How Japan pioneered the global phenomenon of entrepreneur pitch shows like Dragons’ Den

Before Dragons’ Den in the UK became a global hit and America’s Shark Tank turned startup pitches into mainstream entertainment, there was Manē no Tora (Tiger of Money or Money Tigers). Launched in Japan in 2001 by Nippon TV and Sony Pictures Television, this groundbreaking show introduced the format of entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas […]

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Fighting Automated Oppression: 2024 in Review

EFF has been sounding the alarm on algorithmic decision making (ADM) technologies for years. ADMs use data and predefined rules or models to make or support decisions, often with minimal human involvement, and in 2024, the topic has been more active than ever before, with landlords, employers, regulators, and police adopting new tools that have […]

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why social assistance shouldn’t come with strings attached

When the authorities provide social assistance to those in need, it almost always comes with conditions attached. These include behavioural requirements or criteria determining who is and isn’t eligible for support. Common examples include proving that you’re looking for a job, are too ill to do so, or that you fall into a particular category […]

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Federal Regulators Limit Location Brokers from Selling Your Whereabouts: 2024 in Review

The opening and closing months of 2024 saw federal enforcement against a number of location data brokers that track and sell users’ whereabouts through apps installed on their smartphones. In January, the Federal Trade Commission brought successful enforcement actions against X-Mode Social and InMarket, banning the companies from selling precise location data—a first prohibition of […]

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Vodafone Completes €8 Billion Sale of Italian Unit to Swisscom Amid European Restructuring

Vodafone Group has officially concluded the sale of its Italian operations to Swiss telecom giant Swisscom for €8 billion ($8.3 billion), as part of a wider restructuring effort across Europe. This transaction, finalized on Thursday, is a key element of Vodafone’s strategy to streamline its business and focus on high-growth areas. This follows the announcement […]

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‘Left with nothing.’ Why apprentices are being pushed into the informal economy

In the UK, apprenticeships and training schemes are often seen as a gateway to skilled careers, providing invaluable hands-on training for service trade professions as varied as plumbing, engineering, accounting and hairdressing. But for many trainees, the financial realities of these programmes are driving them into the informal economy. Recent research that we conducted with […]

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China Imposes Trade Restrictions on 28 U.S. Entities in Retaliation for Trade Tensions

China’s Ministry of Commerce has announced on Thursday 2, Jan 2025 that it will impose restrictions on 28 U.S. entities, including prohibiting the export of dual-use items to these companies starting on the sameday (02/01/2025). The move is a response to concerns over national security and China’s broader strategic interests, adding to the escalating trade […]

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U.S. Weighs Restrictions on Chinese Drones Risking Escalating Rising Tensions

The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Thursday that it is considering new regulations that could impose restrictions or outright bans on Chinese-made drones, citing concerns over national security. This potential move comes in the wake of a recent escalation in trade tensions, with China imposing its own restrictions on 28 U.S. companies. These developments highlight […]

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Boeing Reports Operational and Business Progress from Safety and Manufacturing Improvements After Alaska Airlines Incident

One year after a door plug malfunctioned and blew off an Alaska Airlines jet mid-flight, Boeing has stated that it is “on track” with its efforts to improve its operations and ensure the safety of its aircraft. The incident, which raised significant safety concerns, has been a critical moment in the company’s ongoing struggle to […]

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Global Virtual Event Platform Market Set to Experience Rapid Growth, Projected to Reach $30.6 Billion

The global market for virtual event platforms is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating an increase from $12.4 billion in 2024 to $30.6 billion by 2030. This rapid expansion highlights the growing demand for digital solutions in hosting large-scale virtual and hybrid events across various industries. Market Drivers and Trends Several factors are contributing […]

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