Tuesday, April 18, 2023
The Cipher Brief curates open source information from around the world that impacts national security. Here's a look at today's headlines, broken down by region of the world:
In the Americas
G7 Foreign Ministers Communique Focuses on Russia’s War in Ukraine and China-Taiwan Tensions. The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers released a communique on Tuesday following talks in Japan where they stressed solidarity against Russia’s war in Ukraine. The statement promised ‘severe consequences’ for the use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons in Ukraine and warned that countries who support Moscow’s efforts in Ukraine would face ‘severe costs’. The group also presented a united front on Taiwan, and called on China to abstain from the use of force or coercion against Taiwan, while expressing concern over the situation in the East and South China seas. The statement also reaffirmed that the G7’s position on Taiwan, including the One China principle had not changed. CNN
Pentagon Investigates Accesses, Distribution Lists in Wake of Classified Intel Leak. The Pentagon has started restricting distribution lists for sensitive intelligence, including classified briefings, in the wake of the recent intelligence breach, according to a Pentagon spokesperson. The Pentagon is also conducting an internal investigation of the leak, which is due in 45 days. The internal study will identify who has access to sensitive information throughout the global Department of Defense (DOD) network and attempt to strike a balance between ensuring that DOD civilians and military have the information needed to do their jobs but do not go beyond their “need to know”. Recommendations from the internal study could also include adjustments to background checks for those that hold security clearances. The FBI and Justice Department continue to lead the criminal investigation into the unauthorized disclosures. Bloomberg
U.S. Officials Attempt to Determine Motive for Leak, Potential Foreign Influence. U.S. investigators have considered potential foreign interactions and connections as part of their investigation into the potential motivations of Airman Jack Teixeira, who last week was charged with leaking a trove of classified information. There are conflicting accounts over whether the Discord server to which Teixeira allegedly leaked the documents contained non-US persons. If investigators do find a foreign nexus, it could indicate involvement from a foreign government though reports say that there is no evidence of this currently. This type of link could also open Airman Teixeira up to more charges under a separate section of the Espionage Act that deals with gathering or delivering defense information to aid a foreign government. Politico
Leaked Intelligence Shows U.S. Prevented Egypt from Supplying Russia with Rockets. A report by the Washington Post says that the US intervened to stop a secret plan by Egypt to supply Russia with rockets for use in Ukraine. The report, which was among the trove of classified documents leaked on Discord, says that the US, which provides Egypt with more than $1 billion in annual foreign aid, convinced Egypt to halt the effort to support Russian and instead negotiated for Cairo to sell the US artillery ammunition to be supplied to Ukraine. The documents show the high-stakes diplomatic efforts that are underway to influence countries that have sought to stay ‘on the margins’ of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine. The report does not indicate if the US has yet received the Egyptian artillery shells and the Egyptian Foreign Ministry reportedly has not responded to the allegations in the leaked documents. Washington Post
Two US Citizens Arrested in New York in Connection with Alleged Illegal Chinese Activities. US federal officials arrested two US citizens on Monday and charged them with acting as foreign agents of China and with obstruction of justice. The two are accused of operating illegal ‘chinese police stations’ in New York City. Officials in Beijing have denied that such activities are illegal and instead claim to be operating overseas centers to aid Chinese citizens living abroad. In addition to the arrest of the two individuals, which US attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace says marks the first time individuals have been charged for association with the alleged illegal Chinese activities, the US also charged over a dozen additional individuals for similar activities. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that Beijing ‘firmly opposes’ the US action. Peace says that the US actions send a message to Beijing that the US “on to you, we know what you are doing and we will stop it from happening in the United States of America.” The two individuals were reportedly released on bail pending further hearings and as of this writing there was no mention of a statement by their attorneys. NBC New York Reuters Al Jazeera Washington Post
Major Military Reshuffle Creates Opportunity to Shape Future Responses. As many as five members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff–the Chair of the Joint Chiefs and heads of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and potentially the Air Force–are scheduled to leave their assignments this year. The heads of Northern Command, Space Command, and Cyber Command are set to change hands as well. The changing of the guard presents a unique opportunity for President Biden to shape the way the military responds to issues like countering China in the Asia Pacific, evolving the relationship with Europe, and upgrading weapons systems. According to a Politico investigation, current Air Force chief of staff Gen. C.Q. Brown is a likely contender for the Joint Staff Chair, but the White House is also considering Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger and head of U.S. Southern Command Army Gen. Laura Richardson. Politico
