In a major political gamble, President Biden called on Democratic lawmakers to change Senate rules to override Republican opposition so that his government can pass two pending bills in congress that will significantly expand voting rights in the country.

US: President Biden called on lawmakers to change Senate rules to override Republican opposition

Ireland will no longer require vaccinated travellers to present a negative COVID test report. The change will take effect today. Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

UK eases COVID testing rules

New Brexit custom rules for goods arriving from the European Union to Britain are taking effect. A leading food industry body has warned that the new border control measures could lead to food shortages from January.

Food shortages feared in the UK as new Brexit custom rules for goods from EU taking effect

While the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 is spreading its wings globally, the UK chose to ease isolation rules ahead of Christmas.

UK eases COVID isolation rules ahead of Christmas amid Omicron surge globally

New social media rules announced by the Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Technology on Thursday will empower the telecom regulator to block any website or platform on the directives of court and federal government or under any law, reported local media. &nbsp;

As per the new rules titled the 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021', the social media companies have to register with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) within three months. They will also have to establish offices in the country "as and when feasible", as per a Dawn report. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-pakistan-where-inflation-is-at-an-all-time-high-a-cup-of-tea-costs-rs-40-420964" hreflang="en">In Pakistan, where inflation is at an all-time high, a cup of tea costs Rs 40&nbsp;</a>

In the rules, it is the responsibility of not just the social media companies but also the service providers, to deploy mechanisms to ensure immediate blocking of live streaming of content relating to hate speech, pornography, terrorism and anti-national security matter on receiving intimation from PTA with the help of Online Information Systems, said the report. &nbsp;

"PTA can give 48 hours to the service provider, social media company, significant social media company or user to comply with the directives of PTA for removing or blocking access to the content," said the report.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-rift-between-pakistan-pm-and-army-chief-over-isi-says-minister-420761" hreflang="en">No rift between Pakistan PM and army chief over ISI, says minister</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

In emergency cases, the body can give only 12 hours to the relevant user or social media company to remove or block access to online content. But the body will also have to specify reasons for the "emergency" in writing. &nbsp;

As per the new rules, social media companies could be fined by up to Rs 500 million for different violations. These companies will also have to appoint an authorised compliance officer and grievance officer based in Pakistan, the rules said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

New social media rules announced by the Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Technology on Thursday will empower the telecom regulator to block any website or platform on the directives of court and federal government or under any law, reported local media.

New social media rules announced by the Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Technology on Thursday will empower the telecom regulator to block any website or platform on the directives of court and federal government or under any law, reported local media. As per the new rules titled the 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021', the social media companies have to register with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) within three months. They will also have to establish offices in the country "as and when feasible", as per a Dawn report. Also Read: In Pakistan, where inflation is at an all-time high, a cup of tea costs Rs 40 In the rules, it is the responsibility of not just the social media companies but also the service providers, to deploy mechanisms to ensure immediate blocking of live streaming of content relating to hate speech, pornography, terrorism and anti-national security matter on receiving intimation from PTA with the help of Online Information Systems, said the report. "PTA can give 48 hours to the service provider, social media company, significant social media company or user to comply with the directives of PTA for removing or blocking access to the content," said the report. Also Read: No rift between Pakistan PM and army chief over ISI, says minister In emergency cases, the body can give only 12 hours to the relevant user or social media company to remove or block access to online content. But the body will also have to specify reasons for the "emergency" in writing. As per the new rules, social media companies could be fined by up to Rs 500 million for different violations. These companies will also have to appoint an authorised compliance officer and grievance officer based in Pakistan, the rules said. (With inputs from agencies)

With hefty fine, new social media rules give more teeth to Pakistan govt

Protesters massed at some of Italy's major ports Friday as thousands took to the streets against the introduction of one of the world's toughest Covid pass regimes.

More than 6,500 people demonstrated at the northeastern port of Trieste, according to local government estimates, although regional president Massimiliano Fedriga insisted that "the port is working".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-tunisia-leader-with-government-awaited-419650">Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited</a>

Delays were reported at the northwestern port of Genoa, where about 300 people blocked an entrance, while pockets of protests broke out across Italy ahead of bigger demonstrations called for later in the day.

The government is braced for widespread disruption by Italians angry at the extension of the coronavirus "Green Pass" to all workers, after a demonstration last weekend sparked violent clashes in Rome.

From Friday, all workers must show a Green Pass offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test -- or face being declared absent without pay.

More than 85 percent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for the pass.

Among those who have not been vaccinated, a minority say they either oppose the idea or are fearful. Some foreigners have also reported difficulties getting the jab, including undocumented workers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-starts-administering-covid-booster-shots-to-people-over-60-419579">Italy starts administering Covid booster shots to people over 60</a>

But up to three million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated -- and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests either every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type.

Ivano Russo, director general of trade group Confetra, told AFP that out of a total of 900,000 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse staff employed by members of his lobby, "25 to 30 percent" do not have Covid certificates.

Dock workers in Trieste have threatened to go on strike indefinitely, despite being offered free Covid tests.&nbsp;

"Citizens not puppets" and "No Green Pass, No Discrimination" read some of the placards in the crowd gathered Friday.

In Genoa, the small blockade was peaceful early Friday, according to an AFP journalist, although some truck drivers reported delays.

"Today it's really hard to unload," Marco, a 50-year-old driver, told the ANSA news agency.

"I have to unload, I have to be able to work. I took the vaccine to get the Green Pass because I have to work."

Downloading passes&nbsp;

Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government says the pass will help prevent further lockdowns in Italy, one of the European countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Business lobby Confindustria has been among the staunchest backers of the measure, which follows a similar initiative adopted in Greece last month, saying it would "create workplaces that are as safe as possible".

Introduced in August, initially for museums and indoor dining, it has also had the effect of boosting vaccinations, and rates of infection currently remain low.

The eurozone's third largest economy is expected to record almost six percent growth this year after a devastating Covid-induced recession.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humanitarian-crisis-in-focus-as-italy-hosts-g20-afghan-summit-420064">Humanitarian crisis in focus as Italy hosts G20 Afghan summit</a>

Ahead of the extension of the Green Pass to workplaces, more than 560,000 certificates were downloaded on Wednesday and around 860,000 Thursday, according to government data.

However, there are concerns there is not enough capacity for everyone who is not vaccinated to have regular Covid tests, raising the prospect of mass absenteeism from work.

Anyone caught in the workplace without a Green Pass risks fines ranging from 600 to 1,500 euros ($700 to 1700).

And those who fail to turn up for work because they don't have one face suspension on no pay -- but cannot be fired.

Meanwhile, employers can be fined 400 to 1,000 euros for not checking if their staff comply with the rules.&nbsp;

Trade unions initially called for compulsory vaccinations to avoid discrimination between those who were and were not jabbed.

