I am a social media expert who has worked for Voice Of America. I managed the outreach and engagement for Africa 54 and Straight Talk Africa. In addition, I helped plan and set up the social media outlets for a new show called "Our Voices"

The Surprising New Player in Crypto Regulation Revealed

27 Nov 2024  |  Bitcoin Perfect  |  English  |  Cryptocurrency Regulation

The U.S. government is considering a shift in cryptocurrency regulation, potentially elevating the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as the primary authority over digital assets, moving away from the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) enforcement-driven approach. This change aims to provide a more structured regulatory framework, fostering innovation while ensuring protection against fraud. The global perspective on crypto regulation varies, with the European Union working on harmonized rules and China maintaining a restrictive stance. The evolving regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, impacting individuals and institutions differently, and sparking debates on the balance between security and innovation.

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U.S. Government Policy Cryptocurrency Regulation Global Financial Systems

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Matilda Battersby is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. As a freelance writer, editor, copywriter, content strategist and social media consultant I have a decade of experience working for newspapers including The Independent, The Times, i, Evening Standard, Telegraph, Daily Mail and ...

King’s Speech 2023: government will not legislate on nutrient neutrality rules

07 Nov 2023  |  www.bdonline.co.uk  |  English  |  Government Policy

The UK government will not introduce new legislation to address nutrient neutrality rules that have been impeding the construction of 150,000 homes. Housing Secretary Michael Gove had expressed a desire to scrap these rules, but an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was defeated in the House of Lords. With the King's Speech not including any new legislation on the matter, the government's plans to legislate on nutrient neutrality have been dropped. The speech did outline other government plans, including a long-term strategy for town regeneration and reforms to leasehold and freehold arrangements.

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Environmental Regulation Government Policy Housing Development

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Political View

Rebecca Bird is an ethical multimedia journalist and news editor based in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She has more than 17 years of experience working on newspapers, news websites and radio stations in the UK and the Caribbean.

Rebecca has additional related skills in photography, videography, ...

Public Lands Commission ordered to stop collecting ‘excessive’ personal data

22 Nov 2023  |  www.caymancompass.com  |  English  |  Government Regulation

The Office of the Ombudsman has directed the Public Lands Commission in the Cayman Islands to halt the excessive collection of personal data from individuals organizing beach weddings. This follows a public complaint and an investigation revealing violations of the Data Protection Act, including the lack of a privacy notice. The commission is required to provide a privacy notice and limit data collection to essential information. The Ministry of District Administration and Lands has accepted the ombudsman's findings and is committed to enhancing data protection frameworks.

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Government Regulation Data Protection

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Durrie Bouscaren is a freelance radio and digital journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Previously, she covered breaking news and health care for National Public Radio affiliates in the United States. In 2018, she reported from Papua New Guinea as NPR's John Alexander Fellow. 

She is ...

Small businesses already feeling the pain after Instagram block in Turkey

08 Aug 2024  |  theworld.org  |  English  |  Government Regulation

The Turkish government's unexpected block of Instagram has significantly impacted small businesses that rely on the platform for sales and advertising. The block was a response to Instagram's removal of posts expressing condolences for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's death. Small business owners like Idil Kafali and Meriç Korkmaz report decreased sales and uncertainty. Despite the use of VPNs to bypass the block, the situation remains challenging. President Erdoğan justified the ban as a stand against 'digital fascism,' while Meta is in talks to reverse the decision. Legal challenges have been filed, but past instances suggest a prolonged wait for resolution.

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Government Regulation Social Media Small Business

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Far Right

Political View

Kate Brady is a broadcast and print journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

Paris mint melts 27 million coins after EU said stars were hard to read

12 Jan 2024  |  www.spokesman.com  |  English  |  Government Regulations

The Monnaie de Paris had to remelt and remake 27 million coins after the European Commission rejected the new design due to the EU stars being hard to see. Paris mint CEO Marc Schwartz ordered the redesign and minting without waiting for the necessary approval, leading to significant costs. The French Economy Ministry is assessing the incident to understand the cause. The rejected coins account for less than 2% of the mint's annual production.

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Government Regulations European Union Currency

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Isabella Cota is a freelance journalist based in Ciudad de México, Mexico. As a former Bloomberg Correspondent she has covered Latin America's most exciting business, financial, political and social stories. She was previously with Reuters and has collaborated with The Guardian, BBC Mundo, NPR and ...

Mexican Employers' Confederation labels López Obrador's proposal to eliminate autonomous bodies as 'authoritarian regression'

12 Dec 2023  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Government Policy

The Mexican Employers' Confederation (Coparmex) has criticized President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposal to eliminate autonomous regulatory bodies such as INAI, IFT, Cofece, and CRE, stating it would be a significant setback for democracy in Mexico. The existence of these regulators is a requirement for membership in the T-MEC trade agreement with the United States and Canada. The AFTE has expressed concern to the White House Trade Representative about Mexico's compliance with T-MEC obligations. Coparmex represents 36,000 companies and emphasizes the importance of defending the rights these organizations protect against various acts of power.

