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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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MONEYTHUMB ACHIEVES RECORD GROWTH; HELPING LENDERS DELIVER MORE CAPITAL TO SMALL BUSINESSES

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Strong Year Highlights Industry Demand for Underwriting Automation Software

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MoneyThumb, a leader in automated document evaluation and fraud detection solutions, announced today that the company is exiting 2024 with record annual growth.  MoneyThumb processed over $2B transactions, more than doubled its workforce, and achieved 60 percent year-over-year in conversions per day. The company’s strong performance reflects its laser focus on streamlining workflows for financial professionals. Lenders rely on MoneyThumb’s software to manage risk while delivering more capital, faster, to small businesses nationwide.

“Our strong momentum is a result of our team’s seamless execution and our ability to instantly convert bank statements and detect fraud in seconds,” said Ryan Campbell, chief executive officer, MoneyThumb. “MoneyThumb continues to play a critical role in the small business lending industry by eliminating the burden of manual processes, empowering lenders to focus on what truly matters—helping entrepreneurs succeed and grow.”  

Automation in lending has become mission critical for staying competitive. Lenders who embrace automation position themselves to better serve their customers and expand their lending capabilities. MoneyThumb is transforming the lending industry by leading the shift from manual document processes to full automation. Its advanced technology streamlines data extraction and analysis, enabling lenders to make faster, more accurate decisions.   

The company also helps detect fraud with its Thumbprint® product, an AI file tampering detection tool that identifies fraudulent activity in seconds, giving lenders a powerful defense against risk and loan losses. Up to seven percent of revenue, billions of dollars and thousands of hours are lost every year due to fraudulent applications in the lending industry. 

MoneyThumb announced in August 2024 that it was acquired by Iron Creek, marking another milestone for the company, which plans to expand to additional industry verticals in 2025. The company also opened its new headquartered office in San Diego. 

For more information on MoneyThumb, please visit www.moneythumb.com.   

About MoneyThumb  

MoneyThumb is an advanced automation software solution that streamlines the lending underwriting process by converting bank statements instantly into actionable data. By exponentially increasing efficiency, accuracy and the detection of fraud – MoneyThumb empowers lenders and accountants to make faster, more informed and accurate decisions. MoneyThumb is headquartered in Encinitas, California, and serves customers globally. For more information visit www.moneythumb.com.  

Media Contact:
Tracy Rubin 
JCUTLER media group
tracy@jcmg.com

 

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SOURCE MoneyThumb

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Iridium Transforms Satellite IoT with the Launch of Revolutionary Iridium Certus 9704 Module

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The new module is supported by the Iridium Certus 9704 Development Kit, and is ideal for data, audio messages and image transfers, while positioning companies as more future ready in anticipation of Satellite AIoT

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, today launched the Iridium Certus™9704, its newest  IoT module, and Iridium Certus 9704 Development Kit. This transformational new module, featuring Iridium Messaging Transport® (IMT®) technology, is the smallest and most powerful created by Iridium, ideal for supporting satellite IoT applications that require real-time data analysis, analytics and automated decision-making. The Iridium Certus 9704 provides larger file transfer sizes and faster message speeds than previous Iridium® IoT modules, delivering data, picture, and audio messages for industrial (IIoT), machine-to-machine (M2M) and remote personnel use cases. Like other Iridium Connected® devices, the Iridium Certus 9704 can provide two-way IoT services anywhere in the world, making fast and reliable connections to a broad array of applications.

The Iridium Certus 9704 architecture simplifies data transfer requirements for use cases like predictive maintenance, diagnostics, telemetry monitoring, remote asset tracking, and command and control for uncrewed aircraft, vehicles and vessels. The module’s larger-sized data messages are also ideal for remote sensing applications protecting wildlife, detecting wildfires and flooding, and enable a new generation of purpose-built satellite messengers and personal safety devices.

