Category Archives: Internet + Cybersecurity Articles + News!

Here is where you will find all our articles and news on the Internet and cybersecurity!

This includes our fact-checking of articles and social media posts on the Internet.

Be sure to keep updated on the latest on the Internet and cybersecurity by bookmarking this section!

WhatsApp Voice Chat : How To Create / Join / Quit It?

Find out how to create, join, or quit the new WhatsApp Voice Chat feature for large groups!

 

WhatsApp Voice Chat : What Is It?

On 14 November 2023, WhatsApp launched a new Voice Chat feature for large groups of 33 to 256 participants.

Previously, both voice and video calls in groups were limited to 32 participants, so larger groups have to manually choose which users to include under that threshold. That changed with the new Voice Chat feature, which allows larger groups of 33 to 128 participants, albeit still far below the maximum limit of 1,024 members for every WhatsApp group.

Unlike voice calls, group members won’t receive any sound notifications of Voice Chats. Instead, when you start a Voice Chat, group members will see a pop-up window in the chat group. Group members can then choose to join the voice chat, or ignore it.

Recommended : No More Free Unlimited WhatsApp Backup On Android!

 

WhatsApp Voice Chat : How To Create And Stop It?

Please note that WhatsApp Voice Chat is only enabled for large groups with 33 to 256 participants. It will not appear in smaller, or much larger groups.

Here is how you can create a new Voice Chat in your group.

Step 1 : Open the WhatsApp group, in which you wish to start a Voice Chat.

Step 2 : Tap on the Voice Chat option on the upper right corner of the group chat. The icon has a blue audio wavelength symbol.

If you don’t see the Voice Chat icon, that likely means your WhatsApp group is too small (32 or fewer participants), or is much too large (257 or more participants).

Step 3 : A Voice Chat pop-up will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap on Start voice chat to initiate the voice chat for the entire group.

That’s it! All members in that WhatsApp group will now see a notification about a Voice Chat, which they can join or simply ignore.

Once you wish to end the Voice Chat, simply tap on the red X icon on the pop-up.

As you can see, it’s easy to create a new Voice Chat, and to stop it once you are done.

If you find this guide useful, please share it with your family and friends!

Recommended : Is WhatsApp Going To Charge Backup Storage Fee?!

 

WhatsApp Voice Chat : How To Join And Quit It?

Here is how you can join and quit Voice Chats in your WhatsApp group.

Step 1 : When someone begins a Voice Chat in your group, you will see a “Voice chat” notification in the chat.

Step 2 : Tap on the Voice chat link (which appears like a message) to join it.

Step 3 : When you wish to exit, simply tap on the red X icon on the Voice Chat pop-up.

Recommended : Is It Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Exit Scam Groups?!

As you can see, it’s easy to join and quit any Voice Chat in your WhatsApp group.

You can also see how the Voice chat option appears like a message in the group, allowing participants to ignore and continue with their posts, and replies.

If you find this guide useful, please share it with your family and friends!

 

WhatsApp Voice Chat : Some Important Notes

Please take note of these limitations or possible concerns:

  • Voice chats are only available for groups of 33 to 256 people.
  • This feature is only available on your primary device.
  • Group members not in the voice chat can see the profiles of those in the voice chat from the chat header and the Calls tab.
  • Voice chats will end automatically once everyone has left the chat. They’ll also end if no one joins the first or last person in the chat for 60 minutes.

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is WEF Planning Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election?!

Is the WEF planning to launch a ‘false flag’ cyber attack to disrupt the 2024 US Presidential election?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WEF Plans Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed or suggested that the World Economic Forum (WEF) is planning to launch a ‘false flag’ cyber attack to disrupt the 2024 US Presidential election!

WEF Insider: Imminent ‘False Flag’ Cyber Attack Will Disrupt 2024 Election

Recommended : WEF ordered electors to not certify Trump’s 2024 election win?!

 

No Evidence WEF Plans Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence WEF Plans Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election!

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence of the World Economic Forum (WEF) plans to launch a cyber attack to disrupt the 2024 President election.

If a WEF insider did indeed reveal such a plan, it would have gone viral, and it would have been condemned by everyone from the left to the right. The FBI and US Department of Homeland Security would also have launched criminal investigations.

Yet, there was no such report by the mainstream media, and no social media outrage. Heck, even right-wing American websites did not so much as squeak about a juicy WEF plot to launch a cyber attack against the United States???

That’s because that never happened. The People’s Voice article, unsurprisingly, offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : Voters Don’t Use Ballot Tabulators

The People’s Voice article claimed that South Carolina primary voters were “reportedly unable to vote due to ballot tabulators being unable to connect to the internet [sic]”.

Well, I could find no report of South Carolina primary voters not being able to vote because ballot tabulators were unable to connect to the Internet. That’s probably because no voter ever uses ballot tabulators to cast their vote.

Ballot tabulators are machines used to scan and count ballots, and are never used by voters to cast their votes! So how would any ballot tabulator failure prevent voters from casting their votes?

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article offered no evidence of such ballot tabulator failure, or that South Carolina voters were prevented from voting in its 2024 Presidential primary elections.

Recommended : Biden hired Bill Gates to flood Internet with AI censorship bots?!

Fact #3 : South Carolina Voting System Isn’t Connected To Internet

According to the South Carolina Election Commission, the South Carolina voting system is never connected to the Internet.

In fact, the ballot marking devices (BMD), ballot scanners, and computers used to tabulate the votes, are not even capable of being connected to the Internet!

Is the voting system connected to the Internet?

No, the voting system is never connected to the internet. Computers used to tabulate votes, BMDs, and ballot scanners used in South Carolina are not even capable of being connected to the Internet.

Needless to say, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence that ballot tabulators used in South Carolina were even capable of being connected to the Internet, never mind requiring it to work!

Fact #4 : WEF Screenshot Is Fake

The cover image used by The People’s Voice article and video has a screenshot which purportedly shows the World Economic Forum (WEF) posting on X (formerly Twitter) that:

The coming cyber attack will allow a New World Order to emerge.

That is most definitely a fake screenshot, because there is no such post on X by the World Economic Forum. And it’s a really silly creation too – why would the WEF reveal its nefarious cyber attack plan publicly?

Yet again, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence that such a post ever existed! In fact, it would not need some “WEF insider” to spill the beans when the WEF itself already publicly revealed its cyber attack plan!

Recommended : Did EU Legalise Child Porn As WEF Pedophilia Agenda?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | PoliticsTech ARP

 

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Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Did Bill Gates Vow To Eradicate Memes From The Internet?!

Did Bill Gates just vow to eradicate memes from the Internet?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill Gates Vows To Eradicate Memes From The Internet!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed or suggested that Bill Gates just vowed to eradicate memes from the Internet!

Bill Gates Vows To Eradicate Memes From the Internet Forever

Recommended : Did Pope Francis Order Christians To Pray To Satan?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates Did Not Vow To Eradicate Memes From The Internet!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Is Not Eradicating Memes From The Internet

Let me start by pointing out that Bill Gates never vowed to eradicate memes from the Internet. Neither did he plan to eradicate memes from the Internet.

In fact, the entire premise is so silly, I cannot believe I have to actually point out that it is impossible to eradicate memes from the Internet. It sounds like it was written by people who are not tech-savvy. It would be far more believable if they claim that Bill Gates wants to eradicate fairies!

The People’s Voice article, unsurprisingly, offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim that Bill Gates vowed, or has actually hatched a plan, to eradicate memes from the Internet.

Fact #2 : GAVI Did Not Write That Article

The source of this nonsensical claim is a new article called “How memes became health disinformation super-spreaders“, which was attributed to GAVI. However, that’s not true.

The article was written by Stephanie Alice Baker, and Michael James Walsh, who published it on The Conversation. It was simply republished by GAVI, under a Creative Commons licence.

Recommended : Did Ice Spice Show Satanic Cross + Gestures At Super Bowl?!

Fact #3 : Article Details How Antivaxxers Use Memes

The article details how anti-vaccine memes started centuries ago, and how some anti-vaccine influencers use men drops to profit financially! You should definitely read it. It’s a very interesting, and educational article, and I salute the authors!

But more importantly for this fact check, the article never once called for memes to be eliminated, or made criminal. This completely contradicts what was written in The People’s Voice article.

Fact #4 : Bill Gates Does Not Own / Run GAVI

Bill Gates does not own or run GAVI. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was just one of its founding partners. GAVI has many stakeholders, including the WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, donor countries, and civil society organisations.

Its policies are therefore dictated not by a single person, but a GAVI board that is currently chaired by José Manuel Barros with 28 members, comprising of :

  • 9 independent individuals
  • 5 representatives from donor countries
  • 5 representatives from implementing countries
  • 2 representatives from GAVI – CEO, research and technical health institutes
  • 2 representatives from the vaccine industry
  • 1 representative from civil society organisations
  • 1 representative from WHO
  • 1 representative from UNICEF
  • 1 representative from World Bank
  • 1 representative from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Recommended : Did Mel Gibson Call Prince William The Antichrist?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | PoliticsTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Is Google Shutting Down Gmail For Good?!

Is Google shutting down Gmail for good by August 2024?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Google Is Shutting Down Gmail For Good!

A post has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), allegedly posted by the SVP of Product at Google, who claimed that he accidentally fired the entire Gmail team, and ordered it shut down after misreading a message from CEO Sundar Pichai!

Chris Bakke : I’m the SVP of Product at Google ($28.8M TC).

Last night, Sundar asked me to “fire the entire Gemini team.”

I misread his message (insanely bad service at my 7br 11bath cabin in Park City) and I accidentally fired the entire Gmail team.

Gmail…Gemini.

Look at that quickly without your glasses when you’re 7 margaritas deep at the fire pit on a Wednesday and you’d make the same error.

I mean you get how that’s confusing right?

Anyway, I’m rolling with the decision.

Gmail’s gone.

A screenshot of a Google notice about sunsetting Gmail was attached to the post, and it suggested that Gmail accounts would become inaccessible after 1 August 2024.

Google is sunsetting Gmail

Dear Gmail User,

We are reaching out to share an important update about Gmail. After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close. As of August 1, 2024, Gmail will officially be sunsetted, marking the end of its service. This means that as of this date, Gmail will no longer support sending, receiving, or storing emails.

Why Gmail is Sunsetting

The decision to sunset Gmail has been made with careful consideration of the evolving digital landscape and our commitment to providing high-quality, innovative solutions that meet the needs of our users. In the spirit of progress and adaptation, we are focusing our resources on developing new technologies and platforms that will continue to revolutionize the way we communicate and interact online.

What This Means for You

Email Access: Up until August 1, 2024, you will be able to access and download all your emails. After this date, Gmail accounts will become inaccessible.

Recommended : Is WhatsApp Going To Charge Backup Storage Fee?!

 

Claim : Google Is Not Shutting Down Gmail At All!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Google Is Not Shutting Down Gmail

Let me start by pointing out that Google is not shutting down Gmail. For one thing – no one received the “Google is sunsetting Gmail” email. There is also no announcement on the Google blog.

There is also an absence of legitimate news and tech media reporting on such a shocking announcement. In fact, all you will find are fact check articles like this, telling you that this is just another example of fake news on X.

There is also the fact that the official Gmail account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a terse response:

Gmail is here to stay

To be clear – Google is not shutting down Gmail. This is just satire / shitposting on X.

Google is itself highly-reliant on Gmail services, and would be in deep shit if Gmail goes down for even an hour, never mind shut down forever.

Recommended : WhatsApp : No More Free Unlimited Backup On Android!

Fact #2 : Chris Bakke Isn’t Google Product SVP

I should also point out that Chris Bakke is not the Senior Vice President of Product at Google in charge of Gmail. In fact, he’s currently working at X, not Google!

Chris Bakke was the founder and CEO of Laskie, a tech recruitment company that X (formerly Twitter) purchased in May 2023. He is currently the Product Lead for X, and is known to be a notorious “shitposter” or “trash poster” on the social media platform.

When Austen Allred, another tech founder, tweeted about the acquisition when it was revealed, Elon Musk said he thought it was a good sign:

Austen Allred : Only fitting that Twitter’s first acquisition in the Elon era is a company run by a notorious shitposter.

Elon Musk : I regard that as a good sign 🙂

Elon is probably going to give Chris a bonus for the millions of views and engagement his new “shitpost” has generated on X. Throw some our way, Chris, will ya!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | InternetTech ARP

 

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Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Did WHO DG Order Elimination Of Independent Media?!

Did the WHO Director-General just order governments to eliminate independent media, before the arrival of Disease X?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WHO DG Ordered Elimination Of Independent Media!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed or suggested that the WHO Director-General just order governments to eliminate independent media, before the arrival of Disease X!