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Economic Regulation Government Policy Trade Agreements

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Fred Dzakpata has over 15 years of experience as a journalist.

He contributes to various media outlets both in Ghana and beyond.
He has vast experience in radio, print and online reporting spanning the over 15 years of his career.

He was formerly the Head of Business for Accra based ...

Government develops policy to regulate Artificial Intelligence

11 Jan 2024  |  www.asaaseradio.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation in Ghana is developing a comprehensive policy to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI). The draft policy, which has undergone extensive stakeholder consultation, aims to ensure the beneficial use of AI technology for citizens. Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful emphasized that AI itself is not problematic, but its use needs regulation. The policy will address concerns and promote the positive aspects of AI. The initiative was discussed at the Annual New Year School and Conference in Accra, where the potential of AI in education and other sectors was highlighted.

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Technology Regulation Government Policy Artificial Intelligence

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I am a widely-published and versatile freelance journalist with 15 years' experience currently in London. See **** for work. I am an Australian-Canadian dual citizen who has reported from across Africa, Asia, the UK, and Australia. I have been published with The Sydney Morning Herald, News Deeply, ...

Government pushed to scrap ‘unfair’ financial reporting exemptions for basic religious charities after new report

11 Dec 2023  |  Crikey  |  English  |  Charity Regulation

The Australian government is urged to end financial reporting exemptions for basic religious charities following a Productivity Commission report advocating for increased transparency and accountability. The Greens, secular groups, and abuse survivors support the proposal, which would subject these charities to the same governance and reporting standards as other organizations. Critics argue that exemptions have allowed institutions like Hillsong and the Catholic Church to evade scrutiny and that the current system favors religious entities over non-religious ones. The report also suggests that charities solely advancing religion should not qualify for deductible gift recipient status. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback on the report by February 9, 2024.

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Government Policy Charity Regulation Religious Organizations

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Editorial and commerical photographer based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. I tell stories for customers and help brands look their best.

Australia: Government releases interim response to AI consultation

19 Jan 2024  |  Lexology  |  English  |  AI Regulation

On January 17, 2024, the Australian Government released its interim response to the 2023 Safe and Responsible AI in Australia discussion paper. The response acknowledges the need for more regulation of high-risk AI applications and proposes additional guardrails, including mandatory ones, to address potential harms. The government plans to focus on testing, transparency, and accountability, and will consult further to define 'high-risk' AI. It is also working on a voluntary AI Safety Standard and considering a voluntary labelling scheme for AI-generated materials. The approach will be principles-based, leveraging existing regulations, and will involve close consultation with industry, academia, and the community.

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Government Policy AI Regulation Technology Governance

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Caleb Jacob is a journalist based in Kano, Nigeria.

Protest: Kano Govt. Says No Going Back on Sacking of Wheelbarrow Traders In Markets

29 Mar 2024  |  Nigeria Info, Let's Talk!  |  English  |  Local Government

The Kano State government remains firm on its decision to evict wheelbarrow traders from the Abubakar Rimi Market in Sabon Gari, despite protests by the traders. The Barrow Group Organisation, representing the traders, sought Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf's intervention after being barred from the market for over two months due to alleged congestion. The traders, who have been in the market for over 20 years, blame shop owners for the congestion and claim the increased operational levy is part of the issue. Hon. Musbahu Abdullahi, representing the market management, cited non-compliance with decongestion notices as the reason for the eviction, stating that traders can sell without wheelbarrows. Market visitors have mixed reactions, with some attributing the eviction to a refusal to pay higher levies and others acknowledging the congestion caused by the traders.

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Market Regulation Local Government Protest

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Edmund Kagire is a journalist based in Kigali, Rwanda. The 35-year old award-winning Rwandan Journalist was until the end of 2018 was working with The East African & Rwanda Today newspapers owned by Nation Media Group (NMG), with 12 years of practice.

Currently he has diverted into freelance ...

City Residents Urged To Drink, Spend Responsibly As Night Closing Hours Are Extended

14 Dec 2023  |  KT PRESS  |  English  |  Government Policy

Rwanda is set to temporarily relax its night closing times for bars and hangouts from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, to allow for festive celebrations. The Rwanda Development Board announced that hospitality establishments could operate until 2:00 am on weekdays and throughout the night on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays during this period. The CEO of RDB, Francis Gatare, emphasized adherence to noise pollution regulations and warned against serving alcohol to minors and intoxicated individuals. The Mayor of City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa, stated that the decision aims to let Rwandans celebrate without restrictions but also reminded citizens to drink responsibly and manage their finances with the future in mind. Law enforcement will ensure security during the festivities, and parents are urged to prevent underage drinking. The previous restrictions, set by a cabinet meeting chaired by President Kagame, aimed to control noise pollution and regulate alcohol consumption.

