#Data Protection Impact Assessment

[dpdp-consultants]

4 DPDPA Tools You Need To Get Compliant

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, highlights the significance of protecting personal data in the digital age and makes substantial modifications to India's data protection laws. With these new regulations come obligations for businesses to ensure compliance and protect the privacy and security of Indian citizens' personal data.

In this blog, we'll explore four essential DPDPA tools that can assist your organisation in achieving compliance:

Consent Management PlatformGrievance Redressal System

Assessments and Audits Tool

DPDP Act Awareness Program

Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) Compliance Checklist

To ensure that your organisation complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, take the following steps:

1. Obtain explicit consent

Prior to processing, collecting, using, or sharing personal information, ensure explicit consent is obtained from data principals.

2. Issue Retroactive Consent Notices

Provide retroactive consent notices for any consents obtained before the enactment of the law to ensure transparency and compliance.

3. Manage Data Principal Requests

Respond promptly to data principals' requests to access, correct, update, or remove their personal data to uphold their rights.

4. Conduct Periodic DPIAs

Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments regularly to assess and manage risks associated with personal data processing.

5. Create DPDP Training Program For Employees

Establish a comprehensive training program to educate and empower employees about their responsibilities under the Data Protection and Privacy Act (DPDPA), reducing the likelihood of non-compliance.

6. Appoint Independent Auditor & DPOs

Appoint independent auditors and dedicated Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to oversee compliance efforts and ensure accountability within the organisation.

These are the basics of building compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, by doing so, organisations can uphold the data processing hygiene that the DPDPA law mandates.

Tools to Build Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) Compliance For Companies

With data privacy regulations becoming increasingly stringent, it's essential for businesses to ensure compliance to protect the personal information of individuals. Let's explore four DPDPA tools and how they can help your organisation build compliance:

1. Consent Management Tool

Getting the data principals' explicit consent is required under DPDPA Section 6. It is necessary to take explicit affirmative action in order for this consent to be freely granted, specific, informed, unconditional, and unambiguous. It should be clear about the data used and the purpose for which the individual has granted consent.

Notice: A notice must also be sent along with the consent detailing the nature of the personal data, the reason for processing it, the rights of the data principal, and how they may exercise those rights. These notices should be written in plain, easy-to-read language and must include a link to see the notice in any of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in addition to English.

Problem: Managing consent requests manually is not only challenging but also prone to manual error leaving gaps in your organisations compliance building efforts.

Solution: An automated Consent Management tool can be used to manage, monitor, and track consent requests.

2. Data Principal Grievance Redressal Platform

Under Section 12 of the DPDPA, data principals have the right to access, update, or delete their personal data. To avoid penalties that go up to INR 250cr, companies need to respond to these requests in a reasonable time frame.

Problem: To fast-track and resolve these data principal requests in time and also have tangible proof as evidence if needed.

Solution: An automated grievance redressal tool enables data principals to assert their rights via a user-friendly platform, managed by DPOs and stakeholders.

3. Automated Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)

Under the DPDP Act, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) as the central point of contact for all aspects of the act is essential for your role as a Significant Data Fiduciary. The DPOs must conduct periodic Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) to evaluate and mitigate risks to ensure compliance.

A Data Protection Impact Assessment is a structured process created to assist in systematically analyzing, identifying, and minimizing risks related to data protection.

Problem: Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can benefit from using built-in templates, but bigger organisations and Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs) need a more reliable and scalable solution to handle the significant processing and gathering of personal data.

Solution: The Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Tool enables Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to conduct DPIAs, track identified risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by providing a user-friendly platform.

4. DPDP Act Employee Training & Awareness

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, all employees handling personal data on behalf of organisations must understand their responsibilities under the law and also ways to tackle breach in emergencies.

Solution: DPDP Consultants’ Data Protection Awareness Program (DPAP) is a subscription-based DPDPA tool that enables companies to conduct regular and mandatory awareness sessions, followed by assessments.

By fostering a culture of compliance within your organisation, you can minimize the risk of non-compliance and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Conclusion

Achieving compliance with the Data Privacy and Protection Act (DPDPA) is crucial for businesses operating in today's digital landscape. The four DPDPA tools discussed in this blog offer indispensable support in navigating the complexities of data privacy and protection regulations. These tools empower organisations to handle their data privacy requirements efficiently and automate manual tasks that are prone to error.

By implementing these tools, businesses can streamline their compliance efforts, and foster trust with their customers by demonstrating a commitment to protecting their sensitive information. Investing in robust DPDPA tools is becoming exceedingly necessary as the regulatory environment changes to maintain long-term compliance and protect the integrity of your company's data operations.

Embracing these tools not only helps businesses meet regulatory requirements but also positions them for success in an increasingly data-driven world.

Ready To Automate DPDPA compliance?

Contact DPDP Consultants today to learn more about our innovative tools and services to help secure and make your business DPDP Compliant today. 

