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Tech Minister Peter Kyle backs 'databanks' to help families connect at Christmas
Digital dystopia PTA’s rationale is to monitor VPN traffic to ‘address security concerns’, but in reality, this could lead to unprecedented surveillance The 21st century is an era of digital transformation. Countries around the world are witnessing unparalleled progress in the technology sector. From artificial intelligence to driverless cars, the internet has become the backbone of modern life. But in Pakistan, the digital landscape seems to be moving backward. For years, Pakistan has struggled with slow internet speed, frequent disruptions, and an increasing crackdown on digital freedoms. These issues have only escalated in recent times. The banning of X (formerly Twitter), the imposition of national firewalls, and the throttling or outright blocking of unregistered VPNs paint a grim picture of the country’s digital future. With the recent decision by the PTA to require VPN providers to obtain a Class License for Data Services, the situation seems to be worsening. The PTA’s rationale is to monitor VPN traffic to ‘address security concerns’, but in reality, this could lead to unprecedented surveillance. Compounding the issue is the announcement that a new undersea internet cable is being laid to improve connectivity in the country. While the project promises to enhance internet speed and reliability, it is hard to believe that Pakistanis will see any significant benefits given the ongoing restrictions. This year alone has seen more internet disruptions than ever before, and the idea that a new undersea cable could resolve the issue seems more like a hollow promise than a genuine solution. The harsh reality is that even with access to faster internet, the digital environment in Pakistan remains hostile, limiting citizens’ ability to access basic services and information freely. The government’s approach to the internet problem is emblematic of its broader authoritarian tendencies. In a world where social media platforms play a critical role in connecting people, sharing information, and fostering democratic discourse, Pakistanis often find themselves unable to send voice notes, pictures, or videos, let alone access these platforms without using a VPN. What was once considered a basic right is now a luxury, subject to arbitrary restrictions, political maneuvering, and governmental censorship. This is the new normal in Pakistan – and it is utterly unacceptable. The government’s coalition partner, the PPP, has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s internet shutdowns and disruptions. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently urged students to fight for a digital bill of rights, stressing that internet access is a democratic right that should not be subject to government whims. Such a bill of rights would be an important step, but it is not enough. All political parties need to rally behind this cause and take a firm stand for the digital rights of Pakistan’s citizens. It’s clear that the government’s experiments with the internet have led to far-reaching consequences. Freelancers, online businesses, e-commerce platforms, and small businesses have suffered heavy losses due to the unreliable and restricted internet environment. Online education, which many students depend on, has become increasingly difficult to access. Media outlets, too, are facing the brunt of the government’s digital authoritarianism. The state’s approach to managing digital content seems to be more about silencing dissent than addressing security concerns. These measures are not just damaging to Pakistan’s economy and its international reputation but to the very fabric of democracy itself. In an age where information flows freely, governments should be focusing on educating citizens, promoting digital literacy, and fostering an open and transparent digital ecosystem. But the narrative from the government seems to be: if you cannot counter a message, shut it down. What the government fails to understand is that draconian laws will never stop the free flow of information. People will always find ways to bypass restrictions, whether through VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, or other means. The country is already facing significant economic challenges. By continuing to undermine the digital rights of its citizens, Pakistan risks losing its competitive edge in the global economy. If the government persists in its current course, Pakistan will not just miss the digital revolution – it will be left in the past, struggling to catch up.
Christmas 2024: What’s open, what’s closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25? Banks, UPS, FedEx, mail delivery, restaurants, stores, stock marketsCanada is already examining tariffs on certain US items following Trump’s tariff threat
Stock Market Today: Stocks Are Positively Mixed to Open DecemberA Republican president-elect pledges support for expansive tariffs as a means of protecting U.S. businesses and hamstringing global competitors. That description may conjure up former President Donald Trump, but it also applies to Herbert Hoover, who led the country nearly a century ago during the onset of the Great Depression. Within months of the stock market crash, Hoover signed into law the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, a 1930 measure that increased tariffs for a broad swathe of imported goods. In response, several countries imposed retaliatory tariffs and trade plummeted. Many economists view the measure as a factor that exacerbated the nation's economic downturn. "A whole generation of Republicans and Democrats after World War II was very much conditioned against tariff hikes because of the experience of the 1930s. Now we have a new generation of leaders who are much more willing to pull the trigger on higher tariffs," Douglas Irwin, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College and author of "Peddling Protectionism: Smoot-Hawley and the Great Depression," told ABC News. MORE: Trump's proposed tariffs would raise prices for these products, experts say Here's what to know about the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, its economic impact, and what its legacy means for tariffs promised by Trump, according to experts. What is the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act? The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act arrived at a moment of economic crisis. As the stock market wobbled and financial panic took hold, Congress negotiated a set of tariff increases that initially aimed to protect U.S. farmers from foreign competition but ultimately extended to a wide range of manufactured goods. The measure is named after its key supporters in Congress: Republican Sen. Reed Smoot of Utah and Republican Rep. Willis Hawley of Oregon. It passed the Senate by a narrow margin of 44 to 42, and sailed through the House of Representatives by a vote of 264 to 147. Hoover signed Smoot-Hawley into law in June 1930. For products already facing tariffs, the law, on average, raised the import tax from 40% to nearly 60%, making for an increase