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Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. &nbsp;

But the phone lines and internet are still working. Is it intentional or has Russia failed to tear it down? &nbsp;

Cybersecurity experts feel that Moscow has three good reasons to not disable phone and data networks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-allow-civilians-to-leave-russia-proposes-humanitarian-corridors-in-five-ukrainian-cities-say-reports-460072">Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports</a>

The first is that the Russian intelligence services can eavesdrop on phone calls and emails. It can also gather geolocation and other metadata, which can prove useful in the invasion. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Russian army is also using Ukrainian commercial networks to communicate can be the second reason. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The invading army doesn’t want to destroy infrastructure that they will need if they conquer Ukraine is surely the third one. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-belarusian-hackers-target-ukraine-european-allies-through-phishing-campaigns-says-google-460083">Russian, Belarusian hackers target Ukraine, European allies, says Google</a>

The continuance of phone lines and internet seems to have not worked in Russia’s favour till now as the details of the invasion have fuelled the world with anger and led to protests and sanctions. &nbsp;

“If [Russian forces] can do localised shutdowns of telecommunications, they’ll do it. But in general, they’ll want to keep the phones working in Kyiv because they can listen in,” said James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the strategic technologies programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“If you want to own the house, you’re not going to burn it down,” Lewis added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. But the phone lines and internet are still working.

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. But the phone lines and internet are still working. Is it intentional or has Russia failed to tear it down? Cybersecurity experts feel that Moscow has three good reasons to not disable phone and data networks. Also Read: Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports The first is that the Russian intelligence services can eavesdrop on phone calls and emails. It can also gather geolocation and other metadata, which can prove useful in the invasion. The Russian army is also using Ukrainian commercial networks to communicate can be the second reason. The invading army doesn’t want to destroy infrastructure that they will need if they conquer Ukraine is surely the third one. Also Read: Russian, Belarusian hackers target Ukraine, European allies, says Google The continuance of phone lines and internet seems to have not worked in Russia’s favour till now as the details of the invasion have fuelled the world with anger and led to protests and sanctions. “If [Russian forces] can do localised shutdowns of telecommunications, they’ll do it. But in general, they’ll want to keep the phones working in Kyiv because they can listen in,” said James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the strategic technologies programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If you want to own the house, you’re not going to burn it down,” Lewis added. (With inputs from agencies)

In Russia-Ukraine conflict, phone lines, internet remain untouched. But why?

TikTok&nbsp;on Monday began letting users upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to veteran titan&nbsp;YouTube.

TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded&nbsp;videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

"Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;up to 10 minutes long,"&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtubes-ai-algorithm-adds-explicit-language-in-captions-to-childrens-clips-456700">YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips</a>

TikTok&nbsp;more than tripling the length of&nbsp;videos&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences.

"YouTube&nbsp;is still ahead of&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok&nbsp;effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP.

"The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and&nbsp;longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could help&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-temporarily-disables-google-maps-live-traffic-data-in-ukraine-457341">Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine</a>

Longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could also enable&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added.

YouTube&nbsp;recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals&nbsp;TikTok.

The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan.

"YouTube&nbsp;creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post.

"To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats."

Watch |&nbsp;YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/youtube-blocks-russia-backed-channels-as-russia-ukraine-conflict-rages-on-457303/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;are incredibly popular.&nbsp;YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan.

Short&nbsp;videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes.

Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year. "Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload videos up to 10 minutes long," TikTok said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world." Also read | YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips TikTok more than tripling the length of videos comes as YouTube and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences. "YouTube is still ahead of TikTok in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP. "The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and longer videos could help TikTok catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement." Also read | Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine Longer videos could also enable TikTok creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added. YouTube recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals TikTok. The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan. "YouTube creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post. "To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats." Watch | YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at TikTok are incredibly popular. YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan. Short videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok videos get longer in challenge to YouTube

Twitter&nbsp;will put warnings on&nbsp;tweets&nbsp;sharing links to&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;state-affiliated&nbsp;media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Pressure is on social&nbsp;media&nbsp;giants to squelch misleading or false information about the attack, which has drawn fierce international condemnation.

Kremlin-run&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlets RT and Sputnik have both faced accusations of using false narratives in an effort to argue in favor of war.&nbsp;

Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, wrote that the platform has been seeing more than 45,000&nbsp;tweets&nbsp;per day that are sharing links to&nbsp;state-affiliated&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlets.

"Our product should make it easy to understand who's behind the content you see, and what their motivations and intentions are," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-ukraines-tank-man-halts-russian-military-convoy-twitter-applauds-as-video-goes-viral-456656">Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral</a>

In addition to adding labels that identify the sources of links, Roth said the platform is also "taking steps to significantly reduce the circulation of this content on&nbsp;Twitter."

The announcement came the day after Facebook's parent Meta said pro-Russia groups were orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social&nbsp;media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity.

The cyber security team at the tech giant -- also parent to Instagram -- said it blocked a set of Russia-linked fake accounts that were part of a social&nbsp;media&nbsp;scheme to undermine Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-to-come-up-with-a-range-of-new-features-for-its-users-457296">WhatsApp to come up with a range of new features for its users</a>

The small network of Facebook and Instagram accounts targeted people in Ukraine, using posts to try to get people to visit websites featuring bogus news about the country's effort to defend itself from the invasion by Russia.

Twitter&nbsp;and Facebook have both been hit with access restrictions in Russia since the invasion and are now "largely unusable", said web monitoring group NetBlocks.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Twitter bans prominent US vaccine scientists' account over alleged misinformation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/twitter-bans-prominent-us-vaccine-scientists-account-over-alleged-misinformation-441981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Social&nbsp;media&nbsp;networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.

Twitter will put warnings on tweets sharing links to Russian state-affiliated media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Twitter will put warnings on tweets sharing links to Russian state-affiliated media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Pressure is on social media giants to squelch misleading or false information about the attack, which has drawn fierce international condemnation. Kremlin-run media outlets RT and Sputnik have both faced accusations of using false narratives in an effort to argue in favor of war. Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, wrote that the platform has been seeing more than 45,000 tweets per day that are sharing links to state-affiliated media outlets. "Our product should make it easy to understand who's behind the content you see, and what their motivations and intentions are," he added. Also read | Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral In addition to adding labels that identify the sources of links, Roth said the platform is also "taking steps to significantly reduce the circulation of this content on Twitter." The announcement came the day after Facebook's parent Meta said pro-Russia groups were orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity. The cyber security team at the tech giant -- also parent to Instagram -- said it blocked a set of Russia-linked fake accounts that were part of a social media scheme to undermine Ukraine. Also read | WhatsApp to come up with a range of new features for its users The small network of Facebook and Instagram accounts targeted people in Ukraine, using posts to try to get people to visit websites featuring bogus news about the country's effort to defend itself from the invasion by Russia. Twitter and Facebook have both been hit with access restrictions in Russia since the invasion and are now "largely unusable", said web monitoring group NetBlocks. Watch | Twitter bans prominent US vaccine scientists' account over alleged misinformation Social media networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.

Twitter to label tweets linking to Russian state media

Elon Musk on Saturday said that his company SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service had been activated in Ukraine. This happened after a Kyiv official urged him to provide his country with stations.

"Starlink service is now active in Ukraine," Musk tweeted, adding "more terminals en route."

Internet services in Ukraine have been massively affected by the Russian invasion. As per internet blockage observatory NetBlocks, the connection is majorly hampered in the southern and eastern parts of the country where fighting has been heaviest.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov had urged Musk to provide Starlink services to Ukraine. In a tweet, he wrote, "While you try to colonize Mars -- Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space -- Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations."

He also urged Musk "to address sane Russians to stand."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-internet-services-majorly-disrupted-as-russian-troops-advance-456752">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine invasion: Internet services majorly disrupted as Russian troops advance</a>

Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks while speaking to Reuters said, "We currently observe national connectivity at 87% of ordinary levels, a figure that reflects service disruptions as well as population flight and the shuttering of homes and businesses since the morning of the 24th."

"While there is no nation-scale blackout, little is being heard from the worst affected regions, and for others there's an ever-present fear that connectivity could worsen at any moment, cutting off friends and family."

Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of people. Also, this has forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours.

Ukraine's defence ministry said Russian forces during the night launched strikes with "long-range precision weapons using air-and sea-launched cruise missiles" against the military infrastructure of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk on Saturday said that his company SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service had been activated in Ukraine. This happened after a Kyiv official urged him to provide his country with stations.

Elon Musk on Saturday said that his company SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service had been activated in Ukraine. This happened after a Kyiv official urged him to provide his country with stations. "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine," Musk tweeted, adding "more terminals en route." Internet services in Ukraine have been massively affected by the Russian invasion. As per internet blockage observatory NetBlocks, the connection is majorly hampered in the southern and eastern parts of the country where fighting has been heaviest. Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov had urged Musk to provide Starlink services to Ukraine. In a tweet, he wrote, "While you try to colonize Mars -- Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space -- Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations." He also urged Musk "to address sane Russians to stand." Also read | Ukraine invasion: Internet services majorly disrupted as Russian troops advance Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks while speaking to Reuters said, "We currently observe national connectivity at 87% of ordinary levels, a figure that reflects service disruptions as well as population flight and the shuttering of homes and businesses since the morning of the 24th." "While there is no nation-scale blackout, little is being heard from the worst affected regions, and for others there's an ever-present fear that connectivity could worsen at any moment, cutting off friends and family." Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of people. Also, this has forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours. Ukraine's defence ministry said Russian forces during the night launched strikes with "long-range precision weapons using air-and sea-launched cruise missiles" against the military infrastructure of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official

Internet services in Ukraine have been&nbsp;massively affected by the Russian invasion. As per internet blockage observatory NetBlocks, the connection is majorly hampered in the southern and eastern parts of the country where fighting has been heaviest.&nbsp;

Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks while speaking to Reuters said, "We currently observe national connectivity at 87% of ordinary levels, a figure that reflects service disruptions as well as population flight and the shuttering of homes and businesses since the morning of the 24th."

"While there is no nation-scale blackout, little is being heard from the worst affected regions, and for others there's an ever-present fear that connectivity could worsen at any moment, cutting off friends and family."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-watchdog-orders-media-to-ban-usage-of-words-invasion-and-assault-456734">Also read |&nbsp;Russian watchdog orders media to ban usage of words 'invasion' and 'assault'</a>

Connectivity to GigaTrans, which happens to be Ukraine's main internet provider, dropped to below 20 per cent of normal levels before returning to higher levels during early Friday morning.&nbsp;

Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of people. Also, this has forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours.

Ukraine's defence ministry said Russian forces during the night launched strikes with "long-range precision weapons using air-and sea-launched cruise missiles" against the military infrastructure of Ukraine.

Amid the heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed they had annexed the Ukrainian city of Melitopol as its forces unleashed cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities including the capital Kyiv.

(With inputs from agencies)

Internet services in Ukraine have been massively affected by the Russian invasion. As per internet blockage observatory NetBlocks, the connection is majorly hampered in the southern and eastern parts of the country where fighting has been heaviest.

Internet services in Ukraine have been massively affected by the Russian invasion. As per internet blockage observatory NetBlocks, the connection is majorly hampered in the southern and eastern parts of the country where fighting has been heaviest. Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks while speaking to Reuters said, "We currently observe national connectivity at 87% of ordinary levels, a figure that reflects service disruptions as well as population flight and the shuttering of homes and businesses since the morning of the 24th." "While there is no nation-scale blackout, little is being heard from the worst affected regions, and for others there's an ever-present fear that connectivity could worsen at any moment, cutting off friends and family." Also read | Russian watchdog orders media to ban usage of words 'invasion' and 'assault' Connectivity to GigaTrans, which happens to be Ukraine's main internet provider, dropped to below 20 per cent of normal levels before returning to higher levels during early Friday morning. Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the killing of dozens of people. Also, this has forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours. Ukraine's defence ministry said Russian forces during the night launched strikes with "long-range precision weapons using air-and sea-launched cruise missiles" against the military infrastructure of Ukraine. Amid the heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed they had annexed the Ukrainian city of Melitopol as its forces unleashed cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities including the capital Kyiv. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: Internet services majorly disrupted as Russian troops advance

Parenting has never been easy. But the widespread adoption of smartphones and the rise of social media has introduced a new wrinkle to the challenges of parenthood.

A father in France accidentally jammed out his entire town's internet while he was trying to regulate his child's online behavior.

His son used to wait for his father to go to sleep so that he can online. But when his father found out about it, he tried to use a signal jammer. New high-speed wireless networks are vulnerable to relatively simple jamming.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-blocks-access-to-wion-website-after-india-bans-59-chinese-apps-310271">Also read |&nbsp;China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps</a>

As per reports, although the technique worked, instead of only jamming the signal of his son's internet, it disrupted the services of the entire town for three hours.

