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Legislation to counter foreign interference receives Royal Assent

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OTTAWA, ON, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, highlighted that Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference, received Royal Assent on June 20, 2024.

Bill C-70 bolsters Canada’s ability to detect, disrupt and counter foreign interference threats to all people in Canada, including members of diaspora communities, through a series of new measures and legislative amendments to national security and criminal laws. It brings the most significant update to the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service Act (CSIS Act) since the Act was first brought into force in 1984. The Bill also modernizes foreign interference offences in the Security of Information Act and the sabotage offence in the Criminal Code. Finally, Bill C-70 also made changes to the Canada Evidence Act to establish a standardized regime for handling sensitive information in administrative proceedings.

The Bill sets out the framework for a new Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, which will be administered by an independent Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner. The coming into force date of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA), which creates the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, will be set by the Governor-in-Council in the coming months.

The changes to the CSIS Act come into force immediately. Changes to the Security of Information Act, the modernization of the sabotage offence in the Criminal Code, and amendments to the Canada Evidence Act will come into force 60 days after Royal Assent, on August 19, 2024.

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada and individuals in this country from the threat of foreign interference, and to enhancing our collective resilience against malign foreign influence. Together, we can better protect Canadian values, principles, rights and freedoms from malicious actors threatening to harm them.

Quote

“Our intelligence and law enforcement personnel work around the clock to protect Canadians. With Bill C-70 becoming law, they will now be better equipped to detect, disrupt, and counter foreign interference and take action against those seeking to harm our way of life. Thank you to all parliamentarians who worked with us to ensure the swift passage of this legislation.”

– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs

“We now have measures in place that will better protect people in Canada, including diaspora communities, from the threats of foreign interference. These reforms to our criminal and national security laws are key to our country’s safety, security, and democracy. Canada’s democratic institutions are now better positioned to face threats from foreign actors.”

– The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Quick Facts

Foreign interference includes harmful activities undertaken by foreign states, or those acting on their behalf, which are clandestine, deceptive, or involve a threat to any person to advance the strategic objectives of those states. Foreign interference poses a threat to all orders of government, the private sector, academia, diaspora communities and the general public.In 2019, the Government of Canada announced the Plan to Protect Canada’s Democracy. Measures introduced as part of the Plan include the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP), the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, the Digital Citizen Initiative, the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism and the Canada Declaration on Election Integrity Online. The Government is committed to continuously improving its defenses, including elements of the Plan, to ensure Canada remains best protected. On March 6, 2023, the Government of Canada announced a series of measures to take further action on foreign interference and strengthen the public’s confidence in our democracy. From March 10 to May 9, 2023, the Government held public consultations to guide the creation of a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry in Canada.On September 7, 2023, the Government of Canada launched the Foreign Interference Commission to respond to concerns about foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The Commission is also examining the flow of information within the federal government in relation to these issues, evaluating the actions taken in response, assessing the federal government’s capacity to detect, deter, and counter foreign interference, and will make recommendations on these issues. The Commission released its initial report on May 3, 2024, and will deliver its final report by December 31, 2024.From November 24, 2023 to February 2, 2024, the Government of Canada held additional public consultations that focused on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act and the Canada Evidence Act.Budget 2023 provided $48.9 million over three years starting in 2023-24 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to protect people in Canada from harassment and intimidation, increase its investigative capacity, and more proactively engage with communities at greater risk of being targeted, as well as $13.5 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $3.1 million ongoing to Public Safety Canada to establish a National Counter-Foreign Interference Office.Budget 2024 proposes to provide $655.7 million over eight years, starting in 2024-25, with $191.1 million in remaining amortization, and $114.7 million ongoing to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to enhance its intelligence capabilities.

