Amazon.com Inc founder and CEO Jeff Bezos on Wednesday took a dig at Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg while elaborating upon the huge cost of space expansions. Also read: Will export $10 billion 'Make in India' products by 2025, says Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos He said, “Earth is finite.

Amazon.com Inc founder and CEO Jeff Bezos on Wednesday took a dig at Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg while elaborating upon the huge cost of space expansions. Also read: Will export $10 billion 'Make in India' products by 2025, says Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos He said, “Earth is finite. If we continue to grow and consume energy and expand, in the long run, we are going to move the polluting industries to space and earth can be this place to live. Two kids in a dorm room could build a Facebook, but that cannot happen in space. It’s a huge cost.” Also read: Jeff Bezos' India visit — Amazon CEO pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, to address 'Smbhav' His space firm Blue Origin was founded in 2000 with a mission of reducing the costs of space travel and making it more accessible. Also read: 'E-commerce firms shouldn't offer heavy discounts' — Antitrust chief says ahead Amazon CEO Bezos' visit Facebook was launched in 2004 by Zuckerberg with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students is now approximately worth 41 billion dollars with 2.45 billion users globally. The social networking site is the most downloaded app of the decade from 2010 to 2019. Meanwhile, Bezos who is in India for an annual Amazon event said his company will export $10 billion worth of Make in India goods by 2025. The announcement is important as the online retailer is facing protests by small and medium businesses that have accused Amazon of unfair trade practices. "Unless India becomes better, you can’t become better. Therefore in every decision, make this a better place for all of us. Once you think this, I believe India will become a stronger nation," he said.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos takes a dig at Mark Zuckerberg, calls making of Facebook child's play

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-boss-jeff-bezos-to-face-protests-from-traders-during-india-trip-273640">Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos</a> on Tuesday made donations of&nbsp;$690,000 to the<a href="http://wionews.com/world/smoke-plummetted-from-australian-bushfire-will-take-a-full-circuit-and-return-to-the-nation-nasa-274181"> Australian bushfires relief effort</a>s. Soon after the post, the internet slammed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-should-endure-what-you-did-says-jeff-bezos-to-khashoggis-fiancee-hatice-cengiz-253320">Bezos</a> as people&nbsp;highlighted that the amount is roughly how much money Bezos makes in minutes.

"Our hearts go out to all Australians as they cope with these devastating bushfires. Amazon is donating A$1 million needed for provisions and services. Find more about it and learn how customers can help as well. Link in bio," Bezos announced on Instagram.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7NZCExnSkz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Our hearts go out to all Australians as they cope with these devastating bushfires. Amazon is donating 1 million AU dollars in needed provisions and services. Find more about it and learn how customers can help as well. Link in bio.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffbezos/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Jeff Bezos</a> (@jeffbezos) on <time datetime="2020-01-12T06:17:22+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 11, 2020 at 10:17pm PST</time>
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"Jeff Bezos donated three minutes of his day," one user wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.

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Jeff Bezos donated three minutes of his day <a href="https://t.co/H9IzpdixUc">pic.twitter.com/H9IzpdixUc</a>
— The Serfs (@theserfstv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theserfstv/status/1216762546469761024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Jeff Bezos makes $149,340 a minute. So he is effectively donating 4.6 minutes of money. If he donated what he makes in a day, that would be $215 million, which would still not be enough, " a&nbsp;Twitter user wrote.

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Jeff Bezos makes $149,340 a minute. So he is effectively donating 4.6 minutes of money. If he donated what he makes in a day, that would be $215 million, which would still not be enough. <a href="https://t.co/dl4R5VjdKB">https://t.co/dl4R5VjdKB</a>
— Reina Sultan رينا سلطان (@SultanReina) <a href="https://twitter.com/SultanReina/status/1216496134195154947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jeff Bezos deciding how much to donate <a href="https://t.co/30Nim4LRQ1">pic.twitter.com/30Nim4LRQ1</a>
— 👁👄👁 (@ThatOtherDrake) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatOtherDrake/status/1216893701668114435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to a report,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jeff-bezos-sells-shares-worth-18-billion-loses-stake-in-amazon-to-about-110-billion-240029"> Jeff Bezos</a> alone makes roughly $78.5 billion per year, which breaks down to more than $215 million per day, or $149,353 per minute.

Australia is battling&nbsp;with unprecedented wildfires raging in New South Wales and Victoria which has ravaged the environment and left several thousand homeless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huge&nbsp;wildfires have razed more than 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), nearly half the area of the United Kingdom, destroying or severely damaging the habitats of several native animals.

Some estimates suggest as many as a billion animals, including livestock and domestic pets, have either died in the blazes or are at risk in their aftermath due to a lack of food and shelter.

Social media site giant Facebook has pledged $1.25 million towards relief efforts while widely popular metal band Metallica has pledged $7,50,000.

Entrepreneur Kylie Jenner is donating&nbsp;$1 million while singer Elton John has given $1 million towards the Australian wildfires.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on Tuesday made donations of $690,000 to the Australian bushfires relief efforts. Soon after the post, the internet slammed Bezos as people highlighted that the amount is roughly how much money Bezos makes in minutes.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on Tuesday made donations of $690,000 to the Australian bushfires relief efforts. Soon after the post, the internet slammed Bezos as people highlighted that the amount is roughly how much money Bezos makes in minutes. "Our hearts go out to all Australians as they cope with these devastating bushfires. Amazon is donating A$1 million needed for provisions and services. Find more about it and learn how customers can help as well. Link in bio," Bezos announced on Instagram. View this post on Instagram Our hearts go out to all Australians as they cope with these devastating bushfires. Amazon is donating 1 million AU dollars in needed provisions and services. Find more about it and learn how customers can help as well. Link in bio. A post shared by Jeff Bezos (@jeffbezos) on Jan 11, 2020 at 10:17pm PST × "Jeff Bezos donated three minutes of his day," one user wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter. Jeff Bezos donated three minutes of his day pic.twitter.com/H9IzpdixUc — The Serfs (@theserfstv) January 13, 2020 × "Jeff Bezos makes $149,340 a minute. So he is effectively donating 4.6 minutes of money. If he donated what he makes in a day, that would be $215 million, which would still not be enough, " a Twitter user wrote. Jeff Bezos makes $149,340 a minute. So he is effectively donating 4.6 minutes of money. If he donated what he makes in a day, that would be $215 million, which would still not be enough. https://t.co/dl4R5VjdKB — Reina Sultan رينا سلطان (@SultanReina) January 12, 2020 × Jeff Bezos deciding how much to donate pic.twitter.com/30Nim4LRQ1 — 👁👄👁 (@ThatOtherDrake) January 14, 2020 × According to a report, Jeff Bezos alone makes roughly $78.5 billion per year, which breaks down to more than $215 million per day, or $149,353 per minute. Australia is battling with unprecedented wildfires raging in New South Wales and Victoria which has ravaged the environment and left several thousand homeless. Huge wildfires have razed more than 11.2 million hectares (27.7 million acres), nearly half the area of the United Kingdom, destroying or severely damaging the habitats of several native animals. Some estimates suggest as many as a billion animals, including livestock and domestic pets, have either died in the blazes or are at risk in their aftermath due to a lack of food and shelter. Social media site giant Facebook has pledged $1.25 million towards relief efforts while widely popular metal band Metallica has pledged $7,50,000. Entrepreneur Kylie Jenner is donating $1 million while singer Elton John has given $1 million towards the Australian wildfires.

'Bezos donates three minutes of his day': Amazon CEO slammed for Australia bushfires donation

Authorities at the social media giant Facebook blocked the live-stream of the ‘Kashmir Bulletin’ on December 29, 2019, on alleged charges that it was violating community standards on dangerous individuals and organisations. 
&nbsp; 
The matter was raised with Facebook by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) which after talks have been resolved, informed WION, an official of Radio Pakistan on the condition of anonymity. 
&nbsp; 
The stream of the “Kashmir Bulletin” remain suspended for 36 hours with the matter being resolved. Government authorities during the time of the ban period moved to YouTube and other streaming platforms to continue with their broadcast. It is pertinent to mention that Radio Pakistan during the ban period, continued with their broadcast of the bulletin on the airwaves frequency. 
&nbsp; 
Previously in July and May 2019, the social media giant had warned Radio Pakistan for glorifying Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on his death anniversary&nbsp;and Zakir Musa, leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen.

It is pertinent to mention that Wani is considered and glorified at the state level in Pakistan with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi often referring to Burhan Wani as a “martyr” and “Freedom Fighter”, Wani was wanted for terrorism offences in India.&nbsp;

The social media company had back then warned Radio Pakistan for violating community standards on dangerous individuals and organizations.&nbsp;

The recent move, however, had nothing directly to do with the previous posts except that the previous warnings, now resulted in the suspension of the activity on the social media platform. 
&nbsp; 
Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan while speaking to media emphasized on the need for a Pakistan based setup of the sort of social media giant, Facebook so that any such instances could be avoided in the future.

Authorities at the social media giant Facebook blocked the live-stream of the ‘Kashmir Bulletin’ on December 29, 2019, on alleged charges that it was violating community standards on dangerous individuals and organisations.

Authorities at the social media giant Facebook blocked the live-stream of the ‘Kashmir Bulletin’ on December 29, 2019, on alleged charges that it was violating community standards on dangerous individuals and organisations. The matter was raised with Facebook by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) which after talks have been resolved, informed WION, an official of Radio Pakistan on the condition of anonymity. The stream of the “Kashmir Bulletin” remain suspended for 36 hours with the matter being resolved. Government authorities during the time of the ban period moved to YouTube and other streaming platforms to continue with their broadcast. It is pertinent to mention that Radio Pakistan during the ban period, continued with their broadcast of the bulletin on the airwaves frequency. Previously in July and May 2019, the social media giant had warned Radio Pakistan for glorifying Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on his death anniversary and Zakir Musa, leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen. It is pertinent to mention that Wani is considered and glorified at the state level in Pakistan with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi often referring to Burhan Wani as a “martyr” and “Freedom Fighter”, Wani was wanted for terrorism offences in India. The social media company had back then warned Radio Pakistan for violating community standards on dangerous individuals and organizations. The recent move, however, had nothing directly to do with the previous posts except that the previous warnings, now resulted in the suspension of the activity on the social media platform. Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan while speaking to media emphasized on the need for a Pakistan based setup of the sort of social media giant, Facebook so that any such instances could be avoided in the future.

Facebook suspends, then restores Live Stream of Radio Pakistan’s 'Kashmir Bulletin'

Brazil's Ministry of Justice fined social media giant&nbsp;Facebook 6.6 million-real ($1.64 million) for improperly sharing user data on Monday.

According to the ministry's&nbsp;statement, the fine is the first-ever applied to Facebook in Brazil and is related to the misuse of data by Cambridge Analytica in 2018. Facebook, owned by Mark Zuckerberg, has been ordered to pay the fine within 30 days.

The ministry's department of consumer protection said it had found that data from 443,000 Facebook users was made improperly available to developers of an App called 'thisisyourdigitallife.'

