#censorship

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#free-speech

Facing ban next month, TikTok begs SCOTUS for help

TikTok warns that a ban could enable wide-ranging censorship by the U.S. government based on unsubstantiated claims of foreign influence.

Benjamin Weingarten: Congress' 1,500-page spending bill hides a sneaky reprieve for federal censors

Congress's last-minute maneuvering may jeopardize free speech by extending the Global Engagement Center's censorship capabilities.

FTC's Andrew Ferguson Targets Big Tech, NewsGuard Censorship

FTC Commissioner Ferguson is advocating for an investigation into alleged censorship practices by Big Tech and advertising agencies against conservative media.

Louisiana's Free-Speech Governor Could Use a Lesson on Free Speech

Governor Jeff Landry's actions demonstrate a preference for free speech only when it aligns with his political views.

TikTok's two paths to avoid US ban: Beg SCOTUS or woo Trump

The court ruling related to TikTok's potential ban reflects First Amendment considerations and its covert manipulation of content by the PRC.

X's Last-Minute Update to the Kids Online Safety Act Still Fails to Protect Kids-or Adults-Online

KOSA is a censorship bill that undermines free speech and risks children's access to essential online resources.

Facing ban next month, TikTok begs SCOTUS for help

TikTok warns that a ban could enable wide-ranging censorship by the U.S. government based on unsubstantiated claims of foreign influence.

Benjamin Weingarten: Congress' 1,500-page spending bill hides a sneaky reprieve for federal censors

Congress's last-minute maneuvering may jeopardize free speech by extending the Global Engagement Center's censorship capabilities.

FTC's Andrew Ferguson Targets Big Tech, NewsGuard Censorship

FTC Commissioner Ferguson is advocating for an investigation into alleged censorship practices by Big Tech and advertising agencies against conservative media.

Louisiana's Free-Speech Governor Could Use a Lesson on Free Speech

Governor Jeff Landry's actions demonstrate a preference for free speech only when it aligns with his political views.

TikTok's two paths to avoid US ban: Beg SCOTUS or woo Trump

The court ruling related to TikTok's potential ban reflects First Amendment considerations and its covert manipulation of content by the PRC.

X's Last-Minute Update to the Kids Online Safety Act Still Fails to Protect Kids-or Adults-Online

KOSA is a censorship bill that undermines free speech and risks children's access to essential online resources.
morefree-speech
#diversity

2024 Was the Year the Bottom Fell Out of the Games Industry

The gaming industry faces backlash against diverse representation, leading to censorship and controversy over political themes in game narratives.

Book Bans Overwhelmingly Target Children's Books by People of Color, Study Finds

Children's books by women of color are often banned, reflecting a trend in U.S. schools targeting diverse narratives.

2024 Was the Year the Bottom Fell Out of the Games Industry

The gaming industry faces backlash against diverse representation, leading to censorship and controversy over political themes in game narratives.

Book Bans Overwhelmingly Target Children's Books by People of Color, Study Finds

Children's books by women of color are often banned, reflecting a trend in U.S. schools targeting diverse narratives.
morediversity

NYU professors barred from buildings say school is caving to pressure on Gaza

NYU professors claim suppression of pro-Palestinian speech is escalating under pressure from donors and pro-Israel groups.
#freedom-of-expression

More Than 1 Million Ukrainians Left Without Electricity After Latest Russian Attack

Sharing or engaging with content online can lead to legal consequences for individuals in Russia and Russia-controlled territories.

We're charged with propaganda, vulgarity and spreading prostitution': the directors of My Favourite Cake

Filmmakers in Iran face serious charges for challenging cultural norms.
The film 'My Favourite Cake' addresses forbidden themes and portrays women's realities in Iran.

Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Free Expression

EFF actively promotes digital rights in Europe, focusing on freedom of expression and privacy in the context of online platforms.

Former British Soldier Found Guilty Of Spying For Iran

Engaging with content from outside Russia may result in serious consequences for individuals in Russia or occupied Ukrainian territories.

Georgescu Urges Romanians To Show Up At Polls -- Despite Scrapping Of Presidential Runoff

Sharing content related to foreign entities in Russia can lead to legal consequences including fines and imprisonment.
Individuals in Russia must exercise caution with online interactions due to oppressive laws.

