Daily Archives: February 25, 2021

2021-02-25: News Headlines

The Conversation (2021-02-26). Facebook's news blockade in Australia shows how tech giants are swallowing the web. juancole.com By Jennifer Grygiel | — When Facebook disabled Australians' access to news articles on its platform, and blocked sharing of articles from Australian news organizations, the company moved a step closer to killing the World Wide Web — the hyperlink-based system of freely connecting online sites created in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee. Though the …

WSWS (2021-02-25). Facebook reaches deal with Australian government. wsws.org The deal involved an amendment to government legislation, backed by the opposition Labor party, that requires Facebook to pay news outlets for content under a bargaining code…

Online News Editor (2021-02-25). Australia passes law for Google and Facebook to pay local media. laprensalatina.com Sydney, Australia, Feb 25 (efe-epa).- Australia approved Thursday a pioneering law for Google and Facebook to pay local media for the publication of their journalistic content, a week after the platform led by Mark Zuckerberg was banned from publishing news in the country. The law "will ensure media receive fair remuneration for the content they …

Online News Editor (2021-02-25). At least 8 killed in Myanmar violence as Facebook bans military accounts. laprensalatina.com Yangon, Myanmar, Feb 25 (efe-epa).- At least eight people have been killed in Myanmar, including three shot by police, due to violence after the coup on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners While the official number of deaths stands at three, which includes those protesters that have been shot dead with …

Pip Hinman (2021-02-26). Real media diversity won't come when corporations dictate the terms. greenleft.org.au Facebook's "Zucker" punch on February 18, disabling large sections of Facebook in protest at the federal government's

sputniknews (2021-02-25). Australia Passes Law Requiring Google, Facebook Pay For News. sputniknews.com Google Australia Managing Director Melanie Silva told Aussie senators last month that the news media bill, as it stood at the time, would result in a revocation of the country's access to Google Search. In recent weeks, Facebook also responded to the legislation by blocking the sharing of news on Facebook and Instagram in Australia.

Jewish Voice for Peace (2021-02-25). 50,000+ Petition Delivered to Facebook. "Not to Include 'Zionist' in Is Hate Speech Policy" globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | From Menlo Park to Dublin, Johannesburg to Tel Aviv-Yaffo, activists in …

Max Blumenthal (2021-02-25). As leaks expose UK op to 'weaken' Russia, suppression of Grayzone reporting backfires. thegrayzone.com Twitter added an unprecedented "warning" to Max Blumenthal's Grayzone article about explosive leaks revealing a massive UK government anti-Russia propaganda operation involving Reuters, BBC, and Bellingcat. Instead of suppressing the article, it went viral. After The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal reported on newly leaked documents exposing a massive UK government propaganda campaign against Russia, Twitter added an unprecedented warning label that the material "may have been obtained through hacking." Although Twitter may have intended to restrict the article, the warning had …

sputniknews (2021-02-25). 'Thanks Jack!': Twitter's 'Hacked' Documents Warning Backfires, Leading to Exposé Going Viral. sputniknews.com A few days after a major exposé of a UK government funded influence campaign targeting Russia, which also implicated Reuters, Bellingcat and the BBC, Twitter applied a warning label to any post sharing the article via the social media giant's platform.

sputniknews (2021-02-25). Twitter Testing Paid 'Super Follows' Feature in Bid to Double Profits by 2024. sputniknews.com Twitter users have often joked they "can't believe this website is free," but the tech giant's model of profiting by selling data licenses and targeted advertising services doesn't seem to be capable of delivering the robust cashflow desired by its high-powered investors.

Simon Hooper (2021-02-25). US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem banned from reporting by Syrian militants. middleeasteye.net US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem banned from reporting by Syrian militants | Idlib-based reporter cannot appear on social media for six months following release by HTS, according to his own news network | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 12: 02 | Bilal Abdul Kareem stands in front of a mural in Idlib showing George Floyd, an American man killed by police, in 2020 (Twitter) | An American journalist based in Syria's o…

RT (2021-02-25). Wanted: Ad seeks well-paid PR strategist for New York governor amid nursing home deaths and harassment scandals. rt.com Andrew Cuomo's office has reportedly posted an ad seeking a communications director to handle "messaging" for the state's many scandals, from nursing home death coverups to sexual harassment allegations to endless corruption. | "The State of New York's Executive Chamber has an immediate opening for a top level executive to lead messaging for the Office of the Governor. The position reports to the Communications Director," the listing, reposted on Wednesday, revealed. | pic.twitter.com/KlGs18th0E— Hunter Walker (@hunterw) Norman Solomon (2021-02-25). Republican Hypocrisy is No Reason to Support Neera Tanden. counterpunch.org Most corporate media outlets have depicted President Biden's effort to win Senate confirmation of Neera Tanden as a battle to overcome Republican hypocrisy about her "mean tweets," name-calling and nasty partisanship. But there are very important reasons to prevent Tanden from becoming the Office of Management and Budget director. They have nothing to do with

Ari Paul (2021-02-25). Guardian Columnist's Firing Over Israel Joke Highlights Paper's Rightward Drift. zcomm.org The Guardian has fired one of its columnists for its US edition, Nathan Robinson, because Robinson jokingly tweeted about US military aid to Israel…

MEE correspondent (2021-02-25). Iranian press review: MP's tweet supporting Princess Latifa sparks online backlash. middleeasteye.net Iranian press review: MP's tweet supporting Princess Latifa sparks online backlash | Meanwhile, conservatives squeeze Rouhani to prevent breakthrough in talks with UN nuclear watchdog and timber traffickers use cars to avoid police detection | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 09: 56 | Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum (L) having a meal with Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland,…