[legalfirmindia]

Data Protection: Legal Safeguards for Your Business

In today’s digital age, data is the lifeblood of most businesses. Customer information, financial records, and intellectual property – all this valuable data resides within your systems. However, with this digital wealth comes a significant responsibility: protecting it from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss. Data breaches can have devastating consequences, damaging your reputation, incurring…

[westvalleyfaultph]

Safeguarding Coastal Communities: MGB Conducts Vital Coastal Vulnerability Assessment in Caraga Town

Scan the QR code to get this post on the go. In a proactive move to monitor climate-induced hazards, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recently conducted a comprehensive coastal vulnerability assessment in Caraga town, Davao Oriental. The aim was to analyze and address potential risks posed by erosion, tsunamis, storm surges, and sea level rise in these inherently susceptible coastal…

[aiolegalservices]

Streamlining Business Compliance: AIO Legal Services for AML, GDPR, and Intellectual Property Rights

  In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, regulatory compliance has become an indispensable aspect for companies operating in the UK. Failure to adhere to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws can lead to severe consequences, including financial penalties, reputational…

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

By Pandora Dewan

COVID-19 may leave some people with lasting memory problems long after their infection has cleared, new research has found, with the findings particularly pronounced among those who suffered from the earliest variants of the virus.

COVID-19 is known for its respiratory symptoms. But we are increasingly learning that SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes the infection—can affect our brains too. Brain fog, cognitive deficits, and loss of smell and taste are commonly reported symptoms of the virus and some report these neurological symptoms long after the initial infection has subsided.

Scientists aren't entirely sure why the virus causes these symptoms, although lab-based studies have shown that the virus can disrupt the protective barrier that surrounds our brains and prevents foreign substances, like viruses, from entering. Research has also shown that the virus appears to affect the ability of our brain cells to communicate with each other, producing either too much or too little of key signaling molecules in the brain.

In a new study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, researchers from Imperial College London, King's College London and University College London Hospital in the United Kingdom set out to investigate the persistence of these cognitive symptoms even after milder COVID-19 infections.

In the study, 18 consenting unvaccinated volunteers with no prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 were intentionally infected with the virus and monitored regularly over a 360-day period. Their cognitive function was measured at different points throughout the study and compared to what it had been before they were infected. They were also compared against 16 volunteers who were not infected with the virus.

This type of study is called a human challenge study and offer valuable insights into the onset of diseases and how they develop in a controlled medical environment.

"This is the first and probably will be the only Human Challenge Study to be conducted with Wildtype SarS-CoV-2 in people who were unvaccinated and who had not previously had the virus," the study's lead author Adam Hampshire, a professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience at King's College London and visiting professor at Imperial College London's Department of Brain Sciences, told Newsweek.

He added: "It also is the first study to apply detailed and sensitive assessments of cognitive performance from pre to post infection under controlled conditions. In this respect, the study provides unique insights into the changes that occurred in cognitive and memory function amongst those who had mild COVID-19 illness early in the pandemic."

During the study, the volunteers who were infected showed statistically significant reductions in cognitive and memory functions compared to those who did not receive the virus. These symptoms did not emerge right away but lasted for at least a year after the initial infection. This aligns with previous research from Hampshire's lab that sampled data from over 100,000 adults.

"Our previous research has shown that cognitive effects were the most pronounced for people who were ill with early virus variants, those who had persistent symptoms and those who were hospitalized," Hampshire said.

However, in the recent study, these long-lasting cognitive impacts were even seen in those who experienced milder symptoms (although it is worth noting that this may not be the case with newer variants of the virus).

So, how does the virus cause these cognitive impairments? Well, we still don't know for sure, but Hampshire said that those who had been infected with the virus showed an increase in a protein in the brain that is often associated with a brain injury.

"Future research should examine the biological mechanisms that mediate this relationship, determine how they differ to those observed for other respiratory infections, and explore whether targeted interventions can normalize these memory and executive processes," the researchers write in their study.

References Proust, A., Queval, C. J., Harvey, R., Adams, L., Bennett, M., & Wilkinson, R. J. (2023). Differential effects of SARS-CoV-2 variants on central nervous system cells and blood-brain barrier functions. Journal of neuroinflammation, doi.org/10.1186/s12974-023-02861-3

Trender, W. et al. (2024) Changes in memory and cognition during the SARS-CoV-2 human challenge study. eClinicalMedicine, doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102842

Hampshire, A., Azor, A., Atchison, C., Trender, W., Hellyer, P. J., Giunchiglia, V., Husain, M., Cooke, G. S., Cooper, E., Lound, A., Donnelly, C. A., Chadeau-Hyam, M., Ward, H., & Elliott, P. (2024). Cognition and Memory after Covid-19 in a Large Community Sample. The New England journal of medicine. doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2311330

[usafphantom2]

The U.S. Air Force Temporarily Moves 17 B-1B Bombers to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota

David Cenciotti

B-1 to Grand Forks AFB

Seventeen aircraft and 800 people will relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, while Ellsworth Air Force Base, in South Dakota, is readied for the arrival of the B-21 Raider.

Beginning this month, the U.S. Air Force will temporarily transfer 17 B-1B Lancer bombers and 800 Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. The relocation is expected to last about 10 months, during which Ellsworth will undertake all the works required to welcome the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider.

While at Grand Forks, the BONEs (the unofficially nickname of the bomber, from B-One) of the 28th Bomb Wing, will still carry out their usual assignments.

According to Col. Derek Oakley, the wing’s commander, the runway work is a big step toward getting ready for the Raider. He also noted how it reflects the Air Force’s dedication to the long-range bomber program and its impact on the local community.

“The runway construction at Ellsworth is a key milestone in ensuring we’re ready to receive the B-21 Raider. This project illustrates the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to our nation’s newest long-range strike bomber and to the surrounding community.”

In a press release, the U.S. Air Force said that Ellsworth residents might see more construction-related activity, while people living near Grand Forks should expect heavier military traffic and aircraft noise as operations ramp up.