More Than 1 Million Ukrainians Left Without Electricity After Latest Russian Attack

Sharing or engaging with content online can lead to legal consequences for individuals in Russia and Russia-controlled territories.

We're charged with propaganda, vulgarity and spreading prostitution': the directors of My Favourite Cake

Filmmakers in Iran face serious charges for challenging cultural norms.
The film 'My Favourite Cake' addresses forbidden themes and portrays women's realities in Iran.

Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Free Expression

EFF actively promotes digital rights in Europe, focusing on freedom of expression and privacy in the context of online platforms.

Former British Soldier Found Guilty Of Spying For Iran

Engaging with content from outside Russia may result in serious consequences for individuals in Russia or occupied Ukrainian territories.

Georgescu Urges Romanians To Show Up At Polls -- Despite Scrapping Of Presidential Runoff

Sharing content related to foreign entities in Russia can lead to legal consequences including fines and imprisonment.
Individuals in Russia must exercise caution with online interactions due to oppressive laws.
morefreedom-of-expression
#journalism

Legendary Newspaper Leader Warns Trump's Team is Salivating For The Opportunity to Prosecute Journalists'

The incoming administration is expected to aggressively target the media, utilizing legal and economic pressures to undermine public confidence in journalism.

China Journalist, Dong Yuyu, Is Sentenced to Prison for Espionage

Chinese court sentenced journalist Dong Yuyu to seven years for espionage, marking a significant crackdown on dissent.

Cross-border collaboration shines light in dark corners

Illiberal regimes are increasingly collaborating on censorship tactics while journalists unite internationally to combat such suppression.

Legendary Newspaper Leader Warns Trump's Team is Salivating For The Opportunity to Prosecute Journalists'

The incoming administration is expected to aggressively target the media, utilizing legal and economic pressures to undermine public confidence in journalism.

China Journalist, Dong Yuyu, Is Sentenced to Prison for Espionage

Chinese court sentenced journalist Dong Yuyu to seven years for espionage, marking a significant crackdown on dissent.

Cross-border collaboration shines light in dark corners

Illiberal regimes are increasingly collaborating on censorship tactics while journalists unite internationally to combat such suppression.
morejournalism

Zelenskiy Huddles With European Leaders In Brussels Ahead Of Trump's Return

In Russia or occupied Ukraine, interacting with certain content can result in fines or imprisonment.
#lgbtq

Wicked faces censorship in Kuwait for including LGBTQ+ cast, as per local media

Kuwait removed 'Wicked' from cinemas due to its LGBTQ+ cast, highlighting regional censorship issues.

As children's book bans soar, sales are down and librarians are afraid. Even in California

The rise in book bans reflects a chilling effect on children's literature, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ and racially diverse narratives.

An Ohio teacher was suspended for keeping LGBTQ+ books in her classroom. Now, she's suing

A teacher is suing her district for suspending her over LGBTQ+ books, asserting her rights to hold and display them in class.

Disney pulls transgender storyline from Pixar's new show

Disney's animated content is omitting transgender storylines to respect parents' preferences for discussing sensitive topics.
Animation aimed at younger audiences is seeing censorship of LGBTQ+ narratives, reflecting broader trends in content management.

Dylan Mulvaney and Gus Kenworthy launch LGBTQ+ clubs for banned books

Dylan Mulvaney and Gus Kenworthy launched LGBTQ+ book clubs to support banned book distributions and celebrate the right to read.

Wicked faces censorship in Kuwait for including LGBTQ+ cast, as per local media

Kuwait removed 'Wicked' from cinemas due to its LGBTQ+ cast, highlighting regional censorship issues.

As children's book bans soar, sales are down and librarians are afraid. Even in California

The rise in book bans reflects a chilling effect on children's literature, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ and racially diverse narratives.

An Ohio teacher was suspended for keeping LGBTQ+ books in her classroom. Now, she's suing

A teacher is suing her district for suspending her over LGBTQ+ books, asserting her rights to hold and display them in class.

