Facebook and Instagram giant Meta on Friday said it will begin labeling AI-generated media beginning in May, as it tries to reassure users and governments over the risks of deepfakes.
The social media juggernaut added that it will no longer remove manipulated images and audio that don’t otherwise break its rules, relying instead on labeling and contextualization, so as to not infringe on freedom of speech.
The changes come as a response to criticism from the tech giant’s oversight board, which independently reviews Meta’s content moderation decisions.
The board in February requested that Meta urgently overhaul its approach to manipulated media given the huge advances in AI and the ease of manipulating media into highly convincing deepfakes.
The board’s warning came amid fears of rampant misuse of artificial intelligence-powered applications for disinformation on platforms in a pivotal election year not only in the United States but worldwide.
Meta’s new “Made with AI” labels will identify content created or altered with AI, including video, audio, and images. Additionally, a more prominent label will be used for content deemed at high risk of misleading the public.
“We agree that providing transparency and additional context is now the better way to address this content,” Monika Bickert, Meta’s Vice President of Content Policy, said in a blog post.
“The labels will cover a broader range of content in addition to the manipulated content that the Oversight Board recommended labeling,” she added.
These new labeling techniques are linked to an agreement made in February among major tech giants and AI players to cooperate on ways to crack down on manipulated content intended to deceive voters.
Meta, Google and OpenAI had already agreed to use a common watermarking standard that would invisibly tag images generated by their AI applications.
Identifying AI content “is better than nothing, but there are bound to be holes,” Nicolas Gaudemet, AI Director at Onepoint, told AFP.
He took the example of some open source software, which doesn’t always use this type of watermarking adopted by AI’s big players.
Meta said its rollout will occur in two phases with AI-generated content labeling beginning in May 2024, while the removal of manipulated media solely based on the old policy will cease in July.
According to the new standard, content, even if manipulated with AI, will remain on the platform unless it violates other rules, such as those prohibiting hate speech or voter interference.
Recent examples of convincing AI deepfakes have only heightened worries about the easily accessible technology.
The board’s list of requests was part of its review of Meta’s decision to leave a manipulated video of US President Joe Biden online last year.
The video showed Biden voting with his adult granddaughter, but was manipulated to falsely appear that he inappropriately touched her chest.
In a separate incident not linked to Meta, a robocall impersonation of Biden pushed out to tens of thousands of voters urged people to not cast ballots in the New Hampshire primary.
In Pakistan, the party of former prime minister Imran Khan has used AI to generate speeches from their jailed leader.
Shiraz, a popular figure in Pakistan’s YouTube community, has gained fame for his uplifting content. His authentic portrayal of local beauty and issues has won hearts nationwide. He and his sister Muskan were featured on TV and are now generously giving back to their community, spreading joy and support to those around them.
Shiraz, who has over a million followers on YouTube and Instagram, distributed essential food packages to those in need in their area.
Pakistan’s prime minister has ordered at least five senior police officials be punished for negligence after a suicide bomber killed five Chinese engineers at a major dam site last month, the country’s information minister said Saturday.
The attack in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province forced Power China and the China Gezhouba Company to suspend work on two dam projects after the bombing killed the five workers and a Pakistani driver, sending their van into a deep ravine.
Hundreds of Chinese people are employed at the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dam construction sites, located around 100 kilometres (62 miles) apart in the mountainous region.
Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar said a committee appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif identified a regional official, three district officials and the director of security at the Dasu dam project for their “negligence” in fulfilling their duties.
“The prime minister has ordered immediate action against these officials,” Tarar told a press conference in the city of Lahore, without specifying what their punishment will be.
“The prime minister himself will be monitoring the security of Chinese (nationals). Those individuals who have shown negligence will be set as an example.”
Tarar said security matters regarding Chinese citizens would be “treated with utmost seriousness and any lapses will not be tolerated.”
Operations by Power China have resumed at Diamer Bhasha while operations at China Gezhouba Group Company at Dasu remain closed.
Pakistani police have detained more than 12 people, including Afghan nationals, in connection with the bombing.
Beijing is Islamabad’s closest regional ally, frequently offering financial assistance to support its often-struggling neighbour and pouring more than $2 trillion into infrastructure projects.
However, Pakistanis have long complained about not receiving a fair share of the jobs or wealth generated by the projects.
The security of Chinese workers is a major concern to both countries, with nationals frequently targeted by militants hostile to outside influence.