B-1B relocation Grand Forks

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2024, during Bomber Task Force 24-2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

The first two Ellsworth’s bombers are expected to arrive at their “new” base this week, ahead of the full fleet’s arrival in early 2025. Routine inspections and repairs will take place at Grand Forks, but larger maintenance tasks will be handled by the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas. From there, Ellsworth bombers were launched in Global Strike missions in Iraq and Syria: in the night between Feb. 2 and 3, 2024, they took part in the air strikes on seven facilities, which included more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias used to attack U.S. and Coalition Forces in northeastern Jordan which had killed three U.S. soldiers on Jan. 28.

The 319th RW at Grand Forks AFB, is the headquarters operating the RQ-4B Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance unmanned aircraft launched and flown remotely all over the world. Supporting a critical Air Force mission, sensor operators of the 319th RW analyze pattern-of-life data to help protect NATO’s eastern flank and oversee several strategically important operational areas.

Col. Tim Monroe of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing highlighted the benefits of integrating B-1 operations into Grand Forks’ existing drone-focused setup, which uses RQ-4B Global Hawks for surveillance worldwide:

“There’s no doubt integrating the B-1 community into our Grand Forks Unmanned Aerial System ecosystem will pay dividends for everyone involved. This temporary relocation is the vanguard of Air Force integration, readiness, and agile combat employment, and epitomizes the mantra of One Team, One Fight.”

Once Ellsworth’s runway upgrades are completed, the bombers and Airmen will head back home, paving the way for the B-21 Raider’s arrival in the mid-2020s.

Ellsworth was selected as the first B-21 Raider base after it cleared an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) report in 2021. Whiteman and Dyess AFBs in Missouri and Texas, respectively, were later designated the second and third bases for the bomber by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in mid-September.

Grand Forks was previously a B-1B base, until the bombers were relocated in 1994. In anticipation of the possible relocation, a hot-pit refueling, the first in 30 years at the base in North Dakota, was carried out by the 28th BW with support by the 319th Reconnaissance Squadron, on Oct. 1, 2024, to assess the possibility of relocating the bombers. In fact, while the majority of the physical infrastructures, including the required runway length, ordnance storage capacity, and aircraft refueling equipment, are still present, the 29th BW and the 319th RS still had to demonstrate the ability to operate the B-1B from non-home base locations.

@TheAviationist.com

[deathbxnny]

Hello! Thank you so much for you doing my request but can I ask again? If i can , can you do honkai star rail x reader and reader is from genshin impact and a vision holder ( cyro, hydro or geo ) and they are from sumeru and there are part of the academy and part of Vahumana and vahumana Its specialty is Aetiology, or the study of cause and reason for something, and encompasses history and social sciences. And the character's are Dan heng, blade, welt, gepard and sampo is it ok? And take a break, eat well and drink lots of water before starting other stuff because your health is more important ok? And thank you again!!!

-----♡

A/N: Hello! Thank you for the request and kind words! I neglect myself often for others on accident, so hearing kind reminders is very helpful! I hope, I can do your idea justice!<33

Content: Fluff, established relationship, sfw

Reader has no set pronouns!

((Not fully proofread!))

-----♡

》Dan Heng

Is quite confused sometimes by your studies, yet asks as many questions as he can. Mainly so he can understand what you love so much about the topic and why you're passionate to study that of all things.

Definitely has many talks about you regarding any theories or studies you make, always open to learn something new along the way. He finds your opinions and ideas very intriguing and wants to hear everything you have to say.

Will also add any new information to the Data bank with you, just so he can revisit them later and study them too for you.

Your Geo vision impresses him greatly, always watching in silent awe as you move and control the earth and rocks at your will. It also puts him at ease to know that you can defend yourself and therefore won't get hurt, if he isn't with you.

-----♡

》Blade

Absolutely doesn't understand the point to your studies, mainly since his view of the world is quite simple. The world is just evil and dark, there is not much more to it in his eyes. And finding a reason for all of that just seems like a hassle and waste of time. So it's hard to get him off of that mind-set at first.

But you try to anyways, having long talks about your theories and thoughts, until he finally begins to try and understand your views. He's s little grumpy and reluctant about it, but still does his best for you. As long as your happy, he'll try his best to get it.

Your cryo vision is something that immideatly catches his attention though, especially during battle. He likes how strong it is and how you're able to just freeze your enemies and defeat them easily with no effort. He's definitely very proud of you for that... though he'd still want to protect you himself.

-----♡

》Welt Yang

The most interested person in your studies for sure. Wants to know all about it and perhaps even cares for the subject himself. He likes helping you out with his own knowledge and notes down anything new you tell him.

He'd definitely have very long conversations with you about all your study topics and likes to add his own opinions on the subjects. He could listen to you speak for hours on end too, finding the way you look so excited and passionate about your theories super cute.

He'd our hydro vision fascinating and nearly calming in a way. Especially when you move so elegantly and smoothly during battle. He likes to stand back and watch you do your thing often, stepping in only when needed. But he's proud, when you can protect yourself just fine too.

-----♡

》Gepard Landau

Is definitely intrigued by everything about your studies and wants to know more about it. He would also get you all the research that you need, just so that he can help you get further with your theories.

He will try using the knowledge he's gained from you in his work as a Captain too. He thinks it may help him think of his next moves easier, if he tries assessing past mistakes first.

