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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

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SOURCE Heat Initiative

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Condor Flugdienst Partners with Interfacing to Drive Process Excellence and Digital Transformation

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Interfacing Technologies Corporation partners with Condor Flugdienst to deliver AI-powered solutions for process management, compliance, and digital transformation in the aviation industry.

NEU-ISENBURG, Germany, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Interfacing Technologies Corporation, a global leader in AI-powered solutions for quality, compliance, and digital transformation, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Condor Flugdienst, a prominent German airline. Condor has selected Interfacing as its trusted partner for process management, document management systems (DMS/CMS), and process improvement consulting services.

Interfacing’s Enterprise Process Center© (EPC) solution will enable us to enhance process efficiency, maintain the highest standards of #compliance, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly digital world.” — Heiko Holm, CTO of Condor Flugdienst

This partnership underscores Condor’s commitment to driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and embracing digital transformation. Condor chose Interfacing for its proven ability to deliver comprehensive, AI-powered solutions that streamline processes, enhance agility, and reduce the cost of compliance—critical factors in the highly competitive airline industry. Interfacing’s solutions will help Condor optimize its operational processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster continuous improvement across its business operations.

“We are excited to partner with Interfacing for their robust platform and unmatched expertise in process management and digitalization,” said Heiko Holm, CTO at Condor Flugdienst. “Interfacing’s Enterprise Process Center© (EPC) solution will enable us to enhance process efficiency, maintain the highest standards of compliance, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly digital world.”

This collaboration will leverage Interfacing’s flagship EPC platform to support Condor in refining its processes, enhancing governance, and accelerating digital transformation. By integrating AI and data-driven solutions, Condor aims to optimize operational performance, improve business agility, and create significant value for its customers and stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to partner with Condor Flugdienst,” said Scott Armstrong, Managing Partner at Interfacing. “Condor’s commitment to process excellence and continuous innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to empower organizations with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence solutions. Together, we will drive meaningful improvements and deliver exceptional results that will strengthen Condor’s position as an industry leader.”

About Interfacing

Interfacing Technologies Corporation is a global leader in AI-powered solutions for quality, compliance, and business transformation. With a focus on improving agility and reducing the cost of compliance, Interfacing helps organizations streamline their operations through AI-driven, process-based solutions. Its flagship platform, Enterprise Process Center© (EPC), empowers businesses to automate processes, improve governance, and continuously enhance performance across diverse industries.

About Condor Flugdienst

Condor Flugdienst is a leading German airline, renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional service and operational excellence. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement, Condor consistently embraces innovation and strategic partnerships to enhance its performance and ensure sustainable growth.

Contact Information:

Interfacing Technologies Corporation

Phone: +1 514 737 7333

Email: sales@interfacing.com

Website: www.interfacing.com

Condor Flugdienst GmbH

An der Gehespitz 50

63263 Neu-Isenburg

GERMANY

Website: www.condor.com

Media Contact

Sale & Marketing, Interfacing Technologies Corporation, 1 514 737 7333, sales@interfacing.com, www.interfacing.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

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SOURCE Interfacing Technologies Corporation

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Electronic Chemicals CDMO & CRO Market worth $0.66 billion by 2029 – Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The report “Electronic Chemicals CDMO & CRO Market by Type (High Performance Polymers, Acid & Base Chemicals, Gases, Metals & Pastes), Scale, Application (Photoresist, Etchants, Dopants, Cleaning, Deposition), End-Use & Region-Global Forecast to 2029″, is projected to reach USD 0.66 billion by 2029 from USD 0.48 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

The fast-paced advancement of electronics and semiconductor technology is the primary driving factor for global electronics chemicals contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) and contract research organization (CRO) market development. As industries adopt innovative technologies such as 5G, Al, and electric vehicles (EV), the demand for specialized chemicals for semiconductor manufacturing and for the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs), displays, and batteries will grow. This demand will rise for high-efficiency materials and etchants, photoresists, and cleaning agents. The contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and contract research organization (CRO) would eventually bring their customers into a world of speed in product development and scale operation efficiency. Other factors driving the demand for outsourced chemicals development and production services are rising investments in electronics manufacturing and government incentives across the Asia-Pacific region, which in turn have boosted production capacity. Such a demand is also initiated by the requirement of high-quality but cost-effective solutions from companies that rely on specialized CDMOs and CROS to hasten time-to-market and improved product quality.

Browse in-depth TOC on “Electronic Chemicals CDMO & CRO Market”.

291– Tables      
56 – Figures
273 – Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=106142341

“Acid and Base Chemicals are projected to be the fastest-growing type in the electronic chemicals CDMO & CRO market.”

Rapid growth of acid and base chemicals is observed in electronics chemicals CDMO and CRO markets as these chemicals play a vital role in various manufacturing processes and are particularly used in semiconductor manufacturing, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and several other advanced electronics applications. Strong acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, and bases like sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide, are indispensable for manufacturing purposes, such as etching, cleaning, and etching processes involving precise chemical reactions to obtain high purity and integrity in microelectronic devices. The acid and base chemicals continue to expand in the electronics chemicals market, as tech advances and demand go upwards.

