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After pushing remote work before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt now wants state employees to come back to the office full time in early 2025. Stitt issued an executive order on Wednesday directing state employees to perform their work in an office, facility, or field location assigned by their agency by Feb. 1. The move mirrors an effort pushed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the unelected businessmen appointed by incoming President Donald Trump to study government efficiency at the federal level. Stitt, in a press release, said pandemic-era work arrangements should end. “COVID altered the way we did business for a time, but that time has passed,” Stitt said. “Now, we need to put stewardship of taxpayer dollars as our top priority. Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively. Returning to traditional work environments is a critical step in achieving that goal.” Stitt’s executive order includes several exceptions. Agencies that have eliminated office space in the last few years and would have problems accommodating a full return to office could get an exception from the policy. Agency executives can also approve teleworking for employees with non-standard work hours. The Department of Corrections used the increased use of state employee teleworking to move its Oklahoma City headquarters this year. Agency leaders found space at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority building north of the Capitol partly because more Health Care Authority employees were teleworking. Stitt put the Office of Management and Enterprise Services in charge of collecting data from agencies on teleworking status after the executive order goes into effect. OMES had almost 30% of its employees working remotely in fiscal year 2024, the agency disclosed in budget documents this year. Another 60% of the agency’s 1,036 employees were in a hybrid work arrangement, which means they were onsite two to four days per week. As a state agency, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will comply with the executive order, said Angela Caddell, associate vice chancellor for communications. “State system institutions are reviewing the EO, and any next steps will be determined by the respective campus governing boards,” Caddell said in an email. The latest statewide employee engagement survey , issued by OMES in July, showed widespread satisfaction with telework or a hybrid arrangement. The survey had responses from 16,000 employees across 111 state agencies. “Respondents indicating either hybrid or full-time telework had slightly higher favorable responses related to engagement and satisfaction,” the report said. “Among those indicating a full-time or hybrid telework status, engagement is slightly higher and satisfaction is slightly lower among employees working hybrid schedules.” Department of Government Efficiency Musk and Ramaswamy said in a Wall Street Journal opinion column last month their reform project, which they dubbed the Department of Governmental Efficiency, could lead to lower costs if the federal government got rid of telework. “Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome: If federal employees don’t want to show up, American taxpayers shouldn’t pay them for the COVID-era privilege of staying home,” Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in the opinion column. Some Oklahoma lawmakers said Stitt’s executive order could hamper efforts to keep state employment competitive with the private sector. In recent years, lawmakers on a bipartisan basis have expanded state benefits to include 6 weeks of paid maternity leave for state employees. “We want great jobs in our state with opportunities for advancement,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “These state positions need to be competitive with modern employers to provide high quality, desirable jobs. We were just hearing cost savings reports from state agencies who moved positions to remote work. What will it cost in taxpayer funds with this U-turn?” House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said offering telework as an option to prospective state employees helps recruitment, especially in rural areas. “With all the costs of getting to work, paying for gas and car maintenance, especially if you’re living in a rural area, being able to access a job and being able to work from home is a huge benefit,” Munson said. “And it’s a way to grow our workforce for state employees.” Munson said both private and public sector employees have reevaluated their work-life balance in the wake of the pandemic. “We spend the majority of our days working,” Munson said. “If you can work from home and be as effective and efficient in the comfort of your home, why would we take that away from folks? It’s very confusing.” The Department of Human Services, which at more than 6,200 employees is the state’s largest agency, had 44% of its workforce working remotely in fiscal