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Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules.

Tesla’s device would utilize four transmit and three receive antennas driven by a radar front-end unit. Tesla says millimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems like camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-invites-elon-musk-after-aliens-built-pyramids-tweet-318124">Also read:&nbsp;Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet</a>

The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint.”

Tesla added it “can differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms” and can detect “micromovements like breathing patterns and heart rates, neither of which can be captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-upcoming-neuralink-will-let-you-beam-music-directly-into-the-brain-314879">Also read:&nbsp;Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain</a>

Radar imaging, Tesla adds, can assess body size to optimize airbag deployment in a crash depending on whether an adult or child is seated, which it says would be more effective than existing weight-based, in-seat sensor systems.

It would also more accurately determine when to engage seat belt reminders.

The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla’s request through September 21.

Tesla notes the FCC in 2018 granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc’s Google that works under identical operating parameters.

Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety-related monitoring device that would also detect children in cars. The request is pending.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 50 children died when left behind in hot cars in both 2019 and 2018. Of those incidents, 54% occurred because someone forgot a child.

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems. The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules. Tesla’s device would utilize four transmit and three receive antennas driven by a radar front-end unit. Tesla says millimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems like camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems. Also read: Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint.” Tesla added it “can differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms” and can detect “micromovements like breathing patterns and heart rates, neither of which can be captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.” Also read: Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain Radar imaging, Tesla adds, can assess body size to optimize airbag deployment in a crash depending on whether an adult or child is seated, which it says would be more effective than existing weight-based, in-seat sensor systems. It would also more accurately determine when to engage seat belt reminders. The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla’s request through September 21. Tesla notes the FCC in 2018 granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc’s Google that works under identical operating parameters. Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety-related monitoring device that would also detect children in cars. The request is pending. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 50 children died when left behind in hot cars in both 2019 and 2018. Of those incidents, 54% occurred because someone forgot a child.

Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect child left in hot cars

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

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

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

India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source

Tech giant Facebook has won preliminary approval from a federal court on Wednesday for settlement of a lawsuit that claimed it illegally collected and stored biometric data of millions of users without their consent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-hundreds-of-qanon-groups-citing-public-safety-risks-321797">Facebook removes hundreds of QAnon groups, citing public safety risks</a>

In July, Facebook Inc raised its settlement offer by $100 million to $650 million concerning their lawsuit that involved Illinois users accusing them of violating the US state's Biometric Information Privacy Act.&nbsp;

According to Judge James Donato's order filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, the revised settlement agreement resolved the court's concerns, leading to the preliminary approval of the class action settlement.

"Preliminary approval of the amended stipulation of class action settlement, Dkt. No. 468, is granted, and a final approval hearing is set for January 7, 2021," the judge said in the eight-page order.

The social media giant allegedly violated the state's law through its "Tag Suggestions" feature, which began in 2015. This feature allowed users to recognize their Facebook friends from previously uploaded photos, according to the lawsuit.

(Inputs from Agencies)

Tech giant Facebook has won preliminary approval from a federal court on Wednesday for settlement of a lawsuit that claimed it illegally collected and stored biometric data of millions of users without their consent.

Tech giant Facebook has won preliminary approval from a federal court on Wednesday for settlement of a lawsuit that claimed it illegally collected and stored biometric data of millions of users without their consent. Also read: Facebook removes hundreds of QAnon groups, citing public safety risks In July, Facebook Inc raised its settlement offer by $100 million to $650 million concerning their lawsuit that involved Illinois users accusing them of violating the US state's Biometric Information Privacy Act. According to Judge James Donato's order filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, the revised settlement agreement resolved the court's concerns, leading to the preliminary approval of the class action settlement. "Preliminary approval of the amended stipulation of class action settlement, Dkt. No. 468, is granted, and a final approval hearing is set for January 7, 2021," the judge said in the eight-page order. The social media giant allegedly violated the state's law through its "Tag Suggestions" feature, which began in 2015. This feature allowed users to recognize their Facebook friends from previously uploaded photos, according to the lawsuit. (Inputs from Agencies)

Facebook wins preliminary approval to settle facial recognition lawsuit

Apple&nbsp;Inc&nbsp;became the first publicly listed U.S. company with a $2 trillion stock market value on Wednesday, as Wall Street investors put aside challenges to its iPhone ecosystem in favor of bets it will only prosper more in the post-coronavirus world.

Shares in the company have surged since blowout quarterly results in July that saw the iPhone maker eclipse Saudi Aramco as the world's most valuable listed company, up about 57% in value so far in 2020.

The moves reflect growing investor confidence in&nbsp;Apple's shift towards relying less on sales of iPhones and other gadgets and more on services for its users, as well as a broad shift by big institutional investors during the coronavirus crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-denied-our-request-to-waive-off-30-commission-fee-facebook-inc-320716" hreflang="en">Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc</a>

With Amazon, Microsoft&nbsp;and Google-owner Alphabet, all now worth around $1 trillion or more, the big U.S. tech companies are together worth more than $6 trillion.

Cupertino, California-based&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;surprised Wall Street as it was able to get loyal shoppers buy iPhones, iPads and Macs online even as several brick-and-mortar stores remained closed due to the coronavirus lockdowns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/entertainment/apples-famous-1984-video-parodied-by-fortnite-game-maker-320378" hreflang="en">Apple's famous '1984' video parodied by Fortnite game maker</a>

Apple's revenue grew across every category and all of its geographical regions in the June quarter, even as the coronavirus crisis caused the U.S. economy to collapse at its worst rate since the Great Depression.

Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;has pushed its revenue beyond the economic outputs of Portugal, Peru and other countries.

Apple's shares rose as much as 1.4% at $468.63 on Wednesday.

Apple Inc became the first publicly listed U.S. company with a $2 trillion stock market value on Wednesday, as Wall Street investors put aside challenges to its iPhone ecosystem in favor of bets it will only prosper more in the post-coronavirus world.

Apple Inc became the first publicly listed U.S. company with a $2 trillion stock market value on Wednesday, as Wall Street investors put aside challenges to its iPhone ecosystem in favor of bets it will only prosper more in the post-coronavirus world. Shares in the company have surged since blowout quarterly results in July that saw the iPhone maker eclipse Saudi Aramco as the world's most valuable listed company, up about 57% in value so far in 2020. The moves reflect growing investor confidence in Apple's shift towards relying less on sales of iPhones and other gadgets and more on services for its users, as well as a broad shift by big institutional investors during the coronavirus crisis. Also read: Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc With Amazon, Microsoft and Google-owner Alphabet, all now worth around $1 trillion or more, the big U.S. tech companies are together worth more than $6 trillion. Cupertino, California-based Apple surprised Wall Street as it was able to get loyal shoppers buy iPhones, iPads and Macs online even as several brick-and-mortar stores remained closed due to the coronavirus lockdowns. Also read: Apple's famous '1984' video parodied by Fortnite game maker Apple's revenue grew across every category and all of its geographical regions in the June quarter, even as the coronavirus crisis caused the U.S. economy to collapse at its worst rate since the Great Depression. Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976, Apple has pushed its revenue beyond the economic outputs of Portugal, Peru and other countries. Apple's shares rose as much as 1.4% at $468.63 on Wednesday.

Apple becomes first US company to hit $2 trillion in market value

Software giant&nbsp;Oracle&nbsp;is weighing a bid to join Microsoft in the race to acquire part of TikTok, Bloomberg reported on&nbsp;Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

It has preliminarily approached companies including Sequoia Capital to join a bid for the app's operations in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the report said.

