Albania to close TikTok for a year blaming it for promoting violence among children

World

December 22, 2024

The TikTok logo is displayed at the social media app company offices in Culver City, California.
PHOTO: AFP

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s prime minister said Saturday the government will shut down the video service TikTok for one year, blaming it for inciting violence and bullying, especially among children.

Albanian authorities held 1,300 meetings with teachers and parents following the stabbing death of a teenager in mid-November by another teen after a quarrel that started on TikTok.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a meeting with teachers and parents, said TikTok “would be fully closed for all. … There will be no TikTok in the Republic of Albania.” Rama said the shutdown would begin sometime next year.

It was not immediately clear if TikTok has a contact in Albania.

TikTok in an email response Saturday to a request for comment asked for “urgent clarity from the Albanian government” on the case of the stabbed teenager. The company said it had “found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had TikTok accounts, and multiple reports have in fact confirmed videos leading up to this incident were being posted on another platform, not TikTok.”

Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to domestic researchers.

There has been increasing concern from Albanian parents after reports of children taking knives and other objects to school to use in quarrels or cases of bullying promoted by stories they see on TikTok.

TikTok’s operations in China, where its parent company is based, are different, “promoting how to better study, how to preserve nature … and so on,” according to Rama.

Albania is too small a country to impose on TikTok a change of its algorithm so that it does not promote “the reproduction of the unending hell of the language of hatred, violence, bullying and so on,” Rama’s office wrote in an email response to The Associated Press’ request for comment. Rama’s office said that in China TikTok “prevents children from being sucked into this abyss.”

Authorities have set up a series of protective measures at schools, starting with an increased police presence, training programs and closer cooperation with parents.

Rama said Albania would follow how the company and other countries react to the one-year shutdown before deciding whether to allow the company to resume operations in Albania.

Not everyone agreed with Rama’s decision to close TikTok.

“The dictatorial decision to close the social media platform TikTok … is a grave act against freedom of speech and democracy,” said Ina Zhupa, a lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party. “It is a pure electoral act and abuse of power to suppress freedoms.”

Albania holds parliamentary elections next year.

How to kick back, relax and embrace a less-than-perfect holiday

Lifestyle

December 22, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — We all know the stressors: Social obligations. Family discord. Political rifts. Financial stress. And the desire to stay cheery and big-hearted throughout.

So here’s a reminder about how to banish your inner perfectionist and truly enjoy the holiday season:

“It really helps to let go of some of the ‘shoulds’,” says Lynn F. Bufka, head of practice for the American Psychological Association. “Decide on the one thing that matters most, and the things that bring you the most joy, and let go of other things.”

Traditions can shift and change, and the more flexible things are the easier it is for everybody, Bufka says.

“Focus your energy on creating a warm space for the people you love to gather and relax, catch up and celebrate one another. That’s literally all that matters,” agrees Lauren Iannotti, editor in chief of Real Simple.

Some tips:

Throw yourself into the parts of the holiday that make you happy

You could decide that conversation is your main goal, and not worry at all about the decor, says Bufka. Or if table decoration is what you love, spend your energy there and don’t worry as much about other aspects.

“Ideally, it should be about focusing on love, and that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone,” says Bufka.

Don’t hesitate to outsource some of that other stuff.

“People want to help — let them!” says Iannotti. “If you don’t LOVE cooking all those sides, or are strapped for time, there is zero shame in accepting your sister’s offer to do the stuffing. Or enlist help from the pros — support a local restaurant by ordering some catering platters.”

A potluck can be your friend.

“Have everyone bring one signature dish,” says Ianotti. “You’ll save time and money on prep and cooking and your guests can show off their skills.”

Give yourself permission to cut corners

“It’s OK if the house is a little messy or dinner is on the table a few minutes late,” says Iannotti. “If the people you’ve invited are more interested in grading your performance than having a good time, they can take that up with their therapist to sort through.”

(They’re not, by the way — “something to maybe take up with your therapist,” she adds.)

And don’t hesitate to let people help themselves, when possible. “If you don’t have time to play bartender, create a signature drink ahead of time that can serve all of your guests. You can also just leave out a few mixers so guests can serve themselves and make their own creations,” suggests Caroline Utz, editorial and strategy director at The Spruce.

It’s OK to step away for alone time

Things will run well enough if you’re not overseeing it all, so take care of yourself. Take breathers or walks if that helps you stay centered.

