Tag: access

  • X's encrypted DM feature, XChat, is rolling out more broadly

    X's encrypted DM feature, XChat, is rolling out more broadly

    X’s long-awaited encrypted DM feature, XChat, is becoming more widely available.

    Though the feature shipped in beta in May, XChat is now accessible for more users, including those who do not subscribe to X Premium.

    Separate from the existing DM inbox, XChat is end-to-end encrypted. The chat system supports media uploads, group chats, pinned messages, and the ability to mark messages as read or unread. Vanishing mode has been rumored to be in the works as well.

    Right now, users can only access XChat if they opt into using it. On desktop, XChat is accessible to some users from the messages tab. There, you can navigate to “Chat” from a menu option that appears above “Message requests.” On mobile, “Chat” appears in the main nav bar on the left, just above Communities.

    Before using XChat, you have to set a four-digit code to protect your messages, similar to other encrypted platforms like Signal. It is only after setting the code that you can begin messaging other users who have also opted in.

    As it stands, XChat is not a complete replacement of the longstanding DM system. Instead, those messages now appear under a tab that says “unencrypted” in the chat menu.

    Techcrunch event

    Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025

    Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.

    Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025

    Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.

    San Francisco
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    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

  • July 11 Marks New Red Snapper Season: Port Canaveral Unveils Convenient Trailer Parking for Anglers

    July 11 Marks New Red Snapper Season: Port Canaveral Unveils Convenient Trailer Parking for Anglers

    boat ramps are free and open to the public

    Port Canaveral’s Ticket to the 2025 Red Snapper Frenzy

    Heads up, fishing fanatics! The Canaveral Port Authority is forecasting a wild rush for boat trailer spots during the 2025 Federal Atlantic Recreational Red Snapper Season, kicking off on July 11 at 12:01 a.m. and wrapping up the next day at the exact same minute.

    Free Parking – First Come, First Served

    • The Freddie Patrick Park and Rodney S. Ketcham Park boat ramps keep their parking spaces open at no cost.
    • Slots operate on a first-come, first-served basis until the lot is full.
    • Even if the parking at these ramps reaches capacity, you can still launch your boat; you’ll just need to find a spot elsewhere for your vehicle & trailer.

    Plan Ahead for a Smooth Ride

    • Electronic displays along George King Boulevard provide real‑time updates on parking availability.
    • Boaters should arrive with a game plan to avoid any last‑minute scramble.
    • Remember: once you drop your boat, ensure a capable operator is aboard to keep it safely away from the launching area.

    Maritime Center: The Secret Parking Reserve

    • The Port now offers free trailer parking on the front lawn of the Maritime Center (445 Challenger Road, Cape Canaveral).
    • An electronic sign on George King Boulevard will guide you straight to this special event entry.
    • Note: If you park at the Maritime Center, you’ll be responsible for transporting your vehicle and trailer to and from the boat ramps.

    So, gear up, bring your fishing gear, and let the 2025 season bring you plenty of brag-worthy snapper tales. Enjoy the waves, stay safe, and remember: parking may be a challenge, but the thrill of the catch is worth every hassle.

    Get Your Wheels and Waves Ready for Port Canaveral!

    Red Snapper Season 2025 is Here to Splash!

    Hey, water‑worriers! The Canaveral Port Authority is all set for the 2025 Federal Atlantic Recreational Red Snapper Season—it’s kicking off on July 11 at 12:01 a.m. and wrapping up on July 13 at 12:01 a.m. If you’re planning a getaway with your boat and trailer, you’re in the right spot.

    What You Need to Know About the Boat Ramps

    • Free and Always Open: The ramps are a 24/7, 365‑day open‑door policy—no sign‑in delays, no “closed” notices. Just show up and launch.
    • First‑Come, First‑Served Parking: Grab a spot before the rush. If the lot fills up, you’ll have to shift your vehicle or trailer elsewhere.
    • Always Keep an Operator: Until your boat is safely out of the launching zone, keep a crew on board to ensure your yacht stays out of the ramp’s way. Work the boat, keep the spot; then move on to the parking lot.
    • Watch the Clean‑Up Zone: Shorts of the day—parking ain’t closure. If you see a chunk of plastic, a rubber boat, that’s not allowed and could get you zapped.