_____ (2021-02-25). Democracy Now Amplifies State Department Propaganda Campaign Against China Behind Progressive Cover. strategic-culture.org By Danny HAIPHONG | While Democracy Now hosts US gov't-funded pundits to spread humanitarian interventionist propaganda about Xinjiang, an analysis by The Grayzone found most of the outlets's China coverage is sharply negative | The U.S. has claimed a humanitarian "Responsibility to Protect" to justify military operations in the name of saving civilian lives from evil dictators. Most notable have been the brutal U.S.-led wars in Libya and Syria which destabilized entire regions in the name of "civilian protection" and "promoting democracy." These operations relied heavily on self-described human rights NGO's and…

The Socialist Program (2021-02-25). Capitalism in Crisis: End Capitalist Control Over Heat & Light. liberationnews.org Brian and Prof. Wolff discuss the terrible storm in Texas and elsewhere in the south that has caused death, destruction and a near total breakdown in infrastructure. What does this say about the capitalist system?>

David Trujillo (2021-02-25). We have earned the right to look to a new, socialist future. peoplesworld.org The door is wide open. The opportunity for socialism is a serious option for a new political future. Let's get real: The Republicans have abdicated democratic responsibilities. They have given up on our basic democratic values and the U.S. Constitution. The Republican Party and many of its supporters are frankly pushing for a fascist, racist …

TN Long (2021-02-25). Virginia comes out to support Alabama Amazon workers. peoplesworld.org ARLINGTON, Va.—On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Southern Workers Assembly coordinated over 40 solidarity events around the country in support of the workers at the Bessemer, Ala., Amazon facility who are currently in the midst of a vote to unionize their workplace. The unionization campaign there, called the BAmazon Union, is organized by the Mid-South Council …

Betsey Piette (2021-02-25). On Feb. 20: U.S. cities in solidarity to #BAmazon workers. workers.org Outside union-busting law firm Morgan Lewis, Philadelphia, Feb. 20. (WW Photo: Joe Piette) As Amazon workers in Bessemer, Ala., vote to unionize, they are gaining support. On Feb. 20, demonstrations took place in solidarity with BAmazon workers in 50+ U.S. cities in 30 states, including several in the South. The . . . |

Betsey Piette (2021-02-25). On Feb. 20: U.S. cities in solidarity with #BAmazon workers. workers.org Outside union-busting law firm Morgan Lewis, Philadelphia, Feb. 20. (WW Photo: Joe Piette) As Amazon workers in Bessemer, Ala., vote to unionize, they are gaining support. On Feb. 20, demonstrations took place in solidarity with BAmazon workers in 50+ U.S. cities in 30 states, including several in the South. The . . . |

Workers World Party (2021-02-25). PDF of February 25 issue. workers.org Download the PDF. Texas freeze: Rich get richer, workers suffer 50+ actions: Solidarity with #BAmazon workers BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Washerwomen Strike Steelworker resistance ALSO: Free Mumia! UAW in crisis Police repel hungry people U.S. life expectancy drops Vaccine patents = profits Editorial: Whole world is watching GLOBAL: Who is Navalny? . . . |

a guest author (2021-02-25). Bessemer Amazon workers: 'They are showing the way'. workers.org Joan Hwang The following remarks were given by Joan Hwang (she/they), an organizer with the Workers Assembly Against Racism, at a Feb. 20 rally in Manhattan, N.Y., in solidarity with Amazon workers organizing a union drive in Bessemer, Ala. Hwang is also an urban farmer. We are out here today . . . |

Jackie Fox (2021-02-25). Neoliberalism is Killing US. realprogressives.org Following the idea of the Big Other defense falling apart when a truth is seen to be publicly accepted, what would be another similar public acceptance of failure for capitalism? Especially now, I think the US healthcare industry is a great place to look. The more timely issue is one of 'who gets coverage at all?' Barack Obama is the first mainstream, high-profile politician to say the words 'single payer,' descriptors that don't describe the Republican-influenced Obamacare that came to pass. | Bernie Sanders again was a part of the elevation of this idea in the mainstream. As I suggested before, he's not a…

Viviana Weinstein (2021-02-26). Denver protest: 'No war on Iran!'. workers.org Feb. 20, Denver.Denver Students for a Democratic Society, Jewish Voice for Peace and the Denver Peace Council held a demonstration Feb. 20 at the state capital, in cooperation with the national call to prevent Washington from instigating a war against Iran. Threats the U.S. warships would move into the Persian/Arabian . . . |

A Guest Author (2021-02-26). Denver protest: 'No war on Iran!'. workers.org By Vivian Weinstein Denver Students for a Democratic Society, Jewish Voice for Peace and the Denver Peace Council held a demonstration Feb. 20 at the state capital, in cooperation with the national call to prevent Washington from instigating a war against Iran. Threats the U.S. warships would move into the . . . |

RT (2021-02-25). EU declares head of Venezuela's diplomatic mission 'persona non grata' in tit-for-tat after expulsion of European envoy. rt.com The European Union has declared Venezuela's chief diplomat at the bloc "persona non grata," calling the move retaliation after Caracas expelled the EU's ambassador in protest over a new round of sanctions from Brussels. | "The Council today agreed that the head of the Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the European Union be declared persona non grata," the European Council said in a

David Cavendish (2021-02-25). It's time to shorten the workday—and the workweek. peoplesworld.org It's been nearly a year since the COVID-19 pandemic forced people in our society to "shelter in place," social distance, and wear masks. Most social activities, such as sporting events, concerts, and parades were canceled. Schools and businesses closed, forcing nearly 50 million people onto the unemployment rolls. And while in recent months the numbers …

Jomo Kwame Sundaram (2021-02-25). Developing Countries struggling to cope with COVID-19. mronline.org SYDNEY and KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is adversely impacting most developing countries disproportionately, especially the United Nations' least developed countries (LDCs) and the World Bank's low-income countries (LICs).

