If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. While some people, for some reason – looking at a meme representing Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz may believe these are actually “Dumb and Dumber” characters – the Meta Oversight Board reminded Meta, and the world, that one meme to this effect was satirical. And – would clearly be understood, by a vast majority of those coming across it, as such. Certainly not as a pair of characters from a buddy comedy movie then – but in fact, politicians and presidential/vice presidential candidates in a US election, the Board found of the meaning of the meme’s content. The point is, that while the imagery is not flattering, it is also not “bullying” or “harassing.” And, said the Board – basically – shame on Meta for censoring a meme that clearly falls under the satire category, and shame on Meta for using the “bullying and harassment” platform policy to censor it. Meta did respond to a user appeal by reinstating the post. But given the proximity of the US presidential elections, the case and reporting about it gains in gravity, especially since stifling of legitimate speech on platforms with huge reach ahead of a vote – even if found to be wrong – is after the election, a fait accompli. It can be analyzed and appealed, to but typically makes little difference in redressing any adverse impact. Even the Meta’s Board reaction at this point can be seen as too little, too late – it’s now two weeks before the election date. But both Meta and the Board could cite this example in the future as having done something (“better”) about the censorship that’s pervaded, with a very clear slant, Meta’s properties for the past almost ten years. The Board’s reaction was to a photo posted back in August which plays on the “Dumb and Dumber” promo poster, to superimpose images of Harris and Walz onto the main protagonists of the comedy. A user lodged a complaint and Meta censored it for “derogatory sexualized photoshop or drawings.” “Are you kidding me?” – this is what the original poster basically said while appealing against the decision to censor their meme. Now – the Oversight Boards makes a note of the dangers that “over-enforcing the Bullying and Harassment policy can have, especially in the context of an election, as it may lead to the excessive removal of political speech and undermine the ability to criticize government officials and political candidates, including in a sarcastic manner.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Meta Slammed for Censoring Meme: Satirical Take on Kamala Harris Sparks Oversight Board Reprimand appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

A new study by Talker Research finds 87% of dog owners in serious relationships are more likely to believe in “love at first sight” with animals than people. The research, which was commissioned by The Honest Kitchen, also had some interesting insights about dog owners with partners and their love for their pets. Talker Research conducted the survey with 2,000 dog owners in serious relationships. In the study, results found that 80% of the respondents had an “instant connection” with their dog, compared to 69% who said the same about their partner. However, one in five (19%) said it still took time to build a bond with their dog. And of those dog owners, 20% questioned whether they made the right decision in adopting their pet because they didn’t have an instant connection. But like any blooming and beautiful relationship, 74% of the respondents think that the bond between them and their dog is stronger because they had to build it over time – definitely something that they find worth the wait! The survey also asked the respondents if there was anything they wish they knew before adopting their dog. “A variety of these answers related to food — which may not be surprising, as 76% said food is their “love language” and they take great care in feeding their dog “only the best,”” Talker Research reveals. Other respondents would have liked to know the “true investment of time” that comes with dog ownership, and how similar it is to raising human children. Despite some hurdles, some dog owners are still surprised at how happy they’ve become after getting a dog. They wrote that if they knew “the amount of joy they bring, I would have gotten one sooner.” Results found this to be true as 83% of the respondents said that pet ownership is better than what they expected. And the same number of respondents agree that while pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, they wouldn’t have it any other way. Miki Dosen, CMO at The Honest Kitchen said, “There’s so much to look forward to when you have a dog, but we wouldn’t be honest if we didn’t acknowledge how hard it can be, too.” “At the end of the day it’s the full experience — both highs and lows — that make it one of the most meaningful relationships people have in their lives.” You can find the full data of the survey here.

The Stench of Panic Is In the Air on Social Media

Atmospheric rivers have moved 6° to 10° closer to the poles over the past 40 years, says a new study.

