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U.S. Government Faces Hurdles in Tackling Election Misinformation

U.S. Government Faces Hurdles in Tackling Election Misinformation. Credit | Getty Images

United States: According to current and former officials, the Biden administration does not have concrete plans to notify the public about deepfakes or other misleading material during the 2024 election unless it is obviously coming from a foreign player and constitutes a sufficiently serious danger. 

Political Concerns and Inaction

While both government and non-government cyber experts anticipate a deluge of misinformation and deepfakes during this year’s election campaign, FBI and DHS officials continue to worry that if they get involved, they will be accused of trying to sway the results in favor of President Joe Biden’s reelection. 

At a meeting last month, cybersecurity and intelligence officials were addressed by Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with the Democrats. King expressed his fear to them, saying, “I’m worried that you may be overly concerned with appearing partisan and that that will freeze you in terms of taking the necessary actions.” 

U.S. Government Faces Hurdles in Tackling Election Misinformation. Credit | AP

U.S. Government Faces Hurdles in Tackling Election Misinformation. Credit | AP

Government Oversight Challenges

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, a Republican, questioned the government’s response to a deepfake video. Who is in charge of reacting in the event that this occurs? “Have we considered our course of action in case one of these scenarios materializes?” he inquired. “We would like you to be aware that the video is not authentic. Who would be responsible for that?

According to a senior American official with knowledge of government discussions, federal law enforcement organizations—especially the FBI—are hesitant to expose misinformation having a domestic provenance. 

According to the person, the FBI would look into potential election law infractions but is ill-prepared to comment publicly on misinformation or deepfakes created by Americans.

“The FBI does not work in the truth-finding industry,” the spokesperson declared.

The official stated that during interagency meetings regarding the matter, it is evident that the Biden administration lacks a clear strategy for handling domestic election disinformation, encompassing deepfakes that mimic candidates or fabricated reports about violence or closed polling places that may deter voters from casting their ballots.

The FBI said in a statement to NBC News that it is unlikely to quickly identify bogus information, even when it looks into potential criminal breaches involving it. 

U.S. Government Faces Hurdles in Tackling Election Misinformation. Credit | AP

U.S. Government Faces Hurdles in Tackling Election Misinformation. Credit | AP

How Other Countries Responded to it

In contrast to the United States government, Canada has released a description of the process by which Ottawa makes decisions about potential election-related incidents. “Communicate clearly, transparently and impartially with Canadians during an election in the event of an incident or a series of incidents that threatened the election’s integrity,” the government website pledges.

Other democracies, including as Taiwan, France, and Sweden, have taken a more aggressive stance against misinformation, pointing out erroneous claims or working closely with neutral organizations that do fact-checking and public education, according to experts. 

Discord halted American efforts

In order to help detect potentially violent or dangerous content, U.S. government agencies started collaborating with social media businesses and scholars during the 2016 election, during which Russia used social media to propagate misinformation. However, a 2023 federal court decision dissuaded government organizations from ever communicating with social media companies on content.

This week is the Supreme Court’s scheduled hearing on the matter. Should the lower court’s decision be overturned, regular correspondence between the government agencies and the tech companies may begin again. 

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Trump Hints at Potential Ban on the Abortion Pill in Future Policy 

Donald Trump. Credit | Getty Images

United States: Former President Donald Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Thursday, said he might consider stopping access to mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions.  

Possible FDA Action 

When asked by NBC News, Trump mentioned that there are options to change how these drugs are handled, and he didn’t rule out taking action like asking the Food and Drug Administration to remove mifepristone 

“There are many things on a humane basis that you can do outside of that,” Trump added, saying that “you also have to give a vote” to people about abortion. 

Shift in Position 

As reported by NBC news, Trump’s comments Thursday appeared to be a shift from his position in June, when the former president as said in the CNN debate: “I will not block it.” 

Donald Trump. Credit | Getty Images
Donald Trump. Credit | Getty Images

In the response to clarifying the questions that have been asked on the Trump’s position, Karoline Leavitt and the Trump’s campaign’s national press secretary told the NBC news about this. 

As the president Trump said that he wants everybody to vote and, on the issue, reiterating his long-held position of supporting rights and of states to. Make the decisions on abortion. 

Leavitt later clarified that, “As a President Trump had said the numerous times during the press conference and the questions being asked were difficult to hear and his position on the mifepristone remains the same and the Supreme Court unanimously decided on the issue and the matter which is settled. 

Policy and Future Announcements 

The idea of directing the FDA to revoke access to mifepristone is a rare core policy plan in the project 2025 also a 900-plus page document written by conservative groups and organized by the Heritage Foundation that lays out a governing plan for the next GOP presidential administration. 

Recently at a press conference on Thursday Trump was also asked  how he planned all these thing to vote in Florida’s ballot initiative and this fall to expand abortion the access and the former president a Florida resident didn’t say how would vote but hereby also teased a future announcement on that and added that abortion isn’t is a big factor anymore. 