    How to Keep Your Vehicle & Trailer Safe

    Think of your ride as a treasured toy—don’t leave it in the “no‑parking” zone. A stray tyre, a stray trailer, or an unattended battery could be dragged away by the Port Authority’s tow team at your own expense.

    So grab a free spot for your boat, drop it smooth, then head over to the parking lot to keep your vehicle safe. Off‑track parking is a no‑no—after all, no one wants to lose their car to the staff’s heavy‑hand towing.

    All the May‑Day Moves Covered!

    We promise your boat will be buoyantly ready for a great catch while your vehicle sits out of sight. Enjoy the season, stay safe, and remember—boat ramps never close, but that parking spot does!

    Red Snapper Rumble at Port Canaveral!

    Heads up, fishing fanatics! The Canaveral Port Authority is churning up a storm of boat trailer parking demand for the upcoming 2025 Federal Atlantic Recreational Red Snapper Season. The window’s razor‑sharp: July 11, 12:01 a.m. to July 13, 12:01 a.m.. Don’t snooze on this timing!

    Why Port Canaveral is the Hotspot

    • World‑class cruise terminal: 7.6 million passengers yearly, with fancy, state‑of‑the‑art lounges that even the secret ship‑troops dream of.
    • Supercharged cargo hub: 6.6 million tons of everything, from bulk goods to those quirky “project” shipments that only a genius could plan.
    • Recreation rules the roost: Ports around Florida brag, but Port Canaveral offers more fun spots than all the other deep‑water seaports combined.
    • Space‑port side hustle: the gateway for spacecraft—and yes, that’s a full‑blown international landing pad.

    Leadership Squad

    Commanding the ship is Captain John Murray, our Port Director & CEO, backed by a five‑member board whose votes have steered the port to be a global movement hub for ships, cargo, and adventure.

    Planning Your Strip‑Down

    Remember: space is limited. Align your trailer with the authorities before the 12‑hour cut‑off. Their mouths (and schedules) get full fast—so treat it like it’s a limited‑edition snack at the grocery maze. Got questions? Keep your eyes peeled for future updates.

    HOT OFF THE PRESS! June 16, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

    Space Coast Daily News: The One and Only, the Best of Brevard County!

    Hot Off the Press! On June 16, 2025, the Space Coast Daily News rolled out yet another stellar piece, proving once again why it’s the undisputed favorite newspaper of Brevard County. If you haven’t yet drooled over its crisp pages, you’re missing out on the gold rush of the day.

    Why We’re Singing Their Praises

    • Eye‑Candy Coverage: From the Space Launchland sky‑high launches to backyard barbecue reviews, their stories hit the sweet spot between science and snazzy human interest.
    • Daily Dash: Rush‑hour commuters get a quick, side‑by‑side snapshot of everything that matters—traffic, community, and the occasional UFO sighting.
    • Community Champions: They spotlight local heroes, from the high‑school math team making the playoffs to the volunteer firefighters who keep the jet streams calm.
    • Reader‑First Fun: A section dedicated to playful doodles and witty cartoons—perfect for adding a chuckle to your morning coffee.

    A Slice of the Daily Grind

    Picture this: the sun is peeking over Merritt Island, the aroma of fresh coffee swirls through the newsroom, and reporters in their trusty pink jackets huddle over the latest headlines. The Space Coast Daily News doesn’t just inform; it entertains, making every news cycle feel like a spontaneous ice cream truck in full swing.

    On the Bench — The Daily’s Golden Achievement

    The journalist’s desk is relentless, but the payoff is instant—each headline is a conversation starter, and the comments section is buzzing more than a beehive on a summer day. Readers call it “the best paper in town” not just out of habit but because the content genuinely feels like a friendly chat.

    So, the next time you catch the breeze from the launchpad or stroll through the county library, give a nod to the one that keeps your tabs open and your spirits high. Space Coast Daily News is more than a paper—it’s the daily dose of joy, wit, and local pride.

  • Top Day Charter Destinations from Saint-Tropez

    Top Day Charter Destinations from Saint-Tropez

    Introduction:

    When you book a yacht charter Saint Tropez, you’re not just renting a boat — you’re unlocking access to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the Mediterranean. Within just a few hours of cruising, you can hop between glamorous ports, hidden beaches, and untouched islands. Whether you’re after a half-day escape or a full-day adventure, the French Riviera offers endless possibilities.

    Pampelonne Beach — The Iconic Riviera Hotspot:

    Famous for its white sands, turquoise waters, and legendary beach clubs like Club 55.