A local mobile phone operator filed an unusual complaint this month – just before midnight and until 3 AM every of the week, the residents of Messanges could not use their cellular and mobile internet services.

Investigators concluded that a signal jammer was being used to block radio frequencies and tracked down the culprit to the tiny town of Messanges in southwestern France.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-say-good-morning-internet-clogged-413344/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“The jammer had been installed by the father of the family to prevent his teenagers from accessing the internet with their smartphone instead of going to bed,” said French planning and radio frequency management agency (ANFR).

"His children had indeed become addicted to social networks and other applications, in particular since the confinement imposed due to the epidemic of Covid-19," it added.

As the use of signal jammers is illegal in France, anyone found using them may face a maximum penalty of a €30,000 fine or up to six months in jail. The jammer is likely to have been seized and is now being held in the Public Prosecutor's office. The man also had to pay an intervention fee of 450 euros.

&nbsp;“The ANFR agent, in addition to demanding that he turn off the jammer and no longer use it, reminded the owner of the equipment of the regulatory framework,” the agency added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Parenting has never been easy. But the widespread adoption of smartphones and the rise of social media has introduced a new wrinkle to the challenges of parenthood.

Parenting has never been easy. But the widespread adoption of smartphones and the rise of social media has introduced a new wrinkle to the challenges of parenthood. A father in France accidentally jammed out his entire town's internet while he was trying to regulate his child's online behavior. His son used to wait for his father to go to sleep so that he can online. But when his father found out about it, he tried to use a signal jammer. New high-speed wireless networks are vulnerable to relatively simple jamming. Also read | China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps As per reports, although the technique worked, instead of only jamming the signal of his son's internet, it disrupted the services of the entire town for three hours. A local mobile phone operator filed an unusual complaint this month – just before midnight and until 3 AM every of the week, the residents of Messanges could not use their cellular and mobile internet services. Investigators concluded that a signal jammer was being used to block radio frequencies and tracked down the culprit to the tiny town of Messanges in southwestern France. “The jammer had been installed by the father of the family to prevent his teenagers from accessing the internet with their smartphone instead of going to bed,” said French planning and radio frequency management agency (ANFR). "His children had indeed become addicted to social networks and other applications, in particular since the confinement imposed due to the epidemic of Covid-19," it added. As the use of signal jammers is illegal in France, anyone found using them may face a maximum penalty of a €30,000 fine or up to six months in jail. The jammer is likely to have been seized and is now being held in the Public Prosecutor's office. The man also had to pay an intervention fee of 450 euros. “The ANFR agent, in addition to demanding that he turn off the jammer and no longer use it, reminded the owner of the equipment of the regulatory framework,” the agency added. (With inputs from agencies)

In an attempt to regulate his child's online behavior, father accidentally jams out entire town's internet

Internet&nbsp;connection was restored in&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;on Tuesday, five weeks after a massive volcanic eruption shredded the&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;cable&nbsp;that connects the Pacific nation with the rest of the world.

Telecom providers Digicel and TCC said data connectivity had been restored to two main islands, after breaks in an 80-kilometre (50-mile) stretch of the&nbsp;cable&nbsp;were finally fixed.

Residents reported services were quickly coming&nbsp;back&nbsp;online, email seemed blazingly fast after 38 days in the&nbsp;internet&nbsp;doldrums and a slew of calls from family overseas were coming in -- their voices now heard loud and clear.

"YES! TCC is restoring fibre&nbsp;cable&nbsp;internet&nbsp;services," the company said in a message to customers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-donates-satellite-gear-to-reconnect-tonga-454490">Musk donates satellite gear to reconnect Tonga</a>

The January 15 eruption was so powerful it was heard as far away as Alaska and caused a tsunami that flooded coastlines around the Pacific.

It covered&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;with ash and mangled an 80-kilometre stretch of the&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;cable&nbsp;that proved more difficult than expected to fix.

Immediately after the disaster, contact with&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;was only possible via a handful of satellite links. Although some connectivity was later restored, connections were limited.

Digicel said "data connectivity had been restored" to two islands, after "multiple faults and breaks" were&nbsp;repaired.

"We are delighted to see that our customers are connected to the outside world again," said Digicel&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;chief executive Anthony Seuseu.

Earlier this month&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;Cable&nbsp;Limited chief executive James Panuve said a repair ship had located the severed ends of the 840 kilometre-long&nbsp;cable&nbsp;linking&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;to Fiji that was cut in the blast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tonga-virus-cases-surge-in-wake-of-volcano-eruption-451998">Tonga virus cases surge in wake of volcano eruption</a>

Major havoc

But rather than a clean break, Panuve said the ship found the eruption tore an 80-kilometre section of&nbsp;cable&nbsp;into numerous pieces as it pummelled the seabed with the explosive force of a nuclear bomb.

"It is obvious that the eruption, shockwaves, (and) tsunami caused major havoc underwater," he said.

Panuve said that after contending with poor weather, the&nbsp;cable&nbsp;repair ship "Reliance" had to retrieve sections of&nbsp;cable&nbsp;in waters up to 2.5 kilometres deep.

He said one section had been moved five kilometres by the&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;blast and another was buried under 30 centimetres (a foot) of silt.

The eruption of the Hunga&nbsp;Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, which lies about&nbsp;65 kilometres north of the capital Nuku'alofa, killed three people.

According to UN agencies, the dual disaster also damaged 293 houses and displaced 1,525 people.

About&nbsp;85 per cent of the total population were affected by the disaster, with freshwater difficult to come by and arable land covered with six centimetres (two inches) of ash in some places.

Despite&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;receiving aid under strict "no-contact" protocols, the international relief effort prompted a Covid-19 outbreak in the previously virus-free nation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Internet connection was restored in Tonga on Tuesday, five weeks after a massive volcanic eruption shredded the undersea cable that connects the Pacific nation with the rest of the world.

Internet connection was restored in Tonga on Tuesday, five weeks after a massive volcanic eruption shredded the undersea cable that connects the Pacific nation with the rest of the world. Telecom providers Digicel and TCC said data connectivity had been restored to two main islands, after breaks in an 80-kilometre (50-mile) stretch of the cable were finally fixed. Residents reported services were quickly coming back online, email seemed blazingly fast after 38 days in the internet doldrums and a slew of calls from family overseas were coming in -- their voices now heard loud and clear. "YES! TCC is restoring fibre cable internet services," the company said in a message to customers. Also read | Musk donates satellite gear to reconnect Tonga The January 15 eruption was so powerful it was heard as far away as Alaska and caused a tsunami that flooded coastlines around the Pacific. It covered Tonga with ash and mangled an 80-kilometre stretch of the undersea cable that proved more difficult than expected to fix. Immediately after the disaster, contact with Tonga was only possible via a handful of satellite links. Although some connectivity was later restored, connections were limited. Digicel said "data connectivity had been restored" to two islands, after "multiple faults and breaks" were repaired. "We are delighted to see that our customers are connected to the outside world again," said Digicel Tonga chief executive Anthony Seuseu. Earlier this month Tonga Cable Limited chief executive James Panuve said a repair ship had located the severed ends of the 840 kilometre-long cable linking Tonga to Fiji that was cut in the blast. Also read | Tonga virus cases surge in wake of volcano eruption Major havoc But rather than a clean break, Panuve said the ship found the eruption tore an 80-kilometre section of cable into numerous pieces as it pummelled the seabed with the explosive force of a nuclear bomb. "It is obvious that the eruption, shockwaves, (and) tsunami caused major havoc underwater," he said. Panuve said that after contending with poor weather, the cable repair ship "Reliance" had to retrieve sections of cable in waters up to 2.5 kilometres deep. He said one section had been moved five kilometres by the undersea blast and another was buried under 30 centimetres (a foot) of silt. The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, which lies about 65 kilometres north of the capital Nuku'alofa, killed three people. According to UN agencies, the dual disaster also damaged 293 houses and displaced 1,525 people. About 85 per cent of the total population were affected by the disaster, with freshwater difficult to come by and arable land covered with six centimetres (two inches) of ash in some places. Despite Tonga receiving aid under strict "no-contact" protocols, the international relief effort prompted a Covid-19 outbreak in the previously virus-free nation.

Tonga back online as undersea cable repaired

Ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations, China has launched a campaign to "purify" the internet. Celebrity fan groups and child influencers are on target of Chinese censors. What is this crackdown all about? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: China wants to "purify" the internet

As the recent volcanic eruption snapped the communication links of Tonga with the rest of the world, billionaire Elon Musk has offered to send Starlink internet terminals to the country. &nbsp;

To a story that Tonga may have to live without internet for a month, the entrepreneur wrote on Twitter,&nbsp;“Could people from Tonga let us know if it is important for SpaceX to send over Starlink terminals?” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/64-magnitude-earthquake-rocks-japan-govt-sets-up-crisis-centre-446592" hreflang="en">6.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Japan, govt sets up crisis centre</a>

Soon, the post went viral. From all over the world, numerous Tongans replied to the tweet with requests for help to reestablish communication&nbsp;as&nbsp;it could help to contact families and coordinate assistance.&nbsp;

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Could people from Tonga let us know if it is important for SpaceX to send over Starlink terminals?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1484422174626746371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Lord Fusitu’a, a politician from Tonga also said, “Yes we need them to get liquidity in to purchase much-needed goods. Voice and data completely down with undersea cable severed.” &nbsp;

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Yes <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> we need them to get liquidity in to purchase much needed goods. Voice &amp; data Completely down with undersea cable severed. I have a plane airdropping hamradio in for basic comms, but <a href="https://twitter.com/starlink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@starlink</a> essential. Pls contact me to coordinate and help.
— Lord Fusitu'a (@LordFusitua) <a href="https://twitter.com/LordFusitua/status/1484443520643780613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Fusitu’a&nbsp;also requested for direct contact with Musk to coordinate assistance as he was organising an airdrop of ham radios for basic communications. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-life-aquaman-disabled-tongan-man-swam-for-27-hours-after-tsunami-446268" hreflang="en">'Real life Aquaman': Disabled Tongan man swam for 27 hours after tsunami</a>

Josephine Latu-Sanft, a communications specialist from Tonga, suggested to give internet to people until the undersea cable gets repaired and then work with partners to establish robust communications infrastructure across Pacific. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This is a hard thing for us to do right now, as we don’t have enough satellites with laser links and there are already geo sats that serve the Tonga region. That is why I’m asking for clear confirmation.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1484424055071641602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In response, Musk wrote, “This is a hard thing for us to do right now, as we don’t have enough satellites with laser links and there are already geo sats that serve the Tonga region. That is why I’m asking for clear confirmation.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the recent volcanic eruption snapped the communication links of Tonga with the rest of the world, billionaire Elon Musk has offered to send Starlink internet terminals to the country.

As the recent volcanic eruption snapped the communication links of Tonga with the rest of the world, billionaire Elon Musk has offered to send Starlink internet terminals to the country. To a story that Tonga may have to live without internet for a month, the entrepreneur wrote on Twitter, “Could people from Tonga let us know if it is important for SpaceX to send over Starlink terminals?” Also Read: 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Japan, govt sets up crisis centre Soon, the post went viral. From all over the world, numerous Tongans replied to the tweet with requests for help to reestablish communication as it could help to contact families and coordinate assistance. Could people from Tonga let us know if it is important for SpaceX to send over Starlink terminals? — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2022 × Lord Fusitu’a, a politician from Tonga also said, “Yes we need them to get liquidity in to purchase much-needed goods. Voice and data completely down with undersea cable severed.” Yes @elonmusk we need them to get liquidity in to purchase much needed goods. Voice & data Completely down with undersea cable severed. I have a plane airdropping hamradio in for basic comms, but @starlink essential. Pls contact me to coordinate and help. — Lord Fusitu'a (@LordFusitua) January 21, 2022 × Fusitu’a also requested for direct contact with Musk to coordinate assistance as he was organising an airdrop of ham radios for basic communications. Also Read | 'Real life Aquaman': Disabled Tongan man swam for 27 hours after tsunami Josephine Latu-Sanft, a communications specialist from Tonga, suggested to give internet to people until the undersea cable gets repaired and then work with partners to establish robust communications infrastructure across Pacific. This is a hard thing for us to do right now, as we don’t have enough satellites with laser links and there are already geo sats that serve the Tonga region. That is why I’m asking for clear confirmation. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2022 × In response, Musk wrote, “This is a hard thing for us to do right now, as we don’t have enough satellites with laser links and there are already geo sats that serve the Tonga region. That is why I’m asking for clear confirmation.” (With inputs from agencies)

To restore internet, Elon Musk offers to send Starlink terminals to volcano-hit Tonga. See what happens next

On the first Tuesday of the year, author and political activist Don Winslow tweeted a photograph of an avid reader’s dream library. Bathed in the buttery glow of three table lamps, almost every surface of the room is covered with books. There are books on the tables, books stacked on mahogany ladders, and books atop still more books lining the shelves of the room. “I hope you see the beauty in this that I do,” Winslow wrote in the tweet, which has been acknowledged with 32,800 hearts.

