Hackers Who Shut Down Various Illicit Websites Hired by Government
27 January 2018
A number of hacking groups in Dreyvisevich have helped to shut down over 40 illicit websites containing child pornography, illegal drug trading or black-market information dealership over the past year. Usually comprising of 4 to 5 hackers each, such groups normally operate outside of government jurisdiction. However, as technology becomes more prevalent in society, more and more like-minded citizens have taken matters into their own hands. One major group that has been conducting operations since 2009 has been offered a place in the government cyber-security agency and has readily accepted the position. Declining to give their names, the group commented that "recent actions undertaken by the government like this one have really shown how we can work together to put an end to illegal web activities and make the world a better place." At least 20 other individuals have also been drafted into Dreyvisevich's cyber-security network as of late. Some are concerned that the anonymous hackers might betray the government, but as one hacker put it, "I've worked for 4 years to help the government get rid of unlawful web content, now I've been granted the ability to work directly with them, meaning we have a much wider access to tools that can find and shut down these sites and users". "This isn't information security we're part of, it's creating a better internet for everyone to enjoy." Many seem optimistic about government policies, which have slowly become centered around government-citizen co-operation for a brighter future.
-Danatsye Zhukov, Writer, DS2
Dreyvisevite Guards At Veleazean Border Caught Playing Dice
27 January 2018
Even though tensions have been high around Veleaz recently, it seems that all is well at the border checkpoint between the two socialist states as Dreyvisevite guards were caught on camera numerous times playing various games with the Veleazean guards, including dice, cards and even chess. The checkpoint only sees less than 20 people a day, mostly consisting of curious Dreyvisevite explorers and the occasional Veleazean immigrant who managed to attain a pass to leave Veleaz. Said one guard, "We've all worked so long here that we decided to try chatting to pass the time. I mean, what else is there to do? Short conversations slowly turned into casual banter. And now we're here, playing a nice game of dice." It is currently unknown whether either government condones such behaviour by the border guards, but it does show that there is hope for Veleaz to change and go on the route of democracy. As one journalist summarised: "The citizens are willing, but the government is not. What can they do? They have no freedom."
-Kalyukin Mozhoratov, Writer, DS2
Government Encourages Local Farming to Reduce Cost of Food
27 January 2018
Importing food is expensive and contributes to food prices across the country. By encouraging more citizens to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices at home, whether in their backyard or in community farms, the government hopes to reduce the cost of food and increase the country's ecological well-being. However, there is a continuing emphasis on sustainable and responsible farming, to avoid eating into the natural plants and alter the ecosystem. Growing more such food at home also contributes to a reduced carbon footprint, not just by giving plants that take in carbon dioxide, but by reducing the amount of food imported per year, less transportation is required, saving energy and removing sources of pollutant emission, like food processing factories and import distribution hubs. "It's not going to be an easy road, but its necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of our country," stated President Dushkin in his speech at the recent Presidential Meet-And-Greet session, "we have to all work together to create a better place for our children, and our children's children. The future is now! If not today, there will be no tomorrow." There is an ongoing debate in government on whether subsidies on agricultural supplies and benefits for those home-growing crops can be given. If the move passes, it may further increase the cost of certain import-only foodstuffs, but will also be one step in reshaping the country. The benefits of subsidised agriculture include cheaper food overall, smaller carbon footprint, decreased rural-urban migration as well as better usage of land.
-Natalyi Kyekovo, Writer, DS2