The backslash character – escapes special characters in programming languages and other contexts. The following information is from a news article published by the Associated Press: Due to a settlement with Amazon-owned Ring, the Federal Trade Commission is giving consumers over $5.6 million in reimbursements. Ring was accused of neglecting to safeguard private video data against unauthorized access.

FTC Sends $5.6 Million In Refunds To Ring Customers As Part Of Video Privacy Settlement

The FTC complained in 2023, alleging that the doorbell camera and home security provider permitted its employees and contractors to gain access to consumers’ confidential videos. Ring purportedly utilized this film for algorithmic training without obtaining authorization, among other objectives.

Ring was additionally accused of neglecting to install crucial security measures, thereby allowing hackers to get control over customers’ accounts, cameras, and footage. The FTC observed that this resulted in severe breaches of users’ privacy.

The final settlement necessitated Ring to remove unlawfully acquired content, implement enhanced security measures, and pay a substantial penalty. The FTC is currently utilizing a significant portion of the funds to provide refunds to qualifying Ring customers.

FTC Sends $5.6 Million In Refunds To Ring Customers As Part Of Video Privacy Settlement

As per a notice issued on Tuesday, the FTC will be delivering 117,044 PayPal payments to consumers who were affected and owned specific types of Ring devices, such as interior cameras, during the periods when unlawful access is claimed to have occurred.

Customers who meet the requirements must claim these payouts within 30 days, as stated by the FTC. The FTC also mentioned that consumers can reach out to Rust Consulting, the refund administrator for this case, or refer to the FTC’s FAQ page on refunds for further details regarding the procedure.

Ring has stated that unauthorized individuals used stolen email addresses and passwords from other companies to gain unlawful access to certain customers’ Ring accounts in 2019. This occurred because these customers used the same login credentials on multiple websites. Upon discovering this breach, Ring promptly notified the affected customers and took measures to safeguard their accounts.

Ring did not promptly respond to the FTC’s accusations regarding employees and contractors inappropriately viewing footage.

FTC Sends $5.6 Million In Refunds To Ring Customers As Part Of Video Privacy Settlement

In a recent announcement, the California-based company confirmed that it will no longer accept requests from police agencies to access doorbell camera footage from its users. This decision effectively terminates a controversial function that had faced scrutiny from privacy advocates.

SOURCE – (AP)

The location is Cape Town, South Africa. The Congolese government is interrogating Apple on the tech company’s awareness of “blood minerals” originating from a conflict zone in the African nation. These minerals have the potential to be illicitly incorporated into Apple’s supply chains. The government has set a deadline of three weeks for Apple to provide satisfactory responses.

A consortium of global legal practitioners representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently dispatched correspondences to Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, and its French subsidiary. The purpose of these letters is to express apprehensions regarding the infringement of human rights associated with the extraction of minerals from the volatile eastern region of the DRC, which could potentially find their way into Apple’s merchandise.

Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain

The list of questions demanded that Apple demonstrate its monitoring practices in a territory where over 100 armed rebel factions are active, some of whom have been accused of committing large-scale massacres of people.

In their correspondence to Cook, the attorneys assert that Apple has consistently marketed and sold technological products that are manufactured using minerals obtained from a location where the local population is enduring severe human rights abuses, a fact that has become evident over time.

The lawyers stated that the supply networks used by Apple to sell iPhones, Mac computers, and accessories to clients worldwide are too opaque and contaminated with the blood of the Congolese people.

Eastern Congo is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, making it one of the most geologically prosperous areas globally. However, it is also plagued by a colossal humanitarian catastrophe. Armed factions have been engaged in prolonged conflicts to dominate the mines and exploit the lucrative minerals within. Consequently, millions of individuals have been uprooted and adversely impacted by the escalating violence. The situation has significantly worsened in recent months.

With a market capitalization of over $2.6 trillion, Apple has refuted allegations of sourcing minerals from mines and locations associated with human rights abuses. The company asserts that it runs its business ethically and responsibly and procures minerals from Congo and surrounding nations.

According to the company, the minerals it purchases do not provide financial support to conflict or armed groups. The attorneys for the Congo government stated that the assertions do not seem to be grounded in tangible, corroborated proof.

The Congolese government has expressed concerns regarding the potential smuggling of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold, collectively referred to as the 3TG essential minerals, sourced by Apple from vendors. It is suspected that these minerals may be illicitly transported from Congo to Rwanda and thereafter integrated into the global supply chain. 3TG minerals play a crucial role in the composition of electronic devices.

Apple referred to a specific part in their business filing on conflict minerals when asked for a remark.

Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain

The report said that after doing a lot of research, looking at data from third-party audit programs, upstream traceability programs, and our suppliers, we have found no proof that any of the 3TG smelters or refiners in our supply chain as of December 31, 2023, helped armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or any neighboring country by giving them money or other things of value.

“Illegal mining in Congo has caused fatalities for three decades,” stated Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the Congolese government. “We seek clarification regarding the supply sources of major technology companies, specifically Apple, to ascertain whether they are obtaining minerals that are produced under entirely illegal conditions.”

According to him, Rwanda is portrayed as the primary source of several minerals, although having little reserves of its own.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has alleged that Rwanda is providing financial support and strategic guidance to the infamous armed rebel faction known as M23 in the eastern region of Congo, with the aim of facilitating the illicit extraction of minerals. The United Nations has also asserted that M23 receives support from Rwanda.