If you spend enough time in the literary corners of Twitter, this image may look familiar. It rises again just about annually, and the library has been attributed over the years to authors including Umberto Eco and buildings in Italy and Prague. As with other images featuring beautiful bookshelves, people go absolutely bananas for it. Winslow’s post received 1,700 comments, including one from a professor at Pace University who has been using the photo as his Zoom background.

“It’s clearly the home of a person who loves and collects books,” Winslow said in an email through his agent, Shane Salerno. “For me, I think that photo is as stunning as a sunset. I could spend days and days locked in that library examining each book.” He noted that there’s something comforting about the image, since “it’s a room you could happily get lost in.”

Winslow had no idea the origin of the photo. He had found it on Twitter, but didn’t remember the name or location of the library. (Though he believed it to be the personal library of a prominent author from another country.)

The library, it should be known, is not in Europe. It doesn’t even exist anymore. But when it did, it was the home library of Johns Hopkins professor Richard Macksey in Baltimore. (I was his student in 2015 and interviewed him for Literary Hub in 2018.) Macksey, who died in 2019, was a book collector, polyglot and scholar of comparative literature. At Hopkins, he founded one of the country’s first interdisciplinary academic departments and organized the 1966 conference “The Languages of Criticism and the Sciences of Man,” which included the first stateside lectures by French theorists Jacques Derrida, Roland Barthes, Jacques Lacan and Paul de Man.

Macksey’s book collection clocked in at 51,000 titles, according to his son, Alan, excluding magazines and other ephemera. A decade ago, the most valuable pieces — including first editions of “Moby Dick,” T.S. Eliot’s “Prufrock and Other Observations,” and works by Wordsworth, Keats and Shelley — were moved to a “special collections” room on the Hopkins campus. After Macksey’s death, a SWAT team-like group of librarians and conservationists spent three weeks combing through his book-filled, 7,400-square-foot house to select 35,000 volumes to add to the university’s libraries.

Surprise discoveries included an 18th-century Rousseau text with charred covers (found in the kitchen), a “pristine” copy of a rare 1950s exhibition catalog showing Wassily Kandinsky’s paintings, posters from the May 1968 protests when students in Paris occupied the Sorbonne, a hand-drawn Christmas card from filmmaker John Waters, and the original recordings of the theorists at that 1966 structuralism conference.

“For years, everyone had said ‘there’s got to be recordings of those lectures.’ Well, we finally found the recordings of those lectures. They were hidden in a cabinet behind a bookshelf behind a couch,” said Liz Mengel, associate director of collections and academic services for the Sheridan Libraries at Johns Hopkins. Several first editions by 20th-century poets and novelists sat on a shelf in the laundry room.

After the librarians from Hopkins and nearby Loyola Notre Dame were finished selecting their donations, the remaining books were carted away by a dealer, so Macksey’s son could prepare the house to be sold.

The library image sidesteps all those details to evoke something more universal, said Ingrid Fetell Lee, the author of the Aesthetics of Joy, a blog about the relationship between decor and delight. “We’re attracted to the image, and we come up with all sorts of stories about who it might be and what it might be because we love to tell stories,” she said. “But what’s really driving the attraction is much more visceral.”

Fetell Lee pointed to the photo’s sense of abundance. “There’s something about the sensorial abundance of seeing lots of something that gives us a little thrill,” she said. Also relevant: the “satisfying” sense of organized chaos, and the awe inspired by the high ceilings.

Pictures of books and libraries are popular across social platforms. A representative from Instagram said that some of the top-liked posts on the platform that include the words “library” or “libraries” feature large quantities of books, a “cozy” aesthetic or a warmer color scheme.

What would Macksey think if he knew his library had taken on a life of its own? “My dad liked nothing better than sharing his love of books and literature with others,” Alan Macksey said. “He’d be delighted that his library lives on through this photo.”

On the first Tuesday of the year, author and political activist Don Winslow tweeted a photograph of an avid reader’s dream library. Bathed in the buttery glow of three table lamps, almost every surface of the room is covered with books.

On the first Tuesday of the year, author and political activist Don Winslow tweeted a photograph of an avid reader’s dream library. Bathed in the buttery glow of three table lamps, almost every surface of the room is covered with books. There are books on the tables, books stacked on mahogany ladders, and books atop still more books lining the shelves of the room. “I hope you see the beauty in this that I do,” Winslow wrote in the tweet, which has been acknowledged with 32,800 hearts. If you spend enough time in the literary corners of Twitter, this image may look familiar. It rises again just about annually, and the library has been attributed over the years to authors including Umberto Eco and buildings in Italy and Prague. As with other images featuring beautiful bookshelves, people go absolutely bananas for it. Winslow’s post received 1,700 comments, including one from a professor at Pace University who has been using the photo as his Zoom background. “It’s clearly the home of a person who loves and collects books,” Winslow said in an email through his agent, Shane Salerno. “For me, I think that photo is as stunning as a sunset. I could spend days and days locked in that library examining each book.” He noted that there’s something comforting about the image, since “it’s a room you could happily get lost in.” Winslow had no idea the origin of the photo. He had found it on Twitter, but didn’t remember the name or location of the library. (Though he believed it to be the personal library of a prominent author from another country.) The library, it should be known, is not in Europe. It doesn’t even exist anymore. But when it did, it was the home library of Johns Hopkins professor Richard Macksey in Baltimore. (I was his student in 2015 and interviewed him for Literary Hub in 2018.) Macksey, who died in 2019, was a book collector, polyglot and scholar of comparative literature. At Hopkins, he founded one of the country’s first interdisciplinary academic departments and organized the 1966 conference “The Languages of Criticism and the Sciences of Man,” which included the first stateside lectures by French theorists Jacques Derrida, Roland Barthes, Jacques Lacan and Paul de Man. Macksey’s book collection clocked in at 51,000 titles, according to his son, Alan, excluding magazines and other ephemera. A decade ago, the most valuable pieces — including first editions of “Moby Dick,” T.S. Eliot’s “Prufrock and Other Observations,” and works by Wordsworth, Keats and Shelley — were moved to a “special collections” room on the Hopkins campus. After Macksey’s death, a SWAT team-like group of librarians and conservationists spent three weeks combing through his book-filled, 7,400-square-foot house to select 35,000 volumes to add to the university’s libraries. Surprise discoveries included an 18th-century Rousseau text with charred covers (found in the kitchen), a “pristine” copy of a rare 1950s exhibition catalog showing Wassily Kandinsky’s paintings, posters from the May 1968 protests when students in Paris occupied the Sorbonne, a hand-drawn Christmas card from filmmaker John Waters, and the original recordings of the theorists at that 1966 structuralism conference. “For years, everyone had said ‘there’s got to be recordings of those lectures.’ Well, we finally found the recordings of those lectures. They were hidden in a cabinet behind a bookshelf behind a couch,” said Liz Mengel, associate director of collections and academic services for the Sheridan Libraries at Johns Hopkins. Several first editions by 20th-century poets and novelists sat on a shelf in the laundry room. After the librarians from Hopkins and nearby Loyola Notre Dame were finished selecting their donations, the remaining books were carted away by a dealer, so Macksey’s son could prepare the house to be sold. The library image sidesteps all those details to evoke something more universal, said Ingrid Fetell Lee, the author of the Aesthetics of Joy, a blog about the relationship between decor and delight. “We’re attracted to the image, and we come up with all sorts of stories about who it might be and what it might be because we love to tell stories,” she said. “But what’s really driving the attraction is much more visceral.” Fetell Lee pointed to the photo’s sense of abundance. “There’s something about the sensorial abundance of seeing lots of something that gives us a little thrill,” she said. Also relevant: the “satisfying” sense of organized chaos, and the awe inspired by the high ceilings. Pictures of books and libraries are popular across social platforms. A representative from Instagram said that some of the top-liked posts on the platform that include the words “library” or “libraries” feature large quantities of books, a “cozy” aesthetic or a warmer color scheme. What would Macksey think if he knew his library had taken on a life of its own? “My dad liked nothing better than sharing his love of books and literature with others,” Alan Macksey said. “He’d be delighted that his library lives on through this photo.”

A library the internet can’t get enough of

If someone is in a rural area and doesn't have any cash or internet access, he can still buy something or make a transaction of up to Rs 200 using their mobile phone or wallet.

This is now feasible, as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a framework on Monday that allows offline payments of up to Rs 200 per transaction, subject to a total limit of Rs 2,000, in order to encourage digital transactions in rural and semi-urban regions.&nbsp;

How will the new payment system work?

A transaction that does not require internet or telecom connectivity is referred to as an "offline digital payment."

Payments can be made face-to-face (proximity mode) via any channel or instrument, such as cards, wallets, and mobile devices, in the offline mode.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India stated that these transactions will not require an additional factor of authentication (AFA), and that because the transactions occur offline, the consumer will receive warnings (through SMS and/or e-mail) after a time lag.&nbsp;

Overall limit and framework

Transactions are subject to a limit of Rs 200 per transaction and an overall limit of Rs 2,000 for all transactions until the balance in the account is replenished. Balance replenishment can only occur in an online mode.

The framework integrates feedback from pilot experiments on offline transactions undertaken in various sections of the country from September 2020 to June 2021, according to the statement.&nbsp;

The offline mode of payment can be enabled after obtaining the specific consent of the customer.

Customers will continue to enjoy protection under the provisions of circulars limiting customer liability and will have recourse to the Reserve Bank's Integrated Ombudsman Scheme for grievance redress.

Offline payments can be made using any channel or instrument, like cards, wallets, and mobile devices.

(With inputs from agencies)

If someone is in a rural area and doesn't have any cash or internet access, he can still buy something or make a transaction of up to Rs 200 using their mobile phone or wallet.

If someone is in a rural area and doesn't have any cash or internet access, he can still buy something or make a transaction of up to Rs 200 using their mobile phone or wallet. This is now feasible, as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a framework on Monday that allows offline payments of up to Rs 200 per transaction, subject to a total limit of Rs 2,000, in order to encourage digital transactions in rural and semi-urban regions. How will the new payment system work? A transaction that does not require internet or telecom connectivity is referred to as an "offline digital payment." Payments can be made face-to-face (proximity mode) via any channel or instrument, such as cards, wallets, and mobile devices, in the offline mode. The Reserve Bank of India stated that these transactions will not require an additional factor of authentication (AFA), and that because the transactions occur offline, the consumer will receive warnings (through SMS and/or e-mail) after a time lag. Overall limit and framework Transactions are subject to a limit of Rs 200 per transaction and an overall limit of Rs 2,000 for all transactions until the balance in the account is replenished. Balance replenishment can only occur in an online mode. The framework integrates feedback from pilot experiments on offline transactions undertaken in various sections of the country from September 2020 to June 2021, according to the statement. The offline mode of payment can be enabled after obtaining the specific consent of the customer. Customers will continue to enjoy protection under the provisions of circulars limiting customer liability and will have recourse to the Reserve Bank's Integrated Ombudsman Scheme for grievance redress. Offline payments can be made using any channel or instrument, like cards, wallets, and mobile devices. (With inputs from agencies)

Digital payments without the internet: All you need to know

A new "apocalyptic" cyberattack has the potential to wipe out the Internet, putting NASA, televisions, and Minecraft in jeopardy.

Everything from NASA helicopters to Amazon and Google is now vulnerable to a sophisticated hacking attack, making the 'worst-ever' Internet security flaw 'apocalyptic' for the computer industry.

The "worst-ever" Internet security vulnerability has been found, with consequences for Amazon, NASA, Minecraft, and smart TVs.&nbsp;

The flaw, which may allow hackers to take control of nearly everything on the Internet, has apparently made IT giants nervous.

According to the Seattle Times, employees at Silicon Valley corporations have been working all-nighters to guarantee their code is secure. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-log4j-the-biggest-computer-vulnerability-in-decades-436791">Also read | What is Log4j, the biggest computer vulnerability in decades?</a>

According to a Google employee, more than 500 engineers have been working overtime to guarantee that their software is up to date.

The security hole known as log4j, according to Jen Easterly, the US Cybersecurity Director, is "the most significant vulnerability I have seen in my decades-long career."&nbsp;

Log4j is a piece of code that powers vast portions of the Internet.

