Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network.

A Facebook News section that debuted late last year in the US will be expanded in the next six months or so to more countries, with top contenders said to be Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and India.

"In each country, we'll pay news publishers to ensure their content is available in the new product," Facebook global news partnerships vice president Campbell Brown said in a blog post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-block-new-facebook-group-critical-of-thai-monarchy-gains-500000-members-323118">Also read:&nbsp;After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members</a>

"We will keep building new products and making global investments to help the news industry build long-lasting business models."

Facebook News is off to a "strong start" in the US, driving a significant amount of online traffic to publishers, according to Brown.

"Based on this progress, we are accelerating our plans to expand internationally," Brown said.

News agencies have struggled to make money as ad revenue and people's attention have shifted online, where stories are available free of charge in a dynamic criticized by publishers.

"Innovation is critical to building a sustainable news ecosystem," Brown said.

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network.

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network. A Facebook News section that debuted late last year in the US will be expanded in the next six months or so to more countries, with top contenders said to be Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and India. "In each country, we'll pay news publishers to ensure their content is available in the new product," Facebook global news partnerships vice president Campbell Brown said in a blog post. Also read: After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members "We will keep building new products and making global investments to help the news industry build long-lasting business models." Facebook News is off to a "strong start" in the US, driving a significant amount of online traffic to publishers, according to Brown. "Based on this progress, we are accelerating our plans to expand internationally," Brown said. News agencies have struggled to make money as ad revenue and people's attention have shifted online, where stories are available free of charge in a dynamic criticized by publishers. "Innovation is critical to building a sustainable news ecosystem," Brown said.

Facebook News feature to expand in India, Brazil, UK and other countries

More than half a million users joined a new&nbsp;Facebook group created by a critic of the powerful Thai king after the social media company blocked its predecessor under pressure from the government.

The "Royalist Marketplace" group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;under the country's Computer Crime Act.

Facebook&nbsp;said it was compelled to comply but would mount a legal challenge to the Thai government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-planning-to-challenge-thai-governments-demand-to-block-group-critical-of-monarchy-322913">Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy</a>

The tension came amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former military junta chief and unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand.

Hours before the restriction, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, set up a new group with a similar name that has gained over half a million members in one day.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/down-with-the-dictatorship-thailand-witness-biggest-anti-government-protest-in-years-321005">'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years</a>

"If you want to close it down again, then I'll set up another group. To promote freedom of expression, I would do it," Pavin said.

Pavin, who lives in Japan, created the original group in April, encouraging once-rare free discussion of the monarchy and royal family members, considered taboo subjects in Thailand.

Thailand's lese majeste laws forbid defaming the king with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and often form the basis for requests to block or remove content on social media.

Thailand's digital minister said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;was at risk of violating a different law, the Computer Crime Act, in not acting on court orders attached to government requests to block content.

Facebook&nbsp;said it would challenge the government in court over the legality of the orders related to the group and would seek to have them revoked.

"Requests like this are severe, contravene international human rights law, and have a chilling effect on people's ability to express themselves," a company spokesperson said.

"We work to protect and defend the rights of all internet users and are preparing to legally challenge this request."

It said such "excessive government actions" undermined its business in Thailand.

More than half a million users joined a new Facebook group created by a critic of the powerful Thai king after the social media company blocked its predecessor under pressure from the government.

More than half a million users joined a new Facebook group created by a critic of the powerful Thai king after the social media company blocked its predecessor under pressure from the government. The "Royalist Marketplace" group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against Facebook under the country's Computer Crime Act. Facebook said it was compelled to comply but would mount a legal challenge to the Thai government. Also read: Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy The tension came amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former military junta chief and unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand. Hours before the restriction, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, set up a new group with a similar name that has gained over half a million members in one day. Also see: 'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years "If you want to close it down again, then I'll set up another group. To promote freedom of expression, I would do it," Pavin said. Pavin, who lives in Japan, created the original group in April, encouraging once-rare free discussion of the monarchy and royal family members, considered taboo subjects in Thailand. Thailand's lese majeste laws forbid defaming the king with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and often form the basis for requests to block or remove content on social media. Thailand's digital minister said Facebook was at risk of violating a different law, the Computer Crime Act, in not acting on court orders attached to government requests to block content. Facebook said it would challenge the government in court over the legality of the orders related to the group and would seek to have them revoked. "Requests like this are severe, contravene international human rights law, and have a chilling effect on people's ability to express themselves," a company spokesperson said. "We work to protect and defend the rights of all internet users and are preparing to legally challenge this request." It said such "excessive government actions" undermined its business in Thailand.

After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said.

Britain introduced the digital services tax in April after slow progress in global negotiations over how to tax tech giants, many of which are US&nbsp;companies.

The tax is expected to raise about 500 million pounds ($654 million) a year for Britain's public finances.

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That represents only a fraction of the 200 billion pounds in extra debt the country has racked up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tax is also a potential impediment to a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal between Britain and the United States. 
France and other countries have adopted or are considering similar taxes.

No one was immediately available for comment at Britain's finance ministry.

The Mail on Sunday quoted a finance ministry representative as saying: "We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place, and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal."

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said. Britain introduced the digital services tax in April after slow progress in global negotiations over how to tax tech giants, many of which are US companies. The tax is expected to raise about 500 million pounds ($654 million) a year for Britain's public finances. × That represents only a fraction of the 200 billion pounds in extra debt the country has racked up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax is also a potential impediment to a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal between Britain and the United States. France and other countries have adopted or are considering similar taxes. No one was immediately available for comment at Britain's finance ministry. The Mail on Sunday quoted a finance ministry representative as saying: "We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place, and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal."

UK plans to drop 'Facebook tax': local media

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party.

Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday.

“The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified.

“How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment.

Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”.

Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since.

The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes.

Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users.&nbsp;

“How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement.

“We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices. Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party. Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday. “The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified. “How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.” Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment. Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”. Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since. The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices. Also read: Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes. Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users. “How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement. “We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source

Google has urged YouTubers around the world to complain to Australian authorities as it ratchets up its campaign against a plan to force digital giants to pay for news content.

Alongside pop-ups warning "the way Aussies use Google is at risk", which began appearing for Australian Google users on Monday, the tech titan also urged YouTube creators worldwide to complain to the nation's consumer watchdog.

"The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia," the company tweeted from its YouTube Creators account on Monday, also encouraging those outside of Australia to email their concerns to the body behind the plan.

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The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia. A proposed new law, The News Media Bargaining Code, could have a significant, negative impact on creators in Australia. Your voice matters.→ <a href="https://t.co/gR5Hf81DIH">https://t.co/gR5Hf81DIH</a> <a href="https://t.co/oPnC6fi3If">pic.twitter.com/oPnC6fi3If</a>
— YouTube Creators (@ytcreators) <a href="https://twitter.com/ytcreators/status/1295148502285258753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The landmark measures would include fines worth millions of dollars for non-compliance and would force transparency around the closely guarded algorithms which tech firms use to rank content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-warns-australia-could-lose-free-search-services-321099">Also read:&nbsp;Google warns Australia could lose free search services</a>

YouTube's boss in the region Gautam Anand, following a similar letter from the managing director of Google in Australia, wrote a message to the platform's creators and artists.

"My primary focus is supporting you and your work to build a thriving creator ecosystem," Anand said.

The proposal would create an "uneven playing field" and allow big news businesses to demand larger shares of money from the platform — taking funds away from smaller creators, he warned.

"The imbalances created by this proposed law could potentially affect all types of Australian creators, far beyond those who focus on news: from vloggers, to educational creators, to music artists and beyond."

The legislation will initially focus on Facebook and Google — two of the world's richest and most powerful companies -- but could eventually apply to any digital platform.

Virus crisis 
Australia's proposals are being closely watched around the world, as regulators increasingly train their focus on the rapidly changing sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-government-threatens-legal-action-against-facebook-over-posts-criticising-monarchy-320249">Also read:&nbsp;Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy</a>

News media worldwide have suffered in the digital economy, where big tech firms overwhelmingly capture advertising revenue.

The crisis has been exacerbated by the coronavirus-triggered economic collapse, with dozens of Australian newspapers closed and hundreds of journalists sacked in recent months.

Unlike other countries' so-far unsuccessful efforts to force the platforms to pay for news, the Australian initiative relies on competition law rather than copyright regulations.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is drafting the government's code of conduct, hit back at Google's open letter saying it "contains misinformation".

The consumer watchdog said the digital giant would "not be required" to share additional user data with the news media or charge Australians to use its free services "unless it chooses to do so".

"The draft code will allow Australian news businesses to negotiate for fair payment for their journalists' work that is included on Google services," it said in a statement.

It has strong support from local media outlets and is expected to be introduced this year.

Google has urged YouTubers around the world to complain to Australian authorities as it ratchets up its campaign against a plan to force digital giants to pay for news content.

Google has urged YouTubers around the world to complain to Australian authorities as it ratchets up its campaign against a plan to force digital giants to pay for news content. Alongside pop-ups warning "the way Aussies use Google is at risk", which began appearing for Australian Google users on Monday, the tech titan also urged YouTube creators worldwide to complain to the nation's consumer watchdog. "The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia," the company tweeted from its YouTube Creators account on Monday, also encouraging those outside of Australia to email their concerns to the body behind the plan. The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia. A proposed new law, The News Media Bargaining Code, could have a significant, negative impact on creators in Australia. Your voice matters.→ https://t.co/gR5Hf81DIH pic.twitter.com/oPnC6fi3If — YouTube Creators (@ytcreators) August 17, 2020 × The landmark measures would include fines worth millions of dollars for non-compliance and would force transparency around the closely guarded algorithms which tech firms use to rank content. Also read: Google warns Australia could lose free search services YouTube's boss in the region Gautam Anand, following a similar letter from the managing director of Google in Australia, wrote a message to the platform's creators and artists. "My primary focus is supporting you and your work to build a thriving creator ecosystem," Anand said. The proposal would create an "uneven playing field" and allow big news businesses to demand larger shares of money from the platform — taking funds away from smaller creators, he warned. "The imbalances created by this proposed law could potentially affect all types of Australian creators, far beyond those who focus on news: from vloggers, to educational creators, to music artists and beyond." The legislation will initially focus on Facebook and Google — two of the world's richest and most powerful companies -- but could eventually apply to any digital platform. Virus crisis Australia's proposals are being closely watched around the world, as regulators increasingly train their focus on the rapidly changing sector. Also read: Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy News media worldwide have suffered in the digital economy, where big tech firms overwhelmingly capture advertising revenue. The crisis has been exacerbated by the coronavirus-triggered economic collapse, with dozens of Australian newspapers closed and hundreds of journalists sacked in recent months. Unlike other countries' so-far unsuccessful efforts to force the platforms to pay for news, the Australian initiative relies on competition law rather than copyright regulations. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is drafting the government's code of conduct, hit back at Google's open letter saying it "contains misinformation". The consumer watchdog said the digital giant would "not be required" to share additional user data with the news media or charge Australians to use its free services "unless it chooses to do so". "The draft code will allow Australian news businesses to negotiate for fair payment for their journalists' work that is included on Google services," it said in a statement. It has strong support from local media outlets and is expected to be introduced this year.

