American politicians are receiving many calls from TikTok users who aren’t happy about plans to make its parent company sell the social media app. A bill was passed by a US congressional panel, saying TikTok must be sold within six months or it could be banned.
TikTok sent a notification asking users to call their representative to vote against the bill. The bill will be voted on by the full House next week. It’s supported by a group of 20 lawmakers who are concerned about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The bill aims to protect the US from threats by foreign-controlled apps. Lawmakers believe TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, has links to the Chinese Communist Party, which ByteDance denies.
Users of the app got a message telling them to stop a TikTok shutdown. Many people have called their representatives about this, including children.
Tiktok [GETTY IMAGES]
Under the bill, ByteDance would have to sell TikTok or it could be removed from US app stores. The bill doesn’t target individual users of the app.
Some lawmakers think TikTok is a threat to national security because its parent company collaborates with China’s government.
TikTok says the bill would ban the app and violate Americans’ rights. The ACLU also opposes the bill, saying it’s a political move and many people rely on TikTok.
American lawmakers have tried to control TikTok before. The app is banned on US government devices, but President Biden’s re-election campaign has an account.
Former President Trump tried to ban TikTok and WeChat, but it didn’t happen because of legal issues.
Sneaking Fans into Taylor Swift Concert: Singapore Charges Two Men with Cheating
Singapore authorities have charged two men with cheating for sneaking three individuals into a Taylor Swift concert without tickets. According to reports, Yang Chenguang allegedly engaged security personnel in conversation while Li Xiao Wei manipulated a turnstile to facilitate the trio’s entry.
The incident occurred last Monday during the third of Swift’s six sold-out shows in Singapore, the only stop of her Eras Tour in the region. Tickets for the highly anticipated event had sold out months in advance, prompting desperate fans from as far as China to resort to resellers for seats. Prior to Singapore, Swift had performed in Japan and Australia.
Singapore is the only South East Asian country to host Taylor Swift’s wildly popular Eras Tour shows [Getty Images]
Singapore’s strict legal framework stipulates that individuals convicted of cheating can face imprisonment for up to three years. A third individual arrested alongside Yang and Li is currently under investigation and has yet to be formally charged, according to a statement from Singapore police.
Among those who sneaked into the concert was Chinese influencer Yang Junhao, who claims he unwittingly purchased counterfeit tickets. In a video posted on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, Yang expressed his disappointment and revealed he had spent 12,000 yuan on the fake tickets.
Security personnel at the Singapore Sports Hub, where Swift’s concerts were held, reported detaining several individuals attempting to trespass into the venue on Monday. Concert organizers pledged to collaborate closely with law enforcement to ensure public safety and security.
Singapore’s exclusive deal with Swift’s concert promoters has reportedly stirred tension among neighboring countries, including Thailand and the Philippines. The agreement, valued at millions of dollars, underscores Singapore’s strategic significance as a concert destination in the region.
Swift is scheduled to perform three more shows in Singapore before concluding her tour in Southeast Asia.
If you’re having trouble accessing Facebook, Instagram, or Threads this morning, rest assured, you’re not alone.
All Meta platforms appear to be experiencing downtime.
According to Downdetector.com, the outage started around 10 a.m.
If you’re trying to log into Facebook, you might encounter messages stating your password is incorrect. Resetting your password doesn’t seem to resolve the issue.
As for Instagram and Threads, the feeds aren’t refreshing as expected.
Meta, the parent company of these platforms, hasn’t issued a statement regarding the cause of the outage or the expected time for service restoration.
On [date], social media giants Facebook and Instagram experienced a major outage, leaving millions of users unable to access their accounts and causing widespread frustration and inconvenience. The outage, which lasted for several hours, affected users across the globe, highlighting the extent to which people rely on these platforms for communication, entertainment, and business purposes.
The outage began [time] and lasted until [time], with users reporting issues such as being unable to log in, post updates, or access their newsfeeds. The disruption also affected other Facebook-owned platforms, including Messenger and WhatsApp. As news of the outage spread, users took to other social media platforms like Twitter to express their frustration and seek answers.