    Ideal for dropping anchor, enjoying water toys, and soaking up the Côte d’Azur sun.

  • Google Expands NotebookLM for Teenagers Amid Surging AI Education Competition

    Google’s NotebookLM Goes Kids‑Friendly

    In a move that’ll make students and parents cheer, Google has lifted its age restriction on the AI‑powered NotebookLM note‑taking app. Gone are the days when only adults could tap into this smart‑assistant wonder; the platform now welcomes anyone 13 and older, and it’s even a hit with Google Workspace for Education users, no age limit at all.

    Why the Change?

    The main goal? Give younger learners a powerful tool to decode their class material. NotebookLM isn’t just a note‑cruncher; it turns ordinary assignments into:

    • A Podcast‑style Audio Overview that reads your notes aloud
    • A Mind Map that visualises concepts and keeps the ideas connected
    • A Video Overview that dishes out dynamic presentations from PDFs, images, or raw notes

    All of this helps students digest information faster and in a way that feels less like boring textbook reading.

    Privacy and Safety First

    Of course Google knows the stakes. The company says NotebookLM has tighter content rules for under‑18 users to keep the responses clean and appropriate. Your chats and media uploads are not inspected by people, nor are they mined to improve the AI.

    Competitive Heat in the AI Classroom

    This move comes after OpenAI launched a “study mode” for ChatGPT, signalling a new race among tech giants to lead the AI‑in‑education space. With younger users now on board, Google’s NotebookLM is aiming to become the go‑to study buddy for students of all ages.

    Bottom Line

    So whether you’re a 13‑year‑old tackling the algebra test or an educator curating class materials, NotebookLM’s fresh lineup gives you an AI‑powered way to make learning more engaging, all without compromising privacy. Just remember—it’s here to aid, not replace your teachers or your brilliant mind!

  • Your persona achieves acceleration and lift off when you attach it to a Cause-related ‘Campaign’ – Jamie Oliver Is A Master At This

    Your persona achieves acceleration and lift off when you attach it to a Cause-related ‘Campaign’ – Jamie Oliver Is A Master At This

    Throwing different-sized content blades from a variety of release points is all well and good for day-to-day image maintenance, but even the best one-day story doesn’t elevate your profile to enough height with enough longevity unless it’s accompanied with a series of full-scale campaigns that are fully wrapped around it.