US Plans to Sell $259 Million Worth of F-16 Avionics Upgrades to Turkey. The United States is expected to sell Turkey avionics software upgrades for their F-16 fighter aircraft for $259 million, according to an announcement from the Biden administration. The deal will move forward following informal approval from congressional committees, however a larger request by Turkey to buy billions worth of F-16s remains under debate as it faces opposition from Congress. According to a State Department spokesperson, the deal will allow Turkey to upgrade their systems to improve interoperability between Turkish and NATO systems. Reuters
U.S. Accuses Brazil’s Lula of ‘Parroting’ Russian Propaganda. The US says that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's weekend comments on the Ukraine war were ‘misguided’ and accuse the Brazilian leader of ‘parroting’ Russian and Chinese propaganda. Lula’s comments, which accused the West of encouraging war by arming Ukraine, came during a weekend meeting in Brazil with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lula has attempted to position himself as a potential peace broker for the Ukraine war. His weekend comments and meeting with Lavrov came just days after he returned from a visit to China. Lavrov told reporters during the meeting in Brazil that he was ‘grateful’ to Brazil for its understanding of the situation, referencing the war in Ukraine. Reuters Al Jazeera Associated Press
Mexican President Denounces U.S. for “Spying” After They Charge Trafficking Cartel Members. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador lashed out at the US with accusations of spying following the announcement that US prosecutors would seek charges against 28 members of the Sinaloa cartel. Obrador alleged that the information used in the case could only have been gathered by US spies in Mexico, adding that foreign operatives are not allowed in the country. The members of the cartel are being charged on accusations of smuggling fentanyl across the border into the US. US Drug Enforcement Agency officials say much of the intelligence was collected from trafficking suspects captured in the US. Associated Press
Western Europe
France’s Macron Calls for Calm in Address to the Nation. French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation in a 13-minute speech where he attempted to calm the national outrage sparked by his recent decision to raise French citizen’s retirement age. Macron, who analysts say struck a tone of regret for the first time, is calling for 100 days of action to establish a ‘new pact of life and work’, but he offered no concessions on the recent move. His speech was also short on specific details of what he is proposing. The move follows nationwide protests following Macron’s decision to raise the retirement age in France from 62 to 64. Following the speech Unions called for another day of mass protests on May 1 and said they will not communicate with Macron until then. The New York Times Associated Press
Poland to Borrow $4B from U.S. for Nuclear Energy Reactors. The United States is prepared to lend Poland $4 billion dollars as part of a project to develop small nuclear power reactors. The plan, which is led by Polish energy company Orlen, is part of Poland’s plan to break its reliance on coal, as well as Russian oil and gas. Orlen, along with two US financial institutions, signed an agreement for investment on Monday. The US Export-Import Bank and US International Development Finance Corporation signed letters of interest of up to $3 billion and $1 billion. The plan will build 20 BWRX-200 modular reactors. Associated Press
Central and Eastern Europe
Ukraine Offensive Unlikely to Fully Liberate Crimea or Rapidly End War, Generals Say. Former senior military officers say that while Ukraine’s anticipated, upcoming offensive is likely to cause significant damage to Russian forces, it is unlikely to result in a decisive win like the complete liberation of Crimea and is not likely to not end the conflict. Experts say the offensive will focus on Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in southern Ukraine, where Ukrainian long-range, precision-guided weapons can be used to strike Russian targets across the region, including in Crimea. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges agreed with this, saying that Ukraine is moving to “isolate the Crimea and make it militarily untenable.” Australian Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mick Ryan added that the “political component” of liberating territory will be an important focus for Ukraine’s military, in addition to defeating the Russians on the battlefield. Russia has built up fortifications in southern Ukraine to prepare for the offensive, which analysts say will likely rely on assault infantry attacks followed by tank and armored fighting vehicle attacks. Experts maintain a view that the coming offensive does not have the sufficient force to achieve any major conflict-altering goals. The Cipher Brief looked at how the clock may be ticking for Ukraine to launch this offensive here with expert commentary from Gen. (Ret.) Philip M. Breedlove, Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis and others. Kyiv Post The Cipher Brief
