“I don’t speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don’t have the power to remain silent.” Rav Kook z"l

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

China's "DeepSeek" AI collects, stores US user data in China –


DeepSeek, the Chinese app that sparked a $1 trillion US market meltdown this week, is storing its fast-growing troves of US user data in China – posing many of the same national security risks that led Congress to crack down on TikTok.

The artificial intelligence chatbot topped the charts in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store on Tuesday. DeepSeek has been downloaded more than 2 million times since its debut on Jan. 15, with most coming in the last three days, according to AppMagic.

While rival chatbots including ChatGPT collect vast quantities of user data, the use of China-based servers by DeepSeek — created by math geek hedge-fund investor Liang Wenfeng — are a key difference and a glaring privacy risk for Americans, experts told The Post.

“What sets this context apart is that DeepSeek is a Chinese company based in China,” said Angela Zhang, a law professor at the University of Southern California focused on Chinese tech regulations.

“This raises the question of whether the collection of data such as IP addresses and keystroke patterns could pose a national security threat,” Zhang added.

DeepSeek’s terms of service disclose that user data is stored “in secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.” The company also says it automatically collects data on personal information such as “device model, operating system, keystroke patterns or rhythms, IP address, and system language.”

All China-based companies are subject to the Chinese Communist Party’s cybersecurity laws, which mandate that it share data with the government upon request.  

The security risks posed by DeepSeek’s ties to Beijing pushed the U.S. Navy to order members to avoid using the chatbot, CNBC reported Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the Navy confirmed the military branch sent an email to “shipmates” and said it was in reference to the Department of the Navy’s Chief Information Officer’s generative AI policy, according to the outlet.

The Chinese chatbot has also displayed signs of censorship and bias – including refusing to answer prompts about China’s leader Xi Jinping, the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, whether Taiwan is a country and if China has committed human rights abuses against Uighurs in Xinjiang.

In some cases, DeepSeek begins generating a response — only to stop itself mid-sentence and write that such prompts are “beyond [its] current scope.”

Lay’s potato chip recalled ..consumption ‘could cause death’


Federal health authorities have upgraded their recall of 13-ounce bags of Frito-Lay potato chips over fears that consuming the products, which may contain undeclared milk, could potentially be fatal.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced that Frito-Lay was voluntarily recalling a limited batch of products.

“Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product,” the FDA said in a notice that was posted on Dec. 16.

The federal agency issued a risk clarification this week, calling the recall a “Class 1” recall — the highest level of alert.

According to the FDA, consuming the chip could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The recall affects chips distributed in Washington and Oregon and was initiated in December after a customer alerted the company to the issue.

Milk is one of the FDA’s eight “major food allergens” and can trigger serious allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives, cramps, dizziness, swollen vocal cords, and even unconsciousness.

The high-risk classification of this recall underscores the potential severity of the allergen’s presence.

In a statement, Frito-Lay assured consumers that no allergic reactions related to this recall have been reported.

The company also clarified that no other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes, or variety packs are affected, making this an isolated incident.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled chips should immediately dispose of them, especially if they or someone in their household has a milk allergy.

The affected chips can be identified by a “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11 and a manufacturing code of either “6462307xx” or “6463307xx.”

The Lay’s recall comes as part of a broader issue of undeclared allergens in food products.

In January alone, the FDA recalled several other products for undeclared milk and allergens.

These included NuGo Granola Bars, Pearl Milling Company Pancake & Waffle Mix, New York Mutual Trading Co. Monkfish Liver, Monkey Spit Barbecue Sauces, which also contained undeclared wheat and soy, and Shirakiku Snack Corn Puffs.

Additionally, other food products were recalled in January for undeclared allergens beyond milk, such as wheat, eggs, soy, and almonds.

Consumers in Washington and Oregon who purchased Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with the specified date and manufacturing codes should discard them immediately.

Those with concerns or questions can contact Frito-Lay for further information or seek refunds through their point of purchase.