    ‘The Campaign’ evokes a sense of urgency, purpose and legitimacy for any image building, putting your persona on a particular trajectile.
    It also glides through all the sometimes tangential, sporadic press opportunities you might have landed by joining up all the dots.
    It also visibly draws in and namechecks many of your associates without the process looking in any way forced.
    The right campaign disguises all of your mechanics. Like in a good film, you stop seeing the edits, you stop noticing the music, you just fall into the world you’re viewing.
    The Campaign creates that immersive experience for your persona.
    Jamie Oliver is a phenomenon in the world of food. He is well-known as one of the world’s best-loved television chefs and restaurateurs.
    But Jamie isn’t just a Master chef, he’s also a Master image builder, deliberately using Campaigns that he leads consistently over his career to turbo boost his persona and ‘household name’ status.
    He’s now launched a global campaign to tackle the child obesity epidemic through better food education in schools. To that end he wants to halve childhood obesity in the UK by 2030.
    The campaign to do just that is entilted ‘Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution’. The Food Revolution is positioned as ‘beyond a campaign’, but instead a ‘movement’ to reach the goal of halving childhood obesity in the UK by 2030.
    He’s doing this alongside the young activists at Bite Back 2030. This is a youth-led charity Jamie Oliver launched in 2019. With this charity vehicle he’s campaigning for a fairer food system so that ‘every child has access to decent, nutritious food, no matter where they live’.
    In May this year, Oliver organised a protest outside Downing Street following then Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s obesity U-Turn. He got members of the public to turn up with desserts to rally against the government’s delay to ban the buy-one-get-one-free deals for unhealthy food products. He made one giant Eton mess for a photocall, as a way of taking a direct pot shot at Eton educated Boris Johnson.
    In 2017, Jamie Oliver did a similar obesity-centric campaign called ‘Love Letter To London’ where he told Sadiq Khan to end junk food ads across Transport for London. As a result, London households bought 1,000 fewer calories from less healthy products every week.
    Jamie’s School Dinners in 2015 gathered considerable momentum, gaining increasing public support, with Oliver approaching members of the government, to campaign for increased funding for ingredients and staff wages in school canteens.
    In 2005, he opened a campaign, Feed Me Better, to introduce schoolchildren to healthier foods, which was later backed by the government. He was then became the owner of the restaurant chain, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, which opened its first restaurant, Jamie’s Italian, in Oxford in 2008. All helped with a social responsibility, campaigning message.
    All of these campaigns have essentially been the rocket fuel for Jamie Oliver to be positioned as the saviour of the nation and remain that way for years and years.
    Campaigns can be political, or philanthropic, or even environmental – drawing out all the other likeminded souls around a specific purpose.
    When I used to do PR for Dame Vivienne Westwood’s Julian Assange campaigns and Fracking, it gave her the positioning of being ‘punk with purpose’ and made the clothes she sells mean more than just looking good. They jumped off the coat hanger with attitude and meaning.
    Of course, some campaigns can elevate you so high you don’t ever come back down again. Bob Geldof, the Boomtown Rat and entrepreneur, got so defined by Live Aid, that despite all efforts, he’s now Mr. Charity and ‘Saint Bob’.
    The Campaign is a total overrider from the standard blade-throwing process of content.
    It stimulates and legitimises all the aspects of your persona.
    Some campaigns can be long running, others can be short. Some personalities attach themselves to a multiude of campaigns.
    When we take a look at four of the Top 10 advertising campaigns for brands worldwide, we can see
    how simple yet powerful a campaign slogan can be.
    Nike Just Do It. Launched in 1998 featuring amateur and professional athletes alike. An 80-year-old marathoner Walt Stack who runs 17 miles every morning was featured.
    Attach yourself to that.
    Its totally no nonsense and attitudinal to the core. But when launched it essentially manifested the idea into an active campaign.
    Dove’s ‘Real Beauty’ campaign from 2004. Research showed only 2% of women considered themselves beautiful. Real women replaced models for the campaign. This formed real dramatic reality.
    Coca Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign. They printed different people’s names across Coke bottles. Again, this used ‘real life’ to make people feel closer and more entwined with the brand.
    Apple’s ‘Creativity Goes On’ campaign launched as a reaction to Lockdowns. Despite the restriction, creativity was flourishing. And now Apple is celebrating that.
    This is not the same as the Single-minded proposition of the individual persona, but instead the slogan for a campaign which in these cases is for a brand. But equally they could be campaigns for ideas and thoughts.
    Leading a campaign will always give you more brand building qualities that if you’re just part of the chorus line. Perhaps you lead one, and join in and support two or three others.

  • A Complete Guide to Obtaining a Dubai Freelance Visa

    A Complete Guide to Obtaining a Dubai Freelance Visa

    Securing a Dubai Freelance Visa is becoming an increasingly popular path for digital professionals seeking flexibility and international opportunity. This visa enables freelancers to live and work legally in Dubai across diverse industries. It removes the need for a traditional employer-sponsored visa and offers access to regional markets and global networking.

    As competition grows in global freelance platforms, a UAE-based visa enhances credibility and client trust. With a Dubai freelance visa, you can register with authorities, access legal contracts, and issue invoices under your own name. Understanding the application process, requirements, costs, and benefits is essential for a smooth transition.

    Benefits of the Dubai Freelance Visa

    The Dubai Freelance Visa grants flexibility and independence unlike traditional work permits. You gain legal status to reside in Dubai, open a bank account, and sign freelance contracts. It also allows you to sponsor family members and access public services.

  • Panama Playlists Uncovers Spotify Secrets of JD Vance and Other Power Players

    Offshore bank accounts again? Nope—this is all about onshore vibes!

    Guess what, folks? An anonymous sleuth claims they’ve been scraping Spotify accounts of celebrities, politicians, and journalists since the summer of 2024. The results? Brace yourself—things are about to get wild.

    What’s actually going on?

    • Spotify Scraping: The “defective” data is being harvested from the streaming platform’s user accounts.
    • Who’s Involved? Big names, celebrities, politicians, and journalists are on the list—kind of like a who’s who of the internet.
    • Since Summer ’24: The sleuth has been doing this action for months, crawling the data without anyone noticing.

    Why It Matters

    Picture this: random data from people you think you know. That’s why you’ll want to keep an eye on what’s being pulled from the internet.