Criticism from Opponents 

However, Harris-Walz campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez also critized the Tumps’ comments in a particular statement this Thursday. 

“Already, women across the country are suffering because of the nightmare Donald Trump unleashed by overturning Roe v. Wade,” she said. 

 “That reality — women forced to the brink of death before receiving the care they need, doctors facing the threat of jail time for doing their jobs, and survivors of rape and incest made to flee their states for basic health care. 

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Kamala Harris Shows How Black Sororities Influence Politics 

Kamala Harris Shows How Black Sororities Influence Politics. Credit | Getty Images

United States:  On July 10, just before Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, Kamala Harris attended a veritably important event for Alpha Kappa Alpha(AKA) in the Harward University, a major Black sorority she joined in council. 

AKA, innovated in 1908 at Howard University, supports Black women and is one of the most influential sororities in America. Harris’s aunt was also a member in 1950. notorious women like Coretta Scott King, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou were part of AKA. In a 2021 Vogue cover, Harris was shown in AKA’s colours and wearing its hand plum choker. 

Harris’s Continued Involvement with Black Sororities 

As reported by The Guardian, since Biden stepped down and became the presumptive nominee, Harris has spoken at more sorority events, including one for Sigma Gamma Rho. There, she addressed comments from Donald Trump questioning her race. Harris feels a strong connection to these events, saying, “When I look out at everyone here, I see family.” 

Kamala Harris Shows How Black Sororities Influence Politics. Credit | Reuters
Kamala Harris Shows How Black Sororities Influence Politics. Credit | Reuters

The Influence of Black Greek Letter Organizations 

Black Greek letter organizations, like AKA, have a huge impact on politics. In 2020, when Biden chose Harris as his vice-presidential pick, AKA members raised a lot of money and helped get voters to the polls through creative campaigns. They used their networks to support voter registration and education, which was crucial for Biden’s election. These organizations, together known as the Divine Nine, have over four million members and significant funds. 

Harris’s Journey and Black Greek Organizations 

Lawrence Ross, an expert on the Divine Nine, explains that these organizations are more than just college groups. They continue to support members throughout their lives and focus on important issues like voter education. Harris’s involvement with AKA is a key part of her identity, like how Barack Obama’s connection with his church shaped his identity. Both Harris and Obama made choices that tied them to a distinctly American form of Black culture. 

The Role of Divine Nine in U.S. History 

Ross points out that the Divine Nine played a very vital and major role in the civil rights movement. Important figures are like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Jesse Jackson were members of these organizations. Harris’s sorority sisters remember her as ambitious and cool, balancing her serious approach to education with a relaxed side. 

Excitement for Harris’s Historic Role 

Harris’s sorority sisters are excited about her being a major political figure and see it as a historic moment. They are committed to supporting her and making sure her impact is recognized, especially in this important election. According to Ross, the Divine Nine’s involvement has been vital for advancing Black civil rights and continues to be influential today. 

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Harris Begins Campaign with Walz as Running Mate 

Tim Walz. Credit | Getty Images

United States: Vice President Kamala Harris is set to appear publicly with her new running mate, Tim Walz, at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. This event will mark or will be identified as the start of a five-day campaign tour across seven key battleground states. 

Tim Walz’s Political Background 

As reported by the telegraph, Tim Walz, who has been chosen as Harris’s running mate, has a notable political history. Elected to a Republican-leaning district in 2006, Walz served nearly 12 years before becoming governor of Minnesota. As governor, he advocated for progressive policies including free school meals, climate change action, and LGBT rights. 

Selection Over Josh Shapiro 

Walz was chosen for the vice-presidential spot over Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania. Some Democrats were concerned that Shapiro’s strong pro-Israel stance might be problematic for the campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris. Credit | Getty Images
Vice President Kamala Harris. Credit | Getty Images

Walz’s Reaction to the Selection 

Tim Walz described his new role as “the honour of a lifetime” in a post on X. He expressed his excitement to join Kamala Harris in the campaign. 

Democrats Highlight Walz’s Gun Ownership 

Democrats have emphasized or focused on that Walz is a “gun holder” and a “supporter of the Second Amendment of the constitution.” According to a press release, Walz is an avid pheasant hunter who has backed universal background checks for gun purchases as governor. He believes that more needs to be done to address gun violence

Poll Shows Many Unfamiliar with Walz 

A recent NPR/PBS/Marist polls shows that most Americans do not know Tim Walz well or they don’t have any specific idea about him. The survey, conducted from August 1-4, found that 71% of U.S. adults had never heard of Walz or were unsure about him. Hereby almost 17% viewed him favourably or can say in the favour, while 12% had an unfavourable opinion. 

Harris Praises Walz’s Leadership 

Kamala Harris has praised Walz’s “principled leadership” and his proven track record in Minnesota. In a message to supporters, Harris expressed confidence that Walz will bring strong leadership to their campaign and to the vice presidency. She also asked for immediate support to help defeat Donald Trump and JD Vance, emphasizing how much their backing means to both her and Walz. 

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