Twitter on Tuesday hid a tweet from US President Donald Trump saying that it broke rules over abusive content. This was the first time that the social media platform moved against the president for a tweet.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-force-against-dc-protesters-to-issue-order-on-us-monuments-308072">Trump threatens force against DC protesters, to issue order on US monuments</a>

Donald Trump had tweeted about using "serious force" against protestors in Washington DC. He wrote: "There will never be an 'Autonomous Zone' in Washington, DC, as long as I'm your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!"&nbsp;

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Earlier, Twitter labelled other Trump tweets as misleading and violating its standards on promoting violence.

Protesters on Monday also declared a Black House Autonomous Zone - referencing a Seattle area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone or the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone - near the White House in front of St. John's Church, which had a small basement fire during earlier protests.

Twitter said in a statement to AFP it took the action Tuesday because the tweet violated its policy against abusive behaviour with "a threat of harm against an identifiable group."

The action by Twitter requires users to click through to read the Trump tweet, with a tag on the message that it "violated the Twitter rules about abusive behavior" but that it would remain accessible "in the public's interest."

Twitter's move has escalated battle between Trump administration and the social media platforms. The American president has accused these platforms of bias against conservatives despite his following.&nbsp;

The president has already signed an executive order which could lead to more government oversight of social media firms, despite doubts about its legal authority.

The American government under Trump has signalled that it wants to regulate law that gives online services immunity from content posted by others, a move which could open the floodgates to litigation.

Earlier, Facebook removed a Trump ad as it used a symbol of Nazi Germany for political prisoners. &nbsp;Facebook said &nbsp;it violated the platform's policy against "organized hate."

(Inputs from AFP)

Twitter on Tuesday hid a tweet from US President Donald Trump saying that it broke rules over abusive content. This was the first time that the social media platform moved against the president for a tweet.

Twitter on Tuesday hid a tweet from US President Donald Trump saying that it broke rules over abusive content. This was the first time that the social media platform moved against the president for a tweet. Also read: Trump threatens force against DC protesters, to issue order on US monuments Donald Trump had tweeted about using "serious force" against protestors in Washington DC. He wrote: "There will never be an 'Autonomous Zone' in Washington, DC, as long as I'm your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!" Earlier, Twitter labelled other Trump tweets as misleading and violating its standards on promoting violence. Protesters on Monday also declared a Black House Autonomous Zone - referencing a Seattle area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone or the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone - near the White House in front of St. John's Church, which had a small basement fire during earlier protests. Twitter said in a statement to AFP it took the action Tuesday because the tweet violated its policy against abusive behaviour with "a threat of harm against an identifiable group." The action by Twitter requires users to click through to read the Trump tweet, with a tag on the message that it "violated the Twitter rules about abusive behavior" but that it would remain accessible "in the public's interest." Twitter's move has escalated battle between Trump administration and the social media platforms. The American president has accused these platforms of bias against conservatives despite his following. The president has already signed an executive order which could lead to more government oversight of social media firms, despite doubts about its legal authority. The American government under Trump has signalled that it wants to regulate law that gives online services immunity from content posted by others, a move which could open the floodgates to litigation. Earlier, Facebook removed a Trump ad as it used a symbol of Nazi Germany for political prisoners. Facebook said it violated the platform's policy against "organized hate." (Inputs from AFP)

Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content'

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would affix labels to political ads shared by users on their own feeds, closing what critics have said for years was a glaring loophole in the company’s election transparency measures.

The world’s biggest social network has attached a “paid for by” disclaimer to political ads since 2018, after facing a backlash for failing to stop Russia from using its platforms to influence the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/facebook-removes-hundreds-more-accounts-as-right-wing-violence-spreads-306406" hreflang="en">Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads</a>

But the label disappeared once people shared the ads to their own feeds, which critics said undermined its utility and allowed misinformation to continue spreading unchecked.

<p content="The new feature will be implemented on both Facebook and Instagram and will be rolled out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks. FB aims to make it available in other countries where the company has enforcement on ads about social issues, elections and politics later this fall." data-reactid="13" type="text">The new feature will be implemented on both Facebook and Instagram and will be rolled out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks. FB aims to make it available in other countries where the company has enforcement on ads about social issues, elections and politics later this fall.

Ads can be turned off either on Facebook or Instagram directly from any political or social issue ad or through each platform’s ad settings.

“Previously the thinking here was that these were organic posts, and so these posts did not necessarily need to contain information about ads,” said Sarah Schiff, a Facebook product manager overseeing the change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-will-review-its-content-policies-says-zuckerberg-after-backlash-303746">Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash</a>

After receiving feedback, Schiff said, the company now considers it important to disclose if a post “was at one point an ad.”

Facebook introduced a similar labeling approach for state news media earlier this month, but that label also sometimes drops off with sharing and does not appear when users post their own links to those outlets.

The company is facing demands to do more to combat false viral information before the November&nbsp;3 presidential election, including by presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who last week called on Zuckerberg to reverse his decision to exempt political ads from fact-checking.

Zuckerberg has touted transparency tools in response, arguing that voters should be able to examine statements from would-be political leaders unimpeded.

In a USA Today op-ed on Tuesday, he pledged to display a Voting Information Center at the top of US&nbsp;users’ news feeds. He also said the company would aim to help 4 million people register to vote, double its goal for 2016.

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would affix labels to political ads shared by users on their own feeds, closing what critics have said for years was a glaring loophole in the company’s election transparency measures.

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would affix labels to political ads shared by users on their own feeds, closing what critics have said for years was a glaring loophole in the company’s election transparency measures. The world’s biggest social network has attached a “paid for by” disclaimer to political ads since 2018, after facing a backlash for failing to stop Russia from using its platforms to influence the 2016 US presidential election. Also read: Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads But the label disappeared once people shared the ads to their own feeds, which critics said undermined its utility and allowed misinformation to continue spreading unchecked. The new feature will be implemented on both Facebook and Instagram and will be rolled out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks. FB aims to make it available in other countries where the company has enforcement on ads about social issues, elections and politics later this fall. Ads can be turned off either on Facebook or Instagram directly from any political or social issue ad or through each platform’s ad settings. “Previously the thinking here was that these were organic posts, and so these posts did not necessarily need to contain information about ads,” said Sarah Schiff, a Facebook product manager overseeing the change. Also read: Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash After receiving feedback, Schiff said, the company now considers it important to disclose if a post “was at one point an ad.” Facebook introduced a similar labeling approach for state news media earlier this month, but that label also sometimes drops off with sharing and does not appear when users post their own links to those outlets. The company is facing demands to do more to combat false viral information before the November 3 presidential election, including by presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who last week called on Zuckerberg to reverse his decision to exempt political ads from fact-checking. Zuckerberg has touted transparency tools in response, arguing that voters should be able to examine statements from would-be political leaders unimpeded. In a USA Today op-ed on Tuesday, he pledged to display a Voting Information Center at the top of US users’ news feeds. He also said the company would aim to help 4 million people register to vote, double its goal for 2016.

Facebook sharpens transparency rule to close political-ad loophole

Facebook on Tuesday removed almost 900 accounts associated with the far-right Proud Boys and American Guard, including those belonging to Proud Boys supporters who marched into a protest zone in Seattle Monday and confronted anti-racist demonstrators.

Facebook on Tuesday removed almost 900 accounts associated with the far-right Proud Boys and American Guard, including those belonging to Proud Boys supporters who marched into a protest zone in Seattle Monday and confronted anti-racist demonstrators. Facebook told Reuters the takedowns of more than 500 Facebook accounts and more than 300 Instagram accounts followed a smaller round of suspensions two weeks ago. "We initially removed a set of accounts for both organizations on May 30 when we saw that both organizations started posting content tied to the ongoing protests," said a Facebook spokeswoman who asked not to be identified. "We were continuing the work to map out the full network." Facebook had previously banned the groups for promoting hate, but individual members continued to post images with weapons and urge others to attend protests that followed the Minneapolis killing of George Floyd in police custody. Facebook is under heightened scrutiny as provocateurs use it to coordinate and recruit. It has also acted to make it harder to find groups in the so-called Boogaloo movement. Boogaloo adherents believe a new civil war is looming and are often heavily armed. Some ally with right-wing militias and have sought to capitalize on the protests by instigating violence they hope will escalate into a broader conflict. On Tuesday, two adherents were charged in connection with the murder of a security guard on duty at a federal building during a protest in Oakland. According to an affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, suspects Steven Carrillo and Robert Alvin Justus Jr. belonged to the same unidentified Facebook group and discussed attacking federal authorities on May 28. "It's a great opportunity to target the specialty soup bois," Carrillo posted, in a reference the FBI said was shorthand for three-letter agencies. The guard was killed the following night. After a later carjacking, the FBI said, Carrillo wrote "Boog" in his own blood on the vehicle.

Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads

A Facebook Inc employee who criticized Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg's non-intervention against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump this month said on Friday that the social media company had fired him, reported news agency Reuters.

A Facebook Inc employee who criticized Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg's non-intervention against inflammatory posts by US President Donald Trump this month said on Friday that the social media company had fired him, reported news agency Reuters. Brandon Dail, whose social media profiles describe him as a former user interface engineer in Seattle, wrote on Twitter that he was dismissed for publicly challenging a colleague's silence on the controversy, which prompted a rare staff protest at Facebook on June 1. Dozens of employees, including Dail and six other engineers on his team, abandoned their desks and tweeted objections to Zuckerberg's handling of Trump's posts, the report added. In the interest of transparency, I was let go for calling out an employee’s inaction here on Twitter. I stand by what I said. They didn’t give me the chance to quit 😅 https://t.co/zMw8ARMwZt — Brandon Dail (@aweary) June 12, 2020 × Dail said the tweet that prompted his firing, which he sent the day after that walkout, scolded a fellow engineer for declining to add a statement of support to developer documents he was publishing. "Intentionally not making a statement is already political," Dail wrote in the tweet. Also read: Facebook bans around 200 accounts linked to white supremacist groups for inciting violence Trump's posts included the racially charged phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in reference to protests against racism and police brutality held after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. Twitter affixed a warning label to the same post, saying it glorified violence. Facebook opted to leave the post untouched. Zuckerberg stood by his decision at a tense all-hands meeting with employees that week. During the meeting, Dail tweeted that it was "crystal clear today that leadership refuses to stand with us." Dail again voiced objections this week after both Facebook and Twitter declined to take action against a Trump post that contained an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about Martin Gugino, a 75-year-old protester who was critically injured by police in Buffalo, New York. "Trump's attack on Martin Gugino is despicable and a clear violation [of] Facebook's anti-harassment rules. It's again extremely disappointing that we (and Twitter) haven't removed it," he said.