The data was being shared for "questionable" purposes, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the world's largest social network failed to provide users with adequate information regarding default privacy settings, particularly related to data of "friends" and "friends of friends."

The ministry said it launched the investigation following media reports of the misuse of data by political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica in 2018.

Facebook has 10 days to appeal the decision.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brazil's Ministry of Justice fined social media giant Facebook 6.6 million-real ($1.64 million) for improperly sharing user data on Monday. According to the ministry's statement, the fine is the first-ever applied to Facebook in Brazil and is related to the misuse of data by Cambridge Analytica in 2018.

Brazil's Ministry of Justice fined social media giant Facebook 6.6 million-real ($1.64 million) for improperly sharing user data on Monday. According to the ministry's statement, the fine is the first-ever applied to Facebook in Brazil and is related to the misuse of data by Cambridge Analytica in 2018. Facebook, owned by Mark Zuckerberg, has been ordered to pay the fine within 30 days. The ministry's department of consumer protection said it had found that data from 443,000 Facebook users was made improperly available to developers of an App called 'thisisyourdigitallife.' The data was being shared for "questionable" purposes, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the world's largest social network failed to provide users with adequate information regarding default privacy settings, particularly related to data of "friends" and "friends of friends." The ministry said it launched the investigation following media reports of the misuse of data by political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica in 2018. Facebook has 10 days to appeal the decision.

Brazil fines Facebook $1.6 million for improper sharing of user data

In a hit to Facebook’s digital currency plans, the president of Switzerland Ueli Maurer has said Facebook’s Libra project has failed in its current form and needs reworking to be approved, as the Cryptocurrency is seeking regulatory consent.

Plans for the Facebook-led digital currency, which is to be issued and governed by the Geneva-based Libra association, have raised concerns among regulators and politicians ranging from privacy to its potential to influence monetary policy and change the global financial landscape.&nbsp;

Officials running the project, including co-creator David Marcus of Facebook, have said regulatory hurdles could see the launch delayed beyond the planned June date.

The cryptocurrency is to be backed by a reserve of assets such as bank deposits and government debt held by a network of custodians.&nbsp;

The structure is meant to foster trust and avoid the price swings that plague other cryptocurrencies.&nbsp;

In a hit to Facebook’s digital currency plans, the president of Switzerland Ueli Maurer has said Facebook’s Libra project has failed in its current form and needs reworking to be approved, as the Cryptocurrency is seeking regulatory consent.

In a hit to Facebook’s digital currency plans, the president of Switzerland Ueli Maurer has said Facebook’s Libra project has failed in its current form and needs reworking to be approved, as the Cryptocurrency is seeking regulatory consent. Plans for the Facebook-led digital currency, which is to be issued and governed by the Geneva-based Libra association, have raised concerns among regulators and politicians ranging from privacy to its potential to influence monetary policy and change the global financial landscape. Officials running the project, including co-creator David Marcus of Facebook, have said regulatory hurdles could see the launch delayed beyond the planned June date. The cryptocurrency is to be backed by a reserve of assets such as bank deposits and government debt held by a network of custodians. The structure is meant to foster trust and avoid the price swings that plague other cryptocurrencies.

Libra has failed in current form: Swiss president Ueli Maurer

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-says-investigating-data-exposure-of-267-million-users-269245">Facebook </a>on Friday said it took down a network of accounts using fake identities while spreading pro-Trump messages at the social network and Instagram.

The campaign was one of two derailed for "engaging in foreign and government interference" and endeavoring "to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," according to the Facebook head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher.

"In each of these cases, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action," Gleicher said in an online post.

The announcement marked the latest move by the huge social network against manipulation by accounts created with fake identities to amplify a political group or cause.

One campaign was traced by Facebook &nbsp;to US-based Epoch Media Group, which has been a connect to controversial religious organization Falun Gong, and an outlet known as The BL, according to Gleicher.

"The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few," Gleicher said.

The BL has been banned from Facebook, he added.

Facebook removed 610 accounts, 89 pages, 156 groups and 72 Instagram accounts that originated in Vietnam and the US, some of which used profile photos generated by artificial intelligence and pretended to be people from the US, according to the social network.

The accounts "typically posted memes and other content about US political news and issues including impeachment, conservative ideology, political candidates, elections, trade, family values and freedom of religion," Gleicher said.

Examples provided of posts were pro-Trump.

About 55 million accounts followed one or more pages orchestrated by the campaign, which spent less than $9.5 million on advertising at Facebook and Instagram combined, according to the California-based internet firm.

The second network of accounts taken down at Facebook and Instagram originated in the country of Georgia and targeted people there, according to Gleicher.

"Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities and coordination, our investigation linked this activity to Panda, an advertising agency in Georgia, and the Georgian Dream-led government."

A total of 39 Facebook accounts, 344 pages, 13 groups and 22 Instagram accounts that had amassed more than 440,000 followers overall were removed after being linked to the Georgia campaign.

The news came on the same day Twitter it had suspended thousands of accounts linked to a manipulation effort stemming from Saudi Arabia, aiming to amplify messages favorable to the government at home and abroad.

Facebook on Friday said it took down a network of accounts using fake identities while spreading pro-Trump messages at the social network and Instagram. The campaign was one of two derailed for "engaging in foreign and government interference" and endeavoring "to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," according to the Facebook head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher.

Facebook on Friday said it took down a network of accounts using fake identities while spreading pro-Trump messages at the social network and Instagram. The campaign was one of two derailed for "engaging in foreign and government interference" and endeavoring "to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," according to the Facebook head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher. "In each of these cases, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action," Gleicher said in an online post. The announcement marked the latest move by the huge social network against manipulation by accounts created with fake identities to amplify a political group or cause. One campaign was traced by Facebook to US-based Epoch Media Group, which has been a connect to controversial religious organization Falun Gong, and an outlet known as The BL, according to Gleicher. "The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few," Gleicher said. The BL has been banned from Facebook, he added. Facebook removed 610 accounts, 89 pages, 156 groups and 72 Instagram accounts that originated in Vietnam and the US, some of which used profile photos generated by artificial intelligence and pretended to be people from the US, according to the social network. The accounts "typically posted memes and other content about US political news and issues including impeachment, conservative ideology, political candidates, elections, trade, family values and freedom of religion," Gleicher said. Examples provided of posts were pro-Trump. About 55 million accounts followed one or more pages orchestrated by the campaign, which spent less than $9.5 million on advertising at Facebook and Instagram combined, according to the California-based internet firm. The second network of accounts taken down at Facebook and Instagram originated in the country of Georgia and targeted people there, according to Gleicher. "Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities and coordination, our investigation linked this activity to Panda, an advertising agency in Georgia, and the Georgian Dream-led government." A total of 39 Facebook accounts, 344 pages, 13 groups and 22 Instagram accounts that had amassed more than 440,000 followers overall were removed after being linked to the Georgia campaign. The news came on the same day Twitter it had suspended thousands of accounts linked to a manipulation effort stemming from Saudi Arabia, aiming to amplify messages favorable to the government at home and abroad.

Facebook blocks group spreading pro-Trump posts from fake accounts

A report reveals that a trove of user information belonging to more than 267 million Facebook users is left exposed online. #Facebook #Facebookleak #FB

Facebook faces another huge data leak affecting 267 million users

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebook-and-instagram-suffer-global-outages-265135">Facebook</a> on Thursday said it is investigating a report that a database containing names and phone numbers of more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">267 million users</a> was exposed online.

The database was made available for download last week on an online hacker forum that belonged to a criminal group, according to a blog post on the website Comparitech.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebooks-zuckerberg-testifies-before-united-states-house-panel-257769/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are looking into this issue, but believe this is likely information obtained before changes we made in the past few years to better protect people's information," a Facebook spokesperson said.

Comparitech said that security researcher Bob Diachenko spotted the database, which was openly accessible and contained Facebook users' names, user IDs and phone numbers.

The discovery was reported and the database was no longer available by Thursday, according to Comparitech.

The revelation of the exposed data comes as the social network strives to rebuild trust and alleviate concerns over the protection of people's information.

US regulators earlier this month said that British consultancy Cambridge Analytica -- at the centre of a massive scandal involving Facebook data hijacking &nbsp;-- deceived the social network's users about how it collected and handled their personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission said its investigation launched in March 2018 concluded that the now-defunct political consulting firm "engaged in deceptive practices to harvest personal information from tens of millions of Facebook users for voter profiling and targeting."

The FTC said the British firm, which worked on Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, made "false and misleading" claims when it offered Facebook users a "personality quiz" -- stating it would not download names or any personally identifiable information.

The case created a firestorm over data protection when it was disclosed that Cambridge Analytica was able to create psychological profiles using data from millions of Facebook users.

Facebook's own investigation found that some data from 87 million users in the United States and elsewhere had been compromised by the firm, and claimed the practices violated the social network's terms of service.

Facebook paid a record $5 billion penalty early this year in a settlement with the regulator over mishandling users' private data.

Facebook on Thursday said it is investigating a report that a database containing names and phone numbers of more than 267 million users was exposed online. The database was made available for download last week on an online hacker forum that belonged to a criminal group, according to a blog post on the website Comparitech.

Facebook on Thursday said it is investigating a report that a database containing names and phone numbers of more than 267 million users was exposed online. The database was made available for download last week on an online hacker forum that belonged to a criminal group, according to a blog post on the website Comparitech. Watch: "We are looking into this issue, but believe this is likely information obtained before changes we made in the past few years to better protect people's information," a Facebook spokesperson said. Comparitech said that security researcher Bob Diachenko spotted the database, which was openly accessible and contained Facebook users' names, user IDs and phone numbers. The discovery was reported and the database was no longer available by Thursday, according to Comparitech. The revelation of the exposed data comes as the social network strives to rebuild trust and alleviate concerns over the protection of people's information. US regulators earlier this month said that British consultancy Cambridge Analytica -- at the centre of a massive scandal involving Facebook data hijacking -- deceived the social network's users about how it collected and handled their personal information. The Federal Trade Commission said its investigation launched in March 2018 concluded that the now-defunct political consulting firm "engaged in deceptive practices to harvest personal information from tens of millions of Facebook users for voter profiling and targeting." The FTC said the British firm, which worked on Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, made "false and misleading" claims when it offered Facebook users a "personality quiz" -- stating it would not download names or any personally identifiable information. The case created a firestorm over data protection when it was disclosed that Cambridge Analytica was able to create psychological profiles using data from millions of Facebook users. Facebook's own investigation found that some data from 87 million users in the United States and elsewhere had been compromised by the firm, and claimed the practices violated the social network's terms of service. Facebook paid a record $5 billion penalty early this year in a settlement with the regulator over mishandling users' private data.

Profiles of 267 million users exposed, Facebook says investigating personal data leak

To combat the misinformation on the Facebook-owned social media platform, Instagram is expanding its fact-checking program globally.