The move would represent a strategic departure for Oracle, which caters mostly to corporate customers and generates the bulk of its sales from cloud offerings and software licensing.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said&nbsp;that Oracle Corp is a good company and could take over popular Chinese-owned social media app TikTok in the United States, after he issued an order mandating its sale in 90 days.

Oracle's co-founder and Chairman Larry Ellison is one of the few top technology executive to openly support Trump, who has ordered ByteDance to divest&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;amid concerns over the safety of the personal data of US&nbsp;consumers.

Oracle is working with some of ByteDance's investors, including General Atlantic and Sequoia Capital, on making an offer for the&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;assets that would challenge a rival bid from Microsoft Corp, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/microsoft-to-bid-goodbye-to-internet-explorer-and-legacy-edge-after-25-years-321569">Microsoft to bid goodbye to Internet Explorer and legacy edge after 25 years</a>

TikTok has stepped up its defense against US accusations that the popular video app is a national security threat, denouncing what it called "rumors and misinformation" about its links to the Chinese government.

As tensions soar between the world's two biggest economies, Trump has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/setting-the-record-straight-tiktok-denies-trumps-accusations-321440">Setting the record straight: TikTok denies Trump's accusations</a>

The US leader early this month also ordered a ban on the messaging app WeChat, which is used extensively in China.

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."

TikTok also repeated its intention to "pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded."

China meanwhile on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" in the TikTok case.

Software giant Oracle is weighing a bid to join Microsoft in the race to acquire part of TikTok, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Software giant Oracle is weighing a bid to join Microsoft in the race to acquire part of TikTok, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. It has preliminarily approached companies including Sequoia Capital to join a bid for the app's operations in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the report said. The move would represent a strategic departure for Oracle, which caters mostly to corporate customers and generates the bulk of its sales from cloud offerings and software licensing. US President Donald Trump said that Oracle Corp is a good company and could take over popular Chinese-owned social media app TikTok in the United States, after he issued an order mandating its sale in 90 days. Oracle's co-founder and Chairman Larry Ellison is one of the few top technology executive to openly support Trump, who has ordered ByteDance to divest TikTok amid concerns over the safety of the personal data of US consumers. Oracle is working with some of ByteDance's investors, including General Atlantic and Sequoia Capital, on making an offer for the TikTok assets that would challenge a rival bid from Microsoft Corp, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Also read: Microsoft to bid goodbye to Internet Explorer and legacy edge after 25 years TikTok has stepped up its defense against US accusations that the popular video app is a national security threat, denouncing what it called "rumors and misinformation" about its links to the Chinese government. As tensions soar between the world's two biggest economies, Trump has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage. Also read: Setting the record straight: TikTok denies Trump's accusations The US leader early this month also ordered a ban on the messaging app WeChat, which is used extensively in China. 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." TikTok also repeated its intention to "pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded." China meanwhile on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" in the TikTok case.

Oracle joins bid to acquire TikTok's US operations: Report

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

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

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

Google rallies YouTubers against Australian news payment plan

“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

Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats -- in a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps.

The update comes with the message: "There's a New Way to Message on Instagram". It's available&nbsp;for both iOS and Android devices.

Once you hit the update, the regular DM icon in the top right of Instagram is replaced by the Facebook Messenger logo. Currently, the functionality to message Facebook users from Instagram is not possible.

Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion.

Facebook has also integrated Messenger rooms with WhatsApp on the Web. People can now access Messenger Rooms which allow group video calls of up to 50 people with no time limit via WhatsApp on the desktop.

The Messenger Rooms integration is yet to arrive on WhatsApp on mobile.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had earlier revealed his plans to integrate its chat services to let billions of users message one another across platforms. More than the commercial benefits of the chat integration between the apps, he said he was concerned about data encryption.

Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats -- in a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps. The update comes with the message: "There's a New Way to Message on Instagram".

Facebook has reportedly started merging Instagram and Messenger chats -- in a bid to allow cross-messaging among its family of apps. The update comes with the message: "There's a New Way to Message on Instagram". It's available for both iOS and Android devices. Once you hit the update, the regular DM icon in the top right of Instagram is replaced by the Facebook Messenger logo. Currently, the functionality to message Facebook users from Instagram is not possible. Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion. Facebook has also integrated Messenger rooms with WhatsApp on the Web. People can now access Messenger Rooms which allow group video calls of up to 50 people with no time limit via WhatsApp on the desktop. The Messenger Rooms integration is yet to arrive on WhatsApp on mobile. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had earlier revealed his plans to integrate its chat services to let billions of users message one another across platforms. More than the commercial benefits of the chat integration between the apps, he said he was concerned about data encryption.

Facebook begins merging Instagram, Messenger chats, says report

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc&nbsp;(AAPL.O) have against locked horns —&nbsp; this time the topic is commission fee.

Facebook announced that Apple has&nbsp;now declined its request to waive a 30 per cent commission fee the iPhone maker charges apps listed on iOS devices. Facebook claims it made the request so that the small businesses do not have to pay Apple's cut&nbsp;for a new paid online 'events' product that Facebook&nbsp;is launching on its core platform.

Apple, much like Google, charges a commission fee between 15 to 30 per cent for app&nbsp;subscriptions and payments made inside apps, except for them companies that already&nbsp;have a credit card on file for iPhone customers. This practice by tech company has been criticised earlier too by various developers.

Recently, 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games also got into a legal and social war with Apple over similar issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/fortnite-makers-to-sue-apple-inc-as-freefortnite-trends-with-remake-of-1984-video-320327">Also read:&nbsp;'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video</a>

The issue came to light after a mock up of the new feature of Facebook on iPhone showed that the company planned to tell users that Apple would take 30 per cent of the purchase.

While the same process is followed by Google, it is not clear if Google would walk the oath of Apple in this case, or let go of the fee for a greater cause.

Google and Facebook declined to reveal their arrangement, though.

Fidji Simo, head of&nbsp;the core Facebook app, announced the tool in a media conference call featuring small business owners who praised it as a way to reach customers and earn revenue online during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said Facebook considered it “important to be transparent, when people are supporting small businesses,” as users might not be aware that part of their payments could be “going to an almost $2 trillion company.”

Apple has not yet responded to the controversy.

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have against locked horns — this time the topic is commission fee.

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have against locked horns — this time the topic is commission fee. Facebook announced that Apple has now declined its request to waive a 30 per cent commission fee the iPhone maker charges apps listed on iOS devices. Facebook claims it made the request so that the small businesses do not have to pay Apple's cut for a new paid online 'events' product that Facebook is launching on its core platform. Apple, much like Google, charges a commission fee between 15 to 30 per cent for app subscriptions and payments made inside apps, except for them companies that already have a credit card on file for iPhone customers. This practice by tech company has been criticised earlier too by various developers. Recently, 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games also got into a legal and social war with Apple over similar issues. Also read: 'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video The issue came to light after a mock up of the new feature of Facebook on iPhone showed that the company planned to tell users that Apple would take 30 per cent of the purchase. While the same process is followed by Google, it is not clear if Google would walk the oath of Apple in this case, or let go of the fee for a greater cause. Google and Facebook declined to reveal their arrangement, though. Fidji Simo, head of the core Facebook app, announced the tool in a media conference call featuring small business owners who praised it as a way to reach customers and earn revenue online during the coronavirus pandemic. She said Facebook considered it “important to be transparent, when people are supporting small businesses,” as users might not be aware that part of their payments could be “going to an almost $2 trillion company.” Apple has not yet responded to the controversy.

Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc

Israel&nbsp;and the United States are&nbsp;nearing a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;whereby&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation&nbsp;5G&nbsp;mobile telecoms&nbsp;networks, a&nbsp;US&nbsp;official&nbsp;said.

The&nbsp;official&nbsp;told Reuters on Friday that a memorandum of understanding would likely be signed "within weeks" and confirmed quotes in an earlier Jerusalem Post report.

The newspaper quoted an unnamed&nbsp;US&nbsp;official&nbsp;as saying that the United States was "optimistic that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will ... choose to only allow trusted vendors in its&nbsp;5G&nbsp;networks".

Washington has been alarmed by Beijing's dominance in the&nbsp;5G&nbsp;infrastructure market and has pressed its allies to&nbsp;exclude&nbsp;kit made by Huawei Technologies&nbsp;from&nbsp;their&nbsp;networks.

This is partly being done through the&nbsp;US&nbsp;State Department's Clean Network initiative, which says it seeks to eliminate the "long-term threat to data privacy, security, and human rights posed to the free world&nbsp;from&nbsp;authoritarian malign actors, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)".

Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely&nbsp;from&nbsp;Britain's&nbsp;5G&nbsp;network by the end of 2027, risking the ire of&nbsp;China&nbsp;by signalling that the world's biggest telecoms equipment maker is not welcome in the West.

Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and European nations are among Washington's partners in The Clean Network initiative, according to the State Department's website.

Israel's communications ministry on Thursday concluded a tender to award frequencies to operate&nbsp;5G&nbsp;networks&nbsp;in the country, with licences awarded to several domestic mobile phone operators.

Israel and the United States are nearing a deal whereby Israel would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation 5G mobile telecoms networks, a US official said.

Israel and the United States are nearing a deal whereby Israel would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation 5G mobile telecoms networks, a US official said. The official told Reuters on Friday that a memorandum of understanding would likely be signed "within weeks" and confirmed quotes in an earlier Jerusalem Post report. The newspaper quoted an unnamed US official as saying that the United States was "optimistic that Israel will ... choose to only allow trusted vendors in its 5G networks". Washington has been alarmed by Beijing's dominance in the 5G infrastructure market and has pressed its allies to exclude kit made by Huawei Technologies from their networks. This is partly being done through the US State Department's Clean Network initiative, which says it seeks to eliminate the "long-term threat to data privacy, security, and human rights posed to the free world from authoritarian malign actors, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)". Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain's 5G network by the end of 2027, risking the ire of China by signalling that the world's biggest telecoms equipment maker is not welcome in the West. Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and European nations are among Washington's partners in The Clean Network initiative, according to the State Department's website. Israel's communications ministry on Thursday concluded a tender to award frequencies to operate 5G networks in the country, with licences awarded to several domestic mobile phone operators.

Israel, US near deal to exclude China from Israeli 5G networks

Apple Inc has been on a blocking rampage for the last few weeks now. After blocking games from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, Apple Inc has now blocked the famous "Fortnite" from its App Store.

Apple Inc has claimed "Fortnite" was violating in-app purchases policy of its App Store, due to which the company had to block the game. Epic Games, game developer, has now decided to retaliate in more than one way.

Epic Games has first filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc asking for no monetary compensation, but urging it to end its in-app purchases policy, and accusing it to block competition — an accusation which has been made against the tech giant earlier too.&nbsp;"Apple has become what it once railed against: the behemoth seeking to control markets, block competition, and stifle innovation. Apple is bigger, more powerful, more entrenched, and more pernicious than the monopolists of yesteryear," Epic said in its lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California.

This was Epic's legal way of handling the block. In addition to this, Epic Games took to social media to rally an online army against this block. Fortnite made a parody of Apple's 1984 introduction video and rolled out a video in which an Apple-shaped character is seen talking about the "anniversary of&nbsp;of the platform unification directives." The speech is interrupted when a woman fighter hurls a unicorn-head stick at the screen.

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The text at the end of the video reads, "Epic Games has defied the App Store monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices. Join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming 1984." which is followed by "#FreeFortnite" — a hashtag which has started trending on Twitter too.

Apple, on the other hand, claims a direct payment feature rolled out on the Fortnite app earlier on Thursday as the violation.

"The fact that their (Epic) business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users," Apple said in a statement.

Apple believes Epic Games launched the payment feature in Fortnite&nbsp;with the "express intent of violating the App Store guidelines" after having had apps in the store for a decade.

Spotify, the music-streaming app, was the first one to come to Epic's support.&nbsp;"Apple`s unfair practices have disadvantaged competitors and deprived consumers for far too long," Spotify saidin a statement. "The stakes for consumers and app developers large and small couldn`t be higher and ensuring that the iOS platform operates competitively and fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications."

Apple Inc has been on a blocking rampage for the last few weeks now. After blocking games from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, Apple Inc has now blocked the famous "Fortnite" from its App Store.

Apple Inc has been on a blocking rampage for the last few weeks now. After blocking games from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, Apple Inc has now blocked the famous "Fortnite" from its App Store. Apple Inc has claimed "Fortnite" was violating in-app purchases policy of its App Store, due to which the company had to block the game. Epic Games, game developer, has now decided to retaliate in more than one way. Epic Games has first filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc asking for no monetary compensation, but urging it to end its in-app purchases policy, and accusing it to block competition — an accusation which has been made against the tech giant earlier too. "Apple has become what it once railed against: the behemoth seeking to control markets, block competition, and stifle innovation. Apple is bigger, more powerful, more entrenched, and more pernicious than the monopolists of yesteryear," Epic said in its lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California. This was Epic's legal way of handling the block. In addition to this, Epic Games took to social media to rally an online army against this block. Fortnite made a parody of Apple's 1984 introduction video and rolled out a video in which an Apple-shaped character is seen talking about the "anniversary of of the platform unification directives." The speech is interrupted when a woman fighter hurls a unicorn-head stick at the screen. × The text at the end of the video reads, "Epic Games has defied the App Store monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices. Join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming 1984." which is followed by "#FreeFortnite" — a hashtag which has started trending on Twitter too. Apple, on the other hand, claims a direct payment feature rolled out on the Fortnite app earlier on Thursday as the violation. "The fact that their (Epic) business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users," Apple said in a statement. Apple believes Epic Games launched the payment feature in Fortnite with the "express intent of violating the App Store guidelines" after having had apps in the store for a decade. Spotify, the music-streaming app, was the first one to come to Epic's support. "Apple`s unfair practices have disadvantaged competitors and deprived consumers for far too long," Spotify saidin a statement. "The stakes for consumers and app developers large and small couldn`t be higher and ensuring that the iOS platform operates competitively and fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications."

'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video

Twitter said late on Wednesday it plans to expand its rules against misinformation regarding mail-in ballots and early voting in the US&nbsp;elections this year.

The move, reported earlier by Politico and confirmed by a Twitter executive, will involve coming up with new policies "that emphasise accurate information about all available options to vote, including by mail and early voting."

"Ahead of the 2020 US&nbsp;Election, we're focused on empowering every eligible person to register and vote through partnerships, tools and new policies," Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Twitter's vice president for public policy in the Americas, told Reuters in an email.