Chris Banks (2021-02-25). Half a million dead: What's the difference between Biden's and Trump's COVID plans? liberationnews.org The COVID-19 death toll in the United States has now surpassed half a million people — approximately 20% of all COVID-19 deaths on the planet, according to official statistics. The United States continues to lead the world in coronavirus deaths, with January ranking as the United States' deadliest month yet. Reflecting this monumental death toll, …

G. Dunkel (2021-02-25). COVID crisis drags down U.S. life expectancy. workers.org The number of deaths due to COVID-19 in the United States is now over 500,000. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. life expectancy dropped by a full year from the first six months of 2019 to the first six months of 2020. This is the biggest drop . . . |

Vincent Emanuele (2021-02-25). Dr. Osterholm's Warning: COVID Hurricane on the Horizon. counterpunch.org Twelve months ago, Dr. Michael Osterholm was interviewed on the Joe Rogan Program. At the time, he warned that anywhere from 400,000 to 1.5 million Americans would die of COVID and that the pandemic would last for many years and significantly impact our lives. So far, his predictions have been eerily accurate. Today, Dr. Osterholm is warning that a "Category 5 COVID-hurricane" is on the horizon, with the B117/UK Variant posing the greatest threat.

Chris Hartmann (2021-02-25). To 'Build Back Better,' listen to those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. peoplesworld.org Though often ignored, communities know best what ails them. I am reminded of this often because I hear it in my classroom. I heard it before the COVID-19 pandemic, and I hear it louder now as the pandemic rages on. At the end of last term, amidst the surge in cases after Thanksgiving, I asked …

Chris Banks (2021-02-25). Half a million dead: What's the difference between Biden and Trump's COVID plans? liberationnews.org The COVID-19 death toll in the United States has now surpassed half a million people — approximately 20 percent of all COVID-19 deaths on the planet, according to official statistics. The U.S. continues to lead the world in coronavirus deaths, with January ranking as the United States' deadliest month yet. Reflecting this monumental death toll, …

Staff (2021-02-25). 100+ Countries Push to Loosen WTO Rules on Vaccine Patents. Why Is the U.S. Still Blocking the Way? democracynow.org As the pandemic's death toll nears 2.5 million, stringent rules around intellectual property rights could be preventing much of the world from obtaining COVID-19 vaccines. Over 45 million people in the United States have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to the United Nations, while 130 other countries have not received any vaccines at all, leading to what some describe as "vaccine apartheid." At the World Trade Organization, South Africa and India are leading a push by over 100 nations to waive intellectual property rules that give pharmaceutical companies monopolistic control over vaccines they…

Global Research News (2021-02-25). Selected Articles: The Covid Outbreak: "Biggest Health Scam of the 21st Century." globalresearch.ca By We are health professionals of the international collective :…

Staff (2021-02-25). Over 100 Countries Push to Loosen Rules on Vaccine Patents as US Blocks the Way. truthout.org As the pandemic's death toll nears 2.5 million, stringent rules around intellectual property rights could be preventing much of the world from obtaining COVID-19 vaccines. Over 45 million people in the United States have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to the United Nations, while 130 other countries have not received any vaccines at all, leading to what some describe as "vaccine apartheid." At the World Trade Organization, South Africa and India are leading a push by over…

Staff (2021-02-25). COVID Vaccine Websites Violate Disability Laws, Create Inequity for Blind People. truthout.org Many covid vaccination registration and information websites at the federal, state and local levels violate disability rights laws, hindering the ability of blind people to sign up for a potentially lifesaving vaccine, a KHN investigation has found. | Across the country, people who use special software to make the web accessible have been unable to sign up for the vaccines or obtain vital information about covid-19 because many government websites lack required accessibility features. At l…

MEE and agencies (2021-02-25). Israel approves bill allowing names of unvaccinated to be shared with authorities. middleeasteye.net Israel approves bill allowing names of unvaccinated to be shared with authorities | Legislation allows government to share identities of people not vaccinated against Covid-19 with other authorities, raising privacy concerns for those opting out of inoculation | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 16: 54 | A plenary session at the Israeli parliament in 2019 (AFP) | Israel's parliament approved a law on Wedn…

RT (2021-02-25). Flu gets the cold shoulder: Influenza now virtually non-existent in US as Covid-19 spread continues. rt.com The coronavirus-battered US has enjoyed an unusually calm flu season, showing the lowest figures in decades. The lack of influenza likely stems from enduring restrictions — or Covid-19 wrestling out weaker germs, experts believe. | The ongoing pandemic has had an unexpected effect on the US healthscape, with the conventional flu being almost completely wiped out. Figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a sharp drop in influenza cases occurred last April — and the figures remain extremely low ever since. | The 2020-21 flu season has essentially not even happened at a…

MEE staff (2021-02-25). Australian historian urged to return Israeli health prize by 250 academics. middleeasteye.net Australian historian urged to return Israeli health prize by 250 academics | Hundreds sign letter asking Alison Bashford to turn down Dan David prize over Israel's 'undermining of Palestine's health systems' | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 13: 25 | A Palestinian man demonstrates in support of BDS near Ramallah (AFP) | An Australian historian is being urged to turn down a highly lucrative Israeli award in an open letter si…

MEE staff (2021-02-25). Occupation and peace cannot co-exist, says Jordan's King Abdullah. middleeasteye.net Occupation and peace cannot co-exist, says Jordan's King Abdullah | Amman ready to play part in relaunching peace negotiations with Palestinian leadership, monarch says | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 16: 20 | King Abdullah said US leadership was 'essential' in peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians (AFP/File photo) | Jordan's King Abdullah II has warned that continued unilateral actions will kill any ch…

MEE staff (2021-02-25). Occupation and peace cannot coexist, says Jordan's King Abdullah. middleeasteye.net Occupation and peace cannot coexist, says Jordan's King Abdullah | Amman ready to play part in relaunching peace negotiations with Palestinian leadership, monarch says | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 16: 20 | King Abdullah said US leadership was 'essential' in peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians (AFP/File photo) | Jordan's King Abdullah II has warned that continued unilateral actions will kill any cha…

