#FactCheck - Viral Image of Bridge claims to be of Mumbai, but in reality it's located in Qingdao, China
Executive Summary:
The photograph of a bridge allegedly in Mumbai, India circulated through social media was found to be false. Through investigations such as reverse image searches, examination of similar videos, and comparison with reputable news sources and google images, it has been found that the bridge in the viral photo is the Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge located in Qingdao, China. Multiple pieces of evidence, including matching architectural features and corroborating videos tell us that the bridge is not from Mumbai. No credible reports or sources have been found to prove the existence of a similar bridge in Mumbai.
Claims:
Social media users claim a viral image of the bridge is from Mumbai.
Fact Check:
Once the image was received, it was investigated under the reverse image search to find any lead or any information related to it. We found an image published by Mirror News media outlet, though we are still unsure but we can see the same upper pillars and the foundation pillars with the same color i.e white in the viral image.
The name of the Bridge is Jiaozhou Bay Bridge located in China, which connects the eastern port city of the country to an offshore island named Huangdao.
Taking a cue from this we then searched for the Bridge to find any other relatable images or videos. We found a YouTube Video uploaded by a channel named xuxiaopang, which has some similar structures like pillars and road design.
In reverse image search, we found another news article that tells about the same bridge in China, which is more likely similar looking.
Upon lack of evidence and credible sources for opening a similar bridge in Mumbai, and after a thorough investigation we concluded that the claim made in the viral image is misleading and false. It’s a bridge located in China not in Mumbai.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, after fact-checking it was found that the viral image of the bridge allegedly in Mumbai, India was claimed to be false. The bridge in the picture climbed to be Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge actually happened to be located in Qingdao, China. Several sources such as reverse image searches, videos, and reliable news outlets prove the same. No evidence exists to suggest that there is such a bridge like that in Mumbai. Therefore, this claim is false because the actual bridge is in China, not in Mumbai.
- Claim: The bridge seen in the popular social media posts is in Mumbai.
- Claimed on: X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook,
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Introduction
Beginning with the premise that the advent of the internet has woven a rich but daunting digital web, intertwining the very fabric of technology with the variegated hues of human interaction, the EU has stepped in as the custodian of this ever-evolving tableau. It is within this sprawling network—a veritable digital Minotaur's labyrinth—that the European Union has launched a vigilant quest, seeking not merely to chart its enigmatic corridors but to instil a sense of order in its inherent chaos.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the EU's latest testament to this determined pilgrimage, a voyage to assert dominion over the nebulous realms of cyberspace. In its latest sagacious move, the EU has levelled its regulatory lance at the behemoths of digital indulgence—Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat—monarchs in the realm of adult entertainment, each commanding millions of devoted followers.
Applicability of DSA
Graced with the moniker of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), these titans of titillation are now facing the complex weave of duties delineated by the DSA, a legislative leviathan whose coils envelop the shadowy expanses of the internet with an aim to safeguard its citizens from the snares and pitfalls ensconced within. Like a vigilant Minotaur, the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, stands steadfast, enforcing compliance with an unwavering gaze.
The DSA is more than a mere compilation of edicts; it encapsulates a deeper, more profound ethos—a clarion call announcing that the wild frontiers of the digital domain shall be tamed, transforming into enclaves where the sanctity of individual dignity and rights is zealously championed. The three corporations, singled out as the pioneers to be ensnared by the DSA's intricate net, are now beckoned to embark on an odyssey of transformation, realigning their operations with the EU's noble envisioning of a safeguarded internet ecosystem.
The Paradigm Shift
In a resolute succession, following its first decree addressing 19 Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines, the Commission has now ensconced the trinity of adult content purveyors within the DSA's embrace. The act demands that these platforms establish intuitive user mechanisms for reporting illicit content, prioritize communications from entities bestowed with the 'trusted flaggers' title, and elucidate to users the rationale behind actions taken to restrict or remove content. Paramount to the DSA's ethos, they are also tasked with constructing internal mechanisms to address complaints, forthwith apprising law enforcement of content hinting at criminal infractions, and revising their operational underpinnings to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of minors.
