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Apple Sued for Knowingly Hosting Child Sexual Abuse Material on Its Products, Failing to Protect Survivors

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Landmark lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse images and videos (CSAM) traded on Apple platforms

CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This weekend, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company’s defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so.

The plaintiffs are being represented by Marsh Law Firm. Additionally, Heat Initiative is providing some support for this lawsuit as part of the organization’s broader Ignite program, which provides legal and advocacy support for victims of child sexual abuse through referrals, research, and funding to empower them to use their voices and hold technology companies accountable.

The images and videos of the plaintiffs’ childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 “CSAM Detection” technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple’s belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal.

The full complaint, as well as a fact sheet and other supporting materials, can be found HERE.

 “The knowledge that images of my abuse are still out there is a never-ending nightmare – Apple could have stopped this, but has chosen not to act,” said Jane Doe, a plaintiff in the lawsuit. “Apple has the technology to stop this from continuing, yet they knowingly turn a blind eye. This isn’t just about my story –  it’s about standing up for every survivor who deserves safety and dignity. Apple has a responsibility to protect us, and I’m here to demand that they fulfill it.”

“Today, thousands of brave survivors are coming forward to demand accountability from one of the most successful technology companies on the planet. Apple has not only rejected helping these victims, it has advertised the fact that it does not detect child sex abuse material on its platform or devices thereby exponentially increasing the ongoing harm caused to these victims,” said Margaret E. Mabie, Partner at Marsh Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs. “Our clients have endured unimaginable abuse, and yet Apple’s top executives continue to ignore their pleas, fully aware that this illegal contraband remains on their platform. By abandoning their state-of-the-art detection program without offering an alternative, Apple has chosen to prioritize its own corporate agenda over the lives and dignity of survivors. This lawsuit is a call for justice and a demand for Apple to finally take responsibility and protect these victims.”

“Apple wants people to think they are the ‘responsible’ tech company, and this lawsuit demonstrates clearly that, on this issue, they are not,” said Sarah Gardner, Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sex abuse on their platforms. “The plaintiffs and countless other survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst moments imaginable because Apple refuses to implement common sense practices that are standard across the tech industry. They will argue that this is a privacy issue, but they are failing to acknowledge the privacy and basic humanity of the children being raped and sexually assaulted in the videos and images Apple stores on iCloud.”

In August 2021, Apple announced it would implement a new “CSAM Detection” feature, which would have identified known child sexual abuse material in iCloud using NeuralHash, a type of hashing technology that Apple developed. However, after the program was announced, Apple executives reversed their decision and ultimately killed the implementation of the program. At the same time, in 2023, five major tech companies collectively reported more than 32 million pieces of child sexual abuse images and videos on their platforms–Apple reported only 267.

The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for Apple to implement basic child safety measures on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claim of negligence and failing to fulfill their duty of care resulting in harms to the plaintiffs stems from two main factors:

Apple’s failure to implement any plan to detect illegal child sexual abuse images and videos when they have full knowledge of its existence on their platform violates their duty of care.If the “CSAM Detection” feature had been implemented, the plaintiffs’ illegal child sexual abuse images would have been detected and removed. Instead they remain on iCloud and devices today, continuing to cause the plaintiffs harm.

Marsh Law Firm focuses its legal practice exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and online exploitation. They are a survivor-focused, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented law firm that advocates for clients both in and out of the courtroom to secure justice and hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable abuse accountable.

Heat Initiative is a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sexual abuse on their platforms. Heat Initiative sees a future where children’s safety is at the forefront of any existing and future technological developments. The Heat Initiative’s Ignite program catalyzes impact litigation to hold technology companies accountable to their duty to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms.

Contact: press@heatinitiative.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-sued-for-knowingly-hosting-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-its-products-failing-to-protect-survivors-302325571.html

SOURCE Heat Initiative

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51Talk Online Education Group to Report Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Friday, December 13, 2024

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Earnings Call Scheduled for 8:00 a.m. ET on December 13, 2024

SINGAPORE, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 51Talk Online Education Group (“51Talk”, or the “Company”) (NYSE American: COE), a global online education platform with core expertise in English education, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 on Friday, December 13, 2024, before the open of U.S. markets.

The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on December 13, 2024 (9:00p.m. Singapore/Beijing/Hong Kong time on December 13, 2024).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States Toll:

1-888-346-8982

International:

1-412-902-4272

Singapore (toll free):

800-120-6157

Mainland China Toll:

4001-201203

Hong Kong Toll:

800-905945

Hong Kong-Local Toll:

852-301-84992

Participants should dial-in at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for “51Talk Online Education Group”.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.51talk.com

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until December 20, 2024, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States Toll:

1-877-344-7529

International Toll:

1-412-317-0088 

Canada Toll:          

855-669-9658

Replay Access Code:

7344526

About 51Talk Online Education Group

51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company’s mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company’s online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students. 