Google rallies YouTubers against Australian news payment plan

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and&nbsp;Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the&nbsp;Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-twitter-step-up-fight-against-misinformation-on-us-elections-320188">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections</a>

Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint.

Das has been receiving threats after American daily&nbsp;Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-denied-our-request-to-waive-off-30-commission-fee-facebook-inc-320716">Also read|&nbsp;Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc</a>

The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day.&nbsp;

Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published.&nbsp;"We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said.

Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP &amp; RSS control Facebook &amp; Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India. Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14. Also read| Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint. Das has been receiving threats after American daily Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read| Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day. Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published. "We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said. Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP & RSS control Facebook & Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP

Thailand's government has threatened&nbsp;legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy.

Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act.

“All evidence will be gathered and submitted to court tomorrow.&nbsp;Once the court has issued an order, it will be forwarded to the three platforms. If within 15 days, the accounts are not closed or posts deleted, we’ll immediately take legal action.”

Meanwhile, the country's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday, calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thai-students-protest-against-you-know-who-in-harry-potter-style-318035">Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style</a>

The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016.

So far, two organisers of the anti-government movement have been arrested on charges of violating emergency coronavirus bans on large gatherings. Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, are now free on bail.

Protests have been held nearly every day since July 18, calling for the resignation of Prayuth, who first took power in a 2014 coup, and an end to military domination of politics.

Thailand's government has threatened legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy. Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act.

Thailand's government has threatened legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy. Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act. “All evidence will be gathered and submitted to court tomorrow. Once the court has issued an order, it will be forwarded to the three platforms. If within 15 days, the accounts are not closed or posts deleted, we’ll immediately take legal action.” Meanwhile, the country's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday, calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy. Also see: Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016. So far, two organisers of the anti-government movement have been arrested on charges of violating emergency coronavirus bans on large gatherings. Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, are now free on bail. Protests have been held nearly every day since July 18, calling for the resignation of Prayuth, who first took power in a 2014 coup, and an end to military domination of politics.

Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy

Social&nbsp;media platform Instagram, owned by tech giant Facebook, is&nbsp;facing a&nbsp;fresh lawsuit over illegal harvesting of biometrics.

The company is accused of collecting, storing and profiting from the biometric data of more than 100 million Instagram users, without their knowledge or consent in a&nbsp;new lawsuit, filed&nbsp;in state court in Redwood City, California.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/amazon-facebook-and-50-others-file-lawsuit-against-trumps-ban-of-h1b-visa-319640" hreflang="en">Amazon, Facebook and 50 others file lawsuit against Trump's ban of H1B visa</a>

According to the&nbsp;Illinois privacy law,&nbsp;unauthorised collection of biometric data is barred.&nbsp;Under the law, a company can be forced to pay $1,000 per violation, or $5,000 if it was found to have acted recklessly or intentionally.

Facebook started informing Instagram users at the beginning of this year that it was collecting the biometric data, according to the suit.

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment, made after regular business hours.

Last month, the social media company offered to pay $650 million&nbsp;to settle a lawsuit in which it was accused of illegally collecting biometric data through a photo-tagging tool provided to Facebook users.

Social media platform Instagram, owned by tech giant Facebook, is facing a fresh lawsuit over illegal harvesting of biometrics. The company is accused of collecting, storing and profiting from the biometric data of more than 100 million Instagram users, without their knowledge or consent in a new lawsuit, filed in state court in Redwood City, California.

Social media platform Instagram, owned by tech giant Facebook, is facing a fresh lawsuit over illegal harvesting of biometrics. The company is accused of collecting, storing and profiting from the biometric data of more than 100 million Instagram users, without their knowledge or consent in a new lawsuit, filed in state court in Redwood City, California. Also read: Amazon, Facebook and 50 others file lawsuit against Trump's ban of H1B visa According to the Illinois privacy law, unauthorised collection of biometric data is barred. Under the law, a company can be forced to pay $1,000 per violation, or $5,000 if it was found to have acted recklessly or intentionally. Facebook started informing Instagram users at the beginning of this year that it was collecting the biometric data, according to the suit. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment, made after regular business hours. Last month, the social media company offered to pay $650 million to settle a lawsuit in which it was accused of illegally collecting biometric data through a photo-tagging tool provided to Facebook users.

Instagram faces fresh lawsuit over illegal harvesting of biometrics

Tech giants such as Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc have taken a stand against ban on entry of foreign workers in the US, announced by Donald Trump.

The US President Donald Trump announced a Presidential proclamation announcing a temporary ban on the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States. Workers entering the country on H-1B visas and managers and specialised workers being transferred within a company on L visas — both visa types used by tech companies — will be the ones affected by it. Seasonal workers, who enter the country on H2B visas will also face the ban.

Trump defended his decision by saying that this will help preserve jobs for Americans after the economy has been badly hit by the pandemic.

However, this decision was not well received by tech-giants who feel this will restrict the functioning and growth of several Multi-National Companies (MNCs), based in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-against-hiring-h1b-visa-holders-for-federal-contracts-318023">Also read:&nbsp;Trump signs executive order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts</a>

Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc, on Monday,&nbsp;filed a legal brief backing a challenge against Trump on this issue. The lawsuit has been brought in California by few of the major US business associations.&nbsp;

In the brief, the companies argued that the visa restrictions will hurt American businesses, lead employers to hire workers outside the United States, and further damage the already struggling US economy.

The group of companies has alleged Trump of causing an irreparable damage to the US economy and workforce, on an assumption rather than facts.

“Global competitors in Canada, China, and India, among others, are pouncing at the opportunity to attract well-trained, innovative individuals,” the brief reads. “And American businesses are scrambling to adjust, hiring needed talent to work in locations outside our nation’s borders.”

Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Netflix (NFLX.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) were among 52 companies that signed the brief, which was filed in a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents 14,000 member companies, as well as in a similar lawsuit brought in Washington, D.C.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Tech giants such as Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc have taken a stand against ban on entry of foreign workers in the US, announced by Donald Trump. The US President Donald Trump announced a Presidential proclamation announcing a temporary ban on the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States.

Tech giants such as Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc have taken a stand against ban on entry of foreign workers in the US, announced by Donald Trump. The US President Donald Trump announced a Presidential proclamation announcing a temporary ban on the entry of certain foreign workers in the United States. Workers entering the country on H-1B visas and managers and specialised workers being transferred within a company on L visas — both visa types used by tech companies — will be the ones affected by it. Seasonal workers, who enter the country on H2B visas will also face the ban. Trump defended his decision by saying that this will help preserve jobs for Americans after the economy has been badly hit by the pandemic. However, this decision was not well received by tech-giants who feel this will restrict the functioning and growth of several Multi-National Companies (MNCs), based in the US. Also read: Trump signs executive order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts Amazon Inc and Facebook Inc, on Monday, filed a legal brief backing a challenge against Trump on this issue. The lawsuit has been brought in California by few of the major US business associations. In the brief, the companies argued that the visa restrictions will hurt American businesses, lead employers to hire workers outside the United States, and further damage the already struggling US economy. The group of companies has alleged Trump of causing an irreparable damage to the US economy and workforce, on an assumption rather than facts. “Global competitors in Canada, China, and India, among others, are pouncing at the opportunity to attract well-trained, innovative individuals,” the brief reads. “And American businesses are scrambling to adjust, hiring needed talent to work in locations outside our nation’s borders.” Apple (AAPL.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), Netflix (NFLX.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) were among 52 companies that signed the brief, which was filed in a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents 14,000 member companies, as well as in a similar lawsuit brought in Washington, D.C. (With inputs from Reuters)

Amazon, Facebook and 50 others file lawsuit against Trump's ban of H1B visa

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store.

The list contains&nbsp;Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app.

The decision was taken by Apple as the company claims that the three tech-giants did not submit the games individually for review. Apple claimed that their company does not allow apps to feature on their store without a review, and since the companies did not submit individual games for review, Apple decided to block the games that could enable access to these non-reviewed games.

The company issued a statement explaining the reason behind the decision of blocking these games. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely&nbsp;launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set&nbsp;of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search.&nbsp;In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach&nbsp;all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers&nbsp;on the App Store."

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reacted to the news by saying, “Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the stand-alone Facebook Gaming app.”

In a Twitter thread, Facebook Gaming announced the launch of&nbsp;standalone Facebook Gaming app. "But for FB game developers and players...we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we’ve had to remove instant games entirely from the standalone app," Facebook Gaming tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🍏🎮🧵 
 
1/ Well, we have some good news. We’re launching the standalone Facebook Gaming app today on iOS! Download today 👉 <a href="https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA">https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA</a> 
 
We know many creators and fans have been waiting a long time for it, so thanks for sitting tight.
— Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/FacebookGaming/status/1291708615015858176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Microsoft, too, issued a statement that read, "Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store. The list contains Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app.

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store. The list contains Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app. The decision was taken by Apple as the company claims that the three tech-giants did not submit the games individually for review. Apple claimed that their company does not allow apps to feature on their store without a review, and since the companies did not submit individual games for review, Apple decided to block the games that could enable access to these non-reviewed games. The company issued a statement explaining the reason behind the decision of blocking these games. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search. In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers on the App Store." Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reacted to the news by saying, “Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the stand-alone Facebook Gaming app.” In a Twitter thread, Facebook Gaming announced the launch of standalone Facebook Gaming app. "But for FB game developers and players...we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we’ve had to remove instant games entirely from the standalone app," Facebook Gaming tweeted. 🍏🎮🧵 1/ Well, we have some good news. We’re launching the standalone Facebook Gaming app today on iOS! Download today 👉 https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA We know many creators and fans have been waiting a long time for it, so thanks for sitting tight. — Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) August 7, 2020 × Microsoft, too, issued a statement that read, "Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."

Apple blocks games from Microsoft, Google, and Facebook; fight gets Twitter-official

A&nbsp;27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology.

An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;

The Facebook staffer reacted quickly and wittingly to these red flags and contacted&nbsp;Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy as the victim, whose name has not been revealed, had his contact number registered to a Delhi network.

The Delhi Police traced the number under the command of&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh and reached to the listed address, only to find out the resident of the property, the unnamed man's wife, to be safe on Saturday night.

However, the woman informed the police that the Facebook account was handled by her husband who had left for Mumbai few days ago, after a fight, to work as a Chef in a small hotel.

Roy contacted his Mumbai counterpart&nbsp;DCP (Cyber) Rashmi Karandikar, who started a search mission for the man, with nothing but just his phone number.

Karandikar was able to locate and save the man around 1:30 am, after asking his mother to video call him, which didn't connect. His location was traced after he called back his mother through another phone number.

"The man then contacted his mother through another number and that's how we traced his location. For an hour, one of my officers kept him engaged on phone call and tried to convince him to not take any an extreme step," the senior Mumbai police officer said.

The man claimed he was under huge financial burden and was unable to provide for his family, especially his newly-born child.

