If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Firefox users in Russia are no longer able to install several anti-censorship and pro-privacy extensions, some of their developers and users are reporting, suspecting at the same time it is the developer of Firefox, Mozilla, that is behind this. The extensions in question are Censor Tracker, Runet Censorship Bypass, Planet VPN, and FastProxy, and it is at this time unclear if Mozilla made the decision to block the extensions in the Russian market on its own, or was acting on an order from the authorities. In either case, users in Russia trying to install the add-ons are met with the message, “unavailable in your region.” These extensions remain online elsewhere, including in the US. At least one developer – from a team behind Censor Tracker, confirmed that the add-on has recently become unavailable in Russia, but also that they are in the dark as to why. Some of the comments left in response to the developer’s post suggest that it might be Mozilla’s decision, considering that censorship bypassing tools, per se, are not illegal in Russia. As seen in Russia As seen in the United States. And while the ever-shrinking community of Firefox users awaits some clarification from Mozilla about what is happening regarding this particular incident, some observers are directly accusing the Mozilla Foundation (a non-profit that owns the Mozilla Corporation) of being behind the blocking of the said handful of extensions. “After recent regulatory changes in Russia, we began to receive persistent requests from Roskomnadzor demanding that we remove five extensions from the Mozilla extension store. After careful consideration, we have temporarily limited their availability in Russia. Realizing the consequences of these actions, we are carefully considering further steps, taking our local community into account,” Mozilla said in a statement to Kommersant, a Russian news outlet. Regardless of the fact Firefox has lost “the browser war” badly to Google’s Chrome, what originally propelled it to for a while be the world’s top browser, ending the era of the dominance of Microsoft’s IE, were the principles of free and open source movement, and commitment to an open internet. And that is how Firefox is still perceived by those using the browser – in fact, that is most often the very reason they continue using it at all. However, given the developing controversy over the blocking of pro-privacy and anti-censorship tools, the nature of what Mozilla has become, and the fact this is not the first instance of censorship, are leaving some in the community wondering if the stated guiding principles are still to be trusted. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Mozilla’s Mixed Signals: Blocking Privacy Tools in Russia Sparks Criticism appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The Gates Foundation continues to bankroll various initiatives around the world aimed at introducing digital ID and payments by the end of this decade. The scheme is known as the digital public infrastructure (DPI), and those pushing it include private or informal groups like the said foundation and the World Economic Forum (WEF), but also the US, the EU, and the UN. And now, the UK-based AI and data science research group Alan Turing Institute has become the recipient of a renewed grant, this time amounting to $4 million, given by the Gates Foundation. This has been announced as initial funding for the Institute’s initiative to ensure “responsible” implementation of ID services. The Turing Institute is presenting its work that will be financed by the grant over the next three years as a multi-disciplinary project focused on positive issues, such as ensuring that launching DPI elements (like digital ID) is done with privacy and security concerns properly addressed. But – given the past and multi-year activities of the Gates Foundation, nobody should be blamed for interpreting this as an attempt to actually whitewash these key issues – namely privacy and security – that opponents of centralizing people’s identities through digital ID schemes consistently warn about. In announcing the renewed grant, the Turing Institute made it clear that it considers implementing “ID services” a positive direction, which according to the organization improves anything from inclusion, access to services and to human rights. But apparently, some “tweaking” around privacy and security (or at least “enhancing” the perception of how they are handled in digital ID programs) – is needed. Hence, perhaps, the new initiative. “The project aims to enhance the privacy and security of national digital identity systems, with the ultimate goal to maximize the value to beneficiaries, whilst limiting known and unknown risks to these constituents and maintaining the integrity of the overall system,” the Institute said. Related: The 2024 Digital ID and Online Age Verification Agenda A lot of big words, and positive sentiment – but, in simpler words, what the statement amounts to is a promise to somehow “auto-magically” cover all the bases. That is – at once secure the benefits while obliterating the negatives. (Maybe the Institute has a spare bridge to sell, too /s) The worry here is that this could be yet another Gates Foundation PR blitz aimed at improving the image of the mistrusted, by rights-minded people, “DPI” push – a distrust that in no insignificant part stems from not trusting its biggest proponents as having any genuinely noble intentions to begin with. An interesting piece of information that we do learn from the announcement is that every year, “billions of dollars are being invested to develop more secure, scalable, and user-friendly identity (digital ID) systems.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Gates Foundation Awards $4M Grant To Fund Digital ID Initiative appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

The NLRB Loses at the Supreme Court

Houston We Have a Problem: ICE Arrests Multiple Criminal Illegal Aliens over the Last Two Weeks

In a world where animals often stick to their own kind, the heartwarming friendship between a raccoon named Nugget and a dog named Toby stands out. These two, once considered natural enemies, have defied the odds to form an unbreakable bond. Their story is one of love, trust, and the unexpected beauty of cross-species friendships,... The post Tiny rescue raccoon melts thousands of hearts making ‘unlikeliest’ best friend appeared first on Animal Channel.