Here is an excerpt of the long and (intentionally?) rambling article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WHO Director Says Independent Media Must Be ‘Wiped Out’ Before Disease X Arrives

Recommended : Did France Pass Law To Jail Opposition To mRNA Vaccines?!

 

Truth : WHO DG Did Not Order Elimination Of Independent Media!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WHO DG Did Not Order Elimination Of Independent Media

This is really silly, but let me just start by pointing out that the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus did not order the elimination of independent media. Neither did he order governments to eliminate the independent media before the arrival of Disease X.

If he actually issued such an order, it would have been derided widely by the independent media, as well as the mainstream media. Yet, no one else, not even other conspiracy theory websites, have reported on such a controversial order by the WHO Director-General? That’s because it never happened.

As usual, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claims. Just like when it claimed that the WHO Global Police Force was unveiled at WEF 2024!

Fact #2 : No One Censor The Entire World

Short of actually establishing a global police state, there is no way anyone can eliminate the independent media, and censor the entire world.

Some countries, like China and North Korea, have the capability to actively monitor and censor independent media. But many countries have free speech written into their constitutions, so it would be impossible to conduct such restrictions on free speech, without massive political blowback from their citizens.

In short – this can only happen in a MAGA / QAnon fantasy world, and not in the real world where the rest of us live. Naturally, The People’s Voice article has provided no evidence that such a dastardly plan ever exists outside of fevered minds and addled brains.

Fact #3 : Disease X Is Just A Placeholder Name

What The People’s Voice article does not tell you is that Disease X does not actually exist.

Disease X is merely a placeholder name for a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could cause a future epidemic. It is used by healthcare organisations and policy makers as an easy way to label an unknown disease that could potentially emerge in the future.

If a new pathogen emerges, it won’t be called Disease X. It will be given a new name. Remember when news first broke about a new coronavirus emerging in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019? It wasn’t called Disease X then.

Initially, the WHO called it the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV. Then, the disease itself was named as COVID-19, while the virus that causes it was named as SARS-CoV-2.

Recommended : Has Canada Begun Euthanising Vaccine-Injured Citizens?!

Fact #4 : Pandemic Treaty Was Initiated By WHO Member States

It is also important to point out that the Pandemic Treaty was not initiated by the World Health Organization itself, but rather its member states.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) were first adopted by member states in 1969, empowering the WHO to monitor global diseases. Those regulations have since been revised over the years, including in 2005 – after the SARS outbreak.

On 1 December 2021, world leaders agreed to kickstart the process to draft and negotiate an agreement or convention to “strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response“.

Fact #5 : Pandemic Treaty Does Not Outlaw Free Speech

If you read the zero draft of the proposed Pandemic Treaty, you will realise that the WHO is not planning to control the Internet, or outlaw free speech. This is explicitly stated in Article 17, which refers to “Parties” that are the member states.

The Parties commit to increase science, public health and pandemic literacy in the population, as well as access to information on pandemics and their effects, and tackle false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation, including through promotion of international cooperation.

As you can see, under the agreement, each individual country will commit to increase knowledge about science and public health, as well as combat “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Not only does the article clearly state that it is up to each country (not the WHO) to implement its policies, it does not mention anything about controlling the Internet.

The only people who need to worry about Article 17 of this proposed WHO agreement are those who peddle “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Recommended : Did WHO Unveil Global Police Force With Arrest Powers?!

Fact #6 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | Law + CrimeTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Did Bill Gates Order Blacklist Of People Sharing Fake News?!

Did Bill Gates order governments to blacklist citizens who share fake news / misinformation?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill Gates Orders Blacklist Of People Sharing Fake News!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Bill Gates just ordered governments to blacklist citizens who share misinformation / fake news!

Bill Gates Orders Govt’s To Blacklist Citizens Who Share ‘Non-Mainstream’ Content Online

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates Did Not Order Blacklist Of People Sharing Fake News!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Did Not Order Any Blacklist

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence Bill Gates ordered any government to blacklist their citizens who spread fake news / misinformation. There was no announcement, no document or press release, not even a leaked video or audio of Bill Gates ordering a blacklist of people who post or share fake news / misinformation.

As usual, The People’s Voice offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : Satya Nadella Is Microsoft CEO, Not Bill Gates

Interestingly, The People’s Voice article used a photo of Bill Gates, even though he handed over day-to-day operations at Microsoft more than 15 years ago. He also stepped down as Microsoft Chairman, when Satya Nadella was appointed as CEO in February 2014.

For people who are unaware, Satya Nadella is both CEO and Chairman of Microsoft. It is Nadella who decides what Microsoft does, not Bill Gates.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Planning To Kill Billions Using Turbo AIDS?!

Fact #3 : Satya Nadella Never Ordered Any Blacklist Either

Satya Nadella never ordered any governments to blacklist citizens who share fake news / misinformation either.

In his interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, he only said that the technology is there to tackle disinformation and misinformation, and the problem is deciding on the policy:

Then the question, again, comes back to: How do we build consensus between parties, candidates, and the norms around what is acceptable or not acceptable?

As the interview clearly shows, Satya Nadella isn’t dictating what is considered acceptable, or not acceptable. Why would anyone claim otherwise?

Fact #4 : Bill Gates X Post Is Fake

The People’s Voice article and video used a cover photo which appears to feature a screenshot of a post by Bill Gates on X (formerly Twitter), in which he appears to say, “Wanna share fake news? No internet for you!

That is definitely a fake screenshot, because Bill Gates never posted that on his X account. In fact, Bill lGates appears to have stopped posting on X after 7 October 2023.

As usual, The People’s Voice article and video offered no evidence, or a link, to prove that Bill Gates ever posted it.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Facing Life Behind Bars For Child Rape?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | CybersecurityTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Is Bill Gates recruiting 2M Indians to control Internet using AI?!

Is Bill Gates planning to recruit and train two million Indians to control the Internet using AI?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill Gates To Recruit Indians To Control Internet Using AI!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which suggests that Bill Gates announced plans to recruit and train two million Indians to control the Internet using AI (artificial intelligence)!

Here is an excerpt from the long, and (intentionally?) rambling article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Bill Gates Recruiting 2 Million Strong Army To ‘Seize Control of Internet’ Using AI

Recommended : Did FAA Admit Pilot EKGs Not Normal After Vaccines?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates Is Not Recruiting Indians To Control Internet Using AI!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Did Not Announce Plans To Recruit 2 Million Indians

Let me start by pointing out that Bill Gates did not announce any plans to recruit and train two million Indians to use artificial intelligence (AI) to control the Internet.

The People’s Voice offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim, and there is no report by any legitimate media outlet that Bill Gates announced any such plan.

Fact #2 : Microsoft Isn’t Recruiting 2 Million Indians Either!

The People’s Voice article claimed that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the plan by Bill Gates to recruit and train two million Indians to use artificial intelligence to control the Internet. That is also not true.

Satya Nadella only announced that Microsoft will support India’s goal of a self-sufficient AI workforce, by training 2 million people through its ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative. However, Microsoft is not recruiting those two million Indians to work for them.

Under this initiative, Microsoft will collaborate with the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, as well as state governments in India, to offer fundamental and advanced AI training to students and job seekers in rural areas.

Microsoft will also offer comprehensive AI technical training to young women through instructors at higher education institutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, so they can obtain certifications in cloud, AI and cybersecurity.

Fact #3 : Satya Nadella Is Microsoft CEO, Not Bill Gates

As its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, it is Satya Nadella who decides what Microsoft does, not Bill Gates.

For people who are unaware, Bill Gates handed over day-to-day operations at Microsoft more than 15 years ago. He also stepped down as Microsoft Chairman, when Satya Nadella was appointed as CEO in February 2014 – 10 years ago!

If Microsoft decides to hire 2 million Indians to “take over the world” like Pinky and the Brain, that would be Satya Nadella’s decision, not Bill Gates.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Planning To Kill Billions Using Turbo AIDS?!

Fact #4 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Pope Francis Order Christians To Pray To Satan?!

Did Pope Francis just order Christians to pray to Satan for real enlightenment?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Pope Francis Orders Christians To Pray To Satan!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims Pope Francis just ordered Christians to pray to Satan for real enlightenment!

Here is an excerpt from the long, and (intentionally?) rambling article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Pope Francis Orders Christians To ‘Pray to Satan’ for ‘Real Enlightenment’

Recommended : Did This Muslim Man Just Marry An 8 Year-Old Girl?!

 

Truth : Pope Francis Did Not Order Christians To Pray To Satan!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Pope Francis Did Not Order Christians To Pray To Satan

Let me start by simply pointing out that Pope Francis did not order Christians to pray to Satan for real enlightenment in a ceremony that was broadcasted across the world.

There was no broadcast, international or otherwise, in which Pope Francis ever ordered Christians to pray to Satan. The People’s Voice certainly offered no evidence to back up its claim – not even the video of the ceremony that was allegedly broadcasted to the entire world.

If Pope Francis really called for Christians to pray to Satan, it would have been covered worldwide by news outlets, Christian websites, and social media would have “blown up”. Yet, no one mentioned this except for The People’s Voice???

Fact #2 : Pope Francis Never Called Klaus Schwab “More Important Than Jesus”

The People’s Voice article also offered no evidence that Pope Francis ever called WEF founder Klaus Schwab “more important than Jesus”. In fact, it only referred to its own article (long debunked) making that claim.

Fact #3 : Pope Francis Screenshot Is Fake

The People’s Voice article and video used a cover photo which appears to feature a screenshot of a post by Pope Francis on X (formerly Twitter), in which he appears to say “We must open our hearts to Satan, for he is risen.

That is definitely a fake screenshot, because Pope Francis never posted anything like that on his X account. On top of that, the screenshot shows Pope Francis’ account with a blue checkmark. The real Pope Francis account has a gray checkmark.

Recommended : Did Pope Francis Suddenly Become A Fashion Icon?!

Fact #4 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Biden hired Bill Gates to flood Internet with AI censorship bots?!

Did Joe Biden hire Bill Gates and other billionaire technocrats to flood the Internet with AI censorship bots, ahead of the 2024 election?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Biden Hires Bill Gates To Flood Internet With AI Censorship Bots!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims or suggests US President Joe Biden hired Bill Gates and other billionaire technocrats to flood the Internet with AI censorship bots ahead of the 2024 election!

Here is an excerpt from the long, and (intentionally?) rambling article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Biden Hires Bill Gates To Flood the Internet With ‘AI-Censorship Bots’

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

 

Biden Did Not Hire Bill Gates To Flood Internet With AI Censorship Bots!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Doesn’t Even Have An AI Program!

Let me start by simply pointing out that it is impossible for Joe Biden to hire Bill Gates to floor the Internet with AI censorship bots, because Bill Gates doesn’t even have an AI program!

Bill Gates is a big proponent of artificial intelligence, and has made a number of investments in AI companies like Inflection AI and LikeWise. However, he does not actually own or run those AI companies.

As far as anyone can tell – Bill Gates does not have the power or resources to “flood the Internet with AI censorship bots”.

The People’s Voice certainly offered no evidence that Joe Biden hired Bill Gates, or any other billionaire, to flood the Internet with AI censorship bots.

Fact #2 : Report Doesn’t Even Mention Bill Gates!

The People’s Voice article is based on an “Interim Staff Report” (PDF) by the GOP Representative Jim Jordan’s Subcommittee on the Weaponization of Government under the House Judiciary Committee.

While the report mentions a number of tech luminaries like Elon Musk and Marc Andreesen, it does not even mention Bill Gates once as a person of interest in the issue!

So why on Earth would anyone claim that US President Joe Biden hired Bill Gates, when he was not even mentioned in the report as a person of interest?!

Bill Gates’ name only appeared in the notes on Page 10 as part of a title of an article written by Jonathan Turley.

Recommended : Was Oprah Just Exposed In Jeffrey Epstein Client List?!

Fact #3 : Report Doesn’t Claim AI Tools Were Deployed

Even though the Jim Jordan report claims or suggests that the National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding the development of AI tools, it doesn’t even claim that they were deployed, or ready to deploy, for the 2024 US presidential election.

So why would anyone claim that Bill Gates or any tech billionaire was hired by Joe Biden to use these AI tools, which are still under development, to censor people during the 2024 Presidential election???

Fact #4 : Report Doesn’t Claim Joe Biden Was Involved

Notably, the Jim Jordan report also does not directly claim that the Biden White House is involved in the NSF funding of those AI censorship tools.

It only said that senior White House officials berated social media companies into changing their content moderation policies.

Fact #5 : NSF Convergence Accelerator Was Launched Under Trump!

It would be quite impossible for anyone to blame Joe Biden for the development of these AI tools, because NSF Convergence Accelerator was established in 2019 – during the Trump Administration!