For more information, please visit http://ir.51talk.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/51talk-online-education-group-to-report-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-on-friday-december-13-2024-302329810.html

SOURCE 51Talk Online Education Group

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WuXi Biologics Included in UNGC 20 Case Examples of Sustainable Development for 20 Years Collection

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Leading Green CRDMO Driven by Innovation for a Healthier FutureOffering End-to-end Green Biologics Solutions for the Entire Industry

SHANGHAI, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi Biologics (“WuXi Bio”) (2269.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced that it has been included in the “20 Case Examples for 20 Years: Private Sector’s Sustainable Development in China” report initiated by the United Nations Global Compact. The company has been invited to UNGC global roadshow and has earned recognition for its effective and dedicated efforts to continue the advancement of green biologics solutions for a healthier future.

The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) concept put forward by the UN Global Compact, and a series of ESG+20 celebration activities have been launched, with the “20 Case Examples for 20 Years: Private Sector’s Sustainable Development in China” report being a crucial component. The report aims to showcase best practices in ESG as a way to reveal contributions by companies successful in sustainability development transformation, as well as to share their innovative ideas and actions with the world.

Commenting on the report, Sanda Ojambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact said, “On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) concept by the UN Global Compact, and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, our China Liaison Office has specially curated sustainability case studies from enterprises in China. These companies are distinctive in that, while pursuing economic development, they reflect their unique commitment to sustainable development. These cases not only highlight the economic efficiency, innovation and inclusivity of Chinese enterprises but showcase their efforts to balance social responsibility, environmental protection and economic growth. Through diverse sustainable development strategies, these enterprises promote the application of green technologies, responsible resource usage and community development, enriching the sustainability connotation of the Chinese economy and providing valuable experience and insights for global sustainable development goals.”

Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics and Chairman of its ESG Committee, commented, “We are honored to be included in the UN Global Compact report, which showcases our distinctive business model and the firm commitment to pursuing sustainable development. As a global leader in Green CRDMO, we continuously strive to deliver our own ESG excellence, while remaining dedicated to enabling global partners with end-to-end green biologics solutions driven by innovation — from green research,  green development, to green manufacturing. Going forward, we will keep pushing industry boundaries, jointly working with all stakeholders to promote responsible practices throughout the whole value chain.”

As a participant of the UN Global Compact, WuXi Biologics actively drives innovation and operational efficiency through green technology, and continuously makes contributions towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The company integrates green technology into its research, development, and manufacturing processes. In particular, it boasts of the proprietary universal bispecific antibody platform WuXiBody™ for green research; ultra-intensified fed-batch production platform WuXiUI™ and ultra-high productivity continuous processing platform WuXiUP™ for green development; and Single-Use Technology for green manufacturing. These technology platforms and processes can expedite timelines and increase productivity, while at the same time minimizing carbon footprint and end-of-life environmental impact through significant reductions in resource and energy consumption, and waste generation.

Over the past several years, WuXi Biologics has earned a number of recognitions for its significant progress in pursuing sustainable development. It was granted an AAA rating from MSCI ESG Ratings for two consecutive years; included in the DJSI World Index and Emerging Markets Index; awarded the distinguished Platinum Medal by EcoVadis; recognized as an Industry and Regional Top-Rated Company by Sustainalytics; named to the CDP Water Security “A list” and awarded an “A-” CDP Climate Change score; selected as a Constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series; and included in the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index.

About the United Nations Global Compact Liaison Office in China
Since the establishment of the United Nations Global Compact Liaison Office in China in 2017, we have become increasingly convinced that Chinese enterprises and multinational companies operating in China are a positive force in advancing sustainable development for the planet at large.

As the world’s largest developing country, China not only boasts the most Fortune Global 500 companies (with 142 companies listed in 2023) but also hosts over 44 million small and medium-sized businesses. The sheer scale of China’s domestic economy, overseas investments and trade significantly influence the well-being of billions of people and the progress of sustainable development worldwide, underscoring the magnitude and importance of our collective work.

The United Nations Global Compact Liaison Office in China, with over 1,100 participants from various industries as of July 2024, tailors four major accelerator programmes for these participants: the Climate Ambition Accelerator (CAA), the Target Gender Equality (TGE), the SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals (SDGI) and the SDG Ambition Accelerator (SDGA).

Through programmes and events focused on climate change, zero-carbon transition, gender equality, supply chain resilience, sustainable business innovation, Sustainable Infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative to accelerate the SDGs, Sino-Africa Corporate Community Action Network on Sustainable Development and Global Development Initiative for SDGs Pilot Projects, we help to foster innovative and action-driven partnerships and support our Chinese participants to move towards a sustainable future along with partners from all over the world.