In its official blog, Instagram explained that the third-party fact-checker program will be expanded out of the US for organisations around the world to assess and rate misinformation.&nbsp;

"In May of this year, we began working with third-party fact-checkers in the US to help identify, review, and label false information. These partners independently assess false information to help us catch it and reduce its distribution," the company stated on its blog post.

Instagram will reduce the distribution of content which is rated as false or partly false by a third-party fact-checker and label it with a link to the rating and articles from credible sources that debunk the claims made in the post.

"When these labels are applied, they will appear to everyone around the world viewing that content – in feed, profile, stories, and direct messages, " the company said.

"We use image-matching technology to find further instances of this content and apply the label, helping reduce the spread of misinformation."

If the content is labelled false on Instagram, Facebook will also reflect the label and vice-versa.&nbsp;

To determine which content should be sent to fact-checkers for review, the company "uses a combination of feedback from our community and technology."

In August, Instagram added a "False Information" feedback option for users to report posts they think are false.

"Today's expansion is an important step in our ongoing efforts to fight misinformation on Instagram," the popular photo-sharing website said.

Facebook started using image-detection on Instagram in May to find content debunked on its flagship app and also expanded its third-party fact-checking program to the app.

Results rated as false are removed from places where users seek out new content, like Instagram's Explore tab and hashtag search results.

Instagram has largely been spared the scrutiny associated with its parent company, which is in the crosshairs of regulators over alleged Russian attempts to spread misinformation around the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

But an independent report commissioned by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence found that it was "perhaps the most effective platform" for Russian actors trying to spread false information since the election.

(With inputs from agencies)

To combat the misinformation on the Facebook-owned social media platform, Instagram is expanding its fact-checking program globally. In its official blog, Instagram explained that the third-party fact-checker program will be expanded out of the US for organisations around the world to assess and rate misinformation.

To combat the misinformation on the Facebook-owned social media platform, Instagram is expanding its fact-checking program globally. In its official blog, Instagram explained that the third-party fact-checker program will be expanded out of the US for organisations around the world to assess and rate misinformation. "In May of this year, we began working with third-party fact-checkers in the US to help identify, review, and label false information. These partners independently assess false information to help us catch it and reduce its distribution," the company stated on its blog post. Instagram will reduce the distribution of content which is rated as false or partly false by a third-party fact-checker and label it with a link to the rating and articles from credible sources that debunk the claims made in the post. "When these labels are applied, they will appear to everyone around the world viewing that content – in feed, profile, stories, and direct messages, " the company said. "We use image-matching technology to find further instances of this content and apply the label, helping reduce the spread of misinformation." If the content is labelled false on Instagram, Facebook will also reflect the label and vice-versa. To determine which content should be sent to fact-checkers for review, the company "uses a combination of feedback from our community and technology." In August, Instagram added a "False Information" feedback option for users to report posts they think are false. "Today's expansion is an important step in our ongoing efforts to fight misinformation on Instagram," the popular photo-sharing website said. Facebook started using image-detection on Instagram in May to find content debunked on its flagship app and also expanded its third-party fact-checking program to the app. Results rated as false are removed from places where users seek out new content, like Instagram's Explore tab and hashtag search results. Instagram has largely been spared the scrutiny associated with its parent company, which is in the crosshairs of regulators over alleged Russian attempts to spread misinformation around the 2016 US presidential election. But an independent report commissioned by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence found that it was "perhaps the most effective platform" for Russian actors trying to spread false information since the election. (With inputs from agencies)

Instagram expands its fact-check program to prevent misinformation

One-third Americans rely on news platforms they acknowledge are less reliable: Study

Cambridge Analytica deceived facebook users.

Cambridge Analytica scandal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-invokes-fake-news-law-for-first-time-over-facebook-post-264359">Facebook</a>&nbsp;on Monday introduced a "Viewpoints" app in the US that pays members of the social network for taking part in surveys.

The new market research app will be used to improve the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;"family" of offerings including<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/instagram-in-trouble-as-nearly-50-million-users-data-gets-leaked-online-220423"> Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whatsapp-business-launches-on-iphones-207989#the-business-app-207980">WhatsApp</a>, Portal, Oculus and the core online social network, according to product manager Erez Naveh.

The app could blunt criticism that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;keeps to itself profits made by taking advantage of data shared on the social network.

"We believe the best way to make products better is to get insights directly from people who use them," Naveh said in an online post.

Points can be accumulated to earn payments, which will be sent to people via PayPal.

People who set up accounts in the Viewpoints app will be invited to take part in programs, the first a well-being survey intended to gather insights that can be used to curb negative effects of social media and enhance its benefits, according to Naveh.

Personal information such as name, age, gender, and country of residence will be gathered while setting up Viewpoints accounts, which are only open to people 18 years of age or older.

"We won't sell your information from this app to third parties," Naveh said.

"We also won't publicly share your&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;Viewpoints activity on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;or on other accounts you've linked without your permission."

Viewpoints are only available to US&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;members, but the California-based internet giant planned to expand it to more countries next year.

Facebook on Monday introduced a "Viewpoints" app in the US that pays members of the social network for taking part in surveys. The new market research app will be used to improve the Facebook "family" of offerings including Instagram, WhatsApp, Portal, Oculus and the core online social network, according to product manager Erez Naveh.

Facebook on Monday introduced a "Viewpoints" app in the US that pays members of the social network for taking part in surveys. The new market research app will be used to improve the Facebook "family" of offerings including Instagram, WhatsApp, Portal, Oculus and the core online social network, according to product manager Erez Naveh. The app could blunt criticism that Facebook keeps to itself profits made by taking advantage of data shared on the social network. "We believe the best way to make products better is to get insights directly from people who use them," Naveh said in an online post. Points can be accumulated to earn payments, which will be sent to people via PayPal. People who set up accounts in the Viewpoints app will be invited to take part in programs, the first a well-being survey intended to gather insights that can be used to curb negative effects of social media and enhance its benefits, according to Naveh. Personal information such as name, age, gender, and country of residence will be gathered while setting up Viewpoints accounts, which are only open to people 18 years of age or older. "We won't sell your information from this app to third parties," Naveh said. "We also won't publicly share your Facebook Viewpoints activity on Facebook or on other accounts you've linked without your permission." Viewpoints are only available to US Facebook members, but the California-based internet giant planned to expand it to more countries next year.

New Facebook application pays people to take part in surveys

Singapore&nbsp;political figure Brad Bowyer on Monday corrected a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;post&nbsp;questioning the independence of state investment firms following a government request, in the&nbsp;first&nbsp;use of the country's new "fake news"&nbsp;law.

Bowyer used "false and misleading" statements alleging the government influenced decisions made by state investors<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/singapores-temasek-reports-record-235-bn-portfolio-150518"> Temasek Holdings</a> and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bank-lic-gic-unions-to-protest-against-govt-policies-tomorrow-151379"> GIC</a>, according to a statement on the official government fact-checking website.

Bowyer said he had placed a correction notice with a link to the government statement above his&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;post&nbsp;following a request to do so under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).

"I have no problem in following that request as I feel it is fair to have both points of view and clarifications and corrections of fact when necessary," Bowyer said in a statement on&nbsp;Facebook.

"In general, I caution all those who comment on our domestic politics and social issues to do so with due care and attention especially if you speak from any place of influence."

Bowyer, a naturalized&nbsp;Singaporean born in Britain, has been a member of the ruling party and opposition parties but has never stood for elected office.

A spokesman for the newly-created POFMA office said the correction requested by the minister for finance was the&nbsp;first&nbsp;case under the new&nbsp;law, which came into effect in October.

Rights groups have raised concerns the fake news&nbsp;law&nbsp;will be used to stifle free speech and chill dissent in the city-state, where the ruling party has comfortably won every election since independence in 1965.

Singapore&nbsp;says it is particularly vulnerable to fake news because of its position as a global financial hub, its mixed ethnic and religious population, and widespread internet access.

Singapore political figure Brad Bowyer on Monday corrected a Facebook post questioning the independence of state investment firms following a government request, in the first use of the country's new "fake news" law.

Singapore political figure Brad Bowyer on Monday corrected a Facebook post questioning the independence of state investment firms following a government request, in the first use of the country's new "fake news" law. Bowyer used "false and misleading" statements alleging the government influenced decisions made by state investors Temasek Holdings and GIC, according to a statement on the official government fact-checking website. Bowyer said he had placed a correction notice with a link to the government statement above his Facebook post following a request to do so under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). "I have no problem in following that request as I feel it is fair to have both points of view and clarifications and corrections of fact when necessary," Bowyer said in a statement on Facebook. "In general, I caution all those who comment on our domestic politics and social issues to do so with due care and attention especially if you speak from any place of influence." Bowyer, a naturalized Singaporean born in Britain, has been a member of the ruling party and opposition parties but has never stood for elected office. A spokesman for the newly-created POFMA office said the correction requested by the minister for finance was the first case under the new law, which came into effect in October. Rights groups have raised concerns the fake news law will be used to stifle free speech and chill dissent in the city-state, where the ruling party has comfortably won every election since independence in 1965. Singapore says it is particularly vulnerable to fake news because of its position as a global financial hub, its mixed ethnic and religious population, and widespread internet access.

Singapore invokes 'fake news' law for first time over Facebook post

A complaint has been filed against star Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for offering prayers (namaz) on the cricket field during the game against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023. Vineet Jindal, an advocate in the Supreme Court of India, wrote to the ICC, saying Rizwan offering prayers during the match ‘raises questions about the spirit of the game.’

“This is a complaint about Pakistan Cricket Player, Mohammad Rizwan, who was seen offering namaz on the cricket field during his team’s opening match of the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 on Friday (Oct 6) against the Netherlands in Hyderabad,” reads the complaint filed by Jindal with the ICC chairman Greg Barclay.

“The act of Mohammad Rizwan when he read namaz on the cricket field amid many Indians is symbolic of the intentional depiction of his religion, which stands against the spirit of the sports,” it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashid-latif-tears-into-pakistan-cricket-setup-blames-political-vendetta-aggressive-changes-for-poor-show-647447">Rashid Latif tears into Pakistan cricket setup, blames political vendetta, aggressive changes for poor show</a>

In the complaint he filed, the lawyer said Rizwan offering the prayers defeated the whole purpose of the spirit of cricket, further questioning his ideology behind it. He added that by doing so, Rizwan was purposely depicting his religion.&nbsp;

Vineet posted the photo of his complaint on his social media handle, receiving attention from everywhere.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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खेल की भावना को जीवित रखने के लिए, अधिवक्ता विनीत जिंदल ने 6 अक्टूबर 2023 को क्रिकेट मैच के दौरान "नमाज़" की पेशकश करने के लिए पाकिस्तान क्रिकेट टीम के विकेटकीपर और बल्लेबाज मोहम्मद रिज़वान के खिलाफ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट परिषद में शिकायत दर्ज की। 
शिकायत की कॉपी आईसीसी एथिक्स… <a href="https://t.co/w2Ezm6KaTy">pic.twitter.com/w2Ezm6KaTy</a>
— Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) <a href="https://twitter.com/vineetJindal19/status/1713086170102710678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“This very act of the player raises questions about the spirit of the match and raises a question of the ideology, the player follows while playing the match. The act of displaying his religion by Mohammed Rizwan purposefully depicts his intent to message that he is a Muslim, defeating the spirit of sports. Rizwan was seen offering prayers amid the field while his teammates were waiting for the drinks during the break,” the complaint read.

