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Pornhub has removed millions of videos that featured underage subjects, along with victims of sex-trafficking.&nbsp;

This comes in after Visa and Mastercard cut ties with the website after a New York Times report revealed how many inappropriate and illegal videos were circulating on the website, many featuring minors.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spike-in-child-pornography-consumption-in-india-during-lockdown-period-294879/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Due to this, Pornhub has removed the majority of its content, and now prohibits unverified users from positing content on the website. In addition to removing illegal videos, PornHub is in the process of removing videos that were uploaded by unverified users.

Announcing the move in a blog post, the company said that it is therefore removing all content emanating from unverifiable sources, while chiding mega social media companies like Facebook and Twitter for their inability to do the same.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/mastercard-visa-investigate-financial-ties-with-pornhub-348155" hreflang="en">Mastercard, Visa investigate financial ties with Pornhub</a>

“This means every piece of Pornhub content is from verified uploaders, a requirement that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter have yet to institute,” the company said.&nbsp;

“At Pornhub, the safety of our community is our top priority”, it added.

Soon after the removal process began, the number of videos on the website went from 13 million to just 4 million, according to a report by Motherboard.

Even though it’s a step in the right direction to curb underage content, it will also have a negative impact on sex workers, who use platforms like Pornhub to make a living during the pandemic, which has already left most of them without wages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pornhub-under-fire-for-rape-and-abuse-videos-285295" hreflang="en">Pornhub under fire for rape and abuse videos</a>

This is the first time since the launch of Pornhub in 2007 that only verified content will end up on the site.

In order to become verified, a Pornhub user needs to submit a photo of themselves with a piece of paper bearing their username. Once verified, users can monetise their videos.

Pornhub claims that it is being targeted not because of how its policies compare to its peers, but simply because it hosts adult content.

Pornhub has removed millions of videos that featured underage subjects, along with victims of sex-trafficking. This comes in after Visa and Mastercard cut ties with the website after a New York Times report revealed how many inappropriate and illegal videos were circulating on the website, many featuring minors.

Pornhub has removed millions of videos that featured underage subjects, along with victims of sex-trafficking. This comes in after Visa and Mastercard cut ties with the website after a New York Times report revealed how many inappropriate and illegal videos were circulating on the website, many featuring minors. Due to this, Pornhub has removed the majority of its content, and now prohibits unverified users from positing content on the website. In addition to removing illegal videos, PornHub is in the process of removing videos that were uploaded by unverified users. Announcing the move in a blog post, the company said that it is therefore removing all content emanating from unverifiable sources, while chiding mega social media companies like Facebook and Twitter for their inability to do the same. Also read: Mastercard, Visa investigate financial ties with Pornhub “This means every piece of Pornhub content is from verified uploaders, a requirement that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter have yet to institute,” the company said. “At Pornhub, the safety of our community is our top priority”, it added. Soon after the removal process began, the number of videos on the website went from 13 million to just 4 million, according to a report by Motherboard. Even though it’s a step in the right direction to curb underage content, it will also have a negative impact on sex workers, who use platforms like Pornhub to make a living during the pandemic, which has already left most of them without wages. Also read: Pornhub under fire for rape and abuse videos This is the first time since the launch of Pornhub in 2007 that only verified content will end up on the site. In order to become verified, a Pornhub user needs to submit a photo of themselves with a piece of paper bearing their username. Once verified, users can monetise their videos. Pornhub claims that it is being targeted not because of how its policies compare to its peers, but simply because it hosts adult content.

Pornhub removes 9 million videos amid reports of underage abuse

Facebook, Twitter and TikTok face fines of up to 10% of turnover if they fail to remove and limit the spread of illegal content under laws proposed by Britain on Tuesday. 
 
Tech platforms will also need to do more to protect children from being exposed to grooming, bullying and pornography, the government said, to ensure the safety of children online.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/facebook-removes-two-hacking-groups-from-bangladesh-vietnam-349001" hreflang="en">Facebook removes two hacking groups from Bangladesh, Vietnam</a> 
 
"We are entering a new age of accountability for tech to protect children and vulnerable users, to restore trust in this industry, and to enshrine in law safeguards for free speech," Britain`s Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said. 
 
Governments globally are wrestling over measures to better control illegal or dangerous content on social media, with the European Union set to unveil its own package on Tuesday. 
 
Britain`s new rules, which will be introduced in legislation next year, could lead to sites which break the rules being blocked and senior managers held liable for content. 
 
Popular platforms will be required to have clear policies for content that, while not illegal, could cause harm such as disseminating misinformation about COVID vaccines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/facebook-faces-lawsuits-that-could-force-sale-of-instagram-whatsapp-348713" hreflang="en">Facebook faces lawsuits that could force sale of Instagram, WhatsApp</a> 
 
Dowden said the framework would give large digital businesses "robust rules" to follow. 
 
Facebook and Google said in February they would work with the government on the regulations. Both companies said they took safety extremely seriously and they had already changed their policies and operations to better tackle the issue. 
 
British media regulator Ofcom will be given the power to fine companies up to 18 million pounds ($24 million) or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher, for breaking the rules. 
 
It will also be able to block non-compliant services from being accessed in Britain.&nbsp; 
 
Online journalism and reader comments on news publishers` websites will be exempt to safeguard freedom of expression.

Facebook, Twitter and TikTok face fines of up to 10% of turnover if they fail to remove and limit the spread of illegal content under laws proposed by Britain on Tuesday.

Facebook, Twitter and TikTok face fines of up to 10% of turnover if they fail to remove and limit the spread of illegal content under laws proposed by Britain on Tuesday. Tech platforms will also need to do more to protect children from being exposed to grooming, bullying and pornography, the government said, to ensure the safety of children online. Also read: Facebook removes two hacking groups from Bangladesh, Vietnam "We are entering a new age of accountability for tech to protect children and vulnerable users, to restore trust in this industry, and to enshrine in law safeguards for free speech," Britain`s Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said. Governments globally are wrestling over measures to better control illegal or dangerous content on social media, with the European Union set to unveil its own package on Tuesday. Britain`s new rules, which will be introduced in legislation next year, could lead to sites which break the rules being blocked and senior managers held liable for content. Popular platforms will be required to have clear policies for content that, while not illegal, could cause harm such as disseminating misinformation about COVID vaccines. Also read: Facebook faces lawsuits that could force sale of Instagram, WhatsApp Dowden said the framework would give large digital businesses "robust rules" to follow. Facebook and Google said in February they would work with the government on the regulations. Both companies said they took safety extremely seriously and they had already changed their policies and operations to better tackle the issue. British media regulator Ofcom will be given the power to fine companies up to 18 million pounds ($24 million) or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher, for breaking the rules. It will also be able to block non-compliant services from being accessed in Britain. Online journalism and reader comments on news publishers` websites will be exempt to safeguard freedom of expression.

Facebook, Twitter face British fines if fail on harmful content

The year 2020 has not been the best of the year for the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform TikTok with accusations of breach of privacy and circulating explicit content. However, other social media platforms have utilised TikTok's success to launch their own video platforms.

Taking an example of TikTok's success, social media giants Facebook has become the most recent addition in the list of platforms launching their own video-sharing platform.&nbsp;

Facebook Inc has launched a new app called 'Collab' which lets the users record their own audio and also allows them to combine different parts of videos to compile a single video.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/reddit-buys-tiktoks-competitor-dubsmash-promises-diversity-349746">Reddit buys TikTok's competitor Dubsmash; promises diversity</a>

The new app is specifically designed for musicians who can combine three 15-seconds long videos by stacking them on each other, i.e, a clip of a drummer, guitarist and singer can be recorded and stacked on top of each other to make a complete music video.&nbsp;

For those who lack the extra-ordinary musical talent, Collab also provides the options of swiping and adding an already added clip or mix.

The app also gives the users a chance to discover collabs of other users in the format of a timeline, similar to TikTok's discover feature and Facebook's already-existing 'Timeline' feature.

With a downfall in TikTok's market and concerns over the security of data, Collab is hoping to gain more audience through this new app.

The launch has come a day after content-sharing app Reddit bought another short video-sharing app Dubsmash in a bid to promote local creators and bring more diversity.

The year 2020 has not been the best of the year for the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform TikTok with accusations of breach of privacy and circulating explicit content.

The year 2020 has not been the best of the year for the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform TikTok with accusations of breach of privacy and circulating explicit content. However, other social media platforms have utilised TikTok's success to launch their own video platforms. Taking an example of TikTok's success, social media giants Facebook has become the most recent addition in the list of platforms launching their own video-sharing platform. Facebook Inc has launched a new app called 'Collab' which lets the users record their own audio and also allows them to combine different parts of videos to compile a single video. Also read| Reddit buys TikTok's competitor Dubsmash; promises diversity The new app is specifically designed for musicians who can combine three 15-seconds long videos by stacking them on each other, i.e, a clip of a drummer, guitarist and singer can be recorded and stacked on top of each other to make a complete music video. For those who lack the extra-ordinary musical talent, Collab also provides the options of swiping and adding an already added clip or mix. The app also gives the users a chance to discover collabs of other users in the format of a timeline, similar to TikTok's discover feature and Facebook's already-existing 'Timeline' feature. With a downfall in TikTok's market and concerns over the security of data, Collab is hoping to gain more audience through this new app. The launch has come a day after content-sharing app Reddit bought another short video-sharing app Dubsmash in a bid to promote local creators and bring more diversity.

Facebook launches 'Collab' as TikTok's competition

In another major takeover of 2020, Reddit has announced it has bought the popular video-sharing platform Dubsmash — which rose to fame as TikTok's competitive app.

"We are excited to announce that Reddit has acquired short-form video social platform Dubsmash," Reddit announced in a statement posted on their website.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-us-judge-blocks-trumps-tiktok-ban-348297">Second US judge blocks Trump's TikTok ban</a>

Since the popular video-sharing app TikTok became famous, many other content producing platforms have started adding video options within their platforms. Reddit has used the perfect opportunity of the fall of the Chinese-owned app TikTok to expand their own services.

Talking about diversity, Reddit assured Dubsmash's aim will be to include and promote under-represented creators from all parts of the world. "Dubsmash’s mission is unique among social platforms, and is aligned with Reddit’s own mission of bringing community and belonging to everyone in the world," the statement read. "Dubsmash’s mission is unique among social platforms, and is aligned with Reddit’s own mission of bringing community and belonging to everyone in the world."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-not-extend-tiktok-divestiture-deadline-347609">US plans to not extend TikTok divestiture deadline</a>

Reddit will also be using this platform's services to elevate the voices of the already-existing users of the content-sharing app. "We will integrate Dubsmash’s innovative video creation tools into Reddit, which will empower Reddit’s own creators to express themselves in original and authentic ways that are endemic to our communities," the statement explained.

The San Francisco-based video-sharing platform is hoping to use this as an opportunity to expand their audience reach and bring in diversity to the user base. The app has nearly 25 per cent of Black users in the US and females represent 70 per cent of users.&nbsp;

This announcement has come at a time when TikTok has been facing downtime due to several countries such as India, the US and Pakistan banning the app over concerns of security and explicit content.

In another major takeover of 2020, Reddit has announced it has bought the popular video-sharing platform Dubsmash — which rose to fame as TikTok's competitive app.

In another major takeover of 2020, Reddit has announced it has bought the popular video-sharing platform Dubsmash — which rose to fame as TikTok's competitive app. "We are excited to announce that Reddit has acquired short-form video social platform Dubsmash," Reddit announced in a statement posted on their website. Also read| Second US judge blocks Trump's TikTok ban Since the popular video-sharing app TikTok became famous, many other content producing platforms have started adding video options within their platforms. Reddit has used the perfect opportunity of the fall of the Chinese-owned app TikTok to expand their own services. Talking about diversity, Reddit assured Dubsmash's aim will be to include and promote under-represented creators from all parts of the world. "Dubsmash’s mission is unique among social platforms, and is aligned with Reddit’s own mission of bringing community and belonging to everyone in the world," the statement read. "Dubsmash’s mission is unique among social platforms, and is aligned with Reddit’s own mission of bringing community and belonging to everyone in the world." Also read| US plans to not extend TikTok divestiture deadline Reddit will also be using this platform's services to elevate the voices of the already-existing users of the content-sharing app. "We will integrate Dubsmash’s innovative video creation tools into Reddit, which will empower Reddit’s own creators to express themselves in original and authentic ways that are endemic to our communities," the statement explained. The San Francisco-based video-sharing platform is hoping to use this as an opportunity to expand their audience reach and bring in diversity to the user base. The app has nearly 25 per cent of Black users in the US and females represent 70 per cent of users. This announcement has come at a time when TikTok has been facing downtime due to several countries such as India, the US and Pakistan banning the app over concerns of security and explicit content.

Reddit buys TikTok's competitor Dubsmash; promises diversity

A new Artificial Intelligence software will help in determining the&nbsp;probability of contracting the fatal coronavirus infection, as per a recent study conducted at the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai.

The study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research is also available online. It describes the performance of Biocogniv`s new AI-COVID software, which can help hospitals reduce the number of patients referred for scarce PCR testing.

The lead author and University of Vermont Assistant Professor Timothy Plante, M.D., M.H.S. said: "Nine months into this pandemic, we now have a better understanding of how to care for patients with Covid-19."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-mass-inoculation-underway-as-covid-19-cases-soar-349687/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further said, "but there`s still a big bottleneck in Covid-19 diagnosis with PCR testing."PCR testing is the current standard diagnostic for Covid-19, and requires specific sampling, like a nasal swab, and specialized laboratory equipment to run.

Biocogniv Chief Operating Officer Tanya Kanigan, Ph.D., said: "According to data from over 100 US hospitals, the national average turnaround time for Covid-19 tests ordered in emergency rooms is above 24 hours, far from the targeted one-hour turnaround."