Last week’s attack came just days after militants attempted to storm offices of the Gwadar deepwater port in the southwest, considered a cornerstone of Chinese investment in Pakistan.
Pakistani actress Saba Qamar recently celebrated her birthday with a mountain of gifts and flowers. She had a special party with her close friends including Sami Khan, Nadia Hussain, and Sonia Mishal .They made the day even more special for Saba Qamar by joining in the celebrations.
At the party, Saba looked beautiful in a black dress. She smiled and laughed with her friends, making the day even more special. Saba shared some lovely pictures from her birthday celebration on social media so her fans could also enjoy the happiness with her.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently passed controversial remarks about the Guardian article on Indian extra-judicial killings inside Pakistan in defiance of International rules and norms, stating that if a person commits crimes in India and then runs to Pakistan for safety then, “we will enter their home and kill them there.”
Interestingly enough, India’s ministry of external affairs denied all allegations put forth in the Guardian article and condemned the “false and malicious anti-India propaganda.” Yet the defence minister’s statements are in stark contrast with the official statement.
Internet users reacted by condemning the minister’s statements and many users on X, formerly Twitter, pointed out that the Indian General Elections 2024 is taking place so such empty bravado was expected of a BJP minister.
An Indian account replied, “The mere statement will take Modi beyond 400 seats.” Similarly, someone else wrote “Why are you hell-bent on helping Modi and BJP?” while another user said “Not the India Nehru dreamt of.”
It must be underscored that the defence minister’s statement is highly irresponsible and begets a rogue state that does not believe in international norms.
The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan strongly condemned Singh’s statement: “India’s ruling dispensation habitually resorts to hateful rhetoric to fuel hyper-nationalistic sentiments, unapologetically exploiting such discourse for electoral gains.”
The BJP government is often accused of heating up the pot with Pakistan before the elections, for instance the 2019 Balakot event happened before the elections.
Indian Cricket Team Sports Minister Anurag Thakur says that India will not visit Pakistan for upcoming champions trophy 2025.
According to media reports, Indian cricket team’s Sports Minister Anurag Thakur was asked whether the Indian team will go to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy? To which he replied that the Indian Board (BCCI) will maintain the decision not to go to Pakistan.
Making a political statement in the game, Indian minister Anurag Thakur said, “When I was the head of the BCCI, my position was clear that two things cannot go together. You spread terror in India, shoot, try to plant bombs and then talk about playing cricket, first stop shooting and stop terrorism then stadiums will be populated.”
He stressed that the Indian cricket team should not go to Pakistan to play cricket.
Last year, Pakistan jointly hosted the Asia Cup with Sri Lanka. Initially, Pakistan was supposed to host the event, but due to the refusal of the Indian team to play in Pakistan, the matches had to be held at an alternative venue.
Now again India has started looking for excuses to not to visit Pakistan.
Actor Imran Abbas has been a big star for more than twenty years, and people still love him a lot for his looks, talent, and kindness. He’s also very open about how much he loves his family. Recently, he shared some of his feelings for his late mother with his fans on Nida Yasir’s show ‘Shan e Suhoor’. He suffered a major loss, losing both his parents and a close sister within two years. Tears flowed freely as he remembered his mother waiting for him at home. Imran stressed that we often fail to realize the significance of our parents until they are no longer with us. His bond with his mother was profound; she held immense importance in his life.
“My mother’s food is the best food I have ever tasted. She used to make my favorite dishes, and even at the end, she made a kheer for me, which was in the refrigerator when she passed away.” He stored that kheer in a freezer, and it stayed with him for two years after her death until one day a house help accidentally threw it away.
Imran recalled, “My mother’s hair always smelled of fresh jasmine flowers. She observed purdah, so I have never shared a picture of her even after her death, but she was a very beautiful lady.” He revealed that she passed away in his arms.
Senior actress Saba Faisal revealed that she used to sew clothes for Punjab’s currentvChief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her mother Kulsoom Nawaz. In a recent Ramadan show hosted by Nadia Khan and Aijaz Aslam, Saba disclosed this detail from her past. A video clip from the show is circulating on social media where Aijaz Aslam asked Saba if she had ever run a business. She replied, “I used to run a clothes business before joining showbiz. I had a clothes factory where I used to sew clothes for Maryam Nawaz and her mother Kulsoom Nawaz.”
She explained “When I moved to Karachi, I had to close my business. Before taking this decision, I thought about it for six months, did Istikhara, and prayed to Allah so that I wouldn’t regret closing my business later. After thinking for six months, I closed my business. Today, I have no regrets about my decision and I have never looked back at this business,” Saba Faisal concluded.