But the aspirations of the DSA stretch farther, encompassing a realm where platforms are agents against deception and manipulation of users, categorically eschewing targeted advertisement that exploits sensitive profiling data or is aimed at impressionable minors. The platforms must operate with an air of diligence and equitable objectivity, deftly applying their terms of use, and are compelled to reveal their content moderation practices through annual declarations of transparency.
The DSA bestows upon the designated VLOPs an even more intensive catalogue of obligations. Within a scant four months of their designation, Pornhub, XVideos, and Stripchat are mandated to implement measures that both empower and shield their users—especially the most vulnerable, minors—from harms that traverse their digital portals. Augmented content moderation measures are requisite, with critical risk analyses and mitigation strategies directed at halting the spread of unlawful content, such as child exploitation material or the non-consensual circulation of intimate imagery, as well as curbing the proliferation and repercussions of deepfake-generated pornography.
The New Rules
The DSA enshrines the preeminence of protecting minors, with a staunch requirement for VLOPs to contrive their services so as to anticipate and enfeeble any potential threats to the welfare of young internet navigators. They must enact operational measures to deter access to pornographic content by minors, including the utilization of robust age verification systems. The themes of transparency and accountability are amplified under the DSA's auspices, with VLOPs subject to external audits of their risk assessments and adherence to stipulations, the obligation to maintain accessible advertising repositories, and the provision of data access to rigorously vetted researchers.
Coordinated by the Commission in concert with the Member States' Digital Services Coordinators, vigilant supervision will be maintained to ensure the scrupulous compliance of Pornhub, Stripchat, and XVideos with the DSA's stringent directives. The Commission's services are poised to engage with the newly designated platforms diligently, affirming that initiatives aimed at shielding minors from pernicious content, as well as curbing the distribution of illegal content, are effectively addressed.
The EU's monumental crusade, distilled into the DSA, symbolises a pledge—a testament to its steadfast resolve to shepherd cyberspace, ensuring the Minotaur of regulation keeps the bedlam at a manageable compass and the sacrosanctity of the digital realm inviolate for all who meander through its infinite expanses. As we cast our gazes toward February 17, 2024—the cusp of the DSA's comprehensive application—it is palpable that this legislative milestone is not simply a set of guidelines; it stands as a bold, unflinching manifesto. It beckons the advent of a novel digital age, where every online platform, barring small and micro-enterprises, will be enshrined in the lofty ideals imparted by the DSA.
Conclusion
As we teeter on the edge of this nascent digital horizon, it becomes unequivocally clear: the European Union's Digital Services Act is more than a mundane policy—it is a pledge, a resolute statement of purpose, asserting that amid the vast, interwoven tapestry of the internet, each user's safety, dignity, and freedoms are enshrined and hold the intrinsic significance meriting the force of the EU's legislative guard. Although the labyrinth of the digital domain may be convoluted with complexity, guided by the DSA's insightful thread, the march toward a more secure, conscientious online sphere forges on—resolute, unerring, one deliberate stride at a time.
References
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6763https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/three-of-the-biggest-porn-sites-must-verify-ages-under-eus-new-digital-law-1566874.html
Introduction
Iran stands as a nation poised at the threshold of a transformative era. The Islamic Republic, a land of ancient civilisations now grappling with the exigencies of the 21st century, is now making strides in the emerging field of artificial intelligence (AI). This is not merely an adoption of new tools; it is a strategic embrace, a calculated leap into the digital unknown, where the potential for economic growth and security enhancement resonates with the promise of a redefined future.
Embarking on this technological odyssey, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in a conclave with the nation’s virtual business activists, delineated the ‘big steps’ being undertaken in the realm of AI. The gathering, as reported by the pro-government Tasnim News, was not a simple exchange of polite remarks but a profound discourse that offered an incisive overview of the burgeoning digital economy and the strides Iran is making in the AI landscape. The conversation deeply revolved around the current ecosystem of technology and innovation within Iran, delving into the burgeoning startup culture and the commendable drive within its youth populace to propel the nation to the forefront of technology.