Rwanda refutes these claims. Nonetheless, there is a growing escalation of hostilities between the countries. Human Rights Watch has accused M23 and other factions of frequently perpetrating attacks, which involve the murder and sexual assault of people.

The attorneys representing the government of Congo cited a 2022 study from the nonprofit organization Global Witness, which alleged that Apple had implemented insufficient controls to prevent the use of illicitly obtained minerals.

Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain

The lawyers stated that the Congo government is currently pursuing “effective redress” against individuals or entities who exploit blood minerals worldwide.

The request was made to Apple to provide a response to inquiries regarding its supply chain controls within a period of three weeks. Additionally, it was mentioned that a report on the illicit trade of minerals from Congo by Rwanda and private entities has been compiled and will be released to the public this month.

The letter stated that they will also consult the Congo government for guidance on the legal actions they are contemplating against Apple.

SOURCE – (AP)

On Wednesday, Boeing reported a loss of $355 million in the first quarter due to a decline in revenue. This further highlights the critical situation the aircraft maker is currently facing as it deals with mounting concerns about the safety of its planes and allegations of poor workmanship from an increasing number of whistleblowers.

Boeing Posts A $355 Million Loss As The Plane Maker Tries To Dig Out From Under Its Latest Crisis

CEO David Calhoun acknowledged that the company is currently facing a challenging period and is primarily dedicated to resolving its manufacturing problems rather than focusing on financial outcomes.

Following an incident in which a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, resulting in significant damage to the jet, company management has been compelled to prioritize safety discussions over financial matters.

The tragedy impeded the progress that Boeing appeared to be making in its recovery from two fatal disasters involving Max jets in 2018 and 2019.

The recent aviation accidents in Indonesia and Ethiopia have attracted significant attention. Later on Wednesday, the relatives of some of the 346 individuals who lost their lives in the accidents were slated to have a meeting with officials from the U.S. Justice Department. Relatives have made fruitless attempts to reverse a deal reached in 2021 between the department and Boeing, which allowed the firm to evade criminal charges.

“Despite the fact that we are announcing our financial results for the first quarter today, our main priority is still on the extensive measures we are implementing in response to the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident,” Calhoun informed employees in a memo on Wednesday.

The individual enumerated a sequence of measures that the corporation is implementing and said that there has been “substantial advancement” in enhancing manufacturing quality, mostly achieved by reducing the pace of production, resulting in a reduced number of aircraft for its airline clients. According to Calhoun’s statement to CNBC, doing more thorough inspections has led to a significant reduction of 80% in the defects found in the fuselages produced by the main supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

“In the immediate future, we are indeed facing a challenging period,” he wrote to the employees. Reduced deliveries pose challenges for both our customers and our financial performance. However, prioritizing safety and quality is essential and will always precede everything else.

Calhoun, who will resign after the year, reiterated his complete confidence in the company’s ability to rebound.

According to a FactSet survey, Boeing reported a first-quarter loss of $1.13 per share, excluding exceptional items. This was an improvement compared to analysts’ forecasted loss of $1.63 per share.

The revenue declined by 7.5%, amounting to $16.57 billion.

The company’s stock had a 3% increase shortly after the commencement of morning trade.

Boeing Posts A $355 Million Loss As The Plane Maker Tries To Dig Out From Under Its Latest Crisis

The value of Boeing stock has decreased by around 33% following the incident involving the door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration has intensified its supervision and granted Boeing an extended deadline until late May to formulate a strategy to rectify issues in producing 737 Max aircraft. The airline’s customers are dissatisfied with the failure to receive all the newly ordered aircraft due to disruptions in delivery.

Investigators examining the Alaska aircraft have determined that the bolts responsible for securing the door stopper were absent following maintenance performed at a Boeing facility. The FBI informed passengers that they could potentially be victims of criminal activity.

Multiple ex-managers and one present manager have documented various issues in producing Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft. Last week, during a Congressional hearing, a quality engineer stated that Boeing is engaging in manufacturing practices that may lead to structural failures in the 787 Dreamliners. Boeing vehemently contested his assertions.

Nevertheless, Boeing possesses a few advantages.

Boeing and Airbus constitute a duopoly that holds a dominant position in the production of large commercial aircraft. Both corporations possess significant backlogs of orders from airlines eagerly seeking new, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Boeing is a prominent defense contractor for the Pentagon and several nations globally.

Richard Aboulafia, an experienced industry analyst and consultant at AeroDynamic Advisory, stated that despite the numerous obstacles, Boeing has a formidable combination of sought-after products, advanced technology, and skilled personnel.

Boeing Posts A $355 Million Loss As The Plane Maker Tries To Dig Out From Under Its Latest Crisis

“Despite being ranked second and facing significant challenges, they still operate in a robust market and an industry with formidable barriers to entry,” he stated.

Despite incurring substantial losses of over $24 billion over the past five years, the corporation is safe from collapsing, according to Aboulafia.

“This situation is not comparable to General Motors in 2008 or Lockheed in 1971,” Aboulafia remarked, alluding to two renowned companies that required substantial government bailouts or loan guarantees to stay afloat.

The considerations above contribute to the rationale behind the positive assessments of Boeing shares by 20 analysts in a FactSet survey, who have rated them as “Buy” or “Overweight”. In contrast, only two analysts have assigned “Sell” ratings. (Five of them have “Hold” ratings.)

SOURCE – (AP)