“We’ve now packed more capability and value into the smallest module ever from Iridium,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “When companies choose to develop with Iridium, they know they are partnering with the leader in satellite IoT applications, and we’ll support them through the development and deployment of their solutions. We’re excited to see how they implement this new technology.”

Designed for ease of integration, the Iridium Certus 9704 is 34% smaller than the Iridium 9603, 79% smaller than the Iridium 9602, and has an 83% reduction in idle power consumption compared to both. This power optimization makes the new module ideal to support battery powered applications, while taking advantage of two-way messaging, including delivery confirmation, over Iridium’s low-latency, truly global satellite network.

Ideal for supporting traditional satellite IoT applications, the new module can also help organizations become more future ready as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes integrated with IoT services, known as AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things). With this integration, satellite AIoT services should quickly follow, and companies that deploy products with Iridium Certus 9704 modules inside can then choose to offload more computing to the cloud in a single message, where an AIoT engine can quickly make decisions and send new, actionable instructions back to the remote device. This can lessen the required edge device processing power, lower hardware cost, and increase battery life and overall device lifespan. With IMT at its core, a built-in topic-sorting capability means messages can be efficiently organized for delivery to the appropriate engine for various types of real-time data, audio or image analysis.  

“The Iridium Certus 9704 module and Development Kit were designed with the developer in mind,” said Omar Azad, associate director, product management, Iridium. “We want to make it as easy as possible for anyone to experience the new module’s capabilities and quality of the IMT service. When they’re ready to take the next step and build a product to take to market, we’re there to support them with our decades of experience in the satellite IoT space.”

The Iridium Certus 9704 Development Kit is a complete test kit featuring a motherboard, power supply, antenna, module and software from the popular Arduino platform. It was designed to provide maximum autonomy and flexibility for developers, coming with 1,000 free messages and GitLab hosted reference materials. The kit is initially available to prospective Iridium customers for evaluation of the Iridium Certus 9704 module and IMT data service. Iridium has partnered with Blynk to give developers an all-in-one platform for data visualization and a rapid unboxing-to-live-testing experience.

Iridium operates the world’s only truly global, weather resilient satellite constellation designed to reliably deliver critical data to and from anywhere on the planet. As the satellite IoT market leader, Iridium’s IoT service revenue has been growing at an 11% CAGR over the last 10 years. Iridium goes to market through more than 500 companies around the world that integrate its core technology modules, like the Iridium Certus 9704, and sell airtime access to its network.

The Iridium Certus 9704 has received FCC and ISED authorizations for use, with additional regulatory approvals pending.

For more information about Iridium, visit: www.iridium.com

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and announced the Iridium Satellite Time and Location service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has based these statements on its current expectations and the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the capabilities, benefits and availability of the Iridium Certus 9704 module and Development Kit. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “to be” and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the company’s ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, as well as general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 15, 2024, and the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on October 17, 2024, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. There is no assurance that Iridium’s expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium’s underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Press Contact:

Investor Contact:

Jordan Hassin

Kenneth Levy

Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc.

Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com

Ken.Levy@Iridium.com

+1 (703) 287-7421

+1 (703) 287-7570

X: @Iridiumcomm

 

 

SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc.

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CES 2025: Deloitte Helps Clients Drive Innovation and Transformation

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LAS VEGAS, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —

WHAT: During CES® 2025, Deloitte will focus on bringing together the people, technologies and capabilities needed to build a competitive advantage for its clients. By harnessing its industry-leading business experience and command of cutting-edge technologies, Deloitte assists clients throughout their transformational journeys — from crafting Generative AI strategies to deploying scalable solutions across enterprises. Join us to learn more about a wide array of topics, from the revolutionary forces reshaping health and entertainment to the critical integration of privacy in product development.

WHO: Deloitte leaders will be available for one-on-one meetings throughout the event to provide insights on the strategies driving transformation, both today and in the future. Deloitte sessions will dive into the latest tech trends and issues, focusing on the future of technology and innovation.

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 7 to Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Show floor opening on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.)

