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!

Was Katie Hobbs Caught On Camera Fixing Votes?!

Was Arizona gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs caught on camera in a secure vote counting facility?!

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

 

Claim : Katie Hobbs Was Caught On Camera Fixing Votes!

A screenshot of a CCTV feed has gone viral, with people claiming that it’s evidence Arizona gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs was caught on camera in a secure vote counting facility!

LOOK WHO WAS INSIDE THE BALLOT ROOMS. KATIE HOBBS. Time Stamped too.

How is @katie4az allowed in the ballot counting area the day after elections (time stamped)?
@karilake and the state of Arizona are prob gettin robbed?

👀 Katie Hobbs was inside the ballot room. Unreal. Time stamped too.

 

Truth : Katie Hobbs Was Not Caught On Camera Fixing Votes!

The truth is – this is just another FAKE STORY created by Republicans to create doubt about the integrity of the 2022 midterm election.

Fact #1 : Maricopa County Labelled The Claim As False

Maricopa county official dismissed the claim as false, after confirming that the woman in the photo was a party observer.

Not every woman with glasses is Katie Hobbs.

We can confirm this was a party Observer. Please refrain from making assumptions about workers who happen to wear glasses.

Fact #2 : That Lady Is Not Katie Hobbs

At first glance, yes, you may think that the lady in the CCTV screenshot is Katie Hobbs. She’s white and wears black-rimmed glasses… like perhaps thousands of other white women wearing black-rimmed glasses in Arizona.

But if you take a closer look at the photo, you can see that she is not Katie Hobbs. Katie’s hair is much lighter in colour, and parts more to her left; compared to the lady in the screenshot.

Fact #3 : Live Footage At Count Center Is Streamed Online

Maricopa County is no stranger to election conspiracy theories, since it became the epicentre of a nail gripping fight for Arizona in the 2020 Presidential Election.

The loss of Arizona, after the votes in Maricopa were finalised, was one of the reasons Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden. Needless to say, the former President continues to whine about election fraud in Arizona, and his sycophantic supporters just repeat his false claims.

Because of these controversies, Maricopa County streams live footage of its vote counting centre online, so everyone who wants to watch the counting process is free to do so.

In fact, that is how it was possible for people to take that viral screenshot. If that lady (even if she’s not Hobbs) committed some kind of election fraud, they would have seen it.

But they didn’t. Instead, all the person took was a screenshot of a lady walking with her arms folded.

Fact #4 : She Identified Herself As Jackie Marshall

The lady in the screenshot posted a photo of herself with her daughter, in response to the fake post.

She identified herself as Jackie Marshall, and stated that she was an election judge (poll worker), not a poll watcher.

Fact #5 : There Are Many Observers Watching The Count

American voters of the MAGA persuasion may not know this, but there are many observers at the vote counting center.

Some are partisan observers – from both parties (like Jackie Marshall), while others are non-partisan citizen observers, or members of the media.

So it would be impossible for any gubernatorial candidate to walk into a vote counting center, without getting noticed by any of the many observers walking around.

Fact #6 : Vote Counting Centers Are Secured

Vote counting centers are also secured by law enforcement and county security officers.

In Maricopa County, the polling locations and vote counting facilities are kept safe and secure by the Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa County Security Services, and their local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

It would be impossible for any gubernatorial candidate to walk into a vote counting center, without anyone noticing.

Even if the security guards miss what anything nefarious that goes on – the CCTV feeds are all recorded!

Fact #7 : Katie Hobbs Has Staff / Minions

Think about this for just a minute. Katie Hobbs is the sitting Arizona Secretary of State. She has staff… minions, if you prefer, to do her bidding.

Do you really believe that she would waste her precious time stuffing ballots, if she can get someone else to do it for her?

Even if you think she’s that desperate, why put her political career at risk, when she can get someone else to risk their own careers instead?

Use a little common sense, will ya? This fake story is so full of holes, it might as well be Swiss cheese!

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE THIS FACT CHECK out!

 

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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 HBB 5277 Taxi Driver Vandalise PH Flags?!

Was the HBB 5277 taxi driver caught on video vandalising Pakatan Harapan flags?!

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

 

Claim : HBB 5277 Taxi Driver Caught Vandalising PH Flags!

A video showing the driver of taxi number HBB 5277 has gone viral on WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, with many people accusing him of vandalising Pakatan Harapan flags in the run-up to GE15 – the 15th Malaysia General Election!

A taxi man (HBB 5277) destroying “PAKATAN” Flags. Pls viral as much as possible to reach Police Attention🙄😡

Nobody excels in ESPIONAGE and CLANDESTINE activities as well as the CURRENT RULING PARTY in MALAYSIA does!

Their “playbook” is FULL OF DIRTY TRICKS!

A taxi man [HBB 5277] destroying “PAKATAN” Flags.

Pls viral as much as possible to reach Police Attention🙄 😡

Recommended : Is There A Dress Code For GE15 Election Voters?!

 

Truth : HBB 5277 Taxi Driver Did NOT Vandalise PH Flags!

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

Fact #1 : Destroying Political Flags During Election Is A Crime

First, let me just establish the fact that it is a crime to destroy political flags or election materials during the campaigning period of any election in Malaysia.

Several police reports have already been lodged regarding the defacement or destruction of flags, banners and other election materials during the GE15 campaigning period.

These crimes are classified under Section 427 of the Penal Code of Malaysia – those who are convicted may be sentenced to 1 to 5 years of jail, and/or a fine.

Therefore, most of these vandalism occur when no one is looking, and where there is no CCTV coverage to catch the perpetrator in the act. So anyone participating in this crime will always run once they realise that they are being recorded on video.

That’s why this video was so perplexing when I first saw it. The man didn’t seem perturbed that someone else was recording him while he was casually and slowly removing the flags.

Fact #2 : Pakatan Harapan Allegedly Clarified He’s Part Of Their Team

Hours after the video went viral all over WhatsApp and social media, Pakatan Harapan allegedly clarified that the man in the video is part of their team, and was merely removing the flags to replant them elsewhere, as instructed by the police.

Please be informed that PH have clarified that the person shown in the video is part of their team, the flags were fixed in a prohibited location along the museum thus police have instructed to remove and fix at other locations. That’s why he removed the flags gently not trash like others do. Please spread this information before someone beats up this taxi driver HBB 5277 for no reason.
Guys, only post information if you know the facts.

Unfortunately, I am unable to confirm (yet) that the message came from Pakatan Harapan, as their social media pages have neither mentioned the viral video, or clarified the matter officially.

Fact #3 : HBB 5277 Taxi Driver Is SPR Enforcement Agent For Pakatan Harapan

The good news is – the driver himself posted a video, identifying himself as Mohammad Affendi – an Election Commission (SPR) enforcement agent for Pakatan Harapan in Lembah Pantai.

He explained that he was removing the Pakatan Harapan flags because they were wrongly placed outside government buildings or tourist attractions, which is against the law.

He also asked that anyone who doubts his explanation or his identity to verify them with the Election Commission (SPR).

Recommended : You Must Surrender Phone Before Voting In GE15!

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and 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 > Internet | Fact Check | Tech ARP

 

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Can Postal Votes Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia?

Can your postal votes be changed by anyone in Malaysia?!

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

 

Claim : Postal Votes Can Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia!

This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, warning people that postal votes can be changed on receipt in Malaysia!

There’s a push for postal voting for overseas M’sians. Here is my concern: The problem with postal votes is that on receipt in Malaysia the votes can be CHANGED! That why in GE14 the voting forms were hand carried by Malaysian traveller back to KLIA. At KLIA, people fr various states waited to receive the hand carried voting forms & distributed them to their polling stations.

Recommended : Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

 

Truth : Postal Votes Cannot Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia!

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

Fact #1 : Sampul A + B Envelopes Are Sealed

After marking their ballots, postal voters will seal them in individual Sampul A envelopes, that are then sealed together with their Borang 2 forms in individual Sampul B envelopes.

For anyone to change the votes, he/she will have to tear open the envelopes, which would invalidate the vote inside. The vote will be marked as a spoiled vote, and will not count towards the electoral verdict.

Fact #2 : Changing The Vote Would Spoil It

While pencil can be used to mark the ballot, most postal voters will likely use a pen to mark their ballots.

If someone breaks into the envelopes and marks a different choice on the ballot, that will also invalidate the vote – you can only mark once in each ballot.

The vote will be marked as a spoiled vote, and will not count towards the electoral verdict.

Fact #3 : GE14 Postal Vote Hand Carrying Not Due To Fraud

Postal voting in GE14 was pretty much restricted to Malaysian military personnel, government servants and full-time students residing overseas.

Even though the Election Commission (SPR) granted limited rights to overseas Malaysia to vote by post, less than 8,000 were eligible because voter registration was not yet automatic.

In the end, only 212,834 Malaysians were eligible to vote by post, consisting of :

  • 149,730 election workers, military and police personnel, and members of the media,
  • 7,979 overseas Malaysians

Read more : Every Postal Vote Requires Malaysian Adult Witness!

However, the reason why many overseas Malaysians had to resort to the hand-carrying method was because the postal ballots arrived late, and it would take too long to mail them back.

To avoid those postal ballots being rendered void because they could not reach the Returning Officer in their home constituency by 5:30 PM on Election Day, Malaysians banded together to help “hand carry” them.

People flying back to Malaysia brought back the ballots, and handed them over to runners who brought them to each local constituency. However, all this was done to meet the deadline, not to avoid election fraud.

Fact #2 : 1.86 Million Overseas Malaysians Eligible For Postal Voting

In GE15, about 1.86 million Malaysians residing overseas are eligible for postal voting – a vast increase from less than 8,000 in GE14.

That is almost 9% of the total electorate in Malaysia, and for the first time ever – postal voting will have a significant effect on a Malaysian general election.

Hence, it is important to be wary about fake news that are designed to discourage postal voting.

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and 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)
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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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Postal Voting : Must You Fill Borang 2 In Specific Way?!

Must you fill in Borang 2 in a specific way, or your GE15 postal vote will be rejected?!

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

 

Claim : You Must Follow Specific Rules To Fill In Borang 2!

This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, warning people that the Borang 2 used in postal voting for GE15 must be filled in a specific way, or it will be rejected!

Apparently, Borang 2 could be the reason the ballot is void – summary as below:

  1. Not given full name in CAPITAL. Name need to be per IC in FULL
  2. The Handwriting of the Witness are the Same. SPR will assume the witness isn’t there.
  3. The address of be witness need to be per IC and not the residential address. DON’t put overseas address unless that is the address in your IC.
  4. Address need to be EXACTLy per IC. It means, no short hand. Can’t write JLN, need to be ‘Jalan’
  5. Date needs to be in full. Missing year can make the ballot void.

Recommended : Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

 

Truth : There Are Some Rules On Filling Borang 2

This viral message that has been circulating on WhatsApp and social media is PARTLY FALSE, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : You Should Write In Capital Letters

Both the voter and the witness should write in CAPITAL letters while filling in Borang 2.

If either one of you wrote in lower-case letters, then it is up to the Returning Officer’s discretion whether to accept or reject your postal vote.

To avoid any possibility of your postal vote being rejected, please make sure everything is written in CAPITAL LETTERS!

Fact #2 : You Should Write The Full Date

The date should be written in full – including the year 2022.

If you fail to write a full date, it is up to the Returning Officer’s discretion whether to accept or reject your postal vote.

To avoid any possibility of your postal vote being rejected, please make sure you write EVERY DATE in FULL!

Fact #3 : No Need For Different Handwriting

The handwriting of the witness for Borang 2 does NOT need to be different from the voter’s handwriting. That’s because the witness may be elderly or unable to write, so the voter may fill it in on his/her behalf.

The most important thing is to ensure that the information filled in is correct, and that the witness is the one who pens the signature on Borang 2, or inks his/her thumbprint.

But if you want to ensure that there is zero possibility of any dispute, just ask the witness to fill in Borang 2 in his/her own handwriting.

Fact #4 : No Need For Malaysian Address

The viral message falsely claimed that you must use a Malaysian address, as per your MyKad identity card.

Postal voting is for overseas voters, and witnessed by Malaysian adults who are living overseas, and they may no longer have a valid Malaysian address.

Therefore, it is illogical to fill in a Malaysian address, or even to use the address in your MyKad.

The witness should fill in his/her current address, whether it is overseas or in Malaysia.

Fact #5 : Address Can Be In Short Form

Again, there is no need to fill in the address as per the witness’ Malaysian MyKad, which may not even be valid!

There is also no need to use the full form of the address – Jalan, instead of JLN. The postal services are not so stupid that they cannot understand the difference between Jalan and JLN.

As long as the Malaysian Election Commission (SPR) can contact the witness by mail (if need be), the vote will not be rejected.

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and 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 > Internet | Fact Check | Tech 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 US Military Find Evidence Of 2022 Election Fraud?!

Did the US military find evidence of fraud in the 2022 midterm election?!

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

 

Claim : US Military Find Evidence Of 2022 Election Fraud!

On 9 November 2022, Real Raw News posted an article claiming that the US Army Cyber Command found evidence of fraud in the 2022 midterm election!