They are now pushing for free tests, saying staff should not have to pay to go to work, although ministers so far seem unlikely to agree.

Protesters massed at some of Italy's major ports Friday as thousands took to the streets against the introduction of one of the world's toughest Covid pass regimes.

Protesters massed at some of Italy's major ports Friday as thousands took to the streets against the introduction of one of the world's toughest Covid pass regimes. More than 6,500 people demonstrated at the northeastern port of Trieste, according to local government estimates, although regional president Massimiliano Fedriga insisted that "the port is working". Also Read | Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited Delays were reported at the northwestern port of Genoa, where about 300 people blocked an entrance, while pockets of protests broke out across Italy ahead of bigger demonstrations called for later in the day. The government is braced for widespread disruption by Italians angry at the extension of the coronavirus "Green Pass" to all workers, after a demonstration last weekend sparked violent clashes in Rome. From Friday, all workers must show a Green Pass offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test -- or face being declared absent without pay. More than 85 percent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for the pass. Among those who have not been vaccinated, a minority say they either oppose the idea or are fearful. Some foreigners have also reported difficulties getting the jab, including undocumented workers. Also Read | Italy starts administering Covid booster shots to people over 60 But up to three million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated -- and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests either every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type. Ivano Russo, director general of trade group Confetra, told AFP that out of a total of 900,000 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse staff employed by members of his lobby, "25 to 30 percent" do not have Covid certificates. Dock workers in Trieste have threatened to go on strike indefinitely, despite being offered free Covid tests. "Citizens not puppets" and "No Green Pass, No Discrimination" read some of the placards in the crowd gathered Friday. In Genoa, the small blockade was peaceful early Friday, according to an AFP journalist, although some truck drivers reported delays. "Today it's really hard to unload," Marco, a 50-year-old driver, told the ANSA news agency. "I have to unload, I have to be able to work. I took the vaccine to get the Green Pass because I have to work." Downloading passes Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government says the pass will help prevent further lockdowns in Italy, one of the European countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Business lobby Confindustria has been among the staunchest backers of the measure, which follows a similar initiative adopted in Greece last month, saying it would "create workplaces that are as safe as possible". Introduced in August, initially for museums and indoor dining, it has also had the effect of boosting vaccinations, and rates of infection currently remain low. The eurozone's third largest economy is expected to record almost six percent growth this year after a devastating Covid-induced recession. Also Read | Humanitarian crisis in focus as Italy hosts G20 Afghan summit Ahead of the extension of the Green Pass to workplaces, more than 560,000 certificates were downloaded on Wednesday and around 860,000 Thursday, according to government data. However, there are concerns there is not enough capacity for everyone who is not vaccinated to have regular Covid tests, raising the prospect of mass absenteeism from work. Anyone caught in the workplace without a Green Pass risks fines ranging from 600 to 1,500 euros ($700 to 1700). And those who fail to turn up for work because they don't have one face suspension on no pay -- but cannot be fired. Meanwhile, employers can be fined 400 to 1,000 euros for not checking if their staff comply with the rules. Trade unions initially called for compulsory vaccinations to avoid discrimination between those who were and were not jabbed. They are now pushing for free tests, saying staff should not have to pay to go to work, although ministers so far seem unlikely to agree.

Protests and blockades greet new Italy Covid rules

Microsoft on Thursday said it will shut down career-oriented social network LinkedIn in China, citing a "challenging operating environment" as Beijing tightens control over tech firms.

The US-based company will replace LinkedIn in China with an application dedicated to applying for jobs but without the networking features, according to senior vice president of engineering Mohak Shroff.

"We're... facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China," Shroff said in a blog post.

According to the Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn was given a deadline by Chinese internet regulators to better oversee content on the site.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-24-year-old-rumeysa-gelgi-titled-as-tallest-woman-living-420736">Also read |&nbsp;Turkey’s 24-year-old Rumeysa Gelgi titled as tallest woman living</a>

LinkedIn, which launched in China in 2014, lets people use personal and professional relationships to find job opportunities.

Chinese authorities have been targeting a range of homegrown tech behemoths for alleged monopolistic practices and aggressive harvesting of consumer data.

The drive is part of a wider policy by the government to tighten its grip on the world's number two economy, including targeting private education, property and casinos.

Microsoft will "sunset" the China version of LinkedIn and launch an InJobs application dedicated to connected professionals in that country with companies seeking employees, according to Shroff.

Microsoft bought LinkedIn for slightly more than $26 billion in 2016, and has worked to build a presence in China despite concerns about online censorship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-says-drinking-warm-milk-can-make-one-sleepy-here-is-how-420786">Also read |&nbsp;Study says drinking warm milk can make one sleepy, here is how</a>

Facebook and Twitter have been banned in China for more than a decade.

Google left the country in 2010 in response to a hacking attack and censorship.

The website of e-commerce giant Amazon is accessible in China, but the market there is dominated by local players such as Alibaba and JD.com.

Microsoft on Thursday said it will shut down career-oriented social network LinkedIn in China, citing a "challenging operating environment" as Beijing tightens control over tech firms.

Microsoft on Thursday said it will shut down career-oriented social network LinkedIn in China, citing a "challenging operating environment" as Beijing tightens control over tech firms. The US-based company will replace LinkedIn in China with an application dedicated to applying for jobs but without the networking features, according to senior vice president of engineering Mohak Shroff. "We're... facing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China," Shroff said in a blog post. According to the Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn was given a deadline by Chinese internet regulators to better oversee content on the site. Also read | Turkey’s 24-year-old Rumeysa Gelgi titled as tallest woman living LinkedIn, which launched in China in 2014, lets people use personal and professional relationships to find job opportunities. Chinese authorities have been targeting a range of homegrown tech behemoths for alleged monopolistic practices and aggressive harvesting of consumer data. The drive is part of a wider policy by the government to tighten its grip on the world's number two economy, including targeting private education, property and casinos. Microsoft will "sunset" the China version of LinkedIn and launch an InJobs application dedicated to connected professionals in that country with companies seeking employees, according to Shroff. Microsoft bought LinkedIn for slightly more than $26 billion in 2016, and has worked to build a presence in China despite concerns about online censorship. Also read | Study says drinking warm milk can make one sleepy, here is how Facebook and Twitter have been banned in China for more than a decade. Google left the country in 2010 in response to a hacking attack and censorship. The website of e-commerce giant Amazon is accessible in China, but the market there is dominated by local players such as Alibaba and JD.com.