While the report focused on Track F, which launched in March 2021, the earlier Track B and Track D on AI technologies were initiated in 2019 and 2020 during the Trump Administration.

Recommended : E. Jean Caroll Admits Lying To Help Biden Destroy Trump?!

Fact #6 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Will Microsoft Disable Your Computer If You Share Fake News?!

Is Microsoft planning to disable your computer if you post or share fake news / misinformation?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Microsoft To Disable Your Computer If You Share Fake News!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Microsoft is planning to disable your computer if you post or share fake news / misinformation!

Microsoft To Disable Computers of Users Who Share ‘Non-Mainstream Content’ Online

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

 

Truth : Microsoft Won’t Disable Your Computer If You Share Fake News!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Microsoft Did Not Announce Plans To Disable Computers

Let me start by pointing out that Microsoft did not announce any plans to disable computers of people who share “non-mainstream” content online, in an attempt to combat “misinformation” in the run-up to the 2024 US Presidential election.

If Microsoft actually announced such plans, it would have been major news covered by news outlets all over the world. It would also have gone viral on social media, with conservative and right-wing personalities criticising those plans.

Microsoft certainly made no such announcement, and The People’s Voice offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : Satya Nadella Is Microsoft CEO, Not Bill Gates

Interestingly, The People’s Voice article used a photo of Bill Gates, even though he handed over day-to-day operations at Microsoft more than 15 years ago. He also stepped down as Microsoft Chairman, when Satya Nadella was appointed as CEO in February 2014.

If Microsoft does indeed plan to disable computers to fight fake news, that decision would have to be approved by its CEO and Chairman, Satya Nadella. Not its former founder, Bill Gates.

How is Bill Gates involved in this “story”? Nothing in the article even remotely suggests that Bill Gates is, in any way, involved in Microsoft affairs, or the non-existent plan to disable computers of people who share fake news / misinformation.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Planning To Kill Billions Using Turbo AIDS?!

Fact #3 : Satya Nadella Never Said Anything About Disabling Computers

The People’s Voice article used a video of Lester Holt from NBC News interviewing Satya Nadella as evidence that Microsoft plans to disable computers of people who share misinformation. However, that’s completely nonsensical.

The NBC News video only shows Satya Nadella saying that the tech industry is using technological solutions like watermarking [AI created content], detecting deep fakes, and implementing content IDs, to fight disinformation and misinformation.

This is not the first election where we dealt with disinformation or propaganda campaigns by adversaries and election interference.

We’re doing all the work across the tech industry around watermarking, detecting deep fakes and content IDs. There is going to be enough and more technology quite frankly in order to be able to identify the issues around disinformation and misinformation.

Fact #4 : Microsoft Can’t “Magically” Disable Computers Remotely

Even if Microsoft is so inclined, disabling a computer remotely isn’t like waving a magic wand, or chanting “Abracadabra”!

With the possible exception of specifically hacking into your computer to gain access, or tricking you into installing malware, it is not possible for Microsoft to remotely disable your computer simply because you shared fake news or misinformation.

The People’s Voice article certainly offered no explanation of how Microsoft might conceivably disable your computer remotely… like magic!

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Facing Life Behind Bars For Child Rape?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did WEF Call For Democratic Elections To Be Banned?!

Did the WEF just call for democratic elections to be banned?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WEF Calls For Democratic Elections To Be Banned!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed that the WEF just called for democratic elections to be banned, so the elite can decide who runs the world!

Here is an excerpt from the article, which is long and (intentionally?) rambling. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WEF Calls for Democratic Elections To Be Banned: “The Elite Can Decide Who Runs the World”

Recommended : Did WEF Just Admit Disease X Will Be Leaked In 2025?!

 

Truth : WEF Did Not Call For Democratic Elections To Be Banned!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WEF Did Not Call For Democratic Elections To Be Banned

Let me start by pointing out that neither Klaus Schwab, or the World Economic Forum (WEF), called for democratic elections to be banned.

The People’s Voice article certainly offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim that WEF founder Klaus Schwab just “declared that it’s time to ban elections worldwide and allow the elite to decide who runs the world.

The World Economic Forum is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), and has no power over governments. It can lobby governments, but it cannot decide on their policies, or order them to do anything.

Fact #2 : Video Is From 2017

The People’s Voice article embedded a video called WEF Most Terrifying Moments From Davos, probably as evidence to back up its claims.

Even though that video clip was posted just 10 days ago, it is based on an old video posted by the World Economic Forum from its 2017 annual meeting at Davos, Switzerland.

In short – the video was from the 2017 WEF annual meeting, and has nothing to do with the 2024 WEF annual meeting.

Fact #3 : WEF Labels Claims As “False”

In a statement to the Associated Press (archive), the WEF said that claims made about the video are a “false representation of the actual discussion“, and that it did not call for the replacement of democratic elections:

The World Economic Forum is in no way calling for AI to replace democratic elections. These are false claims to discredit the work that the World Economic Forum does on serious global challenges.

Recommended : Did The WEF Just Declare War On Coffee?!

Fact #4 : Klaus Schwab Was Posing Hypothetical Questions

If you watch the full video, you will see that Klaus Schwab was posing hypothetical questions to Google founder Sergey Brin.

Can you imagine in ten years when we are sitting here, we have an implant in our brains, and I can immediately feel, because you all have implants, I can measure your brainwaves, I can immediately tell you how people react, or I can feel, how people react to your answers. Is it imaginable?

Even 7 years later, those hypothetical questions remain that – hypothetical – we still don’t have implants in our brains, for one thing.

Fact #5 : Democratic Elections Segment Was Edited

The shorter video commentary, as well as other examples on social media, suggest that Klaus Schwab was calling for artificial intelligence to replace democratic elections.

That is likely because they appear to have (intentionally?) cropped out two small parts of what Klaus Schwab said in the democratic elections segment (underlined in bold):

One fear which I have heard is the technology now is, digital technologies mainly have an analytical power. Now we go into a predictive power, and we have seen the first examples in your company.. very much involved into it.

But some say the next step could be to go into prescriptive mode, which means you do not even have to have elections anymore because you can already predict what.. predict and afterwards you can say, why do we need elections, because we know what the results will be. Can you imagine such a world?

By removing those two small parts, Klaus Schwab appeared to be endorsing using technology to replace democratic elections. When in truth, Schwab was asking Sergey Brin if he thought such a hypothetical dystopian future would be possible.

Why would anyone do that?

Recommended : Were Child Sex Workers Flown To Davos For WEF 2024?!

Fact #6 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Was Lloyd Austin Just Killed In Ukraine?!

Was US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin just killed in Ukraine by Russian hypersonic cruise missiles?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the FACTS really are!

 

Claim : Lloyd Austin Was Just Killed In Ukraine!

On 16 January 2024, Real Raw News posted an article (archive) claiming that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was just killed in Ukraine by a Russian cruise missile strike!

As usual, the article is long, rambling and confusing, so here is an excerpt. Please feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

White Hats Confirm Lloyd Austin Killed in Ukraine

Recommended : Did US Military Find Evidence Of 2022 Election Fraud?!

 

Truth : Lloyd Austin Was Not Killed In Ukraine!

The truth is – this is just another FAKE STORY created by Real Raw News, just to generate page views and money.

Fact #1 : Real Raw News Is A Fake News Website

Real Raw News is a fake news website that capitalises on making shocking but fake stories to generate page views and money.

To protect himself from legal repercussions, the owner and writer, Michael Baxter (real name – Michael Tuffin), claims that his articles are “humour, parody, and satire“.

That disclaimer, which is not clearly mentioned in his articles, lets him keep creating fake news to go viral, and generate money.

His articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from his website. Here are some of his fake stories that I debunked earlier:

Everything posted by Real Raw News must be regarded as FAKE NEWS, until proven otherwise.

Recommended : Did US Army Lose + Recover Stolen Sarin Gas Rockets?!

A March 2018 screenshot of Michael Tuffin, who goes by the pseudonym Michael Baxter

Fact #2 : Lloyd Austin Is Not Dead

This is really silly, but it has to be said – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is not dead. Neither was he killed in Ukraine by Russian cruise missiles.

If anything happened to Lloyd Austin III, not only would the Biden Administration have been informed, so would the US Congress. It would also have been reported by the press all over the world.

The lack of any legitimate report of his death is even more impossible after the recent political brouhaha over Lloyd Austin belatedly informing the Biden Administration and the US Congress that he was hospitalised for prostate cancer surgery.

In fact, Lloyd Austin has just been called to testify before the House Armed Services Committee on 14 February 2023, over his failure to notify the White House about his recent hospitalisation. Do you think anyone would have kept his “death” a secret?

The truth is – Lloyd Austin is very much still alive, after being released from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, 15 January 2024. On 19 January – 3 days after Real Raw News claimed that he was killed in Ukraine, he even had a voice call meeting with the Swedish Minister of Defense, Pål Jonson.

Fact #3 : Hypersonic Missiles Are Very Expensive

Real Raw News absurdly claimed that Lloyd Austin was killed by 20 hypersonic cruise missiles, when only one would have been sufficient. Okay, fine, you can throw in a second “just to be sure’.

Russia only has one hypersonic cruise missile in service – the 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon / Циркон), known to NATO as SS-N-33. With a top speed of Mach 9, the 3M22 Zircon has the kinetic energy to easily penetrate bunkers. You don’t need 20 of them. You only need one.

It is also important to note that Zircon is extremely expensive to make, reportedly costing some $210 million per missile. If Russia actually fired 20 of them – that’s US$4.2 billion to destroy a single bunker. Not only is that an extravagant waste of money, Russia only started deploying the Zircon in January 2023, and has very few of them.

If Russia ever used a Zircon in Ukraine, it would have been reported by TASS, as well as military observers and the Ukrainian media. It never did. The Zircon remains the only missile that Russia has not deployed in Ukraine.

Recommended : Did US Special Forces Just Arrest Dr. Anthony Fauci?!

Fact #4 : Marine Cyberspace Command Does Not Authenticate Identities

Real Raw News laughably claimed that Russian forces stormed Kyiv to retrieve Lloyd Austin’s fingerprints. Never mind, they barely moved the frontline since October 2022. Russian forces are currently several hundred kilometres away from Kyiv.

It doesn’t even make sense for Russia to retrieve his fingerprints, especially when Ukraine and the United States would be able to authenticate Lloyd Austin’s death. On top of that – it absurdly claims that the prints and photos were authenticated by a Cyberspace Command unit!

The US Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER) is a cybersecurity and cyberwarfare unit. It is meant to protect critical network infrastructure, and conduct cyberattacks. What it does not do is authenticate fingerprints and photos.

Everything posted by Real Raw News should be regarded as FAKE NEWS.

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is Hillary Clinton Under Investigation For Child Sex Trafficking?!

Was Hillary Clinton just named ‘Person of Interest’ in a child sex trafficking investigation?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Hillary Clinton Under Investigation For Child Sex Trafficking!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Hillary Clinton was just named ‘Person of Interest’ in a child sex trafficking investigation!

Hillary Clinton Named ‘Person of Interest’ in Child Sex Trafficking Investigation

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Facing Life Behind Bars For Child Rape?!

 

Truth : Hillary Clinton Is Not Under Child Sex Investigation!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Hillary Clinton Is Under Child Sex Investigation

First, let me just point out that there is zero evidence that Hillary Clinton was just named a ‘Person of Interest; in a child sex investigation. The People’s Voice certainly offered no evidence to back up its claims.

If Hillary Clinton was actually named a ‘Person of Interest’, this would have been covered by mainstream media all across the world, not announced only in a notorious misinformation website.

Right-wing QAnon and MAGA conspiracy theorists, fuelled by Russian operatives have long claimed that Hillary Clinton runs a child sex ring in the basement of a Washington D.C. pizza restaurant.

Yet, they have not been able to furnish even one iota of evidence that Hillary Clinton was ever investigated for any child sex crime.

Fact #2 : Hillary Clinton Did Not Cover Up Pedophile Ring

Instead of providing any evidence for Hillary Clinton being named a ‘Person of Interest’ in a child sex trafficking investigation, The People’s Voice linked to its old 2017 article claiming that Clinton covered up a pedophile ring at the State Department.

Not only was that report almost 4 years too late – the NBC report aired in June 2013, it misrepresented what was reported.

The NBC News segment looked at the State Department’s internal investigations into alleged improprieties by an ambassador, who was accused of prostitution and pedophilia. The ambassador, who was later identified as Howard Gutman – the US ambassador to Belgium., was said to have “routinely ditched his protective security detail in order to solicit sexual favors from both prostitutes and minor children“.

NBC News reported that top state department officials directed investigators to “cease the investigation” into the ambassador’s conduct. However, NBC News never claimed or suggested that Hillary Clinton, who was the Secretary of State at that time, covered up any pedophile ring in the State Department.

