Techrights

Links 12/12/2024: Shell Settles With Greenpeace, DOJ Whistleblower Pilot Program

Posted by Roy Schestowitz on Dec 12, 2024

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Contents

• LeftoversScienceHardwareHealth/Nutrition/AgricultureProprietary/Artificial Intelligence (AI)SecurityPrivacy/Surveillance Defence/AggressionTransparency/Investigative ReportingEnvironmentEnergy/TransportationWildlife/NatureOverpopulation FinanceAstroTurf/Lobbying/PoliticsCensorship/Free SpeechFreedom of Information / Freedom of the PressCivil Rights/PolicingInternet Policy/Net NeutralityMonopolies/MonopsoniesPatentsTrademarksCopyrights

* ### Leftovers

Science

Science Alert ☛ Arctic Tundra Now a Carbon Source: 2024 Report Shows Stark Changes in Just Decades

This has profound global consequences.

Science Alert ☛ 'Dark Comets' Come in Different Varieties, And It Could Have Implications For Life on Earth

We keep finding more of them.

Science Alert ☛ Study Reveals More Than One in Five Are Infected With an Incurable STI

We need to talk about this.

Science Alert ☛ There's a Human Right Few of Us Think About, And We All Should Be Curious

You included.

Science Alert ☛ Skin Mites That Mate on Our Faces at Night Are Gradually Merging With Humans

Two become one.

Science Alert ☛ Malibu's Franklin Fire Explodes Over 4,000 Acres, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Thousands of homes are under threat.

Science Alert ☛ NASA Captures Black Hole Jet Blasting a Mysterious Object

What's hiding in the dark?

Science Alert ☛ Mathematician Finally Solves Age-Old Moving Sofa Problem

Now can we solve the ‘fridge upstairs’ conundrum?

Science Alert ☛ A Major Leap Forward in Technology Took Place 900,000 Years Ago

An intellectual revolution.

CER ☛ Kids Think Girls Are Worse Than Boys at Computer Science, by Age 6 – blog post from Amber Settle

Hardware

Tom's Hardware ☛ Intel's latest Arrow Lake CPU firmware reportedly offers little to no performance gains — users test the microcode ahead of launch on the ASRock Z890 Taichi OCF

The 0x114 microcode for Arrow Lake has leaked online but initial performance numbers suggest minimal gains in performance.

Hackaday ☛ Tiny PONG, Big Ambitions: World’s Smallest Arcade

London, Ontario college student [Victoria Korhonen] has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and miniaturization lovers with her creation of what might be the world’s smallest arcade machine. Standing just 64 mm tall, 26 mm wide, and 30 mm deep, this machine is a scaled-down marvel playing the classic Atari game PONG. While the record isn’t yet official—it takes about three months for Guinness to certify—it’s clear [Korhonen]’s creation embodies ingenuity and dedication.

Hackaday ☛ It’s Remotely Ham Radio

Have you ever considered running your ham radio remotely? It has been feasible for years but not always easy. Recently, I realized that most of the pieces you need to get on the air remotely are commonplace, so I decided to take the plunge. I won’t give step-by-step instructions because your radio, computer setup, and goals are probably different from mine. But I will give you a general outline of what you can do.

Hackaday ☛ Chaotic System Cooks Meat Evenly

For better or worse, a lot of human technology is confined to fewer dimensions than the three we can theoretically move about in. Cars and trains only travel two dimensionally with limited exceptions, maps and books generally don’t take advantage of a third dimension, and most computer displays and even the chips that make them work are largely two-dimensional in nature. Most styles of cooking can only apply heat in a single dimension as well, but [Dane Kouttron] wanted to make sure the meat his cookouts took advantage of a truly three-dimensional cooking style by adding a gyroscopic mechanism to the spit.

Health/Nutrition/Agriculture

New York Times ☛ Could Cats Become a Vector for Bird Flu?

A new study highlights the need for public health officials to ramp up bird flu surveillance in our feline companions.

New York Times ☛ A Northern Gaza Hospital Lacks Food and Water for Patients, Officials Say

The health ministry in Gaza said dozens of patients are at risk of death because the Indonesian Hospital does not have enough water and food to keep them alive.

France24 ☛ A bitter pill to swallow? France's relationship to medicine

France has restricted the sale of certain common cold medicines by making them prescription only. On today’s edition, we explain why the ANSM – France’s national agency for the safety of medicine and health products – has made this call. We also dive into some preconceived notions about the French’s love of prescriptions. We find out they are no longer the champion pill poppers of Europe, but they do consume dozens of boxes of drugs every year.

Federal News Network ☛ What’s it like to be career and the number two medical officer at VA

"The Veterans Health Administration truly provides great care for veterans. That's why we encourage veterans to come," said Steven Lieberman.

Science Alert ☛ Experts Warn of Bird Flu Pandemic as Signals of Mutation Mount

"Avian flu is knocking on our door."

Proprietary/Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Bruce Schneier ☛ Jailbreaking LLM-Controlled Robots

Surprising no one, it’s easy to trick an LLM-controlled robot into ignoring its safety instructions.