During the outage, Facebook and Instagram’s official Twitter accounts acknowledged the problem and assured users that they were working to resolve it. The company later issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused and explaining that the outage was due to a technical issue.
While outages of this magnitude are relatively rare for Facebook and Instagram, they serve as a reminder of the dependence many users have on these platforms. Facebook, with its billions of users worldwide, has become an integral part of daily life for many, serving as a platform for communication, news consumption, and social interaction. Similarly, Instagram has grown in popularity, particularly among younger demographics, as a platform for sharing photos, videos, and connecting with friends and influencers.
Businesses and content creators who rely on Facebook and Instagram for marketing and reaching their target audience were also affected by the outage. Many had to quickly adapt their strategies and find alternative ways to engage with their followers and customers. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diversifying marketing efforts and not relying solely on a single platform.
While the outage was a temporary inconvenience, it also raised concerns about the power and influence that platforms like Facebook and Instagram hold. The outage highlighted the vulnerability of relying on a single company for such a significant portion of online communication and content consumption. It also sparked discussions about the need for more competition and alternatives in the social media landscape.
As the outage was resolved and services were gradually restored, users expressed relief and gratitude for the return of their favorite platforms. However, the incident serves as a reminder that technical issues can occur unexpectedly, disrupting our digital lives and reminding us of the importance of diversifying our online presence.
Facebook and Instagram have since taken steps to prevent similar outages in the future and have implemented measures to improve their infrastructure and stability. However, as technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for users to be prepared for potential disruptions and have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact.
In conclusion, the recent outage of Facebook and Instagram served as a wake-up call for millions of users who rely heavily on these platforms for communication, entertainment, and business purposes. The incident highlighted the need for diversification in online presence and the potential risks associated with relying too heavily on a single platform. As we move forward, it is important for users and businesses to adapt and be prepared for potential disruptions, ensuring that they have alternative strategies in place to navigate unforeseen challenges in the digital landscape.
Are you experiencing issues with Facebook and Instagram? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users have reported difficulties accessing these popular social media platforms. It can be frustrating when you rely on these platforms for communication, entertainment, or business purposes.
There could be several reasons why Facebook and Instagram are not working for you. It could be a temporary glitch in the system, a problem with your internet connection, or even an issue with your device. Before panicking, it’s always a good idea to check if others are also experiencing the same problem.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have billions of users worldwide, and occasional outages are not uncommon. These platforms have complex infrastructures, and sometimes technical issues arise that affect their functionality. The companies behind these platforms are usually quick to address and resolve such problems.
If you’re unable to access Facebook or Instagram, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and try refreshing the page.
Clear your cache: Clearing your browser cache can help resolve temporary issues.
Update your app: If you’re using the mobile app, make sure it’s up to date.
Restart your device: Sometimes a simple restart can fix connectivity issues.
If none of these steps work, it’s best to wait for the platforms to resolve the issue. You can also check social media or news websites for updates on any ongoing outages. Remember, these platforms are used by millions of people, and occasional disruptions are bound to happen.
In the meantime, take a break from social media and explore other activities. Read a book, go for a walk, or spend time with loved ones. Remember, there’s more to life than just scrolling through Facebook or Instagram.
Similar to my situation, Biden also stored classified information outside a secure facility and shared it with the press to express apprehension about US policy. However, the prosecutors handled our cases in contrasting manners.
In February, I completed a 33-month sentence in federal prison for breaching the Espionage Act. My disclosure of classified information aimed to shed light on what I perceived as the ethical toll of America’s drone assassination program. Shortly after my release, news of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report emerged, detailing why President Joe Biden wasn’t charged for alleged violations of the same law.
It’s heartening to hear when the Justice Department refrains from using the Espionage Act. Since its enactment in 1917, the law has been wielded to stifle dissenting voices nationwide. Thousands were swiftly convicted for opposing America’s involvement in the deadliest conflict of that era.