Facebook staffer who protested inaction on Trump's inflammatory posts says he was fired

Facebook's acquisition of popular GIF website Giphy is being scrutinised by Britain's competition watchdog for possibly reducing competition in the United Kingdom.

The parent of messaging app WhatsApp bought Giphy, a popular website for making and sharing animated images, or GIFs, in May to integrate it with its rapidly growing photo-sharing app, Instagram.

While a formal probe is yet to begin, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) earlier this week served Facebook with an initial enforcement order and on Friday began the first stage of an investigation, inviting comments on the transaction from any interested party.&nbsp;

Facebook, the world's largest social media network, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Giphy sought to quell some of the concerns in a statement. "Everyone will continue to have the same access to GIPHY. We look forward to demonstrating how this partnership is a win for our users, partners, and content creators," it said.

According to Facebook, 50% of Giphy's traffic comes from Facebook's apps, with half of that coming from Instagram.

The deal, pegged at around $400 million by news website Axios, came through as Facebook was already under scrutiny over antitrust concerns, and the company is now taking fire for its decision to not challenge inflammatory posts by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Some advocacy groups had already raised concerns when the deal was announced and Facebook had then said that Giphy's integrations with other social platforms like Twitter, Snapchat and ByteDance's TikTok would not change.

The American Economic Liberties Project, an antitrust advocacy group, had said that Facebook and Google are monopolizing online communications through such deals, while urging the Federal Trade Commission to probe the deal.

Alphabet Inc's Google had acquired GIF platform Tenor in 2018 and integrated it into its image search function.

 
&nbsp;

Facebook's acquisition of popular GIF website Giphy is being scrutinised by Britain's competition watchdog for possibly reducing competition in the United Kingdom.

Facebook's acquisition of popular GIF website Giphy is being scrutinised by Britain's competition watchdog for possibly reducing competition in the United Kingdom. The parent of messaging app WhatsApp bought Giphy, a popular website for making and sharing animated images, or GIFs, in May to integrate it with its rapidly growing photo-sharing app, Instagram. While a formal probe is yet to begin, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) earlier this week served Facebook with an initial enforcement order and on Friday began the first stage of an investigation, inviting comments on the transaction from any interested party. Facebook, the world's largest social media network, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Giphy sought to quell some of the concerns in a statement. "Everyone will continue to have the same access to GIPHY. We look forward to demonstrating how this partnership is a win for our users, partners, and content creators," it said. According to Facebook, 50% of Giphy's traffic comes from Facebook's apps, with half of that coming from Instagram. The deal, pegged at around $400 million by news website Axios, came through as Facebook was already under scrutiny over antitrust concerns, and the company is now taking fire for its decision to not challenge inflammatory posts by U.S. President Donald Trump. Some advocacy groups had already raised concerns when the deal was announced and Facebook had then said that Giphy's integrations with other social platforms like Twitter, Snapchat and ByteDance's TikTok would not change. The American Economic Liberties Project, an antitrust advocacy group, had said that Facebook and Google are monopolizing online communications through such deals, while urging the Federal Trade Commission to probe the deal. Alphabet Inc's Google had acquired GIF platform Tenor in 2018 and integrated it into its image search function.

Facebook's Giphy deal draws UK competition watchdog's attention

Dozens of scientists who are conducting research, backed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have advised the CEO to atleast flag the posts published by the US President Donald Trump.

The researchers believe that the social media giant should&nbsp;not allow Donald Trump use&nbsp;the social media platform to "spread both misinformation and incendiary statements."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-will-review-its-content-policies-says-zuckerberg-after-backlash-303746">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash</a>&nbsp;

The researchers have asked Zuckerberg to consider the sensitive time that the country is going through and ensure "stricter policies on misinformation and incendiary language that harms people."

The team of researchers sent a letter to the Facebook CEO&nbsp;giving their suggestions. The letter had 160 signatories, out of these 160, about&nbsp;10% are employees of Chan Zuckerberg foundations and nearly 60 professors are from leading US research institutions.

The research is led by Debora Marks of Harvard Medical School,&nbsp;Martin Kampmann of the University of California-San Francisco and Jason Shepherd of the University of Utah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-place-state-media-labels-on-russian-chinese-outlets-303466">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets</a>

All of them have grants from a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative program,&nbsp;working to prevent, cure and treat neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The initiative is run by Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan.&nbsp;

The letter calls the spread of "deliberate misinformation and divisive language."

The researchers are looking at using technology to prevent and eradicate disease, improve childhood education and reform the criminal justice system.

The researchers' mission "is antithetical to some of the stances that Facebook has been taking, so we're encouraging them to be more on the side of truth and on the right side of history as we've said in the letter," said&nbsp;Debora Marks of Harvard Medical School.

The letter clearly voices against the post of Trump in which he said 'when looting starts, shooting starts'. The researchers claimed this was "a clear statement of inciting violence". The researchers have voiced against such insensitive posts and has asked the Facebook CEO to flag such posts.

There has been no comment from Zuckerberg or the&nbsp;Chan Zuckerberg Initiative program.

Dozens of scientists who are conducting research, backed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have advised the CEO to atleast flag the posts published by the US President Donald Trump.

Dozens of scientists who are conducting research, backed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have advised the CEO to atleast flag the posts published by the US President Donald Trump. The researchers believe that the social media giant should not allow Donald Trump use the social media platform to "spread both misinformation and incendiary statements." Also read: Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash The researchers have asked Zuckerberg to consider the sensitive time that the country is going through and ensure "stricter policies on misinformation and incendiary language that harms people." The team of researchers sent a letter to the Facebook CEO giving their suggestions. The letter had 160 signatories, out of these 160, about 10% are employees of Chan Zuckerberg foundations and nearly 60 professors are from leading US research institutions. The research is led by Debora Marks of Harvard Medical School, Martin Kampmann of the University of California-San Francisco and Jason Shepherd of the University of Utah. Also read: Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets All of them have grants from a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative program, working to prevent, cure and treat neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The initiative is run by Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. The letter calls the spread of "deliberate misinformation and divisive language." The researchers are looking at using technology to prevent and eradicate disease, improve childhood education and reform the criminal justice system. The researchers' mission "is antithetical to some of the stances that Facebook has been taking, so we're encouraging them to be more on the side of truth and on the right side of history as we've said in the letter," said Debora Marks of Harvard Medical School. The letter clearly voices against the post of Trump in which he said 'when looting starts, shooting starts'. The researchers claimed this was "a clear statement of inciting violence". The researchers have voiced against such insensitive posts and has asked the Facebook CEO to flag such posts. There has been no comment from Zuckerberg or the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative program.

Flag Trump's 'incendiary statements' on Facebook: Zuckerberg-funded researchers advice

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving&nbsp;up controversial posts by President Donald Trump.

"We're going to review our policies allowing discussion and threats of state use of force to see if there are any amendments we should adopt," he wrote. "We're going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-place-state-media-labels-on-russian-chinese-outlets-303466">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets</a>

President Donald Trump had last week said 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' which gathered a lot of criticism for the insensitivity of the topic.

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Former Facebook employees accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of always trying to find a way out of such situations, and avoid going against the Trump.

Reportedly, in a staff meeting, employees questioned&nbsp;Zuckerberg's stance on Trump's post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-bans-use-of-boogaloo-that-hints-towards-potential-us-civil-war-303469">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war</a>

He has assured that the social media giant&nbsp;will be more transparent about its decision-making on whether to take down posts, review policies on posts that could cause voter suppression and would look to build software to advance racial justice, led by important lieutenants.

Zuckerberg finally admitted that Trump's comments were 'deeply offensive'. However, he&nbsp;is still maintaining his stance that the comments did&nbsp;not violate company policy against incitements to violence.

While he has now assured exploring other options of content policing, he added&nbsp;"I worry that this approach has a risk of leading us to editorialize on content we don`t like even if it doesn't violate our policies."&nbsp;

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving up controversial posts by President Donald Trump.

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving up controversial posts by President Donald Trump. "We're going to review our policies allowing discussion and threats of state use of force to see if there are any amendments we should adopt," he wrote. "We're going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions." Also read: Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets President Donald Trump had last week said 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' which gathered a lot of criticism for the insensitivity of the topic. I just shared the following note with our employees, and I want to share it with all of you as well. --- As we... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, June 5, 2020 × Former Facebook employees accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of always trying to find a way out of such situations, and avoid going against the Trump. Reportedly, in a staff meeting, employees questioned Zuckerberg's stance on Trump's post. Also read: Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war He has assured that the social media giant will be more transparent about its decision-making on whether to take down posts, review policies on posts that could cause voter suppression and would look to build software to advance racial justice, led by important lieutenants. Zuckerberg finally admitted that Trump's comments were 'deeply offensive'. However, he is still maintaining his stance that the comments did not violate company policy against incitements to violence. While he has now assured exploring other options of content policing, he added "I worry that this approach has a risk of leading us to editorialize on content we don`t like even if it doesn't violate our policies."

Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash

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Iran's foreign minister challenged the US&nbsp;president Donald Trump on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-challenges-donald-trump-to-return-to-nuclear-deal-303659">Read more</a>

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China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-facebook-for-unfairly-targeting-its-biggest-media-companies-303642">Read more</a>

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The United States conducted airstrikes against Taliban positions in Afghanistan for the first time since the start of the Eid ceasefire. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-conducts-airstrikes-against-taliban-first-time-since-eid-ceasefire-303638">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-nation-fiji-declares-itself-free-from-coronavirus-303620" hreflang="en">Pacific nation Fiji declares itself free from coronavirus</a>

Fiji announced it was coronavirus free Friday after the island nation's last known infected patient was given the all-clear, continuing the Pacific's remarkable record of success against the virus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-nation-fiji-declares-itself-free-from-coronavirus-303620">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-campaign-tribute-to-floyd-for-copyright-foul-303548" hreflang="en">Twitter disables Trump campaign tribute to Floyd for copyright foul</a>

American microblogging and social networking service Twitter has disabled a video by Donald Trump’s campaign team that pays tribute to George Floyd, saying it is the subject of a copyright complaint. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-disables-trump-campaign-tribute-to-floyd-for-copyright-foul-303548">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444" hreflang="en">Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-top-66-million-death-toll-soars-past-390000-303513">Global coronavirus cases top 6.6 million, death toll soars past 390,000</a>

The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-top-66-million-death-toll-soars-past-390000-303513">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-lancet-study-linking-hcq-deaths-in-covid-19-treatment-retracted-303474" hreflang="en">Controversial Lancet study linking HCQ, deaths in COVID-19 treatment retracted</a>

The authors of the Lancet study linking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and increased death risk during COVID-19 treatment have retracted their statement over unavailability of full dataset for an independent peer-review. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-lancet-study-linking-hcq-deaths-in-covid-19-treatment-retracted-303474">Read more</a>

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US President Donald Trump tweeted that Navy veteran Michael White, who had been detained in Iran for over 600 days, was now on his way back to the United States. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-possible-trump-says-thank-you-to-iran-as-us-navy-veteran-michael-white-released-from-prison-303443">Read more</a>

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China is using the coronavirus as a cover to push territorial claims in the South China Sea through a surge in naval activity meant to intimidate other countries that claim the waters, the commander of US&nbsp;Forces in Japan said on Friday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pushing-territorial-claims-under-cover-of-covid-19-says-us-military-commander-303629">Read more</a>

Iran challenges Donald Trump to return to nuclear deal Iran's foreign minister challenged the US president Donald Trump on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago.

Iran challenges Donald Trump to return to nuclear deal Iran's foreign minister challenged the US president Donald Trump on Friday to return to the nuclear deal that Washington abandoned two years ago. Read more China slams Facebook for 'unfairly targeting' its biggest media companies China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets. Read more US conducts airstrikes against Taliban first time since Eid ceasefire The United States conducted airstrikes against Taliban positions in Afghanistan for the first time since the start of the Eid ceasefire. Read more Pacific nation Fiji declares itself free from coronavirus Fiji announced it was coronavirus free Friday after the island nation's last known infected patient was given the all-clear, continuing the Pacific's remarkable record of success against the virus. Read more Twitter disables Trump campaign tribute to Floyd for copyright foul American microblogging and social networking service Twitter has disabled a video by Donald Trump’s campaign team that pays tribute to George Floyd, saying it is the subject of a copyright complaint. Read more Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. Read more Global coronavirus cases top 6.6 million, death toll soars past 390,000 The total number of global coronavirus has increased to over 6.6 million, while the death toll has topped 390,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Read more Controversial Lancet study linking HCQ, deaths in COVID-19 treatment retracted The authors of the Lancet study linking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and increased death risk during COVID-19 treatment have retracted their statement over unavailability of full dataset for an independent peer-review. Read more Deal is possible: Trump says 'thank you to Iran' as US Navy veteran Michael White released from prison US President Donald Trump tweeted that Navy veteran Michael White, who had been detained in Iran for over 600 days, was now on his way back to the United States. Read more China pushing territorial claims under cover of COVID-19, says US military commander China is using the coronavirus as a cover to push territorial claims in the South China Sea through a surge in naval activity meant to intimidate other countries that claim the waters, the commander of US Forces in Japan said on Friday. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Iran challenges Trump, China slams Facebook and more

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang accused Facebook of selective enforcement and said he hoped the company would "abandon its ideological prejudice".

He told reporters during a daily briefing that any media agency operating in line with relevant laws of various countries should be treated equally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-place-state-media-labels-on-russian-chinese-outlets-303466">Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets</a>

Pages managed by news agency Xinhua and the fiery nationalist tabloid Global Times are now labelled "China state-controlled media", after a policy change by the world's largest social platform.&nbsp;

Facebook's definition of state-controlled media includes influence over editorial content as well as financial backing of outlets, said the platform's cybersecurity chief Nathaniel Gleicher.

"People should know if the news they read is coming from a publication that may be under the influence of a government," he wrote in a Thursday blog post announcing the new policy.

Relations between China and the United States have worsened on multiple fronts in recent months, with the two governments expelling journalists in tit-for-tat moves and trading barbs over the coronavirus outbreak and human rights

Facebook said it will add similar labels to pages and advertisements run by media outlets subject to editorial influence and financial backing by governments, including Russian state broadcaster RT.&nbsp;

The move comes with Facebook under scrutiny for failing for stem foreign interference in the 2016 US election, and after heated debate over how the network handles misinformation and inflammatory posts -- including from US President Donald Trump.

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets.

China said Facebook was unfairly targeting its biggest media companies on Friday after the network began attaching disclaimers to pages run by the country's state-controlled news outlets. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang accused Facebook of selective enforcement and said he hoped the company would "abandon its ideological prejudice". He told reporters during a daily briefing that any media agency operating in line with relevant laws of various countries should be treated equally. Also read: Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets Pages managed by news agency Xinhua and the fiery nationalist tabloid Global Times are now labelled "China state-controlled media", after a policy change by the world's largest social platform. Facebook's definition of state-controlled media includes influence over editorial content as well as financial backing of outlets, said the platform's cybersecurity chief Nathaniel Gleicher. "People should know if the news they read is coming from a publication that may be under the influence of a government," he wrote in a Thursday blog post announcing the new policy. Relations between China and the United States have worsened on multiple fronts in recent months, with the two governments expelling journalists in tit-for-tat moves and trading barbs over the coronavirus outbreak and human rights Facebook said it will add similar labels to pages and advertisements run by media outlets subject to editorial influence and financial backing by governments, including Russian state broadcaster RT. The move comes with Facebook under scrutiny for failing for stem foreign interference in the 2016 US election, and after heated debate over how the network handles misinformation and inflammatory posts -- including from US President Donald Trump.

China slams Facebook for 'unfairly targeting' its biggest media companies

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization.

Facebook will no longer recommend such groups to members of similar associations, a spokeswoman for the world`s largest social media network said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-employees-from-early-days-denounce-zuckerberg-stance-on-trump-posts-303079">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts</a>

According to FBI's criminal complaint, out of three men, who were charged for plotting violence at a Las Vegas anti-racism protest, two had participated in&nbsp;Boogaloo groups on Facebook.

Facebook banned the usage of the term "Boogalo" and related words after few&nbsp;researchers and media observed that the term "Boogalo" was usually being accompanied by talks of taking up arms and&nbsp;promoting protests to "liberate" states from coronavirus restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-in-talks-to-invest-2-billion-in-bharti-airtel-report-303279">Also read:&nbsp;Amazon in talks to invest $2 billion in Bharti Airtel : Report</a>

However, participants of the infamous term are now coming up with similar terms to avoid Facebook's scrutiny. Terms such as&nbsp;"Big Igloo" or "Big Luau" are now becoming popular for all the similar wrong reasons. While the terms have changed, discussions on future wars and weapons remains the same.

Majority of these interactions are coming from people who identify with white nationalist groups or militias, according to researchers. Some of them are also gun-rights advocates, while others are anti-government protesters or apparent supporters of&nbsp;Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.

Facebook said the politics of Boogaloo members it looked into "ran the gamut" from right to left.

Facebook has stated it will be take strict actions to stop any such activity happening on their social media platform.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization.

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization. Facebook will no longer recommend such groups to members of similar associations, a spokeswoman for the world`s largest social media network said. Also read: Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts According to FBI's criminal complaint, out of three men, who were charged for plotting violence at a Las Vegas anti-racism protest, two had participated in Boogaloo groups on Facebook. Facebook banned the usage of the term "Boogalo" and related words after few researchers and media observed that the term "Boogalo" was usually being accompanied by talks of taking up arms and promoting protests to "liberate" states from coronavirus restrictions. Also read: Amazon in talks to invest $2 billion in Bharti Airtel : Report However, participants of the infamous term are now coming up with similar terms to avoid Facebook's scrutiny. Terms such as "Big Igloo" or "Big Luau" are now becoming popular for all the similar wrong reasons. While the terms have changed, discussions on future wars and weapons remains the same. Majority of these interactions are coming from people who identify with white nationalist groups or militias, according to researchers. Some of them are also gun-rights advocates, while others are anti-government protesters or apparent supporters of Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality. Facebook said the politics of Boogaloo members it looked into "ran the gamut" from right to left. Facebook has stated it will be take strict actions to stop any such activity happening on their social media platform. (With inputs from Reuters)

Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough!