The State Department Office of Inspector General looked into whether the investigation was mishandled. In October 2014, the Inspector General published its report, in which it said that “the suspected misconduct by the Ambassador was not substantiated“.

The allegations against Ambassador Howard Gutman was never substantiated, or proven. The Inspector General also did not suggest or claim that Hillary Clinton interfered or intervened with the investigation.

In other words – there was no pedophile ring in the State Department, and Hillary Clinton did not cover up anything.

Recommended : Was Tom Hanks Just Accused Of Child Sex Crimes?!

Fact #3 : Hillary Clinton Screenshot Appears To Be Doctored

The screenshot which purportedly shows Hillary Clinton posting that “The Feds are now against me“, and “The videos are on the dark web“, appears to be doctored.

There is no evidence that Hillary Clinton ever posted this on social media, and why would she? Think about this for a moment – why would Hillary Clinton ever post publicly that videos of her alleged child sex crimes are now on the dark web?

And if that was something Hillary Clinton really posted on social media, why would The People’s Voice censor it? Isn’t that odd?

Fact #4 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did WHO Unveil Global Police Force With Arrest Powers?!

Did the WHO (World Health Organization) just unveil its Global Police Force with the power to arrest people?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WHO Unveils Global Police Force With Arrest Powers!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), claiming that the WHO (World Health Organization) just unveiled its Global Police Force at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos.

Ostensibly, this WHO Global Police Force has the power to arrest people who spread “non-mainstream content” on the Internet!

WHO Unveils ‘Global Police Force’ To Arrest Citizens Who Post Independent Media Online

Recommended : Did WEF Order Arrests Of Climate Change Deniers?!

 

Truth : WHO Did Not Unveil Any Global Police Force!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WHO Did Not Unveil Any Global Police Force

First, let me just point out that the WHO (World Health Organization) did not unveil any Global Police Force, whether at the 2024 World Economic Forum, or elsewhere.

If such a police force was actually established, it would have been reported by mainstream media all over the world. There was no such coverage because it never happened. The People’s Voice article certainly offered no evidence of such a WHO Global Police Force.

In fact, if such a global Internet police force was established, the creators behind fake news websites would have been arrested. The fact that The People’s Voice can freely post such fake news is evidence that such a police force does not exist.

Fact #2 : Pandemic Treaty Was Initiated By WHO Member States

It is also important to point out that the Pandemic Treaty was not initiated by the World Health Organization itself, but rather its member states.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) were first adopted by member states in 1969, empowering the WHO to monitor global diseases. Those regulations have since been revised over the years, including in 2005 – after the SARS outbreak.

On 1 December 2021, world leaders agreed to kickstart the process to draft and negotiate an agreement or convention to “strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response“.

Recommended : Is Biden Admin signing over US sovereignty to WHO?!

Fact #3 : Pandemic Treaty Does Not Outlaw Free Speech

If you read the zero draft of the proposed Pandemic Treaty, you will realise that the WHO is not planning to control the Internet, or outlaw free speech. This is explicitly stated in Article 17, which refers to “Parties” that are the member states.

The Parties commit to increase science, public health and pandemic literacy in the population, as well as access to information on pandemics and their effects, and tackle false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation, including through promotion of international cooperation.

As you can see, under the agreement, each individual country will commit to increase knowledge about science and public health, as well as combat “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Not only does the article clearly state that it is up to each country (not the WHO) to implement its policies, it does not mention anything about controlling the Internet.

The only people who need to worry about Article 17 of this proposed WHO agreement are those who peddle “false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation”.

Fact #4 : Pandemic Treaty May Not Be Binding

If you download and read the zero draft, you will realise that the WHO is still calling it a “convention, agreement, or other international instruments“, clearly showing that member countries have not decided whether they want it to be binding or otherwise.

In the third point noted on the very first page of the draft, it was even pointed out that this is just a draft that is being used for “commencing negotiations“, and that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed“.

The INB (Intergovernmental Negotiating Body) further agreed that the zero draft would be considered at its fourth meeting as a basis for commencing negotiations at that meeting, it being understood that the zero draft will be without prejudice to the position of any delegation and following the principle that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”.

While some countries like the European Union, Britain, Indonesia and Kenya would prefer a legally-binding Pandemic Treaty, other countries like the United States, India and Brazil oppose a legally-binding agreement.

So it is ludicrous to claim that the Pandemic Treaty will be legally binding. No such decision has been made.

Recommended : Is ICC launching Nuremberg 2 trials for COVID crimes?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Baidu Denies ERNIE Bot Link To Chinese Military Research!

Baidu just denied any link between its ERNIE Bot generative AI service, and a Chinese military AI!

 

SCMP : Baidu ERNIE Bot Linked To Chinese Military!

On 12 January 2024, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a research laboratory under the Strategic Support Force cyberwarfare division of the People’s Liberation Army “forged a physical link” between its AI system, and large language models in China, specifically the Baidu ERNIE Bot, and the iFLYTEK Spark.

According to SCMP, the project was detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in the December 2023 issue of the Chinese academic journal, Command Control & Simulation. It also reported this as the first time the Chinese military has publicly confirmed its use of commercial large language models.

According to scientists involved in the project, a research laboratory with the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Strategic Support Force, which oversees the Chinese military’s space, cyber, intelligence and electronic warfare, has forged a physical link between its AI system and Baidu’s Ernie and iFlyTek’s Spark, which are large language models similar to ChatGPT.

The military AI can convert vast amounts of sensor data and information reported by frontline units into descriptive language or images and relay them to the commercial models. After they confirm they understand, the military AI automatically generates prompts for deeper exchange on various tasks such as combat simulations. The entire process is completely free of human involvement.

The paper by Sun Yifeng and his team from the PLA’s Information Engineering University, discussed how they fed military AI data on the 2011 US military intervention in Libya to large language models like the Baidu ERNIE Bot, and after several rounds of dialogue, they were able to predict the US military’s combat strategy.

In the paper, Sun’s team discussed one of their experiments that simulated a US military invasion of Libya in 2011. The military AI provided information about the weapons and deployment of both armies to the large language models. After several rounds of dialogue, the models successfully predicted the next move of the US military.

After the publication of that story, Baidu’s shares fell by more than 11.5%, amidst fears that such a direct link to the Chinese military would result in US sanctions, not unlike what happened to HUAWEI.

Recommended : Were Chinese Missiles Really Filled With Water?!

 

Baidu Denies ERNIE Bot Link To Chinese Military Research!

Initially, Baidu only stated that it has no knowledge of the research project:

We have no knowledge of the research project, and if our large language model was used, it would have been the version that is publicly available online

However, after its stock price fell, Baidu issued a stronger denial on 15 January 2024.

Baidu stated that it did not have any “business collaboration” with Sun Yifeng’s team, or the PLA’s Information Engineering University, and stated that if ERNIE Bot was used in that research, it would have been the publicly-available version.

ERNIE Bot is available to and used by the general public.

The academic paper, published by scholars at a Chinese university, described how the authors built prompts and received responses from LLMs, using the functions available to any user interacting with generative AI tools.

Baidu has not engaged in any business collaboration or provided any tailored service to authors of the academic paper or any institutions with which they are affiliated.

Baidu also sated that SCMP has since “clarified and corrected” its report.

The South China Morning Post, the first media outlet that reported on this academic paper, has clarified and corrected its original media report.

SCMP removed its reference to a physical link between Ernie Bot and any Chinese military AI system, amending it t o say that the PLA laboratory tested its AI system system on Baidu Ernie and iFLYTEK Spark.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

[/su_note]

 

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China Still Has Access To High-Speed NVIDIA AI Chips!

Military institutions, AI research institutes and universities in China are still able to source and buy NVIDIA AI chips, albeit in small quantities!

 

AMD + NVIDIA Banned From Selling AI Chips To China!

Both AMD and NVIDIA were ordered by the US government to stop selling high-performance AI chips to both China and Russia on 26 August 2022. This ban was introduced to prevent both countries from using those high-performance AI chips for military purposes.

With immediate effect, the US government banned the export of all AI chips that are equal to, or faster than, the NVIDIA A100 (and H100), or the AMD Instinct MI250 chips. NVIDIA then created slower A800 and H800 AI chips for the Chinese market, but even they were also banned in October 2023.

Recommended : AMD, NVIDIA Banned From Selling AI Chips To China!

 

China Still Has Access To High-Speed NVIDIA AI Chips!

Despite the ongoing ban on the sale of high-performance AI chips to China and Russia, it appears that Chinese military-linked research institutes are still able to source and buy NVIDIA AI chips, albeit in small quantities!

According to a Reuters report on 14 January 2024, public tender documents show that dozens of military institutions, AI research institutes and universities in China with links to the military, have purchased and received high-performance NVIDIA AI chips like the A100 and the H100, as well as the slower A800 and H800 AI chips.

  • Harbin Institute of Technology purchased six NVIDIA A100 chips in May 2023, to train a deep-learning model
  • University of Electronic Science and Technology of China purchased on NVIDIA A100 in December 2022, for an unspecified purpose.

Both universities are subject to the US export restrictions, although the sale of those AI chips are not illegal in China.

More than 100 tenders were identified, in which Chinese state entities successfully purchased NVIDIA A100 and H100 chips, and dozens of tenders show successful purchases of the slower A800 chips.

  • Tsinghua University purchased two H100 chips in December 2023, as well as about eighty A100 chips since September 2022.
  • A Ministry of Industry and Information Technology laboratory purchased a H100 chip in December 2023.
  • An unnamed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entity based in Wuxi sought to purchase three A100 chips in October 2023, and one H100 chip in January 2024
  • Shandong Artificial Intelligence Institute purchased five A100 chips from Shandong Chengxiang Electronic Technology in December 2023
  • Chongqing University purchased an NVIDIA A100 chip in January 2024.

Recommended : Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

To be clear – neither NVIDIA or its approved retailers were found to have supplied those chips. NVIDIA said that it complies with all applicable export control laws, and requires its customers to do the same:

If we learn that a customer has made an unlawful resale to third parties, we’ll take immediate and appropriate action.

– NVIDIA spokesperson

Even though Chinese state entities appear to be able to purchase high-performance AI chips, the Reuters report also shows the effectiveness of the American AI chip ban.

The training of large artificial intelligence models require thousands of high-performance AI chips, and China does not seem to be able to procure more than a handful of these critical chips.

That does not mean China is slowing down its AI initiatives. Instead of relying on “gray imports” of AMD or NVIDIA AI chips, Chinese entities are doing their best to switch to local alternatives. In 2023, HUAWEI received orders for some 5,000 of its Ascent 910B chips.

Chinese mega-companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent also have their own in-house AI chips like the Kunlunxin Gen 2, Hanguang 800, and Zixiao.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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How To Register For Your PADU Account!

Find out how to register for your PADU Central Database Hub account, so you can check and update your information!

 

PADU Central Database Hub : What Is It?

Malaysia introduced the PADU Central Database Hub – on Tuesday, 2 January 2024. Developed in just 7 months, PADU is designed to give the government a better way to distribute subsidies, and make other policy decisions going forward.

PADU accomplishes this by combining data from over 400 government agencies, and related organisations, into one central database, hence its name – Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU), or Central Database Hub in English.

The Malaysian government has currently made PADU open to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, who are 18 years and older. However, it is not mandatory for anyone to register for a PADU account.

Registering for a PADU account will allow you to check and update your information in the system. But even if you do not register for an account – PADU will automatically consolidate your data from multiple government agencies.

Recommended : PADU Central Database Hub : What You Need To Know!
Recommended : Is PADU Being Used To Monitor All Your Personal Data?!

 

How To Register For Your PADU Account!

It is pretty easy to register for your PADU account, but you will need to at least have a smartphone. Here is the step-by-step process.

Step 1 : Register for a new account at the official PADU website at https://www.padu.gov.my/auth/daftar.

Step 2 : Key in your basic information in the registration form:

  • Nama Penuh / Full Name
  • No. Kad Pengenalan / Identity Card Number
  • Poskod / Postcode
  • No. Telefon Bimbit / Mobile Telephone Number
  • E-mel / Email address

Then click on the Seterusnya / Next button.

Step 3 : The PADU system will send your mobile number a One-Time Password (OTP). Key in the OTP number, and click on the Seterusnya / Next button.

Step 4 : You will now be asked to create a password for your PADU account. Make sure your password meets these minimum requirements:

  • it must have at least 8 characters
  • there must be a combination of capital and small letters
  • you must include at least one special character like @$!%*$?&

Step 5 : Key in the same password to make sure it’s correct. You can click on the eye button to view the password. Then click on the Seterusnya / Next button.

Step 6 : The PADU system will generate a QR code, which changes over time. Open your smartphone camera app, and aim it at the QR code.