In Boulder, Colorado, a black bear unexpectedly became a social media sensation after discovering a wildlife camera and snapping 400 selfies. This amusing incident captivated the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) team, who found that out of 580 photos taken, an astonishing 400 featured the curious bear posing for the camera. The bear’s... The post ‘Diva’ bear finds wildlife camera in woods and hilariously takes 400 selfies appeared first on Animal Channel.

Radio host Charlamagne Tha God stopped by Comedy Central’s The Daily Show on Wednesday to lament that Democrats don’t fight back harder against Republicans. However, he did find one Democrat he liked in Rep. Jasmine Crockett, whom he proceeded to welcome to throw the “Uncle Tom” smear at Rep. Byron Donalds and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Charlamagne was also displeased with what he considered to be the idea that Republicans like Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Green sound “real” when they campaign or give interviews because they occasionally swear while Democrats give long and boring typical politician speeches. To Charlamagne’s rescue came Crockett, who recently got into a shouting competition with Greene during a recent House hearing.     Hoping to duplicate that moment, Charlamagne declared, “And good news for Democrats, they have someone who can help them with their messaging. When I heard Republican Congressman Byron Donalds say some wild shit about black families and Jim Crow, I knew just who to call.” Transitioning to a previously recorded interview, Charlamagne asked, “Good to see you too. Now, a colleague from across the aisle, Byron Donalds, recently said that black families were better under Jim Crow, which was a period of forced racial segregation. What would you say to that?” At this point, it should be noted that Donalds never said black families were better because of Jim Crow. He also never said the Jim Crow era was better for blacks. Regardless, Crockett ranted, “Yeah, I would say is it okay for an Uncle Tom, Uncle Ruckus, or may be under this and Uncle Clarence to try to tell us what it is to be black in America, considering the fact that he is married to a white woman, kind of like his Uncle Clarence? That would not have been allowed. So yeah. He probably needs to go back to the history books if they keep trying to take out of our classrooms.” Charlamagne concluded by cheering, “Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Crockett, [bleep] 'Em up! That's right!” Actually, that’s wrong, but don’t expect the fact-checkers to check Crockett on the claim that Florida doesn’t teach about Jim Crow.  Here is a transcript for the June 12 show: Comedy Central The Daily Show 6/13/2024 11:19 PM ET CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD: And good news for Democrats, they have someone who can help them with their messaging. When I heard Republican Congressman Byron Donalds say some wild shit about black families and Jim Crow, I knew just who to call.  Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, how are you? JASMINE CROCKETT: I’m doing well. It’s good to see you. CHARLAMAGNE: Good to see you too. Now, a colleague from across the aisle, Byron Donalds, recently said that black families were better under Jim Crow, which was a period of forced racial segregation. What would you say to that?   CROCKETT: Yeah, I would say is it okay for an Uncle Tom, Uncle Ruckus, or may be under this and Uncle Clarence to try to tell us what it is to be black in America, considering the fact that he is married to a white woman, kind of like his Uncle Clarence? That would not have been allowed. So yeah. He probably needs to go back to the history books if they keep trying to take out of our classrooms.   CHARLAMAGNE: Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Crockett, [bleep] 'Em up! That's right!

Pastor Tony Evans has decided to step down from his role as the longtime pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas — because of a “secret” sin. “I say a 'secret sin,' because in the statement that he released on his website, and that has now been widely circulated, he really doesn’t say what this past sin was that has now come to light,” Allie Beth Stuckey explains. While Evans’ statement declared that he had “committed no crime,” he admitted to not using “righteous judgment” in his actions. “There are a lot of guesses that we could probably make. If it wasn’t something that was criminal, that means it probably wasn’t financial,” Stuckey speculates. Years ago, Stuckey had discussed another pastor who had stepped down from his role due to sin. “Matt Chandler had to come forward and say that he had fallen short of the biblical standard for a Christian, a biblical standard for a husband and pastor,” Stuckey says, explaining that he had to admit to engaging in messages with a woman at his church to his congregation. While Chandler told his congregation the truth, Evans remains tight-lipped about his sin. “I think that he owes more specificity than this, the euphemisms just cause, I think, a lot of confusion and even more instability, a lot of questions, unfortunately rumors, gossip, and things like that,” Stuckey says. Stuckey believes there’s a lesson to be taken from what has happened with Evans. “Every time we are tempted towards sin — whether it be gossip, whether it be lust, whether it be adultery, theft, deceit, whatever — is that feeling that we have that ‘Yes, that would satisfy my flesh, that would satisfy my longings right now.’ Just remember that temptation, that pull that you are feeling towards that sin is from someone who hates you, who wants to destroy you, destroy your witness,” she says. “It’s a good reminder, a humbling reminder for all of us, that no one is above that temptation,” she adds. Want more from Allie Beth Stuckey?Subscribe to Allie Beth Stuckey's channel on YouTube for FREE access to more of her upbeat and in-depth coverage of culture and politics from a Christian, millennial perspective.