Gepard would also be willing to have long conversations about various topics in your field too, just so he can watch how passionate you get. He likes to learn about new view points and opinions through your talks as well.

He is very interested in your hydro vision, as it compliments his ice abilities very well. You two would be an unbeatable duo on the battlefield, even if he'd never put you in a position, where you'd ever need to fight.

-----♡

》Sampo

Doesn't really ask much about the topics of your studies, unless it benefits him in his little endeavours or in his, well, "work". He also wouldn't have much to say on the topic, as he never thought about it much before.

With that said, he'd still be willing to listen to you talk about it all day, mainly just to spend time with you. If the topic is interesting enough, he might be willing to learn some things here and there. You never know, where it might come in handy after all.

He tries to form an opinion on some topics for you, but they won't be very elaborate or deep. But it's the thought that counts!

Your Geo vision on the other hand is very interesting to him. You'll have to stop him from using your abilities for anything not so legal though.

-----♡

A/N: Thank you again for the request!<33

[mariacallous]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today proposed a rule that would remove medical bills from most credit reports, increase privacy protections, help to increase credit scores and loan approvals, and prevent debt collectors from using the credit reporting system to coerce people to pay. The proposal would stop credit reporting companies from sharing medical debts with lenders and prohibit lenders from making lending decisions based on medical information. The proposed rule is part of the CFPB’s efforts to address the burden of medical debt and coercive credit reporting practices.

"The CFPB is seeking to end the senseless practice of weaponizing the credit reporting system to coerce patients into paying medical bills that they do not owe,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. "Medical bills on credit reports too often are inaccurate and have little to no predictive value when it comes to repaying other loans."

In 2003, Congress restricted lenders from obtaining or using medical information, including information about debts, through the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. However, federal agencies subsequently issued a special regulatory exception to allow creditors to use medical debts in their credit decisions.

The CFPB is proposing to close the regulatory loophole that has kept vast amounts of medical debt information in the credit reporting system. The proposed rule would help ensure that medical information does not unjustly damage credit scores, and would help keep debt collectors from coercing payments for inaccurate or false medical bills.

The CFPB’s research reveals that a medical bill on a person’s credit report is not a good predicter of whether they will repay a loan. In fact, the CFPB’s analysis shows that medical debts penalize consumers by making underwriting decisions less accurate and leading to thousands of denied applications on mortgages that consumers would repay. Since these are loans people will repay, the CFPB expects lenders will also benefit from improved underwriting and increased volume of safe loan approvals. In terms of mortgages, the CFPB expects the proposed rule would lead to the approval of approximately 22,000 additional, safe mortgages every year.

In December 2014, the CFPB released a report showing that medical debts provide less predictive value to lenders than other debts on credit reports. Then in March 2022, the CFPB released a report estimating that medical bills made up $88 billion of reported debts on credit reports. In that report, the CFPB announced that it would assess whether credit reports should include data on unpaid medical bills.

Since the March 2022 report, the three nationwide credit reporting conglomerates – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – announced that they would take many of those bills off credit reports, and FICO and VantageScore, the two major credit scoring companies, have decreased the degree to which medical bills impact a consumer’s score.

Despite these voluntary industry changes, 15 million Americans still have $49 billion in outstanding medical bills in collections appearing in the credit reporting system. The complex nature of medical billing, insurance coverage and reimbursement, and collections means that medical debts that continue to be reported are often inaccurate or inflated. Additionally, the changes by FICO and VantageScore have not eliminated the credit score difference between people with and without medical debt on their credit reports. We expect that Americans with medical debt on their credit reports will see their credit scores rise by 20 points, on average, if today’s proposed rule is finalized.

Under the current system, debt collectors improperly use the credit reporting system to coerce people to pay debts they may not owe. Many debt collectors engage in a practice known as “debt parking,” where they purchase medical debt then place it on credit reports, often without the consumer’s knowledge. When consumers apply for credit, they may discover that a medical bill is hindering their ability to get a loan. Consumers may then feel forced to pay the medical bill in order to improve their credit score and be approved for a loan, regardless of the debt’s validity.

Specifically, the proposed rule, if finalized would:

Eliminate the special medical debt exception: The proposed rule would remove the exception that broadly permits lenders to obtain and use information about medical debt to make credit eligibility determinations. Lenders would continue to be able to consider medical information related to disability income and similar benefits, as well as medical information relevant to the purpose of the loan, so long as certain conditions are met.

Establish guardrails for credit reporting companies: The proposed rule would prohibit credit reporting companies from including medical debt on credit reports sent to creditors when creditors are prohibited from considering it.

Ban repossession of medical devices: The proposed rule would prohibit lenders from taking medical devices as collateral for a loan, and bans lenders from repossessing medical devices, like wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs, if people are unable to repay the loan.

The CFPB began today’s rulemaking in September 2023 with the goals of ending coercive debt collection practices and limiting the role of medical debt in the credit reporting system. The CFPB additionally published in 2022 a report describing the extensive and debilitating effects of medical debt along with a bulletin on the No Surprises Act to remind credit reporting companies and debt collectors of their legal responsibilities under that legislation.

Read today’s proposed rule, Prohibition on Creditors and Consumer Reporting Agencies Concerning Medical Information (Regulation V).

Read the Unofficial Redline of the Prohibition on Creditors and Consumer Reporting Agencies Concerning Medical Information (Regulation V).

Comments must be received on or before August 12, 2024.