Staff (2021-02-25). Republicans Think Commission to Investigate January 6 Needs More Republicans. truthout.org Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) The commission will be tasked with investigating the events of the at…

Michael T. Klare (2021-02-26). Biden, Climate Change, and China: A New Cold War equals A Scalding Planet. juancole.com ( Tomdispatch.com ) — Slowing the pace of climate change and getting "tough" on China, especially over its human-rights abuses and unfair trade practices, are among the top priorities President Biden has announced for his new administration. Evidently, he believes that he can tame a rising China with harsh pressure tactics, while still gaining its …

Ted Kelly (2021-02-26). Biden sends B-1 bombers to Norway, threatens Russia. workers.org The U.S. Air Force announced during February that it is sending four B-1 bombers and at least 200 personnel to Orland Air Base on the central coast of Norway. Pentagon officials made no secret of the fact that the deployment is meant as a threat to Russia, which is well . . . |

Ray McGinnis (2021-02-25). The Doll House the CIA Built. dissidentvoice.org American news these past few decades has been an almost constant non-stop spectacle of shock and awe. Breaking news is emotionally gripping, often disorienting, a 24/7 drama without rest. Key talking points are relentlessly asserted. And with each passing year news commentators grow ever more certain of their talking points, with no sense that dissenting points …

Staff (2021-02-25). Mayim Bialik: 'S*** got deep with me and Cornel West'. therealnews.com Mayim Bialik delves into the long history of solidarity amongst the Jewish people and Black Americans, and details her dismay at the state of racism in America, her upbringing as a staunch advocate for social justice, and her perspective on the apparent contradictions between her faith and her political ideologies.

A Guest Author (2021-02-26). Black rage: a new 'reconstruction' in the U.S. workers.org The following letter from an incarcerated worker at SCI Pine Grove was received by Workers World Feb. 24. By Wesley Massey How do we make a paradigm shift to change how Blacks are viewed with pessimism, and on a good day cautious optimism? How do we change the culture in . . . |

RT (2021-02-25). As Telegram and Parler gain traction, Twitter tries to keep users by introducing PAID Super Followers. rt.com Twitter has announced upcoming massive changes to their platform, including allowing users to get paid by followers and the ability to create groups based on certain subjects. | Users will soon be able to get paid by what is referred to as Super Followers access to bonus content, such as a newsletter subscription or bonus tweets. Direct paid subscription features have been successful on other social media platforms, though Twitter has not revealed what sort of fee they will be taking once the feature is finally added to their service. | There will also be a new group feature added to the service called Communi…

2021-02-25: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media! (Copy the text of the postee below, then paste it on social media and the story images will also appear.)

Facebook's news blockade in Australia shows how tech giants are swallowing the web
The Conversation | juancole.com | 2021-02-26
By Jennifer Grygiel | — When Facebook disabled Australians' access to news articles on its platform, and blocked sharing of articles from Australian news organizations, the company moved a step closer to killing the World Wide Web — the hyperlink-based system of freely connecting online sites created in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee. Though the …
juancole.com/2021/02/facebooks-australia-swallowing.html

Real media diversity won't come when corporations dictate the terms
Pip Hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2021-02-26
Facebook's "Zucker" punch on February 18, disabling large sections of Facebook in protest at the federal government's news media bargaining code (NMBC), which led to amendments and the bill becoming law on February 25, reveals the enormous power of the media corporations.
greenleft.org.au/content/real-media-diversity-wont-come-when-corporations-dictate-terms

Dem operative turned Facebook comms director apologizes for 'hate speech' label on congresswoman's video with transgender flag
rt.com | 2021-02-25
Rep. Marie Newman (D-Illinois) was outraged after Facebook briefly flagged a video of her putting a transgender flag outside the office of Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-Georgia) as "hate speech." | "Facebook took down our video of me putting up the Transgender flag outside my office and labeled it as 'hate speech,'" Newman tweeted on Thursday. | She blasted the social media platform for censoring her content — typically a complaint from conservatives — but allowing Taylor-Greene's own "transphobic" fo…
rt.com/usa/516597-marie-newman-transgender-flag-facebook/

Facebook reaches deal with Australian government
wsws.org | 2021-02-25
The deal involved an amendment to government legislation, backed by the opposition Labor party, that requires Facebook to pay news outlets for content under a bargaining code…
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/02/25/aust-f25.html

Australia passes law for Google and Facebook to pay local media
Online News Editor | laprensalatina.com | 2021-02-25
Sydney, Australia, Feb 25 (efe-epa).- Australia approved Thursday a pioneering law for Google and Facebook to pay local media for the publication of their journalistic content, a week after the platform led by Mark Zuckerberg was banned from publishing news in the country. The law "will ensure media receive fair remuneration for the content they …
laprensalatina.com/australia-passes-law-for-google-and-facebook-to-pay-local-media/

At least 8 killed in Myanmar violence as Facebook bans military accounts
Online News Editor | laprensalatina.com | 2021-02-25
Yangon, Myanmar, Feb 25 (efe-epa).- At least eight people have been killed in Myanmar, including three shot by police, due to violence after the coup on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners While the official number of deaths stands at three, which includes those protesters that have been shot dead with …
laprensalatina.com/at-least-8-killed-in-myanmar-violence-as-facebook-bans-military-accounts/

50,000+ Petition Delivered to Facebook. "Not to Include 'Zionist' in Is Hate Speech Policy"
Jewish Voice for Peace | globalresearch.ca | 2021-02-25
All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | From Menlo Park to Dublin, Johannesburg to Tel Aviv-Yaffo, activists in …
globalresearch.ca/50000-petition-delivered-facebook-17-cities-around-world/5738335