Microsoft shuttering LinkedIn in China as rules tighten

In England, holiday bookings have surged since the government announced the simplifying of travel rules.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the travel traffic light system was being replaced with a single red list. Also, fully vaccinated people will no longer need a pre-departure test before returning from non-red list areas.&nbsp;

Travel firms said they had already seen a surge in bookings and expected a busy weekend.

Mr Shapps on Friday announced that eight countries are being removed from the red list, including Turkey, Pakistan, the Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh and Kenya.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-these-are-the-worlds-safest-cities-in-2021-414136">Also read |&nbsp;In Pics | These are the world's safest cities in 2021</a>

Mr Shapps also announced that from October travellers returning to England will no longer have to take a PCR test two days after arrival. Instead, they can take the quicker and cheaper lateral flow tests.

Huw Merriman, chairman of the Commons transport select committee, who previously criticised PCR tests for being too expensive, welcomed the rule change. He told BBC Breakfast that it would make foreign travel simpler, more cost-effective and reflected the UK's high vaccination rate.

He further said that it would be "interesting" to see if there would be some form of the registration requirement for lateral flow tests.

In England, holiday bookings have surged since the government announced the simplifying of travel rules. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the travel traffic light system was being replaced with a single red list.

In England, holiday bookings have surged since the government announced the simplifying of travel rules. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the travel traffic light system was being replaced with a single red list. Also, fully vaccinated people will no longer need a pre-departure test before returning from non-red list areas. Travel firms said they had already seen a surge in bookings and expected a busy weekend. Mr Shapps on Friday announced that eight countries are being removed from the red list, including Turkey, Pakistan, the Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh and Kenya. Also read | In Pics | These are the world's safest cities in 2021 Mr Shapps also announced that from October travellers returning to England will no longer have to take a PCR test two days after arrival. Instead, they can take the quicker and cheaper lateral flow tests. Huw Merriman, chairman of the Commons transport select committee, who previously criticised PCR tests for being too expensive, welcomed the rule change. He told BBC Breakfast that it would make foreign travel simpler, more cost-effective and reflected the UK's high vaccination rate. He further said that it would be "interesting" to see if there would be some form of the registration requirement for lateral flow tests.

Holiday bookings surge in England after travel rules simplified

One third of the people arriving in England and Northern Ireland as the coronavirus Delta variant took off may have broken quarantine rules. As per the figures by BBC, more than 300,000 cases were passed to investigators between March and May.

One third of the people arriving in England and Northern Ireland as the coronavirus Delta variant took off may have broken quarantine rules. As per the figures by BBC, more than 300,000 cases were passed to investigators between March and May. The government was not able to say how many of these were found to have broken the rules or could not be traced. The Home Office has said it aims to pay home visits to all travellers who have been suspected of not following the rules. However, Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the figures obtained by the BBC "confirm our worst fears" about the government's "lax border policy". Also read | Vietnamese fleeing virus found in refrigerated truck: Media Earlier this year, the government introduced new rules for people arriving from abroad. This was done in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus and stop new variants from arriving in the country. People arriving from high-risk countries were deemed "red list" and had to quarantine in a hotel. People coming from "amber list", or medium-risk areas, were required to self-isolate for 10 days and provide evidence of negative Covid tests.

More than 300,000 suspected of breaking quarantine rules in England and Northern Ireland

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom',&nbsp;Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact&nbsp;and the instruction to work from home&nbsp;earlier this week.

The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." 
 
"Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." 
 
Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. 
 
Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. 
 
The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up.

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19. On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom', Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact and the instruction to work from home earlier this week. The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." "Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up. (With inputs from agencies)

As England set for rule easing, PM Johnson warns pandemic not over

Although several&nbsp;gymgoers love&nbsp;good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in&nbsp;South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The&nbsp;options of music have&nbsp;been&nbsp;reduced&nbsp;drastically by the measures.&nbsp;

With the aim to ensure coronavirus spread can be curtailed,&nbsp;South Korea has placed some&nbsp;standard restrictions such as social distancing and travel curbs. Uniquely, along with these,&nbsp;the country&nbsp;has&nbsp;also&nbsp;added an additional&nbsp;requirement that gyms do not play music with higher than 120 beats per minute (bpm) during group exercises,&nbsp;such as aerobics, etc.&nbsp;

According to the health officials, the&nbsp;measure intends to prevent&nbsp;fast&nbsp;breathing or splashing&nbsp;of&nbsp;sweat on other people. The authorities are&nbsp;avoiding&nbsp;the possibility of&nbsp;closing&nbsp;such businesses entirely&nbsp;as&nbsp;was the&nbsp;case&nbsp;during previous waves of infection, a report in The&nbsp;Guardian newspaper said.&nbsp;

Some opposition lawmakers and gym owners have&nbsp;ridiculed the rule as ‘nonsense' or&nbsp;barely effective or unrealistic to maintain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kang Hyun-ku, an owner of a gym in Seoul, said, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or BTS songs has proven to have any impact on spreading the virus.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although several gymgoers love good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The options of music have been reduced drastically by the measures.

Although several gymgoers love good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The options of music have been reduced drastically by the measures. With the aim to ensure coronavirus spread can be curtailed, South Korea has placed some standard restrictions such as social distancing and travel curbs. Uniquely, along with these, the country has also added an additional requirement that gyms do not play music with higher than 120 beats per minute (bpm) during group exercises, such as aerobics, etc. According to the health officials, the measure intends to prevent fast breathing or splashing of sweat on other people. The authorities are avoiding the possibility of closing such businesses entirely as was the case during previous waves of infection, a report in The Guardian newspaper said. Some opposition lawmakers and gym owners have ridiculed the rule as ‘nonsense' or barely effective or unrealistic to maintain. Kang Hyun-ku, an owner of a gym in Seoul, said, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or BTS songs has proven to have any impact on spreading the virus.”

Slower music in South Korean gyms, all thanks to Covid rules

Britain's streaming services and broadcasters should be on a level-playing field, as traditional broadcasters now compete with 'one hand tied behind their backs', Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday. 
 
Dowden is to unveil plans for a white paper on broadcasting that aims to make streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ follow the code of British regulator Ofcom, he said in the Times newspaper. 
 
"Every 'linear' broadcaster - BBC, Sky and so on - has to comply with stringent content and audience protection standards," Dowden said in an article published on Wednesday. 
 
"You might assume the same is true of video-on-demand services, such as Amazon Prime and Disney+. You'd be wrong." 
 
The government will consult this summer on whether it is time to set the same basic rules for video-on-demand services as is done for traditional broadcasters, he added. 
 
"The white paper will also set out proposals on how we ensure public service broadcasters are given sufficient visibility...online, and ensure viewers can continue to find and watch original and high-quality British programmes." 
 
Separately, Britain's Conservative government said it plans to sell Channel 4, launched 39 years ago as an alternative to the BBC and ITV, to help secure its future as a public service broadcaster. 
 
