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Humans must stay in control of AI, European trade union chief warns

European trade union chief Esther Lynch has called for regulations to ensure humans remain in control as AI technology advances rapidly. Lynch warns against a scenario where workers are subject to the will of machines, emphasizing the need for the “human-in-control principle.” She highlights the importance of involving workers and their unions in the introduction of AI to ensure better outcomes. Wealth division, rising prices, and inflation will also be key topics discussed at the four-day ETUC Congress in Berlin.

Russian PM arrives in China for talks with Xi, business forum

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in China for a visit, where he will meet President Xi Jinping and sign agreements on infrastructure and trade. China has become Russia’s top energy customer, strengthening their economic cooperation. While China remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict, its influence over Russia is growing as Moscow faces international isolation.

TikTok sues to stop ban in US state of Montana

TikTok has filed a lawsuit in US federal court to prevent Montana from implementing a ban on the video-sharing app, citing a violation of free speech rights. The unprecedented ban, set to start in 2024, is seen as an infringement on constitutional protections. TikTok users and the company argue that the ban exceeds the state’s authority and interferes with national security matters. The legal cases are expected to progress quickly as they revolve around points of law rather than extensive evidence gathering.

Ex-writer who sued Trump seeks new damages for CNN comments

Former US columnist E. Jean Carroll seeks new damages from Donald Trump, alleging further defamation after a civil jury found him liable for sexual abuse. Trump’s comments, calling Carroll a “whack job” and dismissing her claims, are deemed defamatory. Carroll’s lawyers argue for substantial punitive damages to deter Trump and others from engaging in further defamation. The amended complaint is part of a separate defamation case, delayed by battles over presidential immunity.

India hosts G20 tourism meet in disputed Kashmir under heavy security

The G20 tourism meeting in disputed Kashmir faced condemnation from China and Pakistan. Security was tightened, roads were improved, and India portrayed “normalcy and peace returning” to the region. China, along with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, chose not to attend, citing opposition to holding meetings in disputed territories. Pakistan criticized India’s arrogance, while India accused Pakistan of supporting militants. The UN Special Rapporteur expressed concern about civil liberties, but India rejected the remarks. Security measures were heightened, leading to detentions and warnings against protests or trouble.

WHO chief hopes for ‘historic’ pandemic accord

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief emphasized the need for a historic agreement on global health security as negotiations for a new pandemic accord begin. The aim is to better equip the world to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The accord, expected to be reached by May 2024, would mark a paradigm shift and recognize the interconnectedness of nations in addressing global health threats. The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder of the importance of a collective response and the lessons learned.

Papua New Guinea, US to sign security pact with eye on China

Papua New Guinea is set to sign a defense pact with the United States, as it hosts talks with the US Secretary of State and the Indian Prime Minister. The discussions will center around China’s growing influence in the region, with concerns about its attempts to entice small nations with diplomatic and financial incentives. The defense pact will grant US troops access to Papua New Guinea’s ports and airports, aiming to enhance security cooperation and stability in the region. This move highlights the increasing engagement of the United States and India in the Pacific to counter China’s presence.

UN Member States commit to accelerate resilience building in face of spiralling disasters

As disaster risk rapidly rises, UN Member States gathered in New York and agreed on a stronger commitment to resilience. The decision came amidst the forecast of an increase in disasters to 1.5 per day by 2030. This high-level meeting is part of a midterm review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction 2015-2030, an agreement to reduce global disaster losses. The representatives pledged to reinforce efforts in reducing risks and building resilience due to increasing human and economic costs of disasters.

APHR appeals to G7 for immediate action on Myanmar, Cambodia’s eroding democracies

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) issued an urgent plea to G7 nations, highlighting the “grave concerns” about deteriorating human rights and democratic values in Myanmar and Cambodia, and calling for decisive international action.

Over 100 global media heads and RSF demand release of Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai

More than 100 media leaders from around the world have joined Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in signing an unprecedented joint statement expressing support for detained Apple Daily founder and publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, and calling for his immediate release. Among the signatories are publishers, editors-in-chief, and senior editors from 42 countries, including two Nobel Peace Prize laureates. A laureate of RSF’s Press Freedom Prize, 75-year-old Jimmy Lai has worked over the past 25 years to uphold the values of freedom of speech and press through his independent media outlet Apple Daily. Detained since December 2020 in a maximum security jail and repeatedly refused bail, Lai is already serving concurrent sentences on charges of attending “unauthorised” pro-democracy protests and allegations of fraud. Most alarmingly, he now faces a possible life sentence under the draconian national security law, with his trial scheduled to start on 25 September.