Hajj season is about to begin in the Muslim world. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is all set to facilitate thousands of pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of pilgrimage to Holy Kaaba in Saudi Arabia.
SAMAA News has reported that the schedule will commence on May 9th, with flight operations spanning across the second week of May, extending into the following month, catering to the influx of devout Muslims from Pakistan.
The age limit set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been lifted while Pakistan’s Hajj quota has been reinstated.
Hajj 2024 policy
The results of the Hajj 2024 draw, unveiled in December 2023, selected 63,000 applicants for the pilgrimage under the state-run scheme. Introducing a technological paradigm shift, the Saudi Hajj and Umrah ministry has mandated smartphones for all pilgrims this year, aligning with the contemporary digital landscape.
Pilgrims are required to use mobile applications throughout their Hajj journey, offering comprehensive guidance ranging from their Hajj flight to accommodation in Saudi Arabia, supplemented by instructional videos. Each pilgrim will receive a complimentary mobile SIM card courtesy of a Saudi telecommunications company, facilitating 180 minutes of international calls.
Hajj training by the government of Pakistan
Pilgrims are poised to undergo the second phase of Hajj training conducted by 40 proficient trainers. It will commence on April 15th across 122 locations nationwide. These trainings will familiarize pilgrims with new initiatives and pertinent Hajj-related information.
To ensure the health and well-being of pilgrims mandatory vaccination protocols are set to commence ten days prior to the commencement of Hajj flights.
Pilgrims will be equipped with essential amenities including a suitcase, hand carry bag, shoe bag, Ihram belt, and a distinctive green scarf adorned with the Pakistani flag.
Update: Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman has accepted the resignation of Michael A. Thomson, principal of Aitchison College Lahore.
Geo’s sources at the Governor’s House say that Amina Imran has been appointed as the acting principal of Aitchison College in place of Michael A. Thompson.
Governor of Punjab has also approved the fee waiver policy, according to which, if the student moves to another city for 3 years, he will get a fee waiver of up to 50%.
Previously, the government of Punjab was not able to persuade Aitchison College Principal Michael A Thompson to change his mind and stick to his post.
Thompson did not withdraw his resignation, contrary to an official claim.
Even though the principal resigned, Punjab Governor Baligh ur Rehman granted him a paid leave for 28 days in hopes of negotiating the matter during that time.
The government, in a statement to the media, claimed that Thompson withdrew his resignation. However, Mr Thompson has told Dawn that he had not withdrawn his resignation.
Principal Thomson had resigned from his post a couple of days ago after developing differences with the Governor House over a change in the college’s fee waiver policy.
He had earlier refused to accept the fee waiver application submitted by the wife of the ex-civil servant, Ahad Cheema. Cheema is now a senator and federal minister for finance ministry.
Cheema’s two sons had to leave the college after the transfer of their mother, Saima Ahad Cheema, also a civil servant, to Islamabad. She had sought retention of the seats and fee waiver from the principal who, quoting the policy, rejected her request.
However, Ahad Cheema approached Governor Balighur Rehman who sent the application to the college’s Board of Governors that changed the fee waiver policy, accepting the application.
In his resignation, Thomson had cited interference in the management of the college.
A protest outside the Governor house and a severe backlash on mainstream and social media resulted in Ahad Cheema sending a letter to the Punjab governor, Balighur Rehman stating that he does not want to avail the fee waiver facility for his children anymore.
Background
Ahad Cheema the federal Minister for Economic Affairs, is currently a subject of backlash for using his position to get a fee waiver for his children at Aitchison College. The waiver was requested by his wife, Saima Ahad Cheema, who is also a bureaucrat, with the request that since their two children did not attend Aitchison college for three years, but kept their seats, they shouldn’t be required to pay. They made the request to the Governor of Punjab who forwarded it to the principal of Aitchison College. The principal resigned in protest.
Ahad Cheema, in a letter to the Punjab governor, Balighur Rehman stated that he does not want to avail the fee waiver facility for his children anymore. He lambasted that politics has overshadowed the “solution-oriented and responsive policy” issued by the governor, which allowed a fee waiver for students under similar circumstances. Cheema said that his family has suffered “mockery, slur and a vilification campaign in this episode just because of my being in public office.”