    Takeaway

    It turns out that data doesn’t just stay on the surface—if you think you’ve protected it… think again!

    Panama Playlists: the Spotify Playlist Leak That’s Got Everyone Talking

    What the Heck is Panama Playlists?

    Think back to the Panama Papers of 2016—11.5 million files that pulled into the spotlight how the rich and powerful hide their money around the globe. Fast‑forward eight years, and we’ve landed a new, more personal set of leaks: the Panama Playlists. Instead of offshore accounts, this time we’re looking at the music tastes of high‑profile folks.

    Who’s in the Spotlight?

    • US Vice President JD Vance
    • Attorney General Pam Bondi
    • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
    • And a mix of other politicians, celebrities, and journalists whose real names are on the icing

    Who’s Behind It?

    The site is run by an anonymous sleuth who says they’ve been scraping public accounts since last summer. They boast about having a “deep ear” (or should we say a thorough collection of playlists) that logs every song played, exactly when it was streamed, and how many times.

    Plot the Big Reveal

    Here’s the juicy part: JD Vance isn’t just a big deal on politics—he’s also a fan of classic boybands. His playlists boast of big hits like One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” and Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” It’s the kind of detail you’d never see on a résumé, but which could be the key to another deep‑dives into celebrity habits.

    What to Expect Next

    Will the list grow? Will the lasciviously private playlists of other big names surface? Keep your headphones ready—you never know who your favorite politicians might be listening to under the table.

    JD Vance

    JD Vance’s Playlist Adventure: From Justin to Jolly Gems

    The soundtrack of a chill night

    Picture a cozy evening lighting up your kitchen, and you’re gonna need the perfect soundtrack. JD Vance pulls a crowd‑pleaser: Justin Bieber’s “One Time” bursts in the “Making Dinner” playlist, giving that heartfelt mood a friendly twist. If you’re keeping it fresh, toss in a few of those funky beats from the early 2000s, and you’ll see why the vibe hits right.

    • One Time – Bieber delivers his signature swagger. “One‑time…” means once in a while, darling.
    • You Are A Tourist – the indie hitsong from Death Cab For Cutie takes you on a nostalgic sojourn through the ‘00s. The chorus? Pure emotional bopping.
    • I Gotta FeelingBlack Eyed Peas unleash a contagious groove that’s basically the reason people dance in the shower.
    • Hot In HerreNelly brings that street‑wise confidence you crave for good vibes during the crunch.”
    • Hello – A global Elizabethan hit from Adele that shows how web‑hinge tunes have absorbed without fail

    Why this mix rocks

    JD’s selection isn’t just random. Every track is carefully chosen to flip between well‑known ‘90s and 2000s pop and the modern echo that Jamie’s dark humour talking up his late‑night “song.” The result? A playlist that keeps you tapping, humming, and maybe strolling around kitchen. Because if you can’t have a great playlist, that’s like cooking a bland breakfast.

    And the pun? That’s the ticket. True!

    Pam Bondi

    Karoline Leavitt’s Playlist Heats Up the Conversation

    Song Selections That Bring the Party… and the Debate

    • Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – the anthem for when you need your hopes high and your worries low.
    • Beyoncé – “Run The World (Girls)” – because who doesn’t want to feel like a queen while scrolling through the playlist?
    • Aretha Franklin – “Respect” – classic, powerful, and a reminder that everyone deserves to be heard.
    • Corinne Bailey Rae – “Put Your Records On” – play it loud and remind the world that music is the one thing you can’t fight against.

    When the Playlist Gets a Dash of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”

    It’s not just fun and dancing; it’s a hint that the creators might be championing more than just good beats. This is where the conversation takes a turn from party vibes to conscious activism.

    Leavitt’s Take on Reproductive Rights (and Why We’re All In)

    On her latest podcast, Karoline was straight‑up: “(Abortion) isn’t about women’s reproductive rights or health— it’s about life and protecting that precious spark. As a woman, we’re part of something truly extraordinary because it gives us the chance to bring new life into the world. That’s why we’re here.”

    So, what’s the bottom line? Music brings us together. Politics keeps us awake. With a killer mixtape and an unwavering stance, the conversation is louder than the karaoke bar.

    Karoline Leavitt

    Panama Playlists Unveiled

    Who’s in the Mix?