This assists various software in logging and tracking past activity. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/software-flaw-log4shell-may-be-worst-computer-vulnerability-in-a-decade-436306">Also read | Software flaw 'Log4Shell' may be worst computer vulnerability in a decade</a>

Cybersecurity specialists have discovered that all hackers need to do is make the application log a line of malicious code, and the programme will execute it, giving them complete control of entire servers.

Log4j is a big concern because it is one of the most extensively used pieces of code on the Internet.&nbsp;

It's a component of the Java programming language, which is used in almost all software.

Importantly, online behemoths like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle are affected, putting every other website or corporation that relies on their services at risk.

This includes Minecraft, most smart TVs, and even NASA's Ingenuity Mars chopper.

According to reports, the weakness has existed for years, and Iranian-backed hackers have attempted to use it to get into the Israeli government.

The US government has set a deadline for correcting the problem for Christmas Eve, but even if it is fixed in time, hackers may have already obtained access to thousands of apps and services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new "apocalyptic" cyberattack has the potential to wipe out the Internet, putting NASA, televisions, and Minecraft in jeopardy. Everything from NASA helicopters to Amazon and Google is now vulnerable to a sophisticated hacking attack, making the 'worst-ever' Internet security flaw 'apocalyptic' for the computer industry.

A new "apocalyptic" cyberattack has the potential to wipe out the Internet, putting NASA, televisions, and Minecraft in jeopardy. Everything from NASA helicopters to Amazon and Google is now vulnerable to a sophisticated hacking attack, making the 'worst-ever' Internet security flaw 'apocalyptic' for the computer industry. The "worst-ever" Internet security vulnerability has been found, with consequences for Amazon, NASA, Minecraft, and smart TVs. The flaw, which may allow hackers to take control of nearly everything on the Internet, has apparently made IT giants nervous. According to the Seattle Times, employees at Silicon Valley corporations have been working all-nighters to guarantee their code is secure. Also read | What is Log4j, the biggest computer vulnerability in decades? According to a Google employee, more than 500 engineers have been working overtime to guarantee that their software is up to date. The security hole known as log4j, according to Jen Easterly, the US Cybersecurity Director, is "the most significant vulnerability I have seen in my decades-long career." Log4j is a piece of code that powers vast portions of the Internet. This assists various software in logging and tracking past activity. Also read | Software flaw 'Log4Shell' may be worst computer vulnerability in a decade Cybersecurity specialists have discovered that all hackers need to do is make the application log a line of malicious code, and the programme will execute it, giving them complete control of entire servers. Log4j is a big concern because it is one of the most extensively used pieces of code on the Internet. It's a component of the Java programming language, which is used in almost all software. Importantly, online behemoths like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle are affected, putting every other website or corporation that relies on their services at risk. This includes Minecraft, most smart TVs, and even NASA's Ingenuity Mars chopper. According to reports, the weakness has existed for years, and Iranian-backed hackers have attempted to use it to get into the Israeli government. The US government has set a deadline for correcting the problem for Christmas Eve, but even if it is fixed in time, hackers may have already obtained access to thousands of apps and services. (With inputs from agencies)

This cyber attack could wipe out the internet. Here's why

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services.

“We hope to have applied for a commercial licence on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock),” Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director, India at SpaceX said in a LinkedIn post.

If the company can roll out its services by April, it aims to have 200,000 Starlink devices in India by December 2022, it said in a presentation posted by Bhargava. The company has previously said it expects 80 per cent of these devices to be in rural areas.

On November 27, the Indian government had issued a missive after the company started taking pre-bookings for satellite broadband services.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) had said that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India, and advised the public to refrain from subscribing to its services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-subscribe-elon-musk-backed-starlink-services-till-it-gets-licence-indian-government-tells-public-432309">Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public</a>

DoT made it clear that the company should “get licence before offering Satellite-based services”.

While Starlink has already received over 5,000 pre-orders for its devices in India, it has not begun any services.

Starlink is one of a growing number of companies launching small satellites as part of a low-Earth orbit network to provide low-latency broadband internet services around the world, with a particular focus on remote areas that terrestrial internet infrastructure struggles to reach.

Its competitors include Amazon.com's Kuiper and OneWeb which is co-owned by the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services.

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services. “We hope to have applied for a commercial licence on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock),” Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director, India at SpaceX said in a LinkedIn post. If the company can roll out its services by April, it aims to have 200,000 Starlink devices in India by December 2022, it said in a presentation posted by Bhargava. The company has previously said it expects 80 per cent of these devices to be in rural areas. On November 27, the Indian government had issued a missive after the company started taking pre-bookings for satellite broadband services. The Department of Telecom (DoT) had said that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India, and advised the public to refrain from subscribing to its services. Also read | Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public DoT made it clear that the company should “get licence before offering Satellite-based services”. While Starlink has already received over 5,000 pre-orders for its devices in India, it has not begun any services. Starlink is one of a growing number of companies launching small satellites as part of a low-Earth orbit network to provide low-latency broadband internet services around the world, with a particular focus on remote areas that terrestrial internet infrastructure struggles to reach. Its competitors include Amazon.com's Kuiper and OneWeb which is co-owned by the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk’s Starlink caves in to Indian govt’s warning, to apply for licence by Jan 2022

In today’s fast-paced world, where numerous people go online for various purposes, around 37% of the world’s population seems to have never used the internet. The revelation was made by a United Nations' body. &nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a spike in the number of internet users but still around 3 billion people have not been able to use it. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-iran-broaden-cyberwar-to-attack-civilian-targets-432628" hreflang="en">Israel and Iran broaden cyberwar to attack civilian targets</a>

According to an estimate by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 96% of these people in developing countries have not got access to internet. &nbsp;

ITU secretary general Houlin Zhao, said, “ITU will work to make sure the building blocks are in place to connect the remaining 2.9 billion. We are determined to ensure no one will be left behind.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the estimated number of people going online has increased from 4.1 billion in 2019 to 4.9 billion this year, the agency said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-ceo-parag-agrawal-said-this-in-his-very-first-e-mail-as-captain-of-the-ship-433002" hreflang="en">Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal said this in his very first e-mail as captain of the ship</a>

Several people using internet may also be doing it infrequently, facing connectivity issues or using shared devices. &nbsp;

The measures like school closures, lockdowns and the need to access online services may have led to the spike in internet users during the pandemic, the ITU said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In today’s fast-paced world, where numerous people go online for various purposes, around 37% of the world’s population seems to have never used the internet. The revelation was made by a United Nations' body.

In today’s fast-paced world, where numerous people go online for various purposes, around 37% of the world’s population seems to have never used the internet. The revelation was made by a United Nations' body. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a spike in the number of internet users but still around 3 billion people have not been able to use it. Also Read: Israel and Iran broaden cyberwar to attack civilian targets According to an estimate by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 96% of these people in developing countries have not got access to internet. ITU secretary general Houlin Zhao, said, “ITU will work to make sure the building blocks are in place to connect the remaining 2.9 billion. We are determined to ensure no one will be left behind.” Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the estimated number of people going online has increased from 4.1 billion in 2019 to 4.9 billion this year, the agency said. Also Read: Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal said this in his very first e-mail as captain of the ship Several people using internet may also be doing it infrequently, facing connectivity issues or using shared devices. The measures like school closures, lockdowns and the need to access online services may have led to the spike in internet users during the pandemic, the ITU said. (With inputs from agencies)

Over one third of world never used internet, says UN body  

After more than three weeks of no internet, authorities in Sudan have said that they will restore internet services gradually, reports state media. "Internet services are gradually returning through all telecommunication companies," the official news agency SUNA quoted officials as saying.

Internet services in the region have been blocked since October 25. The poverty-stricken African nation has been facing extreme chaos after the collapse of the country's government.

Earlier, a two-day civil disobedience protest was interrupted due to problematic internet services. There was less turnout in the number of participants for the protest.

Sudan is already going through a deep economic crisis with record inflation and shortages of basics. The abrupt collapse of the country's transition to democracy sparked an international outcry as US President Joe Biden called the military coup in Sudan a ''grave setback'' for the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-to-military-rule-sudans-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-during-anti-coup-campaign-by-teachers-427426">Also read |&nbsp;'No to military rule': Sudan's security forces fire tear gas during anti-coup campaign by teachers</a>

Meanwhile, various reports claim that 15 people were shot dead after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover.

The protesters demanded a full handover to civilian authorities and for the leaders of the coup to be put on trial.

According to reports, security forces fired live rounds and tear gas to prevent gatherings in all three cities, and mobile phone communications were cut, witnesses said.

State television said there were injuries among protesters and police.

After more than three weeks of no internet, authorities in Sudan have said that they will restore internet services gradually, reports state media. "Internet services are gradually returning through all telecommunication companies," the official news agency SUNA quoted officials as saying.

After more than three weeks of no internet, authorities in Sudan have said that they will restore internet services gradually, reports state media. "Internet services are gradually returning through all telecommunication companies," the official news agency SUNA quoted officials as saying. Internet services in the region have been blocked since October 25. The poverty-stricken African nation has been facing extreme chaos after the collapse of the country's government. Earlier, a two-day civil disobedience protest was interrupted due to problematic internet services. There was less turnout in the number of participants for the protest. Sudan is already going through a deep economic crisis with record inflation and shortages of basics. The abrupt collapse of the country's transition to democracy sparked an international outcry as US President Joe Biden called the military coup in Sudan a ''grave setback'' for the country. Also read | 'No to military rule': Sudan's security forces fire tear gas during anti-coup campaign by teachers Meanwhile, various reports claim that 15 people were shot dead after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover. The protesters demanded a full handover to civilian authorities and for the leaders of the coup to be put on trial. According to reports, security forces fired live rounds and tear gas to prevent gatherings in all three cities, and mobile phone communications were cut, witnesses said. State television said there were injuries among protesters and police.

Amid chaos, internet services will soon be restored in Sudan: State media

Sudanese pro-democracy groups launched two days of civil disobedience and strikes as they protested against last month's military coup. However, the participants came out in limited numbers due to interruptions in internet and phone connections.&nbsp;

The poverty-stricken African nation has been facing extreme chaos after the collapse of the country's government.

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is also known as Hemedti, Burhan's deputy on the now-dissolved Sovereign Council said that General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's moves "came to correct the course of the people's revolution, and preserve the security and stability of the country."

Local resistance committees and the Sudanese Professionals Association are organising a series of protests. This is being done in an attempt to reverse the military takeover.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-general-declares-state-of-emergency-dissolves-government-423880">Also read |&nbsp;Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government</a>

Meanwhile, a teachers union claimed that used tear gas at a rally which was organised by the union as a part of the civil disobedience. As a part of the rally, dozens of teachers carried banners reading "no, no to military rule" as they called for a transition to "full civilian rule."

Sudan is already in the midst of a deep economic crisis with record inflation and shortages of basics.&nbsp;The improvement of the region relies on aid that Western donors say will end unless the coup is reversed.

The abrupt collapse of the country's transition to democracy has sparked an international outcry as US President Joe Biden called the military coup in Sudan a ''grave setback'' for the country.&nbsp;

Asserting pressure on Sudan's military junta, Biden said ''Our message to Sudan's military authorities is overwhelming and clear: the Sudanese people must be allowed to protest peacefully and the civilian-led transitional government must be restored.''

Sudanese pro-democracy groups launched two days of civil disobedience and strikes as they protested against last month's military coup. However, the participants came out in limited numbers due to interruptions in internet and phone connections.

Sudanese pro-democracy groups launched two days of civil disobedience and strikes as they protested against last month's military coup. However, the participants came out in limited numbers due to interruptions in internet and phone connections. The poverty-stricken African nation has been facing extreme chaos after the collapse of the country's government. General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is also known as Hemedti, Burhan's deputy on the now-dissolved Sovereign Council said that General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's moves "came to correct the course of the people's revolution, and preserve the security and stability of the country." Local resistance committees and the Sudanese Professionals Association are organising a series of protests. This is being done in an attempt to reverse the military takeover. Also read | Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government Meanwhile, a teachers union claimed that used tear gas at a rally which was organised by the union as a part of the civil disobedience. As a part of the rally, dozens of teachers carried banners reading "no, no to military rule" as they called for a transition to "full civilian rule." Sudan is already in the midst of a deep economic crisis with record inflation and shortages of basics. The improvement of the region relies on aid that Western donors say will end unless the coup is reversed. The abrupt collapse of the country's transition to democracy has sparked an international outcry as US President Joe Biden called the military coup in Sudan a ''grave setback'' for the country. Asserting pressure on Sudan's military junta, Biden said ''Our message to Sudan's military authorities is overwhelming and clear: the Sudanese people must be allowed to protest peacefully and the civilian-led transitional government must be restored.''