Following his match-winning hundred against Sri Lanka the other day, Rizwan dedicated his knock (on X – previously known as Twitter) to the people of Gaza, putting himself in a controversial sphere, given the dos and don’ts laid by the cricket’s governing body.

“The act of representation of his religion by Mohammed Rizwan in the field and further followed by his statement in his press conference regarding the dedication of his victory to the people of Gaza further attests to his religious and political ideology,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have won two and lost one in three matches played in this World Cup so far. They will next face Australia in Bengaluru on Friday (Oct 20).&nbsp;

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A complaint has been filed against star Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for offering prayers (namaz) on the cricket field during the game against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023.

A complaint has been filed against star Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for offering prayers (namaz) on the cricket field during the game against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023. Vineet Jindal, an advocate in the Supreme Court of India, wrote to the ICC, saying Rizwan offering prayers during the match ‘raises questions about the spirit of the game.’ “This is a complaint about Pakistan Cricket Player, Mohammad Rizwan, who was seen offering namaz on the cricket field during his team’s opening match of the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 on Friday (Oct 6) against the Netherlands in Hyderabad,” reads the complaint filed by Jindal with the ICC chairman Greg Barclay. “The act of Mohammad Rizwan when he read namaz on the cricket field amid many Indians is symbolic of the intentional depiction of his religion, which stands against the spirit of the sports,” it added. ALSO READ: Rashid Latif tears into Pakistan cricket setup, blames political vendetta, aggressive changes for poor show In the complaint he filed, the lawyer said Rizwan offering the prayers defeated the whole purpose of the spirit of cricket, further questioning his ideology behind it. He added that by doing so, Rizwan was purposely depicting his religion. Vineet posted the photo of his complaint on his social media handle, receiving attention from everywhere. खेल की भावना को जीवित रखने के लिए, अधिवक्ता विनीत जिंदल ने 6 अक्टूबर 2023 को क्रिकेट मैच के दौरान "नमाज़" की पेशकश करने के लिए पाकिस्तान क्रिकेट टीम के विकेटकीपर और बल्लेबाज मोहम्मद रिज़वान के खिलाफ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट परिषद में शिकायत दर्ज की। शिकायत की कॉपी आईसीसी एथिक्स… pic.twitter.com/w2Ezm6KaTy — Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) October 14, 2023 × “This very act of the player raises questions about the spirit of the match and raises a question of the ideology, the player follows while playing the match. The act of displaying his religion by Mohammed Rizwan purposefully depicts his intent to message that he is a Muslim, defeating the spirit of sports. Rizwan was seen offering prayers amid the field while his teammates were waiting for the drinks during the break,” the complaint read. Following his match-winning hundred against Sri Lanka the other day, Rizwan dedicated his knock (on X – previously known as Twitter) to the people of Gaza, putting himself in a controversial sphere, given the dos and don’ts laid by the cricket’s governing body. “The act of representation of his religion by Mohammed Rizwan in the field and further followed by his statement in his press conference regarding the dedication of his victory to the people of Gaza further attests to his religious and political ideology,” the statement read. Meanwhile, Pakistan have won two and lost one in three matches played in this World Cup so far. They will next face Australia in Bengaluru on Friday (Oct 20). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Interpol plans to condemn encryption spread citing sexual predators: Sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-launches-new-company-logo-260130">Facebook Inc</a>&nbsp;removed 3.2 billion fake accounts between April and September this year, along with millions of posts depicting child abuse and suicide, according to its latest content moderation report released on Wednesday.

That more than doubles the number of fake accounts taken down during the same period last year, when 1.55 billion accounts were removed, according to the report.&nbsp;

The world's biggest social network also disclosed for the first time how many posts it removed from popular photo-sharing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/instagram-test-of-hiding-likes-on-app-to-start-rolling-out-in-united-states-261011">app Instagram</a>, which has been identified as a growing area of concern about fake news by disinformation researchers.

Proactive detection of violating content was lower across all categories on Instagram than on Facebook's flagship app, where the company initially implemented many of its detection tools, the company said in its fourth content moderation report.

For example, the company said it proactively detected content affiliated with terrorist organizations 98.5 per cent&nbsp;of the time on Facebook and 92.2 per cent&nbsp;of the time on Instagram.

It removed more than 11.6 million pieces of content depicting child nudity and sexual exploitation of children on Facebook and 754,000 pieces on Instagram during the third quarter.

Facebook also added data on actions it took around content involving self-harm for the first time in the report. It said it had removed about 2.5 million posts in the third quarter that depicted or encouraged suicide or self-injury.

The company also removed about 4.4 million pieces involving drug sales during the quarter, it said in a blog post.&nbsp;

Facebook Inc removed 3.2 billion fake accounts between April and September this year, along with millions of posts depicting child abuse and suicide, according to its latest content moderation report released on Wednesday.

Facebook Inc removed 3.2 billion fake accounts between April and September this year, along with millions of posts depicting child abuse and suicide, according to its latest content moderation report released on Wednesday. That more than doubles the number of fake accounts taken down during the same period last year, when 1.55 billion accounts were removed, according to the report. The world's biggest social network also disclosed for the first time how many posts it removed from popular photo-sharing app Instagram, which has been identified as a growing area of concern about fake news by disinformation researchers. Proactive detection of violating content was lower across all categories on Instagram than on Facebook's flagship app, where the company initially implemented many of its detection tools, the company said in its fourth content moderation report. For example, the company said it proactively detected content affiliated with terrorist organizations 98.5 per cent of the time on Facebook and 92.2 per cent of the time on Instagram. It removed more than 11.6 million pieces of content depicting child nudity and sexual exploitation of children on Facebook and 754,000 pieces on Instagram during the third quarter. Facebook also added data on actions it took around content involving self-harm for the first time in the report. It said it had removed about 2.5 million posts in the third quarter that depicted or encouraged suicide or self-injury. The company also removed about 4.4 million pieces involving drug sales during the quarter, it said in a blog post.

Facebook removes 3.2 billion fake accounts, millions of child abuse posts

Some 25 people, many members of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party, were charged with murder Wednesday over the brutal killing last month of a university student who criticised the government on social media.

The battered body of 21-year-old Abrar Fahad was found in his dormitory hours after he wrote a post on Facebook slamming Dhaka for signing a water-sharing deal with India.

Police said he was beaten to death by fellow students -- many members of the ruling Awami League's university branch. Others had links to the pro-government Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

"Murder charges have been pressed to the court against 25 men," police spokesman Monirul Islam told AFP.

"According to the CCTV footage, at least 11 were directly involved in beating Fahad to death."

He said the accused had created an "environment of fear" on campus, with physical abuse and other coercive behaviours.

"They were using their political identity as shelter," he said, referring to their links to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party.&nbsp;

Fahad's death sparked widespread protests among students in the country, prompting Hasina to promise his killers would be severely punished.

Some 25 people, many members of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party, were charged with murder Wednesday over the brutal killing last month of a university student who criticised the government on social media.

Some 25 people, many members of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party, were charged with murder Wednesday over the brutal killing last month of a university student who criticised the government on social media. The battered body of 21-year-old Abrar Fahad was found in his dormitory hours after he wrote a post on Facebook slamming Dhaka for signing a water-sharing deal with India. Police said he was beaten to death by fellow students -- many members of the ruling Awami League's university branch. Others had links to the pro-government Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). "Murder charges have been pressed to the court against 25 men," police spokesman Monirul Islam told AFP. "According to the CCTV footage, at least 11 were directly involved in beating Fahad to death." He said the accused had created an "environment of fear" on campus, with physical abuse and other coercive behaviours. "They were using their political identity as shelter," he said, referring to their links to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party. Fahad's death sparked widespread protests among students in the country, prompting Hasina to promise his killers would be severely punished.

25 charged over brutal killing of Bangladesh student

A senior Sri Lankan minister accused social media giant Facebook on Monday of censoring comments he made questioning the citizenship of&nbsp;presidential election frontrunner Gotabhaya Rajapakse.

The nationality of Rajapakse, brother of former strongman president Mahinda, is a key issue ahead of voting Saturday as Sri Lankan law prohibits dual citizens from holding elected office.

Communications Minister Harin Fernando asked in a Facebook post on his official ministry page Sunday whether Rajapakse should be allowed to stand, suggesting he was still a US national.

"Is Mr&nbsp;Rajapakse legally able to contest at a Presidential election in Sri Lanka?" Fernando asked in the now-deleted post.

"If elected, will he able to take oaths and discharge the duties of the office?"

Gotabhaya became a US citizen in 2003, giving up his Sri Lanka passport after migrating to Los Angeles following a 20-year military career.

He returned to Colombo in 2005, when he says he reclaimed Sri Lankan citizenship and was appointed defence secretary in his brother's administration.

Gotabhaya insists he renounced US citizenship in May this year.

Fernando said Facebook took down the post from his official ministry page on Sunday, and he repeated the allegations on Twitter while complaining he had been censored.

The same post was still visible on his private Facebook page, however, including a screenshot of what he claimed was Rajapakse's US passport.

"American companies shouldn't interfere on behalf of an American contesting a SL election. I stand by my every word," he tweeted.

A Facebook spokesperson said they routinely took down any posts containing personal or confidential information.

"We remove this content whenever we become aware of it,” the company told AFP.

Last month, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said it would not censor political speech.

"I don't think most people want to live in a world where you can only post things that tech companies judge to be 100 per cent true," he said.

Rajapakse's nationality is also the subject of a police investigation, but the next court hearing will only be held after the election.

If he wins the vote he would be immune from prosecution during his term.

Social media has been abuzz with speculation about Rajapakse's citizenship, while a copy of a purportedly cancelled US passport shown by his lawyers has been challenged as fake.

The US embassy in Colombo has declined to comment on the issue.

Rajapakse and current housing minister Sajith Premadasa, are the leading candidates in a field of 35 contesting Saturday's election.

A senior Sri Lankan minister accused social media giant Facebook on Monday of censoring comments he made questioning the citizenship of presidential election frontrunner Gotabhaya Rajapakse.

