United News of Bangladesh

On a sunny weekend in central Moscow, dozens of people queued outside a presidential administration building, as police watched closely. They came to voice complaints over the government’s increasing restrictions on the internet, which have included frequent cellphone internet shutdowns, blocked messaging apps, and limited access to thousands of websites and digital services. The moves have stirred growing frustration among Russians, affecting daily life, harming businesses, and drawing criticism even from some Kremlin supporters. Knowing that unauthorized protests are harshly suppressed, activists have focused on authorized rallies, putting up posters, and filing lawsuits, while business leaders have urged authorities to ease the measures. Even Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took a subtle jab at Russia during a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin on April 1, noting that social media in Armenia “is 100% free” without restrictions, prompting an unsmiling reaction from Putin. The internet clampdown has disrupted digital life, making tasks like ordering taxis, paying bills, and staying in touch with family and friends difficult. Kremlin critic Boris Nadezhdin told AP, “This infuriates a huge number of people.” A push for full control Russia has long sought total control over the internet, blocking tens of thousands of websites, messaging apps, and social media platforms that refuse to cooperate. While users have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions, authorities have also blocked many of these tools. Last year, shutdowns escalated to include cellphone internet and sometimes broadband, leaving only government-approved sites and apps accessible. Officials claim the measures target Ukrainian drones using Russian networks during the ongoing invasion, but ordinary citizens and businesses in areas unaffected by drones see them as harmful. WhatsApp and Telegram, the country’s two most popular messaging apps, have faced repeated blocks, while a government-backed app, MAX, is being promoted—widely viewed as a surveillance tool. Voice and video calls were initially blocked, followed by messaging, which often now requires a VPN. Lawyer Sarkis Darbinyan of digital rights group RKS Global said the government aims to confine users to a “digital ghetto” of Russian-controlled apps, adding, “The internet is no longer this universal digital good.” Business voices concerns Business leaders have called for moderation, highlighting the impact on daily life and commerce. Alexander Shokhin, head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, told Putin that cellphone internet shutdowns “made life difficult for both businesses and citizens.” CEOs of major telecom operators also suggested targeted restrictions on suspicious users instead of broad shutdowns. IT entrepreneur Natalya Kasperskaya criticized the blocking of VPNs for causing weekend outages in banking and other services, calling for dialogue between authorities and the IT sector. Cautious activism Activists across Russia have attempted rallies since late February, seeking authorization under strict protest laws. Many applications were rejected, and some organizers were arrested, but small pickets and poster campaigns have taken place. Nadezhdin and other groups have applied to hold rallies on April 12, Cosmonautics Day, highlighting the link between science, technology, progress, and internet connectivity. “Public frustration is enormous,” he said, noting that people are willing to join authorized protests. Moscow-based opposition politician Yulia Galyamina echoed the sentiment, saying public discontent over internet restrictions, especially Telegram, “is truly widespread” and growing.  

Turkish lawmakers on Tuesday began debating a draft law package that seeks to limit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms, making Turkey the latest country to introduce measures aimed at protecting young people from online risks. If passed, the bill would require social media companies to implement age-verification systems, provide parental control tools, and respond quickly to content deemed harmful. The duration of the parliamentary debate remains uncertain. Google now lets users change Gmail addresses President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government says the proposal is designed to safeguard children’s safety and privacy online. “Protecting our children from all kinds of risks, threats and harmful content is our top priority,” said Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, Turkey’s minister for family and social services. The main opposition, Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticized the measure, arguing that children should be protected “not with bans but with rights-based policies.” Under the draft law, platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram would be required to block children under 15 from creating accounts and introduce parental controls. Online game companies must also appoint a local representative to ensure compliance. Penalties could include fines and internet bandwidth reductions imposed by Turkey’s communications watchdog. Turkey has previously restricted online platforms amid political dissent, including last year’s protests supporting jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Similar restrictions for children exist in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Spain, France, and the UK, reflecting global concern over unregulated social media exposure.