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Local Regulations Government Policy Public Health

Sarah MacDonald is a journalist based in Saskatoon, Canada.

NSW Building Commissioner answers listener questions ahead of power expansion

20 Nov 2023  |  www.abc.net.au  |  English  |  Building Regulations

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler is actively working to ensure new developments meet building codes, addressing defects before project completion. He discussed his role and upcoming expanded powers under a new $24 million package with Sarah McDonald.

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Government Policy Building Regulations

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My name is Edgar Maciel and I'm 30 years old. I have my major in Journalism at Pontifice University Catolic of Rio Grande do Sul. My mother tongue is Portuguese and I also speak Spanish and English fluently. I started my career in radio. I worked at Rádio Gaúcha and, recently, at Rádio CBN, the ...

The social network X returns to Brazil and Elon Musk met the requirements of the government and justice

10 Oct 2024  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Government Regulations

The social network X has resumed operations in Brazil after Elon Musk ensured compliance with the government's and judiciary's requirements. This development marks a significant step in aligning the platform with local regulations, facilitating its return to the Brazilian market.

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Government Regulations Social Media

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Sarah Manavis is a journalist at the New Statesman based in London, United Kingdom.

Are governments finally pushing back against Big Tech?

01 Nov 2023  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  Government Regulation

US states have filed unprecedented lawsuits against Meta, accusing it of exploiting young users and violating privacy laws. These lawsuits mark a significant shift in government action against Big Tech, aiming to enforce stricter regulations and protect children from harmful content. The Biden administration and the Federal Trade Commission are also investigating Meta's practices, signaling a broader governmental pushback against social media giants.

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Government Regulation Social Media Big Tech

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Mbongeni Mguni is a journalist with 16 years experience in business, economy and financial reporting, with 14 years of these spent at the level of senior reporter and above. I have worked and been published in Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana with the last having been my home since 2004.
...

Gov’t cuts off BERA funding

25 Mar 2024  |  www.mmegi.bw  |  English  |  Government Funding

From September 1 last year, the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) introduced regulatory fees for fuel, electricity, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to cover its costs. Officials acknowledge these fees are ultimately borne by consumers but claim there has been no impact on final prices since their introduction.

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Energy Regulation Government Funding

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Luis Mora is a journalist based in Managua, Nicaragua.

The Government pressures Iberdrola and Endesa with a 40% increase in the nuclear tax

12 Jan 2024  |  eldia.es  |  Spanish  |  Government Regulation

The Spanish government has initiated a 40% increase in the tax on nuclear power plants to fund the dismantling of reactors and the management of radioactive waste. This move, led by Vice President Teresa Ribera, significantly exceeds the 25% increase anticipated by the nuclear companies Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, and EDP. The new tax will raise the annual payments from these companies to approximately 630 million euros, up from 450 million euros. The increase is part of the new General Radioactive Waste Plan, which outlines the closure of all Spanish nuclear plants by 2035 and the construction of seven temporary waste storage facilities. The nuclear sector, represented by Foro Nuclear, opposes the plan, arguing that it threatens the economic viability of the plants and calling for a delay in their closure.

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Government Regulation Energy Policy Nuclear Energy

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Center-Left

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Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

Two Billionaires’ Big Plan to Shrink Government

04 Dec 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Government Efficiency

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, with the support of President-elect Trump, propose a plan to drastically reduce the federal government by cutting $2 trillion from the budget and reducing regulations. The plan involves creating a Department of Government Efficiency, leveraging a Supreme Court decision to challenge federal rules, and potentially relocating federal agencies. However, historical attempts to cut government spending have often failed due to congressional resistance and the complexity of federal programs. The article highlights the challenges and skepticism surrounding the feasibility of such large-scale cuts, noting the potential for political and practical obstacles.

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Regulation Reduction Government Efficiency Federal Budget Cuts

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Tonny Onyulo is a freelance print and broadcast journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He reports across Africa. He has worked for both local and international media, including Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), County Newspaper in Nairobi, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, USA Today, ...

Members of Shuttered Rwandan Churches Gather in Homes as Leaders Quietly Protest

06 Sept 2024  |  ChurchLeaders  |  English  |  Government Regulations

In Rwanda, numerous churches have been closed by the government for failing to comply with health and safety regulations, leading congregants to gather secretly in homes. The closures, ordered by President Paul Kagame, are part of a law requiring places of worship to meet specific standards. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, accuse Kagame of repressing religious freedom and expression. The government argues the measures are to protect citizens from corruption and fraud. The Association of Pentecostal Churches claims they are being unfairly targeted, forcing them to worship in secret due to fear of arrest.

