Category: Azer News

TikTok has announced that it will not introduce end-to-end encryption for private messages, a controversial privacy technology widely used by other social media platforms, AzerNEWS reports.

The company stated that such encryption could reduce its ability to ensure user safety.

-to-end encryption means that only the sender and the recipient can read the contents of a message. It is generally considered one of the most secure methods of digital communication. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and X have implemented this technology to strengthen user privacy.

However, critics argue that strong encryption can make it harder to combat harmful or illegal content, as neither technology companies nor law enforcement agencies can access encrypted private messages.

TikTok explained that introducing end-to-end encryption would limit the ability of security teams and police to review messages when necessary, particularly in cases involving potential threats to minors. The company said its decision prioritizes user protection, especially the safety of young people who make up a significant share of its audience.

According to TikTok, the platform has around 30 million monthly users in the United Kingdom and more than one billion users worldwide.

The debate over encryption reflects a broader global discussion about the balance between privacy and security. While privacy advocates argue that encryption is essential to protect users from data breaches and surveillance, governments in several countries have pushed for greater access to digital communications to tackle crime and online abuse. TikTok’s decision places it firmly on the side of enhanced moderation capabilities rather than maximum message privacy – a move that may continue to spark debate among digital rights groups.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has appeared in a newly circulated video after rumors about his alleged death spread widely in recent days, AzerNEWS reports.

Amid the escalating tensions surrounding the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, unverified reports claiming that the former Iranian president had been killed began circulating on social media from the early days of the confrontation.

However, in a newly shared video distributed across several Iranian Telegram channels, Ahmadinejad is seen alive.

There is currently no confirmed information regarding when or where the video was recorded.

Iranian authorities have not issued an official statement addressing the earlier death claims.

Hikmat Guliyev, Director of the Folklore Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and Doctor of Philology, held a meeting in Ankara with Professor Mehmet Öcal Oguz, Chair of the UNESCO Turkiye National Commission, AzerNEWS reports.

During the meeting, Hikmat Guliyev provided detailed information on the research conducted at the ANAS Folklore Institute, the results achieved, the institute’s structure, and the ongoing scientific and methodological updates. He highlighted work on understanding and studying folklore as a dynamic cultural system, as well as research in the areas of digital transformations and internet folklore. Guliyev noted that in the contemporary stage, studying folklore not only as texts but also as collective cultural memory, national identity, and a social-communicative system has been identified as a priority direction.

The discussion also focused on the preservation, documentation, and transmission of multinational intangible heritage elements included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Possible avenues for scientific and institutional collaboration in this field were explored. In particular, the importance of joint research and presentation of shared intangible cultural heritage among Turkic peoples on international platforms was emphasized.

During the meeting, Hikmat Guliyev presented Professor M. Öcal Oguz with a plaque in recognition of his contributions to the methodological study, preservation, and international promotion of Turkic folklore. Hikmat Guliyev also gifted five volumes from the Folklore Institute’s “Western Azerbaijan Folklore” series, as well as his monographs on the archetype of the wise elder and internet folklore.

The meeting was also attended by Professor Konuralp Ercilasun of Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University, Associate Professor Aynur Ibrahimova from the Folklore Institute, and Özge Zleyha Ömeroglu, Acting Deputy Secretary General of the UNESCO Turkiye National Commission.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Hikmat Guliyev was presented with a prestigious collection of publications issued by the UNESCO Turkiye National Commission.

Transit zones will be established at Azerbaijan’s international airports for passengers traveling onward to third countries, AzerNEWS reports.

The measure is reflected in the ‘Rules on the Simplification of Formalities in Air Transportation,’ approved by President Ilham Aliyev.

Under the document, transit zones will allow crew members, passengers, and their baggage traveling to a third country to remain at the airport for up to 24 hours without undergoing border control procedures and without the need for a visa.

In accordance with the Migration Code, foreign nationals and stateless persons permanently residing abroad will not require a transit visa if they pass through Azerbaijan without changing aircraft, remain within the airport’s transit zone while transferring flights without crossing the state border, hold other visas permitting entry into Azerbaijan, or are citizens of countries that have visa-free travel agreements with Azerbaijan.

The head of state has also signed a decree to ensure the implementation of the relevant rules.

Azerbaijan’s Greco-Roman wrestling team has enjoyed a successful outing at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Tournament in Tirana, Albania, AzerNEWS reports.

Nihat Mammadli won the gold medal in the 60 kg weight class. Meanwhile, Rashad Mammadov earned silver in the 55 kg division after progressing to the final, while Nihad Guluzade also claimed silver in the 60 kg category.

The 2026 Muhamet Malo Ranking Series is a premier United World Wrestling event featuring international freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling.

The event is named in honor of Muhamet Malo, a respected figure in Albanian wrestling. Around 500 wrestlers participated in the 2026 Muhamet Malo Ranking Series.

Wrestling remains the most widely followed sport in Azerbaijan and is governed by the National Wrestling Federation, established in 1993.

A major turning point in the nation’s wrestling legacy came at the Rio Olympic Games, where Azerbaijan distinguished itself as one of only two countries to improve its medal haul across five consecutive Olympic Games.

