which he allegedly bought at cheaper rates and sold at hefty prices when he was prime minister.

Imran Khan to be rearrested? Pak minister's big hint sets stage for more unrest | Details

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who spent 48 hours in the custody of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after a dramatic arrest on Tuesday, got a relief from the Supreme Court on Thursday. Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the immediate release of Imran Khan and termed his arrest as 'unlawful' and 'illegal'.

Pakistan Supreme Court declares arrest of former PM Imran Khan unlawful

Pakistan's Supreme Court declares Imran Khan's arrest illegal, orders his immediate release

Imran Khan Arrest live updates: Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was on Tuesday arrested by paramilitary Rangers from outside the Islamabad High Court. After his arrest, PTI workers protested nationwide, including Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Imran Khan Arrest: PTI calls for 'nationwide strike' against former Pakistan PM's arrest

New York has become&nbsp;first state in the US to ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in the majority of new buildings. This is an important win for climate activists, but it could encounter pushback from the fossil fuel industry.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers, who control the New York Senate and Assembly, passed the new $229 billion state budget containing the bill late on Tuesday night in response to rising pressure from environmentalists and climate-conscious voters, as reported by CNN.&nbsp;

The law effectively promotes the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves in new housing developments across the state by outlawing gas-powered stoves, furnaces, and propane heating. By 2026, all new buildings under seven floors must have all-electric heating and cooking, and for higher buildings by 2029.

There are exceptions to the state's budget's gas ban for certain large commercial and industrial buildings, including supermarkets, hospitals, Laundromats, and restaurants. However, the effect on new residential structures could be significant. According to a report from 2022, buildings are responsible for 32 per cent&nbsp;of New York State's greenhouse gas emissions.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-e-jean-carrolls-rape-claim-ridiculous-disgusting-story-in-video-testimony-at-trial-588675">Trump calls E. Jean Carroll’s rape claim ‘ridiculous, disgusting story’ in video testimony at trial</a>

Other cities have taken the lead even though New York is the first state to pass such a law. The first US city to pass a law prohibiting natural gas hookups in newly constructed buildings was Berkeley in 2019.

In a statement, Hochul spokesperson Katy Zielinski said the new budget “will protect our families and our residents, while putting New York on trajectory to a cleaner, healthier future.”

The state's new law was opposed by the natural gas industry, that claimed that it restricted consumer options.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Vice Media group on the brink of bankruptcy

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“Any push to ban natural gas would raise costs to consumers, jeopardize environmental progress and deny affordable energy to underserved populations,” American Gas Association president and CEO Karen Harbert said in a statement.

New York's budget deal&nbsp;pushes other climate change initiatives in addition to banning natural gas, such as creating publicly owned renewable energy projects that would generate green jobs and implementing a cap-and-invest programme that would require companies with a higher carbon footprint to buy permits to pollute. The funds raised by the cap-and-invest initiative would support programmes that lessen the effects of pollution&nbsp;responsible&nbsp;for global-warming.

&nbsp;

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New York has become first state in the US to ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in the majority of new buildings. This is an important win for climate activists, but it could encounter pushback from the fossil fuel industry.

New York has become first state in the US to ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in the majority of new buildings. This is an important win for climate activists, but it could encounter pushback from the fossil fuel industry. Governor Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers, who control the New York Senate and Assembly, passed the new $229 billion state budget containing the bill late on Tuesday night in response to rising pressure from environmentalists and climate-conscious voters, as reported by CNN. The law effectively promotes the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves in new housing developments across the state by outlawing gas-powered stoves, furnaces, and propane heating. By 2026, all new buildings under seven floors must have all-electric heating and cooking, and for higher buildings by 2029. There are exceptions to the state's budget's gas ban for certain large commercial and industrial buildings, including supermarkets, hospitals, Laundromats, and restaurants. However, the effect on new residential structures could be significant. According to a report from 2022, buildings are responsible for 32 per cent of New York State's greenhouse gas emissions. ALSO READ | Trump calls E. Jean Carroll’s rape claim ‘ridiculous, disgusting story’ in video testimony at trial Other cities have taken the lead even though New York is the first state to pass such a law. The first US city to pass a law prohibiting natural gas hookups in newly constructed buildings was Berkeley in 2019. In a statement, Hochul spokesperson Katy Zielinski said the new budget “will protect our families and our residents, while putting New York on trajectory to a cleaner, healthier future.” The state's new law was opposed by the natural gas industry, that claimed that it restricted consumer options. ALSO WATCH | Vice Media group on the brink of bankruptcy “Any push to ban natural gas would raise costs to consumers, jeopardize environmental progress and deny affordable energy to underserved populations,” American Gas Association president and CEO Karen Harbert said in a statement. New York's budget deal pushes other climate change initiatives in addition to banning natural gas, such as creating publicly owned renewable energy projects that would generate green jobs and implementing a cap-and-invest programme that would require companies with a higher carbon footprint to buy permits to pollute. The funds raised by the cap-and-invest initiative would support programmes that lessen the effects of pollution responsible for global-warming. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New York becomes first US state to ban use of gas stoves, furnaces in new buildings

