ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 7, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 7, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• China Implements Revised State Secrets Law to Tighten Grip on Social Media
• Israeli Officials Order Partial Evacuation of Rafah
• President Putin Orders Military Drills Simulating Launch of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

China Implements Revised State Secrets Law to Tighten Grip on Social Media

The Chinese government has implemented the amended State Secrets law, requiring internet giants such as Tencent, Weibo, and ByteDance to delete sensitive information on their platforms and cooperate with government investigations. The expanded State Secrets Law, first announced in February 2024, broadens the definition of what may be seen as sensitive information to include work secrets or information about the decision-making of state agencies, which cause fears among foreign businesses that the legislation could be used to punish regular business activities. Taiwan has also voiced concerns that the new rules could put visitors from the island to China at risk.

Israeli Officials Order Partial Evacuation of Rafah

On May 6, Israeli military officials ordered approximately 100,000 civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate in advance of a “limited scope operation” in the city. Those in the area were advised to relocate to Musawi, a large-scale tent encampment established by Israeli forces in recent weeks. Israeli officials offered no further details surrounding the operation, including potential timing. The move comes as the most recent round of truce negotiations has reportedly stalled.

President Putin Orders Military Drills Simulating Launch of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

On May 6, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military to hold exercises simulating the launch of tactical nuclear weapons. According to a Ministry of Defense Telegram post, the military has begun preparation for the drills, which will take place at an undisclosed date "in the near future". Putin's order comes after French President Emmanuel Macron again suggested NATO countries may deploy troops to Ukraine. The drills likely represent a symbolic warning to the West to refrain from deploying troops to Ukraine rather than a tangible nuclear threat.