Cloudbooklet ☛ Parents Sue Character.AI Over Harmful Message to Teen

Lawsuit targets Character.AI over harmful messages linked to teen self-harm.

Silicon Angle ☛ Character.AI sued over slew of harmful chatbot messages sent to children

A lawsuit today was launched against Surveillance Giant Google LLC-funded chatbot service Character.AI Inc. it’s alleging the chatbot groomed children and induced them into committing violence and self-harm.

Globe Newswire ☛ SIOS Protection Suite for Linux Achieves SAP Recertification for Integration with SAP S/4HANA

Underscores SIOS’ continued leadership and expertise in high availability and disaster recovery for critical SAP environments

Security

Privacy/Surveillance

EDRI ☛ Shedding light: We address the flawed Going Dark Report

The “High Level Group on Access to Data for Effective Law Enforcement”, a.k.a. HLG Going Dark, presented its final report and recommendations for an agenda of maximal access to personal data. In an open letter we warn of the dangers and propose a better policy alternative.

Defence/Aggression

New York Times ☛ Anger After UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Killing Rattles Health Insurance Workers

Employees at UnitedHealthcare and other companies described being anxious after an outpouring of online vitriol.

New York Times ☛ Luigi Mangione and the Danger of a Handsome Criminal

What happens when violent crimes are overshadowed by appearances?

Scoop News Group ☛ Senators, witnesses: $3B for ‘rip and replace’ a good start to preventing Salt Typhoon-style breaches

The annual defense spending bill contains money the FCC has sought to use to reimburse telecommunications carriers for removing Chinese equipment.

Defence Web ☛ MP assured South African State Security Agency on top of terrorism threats

Concerns expressed by an MKP (uMkhonto we Sizwe Party) Member of Parliament (MP) as regards South Africa being a logistic hub for terrorist organisations were assuaged by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, in the final round of Parliamentary questions for the year.

Scoop News Group ☛ Why Americans must be prepared for cybersecurity’s worst

A Republican congressman from Texas makes the case for cybersecurity as “a cornerstone” of the GOP agenda.

Scoop News Group ☛ Latest round of MITRE ATT&CK evaluations put cybersecurity products through rigors of ransomware

The sixth round of tests included two ransomware variants, while also incorporating macOS for the first time.

Atlantic Council ☛ The United States needs a durable national energy strategy

The United States lacks a comprehensive, long-term energy strategy that can persist through election cycles and aligns energy security with broader national interests. Congress should address this shortfall by mandating a “National Energy Strategy” that establishes a durable energy policy framework.

Federal News Network ☛ Dashboards, sharing threat intelligence helping USDA improve cybersecurity responses

When it comes to cybersecurity, the more data you have, the easier it is to identify anomalies and stop adversaries.

European Commission ☛ Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on the Communication on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU's external border

The Straits Times ☛ Afghan Taliban's refugees minister killed by suicide blast

Mr Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani was killed in a suicide bombing at the ministry’s offices in the capital Kabul.

Defence Web ☛ Lack of border fencing a major contributor to illegal grazing

When not intercepting illegal immigrants or smugglers attempting to enter South Africa loaded with contraband, soldiers deployed on the border protection tasking Operation Corona are often asked to round up livestock illegally grazing on South African land.

New York Times ☛ Biden Administration Looks to Reinforce U.S.-China Ties Ahead of Trump’s Return

Senior Treasury officials are holding a final round of talks with a new round of economic volatility on the horizon.

CS Monitor ☛ Why is the Chinese military deployment around Taiwan the largest in years?

The size and scale of a recent Chinese military deployment is “unheard of,” says a diplomat in the region. Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory, says it is defending its sovereignty.

The Straits Times ☛ China says it takes ‘necessary measures’ to defend sovereignty over Taiwan

China has held two rounds of major war games around Taiwan so far in 2024.

Taiwan warns internet celebrities on collusion after video uproar

Online influencers have become an important part of China’s propaganda war against the island, said Taiwan.

China mobilizes ‘staggering’ naval presence in Taiwan Strait: Taipei

Deployment comes after Taiwan leader’s Pacific tour that included a US stop.

Hong Kong Free Press ☛ China draws ‘red line’ around Taiwan with biggest maritime drills in years, Taipei says

By Joy Chiang China has expanded military drills around Taiwan with dozens of warplanes and a huge maritime exercise aimed at drawing “a red line” for the next US president, Taipei authorities said Wednesday.

EXPLAINED: How China hopes to kickstart its flagging economy

The ruling Chinese Communist Party says it will loosen monetary policy and spend more, in bid to boost confidence.

The Straits Times ☛ Powerful blast rocks residential high-rise in southern China, kills one person

The blast sent shockwaves through nearby skyscrapers.

London council rejects China’s ‘super-embassy’ plan - again

Campaigners against the massive facility fear the decision may soon be taken out of local people's hands.

Canada sanctions 8 Chinese officials for human rights violations

The measure comes at a time when Western governments are increasingly using sanctions to hold violators to account.

Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Beijing to impose visa restrictions on US officials who ‘perform terribly on Hong Kong affairs’

Beijing has announced it will impose visa restrictions on US officials that it said had “interfered” in Hong Kong affairs after Washington last months said it was “taking steps” to impose visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials.

Cloudbooklet ☛ China Spherical Death Star Robot Hunts Criminals

China Spherical Death Star Robot revolutionizes policing with AI-powered crime-fighting technology.

The Straits Times ☛ Speak or not to speak? K-pop stars face dilemma amid martial law debacle

Some people criticised Cha Eun-woo of the boy band Astro for posting fashion shoot photos on Dec 7.

New York Times ☛ South Korea President Yoon Defends Martial Law Decree in Defiant Speech

President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to “fight to the end,” despite the opposition’s push to impeach him and his own party’s demand that he resign.

New York Times ☛ North Korea Breaks Silence on South Korea’s Martial Law Declaration

In its first statement about the turmoil over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree, the North said nothing about how inter-Korean relations might be affected.

New York Times ☛ South Korean Police Raid President Yoon’s Office in Martial Law Inquiry

President Yoon Suk Yeol shows no sign of stepping down, as investigators raided his office and more members of his own party turned against him.

The Straits Times ☛ North Korean media reports South Korea’s martial law crisis for first time

It did not offer much commentary but largely carried South Korean and international media reports.

The Straits Times ☛ Lawsuit seeks $94 per person in compensation from South Korean president over botched martial law

The compensation is for alleged psychological damages stemming from his declaration of martial law.

CS Monitor ☛ In ‘new crisis era,’ Tokyo needs help from Seoul and DC. Can it count on them?

As security threats mount in the Asia-Pacific, the hard-won defense alliance between Japan and South Korea is the linchpin to regional safety. Now, political upheaval in Seoul threatens to test the partnership’s resilience.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s ex-defence minister formally arrested over martial law imposition

A formal arrest warrant was issued for Kim Yong-hyun, who had already been detained on Dec 10.

The Straits Times ☛ Who is Kim Yong-hyun, ousted South Korean defence minister who attempted suicide?

Here is what we know about Mr Kim and his role in the martial law attempt.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea ex-defence minister accused of role in martial law attempts suicide, official says

Kim Yong-hyun is under arrest over insurrection.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s Yoon gave orders to ‘drag out’ MPs during martial law, officer says

The army commander said he was asked to “break the door down“ and “drag out the people inside“.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s fading nightlife signals shift in hard-drinking culture

Corporate Korea has been slowing down on hoesik, or after-work drinking bouts.

The Straits Times ☛ Signs surface that South Korea’s martial law was plotted well in advance

Senior military officers were reportedly ordered to be on standby for a North Korea-related situation.

The Straits Times ☛ Yoon out: South Korean teen leaders speak with one voice while politicians may be divided

The youth leaders see the martial law incident as a turning point for teens to become more aware of politics.

The Straits Times ☛ Will South Korea’s ruling party lawmakers change course on Yoon impeachment vote boycott?

Some politicians have signalled their intent to take part in the second vote.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea police chief arrested as Yoon impeachment looms over failed martial law

The South Korean Parliament is scheduled to hold a session to introduce a Bill to impeach Mr Yoon Suk Yeol.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korean police blocked from raid on President Yoon’s office

Former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun was reported to have attempted to kill himself.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s Yoon seeks to fight on as probes mount

Mr Yoon has rejected the idea of quitting before the end of his term in 2025.

The Straits Times ☛ ‘Shame on S. Korean presidential couple’: Yoon and wife condemned by alma maters

They are urging for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment and and his wife Kim Keon Hee's arrest.

The Straits Times ☛ After commander’s tell-all testimony, South Korea’s National Assembly launches martial law probe

Speaker Woo Won-shik said a task force would be formed to carry out an investigation.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korean leader could be arrested before second round of impeachment vote

Three separate agencies are investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of treason and insurrection.

The Straits Times ☛ North Korea notes South Korea’s ‘growing public anger’ against Yoon

It is the second time in 2 days that it has reported on the matter.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s President Yoon vows to ‘fight to the end’ as he defends martial law bid

He faces a second impeachment vote in Parliament expected on Dec 14, a week after the first one failed.

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s tourism, soft power gains at risk from extended political crisis

SEOUL - From plastic surgery clinics to tour firms and hotel chains, South Korea's hospitality sector is wary of the potential impact of a protracted political crisis, as some overseas travellers cancel trips following last week's brief bout of martial law.

North Korea calls South’s martial law declaration ‘shocking’ in first reaction

South Korea’s opposition due to file a second motion to impeach president Yoon Suk Yeol.

France24 ☛ South Korea Yoon defends martial law decision, vows to fight until 'very last minute'

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Thursday to "fight until the very last minute" amid an impeachment vote and martial law probe. Police raided his office over December's turmoil, including deploying troops to parliament. Yoon, banned from foreign travel, faces an "insurrection" investigation into his inner circle.