OpenAI is planning to suggest measures to Italian government authorities on Thursday to resolve their concerns which led to the banning of its ChatGPT chatbot in the country last week, stated Italy's data protection authorities.

ChatGPT was taken offline by Microsoft Corp-backed OpenAI in Italy after it was temporarily restricted by Garante last week, which began an investigation into a suspected breach of privacy rules.

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Garante, the Italian agency, accused Microsoft Corp-backed OpenAI of not being able to check the age of people using ChatGPT and the "absence of any legal basis that justifies the massive collection and storage of personal data" to "train" the AI chatbot.

The ChatGPT maker said that it does not intend to pause the development of AI but also emphasised the importance of following and respecting the rules laid out by the authorities to protect the personal data of Italian and European citizens.

During a video conference late on Wednesday, OpenAI pledged that will incorporate more transparency in handling users' data and will verify the age of its users, said the authority. The conference was attended by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, among others.

The company stated that a document about measures to be taken, as per its requests, will be sent to Garante. The data authority stated that the proposals submitted by Open AI will be evaluated.

A blog post was published by OpenAI on Thursday, titled "Our approach to AI safety", which stated that it was working for the development of "nuanced policies against behaviour that represents a genuine risk to people".

"We don’t use data for selling our services, advertising, or building profiles of people. We use data to make our models more helpful for people. ChatGPT, for instance, improves by further training on the conversations people have with it. While some of our training data includes personal information that is available on the public internet, we want our models to learn about the world, not private individuals,” the company said.

WATCH | Gravitas: Is AI going to replace your brain?

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OpenAI added that personal information has been removed from its datasets wherever possible, and models have been fine-tuned to reject user prompts when such information is being asked and to respond to every user's requests to remove their data from its systems.

The ban imposed by Italy has increased the interest of Europe's other privacy regulators who are studying the need to impose harsher measures to rein in chatbots and whether such actions should be co-ordinated.

AI chatbot company Replika was also banned by Garante in February from using Italian users' personal data, citing risks to emotionally fragile people and minors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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OpenAI is planning to suggest measures to Italian government authorities on Thursday to resolve their concerns which led to the banning of its ChatGPT chatbot in the country last week, stated Italy's data protection authorities.

OpenAI is planning to suggest measures to Italian government authorities on Thursday to resolve their concerns which led to the banning of its ChatGPT chatbot in the country last week, stated Italy's data protection authorities. ChatGPT was taken offline by Microsoft Corp-backed OpenAI in Italy after it was temporarily restricted by Garante last week, which began an investigation into a suspected breach of privacy rules. ALSO READ | Here's how Artificial Intelligence can help modern-day Goldilocks get a good night's sleep Garante, the Italian agency, accused Microsoft Corp-backed OpenAI of not being able to check the age of people using ChatGPT and the "absence of any legal basis that justifies the massive collection and storage of personal data" to "train" the AI chatbot. The ChatGPT maker said that it does not intend to pause the development of AI but also emphasised the importance of following and respecting the rules laid out by the authorities to protect the personal data of Italian and European citizens. During a video conference late on Wednesday, OpenAI pledged that will incorporate more transparency in handling users' data and will verify the age of its users, said the authority. The conference was attended by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, among others. The company stated that a document about measures to be taken, as per its requests, will be sent to Garante. The data authority stated that the proposals submitted by Open AI will be evaluated. A blog post was published by OpenAI on Thursday, titled "Our approach to AI safety", which stated that it was working for the development of "nuanced policies against behaviour that represents a genuine risk to people". "We don’t use data for selling our services, advertising, or building profiles of people. We use data to make our models more helpful for people. ChatGPT, for instance, improves by further training on the conversations people have with it. While some of our training data includes personal information that is available on the public internet, we want our models to learn about the world, not private individuals,” the company said. WATCH | Gravitas: Is AI going to replace your brain? OpenAI added that personal information has been removed from its datasets wherever possible, and models have been fine-tuned to reject user prompts when such information is being asked and to respond to every user's requests to remove their data from its systems. The ban imposed by Italy has increased the interest of Europe's other privacy regulators who are studying the need to impose harsher measures to rein in chatbots and whether such actions should be co-ordinated. AI chatbot company Replika was also banned by Garante in February from using Italian users' personal data, citing risks to emotionally fragile people and minors. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Won't stop developing AI, responds OpenAI to Italian ban on ChatGPT

