Tech industry allowing ‘deluge’ of misinformation: RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has ranked the environment for journalism as “bad” in 70% of the 180 countries it assessed in its annual ranking of press freedom. In its 21st annual report published on World Press Freedom Day, the non-governmental organisation highlighted the rise of misinformation, aided by AI software and political propaganda. The Middle East and North Africa remained the most dangerous region for journalists, while Europe remained the safest, though attacks on journalists in Germany saw it drop five places.

US lawmakers query Shein, Adidas, Nike over Uyghur rights concerns

US lawmakers have sent letters to Adidas, Nike, Shein, and Temu seeking reassurances about their supply chains and compliance with US law. The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party has cited witness testimony alleging that Nike and Adidas might be sourcing materials from China’s Xinjiang region, where human rights abuses are alleged to occur. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers urged securities regulators to require Shein to attest it does not use forced Chinese labour as a condition of a public offering.

Civil society welcomes special review of junta’s Myanmar national human rights commission’s status in global body

The CSO Working Group and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) welcome the decision to initiate a Special Review of Myanmar’s military junta-controlled human rights commission in October. This comes after repeated calls to revoke its membership and strip its ‘B’ status. The Special Review aims to address the commission’s non-compliance with international human rights standards and its involvement in the junta’s atrocity crimes.

New Zealand fights to save its flightless national bird

Wild kiwi birds have returned to Wellington’s hills after a century-long absence. Invasive predators had nearly decimated the population of native birds in New Zealand, but more than 90 community initiatives working nationwide have brought the population back. The Capital Kiwi Project, a charitable trust, laid 4,500 traps and released kiwi birds last November after “blitzing” stoats. The goal is to release 250 birds over the next five years to establish a large wild kiwi population.

First Republic bank in limbo as shares fall further

First Republic Bank’s shares plummeted by 43% on Friday, after experiencing a massive drop in deposits. Its value has dropped from US$40bn to US$654m, with experts speculating that the most likely scenarios include the sale of the bank or its assets to other financial players, following a receivership by the FDIC. However, the negative value of First Republic’s loans could cause a loss in value for prospective buyers. Meanwhile, former FDIC Chair Sheila Blair is worried that not protecting uninsured deposits could surprise people and be disruptive.

In countering Russia, the EU should not forget South East Asia

The European Union’s (EU) new strategic action plan to counter the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine focuses on building stronger relationships with Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan. However, Simone Galimberti highlights the surprising exclusion of South East Asia, a crucial region for Europe’s geopolitical ambitions. Galimberti argues that the EU should prioritize engaging with key countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, considering their strategic relationships with China and the regional tensions in the South China Sea. A dedicated high-level figure and visits from EU leaders would demonstrate the EU’s commitment to South East Asia’s importance.

China warns US and South Korea against ‘provoking confrontation’ with North Korea

China has warned the US and South Korea against provoking confrontation with North Korea, after President Biden and his South Korean counterpart warned that Pyongyang would face the end of its leadership if it uses its nuclear arsenal. China’s foreign ministry urged all parties to play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue, and not to deliberately stir up tensions or provoke confrontation. The ministry also condemned Washington’s decision to strengthen the US security shield for South Korea and warned that it could undermine regional peace and stability.

UK drugmaker AstraZeneca logs soaring profit

AstraZeneca reported a five-fold increase in net profit to $1.8 billion in Q1 2023, as sales of cancer treatments offset the slump in Covid-related treatments. The pharmaceutical giant’s turnover fell by 4% to US$10.9 billion, but excluding Covid-related sales, turnover jumped by 10% to $10.7 billion, with cancer treatment sales up 14%. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot credited the company’s strong start to the year to its impressive growth and innovation in emerging markets.

US writer testifies that Trump raped her

E. Jean Carroll testified in a defamation and battery lawsuit against Donald Trump, alleging he sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s and then defamed her when she went public with the allegations years later. Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations and has not been criminally charged. This is one in a series of legal challenges facing the former president.

Meta surges as earnings beat expectations after belt tightening

Shares of Meta (formerly Facebook) surged after it reported a Q1 profit of US$5.7bn, beating forecasts after cost-cutting measures. The number of monthly Facebook users grew to just under three billion, while the number of ads increased 26% YoY. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that AI was driving good results and that the company would release a new model of its Quest virtual reality headset later this year. Despite the positive news, Meta’s Reality Labs, which underpins its metaverse ambitions, reported an operating loss of nearly US$4bn.