Facebook said Wednesday it would restrict news content sharing in Australia, refusing to bend to a regulatory push that would force the social giant to share revenue with media outlets.
AFP
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Hong Kong Media Tycoon Lai Arrested over Speedboat Fugitives
Hong Kong police have arrested Jimmy Lai on suspicion of trying to help a fugitive flee the city, his own newspaper reported Wednesday, as authorities stack up criminal cases against the outspoken media tycoon.
North Korea ‘Tried to Hack’ Pfizer for Vaccine Info – South’s Spies
North Korean hackers tried to break into the computer systems of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in a search for information on a coronavirus vaccine and treatment technology, South Korea’s spy agency said Tuesday, according to reports.
Twin South Korea Volleyball Stars Suspended over Bullying
Two twin South Korean women volleyball stars have been suspended from the national team over allegations of school bullying, reports said Monday, in the latest sporting abuse scandal to hit the country.
Myanmar Junta Cuts Internet as Troops Fire to Break up Protest
Myanmar cut internet service and deployed troops around the country on Monday in signs of a feared crackdown on anti-coup protests, hours after security forces fired to disperse a demonstration in the country’s north.
Briton Broke Singapore COVID Rules with Hotel Tryst
A British man pleaded guilty Monday to violating Singapore’s strict coronavirus rules by having a tryst with his fiancee at a luxury hotel while under quarantine.
Teen’s Rape and Murder Sparks Outcry, Protest in Nepal
Hundreds of Nepalis staged a mock funeral procession in the capital Kathmandu Friday after the rape and murder of a teenage girl drew attention to a rise in sexual assault cases.
Concern over Proposed Hong Kong Law that Could Bar Anyone from Leaving
A Hong Kong government proposal that could give “apparently unfettered power” to the immigration director to stop anyone from leaving the city is deeply concerning, barristers said Friday.
Pakistan’s ‘Charlie Chaplin’ Bringing Laughs to Frontier City
Wearing a bowler hat and familiar toothbrush moustache, Pakistan’s Usman Khan darts through traffic swinging a cane, teasing motorists and shopkeepers for laughs and a few rupees with a Charlie Chaplin impersonation that has become a viral sensation.
China’s Mars Probe Sends Back Video of Red Planet
China’s space agency released video footage from its spacecraft circling Mars on Friday, two days after it successfully entered the planet’s orbit in Beijing’s latest ambitious space mission.
Microsoft Backs Search Engines Paying for News Worldwide
Microsoft on Thursday lobbied for other countries to follow Australia’s lead in calling for news outlets to be paid for stories published online, a move opposed by Facebook and Google.
China Bans BBC World News in Row over Xinjiang Reporting
China’s broadcasting regulator has banned BBC World News, accusing it of flouting guidelines over a hard-hitting report on Beijing’s treatment of the country’s Uighur minority.
Myanmar’s Shirtless Gym Junkies Join Anti-Coup Rally
The Myanmar military might have real weapons but some anti-coup protesters have guns of their own — showing off their ripped biceps as they pose with “free Aung San Suu Kyi” posters.
Pilots Reported Multiple Problems With Indonesia Jet Before Crash
Indonesian pilots had reported multiple problems with an ageing jet’s throttle system before it plunged into the sea after takeoff in January, killing 62 passengers and crew, investigators said Wednesday.
COVID Cupid Shoots Down Thailand Valentine’s Day Marriages
Lovers across Bangkok will be heartbroken come Valentine’s Day, with city officials declaring Wednesday that all of the Thai capital’s 50 districts will be banned from issuing marriage licenses.
Australian Journalist Arrested in China for ‘Supplying State Secrets’
An Australian journalist who disappeared from Chinese state television’s airwaves six months ago and was detained by Beijing authorities has been formally arrested for “supplying state secrets overseas”.
Chinese Regulators Summon Tesla over Car Security Malfunction
Chinese regulators have summoned representatives of US electric car giant Tesla after reported technical problems with their vehicles, notably concerning their safety, officials in Beijing said Monday.
China Blocks Clubhouse App that Gave Rare Access to Uncensored Topics
A rare uncensored app that had attracted Chinese internet users to freely discuss taboo topics, including the mass detention of Uighurs, democracy protests in Hong Kong and the concept of Taiwanese independence appeared to have been blocked on Monday night.
Seoul Launches COVID Tests for Pets
Pet cats and dogs with a fever, cough or breathing difficulties will be offered coronavirus tests if they have been exposed to carriers, the Seoul metropolitan government said Monday.
On-the-Loose Tiger Captured alive after Indonesia Zoo Escape
An escaped tiger that killed a keeper at a zoo on Borneo island has been captured alive after a day on the loose, police said.