Sudan: Internet cuts limit participation in civil disobedience campaign against coup

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan posted a happy family picture, which was taken inside his mansion in Mumbai, India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-2021-alia-bhatt-to-priyanka-chopra-heres-how-bollywood-celebs-celebrated-festival-of-lights-426987">Diwali 2021: Alia Bhatt to Priyanka Chopra: Here's how Bollywood celebs celebrated festival of lights</a> 
 
The picture has Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seated on the left with Aaradhya between them. Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda and her son Agastya and her daughter Navya are also posing with all smiles.&nbsp;

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All dressed&nbsp;in ethnic outwear were looking stunning.&nbsp;However, apart from Bachchans', what caught the netizen attention in the picture was a painting in the background.&nbsp; 
 
As per the reports, the large picture of a bull in the background is actually a masterpiece painted by renowned artist Manjit Bawa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kangana-ranaut-turns-producer-with-tiku-weds-sheru-first-look-out-427715" hreflang="en">Kangana Ranaut turns producer with 'Tiku Weds Sheru'; first look out</a>

As soon as Big&nbsp;B posted the image, netizens were quick to react to the photo. Some fans were admiring the beautiful Bachchan family and their house interior and started searching for the significance behind placing a bull painting at home, meanwhile, others made fun of the painting by linking it to Anil Kapoor's movie&nbsp;character Majnu Bhai's funny paintings from the film 'Welcome'. 
 
A fan wrote how Bull painting symbolises power, strength, speed and optimism and symbolises ultimate gain, success and incremental prosperity.&nbsp; 
 
Check out fans reactions below:&nbsp;

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Hey guys. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bull?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bull</a> painting symbolises power, strength, speed and optimism. By placing this in the abundance corner of the office or house helps to bring the Bull Run in one’s financial situation. It symbolises ultimate gain, success and incremental prosperity..
— Madhu (@Sudhana2302) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sudhana2302/status/1456742294581755905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Yeh painting majnu Bhai ne bnayi h?? <a href="https://t.co/ofzBPiAzH2">pic.twitter.com/ofzBPiAzH2</a>
— ऋतिका (@Vritika385) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vritika385/status/1456691301760450560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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And the painting war started <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmitabhBachchan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmitabhBachchan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DiwaliCelebration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DiwaliCelebration</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SrBachchan</a> <a href="https://t.co/OrntmprSoR">pic.twitter.com/OrntmprSoR</a>
— Mangesh Tehare (@MangeshTehre) <a href="https://twitter.com/MangeshTehre/status/1457611034034774023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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That's what I was thinking 🤔 too.
— Mrituanjai Pandey (@mrituanjai) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrituanjai/status/1456699568284966919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan posted a happy family picture, which was taken inside his mansion in Mumbai, India. Diwali 2021: Alia Bhatt to Priyanka Chopra: Here's how Bollywood celebs celebrated festival of lights The picture has Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seated on the left with Aaradhya between them.

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan posted a happy family picture, which was taken inside his mansion in Mumbai, India. Diwali 2021: Alia Bhatt to Priyanka Chopra: Here's how Bollywood celebs celebrated festival of lights The picture has Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan seated on the left with Aaradhya between them. Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda and her son Agastya and her daughter Navya are also posing with all smiles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan) × All dressed in ethnic outwear were looking stunning. However, apart from Bachchans', what caught the netizen attention in the picture was a painting in the background. As per the reports, the large picture of a bull in the background is actually a masterpiece painted by renowned artist Manjit Bawa. Kangana Ranaut turns producer with 'Tiku Weds Sheru'; first look out As soon as Big B posted the image, netizens were quick to react to the photo. Some fans were admiring the beautiful Bachchan family and their house interior and started searching for the significance behind placing a bull painting at home, meanwhile, others made fun of the painting by linking it to Anil Kapoor's movie character Majnu Bhai's funny paintings from the film 'Welcome'. A fan wrote how Bull painting symbolises power, strength, speed and optimism and symbolises ultimate gain, success and incremental prosperity. Check out fans reactions below: Hey guys. #Bull painting symbolises power, strength, speed and optimism. By placing this in the abundance corner of the office or house helps to bring the Bull Run in one’s financial situation. It symbolises ultimate gain, success and incremental prosperity.. — Madhu (@Sudhana2302) November 5, 2021 × Yeh painting majnu Bhai ne bnayi h?? pic.twitter.com/ofzBPiAzH2 — ऋतिका (@Vritika385) November 5, 2021 × And the painting war started #AmitabhBachchan #DiwaliCelebration @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/OrntmprSoR — Mangesh Tehare (@MangeshTehre) November 8, 2021 × That's what I was thinking 🤔 too. — Mrituanjai Pandey (@mrituanjai) November 5, 2021 ×

Internet is going crazy over Amitabh Bachchan's unique bull painting

Gravitas Plus: Is your child safe online? Do you know who they're interacting with? Do you know what information they're giving away? The Internet can be an unsafe neighbourhood. Palki Sharma tells you how you can protect your child.

Gravitas Plus: Protect your children from online predators | WION

As the British government examines new legislation to tackle online abuse, internet "trolls" might face two years in prison for words or material that cause "psychological injury."

Following a series of high-profile internet abuse cases involving sports journalists and Premier League sportsmen, the Department for Culture, Media and Sports has adopted suggestions from the Law Commission to base offences on "probable psychological injury."&nbsp; 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/58-girls-young-women-face-online-harassment-abuse-says-global-survey-333020">58% girls, young women face online harassment, abuse, says global survey</a>&nbsp;

Under the watchful eye of Ofcom, the Online Safety Bill aims to hold digital companies more responsible for user-generated dangerous information housed on their platforms, ranging from child sex exploitation to terrorism.

However, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is contemplating accepting the Law Commission's proposal that offences be based on "probable psychological injury." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-google-tiktok-twitter-vow-to-stop-online-gender-abuse-395209">Also read | Facebook, Google, TikTok &amp; Twitter vow to stop online gender abuse</a> 
 
It will move the attention away from texts with "indecent" or "grossly offensive" content and toward the message's "harmful effect."

Nadine Dorries, the Culture Secretary, might include the changes in the bill that will be debated in Parliament next month.&nbsp;

The bill's present version focuses on frightening social media corporations with fines of up to $24.6 million if they fail to combat abuse, but modifications may result in individual users being punished on a far greater scale.

'Threatening communications' is one of the new offences, which encompasses messages and postings in which the author intends for their victim to fear that a threat will be carried out.&nbsp;

Messages made with the intention of causing 'emotional, psychological, or physical harm to the likely audience' will be considered as 'knowingly false communications.'

Currently, similar laws exist, but convictions are based on whether the clip contains 'indecent' or 'grossly offensive' material.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the British government examines new legislation to tackle online abuse, internet "trolls" might face two years in prison for words or material that cause "psychological injury.

As the British government examines new legislation to tackle online abuse, internet "trolls" might face two years in prison for words or material that cause "psychological injury." Following a series of high-profile internet abuse cases involving sports journalists and Premier League sportsmen, the Department for Culture, Media and Sports has adopted suggestions from the Law Commission to base offences on "probable psychological injury." Also read | 58% girls, young women face online harassment, abuse, says global survey Under the watchful eye of Ofcom, the Online Safety Bill aims to hold digital companies more responsible for user-generated dangerous information housed on their platforms, ranging from child sex exploitation to terrorism. However, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is contemplating accepting the Law Commission's proposal that offences be based on "probable psychological injury." Also read | Facebook, Google, TikTok & Twitter vow to stop online gender abuse It will move the attention away from texts with "indecent" or "grossly offensive" content and toward the message's "harmful effect." Nadine Dorries, the Culture Secretary, might include the changes in the bill that will be debated in Parliament next month. The bill's present version focuses on frightening social media corporations with fines of up to $24.6 million if they fail to combat abuse, but modifications may result in individual users being punished on a far greater scale. 'Threatening communications' is one of the new offences, which encompasses messages and postings in which the author intends for their victim to fear that a threat will be carried out. Messages made with the intention of causing 'emotional, psychological, or physical harm to the likely audience' will be considered as 'knowingly false communications.' Currently, similar laws exist, but convictions are based on whether the clip contains 'indecent' or 'grossly offensive' material. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's online safety bill: Internet trolls could face two years in prison for psychological harm

Richard Errington clicked to stream a science fiction film from his home in Britain last month when YouTube carded him.

The site said Errington, who is older than 50, needed to prove that he was old enough to watch “Space Is the Place,” a 1974 movie starring jazz musician Sun Ra. He had three options: Enter his credit card information, upload a photo identification such as a passport, or skip the video.

“I decided that it wasn’t worth the stress,” he said.

In response to mounting pressure from activists, parents and regulators who believe tech companies haven’t done enough to protect children online, businesses and governments around the globe are placing major parts of the internet behind stricter digital age checks.

People in Japan must provide a document proving their age to use the dating app Tinder. The popular game Roblox requires players to upload a form of government identification — and a selfie to prove the ID belongs to them — if they want access to a voice chat feature. Laws in Germany and France require pornography websites to check visitors’ ages.

The changes, which have picked up speed over the past two years, could upend one of the internet’s central traits: the ability to remain anonymous. Since the days of dial-up modems and AOL chat rooms, people could traverse huge swaths of the web without divulging any personal details. Many people created an online persona entirely separate from their offline one.

But the experience of consuming content and communicating online is increasingly less like an anonymous public square and more like going to the bank, with measures to prove that you are who you say you are. This month, lawmakers in Washington, which has lagged other world capitals in regulating tech companies, called for new rules to protect young people after a former Facebook employee said the company knew its products harmed some teenagers. They repeated those calls Tuesday in a hearing with executives from YouTube, TikTok and the parent company of Snapchat.

Critics of the age checks say that in the name of keeping people safe, they could endanger user privacy, dampen free expression and hurt communities that benefit from anonymity online. Authoritarian governments have used protecting children as an argument for limiting online speech: China barred websites this summer from ranking celebrities by popularity as part of a larger crackdown on what it says are the pernicious effects of celebrity culture on young people.

“Are we going to start seeing more age verification? Of course,” said Hany Farid, a professor of engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, who has called for more child safety measures. “Because there is more pressure, there’s more awareness now on how these technologies are harming kids.”

But, Farid said, regulators and companies need to proceed with caution. “We don’t want the solution to be more harmful than the problem,” he said.

Many websites have long required visitors to submit their birth date to see content meant only for adults. But visitors could usually do so without showing any evidence of their age.

That is no longer enough for some regulators. New child protection guidelines in Britain say some websites need to take additional steps to verify their users’ ages when the services collect sensitive user data.

An update to the European Union’s rules for video and audio services requires sites to protect minors, which may include checking users’ ages. In response to the change, Google said last year that it would ask some users of YouTube, which it owns, for their identification documents or credit card details before they could watch adults-only videos. A spokesperson for Google pointed to an August blog post where the company said it was “looking at ways to develop consistent product experiences and user controls for kids and teens globally” as regulators applied new rules in different countries.

Facebook is exploring similar options. The company said in July that it was developing programs to look for signs that users were lying about their age, such as spotting when someone who claims to be 21 gets messages about her quinceañera. But when “we do feel we need more information, we’re developing a menu of options for someone to prove their age,” Pavni Diwanji, Facebook’s vice president of youth products, said in the post. Facebook later said one option would involve providing identification documents.

Many of the new age verification efforts require users to submit government-issued identification or credit card information. But other companies are using, or considering, other options, such as software that scans a user’s face to approximate the person’s age.

Critics of the checks worry that the requirement will force users to give sensitive information to websites with limited resources to prevent hacks. Outside companies that offer age checks would be vulnerable, too.

“Either way, that’s still a treasure trove of data that’s exploitable,” said Daly Barnett, a staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an online privacy and free speech advocacy group.

Many companies, and governments, say they are putting measures in place to address privacy concerns, such as limits on how long data is stored. The British privacy regulator overseeing the new child protection code said this month that websites should deploy the most aggressive age checks — such as requiring government identification — only when the potential risk to a child was equally significant.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

While sorting out which age-check method to use, Roblox, the game company, showed prototypes to 10 teenage players, said Chris Aston Chen, a senior product manager at the company.

One possible method required players to get on a video call, while another checked government databases. Chen said the players gravitated toward using government IDs, an option they trusted and thought was convenient. (Roblox’s chief product officer is a board member of The New York Times Co.)

The technology will also make it easier for Roblox to keep out players it has barred because of inappropriate conduct in the voice chat feature. If those players log back in using a new account but try to verify their age using the same government document, they’ll be locked out.

“I do imagine that over the next few years that there will be an increased level of comfort and expectation, almost, to provide some sort of personal verification on a platform for the greater good,” Chen said.