Ukrainian Commander Says Eastern Defenses Holding, Bakhmut Battle Raging On. The commander of Ukrainian land forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, says that his troops continue to repel Russian assaults on the frontline in eastern Ukraine. He highlighted recent Russian attacks which he says have been unsuccessful in Kupiansk, towards the north of the front in the Kharkiv region, and in Lyman, between the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Syrskyi added that Bakhmut remains the “epicenter of fighting” and that Russian shelling and air strikes are devastating the city. The Border Guard Service of Ukraine says fighting in Bakhmut has reached the city center and that Russian forces in the city now appear well stocked, in contrast to previous reports of ammunition and sully shortages. CNN
Slovakia Transfers Soviet-Made MiG Jets. 13 MiG-29 fighter jets from Slovakia arrived in Ukraine on April 17 according to the Slovak Defense Ministry following the country’s pledge to provide them. According to Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad, the transfer of the jets took place by land to ensure security. Slovakia, along with Poland, are the only two countries that have provided Ukraine with the Soviet-made fighter jets. Poland pledged 14 MiG-29 jets, and has already delivered eight of them. Germany has also allegedly approved a request from Poland to export fighter jets held in East German stocks to Ukraine. Ukraine has spent several months campaigning for allies to supply them with modern fighter jets, but many countries have been hesitant to supply them as they believe it will hinder Ukrainian forces from launching successful counter offensives. Kyiv Independent
Putin Visits Troops in Russian-Held Territories in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with military commanders and visited Russian forces in the southern Kherson region of Ukraine on Monday. The visit, which was streamed on Russian state television, is Putin’s second visit to Ukraine in two months and comes as Russian forces have reportedly increased attacks in the Bahkmut region. Neither Russia’s Defense Minister nor the Chief of the General Staff accompanied Putin, which the Kremlin said was for security reasons. A senior Ukrainian official mocked the tour in a tweet, calling it a ‘special tour’ of mass murderers in the occupied areas of Ukraine. Following his meeting in Kherson, Putin visited the headquarters of the Russian national guard in the Luhansk region. Associated Press Reuters Wall Street Journal
Russia Obstructs Passage of 50 Ships Carrying Ukrainian Grain, Claims EU. Russia is reportedly blocking 50 cargo ships carrying Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea. Ukraine’s Infrastructure Ministry first reported on the development, saying that Russia is blocking inspections of the ships in Turkey’s waters. E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell later confirmed Moscow’s move to “once again” obstruct the grain shipments, adding that the E.U. will continue to facilitate grain shipments through its land borders with Eastern Ukraine. The development is the latest action by Russia to endanger the U.N.-brokered deal aimed at continuing the export of Ukrainian grain despite Moscow’s invasion; Russia had previously said it would pull out of the deal and that it would only renew it for another 60 days. Kyiv Independent Reuters
Jailed WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich Appears Publicly in Russian Court. Jailed WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich was seen publicly for the first time since March 30 when he appeared in a Russian court on Tuesday. The court upheld Gershkovich’s detention and ordered him to remain in the Lefortovo prison. US Ambassador to Moscow Lynne Tracy told reporters outside of the courthouse that the charges are ‘baseless’ and called for his immediate release. Russia’s Federal Security Service says that Gershkovich, who was accredited as a journalist by Moscow, was acting on behalf of the US when he obtained secret information about Russia’s military industrial complex. Gershkovich and the Wall Street Journal have vigorously denied the charges of espionage. A conviction in this case could result in a prison sentence of 20 years. Wall Street Journal CNN
Over 40 Nations Denounce Russia’s Media Intimidation, WSJ Reporter’s Detainment. Over 40 countries including the United States released a joint statement condemning Russia’s detainment of Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich, and called on Russia to end its crackdown on journalists. In response to the statement given by US UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that only a Russian court will be able to decide if he is guilty or not. Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy responded on Twitter by saying “That’s how interference into internal affairs looks like.” Reuters
Asia
Taiwan Buying 400 U.S. Anti-Ship Missiles. Taiwan is buying as many as 400 U.S.-made mobile, land-launched Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The purchase will be made under a $1.7 billion contract made on Taiwan’s behalf by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command. Production of the missiles is set to be completed in 2029. Taiwan has previously bought ship-launched versions of the Harpoon; the new sale aims to bolster the island’s defenses against a potential Chinese invasion. Experts and lawmakers say that this initial purchase of land-based Harpoons is a good start, but also note that more Harpoons are needed and that their delivery will be delayed due to the $19 billion backlog in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Bloomberg Reuters
