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Syrian rebel forces said on Dec 6 their lightning advance reached the central city of Homs, which could position the insurgents to topple another town strategic to President Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power. “Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls,” the Syrian faction leading the sweeping assault said on Telegram. Reuters could not independently confirm the rebels’ claim. If the rebels capture Homs, they would cut off the capital Damascus from the coast, a longtime redoubt of Mr Assad’s minority Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base. READ MORE HERE A US federal appeals court on Dec 6 upheld a law requiring Chinese-based ByteDance to divest its popular short video app TikTok in the United States by early next year or face a ban. The decision is a win for the Justice Department and opponents of the Chinese-owned app and a devastating blow to ByteDance. The ruling now increases the possibility of an unprecedented ban in just six weeks on a social media app used by 170 million Americans. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court. READ MORE HERE Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec 6 slammed Russia and its President Vladimir Putin over two aerial attacks that killed at least 11 people. Moscow has ramped up its strikes on Ukraine as winter sets in, and Mr Zelensky said the attacks showed Russia has no interest in striking a deal to end its nearly three-year invasion. Nine were killed in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, while two were killed in the central city of Kryvyi Rih, officials said. READ MORE HERE An alternative healer was jailed on Dec 6 for 10 years in Britain over the death of a diabetic woman who stopped taking insulin and experienced medical complications at his “slapping therapy” workshop. Xiao Hongchi, 61, of Cloudbreak, California, was convicted in July by a jury in Winchester, southern England, of manslaughter by gross negligence after he failed to get medical help for Danielle Carr-Gomm, 71. He was charged in November 2023, following the death during an October 2016 session to help the victim with her diabetes. READ MORE HERE London’s Metropolitan Police force said on Dec 6 that it had used facial recognition technology to make more than 500 arrests in 2024 for offences ranging from shoplifting to rape. The force uses live facial recognition in specific areas of the UK capital, positioning a van equipped with cameras in a pre-agreed location. The cameras capture live footage of passers-by and compare their faces against a pre-approved watchlist, generating an alert if a match is detected. READ MORE HERE
Approximately 85,000 new passports are being held back by Service Canada, which stopped mailing them out a week before the nationwide Canada Post strike. "By holding residential mail several days in advance of a work stoppage, Service Canada has reduced the risk of having any passports held in Canada Post distribution centres," an Employment and Social Development Canada spokesperson told CTVNews.ca. "Those passports will be mailed out once the labour disruption is over and regular mail service resumes." Employment and Social Development Canada operates Service Canada, which issues Canadian passports. Anticipating a potential labour disruption, Service Canada stopped mailing passport packages after Nov. 8. A week later on Nov. 15, approximately 55,000 Canada Post workers went on strike after failing to reach a negotiated agreement with their employer. Mail and parcels will not be accepted, processed or delivered until the strike is over. The spokesperson said anyone who is in urgent need of a passport should call 1-800-567-6868 or visit a Service Canada location that offers passport pick-up to have their package transferred. Passport applications mailed just prior to the strike may still be with Canada Post, in which case Service Canada will be unable to process them until mail service resumes. With files from CTVNews.ca's Christl Dabu and Luca Caruso-Moro CTVNews.ca Top Stories From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. 'It didn't sound good': Mother shares what her sons went through with walking pneumonia A mother shares with CTVNews.ca her family's health scare as medical experts say cases of the disease and other respiratory illnesses have surged, filling up emergency departments nationwide. Putin says Russia attacked Ukraine with a new missile that he claims the West can't stop Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday that Moscow has tested a new intermediate-range missile in a strike on Ukraine, and he warned that it could use the weapon against countries that have allowed Kyiv to use their missiles to strike Russia. Manitoba RCMP issue Canada-wide warrant for Ontario semi-driver charged in deadly crash Manitoba RCMP have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for the semi-driver involved in a crash that killed an eight-year-old girl and her mother. Taylor Swift's motorcade spotted along Toronto's Gardiner Expressway Taylor Swift is officially back in Toronto for round two. The popstar princess's motorcade was seen driving along the Gardiner Expressway on Tuesday afternoon, making its way to the downtown core ahead