For their flawed walk for Wirecard, the German watchdog has barred EY from taking on new audit clients for two years. Additionally, five current and former workers have been fined up to nearly 550,000 each.

German watchdog bans EY from taking on new audits for two years

Social media app TikTok has been officially banned by NATO from the devices it provides to its staffers, citing security concerns, as per two NATO officials who were familiar with the matter.

A note was sent to the staff by NATO officials on Friday announcing the ban on TikTok, the officials confirmed. Through the note the ban was made official, however, TikTok was not much usable on the devices issued by NATO before anyways, said the official, because of internal tech restrictions.

“Cyber security is a top priority for NATO. NATO has robust requirements for determining applications for official business use. TikTok is not accessible on NATO devices,” said a senior NATO official.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-rand-paul-blocks-tiktok-ban-asks-if-us-is-going-to-be-just-like-china-and-block-free-speech-577130">Republican Rand Paul blocks TikTok ban, asks if US is 'going to be just like China' and block free speech</a>

NATO has become the latest governmental body which has banned the application over concerns that data of TikTok users can be accessed by the Chinese government through its Chinese parent company, Bytedance.&nbsp;

The application has already been banned by the UK, US, European Parliament, Norway and other nations from government-issued devices.

Earlier this month, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew emphasised to US lawmakers that they are completely independent of China and stated that he has “seen no evidence that the Chinese government has access to that data; they have never asked us, we have not provided it".&nbsp;

He stated that TikTok is shifting its data into the United States which will be stored on US soil by Oracle, the American company.

WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app

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“So the risk would be similar to any government going to an American company, asking for data,” he stated.

However, western governments remain sceptical. TikTok should be “ended one way or another,” said &nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month in a separate hearing while addressing Congress on the same day Chew was testifying. “Clearly, we, the administration and others are seized with the challenge that it poses and is taking action to address it," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Social media app TikTok has been officially banned by NATO from the devices it provides to its staffers, citing security concerns, as per two NATO officials who were familiar with the matter.

Social media app TikTok has been officially banned by NATO from the devices it provides to its staffers, citing security concerns, as per two NATO officials who were familiar with the matter. A note was sent to the staff by NATO officials on Friday announcing the ban on TikTok, the officials confirmed. Through the note the ban was made official, however, TikTok was not much usable on the devices issued by NATO before anyways, said the official, because of internal tech restrictions. “Cyber security is a top priority for NATO. NATO has robust requirements for determining applications for official business use. TikTok is not accessible on NATO devices,” said a senior NATO official. ALSO READ | Republican Rand Paul blocks TikTok ban, asks if US is 'going to be just like China' and block free speech NATO has become the latest governmental body which has banned the application over concerns that data of TikTok users can be accessed by the Chinese government through its Chinese parent company, Bytedance. The application has already been banned by the UK, US, European Parliament, Norway and other nations from government-issued devices. Earlier this month, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew emphasised to US lawmakers that they are completely independent of China and stated that he has “seen no evidence that the Chinese government has access to that data; they have never asked us, we have not provided it". He stated that TikTok is shifting its data into the United States which will be stored on US soil by Oracle, the American company. WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app “So the risk would be similar to any government going to an American company, asking for data,” he stated. However, western governments remain sceptical. TikTok should be “ended one way or another,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month in a separate hearing while addressing Congress on the same day Chew was testifying. “Clearly, we, the administration and others are seized with the challenge that it poses and is taking action to address it," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NATO officially bans TikTok on devices of its staff