Learn more about Credit Reporting Requirements and the CFPB’s work on medical debt.

Consumers can submit credit reporting complaints, or complaints about financial products or services, by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

Employees who believe their company has violated federal consumer financial protection laws are encouraged to send information about what they know to whistleblower@cfpb.gov.

[thoughtportal]

August 30, 2024

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for an updated version of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine that more closely targets currently circulating variants to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. The updated vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 12 years of age and older. It includes a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2. 

“The COVID-19 vaccines have had a tremendous positive impact on public health and vaccination continues to be the most effective method for COVID-19 prevention,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “COVID-19 continues to be a very real risk for many people, and we encourage individuals to consider getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine when eligible. Today’s authorization provides an additional COVID-19 vaccine option that meets the FDA’s standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization.”

This authorization follows the FDA’s recent approvals and authorizations of updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

What You Need to Know

Individuals 12 years of age and older who have never been vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive two doses of this updated vaccine, 3 weeks apart.

Individuals who have been vaccinated only with one dose of any Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive one dose of the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 weeks after the previous dose.  

Those who have been vaccinated with a prior formula of a COVID-19 vaccine from another manufacturer or with two or more doses of a prior formula of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after the last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The FDA assessed manufacturing and nonclinical data to support the change to the 2024-2025 formula. The updated vaccine is manufactured using a similar process as previous formulas of this vaccine. Individuals who receive this vaccine may experience similar side effects as those reported by individuals who received previous formulas of this COVID-19 vaccine and as described in the fact sheets. 

The FDA has determined that the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has met the statutory criteria for issuance of an EUA, including that the known and potential benefits of the vaccine outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 12 years of age and older. 

As part of today’s action, the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2023-2024 Formula) is no longer authorized for use.

The FDA granted the emergency use authorization of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula) to Novavax Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

[sophia-zofia]

33,000 wounded, with nowhere to go The number of wounded in #Gaza is higher than the number killed. But Gaza’s dead comprise a staggeringly high proportion of casualties when measured against closely comparable casualty data. Latest figures from Gaza are 14,128 killed and 33,000 wounded—a ratio of around 1 to 2.3. However in earlier IDF attacks on Gaza the ratio has ranged between 1 to 4.6 and 1 to 6.  This means that the dead now form a 2 to 3 times greater proportion of Gaza’s casualties than they did in earlier Israeli attacks. Why? Before coming to the most obvious cause—the destruction of Gaza’s health and emergency services—one key factor is that children constitute an unprecedentedly high proportion of the dead (around 40%). Due to their smaller size children are more likely to be killed than to survive bomb blasts and other war injuries, as a 2019 Save the Children study underlined (also emphasising that the children who do survive will be worse affected than adults). But the unprecedented number of children killed in Gaza is only partly a function of its youthful demographic. It is also a direct and predictable outcome of the IDF’s targeting decisions. Informed by “Israeli insiders”, Seymour Hersch recently reported that Israel’s mapping of Gaza’s underground tunnel system enabled them to “assassinate many Hamas brigade commanders and their families, in their beds”, when they’d allegedly “spend the night” in the family home. Thus children’s presence at the target and the point of impact of IDF’s bombs is not inadvertent but expected. Simply put, if large numbers of children are present where you bomb, your killed to wounded ratio will always be high. So how have the attacks on hospitals played into this? Hospitals, ambulances and emergency services that might have saved some lives have been bombed, besieged, and deprived of essential medical and other supplies including water and energy. Their staff have been arrested or shot, as have patients. At present not a single hospital is said to be operational in northern Gaza. And as we show below, the change in the pattern of killed to wounded directly reflects these unconscionable and unlawful actions: it’s for good reason that they are considered war crimes. In three previous, air-strike and artillery–heavy assaults by Israel on Gaza—Operations Cast Lead (2008-09), Pillar of Defense (2012), and Protective Edge (2014)—the killed to wounded ratios were 1 to 4.6, 1 to 5.2, and 1 to 6. During the first 10 days of Israel’s current onslaught the average ratio for killed to wounded was 1 to 4.2, roughly in line with earlier military operations. However from week three onwards—by which time hospitals’ capacity to properly treat casualties would have been overcome—that average had risen to 1 to 2.1. This is still a highly conservative assessment, because if the missing—most of whom are generally assumed to have died—are added to the latest number of dead, the ratio rises even further: 1 to 1.6. (Note that fully 66% of the missing are said to be children, therefore more likely to be among the dead.) So Israel’s “Operation Sword of Iron” is not only creating many thousands of wounded but is ensuring that they cannot receive medical aid, and are destined only to be added to the number killed. One war crime on top of another.

[xettle-technologies]

What Are the Costs Associated with Fintech Software Development?

The fintech industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for innovative financial solutions. As organizations look to capitalize on this trend, understanding the costs associated with fintech software development becomes crucial. Developing robust and secure applications, especially for fintech payment solutions, requires significant investment in technology, expertise, and compliance measures. This article breaks down the key cost factors involved in fintech software development and how businesses can navigate these expenses effectively.

1. Development Team and Expertise

The development team is one of the most significant cost drivers in fintech software development. Hiring skilled professionals, such as software engineers, UI/UX designers, quality assurance specialists, and project managers, requires a substantial budget. The costs can vary depending on the team’s location, expertise, and experience level. For example:

In-house teams: Employing full-time staff provides better control but comes with recurring costs such as salaries, benefits, and training.