As food safety remains a growing concern, the FDA continues to monitor and address issues related to undeclared allergens, urging manufacturers to ensure transparency in labeling and prevent potential health risks for consumers.

Liri Albag's father offends Families Whose Loved Ones Were Killed in War .... Faced Tremendous Backlash ..Immediately apologizes to bereaved families

 

Eli Albag, father of IDF lookout Liri Albag who was released from Hamas captivity along with three other female soldiers on Saturday, apologized on Tuesday night to anyone who was offended by his words at a press conference held earlier this week following his daughter's release.

In an interview with journalist Ilana Dayan on the Keshet 12 program "Uvda", he addressed the bereaved families and said, "I must say this, please, I haven't slept for two days because of this. If you misunderstood [my comments], I first of all ask for forgiveness. My heart is with the families of the fallen, with the bereaved families, and with the heroes."

He noted that he accepts everyone's opinion, "You can say whatever you want. The families have the right to think differently, I do not have a single bad word about your opinion. All your opinions are acceptable to me."

He reiterated that his remarks were directed only at the government ministers who voted against the hostage deal and that he certainly did not mean to criticize or attack others who think differently from him. But those government ministers were representing those families that were criticizing the deal! 

Albag faced backlash following his remarks on Sunday night, during a statement by the families of the three lookouts who had been freed, in which he thanked those who supported the deal while criticizing those who opposed it.

"I want to say to the Prime Minister, to the members of the government - both the coalition and the opposition - to those who supported the deal, my heart is with them, keep going. To those who opposed it - the public will settle the score with you. When you saw my daughter and the three lookouts coming out with a smile and pride, where were you? Those who voted against the deal? When the entire nation was standing happy. The Prime Minister took a brave step, and I scorn those who opposed it."

Albag had already clarified on Monday, during an interview with Radio 103FM, that his remarks were aimed at politicians who opposed the deal, not the public at large.

"I meant only the leaders, God forbid I am not judging bereaved families. [Our daughters] are home thanks to the heroic soldiers. God forbid my words be taken out of context," he said in that interview.

With Israel Still at War and Soldiers Dying Every Day ..Ex-Con Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri Issues Dramatic Ultimatum to Netanyahu Over Yeshiva Draft Law

 

This menuval who chairs Shas is the most vile disgusting "human" in the State of Israel. His threats of leaving the government make absolutely no sense, because should the government collapse the new government may be a bunch of leftists that will give the Chareidim zero! Most Chareidim in Israel have nothing to do with the rest of Israel society and contribute very little to the GNP which is in reality not sustainable. They look at those fighting and being moiser nefest for Klall Yisrael, with utter contempt! Should any of them put on a uniform, he is vilified and mocked and sometimes beaten to a pulp. They wonder why the "chilonim" hate them! Chilonim are in the army giving and sacrificing so that these "chareidim" can go on Bein Hazmanim trips with their families in safety! Chilonim pay taxes to help support the "ganim" and the benefits that Chareidim get! Yet Chareidim wonder why they are despised by the Chilonim! They are ready to take down a government in a time of war so that able-bodied "jlubs" can continue to mooch off the rest of the hard-working Israelis! Enough is enough!!

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has issued a stark ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to bring down the government if a conscription law exempting yeshiva bochurim from military service is not passed within two months. Speaking on Charedi radio station Kol Baramah, Deri declared, “If the status of lomdei torah isn’t regulated, we’ll go to elections in two months.”

Deri expressed outrage at the current discourse surrounding yeshiva bochurim, lamenting, “Who would have dreamed that Torah scholars would be called criminals?” He also accused members of the national-religious camp of joining what he called a “hate campaign” and warned that their actions could lead to the collapse of the right-wing government.

Deri’s threat comes as Netanyahu’s coalition faces mounting instability. Shas’ support for the 2025 state budget—required by the end of March to prevent early elections—is now in question. This follows the recent resignation of Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir over the hostage ceasefire deal with Hamas and similar threats from Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich, who demands a return to fighting in Gaza.

