抖阴短视频鈥檚 Etidal, Telegram remove 18 million extremist content items
抖阴短视频鈥檚 Etidal, Telegram remove 18 million extremist content items/node/2542306/saudi-arabia
抖阴短视频鈥檚 Etidal, Telegram remove 18 million extremist content items
A general view shows the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology shortly before its inauguration in Riyadh on May 21, 2017. (AFP)
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Updated 02 July 2024
Arab News
抖阴短视频鈥檚 Etidal, Telegram remove 18 million extremist content items
More than 2 million pieces of content were removed on June 17, coinciding with the Hajj season
Updated 02 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Joint efforts between the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, also known as Etidal, and Telegram in combating extremist content led to the removal of 18 million items of extremist content and the closure of 660 extremist channels during the second quarter of 2024.
A press release said that the joint teams continued to monitor and combat the propaganda activity of extremist content for three terrorist organizations: Daesh, Hay鈥檃t Tahrir Al-Sham and Al-Qaeda.
About 14 million items of extremist content from Daesh were removed, and 305 channels were closed.
As for Hay鈥檃t Tahrir Al-Sham, 3 million extremist content were removed, and 281 extremist channels were closed.
About 231,354 extremist content items were removed and 74 channels closed that had been used by Al-Qaeda to broadcast extremist messages.
More than 2 million pieces of content were removed on June 17, coinciding with the Hajj season.
In the second quarter of 2024, propaganda activity by the three terrorist organizations increased by 12.82 percent compared to Q1 2024, as seen in previous years and in line with the Hajj season.
The joint efforts, from February 2022 to June 2024, between Etidal and Telegram removed 93 million items of extremist content and closed 14,193 extremist channels.
The extremist propaganda content that was removed varied between formats such as PDFs, video clips and audio recordings.
Saudi artist breaks from signature style with 鈥榃鈥檃rd鈥 exhibition
Dammam collection running until Jan. 10 features sculpture, video and imagery
Updated 28 sec ago
Hind AlKhunaizi
DHAHRAN: Visitors are immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of art as Hussain Alismail unveils his compelling solo exhibition, 鈥淲鈥檃rd,鈥 at the SASCA Art Gallery in Dammam, 抖阴短视频.
Launched on Dec. 30 last year and running until Jan. 10, the exhibition is a captivating journey through the artist鈥檚 evolving vision.
鈥榃a鈥檙d鈥 series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)
In the 鈥淲鈥檃rd鈥 series, Alismail breaks free from his signature style, which often features bold continuous-line drawings in striking shades of black and red.
Instead, the collection showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques.
HIGHLIGHTS
鈥 Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Hussain Alismail鈥檚 artworks delve into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.
鈥 His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.
Visitors can expect to encounter an array of fascinating works, from collages that fuse imagery, mixed media pieces with texture, three-dimensional sculptures, to dynamic video installations that spark imagination.
Hussain Alismail creates a new piece while visitors watch at his W鈥檃rd exhibition in Dammam. (Supplied)
At the heart of Alismail鈥檚 work lies the symbol of the rose, a timeless emblem of unity that surpasses differences, inviting connection among visitors.
He said: 鈥淔or this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah鈥檚 songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.鈥
This cultural reference runs throughout the exhibition, highlighting the themes in Alismail鈥檚 artwork.
For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah鈥檚 songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.
Hussain Alismail, Saudi artist
Through his collection, Alismail creates an artistic experience that celebrates unity in the diversity of humanity.
鈥淚 see my artwork as a reflection of who I am, but once it鈥檚 out in the world, it belongs to everyone to interpret and connect with however they choose,鈥 he told Arab News.
Alismail is not only a gifted artist, but also a committed scholar, having recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in design innovation and technology at RMIT.
His time in academia, which he describes as research-focused, has significantly influenced his art. 鈥淚鈥檝e found these skills super useful for my art in this exhibition and they鈥檒l definitely play a bigger role in my upcoming projects.鈥
Alismail holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in fine arts in drawing and painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, as well as a bachelor鈥檚 degree in creative arts in visual effects and entertainment design from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.
His academic background enriches his creative practice, fueling his artistic exploration.
Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Alismail delves into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.
His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.
Beyond canvas and paper, Alismail鈥檚 artistic skills include photography, videography and digital graphics, allowing him to create stories that invite exploration.
鈥淢edium serves as a platform for discovery. I constantly challenge myself to go deeper into techniques and artistic presentations,鈥 he said.
For the exhibition, Alismail embraced a variety of innovative mediums. 鈥淚 played around with 3D design, 3D printing, AI generative imagery and various other hands-on mediums,鈥 he said.
Additionally, he aims to create a vibrant experience, expressing his desire that viewers feel 鈥渏oyful and leave with a smile on their face.鈥
Inspired by cultural stories around him, Alismail combines personal and community tales in his art, enhancing the diverse narratives he shares.
With an eye toward revitalizing cultural connections, his work fosters an enriched understanding of our shared human experiences.
鈥淲hat my audience has seen from me before is different from what I鈥檓 creating now, and I know it鈥檒l have even more depth down the line.鈥
Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh
The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah鈥檚 development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works
Updated 38 sec ago
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: Two major electrical substations were launched at the Diriyah megaproject in Riyadh on Monday.
The substations will be operated by the Saudi Electricity Company and will speed up the development of projects in the historical area of Diriyah as well as nearby Wadi Safar.