The citizens of Paris overwhelmingly voted on Sunday to ban for-hire electric scooters from the French capital's streets, in a huge blow to the operators. The voting ended with a victory for campaigners for road safety.&nbsp;

The referendum will now turn Paris, which was once a pioneer in embracing services of e-scooter, will now become the only major capital of Europe to outlaw the widespread devices which are booked on applications like Lime.&nbsp;

The residents of the city were asked to vote for or against them in a public consultation which was organised by mayor Anne Hidalgo in which around 90 per cent of the votes were cast against the scooters, showed official results.&nbsp;

"We're happy. It's what we've been fighting for over four years," stated Arnaud Kielbasa, the Apacauvi charity's co-founder, which is representing the victims of e-scooter accidents.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-garbage-strike-paris-trash-collectors-to-suspend-strike-this-week-577095">Garbage strike raises stink: Paris trash collectors to suspend work boycott this week</a>

"All Parisians say they are nervous on the pavements, nervous when they cross the roads. You need to look everywhere," Kielbasa, whose infant daughter and wife were hit by an e-scooter driver, said. "That's why they've voted against them," he added.&nbsp;

Operators have alleged that they are being singled out unfairly and being held solely responsible for the chaotic nature of streets in Paris, where mayor Hidalgo has championed bikes and different forms of non-emitting transport since he came to power in 2014.&nbsp;

Last week, while speaking to AFP, Hidalgo said that “self-service scooters are the source of tension and worry” for Parisians and that a ban would “reduce nuisance” in public spaces.

WATCH | Paris to vote on banning electric scooters as 'they are involved in accidents' | WION Fineprint

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In 2018, the mayor's administration welcomed e-scooter operators with open arms, but since then, it has tightened regulations progressively, creating designated parking zones, restricting the number of operators and limiting the top speed.

However, the measures adopted have not been able to convince residents who have been complaining about drunken and reckless driving, as well as, clutter on pavements.&nbsp;

A number of fatal accidents also highlighted the dangers of electric scooters which are currently being hired by children who are 12 years old or above.

"I'm committed to respecting the choice of voters, purely and simply," &nbsp;said Hidalgo as she voted on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The citizens of Paris overwhelmingly voted on Sunday to ban for-hire electric scooters from the French capital's streets, in a huge blow to the operators. The voting ended with a victory for campaigners for road safety.

The citizens of Paris overwhelmingly voted on Sunday to ban for-hire electric scooters from the French capital's streets, in a huge blow to the operators. The voting ended with a victory for campaigners for road safety. The referendum will now turn Paris, which was once a pioneer in embracing services of e-scooter, will now become the only major capital of Europe to outlaw the widespread devices which are booked on applications like Lime. The residents of the city were asked to vote for or against them in a public consultation which was organised by mayor Anne Hidalgo in which around 90 per cent of the votes were cast against the scooters, showed official results. "We're happy. It's what we've been fighting for over four years," stated Arnaud Kielbasa, the Apacauvi charity's co-founder, which is representing the victims of e-scooter accidents. ALSO READ | Garbage strike raises stink: Paris trash collectors to suspend work boycott this week "All Parisians say they are nervous on the pavements, nervous when they cross the roads. You need to look everywhere," Kielbasa, whose infant daughter and wife were hit by an e-scooter driver, said. "That's why they've voted against them," he added. Operators have alleged that they are being singled out unfairly and being held solely responsible for the chaotic nature of streets in Paris, where mayor Hidalgo has championed bikes and different forms of non-emitting transport since he came to power in 2014. Last week, while speaking to AFP, Hidalgo said that “self-service scooters are the source of tension and worry” for Parisians and that a ban would “reduce nuisance” in public spaces. WATCH | Paris to vote on banning electric scooters as 'they are involved in accidents' | WION Fineprint In 2018, the mayor's administration welcomed e-scooter operators with open arms, but since then, it has tightened regulations progressively, creating designated parking zones, restricting the number of operators and limiting the top speed. However, the measures adopted have not been able to convince residents who have been complaining about drunken and reckless driving, as well as, clutter on pavements. A number of fatal accidents also highlighted the dangers of electric scooters which are currently being hired by children who are 12 years old or above. "I'm committed to respecting the choice of voters, purely and simply," said Hidalgo as she voted on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Parisians massively vote to ban for-hire electric scooters