Outsourcing: Hiring external agencies or freelancers can reduce costs, especially if the development team is located in regions with lower labor costs.

2. Technology Stack

The choice of technology stack plays a significant role in the overall development cost. Building secure and scalable fintech payment solutions requires advanced tools, frameworks, and programming languages. Costs include:

Licenses and subscriptions: Some technologies require paid licenses or annual subscriptions.

Infrastructure: Cloud services, databases, and servers are essential for hosting and managing fintech applications.

Integration tools: APIs for payment processing, identity verification, and other functionalities often come with usage fees.

3. Security and Compliance

The fintech industry is heavily regulated, requiring adherence to strict security standards and legal compliance. Implementing these measures adds to the development cost but is essential to avoid potential fines and reputational damage. Key considerations include:

Data encryption: Robust encryption protocols like AES-256 to protect sensitive data.

Compliance certifications: Obtaining certifications such as PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001 can be costly but are mandatory for operating in many regions.

Security audits: Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are necessary to ensure application security.

4. Customization and Features

The complexity of the application directly impacts the cost. Basic fintech solutions may have limited functionality, while advanced applications require more extensive development efforts. Common features that add to the cost include:

User authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification.

Real-time processing: Handling high volumes of transactions with minimal latency.

Analytics and reporting: Providing users with detailed financial insights and dashboards.

Blockchain integration: Leveraging blockchain for enhanced security and transparency.

5. User Experience (UX) and Design

A seamless and intuitive user interface is critical for customer retention in the fintech industry. Investing in high-quality UI/UX design ensures that users can navigate the platform effortlessly. Costs in this category include:

Prototyping and wireframing.

Usability testing.

Responsive design for compatibility across devices.

6. Maintenance and Updates

Fintech applications require ongoing maintenance to remain secure and functional. Post-launch costs include:

Bug fixes and updates: Addressing issues and releasing new features.

Server costs: Maintaining and scaling infrastructure to accommodate user growth.

Monitoring tools: Real-time monitoring systems to track performance and security.

7. Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Once the fintech solution is developed, promoting it to the target audience incurs additional costs. Marketing strategies such as digital advertising, influencer partnerships, and content marketing require significant investment. Moreover, onboarding users and providing customer support also contribute to the total cost.

8. Geographic Factors

The cost of fintech software development varies significantly based on geographic factors. Development in North America and Western Europe tends to be more expensive compared to regions like Eastern Europe, South Asia, or Latin America. Businesses must weigh the trade-offs between cost savings and access to high-quality talent.

9. Partnering with Technology Providers

Collaborating with established technology providers can reduce development costs while ensuring top-notch quality. For instance, Xettle Technologies offers comprehensive fintech solutions, including secure APIs and compliance-ready tools, enabling businesses to streamline development processes and minimize risks. Partnering with such providers can save time and resources while enhancing the application's reliability.

Cost Estimates

While costs vary depending on the project's complexity, here are rough estimates:

Basic applications: $50,000 to $100,000.

Moderately complex solutions: $100,000 to $250,000.

Highly advanced platforms: $250,000 and above.

These figures include development, security measures, and initial marketing efforts but may rise with added features or broader scope.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs associated with fintech software development is vital for effective budgeting and project planning. From assembling a skilled team to ensuring compliance and security, each component contributes to the total investment. By leveraging advanced tools and partnering with experienced providers like Xettle Technologies, businesses can optimize costs while delivering high-quality fintech payment solutions. The investment, though significant, lays the foundation for long-term success in the competitive fintech industry.

[ammg-old2]

Summer sea ice in the Arctic could melt almost completely by the 2030s—roughly a decade earlier than projected—even if humans cut back drastically on greenhouse gas emissions, new research suggests. 

“We are very quickly about to lose the Arctic summer sea-ice cover, basically independent of what we are doing,” Dirk Notz, a climate scientist at the University of Hamburg in Germany tells the New York Times’ Raymond Zhong. “We’ve been waiting too long now to do something about climate change to still protect the remaining ice.”

An ice-free summer, also called a “blue ocean event,” will happen when the sea ice drops below one million square kilometers (386,102 square miles), writes Jonathan Bamber, a professor of physical geography at the University of Bristol, in the Conversation. This equates to just 15 percent of the Arctic’s seasonal minimum ice cover of the late 1970s, per the Times. 

Previous assessments using models have estimated an ice-free summer under high and intermediate emissions scenarios by 2050. But researchers noticed differences between what climate models predicted about what would happen to sea ice and what they've actually seen through observations, according to Bob Weber of the Canadian Press. "The models, on average, underestimate sea ice decline compared with observations," says Nathan Gillett, an environment and climate change Canada scientist, to Weber. 

Now, in a new study published in Nature Communications, Notz, Gillett and their colleagues tweaked these models to more closely fit satellite data collected over the past 40 years. Using these modified models, the researchers projected ice changes under different possible levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Their paper suggests that regardless of emissions scenario, “we may experience an unprecedented ice-free Arctic climate in the next decade or two.” Under a high emissions scenario, the Arctic could see a sustained loss of sea ice from August until as late as October before the 2080s, lead author Seung-Ki Min, a climate scientist at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, tells CNN’s Rachel Ramirez. 