It is long and rambling, so please feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

As citizens and politicians anxiously scrutinized results, so too did the White Hat partition of the U.S. military. At U.S. Army Cyber Command headquarters in Fort Gordon, Georgia, cyber security analysts began noticing election irregularities early in the day. Approximately 35% of vote tabulators—electronic devices into which ballots are fed and counted—experienced what the Maricopa County Elections Department called a “technical hiccup,” which persisted for several hours. Unbeknownst to election officials, White Hats had undercover boots on the ground as the “glitch” forced voters to cast ballots elsewhere or forego voting altogether. At least one machine had active Wi-Fi and was connected to the internet, a Cyber Command source told RRN.

 

Truth : US Military Did Not Find Evidence Of Fraud In 2022 Election!

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

Everything that Real Raw News posts must be regarded as FAKE NEWS, until proven otherwise.

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“.

This disclaimer, which is not clearly mentioned in his articles, lets him keep creating fake news that will go viral, and generate him 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 personally debunked earlier:

As Michael Tuffin himself admitted, he writes as Michael Baxter to “indemnify [himself] against potential legal ramification“.

Fact #2 : Real Raw News Never Offer Actual Evidence

Real Raw News reports always quotes anonymous sources, and offer no evidence to back up those claims. It’s no different in this new claim of electoral fraud in the 2022 midterm election.

Michael Baxter / Tuffin wrote such a long story, and quoted anonymous sources, but when you really look carefully – there is ZERO EVIDENCE for any of his claims.

That’s not really surprising though. How likely is it for this “former English teacher” to get the “inside scoop” from so many anonymous sources from his home in Texas? And why do all his scoops always end up false?

Read more : Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel Arrested For Murder?!

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

Fact #2 : 2022 US Election Was Protected By Three Agencies

It is important to understand that the 2022 midterm US election was not actually protected by the US Army Cyber Command, as Real Raw News claimed.

The 2022 midterm election in the United States was protected by three different agencies, from two different departments:

  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (Department of Homeland Security)
  • Cyber Command (Department of Defense)
  • National Security Agency (Department of Defense)

The US Army Cyber Command is merely one part of the US Cyber Command, which oversaw the protection of the 2022 election and is based in Fort Meade.

Fact #3 : All Three Agencies Detected No Fraud Or Threat

On November 8 and 9, 2022, officials from all three agencies said that they detected no evidence of fraud or threat to disrupt the election infrastructure.

Jen Easterly, director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency said:

We have seen no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was any way compromised in any race in the country.

General Paul Nakasone who heads the US Cyber Command and NSA operation to protect the 2022 midterm election said:

We continue to refine what we learned from the 2018 and 2020 elections. We generate insight to enable defense of the homeland, and ultimately impose costs by degrading and exposing foreign adversary capabilities and operations.

Fact #4 : No Legitimate Report Of Fraud In 2022 Election

There was no remotely similar report from any legitimate news outlet, nor an official statement by any government agency.

In fact, not even Fox News, which is notorious for pushing fake claims, actually reported that there was evidence of fraud in the 2022 midterm election.

Everything that Real Raw News posts should be regarded as FAKE NEWS.

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE THIS FACT CHECK out!

 

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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

Go Back To > Cybersecurity | Fact CheckTech 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 There A Dress Code For GE15 Election Voters?!

Is there a dress code for voters during GE15 – the 15th Malaysia General Election?!

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

 

Claim : GE15 Voters Must Follow Office Dress Code To Vote!

People are sharing messages claiming that voters must follow a specific dress code to vote during GE15 – the 15th Malaysia General Election!

Please viral to all the youngsters, male and female, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, Ibans, Kadazans Dan Lain lain, Please DON’T wear short pants, Shorts, slippers while going to polling centre to vote. Those with shorts n slippers SPR doesn’t allow to vote.
请向所有青少年,男性和女性,马来人,华人,印度人,基督徒,锡克教徒,印度穆斯林和其他人,前往投票中心投票时请不要穿短裤 & 拖鞋。SPR 是不允许投票。

This typical Govt poster on DRESS CODE MIGHT SUDDENLY APPEAR AT THE GATE OF YOUR POLLING STATION TO CATCH YOU UNAWARE !! … SO BE ALERTED !! SHARE !!

Recommended : Do You Need A Readable MyKad To Vote In Election?!

 

Truth : No Need To Follow Office Dress Code To Vote In GE15!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Voters Only Need To Be Appropriately Dressed

The fake news falsely claimed that people cannot wear short pants or slippers to vote at the 15th general election in Malaysia.

According to Section 26(1)(g) of the Election Offences Act of 1954 (Act 5), voters can wear anything they want as long as their clothes do not have :

  • the name of any electoral candidate
  • the symbol of any political party

In other words, if you prefer to wear shorts and slippers, go on right ahead. Or if you prefer to dress up, more power to you!

This is not just about comfort. The 15th General Elections will be carried out during the monsoon season, and voters may have to endure pouring rain, making it impractical to wear formal wear.

Fact #2 : Dress Code Photo Only For Government Offices

The photos that people keep sharing (below is just one example) are of the dress code for government offices in Malaysia. You only need to abide by that dress code if you wish to enter a government office.

That government office dress code does NOT apply to the polling centres for the 15th General Election. You do NOT have to follow this dress code to vote in GE15!

Recommended : You Must Surrender Phone Before Voting In GE15!

Fact #3 : SPR Refuted Dress Code Claims

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) also issued a statement refuting that office dress code claim, as well as the infographic below.

The SPR also stated clearly that the government office dress code does NOT apply in any election polling station.

Voters do not have to dress according to government office attire at polling stations. The EC has not and will not prevent a voter from entering a polling station as long as the voter is appropriately dressed.

Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and 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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Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Must You Follow Specific Voting Time On GE15?!

Must you follow a specific voting time at the upcoming GE15 Malaysia general election?!

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

 

Claim : You Must Follow Specific Voting Time On GE15!

People are sharing two viral messages about following a specific voting time during the 15th Malaysia general election – GE15!

New rules from SPR to make it did to vote this GE15. You need to print out your details from SPR website. You are only allowed to vote 8am to 10am for morning n 2pm to 4pm. Even though it is stated voting time is 10 hours, the guards will not allow people in from 10am to 1pm n voting centers will close 4pm sharp. This is a cheating method for UMNO to win. Make sure you have a given number in your details. Those without number will not be allowed in. Plus no handphone allowed. Please make police reports. This is the biggest scam from SPR.

Check your voting time. It’s not d same like before where you can go anytime. Because of Covid, you are given your voting time. If one don’t follow d voting time given might not be allow to go in d voting hall to cast their vote.

They didn’t announce it. Another dirty move. 😡 Pls share with friends n relatives.

Recommended : Do You Need A Readable MyKad To Vote In Election?!

 

Truth : You Don’t Need To Follow Specific Voting Time On GE15!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : GE15 Voting Hours Are Fixed On Election Day

The fake news falsely claimed that people are only allowed to vote at a specific time given by the SPR, for example from 8 AM to 10 AM in the morning, or from 2 PM to 4 PM in the afternoon.

The voting hours for GE15 – the 15th general election in Malaysia are fixed from 8 AM until 6 PM, in Peninsular Malaysia, and from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in Sabah and Sarawak.

No one can deny you the right to vote between those official polling hours on election day, the 19th of November 2022.

That said, the SPR can gazette different closing times for different closing times for different polling centres, especially in the rural areas.

So please check the correct opening hours for your polling centre using this SPR link.

Fact #2 : Recommended Voting Hours Are A Suggestion, Not Rule

People may be confused by the SPR listing (in bold red colour, no less!) the recommended voting time (with my translation in English).

Masa Keluar Mengundi Yang Digalakkan

Recommended Time To Vote

Recommended : You Must Surrender Phone Before Voting In GE15!

The recommended 2-hour period varies from person to person, and is merely a suggestion, not a rule. You do NOT have to follow the recommended voting hours.

The recommended voting time appears to be SPR’s attempt to minimise crowding by spacing voters out into 2 hour slots. It is up to you to follow their recommendation, or come whenever it’s convenient.

However, to avoid missing out on the opportunity to vote on GE15, please come at least an hour or two before the 6 PM deadline!

 

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 > Internet | Fact Check | Tech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

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

Do You Need A Readable MyKad To Vote In Election?!

Is it true that you must have a machine-readable MyKad to vote in the GE15 general election?!

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

 

Claim : You Need A Readable MyKad To Vote In Election!

This warning has gone viral on WhatsApp, claiming that you will be barred from voting in GE15 if you do not have a readable MyKad.

Breaking News 2-11-22…😱😪🙇🏻🤦🏻‍♂️

Ensure your MyKad is machine readable. Friday, I went to the bank was surprised all their card reader could not read my NRIC. Good to discover it before election day otherwise, I could not vote! Is this another UMNO/ BN trick to disable IC? CIMB bank told me lately, many chinese/indian IC not readable.

确保您的 MyKad 是机器扫描可读的。 星期五,我去银行很惊讶他们所有的扫描读卡器都无法读取我的身份证。 很高兴在选举日之前发现它,否则我无法投票! 这是另一个巫统/国阵禁用IC的技巧吗? CIMB银行最近告诉我,很多华人/印度人IC扫描不可读。

Read more : Malaysia GE15 : Printing + Voting Hours Fact Check!

 

Truth : You Don’t Need A Readable MyKad To Vote In GE15!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : You Need To Bring Your MyKad

To vote in the GE15 general election, you must bring your MyKad – colloquially known as the IC (Identity Card).

The MyKad is really the only thing you need to verify your identity at the voting centre.

Fact #2 : No Requirement To Machine Verify Your MyKad

Election officials will verify your MyKad against the voter list for that particular polling station in your constituency.

They do not need to read your MyKad for any information, merely to confirm your identity.

Fact #3 : MyKad Chip Not Necessary For Identity Verification

Machine verification of the MyKad is only necessary at banks because they need to authenticate your fingerprint.

Fingerprint authentication is not required to vote in a general election in Malaysia. Therefore, there is no need for election officials to read the MyKad chip.

Recommended : Every Postal Vote Requires Malaysian Adult Witness!

Fact #4 : CIMB Bank Never Reported Problems With Chinese / Indian IC

The viral warning falsely claimed that CIMB Bank reported that many Chinese / Indian IC are not readable. That never happened, and is a complete lie.

Fact #5 : No One Can Remotely Disable MyKad Chip

The Malaysian identity card – MyKad – has an embedded chip with 32 KB / 64 GB / 80 KB EEPROM memory chip to support digital applications.

When the bank or a government agency needs to access the stored information, a chip reader extracts that information directly from your MyKad.

This chip cannot be remotely disabled by any nefarious government out to foil your right to vote in GE15. To do that, they will need to have physical access to your card.

Fact #6 : Disabling MyKad So Early Is Stupid

The plot of the viral warning is truly idiotic – the government is remotely disabling the identity cards of Chinese and Indian voters more than 2 weeks before the GE15 general election.

Never mind the fact that it’s not possible to remotely disable these cards (see Fact #5), disabling them more than 2 weeks before the general election would allow those voters to get replacement MyKads!

If there is really a plot to block Chinese or Indian voters by disabling their MyKad chips, it would make sense to only do it on election day!

Recommended : Bangladeshi Man With Malaysian IC + Chinese Name?!

Fact #7 : You Can Get Replacement MyKad Very Quickly!

Did you know that you can get a replacement MyKad in as little time as 33 minutes. In other words, even if your MyKad fails on election day, it is actually possible to get a replacement in less than an hour!

Applicants who choose to collect their MyKad at the Putrajaya NRD Headquarters and the Selected Branches with distributed printing machines may do so within 33 minutes. Those who choose to collect it at any NRD branch offices in Peninsular Malaysia will be able to do so within 5 working days. Any NRD branch offices in Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan will have the card ready for collection within 7 working days.

Fact #8 : There Are Easier Ways To Dilute Chinese / Indian Votes

The viral message insinuates that the government is trying to block Chinese / Indian citizens from voting in the GE15 general election.

The truth is – there are far easier and more reliable ways to dilute Chinese or Indian votes, than to hatch such a ridiculous plot.

Shifting demographics already mean that Chinese and Indian voters only account for some 22% and 6.5% of the electorate respectively. In other words – even if they all vote as a solid block, they are still a minority.

Gerrymandering also also ensured that cities, where most Chinese and Indian voters tend to congregate, have far fewer seats than rural areas.

Ultimately, the government of the day does not need to resort to such stupid and unworkable tactics to dilute the Chinese and Indian votes.

 

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NetApp BlueXP : A New Unified Hybrid MultiCloud Control Plane!

NetApp just introduced BlueXP – a new unified control plane for hybrid multicloud environments. Here is what you need to know.

 

NetApp BlueXP : A New Unified Hybrid MultiCloud Control Plane!

On November 3, 2022, NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) announced the availability of NetApp BlueXP – a unified control plane designed for easy hybrid multicloud management for storage and data services across on-premises and cloud environments.

NetApp BlueXP allows users to manage their broader hybrid multicloud data estate, including on-premises unified storage and first-party native storage with the leading public cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and AWS.

Offering a simple, yet powerful experience driven by AIOps, BlueXP delivers integrated, broad data service capabilities to deploy, automate, discover, manage, protect, govern and optimize data, infrastructure, and the business processes that support them – with the flexible consumption options required in today’s cloud-led environment.