Though certain aspects of the law have been revised, the Espionage Act remains the primary statute for prosecuting government whistleblowers who rely on the press to expose governmental abuses. The decision to pursue whistleblowers under the Espionage Act sends a clear message: anyone who speaks to the media risks decades of imprisonment.
Upon reviewing Special Counsel Hur’s report, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between my case and the investigation into the president. According to the report, President Biden, like me, stored classified information outside secure facilities and later shared it with reporters to express concerns about official US policy.
Both President Biden and I voiced apprehensions about official policies: his regarding the 2009 surge in Afghanistan (during his vice presidency) and mine regarding its repercussions. Yet, why was one of us prosecuted while the other wasn’t?
Special Counsel Robert Hur said in a report released released in February that Biden would not face criminal charges for removing classified documents at the end of the Obama presidency because he had cooperated with investigators and would appear sympathetic to a jury [Leah Millis/Reuters]
Hur suggested that President Biden’s perceived goodwill would make it challenging to convince a jury of wrongdoing. Contrastingly, during my sentencing, the government painted me as a public threat, likening me to a drug dealer. They portrayed me as seeking notoriety rather than acting in the public interest.
Hur deftly sidesteps the issue of intent regarding the Espionage Act. Ironically, the law doesn’t necessitate proof of intent to harm the US; it only requires evidence that the possessor of national defense information knowingly retains and willfully communicates it to unauthorized individuals.
While Biden evades repercussions due to his purported lack of harmful intent, I, like other whistleblowers, was effectively silenced by legal technicalities. Forced to plead guilty to avoid an unwinnable trial, I couldn’t present evidence of my intentions.
The guilt I bore for disclosing national defense information paled in comparison to the shame I felt for participating in the drone program. In 2021, weeks after my sentencing, a US drone strike mistakenly killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine family members. I was the sole person held accountable, not for my role but for exposing its reality.
President Biden received the benefit of doubt denied to many Espionage Act targets. Yet, if he truly upholds the ideals that secured his presidency, he should pardon whistleblowers and end the “targeted” killing policy in the global war on terror.
Individuals Suspected of Gathering Data on Turkish Entities, Allegedly Sold Information to Mossad
Turkish authorities have apprehended seven individuals suspected of trafficking information to the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during synchronized raids in Istanbul on Tuesday. These detentions mark the latest development in a series of similar arrests across Turkey.
The suspects were taken into custody during simultaneous raids in Istanbul, the interior minister said [File: Umit Bektas/Reuters]
Yerlikaya indicated that the detainees are believed to have gathered data on Turkish individuals and businesses, subsequently selling it to Mossad. The raids were conducted in collaboration with Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
“We are adamant about preventing espionage activities within our borders. We will pursue them relentlessly and ensure they face justice,” asserted Yerlikaya.
A video released by the Interior Minister depicted police conducting raids in Istanbul residences, where firearms, narcotics, and electronic devices were seized.
As of now, it remains unclear whether any charges have been filed, with authorities refraining from providing further details.
Israel has yet to issue a response regarding the operation.
Wave of arrests
Last month, Turkish authorities arrested seven individuals on similar suspicions, while in early January, 34 people were detained by Turkish police over alleged espionage for Israel.
According to Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, those arrested in January were accused of planning activities such as reconnaissance and the “pursuit, assault, and abduction” of foreign nationals residing in Turkey. Tunc noted that most of the suspects faced charges related to “political or military espionage” on behalf of Israeli intelligence.
As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency, citing unnamed security officials, the individuals detained on Tuesday included a former civil servant now working as a private investigator. Allegedly trained by Mossad in Belgrade, Serbia, he purportedly gathered information on Middle Eastern entities and individuals, while also planting tracking devices in the vehicles of individuals targeted by Israeli intelligence. MIT stated that he received payments in cryptocurrency not documented in official records.