Alternatively, you can use a QR code reader on your smartphone to read the generated QR code.

Step 7 : When the link pops-up in your smartphone’s camera app or QR code reader, click on it to launch the e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process.

Step 8 : You will now be asked to take and upload photos of both the front and back of your MyKad identity card.

  • Please make sure you do this in a bright area, as you should not use a flash.
  • You need to avoid glare – light reflecting off the plastic MyKad.
  • You need to make sure the MyKad is within the dotted-line frame, when you take the photos.
  • You also need to make sure the MyKad is in focus when you take the photos.

Note that there is a magnification feature at the upper right corner, that allows you to zoom in at up to 2.5X. This is actually a very useful feature.

After trying it out, I found that the best way to avoid shadows is to use the maximum 2.5X magnification feature to take the photo of the MyKad from a distance.

Reflections on the plastic MyKad is a problem. But you can avoid the glare by taking the photos at a slight angle.

Step 9 : Next, you will be asked to take a selfie using your smartphone, and upload it.

Even though there is the same option to zoom in with a magnification of up to 2.5X, don’t use it. Keep it at 1X.

There is no requirement to take the photo with a white background. You just need to make sure you take the selfie in a bright area, so there is no need to use a flash (to avoid glare).

You will need to make sure your face is within the dotted line frame, before you take the photo. Make sure you are looking forward, with your eyes opened. If you are wearing glasses, please take them off to avoid glare.

Note : Samsung smartphone users may notice that the system hangs with the “Trying to access lens” message. You can either wait a few minutes, or click on the Tukar Lens (Change Lens) option at the top left corner of the screen.

That’s it! After you upload photos of your identity card, and your selfie, you will receive a message stating that PADU will need up to 3 days to verify your identity, and will inform you when your account has been successfully created.

All you need to do is wait for the email or SMS notification. Once you receive the notification, you can proceed to log into your PADU account using the password you registered at https://www.padu.gov.my/.

We hope you found this guide useful. Please SHARE this article with your family and friends!

 

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Is PADU Being Used To Monitor All Your Personal Data?!

Is the government using PADU – the Central Database Hub – to collect and monitor all of your personal data, including your banking information?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : PADU Lets The Government Monitor All Your Data!

People are sharing this message on WhatsApp and social media platforms, which claims or suggests that the new PADU Central Database Hub allows the government to collect and monitor all of your personal data, including your banking information!

Soon for everyone….. Government new method to monitor All Malaysian assets and income.. it’s called PADU.. it links all personal information from your Mycard to your passport to all your officials document’s , including insurance , property & land titles, Electric and water bills to JPJ vechical grant.
All your bank transitions, From PDRM summons including bank loans, credit cards, Business registration and accounts. even your phone SIM card.. In the future a Malaysian can’t even fart, Without the government’s knowledge

Recommended : PADU Central Database Hub : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : PADU Does Not Let Government Monitor All Your Data

This appears to be yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : PADU Combines Existing Data

Malaysia introduced the PADU Central Database Hub – on Tuesday, 2 January 2024. Developed in just 7 months, PADU is designed to give the government a better way to distribute subsidies, and make other policy decisions going forward.

PADU accomplishes this by combining data from over 400 government agencies, and related organisations, into one central database, hence its name – Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU), or Central Database Hub in English.

The data that PADU stores was always there, just split up into databases owned and managed by different government agencies, and related organisations. All that PADU does is consolidate data from all those different sources into a central database.

Fact #2 : You Are Not Required To Register For PADU

The Malaysian government does not actually require you to register to access PADU. Registering for a PADU account is not mandatory.

In fact, the government has set a deadline limiting public access to PADU. Those who register for a PADU account can check, update, and add information, until 31 March 2024.

Whether you register your account or not, PADU already has your data. The data remains in PADU, even if you refuse to register for an account.

Recommended : How To Appeal Rejected eMADANI Application!

Fact #3 : PADU Has No Access To Banking Data

While PADU is designed to determine whether you qualify for subsidies and other government assistance, there are limits to what the PADU can collect.

Claims that PADU will give the government access to all of your “bank transactions” and data, including “bank loans, credit cards, business registration and accounts”, etc. are false.

That’s because the PADU Central Database Hub is forbidden from collecting banking data by the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA).

Fact #4 : PADU Has No Access To Your SIM Card

Just to be clear – PADU has no access to your SIM card. It only has your mobile phone number.

For more information about the PADU Central Database Hub, please read our FAQ.

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

 

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How Antivaxxers Create Fake News Using VAERS!

Like the British Yellow Card system, VAERS has long been used by antivaxxers to create fake news about vaccines.

Find out why VAERS is so important to doctors, and yet so easily abused by antivaxxers!

Updated @ 2024-01-07 : Refreshed article for new slew of VAERS-based “reports”
Originally posted @ 2021-09-03

 

VAERS : What Is It?

VAERS is an acronym for the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System used by the US government.

Like the British Yellow Card system, it is a passive reporting system that relies on individuals to submit reports of their adverse reactions to vaccines.

This open design used by both VAERS and Yellow Card lets scientists catch very rare adverse effects that even large clinical trials may not catch.

For example, anaphylactic reactions to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are so rare, they didn’t show up in their large Phase 3 clinical trials at all. They were only identified through VAERS after mass vaccinations started.

Recommended : Did Hackers Release Pfizer + Moderna Vaccine Death Data?!

 

Here’s How Antivaxxers Create Fake News Using VAERS!

Both the American VAERS and the British Yellow Card system suffer from the same problem – their open catch-all design lets ANYONE file a report.

Not just parents and patients, but also any Tom, Dick or Harry with nothing better to do. And you don’t even have to ever been to the United States to file a report!

This allows antivaxxers to abuse both the VAERS and Yellow Card systems to create fake news about vaccines.

Back in 2004, James Laidler famously filed an adverse reaction report into VAERS, claiming that his annual influenza vaccine turned him into the Incredible Hulk!

Incredibly, the CDC had to ask for his permission to remove the fake report. Otherwise, it would remain in the database forever!

Recommended : Were COVID-19 Vaccines Recalled After 40K Deaths?!

More recently, anti-vaccination websites have been using VAERS and Yellow Card reports to fabricate fake news that vaccines are killing people.

The CDC is well-aware of this problem, which is why they explicitly pointed out to everyone that :

  • Reports may include incomplete, inaccurate, coincidental and unverified information.
  • The number of reports alone cannot be interpreted or used to reach conclusions about the existence, severity, frequency, or rates of problems associated with vaccines.

So the next time you read an article claiming that VAERS or the Yellow Card system are reporting injuries and deaths from this or that vaccine, take them with a BIG, BIG PINCH of salt. None of those reports are verified.

 

VAERS : Anyone Can File A Fake Report!

To demonstrate this point, here is a fake report I attempted to file into VAERS, with the following information :

First Name : Donkey
Last Name : Kong
Street Address : Rolling Barrel Avenue
City : Jungle
County : Donkey
Date Of Birth : 1 January 1908
Age : 113 Years Old
Race : 1% white, 2% black, 3% Asian, 4% Latin, 90% alien

Date of Vaccination : 31 May 2021, 1:00 AM
Date of Adverse Event : 31 May 2021, 1:01 AM
Facility / Clinic Name : Jungle Clinic
Facility / Clinic Address : Jungle Clearing, Jungle

Recommended : Did Bill Gates Call For COVID-19 Vaccine Withdrawal?!

Vaccine : COVID19 (Pfizer-BioNTech)
Lot Number : 1110654
Dose Number : 6 (it actually only has 2 doses)

Description of Adverse Event(s)

I asked to be jabbed in my left arm, the doctor insisted right arm is better because right is right, no?

After the jab, I went back and on the way back, two young punks pulled up in their fancy Mercedes at the traffic light.

I challenged them to a race in my Mustang, and midway, they clipped me and sent me flying through the walls of the Grand National Bank.

As a result, I suffered two broken legs and my right arm was ripped off.

I’m absolutely confident that my driving skills were impaired by the vaccine, and it also made my right arm easy to tear off.

Recommended : COVID vaccines have 1000X death rate than safe limit?!

Medical tests and lab results

The doctors at AdventHealth Orlando have all my medical reports and my right arm.

Days hospitalised : 300
Life threatening illness : Yes
Disability or permanent damage : Yes
Congenital anomaly or birth defect : Yes

Other Vaccine : Bullshit Vaccine
Manufacturer : Google
Adverse Event From That Vaccine : My penis fell off after getting the MMR vaccine

I did not hit Submit though, because I did not want to add another fake adverse event to the holster of anti-vaccination advocates.

But take a look at the screenshots, and see just how easy it is for anyone to make a fake VAERS report. There is no need to verify any personal details, and you can do this from anywhere in the world!

Recommended : Are Residual DNA In mRNA Vaccines Dangerous?!

But as you can now see – it is very easy to abuse VAERS. With enough time and persistence, you can file all kinds of fake reports on VAERS, and use those reports to push your narrative.

That’s why responsible people do not use unverified VAERS reports. You should always be wary of anyone who makes a claim based on VAERS reports.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Jeffrey Epstein List : Watch Out For Fake Lists!

The partial Jeffrey Epstein list has been revealed, but watch out for the fake lists going around!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-01-05 : Added details about the partial list that was just released.
Originally posted @ 2024-01-03

 

Claim : The Jeffrey Epstein List Has Been Released!

People are sharing at least one video, and some photos, which purportedly shows the infamous Jeffrey Epstein list:

Mic-Ha-El : Epstein Island visitors list

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Facing Life Behind Bars For Child Rape?!

 

Truth : Jeffrey Epstein List Has Not Been Released!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Official Jeffrey Epstein List Has Not Been Released

In December 2023, New York judge Loretta A. Preska ruled that there was no legal justification to continue concealing the names of more than 150 “John and Jane Does” mentioned in the records. It is from these documents that a “list” of more than 150 names are expected to be revealed – the so-called “Jeffrey Epstein list”.

Judge Preska ordered the names and documents to be unsealed after 1 January 2024, pending appeals. That does not mean that the names will be released immediately on 2 January 2024. It just means it can take place anytime in the coming days or weeks.

That’s because she gave people whose names would be unsealed until midnight on January 1, 2024, to file an objection or appeal. The release of this list of names could be delayed if anyone appeals.

On 20 December, the lawyer for Doe 107 filed a request for a 30-day extension (source), which was approved the next day (source). Doe 107 now has until 22 January 2024, to support her contention that unveiling her name would put her at risk of physical harm.

Hence, only a partial list was released on Wednesday, 3 January 2024. While more names is likely to be released in coming days, the full and final list will not be released so soon. In addition to Doe 107, Doe 110 also submitted an enquiry, which Judge Preska will need to rule on.

In other words – all those Jeffrey Epstein lists that have been circulating prior to 3 January 2024, are not the actual list that people have been eagerly anticipating. Even that list is partial.

Fact #2 : Real List Has Over 150 Names

I should point out that the official Jeffrey Epstein list, once released, is expected to consist of over 150 names.

It is currently unknown how many people are on the final list, as Judge Preska will keep some names sealed, including those belonging to child victims who have not spoken publicly.

The public interest does not outweigh the privacy interests of the alleged minor victim.

The fake lists that I’ve seen circulating on social media are short, listing far fewer than 50 names. That alone should tell you that they are not the real Jeffrey Epstein list, at least in reference to what Judge Preska ordered to be revealed.

Recommended : Why Jeffrey Epstein Name List Was Partially Released!

Fact #4 : Jeffrey Epstein List Is All-Encompassing

The term – Jeffrey Epstein list – carries the connotation that people on this list are somehow complicit in his crimes. That would be quite incorrect.

The list of names that is set to be released soon comprises of everyone involved or named in the defamation lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell – Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend and convicted accomplice. For example:

  • People who were accused of wrongdoing
  • People making those accusations of wrongdoing
  • Victims of Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and/or their associates,
  • Potential witnesses to those crimes, or witnesses called by the defense
  • Employees of Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell
  • People who visited Jeffrey Epstein’s home or island
  • People who flew on Jeffrey Epstein’s private plane

In other words – this Jeffrey Epstein list isn’t his “black book” of people who took part in his crimes, or abetted them. It comprises of people who was once associated with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, including victims and witnesses.

Fact #3 : Many Of The Names Are Already Known

The eventual release of the official Jeffrey Epstein list is unlikely to be a bombshell, as many of the names on the list are already publicly known. For example:

  • Bill Clinton
  • Bill Gates
  • Donald Trump
  • Prince Andrew
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

As Judge Loretta Preska noted, many of those who are on the Epstein list had already been publicly identified by the media, or during Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal trial.

Most of the fake lists circulating on social media are based on the names already publicly known, with some names “conveniently” left out. Donald Trump, for example, was left out of the viral video clip above.