Some services are resisting the checks. Twitter allows users to disclose their birth date but does not require it. If users want to view adult content, they must click through a warning but don’t have to prove they are 18 or older.

“At the heart of Twitter is the belief that there’s a huge value to the public conversation of people being able to speak pseudonymously to the world,” said Nick Pickles, a senior director of global public policy strategy at Twitter, “and also not requiring a significant amount of personal information to be provided before you can use online services.”

The shift might be troublesome for some people, critics said. Posts related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to be mistakenly marked as “adult” content even if they are not overtly sexual, for example, said Barnett.

Automatic facial analysis is also often less accurate for female faces or people with darker skin. And critics worry that strict age checks could make life more difficult for people such as sex workers and political dissidents who rely on anonymity online.

Perhaps no part of the web has more new age-check requirements than pornography sites, which are often at the leading edge of technology trends. In addition to Germany and France, governments including Poland, the Philippines and Canada have considered proposals that would require pornography sites to check ages.

“The internet was created by adults, for adults,” said Julie Inman Grant, who runs Australia’s Office of the eSafety Commissioner and has been developing age-check guidelines. “And I think one of the key challenges for us is to come up with a system that proves a child is a child sitting behind a keyboard.”

It is unclear how internet users will respond to the increasingly common age checks.

For months, YouTube explained to frustrated users on Twitter that it was demanding government IDs because of new regulations.

“I pay for youtube music, yet it wants me to upload a copy of my ID so it can verify my age before it will let me play ‘in bloom’ by Nirvana,” one user tweeted. The user noted that he had first bought the track on cassette “when I was about 12, almost 30 years ago.”

“This is a rule applied to video sharing platforms in certain countries,” YouTube’s customer support account responded.

Errington said YouTube had asked him for a credit card when he tried to watch “Space Is the Place.” He doesn’t have one. And he said he felt uncomfortable uploading a photo ID.

“I wasn’t prepared to give out this information,” he said. “So the Sun Ra video remains a mystery.”

Richard Errington clicked to stream a science fiction film from his home in Britain last month when YouTube carded him. The site said Errington, who is older than 50, needed to prove that he was old enough to watch “Space Is the Place,” a 1974 movie starring jazz musician Sun Ra.

Richard Errington clicked to stream a science fiction film from his home in Britain last month when YouTube carded him. The site said Errington, who is older than 50, needed to prove that he was old enough to watch “Space Is the Place,” a 1974 movie starring jazz musician Sun Ra. He had three options: Enter his credit card information, upload a photo identification such as a passport, or skip the video. “I decided that it wasn’t worth the stress,” he said. In response to mounting pressure from activists, parents and regulators who believe tech companies haven’t done enough to protect children online, businesses and governments around the globe are placing major parts of the internet behind stricter digital age checks. People in Japan must provide a document proving their age to use the dating app Tinder. The popular game Roblox requires players to upload a form of government identification — and a selfie to prove the ID belongs to them — if they want access to a voice chat feature. Laws in Germany and France require pornography websites to check visitors’ ages. The changes, which have picked up speed over the past two years, could upend one of the internet’s central traits: the ability to remain anonymous. Since the days of dial-up modems and AOL chat rooms, people could traverse huge swaths of the web without divulging any personal details. Many people created an online persona entirely separate from their offline one. But the experience of consuming content and communicating online is increasingly less like an anonymous public square and more like going to the bank, with measures to prove that you are who you say you are. This month, lawmakers in Washington, which has lagged other world capitals in regulating tech companies, called for new rules to protect young people after a former Facebook employee said the company knew its products harmed some teenagers. They repeated those calls Tuesday in a hearing with executives from YouTube, TikTok and the parent company of Snapchat. Critics of the age checks say that in the name of keeping people safe, they could endanger user privacy, dampen free expression and hurt communities that benefit from anonymity online. Authoritarian governments have used protecting children as an argument for limiting online speech: China barred websites this summer from ranking celebrities by popularity as part of a larger crackdown on what it says are the pernicious effects of celebrity culture on young people. “Are we going to start seeing more age verification? Of course,” said Hany Farid, a professor of engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, who has called for more child safety measures. “Because there is more pressure, there’s more awareness now on how these technologies are harming kids.” But, Farid said, regulators and companies need to proceed with caution. “We don’t want the solution to be more harmful than the problem,” he said. Many websites have long required visitors to submit their birth date to see content meant only for adults. But visitors could usually do so without showing any evidence of their age. That is no longer enough for some regulators. New child protection guidelines in Britain say some websites need to take additional steps to verify their users’ ages when the services collect sensitive user data. An update to the European Union’s rules for video and audio services requires sites to protect minors, which may include checking users’ ages. In response to the change, Google said last year that it would ask some users of YouTube, which it owns, for their identification documents or credit card details before they could watch adults-only videos. A spokesperson for Google pointed to an August blog post where the company said it was “looking at ways to develop consistent product experiences and user controls for kids and teens globally” as regulators applied new rules in different countries. Facebook is exploring similar options. The company said in July that it was developing programs to look for signs that users were lying about their age, such as spotting when someone who claims to be 21 gets messages about her quinceañera. But when “we do feel we need more information, we’re developing a menu of options for someone to prove their age,” Pavni Diwanji, Facebook’s vice president of youth products, said in the post. Facebook later said one option would involve providing identification documents. Many of the new age verification efforts require users to submit government-issued identification or credit card information. But other companies are using, or considering, other options, such as software that scans a user’s face to approximate the person’s age. Critics of the checks worry that the requirement will force users to give sensitive information to websites with limited resources to prevent hacks. Outside companies that offer age checks would be vulnerable, too. “Either way, that’s still a treasure trove of data that’s exploitable,” said Daly Barnett, a staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an online privacy and free speech advocacy group. Many companies, and governments, say they are putting measures in place to address privacy concerns, such as limits on how long data is stored. The British privacy regulator overseeing the new child protection code said this month that websites should deploy the most aggressive age checks — such as requiring government identification — only when the potential risk to a child was equally significant. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) While sorting out which age-check method to use, Roblox, the game company, showed prototypes to 10 teenage players, said Chris Aston Chen, a senior product manager at the company. One possible method required players to get on a video call, while another checked government databases. Chen said the players gravitated toward using government IDs, an option they trusted and thought was convenient. (Roblox’s chief product officer is a board member of The New York Times Co.) The technology will also make it easier for Roblox to keep out players it has barred because of inappropriate conduct in the voice chat feature. If those players log back in using a new account but try to verify their age using the same government document, they’ll be locked out. “I do imagine that over the next few years that there will be an increased level of comfort and expectation, almost, to provide some sort of personal verification on a platform for the greater good,” Chen said. Some services are resisting the checks. Twitter allows users to disclose their birth date but does not require it. If users want to view adult content, they must click through a warning but don’t have to prove they are 18 or older. “At the heart of Twitter is the belief that there’s a huge value to the public conversation of people being able to speak pseudonymously to the world,” said Nick Pickles, a senior director of global public policy strategy at Twitter, “and also not requiring a significant amount of personal information to be provided before you can use online services.” The shift might be troublesome for some people, critics said. Posts related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to be mistakenly marked as “adult” content even if they are not overtly sexual, for example, said Barnett. Automatic facial analysis is also often less accurate for female faces or people with darker skin. And critics worry that strict age checks could make life more difficult for people such as sex workers and political dissidents who rely on anonymity online. Perhaps no part of the web has more new age-check requirements than pornography sites, which are often at the leading edge of technology trends. In addition to Germany and France, governments including Poland, the Philippines and Canada have considered proposals that would require pornography sites to check ages. “The internet was created by adults, for adults,” said Julie Inman Grant, who runs Australia’s Office of the eSafety Commissioner and has been developing age-check guidelines. “And I think one of the key challenges for us is to come up with a system that proves a child is a child sitting behind a keyboard.” It is unclear how internet users will respond to the increasingly common age checks. For months, YouTube explained to frustrated users on Twitter that it was demanding government IDs because of new regulations. “I pay for youtube music, yet it wants me to upload a copy of my ID so it can verify my age before it will let me play ‘in bloom’ by Nirvana,” one user tweeted. The user noted that he had first bought the track on cassette “when I was about 12, almost 30 years ago.” “This is a rule applied to video sharing platforms in certain countries,” YouTube’s customer support account responded. Errington said YouTube had asked him for a credit card when he tried to watch “Space Is the Place.” He doesn’t have one. And he said he felt uncomfortable uploading a photo ID. “I wasn’t prepared to give out this information,” he said. “So the Sun Ra video remains a mystery.”

Anonymity no more? Age checks come to the web

Facebook held back from doing all it could to stop users from being radicalized and US election misinformation from flooding the social network, according to media reports Friday.

An array of US news outlets cited documents from former Facebook worker Frances Haugen, adding to a series of critical revelations already published based on information she provided.

Articles in the New York Times, Washington Post and elsewhere on Friday focused on how Facebook apparently intensified political division.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-pay-french-publishers-for-news-content-422671">Facebook to pay French publishers for news content</a>

Examples included an internal finding that 10 percent of political content viewed by US users in the days after the election perpetuated the falsehood that the vote had been rigged.

What has come to be known as the "Big Lie" has been repeated relentlessly by former President Donald Trump and enraged his supporters, who stormed the US Capital in a deadly attack on January 6.

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms banned Trump from their platforms for encouraging the violent effort to thwart the democratic process.

Revelations published Friday indicated that Facebook could have anticipated such trouble.

'Carol's journey'&nbsp;

The information was reportedly found in the thousands of internal documents Haugen provided to regulators at the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Haugen told US lawmakers early this month that the social media giant fuels division, harms children and urgently needs to be regulated, drawing pledges Congress would take up long-delayed action.

The testimony by Haugen has fueled one of Facebook's most serious crises yet, and prompted a denial from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who said in a post on his account that her claim the company prioritizes profit over safety was "just not true."

A common theme in revelations is that Facebook knew about problems hurting users and society but chose, in large part, to ignore them.

Articles Friday referred to a report compiled by Facebook's own internal researchers titled "Carol's Journey to QAnon."

Facebook's security team in 2019 reportedly created a fake account for a "conservative mother from North Carolina" given the profile name Carol Smith.

The social network software quickly offered Smith a "barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content" including from the QAnon movement known for unfounded conspiracy theories, according to the researchers.

Defense&nbsp;

Faced with the mounting criticism, Facebook on Friday detailed anew steps it has taken to protect the election and keep the social network safe.

"Our comprehensive strategy to protect the US 2020 elections began years before the election cycle even began and was designed to last through the inauguration," Facebook vice president of integrity Guy Rosen said in a blog post.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-banned-on-twitter-and-fb-to-launch-his-own-social-network-422513">Donald Trump, banned on Twitter and FB, to launch his own social network</a>

"Responsibility for the insurrection itself falls squarely on the insurrectionists who broke the law and those who incited them."

Facebook's tenacious efforts to fend off critics is not likely to appease elected officials openly calling for action against the tech giant.

More revelations from leaked documents appear in store, and a former member of Facebook's integrity team emerged Friday as another whistleblower.

The former employee reportedly told US regulators that Facebook dismissed controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as a "flash in the pan" and that managers undermined efforts to fight disinformation for fear of angering Trump or his fans.

Facebook held back from doing all it could to stop users from being radicalized and US election misinformation from flooding the social network, according to media reports Friday.

Facebook held back from doing all it could to stop users from being radicalized and US election misinformation from flooding the social network, according to media reports Friday. An array of US news outlets cited documents from former Facebook worker Frances Haugen, adding to a series of critical revelations already published based on information she provided. Articles in the New York Times, Washington Post and elsewhere on Friday focused on how Facebook apparently intensified political division. Also Read | Facebook to pay French publishers for news content Examples included an internal finding that 10 percent of political content viewed by US users in the days after the election perpetuated the falsehood that the vote had been rigged. What has come to be known as the "Big Lie" has been repeated relentlessly by former President Donald Trump and enraged his supporters, who stormed the US Capital in a deadly attack on January 6. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms banned Trump from their platforms for encouraging the violent effort to thwart the democratic process. Revelations published Friday indicated that Facebook could have anticipated such trouble. 'Carol's journey' The information was reportedly found in the thousands of internal documents Haugen provided to regulators at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Haugen told US lawmakers early this month that the social media giant fuels division, harms children and urgently needs to be regulated, drawing pledges Congress would take up long-delayed action. The testimony by Haugen has fueled one of Facebook's most serious crises yet, and prompted a denial from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who said in a post on his account that her claim the company prioritizes profit over safety was "just not true." A common theme in revelations is that Facebook knew about problems hurting users and society but chose, in large part, to ignore them. Articles Friday referred to a report compiled by Facebook's own internal researchers titled "Carol's Journey to QAnon." Facebook's security team in 2019 reportedly created a fake account for a "conservative mother from North Carolina" given the profile name Carol Smith. The social network software quickly offered Smith a "barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content" including from the QAnon movement known for unfounded conspiracy theories, according to the researchers. Defense Faced with the mounting criticism, Facebook on Friday detailed anew steps it has taken to protect the election and keep the social network safe. "Our comprehensive strategy to protect the US 2020 elections began years before the election cycle even began and was designed to last through the inauguration," Facebook vice president of integrity Guy Rosen said in a blog post. Also Read | Donald Trump, banned on Twitter and FB, to launch his own social network "Responsibility for the insurrection itself falls squarely on the insurrectionists who broke the law and those who incited them." Facebook's tenacious efforts to fend off critics is not likely to appease elected officials openly calling for action against the tech giant. More revelations from leaked documents appear in store, and a former member of Facebook's integrity team emerged Friday as another whistleblower. The former employee reportedly told US regulators that Facebook dismissed controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as a "flash in the pan" and that managers undermined efforts to fight disinformation for fear of angering Trump or his fans.