France24 ☛ Yemen's civil war through the lenses of photojournalist Asmaa Waguih

A world-renowned news photographer has spoken to FRANCE 24 about her efforts to document the conflict in Yemen. Asmaa Waguih has been to numerous countries, including Afghanistan and Libya – and won last year the Reuters Photographer of the Year for her coverage of the Arab Spring. Her latest book of pictures from Yemen, called Unfinished War, as the country remains all but impossible for journalists to report from since the conflict broke out there ten years ago. She spoke to us in Perspective.

Craig Murray ☛ On the Lebanese/Syrian Border

Where reality is very different from what the BillBC and CNN are telling you. ——————————— My reporting and advocacy work has no source of finance at all other than your contributions to keep us going. We get nothing from any state nor any billionaire.

France24 ☛ Fall of Assad reveals the death of Mazen al-Hamada, symbol of the regime’s atrocities

The body of Syrian activist Mazen al-Hamada was found Monday in a military hospital morgue near Damascus, according to a number of NGOs. Imprisoned and tortured by the Syrian military after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Hamada fled to Europe to denounce the atrocities of Bashar al-Assad’s regime before choosing to return to his home country in 2020.

JURIST ☛ US unseals war crimes indictment against former Syrian officials

The US government unsealed an indictment Monday charging two former high-ranking officials of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence with war crimes. The indictment accuses Jamil Hassan and Abdul Salam Mahmoud of cruel and inhuman treatment, including the torture of detainees, some of whom were US citizens, at the Mezzeh military airbase prison in Damascus.

New York Times ☛ Who Set the Stage for al-Assad’s Ouster? There Are Different Answers in the U.S. and Israel.

President Biden says he weakened Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, laying the groundwork for Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Syrian leader would still be in power had he listened to American advice.

New York Times ☛ In Aleppo, Rebels Give a Sense of What Is to Come for Syria

Rebel fighters who took control of Aleppo about two weeks ago have promised security and continuity. Prices have skyrocketed, but residents express some hope for the future.

New York Times ☛ Syrian Rebels Vow Punishment for Atrocities Under Bashar al-Assad

The rebels who seized Damascus are trying to get a new government up and running, even as foreign powers like Israel and Turkey, and armed Syrian groups, fight for power.

France24 ☛ Preparing for potential 'chaos' in post-Assad Syria, Israel goes on the offensive

The Israeli military says it carried out nearly 500 strikes against Syrian military targets in the days since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, while its troops moved into a demilitarised zone in the Golan Heights that was established following the 1973 Middle East war. Analysts say Tel Aviv may be preparing for potential “chaos” – and for a new regime in Syria.

New York Times ☛ Who Is Mohammed al-Bashir, Syria’s New Prime Minister?

Mr. al-Bashir previously headed a rebel-led administration in northwestern Syria. He has been tasked with running the country’s interim government until March.

New York Times ☛ A Search in Syria for the Disappeared

Syrians raced to newly emptied prisons to reunite with loved ones snatched away by the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad, but their quest sometimes took them to the morgue.

CS Monitor ☛ How fall of Assad showcases the Biden-Trump policy divide in the Mideast

The fall of Bashar al-Assad has created challenges and opportunities for the United States in Syria. But the dissonance between the current and future U.S. administrations is confusing major players in the Middle East.

New Yorker ☛ Searching for Loved Ones in a Newly Liberated Syrian Prison

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the country tries to discern the fate of people the regime locked away.

RFERL ☛ Iranian Leader Blames Assad's Downfall On U.S., Israel, And Turkey

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in his first public comments since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ousted, accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the rebel uprising that toppled the regime over the weekend.

Did a Chinese tabloid publish a front-page story about Bashar al-Assad’s fall?

Verdict: False

France24 ☛ This is a moment of real opportunity, but also real danger for Syrians, IRC's Donnelly says

Syria's new prime minister said the Islamist-led alliance that ousted president Bashar al-Assad will guarantee the rights of all religious groups and called on the millions who fled the war to return home. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to Ciarán Donnelly is Senior Vice President of International Programmes at the International Rescue Committee. He says that this is a moment of real opportunity but also of real danger for Syrians.

The Strategist ☛ Just look at the lights: Assad’s territory was growing poorer as opposition’s economy advanced

Explanation is in illumination. To understand why the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell so suddenly in Syria in the past week, just note how night-time lights faded in cities it controlled.

JURIST ☛ Germany, EU allies freeze Syrian refugee processing as Damascus power shifts

Germany suspended processing asylum claims for Syrian refugees on Monday following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with the UK, Greece and Sweden quickly adopting similar measures amid the rapidly evolving situation in Damascus.

France24 ☛ Who are the main rebel factions operating in Syria?

Syrian rebels who have ousted Bashar al-Assad and seized the capital Damascus include fighters from different factions, while other groups also hold territory elsewhere. FRANCE 24's Emerald Maxwell takes a look.