Racism is an American reality and the ongoing riots are holding up a mirror to those in denial, from the streets of America to social media, thousands are joining hands to say enough is enough! Hundreds of Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout on Monday. They logged in to their systems only to leave a message that they would be out of the office in a show of protest. The employees were unhappy with the action, or rather inaction of the leadership after CEO Mark Zuckerberg refused to take down Donald Trump's posts. Last week, the US president wrote: "When the looting starts, the shooting starts". The message was shared on Facebook and Twitter. While the latter slapped a warning on the post, Facebook left it intact. In a post, Zuckerberg said he is "struggling with how to respond". He said: "I know many people are upset that we have left the president's post up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible." Facebook employees were quick to voice their disagreement. Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook's news feed design team, tweeted: "Mark is wrong, and I will endeavour in the loudest possible way to change his mind." Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Similar tweets were put out by other employees. Jason Toff who joined Facebook last year as a director of Product Management pointed to a broader surge in employee activism. "We are making our voices heard", he said. The head of design for Facebook's portal video-phone said he disagrees with the position of his leadership. There was also an intense debate on Facebook's chat system known as Workplace. Some employees argued that Trump's post violated the spirit of Facebook while the others said that Facebook is making concessions for the president. All of this nudged CEO Mark Zuckerberg to act. Zuckerberg committed $10 million donation to groups working on racial justice. That said, Trump's Facebook post has still not been taken down. Meanwhile, Google and YouTube homepages in the United States are sporting a black ribbon. CEO Sundar Pichai said it was in solidarity with the black community. He tweeted: "For all those feeling grief, anger, sadness and fear, you are not alone." Today on US Google & YouTube homepages we share our support for racial equality in solidarity with the Black community and in memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & others who don’t have a voice. For those feeling grief, anger, sadness & fear, you are not alone. pic.twitter.com/JbPCG3wfQW — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) May 31, 2020 × Microsoft put out a statement on May 31. The company said that CEO Satya Nadella addressed the issue of racism in a monthly employee townhall. At this time, we will be using our platform to amplify voices from the Black and African American community at Microsoft. pic.twitter.com/r7ltlxVnHB — Microsoft (@Microsoft) June 1, 2020 × Nadella himself has been retweeting voices from African American employees at Microsoft. There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities. https://t.co/WaEuhRqBho — Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) June 1, 2020 × In one of the tweets, he said: "There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more."

Tech biggies condemn racism but Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg retains Trump's controversial post

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;has announced that his company will contribute $10 million to "groups working on racial justice," and telling followers that he's working with advisers and employees to find organizations that "could most effectively use this right now.''

<img alt="facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f75f6c8c-f203-487c-8a82-ca6677a4a754" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_2.PNG" />

The commitment from Facebook follows more than a&nbsp;week of protests around the country challenging police brutality, spurred by the dissemination of a video on Facebook showing the death of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by police officers in Minneapolis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-employees-walk-out-after-accusing-zuckerberg-of-inadequate-policing-302499">Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing'</a>

Zuckerberg’s pledge comes after&nbsp;several prominent Facebook employees expressed their frustration&nbsp;with their company’s response on Twitter and only a few hours before a number of the company’s workers staged a virtual walkout.

Jason Toff, a director of product management at Facebook, wrote on Twitter:

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I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard.
— Jason Toff (@jasontoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasontoff/status/1267318891203530752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The move of the employees,&nbsp;critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is&nbsp;reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google over sexual harassment.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that his company will contribute $10 million to "groups working on racial justice," and telling followers that he's working with advisers and employees to find organizations that "could most effectively use this right now.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that his company will contribute $10 million to "groups working on racial justice," and telling followers that he's working with advisers and employees to find organizations that "could most effectively use this right now.'' The commitment from Facebook follows more than a week of protests around the country challenging police brutality, spurred by the dissemination of a video on Facebook showing the death of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by police officers in Minneapolis. Also read: Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing' Zuckerberg’s pledge comes after several prominent Facebook employees expressed their frustration with their company’s response on Twitter and only a few hours before a number of the company’s workers staged a virtual walkout. Jason Toff, a director of product management at Facebook, wrote on Twitter: I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard. — Jason Toff (@jasontoff) June 1, 2020 × The move of the employees, critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's Google over sexual harassment.

Amid criticism, Facebook pledges $10 million to 'groups working on racial justice'

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming&nbsp;the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. 
 
The suit, filed in US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the executive order violates the First Amendment by curtailing and chilling the constitutionally protected speech of online platforms and individuals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-doubles-down-dares-twitter-to-block-another-trumps-tweet-301891">White House doubles down &amp; dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet</a>

The Justice Department declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Brianna Herlihy.

Trump, irate over&nbsp;Twitter’s move to append fact-checking labels to his inaccurate tweets&nbsp;about mail-in voting, issued an executive order May 28 that seeks to&nbsp;rescind legal immunity social networks have under current US&nbsp;law if they ''censor''&nbsp;speech.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-shut-social-media-companies-after-twitter-adds-warning-to-his-tweets-301375">Trump threatens to shut social media companies after Twitter adds warning to his tweets</a>

&nbsp;

The law, as it currently stands, lets internet companies like&nbsp;Facebook, YouTube and&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;moderate content on their services as they see fit, while protecting them from lawsuits over content shared on them.

He had asked federal regulators to look at provisions, contained in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, that insulate the companies from liability for content posted by users.

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

A lawsuit has been filed by a non-profit group against US President Donald Trump's executive order targetting social media firms Facebook and Twitter claiming the edict violates free-speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. The suit, filed in US District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the executive order violates the First Amendment by curtailing and chilling the constitutionally protected speech of online platforms and individuals. Also read: White House doubles down & dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet The Justice Department declined to comment, according to spokeswoman Brianna Herlihy. Trump, irate over Twitter’s move to append fact-checking labels to his inaccurate tweets about mail-in voting, issued an executive order May 28 that seeks to rescind legal immunity social networks have under current US law if they ''censor'' speech. Also read: Trump threatens to shut social media companies after Twitter adds warning to his tweets The law, as it currently stands, lets internet companies like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter moderate content on their services as they see fit, while protecting them from lawsuits over content shared on them. He had asked federal regulators to look at provisions, contained in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, that insulate the companies from liability for content posted by users.

Lawsuit filed against Trump's executive order targeting social media firms

Tech giant Google might take a minority stake in British telecom group Vodafone's struggling Indian business. This news has come weeks after Facebook&nbsp;picked up a stake in India's&nbsp;Jio's multimedia platforms.

This move is being seen as a direct competitive move, in the disguise of a financial collaboration and help.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-to-invest-57-bn-in-jio-acquire-999-stake-293945">Also watch|&nbsp;Facebook to invest $5.7 BN in Jio: Acquire 9.99% stake</a>

Google is planning to buy nearly 5 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea Ltd, according to reports.&nbsp;

The move is being considered a good step for Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL), as it is struggling with&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;Rs 58,000 crore&nbsp;in unpaid statutory dues, after the Supreme Court upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-core businesses in calculating the annual AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fee to the exchequer.

The reports are not yet confirmed as&nbsp;there have been no comments on this speculation from Vodafone India or&nbsp;Alphabet Inc's Google.

(With inputs from PTI)

Tech giant Google might take a minority stake in British telecom group Vodafone's struggling Indian business. This news has come weeks after Facebook picked up a stake in India's Jio's multimedia platforms.

Tech giant Google might take a minority stake in British telecom group Vodafone's struggling Indian business. This news has come weeks after Facebook picked up a stake in India's Jio's multimedia platforms. This move is being seen as a direct competitive move, in the disguise of a financial collaboration and help. Also watch| Facebook to invest $5.7 BN in Jio: Acquire 9.99% stake Google is planning to buy nearly 5 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea Ltd, according to reports. The move is being considered a good step for Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL), as it is struggling with nearly Rs 58,000 crore in unpaid statutory dues, after the Supreme Court upheld the government's position on including revenue from non-core businesses in calculating the annual AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) of telecom companies, a share of which is paid as licence and spectrum fee to the exchequer. The reports are not yet confirmed as there have been no comments on this speculation from Vodafone India or Alphabet Inc's Google. (With inputs from PTI)

Google plans to buy 5% stake in struggling Vodafone India

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his company ''will not be the arbiter of truth'' after US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;escalated&nbsp;a war&nbsp;with rival social media platform&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;over that company’s efforts to begin&nbsp;factchecking&nbsp;some of Trump’s posts.

In an interview, Zuckerberg said ''I just believe strongly that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;shouldn’t be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online. Private companies probably should not be, especially these platform companies, should not&nbsp;be in the position of doing that.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-facing-donald-trumps-wrath-twitter-now-fact-checks-chinese-spokespersons-post-301723" hreflang="en">After facing Donald Trump's wrath, Twitter now fact-checks Chinese spokesperson's post</a>

Meanwhile, Trump after sharply criticising Twitter for fact-checking his tweet&nbsp;signed an executive order that intended to limit the freedom of tech organisations over the content posted on their mediums.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Twitter for the first time fact-checked Trump's post which claimed mail-in ballots are " subsequently fraudulent". Twitter had called the claims as "unsubstantiated" and put a warning label in the post.&nbsp;

Two years after admitting under political pressure that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;must do more to prevent disinformation campaigns on its platform, founder&nbsp;Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;said that the company should step away from regulating online speech.

In March 2018, a whistleblower&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;that Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that worked with Trump’s election team and the winning Brexit campaign, harvested millions of&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;profiles of US voters for use in targeting political ads.

The company later acknowledged that&nbsp;hackers had&nbsp;scraped&nbsp;information from profiles of more than 2 billion users worldwide.

Those developments saw a contrite Zuckerberg&nbsp;summoned&nbsp;before Congress in the spring of 2018, where he apologized for allowing imposter accounts with foreign backers to target American voters with advertising meant to polarize political opinion.

<aside data-component="rich-link" data-link-name="rich-link-1 | 1">&nbsp;</aside>

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his company ''will not be the arbiter of truth'' after US President Donald Trump escalated a war with rival social media platform Twitter over that company’s efforts to begin factchecking some of Trump’s posts.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his company ''will not be the arbiter of truth'' after US President Donald Trump escalated a war with rival social media platform Twitter over that company’s efforts to begin factchecking some of Trump’s posts. In an interview, Zuckerberg said ''I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn’t be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online. Private companies probably should not be, especially these platform companies, should not be in the position of doing that.'' Also read: After facing Donald Trump's wrath, Twitter now fact-checks Chinese spokesperson's post Meanwhile, Trump after sharply criticising Twitter for fact-checking his tweet signed an executive order that intended to limit the freedom of tech organisations over the content posted on their mediums. On Tuesday, Twitter for the first time fact-checked Trump's post which claimed mail-in ballots are " subsequently fraudulent". Twitter had called the claims as "unsubstantiated" and put a warning label in the post. Two years after admitting under political pressure that Facebook must do more to prevent disinformation campaigns on its platform, founder Mark Zuckerberg said that the company should step away from regulating online speech. In March 2018, a whistleblower revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that worked with Trump’s election team and the winning Brexit campaign, harvested millions of Facebook profiles of US voters for use in targeting political ads. The company later acknowledged that hackers had scraped information from profiles of more than 2 billion users worldwide. Those developments saw a contrite Zuckerberg summoned before Congress in the spring of 2018, where he apologized for allowing imposter accounts with foreign backers to target American voters with advertising meant to polarize political opinion.

Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat

After US President Donald Trump ordered to shut down websites that he feels stifle conservative voices, White House has said Donald Trump will sign an executive order on social media companies on Thursday.

No other details were provided by the White House officials. It is still unclear as to how will the President follow on the threat of shutting down private social media giants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/comedian-kathy-griffin-picks-up-a-beef-with-donald-trump-yet-again-301393">Also read: Comedian Kathy Griffin picks up a beef with Donald Trump, yet again!</a>

Trump was upset as Twitter, for the first time, tagged his tweets about unsubstantiated claims of fraud in mail-in voting with a warning prompting readers to fact check the posts. This warning upset Trump to a limit that he threatened the private companies.

On a similar issue, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington on Wednesday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by a conservative group and right-wing YouTube personality against Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple accusing them of conspiring to suppress conservative political views.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, on the other hand, feels that censoring social media platforms is not the right reflex for a government which is constantly worried about censorship.&nbsp;

Following this threat by Trump, shares of Facebook and Twitter saw a steep decline on Wednesday.

General Counsel Sean Edgett on Wednesday said, "We have a group and committee of folks who take a look at these things and make decisions on what`s getting a lot of visibility and traction."

The issue of censorship has been a topic of debate in the White House for few years now, as the President feels "Republicans feel that Social Media Platforms totally silence conservatives voices. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen."

Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with the U.S. Justice Department, have been considering changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a federal law largely exempting online platforms from legal liability for the material their users post.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After US President Donald Trump ordered to shut down websites that he feels stifle conservative voices, White House has said Donald Trump will sign an executive order on social media companies on Thursday.

After US President Donald Trump ordered to shut down websites that he feels stifle conservative voices, White House has said Donald Trump will sign an executive order on social media companies on Thursday. No other details were provided by the White House officials. It is still unclear as to how will the President follow on the threat of shutting down private social media giants. Also read: Comedian Kathy Griffin picks up a beef with Donald Trump, yet again! Trump was upset as Twitter, for the first time, tagged his tweets about unsubstantiated claims of fraud in mail-in voting with a warning prompting readers to fact check the posts. This warning upset Trump to a limit that he threatened the private companies. On a similar issue, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington on Wednesday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by a conservative group and right-wing YouTube personality against Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple accusing them of conspiring to suppress conservative political views. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, on the other hand, feels that censoring social media platforms is not the right reflex for a government which is constantly worried about censorship. Following this threat by Trump, shares of Facebook and Twitter saw a steep decline on Wednesday. General Counsel Sean Edgett on Wednesday said, "We have a group and committee of folks who take a look at these things and make decisions on what`s getting a lot of visibility and traction." The issue of censorship has been a topic of debate in the White House for few years now, as the President feels "Republicans feel that Social Media Platforms totally silence conservatives voices. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen." Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with the U.S. Justice Department, have been considering changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a federal law largely exempting online platforms from legal liability for the material their users post. (With inputs from Reuters)

Donald Trump  to sign executive order on social media on Thursday

In a bid to help struggling small businesses during coronavirus pandemic, Facebook has introduced with free tools for creating online "Shops"&nbsp;to help set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook Inc is launching Facebook Shops, a service that will allow small businesses to display and sell their products on the social network's platforms, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-urges-eu-to-lead-on-tech-rules-and-overcome-chinese-competition-299569">Zuckerberg urges EU to lead on tech rules and overcome Chinese competition</a>

A checkout feature will enable in-app purchases, while a more deeply integrated messaging feature will allow customers to chat with businesses through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct.

"The primary focus is to ensure small and medium size businesses have presences online and survive the current situation," Facebook director of product management George Lee said during a press briefing on the new product.

Businesses have an option to buy Facebook ads to direct customers to their online shops. Sales can be consummated at websites off the social network.

The move to build up e-commerce offerings follows Facebook’s launch last year of limited shopping options on photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp.

Company leaders wager making the platforms more business-friendly will generate fresh ad revenue, even as user growth slows.

Zuckerberg also said the world’s largest social network would be working more closely on product integrations with Shopify and seven other online commerce platforms going forward. He had Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke join him in a livestreamed video announcing the partnerships.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a bid to help struggling small businesses during coronavirus pandemic, Facebook has introduced with free tools for creating online "Shops" to help set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram.

In a bid to help struggling small businesses during coronavirus pandemic, Facebook has introduced with free tools for creating online "Shops" to help set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram. Facebook Inc is launching Facebook Shops, a service that will allow small businesses to display and sell their products on the social network's platforms, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday. Also read: Zuckerberg urges EU to lead on tech rules and overcome Chinese competition A checkout feature will enable in-app purchases, while a more deeply integrated messaging feature will allow customers to chat with businesses through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct. "The primary focus is to ensure small and medium size businesses have presences online and survive the current situation," Facebook director of product management George Lee said during a press briefing on the new product. Businesses have an option to buy Facebook ads to direct customers to their online shops. Sales can be consummated at websites off the social network. The move to build up e-commerce offerings follows Facebook’s launch last year of limited shopping options on photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp. Company leaders wager making the platforms more business-friendly will generate fresh ad revenue, even as user growth slows. Zuckerberg also said the world’s largest social network would be working more closely on product integrations with Shopify and seven other online commerce platforms going forward. He had Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke join him in a livestreamed video announcing the partnerships.

Facebook launches new shopping feature for small businesses

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on Monday urged the European Union to take the lead in setting global standards for tech regulation or risk seeing countries follow China as a model.

"A&nbsp;lot of other countries are looking at China's&nbsp;model and thinking it gives their government more control," Zuckerberg said, during a video debate with EU commissioner Thierry Breton.

Under the Beijing model, "you don't have to respect human rights quite as much in how the society gets run," he added.

"I just think that that's really dangerous and I worry about that kind of model spreading to other countries," Zuckerberg said in&nbsp;in the talk, organised by the Centre on Regulation in Europe.

"I think that the best antidote to that is having a clear regulatory framework that comes out of Western democratic countries, and that can become a standard around the world," he argued.

"When Europe sets policies, they often become the standards around the world," he said, citing the EU's GDPR data protection legislation, which has been widely replicated. 
 
Breton, one of the EU's top officials on tech policy, said that Facebook and other big tech companies must also live up to certain values.

If you want to have the right regulation "you have to have a clear set of values and in Europe we have these values," he said, hinting Facebook sometimes fell short, especially on controlling illegal content or paying fair taxes.

"At the end of the day, if we cannot find a way, we will regulate, of course," he warned "It is extremely important that when you are CEO, at the end of the day, you are the only one to be responsible," Breton said.

"It is extremely important that when you are CEO, at the end of the day, you are the only one to be responsible," Breton said. "The mission of a CEO is to listen to everyone and then to take the decision.

"The mission of a CEO is to listen to everyone and then to take the decision. At the end of the day, it will be Mark who will be responsible, nobody else." 
 
The European Commission is ramping up towards a Digital Service Act, a major piece of EU lawmaking intended to curb the powers of US big tech. 
 
The law would include all aspects of the digital world, including cracking down on hate speech, protecting user data and preventing big companies from abusing their dominant market positions. 
 
&nbsp;

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on Monday urged the European Union to take the lead in setting global standards for tech regulation or risk seeing countries follow China as a model.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on Monday urged the European Union to take the lead in setting global standards for tech regulation or risk seeing countries follow China as a model. "A lot of other countries are looking at China's model and thinking it gives their government more control," Zuckerberg said, during a video debate with EU commissioner Thierry Breton. Under the Beijing model, "you don't have to respect human rights quite as much in how the society gets run," he added. "I just think that that's really dangerous and I worry about that kind of model spreading to other countries," Zuckerberg said in in the talk, organised by the Centre on Regulation in Europe. "I think that the best antidote to that is having a clear regulatory framework that comes out of Western democratic countries, and that can become a standard around the world," he argued. "When Europe sets policies, they often become the standards around the world," he said, citing the EU's GDPR data protection legislation, which has been widely replicated. Breton, one of the EU's top officials on tech policy, said that Facebook and other big tech companies must also live up to certain values. If you want to have the right regulation "you have to have a clear set of values and in Europe we have these values," he said, hinting Facebook sometimes fell short, especially on controlling illegal content or paying fair taxes. "At the end of the day, if we cannot find a way, we will regulate, of course," he warned "It is extremely important that when you are CEO, at the end of the day, you are the only one to be responsible," Breton said. "It is extremely important that when you are CEO, at the end of the day, you are the only one to be responsible," Breton said. "The mission of a CEO is to listen to everyone and then to take the decision. "The mission of a CEO is to listen to everyone and then to take the decision. At the end of the day, it will be Mark who will be responsible, nobody else." The European Commission is ramping up towards a Digital Service Act, a major piece of EU lawmaking intended to curb the powers of US big tech. The law would include all aspects of the digital world, including cracking down on hate speech, protecting user data and preventing big companies from abusing their dominant market positions.

Zuckerberg urges EU to lead on tech rules and overcome Chinese competition

India's antitrust watchdog is looking into allegations that Facebook's WhatsApp is abusing its dominant position by offering payment services to its vast base of messaging app users in the country, three sources told Reuters on Friday.

