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Russia Is Relying On Unwitting Americans To Spread Election Disinformation, US Officials Say
RUSSIA | Amazon is liable under federal safety legislation for dangerous products offered on its site by third-party vendors and distributed by the corporation, a US government body said Tuesday.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission unanimously concluded that the e-commerce company was a “distributor” of faulty items sold on its website and packed and dispatched through its fulfilment service.
According to the agency, the corporation is legally responsible for the recalls of over 400,000 devices, including hairdryers and defective carbon monoxide detectors. It directed Amazon to develop a system for notifying customers who purchased defective items and removing the objects from circulation by creating incentives for their return or destruction.
Russia Is Relying On Unwitting Americans To Spread Election Disinformation, US Officials Say
According to Emarketer, Amazon accounts for around 40% of all e-commerce sales in the United States. The company offers various things directly to customers and also works with roughly 2 million third-party sellers, who account for the majority of sales on the site.
The online shop has been fighting the “distributor” classification since 2021 when the Consumer Product Safety Commission filed an administrative complaint against it for delivering hazardous products.
Amazon argued to an administrative law judge and a five-member commission that it should not be classed as a distributor under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The commission stated that the judge rejected the company’s argument, and Tuesday’s decree affirmed that decision.
According to the commission, Amazon neglected to tell customers about hazardous materials and “did not take adequate steps to encourage” users to return or destroy them, putting them at risk of harm.
Groups tied to the Kremlin increasingly use Russian-based marketing and communications firms to outsource some of the labour of developing digital propaganda while also masking their tracks, authorities said during a press briefing.
In March, the United States issued fresh sanctions against two of these corporations. According to authorities, the two Russian businesses constructed phony websites and social media profiles to promote Kremlin disinformation.
The disinformation can focus on the candidates or the voting process, or on problems that are already being debated in the United States, such as immigration, crime, or the Gaza conflict.
The ultimate goal is for Americans to share Russian disinformation without investigating its source. People are significantly more likely to trust and share information they feel came from a domestic source, according to officials. Fake websites that replicate U.S. news outlets and AI-generated social media profiles are only two examples.
In certain situations, Americans, as well as American tech businesses and media outlets, have willingly amplified and repeated Kremlin messaging.
“Foreign influence actors are getting better at hiding their hand and convincing Americans to do it,” said the official, who was joined by officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
Sen. Mark Warner, the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed concern last month that the United States may be more vulnerable to foreign disinformation this year than it was before to the 2020 election. On Monday, he stated that intelligence agencies’ warnings reveal that the US election is “in the bullseye of bad actors across the globe.”
“It also, disturbingly, emphasises the extent to which foreign actors — and particularly Russia — rely on both unwitting and witting Americans to promote foreign-aligned narratives in the United States,” Warner, a Democratic senator from Virginia, said in a statement.
In one measure of the threat, officials monitoring foreign disinformation report that they have given twice as many warnings to political candidates, government leaders, election offices, and others targeted by foreign groups in the 2024 election cycle as they did in the 2022 cycle.
Officials would not say how many warnings were provided or who received them, but say the considerable increase reflects increased interest in the presidential race by America’s foes, as well as improved government efforts to identify and warn of such dangers.
Russia Is Relying On Unwitting Americans To Spread Election Disinformation, US Officials Say
Russia and other countries are also fast shifting to capitalise on recent developments in the presidential election, like as the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race in favour of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Following the attack on Trump, Russian disinformation services swiftly pushed accusations that Democratic rhetoric caused the shooting, as well as unfounded conspiracy theories claiming that Biden or the Ukrainian government coordinated the effort.
“These pro-Russian voices sought to tie the assassination attempt with Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine,” concluded the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, which monitors Russian misinformation.
Intelligence officials have previously assessed that Russian propaganda appeared to be intended to support Trump, and they stated Monday that their conclusion has not changed.
Russian disinformation continues to focus on eroding support for Ukraine, while Trump has previously lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin and is perceived to be less supportive of NATO.
While China launched a massive disinformation effort ahead of Taiwan’s last election, the country has been far more cautious when it comes to the United States. Beijing may employ disinformation to target congressional campaigns or other down-ballot races where a candidate has expressed strong views about China. However, authorities suggested Monday that China is unlikely to try to influence the presidential race.
The Chinese ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, stated on Monday that his country has no intention of interfering with US politics.
However, Iran has adopted a more assertive stance. Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, stated earlier this month that the Iranian government had surreptitiously sponsored American protests against Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza. According to Haines, Iran-linked groups have posed as online activists, supported protests, and provided financial support to some protest groups.
Iran opposes candidates who are likely to exacerbate tensions with Tehran, authorities added. That description suits Trump’s government, which terminated a nuclear agreement with Iran, reimposed sanctions, and ordered the assassination of a senior Iranian commander.
Messages left with Russian and Iranian government spokespeople were not returned promptly on Monday.
SOURCE | AP
News
Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.
Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”
Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.
“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”
“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?
Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility
Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.
Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.
Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.
Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.
During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.
Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.
Canada India Tensions
Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.
Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.
In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.
No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.
Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.
News
Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest
A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.
According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.
Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.
In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”
“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.
“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”
Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.
Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.
The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.
Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.
“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.
“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”
The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.
PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.
In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.
The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.
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India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attack
India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attacking Canadian Hindus
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Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton
Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”
Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.
Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.
According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.
Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.
In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”
It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.
Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.
Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.
Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.
“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.
“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.
Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.
As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.
India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistanis Criminals
India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistan Criminals in Canada
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