New York Times ☛ Biden’s Top Aides Race to Middle East as Militias Wield Power in Syria

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken plans to hold meetings in Jordan and Turkey. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, is visiting Israel.

Meduza ☛ Journalist Dmitry Muratov responds to TASS report that he fled Russia by posting photo from the agency’s Moscow building — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Widening the net: Russian lawmakers are expanding the definition of treason — including for foreigners. Here’s what you need to know. — Meduza

Russia, Belarus, and War in Ukraine

Meduza ☛ Russia is at risk of losing its military bases in Syria. Here’s what that means for its Africa operations. — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Russia urged Assad to flee Syria and organized his escape — Bloomberg — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Vanished sights and sounds: Join Meduza’s holiday initiative to bring readers a taste of the Russia many lost in February 2022 — Meduza

France24 ☛ Russia threatens to retaliate after Ukrainian ATACMS strike in Rostov

Moscow on Wednesday accused Kyiv of firing US-supplied ATACAMS missiles on a military airfield in its southern Rostov region and threatened to retaliate. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine's "destructive" approach made peace impossible.

Atlantic Council ☛ Ukraine is expanding its long-range arsenal for deep strikes inside Russia

Ukraine is producing its own arsenal of long-range weapons as Kyiv seeks to bypass Western fears of escalation and bring Vladimir Putin's invasion home to Russia in 2025, writes Peter Dickinson.

RFERL ☛ Macron, Tusk To Discuss EU Peace Force For Ukraine Amid Diplomatic Surge

French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will discuss the deployment of a postwar peacekeeping force in Ukraine when the two meet in Warsaw on December 12, according to two media outlets, the latest sign of a surge in diplomacy to end Europe's biggest war in decades.

Meduza ☛ ‘An irreparable loss’: One of the few remaining members of Russia’s indigenous Kerek people was killed fighting in Ukraine — Meduza

Meduza ☛ U.S. 2025 defense budget approved without extension of lend-lease program for Ukraine, says Ukrainian ambassador — Meduza

Meduza ☛ ‘They lie at every step’: After 20-year-old Russian conscript is killed in Ukraine, forensic analysis confirms his military contract signature was forged — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Ukrainian finance minister says Kyiv can hold out against Russia at least until mid-2025, even if U.S. stops aid — Meduza

Scoop News Group ☛ Turla living off other cybercriminals’ tools in order to attack Ukrainian targets [Ed: Improperly cites Microsoft as security expert rather than the prime culprit here]

European Commission ☛ Ukraine joins the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme

European Commission Press release Brussels, 11 Dec 2024 Today, Ukraine joins the Media strand of the Creative Europe programme, which supports the audiovisual sector by funding selected projects related to film development and distribution, online and TV content, as well as the creation of innovative tools and business models in the audiovisual industry.

Meduza ☛ U.S. government believes Russia may fire another Oreshnik missile at Ukraine in ‘coming days’ — Associated Press — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Russia reports Ukrainian attack on airfield using U.S.-made ATACMS missiles — Meduza

Meduza ☛ U.S. announces $20 billion loan to Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Ukraine sent drones to Syrian rebels ahead of Assad’s overthrow — The Washington Post — Meduza

European Commission ☛ Commission steps up support for Member States to strengthen EU security and counter the weaponisation of migration

European Commission Press release Brussels, 11 Dec 2024 Today, the Commission is adopting a Communication to support Member States to counter hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration by Russia and Belarus and to strengthen security at the EU's external borders.

Atlantic Council ☛ Georgia protests highlight urgent need for government reforms

Recent democratic regression in Georgia undermines the rights of citizens and threatens long-term prosperity. To restore faith in Georgian democracy and build on past economic progress, the government must address challenges related to the judiciary, Russian influence, and social inequalities.

France24 ☛ Viral audio deepfake falsely claims Bashar al-Assad ‘apologised’ to Syrian people

In today’s edition of Truth or Fake, France 24's Vedika Bahl debunks two fake stories circulating from Syria, about the now-ousted Assad dynasty. One falsehood claims to show an audio extract where Bashar al-Assad renounced his post and apologised to Syrians before he fled to Russia, and another claims to show the former President’s 'cousin' being executed by rebels in a town square.

France24 ☛ 'Unprecedented' in history of UN: An institution 'dedicated to determining fate of missing Syrians'

The fall of Assad sparked a frantic search by families of the tens of thousands of people held in his security services' jails and detention centres. As they advanced towards Damascus, the rebels released thousands of detainees, but many more remain missing. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective on war-torn Syria's long road ahead, as they seek to rebuild and locate the 100,000 missing, FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear welcomes Ahmed Helmy, Co-Founder of Ta'afi Initiative.

Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev in Beijing for ‘high-level exchange’ with Chinese leaders

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev is visiting Beijing this week for talks with leaders of the key Moscow partner, China’s foreign ministry said Wednesday. “The visit to China by Mr. Medvedev… is an important high-level exchange between China and Russia,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press conference.