Despite the normalization of ties between Turkey and Israel in 2022, which saw the reappointment of ambassadors, relations soured swiftly with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ankara emerged as one of Tel Aviv’s most vocal critics during the military campaign in Gaza.
In December, the head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency declared readiness to target Hamas anywhere, including in Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan swiftly warned of “serious consequences” should Israel target anyone on Turkish soil.
The US president, along with Donald Trump, secures a win in Michigan, but initial outcomes indicate dissent from certain voters regarding Biden’s Gaza policy.
A volunteer holds a sign asking people to vote uncommitted, instead of for US President Joe Biden, outside Maples School in Dearborn, Michigan 2024 in the US presidential primary on February 27, 2024 [Jeff Kowalsky/AFP]
In media projections, United States President Joe Biden is declared the winner of the Democratic presidential primary in Michigan, yet early tallies reveal significant dissent over his stance on Israel’s conflict with Gaza.
Michigan, boasting a sizable Arab-American population, saw Democratic voters urged to mark their primary ballots as “uncommitted” as a protest against Biden’s Gaza policy.
Former President Donald Trump secures a commanding victory in the Republican presidential primary in Michigan, further solidifying his hold on the party’s nomination, with Nikki Haley trailing far behind.
Michigan is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming November presidential election, with Biden and Trump likely to face off again in a closely contested battle.
Biden’s narrow win over Trump in Michigan in the 2020 election contrasts with the current discontent among some voters, particularly within the Arab-American community, and progressive Democrats, over his support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Despite efforts from the White House and the Biden campaign to engage with Michigan’s community leaders on the Gaza conflict, the “uncommitted” movement persists, championed by groups like Listen to Michigan and supported by figures such as Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib.
Listen to Michigan expresses satisfaction with the early results, highlighting a significant turnout for the “uncommitted” vote among disillusioned Michigan Democrats.
Notably, a considerable portion of Michigan voters, including young people, opt for the “uncommitted” label, seeking to influence the outcome of the election by withholding full support for Biden.
The Biden campaign acknowledges the participation of Michigan voters but refrains from addressing concerns over Gaza or the “uncommitted” vote.
Both Biden and Trump secure victories in primaries across various states, solidifying their positions within their respective parties.
Despite Trump’s success, Haley vows to continue her campaign, supported by a notable fundraising advantage over Trump’s primary campaign committee.
The company aims to adjust prices dynamically throughout the day according to demand, sparking criticism.
Wendy’s is looking to try a strategy that ride-sharing companies and ticket sellers have implemented [File: Gene J Puskar/AP Photo]
Wendy’s, a fast-food chain based in the United States, is considering experimenting with fluctuating the prices of its menu items throughout the day in response to demand. This strategy, reminiscent of practices adopted by ride-sharing companies and ticket sellers, is set to be trialed soon.
In a recent conference call, Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner announced plans for the Dublin, Ohio-based burger chain to initiate tests of dynamic pricing, also referred to as surge pricing, possibly as soon as next year.
“Starting as early as 2025, we’ll be testing more advanced features such as dynamic pricing and daypart offerings, alongside AI-driven menu adjustments and suggestive selling,” he stated.
“As we continue to demonstrate the advantages of this technology in our company-operated eateries, we anticipate a surge in franchisee interest in digital menu boards, further bolstering sales and profit growth across the board.”
Wendy’s is set to invest approximately $20 million to roll out digital menu boards in all its US company-owned restaurants by the close of 2025. Additionally, it plans to allocate around $10 million over the next two years to bolster digital menu enhancements globally.
Tanner, formerly of PepsiCo, assumed the role of Wendy’s CEO this month, succeeding Todd Penegor, who had held the position of president and CEO since 2016.
Last year, Penegor unveiled a restructuring initiative aimed at expediting decision-making processes and increasing investment in new restaurant development, particularly on the international front. The chain, along with its franchisees, oversees roughly 7,000 restaurants worldwide.