The social media platform also said it would roll out measures on new tools, policies, and voting resources in the next month.

Twitter said it is exploring how to expand its "civic integrity policies" to address mischaracterizations of mail-in voting and other procedures, including registration. The finer details of the step are still being finalised.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that voting by mail, which is expected to increase dramatically this fall due to coronavirus outbreak, is susceptible to large-scale fraud.

Voting by mail is not new in the United States — nearly one in four voters cast 2016 presidential ballots that way.

Routine methods and the decentralized nature of U.S. elections make it very hard to interfere with mailed ballots, experts say.

Late last month, Facebook Inc placed a "voting info" label on a post by Trump that said mail-in voting would lead to a "CORRUPT ELECTION."&nbsp;

Twitter said late on Wednesday it plans to expand its rules against misinformation regarding mail-in ballots and early voting in the US elections this year. The move, reported earlier by Politico and confirmed by a Twitter executive, will involve coming up with new policies "that emphasise accurate information about all available options to vote, including by mail and early voting.

Twitter said late on Wednesday it plans to expand its rules against misinformation regarding mail-in ballots and early voting in the US elections this year. The move, reported earlier by Politico and confirmed by a Twitter executive, will involve coming up with new policies "that emphasise accurate information about all available options to vote, including by mail and early voting." "Ahead of the 2020 US Election, we're focused on empowering every eligible person to register and vote through partnerships, tools and new policies," Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Twitter's vice president for public policy in the Americas, told Reuters in an email. The social media platform also said it would roll out measures on new tools, policies, and voting resources in the next month. Twitter said it is exploring how to expand its "civic integrity policies" to address mischaracterizations of mail-in voting and other procedures, including registration. The finer details of the step are still being finalised. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that voting by mail, which is expected to increase dramatically this fall due to coronavirus outbreak, is susceptible to large-scale fraud. Voting by mail is not new in the United States — nearly one in four voters cast 2016 presidential ballots that way. Routine methods and the decentralized nature of U.S. elections make it very hard to interfere with mailed ballots, experts say. Late last month, Facebook Inc placed a "voting info" label on a post by Trump that said mail-in voting would lead to a "CORRUPT ELECTION."

Twitter to expand rules against misinformation on mail-in ballots, early voting

China's Tencent said on Wednesday it did not believe a US&nbsp;move to ban transactions on its international messaging to payments&nbsp;WeChat&nbsp;app would apply to its domestic Weixin platform, potentially limiting fallout from the move.

Tencent is the latest Chinese tech giant caught in the crosshairs of an escalated Sino-US&nbsp;cyber war after President Trump said last week the United States would ban&nbsp;WeChat-related transactions in the country.

In a call after reporting a 37% rise in second-quarter net profit, executives tried to soothe market sentiment and said the company was in the process of seeking further clarification from relevant parties.

Chief financial officer John Lo said Tencent's initial reading was that the US&nbsp;executive order was focused on&nbsp;WeChat&nbsp;in the United States and it did not believe its other businesses there would be affected.

The US&nbsp;accounts for less than 2 per cent&nbsp;of Tencent's total revenue, said James Mitchell, chief strategy officer, and likely less than 1% of total advertising revenue.

"If you look at the executive orders from May 2019 and then obviously the executive order a couple of days ago, they specify very clearly they cover US&nbsp;jurisdiction, and consequently we don't see any impact on companies advertising on our platform in China," he said.

Revenue from online games, which accounts for one-third of total sales, jumped 40% in the second quarter, primarily driven by smart phone games including Peacekeeper Elite and Honour of Kings, as the coronavirus put a dent in other entertainment options.

However, the company postponed a blockbuster release of "Dungeon and Fighter Mobile" game, planned for August&nbsp;12, citing upgrades needed to the game's addiction prevention system. It did not indicate a new release date.

Social networks, fintech and business services, and social advertising revenues all grew by nearly 30%.

Media advertising revenues fell by 25&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;however, amid a "challenging macro environment" and delayed content production and releases.

The world's largest gaming firm by revenue booked $4.8 billion&nbsp;profit for the three months through June, ahead of an average analysts' estimate of 27.56 billion yuan, according to data from Refinitiv.

Revenue rose 29&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 114.88 billion yuan, versus market expectations of 112.76 billion yuan.

China's Tencent said on Wednesday it did not believe a US move to ban transactions on its international messaging to payments WeChat app would apply to its domestic Weixin platform, potentially limiting fallout from the move.

China's Tencent said on Wednesday it did not believe a US move to ban transactions on its international messaging to payments WeChat app would apply to its domestic Weixin platform, potentially limiting fallout from the move. Tencent is the latest Chinese tech giant caught in the crosshairs of an escalated Sino-US cyber war after President Trump said last week the United States would ban WeChat-related transactions in the country. In a call after reporting a 37% rise in second-quarter net profit, executives tried to soothe market sentiment and said the company was in the process of seeking further clarification from relevant parties. Chief financial officer John Lo said Tencent's initial reading was that the US executive order was focused on WeChat in the United States and it did not believe its other businesses there would be affected. The US accounts for less than 2 per cent of Tencent's total revenue, said James Mitchell, chief strategy officer, and likely less than 1% of total advertising revenue. "If you look at the executive orders from May 2019 and then obviously the executive order a couple of days ago, they specify very clearly they cover US jurisdiction, and consequently we don't see any impact on companies advertising on our platform in China," he said. Revenue from online games, which accounts for one-third of total sales, jumped 40% in the second quarter, primarily driven by smart phone games including Peacekeeper Elite and Honour of Kings, as the coronavirus put a dent in other entertainment options. However, the company postponed a blockbuster release of "Dungeon and Fighter Mobile" game, planned for August 12, citing upgrades needed to the game's addiction prevention system. It did not indicate a new release date. Social networks, fintech and business services, and social advertising revenues all grew by nearly 30%. Media advertising revenues fell by 25 per cent however, amid a "challenging macro environment" and delayed content production and releases. The world's largest gaming firm by revenue booked $4.8 billion profit for the three months through June, ahead of an average analysts' estimate of 27.56 billion yuan, according to data from Refinitiv. Revenue rose 29 per cent to 114.88 billion yuan, versus market expectations of 112.76 billion yuan.

WeChat-owner tries to soothe concerns about Trump's proposed US ban

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

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

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

Instagram faces fresh lawsuit over illegal harvesting of biometrics

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

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

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

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

Huawei Technologies Co, which has been facing boycott globally for its alleged links with the Chinese government and the world growing wary of products coming out of China, might soon be unable to keep making chipsets in the face of pressure.

US at the forefront

US had been at the forefront of the anti-Huawei sentiment in terms of 5G connectivity, but in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-China sentiment running strong, countries like the UK have also banned Huawei’s role in 5G networks and will work to phase out usage of company components over the next decade.

Due to this backlash, Huawei will halt the production of its flagship Kirin chipsets starting September 2020, first reported by magazine Caixin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/amid-tensions-over-huawei-chinese-court-sentences-canadian-national-to-death-318573" hreflang="en">Amid tensions over Huawei, Chinese court sentences Canadian national to death</a>

With all eyes on China, Huawei’s suppliers are unable to keep up the production of chipsets, which is an important component of every smartphone. Richard Yu, the CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Unit revealed this news during the launch of the company’s new mobile called Mate 40.

US is pressurising governments across the world to boycott Huawei, claiming the company is handing out user data to the Chinese government, a claim which has staunchly denied by the company.