LRT ☛ EU allows countries bordering Russia, Belarus to restrict migrants’ asylum rights

The European Union said on Wednesday that member states bordering Russia and Belarus could restrict migrants’ right to asylum in cases where Moscow and Minsk use them as instruments.

US offers $10 million reward for Chinese [cr]ackers

The Commerce Department also sanctioned 8 other companies for human rights abuses in China, Myanmar and Russia.

Arakan Army takes fight to Myanmar’s western command in bid to control Rakhine state

The junta is responding with aerial strikes and troop reinforcements.

RFERL ☛ Romania's Western-Leaning Parties Join Forces To Keep Far-Right Out

Romania's pro-Western parties have agreed on a parliamentary majority to prevent far right groups from joining the government amid political turmoil prompted by revelations about Russian malign influence that led to the annulment of the first round of presidential elections.

CS Monitor ☛ With Assad’s ouster, Russia’s Mideast influence collapses. What will Moscow do now?

Russia kept Syria’s Bashar al-Assad in power over the last decade. Now he’s gone. But setbacks in the Mideast are familiar to the Kremlin.

New York Times ☛ 120 Miles of Russian Forest Couldn’t Keep Two Siberian Tigers Apart

Boris and Svetlaya were raised together as orphaned cubs, and then reintroduced to the wild separately. But Boris went on a trek that surprised the researchers who were monitoring him.

New York Times ☛ Russian Navy Ships Have Left Key Syrian Port

Satellite images from last week and this week show that naval vessels docked at the port city of Tartus have left. According to marine tracking data, no cargo ships have entered or left Tartus since Monday.

Meduza ☛ Austrian company OMV terminates Gazprom contract set to last until 2040 — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Biden administration plans to toughen sanctions on Russian oil before Trump takes office — Bloomberg — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Fire bombs planted on DHL shipments, allegedly by Russian intelligence, were strong enough to down a plane — The Guardian — Meduza

Meduza ☛ Alleged Russian spy cell in U.K. that plotted to kill Christo Grozev also discussed kidnapping, disfiguring, and murdering investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov — Meduza

Transparency/Investigative Reporting

Federal News Network ☛ Impact of the new DOJ Whistleblower Pilot Program for individuals

The program serves as a recruiting tool for law enforcement to enroll new informants by offering nonprosecution agreements and immunity.

Environment

Energy/Transportation

Silicon Angle ☛ General Motors ends Cruise robotaxi business in strategic industry exit

General Motors Co. announced today that its Cruise self-driving car unit is exiting the robotaxi business as part of a realignment of the company’s autonomous driving strategy. Under the realignment, GM said, it will use Cruise technology to prioritize the development of advanced drive assistance systems on a path to fully autonomous personal vehicles.

New York Times ☛ Tesla Owners Use Bumper Stickers to Express Feelings About Elon Musk

As Elon Musk has become a key player in President-elect Donald J. Trump’s world, Tesla owners are marking their cars to signify where they stand — for or against.

Hackaday ☛ Retrotechtacular: 1980s Restoration Of San Francisco’s Cable Car System

The cable car system of San Francisco is the last manually operated cable car system in the world, with three of the original twenty-three lines still operating today. With these systems being installed between 1873 and 1890, they were due major maintenance and upgrades by the time the 1980s and with it their 100th year of operation rolled around. This rebuilding and upgrading process was recorded in a documentary by a local SF television station, which makes for some fascinating viewing.

JURIST ☛ Shell settles lawsuit with Greenpeace over vessel boarding incident

Environmental organization Greenpeace announced Tuesday that it reached a settlement with British-Dutch oil and gas company Shell, which had sued the group over a protest.

Wildlife/Nature

France24 ☛ What next for Wikie and Keijo? NGOs call for Marineland’s orcas to be sent to a sanctuary

A French court has handed down its verdict on two orcas still living in captivity in the Marineland of Antibes: Wikie and Keijo will not be transferred to another park before the end of an investigation into their living conditions. This follows the government’s refusal for the orcas to be sold to a park in Japan. Marineland has since announced its permanent closure as of January 5th over financial difficulties which means that the future of the two orcas as well as the 4,000 other marine animals in the park remains uncertain.

Overpopulation

The Straits Times ☛ Tokyo to make day care free to boost birth rate

The city plans to make day care free for all pre-school children starting in September.

Finance

Myanmar’s economy to contract by 1% this year on conflict, floods: World Bank

Households bear the brunt of worsening economy and 25% of the population face ‘food insecurity’

France24 ☛ French lawmakers consider emergencing financing law

French lawmakers are considering emergency financing laws to avoid a potential shutdown of government services. The budget which Michel Barnier attempted to force through parliament was a key factor in the no-confidence vote which toppled his government. With the government's future in limbo, any delay could leave the French state - and programs like social security - without funding on January 1. Also in the show - your Christmas tree may be green, but is it sustainable?

AstroTurf/Lobbying/Politics

The Straits Times ☛ South Korea court upholds two-year sentence for opposition leader over school admission scandal

He was found to have exploited his position as a college professor to help his children gain advantages.