Disney pulls transgender storyline from Pixar's new show

Disney's animated content is omitting transgender storylines to respect parents' preferences for discussing sensitive topics.
Animation aimed at younger audiences is seeing censorship of LGBTQ+ narratives, reflecting broader trends in content management.

Dylan Mulvaney and Gus Kenworthy launch LGBTQ+ clubs for banned books

Dylan Mulvaney and Gus Kenworthy launched LGBTQ+ book clubs to support banned book distributions and celebrate the right to read.
morelgbtq
#first-amendment

The US TikTok Ban Just Became One Step Closer to Reality | Entrepreneur

The U.S. Senate's TikTok law mandates separation from ByteDance to avoid a national ban by January 19, 2025.

TikTok Asks Supreme Court to Block Law Banning Its U.S. Operations

TikTok is challenging a law that would ban the app in the US, arguing it violates First Amendment rights.

Trump Is Not on a "Retribution Tour;" He's on an Authoritarian Spree - emptywheel

Trump's lawsuit against Selzer and the Des Moines Register is yet another attempt to distort reality and confront First Amendment rights.
There's skepticism about whether Trump's recent lawsuits mark any real escalation in his legal strategy.

TikTok inches closer to a US ban after judges shoot down appeal

US judges upheld a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to avoid a ban, citing First Amendment concerns.
ByteDance faces limited options to contest the decision against the US law.

The US TikTok Ban Just Became One Step Closer to Reality | Entrepreneur

The U.S. Senate's TikTok law mandates separation from ByteDance to avoid a national ban by January 19, 2025.

TikTok Asks Supreme Court to Block Law Banning Its U.S. Operations

TikTok is challenging a law that would ban the app in the US, arguing it violates First Amendment rights.

Trump Is Not on a "Retribution Tour;" He's on an Authoritarian Spree - emptywheel

Trump's lawsuit against Selzer and the Des Moines Register is yet another attempt to distort reality and confront First Amendment rights.
There's skepticism about whether Trump's recent lawsuits mark any real escalation in his legal strategy.

TikTok inches closer to a US ban after judges shoot down appeal

US judges upheld a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to avoid a ban, citing First Amendment concerns.
ByteDance faces limited options to contest the decision against the US law.
morefirst-amendment

Disney axes transgender storyline from upcoming 'Win or Lose' series: report

Disney removed a transgender storyline from Pixar's "Win or Lose" to allow parents to discuss such topics on their terms.
#art

This Florida Law Is Censoring and Punishing Pro-Palestine Artists

Pro-Palestinian activists face increasing censorship in Florida's art scene due to anti-BDS legislation.

UGLY TRANSCRIPTION - KALTBLUT Magazine

The 'Transcription of Ugliness' project promotes self-expression and challenges conventional standards of beauty and identity.

This Florida Law Is Censoring and Punishing Pro-Palestine Artists

Pro-Palestinian activists face increasing censorship in Florida's art scene due to anti-BDS legislation.

UGLY TRANSCRIPTION - KALTBLUT Magazine

The 'Transcription of Ugliness' project promotes self-expression and challenges conventional standards of beauty and identity.
moreart
#iran

Mohammad Rasoulof left Iran after making his most daring film

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof faces an eight-year prison sentence, prompting his escape and continued activism through his latest film, shot without government approval.

The Amazing Story Behind German Oscar Entry 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'

Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof managed to secretly film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' amid significant government oppression in Iran.

Iran: Singer arrested for performing without hijab DW 12/15/2024

Parastoo Ahmady's arrest highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Iran against strict dress codes.

YouTube singer arrested in Iran after performing online concert while not wearing hijab

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmady was arrested for performing a virtual concert without a hijab, highlighting ongoing gender restrictions in Iran.

Mohammad Rasoulof left Iran after making his most daring film

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof faces an eight-year prison sentence, prompting his escape and continued activism through his latest film, shot without government approval.

The Amazing Story Behind German Oscar Entry 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'

Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof managed to secretly film 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' amid significant government oppression in Iran.

Iran: Singer arrested for performing without hijab DW 12/15/2024

Parastoo Ahmady's arrest highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Iran against strict dress codes.