The researchers were able to train a model that analyses changes in&nbsp;Complete Blood Count and Complete Metabolic Panels&nbsp;and assign&nbsp;a probability of the patient being Covid-19 negative with high accuracy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-fungal-infection-detected-in-coronavirus-patients-349431" hreflang="en">Rare fungal infection detected in coronavirus patients</a>

Complete Blood Count and Complete Metabolic Panels are common laboratory tests ordered by emergency departments and have a rapid turnaround time. These tests provide insight into the immune system, electrolytes, kidney, and liver.

"AI-Covid takes seconds to generate its informative result once these blood tests return, which can then be incorporated by the laboratory into its own test interpretation," said Jennifer Joe, M.D., an emergency physician in Boston, Mass. and Biocogniv`s Chief Medical Officer.

"In an efficient emergency department that prioritizes these routine blood tests, the door-to-result time could be under an hour," added Joe.

Cedars-Sinai pulmonary and internal medicine specialist Victor Tapson, M.D., says such assistive tools that help physicians rule out possible diagnoses are familiar in emergency medicine.

Tapson said, "For example, a low D-dimer blood test can help us rule out clots in certain patients, allowing providers to skip expensive, often time-consuming diagnostics such as chest CT scans".

The Biocogniv team believes a secondary benefit of laboratories incorporating AI-Covid might be reduced time for traditional PCR results.

"With the help of AI-Covid, laboratories might relieve some of the testing bottlenecks by helping providers better allocate rapid PCR testing for patients who really need it," said Joe.

The AI-Covid model was validated on real-world data from Cedars-Sinai as well as on data from geographically and demographically diverse patient encounters from 22 US&nbsp;hospitals, achieving an area under the curve (or AUC) of 0.91 out of 1.00.

"This enables the model to achieve a high sensitivity of 95 per cent while maintaining moderate specificity of 49 per cent, which is very similar to the performance of other commonly used rule-out tests," said Biocogniv Chief Scientific Officer George Hauser, MD, a pathologist.

"I`m honoured to have such an impressive team of medical scientists from the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai as collaborators invalidating this timely model," said Biocogniv CEO Artur Adib, Ph.D.

Adib added, "AI has progressed considerably; the time is now to leverage this powerful tool for new healthcare breakthroughs, and we`re glad to direct it to help hospital laboratories and providers combat the current Covid-19 crisis."&nbsp;

A new Artificial Intelligence software will help in determining the probability of contracting the fatal coronavirus infection, as per a recent study conducted at the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai.

A new Artificial Intelligence software will help in determining the probability of contracting the fatal coronavirus infection, as per a recent study conducted at the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai. The study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research is also available online. It describes the performance of Biocogniv`s new AI-COVID software, which can help hospitals reduce the number of patients referred for scarce PCR testing. The lead author and University of Vermont Assistant Professor Timothy Plante, M.D., M.H.S. said: "Nine months into this pandemic, we now have a better understanding of how to care for patients with Covid-19." He further said, "but there`s still a big bottleneck in Covid-19 diagnosis with PCR testing."PCR testing is the current standard diagnostic for Covid-19, and requires specific sampling, like a nasal swab, and specialized laboratory equipment to run. Biocogniv Chief Operating Officer Tanya Kanigan, Ph.D., said: "According to data from over 100 US hospitals, the national average turnaround time for Covid-19 tests ordered in emergency rooms is above 24 hours, far from the targeted one-hour turnaround." The researchers were able to train a model that analyses changes in Complete Blood Count and Complete Metabolic Panels and assign a probability of the patient being Covid-19 negative with high accuracy. Also read: Rare fungal infection detected in coronavirus patients Complete Blood Count and Complete Metabolic Panels are common laboratory tests ordered by emergency departments and have a rapid turnaround time. These tests provide insight into the immune system, electrolytes, kidney, and liver. "AI-Covid takes seconds to generate its informative result once these blood tests return, which can then be incorporated by the laboratory into its own test interpretation," said Jennifer Joe, M.D., an emergency physician in Boston, Mass. and Biocogniv`s Chief Medical Officer. "In an efficient emergency department that prioritizes these routine blood tests, the door-to-result time could be under an hour," added Joe. Cedars-Sinai pulmonary and internal medicine specialist Victor Tapson, M.D., says such assistive tools that help physicians rule out possible diagnoses are familiar in emergency medicine. Tapson said, "For example, a low D-dimer blood test can help us rule out clots in certain patients, allowing providers to skip expensive, often time-consuming diagnostics such as chest CT scans". The Biocogniv team believes a secondary benefit of laboratories incorporating AI-Covid might be reduced time for traditional PCR results. "With the help of AI-Covid, laboratories might relieve some of the testing bottlenecks by helping providers better allocate rapid PCR testing for patients who really need it," said Joe. The AI-Covid model was validated on real-world data from Cedars-Sinai as well as on data from geographically and demographically diverse patient encounters from 22 US hospitals, achieving an area under the curve (or AUC) of 0.91 out of 1.00. "This enables the model to achieve a high sensitivity of 95 per cent while maintaining moderate specificity of 49 per cent, which is very similar to the performance of other commonly used rule-out tests," said Biocogniv Chief Scientific Officer George Hauser, MD, a pathologist. "I`m honoured to have such an impressive team of medical scientists from the University of Vermont and Cedars-Sinai as collaborators invalidating this timely model," said Biocogniv CEO Artur Adib, Ph.D. Adib added, "AI has progressed considerably; the time is now to leverage this powerful tool for new healthcare breakthroughs, and we`re glad to direct it to help hospital laboratories and providers combat the current Covid-19 crisis."

New Artificial Intelligence software to help determine probability of contracting coronavirus

China's market regulator said on Monday it will fine Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings-backed&nbsp;China&nbsp;Literature, and Shenzhen Hive Box 500,000 yuan ($76,464.29) each for not reporting deals properly for anti-trust reviews.

The State Administration of Market Regulation said in a statement that it had taken the decision after reviewing deals the firms were involved in, including Alibaba's past deal with Intime Retail (Group) Co Ltd and&nbsp;China&nbsp;Literature's acquisition of New Classics Media.

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The punishments come after controllers a month ago announced their goal to expand examination of China's biggest tech companies with the new enemy of syndication rules.

Beijing in November revealed draft guidelines that set up a structure for controlling hostile to serious conduct, for example, intriguing on sharing delicate customer information, collusions that crush out more modest opponents, and sponsoring administrations at beneath cost to dispose of contenders. Offers in Alibaba and Tencent expanded misfortunes and shut down over 2.5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-unveils-guidelines-on-mobile-apps-collection-of-personal-data-347206" hreflang="en">China unveils guidelines on mobile apps' collection of personal data</a>

"Venture and takeovers are significant methods for improvement and development of web organizations," the controller said in the proclamation. "The previously mentioned organizations have a huge impact in the business, do numerous ventures and takeovers, have particular lawful groups and should be acquainted with the guidelines overseeing M&amp;A. Their inability to effectively pronounce has a moderately serious effect."&nbsp;

Beijing's uplifted examination is prodding fears of a more extensive crackdown on the nation's biggest firms. On Monday, shares in number&nbsp;3 web organisation Meituan plunged 3.8 per cent&nbsp;after the People's Daily composed a publication pummeling the business' distraction with developing traffic and volumes in regions, for example, staple conveyance, to the detriment of genuine logical advancement.&nbsp;

China's two biggest companies are likewise generally avaricious, utilising scores of arrangements to venture into neighboring fields and husband to be a portion of the nation's most encouraging startups. Alibaba had driven a $2.6 billion buyout of Intime as a feature of endeavors to grow new plans of action that join the web-based business with physical retailing. China Literature concurred in 2018 to purchase New Classics Media for as much as 15.5 billion yuan to extend in recorded substance.&nbsp;

The organisations had neglected to look for endorsement for the arrangements, which aren't considered the enemy of serious, the antitrust controller said Monday. China Literature said in a proclamation that it has been effectively working with controllers on consistency, while Alibaba agents didn't quickly react to demands for input.

China's market regulator said on Monday it will fine Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings-backed China Literature, and Shenzhen Hive Box 500,000 yuan ($76,464.29) each for not reporting deals properly for anti-trust reviews.

China's market regulator said on Monday it will fine Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings-backed China Literature, and Shenzhen Hive Box 500,000 yuan ($76,464.29) each for not reporting deals properly for anti-trust reviews. The State Administration of Market Regulation said in a statement that it had taken the decision after reviewing deals the firms were involved in, including Alibaba's past deal with Intime Retail (Group) Co Ltd and China Literature's acquisition of New Classics Media. The punishments come after controllers a month ago announced their goal to expand examination of China's biggest tech companies with the new enemy of syndication rules. Beijing in November revealed draft guidelines that set up a structure for controlling hostile to serious conduct, for example, intriguing on sharing delicate customer information, collusions that crush out more modest opponents, and sponsoring administrations at beneath cost to dispose of contenders. Offers in Alibaba and Tencent expanded misfortunes and shut down over 2.5 per cent. Also read: China unveils guidelines on mobile apps' collection of personal data "Venture and takeovers are significant methods for improvement and development of web organizations," the controller said in the proclamation. "The previously mentioned organizations have a huge impact in the business, do numerous ventures and takeovers, have particular lawful groups and should be acquainted with the guidelines overseeing M&A. Their inability to effectively pronounce has a moderately serious effect." Beijing's uplifted examination is prodding fears of a more extensive crackdown on the nation's biggest firms. On Monday, shares in number 3 web organisation Meituan plunged 3.8 per cent after the People's Daily composed a publication pummeling the business' distraction with developing traffic and volumes in regions, for example, staple conveyance, to the detriment of genuine logical advancement. China's two biggest companies are likewise generally avaricious, utilising scores of arrangements to venture into neighboring fields and husband to be a portion of the nation's most encouraging startups. Alibaba had driven a $2.6 billion buyout of Intime as a feature of endeavors to grow new plans of action that join the web-based business with physical retailing. China Literature concurred in 2018 to purchase New Classics Media for as much as 15.5 billion yuan to extend in recorded substance. The organisations had neglected to look for endorsement for the arrangements, which aren't considered the enemy of serious, the antitrust controller said Monday. China Literature said in a proclamation that it has been effectively working with controllers on consistency, while Alibaba agents didn't quickly react to demands for input.

China fines Alibaba, Tencent under anti-monopoly law

From Instagram to Whatsapp: Victims of Facebook's 'buy and bury' strategy

FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the United States, said on Tuesday that it had been hacked, likely by a government, and that an arsenal of hacking tools used to test the defenses of its clients had been stolen.

The hack of FireEye, a company with an array of contacts across the national security space both in the United States and its allies, is among the most significant breaches in recent memory. The company's shares dropped 8 per cent&nbsp;in after-hours trading.

"A Red Team is a gathering of security experts approved and coordinated to emulate an expected enemy's assault or misuse capacities against an undertaking's security act," the <a href="https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/12/unauthorized-access-of-fireeye-red-team-tools.html">organisation</a>&nbsp;stated, adding that while the aggressors snatched apparatuses going from "basic contents" to "whole systems," a large number of the methods were at that point openly accessible.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

The firm didn't state precisely when the assault occurred, and ceased from crediting the penetrate to a specific entertainer, anyway organization CEO Kevin Mandia noted in a different proclamation that it gave off an impression of being completed by "a country with top-level hostile abilities."&nbsp;

"Reliable with a country state digital secret activities exertion, the assailant basically looked for data identified with certain administration clients," Mandia said. "While the aggressor had the option to get to a portion of our inward frameworks, now in our examination, we have seen no proof that the assailant exfiltrated information from our essential frameworks that store client data."&nbsp;

The CEO additionally saw that, until now, there is no sign any of the taken apparatuses have been utilized in additional assaults.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that FireEye's top digital specialists offered no thought concerning who may be behind the information burglary, corporate news sources knew better, quickly pronouncing shadowy Russian specialists as the top suspects.

In a story on the penetrate, a Washington Post feature expressed: "Spies with Russia's unfamiliar insight administration accepted to have hacked a top American network protection firm." The source refers to anonymous "individuals acquainted with the issue," offering no detail past the statement itself.&nbsp;

The New York Times, then, declined to name any nation in its feature, just referencing Russia in a subheading, asserting the assault was "in all likelihood" completed by that country. Precisely how the paper arrived at that resolution was left implicit, notwithstanding, as its story makes a solitary notice of "proof" supporting Russian inclusion however never explains. The Times additionally noticed that the FBI has been made aware of the assault and "surrendered the case to its Russia trained professionals," yet left that guarantee totally unsourced.&nbsp;

Another report by Reuters avoided straightforwardly ascribing the hack and restricted conversation of Russian obligation to one passage, refering to an unknown previous Pentagon official who said that Moscow was "high on the early rundown of suspects."&nbsp;

The FireEye break is a long way from the first run through American news sources hurried head-first to announce, liberated from proof, Russian association in a prominent hack. In October, a notice from the FBI and various other government organizations about an "approaching digital wrongdoing danger" to US clinics incited a whirlwind of articles declaring Russia as the likely culprit, regardless of the offices saying nothing regarding the character of the future programmers.&nbsp;

Comparable charges have multiplied in the western press since the 2016 US official political decision, starting with the mission of Hillary Clinton, which initially asserted a Kremlin hacking activity to take the bombed Democratic applicant's messages. While the US insight network later reinforced that account, the FBI never grabbed hold of the workers being referred to, rather depending on data gave by the Democratic National Committee's own digital firm, CrowdStrike, whose president recognized in 2017 that "there's no proof that [the emails] were really exfiltrated" from the worker.

FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the United States, said on Tuesday that it had been hacked, likely by a government, and that an arsenal of hacking tools used to test the defenses of its clients had been stolen.

FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the United States, said on Tuesday that it had been hacked, likely by a government, and that an arsenal of hacking tools used to test the defenses of its clients had been stolen. The hack of FireEye, a company with an array of contacts across the national security space both in the United States and its allies, is among the most significant breaches in recent memory. The company's shares dropped 8 per cent in after-hours trading. "A Red Team is a gathering of security experts approved and coordinated to emulate an expected enemy's assault or misuse capacities against an undertaking's security act," the organisation stated, adding that while the aggressors snatched apparatuses going from "basic contents" to "whole systems," a large number of the methods were at that point openly accessible. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking The firm didn't state precisely when the assault occurred, and ceased from crediting the penetrate to a specific entertainer, anyway organization CEO Kevin Mandia noted in a different proclamation that it gave off an impression of being completed by "a country with top-level hostile abilities." "Reliable with a country state digital secret activities exertion, the assailant basically looked for data identified with certain administration clients," Mandia said. "While the aggressor had the option to get to a portion of our inward frameworks, now in our examination, we have seen no proof that the assailant exfiltrated information from our essential frameworks that store client data." The CEO additionally saw that, until now, there is no sign any of the taken apparatuses have been utilized in additional assaults. Despite the fact that FireEye's top digital specialists offered no thought concerning who may be behind the information burglary, corporate news sources knew better, quickly pronouncing shadowy Russian specialists as the top suspects. In a story on the penetrate, a Washington Post feature expressed: "Spies with Russia's unfamiliar insight administration accepted to have hacked a top American network protection firm." The source refers to anonymous "individuals acquainted with the issue," offering no detail past the statement itself. The New York Times, then, declined to name any nation in its feature, just referencing Russia in a subheading, asserting the assault was "in all likelihood" completed by that country. Precisely how the paper arrived at that resolution was left implicit, notwithstanding, as its story makes a solitary notice of "proof" supporting Russian inclusion however never explains. The Times additionally noticed that the FBI has been made aware of the assault and "surrendered the case to its Russia trained professionals," yet left that guarantee totally unsourced. Another report by Reuters avoided straightforwardly ascribing the hack and restricted conversation of Russian obligation to one passage, refering to an unknown previous Pentagon official who said that Moscow was "high on the early rundown of suspects." The FireEye break is a long way from the first run through American news sources hurried head-first to announce, liberated from proof, Russian association in a prominent hack. In October, a notice from the FBI and various other government organizations about an "approaching digital wrongdoing danger" to US clinics incited a whirlwind of articles declaring Russia as the likely culprit, regardless of the offices saying nothing regarding the character of the future programmers. Comparable charges have multiplied in the western press since the 2016 US official political decision, starting with the mission of Hillary Clinton, which initially asserted a Kremlin hacking activity to take the bombed Democratic applicant's messages. While the US insight network later reinforced that account, the FBI never grabbed hold of the workers being referred to, rather depending on data gave by the Democratic National Committee's own digital firm, CrowdStrike, whose president recognized in 2017 that "there's no proof that [the emails] were really exfiltrated" from the worker.

US cybersecurity company FireEye discloses breach; media blames Russian hackers

In a war between two ultra rich tech conglomerates, who wins? Not us, that’s for sure. Apple and Samsung have been warring for years now, both accusing each other of unoriginality, and of lifting each others features. 
 
Even though Samsung has bore the brunt of being the imitator in this sour relationship, Apple has been constantly questioned for getting parts of its devices through makers like Samsung and LG. But now, copycat Samsung has struck again. But this time, a lot of love has been lost.

Earlier this year, Apple announced that it would not be supplying a wall charger and/or a set of cabled headphones with its devices starting with iPhone 12, a move which invited scorn from many, and Apple-induced admiration from some.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-may-launch-flagship-phone-early-to-grab-huawei-share-341786" hreflang="en">Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share</a>

After the move was announced, Samsung jumped on mockery train pretty quickly. In fact it tweeted out from its official Twitter account - “Your galaxy does give you what you’re looking for. From the most basic as a charger, to the best camera….”. Attached was a picture of a Samsung power adapter, a direct attack at Apple.

Since then, the tweet has been deleted, and well, so has the sentiment. Turns out, Samsung will not ship power adapters or a pair of headphones with its upcoming Galaxy S21 series, which are set to be revealed in January 2021.

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will reportedly not have any accompanying charger, or headphones, much to the dismay of Android users.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/another-win-samsung-and-apple-strike-deal-with-india-abandon-china-333284" hreflang="en">Another win: Samsung and Apple strike deal with India; abandon China</a>

Apple has been known for its radical moves that shape the route of the mobile technology. First, it opted for a charging port of its own as opposed to the USB, then it forsake it. Then, it dropped the headphone jack, which has now become the norm. With this move, Apple is expected to influence a new set of normals in the industry for the next few years.

Apple claims that the move was triggered by the need to help the environment, and to minimise the company’s carbon emissions.

In a war between two ultra rich tech conglomerates, who wins? Not us, that’s for sure. Apple and Samsung have been warring for years now, both accusing each other of unoriginality, and of lifting each others features.

In a war between two ultra rich tech conglomerates, who wins? Not us, that’s for sure. Apple and Samsung have been warring for years now, both accusing each other of unoriginality, and of lifting each others features. Even though Samsung has bore the brunt of being the imitator in this sour relationship, Apple has been constantly questioned for getting parts of its devices through makers like Samsung and LG. But now, copycat Samsung has struck again. But this time, a lot of love has been lost. Earlier this year, Apple announced that it would not be supplying a wall charger and/or a set of cabled headphones with its devices starting with iPhone 12, a move which invited scorn from many, and Apple-induced admiration from some. Also read: Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share After the move was announced, Samsung jumped on mockery train pretty quickly. In fact it tweeted out from its official Twitter account - “Your galaxy does give you what you’re looking for. From the most basic as a charger, to the best camera….”. Attached was a picture of a Samsung power adapter, a direct attack at Apple. Since then, the tweet has been deleted, and well, so has the sentiment. Turns out, Samsung will not ship power adapters or a pair of headphones with its upcoming Galaxy S21 series, which are set to be revealed in January 2021. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will reportedly not have any accompanying charger, or headphones, much to the dismay of Android users. Also read: Another win: Samsung and Apple strike deal with India; abandon China Apple has been known for its radical moves that shape the route of the mobile technology. First, it opted for a charging port of its own as opposed to the USB, then it forsake it. Then, it dropped the headphone jack, which has now become the norm. With this move, Apple is expected to influence a new set of normals in the industry for the next few years. Apple claims that the move was triggered by the need to help the environment, and to minimise the company’s carbon emissions.

Samsung stops including chargers with phones after mocking Apple for the same

In spite of Google fixing an essential security defect in its Play Core library back in April 2020, numerous Android applications actually keep on excess defenseless according to a report by network protection firm Check Point.

Distinguished as CVE-2020-8913, this weakness permits assailants to infuse malevolent code into weak applications, to access in no way different assets of the facilitating application.

Hackers can utilise the powerless applications to gain admittance to touchy information from other applications on a similar gadget, taking clients' private data, for example, login subtleties, passwords, monetary subtleties, and sends. While there are numerous applications, here are the 10 well known Android applications that might be protected to use until the application designers discharge an update.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/best-apps-and-games-on-the-play-store-in-india-for-2020-347197">Best apps and games on the Play Store in India for 2020</a>

To back its claims, Check Point specialists took a weak rendition of the Google Chrome application and made a committed payload to get its bookmarks. Misusing the weakness, somebody can get treats to utilize them as a way to Hijack a current meeting with outsider administrations, as DropBox.

When a payload is "infused" into Google Chrome, the payload will have similar access as the Google Chrome application to information, for example, treats, history, and bookmarks for the information, and secret word administrator as a help. It is fitting that clients update their Google Chrome application right away.&nbsp;

Designers of applications like Viber and Booking as of late delivered a fix. Clients are encouraged to refresh the applications and utilize the most recent rendition.&nbsp;

Record subtleties, passwords, monetary data and other individual information of Grindr application clients on Android might be in danger.&nbsp;

Designers of Bumble are yet to refresh the application to fix this critical issue according to Check Point.&nbsp;

Another dating application called OKCupid is influenced by a similar security issue.&nbsp;

The Android application of Cisco Team keeps on excess helpless and clients should practice alert until the fix is delivered.&nbsp;

Route application Yango Pro (Taximeter) approaches practically all authorizations making it unsafe for Android clients.&nbsp;

Microsoft is yet to deliver a fix for its Edge program for Android. Client are in danger of losing their passwords and other individual data.&nbsp;

Xrecorder has been told about the weakness yet the engineers are yet to deliver a fix.&nbsp;

PowerDirector likewise experiences the specific security issue alongside incalculable other applications.

In spite of Google fixing an essential security defect in its Play Core library back in April 2020, numerous Android applications actually keep on excess defenseless according to a report by network protection firm Check Point.

In spite of Google fixing an essential security defect in its Play Core library back in April 2020, numerous Android applications actually keep on excess defenseless according to a report by network protection firm Check Point. Distinguished as CVE-2020-8913, this weakness permits assailants to infuse malevolent code into weak applications, to access in no way different assets of the facilitating application. Hackers can utilise the powerless applications to gain admittance to touchy information from other applications on a similar gadget, taking clients' private data, for example, login subtleties, passwords, monetary subtleties, and sends. While there are numerous applications, here are the 10 well known Android applications that might be protected to use until the application designers discharge an update. Also see: Best apps and games on the Play Store in India for 2020 To back its claims, Check Point specialists took a weak rendition of the Google Chrome application and made a committed payload to get its bookmarks. Misusing the weakness, somebody can get treats to utilize them as a way to Hijack a current meeting with outsider administrations, as DropBox. When a payload is "infused" into Google Chrome, the payload will have similar access as the Google Chrome application to information, for example, treats, history, and bookmarks for the information, and secret word administrator as a help. It is fitting that clients update their Google Chrome application right away. Designers of applications like Viber and Booking as of late delivered a fix. Clients are encouraged to refresh the applications and utilize the most recent rendition. Record subtleties, passwords, monetary data and other individual information of Grindr application clients on Android might be in danger. Designers of Bumble are yet to refresh the application to fix this critical issue according to Check Point. Another dating application called OKCupid is influenced by a similar security issue. The Android application of Cisco Team keeps on excess helpless and clients should practice alert until the fix is delivered. Route application Yango Pro (Taximeter) approaches practically all authorizations making it unsafe for Android clients. Microsoft is yet to deliver a fix for its Edge program for Android. Client are in danger of losing their passwords and other individual data. Xrecorder has been told about the weakness yet the engineers are yet to deliver a fix. PowerDirector likewise experiences the specific security issue alongside incalculable other applications.

Android user warning: 10 popular apps that may be 'dangerous' to use

Cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy more than $1 trillion this year, up more than 50 per cent since 2018, a research report said Monday.

The report by McAfee Corp. with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) concluded that the cost of online criminal activity is more than one percent of global economic output, and also had significant non-monetary impacts.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bioterrorists-can-trick-scientists-into-making-deadly-viruses-346872">Bioterrorists can trick scientists into making deadly viruses</a>

The researchers noted a surge in a range of attacks including ransomware, phishing, business email takeovers, spyware and crytpocurrency theft.

Some of the increase can be attributed to weaker security with more people working remotely outside their workplace.

"The severity and frequency of cyberattacks on businesses continues to rise as techniques evolve, new technologies broaden the threat surface, and the nature of work expands into home and remote environments," said Steve Grobman, chief technical officer at McAfee.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/private-pictures-of-four-female-british-athletes-posted-online-in-widespread-cyberattack-344718">Private pictures of four female British athletes posted online in widespread cyberattack</a>

"While industry and government are aware of the financial and national security implications of cyberattacks, unplanned downtime, the cost of investigating breaches and disruption to productivity represent less appreciated high impact costs."

The report was based on a survey of 1,500 technology professionals in government and business in the US, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Japan and Australia.

The impact of cybercrime included the loss of intellectual property and monetary assets, but also system downtime and damage to an organization's reputation, according to the report.

"It is no secret that cybercrime can harm public safety, undermine national security, and damage economies," the researchers wrote.

"What is less well known are the hidden costs that organizations may not be aware of, such as lost opportunities, wasted resources, and damaged staff morale."

One worrisome point, the researchers said, &nbsp;is that only 44 per cent of the companies surveyed said they have plans in place to both prevent and respond to security incidents.

The report comes amid a wave of attacks which have targeted health care organizations during the global coronavirus pandemic and news that hackers have been targeting the Covid-19 vaccine supply chain.

Cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy more than $1 trillion this year, up more than 50 per cent since 2018, a research report said Monday. The report by McAfee Corp.

Cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy more than $1 trillion this year, up more than 50 per cent since 2018, a research report said Monday. The report by McAfee Corp. with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) concluded that the cost of online criminal activity is more than one percent of global economic output, and also had significant non-monetary impacts. Also read| Bioterrorists can trick scientists into making deadly viruses The researchers noted a surge in a range of attacks including ransomware, phishing, business email takeovers, spyware and crytpocurrency theft. Some of the increase can be attributed to weaker security with more people working remotely outside their workplace. "The severity and frequency of cyberattacks on businesses continues to rise as techniques evolve, new technologies broaden the threat surface, and the nature of work expands into home and remote environments," said Steve Grobman, chief technical officer at McAfee. Also read| Private pictures of four female British athletes posted online in widespread cyberattack "While industry and government are aware of the financial and national security implications of cyberattacks, unplanned downtime, the cost of investigating breaches and disruption to productivity represent less appreciated high impact costs." The report was based on a survey of 1,500 technology professionals in government and business in the US, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Japan and Australia. The impact of cybercrime included the loss of intellectual property and monetary assets, but also system downtime and damage to an organization's reputation, according to the report. "It is no secret that cybercrime can harm public safety, undermine national security, and damage economies," the researchers wrote. "What is less well known are the hidden costs that organizations may not be aware of, such as lost opportunities, wasted resources, and damaged staff morale." One worrisome point, the researchers said, is that only 44 per cent of the companies surveyed said they have plans in place to both prevent and respond to security incidents. The report comes amid a wave of attacks which have targeted health care organizations during the global coronavirus pandemic and news that hackers have been targeting the Covid-19 vaccine supply chain.

