Two of the three largest wildfires ever recorded in California have scorched through more than 1m acres, displaced more than 100,000 people

California wildfire death toll up to seven; Scorched over 1 Mn acres

Day one of the Republican National Convention has wrapped up. The event included prominent as well as divisive speakers. Nikki Haley & Former Footballer Herschel Walker defended Donald Trump over the racism. Donald Trump Jr. wants 'Beijing Biden' to win.

Day one of RNC: Nikki Haley & Former Footballer defended Trump on racism

The various R.N.C. committees must meet to complete the formal paperwork to nominate Mr. Trump by the coming deadlines.

Republicans gear up to re-nominate Trump

A United States-led military coalition in Iraq has said its troops have withdrawn from Camp Taji military base and handed it over to Iraqi security forces.

US army hands over camp Taji to Iraqi security forces

Haiti was hammered by heavy rain on Sunday from Tropical Storm Laura, as a second tropical storm, named Marco, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and hit the US state of Louisiana on Monday.

The US National Hurricane Center said Storm Laura was "bringing torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding" to Haiti, which shares Hispaniola island with the Dominican Republic.

It added that Storm Marco in the central Gulf of Mexico was "forecast to become a hurricane later today and be at hurricane strength when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Monday."

A 10-year-old girl died on Sunday morning in Haiti when a tree fell on a house, according to authorities, who added some homes were flooded and evacuations were underway. The storm earlier passed over Puerto Rico.

The Atlantic storm season, which runs through November, could be one of the busiest ever this year, with the Hurricane Center predicting as many as 25 named storms.&nbsp;Laura is the 12th so far.

Haiti, a country of 11 million, has seen a relatively low incidence of COVID-19 -- with just over 8,000 cases and around 200 deaths to date -- but authorities urged caution to prevent further spread in the aftermath of Storm Laura.

"Wear your masks and respect distances, especially in temporary shelters," Interior Minister Audain Fils Bernadel said at a briefing. "With COVID, we have considerably less capacity in our shelters."

Storms pose a serious risk to Haiti every year from June to November. Even a heavy rainfall can threaten the country's poorest residents, many of them living in at-risk zones, near canals or ravines that can be obstructed by debris and quickly overflow.

After reaching hurricane-strength, Storm Marco is predicted to weaken rapidly after moving inland across Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday.

Haiti was hammered by heavy rain on Sunday from Tropical Storm Laura, as a second tropical storm, named Marco, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and hit the US state of Louisiana on Monday.

Haiti was hammered by heavy rain on Sunday from Tropical Storm Laura, as a second tropical storm, named Marco, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and hit the US state of Louisiana on Monday. The US National Hurricane Center said Storm Laura was "bringing torrential rainfall and life-threatening flooding" to Haiti, which shares Hispaniola island with the Dominican Republic. It added that Storm Marco in the central Gulf of Mexico was "forecast to become a hurricane later today and be at hurricane strength when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Monday." A 10-year-old girl died on Sunday morning in Haiti when a tree fell on a house, according to authorities, who added some homes were flooded and evacuations were underway. The storm earlier passed over Puerto Rico. The Atlantic storm season, which runs through November, could be one of the busiest ever this year, with the Hurricane Center predicting as many as 25 named storms. Laura is the 12th so far. Haiti, a country of 11 million, has seen a relatively low incidence of COVID-19 -- with just over 8,000 cases and around 200 deaths to date -- but authorities urged caution to prevent further spread in the aftermath of Storm Laura. "Wear your masks and respect distances, especially in temporary shelters," Interior Minister Audain Fils Bernadel said at a briefing. "With COVID, we have considerably less capacity in our shelters." Storms pose a serious risk to Haiti every year from June to November. Even a heavy rainfall can threaten the country's poorest residents, many of them living in at-risk zones, near canals or ravines that can be obstructed by debris and quickly overflow. After reaching hurricane-strength, Storm Marco is predicted to weaken rapidly after moving inland across Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday.