YouTube singer arrested in Iran after performing online concert while not wearing hijab

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmady was arrested for performing a virtual concert without a hijab, highlighting ongoing gender restrictions in Iran.
moreiran

40 Years Ago, The Most Important Dystopian Thriller Ever Got A Powerful Adaptation

'1984’ remains a compelling adaptation that highlights the enduring relevance and impact of Orwell's dystopian themes in contemporary society.
#ukraine

Trump Nominates Defense Adviser Kellogg As Special Envoy For Ukraine, Russia

Engaging with content from certain regions may lead to legal repercussions for individuals with Russian citizenship or residency.

Police Secure Area After Mystery Drone Crash Near Tajik Capital

Individuals in Russia or controlled areas face severe penalties for engaging with content.

TVO was ready to defend controversial Russians at War film before pulling plug, documents show | CBC News

TVO faced backlash for initially defending a controversial documentary before abruptly withdrawing it amidst criticism and alleged external pressures.

Pro-Russian Presidential Candidate Denies He Wants Romania Out Of NATO

In Russia and parts of Ukraine, sharing online content can lead to fines or imprisonment for those with Russian citizenship.

'Foreign Agents' Bill Puts Serbia's EU Aspirations Under Question

People in Russia or Russian-controlled Ukraine risk fines or imprisonment for online engagement with foreign content.

Trump Nominates Defense Adviser Kellogg As Special Envoy For Ukraine, Russia

Engaging with content from certain regions may lead to legal repercussions for individuals with Russian citizenship or residency.

Police Secure Area After Mystery Drone Crash Near Tajik Capital

Individuals in Russia or controlled areas face severe penalties for engaging with content.

TVO was ready to defend controversial Russians at War film before pulling plug, documents show | CBC News

TVO faced backlash for initially defending a controversial documentary before abruptly withdrawing it amidst criticism and alleged external pressures.

Pro-Russian Presidential Candidate Denies He Wants Romania Out Of NATO

In Russia and parts of Ukraine, sharing online content can lead to fines or imprisonment for those with Russian citizenship.

'Foreign Agents' Bill Puts Serbia's EU Aspirations Under Question

People in Russia or Russian-controlled Ukraine risk fines or imprisonment for online engagement with foreign content.
moreukraine

Governments And Large Institutions Can Buy All The Bitcoin They Want (Except Yours)

Large holders of Bitcoin may pose censorship risks, leading to potential protocol splits.
Mining centralization represents a more immediate threat than large institutional holders.
#animation

Arcane season two's lesbian romance between Caitlyn and Vi censored in China

Arcane's portrayal of Caitlyn and Vi's romance was celebrated by fans, but significant scenes were censored in China.

Watch the Surrealist Glass Harmonica, the Only Animated Film Ever Banned by Soviet Censors (1968)

Soviet animation thrived despite censorship, showcasing diversity and artistic expression under repressive regimes.

Arcane season two's lesbian romance between Caitlyn and Vi censored in China

Arcane's portrayal of Caitlyn and Vi's romance was celebrated by fans, but significant scenes were censored in China.

Watch the Surrealist Glass Harmonica, the Only Animated Film Ever Banned by Soviet Censors (1968)

Soviet animation thrived despite censorship, showcasing diversity and artistic expression under repressive regimes.
moreanimation
#big-tech

Why incoming FTC chair Andrew Ferguson will 'bring the heat on Big Tech'

Trump's FTC pick signals a continued aggressive stance against Big Tech, focusing on free speech and competition.

Andrew Ferguson is the free-speech champion we need at the FTC's helm

Andrew Ferguson's appointment as FTC chairman is seen as a positive step for opponents of online censorship.

Why incoming FTC chair Andrew Ferguson will 'bring the heat on Big Tech'

Trump's FTC pick signals a continued aggressive stance against Big Tech, focusing on free speech and competition.

Andrew Ferguson is the free-speech champion we need at the FTC's helm

Andrew Ferguson's appointment as FTC chairman is seen as a positive step for opponents of online censorship.
morebig-tech

Macron Urges Georgian Dream's Ivanishvili To Address Democratic Backsliding

Sharing online content in Russia poses legal risks including fines and imprisonment.
#freedom-to-read-act

New Jersey governor signs 'Freedom to Read Act,' banning book bans

New Jersey has enacted the Freedom to Read Act to ban book bans and protect intellectual freedom in education and libraries.