The Straits Times ☛ Malaysia prosecution drops bid to appeal against Deputy PM Zahid’s graft acquittal

The decision is poised to add to the growing disillusionment toward Prime Minister Anwar.

The Straits Times ☛ No nerves for Johor eatery owner who served Malaysia’s King and PM Anwar

Since Mr Lee was young, the King of Malaysia has been a customer at his family's restaurant.

The Straits Times ☛ Malaysia Edition: Anwar tight-lipped on Najib’s bid for house arrest | A fashion influencer, her husband and the millions lost

The Straits Times ☛ Malaysia court bars PetroSaudi from accessing $456m in 1MDB-linked funds

A judge ruled that the money involved was linked to money-laundering activities.

The Straits Times ☛ Malaysia Health Ministry urged to investigate case of baby’s body kept in freezer

The baby was born with severe abnormalities, including having only one eye, no nose, and no anal opening.

The Straits Times ☛ Malaysia drops bid to appeal Deputy PM Zahid’s graft acquittal

The decision is poised to add to the growing disillusionment toward Prime Minister Anwar.

Federal News Network ☛ At labor rally, Schumer commits to Senate vote on Social Security Fairness Act

The Senate’s Social Security Fairness Act has 62 bipartisan cosponsors. Now pressure is building to push the bill to repeal WEP and GPO to a floor vote.

BIA Net ☛ Turkey condemns Israel's expanded occupation in Syria's Golan Heights

“Security cannot be achieved by shedding more blood and raining more bombs on innocent civilians,” says President Erdoğan.

Misinformation/Disinformation/Propaganda

Martin Thompson: Verifiable Provenance for Misinformation

A lot of people are deeply concerned about misinformation.People often come to believe in falsehoods as part of how they identify with a social group. Once established, false beliefs are hard to overcome. Beliefs are a shorthand we use in trying to make sense of the world.

Cloudbooklet ☛ Russian Ops Deploy ElevenLabs Hey Hi (AI) Voice Generation

Russian ops use ElevenLabs' Hey Hi (AI) tech in influence campaigns to spread fake news.

Censorship/Free Speech

Digital Music News ☛ Jay-Z Is Suing the Attorney Who Recently Filed Rape Allegations Against Him — Here’s the 236-Page Filing

Jay-Z is suing Tony Buzbee, the attorney who filed rape allegations against him, in a 236-page lawsuit claiming extortion. Tony Buzbee is the lawyer representing over 200 alleged victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs who recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a woman alleging she was also assaulted by Jay-Z.

Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Hong Kong 47: No plans to appeal for longer sentences for democrats jailed in largest national security case, gov’t says

Hong Kong authorities have no plans to challenge the jail terms handed down to 45 pro-democracy figures convicted in the city’s largest national security case, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has said after the government warned it may appeal for longer sentences for some.

Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Jimmy Lai urged Hongkongers to adapt under national security law but denies encouraging ‘resistance,’ trial hears

Media mogul Jimmy Lai urged Hongkongers to be “flexible” after the enactment of Beijing’s national security law, the newspaper founder testified in his collusion trial, but denied he was encouraging active resistance against the authorities.

JURIST ☛ Human rights group says Vietnam cyber security law violates freedoms of speech and expression

Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Vietnam on Tuesday to repeal its new cybersecurity law on the basis that it represses rights to free speech and freedom of expression. Vietnam’s new law, set to come into effect on 25 December 2024, builds on existing legislation to create stricter rules surrounding internet use and freedom of speech.

ACLU ☛ Can you define pornography? Neither can the government.

Freedom of Information / Freedom of the Press

Press Gazette ☛ Forbes names Sherry Phillips as CEO to succeed Mike Federle

Federle will continue as a strategic advisor to the Forbes leadership team and board.

NYPost ☛ Trump taps Kari Lake to serve as director of Voice of America

As head of Voice of America (VOA), Lake will lead a taxpayer-funded international media outlet – with a $267 million budget – that has faced accusations of censorship and “woke-ism” under Biden.

Press Gazette ☛ 26 leading former Guardian/Observer writers express ‘horror’ at actions of Scott Trust

Meanwhile Guardian CEO Anna Bateson explains why company has given Tortoise £5m plus The Observer.

Civil Rights/Policing

RFERL ☛ 'Escalating Crackdown' In Azerbaijan Draws U.S. Criticism

The United States has demanded that the government of Azerbaijan immediately release a group of detained human rights activists, journalists, and civil society figures being held in what is seen as an "escalating crackdown" on civil society and press freedom in Azerbaijan.

‘China Beyond Borders’ documentary explores Beijing’s transnational repression

First episode examines threats against Chinese students in the US who dare speak out.

China demolishes prominent Xinjiang building owned by Uyghur activist in US

The Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center served as a meeting place for Uyghur intellectuals.

France24 ☛ Uganda: Sudanese refugee women are fighting to raise a feminist voice

In Uganda, Sudanese refugee women are fighting to raise a feminist voice on the war and rebuild their lives. The “Guardians” association was born in Sudan and regrouped in Kampala. These merchants and intellectuals are carrying on.. a long tradition of mutual aid among Sudanese women from abroad, while engaging in their country’s politics. Clément Di Roma went to meet them.