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://aasra.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aasra</a>&nbsp;(Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://snehaindia.org/new/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sneha</a>&nbsp;(Chennai) 044-24640050,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://sumaitri.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sumaitri&nbsp;</a>(Delhi) 011-23389090,<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://cooj.co.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;Cooj</a>&nbsp;(Goa) 0832- 2252525,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://jeevanhelplinesuicideprevention.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeevan</a>&nbsp;(Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://www.maithrikochi.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maithri&nbsp;</a>(Kochi) 0484-2540530,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://roshnitrusthyd.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roshni&nbsp;</a>(Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata),&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://parivarthan.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parivarthan</a>&nbsp;(Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 
&nbsp;

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

A 27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology. An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts.

A 27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology. An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts. The Facebook staffer reacted quickly and wittingly to these red flags and contacted Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy as the victim, whose name has not been revealed, had his contact number registered to a Delhi network. The Delhi Police traced the number under the command of Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh and reached to the listed address, only to find out the resident of the property, the unnamed man's wife, to be safe on Saturday night. However, the woman informed the police that the Facebook account was handled by her husband who had left for Mumbai few days ago, after a fight, to work as a Chef in a small hotel. Roy contacted his Mumbai counterpart DCP (Cyber) Rashmi Karandikar, who started a search mission for the man, with nothing but just his phone number. Karandikar was able to locate and save the man around 1:30 am, after asking his mother to video call him, which didn't connect. His location was traced after he called back his mother through another phone number. "The man then contacted his mother through another number and that's how we traced his location. For an hour, one of my officers kept him engaged on phone call and tried to convince him to not take any an extreme step," the senior Mumbai police officer said. The man claimed he was under huge financial burden and was unable to provide for his family, especially his newly-born child. If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police save a 'suicidal man'

India's plan to regulate "non-personal" data has jolted US tech giants Amazon, Facebook and Google, and a group representing them is preparing to push back against the proposals, according to sources and a letter seen by Reuters.

India's plan to regulate "non-personal" data has jolted US tech giants Amazon, Facebook and Google, and a group representing them is preparing to push back against the proposals, according to sources and a letter seen by Reuters. A government-appointed panel in July recommended setting up a regulator for information that is anonymised or devoid of personal details but critical for companies to build their businesses. The panel proposed a mechanism for firms to share data with other entities - even competitors - saying this would spur the digital ecosystem. The report, if adopted by the government, will form the basis of a new law to regulate such data. But the US-India Business Council (USIBC), part of the US Chamber of Commerce, calls imposed data sharing "anathema" to promoting competition and says this undermines investments made by companies to process and collect such information, according to a draft letter for the Indian government. "USIBC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are categorically opposed to mandates that require the sharing of proprietary data," says the USIBC's previously unreported letter, which is likely to be completed and submitted in coming weeks to India's information-technology ministry. "It will also be tantamount to confiscation of investors' assets and undermine intellectual property protections." A USIBC spokeswoman had no comment on the draft letter. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce didn't respond to Reuters queries. The head of the panel, Kris Gopalakrishnan, a founder of Indian technology giant Infosys Ltd, said the group will work with the government to review input from the industry. India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google did not respond to requests for comment. The report is open for public comments until Sept. 13. "Forced data sharing" India's plan to regulate non-personal data is the latest irritant for U.S. tech companies that have been battling tighter e-commerce rules and data storage norms that several countries are also developing. New Delhi and Washington are already at odds on such issues, as well as over digital taxes and tariffs. The USIBC draft letter says "forced data sharing" will limit foreign trade and investment in developing countries, and the panel's proposals run against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's calls for U.S. companies to invest in India. The lobby group expresses concern about the panel's recommendation to mandate local storage for non-personal data, describing this as a "dramatic tightening" of India's international data transfer regime. "These are far-reaching concepts that would have a significant impact on the ability of both Indian and multinational firms to do business in India," Washington-headquartered law firm Covington & Burling said in a note prepared for the USIBC, which was also seen by Reuters. The law firm did not respond to a request for comment. The Indian panel has listed research, national security and policymaking among purposes for which such data should be shared. Three sources said tech executives participated in several meetings in recent weeks to discuss concerns over the report.

India data-curb plan 'anathema', US tech giants plan pushback

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers.

The decision to add these companies in the list was announced in a tax report on Friday morning.

The statement came after last month the country's tax department announced a 10 per cent VAT on sales by technology companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-planning-to-buy-tiktoks-global-business-reports-318751">Also read:&nbsp;Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports</a>

The decision was made keeping in mind the shift in spending patterns of the&nbsp;270 million residents of Indonesia during the pandemic. This shift has caused financial difficulties for the government, that it aims to get rid of with this new tax plan.

Other organisations that are a part of the list are Amazon Netflix, Spotify, Google, three units of Facebook, Tiktok Pte Ltd, Apple Distribution International Ltd, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, and more of Amazon’s subsidiaries, including its audiobook unit Audible and its voice assistant Alexa.

Under Indonesia’s rules, non-resident foreign firms which sell digital products and services in Indonesia worth at least 600 million rupiah ($41,039.67) a year or which generate yearly traffic from at least 12,000 users will be required to pay the 10% VAT.

The companies added to the list on Friday have not issued a comment on the increase in tax.

The Indonesian government is expecting a huge drop of 13 per cent in its state revenue due to the ongoing pandemic.

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers.

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers. The decision to add these companies in the list was announced in a tax report on Friday morning. The statement came after last month the country's tax department announced a 10 per cent VAT on sales by technology companies. Also read: Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports The decision was made keeping in mind the shift in spending patterns of the 270 million residents of Indonesia during the pandemic. This shift has caused financial difficulties for the government, that it aims to get rid of with this new tax plan. Other organisations that are a part of the list are Amazon Netflix, Spotify, Google, three units of Facebook, Tiktok Pte Ltd, Apple Distribution International Ltd, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, and more of Amazon’s subsidiaries, including its audiobook unit Audible and its voice assistant Alexa. Under Indonesia’s rules, non-resident foreign firms which sell digital products and services in Indonesia worth at least 600 million rupiah ($41,039.67) a year or which generate yearly traffic from at least 12,000 users will be required to pay the 10% VAT. The companies added to the list on Friday have not issued a comment on the increase in tax. The Indonesian government is expecting a huge drop of 13 per cent in its state revenue due to the ongoing pandemic.

Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories.

Many of the 35 Facebook and 88 Instagram accounts posed as Americans, and some managed Trump fan pages, but they ran afoul of the social network’s rules on what it calls coordinated inauthentic behavior. In addition to misleading people about their location, some account holders ran multiple personas with similar names that posted identical content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-asks-facebook-tiktok-and-disney-to-pay-10-vat-tax-reports-318797">Also read|&nbsp;Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports</a>

The network had a small reach, with only 1,600 accounts following the Facebook pages and 7,200 tracking the accounts on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

Facebook security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher said the company was unable to tell whether the Romanian group was motivated by money, ideology or government directive.

The nonprofit Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab said some pages only shared content from Trump`s page, while others promoted QAnon, which connects various theories around the idea that Trump is secretly waging a war against powerful Democrats who worship the devil and abuse children. The FBI warned last year that QAnon would likely motivate extremists to commit violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-employees-to-work-from-home-until-july-2021-get-1000-for-home-offices-318749">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices</a>

Atlantic Council Lab Director Graham Brookie said there were no clear connections to Trump associates or surrogates, and Gleicher said there were no obvious ties to established commercial players such as companies that sell "likes" and followers.

Facebook previously removed much larger and better-connected networks that supported Trump, including one connected to the Epoch Times, which was founded by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and often criticizes the government of China.

Facebook said on Thursday it had removed another network that reposted content from the Epoch Times and other Falun Gong media in a follow-up action.

While smaller than the network in the December takedown, the new one had amassed more than 2 million followers by posting on topics including the Hong Kong protests, the coronavirus, and U.S. policy toward China, as well as posting animal pictures.

Other July takedowns dismantled a major operation aimed at politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a million accounts followed pages in the network, which sometimes impersonated political figures.

Facebook said it connected the activity to Congolese political party Force des Patriotes.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories. Many of the 35 Facebook and 88 Instagram accounts posed as Americans, and some managed Trump fan pages, but they ran afoul of the social network’s rules on what it calls coordinated inauthentic behavior. In addition to misleading people about their location, some account holders ran multiple personas with similar names that posted identical content. Also read| Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports The network had a small reach, with only 1,600 accounts following the Facebook pages and 7,200 tracking the accounts on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. Facebook security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher said the company was unable to tell whether the Romanian group was motivated by money, ideology or government directive. The nonprofit Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab said some pages only shared content from Trump`s page, while others promoted QAnon, which connects various theories around the idea that Trump is secretly waging a war against powerful Democrats who worship the devil and abuse children. The FBI warned last year that QAnon would likely motivate extremists to commit violence. Also read| Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices Atlantic Council Lab Director Graham Brookie said there were no clear connections to Trump associates or surrogates, and Gleicher said there were no obvious ties to established commercial players such as companies that sell "likes" and followers. Facebook previously removed much larger and better-connected networks that supported Trump, including one connected to the Epoch Times, which was founded by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and often criticizes the government of China. Facebook said on Thursday it had removed another network that reposted content from the Epoch Times and other Falun Gong media in a follow-up action. While smaller than the network in the December takedown, the new one had amassed more than 2 million followers by posting on topics including the Hong Kong protests, the coronavirus, and U.S. policy toward China, as well as posting animal pictures. Other July takedowns dismantled a major operation aimed at politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a million accounts followed pages in the network, which sometimes impersonated political figures. Facebook said it connected the activity to Congolese political party Force des Patriotes.

Facebook removes small pro-Trump network based in Romania

By January 2018, Trump had used the word fake 404 times and by the end of 2019, he had made fake claims 15,313 times. That's 32 fake claims for each day spent at the White House.

And now, the US President is being pulled up for his fake claims by Facebook and Twitter.

The social media giants have finally woken up to the danger of fake news. They penalised Donald Trump. The president had claimed that children were 'almost immune' to the coronavirus.

This was during a phone interview to Fox News. The clip was posted on Trump's social media accounts. Facebook deleted it and Twitter went a step ahead and froze a Trump campaign page for retweeting it.

While Twitter has previously taken down the president's post, for Facebook this was a first.

How did Trump react?

Trump has long banked on social media for communication. Traditional media is all fake news, he would say. Now Twitter and Facebook are accusing Trump of the same.

The president was recently grilled by the host of Axios news.

Just when Trump tried to play the fake news card, his bluff was called.

So the question remains--- where does Trump go? Where does he peddle fake news? How does he secure his re-election bid?

By January 2018, Trump had used the word fake 404 times and by the end of 2019, he had made fake claims 15,313 times. That's 32 fake claims for each day spent at the White House.

