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US, UK sanction Gaza Now media channel over Hamas fundraising

US, UK sanction Gaza Now media channel over Hamas fundraising
US and UK authorities unveiled sanctions Wednesday against two people and three companies related to the popular media channel Gaza Now over its fundraising efforts in support of Hamas. (X/@EnglishGaza)
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Updated 27 March 2024
AFP
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US, UK sanction Gaza Now media channel over Hamas fundraising

US, UK sanction Gaza Now media channel over Hamas fundraising
  • “Treasury remains committed to degrading Hamas’ ability to finance its terrorist activities,” US Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said
  • “The UK Government has announced a full asset freeze against two individuals suspected of providing financial support for Gaza Now,” the UK Treasury said
Updated 27 March 2024
AFP
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WASHINGTON: US and UK authorities unveiled sanctions Wednesday against two people and three companies related to the popular media channel Gaza Now over its fundraising efforts in support of Hamas.
The Treasury Department said in a statement that Gaza Now, whose popular Telegram channel has more than 1.8 million followers, and its founder Mustafa Ayash, started fundraising for Hamas after its unprecedented attack on October 7.
That attack resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 32,414 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
“Treasury remains committed to degrading Hamas’ ability to finance its terrorist activities, including through online fundraising campaigns that seek to funnel money directly to the group,” US Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement.
The Treasury Department accused the group of “having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hamas.”
The US also unveiled sanctions against Aozma Sultana, the director of two companies that allegedly gave “thousands of dollars to Gaza Now and advertised Gaza Now as a partner during a joint fundraiser shortly after the October 7 terrorist attack.”
The Treasury Department’s actions are being carried out alongside similar actions by the UK authorities.
“The UK Government has announced a full asset freeze against two individuals suspected of providing financial support for Gaza Now — a news agency that promotes the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist groups,” the UK Treasury said in a statement.
“All funds and economic resources in the UK belonging to or controlled by Sultana and Ayash have been frozen,” they added.

Topics: War on Gaza UK treasury Hamas sanctions Gaza Now

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Saudi Media Academy celebrates graduation of first trainees

Saudi Media Academy celebrates graduation of first trainees
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News
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Saudi Media Academy celebrates graduation of first trainees

Saudi Media Academy celebrates graduation of first trainees
  • Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary: This first cohort of electronic program graduates marks a step toward empowering national staff to face the challenges of modern media
  • Ceremony also featured the launch of the in-person global programs track in collaboration with international universities
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The Saudi Media Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of trainees from the electronic programs track at Misk City in Riyadh.

The event was attended by the assistant minister of media and the academy’s chairman, Abdullah Al-Maghlooth, along with other board members.

Al-Maghlooth highlighted the support and directives of Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, aimed at enhancing training outcomes and developing human resources to drive the future of media in the Kingdom. He commended the academy’s efforts in reaching the milestone.

“Today, we celebrate the success of the nation’s youth, who represent a group of contributors to the future of Saudi media,” he said.

“This first cohort of electronic program graduates marks a step toward empowering national staff to face the challenges of modern media and shape a more innovative future.”

Academy CEO Khalid Al-Abideen thanked Al-Dossary and Al-Maghlooth for their continuous support, which has enabled the academy to offer high-quality programs and contribute to building a dynamic media sector that aligns with global trends.

The ceremony also featured the launch of the in-person global programs track in collaboration with international universities. The program aims to develop leadership and technical skills for media professionals in line with Vision 2030.

Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the academy and the General Authority of Media Regulation to collaborate on qualifying media professionals, developing joint training programs and sharing expertise to improve sector regulation.

The academy also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Mantiq Al-Najah Consulting Co. to enhance training in the sports media sector, focusing on artificial intelligence technologies in sports media.

Topics: Saudi Media Academy Saudi Ministry of Media Misk City Salman Al-Dossary

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Google Doodle commemorates 53rd UAE National Day

Google Doodle commemorates 53rd UAE National Day
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News
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Google Doodle commemorates 53rd UAE National Day

Google Doodle commemorates 53rd UAE National Day
Updated 02 December 2024
Arab News

DUBAI: Google is commemorating the UAE’s 53rd National Day, also known as Eid Al-Etihad, with its latest Doodle marking the Emirate’s foundation day.

On this day in 1971, the leaders of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al-Quwain agreed to unite and established the UAE as an independent nation. The seventh emirate, Ras Al-Khaimah, joined the federation shortly after in 1972.

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan became the first President of the UAE until he died in 2004.

The UAE Government has declared Dec. 2 and 3 as paid holidays for employees in both private and public sectors, with activities and celebrations lined up to celebration occasion.

Among the widely anticipated events include fireworks displays – particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – as well as grand parades in each of the emirates.