About WuXi Biologics
WuXi Biologics (stock code: 2269.HK) is a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) offering end-to-end solutions that enable partners to discover, develop and manufacture biologics – from concept to commercialization – for the benefit of patients worldwide.

With over 12,000 skilled employees in China, the United States, Ireland, Germany and Singapore, WuXi Biologics leverages its technologies and expertise to provide customers with efficient and cost-effective biologics discovery, development and manufacturing solutions. As of June 30, 2024, WuXi Biologics is supporting 742 integrated client projects, including 16 in commercial manufacturing (excluding COVID CMO and non-COVID dormant CMO projects).

WuXi Biologics views Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities as an integral component of our ethos and business strategy, and we aim to become an ESG leader in the biologics CRDMO sector. Our facilities use next-generation biomanufacturing technologies and clean-energy sources. We have also established an ESG committee led by our CEO to steer the comprehensive ESG strategy and its implementation, enhancing our commitment to sustainability.

For more information about WuXi Biologics, please visit: www.wuxibiologics.com

Contacts
Media
PR@wuxibiologics.com 

Business
info@wuxibiologics.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wuxi-biologics-included-in-ungc-20-case-examples-of-sustainable-development-for-20-years-collection-302329945.html

SOURCE WuXi Biologics

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EQUIDUCT WELCOMES IBROKER AS THE LATEST TRADING PARTICIPANT TO JOIN APEX

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MADRID, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Equiduct, the retail-focused pan-European exchange, announced today that iBroker Global Markets S.V. is the newest trading participant to join its Best Execution service, Apex.

iBroker is the leading online broker in listed derivatives in Spain, specializing in the retail segment. Now, with its incorporation into Equiduct and as part of the company’s new strategic plan, it is expanding its product offering to include European equities and ETFs.

iBroker and its clients are already leveraging Equiduct´s high quality market data products, which offers a real-time consolidated view of liquidity from twelve major European markets.

By joining Equiduct, iBroker and its retail investors’ client base, now have access to pan-European liquidity for over 1,900 stocks and ETF, joining over 7 million retail end clients that already benefit from the best-in class execution and market-data services provided by Equiduct.

Equiduct is fully committed to working alongside the Spanish retail brokerage community to ensure that an ever-growing number of individual investors receive the best possible execution for their transactions in Spanish & European equities and ETF.

Enrique Martí, CEO, iBroker, said: “Our incorporation into Equiduct strengthens iBroker’s commitment to providing our clients with the highest quality execution when trading in European equity markets. For retail investors, ensuring transparency in execution is not just an added value but an essential obligation. Thanks to Equiduct, we now have advanced tools that enable us to meet this premise in an exceptional way.

We are excited about this new chapter, where we aim to position iBroker Global Markets not only as the benchmark for Spanish investors specializing in derivatives but also as a prominent option for a new profile of retail investors interested in equities, ETFs, and savings and investment products.”

Wail Azizi, Chief Strategy Officer at Equiduct said: “I’d like to congratulate and welcome Enrique, Jon and the wider iBroker team to our exchange. We are delighted to be their chosen partner for expanding their retail business into European equities and ETFs. By delivering Best Execution on Europe’s most popular names and cost-effective high-quality data, we enable iBroker to offer unparalleled value to their retail investors.

iBroker’s success in the derivatives market demonstrates their leadership in making financial markets accessible to retail investors. Their strong commitment to financial education aligns seamlessly with Equiduct’s mission to promote and empower retail investment. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to driving positive change in pan-European trading for retail investors.”

Notes to editors

About Equiduct
Equiduct is an innovative, client driven pan-European exchange enabling retail brokers and institutional clients to achieve Best Execution in the most fragmented stocks and ETFs across 12 markets covering 16 European headline indices. Equiduct is a market segment of Börse Berlin, a regulated market operator under Article 44 of MiFID II. Börse Berlin is regulated by the Competent Authority Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe – Börsenaufsichtsbehörde and participation in trading is governed by German and European law. In 2023 it reported a turnover of €79bn and an overall ADV (average daily volume) of €310m.

About iBroker
iBroker Global Markets Sociedad de Valores is a leading Spanish online broker specializing in derivatives for retail investors. It provides brokerage services for futures and options on major international markets such as CME Group and EUREX, as well as OTC derivatives including CFDs and Forex.

The firm offers advanced trading platforms, developed in-house with a strong emphasis on technology. Its mission is to deliver an intuitive, secure, and efficient investment experience across both web and mobile platforms, with seamless integration options for leading solutions like TradingView and Visual Chart.

Through its recent agreement with Equiduct, iBroker has expanded its financial product offering to include European stocks and ETFs. The company plans to continue adding new products throughout 2025, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and diversification.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equiduct-welcomes-ibroker-as-the-latest-trading-participant-to-join-apex-302324073.html

SOURCE Equiduct

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