Middle East and Northern Africa
U.S. Raid in Syria Kills Senior Islamic State Leader. The Pentagon says a U.S. helicopter raid in northern Syria on Monday killed senior Islamic State leader Abu-al-Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali. The Pentagon added that two other armed people were killed in the raid and that no civilians were harmed. U.S. Central Command said the raid was launched after intelligence revealed an ISIS plot to kidnap officials for ransom. It added that while the raid degraded ISIS, the group is still able to continue operations in the region and possibly beyond. Reuters USCENTCOM
US Has Been Quietly Building War Crimes Case Against Top Syrian Officials. The New York Times is out with a lengthy report detailing efforts by the United States to hold top Syrian officials accountable, including a possible first-time indictment, over alleged war crimes. At the center of the story is the case of an American aid worker, Layla Shweikani who was executed by the Syrian regime in 2016 following imprisonment where she had been reportedly tortured and a trail. While the case has largely remained out of the public eye, US officials led by a US attorney in Chicago have led a five-year investigation to collect evidence and have initiated a grand jury which has been hearing evidence. The aim of the US effort is to hold top Syrian intelligence and security officials accountable. A federal indictment by the US would mark the first time that Syrian officials would face criminal charges and come amid relatively muted attempts by western nations to hold Syria accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, which the regime in Damascus has repeatedly denied. New York Times
Iran Invites Saudi Arabia’s King to Visit. Iran has invited Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz to visit in the latest sign of rapidly improving ties between Tehran and Riyadh. The invitation came after Iran and Saudi Arabia entered a China-brokered deal to restore diplomatic relations. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to the invitation for King Salman, who has health problems and has not traveled outside the kingdom since 2019, to visit. Wall Street Journal
Hamas, Palestinian Authority Leaders Visiting Saudi Arabia. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is in Saudi Arabia and will meet with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Tuesday. His visit reportedly coincides with a visit by a senior delegation representing Hamas. The dual visits could point to efforts by Riyadh to broker a reconciliation between the Palestinian factions. Efforts to do so will complicate recent moves by Israel to bolster ties with Saudi Arabia, which the kingdom has shown less enthusiasm over in recent months due to violence in Israel and Palestine and the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Times of Israel Wall Street Journal
Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. Purchasing Russian Oil. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are buying up Russian oil products, taking advantage of their discounted prices as Moscow deals with Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. The Gulf countries are reportedly using the discounted Russian energy products internally for consumption and refining while exporting their own energy products at market rate. According to data-commodity provider Kpler, Russia tripled its oil exports to the U.A.E. last year to a record 60 million barrels, and it is now shipping 100,000 barrels a day to Saudi Arabia, in stark contrast to pre-Ukraine war levels. The U.S. has criticized the Gulf states’ purchase of Russian energy products, saying that it undermines efforts to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine war. Wall Street Journal
Kuwait’s Crown Prince Declares New, Upcoming Election. Kuwait’s Crown prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Shabh announced on Monday that the 2020 parliament will be dissolved and that general elections will be held in the coming months. The country has experienced months of infighting between the government and elected parliament that has made it difficult to pass fiscal reforms. The parliament was dissolved last year with elections held in September in a bid to end the fighting. The opposition made gains in that vote, but the constitutional court later annulled the results and reinstated the previous national assembly. Al Jazeera
Sub Saharan Africa
Sudan’s Army Rejects Call For 24-Hour Ceasefire. Sudan’s Army said on Tuesday that it rejected a call from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for a 24-hour ceasefire, and accused the RSF of trying to use a ceasefire to prevent a military defeat that Sudan says is imminent. The rival commanders previously appeared to agree to a 24-hour ceasefire, slated to begin on Tuesday evening, following calls to each side from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Fighting has raged in the country since Saturday, including in the capital of Khartoum, resulting in nearly 200 deaths, more than 1800 injuries, and an increasingly unstable security situation.. New York Times Reuters Deutsche Welle Al Jazeera
US Diplomatic Convoy Comes Under Fire in Sudan, Blinken Issues Warning. A US diplomatic convoy came under fire in Sudan, prompting a warning by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the heads of the respective sides in the ongoing conflict in the country. Blinken says that all US citizens are safe but called the action ‘reckless and irresponsible’. After the report Blinken called the head of the Rapid Support Force (RSF) General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and Sudan's army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to express US concern over the safety of US citizens and personnel in the region. The RSF is thought to be responsible for the attack on the diplomatic convoy. Bloomberg Reuters
EU Ambassador Attacked At His Khartoum Residence. On Monday, the European Union (EU) ambassador to Sudan, 58-year-old Irish diplomat Aidan O’Hara, was attacked at his residence in Khartoum, as active urban warfare continues to plague the country. An EU spokeswoman told AFP that he was “ok” following the assault, and that the EU delegation had not yet been evacuated but security measures were being assessed. VOA
Cairo Works to Secure Release of Egyptian Troops Being Held in Northern Sudan. Over the weekend, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) released a video showing Egyptian troops that it said had “surrendered” themselves in Merowe in northern Sudan, which lies between Khartoum and the shared border with Egypt. The Egyptian Armed Forces released a statement on Saturday that it was working to bring its troops back, claiming that they were there to “conduct joint training” with their Sudanese military counterparts. Egypt has worked to strengthen ties with the Sudanese military following the 2019 overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir, and in 2021 signed a military cooperation agreement that covered training and border security. Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday reaffirmed that the Egyptian troops held by the RSF were not there to support any warring parties, but instead were there for joint military exercises. Sisi said he is in contact with the RSF to ensure the safety of the Egyptian soldiers, which the RSF has said they plan to do. Reuters Al Jazeera
Sudan Conflict Explainer: A Military Power Struggle Between Former Allies. Recent fighting in Sudan is a power struggle playing out between two rival military factions that were once allied. The Sudanese military, led by the country’s president, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is clashing with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by the country’s vice president, Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is widely known by his nickname, Hemedti. Both leaders fought in Darfur and collaborated in decades of conflict against rebels in the country; Hemedti eventually became commander of what could best be described as an offshoot of the infamous Janjaweed militias, which evolved into the RSF. Together, the two sides staged the 2019 coup that toppled former Sudanese strongman Omar al-Bashir, as well as the 2021 coup that stymied the country’s transition to democratic rule. Tensions between the two sides grew as the deadline for forming a civilian government crept closer, and talks stalled over how the RSF should be integrated into the regular military. Analysts say there is unlikely to be a quick resolution to the fighting; while the Sudanese military has air power and experience fighting in urban areas, the RSF’s paramilitary capabilities, more recent battle experience in Yemen and Libya, and pure size are likely to extend its ability to fight. New York Times BBC The Economist Washington Post
Experts Concerned that Sudan Fighting May Increasingly Involve Foreign Players. There are increasing concerns that clashes in Sudan may eventually embroil other countries in the region, including Egypt, which has troops in Sudan, as well as Chad, Ethiopia, and Libya. Sudan’s neighbors are almost certainly also concerned by potential spillover into neighboring countries, which could increase instability in the broader region. Beyond regional stability concerns, there are increasing worries that foreign powers may try to exert influence. Russia has historical ties to Sudan, and in recent years has increased its efforts there; members of the Kremlin-backed Wagner group are reportedly posted there. Other foreign powers have also increasingly jockeyed for influence in Sudan in recent months as its leaders attempted to chart a political future. Egypt is viewed as the most important supporter of the Sudan Armed Forces, while paramilitary leader Hemedti has increasingly cultivated ties in recent years with the UAE, Russia, and Turkey. Saudi Arabia has longstanding ties to the Sudanese military, but its loyalties are split – the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fought on its side against the Iran-aligned Houthis during the campaign in Yemen. Foreign involvement, particularly if it involved financial or military support, would likely prolong and escalate the conflict. New York Times Reuters Washington Post Washington Post
Humanitarian Situation in Sudan is Dire as Hospitals, Aid Groups Increasingly Under Attack. As fighting continues to rage in Khartoum, hospitals in the capital are increasingly coming under fire amidst two rival military forces’ attempts to gain control.. Mercy Corps, which operates in at least five Sudanese states, said it was temporarily suspending all operations in Sudan as it assesses the security situation there. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was nearly impossible to provide humanitarian services around the capital, and warned that Sudan’s health system was at risk of collapse. The UN on Monday said fighting had shuttered many humanitarian aid programs in Sudan. Reports of random violence and looting are on the rise, and power and water in the capital was reportedly interrupted on Monday. Aid workers are also concerned by the situation outside Khartoum, and especially in the Darfur region, where attacks on humanitarian workers and looting have occurred. New York Times Associated Press Associated PressReuters
Cyber & Tech
E.U. Drafting New EI Regulations. E.U. lawmakers are considering measures to increase the power of regulators to scrutinize the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) amid concerns over the security, legal and ethical risks associated with the technology. The legislation – called Europe’s Artificial Intelligence Act – will include measures that require AI makers to declare if copyrighted material is used to train their AI models and take greater blame for any potential misuse of their AI products. Other more contentious proposals focus on reigning in use of AI by law enforcement, including predictive policing, emotional recognition, and use of facial recognition in public. MEPs are expected to finalize the proposals by next month and then work on a final bill to pass into law by the end of the current European parliament term in 2024. Separately, E.U. lawmakers are more broadly calling for the bloc’s executive arm and President Joe Biden to convene a global summit on AI to establish governing principles for the new technologies. This E.U. effort adds to growing global momentum for greater regulation of the AI boom. Financial Times Reuters Wall Street Journal
Pentagon to Release Science and Technology Strategy. The Pentagon is preparing to release a new science and technology strategy aimed at strengthening the U.S. military’s technological superiority. Heidi Shuy, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, says the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy will be released “very shortly.” The strategy is informed by the broader National Defense Strategy and focuses on improving joint operations, accelerating production of promising prototypes – led by the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve – and developing the Pentagon’s research workforce. BreakingDefense DefenseNews
U.S. Commission Raises Concerns Over China-Backed Apps Shein, Temu. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a report raising concerns over data risks and business practices of two China-backed digital apps – fast fashion platform Shein and online shipping site Temu. The report focuses on data protection concerns with both apps: Shein asks for users to provide data and activity from other apps in exchange for deals, and its parent company Zoetop has been fined for mishandling credit card and other information; Temu’s parent company Pinduoduo has been accused of installing malware on its products available on Google Play. Both apps, like TikTok, are very popular in the U.S., with Shein making up 50 percent of all fashion sales and Temu seeing a 45 percent increase in downloads after it ran ads at the Super Bowl. South China Morning Post
U.S. Tech Giants Raise Alarm Over India Information Rules. U.S. tech giants are raising concerns over India’s new IT rules, which bar social media platforms from sharing or hosting false information about the government’s business affairs. Social media and tech firms would have to rely on India’s own fact-checking unit to ensure compliance. The companies warn that the rules lack “sufficient procedural safeguards” to ensure free access to information and that sole reliance on a government-linked fact-checking unit may be abused and lead to censorship which will “profoundly infringe on press freedom.” Critics are recommending India hold industry-wide consultations on the matter and consider “voluntary mechanisms” to adhere to the information regulations. TechCrunch
Interim Quantum-Inspired Software Being Used Until Quantum Computers Developed. Quantum computers are still largely under development despite investors pouring billions into the new technology. As the world waits for the quantum revolution, some are turning to quantum-inspired software that can be run on regular computers in the interim. Industry executives say it is now possible to run these algorithms thanks to powerful artificial intelligence chips. The software will enable users today to take advantage of the benefits of quantum as that technology continues to mature. Reuters
Germany’s Rheinmetall Hit by Cyberattack. German automotive and arms producer Rheinmetall suffered a cyberattack last week. The company says it is still investigating the incident but has confirmed that the attack mainly hit its industrial automotive division and did not impact its defense division. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Reuters SC Magazine
New Chameleon Android Malware Mimicking Government, Crypto Apps. Cybersecurity firm Cyble has found a new Android trojan named “Chameleon.” The mobile malware has been used to steal credentials from users in Australia and Poland. The malware focuses on evasion, mimicking the CoinSpot cryptocurrency exchange, the IKO bank and an Australian government agency. Android users are being told to be vigilant when installing apps on their devices and are urged to only use official stores. BleepingComputer
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