“Although mindfulness is becoming an overused term in society today, there is something of value we can take from this and apply to the holiday season,” says Brook Choulet, a concierge sports and performance psychiatrist and founder of Choulet Performance Psychiatry.

She recommends “scheduling intentional micro-breaks” to do something you enjoy.

“For example, you may schedule a phone call with a friend out of state, take a 15-minute walk outside, or even set the timer and take a 15-minute bath uninterrupted,” she said.

Expect some discord, and don’t get freaked about it

“If you’re worried about the polarisation and getting into uncomfortable conversations, try to think about ways you can end a conversation, or shift it in another direction,” Bufka says.

She recommends preparing a few lines in advance to help end the conversation or shift it in another direction.

So, aiming for a less-than-perfect holiday season may just be the sweet spot.

18 cops detained for alleged extortion of Malaysian fans at Jakarta DWP concert

Southeast Asia

December 22, 2024

JAKARTA (BERNAMA) – Indonesian police have detained 18 personnel suspected of extorting Malaysian nationals who attended the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) concert in Kemayoran, North Jakarta.

Public information bureau head, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, confirmed that the personnel are from the Metro Jaya District Police, Central Jakarta Metro Police, and the Kemayoran Police Station.

“These personnel have been detained by the Professional and Security Division (Propam) for further investigation,” he said in a statement.

The detentions followed several complaints from Malaysian nationals who took to social media, alleging they were mistreated and extorted during the event.

“We will not tolerate any misconduct by our members,” Trunoyudo emphasised, adding that updates will be provided soon.

According to the claims, the Malaysian nationals were forced to undergo urine tests, asked to show their passports, and pressured to pay money, even though their drug test results were negative.

The three-day DWP concert at the Jakarta International Expo, organised by Ismaya Live, a part of Ismaya Group, concluded on Dec 15 and is one of Asia’s largest electronic music festivals.

In a statement, the DWP expressed regret over the challenges faced by those affected, acknowledging that while some issues were beyond their control, they understood the impact it had.

The DWP also further assured that they were actively working with the relevant authorities and government bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The incident has drawn attention from House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III chief, Habiburokhman, who expressed confidence that Propam would address the alleged extortion fairly.

“If extortion did occur, those involved should be punished,” he said.

The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has also called for decisive action against the officers involved, urging ethical hearings and criminal penalties if a crime is confirmed.

“If it’s a criminal matter, they should be prosecuted. We support Propam’s investigation,” Commissioner Muhammad Choirul Anam stated, according to Kumparan news portal.

Netflix signs US broadcast deal with FIFA for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031

Sports

December 22, 2024

FILE – Spain’s Aitana Bonmati celebrates after scoring a goal, during the women’s Group C match between Spain and Japan, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Nantes, France. PHOTO: AP

GENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the US broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports.

The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. The value was not given, though international competitions in women’s soccer have struggled to draw high-value offers.

“Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches,” its chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “It’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.”

Netflix dipped into live sports last month with more than 60 million households watching a heavily hyped boxing match between retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Some viewers reported streaming problems, however.

Netflix also will broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day: the Kansas City Chiefs at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans. That’s part of a three-year deal announced in May.

World Cups are typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences, and the last women’s edition in 2023 earned FIFA less than 10 per cent of the men’s 2022 World Cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly criticised public broadcasters, especially in Europe, for undervaluing offers to broadcast the 2023 tournament that was played in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the US

“This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” Infantino said.

The World Cup rights mark another major step in Netflix’s push into live programming. It’s recipe that Netflix has cooked up to help sell more advertising, a top priority for the company since it introduced a low-priced version of its streaming service that includes commercials two years ago. The ad-supported version is now the fastest growing part of Netflix’s service, although most of its 283 million worldwide subscribers till pay for higher-priced options without commercial.

But Netflix is still trying to sell more ads to boost its revenue, which is expected to be about USD30 billion. Netflix executives have predicted it might take two or three years before its ad sales become a major part of its revenue.

Netflix expects to spend about USD17 billion on programming this year — a budget that the Los Gatos, California, company once funneled almost entirely into scripted TV series and movies. But Netflix is now allocating a significant chunk of that money to sports and live events, a shift that has made it a formidable competitor to traditional media bidding for the same rights.

FIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters that likely will be hardball negotiations.

Soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire, a co-host of The Price of Football podcast, suggested the deal was “a bit of a gamble” for FIFA and “saber-rattling” by Infantino.