India's antitrust watchdog is looking into allegations that Facebook's WhatsApp is abusing its dominant position by offering payment services to its vast base of messaging app users in the country, three sources told Reuters on Friday. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reviewing a complaint filed in mid-March alleging that WhatsApp was bundling its digital payment facility within its messaging app, allowing it to abuse its market position and penetrate India's booming digital payments market, the sources said. WhatsApp and Facebook did not immediately respond to repeated requests for comment. The CCI also did not respond. Two of the sources told Reuters the complainant in the case was a lawyer, but declined to divulge the identity of the person. Reuters could not independently ascertain who filed the case. The complaint, which has previously not been reported, comes at a critical time for WhatsApp, which is aggressively working to fully launch its payments platform in India, where it has been beta testing it with 1 million users since 2018. Lack of regulatory clearances have meant WhatsApp has struggled to offer the service to its around 400 million users in India, its biggest market worldwide. The CCI can order its investigations arm to conduct a wider probe into the allegations, or throw out the case if it finds no merit in it. "The case is in initial stages .. senior members of CCI are reviewing it but a final decision hasn't been reached," said the first of the three sources, all of whom declined to be identified as the case details were private. The antitrust complaint alleges that WhatsApp's large user base meant it was dominant in the messaging app market, and the company was forcing its payments feature on to its existing users. The two products - WhatsApp's messenger service and its payments feature - are bundled, which could harm competition and violate the country's antitrust laws, the second source said while detailing the allegations. WhatsApp's payment service will allow users to do inter-bank fund transfers from within the messaging app. It will compete with payment apps of Alphabet Inc's Google and Softbank-backed Paytm, which already have tens of millions of users across India. While the antitrust case has been filed against both Facebook and WhatsApp, the complainant has urged the watchdog to investigate only WhatsApp, the second source said. It was possible WhatsApp could escape a wider investigation as the extent of any market abuse will be clearer only when it fully launches the service, the source added. The antitrust complaint is the latest setback for WhatsApp in India. An Indian legal think-tank last month filed a case in the Supreme Court saying WhatsApp should not be allowed to expand its payments service as it was violating data storage rules. WhatsApp told the court it will comply with necessary laws before it moves ahead, according to a May 13 court order that also asked Indian regulators to submit its views on the case. In April, Facebook said it will spend $5.7 billion to buy a 9.99% stake in India's Reliance Industries' digital arm, as it looks to roll out services for grocers and small businesses by capitalizing on WhatsApp’s extensive reach.

India watchdog reviewing antitrust allegations against Facebook's WhatsApp: Report

Facebook has apologised for its role in the&nbsp;deadly anti-Muslim riots that&nbsp;took place in Sri Lanka two years ago

Evidence in an investigation had found that hate speech and rumours spread on the social media platform may have led to violence against Muslims,&nbsp;according to Article One,&nbsp;the human rights consultancy hired to conduct the investigation.

The tech giant commissioned a probe into the part it may have played, and investigators said incendiary content on Facebook may have led to violence against Muslims.

"We deplore the misuse of our platform," Facebook said in a statement after the findings were released Tuesday.

"We recognize, and apologize for, the very real human rights impacts that resulted."

The riots in early 2018 had erupted as anti-communal&nbsp;anger was whipped up on social media, forcing the Sri Lankan government to impose a state of emergency and block access to Facebook.

At least three people were killed and 20 injured in the unrest, during which mosques and Muslim businesses were burned, mainly in the central part of the Sinhalese Buddhist-majority nation.

Facebook has apologised for its role in the deadly anti-Muslim riots that took place in Sri Lanka two years ago Evidence in an investigation had found that hate speech and rumours spread on the social media platform may have led to violence against Muslims, according to Article One, the human rights consultancy hired to conduct the investigation.

Facebook has apologised for its role in the deadly anti-Muslim riots that took place in Sri Lanka two years ago Evidence in an investigation had found that hate speech and rumours spread on the social media platform may have led to violence against Muslims, according to Article One, the human rights consultancy hired to conduct the investigation. The tech giant commissioned a probe into the part it may have played, and investigators said incendiary content on Facebook may have led to violence against Muslims. "We deplore the misuse of our platform," Facebook said in a statement after the findings were released Tuesday. "We recognize, and apologize for, the very real human rights impacts that resulted." The riots in early 2018 had erupted as anti-communal anger was whipped up on social media, forcing the Sri Lankan government to impose a state of emergency and block access to Facebook. At least three people were killed and 20 injured in the unrest, during which mosques and Muslim businesses were burned, mainly in the central part of the Sinhalese Buddhist-majority nation.

Facebook apologises for its role in unrest in Sri Lanka

Facebook reportedly agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who were required to view contents of the social media giant which caused them mental trauma, news agency AFP reported quoting plaintiff lawyers.

Facebook reportedly agreed to a $52 million court settlement to compensate content moderators who were required to view contents of the social media giant which caused them mental trauma, news agency AFP reported quoting plaintiff lawyers. The content reviewers were asked to review often graphic and violent images as part of their jobs at the firm, According to the agreement submitted to a California state court will include payments to more than 10,000 current and former content moderators who worked for firms contracted by Facebook, the report added. The class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 claimed that the content reviewers were subject to psychological trauma from repeated exposure to graphic content such as child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruelty, rape and murder. All of the plaintiffs in the class action will get at least $1,000 and those diagnosed with specific mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder will get additional compensation up to $50,000. Facebook also agreed to take measures to provide content moderators employed by its contractors in the United States with mental health support and counselling. "We are so pleased that Facebook worked with us to create an unprecedented program to help people performing work that was unimaginable even a few years ago," plaintiff attorney Steve Williams of the Joseph Saveri Law Firm said in a statement. "The harm that can be suffered from this work is real and severe. This settlement will provide meaningful relief, and I am so proud to have been part of it." (With inputs from AFP)

Facebook agrees to pay $52 million settlement for trauma to content reviewers

Facebook on Wednesday announced the first members of its independent "supreme court" empowered to make decisions on what kind of content should be allowed and not allowed on the social media and Instagram, reported news agency AFP.

The oversight board is to make final decisions regarding the kinds of posts that would land social media in trouble&nbsp;about censorship, misinformation or free speech, AFP report said.

Facebook public policy director Brent Harris described the creation of the board as the "beginning of a fundamental change in the way some of the most difficult content decisions on Facebook will be made."

The 20 members of the panel announced Wednesday come from various countries and include jurists, human rights activists, journalists, a Nobel peace laureate and a former Danish prime minister, the report added.

"This is a group that has a diverse set of insights, backgrounds, and beliefs but share a deep commitment to advancing human rights and freedom of expression," board director Thomas Hughes said during a phone briefing.

The board is to be expanded to 40 members. It remained unclear when the board would start hearing cases due to restrictions on gathering or traveling caused by the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Board members have met virtually and training has started, according to Hughes.

The board was first proposed by Facebook co-founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg in 2018.

Facebook on Wednesday announced the first members of its independent "supreme court" empowered to make decisions on what kind of content should be allowed and not allowed on the social media and Instagram, reported news agency AFP.

Facebook on Wednesday announced the first members of its independent "supreme court" empowered to make decisions on what kind of content should be allowed and not allowed on the social media and Instagram, reported news agency AFP. The oversight board is to make final decisions regarding the kinds of posts that would land social media in trouble about censorship, misinformation or free speech, AFP report said. Facebook public policy director Brent Harris described the creation of the board as the "beginning of a fundamental change in the way some of the most difficult content decisions on Facebook will be made." The 20 members of the panel announced Wednesday come from various countries and include jurists, human rights activists, journalists, a Nobel peace laureate and a former Danish prime minister, the report added. "This is a group that has a diverse set of insights, backgrounds, and beliefs but share a deep commitment to advancing human rights and freedom of expression," board director Thomas Hughes said during a phone briefing. The board is to be expanded to 40 members. It remained unclear when the board would start hearing cases due to restrictions on gathering or traveling caused by the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Board members have met virtually and training has started, according to Hughes. The board was first proposed by Facebook co-founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg in 2018.

Facebook announces members of its 'supreme court' for content

Facebook Inc has announced a $5.7 billion investment in India's Reliance Industries Ltd's telecom unit. The social media giant's&nbsp;investment will translate to a 9.99 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis, Jio said in a statement.

Facebook on Wednesday said it would focus on collaborating its messaging platform WhatsApp with Reliance's e-commerce venture JioMart. The intention is to enable people to connect with businesses, shops and purchase products, it said in a statement.

The deal comes at a time when Facebook-owned WhatsApp has secured approval to roll out its digital payment service in India, according to media reports, to compete with the likes of Google Pay and Paytm.

"This investment by Facebook values Jio Platforms at Rs 4.62 lakh crore&nbsp;pre-money enterprise value, agreed at a conversion rate of Rs 70 to a US Dollar. Facebook's investment will translate into a 9.99 per cent&nbsp;equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis," RIL said.

Facebook, in a statement posted on its website, said the investment "underscores our commitment to India, and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country."

RIL chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said "the synergy between Jio and Facebook will help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Digital India' Mission with its two ambitious goals - 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' - for every single category of Indian people without exception."

RIL hopes to leverage the power of complementary platforms across Jio and Facebook "especially" to modernise India`s small businesses.

"Our focus will be India's 60 million micro, small and medium businesses, 120 million farmers, 30 million small merchants and millions of small and medium enterprises in the informal sector," RIL said.

The deal will allow Facebook to wade deeper into the Indian market where its WhatsApp messaging platform alone has 400 million users. India is home to some of Facebook's most thriving communities on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.

Last month, it was reported that social media giant was in talks for a 10 per cent stake in Jio but the talks were halted due to global travel bans amid the coronavirus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hug-it-out-facebook-brings-new-emojis-in-the-wake-of-coronavirus-pandemic-293280">Also read |&nbsp;'Hug it out': Facebook brings new emojis in the wake of coronavirus pandemic</a>

Facebook Inc has announced a $5.7 billion investment in India's Reliance Industries Ltd's telecom unit. The social media giant's investment will translate to a 9.