By January 2018, Trump had used the word fake 404 times and by the end of 2019, he had made fake claims 15,313 times. That's 32 fake claims for each day spent at the White House. And now, the US President is being pulled up for his fake claims by Facebook and Twitter. The social media giants have finally woken up to the danger of fake news. They penalised Donald Trump. The president had claimed that children were 'almost immune' to the coronavirus. This was during a phone interview to Fox News. The clip was posted on Trump's social media accounts. Facebook deleted it and Twitter went a step ahead and froze a Trump campaign page for retweeting it. While Twitter has previously taken down the president's post, for Facebook this was a first. How did Trump react? Trump has long banked on social media for communication. Traditional media is all fake news, he would say. Now Twitter and Facebook are accusing Trump of the same. The president was recently grilled by the host of Axios news. Just when Trump tried to play the fake news card, his bluff was called. So the question remains--- where does Trump go? Where does he peddle fake news? How does he secure his re-election bid?

Facebook and Twitter penalise US President Donald Trump on his 'fake' claims

ByteDance is surrounded in a new controversy, but this time it is the Chinese company accusing someone else, and not the other way around.

TikTok's Chinese parent company has accused the social media giant Facebook of plagiarism and smears.

"ByteDance has always been committed to becoming a global company. During this process, we have faced all kinds of complex and unimaginable difficulties, including the tense international political environment, collision and conflict of different cultures and plagiarism and smears from competitor Facebook," the company said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-confirms-exploring-buying-tiktok-in-us-after-trump-and-nadella-talk-317711">Also read:&nbsp;Microsoft confirms exploring buying TikTok in US after Trump and Nadella talk</a>

The statement was issued on late Sunday night on its official account on Jinri&nbsp;Toutiao, a news aggregator app it owns.

While the company was prompt to accuse, there was no further explanation or details provided by the Beijing-based company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-give-tiktoks-chinese-owner-45-days-to-agree-sale-317737">Also read:&nbsp;Trump to give TikTok's Chinese owner 45 days to agree sale</a>

This is not the first time TikTok and Facebook have been on each other's hit-list. Last year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had accused TikTok&nbsp;of censoring political protest, which was denied by ByteDance.

Facebook has not yet responded to the accusation.

TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance has been in the news due to a possible ban in the US, as announced by the US President Donald Trump. The White House has further proposed a deal of Microsoft taking over the US operations of the short-video sharing app. A final decision is yet to be taken.

ByteDance is surrounded in a new controversy, but this time it is the Chinese company accusing someone else, and not the other way around. TikTok's Chinese parent company has accused the social media giant Facebook of plagiarism and smears.

ByteDance is surrounded in a new controversy, but this time it is the Chinese company accusing someone else, and not the other way around. TikTok's Chinese parent company has accused the social media giant Facebook of plagiarism and smears. "ByteDance has always been committed to becoming a global company. During this process, we have faced all kinds of complex and unimaginable difficulties, including the tense international political environment, collision and conflict of different cultures and plagiarism and smears from competitor Facebook," the company said in a statement. Also read: Microsoft confirms exploring buying TikTok in US after Trump and Nadella talk The statement was issued on late Sunday night on its official account on Jinri Toutiao, a news aggregator app it owns. While the company was prompt to accuse, there was no further explanation or details provided by the Beijing-based company. Also read: Trump to give TikTok's Chinese owner 45 days to agree sale This is not the first time TikTok and Facebook have been on each other's hit-list. Last year, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had accused TikTok of censoring political protest, which was denied by ByteDance. Facebook has not yet responded to the accusation. TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance has been in the news due to a possible ban in the US, as announced by the US President Donald Trump. The White House has further proposed a deal of Microsoft taking over the US operations of the short-video sharing app. A final decision is yet to be taken.

TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance accuses Facebook of plagiarism

Facebook on Friday added licensed music videos to the social network in the US, challenging YouTube for the attention of online audiences.

Facebook said users will be able to "come together" around official music videos, with the promise of premier content from J. Balvin, Karol G, Sebastian Yatra, and other artists.

"With official music videos on Facebook, we’re creating new social experiences that are about more than just watching the video," music business development vice president Tamara Hrivnak and entertainment vice president Vijaye Raji said in an online post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-unveils-law-forcing-google-facebook-to-pay-for-news-317157">Also read:&nbsp;Australia unveils law forcing Google, Facebook to pay for news</a>

"We'll continue working with our music partners to build unique social experiences and bring music into the ways people connect and share."

The Facebook "music experience" was already available in India and Thailand, but is making its US debut this weekend, according to Hrivnak and Raji.

The roster of US partners included Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and BMG.

Google-owned video-sharing service YouTube boasts more than 2 billion monthly users, many of those people tuning into music videos.

Subscriptions to YouTube premium content such as music have been climbing, according to recent earnings reports by parent-company Alphabet.

Interest in streamed entertainment has surged during the pandemic, as people staying home to avoid the virus turn to the internet for music, films and television.

Facebook on Friday added licensed music videos to the social network in the US, challenging YouTube for the attention of online audiences. Facebook said users will be able to "come together" around official music videos, with the promise of premier content from J.

Facebook on Friday added licensed music videos to the social network in the US, challenging YouTube for the attention of online audiences. Facebook said users will be able to "come together" around official music videos, with the promise of premier content from J. Balvin, Karol G, Sebastian Yatra, and other artists. "With official music videos on Facebook, we’re creating new social experiences that are about more than just watching the video," music business development vice president Tamara Hrivnak and entertainment vice president Vijaye Raji said in an online post. Also read: Australia unveils law forcing Google, Facebook to pay for news "We'll continue working with our music partners to build unique social experiences and bring music into the ways people connect and share." The Facebook "music experience" was already available in India and Thailand, but is making its US debut this weekend, according to Hrivnak and Raji. The roster of US partners included Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and BMG. Google-owned video-sharing service YouTube boasts more than 2 billion monthly users, many of those people tuning into music videos. Subscriptions to YouTube premium content such as music have been climbing, according to recent earnings reports by parent-company Alphabet. Interest in streamed entertainment has surged during the pandemic, as people staying home to avoid the virus turn to the internet for music, films and television.

Facebook challenges YouTube with licensed music videos

Google and Facebook took the sharpest jabs for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday in a much-anticipated congressional hearing that put four of America's most prominent tech CEOs in the hot seat. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-apple-facebook-amazon-tech-giant-ceos-testify-at-us-antitrust-hearing-316845">ALSO READ | Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing</a>

Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com Inc's Jeff Bezos, Google owner Alphabet Inc's Sundar Pichai and Apple Inc's Tim Cook - whose companies have a combined market value of about $5 trillion - parried a range of accusations from lawmakers that they crippled smaller rivals in the quest for market share, via a videoconference hearing. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-google-facebook-and-amazon-have-too-much-power-says-us-antitrust-panel-316826" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Facebook &amp; Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel</a>

Though it was Bezos' first congressional testimony, he appeared the least fazed. Cook drew fewer barbed questions than Bezos and handled them efficiently. Zuckerberg took the most damage, stumbling at times when confronted with internal emails.

Pichai, CEO of both Alphabet and Google, took the most heat from conservatives on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel and looked the worse for it, as he repeatedly told lawmakers he would be happy to look into various situations and get back to them.

Unfortunately, the Big Tech hearing was decidedly low-tech. Bezos escaped questioning for about an hour in what may have been a tech issue, and was caught on screen reaching for what appeared to be a snack.

Poor audio, flat-screen televisions switching off, and chief executives appearing together as thumbnails on a large screen frustrated viewers and led to mockery of the virtual set-up on Twitter.

Lawmakers descended into shouting at points, with a pandemic twist. One lawmaker shouted: "Put your mask on!"

Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and chair of the antitrust subcommittee, set the tone when he began by accusing Google of theft.

"Why does Google steal content from honest businesses?" he asked.

Cicilline alleged Google stole reviews from Yelp Inc and said Google threatened to delist Yelp from search results if it objected.

Pichai responded mildly that he would want to know the specifics of the accusation. "We conduct ourselves to the highest standards," he added, disagreeing with the characterization that Google steals content to win users.

Facebook's Zuckerberg took a series of questions about the company's purchase of Instagram in 2012 and whether it was acquired because it was a threat.

Zuckerberg responded that the deal had been reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission and that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon. "People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said.

In one of the more notable exchanges, Representative Pramila Jayapal pushed Zuckerberg on whether Facebook had ever copied its competitors.

"We've certainly adapted features that others have led in," he said.

"How many companies did Facebook end up copying?" she asked. "Is it less than five? Less than 50?"

"Congresswoman, I don't know," Zuckerberg said.

The hearing was the first time the four CEOs have appeared together before lawmakers.

Jayapal pressed Amazon's Bezos on whether the company used data from third-party sellers in making sales decisions. An Amazon executive previously had denied the practice under oath and was contradicted by a news report.

Bezos answered cautiously that the company had a policy against such actions. "If we found that somebody violated it, we would take action against them," he said.

On the Republican side, Representative Jim Jordan accused the companies of taking a long list of actions that he said showed they try to hamper conservatives from reaching their supporters.

"Big Tech is out to get conservatives," he said.

Jordan's allegations come after President Donald Trump, who has clashed with several of the biggest tech companies, on Wednesday threatened to take action against them with executive orders.

Jordan also pressed Pichai on whether Google would help former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, win in November.

"We support both campaigns. We approach our work in a nonpartisan fashion," Pichai responded.

Republican Representative Matt Gaetz pressed Facebook's Zuckerberg on whether content moderators disadvantaged conservative content.

Zuckerberg said they were trained to be neutral. "We aim to be a platform for all ideas," he said. "I certainly don't want our platform to be run in such a way to have a ... bias."

'STREET FIGHT'

Apple's Cook rejected the notion there is nothing to stop his company from raising the commissions it charges in the App Store.

"I disagree strongly with that," he said. "The competition for developers - they can write their apps for Android or Windows or Xbox or PlayStation. We have fierce competition at the developer side and the customer side, which is essentially so competitive I would describe it as a street fight."

A detailed report with antitrust allegations against the four tech platforms and recommendations on how to tame their market power could be released by late summer or early fall by the committee, senior committee aides said.

Google and Facebook took the sharpest jabs for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday in a much-anticipated congressional hearing that put four of America's most prominent tech CEOs in the hot seat.