“We are excited to deliver a whole new, unified cloud experience that is simple, secure, sustainable and cost effective,” said Sanjay Rohatgi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, NetApp Asia Pacific & Japan. “With BlueXP, our customers and partners in Asia Pacific can better compete in the hyper-dynamic digital economy of tomorrow and realize the full potential of a true hybrid multicloud world.”

NetApp BlueXP is the preferred method to manage NetApp ONTAP, NetApp’s industry-leading data management software, both in the cloud and on-premises.

The latest release of ONTAP, announced today, contains over twenty major innovations including a new tamper-proof snapshot feature and integrated AIOps-driven anti-ransomware protection, making ONTAP the leading option for secure data storage.

In addition, an expansion of NetApp’s innovative unified multi-protocol technology allows simultaneous NAS file and S3 object access to the same data, increasing the flexibility of ONTAP as a repository for massive data lakes used for today’s modern AI/ML pipelines.

“Organisations today have increasingly moved to hybrid multicloud environments to accelerate their digital transformation and drive growth, even in uncertain times. But in managing these environments, companies face daunting challenges and inefficiencies that can impede innovation.”

“With BlueXP, NetApp is leading the way to a more ‘evolved cloud’ to simplify and automate critical operations across on-premises and public clouds in order to help organizations drive business impact and improve customer experience.”

“Today’s cloud environments are complex. Organizations are looking for a better cloud experience – simpler, streamlined, governed, and optimized for performance and cost across their entire hybrid multicloud environment,” said Archana Venkatraman, Research Director, Cloud Data Management, IDC. “An ‘evolved cloud’ is one of the most grounded, AI-driven, and practical approaches to cloud management as a whole – and organizations will quickly benefit from migration to operations, to FinOps, to innovation.”

“With the launch of BlueXP, NetApp is uniquely positioned to help organizations unlock the promise of the cloud by making infrastructure, applications and data true assets to their business,” said George Kurian, Chief Executive Officer at NetApp. “By taking an evolved cloud approach, customers can integrate cloud into their architecture and operations, eliminate complexity and increase their speed of innovation to deliver quickly on the business outcomes that matter most.”

 

NetApp BlueXP Capabilities

NetApp BlueXP capabilities include:

  • Unified Storage Management: The SaaS-delivered BlueXP global control plane gives a single point of visibility and management over wide-ranging hybrid multicloud environments. This includes the ability to manage NetApp AFF, FAS, StorageGRID, and E-Series on-premises storage, as well as the major clouds with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, Azure NetApp Files, Google Cloud Volumes Service and Cloud Volumes ONTAP, all in a single console.
  • AIOps-Driven Health: Integrated AI/ML-driven automation reduces manpower demands, resource loads, and risk profile, while AI-enabled health and status monitoring not only alerts of infrastructure and workload issues, but offers proactive guidance to avoid trouble scenarios. BlueXP integrates NetApp’s leading Active IQ technology for always-on telemetry across the hybrid multicloud.
  • Cyber Resilience: Unified control of data protection and security with an integrated zero-trust model. A single ransomware dashboard provides company-wide visibility into ransomware vulnerabilities with the ability to fix many issues automatically with a single click.
  • Governance at a Glance: A complete view of the digital estate to monitor compliance and permissions. The AI/ML capability audits both user and data level activity, immediately detecting anomalies and taking prescribed actions.
  • Seamless Mobility: Integrated data movers allow for copying, syncing, tiering, and caching data across all major clouds and the data center as easily as “drag and drop.” Integrated security and efficiencies ensure data is protected in transit and stored on the lower-cost storage tier possible.
  • Flexible Consumption: BlueXP allows customers to only pay for the capabilities they need, billed on usage. A Digital Wallet allows for licenses for data services to be easily interchanged as an enterprise’s needs change. NetApp Keystone, the leading Storage-as-a-Service (STaaS) offering, is integrated into BlueXP to allow customers to manage their consumption-based data center storage side by side with their cloud storage.

 

NetApp BlueXP Offer

NetApp currently has a special BlueXP offer for new users (excluding current Cloud Manager users):

  • 30 days of free BlueXP data protection
  • 30 days of free BlueXP tiering
  • 1 TB of free BlueXP governance and ransomware protection.

Just register here for the NetApp BlueXP offer!

 

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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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GE15 : Must You Print Details + Vote Within 2 Hours?!

Must you print your voting details, and only vote within 2 hours, at the upcoming GE15 Malaysia general election?!

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

 

Claim : You Must Print Details + Vote Within 2 Hours On GE15!

People are sharing screenshots of GE15 voting details, warning that Malaysian voters must print them out, and vote within 2 hours!

New rules from SPR to make it did to vote this GE15. You need to print out your details from SPR website. You are only allowed to vote 8am to 10am for morning n 2pm to 4pm. Even though it is stated voting time is 10 hours, the guards will not allow people in from 10am to 1pm n voting centers will close 4pm sharp. This is a cheating method for UMNO to win. Make sure you have a given number in your details. Those without number will not be allowed in. Plus no handphone allowed. Please make police reports. This is the biggest scam from SPR.

UMNO wants to win big in Putrajaya, KL n Selangor hence the obstacles so that the extra boxes hidden will be bought out .

New rules fr SPR to make it difficult to vote.

Recommended : Do You Need A Readable MyKad To Vote In Election?!

 

Truth : You Don’t Need To Print Details / Vote Within 2 Hours On GE15!

These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : These Are Not New SPR Rules

The Malaysian Parliament and Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) made a few changes since the last election:

  • voting age has been reduced from 21 to 18
  • automatic voter registration means all Malaysians age 18 and above are eligible to vote
  • postal voting for all overseas Malaysians, instead of the police and military

Other than those few changes, there have been no changes to how the general election works in Malaysia.

Fact #2 : You Are Not Required To Print Anything

The SPR website allows you to check your voting details, so you know where to go on election day – 19 November 2022.

It also gives you other useful information, like your Saluran (voting channel) and the Bilangan (Count – basically, your voting number).

However, there is NO REQUIREMENT to print anything. You will be allowed in to vote, even if you do not print your voting details. Just make sure you bring your MyKad!

Fact #3 : You Are Not Required To Note Your Saluran / Bilangan

At the bottom of this section, the SPR asks everyone to note their Saluran and Bilangan numbers, and bring them to the voting centre (with my translation in English).

Sila catat nombor Saluran serta nombor Bilangan dan bawa ke Pusat Mengundi

Please note your Channel and Count numbers, and bring them to the Voting Centre

However, you will NOT be turned away if you did not print anything, or even bother to remember your Channel and Count numbers.

Noting the Channel and Count numbers will simply help election officials quickly locate you on the voting list, speeding up the process.

Help them speed up the process – note down and tell them your Saluran (Channel) and Bilangan (Count) numbers, so more voters can quickly vote on election day!

Recommended : Bangladeshi Man With Malaysian IC + Chinese Name?!

Fact #4 : Voting Hours Are Fixed From 8 AM to 6 PM

The fake news falsely claimed that people are only allowed to vote from 8 AM to 10 AM in the morning, and from 2 PM to 4 PM in the afternoon.

The voting hours for the GE15 general election in Malaysia are fixed from 8 AM until 6 PM, on 19 November 2022.

Fact #5 : Recommended Voting Hours Are A Suggestion, Not Rule

People may be confused by the SPR listing (in bold red colour, no less!) the recommended voting time (with my translation in English).

Masa Keluar Mengundi Yang Digalakkan

Recommended Time To Vote

The recommended 2-hour period varies from person to person, and is merely a suggestion, not a rule. You do NOT have to follow the recommended voting hours.

The recommended voting time appears to be SPR’s attempt to minimise crowding by spacing voters out into 2 hour slots. It is up to you to follow their recommendation, or come whenever it’s convenient.

However, to avoid missing out on the opportunity to vote on GE15, please come at least an hour or two before the 6 PM deadline!

Recommended : Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

Fact #6 : You Are Allowed To Bring Your Phone

Malaysians love to post selfies or photos showing that they have done their duty, and voted in the general election.

Even though former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad (belatedly) asked the SPR to ban people from bringing their phones to the polling centre, there is no such phone ban.

You are still allowed to bring your phone to the polling centre on the GE15 election day.

 

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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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Did Paul Pelosi Identify David DePape As A Friend?!

Did Paul Pelosi identify David DePape as a friend on his 9-1-1 emergency call?!

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

 

Claim : Paul Pelosi Identified David DePape As A Friend On 911 Call!

US conservatives like Dinesh D’Souza are claiming that Paul Pelosi identified David DePape as a friend on his 9-1-1 call.

Dinesh D’Souza : How did Pelosi know his attacker’s name? He told the police the assailant’s name was “David.” He also said David was his “friend.” This is on the police recording and you can listen to it yourself. So how do you explain these two telling facts?

KevinBee86 : Paul Pelosi’s 911 call reveals he knew the man, his name is David and describes him as his friend. In the beginning he said he didn’t know him but later, Paul confessed.

 

Truth : Paul Pelosi Did Not Call David DePape A Friend On 911 Call!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by US conservative and right wing conspiracy theorists, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : David DePape Broke Into The Pelosi Residence

First, let me just point out a very salient fact – David DePape broke into the Pelosi residence, by breaking a glass door at the back using a hammer he brought.

Perhaps this is how Dinesh D’Souza’s friends visit him – by breaking through his rear door with a hammer, but I reckon that most of us have better friends than that.

Fact #2 : Paul Pelosi Was Asleep When DePape Broke In

According to David DePape’s own testimony, he broke into the Pelosi residence at around 2 AM, and found Paul Pelosi sleeping alone upstairs.

DePape then woke Pelosi up, asking him if he’s Paul Pelosi, and where his wife – the US Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, was.

Standing over Mr. Pelosi’s bedside just after 2:00 a.m., Defendant startled Mr. Pelosi awake by asking “Are you Paul Pelosi?”

Defendant carried a large hammer in his right hand and several white, plastic zip ties in his left hand. Defendant then repeated, “Where’s Nancy? Where’s Nancy?”

Read more : Did Paul Pelosi Hire David DePape As Prostitute?!

Fact #3 : Paul Pelosi Called 9-1-1 In Front Of David DePape

Paul Pelosi managed to make his way to his bathroom, where his phone was charging. He grabbed his phone and called 9-1-1, putting the phone on speaker.

This is an important point – DePape was standing just three feet away, holding a large hammer, gesturing to him to get off the phone. So Pelosi had to alert the dispatcher without clearly calling for help.

Think about how difficult it was – he had to remain on the phone, and keep DePape calm, while speaking in code to alert the dispatcher to the danger he was facing.

Fact #4 : Paul Pelosi Said He Did Not Know David DePape

When Paul Pelosi told the dispatcher that a “gentleman just uh came into the house uh and he wants to wait for my wife to come home“, she asked him if he knew the person.

Pelosi said “he did not“, and that “the man was telling him not to do anything“.

Fact #5 : Police Dispatcher Audio Was Mischaracterised

The police audio clip, recorded at 2:28 AM local time, is being mischaracterised as evidence that Paul Pelosi called David DePape a friend.

The (male) operator  can be heard saying that the caller stated that “there is a male in his home and he is going to wait for his wife“.

The (male) operator also said that “he doesn’t know who the man is, but he [DePape] advised that his name is David, and that he is a friend“.

At that point, the (female) 9-1-1 dispatcher, Heather Grives, realised that the call was suspicious and immediately dispatched the police to the Pelosi residence as an emergency.

Recommended : Was Paul Pelosi Arrested For Child Porn + Cocaine?!

Fact #6 : David DePape Identified Himself As A Friend

So how do we really know that the (male) operator was referring to DePape, and not Pelosi?

Now, this is where it gets interesting – it was DePape who identified himself to the dispatcher as “David“, and it was DePape who called himself “a friend of theirs“.

Remember – Paul Pelosi’s phone was on speaker mode, and both he and DePape can hear the conversation, and speak to the dispatcher.

The dispatcher, Heather Grives, then asked for the man’s name and the man responded, “My name is David.

When the dispatcher asked who David is, Mr. Pelosi said, “I don’t know,” but David said, “I’m a friend of theirs.

Mr. Pelosi then confirmed with the dispatcher that he did not know the man. “He’s telling me I am being very lazy, so I’ve gotta to stop talking to you, okay?”

When the dispatcher offered to stay on the line with Mr. Pelosi to make sure everything is okay, Mr. Pelosi said, “No, he wants me to get the hell off the phone.” The call ended.

Now that you know the facts, SHARE this fact check out, and help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS!

 

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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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Did Maria Elena Boschi Publicly Expose Her Knickers?!

The photo of Italian minister Maria Elena Boschi exposing her underwear during her swearing-in ceremony has gone viral again!

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

 

Claim : Maria Elena Boschi Exposed Her Knickers During Swearing-In Ceremony!

A photo of Italian minister Maria Elena Boschi exposing her underwear during her swearing-in ceremony keeps going viral on WhatsApp, and social media like Facebook and Twitter!

It’s often accompanied by comments like these :

This is the Italian Minister Maria Elena Boschi signing up for her new government position.

In my humble opinion, it is the wrong choice of shoe colour to wear with that suit in such an important occasion !