Australia Passes Law Requiring Google, Facebook Pay For News
sputniknews.com | 2021-02-25
Google Australia Managing Director Melanie Silva told Aussie senators last month that the news media bill, as it stood at the time, would result in a revocation of the country's access to Google Search. In recent weeks, Facebook also responded to the legislation by blocking the sharing of news on Facebook and Instagram in Australia.
sputniknews.com/us/202102251082178604-australia-passes-law-requiring-google-facebook-pay-for-news/

US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem banned from reporting by Syrian militants
Simon Hooper | middleeasteye.net | 2021-02-25
US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem banned from reporting by Syrian militants | Idlib-based reporter cannot appear on social media for six months following release by HTS, according to his own news network | Simon Hooper | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 12: 02 | Bilal Abdul Kareem stands in front of a mural in Idlib showing George Floyd, an American man killed by police, in 2020 (Twitter) | An American journalist based in Syria's o…
www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-journalist-bilal-abdul-kareem-banned-reporting-syrian-militants

As Telegram and Parler gain traction, Twitter tries to keep users by introducing PAID Super Followers
rt.com | 2021-02-25
Twitter has announced upcoming massive changes to their platform, including allowing users to get paid by followers and the ability to create groups based on certain subjects. | Users will soon be able to get paid by what is referred to as Super Followers access to bonus content, such as a newsletter subscription or bonus tweets. Direct paid subscription features have been successful on other social media platforms, though Twitter has not revealed what sort of fee they will be taking once the feature is finally added to their service. | There will also be a new group feature added to the service called Communi…
rt.com/usa/516605-twitter-super-followers/

Twitter Testing Paid 'Super Follows' Feature in Bid to Double Profits by 2024
sputniknews.com | 2021-02-25
Twitter users have often joked they "can't believe this website is free," but the tech giant's model of profiting by selling data licenses and targeted advertising services doesn't seem to be capable of delivering the robust cashflow desired by its high-powered investors.
sputniknews.com/science/202102251082190172-twitter-testing-paid-super-follows-feature-in-bid-to-double-profits-by-2024/

'Thanks Jack!': Twitter's 'Hacked' Documents Warning Backfires, Leading to Exposé Going Viral
sputniknews.com | 2021-02-25
A few days after a major exposé of a UK government funded influence campaign targeting Russia, which also implicated Reuters, Bellingcat and the BBC, Twitter applied a warning label to any post sharing the article via the social media giant's platform.
sputniknews.com/news/202102251082184874-thanks-jack-twitters-hacked-documents-warning-backfires-leading-to-expos-going-viral/

As leaks expose UK op to 'weaken' Russia, suppression of Grayzone reporting backfires
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2021-02-25
Twitter added an unprecedented "warning" to Max Blumenthal's Grayzone article about explosive leaks revealing a massive UK government anti-Russia propaganda operation involving Reuters, BBC, and Bellingcat. Instead of suppressing the article, it went viral. After The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal reported on newly leaked documents exposing a massive UK government propaganda campaign against Russia, Twitter added an unprecedented warning label that the material "may have been obtained through hacking." Although Twitter may have intended to restrict the article, the warning had …
thegrayzone.com/2021/02/25/as-leaks-expose-uk-op-to-weaken-russia-suppression-of-grayzone-reporting-backfires/

As leaks expose UK op to 'weaken' Russia, suppression of Grayzone reporting backfires
Max Blumenthal | thegrayzone.com | 2021-02-25
Twitter added an unprecedented "warning" to Max Blumenthal's Grayzone article about explosive leaks revealing a massive UK government anti-Russia propaganda operation involving Reuters, BBC, and Bellingcat. Instead of suppressing the article, it went viral. After The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal reported on newly leaked documents exposing a massive UK government propaganda campaign against Russia, Twitter added an unprecedented warning label that the material "may have been obtained through hacking." Although Twitter may have intended to restrict the article, the warning had …
thegrayzone.com/2021/02/25/as-leaks-expose-uk-op-to-weaken-russia-suppression-of-grayzone-reporting-backfires/

Republican Hypocrisy is No Reason to Support Neera Tanden
Norman Solomon | counterpunch.org | 2021-02-25
Most corporate media outlets have depicted President Biden's effort to win Senate confirmation of Neera Tanden as a battle to overcome Republican hypocrisy about her "mean tweets," name-calling and nasty partisanship. But there are very important reasons to prevent Tanden from becoming the Office of Management and Budget director. They have nothing to do with…
counterpunch.org/2021/02/25/republican-hypocrisy-is-no-reason-to-support-neera-tanden/

Guardian Columnist's Firing Over Israel Joke Highlights Paper's Rightward Drift
Ari Paul | zcomm.org | 2021-02-25
The Guardian has fired one of its columnists for its US edition, Nathan Robinson, because Robinson jokingly tweeted about US military aid to Israel…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/guardian-columnists-firing-over-israel-joke-highlights-papers-rightward-drift/

Iranian press review: MP's tweet supporting Princess Latifa sparks online backlash
MEE correspondent | middleeasteye.net | 2021-02-25
Iranian press review: MP's tweet supporting Princess Latifa sparks online backlash | Meanwhile, conservatives squeeze Rouhani to prevent breakthrough in talks with UN nuclear watchdog and timber traffickers use cars to avoid police detection | MEE correspondent | Thu, 02/25/2021 – 09: 56 | Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum (L) having a meal with Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland,…
www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-uae-princess-latifa-support-online-backlash-press-review

Twitter's Attempt to Suppress Grayzone Reporting Backfires as Warning Label Becomes Meme
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2021-02-24
"The new Twitter scare label illustrates the threat our kind of factual reporting presents to a national security state that must employ social media censorship to conceal its agenda from the public." — The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal…
mintpressnews.com/twitter-attempt-suppress-grayzone-reporting-backfires-warning-label-becomes-meme/275616/