Instead of forwarding or sharing those fake lists, why not wait for the real one?

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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PADU Central Database Hub : What You Need To Know!

The government just introduced PADU – the Central Database Hub for managing subsidies more effectively in Malaysia! Here is what you need to know…

 

PADU : Malaysia’s Central Database Hub

On Tuesday, 2 January 2024, Malaysia introduced Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU) – the Central Database Hub in English.

Developed in just 7 months, PADU is designed to give the government a better way to distribute subsidies, and make other policy decisions going forward.

The PADU Central Database Hub will combine data from over 400 government agencies, and related organisations. However, it will not include your private banking information.

Here is what you need to know about PADU, and whether you should register for an account.

Recommended : Is PADU Being Used To Monitor All Your Personal Data?!

 

PADU : What you Need To Know

Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about the PADU Central Database Hub:

What Is PADU Used For?

The PADU Central Database Hub consolidates data from government agencies in order to create more accurate household profiles for “the targeted reassignment of subsidies”.

The information stored in the database will be used as a reference to determine how to distribute subsidies, and other government assistance in the future.

Who Controls PADU Data?

Data in the PADU Central Database Hub is managed by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM).

What Data Is Stored In PADU?

PADU will store nearly 300 types of data from federal government agencies, and will gradually include data from state and local governments. There are currently eight data categories:

  • Basic personal information
  • Address and residential status
  • Education level and field
  • Household information
  • Business or career information
  • Income for the past 12 months
  • Monthly financial commitments
  • Government aid received in the past 12 months

Will PADU Collect Banking Data?

No, the PADU Central Database Hub will not collect banking data, as that is forbidden by the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA).

Who Can Apply For A PADU Account?

PADU is currently open only to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, who are 18 years and older.

Is It Mandatory To Register For PADU Account?

No, it is not mandatory to register for an account, or update their information in the PADU system.

Recommended : Malaysia Adopts Digital Driving Licence In MyJPJ App!

What If You Don’t Apply For An Account?

The Malaysian government does not actually require you to register for your PADU account, as the Central Database Hub will automatically consolidate your information from multiple agencies.

Refusing to apply for your PADU account will merely mean you may not be able to update or correct the information in the system. This may affect your eligibility for future subsidies or government aid.

Is There A Deadline To Apply For A PADU Account?

The public will allowed to register, check and update their information on PADU, from 2 January until 31 March, 2024.

What Do You Need To Register For A PADU Account?

Registering for a PADU account requires you to have at least a smartphone with Internet connectivity.

The process is straightforward and pretty simple:

  1. Register using your full name, MyKad number, and the postcode. These details must match your MyKad.
  2. Submit your mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP).
  3. After verifying your mobile number, you can create a password for your account.
  4. Then you need to use your smartphone to take photos of the front and back of your MyKad, as well as a selfie.

That’s it! You then have to wait up to three days for your details to be verified. Then you can access your account, and make any necessary changes or corrections.

We will have a comprehensive guide up shortly, so please check back for a link later.

What If You Don’t Have Smartphone Or Internet?

The government will deploy an outreach team to cover locations which lack Internet connectivity.

The government will also open registration counters at selected locations like district offices, federal and state government agencies, as well as Pusat Internet Desa.

You can also register for your account at DoSM state offices, and any Pusat Economy Digital (PEDi) offices.

How Many Times Can You Edit Your Information?

You will have until 31 March 2024 to edit and update information in the PADU Central Database Hub.

In addition to the deadline, it appears that the PADU system will only allow you to make just one submission. That’s it – you can only submit any amendments / changes / updates to your data once.

According to the official website, you will not be allowed to edit your information once you confirm your submission. So please go through your information and make sure they are all correct before you submit it!

What If I Made A Mistake?

According to the official website, after submitting your changes, you will not be allowed to make any further changes until the next update window in the “upcoming phase”.

It is unknown when the next update window, or the “upcoming phase”, is scheduled to occur. So it is best to ensure that all of your PADU data is accurate before submitting.

We hope you found this FAQ useful. Please SHARE this article with your family and friends!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Free TNG RFID Bar Code Scam Fact Check!

Will your phone get hacked if you scan the TNG RFID bar code?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-11-17 : Added new version, and more details.
Originally posted @ 2023-05-10

 

Claim : Scanning TNG RFID Bar Code Can Hack Your Phone!

This warning about an RFID bar code scam has gone viral on WhatsApp, and social media, claiming that scammers are sending people free TNG RFID stickers, and asking them to scan the bar code.

Allegedly, scanning the TNG RFID bar code will cause your phone to be hacked by these scammers!

They send the RFID to you. When you scan the bar code they hack your hp
It’s a scam

他们将 RFID 发送给您。 当您扫描条形码时,他们会入侵您
这是一个骗局

Mereka menghantar RFID kepada anda. Apabila anda mengimbas kod bar mereka menggodam anda
Ia satu penipuan ☠️👻💩😱😰

If you get this free RFID card via courier, please throw away. Another scam.

Recommended : Bank Letter QR Code Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : Scanning TNG RFID Bar Code Will NOT Hack Your Phone!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : TNG RFID Bar Code Cannot Hack Your Phone

First of all – let me just say that the TNG RFID bar code cannot hack your phone. In fact, no one can hack your phone just because you scan an RFID bar code.

The bar code is nothing more than a series of numbers, which you can readily see printed under the bar code. These numbers cannot possibly hack your phone / smartphone.

Fact #2 : TNG Bar Code Is Used To Register RFID Sticker

The bar code visible in the clear window of the TNG RFID self-fitment kit is merely the serial number for the RFID sticker (also known as an RFID tag).

This serial number is used to register the RFID sticker, by scanning scan the bar code using the TNG eWallet mobile app. All it does is link the RFID sticker to your TNG eWallet account, so that all toll charges are automatically deducted from that account.

Fact #3 : TNG RFID Swapping Can Be Easily Detected

One of our readers suggested that the scammer might have swapped out the bar code, to trick you into registering a different TNG RFID sticker owned by the scammer.

This would allow the scammer to use his/her TNG RFID sticker to go through highway tolls for free, while you would be charged for his/her travels.

While that is plausible, it would be quickly detected by the victim who would not be able to use the RFID sticker to get through the toll. The victim would also be able to detect the illegal charges to his/her TNG eWallet account.

Read more : TNG RFID Self-Fitment Guide : How To Do It Yourself

Fact #4 : TNG RFID Is Unique To Each Chip

One of our readers suggested that the scammer may be trying to trick people into scanning the barcode of a duplicated RFID sticker. The scammer can then use the duplicate RFID sticker to go through tolls, which would be charged to the victims’ TNG eWallet accounts.

Now, Touch ‘n Go has not revealed much about how it is protecting its RFID stickers, only saying that each TNG RFID sticker has an embedded radio-frequency chip that makes every sticker “unique to each customer”.

But that suggests that the RFID stickers are not only encrypted, the chip has a private key that prevents duplication, which makes a lot of sense. Without such encryption and private key, anyone can literally just read the number off any RFID sticker in a parking lot, and duplicate it in a programmable RFID sticker.

Unless the scammer has somehow stolen the private keys, and can perfectly duplicate the RFID stickers, this seems like an improbable scam. More so when the scammers would be limited to using the tolls for free. Hardly worth the effort, if you ask me.

Fact #5 : There Are Easier + Cheaper Ways To Hack Your Phone

Truth be told – there are far easier and cheaper ways to hack your phone, than send you a free RFID sticker and ask you to scan the bar code.

These scammers will have to put in considerable expense and technical expertise into hacking the TNG eWallet app, and inserting their malware that the fake RFID number would trigger.

But why bother? If they can hack the TNG eWallet, they don’t even need to send you any fake RFID bar code to scan!

Making fake RFID stickers (tags) that look like genuine TNG RFID self-fitment kits costs money. Sending these fake kits also put them at risk, because deliveries can be traced.

There are many other ways to compromise your smartphone. There is simply no reason why scammers to waste time and money on such a convoluted scheme.

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

Fact #6 : Packages Do Get Delivered Wrongly

The most plausible explanation for receiving a free TNG RFID sticker out of the blue is that it was wrongly delivered to you. If you receive one, check the name and address on the package. It may not be meant for you. In that case, contact the delivery company and have them resend it to the right person.

I have also personally experienced receiving packages that I did not order, some of which appear to be sent due to a database error of some sort – my name and phone number are on the package, but the address was wrong or non-existent.

Out of an abundance of caution, just don’t install any RFID sticker that you did not order. Or you can call up TNG to verify that the RFID sticker is legitimate.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can You Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App?!

Is the MyKasih Foundation giving out RM1000 or RM1200 cash aid via its mobile app?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App!

Many people are getting messages about getting free cash through the MyKasih Foundation on WhatsApp and Telegram, from their family members and friends:

Terkini: Bantuan Percuma RM1000 Ke Dalam MyKad : Rujuk Cara Semakan & Syarat Kelayakan

Latest: Free RM1000 Assistance Into MyKad : How To Check & Eligibility Conditions

Jom claim RM1200

MyKasih Foundation : Cek MyKad Boleh Dapat Wang RM1000 Secara Percuma

MyKasih Foundation : Check MyKad To Get Free RM1000

Bantuan Tambahan STR 2023 MySARA RM800: Semakan Status & Tarikh Bayaran

Additional STR 2023 MySARA Assistance RM800: Check Status & Payment Date

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : MyKasih Free Cash App Is A Scam!

This is yet another example of SCAMS circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : MyKasih Free Cash Initiative Is A Scam!

First, let me just point out that these messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as the websites promoting the MyKasih free cash initiative is a scam!

The Malaysian government have already labelled these free cash offers as FAKE NEWS on Facebook and Twitter. Here is a non-exhaustive list of links that have been identified as scam links:

my.mykasihh.online

l.my-kasihapp.com

apps-mykasih.co/twe

There’s no need to memorise these links. These scammers will keep changing them.

Just know that the official MyKasih website is www.mykasih.com.my. Do NOT go to any other website when it comes to the MyKasih Foundation website.

Fact #2 : Those Accounts Were Hijacked

Those viral messages are actually coming from WhatsApp and Telegram accounts that have been hijacked by scammers. That’s why they are so convincing.

Those are really the actual WhatsApp and Telegram accounts of your family members or friends. But they have been taken over by scammers using tricks like the screenshot hack.

Take this opportunity to tighten the security of your own Telegram and WhatsApp accounts, by turning on two-step verification!

Recommended : Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Fact #3 : SARA Cash Aid Is Only RM600

As part of its initiative to help the hardcore poor handle the high inflation this year, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance announced SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah).

However, the SARA cash aid is only RM600, and limited to the hardcore poor. There is no way for anyone to get RM800, RM1000 or RM1,200 in SARA cash aid from the government.

RM100 x 6 months is credited directly into the MyKad of eligible hardcore poor, allowing them to purchase a limited list of essential goods from grocery stores and supermarkets across Malaysia, from July to December 2023.

In Sabah and Sarawak, the RM600 is credited directly into the bank account, or provided as cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional branches.

Fact #4 : SARA Recipients Are Automatically Selected

There is no need to apply for SARA cash aid. For one thing – it only applies to the hardcore poor. If you are reading this on a computer or a smartphone, you very likely do not qualify as “hardcore poor”.

SARA recipients are automatically determined using the existing eKasih Hardcore Poor data, and includes those who had earlier qualified for the STR 2023 cash aid.

Fact #5 : Real Website Asks Only For Your MyKad

Qualification for the SARA cash aid of RM600 is based entirely on your MyKad number.

On the official Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) website, you can check for your eligibility using your MyKad number only.

The fake websites look just like the real SARA website, but instead of asking for your MyKad number, they will ask you for your mobile number and ask you to submit a TAC number.

Needless to say – these are scam websites. You should NEVER submit your phone number or any TAC codes.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Cloudflare Services Down For Almost 2 Days In Major Outage!

Cloudflare services have gone down in a major outage, due to a loss of power affecting its data centres! Find out what’s going on!

Updated @ 2023-11-04 : Added new information and updates
Updated @ 2023-11-03 : Added new information and updates

Originally posted @ 2023-11-02

 

Cloudflare Dashboard + Services Down In Major Outage!

At approximately 11:54 AM UTC on 2 November 2023, Cloudflare customers started experiencing problems with its APIs and Dashboard services. Any user logging into their accounts would only see this announcement:

The Cloudflare Dashboard is temporarily unavailable.

Please reload this page to try again. If the issue persists, please visit the Cloudflare Status page for up-to-date information regarding any ongoing issues.

Cloudflare Edge security features, and Cloudflare CDN caching services were not affected. But all other services relying on the Cloudflare API infrastructure went down – Alerts, Dashboard functionality, Zero Trust, WARP, Cloudflared, Waiting Room, Gateway, Stream, Magic WAN, API Shield, Pages, and Workers.

