
India Proposes Stricter Laws Against Deepfakes and Digital Scams
India proposes legal amendments to define punishments for deepfakes and digital impersonation scams, aiming to curb misinformation and financial fraud amid geopolitical tensions.

India proposes legal amendments to define punishments for deepfakes and digital impersonation scams, aiming to curb misinformation and financial fraud amid geopolitical tensions.

Chinese political scientist Yan launched the fourth annual International Relations Basic Knowledge Proficiency Test in Beijing. The exam aims to correct "negative one" level understanding of geopolitics, countering misleading narratives prevalent in short-form social media videos, a trend amplified by China's looser online controls on international affairs content.
Delhi Police identified and blocked over 400 Pakistani social media handles accused of spreading misinformation and rumors during ongoing protests, urging the public, especially students, to fact-check content and not be provoked by fake posts.

Senator Pauline Hanson claimed domestic violence is a "two-way street" and blamed the cost of living, suggesting women should "not put up with it." An opinion piece refutes these claims, emphasizing gendered violence, the complexities of leaving abusive relationships, and the perpetrator's sole responsibility, urging a challenge to misinformation.
The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in DRC has killed over 1,000 people, fueled by misinformation leading to attacks on health workers and facilities. Aid agencies warn the spread outpaces response, while new vaccine trials offer some hope.
More than 300 people attended a public meeting in Donald, Victoria, to discuss the alleged murder of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery. Police warned the investigation and court proceedings would take time, while the Buloke Mayor urged the community to avoid spreading misinformation on social media.
Google supports the Indian General Election by providing easy access to voting information and countering misinformation. Initiatives include partnering with the Election Commission, prioritizing trusted content on YouTube, implementing advertising policies, and restricting AI-generated content.

Candice Odgers argues against banning social media for teens, citing limited evidence linking it to mental health issues, while Jonathan Haidt supports restrictions, highlighting perceived harms.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs and studio transfers, sparking a debate over immigration and 'American' workers. Critics falsely claimed Sharma, a US citizen of Indian origin, fired Americans for H-1B visa holders, while others criticized the cuts due to Microsoft's profits.

Police Scotland is urging the public to verify online information before attending protests, following several nights of disorder in Glasgow. Misinformation and mistaken identity led to crowds gathering outside homes, with some incidents orchestrated by individuals from outside the city. Five officers were injured, and two arrests were made.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is spreading rapidly, with 1,759 cases and 600 deaths recorded as of July 8. The rare Bundibugyo variant has also spread to Uganda. Factors like ongoing conflict, aid cuts, and attacks on healthcare workers are intensifying the spread and hindering containment efforts.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rapidly spreading, with 1,759 cases and 600 deaths recorded as of July 8. The virus has also reached Uganda, reporting 20 cases and two deaths. The rare Bundibugyo variant, lacking approved treatment or vaccine, is driving the outbreak, which experts warn could be the deadliest on record due to ongoing conflict, aid cuts, and attacks on healthcare workers.

Opposition to AI datacenters is a growing US political theme, but critics argue it distracts from the larger issue of AI companies' concentrated power and influence. While local concerns about resources and environment are valid, the focus should shift to limiting corporate control and wealth accumulation.

Red Cross volunteers were attacked by a crowd spreading misinformation about Ebola in Bunia, DR Congo. Rumors claimed the coffin was empty or the Red Cross sought money, leading to assaults with spades and machetes. This incident highlights a pattern of resistance to Ebola control measures fueled by false claims.

Red Cross volunteers in DR Congo have been attacked by crowds fueled by misinformation about Ebola. Rumors that coffins are empty or that health workers are seeking money have led to assaults and interference with safe burial procedures, hindering outbreak control efforts.
Researchers invented a fake eye disease, bixonimania, to test AI chatbots' ability to detect false medical information. Several major AI models, including Bing Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT, described the non-existent illness as real, highlighting the ease with which AI can spread misinformation, especially on health topics.

X's Community Notes fact-checking system will soon alert users via direct messages when posts they've interacted with are corrected. This aims to address criticisms that corrections arrive too late to mitigate the spread of misinformation.
A Pew Research Center report reveals that many Americans, especially younger adults, get health info from social media influencers lacking medical credentials. Despite low trust in accuracy, convenience drives usage. AI models also struggle to differentiate misinformation from factual guidance, complicating efforts to combat the spread of false health narratives.
UK government plans to force social media platforms to prioritize news from major broadcasters and down-rank independent creators have sparked accusations of "state censorship" and becoming "Orwellian." Critics argue it's an attempt to control algorithms and enforce a state-approved news feed.

South Korea enacted a revised law Tuesday targeting online false information, increasing penalties for repeat offenders. Platforms must implement reporting systems, and users spreading illegal false or manipulated content face fines up to five times damages, with repeat offenders facing up to 1 billion won.

A new law on combating online misinformation, effective March 7, raises user concerns about potential government censorship, privacy of private messages, and the authority of fact-checking organizations. The law mandates large platforms to establish procedures for handling misinformation reports and victim relief, but the government states it will not directly judge or order the deletion of content, nor will it apply to private conversations.

Pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin uses social media to combat scientific and medical misinformation, aiming to empower critical thinking about health claims and evidence.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters accused the National Party-led government of covertly introducing discriminatory immigration changes targeting Indian citizens under the proposed India-New Zealand FTA. The government rejected these claims as misinformation, stating the FTA is a 'once in a generation' deal to boost trade and investment, which passed its first reading.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accused Disney of running a "campaign of misinformation" as the media giant defends itself against two FCC investigations. One probes "The View" for equal time violations, the other concerns ABC's local TV station license renewals. Disney launched a public awareness campaign, generating over 90,000 public comments.