In fresh censorship, Twitter bans 'Russian' accounts it says are 'undermining confidence in NATO' amid rising tensions with Moscow
rt.com | 2021-02-24
Nearly 400 Twitter accounts have been shut down in the latest Silicon Valley banning spree over allegations many are linked to Moscow and work to discredit a US-led military grouping that stages war-games on the country's border. | On Tuesday, Russian media reported that the San Francisco-based microblogging platform had confirmed at least 100 of the bans were of accounts supposedly connected with Russia. | According to a company spokesperson, "some of these accounts disseminated messages that were associated with the Russian government, while the rest of the network focused on undermining confidence in the NA…
rt.com/russia/516484-twitter-ban-accounts-undermine-nato/

The Real Threat To Free Speech? Florida's Courts
_____ | popularresistance.org | 2021-02-24
Gov. Ron DeSantis and some other Florida Republicans are worked up over a perceived threat to the freedom of speech of politicians, but they're ignoring a more significant threat to the public's right to speak. | They're upset that Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms have begun to suppress posts they deem flagrantly false or socially offensive, particularly those from their favorite ex-president. | But that isn't a First Amendment issue. Those are private corporations, not government entities. | The legitimate First Amendment threat they are ignoring is the misuse of Florida's courts to suppress a…
popularresistance.org/the-real-threat-to-free-speech-floridas-courts/

Refriended in Defeat: Australia Strikes a Deal with Facebook
Binoy Kampmark | dissidentvoice.org | 2021-02-24
The Australian Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, was unconvincing in his efforts to summon up courage. The Australian government had been left reeling in the wake of Facebook's decision to scrap and block Australians from sharing and posting news items on hosted pages. The company's target of opprobrium: the News Media Bargaining Code. The Code's ostensible purpose …
dissidentvoice.org/2021/02/refriended-in-defeat-australia-strikes-a-deal-with-facebook/

Ahmad Erekat: Killing of Palestinian by Israel was 'extrajudicial execution'
MEE staff | middleeasteye.net | 2021-02-24
Ahmad Erekat: Killing of Palestinian by Israel was 'extrajudicial execution' | New investigation also denounces the lack of medical treatment given to the Palestinian man and the degrading treatment of his body | MEE staff | Wed, 02/24/2021 – 14: 35 | Ahmad Erekat was killed at an Israeli checkpoint on his sister's wedding day last year (Facebook) | The killing of Palestinian Ahmad Erekat at an Israeli checkpoint on his s…
www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-ahmed-erekat-killing-extrajudicial-execution

Facebook Remains a Threat to Democracy
Jeet Heer | thenation.com | 2021-02-24
Facebook Remains a Threat to Democracy…
thenation.com/article/society/facebook-regulation-democracy-australia/

Refriended in Defeat: Australia Strikes a Deal with Facebook
Dr. Binoy Kampmark | globalresearch.ca | 2021-02-24
All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | The Australian Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, was unconvincing in his efforts …
globalresearch.ca/australia-strikes-deal-facebook/5738210

Sweden, Denmark Preparing 'Australian-Style' Laws That Will Press Facebook to Pay for News Content
sputniknews.com | 2021-02-24
The new legislation is meant to strengthen the position of publishers and ensure fair competition. In the words of the Danish culture minister, failure to comply and losing quality news content will result in Facebook devolving into a gathering of "tinfoil hats and conspiracy theorists".
sputniknews.com/europe/202102241082167136-sweden-denmark-preparing-australian-style-laws-that-will-press-facebook-to-pay-for-news-content/

50,000+ Petition Delivered to Corporate Offices in 17 Cities Around the World Calling on Facebook to Allow Users to Hold Israeli Government Accountable
commondreams.org | 2021-02-24
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2021/02/24/50000-petition-delivered-corporate-offices-17-cities-around-world-calling?cd-origin=rss

Twitter Deletes Dozens of Russian Accounts for "Undermining Faith in NATO"
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2021-02-24
A propaganda system is far more effective — and dangerous — when those inside are unaware of it and believe themselves to be free from influence.
mintpressnews.com/twitter-deletes-accounts-for-undermining-faith-in-nato/275641/

Cuban President Honors Start of the 1895 Independence War
telesurenglish.net | 2021-02-24
As part of the celebration of the Cuban independence uprising of February 24, 1895, President Miguel Díaz-Canel honored this date by evoking the words of Cuban National Hero José Martí. "It is February 24, a day to tell and sing history," expressed the Cuban president via Twitter. | RELATED: | Cuba Calls for Cooperation and Denounces the US Blockade at UN | The historic date motivated the Cuban leader to evoke the resumption of the independence efforts of the largest of the Ant…
telesurenglish.net/news/Cuban-President-Honors-Start-of-the-1895-Independence-War-20210224-0024.html

Police pelted with stones, garbage dumpsters set alight in Catalonia's 9th night of riots over jailed rapper Pablo Hasel (VIDEOS)
rt.com | 2021-02-24
Riots have continued in the Spanish region of Catalonia for a ninth consecutive night as demonstrators voice their anger over the arrest of rapper Pablo Hasel for insulting the monarchy and glorifying terrorism on Twitter. | Protesters pelted police with bottles and stones and torched refuse containers in the town of Vilanova i La Geltrú, in the province of Barcelona, according to a police statement on Wednesday night. | Incidents a Vilanova i la Geltrú. La protesta ha anat directament a la comissaria dels mossos d'Esquadra. C…
rt.com/news/516498-spain-protests-fires-pablohasel/

What about student loans, water or the homeless? Outrage follows report $1.7 trillion F-35 program is now considered a failure
rt.com | 2021-02-24
A tacit admission by the US Air Force that the F-35 has failed its main mission has triggered an outpouring of outrage from Americans who think the stealth fighter's gargantuan budget could have been better spent on other things. | Frustration with Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation stealth jet flooded Twitter on Wednesday, after Forbes magazine published a story about how USAF commissioning a study into a new, cheaper and lighter fighter amounts to "a tacit admission that the F-35 has failed." | | t.co/fDhBTf4Cyd

