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Musk’s X misleads users with blue checks, EU charges

Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s X platform is deceiving users with its blue checkmarks for certified accounts, and is also violating EU content rules, Brussels said Friday, in a finding that could lead to hefty fines.

EU regulators are unhappy with changes Musk made to the blue badge system since anyone can now obtain it via a premium subscription, whereas previously it was reserved for verified accounts including leaders, companies and journalists, and subject to approval.

Musk overhauled the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, including changing its name, after purchasing it in October 2022.

But his plans for X have put him at odds with Brussels since the EU wants big tech to do more to protect users online and increase competition in the digital sphere.

Now, the European Commission has informed X of its preliminary view that it is “in breach” of the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), arguing that the social network “deceives” users with its new blue badge rules.

“Since anyone can subscribe to obtain such a ‘verified’ status, it negatively affects users’ ability to make free and informed decisions about the authenticity of the accounts and the content they interact with,” the commission said in a statement.

“There is evidence of motivated malicious actors abusing the ‘verified account’ to deceive users,” it added.

X’s chief executive Linda Yaccarino pushed back at the charge in a post on the platform, arguing that “a democratized system, allowing everyone across Europe to access verification, is better than just the privileged few being verified.”

EU regulators’ wide-ranging probe into X also continues to look into the spread of illegal content and the effectiveness of the platform’s efforts to combat disinformation, the commission said.

Musk lashed out at Brussels in a post on X, accusing Brussels of offering it a deal to censor speech.

“The DSA IS misinformation!” he wrote in reply to a senior EU official.

“The European Commission offered X an illegal secret deal: if we quietly censored speech without telling anyone, they would not fine us. The other platforms accepted that deal. X did not,” he claimed.

Contacted by AFP, the commission declined to comment on the allegation.

Tech in its sights –
The formal warning against X is the first under the DSA, a sweeping law that forces digital companies to do more to police content online. It follows a probe launched in December 2023.

X becomes the third company in as many weeks to face the European Union’s wrath for violating landmark new rules, after Brussels warned Apple and Meta to change their ways or risk massive fines — for breaches of a second law known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The commission also accused X of failing to comply with rules on advertising transparency — since it does “not provide a searchable and reliable” ad database — and failing to give researchers access to public data.

“X has now the right of defence — but if our view is confirmed we will impose fines and require significant changes,” the EU’s top digital official, Thierry Breton, said.

Fines under the DSA can go as high as six percent of a company’s total worldwide annual turnover and force it to make changes to address violations.

X will be able to examine the EU’s file and defend itself against Friday’s finding.

There is no time limit on the investigation.

Under the DSA, X is subject to stricter regulations as one of 25 “very large” online platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, with more than 45 million monthly active users in the 27-country EU. X is also in the EU’s crosshairs for cutting its content moderation resources. In May, the EU told X to hand over “detailed information and internal documents” and demanded more information about steps taken to mitigate risks from generative AI in elections.

There are currently other investigations under the DSA into Meta’s Facebook and Instagram as well as TikTok and AliExpress.

The DSA and the DMA are both part of the EU’s bolstered legal armoury targeting big tech, and EU regulators have stepped up enforcement.

News

Protests: Stop diminishing your status, Presidency slams Atiku

The Presidency has slammed Atiku Abubakar, telling him to stop diminishing his status

The Presidency has slammed Atiku Abubakar, telling the former Vice President to stop diminishing his status and tweeting the absurd.

Atiku in a post on X on Tuesday night warned security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists masquerading as protesters.

“I wish to convey a stern caution to the distinguished service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria’s armed forces that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service,” Atiku wrote.

“The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary.

“It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest.”

Reacting, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga lambasted Atiku, warning him to stop tweeting the absurd.

“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tweeted the absurd, warning security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists who masqueraded as protesters,” Onanuga wrote on X.

“As a statesman, his warning ought to have been issued to the looting mob in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa states, who hijacked what was advertised by organisers as a peaceful protest.

“Our security forces have remained professional and even-handed and observed every restraint in the face of extreme provocation by the rioters.

“We are surprised that Alhaji Atiku is still relying on Section 40 of our constitution (as amended) to justify a protest that is now clearly a riot, a rampage in some parts of the country.”