A visit to the O'Smach Resort on the Thailand-Cambodia border highlights the staggering scale of Southeast Asia’s growing scam industry. Thailand’s military, which led a media tour of the complex on Tuesday, said the site covers about 197 acres roughly 150 American football fields. While scam centers in the region are not new, this one dwarfs others in size and sophistication. The pandemic fueled a boom in such operations, where workers use elaborate online schemes to target victims worldwide. The U.N. Office of Human Rights estimates around 300,000 people are involved in the industry across the region. The O'Smach Resort, seized by Thailand in December amid border tensions, was reportedly owned by Cambodian politician Ly Yong Phat, who faces U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses at the same site. The military noted ongoing construction across the sprawling compound, which contains 157 buildings, including 29 scam offices, dormitories, and luxury accommodations. Officials estimate at least 10,000 people live there. Inside one four-story office, FBI data suggests workers targeted Americans, who lost nearly $21 billion to scams in 2025. Desks were scattered with Chinese-language scripts, notes, and American SIM cards. One script detailed a character named Mila, with a backstory crafted to lure victims into gold trading scams. The complex also includes Chinese restaurants offering regional cuisines, catering to staff from different parts of China. “Every country of the world has to join together to solve this problem; we cannot do it alone with Cambodia and Thailand,” said Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, who led the tour. The O'Smach visit underscores that tackling scam operations is a regional and global challenge, demanding coordinated action.  

Samsung has announced that it will discontinue its native texting app, Samsung Messages, in July. The tech giant is advising affected users of Samsung smartphones and other devices to switch to Google Messages to ensure a seamless messaging experience on Android. According to a notice on Samsung’s U.S. support website, Galaxy phones, which operate on Google’s Android platform, can transition to Google Messages by downloading the app from the Play Store and setting it as the default messaging app. Some users may also receive in-app prompts to guide them through the switch. Samsung highlighted that Google Messages will provide users with access to new features, including Google’s Gemini AI capabilities such as "Remix," which allows generating images during conversations, AI-powered reply suggestions, and the ability to send higher-quality photos across Android and Apple iOS devices via RCS-enabled messaging. The company noted that users of older Android versions, including Android 11 and earlier, will not be affected by the discontinuation. To verify their device’s Android version, users can check the "software information" section in the settings app. Samsung added that the app is no longer available for download on its latest Galaxy 26 series and other newer devices. After July, all Samsung devices will lose access to Samsung Messages, and users are advised to check the app for the specific date when service will end. The company has not yet clarified whether the discontinuation plan and recommendations will be applied globally beyond the U.S.

China’s growing focus on artificial intelligence is driving both excitement and concern, as seen in the rising popularity of an AI assistant known as “OpenClaw,” nicknamed “lobster” by users. Wang, a young IT engineer, said he became so absorbed in the tool that he jokingly asked a BBC journalist if he was also an AI. He later described how deeply he has been involved with OpenClaw, which he customised for his own business needs. Developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, OpenClaw is based on open-source technology, allowing users in China to adapt it to local AI models. This is especially useful as Western platforms like ChatGPT and Claude are not available in the country. Wang uses his version of the tool to manage his online shop on TikTok, which is banned in China. He said tasks that once took hours—such as uploading products and setting prices—can now be done in minutes. While he finds the technology “exciting,” he also admits it feels “scary” because of its efficiency. The tool has drawn widespread attention in China, with tech giants like Tencent and Baidu launching related apps. People from various backgrounds, including students and retirees, have queued up to try customised versions. Experts say this enthusiasm reflects China’s broader AI strategy, where government support plays a key role. Incentives, subsidies and policy signals have encouraged companies to adopt AI across industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. However, concerns are emerging. Authorities have warned about security risks linked to improper use of such tools, and some government offices have restricted installations. Despite this, analysts believe AI development will continue, partly to address challenges like youth unemployment. Many see tools like OpenClaw as an opportunity for individuals to start small businesses using AI support. While fears of job losses persist, users like Wang remain optimistic, saying AI could open new paths rather than close them. With inputs from BBC