Storm Laura hits Haiti, with Marco forecast to slam US as hurricane

In UN Security Council vote on Friday, Washington received support from the Dominican Republic for its proposal to extend it indefinitely, leaving it far short of the minimum of nine "yes" votes required for adoption.

UN Security Council once again rejects US bid to extend Iran arms embargo

Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former US Forces officer, has been arrested and charged with spying for Moscow on Friday.

Debbins was a former officer for&nbsp;US Special Forces Green Berets, but was also working as a spy for Russia, the Justice Deprtment revealed.

"The facts alleged in this case are a shocking betrayal by a former Army officer of his fellow soldiers and his country," said FBI senior counterintelligence official Alan Kohler in a statement. Debbins will be facing a sentenced to prison for life, according to the charges filed.

Son of Russia

The former officer started working for Russia back in 1996, even before he joined the special forces. Russia is native home for Debbins' mother due to which he had taken several trips there, where he was then recruited.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lori-loughlin-and-husband-sentenced-to-jail-for-college-fraud-322313">Also read:&nbsp;Lori Loughlin and husband sentenced to jail for college fraud</a>

Investigations have revealed that Debbins met with Russian agents in&nbsp;Chelyabinsk while he was still finishing his university, and was approached as he was seen to be "pro-Russian" politics.

After being approached by the Russian agents, Debbins married his Russian girlfriend and joined the US milotary with the help of his father-in-law who was also in the military.

Termed as "Son of Russia", Debbins' Russian code name was&nbsp;Ikar Lesnikov.

When Debbins exoressed his desire to quit the military, he faced pressure from his Russian bosses and was instead pushed into joining the US Special Forces due to which he travelled to germany and later&nbsp;Azerbaijan.

However, the ties, reportedly, ended rather quickly later in 2011 when Debbins moved back to the US and started a graduate course. On the date of arrest, Debbins is reported to be a professor at the&nbsp;Wisconsin International University in Ukraine.

The FBI has denoucned the double agent and has called his actions to be an act of betrayal to his country and fellow soldiers.

Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former US Forces officer, has been arrested and charged with spying for Moscow on Friday. Debbins was a former officer for US Special Forces Green Berets, but was also working as a spy for Russia, the Justice Deprtment revealed.

Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former US Forces officer, has been arrested and charged with spying for Moscow on Friday. Debbins was a former officer for US Special Forces Green Berets, but was also working as a spy for Russia, the Justice Deprtment revealed. "The facts alleged in this case are a shocking betrayal by a former Army officer of his fellow soldiers and his country," said FBI senior counterintelligence official Alan Kohler in a statement. Debbins will be facing a sentenced to prison for life, according to the charges filed. Son of Russia The former officer started working for Russia back in 1996, even before he joined the special forces. Russia is native home for Debbins' mother due to which he had taken several trips there, where he was then recruited. Also read: Lori Loughlin and husband sentenced to jail for college fraud Investigations have revealed that Debbins met with Russian agents in Chelyabinsk while he was still finishing his university, and was approached as he was seen to be "pro-Russian" politics. After being approached by the Russian agents, Debbins married his Russian girlfriend and joined the US milotary with the help of his father-in-law who was also in the military. Termed as "Son of Russia", Debbins' Russian code name was Ikar Lesnikov. When Debbins exoressed his desire to quit the military, he faced pressure from his Russian bosses and was instead pushed into joining the US Special Forces due to which he travelled to germany and later Azerbaijan. However, the ties, reportedly, ended rather quickly later in 2011 when Debbins moved back to the US and started a graduate course. On the date of arrest, Debbins is reported to be a professor at the Wisconsin International University in Ukraine. The FBI has denoucned the double agent and has called his actions to be an act of betrayal to his country and fellow soldiers.