Cheema also blamed Principal Thomson for orchestrating a strange and pointless controversy, alleging that Thomson had already resigned and is on his way out. “The Principal’s brazen and high-headed refusal of the Board’s and Chairman’s policy decisions is unheard of.”
As a continuation of his claim, Cheema, in Shahzeb Khanzada’s show, reasserted that Principal Thomson had offered him “an individual relief” and “was communicated through some respectable people who were in the knowledge of the matter”. However, Cheema said that his family refused to take any “under-the-table deal” based on principles.
Cheema also urged the governor to “not relent on the principle and not withdraw the new policy under any nefarious pressure” because he believes it is going to be very helpful for students and parents in the future.
Previously, Ahad Cheema, federal minister of economic affairs, has along with the newly elected government landed in a controversy as he is blamed for using his ties and position to influence the principal of Aitchison College Michael Thomson, to change the college’s policy and waive off his children’s fee.
The minister appeared on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show to defend his stance where he described how the policy as totally unfair. “If you just take my name out of this controversy then what is wrong there in Governor Punjab’s orders,” he started off by asking. He asserted that Governor Baleegh ur Rehman has made a fair policy for all.
Cheema laid out how his wife had requested for a leave because of her transfer yet wanted the fee to be waived off because paying fee in two schools was difficult. The principal declined the request and so she requested that the college policy be reviewed. The request was then presented to the Governor who referred it to the Board.
Khanzada then said that the majority of the board had retained the current policy of the college, emphasizing that Governor Punjab was misinterpreting the board because they did not amend the policy. Additionally, he stated how the children were adjusted in a special manner going against college policy which has not been changed in years. To this Cheema responded that, “The principal approached me two times (indirectly) to get this matter resolved in my personal capacity and not agitate it on a policy level and I declined it both the times because we are not interested in gaining any personal favour and we want this to be changed on a policy level.” He further added that if the Principal wants, he can take the names of the interlocutors.
During the course of the interview, Cheema professed he does not want “individual relief” but a decision taken principally. He refused to comment on the charge-sheet issued by the Governor and the comments made by Atta Tarar because that is not his mandate.
The principal of Aitchison College, Michael Thomson announced his resignation in a letter to staff and board members, stating that the Punjab Governor Baligh ur Rehman’s ‘biased actions undermined the school’s governance and management’.
Thomson’s decision came after the wife of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Ahad Cheema, asked for her two son’s school fees to be waived off for three years. She sent Governor Punjab Baligh ur Rehman the request. Following her request, the governor issued an order after which their fees was waived off for three years. But Principal Thomson refused to do so.
Thomson said the decision taken by the governor to ‘extend a favour’ to Ahad Cheema’s family violates the policy of the school.
The letter said that “politics and nepotism have no place in the schools”. He added further, “this is not how I planned to leave Atchison, but I will share with you that a continuation of very poor governance has left me no other choice.” He said that some “prejudiced actions by Governor House have contributed to a breakdown of governance and management, under which I had to finally draw a line.”
In his letter to the members of the management committee, Principal Thomson laid out that paying a tuition fee for a guaranteed place comes under college policy. The policy is applicable for long leave to a maximum of three years leave. He stressed that this request by Mr. and Mrs. Cheema is a “wrong perpetrated on a large scale to suit a smaller outcome.” He closed the letter by saying that he refuses to abide by the order and has informed Syed Babar Ali who is the chairman of the Management Committee. He asserted that he will not play any role in management and admissions after April 1.
Ahad Cheema’s wife who is a senior bureaucrat as per media reports, had applied to the Governor of Punjab for fee waiver and so at the request of the Governor of Punjab, the fee for three year for Ahad Cheema’s children was waived.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said that Ahad Cheema’s children have not been studying in Aitchison College for three years, so his wife applied for fee waiver according to the rules, which was approved by the Governor of Punjab, according to the law. He declared that the issue is being misrepresented.
Governor Punjab Baligh ur Rehman has rejected the claims of the principal. He said that Ahad Cheema was posted in Islamabad for a year due to his job and Ahad Cheema’s children were not able to go to Aitchison. He emphasised that it was requested to waive the fee for the classes which these children had not taken.
On the issue of resignation of the principal of Aitchison College, the governor of Punjab said that the resignation of the principal was already to become effective in August 2024. The principal of Aitchison College was receiving a salary of Rs. 40 lakhs and the audit of receiving this hefty amount has been started.
The governor claimed that Principal of Aitchison College used to take more than 100 holidays in a year and he ‘adopted this tactic to avoid a probe’.
