AllYouCanTech

Internet Archive Aided in Revealing CDC’s Elimination of Critical Information

# **Internet Archive Aids in Monitoring Changes in CDC Data Amid Website Cleanup**

## **Introduction**
In today’s swiftly shifting digital realm, the capacity to monitor alterations in government websites has become essential for researchers, journalists, and the general public. Recently, the **Internet Archive (IA)** has emerged as a vital resource for safeguarding public health information following the removal of thousands of pages from the **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** site. This article examines how the Internet Archive is assisting researchers in tracking these transformations, the ramifications of the data removals, and the wider implications for public health.

## **The Vanishing of CDC Data**
Just last week, public health experts observed that a considerable number of pages were being erased from the CDC’s site. These deletions occurred in the wake of two **executive orders** issued by **President Trump** on January 20, mandating government bodies to eliminate specific language and content from federal websites.

The two executive orders involved are:
1. **Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government** – This directive requires the removal of **LGBTQ+ language** from federal websites, impacting CDC’s public health materials.
2. **Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing** – This order predominantly affects **employment policies** within government entities, including the CDC.

Consequently, vital public health information, such as **Mpox transmission insights, reproductive health protocols, and vaccination guidelines**, was either modified or completely deleted.

## **How the Internet Archive is Safeguarding Data**
The **Internet Archive (IA)**, a nonprofit digital library, has been pivotal in retaining online information. IA **crawlers** consistently gather snapshots of websites, enabling users to compare present versions with their historical counterparts. Furthermore, IA provides users the capability to **upload digital content**, thus enhancing the archive’s breadth.

Leading this initiative, **virologist Angela Rasmussen** has played a crucial role in documenting the CDC site. Together with her team, she downloaded the entirety of the CDC website within days and established a **public resource** that merges CDC web content with **deleted datasets**. Many of these datasets, which had been publicly accessible for years, were uploaded to IA by an anonymous contributor known as **”SheWhoExists”** on January 31.

Rasmussen highlighted that IA’s capability to **persistently update archives** renders it an invaluable asset for monitoring adjustments to government sites.

## **The Dangers of Data Deletion**
The removal of CDC datasets has sparked significant alarm among researchers and public health experts. Rasmussen characterized the deletions as **”extremely worrisome” and “unprecedented.”** Although some pages have been reinstated in modified formats, the disappearance of **gender-related public health data** risks jeopardizing vulnerable groups.

For instance, the CDC’s Mpox transmission statistics previously included mentions of **men who have sex with men**, a demographic at increased risk of transmission. The absence of this data could deny individuals **essential health information**, elevating the likelihood of infections and fatalities.

Moreover, the elimination of **Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations** may hinder vaccine distribution. These guidelines inform **insurance providers** on vaccine reimbursements and assist **physicians in assessing eligibility** for vaccines. Even temporary gaps in this information can have dire implications for public health.

## **Researchers and Journalists Respond**
In reaction to the data purge, various initiatives have surfaced aimed at preserving and tracking lost CDC information:
– **Jessica Valenti**, a journalist, established an **archive of CDC guidelines** concerning reproductive rights, sexual health, and domestic violence.
– Rasmussen’s team is collaborating to **repair broken links** and enhance their archive’s **accessibility** for researchers and the public.
– On **Bluesky**, Rasmussen and her colleagues have been gathering archived links and downloading CDC data to ensure ongoing access.

Rasmussen has labeled the deletion of CDC data as **”theft” from the public domain** and urged researchers to keep incorporating deleted information into their analyses. She advocates that **scientific inquiries that disregard the executive orders** represent a significant form of opposition.

## **CDC Under Pressure for Data Deletion Explanations**
The CDC has remained mostly reticent concerning the data removals, merely referencing Trump’s executive orders as justification. However, demands for transparency are intensifying.

A **congressionally mandated advisory committee** to the CDC’s acting director, **Susan Monarez**, has issued a call for clarification. In an **open letter**, the committee posed critical inquiries such as:
– What was the reasoning behind rendering these datasets and websites unavailable?
– What analyses were performed concerning the implications of withdrawing access to these datasets?
– How will deleted data be protected, and when can it be expected to be restored?

Currently, the CDC

Ukraine Utilizes Drones That Release Miniature Drones to Target Opponent Drones

# The Swift Advancement of Drone Warfare in Ukraine

In the heat of conflict, technological progress accelerates like never before. This is particularly evident in Ukraine, where drone warfare has emerged as a vital aspect of the nation’s defense strategy against Russia. With a considerably smaller population and military strength compared to its opponent, Ukraine has leveraged drones as a force multiplier, refining and utilizing increasingly advanced unmanned systems.