While sea ice naturally shrinks in the summer and refreezes during the winter, summer ice coverage has steadily been declining over the past few decades because of climate change. And Arctic ice melting accelerates itself—as ice disappears, it exposes more of the dark blue ocean, which absorbs more heat and leads to more melting. This process, known as Arctic amplification, has led to the region warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the globe since 1979. 

Sea ice decline could have catastrophic consequences that extend to the rest of the planet, including sea level rise and disruption to weather patterns and ecosystems. Animals like polar bears and seals that rely on Arctic ice to survive could be placed at risk. 

“It’s already happening,” Mark C. Serreze, the director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder who was not involved with the new research, tells the Times. “And as the Arctic continues to lose its ice, those impacts will grow and grow and grow.”

[aiolegalservices]

Article 22 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)- Automated Processing Decision

Article 22 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) deals with the right of individuals not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning them or similarly significantly affects them. In other words, the GDPR prohibits organisations from making decisions about individuals’ data that are based solely on…

[covid-safer-hotties]

"This projection overshoots wastewater counts!" Yeah! Because not every single sewage treatment system is equipped for wastewater testing, and by using a conservative analytical model to add those cases that go uncounted because of septic tank use and unsurveilled systems to the total, we can get a more accurate view of the real covid risk in near-real-time! How are people who deal with numbers on the daily so clueless when it comes to how statistical models work and are supposed to be used? Do they think humans are omniscient? We can't detect what isn't being tested! That's why groups like PCM and People's CDC exist and do the work they do, because we know the numbers are a purposeful undercount to keep people calm and shopping and at work. It's about risk assessment with the information we have, not a super accurate tally of the things we saw as *the* sum total and there's no room for human or governmental error... fuck...

When the government started obfuscating covid data in 2022, more people were on board with the idea that projections give you a better understanding of risk so you can best protect yourself. What changed that made them want to assure only the lowest and slowest-coming numbers were the ones people use to assess risk? Why are these same people also downplaying and ignoring the broad societal and personal risks of long covid to EVERYONE. It's like the classic capitalist "Line go up exponentially forever no problem" but for covid denial: Measuring impact and severity by confirmed case and death counts alone aren't giving us the full picture, especially globally. The WHO was literally begging for more reporting last month because only 34 countries still send them any data on covid. You can't tell me this is a conspiracy theory, because the absence of information is itself information in this instance. We have to test to see covid. We aren't testing. This is simple subtraction: When you subtract detection from a disease that can spread asymptomatically, all you have is an absence of information. Trump suggested just that in 2020, but when it's done in 2023 and 2024, y'all are cool with it? I'm not sure how that ignorance is comforting to so many "experts." They're out there panicking about noro and flu right now when those diseases wastewater detections are 5 or 6 times lower than Covid by mass. How is Covid not perceived as a threat? Why do they think looking away will save them from the disaster?

[aloeverawrites]

Nick Allen, CEO of the British Meat Processors Association says that such assessments were incomplete.

''One of the frustrations with a report like this is that it looks just at the emissions from livestock production. It doesn't take into account that carbon gets absorbed into the grassland, trees and hedgerows [on farms]. If they took those sums into account you would probably have a different picture,'' he said.

In response Prof Scarborough said that a number of studies, including this one, had concluded that the taking up of CO2 by grasslands only have a ''modest impact''.

In response a Defra spokesperson said ''people should make their own decisions around the food they eat".

"Achieving the net zero target is a priority for this government, and whilst food choices can have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions, well-managed livestock also provide environmental benefits such as supporting biodiversity, protecting the character of the countryside and generating important income for rural communities."

A spokesperson for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board said ''AHDB is disappointed to see, once again, a study conveying simplistic conclusions to a very complex topic. Foods fulfil different roles within our diets and therefore cannot be fairly compared by weight, calorie or even nutrient contribution. Limited intake of animal-based foods has also shown to increase nutritional inadequacy, an area often overlooked by these kinds of studies''.

So "Nick Allen, CEO of the British Meat Processors Association", "a Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) spokesperson" and "A spokesperson for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board".

People who speak for organisations that make money off of animal farming are saying that trying to eat plant based is actually bad for you the environment and that we should respect others "personal choices".

"generating important income for rural communities"

The people speaking against them? Scientists.

"But according to Prof Jebb, little has been done to achieve this aim.

"In the UK it is still not accepted that we are eating an amount of meat which is inconsistent with our environmental goals. At the moment, the conversation is not how we are going to do this, but whether it is really necessary," she said."

" In response Prof Scarborough said that a number of studies, including this one, had concluded that the taking up of CO2 by grasslands only have a ''modest impact''.

A separate study also published in Nature Food in 2021 concluded that food production was responsible for a third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. And an independent review for the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) called for a 30% reduction in meat consumption by 2032 in order to meet the UK's net zero target."

One side is motivated by money, the other is motivated by data and the environment.

Who do you want to listen to?

[internsipgate]

The Ethics of Hacking: Understanding White Hat vs. Black Hat Hackers

Introduction: Ethical Boundaries in the World of Hacking

In the digital age, hacking has become a term with both negative and positive connotations. Hackers are often categorized based on their intentions, which primarily distinguish between two main groups: White Hat hackers and Black Hat hackers. Understanding the ethical boundaries of hacking is critical, especially as cybersecurity becomes more crucial for protecting sensitive data and infrastructure. This article explores the roles, techniques, and motivations behind White Hat and Black Hat hackers, examining their ethical implications in today’s tech-driven world.https://internshipgate.com

Who Are White Hat Hackers?

