info wild casino
info wild casino
India is preparing for possible trade talks with the United States, aiming for increased investments from U.S. companies and higher exports once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. While aiming to protect its manufacturers from potential U.S. tariff hikes on its exports, India is exploring ways to strengthen ties with Washington as Trump has threatened tariffs of 60% and other curbs on imports from China . Here are key commercial issues between the two countries: Trump policy on China India seeks to leverage Trump’s policy by capitalizing on U.S. trade tension with China, aiming to draw away from it investments and businesses diversifying supply chains. | To align with Trump’s “America First” policy, India is ready to offer more incentives such as tax cuts and land access in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in industries such as semiconductors, electronics, aircraft parts, and renewables. India also seeks to integrate into U.S. global supply chains by supplying low-end and intermediate products, from chips and solar panels to machinery and pharmaceuticals. Energy and security To tackle U.S. concerns on trade imbalances, India is open to increasing imports of energy products, such as LNG, and defence equipment while retaining its independent foreign and trade policies. Discussions on co-producing General Electric’s, fighter jet engines by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics in India, have made little progress. But India hopes the two countries’ 2023 defence industrial co-operation roadmap will fast-track technology sharing and co-production initiatives. Broader trade-cum-investment pact The government and industry groups favour a broader trade and investment pact with the United States to help Indian manufacturers integrate into global supply chains while retaining policy flexibility to safeguard national interests. Boost to exports In return, India seeks to increase exports in pharmaceuticals, garments, footwear, engineering goods, chemicals, areas where it has a growing comparative advantage over China. Aiming for U.S. investments India is targeting greater U.S. investments, inspired by Apple Inc starting production of iPhones in the country. India hopes to lure more companies into manufacturing by offering incentives, streamlined regulatory approvals, and affordable land. The United States is already India’s third-largest investor, with $65 billion in direct investments from 2000 to 2023. Selective tariff concessions Advisers have suggested considering selective tariff cuts on items such as pork and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which have limited domestic demand. Broader concessions could be negotiated in exchange for gains such as more visas for Indian professionals and export-boosting investments. Two-way trade Two-way trade between India and the United States, India’s largest trading partner, surpassed $118 billion in 2023-24, with India posting a trade surplus of $32 billion. Industry estimates suggest trade could grow by $50 billion within two to three years, highlighting the growth potential for stronger economic ties. —Manoj Kumar, Reuters
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
ST. CATHERINES , ON , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Time Group of Companies ("Right Time" or the "Company"), a leading provider of residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical services, announced today it has named Jason Moore as Chief Financial Officer. Right Time is majority-owned by Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco -based middle-market private equity firm. Mr. Moore will be responsible for overseeing Right Time's financial operations and will play a significant leadership role in guiding the Company's financial and business strategy to support its long-term growth objectives. "Jason has extensive experience and a proven track record in financial leadership," said Right Time CEO Doug Hart . "Jason will play a pivotal role in working across the business to drive growth, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Right Time." During a 30+ year career, Mr. Moore has developed deep knowledge and expertise which he now brings to his new role at Right Time. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the CFO of SCI Group Inc., a leading Canadian third-party logistics company and as CFO of Acklands Grainger, Canada's largest distributor of maintenance, repair and operational supplies. Mr. Moore has also held a variety of impactful senior leadership positions at Molson Coors Canada, a multi-national drink and brewing company. He is a Chartered Accountant and began his career in the audit practice at Coopers & Lybrand in Toronto . "This is a very exciting time to join Right Time as the Company focuses on delivering home comfort solutions to Canadians coast to coast, growing its service and product offering as well as continuing to make solid progress towards its long-term strategy," said Mr. Moore. "I look forward to collaborating with Doug and the Right Time team to drive financial excellence, operational efficiency, and continued growth." Gryphon Deal Partner Alex Earls and Operating Partner Jeff Balagna said, "We are thrilled to welcome Jason to Right Time. His depth and breadth of financial and operational experience will be a significant asset to the organization." About Right Time Right Time is the largest independent residential HVAC contractor in Canada and operates 26 locations in Ontario , Nova Scotia , Manitoba , Saskatchewan , Alberta , and British Columbia . With over 1,400 employees, the company provides preventative maintenance programs, repairs, and replacements of household HVAC units. For more information about Right Time, visit https://right-time.ca/ About Gryphon Investors Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on profitably growing and competitively advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software, and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With approximately $9+ billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon's highly differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance, and accounting expertise. Gryphon's three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon's targeted investment sectors. Contact: Lambert Caroline Luz 203-570-6462 cluz@lambert.com or Jennifer Hurson 845-507-0571 jhurson@lambert.