New Jersey Becomes The Third State To Enact A Ban On Book Bans

Rising book bans in schools and libraries have prompted legislative actions like New Jersey's Freedom to Read Act to protect access to diverse materials.

New Jersey governor signs 'Freedom to Read Act,' banning book bans

New Jersey has enacted the Freedom to Read Act to ban book bans and protect intellectual freedom in education and libraries.

New Jersey Becomes The Third State To Enact A Ban On Book Bans

Rising book bans in schools and libraries have prompted legislative actions like New Jersey's Freedom to Read Act to protect access to diverse materials.
morefreedom-to-read-act
#human-rights

World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia's human rights failures ignored DW 12/11/2024

Saudi Arabia's selection to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup raises serious human rights concerns, muted by self-censorship and governmental suppression of dissent.

A North Korean Voice That Kim Jong-un Would Like to Silence

Despite his terminal illness, Kim Seongmin is committed to broadcasting news to North Korea, challenging governmental censorship.

World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia's human rights failures ignored DW 12/11/2024

Saudi Arabia's selection to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup raises serious human rights concerns, muted by self-censorship and governmental suppression of dissent.

A North Korean Voice That Kim Jong-un Would Like to Silence

Despite his terminal illness, Kim Seongmin is committed to broadcasting news to North Korea, challenging governmental censorship.
morehuman-rights

How Her Story,' a Feminist Comedy, Came to Rule China's Box Office

'Her Story' highlights stigmas around female sexuality and single motherhood within a censored Chinese film industry.

The World

South Korea is experiencing political unrest amid martial law and impeachment efforts, reflecting citizens' growing concerns for democratic processes.

Trump ally claims Wicked is 'racist' and Ariana Grande is 'Hispanic'

Gina Loudon criticized Wicked for depicting white characters negatively and for casting Ariana Grande, whom she mistakenly identifies as Hispanic.
She claims the film promotes a 'woke' narrative that portrays white people unfavorably.

Hey, Politico - what the heck makes The Post 'far right'?

The New York Post disputes its label as 'far-right', arguing it reflects a bias intended to stifle dissent.
#social-media

Board game dev says Facebook rejected ads for game about the Supreme Court

Facebook is struggling with its role in society, as demonstrated by its rejection of historical game ads due to concerns over sensitive social issues.

Syrian Troops Reportedly Thwart Rebel Advance Near Russian Air Base

Individuals in Russia risk fines or jail for interacting with dissenting content. A restrictive legal environment targets social media engagement.

93-year-old YouTuber back in business after being kicked off platform over porn allegation | CBC News

A 93-year-old professor's YouTube channel was wrongfully terminated for alleged explicit content due to hacking, highlighting issues with social media's appeal processes.

Russia Says Syria's Assad Granted Asylum In Moscow

People in Russia and controlled areas face legal risks for engaging with certain content online.
Sharing or liking content on sensitive topics can lead to severe penalties.

Board game dev says Facebook rejected ads for game about the Supreme Court

Facebook is struggling with its role in society, as demonstrated by its rejection of historical game ads due to concerns over sensitive social issues.

Syrian Troops Reportedly Thwart Rebel Advance Near Russian Air Base

Individuals in Russia risk fines or jail for interacting with dissenting content. A restrictive legal environment targets social media engagement.

93-year-old YouTuber back in business after being kicked off platform over porn allegation | CBC News

A 93-year-old professor's YouTube channel was wrongfully terminated for alleged explicit content due to hacking, highlighting issues with social media's appeal processes.

Russia Says Syria's Assad Granted Asylum In Moscow

People in Russia and controlled areas face legal risks for engaging with certain content online.
Sharing or liking content on sensitive topics can lead to severe penalties.
moresocial-media
#iranian-cinema

Films were an escape to a deeper repression': Jarman winner Maryam Tafakory on Iranian cinema

Censorship in Iran leads filmmakers to creatively use objects like bags to represent intimacy and connection in their narratives instead of direct contact.