Former US Special Forces soldier charged with spying for Russia

The United States of America has officially asked the UNSC to reimpose sanctions, including an arms embargo on Iran. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo submitted a letter to the UNSC president arguing that Iran had violated the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

US-Iran tensions: Mike Pompeo writes to UNSC president to reimpose sanctions on Iran

There is proposed legislation in the United States and it aims to drop the title of "President" for China's Xi Jinping in all official US documents. Watch report.

Redesignating Xi Jinping: US bill to designate Xi as a party chief

As the LNU Lightning Complex fire near Vacaville, California, expanded rapidly overnight. There were 10,489 lightning strikes in California in the last 72 hours. More than 100,000 evacuated in Vacaville.

LNU lightning complex fire spreads across California

Facebook's executives are fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission on an antitrust fact-finding mission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered FTC queries under oath remotely over the course of two days this week, news website Politico reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case.

"We are committed to cooperating with the US Federal Trade Commission's inquiry and answering the questions the agency may have," a Facebook spokesperson said, declining to confirm whether Zuckerberg gave testimony, on Thursday.

FTC investigations do no always lead to lawsuits.

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Last month Zuckerberg plus CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in an unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance.

The head of a US congressional antitrust committee contended that the companies are too powerful and will likely emerge from the coronavirus pandemic even stronger.

Whether it's through self-preferencing, predatory pricing, or requiring users to buy additional products, the dominant platforms have wielded their power in destructive, harmful ways in order to expand, he said.

Facebook's executives are fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission on an antitrust fact-finding mission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered FTC queries under oath remotely over the course of two days this week, news website Politico reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case.

Facebook's executives are fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission on an antitrust fact-finding mission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered FTC queries under oath remotely over the course of two days this week, news website Politico reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case. "We are committed to cooperating with the US Federal Trade Commission's inquiry and answering the questions the agency may have," a Facebook spokesperson said, declining to confirm whether Zuckerberg gave testimony, on Thursday. FTC investigations do no always lead to lawsuits. × Last month Zuckerberg plus CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in an unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance. The head of a US congressional antitrust committee contended that the companies are too powerful and will likely emerge from the coronavirus pandemic even stronger. Whether it's through self-preferencing, predatory pricing, or requiring users to buy additional products, the dominant platforms have wielded their power in destructive, harmful ways in order to expand, he said.

Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators

The effect of the new national-security law that China imposed on Hong Kong is extending far beyond the territory to American college campuses.

Your Story: American college campuses now in Beijing's reach

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, has named his son Sheikh Khaled as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the nation's capital and an important player in the region and the Gulf Arab state that is a member of OPEC, state media reported on Wednesday (March 29).

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi and is known by his initials MBZ, named Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to serve as vice president of the UAE alongside Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reported Reuters.

He designated Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan as deputy rulers of Abu Dhabi.

In May, upon the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who had ruled Abu Dhabi, MBZ assumed control of the emirate and assumed the presidency of the UAE, which unites the seven rulers of the UAE federation.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Saudi Arabia pull out of the Yemen War? Is China behind the big decision?

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Years of MBZ's power behind the scenes resulted in a new anti-Iran axis with Israel and a reconfiguration of the Middle East.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi, which oversees a number of sovereign wealth funds and is one of the richest state investors in the world, announced a leadership change for its two largest state funds earlier this month.

As chairman of Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's second-largest sovereign wealth fund, MBZ was also replaced by Sheikh Mansour, owner of Manchester City football club.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, has named his son Sheikh Khaled as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the nation's capital and an important player in the region and the Gulf Arab state that is a member of OPEC, state media reported on Wednesday (March 29).