Iranian AI Integration
Military Implications
The discourse ranged from the current technological infrastructure to the broader implications for the security and defense of the region. The Iranian polity, with its rich history that seamlessly blends with aspirations for the future, is acutely aware that the implications of AI reach far beyond mere economic growth. They extend into the very fibres of military might and the structure of national security. The investment in cyber capabilities in Iran is well-documented, a display of shrewdness and pragmatism. And the integration of AI technologies is the next logical step in an ever-evolving defense architecture. Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard, Commander of the Iranian Army Air Defense Force, has underscored the pivotal role of AI in modern warfare. He identifies the ongoing adoption of AI technologies as a strategic imperative, a top priority fundamentally designed to elevate the air defense capabilities in Iran to meet 21st-century threats.
Economic Implications
Yet, the Iranian pursuit of AI is not solely confined to bolstering military prowess. It is also pervasive in nurturing economic opportunity. President Raisi’s rhetoric touches upon economic rejuvenation, job creation, and the proliferation of financial and legal support mechanisms, all blurred into a cohesive vision that would foster a suitable environment for the private sector in the AI domain. The ambition is grand and strikingly clear — a nation committed to training several thousand individuals in the digital economy sector, signaling a deep-rooted commitment to cultivating a healthy environment for AI-driven innovation.
The Iranian leader’s vision extends beyond the simple creation of infrastructure. It extends to the fostering of a healthy, competitive, and peaceful social milieu where domestic and international markets are within easy reach, promoting the prosperity of the digital economy and its activists. Such a vision of technological symbiosis, in many Western democracies, would be labelled as audaciously progressive. In Iran, however, withdrawing a major chunk of economic investments from the country's security state adds layers of complexity and nuance to this transformative narrative.
Cultural Integration
Still, Iran’s ambitious AI journey unfolds with a recognition of its cultural underpinnings and societal structure. The Nexus between the private sector, with its cyber-technocratic visionaries, and the regime, with its omnipresent ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is a tightrope that requires unparalleled poise and vigilance.
Moreover, in the holy city of Qom, a hub of intellectual fervour and the domicile of half of Iran's 200,000 Shia clerics, there burgeons a captivating interest in the possible synergies between AI and theological study. The clerical establishment, hidden within a stronghold of religious scholarship, perceives AI not as a problem but as a potential solution, a harbinger of progress that could ally with tradition. It sees in AI the potential of parsing Islamic texts with newfound precision, thereby allowing religious rulings, or fatwas, to resonate with the everchanging Iranian society. This integration of technology is a testament to the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
Yet the integration of AI into the venerable traditions of societies such as Iran's is threaded with challenges. Herein lays the paradox, for as AI is poised to potentially bolster religious study, the threat of cultural dissolution remains present. AI, if not judiciously designed with local values and ethics in mind, could inadvertently propagate an ideology at odds with local customs, beliefs, and the cornerstone principles of a society.
Natural Resources
Similarly, Iran's strategic foray into AI extends into its sovereign dominion—the charge of its natural resources. As Mehr News Agency reports, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is on the cusp of pioneering a joint venture with international tech juggernauts, chiefly Chinese companies, to inject the lifeblood of AI into the heart of its oil and gas production processes. This grand undertaking is nothing short of a digital renaissance aimed at achieving 'great reforms’ and driving a drastic 20% improvement in efficiency. AI’s algorithmic potency, unleashed in the hydrocarbon fields, promises to streamline expenses, enhance efficacy, and maximise production outputs, thereby bolstering Iran's economic bulwark.
The AI way Forward
As we delve further into Iran's sophisticated AI strategy, we observe an approach that is both vibrant and multi-dimensional. From military development to religious tutelage, from the diligent charge of the environment to the pursuit of sustainable economic development, Iran's AI ventures are emblematic of the broader global discourse. They mark a vivid intersection of AI governance, security, and the future of technological enterprise, highlighting the evolution of technological adoption and its societal, ethical, and geopolitical repercussions.
Conclusion
The multifaceted nature of Iran's AI pursuits encapsulates a spectrum of strategic imperatives, bringing the spearheads of defense modernisation and religious academics with the imperatives of resource allocation. It reflects a nuanced approach to the adoption and integration of technology, adjudicating between the venerable pillars of traditional values and the inexorable forces of modernisation. As Iran continues to delineate and traverse its path through the burgeoning landscape of AI, attending global stakeholders, watch with renewed interest and measured apprehension. Mindful of the intricate geopolitical implications and the transformative potential inherent in Iran's burgeoning AI endeavours, the global community watches, waits, and wonders at what may emerge from this ancient civilisation’s bold, resolute strides into the future.