An orientation workshop on “NGOAB Online Solution and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for NGOs” was held in Dhaka on Thursday, to introduce new digital systems and promote the responsible use of AI to modernise NGO service delivery, improve efficiency, and strengthen governance and accountability. It called for continued collaboration among government, development partners, and civil society to scale up digital innovation while safeguarding rights and promoting trust in emerging technologies. The workshop was organised by the NGO Affairs Bureau, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the Australian government under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project. The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, and NGO representatives to explore how digital innovation and AI can enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness across the sector. Barrister Md. Khalilur Rahman Khan, Director General (In-charge), NGOAB, noted the critical role of NGOs in Bangladesh’s development. “AI is at its best not when it replaces human thinking, but when it sharpens it. It should serve as a tool we guide, not a force that guides us,” he said while speaking as the chief guest, emphasising balanced use of technology. Chairing the session, Dr. K. M. Mamun Uzzaman, Director, NGOAB, highlighted the urgency of adapting to technological change. “Adopting new technologies is now a necessity but it must be done with accountability and ethical consideration,” he said. Asif Kashem, Senior Programme Manager, Australian High Commission, underscored the importance of impact and responsible use. “Technology alone is not sufficient. We need to ensure it benefits people,” he said, highlighting the need for safety and data privacy. Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP, emphasised responsible and inclusive AI adoption. “We are the pilot, and AI is the co-pilot,” she noted, underscoring the importance of addressing data bias, ethics, and the digital divide. She also stressed the need for public trust and multi-stakeholder engagement in managing risks such as misinformation and online harm. A key highlight was the live demonstration of the NGOAB Online Solution, which marks a shift from paper-based processes to a fully digital system enabling online registration, application tracking, document submission, and integrated payments, UNDP said in a media release.  Participants engaged actively, raising practical questions on system usability, timelines, and future features. Another session focused on practical applications of AI for NGOs, including analytics, compliance support, content generation, and chatbot services. Technical experts demonstrated tools for reporting, data analysis, and workflow efficiency, emphasising responsible use and verification.

Microsoft has rolled out High Volume Email (HVE) for Exchange Online, enabling organizations to send large volumes of automated internal messages without encountering traditional sending limits designed for person-to-person emails. HVE is a tenant-native feature built specifically for application-to-person communications. It uses dedicated HVE accounts separate from user or shared mailboxes, ensuring automated messages do not interfere with normal employee email workflows. All mail sent through HVE remains within Microsoft infrastructure and is subject to Exchange Online’s existing security, compliance, and policy controls. Administrators can configure and manage HVE through the Mail flow section in the Exchange admin center. Key use casesHVE is intended for transactional and operational messaging to internal recipients. Microsoft identifies its primary applications as payroll and HR notifications, IT monitoring and service alerts, line-of-business application messaging, device-driven workflows such as printers and scanners, and security or compliance alerts. Jeremy Carlson, Director of Product Marketing for M365 Portfolio Growth at Microsoft, clarified that HVE “does not include campaign tooling, templates, or engagement tracking. Instead, it supports the high-trust, high-reliability use cases that organizations depend on every day.” Pricing and availabilityHVE is now generally available. Usage will be metered starting June 1, 2026, based on the number of expanded email recipients. Microsoft has set the cost at $42 per one million recipients, equivalent to $0.000042 per recipient, aligning pricing with internal email volume. Infrastructure advantagesFor organizations previously using on-premises Exchange servers, third-party SMTP relays, or repurposed user mailboxes to handle high-volume automated emails, HVE provides a streamlined solution to consolidate this traffic within Microsoft 365. The service requires no additional infrastructure or third-party dependencies, running natively within an existing Exchange Online tenant.  #From helpnetsecurity.com