Cybercrime costs to top $1 trillion this year: Researchers

YouTube on Monday&nbsp;introduced a new feature that will warn users when they post offensive comments&nbsp;to prevent bullying and hate on its platform

As per the latest feature, YouTube will prompt them before posting a comment to be more respectful.&nbsp;

According to Mashable, Johanna Wright, Vice President of Product Management at YouTube said in a blog, "We know that comments play a key role in helping creators connect with their community, but issues with the quality of comments are also one of the most consistent pieces of feedback we receive from creators."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-smartphone-based-covid-19-test-gives-results-in-less-than-30-minutes-348091">New smartphone-based COVID-19 test gives results in less than 30 minutes</a>

Google employee Sarah posted on Google support, "Today we`re introducing a new reminder in comments to help encourage respectful interactions. Now on Android, the reminder may pop up before posting a comment that may be offensive to others, giving the commenter the option to reflect before posting".

However, users can continue to comment if they want to. Apart from the new reminder feature, YouTube has also made a few more updates to make YouTube a more inclusive platform.

As per Mashable, the blog stated that YouTube will be testing a new filter in YouTube Studio for inappropriate and hurtful comments. These comments will be automatically held for review so that content creators on the platform won`t ever have to read these comments if they are not interested.

YouTube said it will also be streamlining the comment moderation tools to make the overall process easy for creators.

YouTube will also invest&nbsp;in technology that can help enhance the system to detect and remove hateful comments. It will consider factors such as the topic of the video and the context of the comment that`s being made.

YouTube on Monday introduced a new feature that will warn users when they post offensive comments to prevent bullying and hate on its platform As per the latest feature, YouTube will prompt them before posting a comment to be more respectful.

YouTube on Monday introduced a new feature that will warn users when they post offensive comments to prevent bullying and hate on its platform As per the latest feature, YouTube will prompt them before posting a comment to be more respectful. According to Mashable, Johanna Wright, Vice President of Product Management at YouTube said in a blog, "We know that comments play a key role in helping creators connect with their community, but issues with the quality of comments are also one of the most consistent pieces of feedback we receive from creators." Also read: New smartphone-based COVID-19 test gives results in less than 30 minutes Google employee Sarah posted on Google support, "Today we`re introducing a new reminder in comments to help encourage respectful interactions. Now on Android, the reminder may pop up before posting a comment that may be offensive to others, giving the commenter the option to reflect before posting". However, users can continue to comment if they want to. Apart from the new reminder feature, YouTube has also made a few more updates to make YouTube a more inclusive platform. As per Mashable, the blog stated that YouTube will be testing a new filter in YouTube Studio for inappropriate and hurtful comments. These comments will be automatically held for review so that content creators on the platform won`t ever have to read these comments if they are not interested. YouTube said it will also be streamlining the comment moderation tools to make the overall process easy for creators. YouTube will also invest in technology that can help enhance the system to detect and remove hateful comments. It will consider factors such as the topic of the video and the context of the comment that`s being made.

YouTube introduces new feature to warn users before they post toxic comments

When the Chula Vista police receive a 911 call, they can dispatch a flying drone with the press of button.

On a recent afternoon, from a launchpad on the roof of the Chula Vista Police Department, they sent a drone across the city to a crowded parking lot where a young man was asleep in the front seat of a stolen car with drug paraphernalia on his lap.

When the man left the car, carrying a gun and a bag of heroin, a nearby police car had trouble following as he sprinted across the street and ducked behind a wall. But as he threw the gun into a dumpster and hid the bag of heroin, the drone, hovering above him, caught everything on camera. When he slipped through the back door of a strip mall, exited through the front door and ran down the sidewalk, it caught that, too.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/more-than-1400-google-employees-protest-against-firing-of-black-researcher-347688" hreflang="en">More than 1,400 Google employees protest against firing of Black researcher</a>

Watching the live video feed, an officer back at headquarters relayed the details to the police on the scene, who soon caught the man and took him into custody. Later, they retrieved the gun and the heroin. And after another press of the button, the drone returned, on its own, to the roof.

Each day, the Chula Vista police respond to as many as 15 emergency calls with a drone, launching more than 4,100 flights since the program began two years ago. Chula Vista, a Southern California city with a population of 270,000, is the first in the country to adopt such a program, called Drone as First Responder.

Over the last several months, three other cities — two in California and one in Georgia — have followed suit. Police agencies from Hawaii to New York have used drones for years, but mostly in simple, manually flown ways. Officers would carry a drone in the trunk of a car on patrol or drive it to a crime scene before launching it over a park or flying it inside a building.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-faces-lawsuits-in-europe-for-slowing-down-old-iphones-347253" hreflang="en">Apple faces lawsuits in Europe for slowing down old iPhones</a>

But the latest drone technology — mirroring technology that powers self-driving cars — has the power to transform everyday policing, just as it can transform package delivery, building inspections and military reconnaissance. Rather than spending tens of millions of dollars on large helicopters and pilots, even small police forces could operate tiny autonomous drones for a relative pittance.

That newfound automation, however, raises civil liberties concerns, especially as drones gain the power to track vehicles and people automatically. As the police use more drones, they could collect and store more video of life in the city, which could remove any expectation of privacy once you leave the home.

“Communities should ask hard questions about these programs. As the power and scope of this technology expands, so does the need for privacy protection,” said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Project on Speech, Privacy and Technology. “Drones can be used to investigate known crimes. But they are also sensors that can generate offenses.”

With the pandemic still worsening, drones are a way of policing at a distance, said Rahul Sidhu, an officer in Redondo Beach, near Los Angeles, which started a program similar to the one in Chula Vista just after the virus reached the United States.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-expands-hate-speech-rules-covering-race-ethnicity-and-nationality-347058" hreflang="en">Twitter expands hate speech rules covering race, ethnicity and nationality</a>

“We’re just trying to limit our exposure to other people,” he said. “Sometimes, you can send a drone without sending an officer.”

But down the road, he said, as these small unmanned helicopters become cheaper and more powerful, they will provide more efficient ways of policing urban areas. That could aid police departments at a time when the number of recruits is on the wane across the country and many voices are calling for funding cuts after months of protests against police violence.

In Chula Vista, drones are already an integral part of the way the police respond to emergencies. After an emergency call comes in, officers give the drone a location, and it flies to that point on its own — before returning on its own, too.

FAA regulations aimed at protecting the flights of commercial planes and other aircraft prevent drones from being flown beyond the line of sight of their operators. But Chula Vista obtained a waiver from the FAA, so the pilot and officer can fly the drone as much as 3 miles from its launch site.

Each drone — including long-distance cameras, other sensors and software — costs the department about $35,000. But the overriding cost of the program lies in the many officers needed to operate the drones.

On another recent afternoon, when the Chula Vista police were alerted to a car turned upside down in an empty riverbed, they sent a new kind of drone into the ravine. Built by Skydio, a Silicon Valley company, it could avoid obstacles on its own thanks to many of the same technologies used by self-driving cars.

“An ordinary drone would have crashed by now, guaranteed,” Sgt. James Horst said as he watched a video of the drone swooping down into the riverbed and inspecting the inside of the car at close quarters.

The Chula Vista department treats drone video much as it does video from police bodycams, storing footage as evidence and publicly releasing it only with approval, Capt. Don Redmond said. The department does not use drones for routine patrols.

For privacy advocates like Stanley of the ACLU, the concern is that increasingly powerful technology will be used to target parts of the community — or strictly enforce laws that are out of step with social norms.

“It could allow law enforcement to enforce any area of the law against anyone they want,” Stanley said.

Drones, for instance, could easily be used to identify people and restrict activity during protests like those that have been so prevalent across the country in recent months. Redmond said the Chula Vista department did not deploy drones over Black Lives Matters protests because its policies forbade it.

The Chula Vista police do not require the approval of city officials to expand drone use, but, according to Redmond, they have publicly notified the community about the continued progress of the program.

Drone as first responder programs in places like Redondo Beach and Clovis, California, are seeking waivers that would allow them to fly beyond the operators’ line of sight.

In Clovis, near the middle of the state, the Police Department has found that its drones tend to overheat at the height of summer. “We were flying them four days a week until it got too hot,” Lt. James Munro said. “Then we had to ground them.”

But he thinks these and other technical obstacles will soon be overcome. “Drones are like iPhones,” he said. “As soon as you get one, a new one arrives with new technology.”

When the Chula Vista police receive a 911 call, they can dispatch a flying drone with the press of button. On a recent afternoon, from a launchpad on the roof of the Chula Vista Police Department, they sent a drone across the city to a crowded parking lot where a young man was asleep in the front seat of a stolen car with drug paraphernalia on his lap.

When the Chula Vista police receive a 911 call, they can dispatch a flying drone with the press of button. On a recent afternoon, from a launchpad on the roof of the Chula Vista Police Department, they sent a drone across the city to a crowded parking lot where a young man was asleep in the front seat of a stolen car with drug paraphernalia on his lap. When the man left the car, carrying a gun and a bag of heroin, a nearby police car had trouble following as he sprinted across the street and ducked behind a wall. But as he threw the gun into a dumpster and hid the bag of heroin, the drone, hovering above him, caught everything on camera. When he slipped through the back door of a strip mall, exited through the front door and ran down the sidewalk, it caught that, too. Also read| More than 1,400 Google employees protest against firing of Black researcher Watching the live video feed, an officer back at headquarters relayed the details to the police on the scene, who soon caught the man and took him into custody. Later, they retrieved the gun and the heroin. And after another press of the button, the drone returned, on its own, to the roof. Each day, the Chula Vista police respond to as many as 15 emergency calls with a drone, launching more than 4,100 flights since the program began two years ago. Chula Vista, a Southern California city with a population of 270,000, is the first in the country to adopt such a program, called Drone as First Responder. Over the last several months, three other cities — two in California and one in Georgia — have followed suit. Police agencies from Hawaii to New York have used drones for years, but mostly in simple, manually flown ways. Officers would carry a drone in the trunk of a car on patrol or drive it to a crime scene before launching it over a park or flying it inside a building. Also read| Apple faces lawsuits in Europe for slowing down old iPhones But the latest drone technology — mirroring technology that powers self-driving cars — has the power to transform everyday policing, just as it can transform package delivery, building inspections and military reconnaissance. Rather than spending tens of millions of dollars on large helicopters and pilots, even small police forces could operate tiny autonomous drones for a relative pittance. That newfound automation, however, raises civil liberties concerns, especially as drones gain the power to track vehicles and people automatically. As the police use more drones, they could collect and store more video of life in the city, which could remove any expectation of privacy once you leave the home. “Communities should ask hard questions about these programs. As the power and scope of this technology expands, so does the need for privacy protection,” said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Project on Speech, Privacy and Technology. “Drones can be used to investigate known crimes. But they are also sensors that can generate offenses.” With the pandemic still worsening, drones are a way of policing at a distance, said Rahul Sidhu, an officer in Redondo Beach, near Los Angeles, which started a program similar to the one in Chula Vista just after the virus reached the United States. Also read| Twitter expands hate speech rules covering race, ethnicity and nationality “We’re just trying to limit our exposure to other people,” he said. “Sometimes, you can send a drone without sending an officer.” But down the road, he said, as these small unmanned helicopters become cheaper and more powerful, they will provide more efficient ways of policing urban areas. That could aid police departments at a time when the number of recruits is on the wane across the country and many voices are calling for funding cuts after months of protests against police violence. In Chula Vista, drones are already an integral part of the way the police respond to emergencies. After an emergency call comes in, officers give the drone a location, and it flies to that point on its own — before returning on its own, too. FAA regulations aimed at protecting the flights of commercial planes and other aircraft prevent drones from being flown beyond the line of sight of their operators. But Chula Vista obtained a waiver from the FAA, so the pilot and officer can fly the drone as much as 3 miles from its launch site. Each drone — including long-distance cameras, other sensors and software — costs the department about $35,000. But the overriding cost of the program lies in the many officers needed to operate the drones. On another recent afternoon, when the Chula Vista police were alerted to a car turned upside down in an empty riverbed, they sent a new kind of drone into the ravine. Built by Skydio, a Silicon Valley company, it could avoid obstacles on its own thanks to many of the same technologies used by self-driving cars. “An ordinary drone would have crashed by now, guaranteed,” Sgt. James Horst said as he watched a video of the drone swooping down into the riverbed and inspecting the inside of the car at close quarters. The Chula Vista department treats drone video much as it does video from police bodycams, storing footage as evidence and publicly releasing it only with approval, Capt. Don Redmond said. The department does not use drones for routine patrols. For privacy advocates like Stanley of the ACLU, the concern is that increasingly powerful technology will be used to target parts of the community — or strictly enforce laws that are out of step with social norms. “It could allow law enforcement to enforce any area of the law against anyone they want,” Stanley said. Drones, for instance, could easily be used to identify people and restrict activity during protests like those that have been so prevalent across the country in recent months. Redmond said the Chula Vista department did not deploy drones over Black Lives Matters protests because its policies forbade it. The Chula Vista police do not require the approval of city officials to expand drone use, but, according to Redmond, they have publicly notified the community about the continued progress of the program. Drone as first responder programs in places like Redondo Beach and Clovis, California, are seeking waivers that would allow them to fly beyond the operators’ line of sight. In Clovis, near the middle of the state, the Police Department has found that its drones tend to overheat at the height of summer. “We were flying them four days a week until it got too hot,” Lt. James Munro said. “Then we had to ground them.” But he thinks these and other technical obstacles will soon be overcome. “Drones are like iPhones,” he said. “As soon as you get one, a new one arrives with new technology.”

