Meta Sues Hong Kong App for Ads Promoting Deepfakes

Meta is suing the Hong Kong-based maker of the app CrushAI, a platform capable of creating sexually explicit deepfakes, claiming that it repeatedly circumvented the social media company’s rules to purchase ads.

The suit is part of what Meta (META) described as a wider effort to crack down on so-called “nudifying” apps — which allow users to create nude or sexualized images from a photo of someone’s face, even without their consent — following claims that the social media giant was failing to adequately address ads for those services on its platforms.

As of February, the maker of CrushAI, also known as Crushmate and by several other names, had run more than 87,000 ads on Meta platforms that violated its rules, according to the complaint Meta filed in Hong Kong district court Thursday.

Meta alleges the app maker, Joy Timeline HK Limited, violated its rules by creating a network of at least 170 business accounts on Facebook or Instagram to buy the ads. The app maker also allegedly had more than 55 active users managing over 135 Facebook pages where the ads were displayed. The ads primarily targeted users in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“Everyone who creates an account on Facebook or uses Facebook must agree to the Meta Terms of Service,” the complaint states.CNN has reached out to Joy Timeline HK Limited for comment on the lawsuit.

Texas Team Creates Drones to Fight Wildfires in XPRIZE

A team from the University of Texas is developing innovative drone technology to detect and extinguish wildfires as part of the International XPRIZE Wildfire Competition.

The University of Texas team is developing a drone-based system to autonomously detect and suppress wildfires.

“We’re going to build fixed wing drones that carry smaller drones that they deploy the packet with high precision,” explained a member of the University of Texas team. “We also want to use some of the commercial drones in order to do very fast detection.” edit th

The Austin Fire Department reported responding to 3,000 wildfires in 2022 and 2,000 in 2023, highlighting the ongoing threat of wildfires in the region. Despite the lack of an active summer wildfire season so far this year, officials warn of the potential for year-round fire risks.

The Texas A&M Forest Service does not own any firefighting aircraft and relies on federal resources, which can lead to delays when aircraft are engaged in other parts of the country. This dependency underscores the importance of developing new technologies for rapid wildfire response.

The University of Texas team’s project is still in the competition phase, and while it remains uncertain how far they will advance, their focus is on transforming wildfire management beyond the competition.

As the University of Texas team continues to refine their drone technology, they hope to revolutionize wildfire detection and suppression, potentially enhancing safety for communities at risk of wildfires.

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A consumer alert has been issued warning about potential back-to-school scams.

As the new school year approaches, parents and students are advised to be vigilant against scams that target back-to-school shoppers. These scams can involve fake deals, counterfeit products, and phishing attempts aimed at stealing personal information.

Staying informed and cautious can help families avoid falling victim to these scams as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

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New Article

The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team advanced out of Group B and is set to face Japan in a quarterfinal match today at 7 PM in Paris.

After successfully emerging at the top of Group B, the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team is now three matches away from claiming gold. Today’s quarterfinal matchup against Japan marks the beginning of their journey through the knockout stages.

The winner of today’s match will go on to face either Canada or Germany in the semifinals, depending on the outcome of their respective quarterfinal match.

The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team is eager to continue their winning streak as they aim for the gold medal in Paris. Fans can tune in to watch the match starting at 7 PM.

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Paris Olympics: DSS heads joint security operations

The Diplomatic Security Service is leading efforts to ensure the safety of Team USA during the Paris Olympics, with extensive planning and coordination involvi test ng multiple agencies and French partners.

The U.S. Embassy in Paris has transformed one of its rooms into a joint operation center to analyze and disseminate information crucial for the safety of athletes, corporate sponsors, and American citizens. The planning for such large-scale events begins five years in advance, with two special agents being sent to Paris two years prior to the Games to work within the embassy.

“Behind me right now is the joint Operation center. It’s an interagency department to analyze information and pass that information out to the athletes, corporate sponsors and American citizens so they stay safe while they’re in Paris,” said Tim Ayers, a special agent for the Diplomatic Security Service. “You know, there are only a handful of us who have done this job in the 20 years that do. Have the responsibility To Lead efforts. The interagency Whole of Government approach to securing the Games,” said Paul Benvie, the DSS Deputy Olympic and Paralympic Security Coordinator.

The Paris Olympics, with its motto of ‘Games Wide Open,’ presents unique security challenges as people and venues are integrated into the city, marking the return of families and fans. This necessitates close collaboration with French partners to ensure comprehensive security coverage. Agents are stationed at each venue and with each team, providing a reassuring presence and ensuring that security protocols are followed. This presence is designed to make athletes and attendees feel safer during the events.

The agents will remain in Paris throughout the Olympics, taking a brief break before preparing to protect Team USA during the Paralympics. Their efforts not only focus on security but also allow them to witness the athletes’ achievements firsthand, adding a rewarding dimension to their mission.

DSS spearheads Paris Olympics security planning

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is leading efforts to ensure the safety of Team USA during the Paris Olympics, with preparations beginning five years in advance.

Special agents from the DSS, part of the U.S. State Department, have been stationed in Paris two years prior to the games to coordinate security efforts. This includes setting up a joint operations center at the U.S. Embassy to analyze and distribute information to athletes, sponsors, and American citizens.

“Behind me right now is the joint Operation center. It’s an interagency department to analyze information and pass that information out to the athletes, corporate sponsors and American citizens so they stay safe while they’re in Paris,” said Tim Ayers, a special agent overseeing major events coordination for the DSS. Paul Benvie, the DSS Deputy Olympic and Paralympic Security Coordinator, emphasized the importance of collaboration with French partners, stating, “Ensuring that we had all of the information we needed to assign our personnel and our resources.”

The Paris Olympics, with its ‘Games Wide Open’ motto, integrates venues into the city, posing unique security challenges. DSS agents are stationed at each venue and with each team to maintain a visible security presence. Tim Ayers noted the rewarding nature of the work, saying, “It’s very rewarding, too. So we’re there front and center to see these people win their gold medals and they’re working on this whole life on this thing.”

The DSS’s comprehensive security measures aim to protect Team USA throughout the Olympics, with plans to continue their efforts for the Paralympic Games as well. The collaboration with French authorities is crucial to the success of these operations.

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The University of Texas team is developing innovative drone technology to detect and suppress wildfires as part of the International XPRIZE Wildfire Competition.

The team aims to create a system that can autonomously find and extinguish a wildfire within 10 minutes using a combination of fixed-wing drones and smaller drones for precise suppressant delivery. This technology is crucial as Texas faces a significant wildfire threat, with the Austin Fire Department responding to thousands of incidents annually.

“We then use other UAV’s and other drones to deliver a suppressant to where we detected the fire,” explained a team member, highlighting the complexity of the task. Austin Fire Department officials emphasized the need for such innovation, noting, “Even if it takes time, now’s the time to start.”

In 2022, the Austin Fire Department responded to 3,000 wildfires, and although the number decreased to 2,000 in 2023, the threat remains constant throughout the year. The Texas A&M Forest Service pointed out the state’s reliance on federal resources for firefighting aircraft, which can lead to delays.

The University of Texas team’s efforts could transform wildfire management, enhancing safety for communities across the state. As they progress in the competition, their technology holds promise for broader applications in fire prevention and response.