A senior Sri Lankan minister accused social media giant Facebook on Monday of censoring comments he made questioning the citizenship of presidential election frontrunner Gotabhaya Rajapakse. The nationality of Rajapakse, brother of former strongman president Mahinda, is a key issue ahead of voting Saturday as Sri Lankan law prohibits dual citizens from holding elected office. Communications Minister Harin Fernando asked in a Facebook post on his official ministry page Sunday whether Rajapakse should be allowed to stand, suggesting he was still a US national. "Is Mr Rajapakse legally able to contest at a Presidential election in Sri Lanka?" Fernando asked in the now-deleted post. "If elected, will he able to take oaths and discharge the duties of the office?" Gotabhaya became a US citizen in 2003, giving up his Sri Lanka passport after migrating to Los Angeles following a 20-year military career. He returned to Colombo in 2005, when he says he reclaimed Sri Lankan citizenship and was appointed defence secretary in his brother's administration. Gotabhaya insists he renounced US citizenship in May this year. Fernando said Facebook took down the post from his official ministry page on Sunday, and he repeated the allegations on Twitter while complaining he had been censored. The same post was still visible on his private Facebook page, however, including a screenshot of what he claimed was Rajapakse's US passport. "American companies shouldn't interfere on behalf of an American contesting a SL election. I stand by my every word," he tweeted. A Facebook spokesperson said they routinely took down any posts containing personal or confidential information. "We remove this content whenever we become aware of it,” the company told AFP. Last month, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said it would not censor political speech. "I don't think most people want to live in a world where you can only post things that tech companies judge to be 100 per cent true," he said. Rajapakse's nationality is also the subject of a police investigation, but the next court hearing will only be held after the election. If he wins the vote he would be immune from prosecution during his term. Social media has been abuzz with speculation about Rajapakse's citizenship, while a copy of a purportedly cancelled US passport shown by his lawyers has been challenged as fake. The US embassy in Colombo has declined to comment on the issue. Rajapakse and current housing minister Sajith Premadasa, are the leading candidates in a field of 35 contesting Saturday's election.

Sri Lanka minister slams Facebook over 'censorship'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-launches-new-company-logo-260130">Facebook</a> vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China.

Taiwan will elect a new president and parliament on January 11, and relations with the mainland are dominating the campaign.&nbsp;

Beijing has ramped up Taiwan's isolation ever since President Tsai Ing-wen took office three years ago because her party refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". &nbsp;

Tsai is seeking a second term against Han Kuo-yu, a challenger who favours much warmer ties with Beijing.&nbsp;

She and her party have accused Beijing of attempting to influence the elections by spreading disinformation via social media.

On Tuesday Facebook said it would establish a regional election centre in Singapore in the final weeks before Taiwan's elections, following similar moves in the United States, India, Indonesia and the European Union.&nbsp;

"Protecting elections at the company is a major priority for us,"&nbsp;Kate Harbath, Facebook's public policy director and global&nbsp;elections lead, told reporters via a videoconference in Taipei.

"Now we are heavily focused on these upcoming elections in Taiwan," she added, as well as upcoming polls in countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore.&nbsp;

"Each election has different risks," she said, adding that the company starts a year before an election to assess what is involved.

Facebook said it currently has 40 teams that focus on elections, to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and harmful content, as well as removing inaccurate voting information or any content that violates community standards such as hate messages.

"Our product teams are building tooling to better monitor... in order for us to be able to take quicker action and we can respond to those things in realtime," Harbath said. &nbsp;

Faced with criticism that the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been under mounting pressure to improve how its spots meddling and misinformation, as well as scrutinising political adverts.&nbsp;

It will introduce strict criteria for political ads in Taiwan, requiring those who want to advertise about elections and politics to confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawsuit-accuses-facebook-ad-targeting-of-abetting-bias-259200">Facebook</a> said it has also been working with third-party checkers, including an independent fact-checking organisation in Taiwan.

In a global initiative set to start mid-November, the social network will also step up a system that makes clear when information comes from state-controlled media outlets.&nbsp;

Facebook in August removed hundreds of fake accounts it said was involved in "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" focused on Hong Kong's ongoing protests.

Since the protests began Beijing's well-oiled state media machinery has launched a global propaganda campaign both online and on social media.

Facebook said it has not detected such moves targeting Taiwan election so far.

Facebook vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China.

Facebook vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China. Taiwan will elect a new president and parliament on January 11, and relations with the mainland are dominating the campaign. Beijing has ramped up Taiwan's isolation ever since President Tsai Ing-wen took office three years ago because her party refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". Tsai is seeking a second term against Han Kuo-yu, a challenger who favours much warmer ties with Beijing. She and her party have accused Beijing of attempting to influence the elections by spreading disinformation via social media. On Tuesday Facebook said it would establish a regional election centre in Singapore in the final weeks before Taiwan's elections, following similar moves in the United States, India, Indonesia and the European Union. "Protecting elections at the company is a major priority for us," Kate Harbath, Facebook's public policy director and global elections lead, told reporters via a videoconference in Taipei. "Now we are heavily focused on these upcoming elections in Taiwan," she added, as well as upcoming polls in countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore. "Each election has different risks," she said, adding that the company starts a year before an election to assess what is involved. Facebook said it currently has 40 teams that focus on elections, to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and harmful content, as well as removing inaccurate voting information or any content that violates community standards such as hate messages. "Our product teams are building tooling to better monitor... in order for us to be able to take quicker action and we can respond to those things in realtime," Harbath said. Faced with criticism that the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been under mounting pressure to improve how its spots meddling and misinformation, as well as scrutinising political adverts. It will introduce strict criteria for political ads in Taiwan, requiring those who want to advertise about elections and politics to confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad. Facebook said it has also been working with third-party checkers, including an independent fact-checking organisation in Taiwan. In a global initiative set to start mid-November, the social network will also step up a system that makes clear when information comes from state-controlled media outlets. Facebook in August removed hundreds of fake accounts it said was involved in "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" focused on Hong Kong's ongoing protests. Since the protests began Beijing's well-oiled state media machinery has launched a global propaganda campaign both online and on social media. Facebook said it has not detected such moves targeting Taiwan election so far.

Amid controversies, Facebook steps up monitoring content for Taiwan elections

Activists, lawyers, journalists & diplomats were targets of the WhatsApp hack. As the story continues to evolve, another major data breach has come to the fore. Reports suggest that debit, credit data of customers are up for sale in dark web.

Gravitas: Not just WhatsApp, even credit & debit card data of users stolen!

WhatsApp has sued the Israeli cyber surveillance firm NSO Group over claims that it hacked WhatsApp users earlier this year.

WION Dispatch: WhatsApp sues Israeli cyber surveillance firm NSO Group

Facebook is suing an Israeli cybersecurity company over claims it hacked WhatsApp users earlier this year.

FB's Whatsapp sues shadowy Israeli data firm

An Australian regulator has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-unveils-quantum-computer-breakthrough-critics-say-wait-a-qubit-257805">Google</a>, accusing it of misleading smartphone users about how it collected and used personal location data, advancing a global crackdown on the world's biggest tech firms.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission&nbsp;said the local Google unit did not tell users of its Android operating system for almost two years that they needed to switch off two settings - not one - if they did not want the company to keep their information.

"Google's conduct caused users to understand that personal data about their location was not being obtained ... by Google when in fact personal data was being obtained," the ACCC wrote in a Federal Court filing on Tuesday, which it published on its website.

"The misleading information provided by Google meant that users were not able to make an informed choice."

The lawsuit is the first of several the ACCC said it would pursue against the local arms of global technology companies like Google and social media firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebooks-news-tab-seeks-to-reboot-its-role-within-media-258245">Facebook Inc</a>&nbsp;when it called for tougher laws concerning privacy and content-sharing.

Already European Union countries have seized on the bloc's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules to rein in big technology companies. In January, a French regulator fined Google 50 million euros&nbsp;for breaches of privacy laws.

Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner is also investigating Google over a complaint alleging breach of privacy laws, while Facebook agreed in July to a record-breaking $5 billion fine in the United States to resolve privacy concerns dating back to its use of people's data in the 2016 presidential election.

The Australian lawsuit against Google is seeking unspecified penalties and orders requiring the publication of corrective notices by Google, the ACCC said.

The Australian regulator said in its lawsuit that Google failed to make clear that people should turn off two location-based settings, "Location History" and "Web &amp; App Activity", to stop the company collecting and using data from either.

Google further misled consumers - and breached Australian consumer law - by telling them the only way to prevent the company from collecting their location data was to stop using its main services like Google Search and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-offers-incognito-mode-for-maps-in-privacy-push-253314">Google Maps</a>, the regulator said.

"As a result of these on-screen representations, Google has collected, kept and used highly sensitive and valuable personal information about consumers' location without them making an informed choice," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement.

"Many consumers make a conscious decision to turn off settings to stop the collection of their location data, but we allege that Google's conduct may have prevented consumers from making that choice."

A representative for Google in Australia did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

The matter is scheduled for a case management hearing on November&nbsp;14, according to the Federal Court website.

An Australian regulator has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google, accusing it of misleading smartphone users about how it collected and used personal location data, advancing a global crackdown on the world's biggest tech firms.

An Australian regulator has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc's Google, accusing it of misleading smartphone users about how it collected and used personal location data, advancing a global crackdown on the world's biggest tech firms. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the local Google unit did not tell users of its Android operating system for almost two years that they needed to switch off two settings - not one - if they did not want the company to keep their information. "Google's conduct caused users to understand that personal data about their location was not being obtained ... by Google when in fact personal data was being obtained," the ACCC wrote in a Federal Court filing on Tuesday, which it published on its website. "The misleading information provided by Google meant that users were not able to make an informed choice." The lawsuit is the first of several the ACCC said it would pursue against the local arms of global technology companies like Google and social media firm Facebook Inc when it called for tougher laws concerning privacy and content-sharing. Already European Union countries have seized on the bloc's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules to rein in big technology companies. In January, a French regulator fined Google 50 million euros for breaches of privacy laws. Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner is also investigating Google over a complaint alleging breach of privacy laws, while Facebook agreed in July to a record-breaking $5 billion fine in the United States to resolve privacy concerns dating back to its use of people's data in the 2016 presidential election. The Australian lawsuit against Google is seeking unspecified penalties and orders requiring the publication of corrective notices by Google, the ACCC said. The Australian regulator said in its lawsuit that Google failed to make clear that people should turn off two location-based settings, "Location History" and "Web & App Activity", to stop the company collecting and using data from either. Google further misled consumers - and breached Australian consumer law - by telling them the only way to prevent the company from collecting their location data was to stop using its main services like Google Search and Google Maps, the regulator said. "As a result of these on-screen representations, Google has collected, kept and used highly sensitive and valuable personal information about consumers' location without them making an informed choice," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement. "Many consumers make a conscious decision to turn off settings to stop the collection of their location data, but we allege that Google's conduct may have prevented consumers from making that choice." A representative for Google in Australia did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The matter is scheduled for a case management hearing on November 14, according to the Federal Court website.

Australian regulator files privacy suit against Google alleging location data misuse

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebooks-zuckerberg-grilled-in-us-congress-on-digital-currency-privacy-elections-257824">Facebook</a>&nbsp;on Friday began rolling out its dedicated "news tab" with professionally produced content, the latest move by the social network to promote journalism and shed its reputation as a platform for misinformation.

The tab, being tested with some US users, will be separate from a user's normal feed and include articles from partner news organisations,&nbsp;making a clear distinction between journalism and stories shared by users from a wide range of sources.

