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Brazil's newly appointed communication minister, Sidonio Palmeira, criticized Meta's recent decision to end fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in the United States, labeling it "bad for democracy." The announcement by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who cited concerns over political bias, has raised alarms about the unchecked spread of hate and misinformation. Palmeira emphasized the need for regulation of social media, referencing Europe's approach to controlling online content. In response to Meta's changes, Brazil's public prosecutor's office has requested clarification from the company regarding its intentions in Brazil. Instead of professional fact-checking, Zuckerberg plans to implement a "Community Notes" model, which relies on users to identify falsehoods. Experts warn that this shift could exacerbate the spread of harmful misinformation, a concern echoed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating disinformation while defending freedom of expression. 
Published: Jan 09 2025, 2 ameznews.inApple has reaffirmed that it has never sold data from its Siri voice assistant or used it for marketing purposes, following a $95 million settlement of a class action lawsuit alleging the company recorded private conversations without consent. The lawsuit claimed that Apple disclosed these recordings to third parties, including advertisers. In response to public speculation about the settlement, Apple emphasized that it does not retain audio recordings of Siri interactions unless users opt in to improve the service, and even then, the data is used solely for that purpose. The company clarified that real-time input from its servers is necessary for certain features, but it minimizes data usage to ensure user privacy. Meanwhile, a similar lawsuit involving Google’s Voice Assistant is underway in federal court, with the same law firms representing the plaintiffs.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs Florida experiences a cold snap, residents may witness green iguanas falling from trees, a phenomenon caused by the reptiles' cold-blooded nature. Temperatures dropping to around 4°C or below can lead to a temporary paralysis in these non-native creatures, causing them to lose muscle control and fall. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), while alarming, the iguanas typically recover as temperatures rise. Meteorologist Eric Stone advises residents not to touch or relocate the stunned iguanas, as they will revive later in the day. The FWC urges against bringing them indoors, as they can become defensive once warmed. If necessary, the FWC provides guidelines for humanely euthanizing iguanas, which must be done in a way that renders them unconscious immediately. Residents are also reminded to check local regulations for proper disposal to avoid fines.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA viral video claiming to show destruction from a recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet, near the Nepal border, has been debunked. The earthquake, which struck on January 7, 2025, resulted in at least 125 fatalities and 188 injuries, according to The Washington Post. However, the video circulating on social media platforms, including X and Facebook, actually depicts damage from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Nepal in April 2015, which caused nearly 6,000 deaths and extensive infrastructural damage. Fact-checkers at Logically Facts traced the video back to a 2015 article by The Guardian and identified its origin as a clip from The Telegraph, showing cracked roads in Kathmandu. This misinformation highlights the ongoing challenge of accurately reporting on natural disasters amid the rapid spread of content on social media.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a troubling incident in Punjab province, Pakistan, three Hindu youths were kidnapped by armed dacoits who are demanding the release of their accomplices from police custody. The abduction occurred in the Bhong area of Rahim Yar Khan district, about 400 kilometers southwest of Lahore, where the victims—identified as Shaman, Shameer, and Sajan—were taken at gunpoint near a health unit. The gang's leader, Ashiq Korai, issued a video ultimatum to police officer Rana Ramzan, threatening to kill the hostages if his family members were not released. The video showed the three youths in chains, pleading for help. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against powerful criminal gangs in the Katcha area, known for their ability to operate freely despite police efforts, with previous attacks resulting in fatalities among law enforcement.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA viral video from Iran depicts a woman confronting a cleric at Mehrabad Airport, where she, without a hijab, removes his turban and places it on her head. The clip, shared by user Navid Mohebbi, shows the woman angrily questioning the cleric about her husband, suggesting prior harassment related to hijab enforcement. While _Iran International_ reports the incident's connection to hijab issues, _Mashregh News_, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claims it was unrelated and suggested the woman had "psychological problems." Despite this, social media users have hailed her actions as a bold act of defiance against oppressive regulations, with one remarking on her "transformation of the turban into a mandatory scarf" as a form of resistance. The woman was briefly detained but released later with the consent of those involved, further fueling discussions on the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Iran.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a candid interview with USA Today, President Joe Biden expressed confidence that he could have defeated Donald Trump in a hypothetical re-election bid but acknowledged concerns about his stamina for another four-year term at 86. The 82-year-old Democrat reflected on the challenges his successor may pose, considering pre-emptive pardons for Trump critics like former Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, amidst Trump's threats to investigate Fauci over his pandemic critiques. Biden recounted a meeting with Trump after the November election, where he urged the former president to avoid retaliatory actions, noting Trump was receptive but non-committal. Additionally, Biden defended his pardon of son Hunter, citing his recovery from addiction and tax compliance. Ultimately, Biden stated that while he believed he could win against Trump based on polls, he had no desire to serve as president at such an advanced age.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAn influential Republican Congressman, Andy Biggs, has reintroduced a bill in the US House of Representatives aimed at revoking Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally. The legislation stipulates that the President should only certify this designation if Pakistan demonstrates a commitment to curbing the movement of militants, particularly the Haqqani Network, which operates from its territory. The bill requires assurances that Pakistan is actively conducting military operations against these groups and coordinating with the Afghan government to limit their activities along the border. Originally introduced in January 2019, this bill has seen no legislative progress in previous sessions, yet it reflects ongoing concerns in Washington regarding Pakistan's role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 12 pmeznews.inStarbucks' iconic logo, featuring a twin-tailed mermaid or "siren," has a rich and somewhat eerie history that dates back to the company's founding in 1971. Designed by artist Terry Heckler, the original logo depicted a bare-chested siren, inspired by ancient mythology, symbolising the irresistible allure of coffee. This choice reflects the siren's mythological role in luring sailors to their doom, serving as a metaphor for the captivating nature of the beverage. Over the years, the logo has been modernised, yet the siren remains central, embodying themes of mystery and seduction while maintaining a connection to the sea. Although today's design is more subtle, the logo's intriguing origins continue to fascinate many, as highlighted by YouTuber Zack D Films, who notes the logo's transformation from a 'creepy' image to a symbol of allure and charm in the coffee industry.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDuring a press briefing on the devastating wildfires in Southern California, President Joe Biden awkwardly announced that he had become a great-grandfather, eliciting nervous laughter from attendees. His eldest granddaughter, Naomi Biden Neal, welcomed a son, William Brannon Neal IV, confirmed by First Lady Jill Biden on Instagram. Biden, 82, is the first sitting US president to achieve great-grandfather status. Amidst this personal news, he expressed concern for his family's safety, revealing that his son had received notice that their home might have been destroyed, although it was reportedly still standing. The wildfires have resulted in at least five fatalities and the evacuation of tens of thousands, with the Palisades Fire becoming the most destructive in Los Angeles history, burning over 15,800 acres. Biden, who canceled a planned trip to Italy, affirmed his commitment to addressing the crisis, stating, "We're doing everything we can."
Published: Jan 09 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAs wildfires ravage California, prompting mass evacuations and resulting in at least five fatalities, President-Elect Donald Trump has sharply criticized Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming the situation is "all his fault" and demanding his resignation. Trump accused Newsom of mismanaging water resources, alleging that a refusal to sign a water restoration declaration has exacerbated the crisis in the state. In response, Newsom defended his administration's focus on saving lives rather than engaging in political disputes, asserting that Trump's claims about the water declaration are unfounded. Firefighters in Los Angeles County are struggling with inadequate personnel to combat the blazes, which have damaged over 1,500 structures. Outgoing President Joe Biden has also stepped in, canceling a trip to Italy to prioritize firefighting efforts, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing the emergency.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 1 pm
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