X calls French probe politically motivated over algorithm claims
'X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech,' the company stated. It added that it has not granted French authorities access to its algorithm or real-time data, citing legal rights.
The investigation follows complaints from Eric Bothorel, a lawmaker from President Emmanuel Macron's party, who accused X of reducing 'diversity of voices' since Musk's 2022 takeover. Bothorel also criticised Musk's political interventions, including support for Germany's far-right AfD party.
'Democracy is too fragile to let digital platform owners tell us what to think, who to vote for or even who to hate,' Bothorel said. X denied the allegations, calling them 'completely false.'
The company also questioned the impartiality of experts selected by French authorities, including mathematician David Chavalarias and computer scientist Maziyar Panahi, both involved in a project encouraging users to leave X.
Picking them 'raises serious concerns about the impartiality, fairness and political motivations of the investigation,' X said. It also objected to prosecutors classifying the case under an 'organised gang' clause, typically used for serious crimes like drug trafficking. - AFP
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New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urges Thailand, Cambodia to resume peace talk
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand and Cambodia have been urged to hold negotiations to restore peace and stability, in line with the spirit of Asean unity and fraternity. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two nations must be guided by principles of solidarity and good neighbourliness. He said Malaysia stands ready to play a constructive role, through the Asean Chair's Office, in helping Thailand and Cambodia resume talks and bring an end to the fighting. Mohamad also reiterated Malaysia's call for both countries to exercise maximum restraint and implement an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. "This is to prevent either Thailand or Cambodia from taking any action that may jeopardise peace efforts. "As the Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between the governments of Thailand and Cambodia. "The situation has already resulted in rising casualties on both sides, widespread damage to public property, and the displacement of many residents from border areas," he said in a statement. The latest round of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia stems from tensions that began in May, following the death of a Cambodian soldier during an armed confrontation at the border. The 818-kilometre border between the two countries has long been a source of dispute, with both claiming sovereignty over areas demarcated during French colonial rule in 1907. Several ancient temples along the border remain key points of contention, including Prasat Ta Moan Thom and the famed Preah Vihear Temple. International media earlier reported that fighting had entered its third day, although there appeared to be a glimmer of hope, as both sides expressed willingness to seek diplomatic support, claimed acts of self-defence, and called for an end to hostilities through dialogue. At least 30 people have been killed and over 130,000 displaced in what is now the worst conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in 13 years. Thailand's death toll remains at 19 as of today, while Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed the deaths of five soldiers and eight civilians. In February, the dispute over Prasat Ta Moan Thom, a Khmer temple near the Thai border, flared up further when Thai authorities barred Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem at the site. The Cambodian government, however, has denied initiating the conflict, stating it only responded after Thai forces launched an armed attack. Both nations have since severed diplomatic ties and continue to blame each other for triggering the violence. Thailand has also announced the closure of all border checkpoints with Cambodia until further notice.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (July 26, 2025)
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Looking for 1MDB fugitive in Shanghai's luxury estate * Bar Council EGM on judicial independence dissolves due to lack of quorum * AGC to re-examine influencer's false report case * Malaysia faces rising cyber threats as incidents increase * MyDigital ID rollout must prioritise trust over compulsion, says think tank * Malaysia's new ambassador to US pledges stronger bilateral relations * Dr M's granddaughter loses RM1.8mil in home burglary / Cops tracking down suspects involved in burglary at Dr M's grandchild's house North Korea's Jo Jin Mi and Choe Wi Hyan compete in the final of the mixed team 3m and 10m diving event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Saturday, July 26, 2025. -- Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP Singapore: * Singapore's national screening programme tests newborns for metabolic and heritable diseases * Shocker in Singapore: Woman taken to hospital after car falls into sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road * Black belt in taekwondo, grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements * Singapore's Tipsy Collective sues former directors, HR head; alleges S$14mil lost from misconduct, poor decisions * Singapore rail operator to pay lower fine of S$2.4m for line disruption; must invest at least S$600k to boost reliability * Singapore shipowner told to pay US$1bil over marine disaster Indonesia: * Trump tariffs leave costly China supply question unanswered; Indonesia among countries deeply affected * Students flee Sekolah Rakyat in Central Java just one week into orientation * Indonesia car sales expected to top 800,000 units in 2025 * Indonesia backs peaceful resolution in Thai-Cambodian border dispute * Oil prices ease to three-week low at weekend as negative economic news offsets trade optimism Japanese dancers perform Ryukyu Buyo, a traditional Okinawan dance blending graceful movements with vibrant music rooted in the heritage of the Ryukyu Islands, during a cultural exchange programme by the Japan Foundation at the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) theatre in Jakarta. -- Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP Thailand: * Malaysia: Government monitoring investments in Thailand, Cambodia amid conflict * Thai-Cambodia clashes spread along frontier as death toll rises * Thai Army clarifies use of cluster munitions, insists they are aimed at military targets only * Thailand issues warning of potential long-distance PHL-03 missile strike from Cambodia * Thailand condemns Cambodian attacks on civilians, hospitals * New front opens as clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continue * Thai Navy joins conflict against Cambodia as death toll climbs to 30 * China must strike a delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts * Thaksin denies family conflict sparked Thai-Cambodian war, insists on non-interference in military operations Philippines: * Philippine Supreme Court rules impeachment bid against vice president is unconstitutional * Typhoons 'Crising,' 'Dante,' and tropical storm 'Emong' combined death toll at 26 in Philippines * Philippine cyclones death toll rises to 30, seven missing * Co-May leaves trail of destruction in the Philippines * US agrees deals with Indonesia, Philippines – but are Chinese firms a step ahead? U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the White House in Washington. --Photo: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura Vietnam: * Vietnam stands at core of evolving Asean: Malaysian ambassador * Plastics remain top choice for Hanoi food and beverage shops * Sleeper bus overturns in central Vietnam, leaving nine dead * Kids among nine killed in bus crash in central Vietnam * Analysis-Trump's distraction methods fall flat against Epstein uproar Myanmar: * US drops sanctions on Myanmar junta allies after Trump praise * US says lifting of some Myanmar sanctions had no link to general's letter to Trump * India and Myanmar discuss future of pharmaceutical industry in Yangon Displaced Cambodians receive water at the Battkhao Resettlement Camp in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia, Saturday, July 26, 2025, as border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day. -- AP Photo/Anton L. Delgado Cambodia: * Tens of thousands flee their homes as Thailand and Cambodia clash * Death toll rises in Thai-Cambodian clashes despite ceasefire call * China denies supplying new weapons to Cambodia in Thai border conflict * Hong Kong police investigate Cambodian scam farm link to missing girl * Cambodia bans flights across fighting zones with Thailand * Cambodia prepares counterattack at Phu Ma Kua — plans heavy use of indirect munitions Laos: * 'We are not involved in this': Laos denies reports on border clash with Cambodian forces * Laos seeks to develop traditional medicine * Lao communities on edge as river levels climb amid continuous rainfall Brunei: * Bruneians turning heads at international barber event * Brunei Law Society attends Asean Bar Leaders' Summit * Brunei emphasises sustainable forest management and environmental protection for its future generation Australia's diver Maddison Keeney holds her gold medal after competing in the final of the women's 1m springboard diving event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Saturday, July 26, 2025. -- Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP AseanPlus: * MMEA on high alert, strengthens fleet to tackle drug smuggling at sea * Australia, Britain sign 50-year AUKUS submarine partnership treaty * Security forces fired indiscriminately during Bangladesh protest: report * China calls for calm over border clash - The Thailand-Cambodia clash * Chinese pet clinic runs over 'untreatable' dog to 'get owner insurance payout' * Hong Kong starts building city's first public hydrogen charging system for EVs * US continues to have 'productive' talks with South Korea to reduce 'unfair' trade barriers: White House * Sri Lanka to waive visa fees for 40 more countries to boost tourism * Economists doubt Trump outlook that US will sell 'so much' beef to Australia * Beijing issues warning of geological disasters after intense rainfall * Day of prayers for victims after Bangladesh jet crash * Three injured in Seoul stabbing attack * Hongkonger suffers knife wounds in bar fight involving 10 people * Pakistan says it's close to US trade deal, Washington gives no timeline * Taiwan holds historic recall vote that could swing legislature * Trump administration issues plan to limit AI exports to China * No Cantonese, no career? 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The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia clashes spread along the frontier as death toll rises
BANGKOK (Thailand)/SAMROANG (Cambodia): Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday (July 26) as a border conflict that killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 170,000 from their homes spread across the frontier. Clashes broke out for the first time in the countries' coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250km southwest of the main frontlines thumping with blasts on July 26 afternoon. 'It feels like I'm escaping a war zone,' 76-year-old Samlee Sornchai told AFP at a temple shelter for evacuees in the Thai town of Kanthararom, after abandoning his farm near the embattled frontier. Both sides say they are open to a truce in the combat being fought with jets, tanks and ground troops, but have accused the other of undermining armistice efforts. Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites, but fighting has spread along the neighbours' rural frontier region, marked by a ridge of forest-clad hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Both sides reported a coastline clash at around 5am (6am Singapore time), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing 'five heavy artillery shells' into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province. Cambodia's Defence Ministry said 13 people were now confirmed killed in the fighting, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than the 28 killed in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The fighting has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, with more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire – unconditionally – and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,' he told reporters. Border row Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on July 26 that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show 'genuine sincerity in ending the conflict'. 'I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue,' he told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on July 25, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. 'We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response,' Nikorndej told AFP. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Asean regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned that if the situation escalates, 'it could develop into war'. Both sides blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions. At the UN, Cambodia's envoy questioned Thailand's assertion that his country, which is smaller and less militarily developed than its neighbour, had initiated the conflict. '(The Security Council) called for both parties to (show) maximum restraint and resort to a diplomatic solution. That is what we are calling for as well,' said Chhea Keo. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra – still an influential figure in the kingdom – visited shelters on July 26 to meet evacuees. 'The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place,' he told reporters. The 76-year-old said he had no plans to contact Hun Sen, Cambodia's powerful former prime minister who was long a close ally. 'His actions reflect a disturbed mindset. He should reflect on his conduct,' Thaksin said of Mr Hun Sen. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours – both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists – over their shared 800km border. Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash. Relations between the two countries soured dramatically when Hun Sen in June released a recording of a call with suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on the border row. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn – Thaksin's daughter – was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order. -- AFP, BLOOMBERG
