The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on two foreign entities, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and the Iranian Cognitive Design Production Center, for their alleged involvement in disinformation campaigns targeting the 2024 US election. The Center for Geopolitical Expertise, led by its director who works closely with Russian military intelligence agents, used artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and fake news websites to influence American voters. Meanwhile, the Iranian Cognitive Design Production Center, a subsidiary of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, has been accused of inciting political tensions in the US since 2023 and hacking into the accounts of top current and former US officials. The sanctions are part of a broader effort by US intelligence agencies to counter foreign interference in the election, which they say is being targeted by Russia, Iran, and China.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/us-sanctions-russian-iranian-groups-disinformation/507-01d3d9cf-eb43-4c38-b968-ebfac5f66376The US Treasury Department has accused entities affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Russia's military intelligence agency (GRU) of attempting to influence the 2024 U.S. election through targeted disinformation campaigns. The Cognitive Design Production Center, a subsidiary of the IRGC, allegedly planned influence operations since at least 2023 to incite tensions among the electorate on behalf of the IRGC. Meanwhile, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE), directed by the GRU, used generative AI tools to create disinformation distributed across a network of websites designed to look like legitimate news outlets. The Treasury also accused CGE of circulating baseless accusations about a 2024 vice presidential candidate and manipulating a video to produce false information. As a result, sanctions have been imposed on the director of CGE and several other entities involved in the disinformation operations.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40340431/us-imposes-sanctions-on-entities-in-iran-russia-over-election-interferenceThe World Health Organization's (WHO) member states are negotiating a treaty to strengthen global defenses against future pandemics and epidemics. The agreement, which is expected to be finalized by May 2025, aims to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. A key issue in the negotiations is the sharing of emerging pathogens and the benefits derived from them, such as vaccines, between countries with major pharmaceutical industries and poorer nations.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/china-says-shared-covid-information-without-holding-anything-back/article_5316552e-3281-57d5-b091-1092611ac539.htmlChina has been actively pursuing peaceful solutions through dialogue and consensus in the face of growing geopolitical tensions and global instability, according to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a statement, Xi emphasized China's commitment to working with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, improve cultural exchange, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. This effort is reflected in various initiatives such as the implementation of the first UN Security Council ceasefire resolution in Gaza in March, the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Strengthening Palestinian Unity in July, and the establishment of the "Friends for Peace" group to address the Ukraine crisis alongside other Global South countries.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-china-startet-ins-jahr-2025-und-verspricht-seinem-volk-mehr-anlass-zur-freude-im-neuen-jahr-302340748.htmlChinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of promoting friendship and cooperation between China and other countries, as well as fostering cultural exchange and understanding in order to build a global community with a shared future. This vision is part of China's broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with nations around the world.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1326056.shtmlUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a New Year's video message that Ukraine cannot rely on receiving peace as a gift, but believes the US will support Kyiv in its fight against Russia's ongoing invasion. He emphasized that only a strong and capable Ukraine can secure peace and earn international respect.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/02/world/americas-emea/we-will-do-everything-to-end-war-zelenskyy/2029168