'Cancel them before they cancel us': Gab CEO says banks have banned platform due to media smears
rt.com | 2021-02-24
Three banks have refused to do business with Gab, a Twitter competitor outspoken about free speech, in recent weeks, the company's chief executive revealed. Andrew Torba blamed the development on mainstream media hit pieces. | The third bank to sever its relationship with the company in three weeks told Torba on Monday that they were doing so because of "all the bad things the press has written about Gab," he said in an interview published by the conservative outlet National File. | Speaking to @NationalFile, Gab CEO Andrew Torba revealed that…
rt.com/usa/516412-gab-banks-refusal-media/

What about student loans, water or the homeless? Outrage follows report $1.7 trillion F-35 program is now considered a failure
rt.com | 2021-02-24
A tacit admission by the US Air Force that the F-35 has failed its main mission has triggered an outpouring of outrage from Americans who think the stealth fighter's gargantuan budget could have been better spent on other things. | Frustration with Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation stealth jet flooded Twitter on Wednesday, after Forbes magazine published a story about how USAF commissioning a study into a new, cheaper and lighter fighter amounts to "a tacit admission that the F-35 has failed." | | The U.S. Air Force admitted that the F-35 s…
rt.com/usa/516507-f35-failed-airforce-reactions/

How do you do, fellow kids? Biden White House leaves followers baffled after tweeting out-of-touch meme with Canadian PM
rt.com | 2021-02-24
The Biden administration has taken a popular meme and mutilated it, leaving what appears to be praise for Canada's Justin Trudeau but which was hard to understand either way. | Biden's White House Twitter account posted two images in a row captioned "How it started. How it's going" on Wednesday. The first showed Biden and Trudeau walking side by side down a hallway lined with flags, apparently from Biden's term as Vice President under Barack Obama. The second featured a large screen on which Trudeau was projected, with Biden turned towards it, seemingly in mid-speech, clearly taken during the pandemic. | How i…
rt.com/usa/516502-biden-trudeau-meme-fail-reax/

Conservative host posts about his investigation into voter fraud claims, gets blocked, challenges Twitter to disprove his findings
rt.com | 2021-02-24
BlazeTV host Steven Crowder had his Twitter account restricted after posting about a video investigative piece claiming numerous voter addresses in the 2020 presidential election were faked. | "DOZENS of voter names, addresses, and pictures proving they don't exist. Period. Today I'm tired of this s**t. Mass voter fraud is real and I can prove it," Crowder tweeted on Tuesday. | Twitter quickly restricted the tweet and did not allow anyone to like, retweet, or respond to it "due to a risk of violence." Twitter also temporarily locked Crowder'…
rt.com/usa/516504-steven-crowder-twitter-fraud/

President Biden Says the Experimental Coronavirus Vaccines Are Safe. The Vaccines' Fact Sheets Say Something Very Different
Adam Dick | globalresearch.ca | 2021-02-24
All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | Via a Monday Twitter post, President Joe Biden made an …
globalresearch.ca/president-biden-says-experimental-coronavirus-vaccines-safe-vaccines-fact-sheets-say-very-different/5738221

Amnesty International No Longer Considers Navalny Prisoner of Conscience
sputniknews.com | 2021-02-24
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Canadian-US journalist Aaron Mate has posted on Twitter a screenshot of a letter stating that human rights organization Amnesty International no longer considers Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny a prisoner of conscience.
sputniknews.com/world/202102241082166662-amnesty-international-no-longer-considers-navalny-prisoner-of-conscience/

Twitter called out for 'double standards' after it singles out report on UK influence op in Russia with 'hacked materials' label
rt.com | 2021-02-24
Twitter has added a warning to a bombshell expose revealing a covert UK program to plant pro-government narratives in foreign media, telling users the piece may be based on "hacked material," despite letting similar stories slide. | A story published late last week by Grayzone editor Max Blumenthal showed how major news agencies like Reuters and the BBC worked in secret with the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office to cultivate a group of foreign reporters — many based in Russia and Russ…
rt.com/usa/516415-twitter-hacked-materials-grayzone/

Hillary Clinton piles on Ted Cruz for his Cancun trip with thinly veiled jab about family dog
Meaghan Ellis | salon.com | 2021-02-24
"Don't vote for anyone you wouldn't trust with your dog," Clinton tweeted…
salon.com/2021/02/24/hillary-clinton-piles-on-ted-cruz-for-his-cancun-trip-with-thinly-veiled-jab-about-family-dog-_partner/

'We Can't Act Like This Isn't Happening': Marjorie Taylor Greene—and House GOP Caucus—Rebuked for Bigoted, Anti-Trans Speech on House Floor
Brett Wilkins, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2021-02-24
"We're gonna pass the #EqualityAct today, protect our LGBTQ+ family, and make the world a little bit better," tweeted Rep. Ocasio-Cortez following the remarks. "Nothing is going to stop that." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/mtg_3.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2021/02/24/we-cant-act-isnt-happening-marjorie-taylor-greene-and-house-gop-caucus-rebuked?cd-origin=rss

The UC Berkeley Chancellor is Lying About People's Park
In Defense of People's Park | indybay.org | 2021-02-24
UC Chancellor Carol Christ is lying to you about People's Park. | Share this article on social media with the hashtag: #SavePeoplesPark | Support People's Park by sending a message. | Email the UC Chancellor: chancellor@berkeley.edu | Call the Chancellor: (510) 642-7464…
indybay.org/newsitems/2021/02/22/18840220.php