Rising tide of leaks threatens to inundate Facebook

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal.

Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase.

There was no immediate comment from Google.

Russia is seeking to assert greater control on the internet in the country and has increased pressure on foreign tech companies. This has resulted in slowing down the speed of Twitter since March and other measures like fines for content violations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backs-china-over-hypersonic-test-row-422096">Russia backs China over hypersonic test row</a>

Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's Google and Apple of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores.

Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook, citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-recognise-common-threats-coming-from-afghanistan-indian-envoy-to-russia-422098">India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia</a>

"A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube.

The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles.

Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid.

(With inputs for agencies)

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal.

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal. Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase. There was no immediate comment from Google. Russia is seeking to assert greater control on the internet in the country and has increased pressure on foreign tech companies. This has resulted in slowing down the speed of Twitter since March and other measures like fines for content violations. Also Read | Russia backs China over hypersonic test row Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's Google and Apple of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores. Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook, citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020. Also Read | India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia "A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube. The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles. Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid. (With inputs for agencies)

Russia plans to fine Google up to 20 per cent of annual turnover

Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice in Silicon Valley hype around the idea of the metaverse, which would blur the lines between the physical world and the digital one.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-speech-for-profit-facebook-whistleblower-reveals-identity-418061">Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity</a>

The technology might, for example, allow someone to don virtual reality glasses that make it feel as if they're face-to-face with a friend -- when in fact they are thousands of miles apart and connected via the internet.&nbsp;

"The metaverse has the potential to help unlock access to new creative, social, and economic opportunities. And Europeans will be shaping it right from the start," Facebook said in a blog post.&nbsp;

"Today, we are announcing a plan to create 10,000 new high skilled jobs within the European Union (EU) over the next five years."

The European hires will include "highly specialised engineers", but the company otherwise gave few details of its plans for the new metaverse team. &nbsp;

"The EU has a number of advantages that make it a great place for tech companies to invest -- a large consumer market, first class universities and, crucially, top quality talent," the blog post said.&nbsp;

Distraction from bad news ?&nbsp;

The announcement comes as Facebook grapples with the fallout of a damaging scandal, major outages of its services, and rising calls for regulation to curb its vast influence.&nbsp;

The company has faced a storm of criticism over the past month after former employee Frances Haugen leaked internal studies showing Facebook knew its sites could be harmful to young people's mental health.

The Washington Post last month suggested that Facebook's interest in the metaverse is "part of a broader push to rehabilitate the company's reputation with policymakers and reposition Facebook to shape the regulation of next-wave Internet technologies".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-facebook-kept-secret-list-of-terror-organisations-hate-groups-and-criminals-420423">How Facebook kept secret list of terror organisations, hate groups and criminals</a>

But Zuckerberg also appears to be a genuine evangelist for the advent of the metaverse era, predicting in July that Facebook will transition from "primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company" over the next five years.&nbsp;

Facebook bought Oculus, a company that makes virtual reality headsets, for $2 billion in 2014 and has since been developing Horizon, a digital world where people can interact using VR technology.&nbsp;

In August it unveiled Horizon Workrooms, a feature where co-workers wearing VR headsets can hold meetings in a virtual room where they all appear as cartoonish 3D versions of themselves.&nbsp;

Blurring the lines&nbsp;

Metaverse enthusiasts point out that the internet is already starting to blur the lines between virtual experiences and "real" ones.&nbsp;

Stars such as pop diva Ariana Grande and the rapper Travis Scott have performed for huge audiences, watching at home, via the hit video game Fortnite.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-backed-group-launches-misinformation-adjudication-panel-in-australia-419803">&nbsp;Facebook-backed group launches misinformation adjudication panel in Australia</a>

In Decentraland, another online platform widely seen as a forerunner to the metaverse, you can already get a job as a croupier in its virtual casino.&nbsp;

"No one company will own and operate the metaverse. Like the internet, its key feature will be its openness and interoperability," Facebook said in its blog post.&nbsp;

It is not the only company pouring millions into developing the technology that could turn a fully-fledged version of the metaverse into reality.&nbsp;

Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, announced earlier this year that it had raised $1 billion in new funding, with some of that money set to support its vision of the metaverse.

Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future.

Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice in Silicon Valley hype around the idea of the metaverse, which would blur the lines between the physical world and the digital one. Also Read | Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity The technology might, for example, allow someone to don virtual reality glasses that make it feel as if they're face-to-face with a friend -- when in fact they are thousands of miles apart and connected via the internet. "The metaverse has the potential to help unlock access to new creative, social, and economic opportunities. And Europeans will be shaping it right from the start," Facebook said in a blog post. "Today, we are announcing a plan to create 10,000 new high skilled jobs within the European Union (EU) over the next five years." The European hires will include "highly specialised engineers", but the company otherwise gave few details of its plans for the new metaverse team. "The EU has a number of advantages that make it a great place for tech companies to invest -- a large consumer market, first class universities and, crucially, top quality talent," the blog post said. Distraction from bad news ? The announcement comes as Facebook grapples with the fallout of a damaging scandal, major outages of its services, and rising calls for regulation to curb its vast influence. The company has faced a storm of criticism over the past month after former employee Frances Haugen leaked internal studies showing Facebook knew its sites could be harmful to young people's mental health. The Washington Post last month suggested that Facebook's interest in the metaverse is "part of a broader push to rehabilitate the company's reputation with policymakers and reposition Facebook to shape the regulation of next-wave Internet technologies". Also Read | How Facebook kept secret list of terror organisations, hate groups and criminals But Zuckerberg also appears to be a genuine evangelist for the advent of the metaverse era, predicting in July that Facebook will transition from "primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company" over the next five years. Facebook bought Oculus, a company that makes virtual reality headsets, for $2 billion in 2014 and has since been developing Horizon, a digital world where people can interact using VR technology. In August it unveiled Horizon Workrooms, a feature where co-workers wearing VR headsets can hold meetings in a virtual room where they all appear as cartoonish 3D versions of themselves. Blurring the lines Metaverse enthusiasts point out that the internet is already starting to blur the lines between virtual experiences and "real" ones. Stars such as pop diva Ariana Grande and the rapper Travis Scott have performed for huge audiences, watching at home, via the hit video game Fortnite. Also Read | Facebook-backed group launches misinformation adjudication panel in Australia In Decentraland, another online platform widely seen as a forerunner to the metaverse, you can already get a job as a croupier in its virtual casino. "No one company will own and operate the metaverse. Like the internet, its key feature will be its openness and interoperability," Facebook said in its blog post. It is not the only company pouring millions into developing the technology that could turn a fully-fledged version of the metaverse into reality. Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, announced earlier this year that it had raised $1 billion in new funding, with some of that money set to support its vision of the metaverse.

Facebook announces 10,000 European Union jobs to build 'metaverse'

Google plans to invest $1 billion in Africa over the next five years to ensure access to fast and cheaper internet and will back startups to support the continent's digital transformation.

Google to invest $1 billion in Africa over five years

Google on Wednesday said it will invest $1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and support entrepreneurship in Africa.

Internet reliability is a problem in Africa where less than a third of the continent's 1.3 billion people are connected to broadband, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;

But the continent, where nearly half the population is under 18, is a promising market.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-ends-work-on-its-plex-project-even-after-financial-markets-heat-up-417518">Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up</a>

According to Google and Alphabet boss, Sundar Pichai "huge strides" have been made in recent years, but more work is needed to make "internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African".

The investment will support digital transformation by ensuring improved connectivity and access, he said in a statement.

The funds will, among other things, go towards infrastructure development including the Equiano subsea cable that will connect South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and St Helena with Europe.

The deal expands Google's pledge announced four years ago to train around 10 million young Africans and small-scale businesses in digital skills.

"I am of the firm belief that no one is better placed to solve Africa's biggest problems than Africa's young developers and startup founders," said Google's Africa managing director Nitin Gajria.

Internet access is also hampered by the affordability of smartphones.&nbsp;

Google said it will partner with Kenya's telecoms giant Safaricom to launch affordable Android smartphones for first time users.&nbsp;

The project will later be rolled out across the continent with other carriers such Airtel, MTN, Orange and Vodacom.

Google on Wednesday said it will invest $1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and support entrepreneurship in Africa.

Google on Wednesday said it will invest $1 billion over the next five years to allow for faster and more affordable internet access and support entrepreneurship in Africa. Internet reliability is a problem in Africa where less than a third of the continent's 1.3 billion people are connected to broadband, according to the World Bank. But the continent, where nearly half the population is under 18, is a promising market. Also read | Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up According to Google and Alphabet boss, Sundar Pichai "huge strides" have been made in recent years, but more work is needed to make "internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African". The investment will support digital transformation by ensuring improved connectivity and access, he said in a statement. The funds will, among other things, go towards infrastructure development including the Equiano subsea cable that will connect South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and St Helena with Europe. The deal expands Google's pledge announced four years ago to train around 10 million young Africans and small-scale businesses in digital skills. "I am of the firm belief that no one is better placed to solve Africa's biggest problems than Africa's young developers and startup founders," said Google's Africa managing director Nitin Gajria. Internet access is also hampered by the affordability of smartphones. Google said it will partner with Kenya's telecoms giant Safaricom to launch affordable Android smartphones for first time users. The project will later be rolled out across the continent with other carriers such Airtel, MTN, Orange and Vodacom.

Google to invest $1 billion to lift Africa internet access

Google on Wednesday said it is tweaking widely used tools for getting around, shopping and more to let users factor climate change into daily routines.

Google is among the Big Tech firms that have made pledges and investments to reduce the environmental impact of their operations with moves such as making power-hungry data centers carbon neutral.

New features unveiled on Wednesday provide users with ways to help in the effort, whether it be driving routes that result in less exhaust being spewed from cars or shopping online for energy efficient appliances.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-ends-work-on-its-plex-project-even-after-financial-markets-heat-up-417518">&nbsp;Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up</a>

"In all these efforts, our goal is to make the sustainable choice an easier choice," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said while briefing journalists on the latest features.

Artificial intelligence was put to work in Google's free Maps service in the United States to show people the most fuel efficient routes to destinations even if they are not the quickest.

"It defaults to the route that uses less fuel when the estimated time of arrival is similar," Pichai said.

"We believe the feature will have the same impact in the next year as taking over 200,000 cars off the road."

The feature is to be rolled out in Europe in 2022.

Google has also started work on a project to use AI to optimize the efficiency of traffic in cities to reduce time vehicles spend idling at intersections.

Carbon dioxide emission information is being added to a Flights service for booking travel by air.

"We're putting these numbers in context by labeling flights that have significantly higher emissions, and adding a green badge to flights with significantly lower emissions," Google said in a post.

The metrics will also show how much more CO2 is attributed to business or first-class seats, which give passengers more room.

In coming months, Google will start adding details about how eco-friendly hotels are so people can opt for lodging that is kinder to the planet.

Google moves include weaving environmental impact information into its services for financial investing or shopping for appliances, and providing more insights into cost-benefits of electric vehicles.

"Individually, these choices might feel small but when you multiply them together across our products, they equal big transformations for the planet," Pichai said.

"It's going to take all of that to avert the worst consequences of climate change and there's no time to waste."

Google on Wednesday said it is tweaking widely used tools for getting around, shopping and more to let users factor climate change into daily routines. Google is among the Big Tech firms that have made pledges and investments to reduce the environmental impact of their operations with moves such as making power-hungry data centers carbon neutral.