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A trajectory of boycott

Similarly, the Chinese app TikTok has been placed under a lot of scrutiny. India became the first country to officially ban Chinese apps including TikTok and CamScanner after a border skirmish. The trend has been picked up by countries around the globe, who feel China needs to sidelined for hiding information about COVID-19 in its early stages, which could have prevented its transmission across the globe.

The US has upped the ante against the company, demanding the extradition of the company’s chief financial officer - Meng Wanzhou from Canada on charges of bank fraud.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/chinas-huawei-overtakes-samsung-as-top-smartphone-seller-316933" hreflang="en">China's Huawei overtakes Samsung as top smartphone seller</a>

In May 2020, US had issued orders to its software and manufacturing equipment suppliers to stop all business with the company, unless a license was first obtained.

"From September 15 onward, our flagship Kirin processors cannot be produced… Our AI-powered chips also cannot be processed. This is a huge loss for us”, the company chief announced, according to Caixin.

Huawei Technologies Co, which has been facing boycott globally for its alleged links with the Chinese government and the world growing wary of products coming out of China, might soon be unable to keep making chipsets in the face of pressure.

Huawei Technologies Co, which has been facing boycott globally for its alleged links with the Chinese government and the world growing wary of products coming out of China, might soon be unable to keep making chipsets in the face of pressure. US at the forefront US had been at the forefront of the anti-Huawei sentiment in terms of 5G connectivity, but in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-China sentiment running strong, countries like the UK have also banned Huawei’s role in 5G networks and will work to phase out usage of company components over the next decade. Due to this backlash, Huawei will halt the production of its flagship Kirin chipsets starting September 2020, first reported by magazine Caixin. Also read: Amid tensions over Huawei, Chinese court sentences Canadian national to death With all eyes on China, Huawei’s suppliers are unable to keep up the production of chipsets, which is an important component of every smartphone. Richard Yu, the CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Unit revealed this news during the launch of the company’s new mobile called Mate 40. US is pressurising governments across the world to boycott Huawei, claiming the company is handing out user data to the Chinese government, a claim which has staunchly denied by the company. A trajectory of boycott Similarly, the Chinese app TikTok has been placed under a lot of scrutiny. India became the first country to officially ban Chinese apps including TikTok and CamScanner after a border skirmish. The trend has been picked up by countries around the globe, who feel China needs to sidelined for hiding information about COVID-19 in its early stages, which could have prevented its transmission across the globe. The US has upped the ante against the company, demanding the extradition of the company’s chief financial officer - Meng Wanzhou from Canada on charges of bank fraud. Also read: China's Huawei overtakes Samsung as top smartphone seller In May 2020, US had issued orders to its software and manufacturing equipment suppliers to stop all business with the company, unless a license was first obtained. "From September 15 onward, our flagship Kirin processors cannot be produced… Our AI-powered chips also cannot be processed. This is a huge loss for us”, the company chief announced, according to Caixin.

Huawei to halt production of flagship chipsets in September as pressure against company mounts

Twitter has been working on a new feature with which the users will be able to view retweets with quotes (formerly known as retweets with comments) on each of their posts.

The 'quote retweets' will now appear as "Quotes" under tweets, with their own counter. It will be similar to how the number of retweets and likes are displayed. The social network is currently testing this new feature.

"A few months ago, we made Retweets with Comments more visible when you tap to see Retweets on a Tweet," a Twitter spokesperson said.

"This is available to everyone. Now, we're testing making Retweets with Comments accessible directly on the Tweet and new language (Quotes) to see if this makes them easier to access and more understandable."

The column will be separate from the current retweets counter but would be live in the same line underneath the post. This feature would list all the retweets one gets and separates those with comments from those without, making it easy to check if there's somebody you can interact with.

Twitter is also working on a key feature that will let both Android and iOS users schedule a tweet to be released on a specific date and time.

Scheduling seems to be currently available only to some users on Twitter for desktop and will be available for all soon.

The micro-blogging feature is also experimenting with giving users a second opportunity to self-edit their tweets and replies if they contain harmful, abusive and hate content, before they post it on the platform.

Twitter has been working on a new feature with which the users will be able to view retweets with quotes (formerly known as retweets with comments) on each of their posts.

Twitter has been working on a new feature with which the users will be able to view retweets with quotes (formerly known as retweets with comments) on each of their posts. The 'quote retweets' will now appear as "Quotes" under tweets, with their own counter. It will be similar to how the number of retweets and likes are displayed. The social network is currently testing this new feature. "A few months ago, we made Retweets with Comments more visible when you tap to see Retweets on a Tweet," a Twitter spokesperson said. "This is available to everyone. Now, we're testing making Retweets with Comments accessible directly on the Tweet and new language (Quotes) to see if this makes them easier to access and more understandable." The column will be separate from the current retweets counter but would be live in the same line underneath the post. This feature would list all the retweets one gets and separates those with comments from those without, making it easy to check if there's somebody you can interact with. Twitter is also working on a key feature that will let both Android and iOS users schedule a tweet to be released on a specific date and time. Scheduling seems to be currently available only to some users on Twitter for desktop and will be available for all soon. The micro-blogging feature is also experimenting with giving users a second opportunity to self-edit their tweets and replies if they contain harmful, abusive and hate content, before they post it on the platform.

Twitter working on new tool to help users view 'quote retweets'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese tech giant Huawei Huawei said production of its most advanced smartphone chips would stop in September due to US sanctions, causing a "huge loss".

It is running out of processor chips to make smartphones due to US sanctions and will be forced to stop production of its own most advanced chips, a company executive says, in a sign of growing damage to Huawei's business from American pressure.

Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms networking equipment, has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington, which claims the firm poses a significant cybersecurity threat.

The feud has spread to include the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok and China-based messaging service WeChat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-cries-foul-as-social-media-giants-crackdown-on-spamouflage-intensifies-318945" hreflang="en">China cries foul as social media giants crackdown on 'spamouflage' intensifies</a>

Washington cut off Huawei's access to US&nbsp;Components and technology including Google's music and other smartphone services last year. Those penalties were tightened in May when the White House barred vendors worldwide from using US technology to produce components for Huawei.

Production of Kirin chips designed by Huawei's own engineers will stop September 15 because they are made by contractors that need US manufacturing technology, said Richard Yu, president of the company's consumer unit. He said Huawei lacks the ability to make its own chips.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-threatens-legal-action-in-us-court-over-trumps-executive-order-318834" hreflang="en">TikTok threatens legal action in US court over Trump's executive order</a>

This is a very big loss for us,&nbsp;Yu said Friday at an industry conference, China Info 100, according to a video recording of his comments posted on multiple websites.

Unfortunately, in the second round of US&nbsp;Sanctions, our chip producers only accepted orders until May 15. Production will close on September 15,&nbsp;Yu said. This year may be the last generation of Huawei Kirin high-end chips.&nbsp;More broadly, Huawei's smartphone production has no chips and no supply,&nbsp;Yu said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-political-manipulation-over-tiktok-wechat-ban-318816" hreflang="en">China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban</a>

Yu said this year's smartphone sales probably will be lower than 2019's level of 240 million handsets but gave no details. The company didn't immediately respond to questions Saturday.

Huawei, founded in 1987 by a former military engineer, denies accusations it might facilitate Chinese spying. Chinese officials accuse Washington of using national security as an excuse to stop a competitor to US tech industries.