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is currently debating legislation on Charedi enlistment, with pressure mounting from both Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ). However, committee chairman Yuli Edelstein (Likud) has indicated that any bill must significantly increase IDF enlistment, which runs counter to Charedi parties’ demands.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has proposed a gradual plan to draft 50% of the eligible Charedi cohort by 2032, but Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon has stated that this fails to meet the High Court’s mandate for fair enlistment.

Shas MK Erez Malul criticized the committee discussions, calling them “unserious and full of incitement.” Meanwhile, opposition leader Avigdor Liberman took to social media, urging immediate elections: “There’s no point in waiting two months—we need to go to the polls now.”

Schumer Stabs Israel in the Back—Blocks ICC Sanctions Bill

 

Today, Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, blocked legislation that would have imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its illegitimate and unlawful prosecution. The only Democrat to vote in favor? Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)—who has emerged as one of the last voices of reason in his party when it comes to Israel.

This move comes as no surprise to those who have followed Schumer’s long history of using his power to undermine Jewish and Israeli interests. Today’s vote is just the latest example in a pattern of betrayal.

Who could forget the time Schumer stood on stage, passionately declaring his support for Israel, only to turn around and vote against a critical arms bill in the Senate?

WATCH THE HYPOCRITE IN ACTION BELOW:

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At the  March For Israel, Schumer took center stage, proudly declaring himself as the “highest ranking elected Jewish official in American history.” With the fervor of a passionate advocate, he proclaimed, “We will not rest until Israel gets all the assistance they need! We stand with Israel!” These words undoubtedly resonated with the crowd, evoking a sense of solidarity and commitment to supporting the nation of Israel. 

Or the time he called Netanyahu, an obstacle to peace, or the other countless moments when he has caved to the radical, anti-Israel wing of his party, prioritizing Democratic unity over the security of the Jewish state.

Schumer loves to talk about his support for Israel when it’s politically convenient—but when it comes time to vote, his actions tell a very different story.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Israel to Make History with First Female Astronaut


Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Gila Gamliel, announced plans to send the nation’s first female astronaut into space. 

The selection process is underway to find a suitable candidate among Israeli women. This initiative underscores Israel’s commitment to advancing its role in global space exploration.

Trump Turns On the Water for California ..Environmentalists Outraged!


 

Russians Strike Uman!


 Russian drone strikes early this morning damaged the power infrastructure of the city of Uman, where the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslev is located. 

A heavy blackout covered the area for many hours.

Leftist First Pushed for an "Agreement at any price" Now the Same Leftist are saying its a "Bad Deal"

 

Now they come?

 Suddenly we hear lamentations about the terrible agreement. The well-known commentators who pushed for an agreement at any price are now analyzing the severity of the conditions. We've heard enough from you. You don't know more than others, and it's quite possible you still cling to the old conception, despite what we've experienced.

Before the agreement was signed, the majority of the media almost completely suppressed any serious discussion about its unbearable costs. We saw mainly quasi-pornographic headlines dealing with emotion rather than state risk management or discussion about its future in light of the agreement.

For a moment, we relived the orgy of stupidity from the Oslo Accords and the "Disengagement." Then too, they suppressed all serious discussion about the consequences of these bloody agreements. They put adhesive tape on our mouths to prevent us from speaking against it. Everything we warned about happened! And more. In the media, opponents of the agreements were condemned as warmongers, as "extremists" and "messianic." Regarding the current agreement, anyone who opposed releasing the hostages outside of exchanges (children for murderers) was marked as heartless, preferring their death over surrendering to the kidnappers' demands.

2.