"In summer, I will consult on the sale of Channel 4," Dowden wrote, adding that he would proceed on the lines that an alternative ownership model retaining the broadcaster's public service remit would better serve both it and Britain. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's streaming services and broadcasters should be on a level-playing field, as traditional broadcasters now compete with 'one hand tied behind their backs', Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday.

Britain's streaming services and broadcasters should be on a level-playing field, as traditional broadcasters now compete with 'one hand tied behind their backs', Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday. Dowden is to unveil plans for a white paper on broadcasting that aims to make streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ follow the code of British regulator Ofcom, he said in the Times newspaper. "Every 'linear' broadcaster - BBC, Sky and so on - has to comply with stringent content and audience protection standards," Dowden said in an article published on Wednesday. "You might assume the same is true of video-on-demand services, such as Amazon Prime and Disney+. You'd be wrong." The government will consult this summer on whether it is time to set the same basic rules for video-on-demand services as is done for traditional broadcasters, he added. "The white paper will also set out proposals on how we ensure public service broadcasters are given sufficient visibility...online, and ensure viewers can continue to find and watch original and high-quality British programmes." Separately, Britain's Conservative government said it plans to sell Channel 4, launched 39 years ago as an alternative to the BBC and ITV, to help secure its future as a public service broadcaster. "In summer, I will consult on the sale of Channel 4," Dowden wrote, adding that he would proceed on the lines that an alternative ownership model retaining the broadcaster's public service remit would better serve both it and Britain. (With inputs from agencies)

British minister urges same rules for streaming services, broadcasters: Times

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday. 
 
The announcement comes as South Korea has inoculated 29.2% of its population as of Saturday, putting it on track to meet a target of 70% by September. 
 
Daily new infections have held stubbornly in a range of 400 to 700 for the past few weeks, but have stayed below 600 for more than a week so far. 
 
Under the revised rules, restaurants, night-life venues and cafes will be allowed to open for business until 12 am, versus 10 pm&nbsp;currently. 
 
"The new social distancing system is an effort to find a balance between quarantine and daily life recovery amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a televised briefing. 
 
Unless daily infections spike significantly, the government plans to allow gatherings of up to eight people in the greater Seoul area from July 15, Kwon said. 
 
For those outside of greater Seoul, no restrictions will apply on the number of private gatherings allowed. 
 
South Korea reported 429 new infections by midnight on Saturday, for a tally of 151,149 cases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, with a death toll of 2,002. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday.

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday. The announcement comes as South Korea has inoculated 29.2% of its population as of Saturday, putting it on track to meet a target of 70% by September. Daily new infections have held stubbornly in a range of 400 to 700 for the past few weeks, but have stayed below 600 for more than a week so far. Under the revised rules, restaurants, night-life venues and cafes will be allowed to open for business until 12 am, versus 10 pm currently. "The new social distancing system is an effort to find a balance between quarantine and daily life recovery amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a televised briefing. Unless daily infections spike significantly, the government plans to allow gatherings of up to eight people in the greater Seoul area from July 15, Kwon said. For those outside of greater Seoul, no restrictions will apply on the number of private gatherings allowed. South Korea reported 429 new infections by midnight on Saturday, for a tally of 151,149 cases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, with a death toll of 2,002. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to loosen social distancing rules on July 1

China is the single nation that militarily, economically, diplomatically and politically has the ability to try to disturb the rules-based order that the United States, its friends and allies strongly defend, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said.

He also said that China is both the most consequential and most complicated relationship the US has. "It (China) is the single nation state that militarily, economically, diplomatically, politically has the ability to try to up the rules-based order that we strongly defend because it's advanced our own security and prosperity for so many years," Blinken told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday.

Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee during the hearing on the 2022 Budget Request for the State Department, Blinken said the US-China relationship has increasing adversarial aspects to it.

"It certainly has competitive ones. And it still has some cooperative ones as well. But the common denominator is to approach each of those aspects of the relationship from a position of strength. I think that strength starts with a few things," he said.

Blinken said that it starts with alliances and partnerships. "This is a unique strategic asset for us, something that China does not enjoy. That's why we're working to revitalise those alliances and partnerships. It includes our engagement in international organisations and international life because when we pull back, China fills in and starts to shape the rules and set the norms," he said.

"It absolutely includes our military and our deterrent capability. As you know, better than I, some years ago we started to shift resources to the Asia Pacific, including about 60 per cent of our Navy. Continue to take the steps necessary to make sure we have a strong deterrent," Blinken said.

Finally, it involves making the right investments in ourselves, he said. "Investments in our technology, investments in our workers, investments in innovation and research and development, all of those elements together or how we approach China from a position of strength," Blinken said.

Responding to a question, the secretary of state said that China is making more investments in its nuclear programme and seeks to build its arsenal. "This is something that I think we need to engage because it presents a growing challenge. So, this is something that we're focused on. We're working on it," he said.

Blinken said that the foundational piece of ties with China has to be approaching it from a position of strength. The elements of that strength are strong alliances and partnerships.

"That is a strategic asset for us that China doesn't have. When we are working and speaking collectively with others who are aggrieved by China's practices in one area or another, we are much stronger. We're much more effective just in the economic realm, to cite one example," he said.

"Alone, we're about 20 per cent, 25 per cent of the world GDP. When we're working in concert with other democracies, we are 50 per cent or 60 per cent of the world GDP. It's a lot harder for China to ignore. So, alliances and partnerships, that's a critical piece," Blinken said.

Second is actually leaning in an engaging in these very imperfect international institutions, he said.&nbsp;"The challenge there is that these institutions tend to set the rules, the standards, the norms. When we pull back, China fills in, and it has a stronger hand in setting the rules on new technologies, for example leaning. We are leaning in, making sure with our allies and partners that we're present," he said.

"Third, what you've just done or are on the verge of doing, I think this afternoon, with this very important legislation that is making the right investments in ourselves, and our technology, in research and development, in our workers, that is fundamentally our greatest source of strength when it comes to competing and dealing effectively with China," Blinken said.

He said, of course, "our military, our deterrent capacity, all of those things have to be married together."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China is the single nation that militarily, economically, diplomatically and politically has the ability to try to disturb the rules-based order that the United States, its friends and allies strongly defend, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said.