“(Netflix) get experience of football broadcasting, FIFA can say, ‘we are now partnering with a blue chip organisation, so watch out you nasty Europeans,'” Maguire, an academic at the University of Liverpool, said in a telephone interview.

FIFA and Infantino also want to raise the price of broadcast deals to help fund increased prize money and close the gender pay gap on the men’s World Cup.

At the men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 32 team federations shared USD440 million in prize money. For the women’s 2023 tournament, FIFA had a USD152 million total fund for prize money, contributions to teams’ preparation costs and payments to players’ clubs.

In FIFA’s financial accounts for 2023, the soccer body reported total broadcasting revenue of USD244 million. In the year of the men’s 2022 World Cup it was almost USD2.9 billion.

The next Women’s World Cup will be a 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027, played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The US originally bid jointly with Mexico.

The 2031 host has not been decided, though the US likely will bid for a tournament which FIFA is expected to try to expand to 48 teams. That would match the size of the 104-game format of the men’s World Cup that debuts in 2026 in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup after the US won the two previous titles — in France in 2019 and Canada in 2015.

More than 25 million viewers in the US watched the 2015 World Cup final, a 5-2 win over Japan, played in Vancouver, Canada, in a time zone similarly favorable to Brazil.

FIFA tried to sign Apple+ to an exclusive global deal to broadcast the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup which is being played in 11 US cities next June and July.

Broadcast networks showed little interest in the FIFA club event that will now be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN, which is building closer business ties to Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the next Women’s World Cup, Netflix will “produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football,” FIFA said.

India’s architecture fans guard Mumbai’s Art Deco past

Features

December 22, 2024

MUMBAI (AFP) – A towering cinema with a roofline like an ocean liner stands out in India’s financial capital Mumbai, part of a remarkable Art Deco architectural heritage that campaigners say needs protection.

A short walk away is a state-run insurance office with giant Egyptian-style carvings, and a palm-lined seafront promenade with pastel-coloured apartments with porthole windows, curved balconies and exotic motifs.

Architecture aficionados may go crazy over Miami’s South Beach, but the coastal Indian megacity is home to what experts believe is one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco buildings.

Decades of neglect, however, have led to buildings being demolished or compromised through slapdash modern renovation.

Lovers of the dramatic architecture fear that will only increase as Mumbai undergoes a rapid USD30 billion infrastructure makeover including major road, rail and bridge projects.

A sweep of some Art Deco buildings – including offices, colleges and residential complexes – was listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2018, alongside the city’s Victorian Gothic architecture for its “unique style” described as “Indo-Deco”.

Today, the city’s breakneck pace of development has left a small but dedicated group of building owners, architects and heritage lovers trying to conserve the city’s Art Deco character.

The job requires “constant vigilance”, said Nayana Kathpalia, who lives in an Art Deco building that was recently restored – but crucially in a manner that maintained its original character.

In this photograph taken on October 25, 2024, pedestrians walk past the Eros Cinema, a UNESCO-designated Art Deco cinema theatre in the Cambata Building at Churchgate in Mumbai. PHOTO: AFP

Modern, open, friendly

Many apartment building owners are eager to cash in and redevelop their old dwellings, making them part of a cookie-cutter modern skyline.

“If too many buildings get done in a totally different style, the World Heritage Site committee will say ‘what the hell is happening?’,” Kathpalia said.

“We are very, very clear that we have to protect that.”

Losing it could strip the city of its history and character, campaigners say.

Art Deco took the West by storm after emerging as a new wave of design in France before the First World War.

Architects used geometric patterns and streamlined structures to evoke the popular technologies of the time, including airplanes and ocean liners.

As a style, Art Deco can appear as an odd hodgepodge, borrowing everything from ancient Mayan to Japanese culture.

But the first generation of homegrown Indian architects who visited Europe in the 1920s and 1930s were inspired.

After returning home, they started designing Art Deco style buildings for rich Indian business families that had profited off the economic boom in the port city, said Atul Kumar, founder of a non-profit that seeks to conserve the heritage.

Art Deco “enabled a certain cosmopolitanism” and contributed to making Mumbai a “modern, open, friendly” city, Kumar added.