Australia’s online safety watchdog on Tuesday said it is considering court action against Meta, Snap Inc., TikTok and Alphabet Inc., alleging they are not doing enough to keep children under 16 off their platforms. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant released her first compliance report since the law took effect on Dec. 10, calling on 10 platforms to remove all Australian account holders younger than 16. The report said that although around 5 million Australian accounts had been deactivated, a significant number of children were still able to retain accounts, create new ones and bypass age assurance systems. Inman Grant said her office had “significant concerns” about the compliance of half of the platforms and was gathering evidence to determine whether they failed to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users. Courts could impose fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about $33 million) for systemic non-compliance. A decision on possible legal action is expected by midyear. Platforms not under investigation include Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch. Communications Minister Anika Wells accused some platforms of doing the bare minimum to comply with the law, saying they do not want the legislation to succeed. The watchdog identified “poor practices” such as allowing unlimited attempts to pass age verification and prompting users to retry even after declaring themselves underage. Meta said it is committed to complying with the law but acknowledged that accurately determining users’ ages remains a challenge. Snap Inc. said it had locked 450,000 accounts in line with the rules and continues to take action. TikTok declined to comment, while Alphabet did not immediately respond. Lisa Given of RMIT University said courts would ultimately decide what constitutes “reasonable steps,” noting that age-verification technologies are not fully reliable. Reddit has filed one of two constitutional challenges to the law in Australia’s High Court, along with the Digital Freedom Project, arguing it infringes on implied freedom of political communication. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21 to set a date for further proceedings, Reddit said.

Australia’s internet regulator has warned that major social media platforms are not doing enough to keep children under 16 off their services, despite a law that came into effect in December 2025. The legislation prohibits anyone under 16 from using 10 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. However, eSafety expressed “significant concerns” about how these companies are implementing the restrictions. The regulator’s first report since the ban found several compliance issues, such as allowing under-16 users to bypass age verification, insufficient measures to stop new underage accounts, and limited reporting options for parents to flag violations. In the first month after the ban, about 4.7 million accounts were restricted or removed, according to eSafety. Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the regulator will now begin actively enforcing the rules and gathering evidence to determine whether platforms have failed to take reasonable steps to prevent underage access. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, said it is committed to complying with the law but highlighted that accurate age verification is a challenge across the industry. Snap, which operates Snapchat, said it had locked 450,000 accounts and continues to block more daily. Despite the ban, many under-16s are still able to access social media. A BBC visit to a Sydney school found that most students who used social media before the law remained active on the platforms, some bypassing age checks entirely. Parents have largely welcomed the policy, seeing it as support in limiting their children’s social media use. Critics, however, argue that educating children on online risks would be more effective than banning them. Some also say the law disproportionately affects minority groups, including rural, disabled, and LGBTQ+ youth, who often rely on online communities for support. Inman Grant acknowledged that the reform is challenging entrenched social media habits built over two decades but said platforms are capable of complying immediately. She emphasized the role of parents as key partners in enforcing the ban and said Australia will continue pushing for cultural change despite resistance from tech companies. #From BBC

DeepSeek’s chatbot experienced a major outage of more than seven hours overnight in China, prompting the AI firm to release multiple updates to fix the problem. Users first reported issues on Sunday evening, according to Downdetector. DeepSeek’s status page noted an initial disruption at 9:35 p.m., which was marked resolved two hours later. However, further performance problems emerged on Monday, taking until 10:33 a.m. to fully address. The exact cause of the outages remains unclear, and DeepSeek did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Extended downtime is rare for DeepSeek, a globally used AI app that has maintained nearly a 99% uptime record since the launch of its R1 model in January 2025. The company has been recognized as one of China’s leading AI innovators. Industry speculation suggests that DeepSeek, headquartered in Hangzhou, may be preparing a major update, following its high-profile debut on January 20 last year. The anticipated rollout has fueled competition, prompting rivals such as Alibaba Group, ByteDance, and Tencent Holdings to release new AI models over the Lunar New Year holiday. While anticipation for DeepSeek’s next move remains high, the company has not disclosed a timeline.  #From Bloomberg