Google on Wednesday said it is tweaking widely used tools for getting around, shopping and more to let users factor climate change into daily routines. Google is among the Big Tech firms that have made pledges and investments to reduce the environmental impact of their operations with moves such as making power-hungry data centers carbon neutral. New features unveiled on Wednesday provide users with ways to help in the effort, whether it be driving routes that result in less exhaust being spewed from cars or shopping online for energy efficient appliances. Also Read | Google ends work on its Plex project even after financial markets heat up "In all these efforts, our goal is to make the sustainable choice an easier choice," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said while briefing journalists on the latest features. Artificial intelligence was put to work in Google's free Maps service in the United States to show people the most fuel efficient routes to destinations even if they are not the quickest. "It defaults to the route that uses less fuel when the estimated time of arrival is similar," Pichai said. "We believe the feature will have the same impact in the next year as taking over 200,000 cars off the road." The feature is to be rolled out in Europe in 2022. Google has also started work on a project to use AI to optimize the efficiency of traffic in cities to reduce time vehicles spend idling at intersections. Carbon dioxide emission information is being added to a Flights service for booking travel by air. "We're putting these numbers in context by labeling flights that have significantly higher emissions, and adding a green badge to flights with significantly lower emissions," Google said in a post. The metrics will also show how much more CO2 is attributed to business or first-class seats, which give passengers more room. In coming months, Google will start adding details about how eco-friendly hotels are so people can opt for lodging that is kinder to the planet. Google moves include weaving environmental impact information into its services for financial investing or shopping for appliances, and providing more insights into cost-benefits of electric vehicles. "Individually, these choices might feel small but when you multiply them together across our products, they equal big transformations for the planet," Pichai said. "It's going to take all of that to avert the worst consequences of climate change and there's no time to waste."

Google lets users factor climate change into life

People all over the world have been sharing their favourite types of coffee on this International Coffee Day. WION brings you the five latest trends that took the internet by storm.

International Coffee Day: Five latest coffee trends

China and Pakistan are among the top 10 countries in the world where internet freedom has been on the decline, stated an international freedom advocacy group, Freedom House.&nbsp;

The group published a report titled "Freedom on the Net 2021: The Global Drive to Control Big Tech" which has claimed that the global internet freedom declined for the 11th consecutive year.&nbsp;

The report has also raised concerns over the rules proposed by Pakistan that could hamper cyber liberty.

As per the report, Myanmar, Belarus, and Uganda witnessed the greatest deteriorations in internet freedom. Also, Myanmar reported a 14-point decline, which is the largest since the group started the documentation project.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/those-fancy-cars-he-flaunted-on-youtube-a-30-million-fraud-scheme-paid-for-them-us-says-415225">Also read |&nbsp;Those fancy cars he flaunted on YouTube? A $30 million fraud scheme paid for them, US says</a>

Iceland, Canada and Germany were among the top 10 countries with greater internet freedom.

China again turns out to be the world’s worst abuser of internet freedom for the seventh consecutive year as it failed to score a single point in the ‘violation of user rights’ category.&nbsp;

“The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is tightening its control over the state bureaucracy, the media, online speech, religious groups, universities, businesses, and civil society associations, and it has undermined its own already modest rule-of-law reforms,” said the report.

The top 10 countries with the highest level of internet freedom are - Iceland, Estonia, Canada, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Germany, France, UK, Georgia, and Japan.&nbsp;

China and Pakistan are among the top 10 countries in the world where internet freedom has been on the decline, stated an international freedom advocacy group, Freedom House.

China and Pakistan are among the top 10 countries in the world where internet freedom has been on the decline, stated an international freedom advocacy group, Freedom House. The group published a report titled "Freedom on the Net 2021: The Global Drive to Control Big Tech" which has claimed that the global internet freedom declined for the 11th consecutive year. The report has also raised concerns over the rules proposed by Pakistan that could hamper cyber liberty. As per the report, Myanmar, Belarus, and Uganda witnessed the greatest deteriorations in internet freedom. Also, Myanmar reported a 14-point decline, which is the largest since the group started the documentation project. Also read | Those fancy cars he flaunted on YouTube? A $30 million fraud scheme paid for them, US says Iceland, Canada and Germany were among the top 10 countries with greater internet freedom. China again turns out to be the world’s worst abuser of internet freedom for the seventh consecutive year as it failed to score a single point in the ‘violation of user rights’ category. “The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is tightening its control over the state bureaucracy, the media, online speech, religious groups, universities, businesses, and civil society associations, and it has undermined its own already modest rule-of-law reforms,” said the report. The top 10 countries with the highest level of internet freedom are - Iceland, Estonia, Canada, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Germany, France, UK, Georgia, and Japan.

China worst abuser of internet freedom, Iceland with the most internet freedom, says report

There has been little to laugh about in Cuba lately. But on a recent episode of "El Enjambre," a weekly podcast produced on the island, the three hosts were howling at the latest form of censorship by the state-run telecommunications company.

“If you send a text message with the word freedom, the message doesn’t reach the recipient,” Lucía March told her incredulous co-hosts, referring to the Spanish language word 'libertad'. “It evaporates, vanishes! I’m serious.”

The exchange was funny, informative and lighthearted, traits that have made "El Enjambre" one of the biggest hits among the scores of new Cuban-made podcasts that are now competing for residents’ attention and limited internet bandwidth.

Cubans began having access to the internet on smartphones only in 2018. Since then, podcasts about politics, current events, history, entrepreneurship and language have upended how Cubans get their information, expanding the middle ground between the hyperpartisan content generated by government-run media outlets and American government funded newsrooms that are highly critical of the island’s authoritarian leaders.

“There has been exponential growth, and I predict it will continue to multiply,” said Yoani Sánchez, a Cuban journalist who records a daily news podcast plugging stories from the independent news portal she runs, 14yMedio.

Cuba’s government blocks access to several news websites — including 14yMedio — and recently passed a measure making it a crime to post content that is critical of the Cuban state on social media. But the authorities have not yet taken action to censor or block access to the more than 220 podcasts that are produced in Cuba or cater largely to Cuban audiences, said Carlos Lugones, founder of Cuba Pod, a platform that promotes and catalogs Cuban podcasts.

“It’s very difficult for a government to censor a podcast because there are many ways of distributing it,” said Lugones. “Podcasts spark debates in society all the time. They cause people to reflect.”

A desire to do just that prompted Carlos Condis, an industrial engineer, to launch "El Enjambre" — Spanish for swarm of bees — in late 2019. The heart of the show is a spirited, spontaneous conversation among Condis and his co-hosts, March and Yunior García Aguilera.

No subject is off limits.

"El Enjambre" provided detailed coverage of the remarkable July 11 anti-government protests in Cuba and searing criticism of the ruthless crackdown that followed.

There has been little to laugh about in Cuba lately. But on a recent episode of "El Enjambre," a weekly podcast produced on the island, the three hosts were howling at the latest form of censorship by the state-run telecommunications company.

There has been little to laugh about in Cuba lately. But on a recent episode of "El Enjambre," a weekly podcast produced on the island, the three hosts were howling at the latest form of censorship by the state-run telecommunications company. “If you send a text message with the word freedom, the message doesn’t reach the recipient,” Lucía March told her incredulous co-hosts, referring to the Spanish language word 'libertad'. “It evaporates, vanishes! I’m serious.” The exchange was funny, informative and lighthearted, traits that have made "El Enjambre" one of the biggest hits among the scores of new Cuban-made podcasts that are now competing for residents’ attention and limited internet bandwidth. Cubans began having access to the internet on smartphones only in 2018. Since then, podcasts about politics, current events, history, entrepreneurship and language have upended how Cubans get their information, expanding the middle ground between the hyperpartisan content generated by government-run media outlets and American government funded newsrooms that are highly critical of the island’s authoritarian leaders. “There has been exponential growth, and I predict it will continue to multiply,” said Yoani Sánchez, a Cuban journalist who records a daily news podcast plugging stories from the independent news portal she runs, 14yMedio. Cuba’s government blocks access to several news websites — including 14yMedio — and recently passed a measure making it a crime to post content that is critical of the Cuban state on social media. But the authorities have not yet taken action to censor or block access to the more than 220 podcasts that are produced in Cuba or cater largely to Cuban audiences, said Carlos Lugones, founder of Cuba Pod, a platform that promotes and catalogs Cuban podcasts. “It’s very difficult for a government to censor a podcast because there are many ways of distributing it,” said Lugones. “Podcasts spark debates in society all the time. They cause people to reflect.” A desire to do just that prompted Carlos Condis, an industrial engineer, to launch "El Enjambre" — Spanish for swarm of bees — in late 2019. The heart of the show is a spirited, spontaneous conversation among Condis and his co-hosts, March and Yunior García Aguilera. No subject is off limits. "El Enjambre" provided detailed coverage of the remarkable July 11 anti-government protests in Cuba and searing criticism of the ruthless crackdown that followed.

Despite censorship and poor internet, Cuban podcasts are booming

Researchers in Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology recently set a new world record for the world's fastest internet speed at 319 Terabytes &nbsp;per second (Tbps).

The long-haul transfer of data took place over 3,001 kilometres.

This record marks speeds twice as fast as the previous one set by researchers from the University College of London with 178 Tbps.

319 Tbps&nbsp;is a remarkably fast speed for transfer of data online. One terabyte (TB) contains 1,000 gigabytes (GB). Most home connections are based on megabits per second (Mbps). A 1 GBPS internet connection is 10 times faster than Mbps&nbsp;connectivity and equal to at least 1,000 Mbps.

What can you do with 319 Tbps?

What 319 terabytes per second mean: Forget downloading Netflix's whole catalogue. This speed is too quick for even the platform's vast offerings, which could download everything as soon you as tap the download button. With the previous record of 178 Tbps, all of Netflix could be downloaded in less than a second. You can only imagine the speeds!

319 Tbps&nbsp;is an extraordinary speed for internet. It means that 57,000 full-length films can be downloaded in less than a second. This is just in theory. In practice, no single user would be able to download 57,000 films in one go per second.

All of Spotify's catalogue can be downloaded in less than three seconds with 319 Tbps!&nbsp;But these speeds are not commercially available and need supporting infrastructure.&nbsp;

Which countries offer high internet connectivity?

A 2020 report claims that the fastest mobile broadband speed recorded in the world is 100 Mbps&nbsp;- in South Korea. The same report claimed that Singapore has the fastest fixed-line broadband speed with a whopping 2015 Mbps!

Hong Kong and Romania came in close with speeds of 210.73 Mbps&nbsp;and 194.47 Mbps&nbsp;respectively. Internet speed in India is rather unimpressive with 38.19 Mbps&nbsp;for fixed broadband and 12.16 Mbps&nbsp;for mobile connections, the same report added.

With this, researchers hope the mechanism&nbsp;can be employed to upgrade existing models of data transmission and support the speeds claimed by 5G, which is not available everywhere yet.

Researchers in Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology recently set a new world record for the world's fastest internet speed at 319 Terabytes per second (Tbps).

Researchers in Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology recently set a new world record for the world's fastest internet speed at 319 Terabytes per second (Tbps). The long-haul transfer of data took place over 3,001 kilometres. This record marks speeds twice as fast as the previous one set by researchers from the University College of London with 178 Tbps. 319 Tbps is a remarkably fast speed for transfer of data online. One terabyte (TB) contains 1,000 gigabytes (GB). Most home connections are based on megabits per second (Mbps). A 1 GBPS internet connection is 10 times faster than Mbps connectivity and equal to at least 1,000 Mbps. What can you do with 319 Tbps? What 319 terabytes per second mean: Forget downloading Netflix's whole catalogue. This speed is too quick for even the platform's vast offerings, which could download everything as soon you as tap the download button. With the previous record of 178 Tbps, all of Netflix could be downloaded in less than a second. You can only imagine the speeds! 319 Tbps is an extraordinary speed for internet. It means that 57,000 full-length films can be downloaded in less than a second. This is just in theory. In practice, no single user would be able to download 57,000 films in one go per second. All of Spotify's catalogue can be downloaded in less than three seconds with 319 Tbps! But these speeds are not commercially available and need supporting infrastructure. Which countries offer high internet connectivity? A 2020 report claims that the fastest mobile broadband speed recorded in the world is 100 Mbps - in South Korea. The same report claimed that Singapore has the fastest fixed-line broadband speed with a whopping 2015 Mbps! Hong Kong and Romania came in close with speeds of 210.73 Mbps and 194.47 Mbps respectively. Internet speed in India is rather unimpressive with 38.19 Mbps for fixed broadband and 12.16 Mbps for mobile connections, the same report added. With this, researchers hope the mechanism can be employed to upgrade existing models of data transmission and support the speeds claimed by 5G, which is not available everywhere yet.

With 319 Terabytes  per second, Japan sets new world record for internet speed. What does this mean?

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