In India’s financial capital Mumbai, a towering cinema with a roofline like an ocean liner stands out, part of a remarkable Art Deco architectural heritage that campaigners say needs protection. PHOTO: AFP

Bombay style

While Kumar’s Art Deco Mumbai organisation has spent years painstakingly documenting buildings, it has also more recently started offering “repair and restoration” help.

“We go out, pro bono, and reach out to people,” he said, having supported the sensitive restoration of around nine buildings, including a couple in the core World Heritage area.

However, there are challenges, including stringent rent control laws which impose financial constraints on landlords.

Kumar also admits that residents in newer and northern parts of the city have less of a “desire” to conserve their buildings in their original Art Deco style.

A large part of this is due to a lack of awareness.

Many of the city’s inhabitants walk past the vivid tropical imagery, elongated turrets and jazzy typography without giving them a second glance.

Pranati Mehta, a 46-year-old school teacher, says most Indians only look at “temples as architecture”, as they “feel that is special”.

Some Mumbai residents don’t realise they “live amongst art”, she said.

But Mehta, who was on a weekend walking tour to learn more about the architectural style, quickly adds that Art Deco isn’t foreign to Indian sensibilities.

“We recognise it as a Bombay style,” she said. “We think Art Deco is also an Indian brand”.

In this photograph taken on October 19, 2024, a pedestrian walks past the Zaver Mahal, a UNESCO-designated Art Deco apartment building along the Marine Drive seafront in Mumbai. PHOTO: AFP

Cureheart’s Kampung Kasat event celebrates community spirit and environmental awareness

National

December 22, 2024

Cureheart, in collaboration with the Kampung Kasat Village Consultative Council, Kasat Primary School, the Prison Department, and the Youth Development Centre, successfully hosted an inspiring event titled “Curhat di Kampung Kitani: Reconnect with Nature, Reconnect with Yourself” at Kasat Primary School.

Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Lumapas Yang Berhormat Awang Amran Bin Hj Maidin was present as the guest of honour to officiate the launching of the event.

Approximately 200 participants and volunteers attended the event, marking it as a transformative experience for all involved.

The event, held as part of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports’ Day of Action Campaign 2024, commemorated International Volunteer Day. It aimed to underline the value of community service while promoting mental well-being, environmental stewardship, and personal growth through a series of engaging activities.

Participants took part in tree planting and landscaping projects designed to enhance environmental awareness and improve local green spaces. The programme also included Eco-Art Therapy sessions, which provided a creative outlet for self-expression, and Curhat healing discussions, offering a supportive platform to foster emotional resilience.

As part of their community outreach efforts, volunteers distributed donations to underprivileged families in the area, demonstrating compassion and solidarity.

The initiative brought together former inmates, local community members, and volunteers, creating a space for meaningful connections and collaboration. This inclusive approach highlighted the importance of unity, empathy, and growth within the community.

The organisers encouraged attendees to engage actively in the activities, wearing comfortable outdoor attire suited to the day’s environmental and mental health-focused endeavours.

Cureheart’s partnership with various organisations demonstrated the power of collective action and its impact on both individuals and communities. The event left a lasting impression, not only in fostering stronger community ties but also in promoting environmental care and mental well-being. – James Kon

The guest of honour launching the event. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

The guest of honour visits the school gallery. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Guest of honour planting a sapling. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

A volunteer seen cleaning a school gallery during the event. PHOTO: ROSLI

Tunisia women herb harvesters struggle with drought and heat

Business

December 22, 2024

Women harvest aromatic and medicinal plants in the mountains of Tbainia village near the city of Ain Drahem, in the north west of Tunisia on November 6, 2024. On a hillside in Tunisia’s northwestern highlands, women scour a sun-battered field for the wild herbs they rely on for their livelihoods, but droughts and rising temperatures are making it ever harder to find the precious plants. PHOTO: AFP

AÏN DRAHAM, Tunisia, Dec 22, 2024 (AFP) – On a hillside in Tunisia’s northwestern highlands, women scour a sun-scorched field for the wild herbs they rely on for their livelihoods, but droughts and rising temperatures are making it ever harder to find the precious plants.

Yet the harvesters say they have little choice but to struggle on, as there are few opportunities in a country hit hard by unemployment, inflation and high living costs.

“There is a huge difference between the situation in the past and what we are living now,” said Mabrouka Athimni, who heads a local collective of women herb harvesters named “Al Baraka” (“Blessing”).

“We’re earning half, sometimes just a third, of what we used to.”

Tunisia produces around 10,000 tonnes of aromatic and medicinal herbs each year, according to official figures.