鈥淭oday is very special to us,鈥 Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, told Arab News, before underlining the importance of developing infrastructure to be able to complete projects in time for Riyadh Expo 2030.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and the CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, Khalid Alghamdi during the launch of the two substations. (Supplied)
Inzerillo further elaborated on how the project requires sustainable development because it will be serving a large number of people.
The housing project 鈥渨ill cater to 100,000 people who will live, work, recreate, and pray with us every day,鈥 the CEO said. 鈥淪o, you need all-new, smart-city technology that the Kingdom is leading on.鈥
The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah鈥檚 development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works.
HIGHLIGHT
The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah鈥檚 traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area鈥檚 cultural identity.
The second substation, developed by the Saudi Electricity Company through Maetel contracting company, will be one of the main power sources for Wadi Safar.
This will result in a combination of the area鈥檚 natural beauty with modern infrastructure, including hospitality assets and sports facilities such as the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, and Wadi Safar golf course.
Also at the event, the acting CEO of SEC, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, expressed his excitement for this significant event and milestone.
鈥淭he completion of the bulk substation and the primary substation marks a new era for Diriyah, one that combines advanced infrastructure with our shared vision of creating a sustainable, world-class city,鈥 Al-Ghamdi said.
鈥淲e are honored to work with Diriyah Company to bring power solutions that are both reliable and in harmony with Diriyah鈥檚 architectural heritage,鈥 he added.
Diriyah is one of 抖阴短视频鈥檚 main megaprojects, supported by the Public Investment Fund. The project will eventually have homes for 100,000 people and is aiming to host millions of visits per year by 2030.
The Diriyah project alone contributes $18.6 billion directly to 抖阴短视频鈥檚 GDP and will create 178,000 job opportunities, according to the Diriyah Company.
The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah鈥檚 traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area鈥檚 cultural identity.
While the city is a major part of 抖阴短视频鈥檚 Vision 2030, it also has historical importance because Diryiah is the birthplace of the Kingdom of 抖阴短视频.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Syria by road and air
60 agency trucks deliver food, shelter materials and medical supplies to meet needs of the Syrian people
Six planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrive at Damascus International Airport
Updated 9 min 26 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Sixty trucks carrying relief supplies from 抖阴短视频 crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria on Monday, as part of a humanitarian effort organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief.
The trucks contained essential supplies including food, shelter materials and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Also on Monday, six planes planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrived at Damascus International Airport.
Jordanian authorities said 600 trucks filled with aid have entered Syria through the Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone since the collapse of President Bashar Assad鈥檚 regime on Dec. 8. The director general of the zone, Irfan Khasawneh, told the Jordan News Agency that the flow of goods has remained consistent since then.
The shipments are addressing the needs of the Syrian people for essential items such as food supplies, energy equipment and spare parts for machinery, he added.
Trade is flowing smoothly, with transactions completed promptly and without delays, Khasawneh said, and staff at the zone are ready to handle larger volumes of trucks and goods in the days ahead.
Anti-extremism group Etidal helps Telegram remove 160m items of extremist content in 3 years
Riyadh-based organization says the collaboration has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts
Platform thanks Etidal, says partnership has been instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content
Updated 25 min 10 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, also known as Etidal, said on Monday that more than 31 million items of extremist content were removed from messaging service Telegram during the final quarter of 2024.
This brought the total number of such items removed from the platform since the start of their partnership in 2021 to more than 160 million, it added.
Etidal, which is based in Riyadh, said international cooperation is important in efforts to address extremist ideologies and counter the global threat posed by terrorist organizations, and that the collaboration with Telegram has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts.
The platform said it has intensified its efforts to combat extremism since 2022 and expressed its appreciation for the partnership with Etidal, saying it has proved to be instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content.
鈥淭here is no place for incitement to violence or terrorist propaganda on Telegram,鈥 it added.
Etidal said it uses advanced technologies to help monitor and analyze extremist content, and detect the deceptive propaganda and tactics used by terrorist organizations in an attempt to evade content removal. It added that its efforts form part of 抖阴短视频鈥檚 broader strategy to help safeguard societies through an integrated approach, including targeted media campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism.
In addition to its partnership with Telegram, Etidal has established strategic collaborations with other international organizations. In 2021, for example, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN Counter-Terrorism Center.
King Faisal Prize was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979. (Supplied)
Updated 06 January 2025
Arab News
King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday
Selection committees start meetings to select winners in Islamic studies, Arabic language & literature, medicine and science
Updated 06 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The names of the King Faisal Prize winners for 2025 will be announced on Jan. 8 in Riyadh.
Ahead of the event, specialized selection committees for the prize鈥檚 four categories 鈥 Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine and science 鈥 convened at the prize鈥檚 headquarters starting Monday, the General Secretariat of King Faisal Prize said.
Deliberations will continue through Jan. 8, it added.
The General Secretariat had previously announced the themes for the KFP 2025: Islamic studies focuses on Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic language and literature explores Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature, medicine highlights Cellular Therapy and Science centers on Physics.
Nominations for the prize are accepted by universities, research centers and scientific institutions, ensuring that nominees meet rigorous criteria.
Candidates must be living, and their work must already be published, intellectually impactful and beneficial to humanity鈥檚 progress. Nominations from individuals or political groups are not accepted, the secretariat said.
This year, the selection committees include prominent experts, scholars and specialists from 16 different countries. The evaluation process adheres to the highest standards of integrity.
The announcement of the winners will be made by the General Secretariat on Jan. 8 at 8:00 p.m. during a ceremony at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall in the Al-Faisaliah Center, Riyadh.
The KFP was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979.