The new Italian minister, Maria Elena Boschi signing up for her new government.
In G-string we stand. Lol

Gotta love the Italians. Italian Minister Maria Elena Boschi signing up for her new government position. Some might argue for a different choice of shoe color, but that would be quibbling.

 

Truth : Maria Elena Boschi Did NOT Expose Her Knickers At All!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and shared by misogynists who cannot stand a woman in power, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Maria Elena Boschi Was Sworn In On 22 February 2014

First, let me just point out that the viral photo isn’t new, even though it just went viral again in 2022.

The photo first went viral in February 2014, after Maria Elena Boschi was sworn into office as the Minister for Constitutional Reform.

Since then, it has repeatedly gone viral again and again over the years, each time with people claiming that she was “just” sworn into office. No, that happened in 2014.

Fact #2 : Maria Elena Boschi Did Not Expose Her Knickers

The viral photo was edited from the original photo taken during Maria Elena Boschi’s 2014 swearing-in ceremony. Here is a comparison I created of the original photo (left), and the edited photo (right).

Fact #3 : Maria Elena Boschi Faced Sexist Remarks

The photoshopped thong photo was not the only misogynist insult Maria Elena Boschi had to put up with. She was mocked for wearing the electric blue trouser suit:

Italian newspaper, Cormier della Sera described the suit as having a colour “unknown in nature”, while La Stampa said that it resembled something that might be worn by “a Marvel superhero like Captain America”.

La Stampa also criticised her trousers, saying that they were so tight that “many were reminded of Pippa Middleton’s silhouette” when she bent over to sign her name.

In 2016, Il Fatto Quotidiano would publish a sexist cartoon of Boschi on its front page, showing her thighs prominently, with headlines that played on the Italian word for “thighs” – cosce.

The Italian media appeared to be focused on how she looked, and not so much on her credentials – she was a lawyer, a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 2013, and a minister who pushed through a complicated series of reforms to the Italian Senate.

Fortunately, she has her supporters who call her by her acronym, MEB.

Fact #4 : Viral Photo Also Used To Mock Melania Trump

Oddly enough, the same photo was used to mock Melania Trump, when she was still the US First Lady, with comments like these:

This is YALL’S FIRST LADY!!! AND THEY GOT THE NERVE TO TALK ABOUT FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA wearing sleeveless dresses??? #melaniatrump #pornstar

Needless to say – that was not Melania Trump. Regardless of how we feel about her, it is still misogynistic.

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this fact check out, and support our work!

 

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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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Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

Here is the postal voting process for overseas Malaysians who have signed up to vote by post.

Please help to SHARE this guide with your family and friends staying overseas!

 

Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) has not announced the official postal voting procedures for GE15, so I will update this guide, as and when we get more news.

In the meantime, this is the postal voting process for overseas Malaysians, based on the GE14 postal voting protocol, and what we know so far.

Note : This guide is for overseas Malaysians who have already registered for postal voting.

Read more : How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

Step 1 : The Election Commission (SPR) to mail you the postal vote kit after the election candidates are formally named.

Step 2 : The postal vote kit comes in a brown envelope labelled “Urusan Sri Paduka Baginda“. Once you open it up, you should find two envelopes:

White Envelope (Sampul B) containing:

  • 1 x white envelope labelled “A – Parliamen” with ballot paper inside
  • 1 x white Borang 2

Pink / Orange Envelope (Sampul B) – this is only for Pahang, Perlis, Perak and Bugaya (Sabah)

  • 1 x pink / orange envelope labelled “A – Negeri” with ballot paper inside
  • 1 x pink Borang 2

Step 3 : Before you mark the ballots, you must get another Malaysian citizen who is 18 years or older to act as a witness.

He / she will need to compare the serial numbers of the voting ballots with those on the envelopes, and confirm that they are the same.

The witness must then fill in and sign both Borang 2 forms, with his / her information:

  • Full name
  • Current address
  • MyKad number
  • Signature
  • Date (when he/she signed Borang 2 as a witness)

Step 4 : You must now complete the Borang 2 forms with your own information.

  • Full Name
  • MyKad number
  • Signature

Step 5 : Vote for your preferred Parliament candidate (only one candidate) by marking the ballot with an X using a pen.

Step 6 : Fold the Parliament ballot, and put it into the white Sampul A envelope marked Parliamen (Parliament), and seal the envelope with glue.

Step 7 : Fold the completed white Borang 2, and put it into the white Sampul B envelope, together with the white Sampul A (Parliamen) envelope. Seal the white Sampul B envelope with glue.

Step 8 : Vote for your preferred State Assembly candidate (only one candidate) by marking the ballot with an X using a pen.

Step 9 : Fold the State ballot, and put it into the pink / orange Sampul A envelope marked Negeri (State), and seal the envelope with glue.

Step 10 : Fold the completed pink Borang 2, and put it into the pink / orange Sampul B envelope, together with the pink / orange Sampul A (Negeri) envelope. Seal the pink / orange Sampul B envelope with glue.

Step 11 : You must now mail the two Sampul Surat B (which have a pre-printed address) to Malaysia using regular mail service or courier service, but at your own cost.

You can combine them in a single envelope to save cost. If your family is voting in the same constituency, you can also share the same envelope for your votes. Just copy the address from the Sampul Surat B.

Alternatively, you can travel back to Malaysia and place the voting ballots into the ballot box at the office of the returning officer.

 

Postal Voting Assistance By Global Bersih

As you can tell, not everyone may be aware of these requirements, or are able to get a Malaysian adult to act as a witness.

To help overseas Malaysians with postal voting, the Global Bersih team is asking for volunteers to help :

  • flyers who can hand-carry votes back to Malaysia, from 10-18 November 2022
  • coordinators who can connect overseas Malaysians to flyers who can help them carry their votes back to Malaysia
  • runners in Malaysia who can pick up ballots from flyers, to deliver the votes to local constituencies
  • Malaysian adults who can serve as witnesses for overseas ballot papers

If you are a Malaysian adult living overseas and are willing to coordinate and/or become a witness for other Malaysian voters in your location, please sign up using this Global Bersih coordination form.

You can also sign up to help the Global Bersih team in their other efforts to help overseas Malaysians cast their postal votes at https://bit.ly/ge15volunteers.

EVERY VOTE MATTERS, so please help our Malaysian brothers and sisters overseas cast their vote!

Read more : Every Postal Vote Requires Malaysian Adult Witness!

 

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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.

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Every Postal Vote Requires Malaysian Adult Witness!

Please warn everyone – every postal vote requires a Malaysian adult as a witness!

 

Every Postal Vote Requires Malaysian Adult Witness!

If you are an overseas Malaysian who already signed up for the postal vote, you can’t just fill it and mail it back.

The postal ballot is accompanied by a Borang 2 that must be signed by a witness who must be a Malaysian citizen who is 18 years or older.

As you can tell – not every overseas Malaysian will be able to locate another Malaysian adult to act as a witness.

Without a properly completed Borang 2, your postal vote will be null and void. So please make sure you can get another Malaysian adult to act as your witness.

The Global Bersih team has appealed to the Election Commission (SPR) to remove such an onerous requirement, but as of now – the requirement remains.

Read more : How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

 

Global Bersih Initiative To Meet Borang 2 Voting Requirement

To help overseas Malaysians find a suitable witness for Borang 2, the Global Bersih team has created a coordination form.

This is for overseas Malaysians who are willing to coordinate and assist other Malaysians to meet the Borang 2 witness requirement.

You must be willing to leave your name and a minimum of one method by which other Malaysians can contact you to obtain your signature as a witness for their Borang 2.

The Global Bersih team will only share this information on their official social media after the Election Commission (SPR) finalises its regulations for postal voting in GE15.

The Global Bersih team is also coordinating other forms of assistance to overseas Malaysians, and need volunteers to help out with those efforts. So if you can help, please register at https://bit.ly/ge15volunteers.

Read more : Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

 

Postal Vote Process For Overseas Malaysians

Here is a quick summary of the postal vote process for overseas Malaysians who have already registered for postal voting.

For the full version, please see Postal Voting Guide For Overseas Malaysians!

Step 1 : The Election Commission (SPR) to mail you the postal vote kit after the election candidates are formally named.

Step 2 : The postal vote kit comes in a brown envelope labelled “Urusan Sri Paduka Baginda“. Once you open it up, you should find two envelopes:

White Envelope (Sampul B) containing:

  • 1 x white envelope labelled “A – Parliamen” with ballot paper inside
  • 1 x white Borang 2

Pink / Orange Envelope (Sampul B) – this is only for Pahang, Perlis, Perak and Bugaya (Sabah)

  • 1 x pink / orange envelope labelled “A – Negeri” with ballot paper inside
  • 1 x pink Borang 2

Step 3 : Before you mark the ballots, get another Malaysian citizen who is 18 years or older to act as a witness.

He/she will need to compare the serial numbers of the voting ballots with those on the envelopes, and confirm that they are the same.

Step 4 : The witness must then fill in and sign both Borang 2 forms, which you then completed with your information.

Step 5 : Vote for your preferred Parliament candidate by marking the ballot with an X using a pen.

Step 6 : Fold the Parliament ballot, and put it into the white Sampul A envelope marked Parliamen (Parliament), and seal the envelope with glue.

Step 7 : Fold the completed white Borang 2, and put it into the white Sampul B envelope, together with the white Sampul A (Parliamen) envelope. Seal the white Sampul B envelope with glue.

Step 8 : Vote for your preferred State Assembly candidate by marking the ballot with an X using a pen.

Step 9 : Fold the State ballot, and put it into the pink / orange Sampul A envelope marked Negeri (State), and seal the envelope with glue.

Step 10 : Fold the completed pink Borang 2, and put it into the pink / orange Sampul B envelope, together with the pink / orange Sampul A (Negeri) envelope. Seal the pink / orange Sampul B envelope with glue.

Step 11 : You must now mail the two Sampul Surat B (which have a pre-printed address) to Malaysia using regular mail service or courier service, but at your own cost. You can combine them in a single envelope to save cost.

Alternatively, you can travel back to Malaysia and place the voting ballots into the ballot box at the office of the returning officer.

 

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WhatsApp Back Online After Going Down Globally!

WhatsApp went down globally for about 2 hours in yet another major outage! Here is what you need to know…

 

WhatsApp Down Globally In Another Major Outage!

WhatsApp went down globally for about 2 hours, in yet another major outage!

At around 3 AM Eastern Time / 3 PM Malaysia Time, WhatsApp users started getting disconnected from the messaging service, leaving them with a perpetual “Connecting” message.

Those using WhatsApp Web or Desktop were struck with the dreaded “Make sure your computer has an active Internet connection” error message.

Meta spokesperson Joshua Breckman acknowledged the problem, saying:

We’re aware that some people are currently having trouble sending messages and we’re working to restore WhatsApp for everyone as quickly as possible.

Fortunately, this time, only WhatsApp is affected. Other Meta services, like Facebook, Messenger and Instagram, are still working fine.

Meta also managed to get it back online for most users in 2 hours, during which, people were “forced” to try out alternative messaging services like Telegram, Viber, Line and yes, even WeChat!

We know people had trouble sending messages on WhatsApp today. We have fixed the issue and apologise for any inconvenience.

 

Almost A Year To Last Major WhatsApp Outage!

This new global outage comes almost on the first anniversary of last year’s major outage which took out not only WhatsApp, but other Meta services like Facebook, Messenger, Oculus and Instagram!

That outage, which lasted about six hours, was caused by configuration changes they made to their backbone routers. Not because 13 year-old hacker Sun Jisu hacked them.

It is now believed that the changes were made to Facebook’s Border Gateway Protocol, a mechanism that exchanges routing information to help figure out the fastest route for any request.

Apparently, the changes “withdrew” Facebook services from the DNS system, making it impossible for anyone to connect to them.

Even worse, Facebook ran their own systems through the same servers, so everything from engineering tool, messaging services and even security systems that controlled the key fob locks were no longer accessible.

So their engineering team had to rush to their data centres to manually reset the servers there.

Needless to say, this will be a big wake-up call for their engineering teams, and in the words of Russell Peters – “Somebody’s gonna get a hurt real bad!

Read more : Why Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram Went Down!
Read more : Did 13 Year Old Sun Jisu Hack Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram?

 

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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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Chinese Spies Caught Interfering With HUAWEI Case!

Two Chinese spies were caught interfering with US federal prosecution of Chinese telecommunications company, HUAWEI!

 

Chinese Spies Caught Interfering With HUAWEI Case!

On Monday, October 24, 2022, the US Justice Department announced charges against two Chinese citizens, who were accused of working to undermine federal prosecution of Chinese telecommunications company, HUAWEI.

The charging documents charged two People’s Republic of China (PRC) citizens of two counts of money laundering, and one count of obstructing an official proceeding, specifically interfering with the pending prosecution of HUAWEI by the Eastern District of New York (EDNY).

  • Gouchun He, who is also known as Dong He or Jacky He, and
  • Zheng Wang, who is also known as Zen Wang

The US Justice Department called them intelligence officers of the PRC conducting foreign intelligence operations targeting the United States, on behalf of the PRC government and for the benefit of Company-1 (HUAWEI).

Recommended : US Targets Chinese Military With New Chip Export Ban!

