Backlash | Common News Update

Jan152020 by adminNo Comments

Backlash gathers speed over taxpayers’ Flybe rescue

Green groups and air industry rivals have attacked the government over the taxpayer support that is enabling Flybe to keep flying.After Sky News revealed on Sunday night that the regional airline was in frantic talks to avert collapse, ministers announced on Tuesday evening that an agreement had been struck to safeguard its immediate future. The terms included the deferral of Air Passenger Duty (APD) payments, amounting to more than £100m, in return for the independent airline's major shareholders injecting tens of millions in new funds.The measures, to date, mean 2,400 jobs at Flybe are safe - for now.But no additional details have been released and the government is understood to still be negotiating a loan on commercial terms with the airline, casting continuing doubt on its long-term f

Oct92019 by adminNo Comments

Call of Duty breaks records as publisher faces Hong Kong backlash

Technology

A mobile version of video game Call of Duty has been downloaded more than 100 million times in its first week.However, a boycott aimed at the game's publisher, Activision Blizzard, has been launched after Blizzard placed a 12-month ban on a Hearthstone gamer who staged an online protest over the political crisis in Hong Kong.The hashtag #Blizzardboycott is now trending on Twitter.Boycotters included Mark Kern, a developer who has worked for Blizzard."It's done," tweeted Mr Kern, with a screenshot suggesting he had just cancelled his subscription to World of Warcraft."Unless/until they completely reverse their stance on this issue (which, unfortunately, doesn't seem likely) they will get no more money from me," wrote one Reddit us...

Sep62019 by adminNo Comments

Growing backlash in China against A.I. and facial recognition

Finance

A display for facial recognition and artificial intelligence is seen on monitors at Huawei's Bantian campus on April 26, 2019 in Shenzhen, China.Kevin Frayer | Getty ImagesChina's seemingly unfettered push into facial recognition is getting some high-level pushback.Face-swapping app Zao went viral last weekend, but it subsequently triggered a backlash from media — both state-run and private — over the apparent lack of data privacy protections.The app also stirred controversy as it allows users to upload photos of themselves and superimpose their faces on clips of celebrities or anyone else. Its capability raised concerns that people could manipulate videos to spread disinformation.This backlash shows that the concept of data privacy is gaining ground in China, and increasingly users are le

Aug282019 by adminNo Comments

Tennessee utility sees backlash as coal ash worker fall sick

Health

Let's block ads! (Why?) ABC News: Health

Jul32019 by adminNo Comments

Nike hit by conservative backlash over ‘racist trainer’

Business

US political heavyweight Mitch McConnell has waded into the "racist trainer" row with a call for Nike to reverse a decision to halt sales."I'll make the first order," the Republican Senate majority leader promised if Nike changes its mind.The special-edition Fourth-of July trainer features an old US flag that some people say has racist overtones.Mr McConnell said "I think we've got a problem" if some "Americans find the American flag controversial".The sportswear giant withdrew the trainer, featuring the Revolutionary War-era Betsy Ross flag, following complaints that it represented an era of slavery.Although the origins and meaning are disputed, the flag was adopted by the American Nazi Party and other extremist groups.Sportsman, activist and Nike-sponso...