In what would be a first for a major city in the world, Parisians will vote on Sunday whether to ban electric scooters for rent from the city's streets.&nbsp;

Paris was one of the first cities to use the vehicles that can be rented using an app like Lime, Dott, or Tier and are popular among young people as an alternative to public transportation for short distances, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

"Symbolically the vote is very important," said Erwann Le Page, public affairs director at Tier, a Berlin-based operator,&nbsp;who spoke to AFP.&nbsp;"It's a city that has been a pioneer," he said.&nbsp;

City authorities have gradually toughened rules following the scooters' chaotic rollout in 2018, designating parking areas, capping maximum speeds, and limiting the number of operators.&nbsp;

Yet, their presence is still controversial. Pedestrians complain about careless driving, and a string of deadly incidents has brought attention to the risks associated with vehicles that can currently be rented by kids as young as 12.&nbsp;

In January, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposed a poll to decide whether or not for-hire scooters should be permitted after facing criticism for violating traffic regulations in the city.

In an interview with AFP on Thursday, the pro-cycling Socialist, who favours a ban, referred to them as a "source of worry" in Parisians' daily life.

Residents of Paris have been asked to cast their votes on Sunday, but in order to do so, they must be on the voter lists and physically travel to one of the 21 polling places spread out over the city.&nbsp;

Clement Beaune, the transport minister, expects a ban, and several operators discreetly worry about a bad outcome if their primarily young user base does not vote.

"It's an important consultation that will be watched by a lot of other towns in France and overseas," Beaune told the Europe 1 radio station on Wednesday. "I find it a shame that we have caricatured and dumbed down the debate.

"Instead of having it as 'for' or 'against', we could do 'for, with rules'," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In what would be a first for a major city in the world, Parisians will vote on Sunday whether to ban electric scooters for rent from the city's streets. Paris was one of the first cities to use the vehicles that can be rented using an app like Lime, Dott, or Tier and are popular among young people as an alternative to public transportation for short distances, as reported by AFP.

In what would be a first for a major city in the world, Parisians will vote on Sunday whether to ban electric scooters for rent from the city's streets. Paris was one of the first cities to use the vehicles that can be rented using an app like Lime, Dott, or Tier and are popular among young people as an alternative to public transportation for short distances, as reported by AFP. "Symbolically the vote is very important," said Erwann Le Page, public affairs director at Tier, a Berlin-based operator, who spoke to AFP. "It's a city that has been a pioneer," he said. City authorities have gradually toughened rules following the scooters' chaotic rollout in 2018, designating parking areas, capping maximum speeds, and limiting the number of operators. Yet, their presence is still controversial. Pedestrians complain about careless driving, and a string of deadly incidents has brought attention to the risks associated with vehicles that can currently be rented by kids as young as 12. In January, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposed a poll to decide whether or not for-hire scooters should be permitted after facing criticism for violating traffic regulations in the city. In an interview with AFP on Thursday, the pro-cycling Socialist, who favours a ban, referred to them as a "source of worry" in Parisians' daily life. Residents of Paris have been asked to cast their votes on Sunday, but in order to do so, they must be on the voter lists and physically travel to one of the 21 polling places spread out over the city. Clement Beaune, the transport minister, expects a ban, and several operators discreetly worry about a bad outcome if their primarily young user base does not vote. "It's an important consultation that will be watched by a lot of other towns in France and overseas," Beaune told the Europe 1 radio station on Wednesday. "I find it a shame that we have caricatured and dumbed down the debate. "Instead of having it as 'for' or 'against', we could do 'for, with rules'," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

What would be the fate of e-scooters in Paris? Residents to decide in vote on Sunday

Italy has become the first western country to block chat-gpt. The Italian data-protection authority said there were privacy concerns relating to the model, which was created by US start-up open-ai and is backed by Microsoft. Meanwhile, key figures in artificial intelligence want training of powerful A-I systems to be suspended amid fears of a threat to humanity. Michael Owens, the president of US Global center for cyber policy talks to WION's Eric Njoka on the pros and cons of the rise of artificial intelligence.

Chatgpt banned in Italy over privacy concerns

Italy has become the first European country to temporarily block ChatGPT because of data privacy concerns. This comes after the government's data protection authority claim the United States firm open AI which makes ChatGPT had no legal basis to justify the mass collection and storage of personal data.

Italy becomes first western country to temporarily ban ChatGPT

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