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Report Shows How Loophole in Privacy Law Makes Opting Out of Facebook Data Sharing Difficult; Global Opt Out Law Needed, Consumer Watchdog Says

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LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new report from Consumer Watchdog shows how thousands of companies share your data with Facebook, including financial companies and health care providers, and how a loophole in California’s premier privacy law makes opting out difficult and time consuming.

The report details how the big three web browsers do not offer a global opt out signal to make companies halt the sale and sharing of personal information easy, but pending legislation in California will make the global opt out signal mandatory. 

“In order to exercise your rights and tell a business to stop sharing or selling your data, you need to have the time and sanity to visit thousands of websites,” said Justin Kloczko, tech and privacy advocate for Consumer Watchdog. “This is an access issue, and we need better tools. The legislature must pass Assembly Bill 3048 (Lowenthal) and the governor should sign it.”

Read the report, “No Opt Out,” here.

Watch a consumer alert on the issue here.

The same tech companies that collect lots of data also own the most popular web browsers—Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge—but they don’t let us tell all businesses our privacy choices because it’s not in their financial interest to do so, said the nonprofit advocacy group.

Although businesses must accept a global opt out under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), most browsers don’t offer such a signal unless a plug-in is installed. Even then, not all browsers accept it.

Using Facebook as an example, Kloczko tried to take control of his data, but discovered how time-consuming and confusing opting out can be. He learned Facebook knows about over 2,500 companies that he’s visited online, including his credit card company and health insurer, since opening his account nearly 20 years ago. The list also contains major data brokers like Experian and Live Ramp that he didn’t interact with directly.

“Data brokers keep a low profile but traffic in our most personal details. They know what we eat, watch, read, and purchase,” said Kloczko.

And despite deactivating his Facebook account for a year, meaning his account was not visible to other accounts, the sharing between Facebook and companies Kloczko visited continued, said the nonprofit. According to the data, Facebook and advertisers still knew about 671 businesses Kloczko interacted with online, including his health insurer, credit card company, and bank.

“If I want to put a stop to this data sharing, I must navigate a confusing, seemingly endless labyrinth of privacy options obscured in legalese,” said Kloczko. “It’s a tedious undertaking that fatigues people from exercising their options.”

Separately, it’s not even clear that Facebook is complying with the CCPA because even though Facebook says it does not share or sell your data, advertisers still pay for access to it.

Recent polling says that while most Californians are concerned about the sharing and selling of personal information, they lack understanding of their privacy rights.

The good news is there is pending state legislation to strengthen rights, as well as laws being implemented right now that will make exercising privacy rights easier for Californians, said the nonprofit.

If passed and signed by the governor, AB 3048 will make California the first state in the country to allow users to opt out in one step by requiring browsers to offer a global opt-out preference signal that opts out of the sale/sharing of personal information and its use for targeted advertising.

And in 2026, Californians will be able to tell data brokers, who collect data from other parties, to delete all personal information in one step, thanks to an amendment to the CCPA called the Delete Act, or Senate Bill 362 (Becker). Currently under the law, data brokers are required to enter a state registry and disclose if they collect information on geolocation, minors, and health data.

The average person using the Internet spends almost seven hours a day in front of a screen. That’s roughly 17 years spent checking the Internet. We check our phones on average of 144 times a day. This generates a lot of data. People are surveilled as they book doctor appointments, shop for food, and dial suicide hotlines. Our every search, scroll and tap is monetized as part of a personal data industry that is worth billions of dollars. Each person has about 3,000 data points. And based on that data algorithms and artificial intelligence are deciding jobs, health care, finances, down to the very way we receive information.

“There has never been a greater need for a universal opt-out,” said Kloczko. “By casting a privacy net over businesses, Californians will be better equipped to protect their personal information and fight discrimination.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/report-shows-how-loophole-in-privacy-law-makes-opting-out-of-facebook-data-sharing-difficult-global-opt-out-law-needed-consumer-watchdog-says-302211349.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Partners with Clinical.ly to Enhance Regulatory Operations with eReg Solutions

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11 mins ago

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September 19, 2024

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NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in cancer treatment and research, chose Clinical.ly’s (www.clinical.ly) Research Suite™ to streamline regulatory operations, marking a significant step toward more efficient and compliant clinical trial management. Dana-Farber joins a growing number of research organizations that leverage Clinical.ly’s innovative solutions to streamline clinical trial processes. Clinical.ly’s eReg platform offers a comprehensive, paperless solution that centralizes regulatory workflows, ensuring compliance and transparency across clinical trials.

“We are thrilled to support Dana-Farber’s clinical research operations,” said Henry Kravchenko, Clinical.ly’s CEO.

This partnership continues Clinical.ly’s success in providing best-in-class enterprise tools for conducting clinical research. “We are thrilled to support Dana-Farber’s clinical research operations,” said Henry Kravchenko, Clinical.ly’s CEO. “Our eReg platform and wider set of features in Clinical.ly Research Suite™ will empower that renowned organization, and we all look forward to supporting their teams.”