WHERE: CES® will bring together the global tech industry audience both online and in person in Las Vegas in January 2025. Official show locations can be found here.

KEY TOUCHPOINTS:
Want to learn more about Deloitte at CES 2025? A full schedule of Deloitte’s CES 2025 presence can be found here.

LinkedIn live daily briefings
Join Deloitte daily on LinkedIn Live for real-time updates from the CES 2025 conference floor. Hosted by Shawn DuBravac, a globally recognized futurist, bestselling author, and former Chief Economist of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), along with Duncan Stewart, director of TMT Research at Deloitte Canada, briefings will uncover the latest trends and breakthroughs emerging at CES. Details and topics of each LinkedIn Live briefing will be updated here closer to the event.

Deloitte panels and speaking sessions
Generational Shifts: The Evolution of Gaming
Gen Z and Gen Alpha now dominate the gamer population. Discover how they are reshaping game development and culture.
Deloitte speaker: Richard Goldsmith, games and esports leader, Deloitte Digital 
Monday, Jan. 6, 3 to 3:40 p.m. | Location: ARIA, Level 2, Mariposa 5

Tech Trends 2025: Explore what’s new and next in emerging technology
AI is here to stay, but what other trends should you know today to impact tomorrow? Join us as we dive into what’s next in enterprise tech, spatial computing, and more.
Deloitte speakers: Bill Briggs, chief technology officer, Deloitte Consulting LLP and Deborah Golden U.S. chief innovation officer, Deloitte Consulting LLP Tuesday, Jan. 7, 9 to 9:40 a.m. | Location: LVCC, West Level 2, W232

Leading a Generative AI-fueled Enterprise: An executive playbook
Generative AI technology is transforming processes, business models, and even entire industries. Learn how to overcome challenges and achieve GenAI at scale.
Deloitte speaker: Jim Rowan, head of AI, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 10 to 10:40 a.m. | Location: LVCC, North Level 2, N261

Future of Health, presented by Deloitte 
As the health industry shifts, providers will need to focus on patient care, digital transformation, data and platforms. The future is now.
Deloitte moderator: Neal Batra, global future of health leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 10 to 10:40 a.m. | Venetian, Level 4, Marcello 4404

Leap of Faith: What skydiving teaches us about trust in the age of AI
Explore how businesses can build, maintain, and restore trust, especially in critical areas like cybersecurity, AI, and data privacy.
Deloitte moderator: Michael Bondar, enterprise trust leader, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 11 to 11:40 a.m. | Location: LVCC, North Level 2, N261

Fans, Creators and Marketers, Unite!
A look at the powerful union that fans, digital creators and marketing leaders can forge to successfully promote projects to audiences.
Deloitte moderator: Dennis Ortiz, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10:05 to 10:45 a.m. | Location: ARIA, Level 1, Joshua 9

Reliability in the Auto Industry: A software-centric approach
Reliability is vital in the auto industry. AI and industry collaboration can enhance development, testing, quality, and loyalty — a new roadmap for the future of auto.
Deloitte panelist: Chris Ahn, US Connected Mobility and Electrification Leader, Deloitte Consulting LLC
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10:30 to 11 a.m. | Location: Convention Center, West Hall, Mobility Stage (Show Floor)

The Mobility Revolution: Leadership in the age of connected vehicles
The transformation to connected vehicles redefines convenience and accessibility for consumers. Leaders develop a digital-first approach to unlock growth opportunities.
Deloitte moderator: Jody Stidham, Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. | Location: Convention Center, West Hall, Mobility Stage (Show Floor)

Unlocking Potential: Building Trust and Driving Innovation with Generative AI in the Digital Age
Explore strategies for building trust and maximizing GenAI’s potential to drive innovation, deepening its impact in both personal and professional realms.
Deloitte moderator: China Widener, vice chair and US technology, media and telecommunications industry leader, Deloitte
Thursday, Jan. 9, 4 to 4:40 p.m. | Location: LVCC, North Level 2, N261

About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

 

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SOURCE Deloitte

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