The ongoing Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi’s Al-Wathba showcases three days of fireworks and drone shows, aside from a series of heritage show by the Eid Al-Etihad Caravan featuring camels adorned with the UAE flag and folk performances, highlighting the nation’s cultural pride.

This year’s grand ceremony will be held in Al Ain, and attended by the country’s rulers, it will be livestreamed on www.eidaletihad.ae on Dec. 2.

Topics: UAE Google Doodle

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China court jails journalist for seven years on spy charges, family says

China court jails journalist for seven years on spy charges, family says
Updated 29 November 2024
Reuters
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China court jails journalist for seven years on spy charges, family says

China court jails journalist for seven years on spy charges, family says
  • Police in the Chinese capital detained veteran Chinese state media journalist Dong Yuyu in February 2022
  • ‘Sentencing Yuyu to seven years in prison on no evidence declares to the world the bankruptcy of the justice system in China’
Updated 29 November 2024
Reuters

BEIJING/HONG KONG: A Beijing court sentenced veteran Chinese state media journalist Dong Yuyu on Friday to seven years in prison for espionage, his family said in a statement, calling the verdict a grave injustice.
Police in the Chinese capital detained the 62-year-old former Guangming Daily editor and journalist in February 2022 while he was lunching with a Japanese diplomat, the US National Press Club said in a statement. He was later charged with espionage.
“Sentencing Yuyu to seven years in prison on no evidence declares to the world the bankruptcy of the justice system in China,” Dong’s family said in a statement provided to Reuters.
“Today’s verdict is a grave injustice not only to Yuyu and his family but also to every freethinking Chinese journalist and every ordinary Chinese committed to friendly engagement with the world.”
The family added that in the court judgment, Japanese diplomats whom Dong met were “specifically named as agents of an ‘espionage organization,’ which is the Japanese embassy in Beijing.”
Dong’s conviction implied every Chinese citizen would be “expected to know that the Chinese government may consider those embassies to be ‘espionage organizations’,” it said, causing a chilling effect.
Police guarded the court on Friday, with seven police cars parked nearby, and journalists were asked to leave the area. A US diplomat said they had been barred from attending the hearing.
Dong has been detained in a Beijing prison since a closed-court hearing in July 2023, the press club said in September.
“Chinese authorities must reverse this unjust verdict, and protect the right of journalists to work freely and safely in China,” said Beh Lih Yi, Asia program manager at the Committee to Protect Journalists.
“Dong Yuyu should be reunited with his family immediately.”
Dong regularly had in-person exchanges with diplomats from various embassies and journalists.
The Japanese diplomat he met, one of two he had regularly met in the past, was also detained for several hours, spurring a complaint from Japan’s foreign ministry.
At the time, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the diplomat was engaged in activities “inconsistent with their capacity” in China. The diplomat was later released.
A Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2007, Dong was a visiting scholar and visiting professor at Keio University and Hokkaido University in Japan, his family said in a statement in April 2023.
He joined the Guangming Daily, affiliated to the ruling Communist Party, in 1987, after graduating from Peking University law school, and was the deputy editor of its commentary section.
He wrote opinion articles in Chinese media and liberal academic journals on topics from legal reforms to social issues, and co-edited a book promoting the rule of law in China.
His articles advocated moderate reforms while avoiding direct criticism of President Xi Jinping.
His family had initially kept news of his detention private in the hope that charges could be reduced or dropped, but were told in March 2023 that he would stand trial, they said in their statement.
Non-government bodies (NGOs) advocating press freedom have called for his release, with more than 700 journalists, academics and NGO workers signing an online petition for him to be freed.
“Dong Yuyu is a talented reporter and author whose work has long been respected by colleagues,” said Ann Marie Lipinski, curator of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard.
“We stand with many in hoping for his release and return to his family.”
In February, a Beijing court handed a suspended death sentence to Australian writer and pro-democracy blogger, Yang Hengjun, on espionage charges.

Topics: China

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Social media companies, UNICEF slam Australia’s under-16 ban

Social media companies, UNICEF slam Australia’s under-16 ban
Updated 29 November 2024
AFP
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Social media companies, UNICEF slam Australia’s under-16 ban

Social media companies, UNICEF slam Australia’s under-16 ban
  • Tech companies say the measure is littered with “many unanswered questions” ut they are willing to engage with the government on shaping its implementation
  • UNICEF Australia also warned that the law was no “silver bullet” against online harm and could push kids into “covert and unregulated” spaces online
Updated 29 November 2024
AFP