year 2024. DHS closed dozens of county offices in the early part of the pandemic and pushed employees to telework or to be embedded with other social service agencies, The Frontier found in a July, 2021 investigation . In his 2021 State of the State address , Stitt touted the benefits of teleworking for state employees. He mentioned an employee called Cody, who worked for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission in Idabel. “Cody was doing way more work than his title and job description indicated, but factors out of his control made a promotion nearly impossible,” Stitt said in the speech. “One of those factors was location. An agency policy required directors to live in Oklahoma City. Generations of Cody’s family had lived in Idabel and a promotion wasn’t worth leaving his family. It took a pandemic – and my Executive Order to have state employees working from home – to change the policy so he could become a director.”Bank of America Announces Full Redemption of Its Series MM Preferred Stock and Related Depositary Shares
Oracle Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial ResultsTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 9, 2024 / ARway.ai ("ARway" or the "Company") (CSE:ARWY)(OTCQB:ARWYF)(FSE:E65) is an AI powered Augmented Reality Experience platform with a disruptive no-code, no beacon spatial computing solution enabled by visual marker tracking with centimeter precision announces the departure of Board member Belinda Tyldesley for personal reasons. We thank her for her service! Arway also announced the appointment of Peter Bloch, a successful entrepreneur as new BOD member replacing Mrs. Tyldesley. Bio: Peter Bloch was the Chief Executive Officer of BresoTEC Inc. Mr. Bloch was also the CEO & Chairman of Bionik Laboratories from 2012 to 2018. Mr. Bloch is a CPA, CA, with a track record of building both public and private technology companies, mainly in the life sciences industry. In these roles, Mr. Bloch has secured significant funding for both private and public companies, gained experience with initial public offerings and led a number of acquisitions and partnership transactions. His past 25 years of executive management experience includes serving as Chief Financial Officer and joint interim CEO of Sanofi Canada Inc., the Canadian affiliate of Sanofi -Aventis, a global healthcare leader; Chief Financial Officer of Intellivax Inc., a biotechnology company which was sold to GlaxoSmithKline for $1.75 billion; founder of Tribute Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company; the Chief Financial Officer of Gennum Corporation, a public semiconductor company focused on the TV and medical device market and Chief Financial Officer of Just Energy, a large public electricity and gas company . These companies have ranged in size from start-ups to companies with revenues of over $2 billion. Mr. Bloch also has substantial experience serving on the Board of Directors of both public and private companies. Mr. Bloch also serves as an advisor to Mars Discovery District, a large Canadian incubator for technology companies. Sign up for Investor News - HERE To learn more about ARway, please follow on Social Media: Twitter , YouTube , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook , and visit our website: www.arway.ai About ARway.ai ARway.ai (CSE:ARWY)(OTCQB:ARWYF)(FSE:E65) is a spatial computing platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) providing an array of augmented reality (AR) experiences for indoor spaces. ARway's breakthrough no-code no-beacon IPN allows for the easy creation of navigation, tours, information sharing, notifications, advertising and gamification. ARway works seamlessly as a cross platform solution on iOS/ Android. ARway's technology is optimized for both mobile devices and AR glasses: Apple's Vision Pro, Magic Leap and Microsoft's HoloLens. ARway has unlimited use cases for augmenting physical spaces, making it a valuable tool for creators, brands and companies in various industries. The complete ARway platform includes: the Web Creator Studio, the ARwayKit Software Development Kit (SDK) and a mobile app for iOs and Android. Nextech 3D.ai On October 26, 2022, ARway.ai. was spun-out from its parent Company, Nextech3D.ai (OTCQX:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR)(FSE:1SS). Nextech retained a control ownership in ARway.ai. with 13 million shares, or a 50% stake. Nextech3D.ai is a Generative AI powered 3D modeling Company and leading provider of augmented reality ("AR") experience technologies and 3D model services. Nextech's AI-powered 3D modeling platform, "ARitize3D" has contracts with; AMZN, KSS, CB2, Genuine Parts & many others. To learn more about Nextech3D.ai, visit www.nextechar.com For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Contact investor.relations@arway.ai ARway.ai Evan Gappelberg CEO and Director 866-ARITIZE (274-8493) Forward-looking Statements The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. ARway.ai will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: ARway Corporation View the original on accesswire.com
( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In DMC To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in DMC between May 3, 2024 and November 4, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against DMC Global Inc. (“DMC” or the“Company”) (NASDAQ: BOOM) and reminds investors of the February 4, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the goodwill associated with Acadia Products was overstated due to the adverse events and circumstances affecting that reporting segment; (2) DMC Global's materially inadequate internal systems and processes were adversely affecting its operations; (3) the Company's inadequate systems and processes prevented it from ensuring reasonably accurate guidance and that its public disclosures were timely, accurate, and complete; (4) as a result, Defendants misrepresented DMC Global's operations and financial results; and/or (5) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false, misleading, or lacked a reasonable basis when made. On October 21, 2024, DMC announced a revision to its financial guidance for the fiscal quarter concluding on September 30, 2024. The company now anticipates that its adjusted EBITDA will be approximately $5 million, significantly reduced from the previously forecasted range of $15 to $18 million. Additionally, DMC indicated that its third quarter financial results will incorporate charges related to inventory and bad debts amounting to approximately $5 million at DynaEnergetics, coupled with decreased fixed overhead absorption due to lower sales at both Arcadia and DynaEnergetics. Moreover, the company disclosed that its financial results will reflect an approximate $142 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge stemming from DMC's acquisition of a controlling interest in Arcadia in December 2021. After this disclosure, the market value of DMC's stock experienced a decline of $2.36 per share, or 18.3%, closing at $10.57 per share on October 22, 2024. This substantial decrease in stock price resulted in financial detriment to the investors. Further developments occurred on November 4, 2024, when DMC released its financial outcomes for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. Following this announcement, DMC's stock value continued to decline, exhibiting a decrease of over 10% during mid-day trading on November 5, 2024. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding DMC's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the DMC Global Inc. class action, go to /BOOM or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at MENAFN26122024004107003653ID1109033702 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.TCMD stock touches 52-week high at $16.96 amid robust growth
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson reserve guard Trent Howard will miss the 12th-ranked Tigers game with No. 16 South Carolina after tearing the ACL in his left knee at practice this week. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney announced Howard's injury Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound fifth-year graduate has been a backup much of the season, but had to step into a starter's role due to injuries along Clemson's offensive line. “My heart breaks for him,” Swinney said. Howard came in on the second snap in a 24-20 win at Pitt two games ago when lineman Elyjah Thurmon was hurt on the first play. Thurmon had an ankle injury that required surgery and will not return this season. Howard got his fourth career start last Saturday in a 51-14 win over The Citadel. and was in line for another if injured starter Marcus Tate was unable to go after missing the past three games. Howard was listed as a backup at both right and left guard on this week's depth chart. The Tigers (9-2) face the rival Gamecocks (8-3) on Saturday. —- Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThirada "Tida" Kangwankiattichai's story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and an enduring love for animation. Born and raised in Bangkok, Tida grew up like many kids captivated by Disney's enchanting tales. Little did she know that years later, she would join the very studio that brought those magical worlds to life, playing a pivotal role as a layout artist in Disney's Moana 2. Tida's childhood was filled with artistic pursuits and a deep appreciation for movies. She remembers saving her allowance in high school to buy CDs of her favourite films, often cramming her cabinet to capacity. "I was a kid who loved drawing and watching movies," she recalled with a smile. "But I never expected to grow up pursuing a career in animation." Her journey into the world of animation was far from linear. After graduating from Nawaminthrachinuthit Bodindecha School, Tida pursued a bachelor's degree in management engineering and logistics at Silpakorn University. However, a move to Vancouver, Canada, was the turning point. "When I