An alarming situation is unfolding within the Biden-Harris administration’s national security apparatus, with implications for the presidential election and a potential Harris-Walz administration. Over the weekend, someone within the U.S. government allegedly leaked sensitive intelligence about a potential Israeli military response against Iran.Though officials have not yet announced the source of the leak, authorities have accused a woman at the Pentagon of being linked to it. She is reportedly involved with Iran’s “Experts Initiative,” a program designed to influence Western policy. Despite this, she remains employed at the Pentagon and retains access to sensitive information.This trend of appointing ideologues to critical roles raises a larger concern: How many more are operating under the radar?While it’s unclear whether she is responsible for the latest leak, the fact that someone under investigation for ties to Iran continues to hold such a critical position raises serious concerns. It highlights the troubling reality that radical political ideologues may have infiltrated the agencies responsible for protecting the U.S. from foreign threats.This isn’t a case of routine negligence that could have endangered lives or ignited tensions in an already volatile region. It reflects the rampant politicization of the security apparatus within the Biden-Harris administration, mirroring past failures under the Obama administration. Obama’s coziness with groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, and now the Democrats’ questionable approach to Iran, reveals a troubling pattern of empowering radical ideologues in key positions.Consider Robert Malley, Biden’s special envoy to Iran, who is under FBI investigation for mishandling classified information. Why does Malley still have a job at the State Department?This trend of appointing ideologues to critical roles raises a larger concern: How many more are operating under the radar? And how much damage could they cause before being discovered? These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a systemic problem. The full extent of these failures will likely emerge when a new administration, such as a future Trump administration, takes office and starts cleaning house.National security isn’t the only area where the Biden-Harris administration is struggling. The recent circulation of a deepfake video targeting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, reportedly orchestrated by Russian agents, illustrates how disinformation is being weaponized to influence elections. The video falsely accused Walz of sexual misconduct during his time as a teacher. Although it was quickly debunked, the video had already circulated on social media, sparking outrage and confusion.What’s baffling is how quickly the director of national intelligence denounced the video as Russian disinformation. This response stands in stark contrast to the 2016 election, when allegations of Trump’s ties to Russia dragged on for months, despite the FBI knowing early on that the Steele dossier was filled with falsehoods. Similarly, during the 2020 election, the intelligence community swiftly labeled the Hunter Biden laptop scandal as Russian propaganda, making little effort to verify the contents.The DNI’s swift response to shut down the Walz story feels more like political damage control than a sincere effort to protect the truth.Given these inconsistencies, how can Americans trust the intelligence community when it rushes to label something “Russian disinformation” now? The speed with which it acted in the Walz case contrasts sharply with the slow response — or lack of one — in previous instances involving Trump. It’s hard not to question whether the intelligence community is picking sides, especially when the narrative aligns with a political agenda. The intelligence community has become a partisan political weapon.Americans need to wake up and recognize the real threat. The Biden-Harris administration isn’t just asleep at the wheel — it's actively enabling the very forces that jeopardize our national security. This threat will only intensify under a Harris-Walz administration. We need leaders like Trump who will prioritize the American people, clean house, and refuse to cater to ideologues sympathetic to our enemies. Our national security is on the ballot.Want more from Glenn Beck? Get Glenn's FREE email newsletter with his latest insights, top stories, show prep, and more delivered to your inbox.

Attorney Ford O'Connell added that "given Giuliani's financial situation, the actions taken seem excessively punitive and politically motivated, intended as a warning to others and potentially suppressing free speech."

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are tied at 48% each for the popular vote for the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, according to the final New York Times/Siena College national poll published on Friday....

French authorities said Friday they have charged seven individuals in connection with a cyberbullying campaign targeting Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the Paris Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies.

The accused Iranian hacking group that intercepted Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign emails have finally found some success in getting their stolen material published after initially failing to interest the mainstream media.In recent weeks, the...

A heart-pounding workout suppresses a person's hunger levels better than less strenuous exercises like a brisk walk or active yoga, a new study shows. Running, swimming laps or taking a fast-paced spin class is more effective in suppressing the hunger hormone ghrelin than...