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Government Regulations Religious Freedom Human Rights

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Diana Ramos is a journalist based in Quito, Ecuador.
I love photography, researching and writing texts. I specialize in issues related to migration and refugees, as well as economy, politics, cooking and tourism, I also write about Cuba.

Galamba to Escária: 'We have a very delicate situation in Sines'

09 Nov 2023  |  www.jornaldenegocios.pt  |  Portuguese  |  Government

The article discusses a delicate situation in Sines involving João Galamba, then Secretary of State for Energy, and Vítor Escária, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister António Costa. The issue revolves around a conflict between AICEP and ICNF regarding the classification of an industrial park as a conservation area, which impacts the Start Campus project. The article details the efforts and pressures exerted by various government officials to resolve the impasse, ultimately leading to a favorable environmental impact declaration for the project in August 2023.

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Environmental Regulation Government Infrastructure Project

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Liam Scott is an independent journalist based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on human rights and mass atrocities, China, press freedom, and disinformation.

Deepfake Video Impersonates VOA Russian Service Anchor, Underscoring AI Concerns

31 Oct 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Government Regulation of AI

The article discusses a deepfake video of VOA’s Russian Service journalist Ksenia Turkova, which was circulated on Facebook to promote a cryptocurrency trading product. Turkova, who has worked in Russia and Ukraine before joining VOA in the US, expressed concern over the potential damage to her reputation and the trustworthiness of journalists. The deepfake phenomenon, where AI is used to create fake videos of real news anchors, is a growing concern for spreading disinformation and undermining media credibility. Experts from Citizen Lab, NYU’s Stern Center, and the Center for a New American Security commented on the implications of such tactics and the need for AI regulation. President Biden's recent executive order on AI guardrails was mentioned, but concerns remain about the misuse of open-source AI systems by foreign governments or actors.

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Government Regulation of AI Artificial Intelligence Deepfake Technology Disinformation Media Trust

Looking for Yoga Instructor course? Training & Certification for Teachers.

MeitY's Big Crackdown On Advertisement Of Fraudulent Loan Apps

18 Dec 2023  |  www.mondaq.com  |  English  |  Government Regulation

Numerous reports highlight the exploitation by fraudulent loan apps, which lend small amounts with high interest rates and hidden charges, leading to harassment and blackmail of users. In response, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to social media platforms to prevent advertisements of such apps. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament that Google removed over 2500 fraudulent loan apps from its Play Store. The government, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India and other stakeholders, is working on a robust mechanism to combat these deceptive practices.

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Government Regulation Fraudulent Loan Apps Consumer Protection

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Derrick Sinjela is a journalist based in San Francisco, United States of America.

Reverse toll gate charges, mobile money transaction charges, EF’s Humphrey Kabwe prods UPND’s Administration

01 Jan 2024  |  rainbownewszambia.com  |  English  |  Government Regulation

Economic Front Spokesperson Humphrey Kabwe urges the UPND Administration to reverse recent increases in toll gate charges, mobile money transaction fees, and electricity tariffs, arguing that these measures exacerbate the cost of living and production costs, thereby worsening the hardships faced by citizens. Kabwe calls for citizens to vote out President Hakainde Hichilema's leadership in 2026, labeling the policy changes as unacceptable and retrogressive.

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Government Regulation Economic Policy Cost of Living

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Left

Political View

João Vissesse is a journalist.

Take action: Bishops in Angola Want State to Ban Churches Disregarding Family Values

17 Nov 2023  |  www.aciafrica.org  |  English  |  Government Regulation

Catholic Bishops in Angola, led by Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto, urge the government to ban churches that undermine family values and social harmony. They criticize certain churches for exploiting followers financially and functioning as money laundering centers. The Bishops call for stricter criteria to evaluate church actions, theology, and the qualifications of pastors.

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Government Regulation Religion Family Values

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Brazilian journalist based in Curitiba with more than 15 years of experience covering science and technology, environmental, economic and political issues.

Government increases local content requirement in oil and gas

19 Dec 2023  |  www.gazetadopovo.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Government Regulation

The Brazilian government, fulfilling a promise by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has increased the local content requirements for future offshore oil and gas concession auctions. The new policy mandates a minimum of 30% local content in exploration and production development phases, up from the previous 18% and 25% respectively. The decision, approved by the Conselho Nacional de Política Energética (CNPE), aims to boost domestic industry but has faced criticism for potentially increasing costs and reducing competitiveness. The OECD has highlighted the long-term inefficiencies and economic drawbacks of such policies. The move marks a return to practices from previous PT administrations, with Petrobras and its subsidiary Transpetro planning to contract national shipyards for tanker construction starting in 2024.

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Government Regulation Energy Policy Oil and Gas Industry

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