    Let’s unpack the juicy bits of the Panama Playlists leak. Think of it as a backstage pass to the playlists that big names have been hiding.

    • Karoline Leavitt – Her profile’s “Baby Shower” track list is a goldmine: a playlist that popped up just before she had a baby. Classic timing, right?
    • Pam Bondi – The detective uncovered patterns: an old playlist called “john,” a shared list with a user named “John Wakefield,” and the fact that Pam’s longtime partner is, you guessed it, John. The evidence stacks up.
    • Seth Meyers – The late‑night host isn’t just a joke machine; he’s got playlists too.
    • Alexandr Wang – Meta’s AI chief’s music taste traverses high tech to hit tracks.
    • Sam Altman – The OpenAI CEO’s “My Shazam Tracks” playlist is a mash‑up: David Guetta, OneRepublic’s “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” Dixon Dallas’ “Good Lookin’,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Fly.”

    All Public, No Secrets

    The sleuth made it clear that everything found was public—no privacy lines crossed, no illegal digging. Just a neat, open‑access look at who’s listening where.

    Want the Full Playlist?

    Grab the complete Panama Playlists leak and dive into the soundtracks of power players. (No link required—just a quick search and you’re in.)

    Sam Altman

    Panama Playlists: Your Personal Playlist Privacy 101

    Ever wondered what the Panama Playlists say about the way the affluent boost their streaming habits? Spoiler alert: not much beyond the fact that, by default, anyone can peek into Spotify playlists. That’s the key takeaway.

    Why You Should Keep an Eye on Those Settings

    • Public by default: Unless you change it, anyone can view and copy your music lineup.
    • Who knows who’s listening? Even the most unsuspected ears can stumble upon your hidden gems.
    • And if you’re shy about exposing your playlist, just tweak the privacy toggle.

    Don’t let your favorite bops turn into unintended TikTok fodder. Just a quick switch and you’re good.

    Spotlight on a Playlist Curator

    Want some serious vibe? Check out Kashmir Hill, the New York Times tech‑privacy reporter, and her “Writing Music” playlist. Think Mogwai, Aphex Twin, Nils Frahm—the real music lovers’ dream, folks.

    So, if you’re ready to amp up your playlist while keeping your secrets safe, hit that privacy switch and give your taste a chance to shine in the bright light—just not on strangers’ screens.

  • Two Chinese nationals detained in Kyiv on suspicion of attempting to steal military tech, SBU says

    Both suspects have been charged with espionage connected to Ukraine’s Neptune missile system and if convicted, face up to 15 years in prison and confiscation of property.

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    Two Chinese nationals have been detained in Kyiv on suspicion of attempting to steal classified military technology related to Ukraine’s Neptune cruise missile system, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Wednesday.
    The agency said the two individuals, a 24-year-old former student of a Kyiv technical university and his father, were collecting secret documents with the intent to pass them on to Chinese intelligence.

    The younger man, who chose to stay in Ukraine after being expelled from university in 2023 for poor academic performance, allegedly attempted to recruit a Ukrainian citizen with access to classified defence technologies to obtain technical data on the RK-360MC Neptune missile system.
    The SBU said the former student was caught “red-handed” during the transfer of sensitive documents, and his father was detained shortly afterward.Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, 9 May, 2025Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, 9 May, 2025
    AP Photo

    Investigators allege the elder suspect, who lives in China but makes occasional visits to Ukraine, personally supervised his son’s espionage activities.
    Searches of the pair’s belongings uncovered mobile phones that contained evidence of a coordinated effort to spy on Ukrainian military technology, including encrypted communications between the two men.

    Both suspects have been charged with espionage and if convicted, face up to 15 years in prison and confiscation of property.
    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly accused China of supporting Russia in its war effort and in April, said he had received information that Beijing was supplying weapons to Moscow, including gunpowder and artillery.

    Related

    Top European court rules Russia violated international law in UkraineRussia launches record 741 drones and missiles in its largest aerial attack against Ukraine

    “We have received information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation. And we are ready to talk about it in detail. Today, we have information from the security service, from intelligence, about gunpowder, artillery,” he said.

    On Tuesday, Zelenskyy signed an order imposing sanctions on five Chinese companies for allegedly supplying components found in Shahed-type attack drones that were used in strikes on Ukraine.
    The Neptune, a Ukrainian-developed coastal defence missile, first came to international attention in 2022 after it was used to sink the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea fleet.