Defence Web ☛ Human traffickers also on the BMA radar

Now into its second year of operations, Commissioner Michael Masiapato’s Border Management Authority (BMA) is making inroads into human trafficking. A statement has it recent operations at the Beitbridge and Lebombo ports of entry “saw significant breakthroughs in disrupting illegal activities, including human and child smuggling”.

New York Times ☛ How ‘Her Story,’ a Feminist Comedy, Came to Rule China’s Box Office

“Her Story” touches on sensitive topics in China, like censorship and gender inequality. But its humorous, nonconfrontational approach may have helped it pass censors.

JURIST ☛ Nicaragua rights organization: political prisoners subjected to crimes against humanity

The Nicaraguan Human Rights Collective “Never Again” reported on Tuesday that at least 229 individuals detained in the country for political reasons have endured various forms of torture and other acts that could be classified as “crimes against humanity” over the past seven years.

Internet Policy/Net Neutrality

TwinCities Pioneer Press ☛ Comcast hooks up six more Minnesota cities with Internet services

Three of the cities are in Washington County.

Monopolies/Monopsonies

Patents

Dennis Crouch/Patently-O ☛ Mass joinder: Falling apart in the NDIL?

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. v. The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A, No. 1:24-cv-09401 (N.D. Ill. Nov. 18, 2024), ECF 27.The Northern District of Illinois’ “cottage industry,” Schedule A litigation, depends on mass joinder of defendants. Plaintiffs accuse dozens, hundreds—sometimes over a thousand—defendants of IP infringement in a single case. This allows the plaintiffs to save money on filing fees and maximize this litigation model’s profitability.

Dennis Crouch/Patently-O ☛ The Silent Circuit: The Growing Backlash against Rule 36 No Opinion Judgments from the Federal Circuit [Ed: This is just patent maximalists' lobbyism, trying to slow down the invalidation of take patents granted abusively by USPTO]

Four new amicus briefs were filed last week in ParkerVision v. TCL, bringing the total to eight and adding substantial firepower to the challenge against the Federal Circuit’s practice of issuing summary affirmances without opinion. I wanted to quickly run through the briefs and talk through their various perspectives on why the court’s Rule 36 practice warrants Supreme Court review.

Kangaroo Courts

JUVE ☛ Top litigation firms at the UPC 2025 [Ed: Marketing spam for an illegal court that JUVE got paid to shill, even by lying about it]

JUVE ☛ How 37 patent monopoly firms made it into JUVE Patent’s first UPC litigation ranking [Ed: UPC is illegal and unconstitutional, but JUVE now profits from advertising this illegality]

A total of 37 law firms have met the tough criteria to make it into JUVE Patent’s first ever UPC litigation ranking. The field is as diverse as the proceedings that have already been brought to the UPC so far.

Trademarks

TTAB Blog ☛ TTABlog Test: Is SWAG GOLF for Clothing Confusable with SWAG for Belt Buckles?

Curious readers sometimes ask for follow-ups on cases that I list in my oral argument posts. Well, here's one: an opposition to registration of the mark SWAG GOLF for "Clothing for athletic use, namely, padded shirts; Clothing, namely, khakis; Belts for clothing; Bottoms as clothing; Embroidered clothing, namely, shirts, hats; Hoodies; Jerseys; Tops as clothing; Wearable garments and clothing, namely, shirts" [GOLF disclaimed], on the ground of likelihood of confusion with the registered mark SWAG for, inter alia, belt buckles. How do you think it came out? [Hint: the opinion was only eleven pages long]. Kuldisak, LLC d/b/a Swag Golf v. RASL Enterprises Inc., Opposition No. 91276063 (December 9, 2024) [not precedential] (Opinion by Judge Mark Lebow).

Copyrights

Creative Commons ☛ CC Open Education: 2024 in Review

Photo of Empty Classroom by Diana. Public Domain. The Open Education program at Creative Commons works to support CC’s mission through education, advocacy, and outreach on using open licenses and open licensing policies to maximize the benefits of open education (content, practices and policy).

Digital Music News ☛ Over 600 Artists Demand UMG Drop Its $621 Million Lawsuit Against Internet Archive

More than 600 artists have signed an open letter demanding UMG and other music labels drop their $621 million lawsuit against the Internet Archive.

The Straits Times ☛ Australia plans new rules forcing Big Tech to continue paying news outlets

Meta has said it would discontinue a tab on Facebook (Farcebook) promoting news in Australia.

Public Domain Review ☛ The Color of Memory: Albert Kahn’s Archives of the Planet

By the time of Albert Kahn’s death in 1940, the French banker and philanthropist had amassed a collection of more than 72,000 autochrome photographs. Grace Linden explores the Archives de la Planète — his sprawling, global project to document and preserve the fast-changing world — and uncovers a latent nostalgia in the hyperreal hues of early color photography.