Police drones are starting to think for themselves

Over 1,400 Google employees protested on Friday after the firing of Black artificial intelligence ethics officer who claimed that she was ordered to retract her research on diversity.&nbsp;

Timnit Gebru, who was the technical co-lead of Google's Ethical AI tea, on Twitter wrote earlier this week that she had been asked to resign after she sent a message on an internal group lashing out at "silencing of marginalized voices."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-labour-board-challenges-google-moves-against-activist-employees-347126">US labour board challenges Google moves against activist employees</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

She also said that she was asked to retract her research paper by the company in an email to "Brain Women and Allies" group.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/canada-plans-digital-tax-in-2022-on-global-tech-giants-such-as-facebook-google-346651">Canada plans digital tax in 2022 on global tech giants such as Facebook, Google</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The "aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager," was the firing message, claimed Gebru.&nbsp;

Gebru is an outspoken diversity supporter and also co-founded a group that encourages increasing Black talent in AI.&nbsp;

Her research paper looked at the potential for an AI tool used by Google and other tech organisations to imitate human writing of hate speech and biased language, an NPR report claimed.&nbsp;

Over 1,400 Google employees were among the about 3,300 people who endorsed an online letter, asking the tech giant to explain Gebru's firing along with the reason for ordering her to revoke her research.

"Instead of being embraced by Google as an exceptionally talented and prolific contributor, Dr Gebru has faced defensiveness, racism, gaslighting, research censorship, and now a retaliatory firing," the letter said.&nbsp;

It also asked Google for an "unequivocal" commitment to ensuring research integrity and academic freedom.

Google in its response to news agency AFP mentioned AI division leader Jeff Dean's email in which he wrote that this is a "difficult moment" and he wants to clear up "a lot of speculation and misunderstanding on social media". &nbsp;

He also said that the research work "had some important gaps that prevented us from being comfortable putting Google affiliation on it". &nbsp;

Gebru asked to give the names of all the people who reviewed her paper, failing to which she would resign, Dean said.&nbsp;

"We accept and respect her decision to resign from Google," the mail said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Over 1,400 Google employees protested on Friday after the firing of Black artificial intelligence ethics officer who claimed that she was ordered to retract her research on diversity.

Over 1,400 Google employees protested on Friday after the firing of Black artificial intelligence ethics officer who claimed that she was ordered to retract her research on diversity. Timnit Gebru, who was the technical co-lead of Google's Ethical AI tea, on Twitter wrote earlier this week that she had been asked to resign after she sent a message on an internal group lashing out at "silencing of marginalized voices." Also read | US labour board challenges Google moves against activist employees She also said that she was asked to retract her research paper by the company in an email to "Brain Women and Allies" group. Also read | Canada plans digital tax in 2022 on global tech giants such as Facebook, Google The "aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager," was the firing message, claimed Gebru. Gebru is an outspoken diversity supporter and also co-founded a group that encourages increasing Black talent in AI. Her research paper looked at the potential for an AI tool used by Google and other tech organisations to imitate human writing of hate speech and biased language, an NPR report claimed. Over 1,400 Google employees were among the about 3,300 people who endorsed an online letter, asking the tech giant to explain Gebru's firing along with the reason for ordering her to revoke her research. "Instead of being embraced by Google as an exceptionally talented and prolific contributor, Dr Gebru has faced defensiveness, racism, gaslighting, research censorship, and now a retaliatory firing," the letter said. It also asked Google for an "unequivocal" commitment to ensuring research integrity and academic freedom. Google in its response to news agency AFP mentioned AI division leader Jeff Dean's email in which he wrote that this is a "difficult moment" and he wants to clear up "a lot of speculation and misunderstanding on social media". He also said that the research work "had some important gaps that prevented us from being comfortable putting Google affiliation on it". Gebru asked to give the names of all the people who reviewed her paper, failing to which she would resign, Dean said. "We accept and respect her decision to resign from Google," the mail said.

More than 1,400 Google employees protest against firing of Black researcher

A Google hacker, who finally acquired some success in weaponising the iPhone's remote network to gain access to the device, took six months to tell the world. The attack could not only read the contents of the phone, but also snoop through the camera and mic.

Ian Beer, a member of Google’s Project Zero hacking team, revealed on Monday that iPhones and other Apple devices could be remotely hijacked and turned into surveillance tools until May. He said Apple later patched the vulnerability.

Beer was able to remotely hijack the iPhone using the iPhone’s Apple Wireless Direct Link, and was able to read messages, page through photos, download data, and even watch and listen to the user by activating the phone’s microphone and camera from a distance.

In a video to demonstrate the attack, Beer hacked an iPhone 11 Pro in another room, stealing the most recently-taken photo on the device.

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The weaknesses were patched by Apple earlier this year, but this is the first time Google has demonstrated how the attacks would work on unpatched iPhones.

Apple’s sketchy record on privacy has put the company in the hot seat again over the last few weeks. Such experiments, notably, are not currently being carried out on Android phones.

A Google hacker, who finally acquired some success in weaponising the iPhone's remote network to gain access to the device, took six months to tell the world. The attack could not only read the contents of the phone, but also snoop through the camera and mic.

A Google hacker, who finally acquired some success in weaponising the iPhone's remote network to gain access to the device, took six months to tell the world. The attack could not only read the contents of the phone, but also snoop through the camera and mic. Ian Beer, a member of Google’s Project Zero hacking team, revealed on Monday that iPhones and other Apple devices could be remotely hijacked and turned into surveillance tools until May. He said Apple later patched the vulnerability. Beer was able to remotely hijack the iPhone using the iPhone’s Apple Wireless Direct Link, and was able to read messages, page through photos, download data, and even watch and listen to the user by activating the phone’s microphone and camera from a distance. In a video to demonstrate the attack, Beer hacked an iPhone 11 Pro in another room, stealing the most recently-taken photo on the device. × The weaknesses were patched by Apple earlier this year, but this is the first time Google has demonstrated how the attacks would work on unpatched iPhones. Apple’s sketchy record on privacy has put the company in the hot seat again over the last few weeks. Such experiments, notably, are not currently being carried out on Android phones.

Someone hacked the iPhone. But waited 6 months to tell the world

China unveiled draft guidelines on Thursday seeking to limit the scope of mobile apps' collection of personal data in the latest attempt to curb the sprawling technology sector.

The set of draft rules published by the Cyberspace Administration of China covers 38 types of apps from online shopping and instant messaging to ride-hailing and bike-sharing.

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China has increased scrutiny of its technology sector in recent weeks, last month drafting anti-monopoly rules for tech firms.

It has also expressed concerns about data protection and consumer rights, while authorities have on a number of occasions ordered apps to be suspended for mishandling user information.

"In recent years, mobile internet applications have been widely used and have played an important role in promoting economic and social development and serving people's livelihoods," the cyber administration said in a statement.

"At the same time, it is common for apps to collect ... personal information beyond their scope, and users cannot install and use them if they refuse to agree."

For ride-hailing apps, the draft rules regard a user's phone number, or other personal identity information, as well as their location and destination, as falling within the scope of the required information.

Online payment apps, meanwhile, need the registered user's phone number or other ID information, as well as the bank card numbers of both payer and payee, according to the draft rules, which are open to public feedback until December&nbsp;16.

China unveiled draft guidelines on Thursday seeking to limit the scope of mobile apps' collection of personal data in the latest attempt to curb the sprawling technology sector.

China unveiled draft guidelines on Thursday seeking to limit the scope of mobile apps' collection of personal data in the latest attempt to curb the sprawling technology sector. The set of draft rules published by the Cyberspace Administration of China covers 38 types of apps from online shopping and instant messaging to ride-hailing and bike-sharing. China has increased scrutiny of its technology sector in recent weeks, last month drafting anti-monopoly rules for tech firms. It has also expressed concerns about data protection and consumer rights, while authorities have on a number of occasions ordered apps to be suspended for mishandling user information. "In recent years, mobile internet applications have been widely used and have played an important role in promoting economic and social development and serving people's livelihoods," the cyber administration said in a statement. "At the same time, it is common for apps to collect ... personal information beyond their scope, and users cannot install and use them if they refuse to agree." For ride-hailing apps, the draft rules regard a user's phone number, or other personal identity information, as well as their location and destination, as falling within the scope of the required information. Online payment apps, meanwhile, need the registered user's phone number or other ID information, as well as the bank card numbers of both payer and payee, according to the draft rules, which are open to public feedback until December 16.

China unveils guidelines on mobile apps' collection of personal data

Best apps and games on the Play Store in India for 2020

Canada plans to impose a tax on corporations providing digital services from 2022 that will stay in place until major nations come up with a coordinated approach on taxation, the Finance Department said on Monday.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is working on a common approach to ensure digital behemoths, such as Alphabet Inc’s Google and Facebook Inc, pay their share of taxes as the coronavirus hammers budgets.

Canada said it was concerned about a delay in reaching an agreement. The threat of digital services taxes has prompted threats of trade retaliation from outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

The new tax would come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and remain in place until a common approach is agreed upon. The measure would raise federal revenues by C$3.4 billion ($2.6 billion) over five years, starting in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

“Canadians want a tax system that is fair, where everyone pays their fair share,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland told legislators in the fall economic update.

“Canada will act unilaterally, if necessary, to apply a tax on large multinational digital corporations, so they pay their fair share just like any other company operating in Canada.”

More details are due in next year’s budget.

Foreign-based vendors with no physical presence in Canada will also have to start collecting sales taxes on products such as mobile apps, online video gaming and streaming. The measure should raise C$1.2 billion over five years.

Ottawa also plans to oblige people renting out short-term accommodation to charge sales taxes, saying popular digital rental platforms do not currently have to impose the taxes.&nbsp;

That puts hotels at a disadvantage, it added.

The government is also clamping down on the award of stock options to prevent “high-income individuals employed at large, long-established, mature firms” from taking unfair advantage.

From now on, a C$200,000 annual limit will apply to stock option grants for those people. Ottawa did not provide a definition of high-income individuals or mature firms.

The rules will not apply to startups or emerging companies, which often cannot afford to pay competitive salaries and instead offer stock options. The new rules will generate about C$200 million in federal revenues, the Finance Department said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada plans to impose a tax on corporations providing digital services from 2022 that will stay in place until major nations come up with a coordinated approach on taxation, the Finance Department said on Monday.

Canada plans to impose a tax on corporations providing digital services from 2022 that will stay in place until major nations come up with a coordinated approach on taxation, the Finance Department said on Monday. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is working on a common approach to ensure digital behemoths, such as Alphabet Inc’s Google and Facebook Inc, pay their share of taxes as the coronavirus hammers budgets. Canada said it was concerned about a delay in reaching an agreement. The threat of digital services taxes has prompted threats of trade retaliation from outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The new tax would come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and remain in place until a common approach is agreed upon. The measure would raise federal revenues by C$3.4 billion ($2.6 billion) over five years, starting in the 2021-22 fiscal year. “Canadians want a tax system that is fair, where everyone pays their fair share,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland told legislators in the fall economic update. “Canada will act unilaterally, if necessary, to apply a tax on large multinational digital corporations, so they pay their fair share just like any other company operating in Canada.” More details are due in next year’s budget. Foreign-based vendors with no physical presence in Canada will also have to start collecting sales taxes on products such as mobile apps, online video gaming and streaming. The measure should raise C$1.2 billion over five years. Ottawa also plans to oblige people renting out short-term accommodation to charge sales taxes, saying popular digital rental platforms do not currently have to impose the taxes. That puts hotels at a disadvantage, it added. The government is also clamping down on the award of stock options to prevent “high-income individuals employed at large, long-established, mature firms” from taking unfair advantage. From now on, a C$200,000 annual limit will apply to stock option grants for those people. Ottawa did not provide a definition of high-income individuals or mature firms. The rules will not apply to startups or emerging companies, which often cannot afford to pay competitive salaries and instead offer stock options. The new rules will generate about C$200 million in federal revenues, the Finance Department said. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada plans digital tax in 2022 on global tech giants such as Facebook, Google

Some 75 major tech players are backing a French initiative committing them to make a "fair tax contribution" in countries where they operate.

French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the "Tech For Good" initiative at the Elysee Palace on Monday in a move designed to draw up the ground rules for ensuring the internet is a borderless "free, open and safe space".

Tech big-hitters such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, Snapchat, and Huawei have also signed the initiative.&nbsp;Assorted tech 'unicorns', start-ups and NGOs have also joined.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/britain-bans-installation-of-new-huawei-5g-equipment-from-september-2021-346456" hreflang="en">Britain bans installation of new Huawei 5G equipment from September 2021</a>

Two big names yet to sign on are Amazon and Apple, but French presidential sources said both have expressed a "desire" to join.

The initiative comes with France having last week pledged to enforce a new digital levy for online technology giants, breaking a truce with Washington over a long-running tax fight that could prompt a round of punitive US tariffs on French goods.

France suspended collection of the tax, which will hit companies like Facebook and Amazon, early this year while negotiations were underway at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on an overhaul of international tax rules.

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The finance ministry has long said it would collect the tax in December as planned if the talks proved unfruitful by then, which is what happened when the nearly 140 countries involved agreed last month to keep negotiating until mid-2021.

"Companies subject to the tax have received their notice to pay the 2020 installment," a ministry official said.

France last year applied a 3 per cent&nbsp;levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with revenues of more than 25 million euros there and 750 million euros worldwide.

Facebook's stance "is to ensure compliance with all tax laws in the jurisdictions where we operate", it said, adding it had received its tax bill from the French authorities.

Amazon has received a reminder from the French authorities to pay the tax and will comply, according to a person familiar with the matter at the online retailer.

Paris has said it will withdraw the tax as soon as an OECD deal is reached to update the rules on cross-border taxation for the age of online commerce, where big internet companies can book profits in low-tax countries regardless of where their customers are.

The talks stalled as the Trump administration became reluctant to sign on to a multilateral agreement, officials have said.

"We will levy this digital taxation mid-December as we always explained to the US&nbsp;administration," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told a Bloomberg event on Monday.

"Our goal remains to have an OECD agreement by the first months of 2021," he said.