MELBOURNE: Social media giants on Friday hit out at a landmark Australian law banning them from signing up under-16s, describing it as a rush job littered with “many unanswered questions.”
The UN children’s charity UNICEF Australia joined the fray, warning the law was no “silver bullet” against online harm and could push kids into “covert and unregulated” spaces online.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation may not be implemented perfectly — much like existing age restrictions on alcohol — but it was “the right thing to do.”
The crackdown on sites like Facebook, Instagram and X, approved by parliament late Thursday, will lead to “better outcomes and less harm for young Australians,” he told reporters.
Platforms have a “social responsibility” to make children’s safety a priority, the prime minister said.
“We’ve got your back, is our message to Australian parents.”
Social media firms that fail to comply with the law face fines of up to Aus$50 million ($32.5 million).
TikTok said Friday it was “disappointed” in the law, accusing the government of ignoring mental health, online safety and youth experts who had opposed the ban.
“It’s entirely likely the ban could see young people pushed to darker corners of the Internet where no community guidelines, safety tools, or protections exist,” a TikTok spokesperson said.

Tech companies said that despite the law’s perceived shortcomings, they would engage with the government on shaping how it could be implemented in the next 12 months.
The legislation offers almost no details on how the rules will be enforced — prompting concern among experts that it will simply be a symbolic, unenforceable piece of legislation.
Meta — owner of Facebook and Instagram — called for consultation on the rules to ensure a “technically feasible outcome that does not place an onerous burden on parents and teens.”
But the company added it was concerned “about the process, which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.”
A Snapchat spokesperson said the company had raised “serious concerns” about the law and that “many unanswered questions” remained about how it would work.
But the company said it would engage closely with government to develop an approach balancing “privacy, safety and practicality.”
“As always, Snap will comply with any applicable laws and regulations in Australia,” it said.
UNICEF Australia policy chief Katie Maskiell said young people need to be protected online but also need to be included in the digital world.
“This ban risks pushing children into increasingly covert and unregulated online spaces as well as preventing them from accessing aspects of the online world essential to their wellbeing,” she said.

One of the biggest issues will be privacy — what age-verification information is used, how it is collected and by whom.
Social media companies remain adamant that age-verification should be the job of app stores, but the government believes tech platforms should be responsible.
Exemptions will likely be granted to some companies, such as WhatsApp and YouTube, which teenagers may need to use for recreation, school work or other reasons.
The legislation will be closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans.
Lawmakers from Spain to Florida have proposed social media bans for young teens, although none of the measures have been implemented yet.
China has restricted access for minors since 2021, with under-14s not allowed to spend more than 40 minutes a day on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
Online gaming time for children is also limited in China.

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Canada sues Google over alleged anticompetitive practices in online ads

Canada sues Google over alleged anticompetitive practices in online ads
Updated 29 November 2024
AP
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Canada sues Google over alleged anticompetitive practices in online ads

Canada sues Google over alleged anticompetitive practices in online ads
  • The Competition Bureau is asking a tribunal to order Google to sell its ad tech tools, which it uses "unlawfully" to maintain its dominant market position
  • Google maintains the online advertising market is a highly competitive sector and that it intends to defend itself against the allegation
Updated 29 November 2024
AP

TORONTO: Canada’s antitrust watchdog said Thursday it is suing Google over alleged anticompetitive conduct in the tech giant’s online advertising business and wants the company to sell off two of its ad tech services and pay a penalty.
The Competition Bureau said that such action is necessary because an investigation into Google found that the company “unlawfully” tied together its ad tech tools to maintain its dominant market position.
The matter is now headed for the Competition Tribunal, a quasi-judicial body that hears cases brought forward by the competition commissioner about non-compliance with the Competition Act.
The bureau is asking the tribunal to order Google to sell its publisher ad server, DoubleClick for Publishers, and its ad exchange, AdX. It estimates Google holds a market share of 90 percent in publisher ad servers, 70 percent in advertiser networks, 60 percent in demand-side platforms and 50 percent in ad exchanges.
This dominance, the bureau said, has discouraged competition from rivals, inhibited innovation, inflated advertising costs and reduced publisher revenues.
“Google has abused its dominant position in online advertising in Canada by engaging in conduct that locks market participants into using its own ad tech tools, excluding competitors, and distorting the competitive process,” Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition, said in a statement.
Google, however, maintains the online advertising market is a highly competitive sector.
Dan Taylor, Google’s vice president of global ads, said in a statement that the bureau’s complaint “ignores the intense competition where ad buyers and sellers have plenty of choice.”
The statement added that Google intends to defend itself against the allegation.
US regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade.
The proposed breakup, floated in a 23-page document filed this month by the US Department of Justice, calls for sweeping punishments that would include a sale of Google’s industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions to prevent Android from favoring its own search engine.

Topics: Google Canada

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