 

How These Chinese Spies Were Caught Interfering With HUAWEI Case!

The US Justice Department’s charging documents tell a really compelling story of how the two Chinese spies were foiled by the very asset they recruited.

When US Department of Justice apparently began their investigation of HUAWEI in 2017, Gouchun He and Zheng Wang recruited a US law enforcement official around February 2017. Unbeknownst to them, the official they recruited as their asset became a “double agent” for FBI supervision.

He and Wang began asking the official for sensitive information about the US government’s criminal case against HUAWEI, and received payment in return:

  • approximately $14,000 in cash
  • jewellery worth approximately $600
  • approximately $61,000 in Bitcoin

The official also received payments unrelated to this case (suggesting He and Wang asked for information on other cases) :

  • $2,000 via Western Union
  • $3,000 in cash delivered in person by He and Wang
  • $9,000 in cash and jewellery

Read more : HUAWEI CEO Ren Zhengfei Warns Of Tough Times!

After charges were announced against HUAWEI around January 2019, Gouchun He and Zheng Wang repeatedly asked their agent for secret information regarding the investigation and prosecution of HUAWEI:

September 2021 : The official was asked to provide information on meetings with the prosecution team at the US Attorney’s Office for EDNY on strategising for the jury trial.

October 2021 : In response to a request for documents, the official passed Gouchun He a document marked SECRET that purportedly claimed to discuss a potential plan to charge and arrest two HUAWEI principals residing in China.

The official was paid $41,000 in Bitcoin for that single page, and later paid another $20,000 in Bitcoin the same month.

December 2021 : Gouchun He told the official that HUAWEI “demanded to communicate with him/her directly”, but he allegedly “refused it” because “it’s too dangerous”.

The US official repeatedly indicated that he/she knew and expected the materials he/she passed would be shared with HUAWEI, and Gouchun He and Zheng Wang never denied that they would be sharing the documents or information with HUAWEI.

In fact, when the US official handed them the SECRET document, Gouchun He explained, “HUAWEI didn’t give me specifically feedback now yet [about the document], but they are obviously interested in it, and my boos and they need further information

Both Gouchun He and Zheng Wang then asked the US official for information on witnesses who were working with the US government to prosecute HUAWEI.

 

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Bangladeshi Man With Malaysian IC + Chinese Name?!

Is the government using Bangladeshi men with Malaysian IC and Chinese name to cheat at the coming general election in Malaysia?!

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

 

Claim : This Is A Bangladeshi Man With Malaysian IC + Chinese Name!

A photo of a Malaysian identity card with this message is going viral on WhatsApp, claiming to show a Bangladeshi man with a Chinese name!

Malaysia election is not here yet, already there are many Bangladeshis holding Malaysian identity cards but with Chinese names! This is the biggest joke of all!

Please send and share with all your friends, and let the whole world know about it, Malaysia boleh!

It’s being used as “evidence” that the government is either using Bangladeshi men with Malaysian IC to cheat at the coming general election in Malaysia, or the government has given many Bangladeshi men Malaysian citizenship.

 

Pang Chee Pin Is NOT A Bangladeshi Man With Malaysian IC + Chinese Name!

Pang Chee Pin’s MyKad (Malaysian identity card) keeps circulating every election season in Malaysia, as “evidence” of the government is giving Malaysian citizenship or at least, Malaysian identity cards, to Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in return for their vote.

Here are the reasons why this is just another example of FAKE NEWS on WhatsApp and social media!

Fact #1 : Pang Chee Pin Is A Malaysian Citizen

The Malaysian identity card of Pang Chee Pin that keeps going viral is genuine. Pang Chee Pin is a bonafide Malaysian citizen.

However, he is not of Bangladeshi origin. He is a Malaysian citizen of Indian heritage, who was adopted by a Chinese family when he was just one year old.

He originally had an Indian name, but his adopted father gave him a Chinese name, officially registering it with the authorities.

That’s why he has a MyKad with the name, Pang Chee Pin.

Fact #2 : JPN Confirmed Pang Chee Pin Is Malaysian Citizen

On 1 March 2017, the Malaysia National Registration Department (NRD / JPN) confirmed that Pang Chee Pin is indeed a Malaysian citizen, and an Indian man who was adopted by Chinese parents.

It also clarified that adoptive parents can change the name of their adopted child. In the case of non-Muslim children, the child may adopt his/her new family’s surname.

Fact #3 : His Cousin Explain It All In 2017

In 2017, The Star investigated Pang Chee Pin’s story, and spoke to his cousin, who only wanted to be known as Susan.

He and I are cousins. But when my uncle died some 25 years ago, my parents took him in and cared for him. He left our home about six years ago.

The last time we met was about three years ago in Kuala Lumpur Hospital where he was hospitalised due to a kidney problem.

According to my mother, Pang was adopted by my uncle and his wife to help lessen the burden of his biological family.

Fact #4 : Police Interviewed His Cousin In 2017

Susan said in 2017 that after her cousin’s MyKad went viral on social media, the police visited her house to record her statement.

She confirmed to them that Pang Chee Pin is indeed a Malaysian, and asked that people stop sharing his MyKad on social media.

Fact #5 : Pang Chee Pin Attended Local Schools 

Susan told the Star that Pang Chee Pin to the same Chinese primary school as she did.

Only Malaysian citizens can attend Chinese primary schools under the Malaysia Ministry of Education.

Fact #6 : Pang Chee Pin Speaks Chinese Dialects Fluently

Susan revealed that Pang can speak fluent Mandarin, Hakka and Cantonese dialects. This was confirmed by a viral video showing Pang Chee Pin speaking flawless Mandarin.

For those who are wondering what he’s saying in the video, here’s some context provided by the creator of the video, 刘裕彬 (Low Yi Ping) :

!!请注意!!老千出没 !!
!! Please pay attention!! To this old man!!

pang Chee pin(华人领养所以华人名)
Pang Chee Pin (Adopted by Chinese so he has a Chinese name)

ic number :830828-01-5855

是个老千 ,会说华语广东话,专门游说别人他是卖电话的,可以拿到便宜货 ,时常在火车站出现或各种地方
He’s a veteran cheat who speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, specializes in asking people phones at a bargain, often at the train station or other places.

(subang ,shah alam ,setapak ,pj ,lowYat,kuchai lama)

大多数是kl area。已经很多人受骗了,那天拿到他的手机,里面还有很多受害者。看到他立刻报警 !他在kl犯案 已经接近10年了都没有被捉 。上次被我朋友找到了还会很嚣张的说自己是黑社会的,然后假装叫人拿刀来,不过都只是在撒谎。
Mostly in the KL area. Many people have been cheated. That day, we got hold of his phone and found that he had many victims listed inside. If you see him, call the police immediately! He’s been in KL for almost 10 years without getting caught. The last time my friend found it, he arrogantly said that he is a gangster, and pretended to threaten people with a knife, but he was just lying.

请大力的分享,不要让他一直骗下去,这种人罪该万死 。[adrotate banner=”4″]
Please share this out, and don’t let him keep cheating other people, such people deserve to die.

他应该是住setapak genting klang 的。
He should be living in Setapak, Genting or Klang.

看到他的出没可以帮个忙pm
If you spot him, please send me a PM (Private Message)

或者直接报警
Or call the police.

PANG Chee pin 你看到这个post,最好自己出来自首
Pang Chee Pin if you see this post, you better turn yourself in

Now that you know the truth, please SHARE this article with your family and friends!

 

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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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Warning : Postal Voting Registration Fake News!

Watch out for the postal voting registration fake news that is circulating on WhatsApp, and please warn your family and friends about it!

 

Claim : Postal Voting Registration Is Pointless After Friday Noon!

This message has gone viral on WhatsApp, claiming that it’s pointless for overseas Malaysians to register for postal voting after Friday noon, on October 21.

You know I am not the kind who will ask you to forward messages. But this one PLEASE FORWARD.

The “closing date” to register for PRU15 overseas postal voting is Friday, 21 October before noon. Malaysian time!

The registration for an akaun pengguna with SPR at https://myspr.spr.gov.my/login must happen in the next few hours or an overseas Malaysian will not be able to apply for undi pos on time. It’s a two-prong process that takes days!

Stop telling people that the closing date is this Sunday, 23 October. Without an akaun pengguna, there is no point.

Read more : How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

 

Truth : Postal Voting Registration Continues Until October 23!

The viral message is FAKE NEWS based on a misunderstanding of an existing notice whenever someone registers for a MySPR account in the website of the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR).

Here is what you need to know…

Fact #1 : Last Date For Postal Voting Registration Is October 23

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) announced that early voting would begin on November 15, followed by voting for General Elections on November 19, 2022.

The SPR also announced that the last day for postal voters to register to vote by mail is Sunday, October 23, 2022.

Fact #2 : MySPR Registration Takes Time To Process

Before overseas Malaysians can register for postal voting, they must first register for a MySPR account.

When you register for your MySPR account, you will see this warning about how long it takes them to process and approve each application (with my English translation) :

Sila ambil perhatian perkara berikut

  • Permohonan yang dihantar pada jam 8.00 pagi hingga 12.00 tengah har waktu bekerja akan diproses pada hari yang sama sebelum jam 5.30 petang.
  • Permohonan yang dihantar selepas jam 12.00 tengah har waktu bekerja akan diproses pada hari bekerja berikutnya sebelum jam 5.30 petang
  • Permohonan yang dihantar pada Sabtu, Ahad atau Hari Kelepasan Am akan diproses pada hari bekerja berikutnya sebelum jam 5.30 petang

Please take note

  • Applications sent between 8.00 am and 12.00 noon during working hours will be processed on the same day before 5.30 pm.
  • Applications sent after 12.00 noon working hours will be processed on the following working day before 5.30 pm
  • Applications sent on Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays will be processed on the next working day before 5.30 pm

In normal times, the fake news post would be correct – overseas Malaysians have to apply for their MySPR account before 12 PM on Friday, October 21, or be automatically disqualified to register as postal voters.

Fact #3 : SPR Is Working Through Weekend

However, these are not normal times. The 15th General Elections (PRU15) in Malaysia has been called, and so, the SPR is working through the weekend to process all MySPR account registrations, as well as applications for postal voting.

This, I confirmed with the Global Bersih team, which received assurance from SPR that its staff are working through the weekend, and the last two days available for overseas Malaysians to register for postal voting.

SPR will accept all MySPR account applications and register postal voters until 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 23, 2022!

We’re in touch with @sprgovmy. They’ve assured us that they will be working this weekend. This is not ordinary times.

⏰ Deadline for postal registration is Sunday, 23 Oct, 11.59 pm (GMT+8)

Fact #4 : Global Bersih Called This Fake News!

Global Bersih – the team spearheading the overseas voter campaign, has publicly labelled this viral post as “misinformation”.

‼️ There is misinformation going around that registration for #PostalVoting has closed.

We clarify that @sprgovmy
will accept applications until Sunday, 11.59 pm (GMT+8).

Note that you need to open your MySPR account AND have it approved first to apply for postal voting.

Read more : How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

Fact #5 : MySPR Registration Delay Has Long Existed

Just to be clear – the MySPR account registration delay has long existed. It was not introduced for the 15th General Elections (PRU15).

But because time is short for overseas Malaysians to register for postal voting, the SPR has done away with the usual processing delay for new MySPR registrations.

So please help us spread the word, and encourage overseas Malaysians to sign up as postal voters for GE15!

Please also share with them my step-by-step guide on how to register for their MySPR account, and register as postal voters.

 

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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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SPR Will Register Postal Voters Until October 23!

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) has confirmed that they will work through the weekend, and will register all postal voters until October 23!

Please share this news out, and ask overseas Malaysians to continue register as postal voters!

 

Claim : SPR Will Not Register Postal Voters During Weekends / Holidays

The Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) earlier announced that early voting would begin on November 15, followed by voting for General Elections on November 19, 2022.

The SPR also announced that the last day for postal voters to register to vote by mail is Sunday, October 23, 2022.

However, overseas Malaysians trying to register to be postal voters were confronted with this notice when trying to register for their MySPR account (with my English translation) :

Sila ambil perhatian perkara berikut

  • Permohonan yang dihantar pada jam 8.00 pagi hingga 12.00 tengah har waktu bekerja akan diproses pada hari yang sama sebelum jam 5.30 petang.
  • Permohonan yang dihantar selepas jam 12.00 tengah har waktu bekerja akan diproses pada hari bekerja berikutnya sebelum jam 5.30 petang
  • Permohonan yang dihantar pada Sabtu, Ahad atau Hari Kelepasan Am akan diproses pada hari bekerja berikutnya sebelum jam 5.30 petang

Please take note

  • Applications sent between 8.00 am and 12.00 noon during working hours will be processed on the same day before 5.30 pm.
  • Applications sent after 12.00 noon working hours will be processed on the following working day before 5.30 pm
  • Applications sent on Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays will be processed on the next working day before 5.30 pm

In other words – overseas Malaysians have to apply for their MySPR account before 12 PM on Friday, October 21, or be automatically disqualified to register as postal voters.

 

Confirmed : SPR Will Register Postal Voters Until October 23!

I contacted the Bersih team regarding this issue, and I have great newsSPR will continue to process applications through the weekend, as these are not ordinary times.

