United News of Bangladesh

A US YouTuber who caused widespread anger in South Korea with a series of offensive online stunts has been sentenced to six months in prison. The Seoul Western District Court on Wednesday found Ramsey Khalid Ismael, known online as Johnny Somali, guilty of several charges, including disrupting businesses and sharing fake sexually explicit content. Prosecutors had asked for a three-year jail term. Ismael was also accused of harassing people at an amusement park, creating disturbances at a convenience store by playing loud music and throwing noodles on a table, and causing similar disruptions on public transport. He was also charged with distributing deepfake videos without consent. The court said the 25-year-old showed serious disregard for South Korean laws and hurt many people through his livestreamed actions aimed at earning money on YouTube. He was taken into custody immediately after the verdict, as the court considered him a flight risk. In October 2024, Ismael triggered public outrage after posting a video of himself kissing and performing a lap dance on a statue honoring victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery. He later apologized, saying he did not understand the importance of the monument. Ismael, who had been banned from leaving South Korea during the trial, earlier told reporters he regretted his actions and wanted to apologize to the public.

Lawmakers in the US state of Maine have approved a bill to impose what would be the nation’s first statewide moratorium on large, energy-intensive data centers, reflecting growing political resistance over concerns about power consumption, water use and electricity costs. The Democratic-controlled Legislature on Tuesday passed the measure and sent it to Governor Janet Mills, who is running for the US Senate. The proposed law would halt development of large-scale data centers for more than a year and establish a special council to help local authorities assess future projects. Amazon to invest $11.5bn in satellite firm to boost Starlink rivalry Although Maine is not a major hub for hyperscale data centers, recent proposals triggered strong local opposition, accelerating the bill’s passage. The move highlights rising resistance to such facilities, even as they receive support from the administration of President Donald Trump and various state leaders who view them as vital for economic growth and competition in artificial intelligence. Supporters of the moratorium argue that the benefits of data centers have not been proven in terms of electricity costs, water usage or local economic gains. However, industry representatives warn the measure could discourage investment, limit job creation and hinder workforce development. Community groups backing the legislation say it is intended to ensure greater public input and transparency in decision-making. Similar moratorium proposals have been introduced in several US states, though none had previously cleared a legislative chamber.

Amazon has announced plans to spend about $11.57 billion to acquire Globalstar, aiming to expand its satellite business and compete more strongly in the growing space-based internet market. The deal, revealed on Tuesday, will help Amazon accelerate its long-running low-earth orbit satellite initiative, known as Project Leo, by deploying thousands of satellites to support internet and mobile services. Amazon said the acquisition aligns with its long-term plan to strengthen space-based connectivity and build a next-generation satellite network, which is expected to be operational by 2028. The move will intensify competition with Starlink, launched in 2019 by Elon Musk. Starlink currently has a major lead, with more than 10,000 active satellites serving over 10 million users worldwide, while Amazon’s network has only about 200 satellites in orbit. Starlink operates under SpaceX and is considered a key revenue source for the firm. SpaceX is also preparing for a potential public listing later this year, with its valuation expected to surpass $1 trillion. Even after adding Globalstar’s existing network of around 50 satellites, Amazon will need to significantly scale up production to meet its target of thousands of satellites by 2028. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently said the company has already secured agreements with several major organisations, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, AT&T, Vodafone, DIRECTV Latin America, Australia’s National Broadband Network, and NASA, to use its satellite services once the system is fully operational. As part of the deal, Amazon will take control of Globalstar’s infrastructure across multiple locations, including the United States, Ireland, Brazil and France. Founded in 1991, Globalstar provides satellite communication services and has been working with Apple since 2022 to offer emergency “SOS” connectivity on iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple acquired a 20% stake in the company in 2024. Amazon said it has reached an agreement with Apple to continue providing the emergency satellite feature on its devices. Amazon is offering Globalstar investors $90 per share in cash or equivalent Amazon stock under the takeover deal. Meanwhile, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is also entering the satellite internet market. Its project, TerraWave, aims to launch at least 5,400 satellites by 2027 to provide connectivity services to large businesses. Source: BBC

