Apple is rolling out a major privacy feature
Apple is rolling out a major privacy feature on Monday that will allow iOS users to decide how they want their personal data handled -- a move that has worried some companies, including Facebook.
iOS users must now give explicit permission for apps to track their behavior and sell their personal data, such as age, location, spending habits and health information, to advertisers. While many apps have allowed people to manage or opt-out of this for years, it's typically buried deep in user settings and wordy privacy policies.
The new App Tracking Transparency feature, now available as an iOS 14.5 software update, will usher in a wave of privacy awareness, especially as permission requests start coming in from apps people never thought were tracking them.
Developers are now required to ask users via a pop-up alert if they can "track your activity across other companies' apps and websites." People who opt-out will see fewer personalized ads. The app developer controls when the prompt appears. And once a user makes their choice, they can change their mind in the settings.
Although some data can help users map their runs, tag photos or track locations so a store nearby can offer up discounts, "some apps have more trackers embedded in them than they need," Apple said in a video posted to YouTube on Monday. "They collect thousands of pieces of information about you to create a digital profile that they sell to others. These third parties use your profile to target you with ads, and they can also use it to predict and influence your behaviors and decisions."
"This has been happening without your knowledge or permission. Your information is for sale. You have become the product," Apple said in the video.
Apple's effort has roiled some businesses that rely on data tracking to target users with personalized advertising. Facebook (FB), which makes almost all of its revenue from advertising, warned investors in August that Apple's software changes could hurt its business if people start opting-out of tracking.
UK sees budget deficit rise to highest rate since 1946
Britain has seen its budget deficit rise during the novel coronavirus pandemic to its highest level since the year after the end of World War II, official figures showed last Friday.
The Office for National Statistics said public sector net borrowing — the official gauge of the difference between the Government's spending and taxes — reached £303.1 billion (US$420 billion) in the financial year to end March. This was equivalent to 14.5 per cent of the country's annual gross domestic product (GDP), the highest level since 1946, when the deficit hit 15.2 per cent of GDP.
The causes of the spike are simple. While tax receipts have ebbed as a result of the deepest recession in more than 300 years, the Government has splashed out billions of pounds trying to prop up the economy and jobs since the pandemic first struck more than a year ago. Notably, it has been covering the lion's share of the salaries of people unable to work during the country's many lockdowns and providing further support to hard-hit businesses.
The scale of the borrowing the Government has undertaken in the wake of the pandemic is evident in the size of the increase in the deficit from £57 billion in the previous financial year.
“The increase on the pre-pandemic forecast is unprecedented and highlights the extraordinary impact of the pandemic on Government revenues and spending,” said Isabel Stockton, research economist at the well-respected Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Stockton thinks the actual deficit will end up being higher, “perhaps quite significantly”, as many businesses won't be able to repay Government-backed loans.
In the post-war era the deficit peaked in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, hitting around 10 per cent of GDP. The average deficit since 1970 has been 3.4 per cent of GDP.
The borrowing undertaken by the Government has pushed public sector net debt up to £2,142 billion, which is 97.7 per cent of Britain's GDP. This is the highest proportion since the early 1960s.
Because interest rates are low historically, the Government doesn't have much of a problem managing its debt, but economists worry that higher borrowing rates in coming years may create problems in the future.
The Government is hoping that the economy, which shrank by nearly 10 per cent during 2020, will recover strongly through the spring and summer as lockdown restrictions are eased in the wake of the sharp fall in coronavirus cases, and amid the rapid roll-out of vaccines.
Source-AP
Premier David Burt presents roadmap to reopening Bermuda
Speaking during last evening's National Address, Premier of Bermuda Hon. David Burt said, “Following the 7 day Stay at Home Order, this past Tuesday we commenced Phase 1 of 3 on our Roadmap to Reopening. This current phase, when combined with 7 day stay at home order, will be for a total of four weeks.
“If the data allows, it is envisioned Phase 2 can commence on Sunday May 9th, Mother’s Day. Phase 2 will see the end of restrictions on household mixing, as well as reopening of schools, leisure facilities, churches, gyms, outdoor dining and limited personal care services.
Due to our desire to eliminate local transmission, there will be continued restrictions on activities, gathering sizes and a curfew will remain in place during this time. The Government will continue to provide financial support to businesses and individuals who are directly affected by the restrictions.
“Provided that we are successful in continuing to reduce local transmission, and all of the data metrics allow, after four weeks in Phase 2 we would be able to progress to Phase 3 on June 6th.