Rosemary accounts for more than 40 per cent of essential oil exports, mainly destined for French and American markets.

For the past 20 years, Athimni’s collective has supported numerous families in Tbainia, a village near the city of Ain Draham in a region with much higher poverty rates than the national average.

Women, who make up around 70 per cent of the agricultural workforce, are the main breadwinners for their households in Tbainia.

Tunisia is in its sixth year of drought and has seen its water reserves dwindle, as temperatures have soared past 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas during the summer.

The country has 36 dams, mostly in the northwest, but they are currently just 20 per cent full – a record low in recent decades.

A woman extracts oils from plants at the “Al Baraka” (“Blessing”) laboratory in Tbainia village near the city of Ain Drahem, in the north west of Tunisia on November 6, 2024. PHOTO: AFP

The Tbainia women said they usually harvested plants like eucalyptus, rosemary and mastic year-round, but shrinking water resources and rare rainfall have siphoned oil output.

“The mountain springs are drying up, and without snow or rain to replenish them, the herbs yield less oil,” said Athimni.

Mongia Soudani, a 58-year-old harvester and mother of three, said her work was her household’s only income. She joined the collective five years ago.

“We used to gather three or four large sacks of herbs per harvest,” she said. “Now, we’re lucky to fill just one.”

Forests in Tunisia cover 1.25 million hectares, about 10 per cent of them in the northwestern region.

Wildfires fuelled by drought and rising temperatures have ravaged these woodlands, further diminishing the natural resources that women like Soudani depend on.

In the summer of last year, wildfires destroyed around 1,120 hectares near Tbainia.

“Parts of the mountain were consumed by flames, and other women lost everything,” Soudani recalled.

To adapt to some climate-driven challenges, the women received training from international organisations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to preserve forest resources.

Still, Athimni struggles to secure a viable income.

“I can’t fulfil my clients’ orders anymore because the harvest has been insufficient,” she said.

The collective has lost a number of its customers as a result, she said.

A recent study by the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) highlighted how climate-induced damage to forests had severely impacted local communities.

“Women in particular suffer the consequences as their activities become more difficult and arduous,” the study said.

Tunisia has ratified key international environmental agreements, including the 2015 Paris Climate Accord.

But environmental justice researcher Ines Labiadh, who oversaw the FTDES study, said implementation “remains incomplete”.

In the face of these woes, the Tbainia harvesters, like many women working in the sector, will be forced to seek alternative livelihoods, said Labiadh.

“They have no choice but to diversify their activities,” she said. “Relying solely on natural resources is no longer sustainable.”

Back in the field, Bachra Ben Salah strives to collect whatever herbs she can lay her hands on.

“There’s nothing we can do but wait for God’s mercy,” she said.

Usyk beats Fury in heavyweight championship rematch

Sports

December 22, 2024

Britain’s Tyson Fury (red) and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk (blue) compete during their heavyweight world championship rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on December 22, 2024. PHOTO: AFP

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec 22, 2024 (AFP) – Oleksandr Usyk won his heavyweight championship rematch against Tyson Fury by unanimous decision overnight on Saturday to stay unbeaten across two divisions and cement his place among the greats.

The Ukrainian, who forced the pace and repeatedly tagged Fury with his accurate left hook, was awarded the fight 116-112 by all three judges, handing Fury his second straight loss.

Usyk’s win takes him to 23-0 with 14 knockouts and extends one of the all-time best careers that includes Olympic gold and undisputed champion at cruiserweight.

“He’s a great fighter, it’s a great performance,” Usyk, 37, said of Fury, who was unbeaten over 35 fights until he lost their four-belt unification bout in May.

“Unbelievable 24 rounds for my career.”

Only the WBA, WBO and WBC belts were on the line this time after Usyk, focused on the lucrative rematch, relinquished his IBF title rather than face challenger Daniel Dubois.

By beating Fury in May, “The Cat” had already joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Mike Tyson as undisputed heavyweight, and the first of the four-belt era.

“He’s my best friend,” he said of Fury. “I respect this guy because I think he’s a really tough opponent. Tyson Fury makes me strong.”

But the defeat opens up an uncertain future for the 36-year-old Fury, now 34-2-1, who announced his retirement in 2022 only to return to the ring.

“I thought I’ve won both fights, but then again I’ve got two losses on my record now, so there’s not much I can do about it,” said the Briton, who refused to discuss his next steps.