"This is going to be&nbsp;the first time ever there will be a dedicated space on the (Facebook) app that is focused on high-quality journalism," Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told an audience in New York in a joint appearance with CEO Robert Thomson of News Corp, one of the partners in the project.

The mix of stories in&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;News will be determined by algorithmic "personalisation" based on a user's preferences and data, with journalists choosing some of the stories.

The company said users would have "more control over the stories they see, and the ability to explore a wider range of their news interests, directly within the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;app."

Facebook&nbsp;is expected to pay some of the news organizations, reportedly millions of dollars in some cases,&nbsp;but has yet to disclose full details.

Zuckerberg said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;would not seek to limit coverage of the company or himself.

Going global?

Zuckerberg said he sees the effort as important even if it is used by only a small percentage of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libras-association-is-independent-facebook-wont-be-part-of-it-even-outside-the-us-till-regulators-approve-zuckerberg-to-us-house-panel-257767">Facebook</a>&nbsp;users. And he said the company is in discussions to bring the feature to other countries.

"We want to do something like this across the world as well," he said.

The social network has partnered with some 200 news organisations including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Fox News, the Boston Globe, Bloomberg and Vanity Fair.

Zuckerberg defended the inclusion of partners some criticise as politically partisan such as the right-wing outlet Breitbart, saying the news tab "needs to have a diversity of views."

Facebook&nbsp;said it would begin an initial test rollout which would "showcase local original reporting" from publications in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington, Miami, Atlanta and Boston.

Topic sections will include business, entertainment, health, science and technology, and sports.

Rebooting the relationship

The move represents&nbsp;Facebook's effort to reboot its relationship with news organisations, many of which have been critical of the platform for failing to curb the spread of misinformation and for taking much of the online ad revenue.

The plan notably brings together&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

Thomson, the News Corp CEO who last year denounced what he called a "dysfunctional" online landscape that made it hard for publishers to thrive, welcomed the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;initiative in the joint appearance with Zuckerberg.

"It is a powerful precedent that will echo around editorial departments," said Thomson, whose company includes the Wall Street Journal.

"It begins to change the terms of trade for quality journalism."

Paying for 'good stuff'

Northeastern University professor Dan Kennedy said the tab could help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-announces-steps-to-clamp-down-on-misinformation-ahead-of-2020-election-257494">Facebook</a> users distinguish between misinformation and professional news.

"Less savvy news consumers might not be able to tell the difference between exaggerated or fake viral news and real journalism from respected news organisations," Kennedy said.

"So this should help a lot."

But Kennedy said it could be problematic that&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;may only be paying the richest media organisations, increasing woes for small, local outlets.

Ken Paulson, a former USA Today editor who now heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, agreed that the initiative will promote better content.

"My long-term hope for the news business is that more consumers will recognise the difference between quality and chaos and be willing to pay for the good stuff," Paulson said.

University of Oregon journalism professor Damian Radcliffe noted that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-defends-facebooks-approach-to-free-speech-draws-line-on-china-257158">Facebook</a>&nbsp;users currently "bump into" news in their feed, as opposed to actively seeking it out.

He said the project raises "important questions here about how transparent the story selection process will be, and what&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;is effectively saying about news which sits outside of the tab. Does that means it's deemed less trustworthy?"

Facebook on Friday began rolling out its dedicated "news tab" with professionally produced content, the latest move by the social network to promote journalism and shed its reputation as a platform for misinformation.

Facebook on Friday began rolling out its dedicated "news tab" with professionally produced content, the latest move by the social network to promote journalism and shed its reputation as a platform for misinformation. The tab, being tested with some US users, will be separate from a user's normal feed and include articles from partner news organisations, making a clear distinction between journalism and stories shared by users from a wide range of sources. "This is going to be the first time ever there will be a dedicated space on the (Facebook) app that is focused on high-quality journalism," Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told an audience in New York in a joint appearance with CEO Robert Thomson of News Corp, one of the partners in the project. The mix of stories in Facebook News will be determined by algorithmic "personalisation" based on a user's preferences and data, with journalists choosing some of the stories. The company said users would have "more control over the stories they see, and the ability to explore a wider range of their news interests, directly within the Facebook app." Facebook is expected to pay some of the news organizations, reportedly millions of dollars in some cases, but has yet to disclose full details. Zuckerberg said Facebook would not seek to limit coverage of the company or himself. Going global? Zuckerberg said he sees the effort as important even if it is used by only a small percentage of Facebook users. And he said the company is in discussions to bring the feature to other countries. "We want to do something like this across the world as well," he said. The social network has partnered with some 200 news organisations including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Fox News, the Boston Globe, Bloomberg and Vanity Fair. Zuckerberg defended the inclusion of partners some criticise as politically partisan such as the right-wing outlet Breitbart, saying the news tab "needs to have a diversity of views." Facebook said it would begin an initial test rollout which would "showcase local original reporting" from publications in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington, Miami, Atlanta and Boston. Topic sections will include business, entertainment, health, science and technology, and sports. Rebooting the relationship The move represents Facebook's effort to reboot its relationship with news organisations, many of which have been critical of the platform for failing to curb the spread of misinformation and for taking much of the online ad revenue. The plan notably brings together Facebook and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Thomson, the News Corp CEO who last year denounced what he called a "dysfunctional" online landscape that made it hard for publishers to thrive, welcomed the Facebook initiative in the joint appearance with Zuckerberg. "It is a powerful precedent that will echo around editorial departments," said Thomson, whose company includes the Wall Street Journal. "It begins to change the terms of trade for quality journalism." Paying for 'good stuff' Northeastern University professor Dan Kennedy said the tab could help Facebook users distinguish between misinformation and professional news. "Less savvy news consumers might not be able to tell the difference between exaggerated or fake viral news and real journalism from respected news organisations," Kennedy said. "So this should help a lot." But Kennedy said it could be problematic that Facebook may only be paying the richest media organisations, increasing woes for small, local outlets. Ken Paulson, a former USA Today editor who now heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, agreed that the initiative will promote better content. "My long-term hope for the news business is that more consumers will recognise the difference between quality and chaos and be willing to pay for the good stuff," Paulson said. University of Oregon journalism professor Damian Radcliffe noted that Facebook users currently "bump into" news in their feed, as opposed to actively seeking it out. He said the project raises "important questions here about how transparent the story selection process will be, and what Facebook is effectively saying about news which sits outside of the tab. Does that means it's deemed less trustworthy?"

Facebook's 'news tab' seeks to reboot its role within media

Facebook Inc CEO Mark Zuckerberg conceded on Wednesday that the company's planned digital currency Libra was a "risky project," but sought to reassure sceptical US&nbsp;lawmakers that it could lower the cost of electronic payments and open up the global financial system to more people.

Sporting a suit and tie, Zuckerberg also fended off aggressive questions on election interference, free speech, hate groups and fake news from members of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives Financial Services Committee.

Representative Maxine Waters, the panel's fiery Democratic chair, quizzed Zuckerberg on Facebook's steps to combat misinformation and voter suppression ahead of the November 2020 US&nbsp;presidential election. She also suggested policymakers should consider breaking up Facebook.

Waters had previously called for halting the Libra project before its planned 2020 launch and has drafted legislation that would bar tech companies from entering financial services.

"It would be beneficial for all if Facebook concentrates on addressing its many existing deficiencies and failures before proceeding any further on the Libra project," Waters told Zuckerberg two days after Facebook disclosed it had removed a network of Russian accounts targeting US&nbsp;voters on its Instagram platform.

Bipartisan criticism

Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike blasted Facebook for failing to crack down on online child exploitation and political misinformation, and for data privacy lapses. Several said they did not trust Facebook to help provide financial services to its 2.4 billion users given the past scandals.

"Facebook’s internal model was for a long time was 'Move fast and break things.' Mr&nbsp;Zuckerberg, we do not want to break the international monetary system," said Representative Nydia Velazquez, a Democrat.

Zuckerberg said Facebook would insist on US&nbsp;regulatory approval before launching Libra, which is being established by a Switzerland-based consortium including venture capital firms and nonprofits. He said Facebook would even leave the Libra Association if other companies sought to launch the currency without that sign-off.

Libra has faltered in recent weeks amid sustained criticism from lawmakers and regulators globally over fears it may aid money laundering and upend the global financial system. Several financial partners including Mastercard, Visa, PayPal and eBay have abandoned the project.&nbsp;

Representative Ann Wagner, a Republican, pressed Zuckerberg on why so many companies abandoned the Libra effort. “You’ve lost these stable partners and I find it highly concerning," she said. "Why do a number of these founding members have concerns of whether you’re up to the task of meeting our money laundering and regulatory standards?"

The 35-year old Facebook CEO conceded that those companies dropped out because Libra is a "risky project" and that he was not sure it would even work. During his testimony, the price of bitcoin versus the US&nbsp;dollar tumbled to a five-month low.&nbsp;

Facebook has 'work to do'

Calm and composed, Zuckerberg navigated the hostile room without major slip-ups and was even afforded a gentle rib by Democratic Representative Katie Porter, who complimented him on his short haircut.

The CEO last appeared before Congress in April 2018 when he fielded 10 hours of questions over two days from House and Senate panels on political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica's misuse of Facebook customer data to interfere in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

On Wednesday, he acknowledged Facebook's mistakes, saying he understood the social media giant was not the "ideal messenger" for the Libra project and that the company has "work to do to build trust." But he said past missteps should not stand in the way of Libra, based in Switzerland.

"The vision here is to make it so that people can send money to each other as easily and cheaply as it is sending a text message."

Zuckerberg was unable though to make material commitments on behalf of Libra because Facebook no longer controls the project, sometimes to the frustration of lawmakers.

On October&nbsp;14, the Libra Association comprising 21 members agreed articles of association laying out how the organization will be governed, as required by Swiss law. Most decisions will require a majority vote of the group's governing council, meaning Facebook will not call the shots.

Lawmakers also touched on other hot button issues, including diversity, inclusion, and charges brought by the housing regulator in March, still pending, alleging Facebook violated fair lending laws.

Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat, hammered Zuckerberg, saying she viewed Facebook's efforts to address civil rights abuses as insufficient, calling them "appalling and disgusting."

Some Republicans did offer support for Zuckerberg and the Libra project, arguing the government should not stop the private sector from innovating.

"I have my own qualms about Facebook and Libra and the shortcomings of Big Tech," said Representative Patrick McHenry, the top Republican on the panel. "But if history has taught us anything, it’s better to be on the side of American innovation"

Facebook Inc CEO Mark Zuckerberg conceded on Wednesday that the company's planned digital currency Libra was a "risky project," but sought to reassure sceptical US lawmakers that it could lower the cost of electronic payments and open up the global financial system to more people.