A media consultant for Nathan Wade abruptly interrupted a sit-down interview with CNN that aired on Wednesday. Wade is the former special prosecutor whom Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) hired to help lead the racketeering case against Donald Trump for alleged election interference. That case nearly imploded earlier this year when Wade's romantic relationship with Willis became public. Wade later stepped down, and a judge allowed the case to proceed. 'The public has a clear snapshot that this is clearly just a distraction. It is not a relevant issue in this case.' About 20 minutes into an interview, CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins asked Wade a question about his relationship that his handlers didn't like. "Just to clarify, when did the romantic relationship between the two of you start?" Collins asked. That question is important because Wade and Willis testified under oath that their relationship began after Willis hired Wade as a special prosecutor. If the contrary is true, it means that both attorneys have perjured themselves and tainted the election interference case. At first, Wade began to answer the question, albeit with stumbling answers about "exact dates." But his off-screen "media consultant" abruptly stopped him from providing a substantive answer. — (@) For nearly a minute, Wade and his consultant huddled together off-screen and discussed how to answer the question. Microphones, unfortunately, did not pick up any of the conversation. "Everything OK?" Collins asked when Wade returned to his chair. But now, instead of providing an answer to the question, Wade appeared more disciplined and dodged the question completely. "I believe that the public has — through the testimony and other interviews — the public has a clear snapshot that this is clearly just a distraction," Wade said. "It is not a relevant issue in this case. And I think that we should be focusing on more of the facts and the indictment in the case." When Collins pushed for an answer, Wade refused to say anything of substance. It's not clear, moreover, why Wade did not want to answer the question if it is true that his relationship with Willis began when they both claim it did. Contrary to Wade's claims, details about when Willis and Wade began their relationship are very relevant to the Trump case because the Fulton County DA's office paid Wade substantial sums of money for his work and, as some defense attorneys in the case have argued, the romantic relationship allowed Willis to benefit financially from prosecuting Trump.If the romantic relationship began before the investigation was initiated, defense attorneys will argue the case is tainted by unethical behavior that violates the defendants' due process rights. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to clarify whether President Joe Biden would commute the sentence of his son Hunter should he be sentenced to serve jail time.On Wednesday, Biden, Jean-Pierre, a gaggle of reporters, and others were aboard Air Force One, flying to Italy for the G7 summit. Just 24 hours or so earlier, first son Hunter Biden was found guilty on three felony counts connected with a firearm purchase in October 2018. Though he faces up to 25 years in prison, he isn't likely to receive the maximum sentence since this is his first conviction.'It was asked of me not too long ago, a couple of weeks ago. And I was very clear, and I said no.'During a mid-air press briefing, Jean-Pierre was asked two questions about a possible commutation of Hunter Biden's pending sentence.In her answers, Jean-Pierre noted that Hunter's sentencing hearing has not even been scheduled yet. She also reiterated the deep, abiding love the president and first lady have for Hunter. Finally, she alluded to Biden's pledge not to issue Hunter a pardon."He was asked about a pardon. He was asked about the trial, specifically, and he answered it very clearly, very forthright," she said."He's been very clear about this."However, she was eventually forced to admit that she simply didn't have an answer about commutation. "He and the first lady love their son and they support their son, I just don't have anything ... beyond that," she claimed.As multiple outlets have noted, Jean-Pierre's answers about commutation have changed over the last nine months or so. As far back as September 2023, she was asked whether Biden would "pardon or commute his son if he’s convicted" (emphasis added). She answered decisively in the negative."I’ve answered this question before," she replied at the time. "It was asked of me not too long ago, a couple of weeks ago. And I was very clear, and I said no."A pardon expunges a conviction from a person's record and releases him or her from any sentence. A commutation either lessens or cancels an ongoing sentence but leaves the conviction in place. Presidents have the power to pardon or commute only federal convictions.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!