About Clinical.ly Research Suite™ 

Clinical.ly Research Suite™ is a comprehensive solution that eliminates traditional, paper-based processes. By automating and centralizing essential workflows in the Clinical.ly Research Suite™, organizations achieve huge efficiency improvements, greater trial oversight, document management, and regulatory compliance. The Clinical.ly Research Suite™ includes:

eReg: A best-in-class electronic regulatory bindereSource: An intuitive & feature-rich, paperless data capture solution that streamlines data collection from trial participantseConsent: A fully digital solution for capturing informed consent, improving participant engagement and site complianceClinicallySign: 21 CFR Part 11 compliant eSignature functionalityClinicallyPay: A secure and instantaneous participant stipend payment and reimbursement solution

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Founded in 1947, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing adults and children with the best treatment available today while developing tomorrow’s cures through cutting-edge research. Based in Boston, Dana-Farber is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and ranks consistently as one of the top cancer hospitals in the world.

About Clinical.ly

Clinical.ly provides differentiated, cloud-native technology solutions to the clinical research industry, enabling research organizations to conduct studies with greater efficiency and ease. Clinical.ly is dedicated to developing technology that eliminates tedious manual labor, allowing clinical research professionals to focus on patient care.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dana-farber-cancer-institute-partners-with-clinically-to-enhance-regulatory-operations-with-ereg-solutions-302253690.html

SOURCE Clinical.ly

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Fall Into Creativity with the Monport Laser Fall Sale

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11 mins ago

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September 19, 2024

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NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Experience laser innovation this Fall with Monport Laser, an industry frontrunner in laser engraving and cutting technology, with an exclusive Fall Sale offering incredible discounts and free accessories on a wide range of high-performance laser engraving machines. From September 19th to September 30th, customers can take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to elevate their laser engraving businesses with cutting-edge laser innovation at unbeatable prices.

Monport Laser has been dedicated to providing innovative and reliable laser machines that empower businesses and individuals to achieve their goals. With a focus on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction, Monport Laser has established itself as a trusted leader in the industry. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every laser they produce, ensuring exceptional performance, reliability, and value.

Embrace the Power of CO2 Laser Technology with Exclusive Offers

Monport Laser will offer two free accessories with selected CO2 laser machines during the Monport Fall sale. These versatile lasers are ideal for various applications, including engraving, cutting, and marking wood, acrylic, leather, and more. By taking advantage of this Fall sale, laser engraving businesses can enhance their productivity and expand their creative possibilities.

Experience Unmatched Value with Fiber Laser Discounts

Monport Laser offers substantial discounts of up to $4200 and 3 free accessories on selected models for those seeking the precision and speed of fiber laser technology. Fiber lasers are renowned for their ability to process metals with exceptional efficiency and accuracy, making them indispensable for metal fabrication, manufacturing, and jewelry production. Additionally, customers purchasing fiber lasers during the Fall sale will receive three free accessories, further sweetening the deal.

Elevate Your Desktop Laser Experience with a Free Water Chiller

Monport Laser is committed to providing comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes. As part of the Fall sale, customers who purchase the 40W Desktop laser will receive a Free Water Chiller Cw3000. This essential accessory ensures optimal cooling and performance, prolonging the lifespan of the laser and guaranteeing consistent results.

Discover Additional Savings on a Wide Range of Accessories

Monport Laser offers an additional 20% discount on selected accessories to complete your laser setup. From lenses and nozzles to rotary tables and smoke extraction systems, customers can find everything they need to maximize the potential of their laser machines.

Unleash Your Creativity and Productivity

Monport Laser’s Fall sale is the perfect opportunity to invest in laser technology that empowers your business or fuels your creative passions. With exceptional discounts and free accessories, you can acquire the ideal laser solution to meet your needs and budget.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or manufacturer, Monport Laser’s advanced laser machines offer unparalleled precision, versatility, and reliability. Take advantage of this limited-time Fall sale and unlock your projects’ full potential for laser innovation.

About Monport Laser

Monport Laser is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality laser machines and accessories. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Monport Laser provides cutting-edge solutions for various industries, including manufacturing, engraving, marking, and more.

For more information, visit monportlaser.com and follow them on social media for the latest updates.

Website: https://www.monportlaser.com/

 

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fall-into-creativity-with-the-monport-laser-fall-sale-302253699.html

SOURCE Monport Laser

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MEDIA ADVISORY – Minister Wilkinson to Make a Critical Minerals Infrastructure Announcement

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11 mins ago

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September 19, 2024

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VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Ranj Pillai, the Premier of Yukon, will make a funding announcement in support of critical minerals infrastructure projects. A media availability will follow.

Date: September 20, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. PT

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. A dial-in line is available for media and will be provided upon registration.

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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