69 h. ago Trump health misinformation swirls despite denials of illness

From manipulated images to out-of-context photos, false claims that Donald Trump is seriously ill - or even dead - have swirled online, with the misinformation persisting even after the US president publicly rejected it on Tuesday. At a White House press conference, Trump dismissed social media rumours about his health as “fake news”, following his noticeable absence from public appearances and press events last week. Recently, Trump has been seen with bruising on the back of his right hand,...

Politics

3 d. ago Trump says speedy tariff ruling a must, dismisses rumours about his health

US President Donald Trump emerged from a quiet Labour Day weekend Tuesday, declaring that his administration will urgently appeal to the Supreme Court to defend his contested tariffs, warning that a reversal could force billions in refunds to foreign nations. He also dismissed health rumours as “fake news” and played down China’s coming military parade. In a press briefing at the White House, Trump stressed the need for an expedited Supreme Court ruling. “We’re going to be going to the Supreme...

Politics

3 d. ago Malaysia summons TikTok, Meta over slow response to fake news, immoral content

Malaysian authorities have summoned TikTok’s top management over the social media company’s alleged delays in tackling fake news on its platform, state news agency Bernama reported on Tuesday, citing Malaysia’s communications minister. Minister Fahmi Fadzil said TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, had been too slow in responding to requests for help in police investigations, prompting him to ask the firm’s chief executive for help, Bernama reported. Fahmi cited a recent case where a man had...

Politics

2 w. ago China cracks down on fake medical advice with new rules for health influencers

Chinese authorities have announced new rules targeting the rapid expansion of medical science accounts on social media and other unofficial channels to counteract false and misleading medical information online. On August 1, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the National Health Commission (NHC), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) jointly issued a notice about the comprehensive regulatory...

Science

3 w. ago Game over? Indonesia eyes Roblox ban over child safety concerns

Indonesia’s government is reportedly considering a ban on Roblox, the widely used online game-creation platform, after the education minister warned that it could expose children to violence and other harmful behaviours. “There is a lot of violence in the game. Sometimes children don’t understand that what they see isn’t real,” Indonesian education minister Abdul Mu’ti said on August 4, adding that the platform could drive an increase in youth violence if young students mimic behaviours...

Politics

4 w. ago Fake Hermes, Chanel, LV and Gucci goods seized in HK$44 million Hong Kong bust

Hong Kong customs has seized a haul of counterfeit luxury goods worth an estimated HK$44 million (US$5.6 million), including fake Hermes and Chanel handbags and Louis Vuitton and Gucci shoes, which were destined for US and European markets, among others. The Customs and Excise Department said on Thursday that its officers detected 25 cases and confiscated about 67,000 counterfeit items in a joint operation with mainland Chinese and Macau counterparts from July 18 to 31. The seized goods included...

Economics