Screen Grabs: An Iranian family explodes under authoritarian pressures - 48 hills

The production of films in Iran faces severe government censorship, forcing filmmakers to operate in secret for creative expression.

Films were an escape to a deeper repression': Jarman winner Maryam Tafakory on Iranian cinema

Censorship in Iran leads filmmakers to creatively use objects like bags to represent intimacy and connection in their narratives instead of direct contact.

Screen Grabs: An Iranian family explodes under authoritarian pressures - 48 hills

The production of films in Iran faces severe government censorship, forcing filmmakers to operate in secret for creative expression.
moreiranian-cinema

Ex-Warden Of Donetsk Prison Reportedly Killed In Car Bombing

Engaging with dissenting content in Russia may result in legal consequences.

TikTok says ban would cost U.S. small businesses, creators $1.3 billion in first month

TikTok's shutdown could significantly harm U.S. small businesses, leading to substantial revenue losses.

Report: Putin, Other Russian Officials Directly Involved In Transfer, Deportation of Ukrainian Children

Beware of legal repercussions for sharing or engaging with content in Russia and Crimea.

Cathay Pacific apologises over inflight Family Guy episode with Tiananmen Square scene

Cathay Pacific apologized for airing a Family Guy episode referencing Tiananmen Square and committed to enhancing content oversight.
The Tiananmen Square reference highlights sensitivity and censorship issues in Hong Kong post-2019 protests.

HuggingFace CEO has concerns about Chinese open source AI models | TechCrunch

Chinese open source AI excels in coding and reasoning but faces criticism for censorship, notably concerning sensitive historical topics like the Tiananmen Square massacre.
#privacy

Why does the name 'David Mayer' crash ChatGPT? Digital privacy requests may be at fault | TechCrunch

ChatGPT freezes and refuses to discuss certain names, indicating possible sensitivity protocols in place.

Today's Double Feature: Privacy and Free Speech

Donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation will be matched, doubling the impact on digital rights until December 10.

Why does the name 'David Mayer' crash ChatGPT? Digital privacy requests may be at fault | TechCrunch

ChatGPT freezes and refuses to discuss certain names, indicating possible sensitivity protocols in place.

Today's Double Feature: Privacy and Free Speech

Donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation will be matched, doubling the impact on digital rights until December 10.
moreprivacy

HunterxHunter NenxImpact is in trouble down under, it's been refused classification in Australia

HunterxHunter NenxImpact is banned in Australia due to content concerns, possibly linked to character behavior and child interaction.
The game's refusal highlights ongoing debates over content appropriateness in gaming.

The Best Family Game on Playstation Plus Isn't What You Think

Content appropriateness in media is increasingly subjective, as highlighted by the controversial reception of Grand Theft Auto V.

Nordic-Baltic States, Poland To Increase Military Aid To Ukraine

Engaging with critical content in Russia and occupied Ukraine risks legal consequences.

Don Malcolm's 'The French Had a Name for It' festivals have transformed how we think about film noir

Film history often contains inaccuracies propagated by memoirs and academic writings without firsthand experience of the films.
The rise of home video impacted the publication of film literature, mistakenly cementing false beliefs about cinema history.
#book-bans

More than 10,000 books have been banned from public and academic libraries in the US

Book bans in U.S. schools have surged alarmingly, targeting diverse perspectives and narratives during the 2023-2024 school year.

Trump's promises to conservatives raise fears of more book bans in US

Book bans reflect escalating culture wars over race and gender in public schools, with significant implications for education and social narratives.

More than 10,000 books have been banned from public and academic libraries in the US

Book bans in U.S. schools have surged alarmingly, targeting diverse perspectives and narratives during the 2023-2024 school year.

Trump's promises to conservatives raise fears of more book bans in US

Book bans reflect escalating culture wars over race and gender in public schools, with significant implications for education and social narratives.
morebook-bans

The Censorship Industry Gathered For A Convention. They've Learned Nothing

Tech firms minimize self-reflection on past censorship while strategizing to restrict advertising to news sources labeled as misinformation.
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