Promoter Frank Warren also called the judges’ decision “nuts”. But Usyk dismissed his complaints.

“Uncle Frank, I think is blind… crazy man,” joked the Ukrainian.

Fury, wearing a Santa-style red-and-white robe and bushy beard, appeared to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, before a determined-looking Usyk strode out in Cossack gear.

The 6ft 9ins (206cm) Briton’s jab held Usyk at bay early on and he landed a jarring right in round two. Usyk caught Fury flush with a left as he raised the pace in round three.

They went toe-to-toe in a punishing fifth round, with Fury pummelling body shots while Usyk launched a flurry to the head. In the sixth, he stung Fury with a clean hit to the nose.

The supremely fit Usyk, renowned for taking charge in the closing rounds, was the aggressor in the seventh, tagging Fury with a hook as the “Gypsy King” backed away.

Fury regained the initiative in the ninth, wielding his jab and one-two combinations and leaning on the Ukrainian, employing his career-heaviest 281lb (127.4kg) of weight.

It was see-saw stuff as they traded blows but Usyk rocked Fury in the 11th with a lightning combination that ended with yet another left hook to the face.

An Usyk uppercut to Fury’s chin highlighted a furious final round and there seemed little doubt about the winner as the Ukrainian sank to his knees, arms aloft.

Valve replacement works to cause temporary water disruption in Jerudong

National

December 22, 2024

The Public Works Department announced that scheduled valve replacement works will take place at the Jerudong Water Pump Station on Monday, December 23, 2024. The works are set to begin at 8.00 pm and will continue until completion.

During this period, residents in several areas may experience water disruptions or low pressure.

The affected areas include Jalan Jerudong, parts of Jalan Tutong and Jalan Mulaut, as well as Kampung Jerudong ‘A’ and ‘B’.

Other impacted areas are Kampung Sengkurong ‘A’ and ‘B’, Kampung Tagap, Kampung Peninjau, Kampung Pasai, Kampung Selayun, and parts of Kampung Tanjung Nangka and its surrounding areas.

Notable locations such as Masjid Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, the Jerudong Water Pump Station, the Jerudong Park Food Court, and Simpang 396-53 along Jalan Jerudong are also expected to face water supply disruptions.

In preparation for this maintenance work, blue water tanks have been stationed in Kampung Jerudong and Kampung Sengkurong near Masjid Sultan Sharif Ali.

Residents experiencing water supply issues are encouraged to utilise these facilities. For those requiring additional assistance, water tankers can be requested by contacting the Darussalam hotline at 123. – James Kon

Italy’s privacy watchdog fines OpenAI for ChatGPT’s violations in collecting users personal data

Technology

December 22, 2024

FILE – The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone in front of an image generated by ChatGPT’s Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. PHOTO: AP

ROME (AP) — Italy’s data protection watchdog said Friday it has fined OpenAI EUR15 million (USD15.6 million) after wrapping up a probe into the collection of personal data by the US artificial intelligence company’s popular chatbot ChatGPT.

The country’s privacy watchdog, known as Garante, said its investigation showed that OpenAI processed users’ personal data to train ChatGPT “without having an adequate legal basis and violated the principle of transparency and the related information obligations towards users”.

OpenAI dubbed the decision “disproportionate” and said it will appeal.

“When the Garante ordered us to stop offering ChatGPT in Italy in 2023, we worked with them to reinstate it a month later,” an OpenAI spokesperson said Friday in an emailed statement. “They’ve since recognized our industry-leading approach to protecting privacy in AI, yet this fine is nearly 20 times the revenue we made in Italy during the relevant period.”

OpenAI added, however, it remained “committed to working with privacy authorities worldwide to offer beneficial AI that respects privacy rights.”

The investigation, launched last year, also found that OpenAI didn’t provide an “adequate age verification system” to prevent users under 13 years of age from being exposed to inappropriate AI-generated content, the watchdog said.

The Italian authority also ordered OpenAI to launch a six-month campaign on different Italian media to raise public awareness about ChatGPT, specifically in regard to data collection.

The booming popularity of generative artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT has drawn scrutiny from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.

Regulators in the US and Europe have been examining OpenAI and other companies that have played a key part in the AI boom, while governments around the world have been drawing up rules to protect against risks posed by AI systems, led by the European Union’s AI Act, a comprehensive rulebook for artificial intelligence.

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