China is the single nation that militarily, economically, diplomatically and politically has the ability to try to disturb the rules-based order that the United States, its friends and allies strongly defend, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said. He also said that China is both the most consequential and most complicated relationship the US has. "It (China) is the single nation state that militarily, economically, diplomatically, politically has the ability to try to up the rules-based order that we strongly defend because it's advanced our own security and prosperity for so many years," Blinken told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee during the hearing on the 2022 Budget Request for the State Department, Blinken said the US-China relationship has increasing adversarial aspects to it. "It certainly has competitive ones. And it still has some cooperative ones as well. But the common denominator is to approach each of those aspects of the relationship from a position of strength. I think that strength starts with a few things," he said. Blinken said that it starts with alliances and partnerships. "This is a unique strategic asset for us, something that China does not enjoy. That's why we're working to revitalise those alliances and partnerships. It includes our engagement in international organisations and international life because when we pull back, China fills in and starts to shape the rules and set the norms," he said. "It absolutely includes our military and our deterrent capability. As you know, better than I, some years ago we started to shift resources to the Asia Pacific, including about 60 per cent of our Navy. Continue to take the steps necessary to make sure we have a strong deterrent," Blinken said. Finally, it involves making the right investments in ourselves, he said. "Investments in our technology, investments in our workers, investments in innovation and research and development, all of those elements together or how we approach China from a position of strength," Blinken said. Responding to a question, the secretary of state said that China is making more investments in its nuclear programme and seeks to build its arsenal. "This is something that I think we need to engage because it presents a growing challenge. So, this is something that we're focused on. We're working on it," he said. Blinken said that the foundational piece of ties with China has to be approaching it from a position of strength. The elements of that strength are strong alliances and partnerships. "That is a strategic asset for us that China doesn't have. When we are working and speaking collectively with others who are aggrieved by China's practices in one area or another, we are much stronger. We're much more effective just in the economic realm, to cite one example," he said. "Alone, we're about 20 per cent, 25 per cent of the world GDP. When we're working in concert with other democracies, we are 50 per cent or 60 per cent of the world GDP. It's a lot harder for China to ignore. So, alliances and partnerships, that's a critical piece," Blinken said. Second is actually leaning in an engaging in these very imperfect international institutions, he said. "The challenge there is that these institutions tend to set the rules, the standards, the norms. When we pull back, China fills in, and it has a stronger hand in setting the rules on new technologies, for example leaning. We are leaning in, making sure with our allies and partners that we're present," he said. "Third, what you've just done or are on the verge of doing, I think this afternoon, with this very important legislation that is making the right investments in ourselves, and our technology, in research and development, in our workers, that is fundamentally our greatest source of strength when it comes to competing and dealing effectively with China," Blinken said. He said, of course, "our military, our deterrent capacity, all of those things have to be married together." (With inputs from agencies)

China has ability to try to disturb rules-based order that US, allies defend: Blinken 

Belarus' border security agency has announced a severe tightening of already strict rules limiting citizens' ability to exit the country to curb the spread of the COVID-19.

The changes, which the agency said, were temporary and designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, essentially block all land border crossings.

However, citizens have fled the former Soviet bloc country since Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner of a disputed presidential election last August and mass protests over election rigging were met with a severe crackdown, reported DW News.

It further reported that 'fearing' the prospect of a mass exodus of medical and IT experts, the government in Minsk began making it more difficult for citizens to leave the country last December, by limiting departures to those Belarus citizens, who could present long-term residency permits from abroad.

The new rules now forbid the holders of such documents from leaving as well. Those who can prove that they have permanent resident status in another country will be permitted to travel abroad.

While Opposition slammed the Alexander Lukashenko-led government and termed the rules 'violation of the law.'

Valery Kavaleuski, a representative for Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, took to Twitter to express his outrage, calling the move an 'outright violation of the law'.&nbsp;

Air travel to and from the country has also come to a virtual standstill in the wake of last week's government-ordered diversion of a Ryanair flight en route from Greece to Lithuania.

The commercial jet was forced to land under false pretenses so that Belarus authorities could arrest blogger and Lukashenko critic Raman Pratasevich. The move outraged the world with the EU blocking most flights to and over Belarus.

Score of people across Europe has been demonstrating against the 'illegle' detention of the journalist.

Belarus' border security agency has announced a severe tightening of already strict rules limiting citizens' ability to exit the country to curb the spread of the COVID-19.

Belarus' border security agency has announced a severe tightening of already strict rules limiting citizens' ability to exit the country to curb the spread of the COVID-19. The changes, which the agency said, were temporary and designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, essentially block all land border crossings. However, citizens have fled the former Soviet bloc country since Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner of a disputed presidential election last August and mass protests over election rigging were met with a severe crackdown, reported DW News. It further reported that 'fearing' the prospect of a mass exodus of medical and IT experts, the government in Minsk began making it more difficult for citizens to leave the country last December, by limiting departures to those Belarus citizens, who could present long-term residency permits from abroad. The new rules now forbid the holders of such documents from leaving as well. Those who can prove that they have permanent resident status in another country will be permitted to travel abroad. While Opposition slammed the Alexander Lukashenko-led government and termed the rules 'violation of the law.' Valery Kavaleuski, a representative for Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, took to Twitter to express his outrage, calling the move an 'outright violation of the law'. Air travel to and from the country has also come to a virtual standstill in the wake of last week's government-ordered diversion of a Ryanair flight en route from Greece to Lithuania. The commercial jet was forced to land under false pretenses so that Belarus authorities could arrest blogger and Lukashenko critic Raman Pratasevich. The move outraged the world with the EU blocking most flights to and over Belarus. Score of people across Europe has been demonstrating against the 'illegle' detention of the journalist.

Belarus imposes new rules restricting citizens from leaving country

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.&nbsp;

The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators.&nbsp;

It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project.&nbsp;

According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic."&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks.&nbsp;

The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment.&nbsp;

Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. &nbsp;

He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need.&nbsp;

The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron.&nbsp;

Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance.&nbsp;

Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him. The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators. It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project. According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic." The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks. The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment. Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need. The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron. Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance. Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. (With inputs from agencies)

UK leader denies breaking lobbying rules with texts to Dyson 

European Union officials unveiled proposals on Wednesday for reining in high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, such as live facial scanning that could threaten people's safety or rights.&nbsp;

The draft regulations from the EU's executive commission include rules on the use of the rapidly expanding technology in activities, such as choosing school, job or loan applicants. They also would ban artificial intelligence outright in a few situations, such as social scoring and systems used to manipulate human behaviour.&nbsp;

The proposals are the 27-nation bloc's latest move to maintain its role as the world's standard-bearer for technology regulation. EU officials say they are taking a ‘risk-based approach’ as they try to balance the need to protect rights, such as data privacy against the need to encourage innovation. &nbsp;

"With these landmark rules, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted," Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's executive vice president for the digital age, said in a statement. &nbsp;

"By setting the standards, we can pave the way for to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way." &nbsp;

The proposals also include a prohibition in principle on remote biometric identification, such as the use of live facial recognition on crowds of people in public places, with exceptions only for narrowly defined law enforcement purposes such as searching for a missing child or a wanted person. &nbsp;

The draft regulations say chatbots and deepfakes should be labelled so people know they are interacting with a machine. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

European Union officials unveiled proposals on Wednesday for reining in high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, such as live facial scanning that could threaten people's safety or rights.