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, has named his son Sheikh Khaled as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the nation's capital and an important player in the region and the Gulf Arab state that is a member of OPEC, state media reported on Wednesday (March 29). Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi and is known by his initials MBZ, named Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to serve as vice president of the UAE alongside Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reported Reuters. He designated Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan as deputy rulers of Abu Dhabi. In May, upon the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who had ruled Abu Dhabi, MBZ assumed control of the emirate and assumed the presidency of the UAE, which unites the seven rulers of the UAE federation. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Will Saudi Arabia pull out of the Yemen War? Is China behind the big decision? Years of MBZ's power behind the scenes resulted in a new anti-Iran axis with Israel and a reconfiguration of the Middle East. Abu Dhabi, which oversees a number of sovereign wealth funds and is one of the richest state investors in the world, announced a leadership change for its two largest state funds earlier this month. As chairman of Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's second-largest sovereign wealth fund, MBZ was also replaced by Sheikh Mansour, owner of Manchester City football club. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Weekly US jobless claims rise more than expected to 1.1 mn

The United States will demand Thursday that all United Nations sanctions be reimposed against Iran.

U.S seeks return of sanctions on Iran

Backing the latest bid of US-tech giant Oracle for Chinese shot video app TikTok. President of US Donald Trump has said that oracle is a good company and could take over TikTok.

Oracle's co-founder is Trump's supporter: Oracle could take over TikTok

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures.

The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South.

The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-increase-in-military-spending-320201">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan announces increase in military spending</a>

The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added.

Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave.

The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s.

Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion. The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures. The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South. The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Also read: Taiwan announces increase in military spending The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added. Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave. The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s. Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay

New Zealand Prime Minister&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

"Anyone who is following&nbsp;will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong."

Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand".

"They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-after-coronavirus-return-321027">Also read:&nbsp;New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return</a>

He further added,&nbsp;"It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong.

Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland.&nbsp;

New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than&nbsp;170,000 deaths.

The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against&nbsp;Judith Collins.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge". "Anyone who is following will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong." Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand". "They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something." Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return He further added, "It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong. Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland. New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than 170,000 deaths. The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against Judith Collins.

It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks

Chinese state media on Tuesday reported that Beijing had unveiled a new weapons system amid&nbsp;growing tensions with Taiwan and the US.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-finalizes-purchase-of-66-f-16-fighter-jets-in-biggest-arms-deal-with-us-321434" hreflang="en">Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US</a>

According to China's state media, the country&nbsp;has come up with a 500kg precision-guided munitions dispenser and air-to-surface missile called the "Tianlei 500", which translates to "Sky Thunder". A senior engineer in the report said that the&nbsp;weapon can carry six types of submunitions and attack different targets.

The announcement comes after heightened tensions with Taiwan and the US over Hong Kong and the escalating&nbsp;South China Sea dispute.&nbsp;

The Taiwanese government on Monday had said that it was stepping up its efforts to cross-check new arrivals from the city of Hong Kong in order to prevent Chinese spies from entering the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-cia-officer-arrested-for-giving-classified-information-to-china-321365">Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China</a>

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council had said that it was “strengthening the management” of Hong Kong and Macau residents who are originally from mainland China, or who are the current or previous party, government or military officials, and aimed to prevent them from “carrying out infiltration, united front, disturbance or spying activities”.&nbsp;

The highest-level meeting between the US and Taiwan in four decades angered Beijing. China warned the US not to “play with fire”.

Recently, Taiwan finalized its purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.&nbsp;

Chinese state media on Tuesday reported that Beijing had unveiled a new weapons system amid growing tensions with Taiwan and the US. Also read: Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US According to China's state media, the country has come up with a 500kg precision-guided munitions dispenser and air-to-surface missile called the "Tianlei 500", which translates to "Sky Thunder".

Chinese state media on Tuesday reported that Beijing had unveiled a new weapons system amid growing tensions with Taiwan and the US. Also read: Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US According to China's state media, the country has come up with a 500kg precision-guided munitions dispenser and air-to-surface missile called the "Tianlei 500", which translates to "Sky Thunder". A senior engineer in the report said that the weapon can carry six types of submunitions and attack different targets. The announcement comes after heightened tensions with Taiwan and the US over Hong Kong and the escalating South China Sea dispute. The Taiwanese government on Monday had said that it was stepping up its efforts to cross-check new arrivals from the city of Hong Kong in order to prevent Chinese spies from entering the country. Also read: Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council had said that it was “strengthening the management” of Hong Kong and Macau residents who are originally from mainland China, or who are the current or previous party, government or military officials, and aimed to prevent them from “carrying out infiltration, united front, disturbance or spying activities”. The highest-level meeting between the US and Taiwan in four decades angered Beijing. China warned the US not to “play with fire”. Recently, Taiwan finalized its purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.