Facebook Inc has announced a $5.7 billion investment in India's Reliance Industries Ltd's telecom unit. The social media giant's investment will translate to a 9.99 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis, Jio said in a statement. Facebook on Wednesday said it would focus on collaborating its messaging platform WhatsApp with Reliance's e-commerce venture JioMart. The intention is to enable people to connect with businesses, shops and purchase products, it said in a statement. The deal comes at a time when Facebook-owned WhatsApp has secured approval to roll out its digital payment service in India, according to media reports, to compete with the likes of Google Pay and Paytm. "This investment by Facebook values Jio Platforms at Rs 4.62 lakh crore pre-money enterprise value, agreed at a conversion rate of Rs 70 to a US Dollar. Facebook's investment will translate into a 9.99 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis," RIL said. Facebook, in a statement posted on its website, said the investment "underscores our commitment to India, and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country." RIL chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said "the synergy between Jio and Facebook will help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Digital India' Mission with its two ambitious goals - 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' - for every single category of Indian people without exception." RIL hopes to leverage the power of complementary platforms across Jio and Facebook "especially" to modernise India`s small businesses. "Our focus will be India's 60 million micro, small and medium businesses, 120 million farmers, 30 million small merchants and millions of small and medium enterprises in the informal sector," RIL said. The deal will allow Facebook to wade deeper into the Indian market where its WhatsApp messaging platform alone has 400 million users. India is home to some of Facebook's most thriving communities on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Last month, it was reported that social media giant was in talks for a 10 per cent stake in Jio but the talks were halted due to global travel bans amid the coronavirus outbreak. Also read | 'Hug it out': Facebook brings new emojis in the wake of coronavirus pandemic

Facebook buys 9.99% equity stake in India's Reliance Jio

Perfectly-glazed buns melt-in-your-mouth cakes. The oozing chocolate and an Instagram-able dinner table. Is this the story of your lockdown? Or does it look more like this?

Perfectly-glazed buns melt-in-your-mouth cakes. The oozing chocolate and an Instagram-able dinner table. Is this the story of your lockdown? Or does it look more like this? Sponge cakes too hard for human-teeth? Eggs that look more like a pufferfish? And royal plating disasters! If the lockdown is all about finding your inner chef-- then why fake it till you make it? Those jaw-dropping lemon cakes and the gorgeous cookies don't happen overnight. While the picture-perfect food makes it to Instagram. The numerous trials and errors end up in the dustbin or worse, in the stomachs of blackmailed family members. But not anymore! Thousands in Vietnam are ready to reverse this trend. They are coming out with the grain of truth and posting their culinary disasters online! From alien-looking cakes to charred food. It's all out there for the world to see. It all started in the second week of April. A 37-year-old, Dinh Duc Thanh is a Vietnamese videographer created a Facebook page for culinary catastrophes. Dinh Duc Thanh, administrator of the Facebook group 'Hating kitchen, not addicting to houses'. "I think when there are groups on attractive, delicious dishes and a nice house, we should also have someplace where people can share their failure, so that people may feel more comfortable, being able to share themselves." Within days, thousands were sharing their stories. One netizen laughed at his disastrous ripe cakes. Another woman complained about how her husband thought her banana cream was cat vomit! One mother shared a video of her daughter refusing to eat her sad-looking cake! Another shared photos of burnt potatoes and charred pans. The ash is finally out of the bag. Apart from the smoked flavour, this has given rise to good laughter online and no one is complaining! As everyone knows, cooking and baking isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Discovering real inner chef: Vietnamese post culinary disasters online

Twitter's co-founder and chief executive officer&nbsp;Jack Dorsey&nbsp;has announced that he is donating $1 billion of his personal fortune to coronavirus relief fund.

According to&nbsp;Dorsey, the donation represented approximately 28 per cent&nbsp;of his&nbsp;fortune of approximately $3.9 billion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-2000-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-in-the-last-24-hours-report-291241" hreflang="en">Nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths in US in the last 24 hours: Report</a>

The 43-year-old&nbsp;took to Twitter to make the announcement and said that he was donating square shares equivalent to the sum to a charitable fund, called Start Small, to ''fund global Covid-19 relief''.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m moving $1B of my Square equity (~28% of my wealth) to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/startsmall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#startsmall</a> LLC to fund global COVID-19 relief. After we disarm this pandemic, the focus will shift to girl’s health and education, and UBI. It will operate transparently, all flows tracked here: <a href="https://t.co/hVkUczDQmz">https://t.co/hVkUczDQmz</a>
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1247616214769086465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It is by far the biggest single donation to the global fight to tackle the coronavirus outbreak and comes with the pandemic spanning the globe and inflicting a heavy toll in lives and economic devastation on the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-accuses-who-of-bias-toward-china-threatened-to-put-hold-on-us-funding-291237" hreflang="en">Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding</a>

Dorsey said that after the pandemic ends, the fund would focus on health and education for girls and "universal basic income" efforts.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has committed $30 million, the bulk of which is focused on efforts to create a treatment.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos has donated $100 million&nbsp;to food banks in the US to help those struggling with hunger during this period.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fN773HvBu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Even in ordinary times, food insecurity in American households is an important problem, and unfortunately COVID-19 is amplifying that stress significantly. Non-profit food banks and food pantries rely in large part on surplus food from a range of food businesses. For example, many restaurants donate excess food. But during this time of social distancing, restaurants are closed, and many other normal channels of excess food have also shut down. To make matters worse, as supply is dwindling, demand for food bank services is going up.⁣ ⁣ Today, I want to support those on the front lines at our nation’s food banks and those who are relying on them for food with a $100 million gift to @FeedingAmerica. Feeding America will quickly distribute the funds to their national network of food banks and food pantries, getting food to those countless families who need it.⁣ ⁣ Feeding America is the largest non-profit focused on food security. Millions of Americans are turning to food banks during this time. If you want to help, the link to Feeding America is in my bio. They’d be excited and grateful for donations of any size.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffbezos/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Jeff Bezos</a> (@jeffbezos) on <time datetime="2020-04-02T18:00:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 2, 2020 at 11:00am PDT</time>
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Apple's chief executive Tim Cook announced in March the company would donate medical supplies to Italy which has been hit hard by the virus.

Twitter's co-founder and chief executive officer Jack Dorsey has announced that he is donating $1 billion of his personal fortune to coronavirus relief fund. According to Dorsey, the donation represented approximately 28 per cent of his fortune of approximately $3.

Twitter's co-founder and chief executive officer Jack Dorsey has announced that he is donating $1 billion of his personal fortune to coronavirus relief fund. According to Dorsey, the donation represented approximately 28 per cent of his fortune of approximately $3.9 billion. Also read: Nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths in US in the last 24 hours: Report The 43-year-old took to Twitter to make the announcement and said that he was donating square shares equivalent to the sum to a charitable fund, called Start Small, to ''fund global Covid-19 relief''. I’m moving $1B of my Square equity (~28% of my wealth) to #startsmall LLC to fund global COVID-19 relief. After we disarm this pandemic, the focus will shift to girl’s health and education, and UBI. It will operate transparently, all flows tracked here: https://t.co/hVkUczDQmz — jack (@jack) April 7, 2020 × It is by far the biggest single donation to the global fight to tackle the coronavirus outbreak and comes with the pandemic spanning the globe and inflicting a heavy toll in lives and economic devastation on the United States. Also read: Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding Dorsey said that after the pandemic ends, the fund would focus on health and education for girls and "universal basic income" efforts. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has committed $30 million, the bulk of which is focused on efforts to create a treatment. Amazon's Jeff Bezos has donated $100 million to food banks in the US to help those struggling with hunger during this period. View this post on Instagram Even in ordinary times, food insecurity in American households is an important problem, and unfortunately COVID-19 is amplifying that stress significantly. Non-profit food banks and food pantries rely in large part on surplus food from a range of food businesses. For example, many restaurants donate excess food. But during this time of social distancing, restaurants are closed, and many other normal channels of excess food have also shut down. To make matters worse, as supply is dwindling, demand for food bank services is going up.⁣ ⁣ Today, I want to support those on the front lines at our nation’s food banks and those who are relying on them for food with a $100 million gift to @FeedingAmerica. Feeding America will quickly distribute the funds to their national network of food banks and food pantries, getting food to those countless families who need it.⁣ ⁣ Feeding America is the largest non-profit focused on food security. Millions of Americans are turning to food banks during this time. If you want to help, the link to Feeding America is in my bio. They’d be excited and grateful for donations of any size. A post shared by Jeff Bezos (@jeffbezos) on Apr 2, 2020 at 11:00am PDT × Apple's chief executive Tim Cook announced in March the company would donate medical supplies to Italy which has been hit hard by the virus.

Twitter chief Dorsey vows quarter of his fortune for coronavirus relief fund

Facebook usage has soared across its platforms in countries that announced a lockdown due to novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

Italy, where most stringent restriction measures are in place,&nbsp;has seen the biggest rise, with group video calls rocketing by more than 1000% in the last month, a BBC report said.&nbsp;

The social media giant said total messaging traffic on all its platforms had increased 50% on average across the hardest-hit countries.

Facebook owns Instagram along with popular messaging app WhatsApp. But the company said the higher usage won't protect it from expected falls in digital advertising across the world.

"We don't monetize many of the services where we're seeing increased engagement," Facebook wrote in a post on Tuesday.

Italy has a death toll now above 6,000 people from the virus. 
Along with the huge rise in group video calls, the country has seen a 70% rise in time spent on Facebook-owned apps.

Facebook outlined steps it is taking to increase capacity during the heightened traffic as people are stuck indoors and working from home.

"We're monitoring usage patterns carefully, making our systems more efficient, and adding capacity as required," the post from Alex Schultz, vice president of analytics, and Jay Parikh, vice president of engineering wrote.

Facebook usage has soared across its platforms in countries that announced a lockdown due to novel coronavirus. Italy, where most stringent restriction measures are in place, has seen the biggest rise, with group video calls rocketing by more than 1000% in the last month, a BBC report said.

Facebook usage has soared across its platforms in countries that announced a lockdown due to novel coronavirus. Italy, where most stringent restriction measures are in place, has seen the biggest rise, with group video calls rocketing by more than 1000% in the last month, a BBC report said. The social media giant said total messaging traffic on all its platforms had increased 50% on average across the hardest-hit countries. Facebook owns Instagram along with popular messaging app WhatsApp. But the company said the higher usage won't protect it from expected falls in digital advertising across the world. "We don't monetize many of the services where we're seeing increased engagement," Facebook wrote in a post on Tuesday. Italy has a death toll now above 6,000 people from the virus. Along with the huge rise in group video calls, the country has seen a 70% rise in time spent on Facebook-owned apps. Facebook outlined steps it is taking to increase capacity during the heightened traffic as people are stuck indoors and working from home. "We're monitoring usage patterns carefully, making our systems more efficient, and adding capacity as required," the post from Alex Schultz, vice president of analytics, and Jay Parikh, vice president of engineering wrote.

