Meta Contractor Ignored Threats to Ethiopian Content Moderators by Rebel Group, Court Documents Reveal

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Court documents filed on December 4 reveal that Sama, a contractor for Meta, allegedly dismissed threats made by Ethiopia’s Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) against Facebook content moderators working on graphic and inflammatory posts from the region. The revelations are part of an ongoing legal battle involving 185 former moderators in Kenya, who claim wrongful dismissal after attempting to unionize.

The moderators, who worked for Kenya-based Sama before Meta switched contractors to Majorel, said they were blacklisted from reapplying for roles at Majorel. Some moderators specializing in Ethiopian content reportedly received explicit threats from the OLA for removing the group’s posts.

One moderator, Abdikadir Alio Guyo, stated in his affidavit that he received a message warning him and his colleagues to stop deleting OLA content or face “dire consequences.” Another, Hamza Diba Tubi, reported receiving a message from the rebels listing moderators’ names and addresses, leaving him fearful for his safety and that of his family.

While Sama eventually moved one identified moderator to a safehouse, the petition alleges that the company initially dismissed the moderators’ complaints, accusing them of fabricating the threats.

Hate Speech Concerns in Ethiopia

The court documents also accuse Meta of failing to address systemic issues surrounding hate speech on its platform in Ethiopia. Alewiya Mohammed, a former supervisor of moderators, testified that moderators were caught in a “loop of hateful content” they were unable to remove because it did not technically violate Meta’s policies.

Experts previously hired by Meta had recommended more robust action against harmful content in Ethiopia, but the advice was allegedly ignored.

Broader Legal and Ethical Implications

This case is one of several ongoing legal challenges faced by Meta concerning its operations in Ethiopia. A separate lawsuit filed in 2022 accused Meta of allowing violent posts on Facebook to escalate the Ethiopian civil war between federal forces and Tigrayan regional authorities.

Meanwhile, the current lawsuit involving the dismissed moderators could have global repercussions for how Meta engages with third-party contractors and content moderators.

Meta has yet to comment on the allegations, while Sama said it could not provide a statement on the matter. The Oromo Liberation Army has also not responded to requests for comment.

The situation highlights the dangerous environment moderators face, particularly in regions like Ethiopia, where content moderation intersects with armed conflicts.

China Launches Antitrust Probe Into Nvidia Amid US-China Chip Tensions

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China announced on Monday it has launched an antitrust investigation into Nvidia, targeting alleged violations of the country’s anti-monopoly law. This move is seen as a countermeasure to recent U.S. restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry, escalating tensions in the ongoing tech rivalry between the two nations.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) stated that Nvidia, known for its AI and gaming chips, is under scrutiny for potentially breaching conditions set during its 2020 acquisition of Israeli chipmaker Mellanox Technologies. While details remain scarce, the regulator mentioned suspicions about Nvidia violating commitments to supply products on “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” terms, among other stipulations.

Retaliatory Backdrop

This probe follows heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing. Last week, the U.S. introduced new restrictions on 140 Chinese companies, further curbing China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology. In response, Beijing banned exports of critical minerals like gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S.

In addition, four major Chinese industry associations called on domestic firms to reduce reliance on U.S. chips, labeling them “unsafe” and encouraging purchases from local suppliers. Nvidia, which once commanded over 90% of China’s AI chip market, has faced diminishing revenue from China, dropping from 26% of its global total two years ago to 17% by January 2023.

Nvidia’s shares fell by 2.5% on Monday following the announcement. The company stated it would cooperate with regulators and reaffirmed its commitment to honoring agreements in all regions. However, analysts like Bob O’Donnell from TECHnalysis Research believe the investigation’s immediate impact on Nvidia will be limited, as U.S. restrictions already prevent the sale of its most advanced chips to China.

Nvidia’s Strategic Adjustments

U.S. sanctions in 2022 prohibited Nvidia from selling its A100 and H100 AI chips to China, prompting the company to create modified versions for the Chinese market. Further tightened U.S. export controls in 2023 led Nvidia to develop new variants tailored to Chinese restrictions. Despite these challenges, Nvidia faces mounting competition from domestic players like Huawei.

China’s Antitrust Track Record

China’s antitrust probes into foreign tech companies are not new. The most prominent case occurred in 2013, when China fined Qualcomm $975 million for market abuse in wireless communication standards. Similar to that case, Nvidia is accused of practices such as discriminatory terms, product bundling, and unfair supply conditions—issues tied to the Mellanox acquisition conditions.

The investigation could signal Beijing’s intent to leverage regulatory tools to counter U.S. sanctions while fostering its domestic chip industry.

Redmi Buds 6 Pro Debuts with ANC and 36-Hour Battery Life: Details and Pricing

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Redmi Buds 6 Pro were unveiled in China on Wednesday, joining Xiaomi’s latest lineup of tech products, which includes the Redmi Watch 5 and Redmi K80 series. These true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones feature advanced specifications such as up to 55dB active noise cancellation (ANC) and ultra-low latency of 20ms for an enhanced audio experience. The earbuds promise a total battery life of up to 36 hours, making them a practical choice for long-term use. Additionally, an E-Sports variant of the earbuds has been introduced, catering to gamers seeking optimized sound performance and minimal latency.

Pricing and Availability

The Redmi Buds 6 Pro is priced at CNY 399 (approximately Rs. 4,600) in China, while the E-Sports variant is slightly higher at CNY 499 (around Rs. 5,800). Both models will be available for purchase starting December 3 through the Xiaomi China e-store. These competitive price points position the Redmi Buds 6 Pro as a strong contender in the mid-range TWS market.

Specifications and Features

The earbuds feature a sleek, in-ear design with rounded stems, ensuring both comfort and functionality. They support touch-based controls, including a unique sliding gesture to adjust volume levels seamlessly. The audio setup comprises triple drivers, including dual 6.7mm piezoelectric ceramic drivers and an 11mm titanium-coated dynamic driver, promising rich sound quality across frequencies. Additionally, the 55dB ANC capability ensures an immersive listening experience by significantly reducing ambient noise.

Designed for Versatility

Beyond their advanced audio features, the Redmi Buds 6 Pro are designed to cater to diverse user needs. Whether for gaming, commuting, or leisure listening, the earbuds’ extended battery life and low-latency performance enhance their appeal. The availability of an E-Sports version demonstrates Xiaomi’s focus on targeting niche markets while maintaining affordability. As these earbuds enter the Chinese market, they are expected to further strengthen Redmi’s position in the audio accessories segment.