Dan Neidle, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance, was skeptical US&nbsp;President-elect Joe Biden would agree to such a deal.

"I'm not sure why Biden would agree to something which enables US&nbsp;corporations to pay more tax in Europe and has not many benefits to the US," said Neidle.

Some 75 major tech players are backing a French initiative committing them to make a "fair tax contribution" in countries where they operate. French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the "Tech For Good" initiative at the Elysee Palace on Monday in a move designed to draw up the ground rules for ensuring the internet is a borderless "free, open and safe space".

Some 75 major tech players are backing a French initiative committing them to make a "fair tax contribution" in countries where they operate. French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the "Tech For Good" initiative at the Elysee Palace on Monday in a move designed to draw up the ground rules for ensuring the internet is a borderless "free, open and safe space". Tech big-hitters such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, Snapchat, and Huawei have also signed the initiative. Assorted tech 'unicorns', start-ups and NGOs have also joined. Also read: Britain bans installation of new Huawei 5G equipment from September 2021 Two big names yet to sign on are Amazon and Apple, but French presidential sources said both have expressed a "desire" to join. The initiative comes with France having last week pledged to enforce a new digital levy for online technology giants, breaking a truce with Washington over a long-running tax fight that could prompt a round of punitive US tariffs on French goods. France suspended collection of the tax, which will hit companies like Facebook and Amazon, early this year while negotiations were underway at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on an overhaul of international tax rules. The finance ministry has long said it would collect the tax in December as planned if the talks proved unfruitful by then, which is what happened when the nearly 140 countries involved agreed last month to keep negotiating until mid-2021. "Companies subject to the tax have received their notice to pay the 2020 installment," a ministry official said. France last year applied a 3 per cent levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with revenues of more than 25 million euros there and 750 million euros worldwide. Facebook's stance "is to ensure compliance with all tax laws in the jurisdictions where we operate", it said, adding it had received its tax bill from the French authorities. Amazon has received a reminder from the French authorities to pay the tax and will comply, according to a person familiar with the matter at the online retailer. Paris has said it will withdraw the tax as soon as an OECD deal is reached to update the rules on cross-border taxation for the age of online commerce, where big internet companies can book profits in low-tax countries regardless of where their customers are. The talks stalled as the Trump administration became reluctant to sign on to a multilateral agreement, officials have said. "We will levy this digital taxation mid-December as we always explained to the US administration," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told a Bloomberg event on Monday. "Our goal remains to have an OECD agreement by the first months of 2021," he said. Dan Neidle, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance, was skeptical US President-elect Joe Biden would agree to such a deal. "I'm not sure why Biden would agree to something which enables US corporations to pay more tax in Europe and has not many benefits to the US," said Neidle.

Fair tax contribution: 75 major tech players sign the French initiative

Swedish music streaming service Spotify is testing a new Instagram-style Stories feature for its playlists. 
 
The Stories feature was seen on Spotify`s Christmas Hits playlist on both iOS and Android apps. 
 
Spotify confirmed the new feature to Engadget, saying it was a test. 
 
"At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience," a spokesperson was quoted as saying. 
 
"Some of those tests end up paving the path for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning. We have no further news to share on future plans at this time." 
 
On its Christmas Hits playlist, a series of artists including Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix use short video clips to share personal anecdotes about the festive period. 
 
The videos can be accessed from an icon on the top left of each supported playlist. 
 
Stories made its debut on Snapchat and were later embraced by Facebook-owned Instagram. Now, several online platforms have this feature including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and even LinkedIn. 
 
Last year, Spotify was first spotted working on a Stories feature for artists.

Swedish music streaming service Spotify is testing a new Instagram-style Stories feature for its playlists. The Stories feature was seen on Spotify`s Christmas Hits playlist on both iOS and Android apps.

Swedish music streaming service Spotify is testing a new Instagram-style Stories feature for its playlists. The Stories feature was seen on Spotify`s Christmas Hits playlist on both iOS and Android apps. Spotify confirmed the new feature to Engadget, saying it was a test. "At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience," a spokesperson was quoted as saying. "Some of those tests end up paving the path for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning. We have no further news to share on future plans at this time." On its Christmas Hits playlist, a series of artists including Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix use short video clips to share personal anecdotes about the festive period. The videos can be accessed from an icon on the top left of each supported playlist. Stories made its debut on Snapchat and were later embraced by Facebook-owned Instagram. Now, several online platforms have this feature including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and even LinkedIn. Last year, Spotify was first spotted working on a Stories feature for artists.

Spotify testing Instagram-like Stories feature

The claw that will clean space - no kidding!

Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris.&nbsp;

According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-seeking-explorers-for-mining-on-the-moon-all-nationalities-welcome-326795" hreflang="en">NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome</a>

Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a>

What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted.

2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976" hreflang="en">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a>

The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013.&nbsp;

The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.

The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time.

The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris. According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour. Also read: NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted. 2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out. Also read: UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013. The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.

European Space Agency has the perfect fix for space junk - a claw!

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters. But last month, a judge quickly dismantled the prosecutors’ case against them.

In his ruling, District Judge Sham Siu-man said that police officers had given unreliable testimony and that they appeared to have gone against their training by using batons to subdue one protester. He found all eight defendants not guilty, saying one had merely been asking officers to do their job when she used a loudspeaker to urge restraint.

The next day, a Chinese government-owned newspaper in Hong Kong splashed a photo of the judge, wearing his court wig and robes, on its front page beside images of protesters and burning barriers. “Strange opinion issued by the court,” the headline read. The judge, it continued, says the protesters “were actually the ones wronged.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-keeps-piles-of-cash-at-home-due-to-us-sanctions-346176">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions</a>

As the Chinese Communist Party extends its grip over Hong Kong, pro-Beijing forces are increasingly targeting the city’s independent judiciary, an institution that forms the backbone of this global center for commerce and capital.

State newspapers have railed for months against “yellow judges” seen as lenient toward protesters. (The color yellow is a symbol of the protest movement.) Party officials have called for an overhaul of the courts to rein in judges’ autonomy. The city’s leadership has exerted more influence over the selection of judges.

“It would be naive for anyone to think they will leave the judiciary alone. Why would they?” said Dennis Kwok, who represented Hong Kong’s legal sector in the local legislature until he was removed from office this month. “They want to get their hands on everything.”

The far-reaching national security law that Beijing passed this summer gives the state even more authority over the Hong Kong judiciary. China’s legislature also bypassed the local courts to force the ouster of four lawmakers in November, exercising new powers that some lawyers and legal scholars worry could be turned against judges.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-charge-12-hong-kong-locals-who-were-caught-fleeing-345925">China to charge 12 Hong Kong locals who were caught fleeing</a>

The Hong Kong judiciary, with its British-born, 170-year-old tradition of robes, wigs and independence, is at the heart of an existential fight over the region’s future.

Hong Kong’s courts firmly divide the city from mainland China, where the opaque legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The city’s underlying rule of law has helped attract droves of multinational corporations, bringing a flood of money that has made Hong Kong one of the world’s leading cities.

The judicial system’s integrity is fiercely defended in Hong Kong. The demonstrations that engulfed the city last year began over a proposal that many saw as potentially undermining the local courts, by allowing extraditions to mainland China.

In addition to imposing the national security law, Communist Party officials and state newspapers in the city are pushing for still more control. In a continuing series, Ta Kung Pao, a newspaper owned by the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has demanded that judges be patriotic. It has called for establishing a council to set the length of sentences, an external panel to handle complaints about judges and greater scrutiny over the judicial selection process.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-prison-wrong-to-cut-long-hair-locks-says-court-345775">Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court</a>

“Beijing understands that this is an area that people will be very sensitive to and the international community will be watching over,” said Eric Cheung, a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong. “Beijing may not want to be seen as interfering with judicial independence, but I think it is very clear some Beijing officials are not happy with some decisions made by our judges.”

Even before the protests and the security law, Beijing had significant judicial oversight. When China reclaimed Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, the ultimate authority for interpretation of its laws moved to Beijing.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, has the power to interpret the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s local constitution. Several of its rulings have gone against the city’s pro-democracy camp. The committee’s interpretation of oath-taking in 2016 paved the way for the removal of six pro-democracy lawmakers who had protested during their swearing-in ceremonies.

The security law has further constricted the city’s courts. It allows for some cases, such as those involving foreign forces or imminent threats, to be tried on the mainland. Under the law, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will designate judges for trials on national security charges.

Hong Kong’s Department of Justice recently pressed beyond the scope of the law, asking that a judge authorized to hear national security matters handle the trial of Tam Tak-chi, an activist charged with sedition and unauthorized assembly. Those charges do not fall under the security law.

Britain is considering whether to bar its judges from serving in Hong Kong. Foreign judges serve temporary roles on the Court of Final Appeal so the city can maintain ties to common-law countries.

Both the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps have found fault with the courts over protest cases — perhaps signaling that the judiciary remains an impartial institution, with a range of outlooks among judges.

A High Court judge was criticized by pro-Beijing figures for ruling this month that the riot police had not been carrying sufficient identification and that mechanisms for dealing with complaints of police mistreatment needed to be improved. The Hong Kong Journalists Association had filed the suit over the police’s handling of reporters during protests.

Some judges have been condemned by the opposition for giving tough sentences to demonstrators or for appearing to sympathize with people who attacked protesters. After a district judge compared the protest movement to terrorism in an April ruling, Geoffrey Ma, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, barred him from future cases related to the political upheaval.

The criticism of judges, from both sides, has grown so frequent this year that Ma issued a lengthy defense of the judiciary’s independence.

“It is wrong to make serious accusations of bias or breach of fundamental principles merely based on a result of a case not to one’s liking,” he wrote in September. “The judiciary is not above criticism by any means, but any criticism must be solidly based and properly made. In particular, there must not be a politicization of the judiciary and its functions.”

So far, the protest cases that have been prosecuted do not indicate that the courts lean strongly to one side or another.

Of 10,148 people arrested in the protests, 2,325 have been prosecuted for crimes such as rioting, unlawful assembly or assault. As of the end of October, 372 had been convicted and 77 acquitted, according to Hong Kong police records.

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters.

They were arrested on one of the most violent days in Hong Kong last year, when protesters threw firebombs at the main government offices and set a barrier aflame outside police headquarters. But last month, a judge quickly dismantled the prosecutors’ case against them. In his ruling, District Judge Sham Siu-man said that police officers had given unreliable testimony and that they appeared to have gone against their training by using batons to subdue one protester. He found all eight defendants not guilty, saying one had merely been asking officers to do their job when she used a loudspeaker to urge restraint. The next day, a Chinese government-owned newspaper in Hong Kong splashed a photo of the judge, wearing his court wig and robes, on its front page beside images of protesters and burning barriers. “Strange opinion issued by the court,” the headline read. The judge, it continued, says the protesters “were actually the ones wronged.” Also read| Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions As the Chinese Communist Party extends its grip over Hong Kong, pro-Beijing forces are increasingly targeting the city’s independent judiciary, an institution that forms the backbone of this global center for commerce and capital. State newspapers have railed for months against “yellow judges” seen as lenient toward protesters. (The color yellow is a symbol of the protest movement.) Party officials have called for an overhaul of the courts to rein in judges’ autonomy. The city’s leadership has exerted more influence over the selection of judges. “It would be naive for anyone to think they will leave the judiciary alone. Why would they?” said Dennis Kwok, who represented Hong Kong’s legal sector in the local legislature until he was removed from office this month. “They want to get their hands on everything.” The far-reaching national security law that Beijing passed this summer gives the state even more authority over the Hong Kong judiciary. China’s legislature also bypassed the local courts to force the ouster of four lawmakers in November, exercising new powers that some lawyers and legal scholars worry could be turned against judges. Also read| China to charge 12 Hong Kong locals who were caught fleeing The Hong Kong judiciary, with its British-born, 170-year-old tradition of robes, wigs and independence, is at the heart of an existential fight over the region’s future. Hong Kong’s courts firmly divide the city from mainland China, where the opaque legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The city’s underlying rule of law has helped attract droves of multinational corporations, bringing a flood of money that has made Hong Kong one of the world’s leading cities. The judicial system’s integrity is fiercely defended in Hong Kong. The demonstrations that engulfed the city last year began over a proposal that many saw as potentially undermining the local courts, by allowing extraditions to mainland China. In addition to imposing the national security law, Communist Party officials and state newspapers in the city are pushing for still more control. In a continuing series, Ta Kung Pao, a newspaper owned by the Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has demanded that judges be patriotic. It has called for establishing a council to set the length of sentences, an external panel to handle complaints about judges and greater scrutiny over the judicial selection process. Also read| Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court “Beijing understands that this is an area that people will be very sensitive to and the international community will be watching over,” said Eric Cheung, a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong. “Beijing may not want to be seen as interfering with judicial independence, but I think it is very clear some Beijing officials are not happy with some decisions made by our judges.” Even before the protests and the security law, Beijing had significant judicial oversight. When China reclaimed Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, the ultimate authority for interpretation of its laws moved to Beijing. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, has the power to interpret the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s local constitution. Several of its rulings have gone against the city’s pro-democracy camp. The committee’s interpretation of oath-taking in 2016 paved the way for the removal of six pro-democracy lawmakers who had protested during their swearing-in ceremonies. The security law has further constricted the city’s courts. It allows for some cases, such as those involving foreign forces or imminent threats, to be tried on the mainland. Under the law, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will designate judges for trials on national security charges. Hong Kong’s Department of Justice recently pressed beyond the scope of the law, asking that a judge authorized to hear national security matters handle the trial of Tam Tak-chi, an activist charged with sedition and unauthorized assembly. Those charges do not fall under the security law. Britain is considering whether to bar its judges from serving in Hong Kong. Foreign judges serve temporary roles on the Court of Final Appeal so the city can maintain ties to common-law countries. Both the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps have found fault with the courts over protest cases — perhaps signaling that the judiciary remains an impartial institution, with a range of outlooks among judges. A High Court judge was criticized by pro-Beijing figures for ruling this month that the riot police had not been carrying sufficient identification and that mechanisms for dealing with complaints of police mistreatment needed to be improved. The Hong Kong Journalists Association had filed the suit over the police’s handling of reporters during protests. Some judges have been condemned by the opposition for giving tough sentences to demonstrators or for appearing to sympathize with people who attacked protesters. After a district judge compared the protest movement to terrorism in an April ruling, Geoffrey Ma, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, barred him from future cases related to the political upheaval. The criticism of judges, from both sides, has grown so frequent this year that Ma issued a lengthy defense of the judiciary’s independence. “It is wrong to make serious accusations of bias or breach of fundamental principles merely based on a result of a case not to one’s liking,” he wrote in September. “The judiciary is not above criticism by any means, but any criticism must be solidly based and properly made. In particular, there must not be a politicization of the judiciary and its functions.” So far, the protest cases that have been prosecuted do not indicate that the courts lean strongly to one side or another. Of 10,148 people arrested in the protests, 2,325 have been prosecuted for crimes such as rioting, unlawful assembly or assault. As of the end of October, 372 had been convicted and 77 acquitted, according to Hong Kong police records.

