NYT/Newsblock, Facebook’s Next Target: Religious Experience

"Now, after the coronavirus pandemic pushed religious groups to explore new ways of operating, Facebook sees an even greater strategic opportunity to attract highly engaged users to its platform. The ...

The Register, Pakistan bans TikTok, for the fourth time

"There is no sign that Pakistan's Telecommunications Authority – or other government agencies – have a plan to end the cycle of bans and rescindments followed by more bans. Or, indeed, any real interest ...

A selection of articles on tech and hajj/umrah:

Asharq Al-Awsat, Smart Cards, ‘Green Holy Sites’ Initiative, Robots Serving Pilgrims during Hajj 2021

"As the pilgrims flocked to Makkah, they were ...

Vice, Iran Launched a Matchmaking App Because Young People Aren’t Procreating

"“Hamdam,” ...

"The CCDH (Center for Countering Digital Hate) report found that 12 online personalities, dubbed the “disinformation dozen,” have a combined 59 million followers across multiple social media platforms, with Facebook having the largest number of followers."

Report Link from CCDH is here

ABC, Indonesian Muslims mark grim Eid amid devastating virus wave

"Muslims across Indonesia are marking a grim Eid al-Adha festival for a second year as the country struggles to cope with a devastating new wave of coronavirus ...

BBC News, Eid al-Adha prayers continue as rockets fired in Afghanistan

"Rockets could be heard exploding nearby during prayers in Afghanistan to mark the start of the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha."

Al Jazeera, ‘It cannot be contained’: Indonesia COVID deaths go unreported

"Jauhar is not an undertaker – he actually works in television production as a director. But as Indonesia struggles through this recent surge in COVID-19 ...

The National, Where do Eid Al Adha sacrifices go? Inside one of the world's largest charity efforts

"The number of sacrifices has fallen significantly in the last two years from a recent peak ...