European Union officials unveiled proposals on Wednesday for reining in high-risk uses of artificial intelligence, such as live facial scanning that could threaten people's safety or rights. The draft regulations from the EU's executive commission include rules on the use of the rapidly expanding technology in activities, such as choosing school, job or loan applicants. They also would ban artificial intelligence outright in a few situations, such as social scoring and systems used to manipulate human behaviour. The proposals are the 27-nation bloc's latest move to maintain its role as the world's standard-bearer for technology regulation. EU officials say they are taking a ‘risk-based approach’ as they try to balance the need to protect rights, such as data privacy against the need to encourage innovation. "With these landmark rules, the EU is spearheading the development of new global norms to make sure AI can be trusted," Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's executive vice president for the digital age, said in a statement. "By setting the standards, we can pave the way for to ethical technology worldwide and ensure that the EU remains competitive along the way." The proposals also include a prohibition in principle on remote biometric identification, such as the use of live facial recognition on crowds of people in public places, with exceptions only for narrowly defined law enforcement purposes such as searching for a missing child or a wanted person. The draft regulations say chatbots and deepfakes should be labelled so people know they are interacting with a machine. (With inputs from agencies)

EU proposes rules for high-risk artificial intelligence uses 

A polling station sent the Dutch health minister home to get a valid passport after he presented an expired one while trying to vote in a national election on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Hugo de Jonge, who heads the Netherlands'&nbsp;response to the coronavirus pandemic, was attempting to vote at a drive-through polling station in Rotterdam.&nbsp;

"And another piece of advice: take a VALID identification with you," he said in a statement on Twitter afterwards, with the hashtag&nbsp;'alittledumb'.&nbsp;

Dutch newspaper&nbsp;Algemeen&nbsp;Dagblad&nbsp;quoted the top official at the polling station as saying they could not bend the voting rules for a politician.&nbsp;

Wednesday was the third and final day of a national election that is seen as a referendum on the conservative government's handling of the pandemic. De Jonge is from a&nbsp;centre-right party in the ruling coalition that is expected to stay in power.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A polling station sent the Dutch health minister home to get a valid passport after he presented an expired one while trying to vote in a national election on Wednesday.

A polling station sent the Dutch health minister home to get a valid passport after he presented an expired one while trying to vote in a national election on Wednesday. Hugo de Jonge, who heads the Netherlands' response to the coronavirus pandemic, was attempting to vote at a drive-through polling station in Rotterdam. "And another piece of advice: take a VALID identification with you," he said in a statement on Twitter afterwards, with the hashtag 'alittledumb'. Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad quoted the top official at the polling station as saying they could not bend the voting rules for a politician. Wednesday was the third and final day of a national election that is seen as a referendum on the conservative government's handling of the pandemic. De Jonge is from a centre-right party in the ruling coalition that is expected to stay in power. (With inputs from agencies)

Rules are rules: Dutch health minister's passport rejected at polling station 

Families in Asia's financial hub of Hong Kong are suffering isolation and trauma after strict coronavirus rules have led to babies being separated from parents and those with newborns herded into tiny quarantine quarters for up to 14 days. &nbsp;

Hong Kong authorities have ordered that anyone testing positive for the virus must go to hospital, including babies, while all their close contacts, even those, who test negative, are sent to makeshift quarantine camps.&nbsp;

"It’s crazy," said one mother, who said, she had to abruptly stop breastfeeding following separation from her seven-month-old son last week after she was diagnosed with COVID-19.&nbsp;

"I got fever last night because I have gone from breastfeeding to 100% pumping," said the woman, who asked not to be identified.&nbsp;

"So instead of dealing with Covid, I’m dealing with blocked sore breasts."&nbsp;

The separation of families over the virus is not common in other developed cities, say legal experts.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

Shahana Hoque-Ali, a scientist, who moderates the Hong Kong Quarantine support group on Facebook, said it had assisted in more than 100 cases of children, who had faced separation from their parents over the past year, with dozens in the past week.&nbsp;

She urged families to push back against such steps, saying they should stay with their children, particularly those being breastfed.&nbsp;

Many expatriate families with young children were among the hundreds of residents sent to quarantine last week after an outbreak at a popular upmarket gym in Hong Kong's Sai Ying Pun district.&nbsp;

That case has ensnared bankers, lawyers and the city’s international school network, with some teachers and students infected.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Families in Asia's financial hub of Hong Kong are suffering isolation and trauma after strict coronavirus rules have led to babies being separated from parents and those with newborns herded into tiny quarantine quarters for up to 14 days.

Families in Asia's financial hub of Hong Kong are suffering isolation and trauma after strict coronavirus rules have led to babies being separated from parents and those with newborns herded into tiny quarantine quarters for up to 14 days. Hong Kong authorities have ordered that anyone testing positive for the virus must go to hospital, including babies, while all their close contacts, even those, who test negative, are sent to makeshift quarantine camps. "It’s crazy," said one mother, who said, she had to abruptly stop breastfeeding following separation from her seven-month-old son last week after she was diagnosed with COVID-19. "I got fever last night because I have gone from breastfeeding to 100% pumping," said the woman, who asked not to be identified. "So instead of dealing with Covid, I’m dealing with blocked sore breasts." The separation of families over the virus is not common in other developed cities, say legal experts. Hong Kong's government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Shahana Hoque-Ali, a scientist, who moderates the Hong Kong Quarantine support group on Facebook, said it had assisted in more than 100 cases of children, who had faced separation from their parents over the past year, with dozens in the past week. She urged families to push back against such steps, saying they should stay with their children, particularly those being breastfed. Many expatriate families with young children were among the hundreds of residents sent to quarantine last week after an outbreak at a popular upmarket gym in Hong Kong's Sai Ying Pun district. That case has ensnared bankers, lawyers and the city’s international school network, with some teachers and students infected. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's Covid rules see babies isolated, families cramped in tiny spaces 

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morison said that if Facebook wants to conduct business, it needs to work according to the data laws of the country. This statement comes after Facebook banned news content from Australia. UK's foreign secretary said 'there is need for sensible conversations between governments and technology giants'

'If FB wants to do business, needs to follow rules': Australian PM

A Hong Kong court's decision to uphold a compulsory rule for migrant domestic workers to live with their employers drew criticism on Tuesday from labour rights advocates, who said it exposed foreign maids to conditions akin to modern slavery.