China unveils new weapons system 'Sky Thunder' amid tensions with Taiwan: Report

Uber Technologies said it would continue operating its revenue-generating food delivery business Uber Eats even if its ride-hail business should be forced shut in California at the end of this week following a court order.

California: Uber to continue food delivery services despite rides business forced shut

“Data is the new gold”;&nbsp;these words are echoed commonly in contemporary times, and aptly so.

Turns out, the United States law enforcement agencies have been buying data which includes one’s phone location, effectively terminating&nbsp;the need to issue a warrant to obtain such sensitive user details.

"Locate X"

A document recently released by Secret Service shows that the Secret Service purchased “Locate X” from Babel Street, a social media surveillance company.&nbsp;The details were divulged after “Motherboard” filed a request under the US Freedom of Information Act.

Locate X is a sophisticated tool which can effectively track a user’s locations and its real-time movements. The data which is collected by various apps on one’s phones is used by Locate X to ascertain a user’s location.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/google-sued-over-tracking-in-apps-even-when-users-opted-out-313354" hreflang="en">Google sued over tracking in apps even when users opted out</a>

Locate X allows government agencies to trace the movement of users not only in real time, but in any specific team period. In essence, it is a repository of all user data corresponding to the places they have visited and their movement patterns.

In fact, using Locate X, the Secret Service could track a user’s movement months before or after a certain event which they want to investigate.&nbsp;Reportedly, an internal document has revealed how the Secret Service paid $36,000 for a year-long subscription to the Locate X service, from September 27, 2017 upto the same date in 2018.&nbsp;This was part of a bigger $2 million deal with Babel Street to conduct surveillance on social media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/apple-and-google-decide-to-ban-location-tracking-in-their-contact-tracing-apps-296868" hreflang="en">Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps</a>

Earlier in March, “Protocol” had reported that Locate X was being used by US Customs and Border Patrol.&nbsp;

“Mashable” reported that the existence of Locate X is “confidential information”, implying it became public knowledge only after the request under the Act.

Law of land?

In an ideal situation in conjunction with law of land, law enforcement agencies in the US would require a warrant or at least a court order to track somebody’s movements so brazenly. If the information divulged after a request made under the Act is true, it means that authorities simply discarded protocol by buying a surveillance product.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/facebook-agrees-to-pay-650m-to-settle-facial-recognition-lawsuit-317458" hreflang="en">Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit</a>

Many applications that don’t need access to one’s location demand it and store it. Most of this data is sold to third party companies to use as they please. Big companies like Facebook, Twitter claim that such data is used to provide a personalised advertising experience on their apps.

All this comes in the middle of US government openly accusing Chinese app TikTok of sharing data with the Chinese government. The company had hit back at the US saying local American companies like Facebook store more data than any Chinese company, implying the dangers enmeshed in such vast data collection.

“Data is the new gold”; these words are echoed commonly in contemporary times, and aptly so. Turns out, the United States law enforcement agencies have been buying data which includes one’s phone location, effectively terminating the need to issue a warrant to obtain such sensitive user details.