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Cloudflare Services Down From Datacenter Power Loss!

Just over an hour later, Cloudflare reported that the outage was far worse than it initially reported, and they were still “actively investigating the problem”. They also provided a more detailed list of its services that have gone down:

The following products are currently impacted at the data plane / edge level, meaning that the full product functionality is either partially or fully affected: Logpush, WARP / Zero Trust device posture, Cloudflare dashboard, Cloudflare API, Stream API, Workers API, Alert Notification System.

These products are impacted at the control plane / core level, meaning that only the changes to the existing configuration are affected, but the product is functioning at the edge: Magic Transit, Argo Smart Routing, Workers KV, WAF, Rate Limiting, Rules, WARP / Zero Trust Registration, Waiting Room, Load Balancing and Healthchecks, Cloudflare Pages, Zero Trust Gateway, DNS Authoritative and Secondary, Cloudflare Tunnel, Workers KV namespace operations, Magic WAN.

At approximately 1:58 PM UTC, Cloudflare finally revealed that the outage was due to a loss of power at its datacenter, which caused services to fail simultaneously.

Cloudflare is assessing a loss of power impacting data centres while simultaneously failing over services.

We are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.

Several hours later – at 5:08 PM UTC, power was partially restored to its core North American data centre, and some core services were transferred to a backup data centre. In three subsequent updates, Cloudflare reports that it was seeing “gradual improvement” to its affected services.

However, at almost 11 PM that day – almost half a day after the outage started, Cloudflare was still working to restore full functionality.

At 2:40 AM UTC on 3 November, Cloudflare released an updated list of what is now functioning, and what still remains down:

Data plane impact (i.e. full product functionality is either fully impacted or partially impacted):
* Cloudflare Dash: degraded availability but accessible
* Stream API: not available
* Healthchecks: not available
* Radar: Degraded

Control plane impact (i.e. product functionality is online however changes to configuration is impacted):
* Cloudflare Pages: restored
* Magic Transit: not available to make changes
* Magic WAN: not available to make changes
* Argo Smart Routing: configuration now working, smart updates and analytics are offline
* Waiting Room: configuration updates are propagating with delay
* ZT Gateway: degraded but online
* DNS Secondary: not available to make changes
* Billing API: Degraded
* Cloudflare API: degraded but accessible

Some six hours later, they appear to be making some progress, although it seem obvious that they are a long way from a full restoration of services.

Data plane impact (i.e. full product functionality is either fully impacted or partially impacted):
* Logpush: more jobs are being restored
* Cloudflare dashboard: degraded availability but accessible
* Stream API: not available
* Healthchecks: not available
* Radar: Degraded

Control plane impact (i.e. product functionality is online however changes to configuration is impacted):
* CDN API: potentially impacted
* Access API: Degraded
* Magic Transit: configuration plane is working internally (contact your account team to make any urgent changes)
* Magic WAN: configuration plane is working internally (contact your account team to make any urgent changes)
* SOC Proactive Alerts: not available
* Argo Smart Routing: configuration now working, smart updates and analytics are offline
* Billing API: Degraded
* Email Noticatifications: Emails updates from Cloudflare are being delayed or not sent
* Lists: List configurations are working, but there may be delays in list updates propagating throughout the cloudflare network

Almost a day later – at 10:59 AM UTC, Cloudflare said that it was still continuing to work on restoring service for the impacted applications. It is unknown if power has been restored to their North American datacenter in full… or if they are facing other problems

The good news is that – the Cloudflare Dashboard is now working, although certain services or features like Analytics are “temporarily unavailable”, and you may get error messages about certain API requests failing.

It was only at 6:42 AM UTC on November 4, 2023 – almost 2 days later, that Cloudflare finally reported that it restored all services to “operational status”.

Now, we wait to see whether it would reveal what actually happened in this exceptional downtime, for a company that prides itself on helping to keep its clients online and available…

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is It Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Exit Scam Groups?!

Is it dangerous to exit WhatsApp scam groups? Or quitting such scam groups on WhatsApp cause your phone to be hacked?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : It Is Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Scam Groups!

People are sharing this warning about quitting WhatsApp scam groups using the Exit Group link option! Take a look!

Here’s another Scam chat group. DO NOT CLICK ON ITS EXIT GROUP BUTTON to exit, instead go to your top right 3dots and click on exit group or report.

Clicking on the group’s exit button might have dire consequences..

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : It’s Not Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Scam Groups!

This viral warning was likely created by well-meaning but clueless Internet “experts” who are apparently not tech-savvy enough to understand what’s going on.

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of WhatsApp Exit Group Hacking

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was ever hacked after using the Exit Group link to get out of any WhatsApp group, whether they are scam groups or otherwise.

Even if an enterprising hacker / scammer was able to create a message with a fake Exit Group button that downloads an APK (Android Package Kit) file, it won’t automatically install that file. You will need to manually install the APK file from the Downloads folder.

Those who know how to do that would be tech-savvy enough to avoid installing APK files from unknown sources. Those who don’t know how to do that would not be able to install the downloaded APK file.

Fact #2 : WhatsApp Exit Group Option Is Genuine

The truth is – the Exit Group link that you may see in new messages from strangers is not a scam or a trick. It also does not download or install any APK file.

The Exit Group link is actually a safety feature in WhatsApp, that appears if you have been added to a WhatsApp group by someone who is not in your contact list – like a scammer, for example.

Once you open the new group you have been added to, WhatsApp warns you that you were added by someone who isn’t a contact. You are then given the option to exit the group, or click OK to continue.

There is really nothing malicious about this Exit group link in WhatsApp. Clicking on it to exit any WhatsApp group won’t harm you in any way, or cause your phone to be hacked.

Recommended : Can Israel Seismic Wave Card Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #3 : Older Exit Group Methods Still Work

The WhatsApp Exit group link offers an easy way to quickly remove yourself from a group you don’t want to be in. However, the older exit group methods still work, in case you prefer to use them:

Exit Group Only

  1. Go into the group chat you wish to leave.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select MoreExit group.

An even better option is to actually report the scam group, while quitting it and removing the chat at the same time.

Report + Exit Group Only

  1. Go into the group chat you wish to leave.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select More > Report
  4. Make sure the Exit group and delete chat option is checked.
  5. Tap Report to report and quit from the group, and delete the chat.

Fact #4 : WhatsApp + Telegram Scam Groups Are Real

Before I leave, I just want to remind all of you that there are many scam groups on WhatsApp and Telegram.

If you are added to any of these scam groups, just exit them without a thought. Do not read anything posted in these scam groups, lest you fall for the scam!

That’s why scammers often try to convince you to check out the group first, and “don’t rush to leave the group”:

Hello everyone! Please don’t rush to leave the group, thank you all for taking the time to read this message!

Ignore whatever they post in those scam groups. Hit the Exit group link, or better still – REPORT the group to WhatsApp / Telegram!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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WithSecure Signs Partnership Agreement With LGMS!

Finland’s WithSecure Corporation just signed a partnership agreement with LGMS Berhad to develop cybersecurity solutions for the SME market in Malaysia!

 

WithSecure Signs Partnership Agreement With LGMS

On Wednesday, 1 November 2023, Finland’s WithSecure Corporation (formerly known as F-Secure Business) signed a partnership agreement with LGMS Berhad (LGMS) to develop cybersecurity solutions for the SME market in Malaysia!

The partnership agreement was signed by LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook and WithSecure Corporation CEO Juhani Hintikka, who flew in from Finland to emphasise its importance while demonstrating support for the progress of Malaysia’s Digital Economy.

The signing was witnessed by Malaysia Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, together with His Excellency Sami Leino, Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia and Brunei.

Recommended : WithSecure Takes Offensive Security Approach To Cloud Threats!

The Deputy Minister said that the partnership was ‘timely’, and represents a ‘significant leap’ towards a secured Digital Economy, and more so ahead of the National Cybersecurity Bill the Unity Government is set to unveil in early-2024.

This partnership is also aligned with the government’s ‘Ekonomi Madani’ vision of attracting significant foreign direct investments and generating avenues for technological advancements and innovations.

It serves to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can facilitate a robust, secure and prosperous digital ecosystem, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global tech investments.

The partnership agreement today between LGMS and WithSecure embodies a philosophy of attracting significant foreign direct investments and generating avenues for technological advancements and innovations.

It serves to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can facilitate a robust, secure and prosperous digital ecosystem, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global tech investments.

– Malaysia Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching

WithSecure CEO Juhani Hintikka expressed his ‘deepest appreciation’ to the Deputy Minister for endorsing this partnership, stating, “Your presence significantly amplifies the resonance of this initiative, showcasing a unified front in our endeavour to foster a secure and prosperous Digital Economy for Malaysia and also the region.

Recommended : How WithSecure Offensive Security Drives Business Resilience!

 

WithSecure – LGMS Partnership Agreement Details

WithSecure is today a leading international cybersecurity group which had also invested significantly in Malaysia and in nurturing local talent. Besides its headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, WithSecure houses its intelligence, customer support, business operations and shared services in Kuala Lumpur for its Asia-Pacific operations.

LGMS Berhad, meanwhile, has been recognised as Cybersecurity Malaysia’s ‘Company of the Year’ with Fong himself being acknowledged as ‘Cybersecurity Professional of the Year’.

Fong said that, within today’s Digital Economy, cyberthreats and ransomware attacks have become more sophisticated and rampant and potential damages to SMEs, who often lack the necessary IT expertise and resources, can be catastrophic.

Most SMEs today are just one cyber attack away from a devastating setback or even closure. Recognising that most SMEs might not possess advanced IT know-how, our collaboration with WithSecure aims to deliver cybersecurity solutions that are not only robust but also intuitive and user-friendly.

The purpose is to empower our SME community to navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely.

– LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook

This localised cybersecurity approach underscores WithSecure’s understanding of the region’s unique digital ecosystem and our commitment to crafting solutions that align with local business needs. It embodies WithSecure’s ethos of merging global cybersecurity expertise with local insights to foster a safer digital realm.

– WithSecure Corporation CEO Juhani Hintikka

One product of this partnership is the ‘Made in Malaysia’ StarSentry solution – a plug-and-play model that is more than just a ‘shield’ for SMEs but offers a proactive approach to threat prevention.

This solution is also aligned with broader sustainability goal and embraces the ESG framework of safeguarding critical infrastructures, nurturing a secure digital community and reinforcing stringent governance standards, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to responsible, transparent business operations.

Pre-orders for the solution can already be made.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Bank Letter QR Code Scam : What You Need To Know!

Are scammers sending bank letters with a QR code that can steal your money?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bank Letter With QR Code Is A Scam!

People are sharing a photo of a letter from a bank, claiming that the QR code in the letter can steal your money if you scan it with your phone!

Circulating In WhatsApp : If you get a letter from the bank like this and ask to update the book using the QR CODE provided in the letter that was sent, don’t ever scan it, you will lose all your daily savings or old age savings, this is another scammer’s work and method take your money, please spread it to everyone so that siblings, relatives, neighbors & family members are not affected by this kind of scam…

Peng Seong, the one : ⛔️ Another Scam ‼️

Do NOT scan the QR code per the letter even with bank’s letterhead without verifying with the bank

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : Bank Letter With QR Code Is Not A Scam!

This is likely another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Is Old Fake News

First, let me just point out that this photo is not new. It first went viral, with a voice message in August 2022, and has subsequently gone viral on and off over the last year or so.

Fact #2 : CIMB Letter Was Genuine

The letter, which was sent by CIMB, is genuine. CIMB even posted a reply to one viral tweet, that the letter was genuine:

FYI, this [letter] is genuinely from our bank. You can refer to the link below for more information: [link no longer available]

[U]ntuk makluman, ia adalah sah dari pihak kami. Anda boleh rujuk pautan di bawah bagi maklumat lanjut: [link no longer available]

Fact #3 : CIMB Letter Was Only Sent To Business Customers

The letter was not meant for consumers, and was only sent to CIMB business customers, to request that they update their company/organisation’s information.

Re: Update on your records to improve your banking experience

We refer to the above mattes and our letter dated 27/06/2022.

We note that you have vet to update your company/organisations information with us.

As part of the Bank’s ongoing process to know our customers better and provide a seamless banking experience, we would like to remind you to return the completed Customer Information Update form to us

This letter appears to be CIMB’s efforts to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements set out by regulators like Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Recommended : Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Fact #4 : QR Code Leads To CIMB Website

QR codes is a type of barcode, which allows people and companies to share / deliver information, that can include links. QR codes can lead you to malicious websites, but they cannot deliver malware, or hack your computer or smartphone.