Azerbaijan’s success continued in 2020, when its freestyle wrestlers finished third in the overall medal standings at the Individual World Cup in Serbia, capturing two medals, one silver and one bronze, behind leaders Russia and Turkiye.

Further highlighting the country’s strength on the world stage, Osman Nurmagomedov claimed the 92 kg world title at the 2022 World Championships in Belgrade, overcoming a Russian rival in the final.

Most recently, Azerbaijan added to its Olympic record at the 2024 Summer Games, securing three bronze medals in wrestling. Hasrat Jafarov reached the podium in the 67 kg Greco-Roman category, while Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kg) and Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kg) delivered bronze medals in freestyle wrestling.

The country has earned a reputation for successfully hosting major competitions, from European and World Championships to youth tournaments, welcoming athletes from around the globe with world-class venues and hospitality.

Cities like Baku, Ganja, and others have become key destinations for wrestling fans, showcasing Azerbaijan’s ability to combine a rich sporting heritage with modern event management.

The press office of the International Football Federation (FIFA) has unveiled the official poster for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place next summer across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, AzerNEWS reports.

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three artists collaborated to design the tournament poster: Carson Ting from Canada, Minerva GM from Mexico, and Hank Willis Thomas from the USA.

‘The official poster of the tournament celebrates the spirit of cooperation, excitement, and unity that defines this historic moment,’ the FIFA press office stated.

The artwork reflects the shared cultural heritage of the three host nations while highlighting the global passion for football. Fans can spot subtle references to iconic landmarks and local traditions from each country, making the poster a visual journey across North America.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and will run until July 19, marking the first World Cup to feature an expanded format of 48 teams. With matches set in multiple cities across three countries, this edition promises to be the largest and most diverse tournament in the history of the sport.

Poster’s collaborative design mirrors the tournament itself-a celebration of teamwork, diversity, and the unifying power of football that transcends borders.

Another second-leg match of the Azerbaijan Football Cup quarterfinals will be held in Baku, AzerNEWS reports.

The match between Qarabag FC and Shamakhi FC will take place at Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium on March 4.

In the first leg, played in Shamakhi, the hosts secured a 2-1 victory.

The remaining second-leg matches of the quarterfinal stage are set to be played on March 5. Notably, Zira FC have already booked their place in the semifinals, becoming the first team to advance.

The Azerbaijan Cup is one of the country’s main domestic football tournaments. It was first established in 1936, during the period when Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union. At that time, however, Azerbaijani clubs competing within the Soviet league system did not take part in the competition in its current national format.

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan has introduced various format changes over the years in an effort to increase interest and enhance the tournament’s prestige.

Under the current structure, clubs from the Azerbaijan First League (second tier) enter the competition in the opening round. The winners progress to the second round, where teams from the Azerbaijan Premier League (top division) join the tournament.

The quarterfinals and semifinals are played over two legs, with home-and-away fixtures, while the final is decided in a single, head-to-head match.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a vocal critic of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, reaffirmed his government’s stance against military action, declaring ‘no to war’ and emphasizing that the Spanish people oppose ‘this disaster.’

As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking on the potential consequences, Sánchez referenced the 2003 invasion of Iraq, saying it had left the world less secure. He warned that a war on Iran would not create a more just international order, improve environmental conditions, or enhance the lives of ordinary people.

‘The current crisis shows how humanity’s great disasters begin,’ Sánchez said, urging governments to ‘not play Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.’

The comments come amid rising tensions with the United States. US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain over Madrid’s refusal to allow US military use of its bases for operations linked to strikes on Iran.

Special scholarships will be awarded to young talents in Azerbaijan under a new decree, AzerNEWS reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed the relevant decree.

Under the decree, 61,847 manat ($36,377) have been allocated to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the Reserve Fund of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as stipulated in the country’s 2026 state budget, to finance special scholarships for young talents whose names are inscribed in the ‘Golden Book.’

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been instructed to ensure the financing is considered in the decree, while the Ministry of Culture is tasked with resolving issues arising from its implementation.

The decree enters into force on the day of its signing.

A total of 1,161 people have been evacuated from Iran through the Azerbaijani border following the military operations launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, AzerNEWS reports.

According to available information, 224 Azerbaijani citizens crossed the border between February 28 and March 4 (10:00).

In addition, 937 foreign nationals from 37 countries were evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan during the same period.

The evacuated foreign citizens include:

361 citizens of China

246 citizens of Russia

76 citizens of Pakistan

99 citizens of Tajikistan

18 citizens of Saudi Arabia

9 citizens of Georgia

7 citizens of Belarus

6 each from the United Arab Emirates and Slovakia

5 citizens of Serbia

4 each from Jordan, Switzerland, Iran, Nigeria and Japan

3 each from Qatar, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Mexico and the Philippines

2 each from Nepal, Kazakhstan, France, Trkiye, Italy and Yemen

1 each from Great Britain, Poland, Tunisia, Lebanon, India, Myanmar, Brazil, Maldives and South Africa