Related Products

CSIS Act Amendments: Bolstering Canada’s counter-foreign interference legislationForeign Interference and CanadaCanada’s Foreign Influence Transparency RegistrySecurity of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act Amendments: Bolstering Canada’s counter-foreign interference legislationConsulting on Canada’s Foreign Influence Transparency Registry: What We Heard ReportWhat We Heard and Learned Report: CSIS Act ConsultationsWhat we heard: Consultation on the proposed reforms to the Security of Information Act, Criminal Code and Canada Evidence Act

Associated Links

Government introduces legislation to counter foreign interferencePublic Safety Canada’s Foreign Interference web pagesCSIS 2022 Public ReportGovernment of Canada launches consultation on legislative amendments to counter foreign interference in CanadaGovernment of Canada launches public consultations on a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry in CanadaTaking further action on foreign interference and strengthening confidence in our democracyForeign Interference and YouRapid Response Mechanism (RRM) CanadaCyber Threats to Canada’s Democratic Process: 2023 updateProtecting DemocracyCountering an evolving threat: Update on recommendations to counter foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

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OPNsense® Business Edition 25.4: Empowering Enterprises with Secure, Self-Service VPN Access and Cost-Effective Network Management

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Deciso®, creators of the trusted and widely adopted open-source firewall platform OPNsense®, today announces the launch of OPNsense® Business Edition 25.4. The latest release is tailored for enterprise environments seeking enhanced control, seamless remote access, and operational efficiency. Among its highlights is the new browser-based User Portal, alongside significant upgrades carried over from the celebrated 25.1 Community Edition.

MIDDELHARNIS, Netherlands  , April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Built on a modernized foundation including FreeBSD 14.2 and PHP 8.3, version 25.4 enhances system performance, maintainability, and supportability. Enterprises benefit from enhanced security and scalability, making it an ideal solution for growing, distributed networks.

“With version 25.4, we’re delivering more than features—we’re delivering control and confidence,” said Jos Schellevis, CTO of Deciso. “Whether you’re an MSP, enterprise, or public sector organization, this release gives you the tools to scale securely and efficiently.”

Key Highlights of OPNsense® Business Edition 25.4

• New User Portal

A secure, browser-based self-service interface that allows end users to manage VPN access through OTP tokens and OpenVPN configuration exports.

• ZFS Snapshot Support

Easily create and restore system snapshots through a user-friendly GUI or API.

• MVC Framework Expansion

Additional components now utilize the MVC framework, offering API support for system tunables and High Availability status.

• Redesigned Identity and UI

Fresh branding, an official dark mode, and usability refinements.

• Enhanced Security Zones

Better segmentation and policy control for robust security configurations and compliance-driven environments.

Enterprise Benefits

With Business Edition 25.4, Deciso® provides a platform designed for the operational demands of business and public sector networks. Whether you’re managing a multi-site deployment, supporting a remote workforce, or enforcing strict compliance standards, OPNsense® offers:

• Commercial support options

• Access to premium plugins

• Enterprise-grade resilience and uptime

• Formal compliance (LINCE)

Celebrating a Decade of Open Source Innovation

Marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, OPNsense® has become a leading benchmark in the firewall space with over 300,000 deployments worldwide. The Business Edition continues this legacy with enhancements that align with the modern demands of IT and cybersecurity teams.

Availability

OPNsense® Business Edition 25.4 is available today to all active business customers and partners.

About Deciso®

Deciso® is a pioneer in creating innovative network security solutions. As the brains behind the acclaimed OPNsense firewall platform, Deciso consistently breaks new ground in cybersecurity. Its dedication to excellence and innovation drives the development of state-of-the-art security solutions, empowering businesses globally to safeguard and manage their digital infrastructure effectively. With Deciso, you’re not just choosing a security product; you’re partnering with a leader in protecting digital spaces.

Join us in celebrating 10 years of securing the future.

More information

OPNsense®

Commercial: https://shop.opnsense.com

Documentation: https://docs.opnsense.org

Security https://docs.opnsense.org/security.html

Community https://opnsense.org

Deciso® https://www.deciso.com

Media Contact

Jos Schellevis, Deciso B.V., 31 187744020, contact@deciso.com, https://www.deciso.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/opnsense-business-edition-25-4-empowering-enterprises-with-secure-self-service-vpn-access-and-cost-effective-network-management-302424720.html

SOURCE Deciso B.V.

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Call to enter: Nominations for PolyAI’s 3rd annual CX 100 are open to innovators

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PolyAI award program shines spotlight on standout companies raising the bar for exceptional customer service

NEW YORK and LONDON, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PolyAI, a global leader in voice AI agents for superhuman customer experiences, has announced the launch of its annual CX 100 awards program, now entering its third year. As with the previous two cohorts, the program aims to recognize and celebrate 100 individuals who have made a significant impact in the field of customer experience and/or contact center management.