Now that the 15th General Elections have been called, the SPR is working through the weekend and holidays to process MySPR applications and register postal voters.

SPR will accept all MySPR account applications and register postal voters until 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 23, 2022!

We’re in touch with @sprgovmy. They’ve assured us that they will be working this weekend. This is not ordinary times.

⏰ Deadline for postal registration is Sunday, 23 Oct, 11.59 pm (GMT+8)

So please help us spread the word, and encourage overseas Malaysians to sign up as postal voters for GE15!

Please also share with them my step-by-step guide on how to register for their MySPR account, and register as postal voters.

Read more : How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

 

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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Starlink Donation : What A Brilliant Way To Make $$$!

Elon Musk just stumbled on a great way for SpaceX to make more money – add a Starlink donation option!

 

Starlink Donation : Way Out For Elon Musk + Brilliant Way To Make $$$

Right after being forced to withdraw his demand for more Starlink funding, Elon Musk just found a fortuitous escape hatch for that PR debacle, and a new and brilliant way to make more money!

Chipper CEO Ham Serunjogi tweeted a day earlier that he would be happy to donate money to donate Starlink to schools and hospitals in Uganda.

Musk jumped on it and asked if anyone else would be interested to donate Starlink to places in need.

Are there others that want to donate Starlinks to places in need?

Without waiting for a poll or positive response from his legion of fans, the SpaceX CEO announced 6 minutes later that SpaceX will add a donate option for Starlink.

Ok, we will add a donate option to Starlink

It took Elon Musk only 6 minutes to realise the genius of the idea. A Starlink donation option would kill two birds with one stone.

Not only would it absolve him of the need to (partially) donate to Ukraine or Iran, or impoverished communities, SpaceX gets to financially benefit from those donations, AND reap the PR benefits on top of that!

That’s a pay nothing, and get all three FREE deal right there! What is there not to like?

Read more : Elon Musk Withdraws Demand For Starlink Funding!

 

Elon Musk + SpaceX Do Not Need A Starlink Donation Option!

Call me a cynic, but this is nothing more than a ploy to enrich SpaceX by squeezing the common people to donate Starlink.

Of course, we don’t yet know how the Starlink donation option will work – it was just a declaration of intent. But neither Elon Musk nor SpaceX actually need to add a Starlink donation option.

SpaceX received and continue to receive tens of millions of dollars in donations to provide Starlink to Ukraine, and we know that because their letter of demand leaked inconvenient details – some 85% of Starlink terminals were donated by third party entities like:

  • USAID – about $3 million on hardware and services
  • Poland : almost 9,000 Starlink terminals
  • US : almost 1,700 terminals

In other words – there are already institutions donating vast amounts of money to fund Starlink for such “places in need”. Elon Musk himself can fund a lot of CSR projects with his wealth of over $200 BILLION, even if he ends up buying Twitter.

Elon Musk didn’t become a multi-billionaire by donating his money; and despite signing the Giving Pledge in 2012, he has done very little of it.

What is clear though is that neither SpaceX nor Elon Musk need us common folks trying to make ends meet, to donate Starlink.

Read more : SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

 

Why Is Ham Serunjogi Even Asking For A Starlink Donation Option?

I don’t even understand why Ham Serunjogi is publicly asking Elon Musk if there’s a way to donate Starlink to schools and hospitals in Uganda.

As far as I can tell – SpaceX hasn’t even applied for regulatory approval for Starlink in Uganda. So donating to Uganda is a non-starter, the question moot. Pointless.

But if Ham Serunjogi or any other rich technopreneur wants to help connect “places in need” under Starlink coverage, they can simply order and pay for Starlink. As the Nike motto says – Just do it!

Unless the purpose is to get some nice PR without actually doing anything, or heavens forbid – to give Elon Musk a way to switch the topic away from SpaceX’s less than heroic donations to Ukraine.

Here I lay to rest my cynicism, in hopes that I’m wrong, and Ham Serunjogi and other rich people will do their bit to bring Internet connectivity to people who don’t yet have access.

 

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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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Elon Musk Withdraws Demand For Starlink Funding!

Elon Musk has officially withdrawn SpaceX’s demand for more Starlink funding in Ukraine!

 

Elon Musk Withdraws Demand For Starlink Funding!

Elon Musk was seen as a saviour to Ukrainians, after his company – SpaceX, shipped thousands of its satellite terminals to Ukraine, and activated its Starlink satellite Internet services.

But he came under fire after a SpaceX letter demanding more funding leaked, exposing how most of Starlink service in Ukraine was being funded by third party entities, including the US, UK and Polish governments.

The backlash resulted in an angry “The hell with it” retort by Musk, which could either mean he was going to continue subsidising a small part of Starlink services in Ukraine, or he was just being sarcastic.

That was finally clarified when he tweeted that SpaceX officially withdrew its request for (additional) funding.

SpaceX has already withdrawn its request for funding

He could barely hide his indignation at being “exposed” for only subsidising a small percentage of Starlink services in Ukraine, with his follow-up tweet to “clarify” that SpaceX was only getting paid for 42% of Starlink users in Ukraine.

To be precise, 25,300 terminals were sent to Ukraine, but, at present, only 10,630 are paying for service

While that sounds “bad”, the truth is – SpaceX was charging an ultra-premium $2,500 for its Starlink service in Ukraine, when most users only needed the much cheaper $500 connectivity, or the $60 consumer connectivity.

That’s like charging them for Gigabit broadband, when they only need 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps connectivity. The cost is the same, but the company gets to claim that they are being fleeced, when the truth is – they are looking to profiteer off a country desperately trying to fight off a Russian invasion.

Come on, Elon…

Read more : SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

 

Elon Musk / SpaceX Is Making Money Off Starlink In Ukraine!

As a capitalist and a corporation respectively, Elon Musk and SpaceX are entitled to profit off the Starlink satellite service. But it is also important to note that Ukraine has offered SpaceX a unique opportunity to showcase the advantages of the Starlink system.

The overwhelmingly positive media coverage of Starlink’s importance in the Ukraine War is something money can’t buy. So it is important that Elon Musk and SpaceX do not abuse their unique position, to focus on profit, profit, profit.

Not only do they stand to lose that positive news coverage, it could also open a bag of worms… like when the leaked letter exposed that SpaceX was not as charitable as everyone thought.

According to the leaked SpaceX letter, about 85% of the 20,000 Starlink terminals in Ukraine were paid or partially paid for by countries like the US, the UK and Poland. Those countries also paid for about 30% of the Internet connectivity, which costs $4,500 per month per unit.

That service cost was also brought into question since it was their top-tier pricing, when the majority of users in Ukraine only needed the much cheaper $500 per month connectivity, and consumer connectivity only cost $60 per month. It looked like SpaceX was profiteering off Ukraine’s desperation.

The SpaceX letter naturally rankled the Pentagon, with one senior defence official saying that SpaceX has “the gall to look like heroes” and present them with a bill for tens of millions of dollars, when Starlink service in Ukraine was already being sponsored in large part by outside sources.

Let’s hope that Elon Musk and SpaceX has learned their lesson on trying to profit off the Ukraine War…

Read more : Elon Musk Personally Blocked Starlink In Crimea!

 

Earlier : SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

According to an exclusive report by CNN, SpaceX’s director of government sales wrote a letter to the Pentagon, warning that it can no longer continue to fund the Starlink service.

SpaceX delivered about 20,000 Starlink satellite terminals to Ukraine so far, with CEO Elon Musk stating on Friday that the “operation has cost SpaceX $80M & will exceed $100M by end of year“.

We are not in a position to further donate terminals to Ukraine, or fund the existing terminals for an indefinite period of time.

In the letter that was sent in September, SpaceX asked the Pentagon to fund the Ukraine government’s use of Starlink, which would cost $124 million for the rest of the year, and could cost as much as $380 million for the next 12 months.

Here is a breakdown of Starlink costs in Ukraine, and who paid for what:

  • USAID – about $3 million on hardware and services
  • Poland : almost 9,000 Starlink terminals
  • US : almost 1,700 terminals

SpaceX priced the two Starlink satellite terminal models it sent to Ukraine at $1,500 and $2,500, even though the consumer model is cheaper at just $599.

SpaceX claims to have paid for about 70% of the service provided to those Starlink terminals, but that’s based on their claim to have offered the highest level of service at $4,500 per month, even though the majority only signed on for the cheaper $500 per month service. Starlink consumer service in Ukraine, in comparison, costs just $60 per month!

 

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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How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

Now that GE15 is coming, find out how Malaysians overseas can register for the postal vote!

Please register EARLY as the postal vote registration process will take a few days!

 

Malaysians Can Now Register For Postal Vote!

Previously, only those who lived in, or returned to Malaysia, for 30 days or more in the past 5 years, could apply for postal voting. In addition, those living in southern Thailand (Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkla and Satun), Singapore, Brunei or Kalimantan were not allowed to vote by post.

Generally, only Malaysian military personnel, government servants and full-time students residing overseas were allowed to vote by post.

However, the Election Commission (EC) abolished certain prior conditions for postal voting, allowing all Malaysian adults (18 years and above) living overseas to register online to vote by post.

This decision follows the Undi18 constitutional amendments that expanded voting rights for Malaysian citizens from 15 December 2021 onwards:

  • the minimum voting age was reduced to 18 years
  • automatic voter registration – all eligible voters would be automatically registered and allowed to vote

 

How To Register For Postal Vote In Malaysia!

While Undi18 constitutional amendments mean that every Malaysian is automatically registered as a voter once they are 18 years old, they must manually register to vote by post.

If you are a Malaysian living overseas, here is my guide on how you can register for the postal vote.

What You Need To Prepare

Before you start, you will need to have these in advance:

  • A valid MyKad
  • A valid mobile phone number
  • A valid email address
  • A photo of the front of your MyKad
  • A selfie photo of yourself holding your MyKad

MySPR Registration

To register for the postal vote, you must first create an account on the MySPR website.

Step 1 : Go to the Permohonan Akaun Baru (Open New Account) page.

Step 2 : Key in these details into the MySPR registration form (with my translation in English) :

  • Nama : Name
  • No. Kad Pengenalan (MyKad) : Identification Card Number (MyKad)
  • No. Perkhidmatan Polis / Tentera (Jika Berkenaan) : Police / Military Number (If Relevant)
  • Tarikh Lahir : Date of Birth (this is automatically filled in once you key in a valid identification card number)
  • No. Telefon Bimbit : Mobile Phone Number
  • E-mel : Email Address
  • Kata Laluan : Password
  • Pengesahan Kata Laluan : Password Verification (to ensure you keyed in the correct password)
  • Soalan Keselamatan : Security Question (select one from the list)
  • Jawapan Keselamatan : Answer to your Security Question

Step 3 : In the next section of the MySPR registration form, key in your address exactly as it appears in your MyKad.

Step 4 : Click on Gambar Depan MyKad (Photo of Front of MyKad) to upload the photo you took of the front of your MyKad identification card.

The form will update to show your MyKad photo crossed out with Untuk Kegunaan SPR Sahaja (For SPR Use Only) in red.

Step 5 : Click on Gambar Swafoto (Selfie) Bersama MyKad (Selfie Photo With MyKad) to upload the photo you took of yourself holding your MyKad identification card.

The form will update to show your selfie photo with your MyKad crossed out with Untuk Kegunaan SPR Sahaja (For SPR Use Only) in red.

Step 6 : In the CAPTCHA box, key in the four digit number on the left. In this example, it’s the number 4283.

Step 7 : Click on the checkbox to acknowledge that you have read the terms, and that the information you entered is correct and accurate.

Step 8 : Click on the green Daftar (Register) button on the lower right corner to submit the information.

Step 9 : You will be informed that your registration has been submitted, and will be processed in 1-2 working days. You should also receive an email confirming your registration.

Click on the red Kembali (Return) button, and it will take you to the MySPR account login page.

Step 10 : You will receive an email with the title Pengaktifan Permohonan Akaun Pengguna (Activation of User Account Application) letting you know that your MySPR account has been approved.

Click on the click inside this email to activate your MySPR account, which will take you to the Pengaktifan Akaun Pengguna (Use Account Activation) page.

Step 11 : In the Pengaktifan Akaun Pengguna (Use Account Activation) page, key in your MyKad number and your password.

Step 12 : Click on the Mohon No. TAC (Send TAC Number) option.

Step 13 : You will receive the TAC number in your mobile phone (via SMS) and email address in this format :

SMS : RM0.00 SPR : No. TAC ialah XXXXXX. Permohonan Akaun Pengguna

Email : Tuan/Puan, SPR: No. TAC ialah XXXXXX. Permohonan Akaun Pengguna

Key in the TAC number (in this example, it’s 625704), and click Hantar (Send) to activate your MySPR account.

Step 14 : You will receive a notification, informing you that your account has been activated. You can now login directly into the MySPR system using your MyKad number, and the password you registered earlier.

Registering For Postal Vote In MySPR

Step 1 : Go to the MySPR account login page.

Step 2 : Key in your MyKad number as your login, and the password you registered earlier.

Step 3 : In the CAPTCHA box, key in the four digit number on the left. In this example, it’s the number 0290.

Step 4 : Click on the blue Log Masuk (Log In) button to log into your MySPR account.