Google and Facebook took the sharpest jabs for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday in a much-anticipated congressional hearing that put four of America's most prominent tech CEOs in the hot seat. ALSO READ | Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com Inc's Jeff Bezos, Google owner Alphabet Inc's Sundar Pichai and Apple Inc's Tim Cook - whose companies have a combined market value of about $5 trillion - parried a range of accusations from lawmakers that they crippled smaller rivals in the quest for market share, via a videoconference hearing. Also read: Apple, Google, Facebook & Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel Though it was Bezos' first congressional testimony, he appeared the least fazed. Cook drew fewer barbed questions than Bezos and handled them efficiently. Zuckerberg took the most damage, stumbling at times when confronted with internal emails. Pichai, CEO of both Alphabet and Google, took the most heat from conservatives on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel and looked the worse for it, as he repeatedly told lawmakers he would be happy to look into various situations and get back to them. Unfortunately, the Big Tech hearing was decidedly low-tech. Bezos escaped questioning for about an hour in what may have been a tech issue, and was caught on screen reaching for what appeared to be a snack. Poor audio, flat-screen televisions switching off, and chief executives appearing together as thumbnails on a large screen frustrated viewers and led to mockery of the virtual set-up on Twitter. Lawmakers descended into shouting at points, with a pandemic twist. One lawmaker shouted: "Put your mask on!" Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and chair of the antitrust subcommittee, set the tone when he began by accusing Google of theft. "Why does Google steal content from honest businesses?" he asked. Cicilline alleged Google stole reviews from Yelp Inc and said Google threatened to delist Yelp from search results if it objected. Pichai responded mildly that he would want to know the specifics of the accusation. "We conduct ourselves to the highest standards," he added, disagreeing with the characterization that Google steals content to win users. Facebook's Zuckerberg took a series of questions about the company's purchase of Instagram in 2012 and whether it was acquired because it was a threat. Zuckerberg responded that the deal had been reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission and that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon. "People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said. In one of the more notable exchanges, Representative Pramila Jayapal pushed Zuckerberg on whether Facebook had ever copied its competitors. "We've certainly adapted features that others have led in," he said. "How many companies did Facebook end up copying?" she asked. "Is it less than five? Less than 50?" "Congresswoman, I don't know," Zuckerberg said. The hearing was the first time the four CEOs have appeared together before lawmakers. Jayapal pressed Amazon's Bezos on whether the company used data from third-party sellers in making sales decisions. An Amazon executive previously had denied the practice under oath and was contradicted by a news report. Bezos answered cautiously that the company had a policy against such actions. "If we found that somebody violated it, we would take action against them," he said. On the Republican side, Representative Jim Jordan accused the companies of taking a long list of actions that he said showed they try to hamper conservatives from reaching their supporters. "Big Tech is out to get conservatives," he said. Jordan's allegations come after President Donald Trump, who has clashed with several of the biggest tech companies, on Wednesday threatened to take action against them with executive orders. Jordan also pressed Pichai on whether Google would help former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, win in November. "We support both campaigns. We approach our work in a nonpartisan fashion," Pichai responded. Republican Representative Matt Gaetz pressed Facebook's Zuckerberg on whether content moderators disadvantaged conservative content. Zuckerberg said they were trained to be neutral. "We aim to be a platform for all ideas," he said. "I certainly don't want our platform to be run in such a way to have a ... bias." 'STREET FIGHT' Apple's Cook rejected the notion there is nothing to stop his company from raising the commissions it charges in the App Store. "I disagree strongly with that," he said. "The competition for developers - they can write their apps for Android or Windows or Xbox or PlayStation. We have fierce competition at the developer side and the customer side, which is essentially so competitive I would describe it as a street fight." A detailed report with antitrust allegations against the four tech platforms and recommendations on how to tame their market power could be released by late summer or early fall by the committee, senior committee aides said.

'Google steals content from honest businesses': Sundar Pichai questioned

Big Tech executives faced an onslaught of criticism from US lawmakers Wednesday at a high-stakes antitrust hearing which could lay the groundwork for tougher regulation and legal actions against the major internet platforms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-google-facebook-and-amazon-have-too-much-power-says-us-antitrust-panel-316826" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Facebook &amp; Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel</a>

CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in the unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance.

While the hearing was called to focus on whether the companies have abused their dominant positions in the market, it veered quickly into other topics including political bias, privacy, dealings with China and how platforms deal with misinformation.

"Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies.

Cicilline said the hearing made clear that the firms "have monopoly power -- some need to be broken up, all need to be properly regulated and held accountable."

Congress has no formal role in antitrust enforcement, but several lawmakers appeared intent on revising US laws to deal with the extraordinary market power and dominance of large technology firms.

<h2>Pandemic strength&nbsp;</h2>

Cicilline said the coronavirus outbreak has strengthened the economic clout of the four, saying:&nbsp;"They are likely to emerge (from the pandemic) stronger and more powerful than ever before."

A few comments from lawmakers sought to play down the competitive harms of the companies, which have also won praise for innovating and introducing new technologies and offering lifelines during the virus lockdowns.

"Being big is not inherently bad," said Jim&nbsp;Sensenbrenner, a Republican from Wisconsin. "Quite the opposite, in America you should be rewarded for success.

<h2>Abusing platforms?&nbsp;</h2>

Some lawmakers sought to highlight problems with tech companies operating platforms while competing with rivals on those systems.

Democrat Pramila Jayapal of Washington state question Pichai on how Google operates its ad platform, claiming that this hurts other online services such as news outlets.

Google "is running the marketplace it's acting on the buy side and it's acting on the sell side, which is a major conflict of interest," Jayapal said.

Apple's Cook faced tough questioning over the market power of the company's App Store and its treatment of developers.

"We treat all app developers the same," Cook said. "We do not retaliate or bully people."

Bezos, in his first appearance before a congressional committee, defended&nbsp;Amazon's dealings with third-party sellers after a blistering attack from Cicilline.

"Isn't it true that small businesses have no real option but rely on Amazon to connect with customers to make online sales?" the committee chair asked.

"We've heard from third party sellers again and again during the course of our investigation that Amazon is the only game in town."

Bezos disputed the characterization while adding, "There are a lot of options for small firms..&nbsp; I think we are the best one."

<h2>Playing politics&nbsp;</h2>

President Donald Trump, who has accused Facebook and Twitter of censoring his remarks and being biased against conservatives, weighed in with a tweet shortly before the hearing began, and some Republican lawmakers echoed those remarks.

"If Congress doesn't bring fairness to Big Tech, which they should have done years ago, I will do it myself with Executive Orders," Trump said.&nbsp;

Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, said during the hearing: "I'll just cut to the chase -- Big Tech is out to get conservatives. That's not a suspicion. That's not a hunch. That's a fact."

Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland rejected the argument, saying Facebook and other platforms have failed to contain misinformation from Trump and his supporters, including unverified COVID-19 claims.

"If Facebook is out there trying to repress conservative speech they're doing a terrible job," Raskin said. "I don't understand this endless whining" from Republicans.

<h2>Moving forward&nbsp;</h2>

Some analysts said the hearing could set the stage for revising US antitrust laws, which at present make it difficult for enforcers to target companies simply for being large or dominant without also showing harm to consumers or abuse of market power.

"There was considerable skepticism toward the tech sector as legislators worry about unfair competition and unfair practices," said Darrell West, director of the center for technology innovation at the Brookings Institution.

"If Democrats gain control in the (November elections), this hearing will serve as a blueprint for enhanced regulatory oversight," West said.

Michael Carrier, a Rutgers University professor of antitrust law, said that "the hearing showed that&nbsp;the representatives did their homework" and showed documents hinting at anticompetitive actions.

"I don't think any immediate changes will result from the hearing, but it will provide support for the continuing momentum to challenge these companies," he said.

Avery Gardiner, a former government antitrust lawyer who follows competition for the Center for Democracy &amp; Technology, said the hearing was "an opportunity squandered" which failed to demonstrate specific anticompetitive actions, leaving the matter now to regulatory agencies.

"Congressional hearings, which by their nature are broad-ranging, do not lend themselves well to thoughtful analysis about what Big Tech does that could affect competition," she said.

Big Tech executives faced an onslaught of criticism from US lawmakers Wednesday at a high-stakes antitrust hearing which could lay the groundwork for tougher regulation and legal actions against the major internet platforms.

Big Tech executives faced an onslaught of criticism from US lawmakers Wednesday at a high-stakes antitrust hearing which could lay the groundwork for tougher regulation and legal actions against the major internet platforms. Also read: Apple, Google, Facebook & Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in the unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance. While the hearing was called to focus on whether the companies have abused their dominant positions in the market, it veered quickly into other topics including political bias, privacy, dealings with China and how platforms deal with misinformation. "Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies. Cicilline said the hearing made clear that the firms "have monopoly power -- some need to be broken up, all need to be properly regulated and held accountable." Congress has no formal role in antitrust enforcement, but several lawmakers appeared intent on revising US laws to deal with the extraordinary market power and dominance of large technology firms. Pandemic strength Cicilline said the coronavirus outbreak has strengthened the economic clout of the four, saying: "They are likely to emerge (from the pandemic) stronger and more powerful than ever before." A few comments from lawmakers sought to play down the competitive harms of the companies, which have also won praise for innovating and introducing new technologies and offering lifelines during the virus lockdowns. "Being big is not inherently bad," said Jim Sensenbrenner, a Republican from Wisconsin. "Quite the opposite, in America you should be rewarded for success. Abusing platforms? Some lawmakers sought to highlight problems with tech companies operating platforms while competing with rivals on those systems. Democrat Pramila Jayapal of Washington state question Pichai on how Google operates its ad platform, claiming that this hurts other online services such as news outlets. Google "is running the marketplace it's acting on the buy side and it's acting on the sell side, which is a major conflict of interest," Jayapal said. Apple's Cook faced tough questioning over the market power of the company's App Store and its treatment of developers. "We treat all app developers the same," Cook said. "We do not retaliate or bully people." Bezos, in his first appearance before a congressional committee, defended Amazon's dealings with third-party sellers after a blistering attack from Cicilline. "Isn't it true that small businesses have no real option but rely on Amazon to connect with customers to make online sales?" the committee chair asked. "We've heard from third party sellers again and again during the course of our investigation that Amazon is the only game in town." Bezos disputed the characterization while adding, "There are a lot of options for small firms.. I think we are the best one." Playing politics President Donald Trump, who has accused Facebook and Twitter of censoring his remarks and being biased against conservatives, weighed in with a tweet shortly before the hearing began, and some Republican lawmakers echoed those remarks. "If Congress doesn't bring fairness to Big Tech, which they should have done years ago, I will do it myself with Executive Orders," Trump said. Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, said during the hearing: "I'll just cut to the chase -- Big Tech is out to get conservatives. That's not a suspicion. That's not a hunch. That's a fact." Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland rejected the argument, saying Facebook and other platforms have failed to contain misinformation from Trump and his supporters, including unverified COVID-19 claims. "If Facebook is out there trying to repress conservative speech they're doing a terrible job," Raskin said. "I don't understand this endless whining" from Republicans. Moving forward Some analysts said the hearing could set the stage for revising US antitrust laws, which at present make it difficult for enforcers to target companies simply for being large or dominant without also showing harm to consumers or abuse of market power. "There was considerable skepticism toward the tech sector as legislators worry about unfair competition and unfair practices," said Darrell West, director of the center for technology innovation at the Brookings Institution. "If Democrats gain control in the (November elections), this hearing will serve as a blueprint for enhanced regulatory oversight," West said. Michael Carrier, a Rutgers University professor of antitrust law, said that "the hearing showed that the representatives did their homework" and showed documents hinting at anticompetitive actions. "I don't think any immediate changes will result from the hearing, but it will provide support for the continuing momentum to challenge these companies," he said. Avery Gardiner, a former government antitrust lawyer who follows competition for the Center for Democracy & Technology, said the hearing was "an opportunity squandered" which failed to demonstrate specific anticompetitive actions, leaving the matter now to regulatory agencies. "Congressional hearings, which by their nature are broad-ranging, do not lend themselves well to thoughtful analysis about what Big Tech does that could affect competition," she said.

Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing

A grandson of Singapore's founding leader&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Kuan Yew and nephew of the current prime minister was convicted Wednesday of contempt of court over a Facebook post criticising the judiciary during a bitter family feud.

Li Shengwu, an academic at Harvard University, was also fined $11,000&nbsp;by the High Court over the 2017 post in which he described the Singapore government as "very litigious and has a pliant court system".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-approves-anti-viral-drug-for-covid-19-patients-304800">Singapore approves anti-viral drug for COVID-19 patients</a>

Shengwu's case involved a private Facebook post in 2017 in which he said the Singapore government was "very litigious and has a pliant court system". Earlier this year, he said he had opted not to participate in the proceedings against him.

His 2017 post came amid a bitter public feud among the children of the island’s founding father,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Kuan Yew, including the current prime minister,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Loong, and Li's father,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Yang.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/singapore-to-test-all-above-13-with-respiratory-issues-for-covid-19-from-july-1-308799">Singapore to test all above 13 with respiratory issues for COVID-19 from July 1</a>

"Apparently the court has rendered judgement on my case today ... I disagree with the judgement," Li said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Li is the eldest son of business executive&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Yang, who has been at loggerheads with his brother, Prime Minister&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Loong, over their father's legacy.

He made the Facebook post as the family feud raged publicly following the death of the&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;patriarch in 2015. The spat pitted his father and aunt against his prime minister uncle.

The Attorney-General's Chambers had described his post as "an egregious and baseless attack on the Singapore Judiciary" and lodged contempt proceedings against him.

A spokeswoman for the Supreme Court confirmed there had been a judgement in the case on Wednesday but could not immediately provide details.

He will have to serve a week's jail if he does not pay, Justice Kannan Ramesh said in the judgement, although Li is currently living in the United States.

A grandson of Singapore's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew and nephew of the current prime minister was convicted Wednesday of contempt of court over a Facebook post criticising the judiciary during a bitter family feud.

A grandson of Singapore's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew and nephew of the current prime minister was convicted Wednesday of contempt of court over a Facebook post criticising the judiciary during a bitter family feud. Li Shengwu, an academic at Harvard University, was also fined $11,000 by the High Court over the 2017 post in which he described the Singapore government as "very litigious and has a pliant court system". Also read: Singapore approves anti-viral drug for COVID-19 patients Shengwu's case involved a private Facebook post in 2017 in which he said the Singapore government was "very litigious and has a pliant court system". Earlier this year, he said he had opted not to participate in the proceedings against him. His 2017 post came amid a bitter public feud among the children of the island’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, including the current prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, and Li's father, Lee Hsien Yang. Also read: Singapore to test all above 13 with respiratory issues for COVID-19 from July 1 "Apparently the court has rendered judgement on my case today ... I disagree with the judgement," Li said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Li is the eldest son of business executive Lee Hsien Yang, who has been at loggerheads with his brother, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, over their father's legacy. He made the Facebook post as the family feud raged publicly following the death of the Lee patriarch in 2015. The spat pitted his father and aunt against his prime minister uncle. The Attorney-General's Chambers had described his post as "an egregious and baseless attack on the Singapore Judiciary" and lodged contempt proceedings against him. A spokeswoman for the Supreme Court confirmed there had been a judgement in the case on Wednesday but could not immediately provide details. He will have to serve a week's jail if he does not pay, Justice Kannan Ramesh said in the judgement, although Li is currently living in the United States.

Singapore PM's nephew found guilty of contempt, fined $11,000

Facebook&nbsp;has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling.

The US&nbsp;social media group is being investigated by the European Commission for its trove of data and online marketplace, which may lead to hefty fines and orders to change its business practices.

On July 15, Facebook&nbsp;sued the EU competition enforcer at the Luxembourg-based General Court, saying that the Commission was seeking information beyond what is necessary, including highly personal details.

It also asked for interim measures to stop a May 4 information request. Failure to comply could expose it to a daily penalty payment of $9.4 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/trump-campaign-runs-facebook-advertisements-asking-if-he-should-ban-tiktok-314800">Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok</a>

The Court in a judgment dated July 24 suspended the EU request while waiting for the Commission's comment and its ruling on&nbsp;Facebook's application for interim relief.

It said such a move would "prevent a situation whereby the contested material is disclosed in violation of the fundamental right to privacy of the applicant’s management and employees, depriving of any effect any order for interim measures that may eventually be granted".

EU regulators are trawling documents looking for about 2,500 search phrases which include "big question", "shut down" and "not good for us", and which could be found in employees' health information or even job applications, said a person familiar with the matter.

Facebook has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling.

Facebook has won the first round of its court battle against what it says are excessive demands from European Union antitrust regulators after Europe's second-top court temporarily halted such requests until it makes a final ruling. The US social media group is being investigated by the European Commission for its trove of data and online marketplace, which may lead to hefty fines and orders to change its business practices. On July 15, Facebook sued the EU competition enforcer at the Luxembourg-based General Court, saying that the Commission was seeking information beyond what is necessary, including highly personal details. It also asked for interim measures to stop a May 4 information request. Failure to comply could expose it to a daily penalty payment of $9.4 million. Also read: Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok The Court in a judgment dated July 24 suspended the EU request while waiting for the Commission's comment and its ruling on Facebook's application for interim relief. It said such a move would "prevent a situation whereby the contested material is disclosed in violation of the fundamental right to privacy of the applicant’s management and employees, depriving of any effect any order for interim measures that may eventually be granted". EU regulators are trawling documents looking for about 2,500 search phrases which include "big question", "shut down" and "not good for us", and which could be found in employees' health information or even job applications, said a person familiar with the matter.

Facebook gains temporary court reprieve on EU antitrust data demand

Social Media giant Facebook has placed an informational disclaimer on a post from US president Donald Trump on Tuesday. The post by Trump claims mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election.

This disclaimer comes as follow-through on Facebook's pledge to fight misinformation including from world leaders and shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech.

Trump wrote on Facebook claiming that mail-in voting, unless changed by the courts, "will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation's History!" and added the hashtag #RIGGEDELECTION.

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RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES!
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DonaldTrump/">Donald J. Trump</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://developers.facebook.com/DonaldTrump/posts/10164935809995725">Monday, June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The social media site added a tag on it saying: Get official voting info on how to vote in the 2020 US Election" with a link to the government-sponsored USA.gov page on how to cast ballots.

Facebook has always held firm on its policy not to fact check political leaders but has vowed to take down any post which could instigate violence and mislead people about the voting process.&nbsp;

Recently, it promised to add labels to posts which would normally be removed for violating platform rules, but which are left online as "newsworthy," following the example of Twitter.

Social Media giant Facebook has placed an informational disclaimer on a post from US president Donald Trump on Tuesday. The post by Trump claims mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election.

Social Media giant Facebook has placed an informational disclaimer on a post from US president Donald Trump on Tuesday. The post by Trump claims mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election. This disclaimer comes as follow-through on Facebook's pledge to fight misinformation including from world leaders and shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech. Trump wrote on Facebook claiming that mail-in voting, unless changed by the courts, "will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation's History!" and added the hashtag #RIGGEDELECTION. RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES! Posted by Donald J. Trump on Monday, June 22, 2020 × The social media site added a tag on it saying: Get official voting info on how to vote in the 2020 US Election" with a link to the government-sponsored USA.gov page on how to cast ballots. Facebook has always held firm on its policy not to fact check political leaders but has vowed to take down any post which could instigate violence and mislead people about the voting process. Recently, it promised to add labels to posts which would normally be removed for violating platform rules, but which are left online as "newsworthy," following the example of Twitter.

Facebook tags disclaimer on Donald Trump's post on 'mail- in voting'

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign is running&nbsp;Facebook ads&nbsp;claiming that the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok is spying on users.

The ads link to a survey asking whether TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, should be banned in the United States. They also ask for respondents' names and contact details.

"TikTok is spying on you,” claimed one ad. “TikTok has been caught red handed by monitoring what is on your phone’s clipboard,” it said.

TikTok&nbsp;is estimated to have close to a billion users worldwide, and has long battled allegations that it is a spying tool for Beijing, pointing out it has an American CEO and consistently denying allegations that it shares user data.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States was “certainly looking at” banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok. India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps in June.

Trump blames China for the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to ravage the US, threatening the American economy and the president's reelection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-could-have-stopped-the-virus-but-didnt-trump-lashes-out-at-china-again-314740">They could have stopped the virus but didn't: Trump lashes out at China again</a>

But he also fell victim to&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;users, who along with legions of K-pop fans, claimed to have sabotaged Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month by reserving blocks of tickets for the event they had no intention of attending. Trump's campaign boasted it had receive a million ticket requests, but only 6,200 people attended.

TikTok has said that it has never provided user data to China and that it would not do so if asked, and a spokeswoman told Reuters on Monday the company has "no higher priority than promoting a safe app experience that protects our users' privacy.”

Last month, when Apple released to developers a test version of its iOS operating system with new privacy features, developers showed images of TikTok's app triggering notifications that it was copying data from users' clipboards, where data is temporarily stored while copying and pasting from one app to another.

TikTok said the notifications were caused by an anti-spam feature but it ended the practice June 27.

TikTok also hit out at Facebook for running the ads. "Facebook is taking money for a political ad that attacks a competitor just as it's preparing to launch a TikTok copycat,” the spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters.

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company’s photo-sharing app Instagram will soon be expanding its test of a short video format called Reels to the United States, according to media reports.

US President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign is running Facebook ads claiming that the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok is spying on users. The ads link to a survey asking whether TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, should be banned in the United States.

US President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign is running Facebook ads claiming that the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok is spying on users. The ads link to a survey asking whether TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, should be banned in the United States. They also ask for respondents' names and contact details. "TikTok is spying on you,” claimed one ad. “TikTok has been caught red handed by monitoring what is on your phone’s clipboard,” it said. TikTok is estimated to have close to a billion users worldwide, and has long battled allegations that it is a spying tool for Beijing, pointing out it has an American CEO and consistently denying allegations that it shares user data. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States was “certainly looking at” banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok. India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps in June. Trump blames China for the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to ravage the US, threatening the American economy and the president's reelection. Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't: Trump lashes out at China again But he also fell victim to TikTok users, who along with legions of K-pop fans, claimed to have sabotaged Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month by reserving blocks of tickets for the event they had no intention of attending. Trump's campaign boasted it had receive a million ticket requests, but only 6,200 people attended. TikTok has said that it has never provided user data to China and that it would not do so if asked, and a spokeswoman told Reuters on Monday the company has "no higher priority than promoting a safe app experience that protects our users' privacy.” Last month, when Apple released to developers a test version of its iOS operating system with new privacy features, developers showed images of TikTok's app triggering notifications that it was copying data from users' clipboards, where data is temporarily stored while copying and pasting from one app to another. TikTok said the notifications were caused by an anti-spam feature but it ended the practice June 27. TikTok also hit out at Facebook for running the ads. "Facebook is taking money for a political ad that attacks a competitor just as it's preparing to launch a TikTok copycat,” the spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company’s photo-sharing app Instagram will soon be expanding its test of a short video format called Reels to the United States, according to media reports.

Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok

A judge of US district court in California has granted permission for WhatsApp lawsuit against Israeli spyware firm NSO to proceed.

In a ruling Judge Phyllis Hamilton said she allowed the case to procced as she had not been entirely persuaded by NSO Group’s argument that it had no role in the targeting of WhatsApp’s users.&nbsp;

According to Judge Hamilton it appears that NSO Group ''retained some role'' in the targeting of individuals, ''even if it was at the direction of their customers''.

The case will now proceed to discovery, in which both sides can request documents and records.

A WhatsApp spokesperson said ''The decision also confirms that WhatsApp will be able to obtain relevant documents and other information about NSO’s practices''.&nbsp;

Judge Hamilton also highlighted the underlying facts in the case, that someone sent malicious code and malware through WhatsApp's servers, did not appear to be disputed. I

nstead, the lawsuit revolved around whether NSO Group’s ''sovereign customers'' were to blame, or the company itself.

Earlier, an Israeli court on Monday rejected a bid by rights group Amnesty International to revoke the export license of spyware firm NSO Group over hacking allegations.&nbsp;

NSO has faced multiple accusations of cyber-espionage on human rights activists and others, including by the messaging service WhatsApp, which is suing the company in a US court. &nbsp;

Many of the allegations have centred on the company's Pegasus product, a highly invasive tool that can reportedly switch on a target's cellphone camera and microphone and access data on it, effectively turning the phone into a pocket spy.

Amnesty claimed the technology was used against one of its staffers and petitioned a Tel Aviv court to revoke its defence ministry issued export licence.&nbsp;

The rights group added that NSO's products are helping governments commit rights violations "from Saudi Arabia to Mexico".

NSO has been in the headlines since 2016 when researchers accused it of helping spy on an activist in the United Arab Emirates.

Founded in 2010 by Israelis Shalev Hulio and Omri Lavie, NSO Group is based in the Israeli hi-tech hub of Herzliya, near Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

It says it employs 600 people in Israel and around the world.

A judge of US district court in California has granted permission for WhatsApp lawsuit against Israeli spyware firm NSO to proceed. In a ruling Judge Phyllis Hamilton said she allowed the case to procced as she had not been entirely persuaded by NSO Group’s argument that it had no role in the targeting of WhatsApp’s users.

A judge of US district court in California has granted permission for WhatsApp lawsuit against Israeli spyware firm NSO to proceed. In a ruling Judge Phyllis Hamilton said she allowed the case to procced as she had not been entirely persuaded by NSO Group’s argument that it had no role in the targeting of WhatsApp’s users. According to Judge Hamilton it appears that NSO Group ''retained some role'' in the targeting of individuals, ''even if it was at the direction of their customers''. The case will now proceed to discovery, in which both sides can request documents and records. A WhatsApp spokesperson said ''The decision also confirms that WhatsApp will be able to obtain relevant documents and other information about NSO’s practices''. Judge Hamilton also highlighted the underlying facts in the case, that someone sent malicious code and malware through WhatsApp's servers, did not appear to be disputed. I nstead, the lawsuit revolved around whether NSO Group’s ''sovereign customers'' were to blame, or the company itself. Earlier, an Israeli court on Monday rejected a bid by rights group Amnesty International to revoke the export license of spyware firm NSO Group over hacking allegations. NSO has faced multiple accusations of cyber-espionage on human rights activists and others, including by the messaging service WhatsApp, which is suing the company in a US court. Many of the allegations have centred on the company's Pegasus product, a highly invasive tool that can reportedly switch on a target's cellphone camera and microphone and access data on it, effectively turning the phone into a pocket spy. Amnesty claimed the technology was used against one of its staffers and petitioned a Tel Aviv court to revoke its defence ministry issued export licence. The rights group added that NSO's products are helping governments commit rights violations "from Saudi Arabia to Mexico". NSO has been in the headlines since 2016 when researchers accused it of helping spy on an activist in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2010 by Israelis Shalev Hulio and Omri Lavie, NSO Group is based in the Israeli hi-tech hub of Herzliya, near Tel Aviv. It says it employs 600 people in Israel and around the world.

US judge grants permission for lawsuit against Israeli software firm NSO to proceed

Organizers of a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content.

At a virtual meeting that included&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the #StopHateForProfit coalition leaders "didn't hear anything... to convince us that Zuckerberg and his colleagues are taking action," said Jessica Gonzalez of the activist group Free Press, a coalition member.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessing-user-data-311243">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data</a>

Rashad Robinson, president of the activist group Color of Change, told reporters on a conference call the meeting was "a disappointment."

Robinson said the executives "showed up to the meeting expecting an A for attendance," but that "we did not get answers to questions we put on the table."

The meeting was seen by&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;as an opportunity to hear from boycott organizers and "reaffirm" a commitment to combating hate on the platform, a spokesperson said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebooks-zuckerberg-to-meet-activists-wont-act-on-boycott-310747">Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott</a>

"They want&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;to be free of hate speech and so do we," the spokesperson said, noting steps the social network has taken to ban white supremacist groups and fight interference with voting or the census.

"We know we will be judged by our actions not by our words and are grateful to these groups and many others for their continued engagement."

The meeting took place during a boycott which has grown to nearly 1,000 advertisers pressing for more aggressive action from&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;on toxic and inflammatory content which promotes violence and hate -- spurred by the wave of protests calling for social justice and racial equity.

"This isn't over. We will continue to expand the boycott until&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;takes our demands seriously. We won't be distracted by&nbsp;Facebook's spin today or any day," Gonzalez said.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Johnathan Greenblatt said of the meeting: "We saw little and heard just about nothing."

Greenblatt said the organizers had 10 specific demands for&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;but "got no commitment or clear outcomes to any of them."

Some of the activists say&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;should do more to curb disinformation from political leaders including President Donald Trump, and limit his comments which critics say promote violence and divisiveness.

Among posts which particularly roiled activists was Trump's comment during widespread protests that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," which critics said was an incitement to violence.

Facebook&nbsp;has steadfastly refused to fact-check political speech and has a largely hands-off policy on comments from world leaders.

But it has said it will take down comments that could lead to imminent harm, and recently updated a policy to label a post which violates its rules, even if it is allowed to remain online for being "newsworthy."

Earlier Tuesday,&nbsp;Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg pledged further steps to remove toxic and hateful content ahead of the discussions with the boycott organizers, led by the NAACP, Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League.

Organizers of a Facebook ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content.

Organizers of a Facebook ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content. At a virtual meeting that included Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the #StopHateForProfit coalition leaders "didn't hear anything... to convince us that Zuckerberg and his colleagues are taking action," said Jessica Gonzalez of the activist group Free Press, a coalition member. Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data Rashad Robinson, president of the activist group Color of Change, told reporters on a conference call the meeting was "a disappointment." Robinson said the executives "showed up to the meeting expecting an A for attendance," but that "we did not get answers to questions we put on the table." The meeting was seen by Facebook as an opportunity to hear from boycott organizers and "reaffirm" a commitment to combating hate on the platform, a spokesperson said. Also read: Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott "They want Facebook to be free of hate speech and so do we," the spokesperson said, noting steps the social network has taken to ban white supremacist groups and fight interference with voting or the census. "We know we will be judged by our actions not by our words and are grateful to these groups and many others for their continued engagement." The meeting took place during a boycott which has grown to nearly 1,000 advertisers pressing for more aggressive action from Facebook on toxic and inflammatory content which promotes violence and hate -- spurred by the wave of protests calling for social justice and racial equity. "This isn't over. We will continue to expand the boycott until Facebook takes our demands seriously. We won't be distracted by Facebook's spin today or any day," Gonzalez said. Anti-Defamation League CEO Johnathan Greenblatt said of the meeting: "We saw little and heard just about nothing." Greenblatt said the organizers had 10 specific demands for Facebook but "got no commitment or clear outcomes to any of them." Some of the activists say Facebook should do more to curb disinformation from political leaders including President Donald Trump, and limit his comments which critics say promote violence and divisiveness. Among posts which particularly roiled activists was Trump's comment during widespread protests that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," which critics said was an incitement to violence. Facebook has steadfastly refused to fact-check political speech and has a largely hands-off policy on comments from world leaders. But it has said it will take down comments that could lead to imminent harm, and recently updated a policy to label a post which violates its rules, even if it is allowed to remain online for being "newsworthy." Earlier Tuesday, Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg pledged further steps to remove toxic and hateful content ahead of the discussions with the boycott organizers, led by the NAACP, Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League.

Facebook boycott leaders 'disappointed' after meeting with CEO Zuckerberg

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-american-brands-join-boycott-facebook-ads-campaign-309428">Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!</a>

"My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said.

The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content.

Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response.

"We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview.

He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough".

The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott.

Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week.

After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not ready to back down and has hit back on the brands boycotting Facebook by dropping their advertisements. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign! "My guess is that all these advertisers will be back on the platform soon enough" the Facebook chief executive has said. The social media platform has been accused by advertisers of being reluctant and slow to remove some hateful content. Zuckerberg sees this boycott as a PR stunt by big brands rather than serious step and is not planning any major response. "We’re not gonna change our policies or approach on anything because of a threat to a small percent of our revenue, or to any percent of our revenue,” he said in an interview. He said the boycott is a "reputational and partner issue" and the advertisers should be back "soon enough". The statement was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson who said "We take these matters very seriously and respect the feedback from our partners. We’re making real progress keeping hate speech off our platform, and we don’t benefit from this kind of content. But as we’ve said, we make policy changes based on principles, not revenue pressures." On Wednesday, 500 brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Ford and several others announced the boycott. Since the current boycott is nothing like what Facebook has ever faced before, Zuckerberg has agreed to meet the advertisers next week. After weeks of protest against racial injustice, several big brands came together for the very first time against hate speech on Facebook by targeting it's $70 billion in annual ad revenue.

Advertisers' boycott of Facebook to end 'soon enough' says CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July.

The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies&nbsp;will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to&nbsp;Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress.

The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include&nbsp;Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-tide-of-coronavirus-cases-hit-amazon-warehouses-288731">Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses</a>

All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market.

Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;by the Federal Trade Commission.

Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology&nbsp;companies according to&nbsp;market value.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee. Also read: French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress. The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube. Also read: Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market. Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission. Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology companies according to market value.

CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues

Social networking giant Facebook has launched its latest feature "Avatars"&nbsp;in India which allows users to make graphic images of themselves, the new tool has characteristics of Bitmoji stickers used in Snapchat.

Facebook said Avatars supports faces, hairstyles and outfits that are customized for users in India. The launch comes just a day after&nbsp;the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps over national security concerns with Tik Tok facing the government's ire even as its followers swelled in India.

Alibaba, Bytedance, Baidu and Tencent who had launched apps in India have come under the government's spotlight.

The new Facebook feature allows uses to create a digital persona that’s uniquely representative enabling them&nbsp;to share a range of emotions and expressions. Facebook is looking to personalise the user experience as it looks to drive its user base in India and&nbsp;seeks to move away from simple GIFs and stickers.