Wendy’s stock experienced a slight dip in Tuesday morning trading following the announcement, which sparked backlash, with the New York Post prominently featuring the news on its front page, dubbing it “inflation’s next frontier.”
On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), numerous users criticized Wendy’s, with some vowing to boycott the burger chain.
“Surge pricing may work for Uber since they’re often the sole option. But you’re not. I won’t be patronizing your establishment if you proceed with this,” one user remarked.
“Goodbye, Wendy’s,” another wrote. “Engaging in predatory pricing isn’t acceptable for a fast food chain.”
In Aveiro, Brazil, flames soared skyward, engulfing the jungle in a blaze reaching over a hundred feet high. Boars fled from the underbrush, toucans darted from the trees, and thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest were soon reduced to ash.
The year was 1928, and in north-central Brazil, a monumental project was underway: Fordlandia, a $20 million city conceived by the wealthiest man of his time, American industrialist Henry Ford. Emerging from the scorched earth were a hospital, cinema, schools, and bungalows. Golf and tennis courts were constructed to make American expats feel at home, while local workers manned the sawmill and factories.
Over the ensuing eight decades, Fordlandia has largely fallen into disrepair, yet smoke still lingers in the air, emblematic of Brazil’s enduring struggle with deforestation and the pursuit of wealth in its renowned rainforest.
Approximately 2,000 people still reside in Ford’s utopian experiment, a dilapidated testament to past aspirations that have shaped the forest. Trapped in poverty, these residents face conflicting pressures: to conserve their surrounding environment or exploit it for survival.
Sadir Moata, a 31-year-old farmer, exemplifies this dilemma. Despite refurbishing one of Fordlandia’s houses for his family, his meager income from farming drives him to clear land through fire to increase crop yields.
Moata explains, “Yes, I deforest. How else am I going to farm?” His monthly government assistance of 600 reals ($120) barely sustains his family, leaving him with few options.
However, experts, advocates, and residents caution that the true cost of Amazon deforestation will inevitably outweigh any short-term gains.
An estimated 2,000 people have continued to call Fordlandia home even after its heyday as a factory town [Apolline Guillerot-Malick/Al Jazeera]
In Aveiro, Brazil, flames soared skyward, engulfing the jungle in a blaze reaching over a hundred feet high. Boars fled from the underbrush, toucans darted from the trees, and thousands of acres of Amazon rainforest were soon reduced to ash.
The year was 1928, and in north-central Brazil, a monumental project was underway: Fordlandia, a $20 million city conceived by the wealthiest man of his time, American industrialist Henry Ford. Emerging from the scorched earth were a hospital, cinema, schools, and bungalows. Golf and tennis courts were constructed to make American expats feel at home, while local workers manned the sawmill and factories.
Over the ensuing eight decades, Fordlandia has largely fallen into disrepair, yet smoke still lingers in the air, emblematic of Brazil’s enduring struggle with deforestation and the pursuit of wealth in its renowned rainforest.
Approximately 2,000 people still reside in Ford’s utopian experiment, a dilapidated testament to past aspirations that have shaped the forest. Trapped in poverty, these residents face conflicting pressures: to conserve their surrounding environment or exploit it for survival.
Sadir Moata, a 31-year-old farmer, exemplifies this dilemma. Despite refurbishing one of Fordlandia’s houses for his family, his meager income from farming drives him to clear land through fire to increase crop yields.
Moata explains, “Yes, I deforest. How else am I going to farm?” His monthly government assistance of 600 reals ($120) barely sustains his family, leaving him with few options.
However, experts, advocates, and residents caution that the true cost of Amazon deforestation will inevitably outweigh any short-term gains.
The rusted shell of a Willys Rural, a jeep-style vehicle produced in Brazil, sits in Fordlandia [Apolline Guillerot-Malick/Al Jazeera]
![Tiktok [GETTY IMAGES]](https://360world.tech/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image.png)
![Singapore is the only South East Asian country to host Taylor Swift's wildly popular Eras Tour shows [Getty Images]](https://globalnewsone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-4.png)
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