Step 5 : Once inside your MySPR account, look for the Permohonan Undi Pos (Postal Vote Application) section on the side menu on the left. Click on the Borang Permohonan (Application Form) option.

Step 6 : In the application form, select the Pengundi Luar Negara (Overseas Voter) category.

Step 7 : Select either Bekerja (Working) or Lain-Lain (Other Reasons) as your reason for requesting the postal vote.

If you select Lain-Lain (Other Reasons), you will need to type in the text box below, why you are residing overseas. For example, you can write – Belajar di Luar Negara (Studying Overseas).

Step 8 : Key in your passport number in the No. Passport section.

Step 9 : Key in your overseas postal address (where you want your ballot papers to be sent)

Step 10 : Key in your contact number (can be a landline or a mobile phone)

Step 11 : Click on the check box to confirm that the details you submitted are true.

Step 12 : Go through your postal vote application one last time to ensure the details are correct. Then click on the Hantar (Submit) button.

You will now receive an email stating that your application for the postal vote is being processed.

That’s it! Now, you just have to wait for another email informing you if your postal vote application has been approved or rejected.

Voting By Post

Once the Election Commission has decided on the voting day, it will send you the ballot paper.

When you receive the postal ballot kit, you must mark the ballot, fill in a form, and insert them in the provided return envelope.

Then you must mail the postal ballot at your own cost, or drop it off at the Malaysian embassy or consulate office.

 

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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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Elon Musk To Keep (Partly) Funding Starlink In Ukraine!

Amidst the recent funding controversy, Elon Musk has begrudgingly agreed to keep (partly) funding Starlink services in Ukraine!

 

Elon Musk To Keep (Partly) Funding Starlink In Ukraine!

Elon Musk was seen as a saviour to Ukrainians, after his company – SpaceX, shipped thousands of its satellite terminals to Ukraine, and activated its Starlink satellite Internet services.

Starlink has been critical in providing the Ukrainian government and military forces with secure communications, and the ability to control drones to monitor or attack Russian forces.

But that burnish was just soiled by the raging controversy over SpaceX’s reluctance to “keep paying” for Starlink in Ukraine, especially when it’s revealed that most of the “free” terminals and services were funded by other parties!

In what appears to be a rage post, Elon Musk begrudgingly agreed to keep (partly) funding Starlink services in Ukraine on Saturday, October 15, 2022:

The hell with it … even though Starlink is still losing money & other companies are getting billions of taxpayer $, we’ll just keep funding Ukraine govt for free.

Of course, that could be nothing more than Musk’s sarcastic response to what he probably perceives as a lack of appreciation for SpaceX’s efforts.

Read more : SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

 

Elon Musk / SpaceX Is Making Money Off Starlink In Ukraine!

As a capitalist and a corporation respectively, Elon Musk and SpaceX are entitled to profit off the Starlink satellite service. But it is also important to note that Ukraine has offered SpaceX a unique opportunity to showcase the advantages of the Starlink system.

The overwhelmingly positive media coverage of Starlink’s importance in the Ukraine War is something money can’t buy. So it is important that Elon Musk and SpaceX do not abuse their unique position, to focus on profit, profit, profit.

Not only do they stand to lose that positive news coverage, it could also open a bag of worms… like when the leaked letter exposed that SpaceX was not as charitable as everyone thought.

According to the leaked SpaceX letter, about 85% of the 20,000 Starlink terminals in Ukraine were paid or partially paid for by countries like the US, the UK and Poland. Those countries also paid for about 30% of the Internet connectivity, which costs $4,500 per month per unit.

That service cost was also brought into question since it was their top-tier pricing, when the majority of users in Ukraine only needed the much cheaper $500 per month connectivity, and consumer connectivity only cost $60 per month. It looked like SpaceX was profiteering off Ukraine’s desperation.

The SpaceX letter naturally rankled the Pentagon, with one senior defence official saying that SpaceX has “the gall to look like heroes” and present them with a bill for tens of millions of dollars, when Starlink service in Ukraine was already being sponsored in large part by outside sources.

Let’s hope that Elon Musk and SpaceX has learned their lesson on trying to profit off the Ukraine War…

Read more : Elon Musk Personally Blocked Starlink In Crimea!

 

Earlier : SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

According to an exclusive report by CNN, SpaceX’s director of government sales wrote a letter to the Pentagon, warning that it can no longer continue to fund the Starlink service.

SpaceX delivered about 20,000 Starlink satellite terminals to Ukraine so far, with CEO Elon Musk stating on Friday that the “operation has cost SpaceX $80M & will exceed $100M by end of year“.

We are not in a position to further donate terminals to Ukraine, or fund the existing terminals for an indefinite period of time.

In the letter that was sent in September, SpaceX asked the Pentagon to fund the Ukraine government’s use of Starlink, which would cost $124 million for the rest of the year, and could cost as much as $380 million for the next 12 months.

Here is a breakdown of Starlink costs in Ukraine, and who paid for what:

  • USAID – about $3 million on hardware and services
  • Poland : almost 9,000 Starlink terminals
  • US : almost 1,700 terminals

SpaceX priced the two Starlink satellite terminal models it sent to Ukraine at $1,500 and $2,500, even though the consumer model is cheaper at just $599.

SpaceX claims to have paid for about 70% of the service provided to those Starlink terminals, but that’s based on their claim to have offered the highest level of service at $4,500 per month, even though the majority only signed on for the cheaper $500 per month service. Starlink consumer service in Ukraine, in comparison, costs just $60 per month!

 

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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SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

SpaceX is no longer willing to pay for Starlink satellite service in Ukraine!

 

SpaceX Will No Longer Pay For Starlink In Ukraine!

The stars are shining for once on Russian President Vladimir Putin in his invasion of Ukraine!

According to an exclusive report by CNN, SpaceX’s director of government sales wrote a letter to the Pentagon, warning that it can no longer continue to fund the Starlink service.

SpaceX delivered about 20,000 Starlink satellite terminals to Ukraine so far, with CEO Elon Musk stating on Friday that the “operation has cost SpaceX $80M & will exceed $100M by end of year“.

We are not in a position to further donate terminals to Ukraine, or fund the existing terminals for an indefinite period of time.

In the letter that was sent in September, SpaceX asked the Pentagon to fund the Ukraine government’s use of Starlink, which would cost $124 million for the rest of the year, and could cost as much as $380 million for the next 12 months.

Here is a breakdown of Starlink costs in Ukraine, and who paid for what:

  • USAID – about $3 million on hardware and services
  • Poland : almost 9,000 Starlink terminals
  • US : almost 1,700 terminals

SpaceX priced the two Starlink satellite terminal models it sent to Ukraine at $1,500 and $2,500, even though the consumer model is cheaper at just $599.

SpaceX claims to have paid for about 70% of the service provided to those Starlink terminals, but that’s based on their claim to have offered the highest level of service at $4,500 per month, even though the majority only signed on for the cheaper $500 per month service. Starlink consumer service in Ukraine, in comparison, costs just $60 per month!

Read more : Elon Musk Personally Blocked Starlink In Crimea!

 

Loss Of Starlink In Ukraine Will Be Disastrous

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service has been vital to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield, proving its government and military with secure communications and Internet connectivity.

It not only provides Ukrainian forces with secure communications, it allows them to control drones to monitor and even attack Russian forces.

However, that reliance on SpaceX and its Starlink satellite service is a double-edged sword – it appears to be highly reliant on whims and fancies of its erratic CEO – Elon Musk.

Revelations about this letter raises concerns about Musk’s allegiance in the Ukraine War, after his much-derided Ukraine peace plan on October 3, 2022.

Not only did Elon Musk personally block the use of Starlink in Russia-occupied Crimea, the Ukrainian counteroffensives in the South and East were recently stymied by outages on the battlefield.

That has affected every effort of the Ukrainians to push past that front. Starlink is the main way units on the battlefield have to communicate.

According to SpaceX, about 85% of the 20,000 Starlink terminals in Ukraine were paid or partially paid for by countries like the US, the UK and Poland. Those countries also paid for about 30% of the Internet connectivity, which costs $4,500 per month per unit.

The SpaceX letter rankled the Pentagon, with one senior defence official saying that SpaceX has “the gall to look like heroes” and present them with a bill for tens of millions of dollars, when Starlink service in Ukraine was  already being sponsored in large part by outside sources.

 

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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Elon Musk : China Says No To Starlink!

Elon Musk just revealed that the Chinese government directly told him they do not want Starlink operational in China!

 

Elon Musk : China Says No To Starlink!

In an interview with Financial Times, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed that he was directly contacted by representatives of the Chinese government over Starlink.

He was told, in no uncertain terms, that Beijing disapproved of his rollout of Starlink in Ukraine, and demanded that he won’t sell Starlink in China.

Beijing has made it clear that it disapproves of his recent rollout of Starlink […] in Ukraine… [and] demanded assurances that he would not sell Starlink in China.

It is odd that Beijing would make a personal demand to Elon Musk, as it has the regulatory authority to determine if SpaceX is allowed to market and sell Starlink in China.

What the Chinese government is probably trying to do is get Musk to “turn off” Starlink in Chinese territory, like how he blocked Starlink in Russia-occupied Crimea.

Musk did not say whether he would obey Beijing’s request to never export Starlink to China. However, it is doubtful he would defy such a personal “request” by the Chinese government.

After all, Tesla has a major factory in China that produces hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles. Even if China does not shut down Gigafactory Shanghai to protect local workers and suppliers, it can cut off supply of critical EV components to Tesla’s other Gigafactories around the world.

The Starlink Services Map does not show any plan by SpaceX to roll out the satellite Internet service in China. In Asia, Starlink just started operations in Japan, and is “pending regulatory approval” in Taiwan, Vietnam and Mongolia.

 

Why CCP Fears Elon Musk Will Activate Starlink In China

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government has been keenly monitoring Elon Musk and the effect Starlink has on bypassing censorship.

Since February 2022, SpaceX shipped over 25,000 Starlink dishes to Ukraine, providing its military forces with secure satellite communications that has been game-changing. It not only kept Ukraine online, it allowed the Ukrainian military to launch drones to monitor and attack Russian forces.

Then in September 2022, Elon Musk activated Starlink in Iran to help its citizens bypass Internet restrictions and censorship during the government crackdown on protests over the death of Mahsa Amini.

China is understandably very concerned about how Starlink could allow its citizens to bypass its much vaunted Great Firewall to access the Internet, unfiltered.

Chinese military scientists have even called for their government to develop a “hard kill” weapon to destroy Starlink satellites.

Thus it is very unlikely that CCP government will ever approve the marketing and sale of Starlink in China. In fact, they are likely to demand that Starlink be blocked in Chinese territory.

The CCP government certainly does not want Chinese citizens to be able to bypass its Great Firewall by smuggling in Starlink dishes.

And the only way to do that is to pressure Elon Musk into blocking Starlink in China.

 

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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Binance Smart Chain Halts After $100M Crypto Theft!

Binance just shut down its blockchain, after getting hacked and losing over $100 million in crypto coins!

The shutdown prevented an even bigger loss of $566 million, but it defeated a key purpose of the blockchain – decentralisation.

 

Binance Smart Chain Halts After $100M Crypto Theft!

On Thursday, 6 October 2022, Binance Smart Chain was hit by a hacker who targeted 2 million Binance coins (BNB) worth $566 million.

The attack appeared to have started at around 2:30 PM EST, with the attacker’s wallet receiving two transactions of 1 million BNB coins.

Soon after that, the hacker tried to liquidate the BNB coins into other assets, by using a variety of liquidity pools.

Binance acknowledged the security incident several hours later, at 6:19 PM, and halted the BNB Smart Chain.

AT 7:51 PM EST, Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao confirmed that an exploit was used in the BSC Token Hub to transfer the BNB coins to the attacker, and that they asked all validators to temporarily suspend the Binance Smart Chain. He also claimed that the funds are safe.

An exploit on a cross-chain bridge, BSC Token Hub, resulted in extra BNB. We have asked all validators to temporarily suspend BSC. The issue is contained now. Your funds are safe. We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide further updates accordingly.

 

Binance Smart Chain Almost Lost $566 Million!

The majority of the 2 million BNB coins worth $566 million remained on the BNB Smart Chain, and was made inaccessible to the hacker, after BSC was shut down.

This is rather ironic since blockchains like BSC are supposed to be decentralised, and not meant to be so easily turned off – a fact BNB Chain acknowledged.

Decentralized chains are not designed to be stopped, but by contacting community validators one by one, we were able to stop the incident from spreading. It was not that easy as BNB Smart Chain has 26 active validators at present and 44 in total in different time zones. This delayed closure, but we were able to minimize the loss.

Even so, a BNB Chain spokesperson later confirmed that about $100 to $110 million in funds were taken off the Binance Smart Chain, and CZ said that the impact was about a quarter of the last BNB burn.

Of the funds taken off-chain, BNB Chain was able to freeze about $7 million with help from their partners in the cryptocurrency community.

So far, about $2 billion has been lost in crypto hacks in 2022, with cross-chain bridges used to transfer tokens across blockchains a popular target.

BNB Chain said that it would introduce a new on-chain governance mechanism to fight and defend against future possible attacks.