Huawei is a leader among emerging Chinese competitors in telecoms, electric cars, renewable energy and other fields in which the ruling Communist Party hopes China can become a global leader.

Huawei has 180,000 employees and one of the world's biggest research and development budgets at more than $15 billion a year. But, like most global tech brands, it relies on contractors to manufacture its products.

Earlier, Huawei announced its global sales rose 13.1 per cent&nbsp;over a year ago to $65 billion&nbsp;in the first half of 2020. Yu said that was due to strong sales of high-end products but gave no details.

Huawei became the world's top-selling smartphone brand in the three months ending in June, passing rival Samsung for the first time due to strong demand in China, according to Canalys. Sales abroad fell 27 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier.

Washington also is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei from planned next-generation networks as a security risk. 
In other US-Chinese clashes, TikTok's owner, ByteDance Ltd, is under White House pressure to sell the video app. That is due to fears its access to personal information about millions of American users might be a security risk.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a ban on unspecified transactions with TikTok and the Chinese owner of WeChat, a popular messaging service.&nbsp;

Chinese tech giant Huawei Huawei said production of its most advanced smartphone chips would stop in September due to US sanctions, causing a "huge loss". It is running out of processor chips to make smartphones due to US sanctions and will be forced to stop production of its own most advanced chips, a company executive says, in a sign of growing damage to Huawei's business from American pressure.

Chinese tech giant Huawei Huawei said production of its most advanced smartphone chips would stop in September due to US sanctions, causing a "huge loss". It is running out of processor chips to make smartphones due to US sanctions and will be forced to stop production of its own most advanced chips, a company executive says, in a sign of growing damage to Huawei's business from American pressure. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms networking equipment, has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington, which claims the firm poses a significant cybersecurity threat. The feud has spread to include the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok and China-based messaging service WeChat. Also read: China cries foul as social media giants crackdown on 'spamouflage' intensifies Washington cut off Huawei's access to US Components and technology including Google's music and other smartphone services last year. Those penalties were tightened in May when the White House barred vendors worldwide from using US technology to produce components for Huawei. Production of Kirin chips designed by Huawei's own engineers will stop September 15 because they are made by contractors that need US manufacturing technology, said Richard Yu, president of the company's consumer unit. He said Huawei lacks the ability to make its own chips. Also read: TikTok threatens legal action in US court over Trump's executive order This is a very big loss for us, Yu said Friday at an industry conference, China Info 100, according to a video recording of his comments posted on multiple websites. Unfortunately, in the second round of US Sanctions, our chip producers only accepted orders until May 15. Production will close on September 15, Yu said. This year may be the last generation of Huawei Kirin high-end chips. More broadly, Huawei's smartphone production has no chips and no supply, Yu said. Also read: China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban Yu said this year's smartphone sales probably will be lower than 2019's level of 240 million handsets but gave no details. The company didn't immediately respond to questions Saturday. Huawei, founded in 1987 by a former military engineer, denies accusations it might facilitate Chinese spying. Chinese officials accuse Washington of using national security as an excuse to stop a competitor to US tech industries. Huawei is a leader among emerging Chinese competitors in telecoms, electric cars, renewable energy and other fields in which the ruling Communist Party hopes China can become a global leader. Huawei has 180,000 employees and one of the world's biggest research and development budgets at more than $15 billion a year. But, like most global tech brands, it relies on contractors to manufacture its products. Earlier, Huawei announced its global sales rose 13.1 per cent over a year ago to $65 billion in the first half of 2020. Yu said that was due to strong sales of high-end products but gave no details. Huawei became the world's top-selling smartphone brand in the three months ending in June, passing rival Samsung for the first time due to strong demand in China, according to Canalys. Sales abroad fell 27 per cent from a year earlier. Washington also is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei from planned next-generation networks as a security risk. In other US-Chinese clashes, TikTok's owner, ByteDance Ltd, is under White House pressure to sell the video app. That is due to fears its access to personal information about millions of American users might be a security risk. On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a ban on unspecified transactions with TikTok and the Chinese owner of WeChat, a popular messaging service.

Huawei to halt smartphone chip production due to US sanctions

China has been flying high on its spamouflage dragon, a beast of a network used to spam the online world with camouflaged Chinese propaganda.&nbsp;

But now the monster is being crippled as social media giants are pulling out their ammunition.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/over-2500-youtube-channels-linked-to-china-removed-318656">Over 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China removed</a>

Google has deleted 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China, saying they were part of a coordinated influence campaign.&nbsp;

These channels mostly uploaded spammy, non-political content, but a powerful subset posted political messages.&nbsp;

The network used video footage from Chinese government channels, turning up the volume against Hong Kong protests, praising Chinese President Xi Jinping's response to the pandemic, while criticising US President Donald Trump over riots in the US.

In 2019, US lawmakers sounded the alarm and immediately Google suspended 210 YouTube channels.&nbsp;

Twitter and Facebook too joined in to dismantle China's fake news machine.&nbsp;

However, the spamouflage dragon is making a comeback, rearmed and rejuvenated.&nbsp;

Google says the behaviour is similar to the activity spotted by Twitter.&nbsp;

The Chinese government uses amplifier accounts to boost the core message.&nbsp;

Last month, Twitter deleted over 170,000 accounts, which were all spreading deceptive narratives favourable to the Chinese government.&nbsp;

After Facebook, Twitter has gone a step further to weed out China-sponsored propaganda.&nbsp;

Twitter, this time, has aimed at China's state-backed media.

The handles of People's Daily, CGTN, Xinhua News, China News Service, and Global Times can now be seen with a line: China state-affiliated media.&nbsp;

Twitter said people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor.

The social media giant has also put a label on Lijian Zhao, which describes him as China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson.&nbsp;

Twitter has said that it is going to put labels on senior officials and entities that represent the voice of the state abroad.

This applies to all countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

As expected, China has taken offence.&nbsp;

Global Times says Twitter's decision to label Chinese public figures and media is a political move to satisfy Trump.&nbsp;

CGTN is crying foul too.&nbsp;

China is upset because its media and political accounts will lose the teeth to cause any kind of damage.&nbsp;

Tweets from state-linked media accounts will no longer be shown on the home screen, notifications or search.

It's a docile existence that will put the spamouflage dragon to sleep and China is surely wringing its hands as the US election is less than 100 days away.&nbsp;

China has been flying high on its spamouflage dragon, a beast of a network used to spam the online world with camouflaged Chinese propaganda. But now the monster is being crippled as social media giants are pulling out their ammunition.

China has been flying high on its spamouflage dragon, a beast of a network used to spam the online world with camouflaged Chinese propaganda. But now the monster is being crippled as social media giants are pulling out their ammunition. Also read | Over 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China removed Google has deleted 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China, saying they were part of a coordinated influence campaign. These channels mostly uploaded spammy, non-political content, but a powerful subset posted political messages. The network used video footage from Chinese government channels, turning up the volume against Hong Kong protests, praising Chinese President Xi Jinping's response to the pandemic, while criticising US President Donald Trump over riots in the US. In 2019, US lawmakers sounded the alarm and immediately Google suspended 210 YouTube channels. Twitter and Facebook too joined in to dismantle China's fake news machine. However, the spamouflage dragon is making a comeback, rearmed and rejuvenated. Google says the behaviour is similar to the activity spotted by Twitter. The Chinese government uses amplifier accounts to boost the core message. Last month, Twitter deleted over 170,000 accounts, which were all spreading deceptive narratives favourable to the Chinese government. After Facebook, Twitter has gone a step further to weed out China-sponsored propaganda. Twitter, this time, has aimed at China's state-backed media. The handles of People's Daily, CGTN, Xinhua News, China News Service, and Global Times can now be seen with a line: China state-affiliated media. Twitter said people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor. The social media giant has also put a label on Lijian Zhao, which describes him as China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson. Twitter has said that it is going to put labels on senior officials and entities that represent the voice of the state abroad. This applies to all countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council. As expected, China has taken offence. Global Times says Twitter's decision to label Chinese public figures and media is a political move to satisfy Trump. CGTN is crying foul too. China is upset because its media and political accounts will lose the teeth to cause any kind of damage. Tweets from state-linked media accounts will no longer be shown on the home screen, notifications or search. It's a docile existence that will put the spamouflage dragon to sleep and China is surely wringing its hands as the US election is less than 100 days away.