of night four of ‘The Eras Tour’ at the Rogers Centre. Service Canada holding back 85K passports amid Canada Post mail strike Approximately 85,000 new passports are being held back by Service Canada, which stopped mailing them out a week before the nationwide Canada Post strike. Here's a list of items that will be GST/HST-free over the holidays Canadians won’t have to pay GST on a selection of items this holiday season, the prime minister vowed on Thursday. Mother charged after infant dies in midtown Toronto: police The mother of an infant who died after being found at an apartment building in midtown Toronto on Wednesday has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life. Trudeau says Canada would 'abide' by ICC arrest warrant for Israel PM Netanyahu Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will 'abide' by an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vancouver B.C. RCMP detachments begin rollout of body worn cameras The B.C. RCMP has begun its rollout of police-worn cameras, and officers with the Mission detachment will be the first to use them next week. B.C. man who sold Porsche to scammers shares cautionary tale A man from B.C.’s Lower Mainland who was scammed while selling his Porsche Cayenne online is sharing his cautionary tale – while calling for increased protections from the government. Major crime investigators reviewing death of Victoria teen, which coroner reclassified as homicide Vancouver Island’s major crime unit is investigating the case of a Victoria teenager whose death was initially ruled an accidental overdose, but has since been reclassified by coroners as a homicide. Toronto Taylor Swift's motorcade spotted along Toronto's Gardiner Expressway Taylor Swift is officially back in Toronto for round two. The popstar princess's motorcade was seen driving along the Gardiner Expressway on Tuesday afternoon, making its way to the downtown core ahead of night four of ‘The Eras Tour’ at the Rogers Centre. Mother charged after infant dies in midtown Toronto: police The mother of an infant who died after being found at an apartment building in midtown Toronto on Wednesday has been charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life. From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. Calgary Police probe possible connection between Calgary house fire and Bitcoin threats Calgary police are seeking information in relation to a Tuesday fire in Hillhurst that they believe was deliberately set and allegations it could be connected to a frightening Bitcoin scam. Six shots fired after Calgary road rage incident, police seek dash-cam footage Calgary police are looking for dash-cam footage as they investigate a shooting in the community of Cityscape believed to be the result of road rage. Charges laid in Calgary carjacking spree that saw ‘concerning escalation in violence’: police Two people are facing charges in a string of Calgary carjackings that saw thieves steal – and attempt to steal – multiple vehicles in less than an hour. Ottawa uOttawa to reconsider participation in U-Pass if city increases student fares, student union says The student union at the University of Ottawa says it will consider pulling its participation from the U-Pass, which provides discounted transit fares for students, if the city goes forward with hiking student transit fees and violating the program’s contract. McDonald's Canada CEO not ruling out a return to the ByWard Market McDonald's Canada says it has not closed the door on a return to Ottawa's downtown. From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. Montreal Pro-Palestinian protest, counter-protest ongoing at Concordia University The lobby of Concordia University’s Hall Building was flooded with pro-Palestinian protesters Thursday as others gathered and chanted outside the campus as part of Quebec-wide solidarity strikes. Quebec fiscal update: $2.1B in new spending, axes tax credit for older workers Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard tabled an economic update on Thursday with $2.1 billion in new spending over five years amid what he described as a stronger-than-expected recovery from last year's economic slowdown. Northvolt says Quebec battery plant will proceed despite bankruptcy filing Northvolt AB has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, but said the move will not jeopardize the manufacturer's planned electric vehicle battery plant in Quebec — though hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in the parent company could be lost. Edmonton LIVE | Edmonton police chief to step down in February Dale McFee will retire as head of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) on Feb. 21, the Edmonton Police Commission said in an email on Wednesday. LIVE at 3:30 | Alberta to announce auto insurance reforms Thursday afternoon The Alberta government will announce new automobile insurance reforms Thursday afternoon. Alberta forecasts $4.6B surplus in budget update, but braces for uncertainty Alberta is forecasting a $4.6-billion surplus for this fiscal year, but Finance Minister Nate Horner says "mounting pressures" threaten to soon put the province in the red. Atlantic From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. 