Facebook Inc CEO Mark Zuckerberg conceded on Wednesday that the company's planned digital currency Libra was a "risky project," but sought to reassure sceptical US lawmakers that it could lower the cost of electronic payments and open up the global financial system to more people. Sporting a suit and tie, Zuckerberg also fended off aggressive questions on election interference, free speech, hate groups and fake news from members of the US House of Representatives Financial Services Committee. Representative Maxine Waters, the panel's fiery Democratic chair, quizzed Zuckerberg on Facebook's steps to combat misinformation and voter suppression ahead of the November 2020 US presidential election. She also suggested policymakers should consider breaking up Facebook. Waters had previously called for halting the Libra project before its planned 2020 launch and has drafted legislation that would bar tech companies from entering financial services. "It would be beneficial for all if Facebook concentrates on addressing its many existing deficiencies and failures before proceeding any further on the Libra project," Waters told Zuckerberg two days after Facebook disclosed it had removed a network of Russian accounts targeting US voters on its Instagram platform. Bipartisan criticism Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike blasted Facebook for failing to crack down on online child exploitation and political misinformation, and for data privacy lapses. Several said they did not trust Facebook to help provide financial services to its 2.4 billion users given the past scandals. "Facebook’s internal model was for a long time was 'Move fast and break things.' Mr Zuckerberg, we do not want to break the international monetary system," said Representative Nydia Velazquez, a Democrat. Zuckerberg said Facebook would insist on US regulatory approval before launching Libra, which is being established by a Switzerland-based consortium including venture capital firms and nonprofits. He said Facebook would even leave the Libra Association if other companies sought to launch the currency without that sign-off. Libra has faltered in recent weeks amid sustained criticism from lawmakers and regulators globally over fears it may aid money laundering and upend the global financial system. Several financial partners including Mastercard, Visa, PayPal and eBay have abandoned the project. Representative Ann Wagner, a Republican, pressed Zuckerberg on why so many companies abandoned the Libra effort. “You’ve lost these stable partners and I find it highly concerning," she said. "Why do a number of these founding members have concerns of whether you’re up to the task of meeting our money laundering and regulatory standards?" The 35-year old Facebook CEO conceded that those companies dropped out because Libra is a "risky project" and that he was not sure it would even work. During his testimony, the price of bitcoin versus the US dollar tumbled to a five-month low. Facebook has 'work to do' Calm and composed, Zuckerberg navigated the hostile room without major slip-ups and was even afforded a gentle rib by Democratic Representative Katie Porter, who complimented him on his short haircut. The CEO last appeared before Congress in April 2018 when he fielded 10 hours of questions over two days from House and Senate panels on political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica's misuse of Facebook customer data to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election. On Wednesday, he acknowledged Facebook's mistakes, saying he understood the social media giant was not the "ideal messenger" for the Libra project and that the company has "work to do to build trust." But he said past missteps should not stand in the way of Libra, based in Switzerland. "The vision here is to make it so that people can send money to each other as easily and cheaply as it is sending a text message." Zuckerberg was unable though to make material commitments on behalf of Libra because Facebook no longer controls the project, sometimes to the frustration of lawmakers. On October 14, the Libra Association comprising 21 members agreed articles of association laying out how the organization will be governed, as required by Swiss law. Most decisions will require a majority vote of the group's governing council, meaning Facebook will not call the shots. Lawmakers also touched on other hot button issues, including diversity, inclusion, and charges brought by the housing regulator in March, still pending, alleging Facebook violated fair lending laws. Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat, hammered Zuckerberg, saying she viewed Facebook's efforts to address civil rights abuses as insufficient, calling them "appalling and disgusting." Some Republicans did offer support for Zuckerberg and the Libra project, arguing the government should not stop the private sector from innovating. "I have my own qualms about Facebook and Libra and the shortcomings of Big Tech," said Representative Patrick McHenry, the top Republican on the panel. "But if history has taught us anything, it’s better to be on the side of American innovation"

Facebook's Zuckerberg grilled in US Congress on digital currency, privacy, elections

Indian Government & Facebook Spar Over Decryption Debate The decryption debate at India's Apex Court has brought to fore - the privacy versus security debate.

Gravitas: 'Decryption' & The 'privacy Vs Security' Debate In India

Facebook's Zuckerberg testifies before U.S. House panel. Watch video to know more.

Facebook's Zuckerberg testifies before United States House panel

Facebook Inc&nbsp;Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-governments-move-to-veto-facebooks-digital-money-256813">defended the social media company's light regulation of speech</a> and lack of fact-checking on political advertising while citing China's censorship as a roadblock to operating in the country.

Facebook has been under fire in recent years for its lax approach to fake news reports, state-backed disinformation campaigns and violent content spread on its services, prompting calls for new regulations around the world.

In a speech at Georgetown University filled with references to the First Amendment and the fight for democracy, Zuckerberg stood his ground, saying social media had introduced transformative avenues for speech that should not be shut down.

"People having the power to express themselves at scale is a new kind of force in the world. It is a Fifth Estate alongside the other power structures of society," he said.

Zuckerberg framed the company's decisions around that concept, including its recent retreat from years of the aggressive courtship of China, an obstacle to his vision of connecting the world's population.

He attacked the rapidly growing Chinese-owned app TikTok, saying the short video platform censored political protest, including in the United States, a charge the company denies.

In leaked audio of an address to Facebook employees weeks earlier, Zuckerberg spoke about TikTok as a formidable competitor, calling it the first consumer internet product built by a Chinese tech giant to find global success, but did not mention its approach to speech.

Over the course of Facebook's charm offensive, Zuckerberg met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, learned Mandarin and posted a photo of himself running through Tiananmen Square.

Facebook briefly won a license to open an "innovation hub" in Hangzhou last year, but it was later revoked.

Zuckerberg effectively closed the door to China in March, when he announced his plan to pivot Facebook towards more private forms of communication and pledged not to build data centres in countries with "a track record of violating human rights like privacy or freedom of expression."

He repeated his concern about data centres on Thursday, this time specifically naming China.

"I wanted our services in China because I believe in connecting the whole world and I thought we might help create a more open society," Zuckerberg said. "I worked hard to make this happen. But we could never come to an agreement on what it would take for us to operate there, and they never let us in."

He received a question from the audience about what conditions or assurances he would need to enter the Chinese market, but did not address them in his response. 
 
''Feigned concern for free expression''

Zuckerberg also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-defends-facebooks-hands-off-policy-for-politicians-256608">defended the company's political advertising policies</a> on similar grounds, saying Facebook had at one time considered banning all political ads but decided against it, erring on the side of greater expression.

That assertion was immediately panned by critics, among them candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination who have asserted the company should do more to address disinformation and abuse ahead of the November 2020 election.

Former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign quickly accused Zuckerberg of using "the Constitution as a shield" for Facebook's bottom line.

"His choice to cloak Facebook's policy in a feigned concern for free expression demonstrates how unprepared his company is for this unique moment in our history and how little it has learned over the past few years," said spokesman Bill Russo.

US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren, another leading contender for the Democratic nomination, has been especially vocal about her critiques of Facebook, bashing its advertising policy and calling for the company to be broken up on antitrust grounds.

She recently challenged Facebook's policy that exempts politicians' ads from fact-checking, running ads on the social media platform containing the false claim that Zuckerberg endorsed Trump's re-election bid.

But the focus on free speech is likely to win Zuckerberg some friends on the right, whom he has been courting aggressively in a recent visit to Washington and dinners at his home in California.

Republican lawmakers routinely accuse the company of showing "anti-conservative bias" in its content moderation, without offering evidence. The company denies any favouritism.

Facebook has been under scrutiny after finding Russian propaganda on its platform which many believe affected the outcome of the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election, won by Donald Trump.

Trump has disputed claims that Russia has attempted to interfere in US&nbsp;elections. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied it.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday defended the social media company's light regulation of speech and lack of fact-checking on political advertising while citing China's censorship as a roadblock to operating in the country.

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday defended the social media company's light regulation of speech and lack of fact-checking on political advertising while citing China's censorship as a roadblock to operating in the country. Facebook has been under fire in recent years for its lax approach to fake news reports, state-backed disinformation campaigns and violent content spread on its services, prompting calls for new regulations around the world. In a speech at Georgetown University filled with references to the First Amendment and the fight for democracy, Zuckerberg stood his ground, saying social media had introduced transformative avenues for speech that should not be shut down. "People having the power to express themselves at scale is a new kind of force in the world. It is a Fifth Estate alongside the other power structures of society," he said. Zuckerberg framed the company's decisions around that concept, including its recent retreat from years of the aggressive courtship of China, an obstacle to his vision of connecting the world's population. He attacked the rapidly growing Chinese-owned app TikTok, saying the short video platform censored political protest, including in the United States, a charge the company denies. In leaked audio of an address to Facebook employees weeks earlier, Zuckerberg spoke about TikTok as a formidable competitor, calling it the first consumer internet product built by a Chinese tech giant to find global success, but did not mention its approach to speech. Over the course of Facebook's charm offensive, Zuckerberg met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, learned Mandarin and posted a photo of himself running through Tiananmen Square. Facebook briefly won a license to open an "innovation hub" in Hangzhou last year, but it was later revoked. Zuckerberg effectively closed the door to China in March, when he announced his plan to pivot Facebook towards more private forms of communication and pledged not to build data centres in countries with "a track record of violating human rights like privacy or freedom of expression." He repeated his concern about data centres on Thursday, this time specifically naming China. "I wanted our services in China because I believe in connecting the whole world and I thought we might help create a more open society," Zuckerberg said. "I worked hard to make this happen. But we could never come to an agreement on what it would take for us to operate there, and they never let us in." He received a question from the audience about what conditions or assurances he would need to enter the Chinese market, but did not address them in his response. ''Feigned concern for free expression'' Zuckerberg also defended the company's political advertising policies on similar grounds, saying Facebook had at one time considered banning all political ads but decided against it, erring on the side of greater expression. That assertion was immediately panned by critics, among them candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination who have asserted the company should do more to address disinformation and abuse ahead of the November 2020 election. Former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign quickly accused Zuckerberg of using "the Constitution as a shield" for Facebook's bottom line. "His choice to cloak Facebook's policy in a feigned concern for free expression demonstrates how unprepared his company is for this unique moment in our history and how little it has learned over the past few years," said spokesman Bill Russo. US Senator Elizabeth Warren, another leading contender for the Democratic nomination, has been especially vocal about her critiques of Facebook, bashing its advertising policy and calling for the company to be broken up on antitrust grounds. She recently challenged Facebook's policy that exempts politicians' ads from fact-checking, running ads on the social media platform containing the false claim that Zuckerberg endorsed Trump's re-election bid. But the focus on free speech is likely to win Zuckerberg some friends on the right, whom he has been courting aggressively in a recent visit to Washington and dinners at his home in California. Republican lawmakers routinely accuse the company of showing "anti-conservative bias" in its content moderation, without offering evidence. The company denies any favouritism. Facebook has been under scrutiny after finding Russian propaganda on its platform which many believe affected the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election, won by Donald Trump. Trump has disputed claims that Russia has attempted to interfere in US elections. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied it.