The QR code in the CIMB bank letter isn’t malicious. It actually codes for a link to the CIMB website. You can verify it by simply scanning the QR code in that “CIMB scam letter”. You will see that it only leads to http://www.cimb.com.my/bizupdate [which no longer exists]

Ultimately, this viral warning was likely created by well-meaning but clueless Internet “experts” who are apparently not tech-savvy enough to even verify the QR code by simply scanning it!

Fact #5 : Form Was To Be Emailed / Delivered

The CIMB letter asked its business customers to download and fill in a form. However, that form was not to be submitted online.

Rather, the letter specifically asked its business customers to email the completed form to a legitimate CIMB email address, or to physically mail or courier it to the bank itself.

Scan the QR Code below to download the form. Once you have completed the form, please submit by email to cimb_updates@cimb.com or mail/courier to the address below within 21 days from the date of this letter, failing which, the Bank reserves the right to suspend or close the account in accordance with the account terms and conditions.

In a real scam, you will be asked to taken to a fake CIMB bank website, and asked to logged into your bank account. That’s how the scammer gets hold of your bank login credentials.

However, even that scam won’t work without access to your TAC (Transaction Authorisation Code), which is sent to your phone by SMS, or authenticated through the bank’s mobile app.

For certain, scammers cannot log into your bank account by simply gaining your company’s information through a form, unless you actually include your company’s bank account login details!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Maxis Rushes Out Broadband Deals – Too Little, Too Late!

Maxis just rushed out its own broadband deals, and is offering a free speed upgrade for existing customers! Find out why it’s really too little, too late.

 

New Maxis Home Broadband Deals In October 2023!

In early October 2023, Unifi announced that all broadband customers will receive a free upgrade of their Internet speeds – up to 3X their current speeds!

Weeks later – on 27 October 2023, Maxis belatedly announces new 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps broadband packages, as well as its own broadband deals to fight back. Unfortunately, they are pretty much too little, too late.

On top of introducing the new 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps (overkill) packages, Maxis announced RM10 discounts for their cheaper broadband packages.

Broadband
Speed
Old
Price
New
Price
Promo
Price *
2 Gbps (New) NA RM 319 NA
1 Gbps (New) NA RM 249 Free Max Wifi
500 Mbps RM 159 RM 159 RM 149
300 Mbps RM 149 RM 139 RM 129
100 Mbps RM 129 RM 99 RM 89

* Only for new subscribers, and applicable to the first 24 months.

However, the pitiful RM10 discount is limited to new subscribers, and even then, only for the first 24 months! After that, the price goes back to the “New Price” list above.

This is quite unlike Digi or Unifi, whose prices are not limited to the first 24 months:

Broadband
Speed
Maxis Unifi * Digi
2 Gbps RM 319 RM 289 NA
1 Gbps RM 249 RM 159 RM 269
500 Mbps RM 149 x 24
Then RM 159
RM 139 RM 149
300 Mbps RM 129 x 24
Then RM
139
RM 129 Free 6 months
Then
RM 129
100 Mbps RM 89 x 24
Then RM
99
RM 89 RM 89

* After free speed upgrade

If you are an existing customer, Maxis has announced a free speed upgrade for customers on 100 Mbps or faster packages. However, details on this free upgrade – how much faster, and when they kick in – are only coming in November 2023.

Read more : Switching From Maxis To Digi Saves Me RM1.9K / Year!

 

New Maxis Business Broadband Deals In October 2023!

Maxis also announced a new 1 Gbps business broadband package, but curiously did not offer a 2 Gbps package for business users. You would think that a business would need a 2 Gbps package more than home users, right?

In any case, Maxis is offering slightly better discounts on its business broadband packages. However, you must be a new subscriber, and you must register by 30 November 2023!

If you are an existing customer – too bad, so sad. Unlike Home Fibre customers, Maxis did not announce any free speed upgrade for their Business Broadband customers. It appears that the only way to get an upgrade and save money is probably to migrate to a different provider

Broadband
Speed
Old
Price
New
Price
Promo
Price *
1 Gbps (New) RM 189
(early bird)
RM 299 NA
500 Mbps RM 269 RM 219 RM 199
300 Mbps RM 149 RM 179 RM 139
100 Mbps RM 139 RM 119 RM 99

* Only for new subscribers who register by 30 November 2023

That said – a quick check on their April prices show that Maxis was actually offering cheaper prices back then!

The 1 Gbps package was only RM189 – RM110 less than their “new price”, while the 300 Mbps package was only RM149 – RM30 less than their new price, and just RM10 more than their October-November 2023 promo price.

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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PayNow PDF Malware Scam : What You Need To Know!

Is there a new malware scam involving a PayNow PDF?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WhatsApp Block Button Is A Scam!

People are sharing this warning about a new malware scam involving a PayNow PDF. Take a look!

I just received below the latest and new scams Modus Operandi from my Uncle. Forward to warn and share.
======================

The scammers have changed their modus operandi. They don’t ask you to download the app.
My neighbour told me yesterday that her sister (a cancer patient) wanted a part-time helper to clean her house. Hence, she went to Facebook. I called the number and made the request. The advertiser asked whether she had a Paynow, and she said that she had. He directed her to make the partial payment, and he will send the invoice to confirm. (Note: He did not ask her to download an app, as people are getting alerts). When she received the invoice in the PDF format, she did not suspect any foul play and clicked it. The invoice showed the amount paid and the balance to be paid. After that, she went to sleep. The next morning, her phone could not be switched on.
She used her laptop to check her DBS bank account. Her $20K was gone, and her two fixed deposits of $25K, which had not reached the maturity date, were also gone—the total loss was $ 70K.
When she went to the bank and asked why her fixed deposit was also gone, the receptionist told her that digital banking allows you to transfer the amount back to your account to facilitate withdrawals without going to the bank.
Police told her the malware was embedded in the PDF document.
So folks, beware that the scammers are always changing their modus operandi to con your money $$$! 😡😡😡

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

No Evidence There Is Any PayNow PDF Scam!

This is likely another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of PayNow PDF Scam

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was ever scammed by a PayNow PDF invoice.

There has been no actual news report of such a case, never mind multiple cases involving malicious PayNow PDF documents.

Frankly, I don’t know of any PDF malware that can shut down a phone, and transfer money from a bank account, including liquidating fixed deposits!

Fact #2 : PDF Malware Generally Target Computers

PDF documents can contain malware, but malicious PDFs generally target Windows computers. In fact, many aren’t actual PDF documents, but are instead executable files masquerading as PDF files – invoice.pdf.exe, for example.

Malicious PDF documents or executables targeted at Windows computers won’t work on smartphones. The malicious PDF must not only be specifically designed to target smartphones, it must target the right operating system – iOS or Android. A malicious PDF targeting Android won’t work on an Apple iPhone, for instance.

On top of that, many PDF malware actually exploit vulnerabilities in a specific PDF reader – most commonly, the industry-standard Adobe Acrobat Reader. Most smartphones do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, and instead rely on a variety of PDF readers like Samsung Note, OneDrive, Google Drive, Kindle, etc.

Embedded PDF malware that target vulnerabilities in the Adobe Acrobat Reader won’t work with other PDF readers. That’s probably why it’s rare to see PDF malware that target smartphones.

Recommended : Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Fact #3 : PayNow Scams So Far Involve Phishing

Singapore reported 477 cases of PayNow scams in 2021, with 133 more cases in 2022. However, they were not due to PDF malware. Rather, their victims were deceived into giving scammers their digital banking credentials.

In other words, PayNow scams have so far involved phishing attacks, in which victims are tricked into logging into fake websites, or giving up their Internet banking login details by phone.

In one of these scams, victims received phone calls from people pretending to be bank employees. The callers would ask for the victims’ personal details, such as their Internet banking usernames and passwords, under the pretext that the bank needed them to verify transactions in their accounts.

Fact #4 : Singapore Police Warned About Android Malware

It seems likely that the viral warning is based on a misunderstanding of a Singapore Police Force warning about Android malware withdrawing money through PayNow.

Issued on 17 June 2023, the Singaporean police warned that scammers were tricking victims into installing an Android Package Kit (APK) file through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Once installed, the malware allows the scammers to remotely access the victims’ devices, and steal their passwords.

The victims are then directed to fake websites that mimic banks like DBS to key in their banking credentials. The login information obtained through this phishing attack then allows the scammers to withdraw their victims’ money through PayNow.

To be clear – this PayNow scam does NOT involve any PDF. It requires the victim to install an APK file – to gain access of your 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) device, and provide bank login information through a fake (phishing) website.

This allows the scammers to log into your bank account using the login info you provided, and authenticate all transfers using your mobile phone.

Recommended : Nurse Lost RM380K After Pressing Instagram ‘Like’ Button?!

Fact #5 : Here Are Some Common Cybersecurity Tips

Here are some simple cybersecurity tips to help you avoid getting scammed online:

  • Never install APK files (for Android) from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Never sideload IPA files (for Apple iOS) from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Always check the entire filename, including its file extension:
    – PDF documents should end with .pdf, and not .pdf.apk or .pdf.ipa or .pdf.exe.
    – Word documents should end with .doc or .docx, and not .doc.apk or .doc.ipa or .doc.exe.
  • Never click on any link to go to any bank website. Always type in the link yourself into a web browser, or better still – use the official app issued by the bank.
  • Never give your bank login details to any person, even if they claim to be a police officer, a bank officer, or even a cybersecurity expert!
  • Never give your 2FA authentication code / TAC or OTP number to any person, even if they claim to be a police officer, a bank officer, or even a cybersecurity expert!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

Will clicking on the WhatsApp block button install a malicious app that will hack your phone?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WhatsApp Block Button Is A Scam!

People are sharing this advice on a new WhatsApp scam involving the Block button in messages. Take a look!

New Type of Scam in Whatsapp.

Don’t press the “Block” button within the message because when you press on it then, you are effectively downloading this Malicious App. Instead go to WhatsApp setting (3 dots on the right hand top) and block the message.

Do the same if you received this kind of message in your SMS. Someone already got scammed by this fake template.

Whatsapp 中的新型诈骗。
不要按消息中的“阻止”按钮,因为当您按下该按钮时,您实际上是在下载此恶意应用程序,而是转到 WhatsApp 设置(右上角的 3 个点)并阻止该消息。
如果您在短信中收到此类消息,请执行相同的操作。

New Type of Scam in Whatsapp. Don’t press the “Block” button within the message because when you press on it then, you are effectively downloading this Malicious App. Instead go to WhatsApp setting (3 dots on the right hand top) and block the message. Do the same if you received this kind of message in your SMS. Someone already got scammed by this fake template.

Recommended : Can Mexico Did It Photo Infect Your Phone With Virus?!

 

Truth : WhatsApp Block Button Is New Feature!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of WhatsApp Block Button Scam

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was scammed by the WhatsApp block button in messages.

Even if an enterprising hacker / scammer was able to create a message with a fake block button that downloads an APK (Android Package Kit) file, it won’t automatically install that file. You will need to manually install the APK file from the Downloads folder.

Those who know how to do that would be tech-savvy enough to avoid installing APK files from unknown sources. Those who don’t know how to do that would not be able to install the downloaded APK file.

Fact #2 : WhatsApp Block Button Is Part Of New Safety Tools

The truth is – the Block button that you may see in new messages from strangers is not a scam. It also does not download or install any APK file.

The Block button is actually part of the new Safety Tools feature that WhatsApp started introducing in July 2023.

The Safety Tools feature will only appear when you receive a message from an unknown number. You will be given some details about the safety of this new contact – whether you are in common groups, and in some cases – the country of origin.

You are given the option of either blocking this new contact, or adding it to your Contact list. You can also click on the Safety tools link for more details.

Recommended : Can Israel Seismic Wave Card Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #3 : Older Blocking Method Still Exists

The new WhatsApp Safety Tools offer an easy way to quickly block and remove obvious spammers and scammers. However, it may not be readily apparent whether the new contact is genuine, or just a spammer / scammer.

If you start messaging with this new contact – to find out if their identity / purpose, the Safety Tools option will disappear. But don’t worry – you can still block this new contact if you realise that he/she is a spammer / scammer.

  1. Go to the messaging screen for the person you want to block.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select More > Block.
    You can also select More > Report (to report block the scammer)

Alternatively, you can block multiple contacts using this method:

  1. Open WhatsApp, and go to the Chats screen.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Tap on the Privacy option.
  5. Scroll down and tap on Blocked contacts.
  6. Tap on the Add Contacts () icon at the upper right corner.
  7. Search for the contacts you want to remove, and select them.

Now, blocking people does not remove your contact details or profile photo from their phones and devices.

However, they will no longer be able to call you, or send you messages. They will also not be able to see changes to your status updates including when you’re online / last seen, or changes you make to your profile photo.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

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Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!