arrived in Vancouver, I realised animation could be a viable career," Tida said. "That's when I decided to take it seriously." In 2014, she enrolled at Vancouver Film School to study 3D animation and visual effects. Fast-forward to 2023, Tida's dream became reality when she joined Walt Disney Animation Studios as a layout artist. For her, animation is the perfect marriage of art, technology and storytelling. "It's a medium where I can truly express my creativity," she shared. Tida's passion for Disney runs deep. When asked if she considers herself a die-hard fan, she beams with pride. "The musical elements and adventurous storylines in Disney films make them timeless," she explains. "No matter how old I am, I can always relate to the stories." Her admiration extends to Disney's legacy in the animation industry. "The company's enduring success speaks to the incredible talent behind the scenes," she said. Collaborating with such gifted individuals has been a dream come true. "It's an honour to contribute to creating timeless classics that inspire future generations." Working on Moana 2 marked a significant milestone for Tida. As her first Disney credit, the project came with its share of challenges -- and immense rewards. The film, a sequel to 2016's Moana, takes audiences on an even more adventurous journey, reuniting Moana and Maui while introducing new characters and challenges. "The duration and quality we were striving for were the biggest challenges in creating Moana 2," Tida admited. Her role as a layout artist required meticulous attention to detail. From setting camera angles to determining camera movements, Tida played a key part in capturing the characters and story in the most engaging way possible. The process involved creating balanced compositions within scenes, ensuring the proportions of the characters were clear and using techniques like "Enhance Depth" to craft visually stunning shots. Every element, from the lighting to the effects, had to align with the story's emotional beats. "The camera movement has to feel purposeful," Tida explained. "It should never be too still or too complex; it needs to flow seamlessly with the characters." Action scenes were particularly demanding. "These sequences require great precision," she said. "Every movement must connect with the audience and keep them engaged." The result is a visually breathtaking film that raises the bar for animated storytelling. Tida's personal connection to the original Moana made working on the sequel even more special. "The first Moana is my favourite animated film," she revealed. "It's a princess story full of action, adventure, and catchy songs. It's so much fun!" She promises that Moana 2 delivers more excitement. Alongside Moana and Maui, the sequel introduces new characters embarking on a more challenging mission. "Fans of the original will love this sequel," Tida said. "It's packed with stunning visuals, unforgettable music and a story that will resonate with everyone." Her pride in the project shines through. "I hope audiences enjoy Moana's new adventure as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life," she shares. "And I'm especially proud that this film highlights the contributions of Southeast Asian talent." As the only Thai layout artist on Moana 2, Tida hopes her journey will inspire others from her home country to pursue careers in animation. "It warms my heart to see creative talents from Southeast Asia contributing to Disney's legacy," she said. Vineet Puri, general manager and vice president of Disney Entertainment Southeast Asia, echoed this sentiment. "It's incredible to see someone of Thai heritage bringing Moana and Maui's adventures to life," he said. "We hope Tida's work inspires future storytellers and animators from Thailand to pursue their dreams." For Tida, the journey is about more than personal success. It's about opening doors for others and showcasing the global appeal of animation. "I hope more people in Thailand recognise and support local animators," she said. "It's an honour to represent my heritage in a film that will be seen by audiences around the world." As Moana 2 hit theatres, Tida reflects on her incredible journey. From a movie-loving teenager in Bangkok to a layout artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios, her path is a powerful reminder that dreams can come true with dedication and passion. "Animation has the power to make imagination come alive," Tida said. "It's amazing to be part of a team that creates magic on screen." Audiences can now experience the magic for themselves. Set sail with Moana and her crew on a thrilling new adventure in Moana 2. With breathtaking visuals, unforgettable music, and a heartfelt story, it's a journey you won't want to miss. And behind it all is the remarkable talent of artists like Thirada Kangwankiattichai, whose passion and creativity continue to inspire a new generation of dreamers.
Saquon Barkley is chasing Eric Dickerson's NFL season rushing record. Can he do it?
