Ethical Hacking News
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked social network X over concerns about the platform's handling of deepfake content, in a move that reflects the growing importance of online regulation and digital safety. The block is part of a broader trend of governments taking action to curb the spread of inappropriate online content, while Baidu spins out its chipmaking business unit and other tech companies make significant investments in AI and renewable energy.
Malaysia, Indonesia, and India have suspended access to social network X due to concerns over deepfake content. The companies demand that X take measures to prevent non-consensual sexual deepfakes. Indonesia's minister of communications views the practice as a serious violation of human rights and dignity. Baidu spins off its chipmaking business unit to showcase value and attract AI-focused investors. Vietnam regulates online content with a new law requiring publishers to ensure ads can be closed within five seconds. Naver completes construction of an AI computing cluster using 4,000 Nvidia GPUs. Panasonic aims to leverage data and AI for efficiency and speed in 2026. Cambodia arrests Chinese nationals suspected of operating forced-labor cyber-scam camps. China plans to ban AI-powered companions for elderly relatives due to concerns over risks. Starlink successfully launches its satellite within 200 meters of broadband satellites. Google and Apple are ordered to stop sending fake government texts to users. Meta signs long-term nuclear power deals to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Debian announces a new spatial desktop with retro-style environments.
Malaysia and Indonesia have suspended access to social network X, citing concerns over the platform's failure to curb the distribution of deepfake content. The move comes after the two countries, along with India, warned the service that they must take greater measures to prevent the creation and dissemination of non-consensual sexual deepfakes.
The suspension was announced by Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Commission, which demanded that X take steps to prevent users from generating material that contravenes Malaysian laws. However, the commission stated that the company's response did not adequately address the issue, leading to the decision to block access to the platform until such measures are in place.
Indonesia's minister of communications and digital affairs, Meutya Hafid, also weighed in on the matter, stating that the government views the practice of non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space. The minister's comments suggest that both countries take the issue of deepfakes very seriously and are willing to take action to protect their citizens from this type of content.
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also reportedly warned X that it must do more to prevent sexual deepfakes. This move is part of a broader trend in which governments around the world are increasingly taking steps to regulate online platforms and services, particularly when it comes to issues related to free speech and online safety.
Baidu spins out chipmaking business unit Kunlunxin, a move that aims to showcase the company's value and attract investors focused on the AI chip sector. The spin-off is part of Baidu's effort to unlock the value of its AI-powered businesses and better align management accountability with performance.
Vietnam has also taken steps to regulate online content, with the government announcing a law that requires publishers to ensure netizens can close video ads after five seconds. The law is aimed at preventing illegal or anonymous ads from being displayed on platforms, and authorities will block access to publishers that do not comply.
Naver, a South Korean web giant, has completed construction of an AI computing cluster powered by 4,000 Nvidia B200 GPUs. The new cluster is expected to significantly improve the company's ability to develop AI models, with the existing A100-powered rigs requiring 18 months to develop a 72-billion-parameter model. Instead, Naver's new cluster can deliver this task in around six weeks.
Panasonic Group CEO Yuki Kusumi has announced that 2026 will be a year of rebirth for the company, with a focus on leveraging data and AI to enhance efficiency and accelerate speed. The CEO described the goal as pursuing continuous reform to deliver results, and emphasized the importance of having a mindset similar to that of a noodle shop owner, who works hard to sell products, asks customers for feedback, and makes improvements based on it.
In other news, Cambodia has arrested three Chinese nationals suspected of operating forced-labor cyber-scam camps in the country. The arrests mark a notable shift in efforts to combat these scams, which have earned billions of dollars but inflicted financial hardship and misery on victims.
China is also working to ban the creation of AI-powered companions for elderly relatives, citing concerns over the potential risks and negative consequences. Meanwhile, Starlink has announced that it successfully launched its satellite into space within 200 meters of broadband satellites, a key milestone in the company's efforts to provide high-speed internet access around the world.
In addition, China's first reusable rocket exploded, but the onboard Ethernet network remained intact. Google and Apple have also been ordered to stop sending fake government texts to users, highlighting the growing trend of governments taking action against companies that engage in deceptive practices.
Meta has signed long-term nuclear power deals, which will come into effect around 2030. The company's decision is part of a broader effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Finally, Debian has announced a new spatial desktop, which allows users to create retro-style environments with carefully configured MATE setups. The project aims to provide a more accessible alternative to traditional desktop environments for users who prefer a nostalgic look and feel.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Malaysia-Indonesia-Block-Social-Network-X-Over-Deepfake-Concerns-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/01/12/asia_tech_news_roundup/
Published: Sun Jan 11 19:41:46 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