Britain bans installation of new Huawei 5G equipment from September 2021

In the tense days after the presidential election, a team of Facebook employees presented the chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, with an alarming finding: Election-related misinformation was going viral on the site.

President Donald Trump was already casting the election as rigged, and stories from right-wing media outlets with false and misleading claims about discarded ballots, miscounted votes and skewed tallies were among the most popular news stories on the platform.

In response, the employees proposed an emergency change to the site’s news feed algorithm, which helps determine what more than 2 billion people see every day. It involved emphasizing the importance of what Facebook calls “news ecosystem quality” scores, or NEQ, a secret internal ranking it assigns to news publishers based on signals about the quality of their journalism.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-curb-google-and-facebooks-dominance-with-tougher-rules-345681">UK to curb Google and Facebook's dominance with tougher rules</a>

Typically, NEQ scores play a minor role in determining what appears on users’ feeds. But several days after the election, Zuckerberg agreed to increase the weight that Facebook’s algorithm gave to NEQ scores to make sure authoritative news appeared more prominently, said three people with knowledge of the decision, who were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations.

The change was part of the “break glass” plans Facebook had spent months developing for the aftermath of a contested election. It resulted in a spike in visibility for big, mainstream publishers like CNN, The New York Times and NPR, while posts from highly engaged hyperpartisan pages, such as Breitbart and Occupy Democrats, became less visible, the employees said.

It was a vision of what a calmer, less divisive Facebook might look like. Some employees argued the change should become permanent, even if it was unclear how that might affect the amount of time people spent on Facebook. In an employee meeting the week after the election, workers asked whether the “nicer news feed” could stay, said two people who attended.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/in-a-first-facebook-offers-estimate-of-hate-speech-prevalence-on-its-platform-344315">In a first, Facebook offers estimate of hate speech prevalence on its platform</a>

Guy Rosen, a Facebook executive who oversees the integrity division that is in charge of cleaning up the platform, said on a call with reporters last week that the changes were always meant to be temporary. “There has never been a plan to make these permanent,” he said. John Hegeman, who oversees the news feed, said in an interview that while Facebook might roll back these experiments, it would study and learn from them.

The news feed debate illustrates a central tension that some inside Facebook are feeling acutely these days: that the company’s aspirations of improving the world are often at odds with its desire for dominance.

In the past several months, as Facebook has come under more scrutiny for its role in amplifying false and divisive information, its employees have clashed over the company’s future. On one side are idealists, including many rank-and-file workers and some executives, who want to do more to limit misinformation and polarizing content. On the other side are pragmatists who fear those measures could hurt Facebook’s growth, or provoke a political backlash that leads to painful regulation.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-social-media-companies-will-handle-post-us-election-scenarios-337122" hreflang="en">How social media companies will handle post-US election scenarios</a>

“There are tensions in virtually every product decision we make and we’ve developed a companywide framework called ‘Better Decisions’ to ensure we make our decisions accurately, and that our goals are directly connected to delivering the best possible experiences for people,” said Joe Osborne, a Facebook spokesperson.

These battles have taken a toll on morale. In an employee survey this month, Facebook workers reported feeling less pride in the company compared to previous years. About half felt that Facebook was having a positive impact on the world, down from roughly three-quarters earlier this year, according to a copy of the survey, known as Pulse, which was reviewed by The New York Times. Employees’ “intent to stay” also dropped, as did confidence in leadership.

BuzzFeed News previously reported on the survey results.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-takes-down-group-stop-the-steal-alleging-voter-fraud-by-democrats-342138" hreflang="en">Facebook takes down group 'Stop The Steal' alleging voter fraud by Democrats</a>

Even as Election Day and its aftermath have passed with few incidents, some disillusioned employees have quit, saying they could no longer stomach working for a company whose products they considered harmful. Others have stayed, reasoning they can make more of a difference on the inside. Still others have made the moral calculation that even with its flaws, Facebook is, on balance, doing more good than harm.

“Facebook salaries are among the highest in tech right now, and when you’re walking home with a giant paycheck every two weeks, you have to tell yourself that it’s for a good cause,” said Gregor Hochmuth, a former engineer with Instagram, which Facebook owns, who left in 2014. “Otherwise, your job is truly no different from other industries that wreck the planet and pay their employees exorbitantly to help them forget.”

With most employees working remotely during the pandemic, much of the soul-searching has taken place on Facebook’s internal Workplace network.

In May, during the heat of the Black Lives Matter protests, Zuckerberg angered many employees when he declined to remove a post by Trump that said “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” Lawmakers and civil rights groups said the post threatened violence against protesters and called for it to be taken down. But Zuckerberg said the post did not violate Facebook’s rules.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/instagram-to-let-users-live-stream-for-up-to-four-hours-338583" hreflang="en">Instagram to let users live stream for up to four hours</a>

To signal their dissatisfaction, several employees formed a new Workplace group called “Take Action.” People in the group, which swelled to more than 1,500 members, pointedly changed their profile photos to an image of a raised “Black Lives Matter” fist.

The group became a home for internal dissent and dark humor about Facebook’s foibles. On several occasions, employees reacted to negative news stories about the company by posting a meme from a British comedy sketch in which two Nazis have a moral epiphany and ask themselves, “Are we the baddies?”

In June, employees staged a virtual walkout to protest Zuckerberg’s decisions regarding Trump’s posts.

In September, Facebook updated its employee policies to discourage workers from holding contentious political debates in open Workplace forums, saying they should confine the conversations to specifically designated spaces. It also required employees to use their real faces or the first initial of their names as their profile photo, a change interpreted by some workers as a crackdown.

Several employees said they were frustrated that to tackle thorny issues like misinformation, they often had to demonstrate that their proposed solutions wouldn’t anger powerful partisans or come at the expense of Facebook’s growth.

The trade-offs came into focus this month, when Facebook engineers and data scientists posted the results of a series of experiments called “P(Bad for the World).”

The company had surveyed users about whether certain posts they had seen were “good for the world” or “bad for the world.” They found that high-reach posts — posts seen by many users — were more likely to be considered “bad for the world,” a finding that some employees said alarmed them.

So the team trained a machine-learning algorithm to predict posts that users would consider “bad for the world” and demote them in news feeds. In early tests, the new algorithm successfully reduced the visibility of objectionable content. But it also lowered the number of times users opened Facebook, an internal metric known as “sessions” that executives monitor closely.

“The results were good except that it led to a decrease in sessions, which motivated us to try a different approach,” according to a summary of the results, which was posted to Facebook’s internal network and reviewed by The Times.

The team then ran a second experiment, tweaking the algorithm so that a larger set of “bad for the world” content would be demoted less strongly. While that left more objectionable posts in users’ feeds, it did not reduce their sessions or time spent.

That change was ultimately approved. But other features employees developed before the election never were.

One, called “correct the record,” would have retroactively notified users that they had shared false news and directed them to an independent fact-check. Facebook employees proposed expanding the product, which is currently used to notify people who have shared COVID-19 misinformation, to apply to other types of misinformation.

But that was vetoed by policy executives who feared it would disproportionately show notifications to people who shared false news from right-wing websites, according to two people familiar with the conversations.

Another product, an algorithm to classify and demote “hate bait” — posts that don’t strictly violate Facebook’s hate speech rules, but that provoke a flood of hateful comments — was limited to being used only on groups, rather than pages, after the policy team determined that it would primarily affect right-wing publishers if it were applied more broadly, said two people with knowledge of the conversations.

Rosen, the Facebook integrity executive, disputed those characterizations in an interview, which was held on the condition that he not be quoted directly.

He said that the “correct the record” tool wasn’t as effective as hoped, and that the company had decided to focus on other ways of curbing misinformation. He also said applying the “hate bait” detector to Facebook pages could unfairly punish publishers for hateful comments left by their followers, or make it possible for bad actors to hurt a page’s reach by spamming it with toxic comments. Neither project was shelved because of political concerns or because it reduced Facebook usage, he said.

“No News Feed product change is ever solely made because of its impact on time spent,” said Osborne, the Facebook spokesperson. He added that the people talking to The Times had no decision-making authority.

Facebook's moves to clean up its platform will be made easier, in some ways, by the end of the Trump administration. For years, Trump and other leading conservatives accused the company of anti-conservative bias each time it took steps to limit misinformation.

But even with an incoming Biden administration, Facebook will need to balance employees’ desire for social responsibility with its business goals.

“The question is, what have they learned from this election that should inform their policies in the future?" said Vanita Gupta, chief executive of the civil rights group Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “My worry is that they’ll revert all of these changes despite the fact that the conditions that brought them forward are still with us.”

In the tense days after the presidential election, a team of Facebook employees presented the chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, with an alarming finding: Election-related misinformation was going viral on the site.

In the tense days after the presidential election, a team of Facebook employees presented the chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, with an alarming finding: Election-related misinformation was going viral on the site. President Donald Trump was already casting the election as rigged, and stories from right-wing media outlets with false and misleading claims about discarded ballots, miscounted votes and skewed tallies were among the most popular news stories on the platform. In response, the employees proposed an emergency change to the site’s news feed algorithm, which helps determine what more than 2 billion people see every day. It involved emphasizing the importance of what Facebook calls “news ecosystem quality” scores, or NEQ, a secret internal ranking it assigns to news publishers based on signals about the quality of their journalism. Also read| UK to curb Google and Facebook's dominance with tougher rules Typically, NEQ scores play a minor role in determining what appears on users’ feeds. But several days after the election, Zuckerberg agreed to increase the weight that Facebook’s algorithm gave to NEQ scores to make sure authoritative news appeared more prominently, said three people with knowledge of the decision, who were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations. The change was part of the “break glass” plans Facebook had spent months developing for the aftermath of a contested election. It resulted in a spike in visibility for big, mainstream publishers like CNN, The New York Times and NPR, while posts from highly engaged hyperpartisan pages, such as Breitbart and Occupy Democrats, became less visible, the employees said. It was a vision of what a calmer, less divisive Facebook might look like. Some employees argued the change should become permanent, even if it was unclear how that might affect the amount of time people spent on Facebook. In an employee meeting the week after the election, workers asked whether the “nicer news feed” could stay, said two people who attended. Also read| In a first, Facebook offers estimate of hate speech prevalence on its platform Guy Rosen, a Facebook executive who oversees the integrity division that is in charge of cleaning up the platform, said on a call with reporters last week that the changes were always meant to be temporary. “There has never been a plan to make these permanent,” he said. John Hegeman, who oversees the news feed, said in an interview that while Facebook might roll back these experiments, it would study and learn from them. The news feed debate illustrates a central tension that some inside Facebook are feeling acutely these days: that the company’s aspirations of improving the world are often at odds with its desire for dominance. In the past several months, as Facebook has come under more scrutiny for its role in amplifying false and divisive information, its employees have clashed over the company’s future. On one side are idealists, including many rank-and-file workers and some executives, who want to do more to limit misinformation and polarizing content. On the other side are pragmatists who fear those measures could hurt Facebook’s growth, or provoke a political backlash that leads to painful regulation. Also see: How social media companies will handle post-US election scenarios “There are tensions in virtually every product decision we make and we’ve developed a companywide framework called ‘Better Decisions’ to ensure we make our decisions accurately, and that our goals are directly connected to delivering the best possible experiences for people,” said Joe Osborne, a Facebook spokesperson. These battles have taken a toll on morale. In an employee survey this month, Facebook workers reported feeling less pride in the company compared to previous years. About half felt that Facebook was having a positive impact on the world, down from roughly three-quarters earlier this year, according to a copy of the survey, known as Pulse, which was reviewed by The New York Times. Employees’ “intent to stay” also dropped, as did confidence in leadership. BuzzFeed News previously reported on the survey results. Also read: Facebook takes down group 'Stop The Steal' alleging voter fraud by Democrats Even as Election Day and its aftermath have passed with few incidents, some disillusioned employees have quit, saying they could no longer stomach working for a company whose products they considered harmful. Others have stayed, reasoning they can make more of a difference on the inside. Still others have made the moral calculation that even with its flaws, Facebook is, on balance, doing more good than harm. “Facebook salaries are among the highest in tech right now, and when you’re walking home with a giant paycheck every two weeks, you have to tell yourself that it’s for a good cause,” said Gregor Hochmuth, a former engineer with Instagram, which Facebook owns, who left in 2014. “Otherwise, your job is truly no different from other industries that wreck the planet and pay their employees exorbitantly to help them forget.” With most employees working remotely during the pandemic, much of the soul-searching has taken place on Facebook’s internal Workplace network. In May, during the heat of the Black Lives Matter protests, Zuckerberg angered many employees when he declined to remove a post by Trump that said “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” Lawmakers and civil rights groups said the post threatened violence against protesters and called for it to be taken down. But Zuckerberg said the post did not violate Facebook’s rules. Also read: Instagram to let users live stream for up to four hours To signal their dissatisfaction, several employees formed a new Workplace group called “Take Action.” People in the group, which swelled to more than 1,500 members, pointedly changed their profile photos to an image of a raised “Black Lives Matter” fist. The group became a home for internal dissent and dark humor about Facebook’s foibles. On several occasions, employees reacted to negative news stories about the company by posting a meme from a British comedy sketch in which two Nazis have a moral epiphany and ask themselves, “Are we the baddies?” In June, employees staged a virtual walkout to protest Zuckerberg’s decisions regarding Trump’s posts. In September, Facebook updated its employee policies to discourage workers from holding contentious political debates in open Workplace forums, saying they should confine the conversations to specifically designated spaces. It also required employees to use their real faces or the first initial of their names as their profile photo, a change interpreted by some workers as a crackdown. Several employees said they were frustrated that to tackle thorny issues like misinformation, they often had to demonstrate that their proposed solutions wouldn’t anger powerful partisans or come at the expense of Facebook’s growth. The trade-offs came into focus this month, when Facebook engineers and data scientists posted the results of a series of experiments called “P(Bad for the World).” The company had surveyed users about whether certain posts they had seen were “good for the world” or “bad for the world.” They found that high-reach posts — posts seen by many users — were more likely to be considered “bad for the world,” a finding that some employees said alarmed them. So the team trained a machine-learning algorithm to predict posts that users would consider “bad for the world” and demote them in news feeds. In early tests, the new algorithm successfully reduced the visibility of objectionable content. But it also lowered the number of times users opened Facebook, an internal metric known as “sessions” that executives monitor closely. “The results were good except that it led to a decrease in sessions, which motivated us to try a different approach,” according to a summary of the results, which was posted to Facebook’s internal network and reviewed by The Times. The team then ran a second experiment, tweaking the algorithm so that a larger set of “bad for the world” content would be demoted less strongly. While that left more objectionable posts in users’ feeds, it did not reduce their sessions or time spent. That change was ultimately approved. But other features employees developed before the election never were. One, called “correct the record,” would have retroactively notified users that they had shared false news and directed them to an independent fact-check. Facebook employees proposed expanding the product, which is currently used to notify people who have shared COVID-19 misinformation, to apply to other types of misinformation. But that was vetoed by policy executives who feared it would disproportionately show notifications to people who shared false news from right-wing websites, according to two people familiar with the conversations. Another product, an algorithm to classify and demote “hate bait” — posts that don’t strictly violate Facebook’s hate speech rules, but that provoke a flood of hateful comments — was limited to being used only on groups, rather than pages, after the policy team determined that it would primarily affect right-wing publishers if it were applied more broadly, said two people with knowledge of the conversations. Rosen, the Facebook integrity executive, disputed those characterizations in an interview, which was held on the condition that he not be quoted directly. He said that the “correct the record” tool wasn’t as effective as hoped, and that the company had decided to focus on other ways of curbing misinformation. He also said applying the “hate bait” detector to Facebook pages could unfairly punish publishers for hateful comments left by their followers, or make it possible for bad actors to hurt a page’s reach by spamming it with toxic comments. Neither project was shelved because of political concerns or because it reduced Facebook usage, he said. “No News Feed product change is ever solely made because of its impact on time spent,” said Osborne, the Facebook spokesperson. He added that the people talking to The Times had no decision-making authority. Facebook's moves to clean up its platform will be made easier, in some ways, by the end of the Trump administration. For years, Trump and other leading conservatives accused the company of anti-conservative bias each time it took steps to limit misinformation. But even with an incoming Biden administration, Facebook will need to balance employees’ desire for social responsibility with its business goals. “The question is, what have they learned from this election that should inform their policies in the future?" said Vanita Gupta, chief executive of the civil rights group Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “My worry is that they’ll revert all of these changes despite the fact that the conditions that brought them forward are still with us.”