The live-in rule for Hong Kong's 370,000 domestic workers, mostly women from poor families in the Philippines and Indonesia, has long been denounced as discriminatory and inhumane - essentially putting employees on call 24 hours a day.

Monday's court ruling responded to a challenge to the requirement that was filed three years ago by Filipino Nancy Lubiano. She argued that the rule was unconstitutional and violated her labour rights.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-leader-says-12-detained-activists-should-first-be-tried-by-china-329399" hreflang="en">Hong Kong leader says 12 detained activists should first be tried by China</a>

But the Court of Appeal rejected her argument, and upheld a previous ruling by a lower court that found the live-in arrangement did not directly lead to exploitation.

"This is really outrageous and unacceptable," said Dolores Balladares, chairwoman of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong, which represents domestic workers from the Philippines.

"The decision is discriminatory to migrant domestic workers. It shows we are treated like second-class citizen, as modern-day slaves," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

Labour groups have warned that the rule could deter the reporting of forced labour, which one in six migrant domestic workers in the city has suffered, according to a 2016 study by campaign group Justice Centre Hong Kong.

The government of the semi-autonomous Chinese city said it was "pleased" with the ruling reaffirming the live-in requirement as lawful.

Migrant domestic workers are aware of the accommodation arrangement before they accept jobs in the city, a government spokesman said in a statement, adding that authorities spare "no effort in safeguarding the rights and benefits" of the group.

Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, general manager of the Mission for Migrant Workers charity, said the live-in rule was discriminatory because it only applies to foreign domestic workers - pushing some into appalling living conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/cannabis-coffee-in-this-hong-kong-cafe-makes-you-relaxed-without-giving-a-high-328955" hreflang="en">Cannabis coffee in this Hong Kong cafe makes you relaxed without giving a high</a>

A 2017 survey carried out by her organisation found nearly half of foreign domestic workers did not have their own room, with some forced to sleep in kitchens or balconies in cramped apartments.

"They live in cupboards, toilets or in cubbyholes above the refrigerator or oven - whatever they can fit in. In some extreme cases, they live in what look like dog houses," Abdon-Tellez said.

Domestic workers generally have better protection in Hong Kong than elsewhere in Asia, with a legal minimum wage and one mandatory rest day per week.

But the mistreatment of maids in the financial hub has come under scrutiny since the 2014 case of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, an Indonesian maid beaten by her employer and burned with boiling water.

&nbsp;

A Hong Kong court's decision to uphold a compulsory rule for migrant domestic workers to live with their employers drew criticism on Tuesday from labour rights advocates, who said it exposed foreign maids to conditions akin to modern slavery.

A Hong Kong court's decision to uphold a compulsory rule for migrant domestic workers to live with their employers drew criticism on Tuesday from labour rights advocates, who said it exposed foreign maids to conditions akin to modern slavery. The live-in rule for Hong Kong's 370,000 domestic workers, mostly women from poor families in the Philippines and Indonesia, has long been denounced as discriminatory and inhumane - essentially putting employees on call 24 hours a day. Monday's court ruling responded to a challenge to the requirement that was filed three years ago by Filipino Nancy Lubiano. She argued that the rule was unconstitutional and violated her labour rights. Also read: Hong Kong leader says 12 detained activists should first be tried by China But the Court of Appeal rejected her argument, and upheld a previous ruling by a lower court that found the live-in arrangement did not directly lead to exploitation. "This is really outrageous and unacceptable," said Dolores Balladares, chairwoman of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong, which represents domestic workers from the Philippines. "The decision is discriminatory to migrant domestic workers. It shows we are treated like second-class citizen, as modern-day slaves," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. Labour groups have warned that the rule could deter the reporting of forced labour, which one in six migrant domestic workers in the city has suffered, according to a 2016 study by campaign group Justice Centre Hong Kong. The government of the semi-autonomous Chinese city said it was "pleased" with the ruling reaffirming the live-in requirement as lawful. Migrant domestic workers are aware of the accommodation arrangement before they accept jobs in the city, a government spokesman said in a statement, adding that authorities spare "no effort in safeguarding the rights and benefits" of the group. Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, general manager of the Mission for Migrant Workers charity, said the live-in rule was discriminatory because it only applies to foreign domestic workers - pushing some into appalling living conditions. Also read: Cannabis coffee in this Hong Kong cafe makes you relaxed without giving a high A 2017 survey carried out by her organisation found nearly half of foreign domestic workers did not have their own room, with some forced to sleep in kitchens or balconies in cramped apartments. "They live in cupboards, toilets or in cubbyholes above the refrigerator or oven - whatever they can fit in. In some extreme cases, they live in what look like dog houses," Abdon-Tellez said. Domestic workers generally have better protection in Hong Kong than elsewhere in Asia, with a legal minimum wage and one mandatory rest day per week. But the mistreatment of maids in the financial hub has come under scrutiny since the 2014 case of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, an Indonesian maid beaten by her employer and burned with boiling water.

Anger as Hong Kong court keeps 'discriminatory' live-in rule for migrant maids

India Lockdown: Punishments for violating established laws during nation-wide curfew

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-over-166000-terrorist-accounts-for-promoting-terrorism-217484">Twitter Inc</a> said on Thursday it would identify and de-emphasise tweets that broke its rules but came from important sources such as politicians, in order to strike a balance between free expression and accountability.

Twitter said the new rules would apply to politicians and government officials with more than 100,000 followers.

"We'll now clearly label any tweets which violate our terms of service but decide to keep up due to public interest," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-complained-to-twitter-ceo-about-lost-followers-source-213104">Twitter </a>Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said.

If flagged, a notice would cover the offending tweet and require a user to click on a link to view it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-rapped-for-not-doing-enough-in-european-union-fake-news-fight-219412">Google, Facebook, Twitter rapped for not doing enough in European Union fake news fight</a>

Critics have said the social media platform has not done enough to police tweets from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-tops-twitter-2017-most-followed-list-amitabh-srk-virat-way-behind-597">politicians</a> that would be removed if a typical user posted them. Some have called on Twitter to take down vitriolic tweets from US President Donald Trump and other politicians, while Trump and other conservatives have repeatedly accused technology companies of favouring liberals.

Trump boasts more than 61 million followers on Twitter, and many of his tweets are in the news.

The White House declined to comment on the announcement.

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., tweeted a link to coverage of the announcement by the conservative Daily Caller website and warned: "If they can do it to the Leader of the Free World imagine what they are doing to you and your voice!"

A Twitter spokeswoman said a human reviewer will decide which tweets receive the new label, not artificial intelligence monitoring. If a violation were found, a task force of teams would rule whether the questionable tweet should be considered in the public interest.