Serena Williams’ slimmed-down postpartum transformation sparks mixed reaction among fansTORONTO, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winter sports enthusiasts across Canada eagerly anticipate the first snowfall, signaling the start of a season filled with fresh air and fun in a snowy wonderland. However, a changing climate is making those first flakes increasingly unpredictable, challenging an industry that supports communities and promotes healthy lifestyles nationwide. In response, the Canadian Ski Council has launched snowissnow.ca , a resource showcasing the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The initiative provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Canada’s ski areas are adapting to ensure snowy days remain a hallmark of winter for generations to come. Why is it Important for Canadians to Know that Snow is Snow? “Responsibility and resilience are at the heart of the ski industry’s investment in snowmaking,” says Paul Pinchbeck, President and CEO of the Canadian Ski Council. Snowmaking is essential for ski operations across Canada, providing consistent snow coverage that enhances the experience for recreational skiers. “It ensures visitors can enjoy the slopes even during fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather while supporting the communities that rely on winter tourism,” Pinchbeck adds. Snowmaking also plays a vital role in kickstarting the winter season, offering early access to slopes before natural snowfall is dependable. This early-season reliability not only attracts visitors eager to embrace winter activities but also supports competitive athletes by providing critical training opportunities. As a foundation of operations, snowmaking bolsters the resilience of Canada’s ski industry and its capacity to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Snowfall Trends and the Need for Adaptation Snowfall data from Environment Canada reveals that winter in Canada is changing. While snow cover has decreased in regions like the Pacific Coast and the Rockies, areas in southern Canada and central British Columbia have seen an increase in days with snow cover. Meanwhile, the Weather Network’s 2024/2025 Winter Forecast predicts near- to above-normal precipitation across most of Canada, ensuring an active winter ahead. The Economic and Health Impacts of Snowmaking Ski areas are at the heart of many communities, supporting the economy through job creation and attracting millions of visitors annually. For example, Canada’s ski areas welcome 17.9 million skier visits annually, including 2.4 million active skiers and riders, and generate $4.4 billion in spending. Beyond economics, skiing and snowboarding deliver significant health benefits. Outdoor activity improves cardiovascular health, balance, strength, and coordination while supporting mental well-being. Studies show that skiers may be at a lower risk of anxiety disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and benefit from natural boosts to sleep, metabolism, and immune function. Snowmaking: A Modern, Sustainable Solution The stakes are high, and the industry is taking a proactive approach to adapting to the many challenges it faces. Snowmaking technology has evolved dramatically, becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly. The snowissnow.ca resource seeks to provide insights into the snowmaking process while debunking myths about made snow. Key facts about snowmaking: Machine-made snow is not ‘fake’ or artificial: Snowmaking equipment mimics nature’s process of producing snow crystals. Water is separated into small particles that quickly freeze as they move through the cold air. New and Improved: Snowmaking has evolved with cutting-edge, energy-efficient technology. Environmentally Friendly: Today’s processes minimize water usage and emissions. (90% of the water used in snowmaking is returned to the watershed source) Essential for Winter Fun: Extends the ski season even when nature doesn’t cooperate. With conscientious innovation and a commitment to community, Canada’s ski industry ensures that snow is snow – preserving winter recreation, supporting local economies, and ensuring snow sports remain a cornerstone of Canadian winter culture for years to come. About the Canadian Ski Council The Canadian Ski Council is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding across Canada. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Council works to make winter sports accessible to all Canadians, fostering a love for the outdoors and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles. Visit www.skicanada.org for more information or follow the Canadian Ski Council on social media: X: @CDNSKICOUNCIL | Instagram: goskiinggosnowboarding | Facebook: GoSkiingGoSnowboarding | LinkedIn: canadian-ski-council | YouTube: CanSkiCouncil #SkiCanada #GoSkiingGoSnowboarding #SnowStartKidzPass #CanadianLiftPass #Winter20242025 MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Booth Communications & Media Liaison Canadian Ski Council leslie@skicanada.org 416.427.1588
By Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times (TNS) Every day millions of people share more intimate information with their accessories than they do with their spouse. Wearable technology — smartwatches, smart rings, fitness trackers and the like — monitors body-centric data such as your heart rate, steps taken and calories burned, and may record where you go along the way. Like Santa Claus, it knows when you are sleeping (and how well), it knows when you’re awake, it knows when you’ve been idle or exercising, and it keeps track of all of it. People are also sharing sensitive health information on health and wellness apps , including online mental health and counseling programs. Some women use period tracker apps to map out their monthly cycle. These devices and services have excited consumers hoping for better insight into their health and lifestyle choices. But the lack of oversight into how body-centric data are used and shared with third parties has prompted concerns from privacy experts, who warn that the data could be sold or lost through data breaches, then used to raise insurance premiums, discriminate surreptitiously against