America Re-canceled? Black activist Young Pharaoh booted from anti-censorship themed CPAC event for 'reprehensible views'
rt.com | 2021-02-23
The Conservative Political Action Conference has barred activist Young Pharaoh from speaking at its 'America Uncanceled' event, citing his "reprehensible" remarks on Judaism. The rapper denounced the move as "censorship." | CPAC organizers took to Twitter on Monday to declare that the rapper and lecturer would no longer be welcome at this year's conference, noting they had "just learned" of controversial comments he'd made in the past. While they did not offer any specifics on what he might have said, Young Pha…
rt.com/usa/516323-cpac-conference-cancels-speaker/

Picnic Video Exposes Both Faces of Israeli Apartheid
Jonathan Cook | dissidentvoice.org | 2021-02-23
A short video taken by a family as they picnicked in the West Bank this month may be the best field guide yet to Israel's complex apartheid system of state-sponsored Jewish supremacy. In the clip posted to Facebook, armed Jewish settlers arrive unexpectedly to break up the picnic of a Palestinian family — including grandparents …
dissidentvoice.org/2021/02/picnic-video-exposes-both-faces-of-israeli-apartheid/

As Australia Reaches Deal With Facebook Following News Blackout, Critics Warn Corporate Power Plays Won't Save Journalism
Andrea Germanos, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2021-02-23
"It shouldn't be up to Facebook and Google to cherry pick and groom publishers it deems acceptable for side deals." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/facebook-agrees-lift-news-blackout-australia.jpeg
commondreams.org/news/2021/02/23/australia-reaches-deal-facebook-following-news-blackout-critics-warn-corporate-power?cd-origin=rss

'I pray he somehow finds help': Troubled NFL ace who was shamed by Covid breaches & car crash is savaged after quitting on Twitter
rt.com | 2021-02-23
Isaiah Wilson has been blasted as one of the worst first-round picks in NFL history after swiftly deleting a tweet claiming he was "done" with Tennessee Titans, coming after a series of run-ins with the law and two Covid breaches. | Despite being the 29th overall pick at the start of the 2020 season, troubled Wilson had a campaign to forget and was put on the Non-Football Injury list in December after finding himself on the Covid-19 list twice for breaching safety rules. | The 22-year-old offensive tackle was involved in a bizarre incident when Tennessee State University police found him at an off-campus party…
rt.com/sport/516392-isaiah-wilson-titans-tweet/

World Bank's emergency cash for Lebanon may stop amid reports MPs queue-jumping for Covid vaccine, regional chief warns
rt.com | 2021-02-23
Millions of dollars in World Bank funding for Lebanon's Covid-19 vaccine rollout could be halted due to alleged queue-jumping for the jab by the country's MPs, the financial institution's regional director said on Tuesday. | According to local media, Lebanese MPs and parliamentary staff over age 75 were to be vaccinated on Tuesday without needing to register in advance, although journalists were not to be allowed to observe. | "This is not in line with the national plan agreed with [the] World Bank," the organization's Middle East chief, Saroj Kumar Jha, said on Twitter. | "Upon confirmation of violation, [the…
rt.com/news/516384-world-bank-lebanon-funding-warning/

'Blacklist' site asks people to report everyone who voted for Trump to 'unmask' them
rt.com | 2021-02-23
Conservatives are up in arms over a website that is asking people to report any acquaintance who voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. | "This is insane. The Founders are rolling over in their graves," RealClearPolitics cofounder Tim Bevan tweeted on Tuesday, including a link to the site in a subsequent tweet. | This is insane. The Founders are rolling over in their graves. pic.twitter.com/w5BSlPkO36– Tom Bevan (@TomBevanRCP) February 23, 2021 | According…
rt.com/usa/516405-trump-voter-list-website/

Campaigners call for the strengthening of Welsh language rights as people globally stand up for oppressed mother languages
Tom Anderson | thecanary.co | 2021-02-23
Sunday 21 February was International Mother Language Day, and people around the world took the opportunity to stand up for oppressed mother tongues. | The International Mother Language Day is a global event intended to highlight the need to protect linguistic diversity. And as activists stood up for oppressed languages around the world, there's also a need to stand up for linguistic freedom closer to home. | Kurdistan: | Commentators on Twitter highlighted the continued o…
thecanary.co/trending/2021/02/23/campaigners-call-for-the-strengthening-of-welsh-language-rights-as-people-globally-stand-up-for-oppressed-mother-languages/

A Defense of Neera Tanden's Tweets (but Not of Neera Tanden)
David Klion | thenation.com | 2021-02-23
A Defense of Neera Tanden's Tweets (but Not of Neera Tanden)…
thenation.com/article/politics/neera-tanden-omb/

At least 11,000 doses of Ebola vaccine arrive in Guinea: WHO
yenisafak.com | 2021-02-23
A supply of over 11,000 Ebola vaccines have reached Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the WHO said on Tuesday."The cargo was transported from Senegal by government plane after bad weather caused a stop-over in Dakar. Timely vaccination will be crucial in curbing the Ebola outbreak," WHO Africa Region tweeted.Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's Africa director, said a vaccination team has been deployed to N'Zerekore, the country's second-largest city, and is ready to rollout vaccinations soon.Last week, the WHO said more than 100 workers are expected to be part of the Ebola response team in Guinea by the end of February.A n…
yenisafak.com/en/world/at-least-11000-doses-of-ebola-vaccine-arrive-in-guinea-who-3561352

Bolivia to receive 500,000 doses of vaccine from China
yenisafak.com | 2021-02-23
A special plane of the Bolivian national airline is making its way to bring Sinopharm's coronavirus vaccines from China to its homeland, President Luis Arce has announced."We report that a [Boliviana de Aviacion] Boeing 767 plane is heading to Beijing to bring half a million Sinopharm vaccines to our country," Arce tweeted on Monday. "We appreciate President Xi Jinping's support in fighting the pandemic."The South American country has recorded more than 243,000 COVID-19 cases and nearly 11,500 related deaths, according to the latest data by its Health Ministry.The country already began inoculation in late January…
yenisafak.com/en/world/bolivia-to-receive-500000-doses-of-vaccine-from-china-3561354