"There are certain cases where it may be in the public's interest to have access to certain Tweets, even if they would otherwise be in violation of our rules," Twitter said in a blog post.

It added, "We'll place a notice – a screen you have to click or tap through before you see the Tweet – to provide additional context and clarity." The notice will appear in the home timeline and across other areas such as search, Twitter said.

Trump was criticized last month when he tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!" He referred to a former FBI agent last year as a "sick loser".

In another example of a tweet than many critics found offensive, Trump wrote in 2018 that North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un stated the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times" and asked if someone would "inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger &amp; more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"

Twitter added that "there are cases, such as direct threats of violence or calls to commit violence against an individual, that are unlikely to be considered in the public interest."

A Trump spokesman said this week that the White House is planning a July 11 social media summit but has not identified participants.

Trump said in a television interview on Wednesday without evidence that Twitter makes it "very hard for people to join me at Twitter ... and they make it very much harder for me to get out the message." He added, "Twitter is just terrible what they do."

Twitter declined to comment.

Twitter Inc said on Thursday it would identify and de-emphasise tweets that broke its rules but came from important sources such as politicians, in order to strike a balance between free expression and accountability.

Twitter Inc said on Thursday it would identify and de-emphasise tweets that broke its rules but came from important sources such as politicians, in order to strike a balance between free expression and accountability. Twitter said the new rules would apply to politicians and government officials with more than 100,000 followers. "We'll now clearly label any tweets which violate our terms of service but decide to keep up due to public interest," Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said. If flagged, a notice would cover the offending tweet and require a user to click on a link to view it. Also read: Google, Facebook, Twitter rapped for not doing enough in European Union fake news fight Critics have said the social media platform has not done enough to police tweets from politicians that would be removed if a typical user posted them. Some have called on Twitter to take down vitriolic tweets from US President Donald Trump and other politicians, while Trump and other conservatives have repeatedly accused technology companies of favouring liberals. Trump boasts more than 61 million followers on Twitter, and many of his tweets are in the news. The White House declined to comment on the announcement. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., tweeted a link to coverage of the announcement by the conservative Daily Caller website and warned: "If they can do it to the Leader of the Free World imagine what they are doing to you and your voice!" A Twitter spokeswoman said a human reviewer will decide which tweets receive the new label, not artificial intelligence monitoring. If a violation were found, a task force of teams would rule whether the questionable tweet should be considered in the public interest. "There are certain cases where it may be in the public's interest to have access to certain Tweets, even if they would otherwise be in violation of our rules," Twitter said in a blog post. It added, "We'll place a notice – a screen you have to click or tap through before you see the Tweet – to provide additional context and clarity." The notice will appear in the home timeline and across other areas such as search, Twitter said. Trump was criticized last month when he tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!" He referred to a former FBI agent last year as a "sick loser". In another example of a tweet than many critics found offensive, Trump wrote in 2018 that North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un stated the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times" and asked if someone would "inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Twitter added that "there are cases, such as direct threats of violence or calls to commit violence against an individual, that are unlikely to be considered in the public interest." A Trump spokesman said this week that the White House is planning a July 11 social media summit but has not identified participants. Trump said in a television interview on Wednesday without evidence that Twitter makes it "very hard for people to join me at Twitter ... and they make it very much harder for me to get out the message." He added, "Twitter is just terrible what they do." Twitter declined to comment.

Twitter to de-emphasise, label politician tweets that break rules

Powerful business lobbying bodies on Thursday sued the Obama administration, seeking to strike down recent rules intended to prevent corporate tax avoidance through so-called inversions. 
 
In a rule adopted in April, the US Treasury sought to prevent American companies from moving overseas to reduce their tax burdens, often through reverse mergers. The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer that month abandoned plans for a merger with Botox producer Allergan, based in Ireland, as a result. 
 
In a complaint filed in US District Court in Texas, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Association of Business accused the Obama administration of attempting to re-write US tax laws while bypassing the legislature, which is controlled by Republicans and hostile to the measure. If the rule is allowed to stand, &quot;it is not just mergers that will suffer, it is the rule of law, and the certainty and stability required for effective commerce,&quot; the complaint said. 
 
In a statement, US Chamber President, Tom Donahue, said the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service had &quot;ignored the clear limits of a statute, and simply rewrote the law unilaterally.&quot; 
 
The Treasury Department said on Thursday it had acted within its powers to address what lawmakers had failed to. 
 
&quot;In the absence of congressional action, Treasury proposed regulations to eliminate tax benefits for companies that acquire multiple US firms over a short period of time,&quot; the department said. 
 
&quot;This action was based on strong policy interests and clear legal authority. We will continue to defend these regulations, which will help slow the erosion of our corporate tax base.&quot; 
 
According to the rule adopted in April, companies formed in tax inversions can be subject to higher taxes if the newly formed company does less than 25 per cent of its business in the foreign country where it is incorporated, or if the shareholders in the old American parent company end up owning at least 60 per cent of the new foreign parent. 
 
(AFP)

The US Treasury, in a rule adopted in April, has sought to prevent American companies from moving overseas to reduce tax burden

Powerful business lobbying bodies on Thursday sued the Obama administration, seeking to strike down recent rules intended to prevent corporate tax avoidance through so-called inversions. In a rule adopted in April, the US Treasury sought to prevent American companies from moving overseas to reduce their tax burdens, often through reverse mergers. The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer that month abandoned plans for a merger with Botox producer Allergan, based in Ireland, as a result. In a complaint filed in US District Court in Texas, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Association of Business accused the Obama administration of attempting to re-write US tax laws while bypassing the legislature, which is controlled by Republicans and hostile to the measure. If the rule is allowed to stand, "it is not just mergers that will suffer, it is the rule of law, and the certainty and stability required for effective commerce," the complaint said. In a statement, US Chamber President, Tom Donahue, said the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service had "ignored the clear limits of a statute, and simply rewrote the law unilaterally." The Treasury Department said on Thursday it had acted within its powers to address what lawmakers had failed to. "In the absence of congressional action, Treasury proposed regulations to eliminate tax benefits for companies that acquire multiple US firms over a short period of time," the department said. "This action was based on strong policy interests and clear legal authority. We will continue to defend these regulations, which will help slow the erosion of our corporate tax base." According to the rule adopted in April, companies formed in tax inversions can be subject to higher taxes if the newly formed company does less than 25 per cent of its business in the foreign country where it is incorporated, or if the shareholders in the old American parent company end up owning at least 60 per cent of the new foreign parent. (AFP)

US Big Business sues Obama administration over corporate tax rules

rules

Rules, News on Rules, stories on Rules, articles on Rules, Rules stories at Wion, Rules news, Rules latest news