China cries foul as social media giants crackdown on 'spamouflage' intensifies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facebook removes small pro-Trump network based in Romania

Facebook Inc will allow employees to work from home until July 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak and will give them $1,000 for home office needs, a spokeswoman for the social media giant said on Thursday.

The company joins other big technology firms that have taken similar steps recently.

Late in July, Alphabet Inc's Google said it would allow employees who do not need to be in the office to work from home until the end of June 2021, while Twitter Inc had proposed remote work indefinitely for some of its employees.

"Based on guidance from health and government experts, as well as decisions drawn from our internal discussions about these matters, we are allowing employees to continue voluntarily working from home until July 2021", a Facebook spokeswoman said in an emailed statement.

"In addition, we are giving employees an additional $1,000 for home office needs," it added.

Facebook also said that the company will continue reopening offices in a restricted capacity where government guidance permits and where virus mitigation has taken place for about two months.

However, the company added that it was unlikely many locations will reopen in the United States and Latin America before the end of the year, due to the high number of COVID-19 cases.

Facebook Inc will allow employees to work from home until July 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak and will give them $1,000 for home office needs, a spokeswoman for the social media giant said on Thursday.

Facebook Inc will allow employees to work from home until July 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak and will give them $1,000 for home office needs, a spokeswoman for the social media giant said on Thursday. The company joins other big technology firms that have taken similar steps recently. Late in July, Alphabet Inc's Google said it would allow employees who do not need to be in the office to work from home until the end of June 2021, while Twitter Inc had proposed remote work indefinitely for some of its employees. "Based on guidance from health and government experts, as well as decisions drawn from our internal discussions about these matters, we are allowing employees to continue voluntarily working from home until July 2021", a Facebook spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. "In addition, we are giving employees an additional $1,000 for home office needs," it added. Facebook also said that the company will continue reopening offices in a restricted capacity where government guidance permits and where virus mitigation has taken place for about two months. However, the company added that it was unlikely many locations will reopen in the United States and Latin America before the end of the year, due to the high number of COVID-19 cases.

Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices

Google said it has pulled down over 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China in a bid to combat disinformation spread through the video-sharing platform.&nbsp;

The tech giant said in between April and June, the channels were removed "as part of our ongoing investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to China."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-challenges-youtube-with-licensed-music-videos-317383#:~:text=Facebook%20on%20Friday%20added%20licensed,Sebastian%20Yatra%2C%20and%20other%20artists.">Facebook challenges YouTube with licensed music videos</a>

The content was in general "spammy, non-political" in nature, but certain videos also were related to politics, Google said in a quarterly bulletin on disinformation operations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtube-not-liable-for-illegal-copyrighted-works-on-its-platform-eu-court-adviser-says-313759#:~:text=Google%60s%20YouTube%20and%20other,Justice%20adviser%20said%20on%20Thursday.">YouTube not liable for illegal copyrighted works on its platform, EU court adviser says</a>

The Alphabet-owned company did not give information on the name of the channels but said Twitter and social media analytics company Graphika spotted similar activity.

China has so far not commented on the matter and in the past brushed aside any allegations on spreading disinformation campaigns.&nbsp;

The issue of fake news spread by foreign actors has become a major concern for many countries after the 2016 US presidential elections, where a number of accusations were levelled against Russian interference.

Tech giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter have tried to convince countries of the measures they are taking to weed out disinformation and hate-filled propaganda.&nbsp;

The bulletin released also mentioned Iran and Russia in doing similar activities.&nbsp;

Google said it has pulled down over 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China in a bid to combat disinformation spread through the video-sharing platform. The tech giant said in between April and June, the channels were removed "as part of our ongoing investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to China.

Google said it has pulled down over 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China in a bid to combat disinformation spread through the video-sharing platform. The tech giant said in between April and June, the channels were removed "as part of our ongoing investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to China." Also read | Facebook challenges YouTube with licensed music videos The content was in general "spammy, non-political" in nature, but certain videos also were related to politics, Google said in a quarterly bulletin on disinformation operations. Also read | YouTube not liable for illegal copyrighted works on its platform, EU court adviser says The Alphabet-owned company did not give information on the name of the channels but said Twitter and social media analytics company Graphika spotted similar activity. China has so far not commented on the matter and in the past brushed aside any allegations on spreading disinformation campaigns. The issue of fake news spread by foreign actors has become a major concern for many countries after the 2016 US presidential elections, where a number of accusations were levelled against Russian interference. Tech giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter have tried to convince countries of the measures they are taking to weed out disinformation and hate-filled propaganda. The bulletin released also mentioned Iran and Russia in doing similar activities.

Over 2,500 YouTube channels linked to China removed

ByteDance founder and CEO&nbsp;Zhang&nbsp;Yiming&nbsp;is going through the worst phase of his life as his&nbsp;is creations are being banned abroad and&nbsp;is being called a traitor.

With an exit from the American market looking inevitable,&nbsp;told employees on Tuesday there were misunderstandings on Chinese social media about TikTok's situation in the United States and that the company could face more difficulties as anti-Chinese sentiment rose abroad.

Yiming's comments in a letter to ByteDance's Chinese employees came after the company and&nbsp;Zhang&nbsp;were heavily criticised on Chinese social media for entering into talks with Microsoft Corp to sell TikTok's US&nbsp;operations.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-troubled-times-for-tiktoks-founder-app-banned-abroad-slammed-in-china-as-traitor-318192/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I actually understand (the criticism),"&nbsp;Zhang&nbsp;said in the letter. "People have high expectations of a company founded by a Chinese person which is going global but have little information about it. With lots of grievances towards the U.S. government, they tend to lash out at us with harsh criticism."

Since Monday, some users of China's Twitter-like Weibo have said they would uninstall ByteDance's Chinese short video app Douyin and news aggregator Jinri Toutiao because they believed ByteDance had given in too quickly to Washington.

Others urged ByteDance to learn from US&nbsp;giant Google, which opted to pull its search engine out of the Chinese market in 2010 after China asked it to censor its search results, rather than selling off its Chinese operations.

Zhang&nbsp;said some people had misunderstood the US&nbsp;situation. He said Washington's goal was not to force a sale of TikTok's US&nbsp;operations through the Committee of Foreign Investment in the US&nbsp;(CFIUS) but to ban the app, and there was a legal process ByteDance had no choice but to follow.

Zhang&nbsp;told staff on Monday in another internal letter that the company had started talks with a tech company so it could continue to offer the TikTok app in the United States.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump initially dismissed the idea of selling TikTok's US&nbsp;operations to Microsoft but changed his mind following pressure from some advisers and many in the Republican party, because banning TikTok could alienate many young voters.