Roiled by election, Facebook struggles to balance civility and growth

As millions of Indians are waiting for the official launch of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pubg-mobile">PUBG Mobile India</a>, the Indian developers&nbsp;nCore Games is also gearing up for the India launch of the&nbsp;FAU-G game in India.

The FAUG mobile app was announced by the Bollwood actor Akshay Kumar in September, weeks after the worldwide famous mobile gaming app&nbsp;PUBG&nbsp;was banned in India, following threats of data and privacy breach.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brand-new-pubg-mobile-india-apk-download-link-visible-on-official-website-344515">Brand new: PUBG Mobile India APK download link visible on official website</a>

FAUG os being developed by&nbsp;nCORE Games, and the gaming app was to be released in the start of the month of November. However, PUBG India, meanwhile announced a re-launch of the app, which took the spotlight away from the Indian version.

FAU-G game release date

Now, as people were awaiting the release of PUBG India, several websites have hinted towards the launch of FAU-G very soon. As per various tech experts, the game will be launched within one week. However, no official announcement has been made by the developers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pubg-mobile-india-launch-how-the-game-will-be-different-from-global-version-344571">PUBG Mobile India launch: How the game will be different from global version</a>

FAU-G vs PUBG

The mobile app has, however, faced a decrease in its demand since PUBG mobile India announced its relaunch with few changes from the original version, prompting curiosity and excitement from the PUBG Mobile fans.

Tech experts, on blogging websites,&nbsp;believe that if PUBG mobile India and FAU-G release around the same time, people might lose interest in FAU-G, as PUBG gives them&nbsp;more familiar maps, war zones and combat techniques. However, some reports have stated that FAU-G India mobile app would be based around Galwan Valley, which can lead to an increase in the demand of the app, as it would serve as a connecting point between the patriots and the mobile app.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-pubg-india-launch-nears-twitter-reacts-with-memes-344520">As PUBG India launch nears, Twitter reacts with memes</a>

Akshay Kumar had also claimed that his game, FAU-G, will help the gamers understand the sacrifices made by the Indian Army to protect our country, and the actor also promised to contribute 20 per cent of the earnings to the 'Bharat Ke Veer' campaign.

As millions of Indians are waiting for the official launch of the PUBG Mobile India, the Indian developers nCore Games is also gearing up for the India launch of the FAU-G game in India.

As millions of Indians are waiting for the official launch of the PUBG Mobile India, the Indian developers nCore Games is also gearing up for the India launch of the FAU-G game in India. The FAUG mobile app was announced by the Bollwood actor Akshay Kumar in September, weeks after the worldwide famous mobile gaming app PUBG was banned in India, following threats of data and privacy breach. Also read| Brand new: PUBG Mobile India APK download link visible on official website FAUG os being developed by nCORE Games, and the gaming app was to be released in the start of the month of November. However, PUBG India, meanwhile announced a re-launch of the app, which took the spotlight away from the Indian version. FAU-G game release date Now, as people were awaiting the release of PUBG India, several websites have hinted towards the launch of FAU-G very soon. As per various tech experts, the game will be launched within one week. However, no official announcement has been made by the developers. Also read| PUBG Mobile India launch: How the game will be different from global version FAU-G vs PUBG The mobile app has, however, faced a decrease in its demand since PUBG mobile India announced its relaunch with few changes from the original version, prompting curiosity and excitement from the PUBG Mobile fans. Tech experts, on blogging websites, believe that if PUBG mobile India and FAU-G release around the same time, people might lose interest in FAU-G, as PUBG gives them more familiar maps, war zones and combat techniques. However, some reports have stated that FAU-G India mobile app would be based around Galwan Valley, which can lead to an increase in the demand of the app, as it would serve as a connecting point between the patriots and the mobile app. Also read| As PUBG India launch nears, Twitter reacts with memes Akshay Kumar had also claimed that his game, FAU-G, will help the gamers understand the sacrifices made by the Indian Army to protect our country, and the actor also promised to contribute 20 per cent of the earnings to the 'Bharat Ke Veer' campaign.

PUBG's replica Indian game FAU-G to be released soon

Weeks after the Indian government imposed a ban on the PUBG mobile game, the popular app has announced a comeback with a brand new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pubg-mobile">PUBG India mobile game</a>.

PUBG cut ties with&nbsp;Tencent Games in India, as the Indian government had accused breach of security and data.&nbsp;Krafton Inc&nbsp;has now tied up with&nbsp;Microsoft Azure&nbsp;for the Indian version of the popular game.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brand-new-pubg-mobile-india-apk-download-link-visible-on-official-website-344515">Brand new: PUBG Mobile India APK download link visible on official website</a>

A few days ago, the official website of the&nbsp;PUBG Mobile Indian version showcased two download links for the game — one being an APK download link, and the one redirected the user to the Google Playstore. However, the links failed to give access to the game.

Now, the users and popular tech websites believe the official date of the&nbsp;PUBG Mobile release in India will be announced very soon, especially for the Google Playstore. The reports have come at the same time when the Indian replica of the game, FAU-G has also hinted towards a near-future release date.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pubgs-replica-indian-game-fau-g-to-be-released-soon-345773">PUBG's replica Indian game FAU-G to be released soon</a>

Krafton Inc and Microsoft Azure have, however, failed to release any official information about the&nbsp;PUBG Mobile release in India, which has now left the fans frustrated.

The download links did not redirect the users to any external link, making many believe that the website in in a trial phase. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-pubg-india-launch-nears-twitter-reacts-with-memes-344520">This has given a hope to the users of an early launch.</a>

As per the reports and users expectations, the Indian version of PUBG&nbsp;will be available in English and Hindi, as opposed to the original, global version of the game.

Weeks after the Indian government imposed a ban on the PUBG mobile game, the popular app has announced a comeback with a brand new PUBG India mobile game. PUBG cut ties with Tencent Games in India, as the Indian government had accused breach of security and data.

Weeks after the Indian government imposed a ban on the PUBG mobile game, the popular app has announced a comeback with a brand new PUBG India mobile game. PUBG cut ties with Tencent Games in India, as the Indian government had accused breach of security and data. Krafton Inc has now tied up with Microsoft Azure for the Indian version of the popular game. Also read| Brand new: PUBG Mobile India APK download link visible on official website A few days ago, the official website of the PUBG Mobile Indian version showcased two download links for the game — one being an APK download link, and the one redirected the user to the Google Playstore. However, the links failed to give access to the game. Now, the users and popular tech websites believe the official date of the PUBG Mobile release in India will be announced very soon, especially for the Google Playstore. The reports have come at the same time when the Indian replica of the game, FAU-G has also hinted towards a near-future release date. Also read| PUBG's replica Indian game FAU-G to be released soon Krafton Inc and Microsoft Azure have, however, failed to release any official information about the PUBG Mobile release in India, which has now left the fans frustrated. The download links did not redirect the users to any external link, making many believe that the website in in a trial phase. This has given a hope to the users of an early launch. As per the reports and users expectations, the Indian version of PUBG will be available in English and Hindi, as opposed to the original, global version of the game.

PUBG Mobile India release date to be announced soon; download link appears

Twitter Inc on Tuesday released plans to bring back its verification programme on the site. Earlier, Twitter had promised to revamp its verification mechanism which provides blue ticks to prominent faces on the website.

In a blog post, Twitter claims it intends to relaunch the verification programme, which includes a new application process - as early as 2021. Additionally, the company is inviting public feedback on the new policy, which would be considered before December 8.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/youre-fired-twitter-to-hand-over-potus-account-to-biden-whether-trump-concedes-or-not-344466" hreflang="en">You're fired: Twitter to hand over POTUS account to Biden, whether Trump concedes or not</a>

In 2017, Twitter had paused its verification programme after many users complained about how “arbitrary” it felt. Many were also confused, and felt that the blue tick was seen as an endorsement or an indicator of importance.

Since then, the company claims to have been working on the verification model, but only verifying health officials in the last few months. "Since then, we haven't been clear about who can become verified and when, why an account might be unverified, or what it means to be verified," Twitter said in the blog post.

The company intends to verify the following people - government officials, companies, nonprofits, news organisations, entertainers, sports teams, athletes and activists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/whats-emptytwittertrash-and-why-did-it-trend-344737" hreflang="en">What’s #EmptyTwitterTrash and why did it trend?</a>

Twitter will continue to verify accounts that are top followed in the user’s country, and those that possess “off-Twitter notability” - which will be assessed through Google search, references in Wikipedia, and mention in news outlets.

Additionally, Twitter may remove blue ticks from accounts that continuously violate company’s code of conduct.

Twitter Inc on Tuesday released plans to bring back its verification programme on the site. Earlier, Twitter had promised to revamp its verification mechanism which provides blue ticks to prominent faces on the website.

Twitter Inc on Tuesday released plans to bring back its verification programme on the site. Earlier, Twitter had promised to revamp its verification mechanism which provides blue ticks to prominent faces on the website. In a blog post, Twitter claims it intends to relaunch the verification programme, which includes a new application process - as early as 2021. Additionally, the company is inviting public feedback on the new policy, which would be considered before December 8. Also read: You're fired: Twitter to hand over POTUS account to Biden, whether Trump concedes or not In 2017, Twitter had paused its verification programme after many users complained about how “arbitrary” it felt. Many were also confused, and felt that the blue tick was seen as an endorsement or an indicator of importance. Since then, the company claims to have been working on the verification model, but only verifying health officials in the last few months. "Since then, we haven't been clear about who can become verified and when, why an account might be unverified, or what it means to be verified," Twitter said in the blog post. The company intends to verify the following people - government officials, companies, nonprofits, news organisations, entertainers, sports teams, athletes and activists. Also read: What’s #EmptyTwitterTrash and why did it trend? Twitter will continue to verify accounts that are top followed in the user’s country, and those that possess “off-Twitter notability” - which will be assessed through Google search, references in Wikipedia, and mention in news outlets. Additionally, Twitter may remove blue ticks from accounts that continuously violate company’s code of conduct.

You can apply to get verified on Twitter again starting next year

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