Onanuga explained that Section 45 of the constitution says the right of assembly and freedom of expression are not absolute rights.

He said this is because they can be abridged and fettered in the interest of public peace, safety, law and order.

According to him, the Service Chiefs reiterated the rights of Nigerians to protest and gather freely.

He added that they, however, reinforced their constitutional duty when they said they can not sit by idly and watch hoodlums destroy the country and its democracy.

“The Service Chiefs, officers, and men of our security outfits should be commended for their patriotic duty to our country,” Onanuga said.

“As a supporter and enabler of the destructive ‘protests,’ Alhaji Atiku wants the sinister protests to continue despite the street’s red signals.

“A tweet that condones the destruction of private and public property and citizens’ investments is unexpected from a former vice president of Nigeria.”

Onanuga said Atiku ought to have risen above the sentiment he expressed and put the interest of Nigeria’s stability ahead of whatever advantages he hoped to reap from the insurrection on the streets.

“We encourage Alhaji Atiku to adopt a more nationalistic approach that transcends personal interests and focuses on the greater good of our nation,” Onanuga stated.

“He should take a cue from opposition figures in the United Kingdom who have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in the UK, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the wanton destruction of public and private assets.

“Such a nationalistic temperament, as displayed by opposition figures such as Rishi Sunak, the immediate past Prime Minister of the UK, is expected of Alhaji Atiku.

“If Alhaji Atiku had followed this approach, he would have given hope for a united front against the destructive protests,” Onanuga added.

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Olympics: United States, Brazil to clash in epic Women’s final

Sophia Smith scored in extra time, leading the U.S. women’s national team to a victory over Germany in a tense semifinal match at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday.

This win propels the Americans to the gold medal game on Saturday, where they will face Brazil, who triumphed over Spain.

The United States, under new coach Emma Hayes, is aiming for its first gold medal since 2012.

However, Brazil secured a spot in the final by defeating world champions Spain in a dominant performance.

An own goal by Irene Paredes started Brazil’s scoring, followed by a goal from Gabi Portilho just before half-time.

Adriana added a third goal, despite Brazil missing their all-time leading scorer, Marta, who was suspended after a red card in the group stage.

Although Duda Sampaio’s own goal gave Spain some hope, Kerolin’s goal in added time and a late consolation from Salma Paralluelo sealed the win for Brazil.

Spain will now compete against Germany for the bronze medal in Lyon on Friday at 14:00.

News

Transfers: Osimhen not interested in joining Chelsea on loan

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has set two conditions for joining Chelsea this summer.

Osimhen’s future with the former Serie A champions is uncertain, with no active talks ongoing despite his availability.

Chelsea aims to secure the Nigerian on a loan deal while sending Romelu Lukaku to Napoli on a permanent basis.

However, football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on YouTube today that Osimhen “is not considering a loan with an option to buy.” Additionally, Romano noted that the Super Eagles striker “will not reduce his salary” to facilitate a move to Chelsea.

Reports also indicate that Arsenal is monitoring Osimhen’s situation.

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Zamfara Govt. denies budgeting N19bn for Lawal’s kitchenware

The Zamfara Government on Tuesday denied budgeting N19 billion for Gov. Dauda Lawal’s kitchenware as it was wrongfully circulated on social media.

The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abdulmalik Gajam, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Gusau described the information as mischievous.

He said, “I would like to clarify that the information being circulated in this regard on social media is unverified.

“A government that reduced its spending to save for the better future of the state cannot budget N19billion for the governor’s kitchen and other canteen equipment.

“Zamfara Government under Lawal is running an open door policy, we welcome media and other stakeholders to verify and access information on any issues instead of spreading unverified information.

“As a transparent government, we accept any challenge from any media outfit that sincerely scrutinises our administration with good intentions.

“Also, the media outfits need to be responsible on information concerning images of government to be published.”

Gajam lamented that the information being circulated was capable of triggering the mind of Zamfara people to react to something that was mischievous.

He called on the media houses to always verify information and ensure dishing out only authentic information to the public.

Gajam highlighted that Lawal’s 2024 ‘Budget of Rescue’, was to ensure more revenue generation, less expenditure and transparency in releasing public funds.

He added that the present administration in the state since its inception ensured that all its expenditures were in the interest of the people of the state.