“Data is the new gold”; these words are echoed commonly in contemporary times, and aptly so. Turns out, the United States law enforcement agencies have been buying data which includes one’s phone location, effectively terminating the need to issue a warrant to obtain such sensitive user details. "Locate X" A document recently released by Secret Service shows that the Secret Service purchased “Locate X” from Babel Street, a social media surveillance company. The details were divulged after “Motherboard” filed a request under the US Freedom of Information Act. Locate X is a sophisticated tool which can effectively track a user’s locations and its real-time movements. The data which is collected by various apps on one’s phones is used by Locate X to ascertain a user’s location. Also read: Google sued over tracking in apps even when users opted out Locate X allows government agencies to trace the movement of users not only in real time, but in any specific team period. In essence, it is a repository of all user data corresponding to the places they have visited and their movement patterns. In fact, using Locate X, the Secret Service could track a user’s movement months before or after a certain event which they want to investigate. Reportedly, an internal document has revealed how the Secret Service paid $36,000 for a year-long subscription to the Locate X service, from September 27, 2017 upto the same date in 2018. This was part of a bigger $2 million deal with Babel Street to conduct surveillance on social media. Also read: Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps Earlier in March, “Protocol” had reported that Locate X was being used by US Customs and Border Patrol. “Mashable” reported that the existence of Locate X is “confidential information”, implying it became public knowledge only after the request under the Act. Law of land? In an ideal situation in conjunction with law of land, law enforcement agencies in the US would require a warrant or at least a court order to track somebody’s movements so brazenly. If the information divulged after a request made under the Act is true, it means that authorities simply discarded protocol by buying a surveillance product. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit Many applications that don’t need access to one’s location demand it and store it. Most of this data is sold to third party companies to use as they please. Big companies like Facebook, Twitter claim that such data is used to provide a personalised advertising experience on their apps. All this comes in the middle of US government openly accusing Chinese app TikTok of sharing data with the Chinese government. The company had hit back at the US saying local American companies like Facebook store more data than any Chinese company, implying the dangers enmeshed in such vast data collection.

US law enforcement bought 'Locate X' to track user's phone location data without permit

TikTok, the video&nbsp;sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as&nbsp;"rumors and misinformation".

After Donald Trump gave the company 90 days to divest or face a ban, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that all claims made in Washington about ByteDance-owned company&nbsp;being used by Chinese intelligence are "unfounded and blatantly false".

"TikTok is not available in China. Its US user data is stored in Virginia with a back-up in Singapore and strict controls on employee access. TikTok has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, nor would it do so if asked," a statement on a webpage titled 'The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet: Setting the Record Straight' read.

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TikTok is the daily destination for millions of people to express themselves creatively. We have launched a new information hub to shine a light on the facts, and serve as a source of truth to address the misinformation about TikTok. <a href="https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB">https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB</a>
— TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiktok_comms/status/1295399800557502465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The social media giant also launched a new Twitter account "@tiktok_comms" for clear and faster communication with the audience. "To address rumors and misinformation about TikTok, we've built a new information hub to serve as a source of truth. We also launched a Twitter account that's dedicated to sharing company news in real time," the statement read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-next-trump-is-looking-at-pressuring-other-chinese-companies-after-bytedance-320915">Also read:&nbsp;Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance</a>

The company claims they have set up the information hub and the Twitter account as a step further in maintaining transparency, accountability and a 'security first' promise. "Transparency is at our core, and we're committed to leading the industry in security and accountability. Today, we're taking another step to continue to build trust with our TikTok community by delivering the facts – in our own words and in the words of leading experts across cybersecurity, media, and academia – because we neither support nor stand for the spread of misinformation on our platform, or about our platform."

Musical.ly controversy

This statement was released as a reaction to Trump's accusation&nbsp;especially after, on Friday, Trump signed a separate executive order for ByteDance to sell its interest in Musical.ly, the app it bought and merged with TikTok in 2017, citing national security.

TikTok said the US action "risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth."

China, too, called this a "digital gunboat diplomacy" by the US. The two countries have been at verbal and diplomatic war for the last few months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blasts-us-digital-gunboat-diplomacy-over-tiktok-321175">Also read:&nbsp;China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok</a>

New partnership

Despite the trouble in the US, TikTok, on Monday, announced a new&nbsp;partnership and integration with&nbsp;music distribution platform UnitedMasters.

