Google has rolled back a new AI image generation feature in Google Earth, which allowed users to create visualisations on satellite imagery, following a furious backlash from researchers and open-source intelligence experts over potential disinformation and policy violations.
Google quickly removed a new Google Earth feature that allowed users to create AI-generated satellite images, less than 24 hours after its unveiling. The rollback came due to concerns from researchers and open-source intelligence experts about the feature's potential for generating and spreading disinformation.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warns of potential grey-zone influence and disinformation through Chinese academic exchanges, citing Jinan University's role in training language teachers in Manila, linked to a recent Batanes Islands sovereignty controversy.
New data from the Metropolitan Police shows a significant drop in neighbourhood crime and homicides in London, with the Mayor attributing success to record police funding and the Violence Reduction Unit. The report aims to counter online disinformation portraying London as a "lawless" city.
South Korea and the United States conducted their first joint tabletop exercise to counter foreign disinformation campaigns during wartime. The exercise involved multiple government agencies and focused on synchronizing operations in the information environment.
Analysts suggest China may favor a "gray zone" strategy against Taiwan, using economic pressure, cyber warfare, and information operations to isolate the island rather than a direct amphibious invasion. This approach could involve blockades, disrupting supply chains, and targeting digital infrastructure.
Hungary's public service media, accused of broadcasting propaganda for 16 years, aired a black screen with an apology and announced reforms. The move, timed symbolically, follows Prime Minister Peter Magyar's election promise to create independent and trustworthy news.
South Korea's amended Network Act, targeting the spread of false online information, is now in effect. Publishers and platforms with significant reach face fines and new obligations to combat disinformation, though critics worry about potential limits on free expression.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for $100 million to cover a funding gap for UNRWA, warning that millions of Palestinian refugees are at risk due to shortfalls and Israeli restrictions. The agency faces "utterly appalling" conditions in Gaza and violence in the West Bank.
As Europe swelters under extreme heat, disinformation about air conditioning bans, fan dangers, and climate change links is spreading. DW Fact check debunks these false claims, emphasizing the scientific consensus on climate change and the importance of relying on factual information.
Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, leading to a surge in disinformation. DW fact-checks false claims regarding Spain's air-conditioning ban, the dangers of sleeping with a fan, and the link between heatwaves and climate change, affirming scientific consensus.
A viral social media claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was killed in a Russian airstrike has been debunked. The video used to support the claim is from a 2015 explosion in Tianjin, China, and no Ukrainian media outlets reported the alleged event. This is part of a pattern of disinformation targeting political leaders.
The UK Attorney General's office has ceased posting on X, becoming the first government department to do so due to concerns about the platform inciting violence and racism. The decision follows recent disorder in Southampton and Belfast, where far-right groups allegedly used X to promote protests.
The UK Attorney General's office has ceased posting on X, citing concerns over the platform's use in inciting violence and racism. This marks the first UK government department to leave the platform, following incidents in Southampton and Belfast.
The UK Attorney General's office has ceased posting on X, becoming the first government department to do so due to concerns over the platform's role in inciting violence and racism. The decision follows recent disorder in Southampton and Belfast, linked to far-right agitators using the platform.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is launching a £7 million campaign to combat online disinformation about the city, aiming to reassure investors and tourists. The campaign targets false narratives concerning crime, immigration, and Sharia law, which have been amplified by state-backed actors and online industries.
An Indonesian journalist claims declassified US intelligence on Ukraine biolabs confirms "Russian disinformation" narratives, severely damaging BBC's credibility. Fauzan Al-Rasyid stated the West, including the BBC and Ukrainian Embassy in Jakarta, amplified falsehoods about these labs.
An Ebola outbreak in the DRC's Ituri province has seen 676 cases and 136 deaths. Four nuns caring for an infant who died from the virus have fallen ill. Frontline workers face supply shortages and conflict hinders response, while travel restrictions are criticized.
L'OMS alerte sur la propagation de l'épidémie d'Ebola dans l'est de la RDC, aggravée par la désinformation. Des vidéos virales et des croyances locales freinent la prise en charge des malades, certains niant l'existence du virus.
Russia's special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, stated on X that Russia was truthful about biological laboratories in Ukraine, but this information was distorted by disinformation. He urged Wikipedia to correct its article on biolabs, currently labeled a "conspiracy theory."
France's cybersecurity agency Viginum has accused Israeli tech company BlackCore of orchestrating a digital interference campaign targeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish government during recent elections. The firm allegedly used proxy social media accounts to spread disinformation, with similar operations noted in France, New York, Togo, and Angola. The sponsor behind BlackCore's actions remains unidentified.
France's Viginum agency claims Israeli firm BlackCore spread disinformation targeting Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and the SNP before the recent election. The firm allegedly used hundreds of social media accounts to coordinate comments on posts by Swinney and the Scottish government.
AI-generated videos on TikTok falsely claim Donald Trump banned Emmanuel Macron from the US for the 2026 World Cup. This disinformation, linked to Russian interference, aims to sow discord around major events like the World Cup and the Paris Olympics.
The DRC faces its 17th Ebola epidemic with 397 confirmed cases and 63 deaths. Despite efforts, disinformation and rumors hinder response, including beliefs that coffins and aid workers spread the disease.