Defining White Hat Hackers: The Ethical Cybersecurity Warriors

White Hat hackers are cybersecurity professionals who use their skills to detect and fix vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and applications. These ethical hackers work to strengthen security measures, ensuring that malicious hackers cannot exploit weaknesses. They often collaborate with organizations, governments, and security agencies to maintain digital safety.

Key characteristics of White Hat hackers include:

Authorization: White Hat hackers operate with explicit permission from organizations or system owners to test their defenses.

Intentions: Their goal is to protect, not harm. They are motivated by the desire to improve security systems and help others.

Methodology: White Hat hackers use penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and ethical hacking techniques that adhere to legal and ethical standards.

The Role of White Hat Hackers in Cybersecurity

White Hat hackers are vital in maintaining the security of modern digital infrastructure. Their work helps identify system weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them, making them essential allies in the fight against cybercrime.

Who Are Black Hat Hackers?

Black Hat Hackers: The Dark Side of Cyber Intrusion

Black Hat hackers, in contrast, operate outside the bounds of legality and ethical standards. These individuals engage in malicious activities such as stealing data, spreading malware, and damaging systems for personal gain or to inflict harm.

Common traits of Black Hat hackers:

Unauthorized Access: Black Hat hackers gain access to systems without permission, often exploiting vulnerabilities for illegal purposes.

Malicious Intent: Their actions are driven by greed, personal vendettas, or a desire to cause disruption.

Tactics: Black Hat hackers use techniques like phishing, malware, ransomware, and DDoS attacks to compromise systems and extract sensitive data.

Impact of Black Hat Hackers on the Digital World

The damage caused by Black Hat hackers is significant, ranging from financial losses to the destruction of critical infrastructure. Their activities have spurred the development of more sophisticated security systems and the recruitment of skilled White Hat hackers to combat these threats.

Gray Hat Hackers: The Ambiguity in Between

Understanding Gray Hat Hackers

While the dichotomy of White Hat and Black Hat hackers is well-known, there is also a third category: Gray Hat hackers. These individuals often operate in the ethical gray zone, performing unauthorized activities but without malicious intent.

Key attributes of Gray Hat hackers:

Semi-Legal Actions: Gray Hat hackers may break into systems without permission but do so to highlight vulnerabilities, sometimes informing the affected parties afterward.

Unpredictable Ethics: Their motivations are complex and may not always align with traditional ethical standards. Some Gray Hat hackers see themselves as vigilantes, believing their actions benefit the greater good.

Gray Hat Hackers: Beneficial or Harmful?

While Gray Hat hackers may not aim to cause harm, their activities can still be illegal and dangerous. By exploiting vulnerabilities without permission, they can inadvertently open doors for malicious attackers to follow.

The Ethical Debate: When Does Hacking Become Acceptable?

The ethical debate surrounding hacking revolves around the intent and outcomes of the hacker’s actions. White Hat hackers operate within ethical frameworks, while Black Hat hackers violate laws and norms. The challenge with Gray Hat hackers lies in determining whether their actions, although often without malicious intent, should be condoned or condemned.

Key Ethical Questions:

Is unauthorized access ever justifiable?

Do the benefits of exposing vulnerabilities outweigh the risks?

Should Gray Hat hackers face the same legal consequences as Black Hat hackers?

The answers to these questions are complex, but they underline the importance of a clear ethical code for cybersecurity professionals and hackers alike.

Legal Consequences of Hacking: White Hat vs. Black Hat

Legal Protections for White Hat Hackers

White Hat hackers, when operating under contracts or legal agreements, are typically protected by law. Their activities are not only ethical but also sanctioned, as they work with the consent of organizations to improve their security.

Legal Risks for Black Hat Hackers

Black Hat hackers, on the other hand, face severe legal consequences for their actions. Unauthorized access, data theft, and cyberattacks are illegal in most jurisdictions, with penalties ranging from hefty fines to long-term imprisonment.

Legal differences between White Hat and Black Hat hacking:

White Hat Hackers: Operate within the boundaries of the law, often employed by cybersecurity firms or government agencies.

Black Hat Hackers: Engage in illegal activities that violate data privacy, cyber laws, and intellectual property rights.

The Importance of Ethical Hacking in Today’s World

As digital infrastructure becomes more integral to every facet of modern life, the importance of ethical hacking cannot be overstated. White Hat hackers play a critical role in safeguarding the internet, preventing data breaches, and protecting personal and organizational assets from cyber threats. Governments and private enterprises increasingly rely on ethical hackers to bolster their security measures, making them indispensable in the fight against cybercrime.

Why Companies Should Hire White Hat Hackers

Companies that neglect to secure their digital environments are at higher risk of cyberattacks. By employing White Hat hackers, organizations can proactively protect their systems from vulnerabilities, ensuring that they remain one step ahead of malicious actors.

Benefits of hiring White Hat hackers:

Proactive Security: Detecting and addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

Cost-Effective: Preventing attacks can save organizations from financial losses due to breaches.

Legal Compliance: Ensures that security measures meet regulatory standards, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues.

Conclusion: The Ethical Future of Hacking

The evolving landscape of cybersecurity presents both challenges and opportunities for ethical hackers. As technology advances, the need for skilled White Hat hackers grows, while the threat posed by Black Hat hackers continues to loom large. By understanding the ethical implications of hacking, we can better protect our digital spaces and promote a safer, more secure internet for everyone.