“This will permit the reopening of all other businesses which were not opened in the previous phase. A determination on the need to continue the curfew and other restrictions such as gathering sizes will be based on the data at that time.
“June 6th will also be the date that the 14 day supervised quarantine for all non-immunised travellers comes into place. If all goes well following the commencement of Phase 3, and we are successful in eliminating local case transmission through compliance with restrictions and increased vaccinations, the Public Health emergency will be allowed to expire on June 24.
Source-Bern
82 dead after 'oxygen tank explodes'
At least 82 people have been killed in a fire at a hospital treating coronavirus patients in the capital of Iraq, Baghdad.
More than 100 others were injured in the blaze, which erupted at the Ibn Khatib hospital on Saturday night.
Reports say an accident had caused an oxygen tank to explode, sparking the blaze.
Videos on social media show firefighters scrambling to extinguish the flames as people flee the building.
Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Sunday suspended the health minister and ordered an investigation into the tragedy.
The head of Iraq's Civil Defence, Gen Kadhim Bohan, said the fire had broken out in the hospital's intensive-care unit, on a floor "designated for pulmonary resuscitation". About "30 patients were in the intensive care unit", which was reserved for the most severe cases of Covid-19 in Baghdad, a hospital source told the AFP news agency.
The fire was under control by the early hours of Sunday morning, Iraq's Civil Defence said.
In a statement, the government's human rights commission said the incident was "a crime against patients exhausted by Covid-19".
Emergency service officials said many patients died when they were taken off oxygen machines to be evacuated, while others were suffocated by smoke.
Source-BBC
US President Joe Biden to 'propose hiking tax on rich'
US President Joe Biden is reportedly set to propose a tax hike on the wealthiest Americans.
The proposal would raise the top marginal rate and increase taxes on investment gains for the rich.
The tax rise would help pay for childcare and education, but would not be used for healthcare, according to reports.
The news triggered a selloff on Wall Street, with major indexes slipping during Thursday's trading session.
The White House said the American Family Plan, which Mr Biden is expected to lay out in full next week, will not affect any family earning less than $400,000 a year.
Rafael Nadal WINS 12th Barcelona Open title
Rafael Nadal won his 12th Barcelona Open title, saving a match point in a thrilling three-set victory over Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Nadal trailed 4-2 in the opener but recovered, breaking twice to take it.
World number five Tsitsipas showed great grit in the second set, saving two match points in game 10 game before levelling the match on a tie-break.
In a tight third set, Nadal faced a match point before piling on the pressure to win 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 7-5.
The victory, which took three hours 38 minutes, gave the 34-year-old his 61st clay court title and came against an in-form opponent who had won his maiden Masters crown in Monte Carlo last week.
"Winning the trophy here means a lot," said Nadal, who had only lost one set in 11 previous finals in the Spanish city.
"His view is that that should be on the backs... of the wealthiest Americans who can afford it and corporations and businesses who can afford it," said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
The proposal would increase the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6% from 37%, according to the New York Times and Bloomberg.
The move would effectively reverse Donald Trump’s 2017 income tax cut for highest income earners.
The plan would also nearly double taxes on capital gains to 39.6% for people earning more than $1m.
The 93rd Oscars for 2021
In a brief acceptance speech on Instagram Monday following his Best Actor win for The Father at the 93rd Annual Academy Awards Sunday night, Anthony Hopkins thanked the Academy, and paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, whom most thought would win the award.
"Here I am in my homeland in Wales," a pleased but surprised Hopkins began. "At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award, I really didn't. I'm very grateful to the Academy."
"I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who was taken from us far too early," Hopkins continued. "I really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honored."
His post was met with congratulations and well-wishes from many of Hopkins' 2.8 million Instagram followers, including Kate Beckinsale, his The Edge co-star Alec Baldwin, and Hugh Jackman.
The Oscars snub of Boseman was the talk of the Internet last night. The Ma Rainey's Black Bottom star, who lost a private battle with cancer last year, had been posthumously honored by the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Critics Choice Awards.
The Oscars ceremony shifted its Best Actor and Actress categories to the end of the night, instead of capping the festivities with Best Picture, per usual practice, so it seemed to be designed to close with what would have been a touching Boseman win.
Hopkins' Best Actor win Sunday was his second. His first came in 1992 at age 55, for The Silence of the Lambs.