Zhang&nbsp;also told employees that over the last two years, anti-Chinese sentiment had risen in many countries and the company must brace for more difficulties in the current atmosphere.

A powerful inter-agency body in the US, had opened a national security investigation into TikTok back in 2019.&nbsp;This committee looks into the national security implications of foreign investment deals in the US.

The probe was over an acquisition of an American social media app musical-ly which Bytedance had acquired three years ago.

Musical - ly was later merged with TikTok. But, Bytedance didn’t clear the deal with the committee. And, it believes that bytedance must now disinvest the entire american operations.

Trump has set the deadline for&nbsp;Bytedance's departure, that is,&nbsp;September 15 otherwise, TikTok will be banned in America.

After India banned Tiktok, the company is on the verge of getting banned in&nbsp;Australia and Japan.

Hundreds of anonymous users joined in under a post about Zhang’s letter, cursing him as a traitor of China, an American apologist and a coward, among many other labels.

Netizens are angry with the impending sale of TikTok and&nbsp;are cursing him. Armies of angry people began bombarding Zhang on Weibo. Reportedly, their accounts was suspended.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ByteDance CEO has hidden all his Weibo posts from the public, after patriotic netizens called him out for betraying Chinese interest for considering the TikTok US sale. 
 
A sign of this new era of techno-nationalism we are living in: <a href="https://t.co/traepYqUzd">https://t.co/traepYqUzd</a> w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/Colum_M?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Colum_M</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bylijing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bylijing</a> <a href="https://t.co/76Z4H58EZ3">pic.twitter.com/76Z4H58EZ3</a>
— Zheping Huang (@pingroma) <a href="https://twitter.com/pingroma/status/1290474063073181696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier today, a tweet claimed that all Weibo posts from zhang are now hidden from his profile.

Some of Zhang’s Weibo posts from the early 2010s, which can be seen by some as liberal-leaning, putting the entrepreneur in the rank of “public intellectuals.” The term has in recent years been thought of as derogatory, as internet patriots see the group as ignorant and worshippers of western values.

Now, in the rest of the world that tag is considered as a compliment. But in China, it’s an insult because, Chinese patriots see public intellectuals as ignorant, and worshippers of western values.

Bytedance has not betrayed the homeland. Tiktok is being banned because it cannot compromise on one thing: complete loyalty to the Chinese state&nbsp;and the Communist Party.

In 2018,&nbsp;a meeting was organised by the internal party committee of Bytedance to&nbsp;“implement the spirit of national propaganda”.

Chinese law requires every company to set up party committees within their organizations. They must have three or more members of the communist party. That’s how the Chinese state makes its presence felt in every boardroom of China.

In the past, tiktok has been caught blocking criticism against the Chinese state by censoring videos, posts against the&nbsp;Tiananmen square.

Tiktok has&nbsp;been accused of advancing China’s foreign policy aims. Now, it is being forced to either sell its business, or go offline.

ByteDance founder and CEO Zhang Yiming is going through the worst phase of his life as his is creations are being banned abroad and is being called a traitor. With an exit from the American market looking inevitable, told employees on Tuesday there were misunderstandings on Chinese social media about TikTok's situation in the United States and that the company could face more difficulties as anti-Chinese sentiment rose abroad.

ByteDance founder and CEO Zhang Yiming is going through the worst phase of his life as his is creations are being banned abroad and is being called a traitor. With an exit from the American market looking inevitable, told employees on Tuesday there were misunderstandings on Chinese social media about TikTok's situation in the United States and that the company could face more difficulties as anti-Chinese sentiment rose abroad. Yiming's comments in a letter to ByteDance's Chinese employees came after the company and Zhang were heavily criticised on Chinese social media for entering into talks with Microsoft Corp to sell TikTok's US operations. "I actually understand (the criticism)," Zhang said in the letter. "People have high expectations of a company founded by a Chinese person which is going global but have little information about it. With lots of grievances towards the U.S. government, they tend to lash out at us with harsh criticism." Since Monday, some users of China's Twitter-like Weibo have said they would uninstall ByteDance's Chinese short video app Douyin and news aggregator Jinri Toutiao because they believed ByteDance had given in too quickly to Washington. Others urged ByteDance to learn from US giant Google, which opted to pull its search engine out of the Chinese market in 2010 after China asked it to censor its search results, rather than selling off its Chinese operations. Zhang said some people had misunderstood the US situation. He said Washington's goal was not to force a sale of TikTok's US operations through the Committee of Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) but to ban the app, and there was a legal process ByteDance had no choice but to follow. Zhang told staff on Monday in another internal letter that the company had started talks with a tech company so it could continue to offer the TikTok app in the United States. US President Donald Trump initially dismissed the idea of selling TikTok's US operations to Microsoft but changed his mind following pressure from some advisers and many in the Republican party, because banning TikTok could alienate many young voters. Zhang also told employees that over the last two years, anti-Chinese sentiment had risen in many countries and the company must brace for more difficulties in the current atmosphere. A powerful inter-agency body in the US, had opened a national security investigation into TikTok back in 2019. This committee looks into the national security implications of foreign investment deals in the US. The probe was over an acquisition of an American social media app musical-ly which Bytedance had acquired three years ago. Musical - ly was later merged with TikTok. But, Bytedance didn’t clear the deal with the committee. And, it believes that bytedance must now disinvest the entire american operations. Trump has set the deadline for Bytedance's departure, that is, September 15 otherwise, TikTok will be banned in America. After India banned Tiktok, the company is on the verge of getting banned in Australia and Japan. Hundreds of anonymous users joined in under a post about Zhang’s letter, cursing him as a traitor of China, an American apologist and a coward, among many other labels. Netizens are angry with the impending sale of TikTok and are cursing him. Armies of angry people began bombarding Zhang on Weibo. Reportedly, their accounts was suspended. ByteDance CEO has hidden all his Weibo posts from the public, after patriotic netizens called him out for betraying Chinese interest for considering the TikTok US sale. A sign of this new era of techno-nationalism we are living in: https://t.co/traepYqUzd w/ @Colum_M @bylijing pic.twitter.com/76Z4H58EZ3 — Zheping Huang (@pingroma) August 4, 2020 × Earlier today, a tweet claimed that all Weibo posts from zhang are now hidden from his profile. Some of Zhang’s Weibo posts from the early 2010s, which can be seen by some as liberal-leaning, putting the entrepreneur in the rank of “public intellectuals.” The term has in recent years been thought of as derogatory, as internet patriots see the group as ignorant and worshippers of western values. Now, in the rest of the world that tag is considered as a compliment. But in China, it’s an insult because, Chinese patriots see public intellectuals as ignorant, and worshippers of western values. Bytedance has not betrayed the homeland. Tiktok is being banned because it cannot compromise on one thing: complete loyalty to the Chinese state and the Communist Party. In 2018, a meeting was organised by the internal party committee of Bytedance to “implement the spirit of national propaganda”. Chinese law requires every company to set up party committees within their organizations. They must have three or more members of the communist party. That’s how the Chinese state makes its presence felt in every boardroom of China. In the past, tiktok has been caught blocking criticism against the Chinese state by censoring videos, posts against the Tiananmen square. Tiktok has been accused of advancing China’s foreign policy aims. Now, it is being forced to either sell its business, or go offline.

ByteDance founder defends TikTok's US strategy in staff letter

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