The root of Israel's failure and conduct in recent decades lies in the spirit of the Oslo Accords, which were never canceled, following the foolish thought that the barbarians around us think similarly to the rational considerations of a Western state. The money to Hamas was transferred by all Israeli governments without distinction, according to security officials' recommendations. As ambassador, I marketed then-Foreign Minister Yair Lapid's plan for economic peace in Gaza. The main points were: rehabilitation of the Strip, bringing international investments and so on, in exchange for quiet. The principle was formulated back in Oslo: our enemies want to live well like us, and therefore will be willing to compromise and achieve peace, or at least industrial quiet. A terrible mistake.

3.

How many of us are familiar with Hamas' charter? Here's the key sentence by which the barbarians in Gaza and their supporters in the Palestinian Authority operate: "Israel will rise and continue to exist until Islam obliterates it, as it obliterated what came before it." Who is interested in reading about the true long-term intentions of the new Nazis who are now returning to their places, when we are excited and crying (truly!) at the sight of hostages reuniting with their family members?

How many of us have read the Fatah charter ("The Palestinian National Charter"), a document no less terrible than Hamas' charter. How will the perception of the Arabs of Samaria and Judea change, if the PA pays salaries to murderers of Jews according to the number of those murdered? Now they're trying to market to us the PA's return to Gaza instead of Hamas. A terrible mistake. Hamas understands it won't receive budgets from the foolish West for rehabilitating the Strip as long as it's in front, and therefore it will be convenient for it to place other "moderates" in front to funnel money for its rehabilitation. The day the order is given, Hamas will take control of government institutions and accuse Israel of a "siege" to the sound of support from Israel-haters in the West and the useful idiots among us.

4.

The current agreement is terrible, but perhaps there was no choice. The complete picture isn't before me, and there is reason to assume there are hidden considerations unknown to the public. We'll only be able to examine them in several months or even a year from now, as was the case in previous stages of the war. Meanwhile, we need nerves of steel and supreme patience. My criticism is about the suppression of serious discussion and the dimming of its risks, and addiction to an emotional festival that recalls a feast on the eve of the plague.

5.

And more hypocrisy that sickens the soul: Before the agreement, the media largely blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not Hamas. Of course. The hostages "don't interest him," they said, and worse, "he wants them dead." Dust in their mouths. Now that the first hostages have been released, the same media again accuses him, this time in the death of previous and future hostages, and of course is careful not to credit even a percentage of the hostages' release to him. Heaven forbid, it's only former President Donald Trump (the same commentators wanted Vice President Kamala Harris to win). For years there hasn't been substantive discussion in the mainstream media, only according to the question of whether it's good or bad for Netanyahu. We all pay the price.

Female soldier defied Hamas, refusing to leave fellow hostage behind


New details obtained by Israel Hayom reveal the remarkable courage and unbreakable bonds displayed by the female IDF observers during their captivity under unimaginable conditions. Sources involved in the release of Liri Albag (19), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Karina Ariev (20) have disclosed a profound incident that illuminates the intense loyalty between the hostages until their final moments in Hamas captivity.

While Israeli officials remained uncertain about which of the five observers would be released last Saturday, a dramatic scene unfolded as Hamas selected the four young women. When it became clear that Agam Berger (20) would remain in Gaza until the next phase of the hostage release deal, one of her fellow soldiers took a brave stand – grabbing Agam's hand, confronting the captors, and declaring she would remain behind with her friend.

According to sources familiar with the release details, the observer scheduled for release firmly held onto Agam's hand, steadfastly refusing to abandon her companion. Only when the captors forced her to comply with their predetermined release plan did she reluctantly leave her friend behind until the next phase, expected this Saturday. She departed with the hope that Agam would soon return to her family and reunite with her friends in Israel to begin their collective journey of healing from their Gaza ordeal.

The situation continues to evolve as Hamas violates the ceasefire agreement terms while Israel maintains its firm stance on implementation. The next phase is expected to secure the release of Arbel Yehoud (29) in the coming days, followed by another phase on Saturday that should finally bring the fifth IDF observer – Agam Berger – home to freedom.