'This is cold': P.E.I. mother upset over decision to remove late daughter's photos from school memorial wall A high school on Prince Edward Island is removing pictures of its late students from a memorial wall – a decision that has upset one mother whose daughter attended the school. Fredericton man facing several charges after five people taken hostage A 36-year-old Fredericton man is facing several charges, including forcible confinement, after police say five people were taken hostage in the city. Winnipeg Manitoba RCMP issue Canada-wide warrant for Ontario semi-driver charged in deadly crash Manitoba RCMP have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for the semi-driver involved in a crash that killed an eight-year-old girl and her mother. 1991-2024 | Winnipeg Sea Bears player Chad Posthumus dies at 33 Sea Bears centre Chad Posthumus has died at age 33. From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. Regina Contractor fatally injured while on the job at Regina's Evraz plant Evraz North America says an investigation is underway after a contractor was fatally injured while on the job in Regina on Nov. 19. 'I'll always be a Pat': Regina Pats trade captain Tanner Howe to Calgary The Regina Pats have announced a blockbuster trade Thursday that sees captain Tanner Howe on his way to Calgary to play for the Hitmen as the team continues rebuilding for the future. Jeremy O'Day speaks on wins, losses and Riders' overall performance in 2024 The Grey Cup Champion has officially been crowned for the 2024 season and once again it did not go to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. On Thursday, General Manager, Jeremy O'Day, spoke to media to break down another year. Kitchener Grand River Transit LRT involved in Kitchener crash A busy Kitchener street could be closed for several hours after a crash involving a Grand River Transit vehicle. From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. Members of motorcycle gangs facing more charges following Cambridge robbery Four members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and one member of the Red Devils Motorcycle Club are facing robbery and weapons charges as part of an ongoing investigation. Saskatoon Alberta non-profit Mustard Seed to run Saskatoon's Lighthouse Alberta-based non-profit the Mustard Seed is stepping up to run Saskatoon's Lighthouse. Saskatoon Friendship Centre opens emergency warming shelter As Saskatoon recovers from Monday night’s snowstorm, community organizations are stepping up to provide shelter and support to those experiencing homelessness. Saskatchewan teen still recovering in hospital after being set on fire at school A 15-year-old girl who was set on fire at a Saskatoon high school earlier this fall is still recovering in hospital. Northern Ontario Province pulls funding for North Bay addiction treatment centre After years of delays, the province has pulled the plug on an addiction treatment centre in North Bay. A news release from Canadore College on Thursday confirmed the centre won’t be moving forward. From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. $3M donation to help repair arena in Elliot Lake The City of Elliot Lake said Thursday it has received a $3-million donation from Edward and Suzanne Rogers for the Centennial Arena restoration. London 'Eggs are still $6': living wage continues to climb across Ontario It’s almost as expensive to live in Exeter as it is in downtown Toronto - that’s according to a recent report from the Ontario Living Wage Network. London man arrested after attempting to break into a home, threatening residents Police say that on Thursday, November 21 between the hours of 1:30 a.m., and 4:30 a.m. the suspect came and went from a residence on Conway Drive. Goderich man charged with sex crimes and luring a child: police A 21-year-old Goderich man is facing more than 20 criminal charges related to sex crimes, and police believe there may be more victims. Barrie How to avoid the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, according to health experts Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in Canada, according to Grey Bruce Public Health Unit. Driver witnesses two early morning collisions along one sideroad It was a busy morning on Sideroad 5 after a driver witnessed two collisions which police say were caused by poor road conditions. One person seriously injured after rollover collision in Oro-Medonte Emergency crews had to rescue one person trapped inside a vehicle after a rollover collision in Oro-Medonte Thursday morning. Windsor Woman sought following serious assault in west Windsor Windsor police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted in connection to an alleged serious assault that happened this past summer. Illegal cannabis storefront shut down in Leamington Essex County OPP have shut down an illegal cannabis storefront in Leamington and seized $13,500 in products. Leamington's Colton Smith leading the path after college hockey eligibility changes A recent ruling by the NCAA allowing major junior hockey players to maintain college eligibility is starting to change the hockey landscape. Vancouver Island Major crime investigators reviewing death of Victoria teen, which coroner reclassified as homicide Vancouver Island’s major crime unit is investigating the case of a Victoria teenager whose death was initially ruled an accidental overdose, but has since been reclassified by coroners as a homicide. 