applicants for jobs or housing, and even perform surveillance. The use of wearable technology and medical apps surged in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but research released by Mozilla on Wednesday indicates that current laws offer little protection for consumers who are often unaware just how much of their health data are being collected and shared by companies. “I’ve been studying the intersections of emerging technologies, data-driven technologies, AI and human rights and social justice for the past 15 years, and since the pandemic I’ve noticed the industry has become hyper-focused on our bodies,” said Mozilla Foundation technology fellow Júlia Keserű, who conducted the research. “That permeates into all kinds of areas of our lives and all kinds of domains within the tech industry.” The report “From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age” recommends that existing data protection laws be clarified to encompass all forms of bodily data. It also calls for expanding national health privacy laws to cover health-related information collected from health apps and fitness trackers and making it easier for users to opt out of body-centric data collections. Researchers have been raising alarms about health data privacy for years. Data collected by companies are often sold to data brokers or groups that buy, sell and trade data from the internet to create detailed consumer profiles. Body-centric data can include information such as the fingerprints used to unlock phones, face scans from facial recognition technology, and data from fitness and fertility trackers, mental health apps and digital medical records. One of the key reasons health information has value to companies — even when the person’s name is not associated with it — is that advertisers can use the data to send targeted ads to groups of people based on certain details they share. The information contained in these consumer profiles is becoming so detailed, however, that when paired with other data sets that include location information, it could be possible to target specific individuals, Keserű said. Location data can “expose sophisticated insights about people’s health status, through their visits to places like hospitals or abortions clinics,” Mozilla’s report said, adding that “companies like Google have been reported to keep such data even after promising to delete it.” A 2023 report by Duke University revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals’ mental health conditions on the open market. While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report. In two public surveys conducted as part of the research, Keserű said, participants were outraged and felt exploited in scenarios where their health data were sold for a profit without their knowledge. “We need a new approach to our digital interactions that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to safeguard their bodily data, an issue that speaks directly to human autonomy and dignity,” Keserű said. “As technology continues to advance, it is critical that our laws and practices evolve to meet the unique challenges of this era.” Consumers often take part in these technologies without fully understanding the implications. Last month, Elon Musk suggested on X that users submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs and other medical images to Grok, the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot, to seek diagnoses. The issue alarmed privacy experts, but many X users heeded Musk’s call and submitted health information to the chatbot. While X’s privacy policy says that the company will not sell user data to third parties, it does share some information with certain business partners. Gaps in existing laws have allowed the widespread sharing of biometric and other body-related data. Health information provided to hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical insurance companies is protected from disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , known as HIPAA, which established federal standards protecting such information from release without the patient’s consent. But health data collected by many wearable devices and health and wellness apps don’t fall under HIPAA’s umbrella, said Suzanne Bernstein, counsel at Electronic Privacy Information Center. “In the U.S. because we don’t have a comprehensive federal privacy law ... it falls to the state level,” she said. But not every state has weighed in on the issue. Washington, Nevada and Connecticut all recently passed laws to provide safeguards for consumer health data. Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data. In California, the California Privacy Rights Act regulates how businesses can use certain types of sensitive information, including biometric information, and requires them to offer consumers the ability to opt out of disclosure of sensitive personal information. “This information being sold or shared with data brokers and other entities hypercharge the online profiling that we’re so used to at this point, and the more sensitive the data, the more sophisticated the profiling can be,” Bernstein said. “A lot of the sharing or selling with third parties is outside the scope of what a consumer would reasonably expect.” Health information has become a prime target for hackers seeking to extort healthcare agencies and individuals after accessing sensitive patient data. Health-related cybersecurity breaches and ransom attacks increased more than 4,000% between 2009 and 2023, targeting the booming market of body-centric data, which is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, according to the report. “Nonconsensual data sharing is a big issue,” Keserű said. “Even if it’s biometric data or health data, a lot of the companies are just sharing that data without you knowing, and that is causing a lot of anxiety and questions.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Biden team briefed Trump transition on Israel-Hezbollah ceasefireCanadian fund drops bid for Spanish pharma firm Grifols
Italy shares higher at close of trade; Investing.com Italy 40 up 0.61%Best of the West MBB power rankings: Gonzaga on top despite loss while Oregon soars after big wins