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TikTok's new partnership and integration with <a href="https://twitter.com/unitedmasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unitedmasters</a> will make it even easier for artists and creators on TikTok to translate trending activity into career success. <a href="https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8">https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8</a>
— TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiktok_comms/status/1295426862739595265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Already known for propelling unknown artists to success, TikTok's new partnership with United Masters provides a turn-key platform for aspiring stars to fast-track their careers," a statement read on TikTok's new information hub. This is the first time a&nbsp;music distribution company will be integrated with TikTok.

“If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work," says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. "By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow's stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy."

(With inputs from agencies)

TikTok, the video sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as "rumors and misinformation".

TikTok, the video sharing app, has come forward and denied all accusations made by the US President Donald Trump and has labelled it as "rumors and misinformation". After Donald Trump gave the company 90 days to divest or face a ban, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that all claims made in Washington about ByteDance-owned company being used by Chinese intelligence are "unfounded and blatantly false". "TikTok is not available in China. Its US user data is stored in Virginia with a back-up in Singapore and strict controls on employee access. TikTok has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, nor would it do so if asked," a statement on a webpage titled 'The Last Sunny Corner of the Internet: Setting the Record Straight' read. TikTok is the daily destination for millions of people to express themselves creatively. We have launched a new information hub to shine a light on the facts, and serve as a source of truth to address the misinformation about TikTok. https://t.co/3dfEibdNsB — TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) August 17, 2020 × The social media giant also launched a new Twitter account "@tiktok_comms" for clear and faster communication with the audience. "To address rumors and misinformation about TikTok, we've built a new information hub to serve as a source of truth. We also launched a Twitter account that's dedicated to sharing company news in real time," the statement read. Also read: Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance The company claims they have set up the information hub and the Twitter account as a step further in maintaining transparency, accountability and a 'security first' promise. "Transparency is at our core, and we're committed to leading the industry in security and accountability. Today, we're taking another step to continue to build trust with our TikTok community by delivering the facts – in our own words and in the words of leading experts across cybersecurity, media, and academia – because we neither support nor stand for the spread of misinformation on our platform, or about our platform." Musical.ly controversy This statement was released as a reaction to Trump's accusation especially after, on Friday, Trump signed a separate executive order for ByteDance to sell its interest in Musical.ly, the app it bought and merged with TikTok in 2017, citing national security. TikTok said the US action "risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth." China, too, called this a "digital gunboat diplomacy" by the US. The two countries have been at verbal and diplomatic war for the last few months. Also read: China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok New partnership Despite the trouble in the US, TikTok, on Monday, announced a new partnership and integration with music distribution platform UnitedMasters. TikTok's new partnership and integration with @unitedmasters will make it even easier for artists and creators on TikTok to translate trending activity into career success. https://t.co/gWTvtnxFN8 — TikTok_Comms (@tiktok_comms) August 17, 2020 × "Already known for propelling unknown artists to success, TikTok's new partnership with United Masters provides a turn-key platform for aspiring stars to fast-track their careers," a statement read on TikTok's new information hub. This is the first time a music distribution company will be integrated with TikTok. “If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work," says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. "By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow's stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy." (With inputs from agencies)

Setting the record straight: TikTok denies Trump's accusations

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-cia-officer-arrested-for-giving-classified-information-to-china-321365">Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China</a>

The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China.&nbsp;

The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales.

The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.

Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences.

The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.

Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.

The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan.

The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.&nbsp;

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years. Also read: Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China. The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales. The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences. The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan. The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.

Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US

In the United States, the massive wildfire burning in Northern California has resulted in rare and dangerous fire tornado's Watch report.

20,000 acres of land destroyed in California fire

US President Donald Trump on August 15 said to use the snapback technique, a day after the UN Security Council rejected an American resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif later said “American snapback is illegal and unacceptable and the Americans know they cannot use snapback."

Iran Nuclear Deal: US has been humiliated at the UN, says Iran

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