1 dead after Nanaimo house fire, RCMP say One person is dead after a fire that destroyed a home in Nanaimo's south end Wednesday morning. Another windstorm headed to B.C.’s South Coast Friday, Environment Canada says Another fall storm is forecast to bring high winds to B.C.’s South Coast on Friday, Environment Canada says. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Lethbridge Driver killed in Trans-Canada Highway crash near Salmon Arm, B.C. B.C. RCMP say one person was killed in a head-on crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near Salmon Arm on Wednesday. Giving Machine at Lethbridge's Park Place Mall sells you things that go straight to people in need There’s a new way to give this holiday season. Charges laid in September assault of 16-year-old: Lethbridge police Lethbridge police say four teenagers have been arrested in connection with an autumn attack that saw a 16-year-old badly injured. Sault Ste. Marie $3M donation to help repair arena in Elliot Lake The City of Elliot Lake said Thursday it has received a $3-million donation from Edward and Suzanne Rogers for the Centennial Arena restoration. Sault College accounting students get a head start on their careers Students in Sault College’s business accounting program have a new learning pathway that will ultimately give them a head start to a career. Investigation explains why plane overran runway in the Sault in 2023 The Transport Safety Board of Canada says the crew of a Porter Airlines flight landing in Sault Ste. Marie in April 2023 didn't realize the plane was so far down the runway. N.L. As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen. Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy. Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized. Local Spotlight B.C. man reunites with Nova Scotia stranger, 56 years after being saved from drowning After driving near the water that winter day, Brian Lavery thought he saw a dog splashing in the waves – then realized it was way too cold for that. 'It's nice to just talk to people': Toronto podcaster prank calling Nova Scotians Toronto radio and podcast host Jax Irwin has recently gone viral for videos of her cute -- and at times confusing -- phone conversations. 'I'm just tickled pink': Childhood friends from New Brunswick named Rhodes Scholars Two young women from New Brunswick have won one of the most prestigious and sought-after academic honours in the world. B.C. man to cycle length of New Zealand to raise funds for Movember Stretching 3,000 kilometres from the tip of New Zealand to its southernmost point, with just a bicycle for transport and a tent to call home, bikepacking event Tour Aotearoa is not for the faint of heart. 'She's a people person': Urban chicken inspires positivity in B.C. neighbourhood When he first moved to his urban neighbourhood, Barry Devonald was surprised to be welcomed by a whole flock of new neighbours. 'A little piece of history': Winnipeg homeowner finds 80-year-old letters hidden in walls When George Arcioni began renovating his kitchen last summer, he didn’t expect to find a stack of letters hidden in the wall behind his oven. Love story: Nova Scotia couple gets engaged at Taylor Swift’s Toronto show A Nova Scotia couple fulfilled their wildest dreams Thursday night when they got engaged at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Toronto. WATCH | 'Fireball' meteor lights up Calgary's sky Some Calgary residents caught what appeared to be a meteor streaking across the sky early on Wednesday morning. 'I get in this workshop and everything disappears': N.B. man creates whimsical birdhouses in spare time Four years ago, Phill Hebb started up 'Phil’s Unique Birdhouses' and since then, they’ve made their way all across Canada and into the United States. Politics Consul general reiterates he had no influence on $9M Manhattan condo purchase Canada's consul general in New York doubled-down Thursday on his past claim that he exerted no influence on the decision of Global Affairs Canada to buy a $9 million condo in Manhattan. Trudeau says Canada would 'abide' by ICC arrest warrant for Israel PM Netanyahu Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will 'abide' by an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on several items, along with a one-time $250 rebate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday. Health 'It didn't sound good': Mother shares what her sons went through with walking pneumonia A mother shares with CTVNews.ca her family's health scare as medical experts say cases of the disease and other respiratory illnesses have surged, filling up emergency departments nationwide. Texas doctor gets 190-year sentence for tampering with IV bags used in surgeries A Dallas anesthesiologist was sentenced Wednesday to 190 years in prison for injecting a nerve-blocking agent and other drugs into bags of intravenous fluid at a surgical center where he worked, leading to the death of a coworker and causing cardiac emergencies for several patients. New Brunswick measles outbreak now reporting 44 cases, mostly teens and children A measles outbreak in New Brunswick that began last month with a single travel-related case is growing and today stands at 