Avatars posts can also be shared on WhatsApp chats including as Facebook's profile picture with users now allowed to set specific hair and facial features according to their preference. The users can in fact also create avatars from another user's cartoon-like representation.

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These Facebook avatars are so cute! 
Look at mine. 🤭 <a href="https://t.co/M8VP83MLcW">pic.twitter.com/M8VP83MLcW</a>
— Parul ⁷⟭⟬ (@parul__1997) <a href="https://twitter.com/parul__1997/status/1278184524510199808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The users in India were quick to lap up the new feature as they posted their ‘Avatars’ to show off to their friends as Facebook hopes it becomes another addictive feature for its fanbase in India.

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Facebook trend it is 😂 
I am this type of Avatar .. what is yours ?🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trending?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trending</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Facebook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/facebookapp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@facebookapp</a> <a href="https://t.co/moQK73yfNF">pic.twitter.com/moQK73yfNF</a>
— Soumili Deb (@DebSoumili) <a href="https://twitter.com/DebSoumili/status/1278207112229695488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The feature allows a user to change skin tone, put on new makeup and clothes with everything available on Android, iOS devices where users can use their Facebook account.

&nbsp;

Social networking giant Facebook has launched its latest feature "Avatars" in India which allows users to make graphic images of themselves, the new tool has characteristics of Bitmoji stickers used in Snapchat.

Social networking giant Facebook has launched its latest feature "Avatars" in India which allows users to make graphic images of themselves, the new tool has characteristics of Bitmoji stickers used in Snapchat. Facebook said Avatars supports faces, hairstyles and outfits that are customized for users in India. The launch comes just a day after the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps over national security concerns with Tik Tok facing the government's ire even as its followers swelled in India. Alibaba, Bytedance, Baidu and Tencent who had launched apps in India have come under the government's spotlight. The new Facebook feature allows uses to create a digital persona that’s uniquely representative enabling them to share a range of emotions and expressions. Facebook is looking to personalise the user experience as it looks to drive its user base in India and seeks to move away from simple GIFs and stickers. Avatars posts can also be shared on WhatsApp chats including as Facebook's profile picture with users now allowed to set specific hair and facial features according to their preference. The users can in fact also create avatars from another user's cartoon-like representation. These Facebook avatars are so cute! Look at mine. 🤭 pic.twitter.com/M8VP83MLcW — Parul ⁷⟭⟬ (@parul__1997) July 1, 2020 × The users in India were quick to lap up the new feature as they posted their ‘Avatars’ to show off to their friends as Facebook hopes it becomes another addictive feature for its fanbase in India. Facebook trend it is 😂 I am this type of Avatar .. what is yours ?🤔#Trending @Facebook @facebookapp pic.twitter.com/moQK73yfNF — Soumili Deb (@DebSoumili) July 1, 2020 × The feature allows a user to change skin tone, put on new makeup and clothes with everything available on Android, iOS devices where users can use their Facebook account.

Facebook's Avatars allows users in India to create own digital profile

Facebook has removed hundreds of extremist accounts running a "violent US-based anti-government network" loosely connected to to the&nbsp;Boogaloo movement.

The tech giant it said that it has removed more than 300 accounts from Facebook and Instagram which were tied to 106 groups associated with the&nbsp;Boogaloo movement.

"Members of this network seek to recruit others within the broader boogaloo movement, sharing the same content online and adopting the same offline appearance as others in the movement to do so," the company said in an issued statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-removes-hundreds-more-accounts-as-right-wing-violence-spreads-306406">Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads</a>

The company called the move&nbsp;"the latest step in our commitment to ban people who proclaim a violent mission from using our platform".

Before, an additional 400 groups and 100 pages were taken down for posting content broadly supporting the&nbsp;movement.

The term 'Boogaloo' is a slang word supporters use to refer to&nbsp;the second civil war.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-american-brands-join-boycott-facebook-ads-campaign-309428">Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign!</a>

Facebook has been facing boycott from several big companies including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Adidas and&nbsp;Ford who have taken down their advertisements over hate speech on the platform.

According to the criminal complaint against the&nbsp;alleged killer of a federal security officer, who was shot in Oakland, California on May 30,&nbsp;had posted about&nbsp;the Boogaloo on Facebook and connected with his accomplice on the same social media platform.

Facebook has removed hundreds of extremist accounts running a "violent US-based anti-government network" loosely connected to to the Boogaloo movement. The tech giant it said that it has removed more than 300 accounts from Facebook and Instagram which were tied to 106 groups associated with the Boogaloo movement.

Facebook has removed hundreds of extremist accounts running a "violent US-based anti-government network" loosely connected to to the Boogaloo movement. The tech giant it said that it has removed more than 300 accounts from Facebook and Instagram which were tied to 106 groups associated with the Boogaloo movement. "Members of this network seek to recruit others within the broader boogaloo movement, sharing the same content online and adopting the same offline appearance as others in the movement to do so," the company said in an issued statement. Also read: Facebook removes hundreds more accounts as right-wing violence spreads The company called the move "the latest step in our commitment to ban people who proclaim a violent mission from using our platform". Before, an additional 400 groups and 100 pages were taken down for posting content broadly supporting the movement. The term 'Boogaloo' is a slang word supporters use to refer to the second civil war. Also see: Top American brands join boycott Facebook ads campaign! Facebook has been facing boycott from several big companies including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Adidas and Ford who have taken down their advertisements over hate speech on the platform. According to the criminal complaint against the alleged killer of a federal security officer, who was shot in Oakland, California on May 30, had posted about the Boogaloo on Facebook and connected with his accomplice on the same social media platform.

Facebook bans hundreds of extremist Boogaloo group accounts for 'promoting violence'

Google said that it had removed search ads that charged users searching for voting information large fees for voter registration or harvested their personal data.

A Google spokeswoman told Reuters that the company’s misrepresentation policy barred such ads, which were found by the nonprofit watchdog Tech Transparency Project when searching for terms such as “register to vote,” “vote by mail,” and “where is my polling place.”

Tech Transparency Project said in a report on Monday that nearly a third of the more than 600 ads generated by its Google searches took users to sites that try to charge large fees for voter registration services, extract personal data for marketing purposes, install deceptive browser extensions, or serve other misleading ads.

The report said that the first ad in a Google search for “register to vote” directed users to a site from PrivacyWall.org that charged $129 for “same-day processing” of voter registration. US voters do not need to pay to register to vote.

PrivacyWall did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

A Google spokeswoman said the company did not yet know how the ads had got through its approval process, which uses a combination of automated and manual review.

“We have strict policies in place to protect users from false information about voting procedures, and when we find ads that violate our policies and present harm to users, we remove them and block advertisers from running similar ads in the future,” the spokeswoman said.

“Some people may find it difficult to distinguish Google ads from other kinds of content because as of January, search ads on Google feature the same type face and color scheme as organic search results,” the TTP report said.

Social media companies and online platforms, including Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) are under pressure to curb misinformation on their sites in the run-up to the US presidential election in November.

Google said that it had removed search ads that charged users searching for voting information large fees for voter registration or harvested their personal data.

Google said that it had removed search ads that charged users searching for voting information large fees for voter registration or harvested their personal data. A Google spokeswoman told Reuters that the company’s misrepresentation policy barred such ads, which were found by the nonprofit watchdog Tech Transparency Project when searching for terms such as “register to vote,” “vote by mail,” and “where is my polling place.” Tech Transparency Project said in a report on Monday that nearly a third of the more than 600 ads generated by its Google searches took users to sites that try to charge large fees for voter registration services, extract personal data for marketing purposes, install deceptive browser extensions, or serve other misleading ads. The report said that the first ad in a Google search for “register to vote” directed users to a site from PrivacyWall.org that charged $129 for “same-day processing” of voter registration. US voters do not need to pay to register to vote. PrivacyWall did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A Google spokeswoman said the company did not yet know how the ads had got through its approval process, which uses a combination of automated and manual review. “We have strict policies in place to protect users from false information about voting procedures, and when we find ads that violate our policies and present harm to users, we remove them and block advertisers from running similar ads in the future,” the spokeswoman said. “Some people may find it difficult to distinguish Google ads from other kinds of content because as of January, search ads on Google feature the same type face and color scheme as organic search results,” the TTP report said. Social media companies and online platforms, including Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Twitter (TWTR.N) are under pressure to curb misinformation on their sites in the run-up to the US presidential election in November.

Google removes misleading ads in voting-related searches

Coca-Cola, a major force in global advertising, announced Friday it would suspend ads on social media for at least 30 days, as platforms face a reckoning over how they deal with racist content.

"There is no place for racism in the world and there is no place for racism on social media," James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said in a brief statement.

He said social media companies -- which other major brands have boycotted to force changes in how they deal with hateful material -- need to provide "greater accountability and transparency."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-flag-all-newsworthy-posts-from-politicians-that-break-its-rules-308909">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook to flag all 'newsworthy' posts from politicians that break its rules</a>

Coca-Cola will use the pause to "reassess our advertising policies to determine whether revisions are needed," Quincey said.

The beverage giant told CNBC that the "break" does not mean it is joining the movement launched last week by African American and civil society groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-hides-trumps-tweet-targeting-protestors-in-washington-dc-labels-it-as-abusive-content-308136">Also read:&nbsp;Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content'</a>

The coalition, which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has been urging companies to stop advertising on Facebook, using the #StopHateForProfit hashtag.

It aims to achieve better regulation of groups inciting hatred, racism or violence on the platform.

Unilever, home to brands including Lipton tea and Ben and Jerry's ice cream, said it would stop advertising on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in the US until the end of 2020 due to the "polarized election period."

Facebook said Friday it would ban a "wider category of hateful content" in ads as the embattled social media giant moved to respond to widening protests over its handling of inflammatory posts.

Coca-Cola, a major force in global advertising, announced Friday it would suspend ads on social media for at least 30 days, as platforms face a reckoning over how they deal with racist content.

Coca-Cola, a major force in global advertising, announced Friday it would suspend ads on social media for at least 30 days, as platforms face a reckoning over how they deal with racist content. "There is no place for racism in the world and there is no place for racism on social media," James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said in a brief statement. He said social media companies -- which other major brands have boycotted to force changes in how they deal with hateful material -- need to provide "greater accountability and transparency." Also read: Facebook to flag all 'newsworthy' posts from politicians that break its rules Coca-Cola will use the pause to "reassess our advertising policies to determine whether revisions are needed," Quincey said. The beverage giant told CNBC that the "break" does not mean it is joining the movement launched last week by African American and civil society groups. Also read: Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content' The coalition, which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has been urging companies to stop advertising on Facebook, using the #StopHateForProfit hashtag. It aims to achieve better regulation of groups inciting hatred, racism or violence on the platform. Unilever, home to brands including Lipton tea and Ben and Jerry's ice cream, said it would stop advertising on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in the US until the end of 2020 due to the "polarized election period." Facebook said Friday it would ban a "wider category of hateful content" in ads as the embattled social media giant moved to respond to widening protests over its handling of inflammatory posts.

Coca-Cola says pausing social media advertising

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