Here are the winners:
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah
Best Animated Feature Film
Soul
Best Costume Design
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Best Original Score
Soul
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Father
Best Original Screenplay
Promising Young Woman
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari
Best Animated Short Film
If Anything Happens I Love You
Best Live-Action Short Film
Two Distant Strangers
Best Documentary
My Octopus Teacher
Best Documentary Short
Colette
Best International Feature Film
Another Round
Best Sound
Sound of Metal
Best Production Design
Mank
Best Film Editing
Sound of Metal
Best Cinematography
Mank
Best Visual Effects
Tenet
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Best Original Song
"Fight For You," Judas and the Black Messiah
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Anthony Hopkins, The Father
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Frances McDormand, Nomadland
Best Director
Chloé Zhao, Nomadland
Best Picture
Nomadland
Successful Interception of an Illegal Migrant Vessel
The Ministry of Immigration and Immigration Department is pleased to report the interception of an illegal migrant vessel within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the “Lil Bluff” area of Providenciales.
The vessel was detected at approximately 11:24 pm by the Border Force Unit (formerly Coastal Radar), to which 911 for informed. This led to a pursuit of the vessel by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine division and it was successfully intercepted shortly thereafter.
The vessel was brought into the Port at South Dock, Providenciales, where it was met by additional officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, personnel from the Ministry of Health, Customs and Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit, who were on scene to conduct the necessary processing.
The vessel had a total of two hundred and fifty-two persons (252) onboard, comprising of one hundred and eighty-four (184) males, sixty-eight (68) females including two (2) minors.
Hon Arlington Musgrove in commenting stated, “I wish to thank all officials involved for their continued hard work and vigilance, we are truly grateful for this. Please let us all remain safe as we continue to do our part in protecting our borders.”
Hon. Arlington Musgrove added, “over the past month there has been four (4) successful interceptions where seven hundred and seventy-one (771) illegal migrants were apprehended. This is staggering and we must and will put a stop to this.”
The repatriation of the two and fifty-two (252) illegal migrants will commence today, to ease the numbers at the Detention Center.
As such, the public is also requested to provide the Police with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA on 1-800-84477.
Police Marine Branch Intercepts Illegal vessel
RTC News has learned that as of 12:16 a.m., on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Officers onboard M/V Sea Guardian and M/V Sea Pursuit whilst on patrol responded to reports by the Coastal Radar Officials of suspicious activity in the North West Point area.
Upon that intel, the Marine Branch Officers later intercepted a 45 FT wooden vessel close to land with 251 irregular migrants on board.
The overloaded vessel brought severe challenges, and a critical decision was made to transfer several migrants onto M/V Sea Pursuit. At the same time, the M/V Sea Guardian towed the migrant vessel to the South Dock Port.
Officers on board M/V Sea Pursuit completed the transfer process via several trips to the South Dock Port to ensure the safety of life at sea and enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols.
During the count, it was reported to us that 183 males and 68 females were handed over to the Immigration Task Force for processing and repatriation.
Our news desk was told that the operation was conducted with no major incident.
Jury finds Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the death of George Floyd
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on all three charges he faced in the death of George Floyd.
The sequestered jury of six white people and six people who are Black or multiracial deliberated a total of ten-and-a-half hours before informing Judge Peter Cahillthat they’d reached guilty verdicts on each of the three charges Chauvin faced in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
To secure convictions on the charges, prosecutors had to convince the jury that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death and that his use of force was unreasonable. The jury could have found Chauvin guilty of all of the charges, some of them, or none.
Chauvin faces a total of up to 40 years in prison, perhaps more, when sentenced, which Cahill said would likely happen in six to eight weeks.
Floyd, 46, died on May 25, 2020 while under arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a Minneapolis, Minnesota convenience store. After handcuffing Floyd’s hands behind his back, Chauvin placed Floyd face-down on the ground and knelt on his neck for nine-and-a-half minutes, as Floyd repeatedly protested that he couldn’t breathe and then died. Floyd's death sparked protests across America and around the world and ignited the Black Lives Matter movement.
Chauvin and three other officers involved in Floyd’s arrest were fired the day after Floyd’s death. Chauvin was arrested May 29 and ultimately charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with the third-degree murder charge reinstated just before Chauvin’s trial began. The three other former officers who were at the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, and face trial later this year.
Both sides rested their cases on Thursday of last week, with Chauvin declining the opportunity to testify in his own defense. His attorneys presented only two days of testimony, during which they called witnesses intended to show that Floyd’s drug use, heart disease and other factors are what caused his death. The prosecution presented two weeks of testimony from witnesses, medical experts and use-of-force experts to press home their contention that Chauvin’s use of force was inappropriate and caused Floyd’s death.