From airborne attack drones to surface-based robotic units, both Ukraine’s military and private sector have adopted drone technology to secure a tactical advantage in combat. This article delves into some of the latest and most innovative advancements in drone warfare, illustrating how these devices are transforming contemporary military engagements.

## **Mothership Drones: Launching Smaller Attack Drones**

One of the most fascinating advancements in Ukraine’s drone capabilities is the implementation of “mothership” drones. These larger drones transport and deploy smaller attack drones, expanding their operational range and operational effectiveness.

A recent video highlighted a Ukrainian mothership drone launching a compact quadcopter to intercept and eliminate a significantly larger Russian surveillance drone. The mothership hovered above the adversary’s drone before releasing its cargo, which promptly sped toward the target and detonated upon contact. This strategy enables Ukraine to confront enemy drones with greater efficiency, showcasing a new level of complexity in drone-on-drone warfare.

## **Weaponized Drones: Shotguns, Grenade Launchers, and Assault Rifles**

### **Shotgun Drones**
Since the onset of the conflict, Ukraine has been exploring various weapon mounts for drones, including grenades, RPGs, and even thermite charges. However, integrating firearms poses a distinct challenge due to recoil. Nonetheless, Ukrainian engineers have made notable advancements in stabilizing drones during weapon discharge.

A viral clip recently emerged featuring a drone outfitted with two shotguns successfully engaging and destroying three Russian drones before targeting an enemy soldier on the ground. The ability to fire shotguns while preserving stability indicates that these armed drones could become a more prevalent presence on the battlefield.

### **Grenade Launcher Drones**
Grenade launchers have also been trialed on aerial drones, although they appear to operate more effectively when affixed to ground-based units. The Burya, a compact tracked drone, features a turret capable of launching up to 64 grenades. The system employs fire control software and gyro stabilization to enhance precision, enabling engagements with targets up to 100 meters away. According to reports from Ukrainian military sources, the Burya is now in mass production and is being deployed to frontline troops.

### **Assault Rifle Drones**
While shotguns and grenade launchers have shown efficacy, Ukraine has additionally explored the mounting of assault rifles on drones. The Kyiv Post recently covered attempts to attach AK-74 rifles to drones for assaults on Russian trenches. Despite facing challenges concerning recoil and ammunition use, these drones signify further progress toward fully autonomous combat systems.

## **Unique Drone Features: Claws, Magnets, and Radio Masts**

### **Drone Theft: Claw and Magnet Drones**
One of the more unconventional drone innovations entails drones equipped with retractable claws or magnets designed to “capture” enemy drones. A recent video depicted a Ukrainian drone utilizing this system to seize a Russian drone mid-air, much like an arcade claw machine. While the precise mechanics remain ambiguous, this technology could potentially enable the disabling or repurposing of enemy drones in future conflicts.

### **Radio Mast Drones**
Not all drones serve direct combat purposes. The Ukrainian military has recently introduced the Pliushch, a ground-based drone featuring a retractable 10-meter (32-foot) radio mast. This drone can travel up to 40 km (25 miles) and deploy its mast to function as a mobile communications relay or electronic warfare unit. Such advancements improve battlefield communication and disrupt enemy networks.

## **The Horizon of Drone Warfare**

The fast-paced development of drone warfare in Ukraine signifies a larger trend in modern military tactics. As drone technology becomes more sophisticated, they increasingly take over direct combat roles traditionally filled by human soldiers.

For instance, recent reports indicate that Ukraine’s Khartia brigade executed an assault on Russian positions utilizing solely unmanned systems, including ground drones armed with machine guns, aerial attack drones, and mine-laying drones. This transition to robotic warfare mitigates human casualties while preserving offensive capabilities.

In addition, electronic warfare has emerged as a crucial component of drone operations. Both Ukraine and Russia have employed extensive electronic countermeasures, prompting drone developers to enhance their innovations. One countermeasure has been the introduction of fiber-optic drones, which deploy miles of ultra-thin fiber-optic cables to retain an unjammable link with their operators. However, new countermeasures, such as short-range radar systems, are being created to identify and neutralize these drones.

## **Conclusion**

The conflict in Ukraine has become a testing ground for drone warfare, with both sides continuously adjusting to adopt new technologies and strategies. From mothership drones and