Zuckerberg defends Facebook's approach to free speech, draws line on China

A Pakistani court Friday sentenced a man to five years jail and hard labour for a blasphemous Facebook post, in what is believed to be one of the first such cases under controversial cybercrime laws.

Sajid Ali was charged with posting blasphemous and derogatory content against revered Islamic figures on the social network in 2017.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in conservative Pakistan, where the laws can carry a potential death sentence for anyone deemed to have insulted Islam. Even unproven allegations have led to mob lynchings and murder.

Prosecutor Munam Bashir Chaudhry told AFP Ali's case is the first to be tried under a section of the cybercrime laws, which were passed in 2016, pertaining to hate speech.

There have been other cases of prosecution against "online blasphemy" in Pakistan, including one in 2017 that saw a man sentenced to death for sharing what the court said was blasphemous content on social media.

However, none of the previous convictions have come under the cybercrime laws, according to Chaudhry.

Shahzad Ahmad, of the digital rights group Bytes for All, said he also believed it was the first such case -- but warned that more are being registered.

He called the development "very worrying".&nbsp;

"Most concerning is the misuse and abuse of this law," he told AFP, adding that he fears it could be used as a tool of further repression in cases of blasphemy and religion-based hate speech.

Pakistani authorities say they have registered about 500 cases in total under the cybercrime laws since they came into effect.

Critics of the laws say they are open to abuse by government agencies to restrict freedom of expression in a country where activists have long warned of a shrinking space for dissent.

In 2017 the Islamabad High Court ordered the government to open an investigation into "online blasphemy", threatening to ban social media platforms that failed to censor content insulting Islam and its values.

Pakistan famously blocked Facebook for two weeks in 2010 over blasphemous content.

It also blocked Youtube from 2012 to 2016 because of a film about the Prophet Mohammed that led to violent protests across the Muslim world. 
&nbsp;

A Pakistani court Friday sentenced a man to five years jail and hard labour for a blasphemous Facebook post, in what is believed to be one of the first such cases under controversial cybercrime laws.

A Pakistani court Friday sentenced a man to five years jail and hard labour for a blasphemous Facebook post, in what is believed to be one of the first such cases under controversial cybercrime laws. Sajid Ali was charged with posting blasphemous and derogatory content against revered Islamic figures on the social network in 2017. Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in conservative Pakistan, where the laws can carry a potential death sentence for anyone deemed to have insulted Islam. Even unproven allegations have led to mob lynchings and murder. Prosecutor Munam Bashir Chaudhry told AFP Ali's case is the first to be tried under a section of the cybercrime laws, which were passed in 2016, pertaining to hate speech. There have been other cases of prosecution against "online blasphemy" in Pakistan, including one in 2017 that saw a man sentenced to death for sharing what the court said was blasphemous content on social media. However, none of the previous convictions have come under the cybercrime laws, according to Chaudhry. Shahzad Ahmad, of the digital rights group Bytes for All, said he also believed it was the first such case -- but warned that more are being registered. He called the development "very worrying". "Most concerning is the misuse and abuse of this law," he told AFP, adding that he fears it could be used as a tool of further repression in cases of blasphemy and religion-based hate speech. Pakistani authorities say they have registered about 500 cases in total under the cybercrime laws since they came into effect. Critics of the laws say they are open to abuse by government agencies to restrict freedom of expression in a country where activists have long warned of a shrinking space for dissent. In 2017 the Islamabad High Court ordered the government to open an investigation into "online blasphemy", threatening to ban social media platforms that failed to censor content insulting Islam and its values. Pakistan famously blocked Facebook for two weeks in 2010 over blasphemous content. It also blocked Youtube from 2012 to 2016 because of a film about the Prophet Mohammed that led to violent protests across the Muslim world.

Pakistani man jailed for blasphemous Facebook post

The Libra Association, created by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paypal-abandons-facebook-backed-libra-cryptocurrency-group-253843">Facebook to launch its new cryptocurrency</a>, has announced its 21 founding members after defections by previous supporters including Visa and Mastercard.

The announcement on Monday came as the planned Libra global currency faces swelling criticism from regulators, and reported warnings from the Group of Seven that it poses a threat to the global financial system.

The group kicked off its first council meeting in Geneva and founding members including Uber, Spotify and Vodafone formally signed onto the Libra Charter, director-general Bertrand Perez said.

"We now have a total guarantee of their involvement, so we have confidence in the project," he said.

Last month, the non-profit association voiced hope that the number of companies backing it when it opened for business would swell from an initial 28 to "well over 100".&nbsp;

But instead, the list has shrunk, after more of its initial backers walked away amid swelling criticism from regulators around the world.

Credit card giants Visa and Mastercard, online marketplace eBay and digital payments firm Stripe each announced Friday they had changed their minds about being founding members of the association, following a similar recent announcement by digital payments firm PayPal.

The Libra Association confirmed Friday that the companies would no longer be founding members, but said it would continue building an alliance of businesses, social-good organisations, and others to implement the cryptocurrency.

Its launch was originally planned for mid-2020, but Perez said he had not ruled out a later start date.

"What we want is to build a platform that is solid, that is there to last and that will survive in the long term," he said, adding he was still "optimistic" about reaching around 100 members as planned.

Threat to financial stability?

The membership departures came after US senators sent letters to several financial firms noting that they could face "a high level of scrutiny from regulators" if they participated in the new currency plan.&nbsp;

French economy and finance minister Bruno Le Maire has warned that under current circumstances, Libra posed a threat to the "monetary sovereignty" of governments and could not be authorised in Europe.

Facebook executives have, however, claimed the new digital coin could help lower costs for global money transfers and help those without access to the banking system.

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify at an October 23 hearing in the US House of Representatives on the Libra plan.

But in a fresh blow, a draft G7 report has outlined nine major risks posed by such digital currencies, according to the BBC.

The report, due to be presented to finance ministers at International Monetary Fund's annual meeting this week, did not single out Libra but referred to "global stablecoins" with the potential to "scale rapidly" as posing a range of potential problems.

Stablecoins are seen as more steady than cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, since they are pegged to traditional currencies such as the US dollar or the euro.

But the G7 draft report reportedly cautioned that such currencies could pose problems for policymakers setting interest rates, and could threaten financial stability if users suddenly suffer "loss of confidence" in the digital unit.

Randal Quarles, the head of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), which oversees regulation among G20 economies, also sent a letter to G20 finance ministers Sunday warning that "global stablecoins could pose a host of challenges to the regulatory community".

This, he wrote, was "not least because they have the potential to become systemically important, including through the substitution of domestic currencies".

"Stablecoin projects of potentially global reach and magnitude must meet the highest regulatory standards and be subject to prudential supervision and oversight," he insisted.

The Libra Association, created by Facebook to launch its new cryptocurrency, has announced its 21 founding members after defections by previous supporters including Visa and Mastercard.

The Libra Association, created by Facebook to launch its new cryptocurrency, has announced its 21 founding members after defections by previous supporters including Visa and Mastercard. The announcement on Monday came as the planned Libra global currency faces swelling criticism from regulators, and reported warnings from the Group of Seven that it poses a threat to the global financial system. The group kicked off its first council meeting in Geneva and founding members including Uber, Spotify and Vodafone formally signed onto the Libra Charter, director-general Bertrand Perez said. "We now have a total guarantee of their involvement, so we have confidence in the project," he said. Last month, the non-profit association voiced hope that the number of companies backing it when it opened for business would swell from an initial 28 to "well over 100". But instead, the list has shrunk, after more of its initial backers walked away amid swelling criticism from regulators around the world. Credit card giants Visa and Mastercard, online marketplace eBay and digital payments firm Stripe each announced Friday they had changed their minds about being founding members of the association, following a similar recent announcement by digital payments firm PayPal. The Libra Association confirmed Friday that the companies would no longer be founding members, but said it would continue building an alliance of businesses, social-good organisations, and others to implement the cryptocurrency. Its launch was originally planned for mid-2020, but Perez said he had not ruled out a later start date. "What we want is to build a platform that is solid, that is there to last and that will survive in the long term," he said, adding he was still "optimistic" about reaching around 100 members as planned. Threat to financial stability? The membership departures came after US senators sent letters to several financial firms noting that they could face "a high level of scrutiny from regulators" if they participated in the new currency plan. French economy and finance minister Bruno Le Maire has warned that under current circumstances, Libra posed a threat to the "monetary sovereignty" of governments and could not be authorised in Europe. Facebook executives have, however, claimed the new digital coin could help lower costs for global money transfers and help those without access to the banking system. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify at an October 23 hearing in the US House of Representatives on the Libra plan. But in a fresh blow, a draft G7 report has outlined nine major risks posed by such digital currencies, according to the BBC. The report, due to be presented to finance ministers at International Monetary Fund's annual meeting this week, did not single out Libra but referred to "global stablecoins" with the potential to "scale rapidly" as posing a range of potential problems. Stablecoins are seen as more steady than cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, since they are pegged to traditional currencies such as the US dollar or the euro. But the G7 draft report reportedly cautioned that such currencies could pose problems for policymakers setting interest rates, and could threaten financial stability if users suddenly suffer "loss of confidence" in the digital unit. Randal Quarles, the head of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), which oversees regulation among G20 economies, also sent a letter to G20 finance ministers Sunday warning that "global stablecoins could pose a host of challenges to the regulatory community". This, he wrote, was "not least because they have the potential to become systemically important, including through the substitution of domestic currencies". "Stablecoin projects of potentially global reach and magnitude must meet the highest regulatory standards and be subject to prudential supervision and oversight," he insisted.

Group behind Facebook's Libra coin announces 21 founding members

A hashtag for deleting Facebook has begun trending again after it was revealed that CEO Mark Zuckerberg had reportedly held informal meetings with conservative influencers.

#DeleteFacebook trends after secret meetings revealed

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the United States&nbsp;House Financial Services Committee on October&nbsp;23 as the company faces growing scrutiny from US&nbsp;lawmakers.

Zuckerberg will testify at a hearing titled "An Examination of Facebook and Its Impact on the Financial Services and Housing Sectors." It will be his first appearance before a US&nbsp;congressional committee since April 2018 although last month he was on Capitol Hill to meet privately with some lawmakers.

Facebook confirmed Zuckerberg will testify. The world's largest social media company faces scrutiny from lawmakers, the Federal Trade Commission and a group of state attorneys general.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the United States House Financial Services Committee on October 23 as the company faces growing scrutiny from US lawmakers.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the United States House Financial Services Committee on October 23 as the company faces growing scrutiny from US lawmakers. Zuckerberg will testify at a hearing titled "An Examination of Facebook and Its Impact on the Financial Services and Housing Sectors." It will be his first appearance before a US congressional committee since April 2018 although last month he was on Capitol Hill to meet privately with some lawmakers. Facebook confirmed Zuckerberg will testify. The world's largest social media company faces scrutiny from lawmakers, the Federal Trade Commission and a group of state attorneys general.

Facebook CEO to testify before United States house panel on October 23

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