South Korea’s information and communications technology (ICT) exports reached a record high in March, driven by strong global demand for semiconductors, according to government data released on Tuesday. The country’s ICT product shipments surged 112 percent year-on-year to 43.51 billion U.S. dollars in March, crossing the 40-billion-dollar mark for the first time, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said. It marked the 14th consecutive month of growth since February 2025. Semiconductor exports soared 151.4 percent to 32.84 billion dollars, exceeding the 30-billion-dollar threshold for the first time, fuelled by global investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure that boosted demand and prices for memory chips. AI use rises at workplaces, but many employees remain hesitant However, display panel exports declined 9.3 percent to 1.49 billion dollars. In contrast, mobile phone exports jumped 57 percent to 1.54 billion dollars due to strong demand for new models. Exports of computers and peripherals surged 174.1 percent to 3.59 billion dollars, while communications equipment shipments fell 5.8 percent to 210 million dollars. On the import side, ICT products rose 32.2 percent year-on-year to 16.15 billion dollars in March. Imports of chips, mobile phones and computers recorded double-digit growth, while display panels and communications equipment saw single-digit increases. As a result, South Korea’s ICT sector posted a trade surplus of 27.36 billion dollars for the month.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) at workplaces in the United States is growing, but many employees are still reluctant to rely on the technology, according to a new Gallup poll. The survey shows that while more workers are now using AI tools regularly, concerns are also increasing about the risk of job losses. Many employees who avoid AI say they prefer traditional methods, have ethical concerns or are worried about data privacy. The poll, conducted in February, highlights a mixed picture of how AI is changing workplaces. Some workers see it as a powerful tool that improves productivity and efficiency, while others fear its negative impact. Scott Segal, a social worker in northern Virginia, said he uses AI to gather information to help elderly and vulnerable patients access healthcare services. However, he also fears that AI could eventually replace his role. “I think people in jobs that can be replaced should start planning ahead,” said the 53-year-old. The poll found that about 30% of employees use AI frequently, either daily or several times a week, while around 20% use it occasionally. Around 40% of workers said their organisations have introduced AI tools to improve operations. Among them, nearly two-thirds reported that AI has had a positive impact on their productivity and efficiency. Managers appear to benefit more from AI than other employees. About 70% of leaders who use AI at least a few times a year said it has improved their efficiency, compared to just over half of other workers. Among employees who have access to AI but choose not to use it, 46% said they prefer to continue working in their usual way. Around 40% cited ethical concerns, data privacy issues, or doubts about AI’s usefulness. About a quarter said they had tried AI but found it unhelpful, while roughly 20% felt they lacked the skills to use it properly. Thuy Pisone, a contract administrator in Maryland, said she uses AI for simple tasks but avoids it for work she can already handle confidently, such as preparing presentations. The survey also found growing concern about job security. About 18% of US workers believe their jobs could be replaced by technology, automation or AI within the next five years, up from 15% in 2025. Workers at companies already using AI are even more worried, with 23% saying job loss is at least somewhat likely in the near future. Despite these concerns, most workers are not overly anxious. Around 70% said they are not very concerned or not concerned at all about losing their jobs to AI. Segal said he is considering starting a healthcare support service if AI replaces his current role, as he believes some human-centred services will take longer to be automated. For now, he said, he is even using AI tools to plan his financial future, including retirement savings.