Facebook usage surges across its platforms in lockdown countries

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Sunday that the social media company has donated its emergency reserve of 720,000 masks to provide health workers with more protective gear.\

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-how-whatsapp-has-become-problematic-for-facebook-287505">Coronavirus pandemic: How WhatsApp has become problematic for Facebook</a>

"To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued," Zuckerberg said in a post, adding that the company is also working on "sourcing a lot more to donate."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-offers-100-million-to-virus-hit-small-businesses-in-30-countries-287069">Facebook offers $100 million to virus-hit small businesses in 30 countries</a>

The United States has seen a surge in demand for respirator masks caused by the coronavirus outbreak as the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services, over the next 18 months, aims to buy 500 million masks for the Strategic National Stockpile, the nation's supply of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. 
&nbsp;

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Sunday that the social media company has donated its emergency reserve of 720,000 masks to provide health workers with more protective gear.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Sunday that the social media company has donated its emergency reserve of 720,000 masks to provide health workers with more protective gear.\ Also read | Coronavirus pandemic: How WhatsApp has become problematic for Facebook "To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued," Zuckerberg said in a post, adding that the company is also working on "sourcing a lot more to donate." Also read | Facebook offers $100 million to virus-hit small businesses in 30 countries The United States has seen a surge in demand for respirator masks caused by the coronavirus outbreak as the US Department of Health and Human Services, over the next 18 months, aims to buy 500 million masks for the Strategic National Stockpile, the nation's supply of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers

Messaging application WhatsApp is coming under renewed scrutiny over how it handles misinformation as the coronavirus pandemic rampages across the globe.

The application, owned by Facebook has become a platform to circulate speculations, rumours and inaccurate information to billions of people worldwide.

These misleading claims that have been debunked by several medical experts.&nbsp;

It is being accused of undermining the efforts made by governments and medical officials who are scrambling to provide the public with accurate and timely information about the novel coronavirus.

The problem is now so acute that world leaders are urging people to stop sharing unverified information using the app.

"I am urging everyone to please stop sharing unverified info on WhatsApp groups," Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Monday on Twitter.&nbsp;

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I am urging everyone to please stop sharing unverified info on What's app groups. These messages are scaring and confusing people and causing real damage. Please get your info from official, trusted sources. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/HSELive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HSELive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hpscireland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hpscireland</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/merrionstreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@merrionstreet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dfatravelwise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dfatravelwise</a>
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoVaradkar/status/1239505182221905924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Please only use info from trusted sources &amp; don’t share unverified messages. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IrelandVsCOVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IrelandVsCOVID</a> <a href="https://t.co/XoP7swA7AB">pic.twitter.com/XoP7swA7AB</a>
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoVaradkar/status/1240265799757152257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WhatsApp messages are encrypted in a way that allows them to be seen only by the sender and recipient due to which public health officials and watchdog groups are struggling to track the spread of coronavirus misinformation.&nbsp;

WhatsApp itself does not monitor the flow of messages on the platform.

According to Věra Jourová, European Commission Vice President who oversees the bloc's efforts to fight disinformation, "it is clear&nbsp;that a lot of false information continues to appear in the public sphere. In particular, we need to understand better the risks related to communication on end-to-end encryption services."&nbsp;

But WhatsApp says it is donating to fact-checking groups and users can forward messages to special accounts that can verify the information.

Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, took to&nbsp;Twitter to address the issue.

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We have also made a $1m donation to <a href="https://twitter.com/ifcn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IFCN</a> to expand the presence of local fact checkers on <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatsApp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhatsApp</a>. There are over a dozen so far, and we want more to be able to do their important work so rumors are identified and countered.
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) <a href="https://twitter.com/wcathcart/status/1240287291605536768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WhatsApp is promoting the fact-checking organizations and health ministries on Facebook, with free and special clickable ads that pull up a new WhatsApp chat with the corresponding organization.

Coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation and has claimed more than 10,000 lives across the globe.

Messaging application WhatsApp is coming under renewed scrutiny over how it handles misinformation as the coronavirus pandemic rampages across the globe. The application, owned by Facebook has become a platform to circulate speculations, rumours and inaccurate information to billions of people worldwide.

Messaging application WhatsApp is coming under renewed scrutiny over how it handles misinformation as the coronavirus pandemic rampages across the globe. The application, owned by Facebook has become a platform to circulate speculations, rumours and inaccurate information to billions of people worldwide. These misleading claims that have been debunked by several medical experts. It is being accused of undermining the efforts made by governments and medical officials who are scrambling to provide the public with accurate and timely information about the novel coronavirus. The problem is now so acute that world leaders are urging people to stop sharing unverified information using the app. "I am urging everyone to please stop sharing unverified info on WhatsApp groups," Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Monday on Twitter. I am urging everyone to please stop sharing unverified info on What's app groups. These messages are scaring and confusing people and causing real damage. Please get your info from official, trusted sources. Follow @HSELive @hpscireland @WHO @merrionstreet @dfatravelwise — Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 16, 2020 × Please only use info from trusted sources & don’t share unverified messages. #COVID2019 #IrelandVsCOVID pic.twitter.com/XoP7swA7AB — Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 18, 2020 × WhatsApp messages are encrypted in a way that allows them to be seen only by the sender and recipient due to which public health officials and watchdog groups are struggling to track the spread of coronavirus misinformation. WhatsApp itself does not monitor the flow of messages on the platform. According to Věra Jourová, European Commission Vice President who oversees the bloc's efforts to fight disinformation, "it is clear that a lot of false information continues to appear in the public sphere. In particular, we need to understand better the risks related to communication on end-to-end encryption services." But WhatsApp says it is donating to fact-checking groups and users can forward messages to special accounts that can verify the information. Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, took to Twitter to address the issue. We have also made a $1m donation to @IFCN to expand the presence of local fact checkers on @WhatsApp. There are over a dozen so far, and we want more to be able to do their important work so rumors are identified and countered. — Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) March 18, 2020 × WhatsApp is promoting the fact-checking organizations and health ministries on Facebook, with free and special clickable ads that pull up a new WhatsApp chat with the corresponding organization. Coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation and has claimed more than 10,000 lives across the globe.

Coronavirus pandemic: How WhatsApp has become problematic for Facebook

Facebook said Tuesday it was offering $100 million to help small businesses in 30 countries cope with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The social networking giant said it will be giving cash grants and ad credits to as many as 30,000 enterprises.

"We've listened to small businesses to understand how we can best help them," chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said.

"We've heard loud and clear that financial support could enable them to keep the lights on and pay people who can't come to work."

Facebook said Tuesday it was offering $100 million to help small businesses in 30 countries cope with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The social networking giant said it will be giving cash grants and ad credits to as many as 30,000 enterprises.

Facebook said Tuesday it was offering $100 million to help small businesses in 30 countries cope with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The social networking giant said it will be giving cash grants and ad credits to as many as 30,000 enterprises. "We've listened to small businesses to understand how we can best help them," chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said. "We've heard loud and clear that financial support could enable them to keep the lights on and pay people who can't come to work."

Facebook offers $100 million to virus-hit small businesses in 30 countries

Tech events cancelled across the world over coronavirus concerns

A Ukrainian whistleblower has exposed a global scam in which a group of more than 200 ''fake traders'' have been luring investors all over the world to part with their savings with fake ads featuring celebrities.

These celebrities include Hugh Jackman, Gordon Ramsay and the money-saving expert Martin Lewis.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-arrests-dozens-of-chinese-over-online-scam-264676">Indonesia arrests dozens of Chinese over online scam</a>

Suspected fraudsters persuaded victims with bogus advertisements on Facebook and mobile phone games.

The whistleblower identified a Ukrainian company called Milton Group as the firm behind the alleged scheme.

After responding to the ads, the whistleblower alleges that unsuspecting victims were contacted by call-centre workers operating in a building in the heart of Kyiv’s business district, promising lucrative investment opportunities.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-twitter-not-fully-complying-with-consumer-rules-european-commission-32993">Facebook, Twitter not fully complying with consumer rules: European Commission</a>

But the investments in bitcoin, commodities and foreign currencies all appear to be fake, as do the follow-up calls from companies telling victims that they could help them recover the losses.

Investors in the UK and Australia are among thousands of people caught up in the apparent scam, which is allegedly being run from two floors of a respectable office building in the Ukrainian capital.

According to the whistleblower, the fraudulent investment operation made $70 million last year.&nbsp;

The aim of the ''fake traders was to “squeeze the money” from clients until they were down to “the last cent”.

A Ukrainian whistleblower has exposed a global scam in which a group of more than 200 ''fake traders'' have been luring investors all over the world to part with their savings with fake ads featuring celebrities.

A Ukrainian whistleblower has exposed a global scam in which a group of more than 200 ''fake traders'' have been luring investors all over the world to part with their savings with fake ads featuring celebrities. These celebrities include Hugh Jackman, Gordon Ramsay and the money-saving expert Martin Lewis. Also read: Indonesia arrests dozens of Chinese over online scam Suspected fraudsters persuaded victims with bogus advertisements on Facebook and mobile phone games. The whistleblower identified a Ukrainian company called Milton Group as the firm behind the alleged scheme. After responding to the ads, the whistleblower alleges that unsuspecting victims were contacted by call-centre workers operating in a building in the heart of Kyiv’s business district, promising lucrative investment opportunities. Also read: Facebook, Twitter not fully complying with consumer rules: European Commission But the investments in bitcoin, commodities and foreign currencies all appear to be fake, as do the follow-up calls from companies telling victims that they could help them recover the losses. Investors in the UK and Australia are among thousands of people caught up in the apparent scam, which is allegedly being run from two floors of a respectable office building in the Ukrainian capital. According to the whistleblower, the fraudulent investment operation made $70 million last year. The aim of the ''fake traders was to “squeeze the money” from clients until they were down to “the last cent”.

Whistleblower exposes fake 'traders' allegedly preying on victims in global investment scam

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