 

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Is Jho Low Missing From Interpol Red Notice List?!

Is fugitive financier Jho Low missing from the INTERPOL Red Notice list?!

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

 

Claim : Jho Low Is Not On INTERPOL Red Notice List!

On 6 October 2022, The Edge Markets posted an article with the title – Jho Low Not On Interpol Red Notice List.

The article went viral because it suggested that the Malaysian government either did not issue the INTERPOL Red Notice, or that the government is not interested in finding Jho Low.

Here is part of the article by The Edge Markets:

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 6): The name of fugitive financier Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) is not listed on the Interpol Red Notice page, contrary to a statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

A check on the Interpol website in both his family name and country did not yield any results.

When “Malaysia” was searched, there are four names that showed up: Koh Ing Kueh, Umar Sirul Azhar, Tan Lok Seng and Loo Soon Aik.

On Tuesday (Oct 4), Hamzah when replying to a question by Kepong Member of Parliament Lim Lip Eng said that Malaysia will not offer rewards for information leading to Jho Low,

Lim queried if the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) had contacted American journalists Tom Wright and his colleague Bradley Hope, following their claims that Jho Low and his family were spotted in China and Hong Kong in 2018 and 2019.

In his reply to Lim, Hamzah said in the Dewan Rakyat that PDRM was of the view that the Red Notice issued by Interpol was a better avenue than offering rewards as elements of cooperation and definitive information were involved.

He added that this required the 195 member states of Interpol to channel any information to Malaysian authorities to facilitate any extradition process.

Following Hamzah’s response, Wright claimed that no one in the Malaysian Government is trying to find Jho Low.

 

No Evidence Jho Low Is Not On Interpol Red Notice List

Now, there is no way to know if the Malaysian government is not interested in finding Jho Low, but The Edge Markets appear to have misunderstood the Interpol Red Notice list.

Here is what The Edge Markets and everyone else needs to know about the INTERPOL Red Notice list…

Fact #1 : Red Notice Is Not An International Arrest Warrant

First, let us establish some simple facts about the INTERPOL Red Notice.

The INTERPOL Red Notice is NOT an international arrest warrant, as many might think. It is simply an international wanted persons notice.

The Red Notice is a request to law enforcement agencies across the world to “locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action“.

Hence, the INTERPOL Red Notice only contains two types of information :

  • Information to identify the wanted person, such as their name, date of birth, nationality, hair and eye colour, photographs and fingerprints if available.
  • Information related to the crime they are wanted for, which can typically be murder, rape, child abuse or armed robbery.

It is important to note that law enforcement authorities in other countries are not compelled to take action on any Red Notice.

It is up to each member country to decide what legal value it gives a Red Notice, and how its law enforcement officers should act on each Red Notice.

Read more : Did Interpol Order Arrest Of Bill Gates, Justin Trudeau, Klaus Schwab?!

Fact #2 : Most INTERPOL Red Notices Are Not Public

INTERPOL operates a public Red Notice list, which currently shows only four names for Malaysia, as The Edge Markets correctly notes.

If you look for people wanted by Malaysia, the public Red Notice list will show 26 individuals, most of whom are foreigners.

What most people (including The Edge Markets) may not realise though is that the vast majority of INTERPOL Red Notices are not public.

As of October 6, 2022, there are approximately 69,270 Red Notices, of which only 7,132 are available for public viewing.

In other words, only about 10% of all INTERPOL Red Notices can be viewed on the public Red Notice list.

The fact that there are only four names from Malaysia does not mean that Jho Low does not currently have an INTERPOL Red Notice.

As INTERPOL points out – the vast majority of Red Notices are restricted to law enforcement use only.

Fact #3 : INTERPOL Makes Red Notices Public For Certain Reasons

INTERPOL only makes some Red Notices public if :

  • the public’s help is needed to locate an individual, or
  • they pose a threat to public safety

While Jho Low is certainly considered by many to be a criminal of stupendous proportions (pun intended), his crimes were not a threat to life or public safety.

Hence, if Jho Low has an INTERPOL Red Notice, it will not be listed in the public list.

Fact #4 : INTERPOL Does Not Approve All Red Notice Requests

Whenever law enforcement agencies request for a Red Notice, INTERPOL does not immediately issue it.

The request is first checked by a specialised task force to ensure that the Red Notice request complies with INTERPOL rules.

Even if a Red Notice is approved and issued, the task force may re-examine the case, when and if it receives new and relevant information.

Fact #5 : PDRM Says Jho Low Red Notice Issued In 2018

On December 12, 2021, Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani stated that the INTERPOL Red Notice for Jho Low was issued on June 11, 2018.

However, this does not mean that Jho Low still has an INTERPOL Red Notice in 2022, as the requesting country may rescind the request, or new information may compel INTERPOL to drop the Red Notice.

Fact #6 : Jho Low Can Check For His Own INTERPOL Red Notice

Ironically, the only person outside of law enforcement authorities to know if Jho Low has a current INTERPOL Red Notice is Jho Low himself.

Individuals can apply to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) to check if a Red Notice has been issued against them.

For privacy reasons, other people may not apply to check if Jho Low has a current INTERPOL Red Notice.

Fact #7 : Jho Low Can Challenge His INTERPOL Red Notice

If Jho Low discovers that he has a current INTERPOL Red Notice, he can actually apply to the CCF to dismiss it, by submitting :

  • a description of a newly discovered and relevant fact(s), within six months of its discovery; and
  • the reasons for which such new fact(s) could have led the Requests Chamber to a different conclusion if known at the time at which the request was being processed.

The CCF will decide on correction / deletion requests within 9 months after becoming admissible, and the INTERPOL General Secretariat will have one month to comment on that decision.

 

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Maybank To Fully Migrate SMS OTP To Secure2u!

Maybank just officially announced that it will fully migrate from SMS OTP to Secure2u, as part of efforts to crack down on scams!

Here is what you need to know…

 

Maybank To Fully Migrate SMS OTP To Secure2u!

On 28 September 2022, Maybank officially announced that it will fully migrate from SMS OTP to Secure2u, as part of efforts to crack down on scams!

By June 2023, all online activities or transactions involving account opening, fund transfers and payments, as well as changes to personal information or account settings, will require Secure2u authentication.

This announcement came after Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) ordered banks to migrate from the SMS OTP (One Time Password) to more secure authentication methods.

We remain highly committed in helping our customers to avoid being scammed by fraudsters.  This is done through existing security measures that are already in place and as we progressively rollout more measures that can help deter or minimise the likelihood of customers falling prey to financial scams.

We are also supportive of Bank Negara Malaysia’s announcement on 26 September 2022 in relation to the five measures to be adopted by banks in Malaysia to ensure higher standards of security, especially for Internet and mobile banking services.

The banking industry is committed to working together to combat financial scams which are increasingly prevalent in today’s digitalised environment.

– Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, Group President & CEO of Maybank

Read more : BNM Orders Banks To Stop Using SMS OTP To Fight Scams!

 

Details Of How Maybank Secure2u Will Replace SMS OTP

Secure2u isn’t new. It was introduced in April 2017 as a more secure way for Maybank customers to authorise Maybank2u and MAE transactions using Secure Verification (one-tap approval) and Secure Transaction activation codes (a 6-digit TAC number generated in the app), as an alternate to SMS OTP.

Maybank also revealed some details of how Secure2u will be enhanced as it replaces SMS OTP :

  • Only one Secure2u device will be allowed per account holder (customer) to minimise the possibility of compromise by a third party
  • Maybank will alert the customer by SMS, a push notification, and an email when Secure2u is registered on a new device.
  • In Q4 2022, Maybank will introduce a cooling-off period whenever customers enable Secure2u on a different device. This cooling-off period will give customers the opportunity to verify and report to the bank in case of any unauthorised Secure2u registration on a new device.

In addition to Secure2u, Maybank is heeding BNM’s call for tightened fraud detection rules and triggers, and has in place a call-back verification process to alert customers of suspicious transactions.

Read more : Maybank: New Secure2u Activations Only On MAE App

 

Maybank Advice On Fighting Scam

Maybank has a dedicated 24/7 hotline for customers to report financial scams at +603-5891-4744. Customers are advised to call the hotline immediately, as soon as they suspect that their banking details have been compromised, or whenever they notice suspicious transactions, so their bank accounts can be suspended swiftly.

Alternatively, customers can also contact the general Maybank Customer Care Hotline at 1-300-88-6688 to report scams / fraud, or to seek assistance in suspending their bank accounts.

Finally, here are some tips from Maybank on how to protect yourself while using online platforms:

  • Avoid installing/downloading apps/Android Package Kit (APK) files or clicking on suspicious links sent via chat messages such as SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger or other similar services.
  • Do not provide permission for any app to send or view your SMSes.
  • Do not ignore any warnings from your devices, especially when downloading or installing a new file.
  • Do not enter your banking details, especially username or password, in any suspicious apps or websites.
  • Always keep your antivirus software updated for constant protection.
  • Only download apps from the genuine app stores such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery and not from a link.
  • Be alert if you are being prompted to download a file that is not compatible with your device i.e.: iPhone/iPad device being asked to use an Android device to download a file.
  • Always look out for your online banking security image and phrase (i.e.: Maybank2u security image and phrase), to ensure the website and app are legitimate.
  • Do not root or jailbreak your device.
  • Update your mobile device’s operating system (OS) and apps regularly.

Finally, we must all remember to NEVER share with anyone (not even bank employees) details of our bank accounts.

Please SHARE this article and these tips with your family and friends!

 

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BNM : Banks To Stop Using SMS OTP To Fight Scams!

Bank Negara Malaysia has ordered banks to stop using SMS OTP, as a way to fight financial scams!

Here is what you need to know…

 

BNM : Banks To Stop Using SMS OTP To Fight Scams!

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has ordered banks in Malaysia to stop using SMS OTP (One Time Passwords), and migrate to a more secure form of authentication for online transactions.

This move comes after many Malaysians were hit by scams that bypassed the security offered by SMS OTP, leading to great loss of their hard-earned money.

BNM governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said major banks in Malaysia have already started migrating from SMS OTP to more secure forms of authentication.

 

BNM : More Measures Beyond SMS OTP To Fight Scams!

In addition to “banning” SMS OTP, BNM has ordered the further tightening of detection rules and triggers to block potential scams.

This includes adding a cooling-off period for first-time enrolments of online banking services, as well as devices being registered for authentication purposes.

Banks will also be required to set up dedicated scam hotlines, and provide convenient ways for customers to suspend their bank accounts if they suspect that those accounts have been compromised.

Banks also have to ensure that customers are able to reactivate their accounts after a reasonable period, after ensuring that their accounts have been secured.

Together with the financial industry, BNM will continue to ensure that banking and payment channels remain secure and equipped with the latest security controls. The effort to combat financial crimes also requires the support of all parties. As consumers, each of us are responsible for protecting ourselves from the threat of scams.

The reality, however, is that methods used by criminals will continue to evolve. BNM therefore continuously intensifies efforts and take steps to combat scams by introducing additional controls and safeguards from time to time.

– BNM governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus

Read more : Bank Negara Malaysia Email Scam Alert!

Despite these efforts, it is critical that we must all learn to safeguard our personal information and avoid downloading files or installing applications from unverified sources on our computer or smartphones.

We should also check our bank and credit card statements, and notify the banks once we notice anything suspicious.

Those who believe that they are victims of a scam should contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department Scam Response Centre at 03-2610 1559/1599 or BNMTelelink at 1-300-88-5465; and lodge a police report to facilitate investigations.

 

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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 Turn On Two-Step Verification In Telegram!

Find out WHY you should turn on two-step verification in Telegram, and HOW to do that!

 

Why You Should Turn On Two-Step Verification In Telegram?

Two-Step Verification is a feature that protects your Telegram account from being hijacked by hackers and scammers.

It blocks illegal takeover of Telegram accounts, by requiring a secret password that only you know. And it lets you recover your account via email.

This prevents hackers or scammers from taking over your Telegram account, even if you accidentally share with them the login code.

Read more : Beware Of Telegram Screenshot Hack + Scam!

 

How To Turn On Two-Step Verification In Telegram!

In this guide, I will share with you how to turn on two-step verification in Telegram.

Step 1 : Open Telegram.

Step 2 : Go to Options > Settings > Privacy and Security.

Step 3 : Tap on the Two-Step Verification option.

Step 4 : In the Two-Step Verification screen, tap on the Set Password option.

Step 5 : Key in your preferred password, which can be any combination of capital or small letters and numbers.

Step 6 : You will need to key the same password again, to confirm it.

Step 7 : Next, you can create a hint to remind you of your password. This is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer.

But if you key one in, the hint will be displayed whenever you are asked to key in the password in the future.

Step 8 : After that, you will have the option of adding a Recovery Email address, just in case your account is hijacked.

This is optional as well, but I highly recommend you add a recovery email, which is simply the email address you use.

Step 9 : If you entered a Recovery Email address, Telegram will now send you an email with a 6-digit code to verify that email address.

Step 10 : Look for the Telegram verification code email, and key in the 6-digit verification code.

That’s it! You’re done! From now on, you will be required to key in the password whenever you log into a new device.

This will prevent hackers / scammers from taking over your account, even if you accidentally give them the Login code you receive by SMS.

 

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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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