44 cases. Sci-Tech Canada's space agency invites you to choose the name of its first lunar rover The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is inviting Canadians to choose the name of the first Canadian Lunar Rover. Unprecedented image may reveal impending supernova that could be visible from Earth Astronomers have captured the first close-up image of a star beyond our galaxy, taken during a dramatic moment near the end of the star’s life. In it, the 'behemoth' star appears to puff out gas and dust, a critical final step before exploding in a supernova. Rare fruit fly caught at Detroit Metro Airport A rare kind of fruit fly has been caught by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Detroit Metro Airport. Entertainment Taylor Swift's motorcade spotted along Toronto's Gardiner Expressway Taylor Swift is officially back in Toronto for round two. The popstar princess's motorcade was seen driving along the Gardiner Expressway on Tuesday afternoon, making its way to the downtown core ahead of night four of ‘The Eras Tour’ at the Rogers Centre. A decades-old cassette revealed an unreleased Luther Vandross cover of a Beatles classic A musical gem was recently uncovered from the vaults of the Luther Vandross Estate — a soulful, never-before-heard rendition of The Beatles' song 'Michelle.' Pamela Hayden, longtime 'Simpsons' voice actor, including Bart's friend Milhouse, hangs up her mic Pamela Hayden, the longtime voice actor behind Milhouse Van Houten — Bart Simpson's very uncool friend — is stepping away after 35 years of whining. Business Retail industry praises GST holiday but says it may be 'laborious' for some A temporary pause on charging the federal sales tax on many items has retailers excited, even though they say preparing for the relief will mean a lot of extra work in a short period of time. U.S. Department of Justice asks court to force Google to spin off Chrome The US government formally proposed a partial breakup of Google on Wednesday, urging a federal judge to force a sale of the company’s Chrome web browser after a landmark ruling this year found that Google had violated US antitrust law with its search business. Equipment issue pauses sale of some espresso, hot chocolate at McDonald's Canada McDonald's Canada says espresso-based drinks and hot chocolate are temporarily unavailable at some of the chain's restaurants as it copes with a potential equipment issue. Lifestyle World's tallest and shortest women meet for afternoon tea The world's tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman have met for afternoon tea in London to celebrate Guinness World Records Day. 'That sent my imagination wild': B.C. grandma paints 12-foot Star Wars mural with grandson Sandra Kroek and her grandson Remington spent 200 hours painting a massive Star Wars mural together. Are you a digital nomad? Share your journey of remote work and travel CTVNews.ca wants to hear from digital nomads who have taken up location-independent jobs and can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Sports 1991-2024 | Winnipeg Sea Bears player Chad Posthumus dies at 33 Sea Bears centre Chad Posthumus has died at age 33. 'It's a joke': Italian tennis star crowned world champion after winning Olympic gold can hardly believe her own success It’s fair to say 2024 has been quite a year for Italian tennis, especially for Jasmine Paolini who capped the best season of her career by winning the decisive match in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals against Slovakia to secure Italy’s first title in 11 years. MLB will test robot umpires at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams Major League Baseball will test robot umpires as part of a challenge system during spring training at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams, which could lead to regular-season use in 2026. Autos Northvolt says Quebec battery plant will proceed despite bankruptcy filing Northvolt AB has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, but said the move will not jeopardize the manufacturer's planned electric vehicle battery plant in Quebec — though hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in the parent company could be lost. Tired, lead-footed and distracted: Majority of Canadian drivers admit to bad habits, survey finds Canadian drivers are regularly in a hurry to get to their destination and a majority are willing to take unnecessary risks on the road, according to the results of a new survey. B.C. man who sold Porsche to scammers shares cautionary tale A man from B.C.’s Lower Mainland who was scammed while selling his Porsche Cayenne online is sharing his cautionary tale – while calling for increased protections from the government. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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The Yomiuri Shimbun 6:00 JST, November 22, 2024 The harmful effects of generative artificial intelligence (AI) are widespread, causing confusion and chaos. This is the first installment in a series examining how society should deal with the situation. * * A fabricated video went viral on social media the day before the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. The video was created to look like a report from CBS News and said the Federal Bureau of Investigation was advising people to “vote remotely” due to a potential terrorist attack. Taking the situation seriously, the FBI released a statement on Nov. 5 reading, “This video is not authentic and does not accurately represent the current threat posture or polling location safety.” The video appeared to have been created with artificial intelligence by a group with links to Russia and was immediately deleted. At the end of October, a fake video clip was posted in which a man posing as an election committee staff member sifted through mail-in ballots from the swing state of Pennsylvania and ripped up votes cast for Republican candidate Donald Trump one after another, murmuring “F—ing Trump!” U.S. and European media reflected on the unprecedented scale of disinformation and conspiracy theories circulating online in the election, and forces hostile to the United States increased their interference. As the voting day approached, groups linked to Russia, China and others were said to have stepped up their interference by posting a succession of fake images and videos. “The easiest way for foreign governments to win in an information operation is to sow chaos,” Bret Schafer, a senior fellow of the U.S. research organization Alliance for Securing Democracy, said. Shafer added that Russia tried to support Trump, who is friendly toward the country. “As domestic turmoil deepens [due to disinformation], the United States is forced to focus on internal issues, leaving less attention and resources to address international affairs,” Schafer said. The rapid technological improvement of generative AI has made it possible to instantly create a large number of elaborate fake images and videos, resulting in countless bits of unconfirmed information that denigrates rival candidates being sent from various camps, political parties and supporters via social media. The expansion of online echo chambers, in which people only hear from those whose opinions match their own, is said to have further divided the country. President Joe Biden’s administration pledged to develop legislation to regulate AI, but it was not in time for the presidential election. Twenty states have passed state laws regulating AI, and some states have banned the spread of election-related false information created with AI, but the effect was limited. Tim Harper, a senior policy analyst of the citizens group Center for Democracy & Technology, urged active implementation of a federal regulatory regime. “There are definitely solutions that the United States at the federal level can and should put in place to better protect elections from the spread of misinformation and disinformation from deceptive, manipulated AI content,” Harper said. In Japan, fake videos were spread around the time the campaign for the House of Representatives election that kicked off on Oct. 15. In the videos, voices apparently generated by having AI learn to mimic voices of former prime ministers were making anti-Liberal Democratic Party remarks. One of them uses what is apparently AI-generated audio mimicking former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s voice to introduce more than 120 people — mainly LDP members — as “candidates who should lose” with such comments as “full of greed.” The fake voice urged people to “vote them down.” The clip got more than 30,000 views on YouTube and spread on X, formerly Twitter. In another video, a voice that appeared to have been generated by having AI learn to imitate that of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was discussing the relationship between candidates and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, commonly known as the Unification Church. The videos came with a note stating that none of those comments were made by the prime ministers, but the posters apparently intended to enhance the videos’ credibility by using former prime ministers’ voices. Before the start of the campaign, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry on Oct. 11 requested 14 social media companies, including Meta Platforms Inc. — which manages Facebook — and X Corp., to take measures against false information on the internet. An official said the ministry “had not confirmed large-scale dissemination of false information,” but there are no provisions in the Public Offices Election Law specifically about generative AI, and no full-scale discussion has been underway for regulations. In September last year, fake recordings emerged on the messaging app Telegram, which features a high degree of confidentiality, two days before Slovakia’s general elections. The recordings were purported to be conversations of pro-European liberal Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka discussing a plan to manipulate votes. It was later revealed that the audio was an AI-generated fake, but the recordings had already gone viral on other social media. The PS came second in the election, and a left-wing party that opposed military support for Ukraine took power. The recordings were spread by mainly pro-Russian politicians. “It really represents a threat to democracy,” PS member Jan Hargas said of generative AI. “I think that’s why I believe that it’s a warning sign for the elections to come in the future.”
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