Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
US – US intelligence officials are concerned that Russia, Iran, and China are using AI (artificial intelligence) to interfere with the upcoming US election. Russia is leading the way by using AI to manipulate Vice President Kamala Harris’ speeches and bolster support for former President Trump. Iran is employing AI to create fake social media posts and articles to stir up issues like immigration. China is also using AI for its propaganda, including fake news anchors.
Russia – TikTok has banned Russian state media accounts such as Rossiya Segodnya, RIA Novosti, Sputnik, and RT for attempting to covertly influence the 2024 US election. These accounts were already restricted in the UK and EU, but now they are banned globally. Meta had previously banned Russian media for similar reasons. Russia criticised Meta, calling the action censorship, while RT complained that these bans hinder the flow of information. TikTok is still awaiting a response from Russian authorities.
England – Prince Harry gave an emotional speech in New York City, reaffirming his commitment to continuing his mother Princess Diana’s work of clearing landmines. At an event for The HALO Trust, which Diana supported in 1997, Harry spoke about his duty to carry on her mission. He recalled her famous walk through a minefield in Angola and how he retraced her steps in 2019 with his wife Meghan and their son Archie. Harry emphasised the importance of making the world safe from landmines for future generations and reflected on how much progress has been made since his first visit.
New Zealand – New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released after being held hostage for over 18 months in Indonesia’s Papua region by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Mehrtens was kidnapped in February 2023 after landing his plane in Nduga. The group wanted New Zealand to pressure Indonesia for Papua’s independence, but that did not happen. Mehrtens expressed his happiness about being freed during a press conference and thanked those involved in securing his release. New Zealand’s foreign minister praised the efforts to bring him home safely. The TPNPB, which Indonesia designates as a terrorist group, often takes hostages to push for independence.
Pictured above: Vladimir Putin.
Source: X