References
- https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-792391
- https://www.ft.com/content/9c1c3fd3-4aea-40ab-977b-24fe5527300c
- https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-looks-ai-weather-western-sanctions-help-military-fight-cheap
Introduction
WhatsApp has become the new platform for scams, and the number of cases of WhatsApp scams is increasing daily. Just like that, a new WhatsApp scam has been started, and many WhatsApp users in India have reported receiving missed calls from unknown international numbers. Worse, one does not even have to answer the call to be scammed. A missed call is sufficient to be scammed.
Millions of populations switch from normal SMS to WhatsApp, usually, people used to get fake messages and marketing messages, but the trend of scamming has been evolving now. Most people get calls from different countries, and they are concerned about how these scammers got the numbers. WhatsApp works through VoIP networks, so no extra charges from any country exist. And about 500 million WhatsApp users are getting these scam calls, the calls are mainly on job-scams of promising part-time employment and opportunities. These types of job scam calls have been started reporting in 2023.
People reporting missed calls from countries like Ethiopia (+251), Malaysia (+60), Indonesia (+62), Vietnam (+84), etc.
The agenda of these calls are still unclear. Still, in some cases, the scammers ask for confidential information from WhatsApp users, like bank details, so the users must not reveal their personal information. Also, it is important to note that if you get any calls from a particular country, it necessarily does not mean it is from that country. Various agencies sell international numbers for WhatsApp calls.
Why has WhatsApp become a hub scam?
The generation has evolved and dumped the old SMS into WhatsApp. From school to college and offices, people use WhatsApp for their official work, as it is very easy and user-friendly, so people avoid safety measures. Generally, users need to understand the consequences of technology and use it with safeguards and awareness. Many people lose money and become victims of scams on WhatsApp as they share their confidential information. And the worse is that one does not even have to answer the call to be scammed. A missed call is sufficient to be scammed.
Before these international calls scam, the user received a call from the scam that they were from KBC, and the user won something. Then sought confidential information by the excuse that they would transfer the money to the user, and because of that user got scammed by the scammers. These scams have risen rapidly lately.
Safeguards users can use against these scam calls
WhatsApp responds to complaints regarding international calls to “block and report.”
If you have already received such calls, the best thing you can do is report and block them right away. As a result, the same number does not return to your phone, and numerous identical reports may persuade WhatsApp to delete the number entirely.
WhatsApp is also working on an update allowing users to block calls from unknown numbers on the service.
Users must modify their phone’s and app’s fundamental privacy settings to protect themselves from data breaches. The calls are directed toward app users who are actively using the app. However, by modifying the account’s appearance, a user can lessen the likelihood of being added to the scammers’ attack lists.
Limit Privacy
Begin by modifying WhatsApp’s ‘who can see’ settings. If your profile photo, last seen, and online status are visible to anybody, restrict them to persons on your contact list only. Change the About and Groups options as well.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication on WhatsApp adds more security to your data. In addition, the app also supports biometric protection in case of theft or loss.
Active Reporting
The users should report as soon as they see something odd or suspicious activity.
A typical question that users have is, ‘Where do the scammers acquire my phone number from?’
The answer is a little more complicated than we thought. Your data is retained on the company database from the time you sign up on a website or reveal your phone number at a store in order to take advantage of promotional offers and promotions. Due to a lack of technological infrastructure and legislation to protect personal data, a scammer can simply obtain your information.
According to Palo Alto research, India is the second most vulnerable country in the APAC region in terms of cyberattacks and data breaches. A data protection law is essential in the face of increasing calls and data breaches.
The Digital Personal Data Protection bill is set to be introduced in the parliament’s monsoon session. The bill has the potential to protect data, which will help to eliminate scams.
Conclusion
Several people had tweeted on tweeter about receiving fake calls on WhatsApp from international numbers more than once. WhatsApp encrypts calls and messages, making it difficult to track the person, and it appears that hackers are taking advantage of this to swindle customers. If you receive a WhatsApp call from any of the above ISD codes, we strongly advise you not to answer it and to block the number so the bad actors do not call you again. Report & block immediately that’s what WhatsApp has been responding to the complainants.