Viral AI-generated videos styled like Lego animations are being used to spread pro-Iran narratives during the ongoing conflict, with experts warning they represent a powerful new form of propaganda. At first glance, the fast-paced and vividly coloured clips resemble scenes from animated films. However, the content often includes images of war, injured children, fighter jets and US President Donald Trump, presenting Iran as resisting what it portrays as a dominant global power, the United States. In a recent BBC podcast, a representative of Explosive Media, one of the main creators of such videos, acknowledged that the Iranian government is a “customer” of the outlet, despite earlier claims of being fully independent. The individual, who identified himself as Mr Explosive, said his small team uses the Lego-style format because it is easily understood across cultures. The videos are widely shared by Iranian and Russian state-linked social media accounts, reaching millions of viewers. Experts say the content is highly effective. Propaganda specialist Dr Emma Briant described the videos as “highly sophisticated,” noting that AI tools trained on Western data help create culturally familiar messages for global audiences. She said the clips have collectively drawn hundreds of millions of views. The videos often mix political messaging with controversial or unverified claims. Some include references to conspiracy theories, such as alleged links between US figures and the Epstein files, for which there is no credible evidence. In one widely circulated clip, a downed US pilot is shown being captured by Iranian forces. However, US officials said the pilot was rescued by special forces on April 4 and is receiving treatment in Kuwait. The producer rejected that account, offering an alternative version without evidence. Analysts say such content can shape perceptions by rapidly spreading misleading narratives. Some social media influencers have echoed the claims made in the videos, further amplifying their reach among English-speaking audiences. The clips have become more detailed in recent months, depicting specific locations in the Gulf region being destroyed by Iranian strikes. In reality, reports suggest damage in many cases has been limited. The videos are often released shortly after major developments in the conflict, sometimes even before official announcements, indicating a coordinated and fast-moving content strategy. Explosive Media’s representative defended working with the Iranian government, calling it an “honourable” role, and dismissed criticism over misinformation and alleged bias. Researchers say this type of AI-driven messaging signals a shift in how countries communicate during conflicts, bypassing traditional media channels and directly targeting global audiences. While social media platforms have removed some accounts sharing the videos, similar content continues to reappear, highlighting the challenges of controlling such rapidly evolving digital campaigns. Source: BBC

BEIJING, Apr 11 (AP/UNB) -   China’s Communist Party, once known for rigid messaging, is increasingly using artificial intelligence and social media to shape global narratives, often targeting the United States and its leadership. After tightly controlling the domestic internet through censorship, Beijing is now using AI-generated content to project its views abroad and counter what it calls Western bias. In a recent example, Chinese state media released a five-minute AI-generated animation in a martial arts style depicting an allegory of a war in Iran. It shows a white eagle in royal attire representing the U.S., unleashing an evil laugh before its forces attack Persian cats symbolising Iranians, who vow to fight back after losing their leader and closing a key trade route. Turbine dispute threatens major US offshore wind project The video, rich in metaphor, is part of a series of AI animations mocking the U.S., including references to President Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland and U.S. dominance. The trend reflects President Xi Jinping’s push to expand China’s global media influence and counter Western narratives. Similar AI-generated content has also been used by pro-Iran groups against the U.S. Analysts say it reflects an intensifying global information war. A U.S. State Department cable warned such foreign campaigns pose a “direct threat” to national security. Experts say AI “infotainment” is appealing to younger audiences globally. The video, released by China Central Television, went viral domestically and gained over one million views after being subtitled on X. China has also built a vast social media “matrix” of diplomats, media and bots to amplify its messaging worldwide.

The developer of a large offshore wind project in Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit against its turbine supplier to prevent it from withdrawing from the project. Vineyard Wind initiated legal action against GE Renewables after its parent company, GE Vernova, announced plans to end its turbine service and maintenance contracts by the end of April. GE Vernova claims Vineyard Wind owes about $300 million for completed work. However, Vineyard Wind argues that the company is instead responsible for roughly $545 million in damages linked to a major turbine blade failure in July 2024 and the resulting delays. During that incident, fragments from a broken blade washed ashore on Nantucket beaches at the height of the tourist season, causing disruption to local businesses. GE Vernova later agreed to pay $10.5 million in compensation to affected businesses. In its lawsuit, Vineyard Wind accuses GE Renewables of poor performance and warns that allowing the company to exit the project now would cause serious and lasting harm. A company spokesperson said the legal action aims to ensure GE fulfills its responsibilities to both the project and the region, which is expected to deliver significant economic benefits and long-term savings for electricity customers. GE Vernova, however, maintains it has the right to terminate the agreement due to nonpayment and said it will defend its position in court while continuing to prioritize safety and contractual obligations. Although construction of Vineyard Wind was completed in March and the project has already been supplying electricity to the grid, full operations are expected soon. The lawsuit notes that GE Renewables is uniquely qualified to complete the remaining work, making it difficult to find a replacement. The blade failure was attributed by GE Vernova to a manufacturing issue at a Canadian facility rather than a design flaw. Following the incident, most of the installed blades were replaced, delaying the project by nearly two years. The project has also faced political scrutiny, particularly from the Trump administration, which temporarily halted several offshore wind projects over national security concerns before courts allowed construction to resume. Located off the coast of Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind is a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. With 62 turbines, it is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power around 400,000 homes.

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.