of roughly 20 percentage points, Kris Mitchener, a professor of economics at Santa Clara University who studies Smoot-Hawley, told ABC News. It also significantly expanded the number of goods subject to a tariff, he added. "It culminated in a more or less complete rewrite of the tariff schedule," Mitchener said, referring to the nation's tariff code. What happened after Smoot-Hawley took effect, and did it cause the Great Depression? The Smoot-Hawley tariffs set off a near-immediate trade war, in which several foreign nations responded to tariffs by slapping U.S. imports with taxes of their own. For instance, Canada placed tariffs on 16 products that accounted for roughly a third of U.S. exports, according to a working paper co-authored by Mitchener in 2021. France and Spain both slapped taxes on imported American automobiles, a major U.S. industry. "America's trade partners responded by targeting U.S. exports," Mitchener said. "The most important declines were in the products that were targeted." As a result, trading partners suffered reduced output, but so did the United States, Michener said. The trade slowdown weakened the economy and exacerbated the nation's economic downturn, experts said. However, the Great Depression had taken hold before the effects of Smoot-Hawley, ruling it out as a cause of the crisis, they added. "Smoot-Hawley impacted the U.S. economy at a vulnerable moment," Irwin said. What could the legacy of Smoot-Hawley mean for Trump's tariff proposals? Smoot-Hawley cast a shadow over tariff policy for decades, Irwin said. "It gave tariffs a bad name," he added. For decades, prominent members of both major parties focused on the risks posed by tariffs, occasionally citing Smoot-Hawley, Irwin said. "The Smoot-Hawley tariff ignited an international trade war and helped sink our country into the Great Depression," then-president Ronald Reagan said during a radio address in 1986. MORE: What have past Republican presidents said about tariffs? The measure also played a key role in shifting tariff authority from Congress toward the executive branch, since lawmakers sought a speedy way to roll back the tariffs, experts said. In 1934, the Reciprocal Tariffs Act gave the president the power to increase or reduce tariff levels by up to 50%. A series of subsequent laws helped shift additional tariff authority to the president. "Now, Congress doesn't have much to do with setting tariffs," Irwin said. On the campaign trail, Trump said he could enact tariffs without support from Congress. He is largely accurate in his description of the wide latitude enjoyed by the president in setting and implementing some tariffs, experts previously told ABC News. "Trump is using the delegated powers to pass tariffs," Irwin said. "That's completing the circle of Smoot-Hawley in some sense."
Race to be next Oakland mayor somewhat stalled as Rep. Barbara Lee makes up her mindBy ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”Redefining motion capture with innovative flying action cameras and the award-winning HOVERAir Beacon LAS VEGAS , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently , Zero Zero Robotics , a pioneering tech company in intelligent devices, announced their participation at CES 2025, where the company will showcase its HOVERAir X1 series of self-flying cameras at booth # 56045 , Venetian, Level 2, Halls A-D. Designed to simplify aerial cinematography, the HOVERAir lineup includes the pocket-sized HOVERAir X1, the action-focused HOVERAir X1 PRO, and the Professional grade HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. Zero Zero will also celebrate its 2025 CES Innovation Awards Honoree title in Audio/Video Components & Accessories for the HOVERAir Beacon, an intelligent modular controller that redefines precision tracking and control. The introductory model in the HOVERAir lineup, HOVERAir X1 , weighs just 125g and delivers an effortless aerial photography experience with no controller or app required. With over five pre-programmed flight paths, including Hover, Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit, and Bird's Eye, it's perfect for capturing cinematic moments in everyday life. Its 2.7K video resolution, palm launch capabilities, and robust computer vision algorithms make it the ultimate everyday and travel companion. Building on the success of the X1, Zero Zero introduced the HOVERAir X1 PRO and HOVERAir X1 PROMAX in August 2024 to meet the demands of action enthusiasts and professional creators. The X1 PRO offers 4K/60fps video with a 104° field of view for versatile shooting conditions. The X1 PROMAX delivers stunning 8K /30fps video with 4K /120fps slow-motion capabilities, a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor, and 14 stops of dynamic range for cinematic footage. Both models feature advanced AI tracking, Level 5 wind resistance, and a lightweight, durable HEMTM frame. "Our vision has always been to create flying cameras that are effortless, intelligent, and fun to use," said MQ Wang, Founder & CEO of Zero Zero Robotics. "The HOVERAir series puts professional-grade aerial cinematography in the palm of your hand, whether you're capturing casual moments or pushing creative boundaries." Adding to these innovations, the HOVERAir Beacon enhances control and precision for the series. The Beacon features a patented Tri-state modular design with two detachable joysticks, enabling one-handed and full-featured two-handed controls. It activates HoverLinkTM for precise tracking with up to a 1 km transmission range, while the 1.78" OLED display allows real-time footage monitoring. Equipped with AI-powered noise cancellation, the Beacon sets a new standard for audio and video recording during aerial shoots. "We're excited to bring the HOVERAir X1 series and Beacon to CES 2025, where we're redefining how motion is captured, tracked, and controlled," continued Wang. "These tools empower creators and adventurers to document their journeys with breathtaking precision and ease." Zero Zero Robotics invites attendees to stop by Booth #56045 to experience the HOVERAir X1 series in action and witness its unparalleled performance. Media wishing to interview Zero Zero Robotics personnel should contact Borjana Slipicevic. About Zero Zero Robotics Zero Zero Robotics was co-founded in 2014 by Stanford PhDs MQ Wang and Tony Zhang , specializing in embedded AI technology for intelligent devices. Known for its innovative machine vision and high-precision control systems, ZeroZero has team members who are dreamers, engineers, inventors, and builders hailing from top universities and research institutions around the world. Zero Zero Robotics holds more than 140 core patents and has pioneered technologies like fully enclosed portable propeller designs and bi-copter designs, cementing its place as a leader in intelligent device development. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zero-zero-robotics-showcases-bestselling-hoverair-x1-series-at-ces-2025-302339204.html SOURCE ZeroZero Robotics
What to buy now before Trump's tariffs kick in
By ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”
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