Nominations are now open for the 3rd annual CX 100 awards, seeking leaders across industries who are dedicated to prioritizing customers and delivering exceptional experiences. This program recognizes CX and contact center changemakers who embody customer-centricity, empowerment, and transformational change. PolyAI champions the power of customer-led initiatives that focus on deeply understanding and surpassing customer expectations, driving both loyalty and sustainable business growth.

Last year’s CX 100 winners set a high standard for industry leadership by being bold and innovative while customer expectations continued to rise. As leaders in customer service, they showed an unwavering commitment to improving customer satisfaction and optimizing contact center operations. Previously recognized thought leaders hailed from companies like Marriott, American Airlines, Hopper, FedEx, Disney, Louis Vuitton and more.

Key details for PolyAI’s CX 100:

Deadline for nominations: April 30th, 2025Cost: Free to enter; multiple nominations welcome.Criteria: Individuals who have showcased exceptional leadership, innovation and a commitment to customer-centric values in the field of customer experience and contact center management.

To determine the CX 100 award winners, PolyAI will assess nominees based on their impact in three key areas: creating exceptional customer journeys, driving a customer-first approach throughout their organizations, and leveraging technology and processes to enable superior service delivery. The leaders who have made the most transformative impact on customer experience and contact center management will be announced to this year’s CX 100 cohort on May 14th, 2025.

For more information about the 2025 CX 100 selection process and to submit nominations, please visit https://poly.ai/polyai-cx-100-awards-2025-nominations/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/call-to-enter-nominations-for-polyais-3rd-annual-cx-100-are-open-to-innovators-302424930.html

SOURCE PolyAI

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Mynd.ai Announces CEO Transition

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SEATTLE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mynd.ai, Inc. (“Mynd” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: MYND), a global leader in interactive hardware and software solutions for education and enterprise, today announced that Vin Riera, Chief Executive Officer, will be stepping down from his role as CEO effective April 11, 2025, after eight years of exceptional leadership in the role. He has also resigned as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. Arthur Giterman, Mynd’s current Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective April 11, 2025. Mr. Giterman will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer and will work with the Board to evaluate a potential successor.

“I am honored to step into the CEO role, and I see significant opportunities to transform our business in ways that serve our customers better and create value for our stakeholders,” said Giterman.

Riera joined the company in 2017. Under his leadership, the Company attained a market-leading position by accelerating digital innovation. “With Vin’s leadership, Mynd has evolved significantly, and we thank him for his contributions,” said Simon Leung, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Arthur is exceptionally qualified to lead Mynd into its next chapter, bringing a strong blend of financial, operational, and strategic expertise.”

Giterman joined the company in 2023 as the CFO and played a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic direction and taking the Company public a little over a year ago.

“It has been a privilege to lead Mynd through a period of exciting change, and I am so proud of what the team has achieved together,” said Riera. “I’ve worked closely with Arthur over the past two years, and I’ve witnessed firsthand his deep understanding of what it takes for a global brand to grow and evolve. I’m confident Arthur is the right leader to shepherd Mynd through continued transformation and future success.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined by federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect Mynd’s current expectations and projections about future events at the time and thus involve uncertainty and risk. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “optimistic,” and the negatives of these words and other similar expressions generally identify forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Mynd’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Mynd’s periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on Mynd’s website at www.mynd.ai. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in Mynd’s filings with the SEC. While forward-looking statements reflect Mynd’s good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. Mynd disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to Mynd (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements).

The Company shall, upon the request of any shareholder or bondholder, furnish a hard copy of Mynd’s complete audited financial statements free of charge.

About Mynd.ai, Inc.

Seattle-based Mynd is a global leader in interactive technology offering best-in-class hardware and software solutions that help organizations create and deliver dynamic content; simplify and streamline teaching, learning, and communication; and facilitate real-time collaboration. Our award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 1 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries. Our global distribution network of more than 4,000 reseller partners and our dedicated sales and support teams around the world enable us to deliver the highest level of service to our customers. Our website is located at www.mynd.ai.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/myndai-announces-ceo-transition-302423601.html

SOURCE Mynd.ai

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