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-time-group-names-jason-moore-as-chief-financial-officer-302336505.html SOURCE Gryphon InvestorsDisinformation, hate rampant on social media during 2024 elections: DRF report Nighat Dad says, “Electoral integrity upheld by social media platforms is crucial to maintaining democratic norms" ISLAMABAD: Disinformation and harmful content were rampant on social media platforms during the 2024 general elections in the country, with inconsistent content moderation enforcement. This is the main takeaway from the Digital Rights Foundation’s (DRF) latest report, ‘Platforms At The Polls: Disinformation, Political Ads & Accountability During The 2024 Pakistan General Elections’. Focusing on TikTok, Facebook/Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), the report notes a significant disparity in the platforms’ approaches to content violations in Pakistan, when compared to places in the Global North. Around the 2024 elections, there was a deluge of harmful content on major social media platforms, with a rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and deepfake visuals being used against women in the public sphere such as journalists and politicians. The DRF analysed 225 posts by users from November 2023 to March 2024 across different platforms. Of these posts, 163 fell under the category of gendered disinformation, with the rest under broader disinformation, misinformation, fake news, Generative AI and hate speech. The PML-N faced the largest number of gendered disinformation posts (76), which primarily targeted Maryam Nawaz, followed by the PTI with 61, and the PPP with 19. At least, 47 posts targeted journalists covering the elections, subjecting them to gendered insults and online trolling campaigns which included online threats of physical assault. Also among the victims were ethnic, indigenous and transgender communities (13 posts). According to the report, though these social media platforms list comprehensive policies regarding electoral information integrity on their websites, their readiness concerning content moderation around elections in Pakistan and other South Asian countries has not been sufficient. Given that social media platforms have clear, wide-ranging and overarching policies and community guidelines, this inability to tackle or control material that violates those guidelines and policies is deeply concerning. For instance, most platforms needed to be more transparent regarding money spent on political advertisements around the 2024 General Elections. The DRF has found that major political parties spent a collective Rs54 million -- or $190,000 -- on running ads for their political campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. The largest spender was the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with Rs25 million, followed by the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) at Rs13 million, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) at Rs6 million, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at Rs5 million, and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) at Rs0.79 million. It is worth noting that only Meta (Facebook, Instagram) was transparent about the amount political parties, or accounts supportive of them, had spent on the elections. No other social media platform offered any details regarding ad expenditures by political parties. According to DRF Executive Director Nighat Dad, “The electoral integrity upheld by social media platforms is crucial to maintaining democratic norms, as evidenced this year. However, we have also witnessed serious offline consequences when these platforms are not fully equipped to tackle the spread of disinformation, particularly when they fail to address election-related information manipulation in a timely and effective manner.” To tackle disinformation and gender-based violence during elections and other political or social events, tech companies must uphold information integrity to ensure consistent fair election practices across the globe, especially in the global majority.
Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy week
info wild casino
India is preparing for possible trade talks with the United States, aiming for increased investments from U.S. companies and higher exports once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. While aiming to protect its manufacturers from potential U.S. tariff hikes on its exports, India is exploring ways to strengthen ties with Washington as Trump has threatened tariffs of 60% and other curbs on imports from China . Here are key commercial issues between the two countries: Trump policy on China India seeks to leverage Trump’s policy by capitalizing on U.S. trade tension with China, aiming to draw away from it investments and businesses diversifying supply chains. | To align with Trump’s “America First” policy, India is ready to offer more incentives such as tax cuts and land access in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in industries such as semiconductors, electronics, aircraft parts, and renewables. India also seeks to integrate into U.S. global supply chains by supplying low-end and intermediate products, from chips and solar panels to machinery and pharmaceuticals. Energy and security To tackle U.S. concerns on trade imbalances, India is open to increasing imports of energy products, such as LNG, and defence equipment while retaining its independent foreign and trade policies. Discussions on co-producing General Electric’s, fighter jet engines by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics in India, have made little progress. But India hopes the two countries’ 2023 defence industrial co-operation roadmap will fast-track technology sharing and co-production initiatives. Broader trade-cum-investment pact The government and industry groups favour a broader trade and investment pact with the United States to help Indian manufacturers integrate into global supply chains while retaining policy flexibility to safeguard national interests. Boost to exports In return, India seeks to increase exports in pharmaceuticals, garments, footwear, engineering goods, chemicals, areas where it has a growing comparative advantage over China. Aiming for U.S. investments India is targeting greater U.S. investments, inspired by Apple Inc starting production of iPhones in the country. India hopes to lure more companies into manufacturing by offering incentives, streamlined regulatory approvals, and affordable land. The United States is already India’s third-largest investor, with $65 billion in direct investments from 2000 to 2023. Selective tariff concessions Advisers have suggested considering selective tariff cuts on items such as pork and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which have limited domestic demand. Broader concessions could be negotiated in exchange for gains such as more visas for Indian professionals and export-boosting investments. Two-way trade Two-way trade between India and the United States, India’s largest trading partner, surpassed $118 billion in 2023-24, with India posting a trade surplus of $32 billion. Industry estimates suggest trade could grow by $50 billion within two to three years, highlighting the growth potential for stronger economic ties. —Manoj Kumar, Reuters
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
ST. CATHERINES , ON , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Time Group of Companies ("Right Time" or the "Company"), a leading provider of residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical services, announced today it has named Jason Moore as Chief Financial Officer. Right Time is majority-owned by Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco -based middle-market private equity firm. Mr. Moore will be responsible for overseeing Right Time's financial operations and will play a significant leadership role in guiding the Company's financial and business strategy to support its long-term growth objectives. "Jason has extensive experience and a proven track record in financial leadership," said Right Time CEO Doug Hart . "Jason will play a pivotal role in working across the business to drive growth, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Right Time." During a 30+ year career, Mr. Moore has developed deep knowledge and expertise which he now brings to his new role at Right Time. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the CFO of SCI Group Inc., a leading Canadian third-party logistics company and as CFO of Acklands Grainger, Canada's largest distributor of maintenance, repair and operational supplies. Mr. Moore has also held a variety of impactful senior leadership positions at Molson Coors Canada, a multi-national drink and brewing company. He is a Chartered Accountant and began his career in the audit practice at Coopers & Lybrand in Toronto . "This is a very exciting time to join Right Time as the Company focuses on delivering home comfort solutions to Canadians coast to coast, growing its service and product offering as well as continuing to make solid progress towards its long-term strategy," said Mr. Moore. "I look forward to collaborating with Doug and the Right Time team to drive financial excellence, operational efficiency, and continued growth." Gryphon Deal Partner Alex Earls and Operating Partner Jeff Balagna said, "We are thrilled to welcome Jason to Right Time. His depth and breadth of financial and operational experience will be a significant asset to the organization." About Right Time Right Time is the largest independent residential HVAC contractor in Canada and operates 26 locations in Ontario , Nova Scotia , Manitoba , Saskatchewan , Alberta , and British Columbia . With over 1,400 employees, the company provides preventative maintenance programs, repairs, and replacements of household HVAC units. For more information about Right Time, visit https://right-time.ca/ About Gryphon Investors Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on profitably growing and competitively advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software, and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With approximately $9+ billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon's highly differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance, and accounting expertise. Gryphon's three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon's targeted investment sectors. Contact: Lambert Caroline Luz 203-570-6462 cluz@lambert.com or Jennifer Hurson 845-507-0571 jhurson@lambert.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-time-group-names-jason-moore-as-chief-financial-officer-302336505.html SOURCE Gryphon InvestorsDisinformation, hate rampant on social media during 2024 elections: DRF report Nighat Dad says, “Electoral integrity upheld by social media platforms is crucial to maintaining democratic norms" ISLAMABAD: Disinformation and harmful content were rampant on social media platforms during the 2024 general elections in the country, with inconsistent content moderation enforcement. This is the main takeaway from the Digital Rights Foundation’s (DRF) latest report, ‘Platforms At The Polls: Disinformation, Political Ads & Accountability During The 2024 Pakistan General Elections’. Focusing on TikTok, Facebook/Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), the report notes a significant disparity in the platforms’ approaches to content violations in Pakistan, when compared to places in the Global North. Around the 2024 elections, there was a deluge of harmful content on major social media platforms, with a rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and deepfake visuals being used against women in the public sphere such as journalists and politicians. The DRF analysed 225 posts by users from November 2023 to March 2024 across different platforms. Of these posts, 163 fell under the category of gendered disinformation, with the rest under broader disinformation, misinformation, fake news, Generative AI and hate speech. The PML-N faced the largest number of gendered disinformation posts (76), which primarily targeted Maryam Nawaz, followed by the PTI with 61, and the PPP with 19. At least, 47 posts targeted journalists covering the elections, subjecting them to gendered insults and online trolling campaigns which included online threats of physical assault. Also among the victims were ethnic, indigenous and transgender communities (13 posts). According to the report, though these social media platforms list comprehensive policies regarding electoral information integrity on their websites, their readiness concerning content moderation around elections in Pakistan and other South Asian countries has not been sufficient. Given that social media platforms have clear, wide-ranging and overarching policies and community guidelines, this inability to tackle or control material that violates those guidelines and policies is deeply concerning. For instance, most platforms needed to be more transparent regarding money spent on political advertisements around the 2024 General Elections. The DRF has found that major political parties spent a collective Rs54 million -- or $190,000 -- on running ads for their political campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. The largest spender was the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with Rs25 million, followed by the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) at Rs13 million, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) at Rs6 million, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at Rs5 million, and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) at Rs0.79 million. It is worth noting that only Meta (Facebook, Instagram) was transparent about the amount political parties, or accounts supportive of them, had spent on the elections. No other social media platform offered any details regarding ad expenditures by political parties. According to DRF Executive Director Nighat Dad, “The electoral integrity upheld by social media platforms is crucial to maintaining democratic norms, as evidenced this year. However, we have also witnessed serious offline consequences when these platforms are not fully equipped to tackle the spread of disinformation, particularly when they fail to address election-related information manipulation in a timely and effective manner.” To tackle disinformation and gender-based violence during elections and other political or social events, tech companies must uphold information integrity to ensure consistent fair election practices across the globe, especially in the global majority.
Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy week
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