The BBC has discovered an international network operating online that shares graphic videos of cat torture, including electrocution, drowning, and starvation. This network has members globally, including in the UK, with individuals discussing how to obtain cats for abuse and even encouraging the mutilation of animals. The investigation uncovered evidence of British members suggesting obtaining kittens from the RSPCA. The content is extremely disturbing, featuring videos and images of horrific acts, with the network even promoting a “100 cat kill” competition.
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Mikayla Raines, the 29-year-old founder of SaveAFox Rescue and a popular YouTube personality, has died by suicide. Her husband announced her death on her YouTube channel, stating that she had struggled with mental health issues and online criticism for years. Raines, who built a large following through her animal rescue efforts, established her nonprofit in 2017 and rescued over 150 foxes. Ethan Raines plans to continue her mission, requesting support for SaveAFox Rescue while encouraging those struggling to seek help.
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The Take It Down Act, overwhelmingly approved by Congress, mandates the removal of non-consensual intimate images, including deepfakes, from social media platforms within 48 hours of notification. The bill criminalizes the knowing publication of such images. Supported by both Democrats and Republicans, including Senators Klobuchar and Cruz, the legislation aims to protect victims from online abuse and hold perpetrators accountable. Its passage follows previous legislative attempts, thwarted last year due to objections to unrelated budgetary concerns.
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The U.K. government will criminalize the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images, addressing the alarming rise of this form of online abuse, particularly against women and girls. This new offense, part of the Crime and Policing Bill, expands existing child protection laws to include adults and will carry a potential two-year prison sentence. Further legal updates will increase penalties for taking intimate images without consent and installing equipment to facilitate such acts, also punishable by up to two years in prison. These measures aim to provide law enforcement with stronger tools to combat non-consensual intimate image abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.
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As a woman living in Italy, the recent news of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seeking damages over deepfake porn videos has left me feeling a mix of emotions. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, it is evident that this act is vile and unwarranted. The invasion of privacy and malicious intent behind the creation of such content is deeply concerning and reflects a larger issue of the misuse of technology for personal gain.
The fact that these deepfake videos can easily lead to serious mental health issues and even suicides is a stark reminder of the damaging impact of such actions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker