For years, Twitter resisted calls to treat President Trump just like any other user. Then this week, everything changed.On Tech Tent, we examine the conflict between the president and his favourite social media platform.It began on Wednesday. Twitter had been under fire for allowing tweets in which the president shared a far-fetched conspiracy theory about an alleged crime involving a TV presenter and former Republican congressman. But instead of taking action on those tweets, it fact-checked two others - about postal voting under a new policy which seeks to deter content which might...…For years, Twitter resisted calls to treat President Trump just like any other user. Then this week, everything changed.On Tech Tent, we examine the conflict between the president and his favourite social media platform.It began on Wednesday. Twitter had been under fire for allowing tweets in which the president shared a far-fetched conspiracy theory about an alleged crime involving a TV presenter and former Republican congressman. But instead of taking action on those tweets, it fact-checked two others - about postal voting under a new policy which seeks to deter content which might...WW…

Scientists are learning just how fast the ice margin of Antarctica can retreat in a warming world.They've identified features on the seafloor that indicate the ice edge was reversing at rates of up to 50m a day at the end of the last ice age.That's roughly 10 times faster than what's observed by satellites today.The discovery is important because it puts realistic constraints on the computer simulations that are used to project future change in the region."In numerical models, you play with the parameters - and they can do very strange things," said Prof Julian Dowdeswell. "But what these...…Scientists are learning just how fast the ice margin of Antarctica can retreat in a warming world.They've identified features on the seafloor that indicate the ice edge was reversing at rates of up to 50m a day at the end of the last ice age.That's roughly 10 times faster than what's observed by satellites today.The discovery is important because it puts realistic constraints on the computer simulations that are used to project future change in the region."In numerical models, you play with the parameters - and they can do very strange things," said Prof Julian Dowdeswell. "But what these...WW…

More than 200 schools in South Korea have been forced to close just days after they re-opened, due to a new spike in virus cases. Thousands of students had earlier on Wednesday returned to school as the country began easing virus restrictions.But just a day later, 79 new cases were recorded, the highest daily figure in two months. Most of these cases have been linked to a distribution centre outside Seoul. The warehouse, in the city of Bucheon, is run by the country's biggest e-commerce firm Coupang, and officials have said the facility was not strictly complying with infection control...…More than 200 schools in South Korea have been forced to close just days after they re-opened, due to a new spike in virus cases. Thousands of students had earlier on Wednesday returned to school as the country began easing virus restrictions.But just a day later, 79 new cases were recorded, the highest daily figure in two months. Most of these cases have been linked to a distribution centre outside Seoul. The warehouse, in the city of Bucheon, is run by the country's biggest e-commerce firm Coupang, and officials have said the facility was not strictly complying with infection control...WW…

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to all of these cookies.AcceptRejectIn a sex fantasy gone wrong, two men with machetes entered the wrong house in New South Wales, Australia, before quickly realising their error.One of them has now been acquitted of entering a home armed with a weapon in July 2019, Australian media report.They had been hired to carry out a client's fantasy of being tied up in his underwear and stroked with a broom.The judge concluded that "the facts of the case are unusual".The role play was arranged over Facebook by a...…We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to all of these cookies.AcceptRejectIn a sex fantasy gone wrong, two men with machetes entered the wrong house in New South Wales, Australia, before quickly realising their error.One of them has now been acquitted of entering a home armed with a weapon in July 2019, Australian media report.They had been hired to carry out a client's fantasy of being tied up in his underwear and stroked with a broom.The judge concluded that "the facts of the case are unusual".The role play was arranged over Facebook by a...WW…

Moscow's authorities have more than doubled the official death toll from Covid-19 in the Russian capital for the month of April. The city's health department now says 1,561 people died from the disease - not 639 as initially announced.The department stressed that the new tally included even the most "controversial, debatable" cases.Moscow-based reporters had said the official numbers were too low, but were accused of fake news and distortion.Confirmation that the numbers had been under-reported emerged before Russia announced 232 new deaths, its biggest daily death toll during the pandemic...…Moscow's authorities have more than doubled the official death toll from Covid-19 in the Russian capital for the month of April. The city's health department now says 1,561 people died from the disease - not 639 as initially announced.The department stressed that the new tally included even the most "controversial, debatable" cases.Moscow-based reporters had said the official numbers were too low, but were accused of fake news and distortion.Confirmation that the numbers had been under-reported emerged before Russia announced 232 new deaths, its biggest daily death toll during the pandemic...WW…

The first hospital dedicated to helping coronavirus patients recover from the long-term effects of the illness has received its first patients. at Headley Court, a former rehab centre for injured soldiers.Covid-19 patients can be left with tracheostomy wounds from having a tube inserted in the windpipe or need heart, lung or muscle therapy, the NHS said.Others who have survived the virus may need psychological or social care.Morag Ellison, 77, said the virus had left her with such poor mobility that she was unable to even turn over in bed."I'm looking forward to walking up the stairs on my...…The first hospital dedicated to helping coronavirus patients recover from the long-term effects of the illness has received its first patients. at Headley Court, a former rehab centre for injured soldiers.Covid-19 patients can be left with tracheostomy wounds from having a tube inserted in the windpipe or need heart, lung or muscle therapy, the NHS said.Others who have survived the virus may need psychological or social care.Morag Ellison, 77, said the virus had left her with such poor mobility that she was unable to even turn over in bed."I'm looking forward to walking up the stairs on my...WW…

Coronavirus cases are falling at roughly the same rate across the UK, according to a leading scientist advising the government. Prof Graham Medley said there was no evidence of differences in the reproduction (R) number across the UK.Deaths and cases have fallen in every UK nation and region since early April.That suggests the R number - the measure of how many new people are infected by each case - is below one everywhere.The government is keeping a close eye on R as it reviews lockdown. If it goes above one, the epidemic will grow.At the peak of the epidemic in April, everywhere except...…Coronavirus cases are falling at roughly the same rate across the UK, according to a leading scientist advising the government. Prof Graham Medley said there was no evidence of differences in the reproduction (R) number across the UK.Deaths and cases have fallen in every UK nation and region since early April.That suggests the R number - the measure of how many new people are infected by each case - is below one everywhere.The government is keeping a close eye on R as it reviews lockdown. If it goes above one, the epidemic will grow.At the peak of the epidemic in April, everywhere except...WW…

In a sex fantasy gone wrong, two men with machetes entered the wrong house in New South Wales, Australia, before quickly realising their error. One of them has now been acquitted of entering a home armed with a weapon in July 2019, Australian media report.They had been hired to carry out a client's fantasy of being tied up in his underwear and stroked with a broom.The judge concluded that "the facts of the case are unusual". The role play was arranged over Facebook by a man near Griffith, New South Wales, who provided his address to the hired pair."He was willing to pay A$5,000 if it was...…In a sex fantasy gone wrong, two men with machetes entered the wrong house in New South Wales, Australia, before quickly realising their error. One of them has now been acquitted of entering a home armed with a weapon in July 2019, Australian media report.They had been hired to carry out a client's fantasy of being tied up in his underwear and stroked with a broom.The judge concluded that "the facts of the case are unusual". The role play was arranged over Facebook by a man near Griffith, New South Wales, who provided his address to the hired pair."He was willing to pay A$5,000 if it was...WW…

A year after a scandal brought down Austria's government and the country's far-right leader, police have put out pictures of a woman who took part in the video sting that sparked it off.Investigators want to speak to the mystery woman who chatted to then-FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache in a villa on the Spanish island of Ibiza.A special commission is leading the criminal inquiry and searching for her.In the video, she poses as a Russian oligarch's niece called Alyona Makarov.Igor Makarov himself has said he does not have a niece.Although it dates back to summer 2017, the video emerged...…A year after a scandal brought down Austria's government and the country's far-right leader, police have put out pictures of a woman who took part in the video sting that sparked it off.Investigators want to speak to the mystery woman who chatted to then-FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache in a villa on the Spanish island of Ibiza.A special commission is leading the criminal inquiry and searching for her.In the video, she poses as a Russian oligarch's niece called Alyona Makarov.Igor Makarov himself has said he does not have a niece.Although it dates back to summer 2017, the video emerged...WW…

A couple who documented on a popular YouTube channel their life with an autistic toddler adopted from China are facing a backlash after they revealed he had been placed with another family.Myka Stauffer and her husband James, based in Ohio, produced videos about Huxley's adoption and his challenges.Since 2017 the couple received sponsorship deals and video revenue.While some understood the decision, critics accused the pair of exploiting Huxley to build their YouTube career. The news that was revealed on Tuesday after followers noticed he had not been seen in a video for some time.The...…A couple who documented on a popular YouTube channel their life with an autistic toddler adopted from China are facing a backlash after they revealed he had been placed with another family.Myka Stauffer and her husband James, based in Ohio, produced videos about Huxley's adoption and his challenges.Since 2017 the couple received sponsorship deals and video revenue.While some understood the decision, critics accused the pair of exploiting Huxley to build their YouTube career. The news that was revealed on Tuesday after followers noticed he had not been seen in a video for some time.The...WW…

By Dan Roan, Simon Stone and Laura Scott BBC Sport Share this with The Premier League is set to restart on 17 June with Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal, subject to government approval.A full round of fixtures would then be played on the weekend of 19-21 June. There are 92 matches still to play, and the first to take place will be those the four teams involved have in hand.All matches will take place behind closed doors and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, BT Sport, BBC Sport or Amazon Prime.BBC Sport will for the first time since the Premier League's...…By Dan Roan, Simon Stone and Laura Scott BBC Sport Share this with The Premier League is set to restart on 17 June with Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal, subject to government approval.A full round of fixtures would then be played on the weekend of 19-21 June. There are 92 matches still to play, and the first to take place will be those the four teams involved have in hand.All matches will take place behind closed doors and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, BT Sport, BBC Sport or Amazon Prime.BBC Sport will for the first time since the Premier League's...WW…

Trading Standards officers are seeking to halt sales of a device that has been claimed to offer protection against the supposed dangers of 5G via use of quantum technology.Cyber-security experts say the £339 5GBioShield appears to no more than a basic USB drive."We consider it to be a scam," Stephen Knight, operations director for London Trading Standards told the BBC.His said his team is working with City of London Police's Action Fraud squad.They are seeking a court order to take down the company's website."People who are vulnerable need protection from this kind of unscrupulous trading,"...…Trading Standards officers are seeking to halt sales of a device that has been claimed to offer protection against the supposed dangers of 5G via use of quantum technology.Cyber-security experts say the £339 5GBioShield appears to no more than a basic USB drive."We consider it to be a scam," Stephen Knight, operations director for London Trading Standards told the BBC.His said his team is working with City of London Police's Action Fraud squad.They are seeking a court order to take down the company's website."People who are vulnerable need protection from this kind of unscrupulous trading,"...WW…

Twitter, under intense scrutiny for its use of fact-checking warnings, has added them to tweets from China's foreign ministry spokesperson.The warning has been added to tweets from spokesman Lijian Zhao, in which he warned: "It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan."Twitter added the warning more than two months after the tweets were posted.It comes amid a row with the White House, after similar warnings were added to tweets from President Trump.Mr Trump is now poised to sign an executive order targeting social-media firms, the White House said, in a significant escalation of...…Twitter, under intense scrutiny for its use of fact-checking warnings, has added them to tweets from China's foreign ministry spokesperson.The warning has been added to tweets from spokesman Lijian Zhao, in which he warned: "It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan."Twitter added the warning more than two months after the tweets were posted.It comes amid a row with the White House, after similar warnings were added to tweets from President Trump.Mr Trump is now poised to sign an executive order targeting social-media firms, the White House said, in a significant escalation of...WW…

Thousands of contact tracers are making their first phone calls to track down people who will be told to self-isolate under new test and trace schemes being launched in England and Scotland.Tracers will text, email or call people who test positive with coronavirus and ask who they have had contact with.Any of those contacts deemed at risk of infection will be told to isolate for 14 days, even if they are not sick.Those who have already had the virus will also be asked to self-isolate.The aim of the system is to lift blanket lockdown restrictions and move towards more localised, targeted...…Thousands of contact tracers are making their first phone calls to track down people who will be told to self-isolate under new test and trace schemes being launched in England and Scotland.Tracers will text, email or call people who test positive with coronavirus and ask who they have had contact with.Any of those contacts deemed at risk of infection will be told to isolate for 14 days, even if they are not sick.Those who have already had the virus will also be asked to self-isolate.The aim of the system is to lift blanket lockdown restrictions and move towards more localised, targeted...WW…

Local lockdowns could see schools and workplaces targeted in areas of England that have "flare-ups" of coronavirus, the communities secretary has said. Robert Jenrick said restrictions could be introduced at "a micro level" to control the virus in particular communities. The measures will be , which will be ready by next week, he said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock will give more details shortly, Mr Jenrick added. Mr Hancock first mentioned the "local lockdowns" during Tuesday's coronavirus briefing.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be questioned by senior MPs later . Around 40...…Local lockdowns could see schools and workplaces targeted in areas of England that have "flare-ups" of coronavirus, the communities secretary has said. Robert Jenrick said restrictions could be introduced at "a micro level" to control the virus in particular communities. The measures will be , which will be ready by next week, he said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock will give more details shortly, Mr Jenrick added. Mr Hancock first mentioned the "local lockdowns" during Tuesday's coronavirus briefing.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be questioned by senior MPs later . Around 40...WW…

As lockdowns are eased all over the world, what are the risks of getting infected as people come into closer contact with each other?It's a question that scientists have been exploring in a variety of settings including restaurants and offices.Frustratingly, the evidence for how the virus can be transmitted is often slim and if the answers seem vague it's because the science is uncertain.It comes amid pressure from businesses, such as pubs, to be allowed to reopen. But the influence is also coming from people wondering if the rules are too strict.The most obvious is distance.Research that...…As lockdowns are eased all over the world, what are the risks of getting infected as people come into closer contact with each other?It's a question that scientists have been exploring in a variety of settings including restaurants and offices.Frustratingly, the evidence for how the virus can be transmitted is often slim and if the answers seem vague it's because the science is uncertain.It comes amid pressure from businesses, such as pubs, to be allowed to reopen. But the influence is also coming from people wondering if the rules are too strict.The most obvious is distance.Research that...WW…

Coronavirus death registrations in the UK in the week to 15 May reached their lowest point since the beginning of April.Between 11 and 15 May, there were 4,210 death registrations mentioning Covid-19, across the UK.Down from 4,426 the previous week, it is the lowest weekly figure since the 3,801 for the week ending 10 April. Coronavirus accounted for just over 25% of all deaths in the UK in the week to 15 May.In the week to 17 April, when deaths from the virus reached their peak, this figure was just under 40%.Lockdown measures were introduced across the UK on 23 March.Death registrations...…Coronavirus death registrations in the UK in the week to 15 May reached their lowest point since the beginning of April.Between 11 and 15 May, there were 4,210 death registrations mentioning Covid-19, across the UK.Down from 4,426 the previous week, it is the lowest weekly figure since the 3,801 for the week ending 10 April. Coronavirus accounted for just over 25% of all deaths in the UK in the week to 15 May.In the week to 17 April, when deaths from the virus reached their peak, this figure was just under 40%.Lockdown measures were introduced across the UK on 23 March.Death registrations...WW…

Dominic Cummings has faced a media grilling over his decision during lockdown to drive his family 260 miles to his parent's property in Durham.While he was defending his actions, it emerged the family also took a 30-minute car trip to the town of Barnard Castle at the end of their 14-day quarantine for coronavirus symptoms. They had not been sightseeing, he said.It had been to test his eyesight, which had "been affected" by the virus, before the long drive home to London. His boss, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, backed the claim, saying: "On the point about eyesight, I'm finding I have to...…Dominic Cummings has faced a media grilling over his decision during lockdown to drive his family 260 miles to his parent's property in Durham.While he was defending his actions, it emerged the family also took a 30-minute car trip to the town of Barnard Castle at the end of their 14-day quarantine for coronavirus symptoms. They had not been sightseeing, he said.It had been to test his eyesight, which had "been affected" by the virus, before the long drive home to London. His boss, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, backed the claim, saying: "On the point about eyesight, I'm finding I have to...WW…

Police in Hong Kong have arrested about 300 people and fired pepper pellets amid new anti-mainland unrest.Protesters were rallying against a bill on China's national anthem and Beijing's planned introduction of a national security law.Police said most arrests were on suspicion of unauthorised assembly.Protesters oppose the anthem bill, which would criminalise insulting it, and the security law, which they fear will strip Hong Kong of basic freedoms.Meanwhile in the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he has certified to Congress that Hong Kong no longer merits special treatment under US...…Police in Hong Kong have arrested about 300 people and fired pepper pellets amid new anti-mainland unrest.Protesters were rallying against a bill on China's national anthem and Beijing's planned introduction of a national security law.Police said most arrests were on suspicion of unauthorised assembly.Protesters oppose the anthem bill, which would criminalise insulting it, and the security law, which they fear will strip Hong Kong of basic freedoms.Meanwhile in the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he has certified to Congress that Hong Kong no longer merits special treatment under US...WW…

President Trump has taken the extraordinary step of threatening to close down social media platforms.The threat came after Twitter added fact-check links to his tweets for the first time.The battle between the president and the social-media companies has been brewing for a time.But now it feels as though an all-out war is looming between Donald Trump and Twitter ahead of the US presidential election, in November.Last night, a couple of Trump tweets raging about "fraudulent" postal ballots in US elections featured - for some users but not all - a strapline linking to what Twitter called...…President Trump has taken the extraordinary step of threatening to close down social media platforms.The threat came after Twitter added fact-check links to his tweets for the first time.The battle between the president and the social-media companies has been brewing for a time.But now it feels as though an all-out war is looming between Donald Trump and Twitter ahead of the US presidential election, in November.Last night, a couple of Trump tweets raging about "fraudulent" postal ballots in US elections featured - for some users but not all - a strapline linking to what Twitter called...WW…

A BBC team tracking coronavirus misinformation has found links to assaults, arsons and deaths. And experts say the potential for indirect harm caused by rumours, conspiracy theories and bad health information could be much bigger."We thought the government was using it to distract us," says Brian Lee Hitchens, "or it was to do with 5G. So we didn't follow the rules or seek help sooner." Brian, 46, is talking by phone from his hospital bed in Florida. His wife is critically ill - sedated, on a ventilator in an adjacent ward. "The battle that they've been having is with her lungs," he says,...…A BBC team tracking coronavirus misinformation has found links to assaults, arsons and deaths. And experts say the potential for indirect harm caused by rumours, conspiracy theories and bad health information could be much bigger."We thought the government was using it to distract us," says Brian Lee Hitchens, "or it was to do with 5G. So we didn't follow the rules or seek help sooner." Brian, 46, is talking by phone from his hospital bed in Florida. His wife is critically ill - sedated, on a ventilator in an adjacent ward. "The battle that they've been having is with her lungs," he says,...WW…

The father of a man last seen in Ibiza as a storm hit the island says he fears his son's body may never be found.Ben Garland, 25, from Wiltshire, has not been seen since riding a motorbike during Storm Gloria in January.His father Mark said the coronavirus lockdown had hampered searches adding he believed the chances of finding him were "getting slimmer" by the day.Local emergency helpline service 112 Emergency said he disappeared in the Portinatx area on Ibiza's north coast.Searches of the island have turned up 10 other bodies, but none of them have been Mr Garland."Every time one is found...…The father of a man last seen in Ibiza as a storm hit the island says he fears his son's body may never be found.Ben Garland, 25, from Wiltshire, has not been seen since riding a motorbike during Storm Gloria in January.His father Mark said the coronavirus lockdown had hampered searches adding he believed the chances of finding him were "getting slimmer" by the day.Local emergency helpline service 112 Emergency said he disappeared in the Portinatx area on Ibiza's north coast.Searches of the island have turned up 10 other bodies, but none of them have been Mr Garland."Every time one is found...WW…

A clear picture is emerging of why the asteroid that struck Earth 66 million years ago was so catastrophic.The space object, which wiped out 75% of all species including the dinosaurs, hit the worst possible place on the planet and - according to new research - at the most lethal angle.Investigations at the crater site, together with computer simulations, suggest the impactor dug into the crust at an inclination of up to 60 degrees.This exacerbated the climatic fallout.We know that the target rocks, in what is now the Gulf of Mexico, contained huge volumes of sulphur from the mineral...…A clear picture is emerging of why the asteroid that struck Earth 66 million years ago was so catastrophic.The space object, which wiped out 75% of all species including the dinosaurs, hit the worst possible place on the planet and - according to new research - at the most lethal angle.Investigations at the crater site, together with computer simulations, suggest the impactor dug into the crust at an inclination of up to 60 degrees.This exacerbated the climatic fallout.We know that the target rocks, in what is now the Gulf of Mexico, contained huge volumes of sulphur from the mineral...WW…

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has pardoned two men who were jailed last year for having sex with each other.Their 15-year sentence triggered a diplomatic row, which ended in the recalling of the US ambassador.The two men, Japhet Chataba and Steven Samba, were listed among the names of nearly 3,000 prisoners to be pardoned to mark Africa Freedom Day, which fell on Monday.Zambia is a deeply conservative society where homosexual acts are illegal.This was legislation inherited from the British colonial era.Last November, a High Court in the capital, Lusaka, sentenced the two men for having sex...…Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has pardoned two men who were jailed last year for having sex with each other.Their 15-year sentence triggered a diplomatic row, which ended in the recalling of the US ambassador.The two men, Japhet Chataba and Steven Samba, were listed among the names of nearly 3,000 prisoners to be pardoned to mark Africa Freedom Day, which fell on Monday.Zambia is a deeply conservative society where homosexual acts are illegal.This was legislation inherited from the British colonial era.Last November, a High Court in the capital, Lusaka, sentenced the two men for having sex...WW…

Junior minister Douglas Ross has resigned after Dominic Cummings' defence of his trip to County Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.The Scotland Office minister said the senior aide's view of the government guidance was "not shared by the vast majority of people". No 10 said the prime minister regretted Mr Ross' decision to stand down. It comes as more than 35 Tory MPs have called on Mr Cummings to resign.Six opposition leaders have said in a letter to Boris Johnson that removing Mr Cummings from his post is the only way to restore trust in public health advice.Mr Cummings explained on...…Junior minister Douglas Ross has resigned after Dominic Cummings' defence of his trip to County Durham during the coronavirus lockdown.The Scotland Office minister said the senior aide's view of the government guidance was "not shared by the vast majority of people". No 10 said the prime minister regretted Mr Ross' decision to stand down. It comes as more than 35 Tory MPs have called on Mr Cummings to resign.Six opposition leaders have said in a letter to Boris Johnson that removing Mr Cummings from his post is the only way to restore trust in public health advice.Mr Cummings explained on...WW…