The acid and base chemicals are fast rising in the field of electronics chemicals CDMO and CRO markets, for they play a considerable role in different manufacturing processes, particularly in semiconductor fabrication, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and several other advanced electronics applications. Strong acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and bases such as sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide are indispensable in etching, cleaning, and etching processes to obtain high purity and integrity in microelectronic devices by precise chemical reactions. The acid and base chemical segment in the electronics chemicals market is continuously expanding- both from the aspect of technology and the increase in demand from various industries.

“Medium scale is projected to be the second largest scale in the electronic chemicals CDMO & CRO market”

It is deemed the second largest segment in the electronic chemicals CDMO and CRO market as it addresses diverse needs of mid-sized electronics industries with developing electronics industries or ones in the process of expanding. Balanced medium scale operations are sufficient production volume wise to support all kinds of products: from semiconductors to optoelectronics yet not resource intensive or capital heavy as their large-scale counterparts. Such manufacturing is also apt for companies on the skids from small scale to large scale production or concerning niche segments in the electronics industry, special chemicals for example for consumer electronics or even medical devices. Medium-scale facilities allow more flexibility and customization but with reduced lead time compared to large-scale plants, making them more attractive to companies that want to respond more quickly to changes in market trends or specific customer requirements.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=106142341

“Optoelectronics are projected to be the fastest-growing end-use in the electronic chemicals CDMO & CRO market”

Optoelectronics is going to be the fastest-growing end-user segment in the electronics chemicals CDMO and CRO market because of many issues related to optoelectronics development. Indeed, as optoelectronics, for example, becomes more widely used in the areas of telecommunications, healthcare, automobile, and consumer electronics, the demand for specialized chemicals and materials as well as manufacturing processes will go up. Optoelectronic devices like LEDs, laser diodes, photodetectors, and solar cells are thus important structural components for next-generation technologies such as 5G communications, autonomous vehicles, and wearable devices. Generally, these advanced technologies would require high-performance and highly pure electronic chemicals to ensure both efficiency and longevity in devices.

“Cleaning Agents is projected to be the fastest-growing application in the electronic chemicals CDMO & CRO market.”

The fastest growing is cleaning agents in the application segment of electronics chemicals CDMO and CRO due to the high need of precision and high-performance manufacturing processes in the electronic industry. Because with miniaturization, devices will become smaller and call for more effective cleaning solutions, it has made a drastic increase in the demand for cleaning agents, especially in semiconductor units. Cleaning agents remove contaminants such as dust, oil, and particulates from sensitive surfaces of electronic devices such as semiconductors, PCBs, and display screens. The increasing use of cleaning agents in electronics production results from the semiconductor technology developments in which processes such as wafer etching, coating, and assembly require very intensive cleaning to achieve the best performance and reliability of the final product. Furthermore, with increasing complexity, integrated circuit designs require increasingly smaller feature sizes. Consequently, cleaning technologies will need to be continually advanced to avoid defects along the manufacturing line.

The key players profiled in the report include are The Electronic Chemicals CDMO & CRO Market report comprises key service providers such as Sajjan India Ltd. (India), Cohance Lifesciences (India), noctiluca (Poland), Actylis (US), AGC Inc. (Japan), Navin Fluorine International limited (India), CABB Group GmbH (Germany), Adesis Inc. (US), Inventys Research Company (India), LinkChem Technology Co.,Ltd.(China), among others.

Get access to the latest updates on Electronic Chemicals CDMO & CRO Companies and Electronic Chemicals CDMO & CRO Market Size

Browse Adjacent Market: Specialty Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Electronic Chemicals and Materials Market – Global Forecast To 2028

Marine Mining Market – Global Forecast To 2029

Self-Adhesive Tear Tapes Market – Global Forecast To 2030

Coated Abrasive Market – Global Forecast To 2030

About MarketsandMarkets™ 

MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America’s best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America’s best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the ‘GIVE Growth’ principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies – helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore™ (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets™.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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MarketsandMarkets™ INC.
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Akemona Accelerates Blockchain Technology Adoption in the Capital Market Through Its Software-as-a-Service Tokenization Platform and Investor Portal

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FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Akemona Technologies, an affiliate of Akemona, Inc., is pleased to announce its strong position entering 2025 driven by an expanded product line, rising revenues from newly introduced products, growing institutional adoption, and a favorable regulatory environment. The Akemona tokenization platform is set to lead a transformative year in onchain finance and tokenization.

In 2024, Akemona introduced its innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS) tokenization platform, offering a unique dual-mode capability. This platform operates in a traditional (TradFi) non-blockchain mode and, with the flip of a switch, transitions seamlessly to a decentralized finance (DeFi) mode. Explaining the significance of this feature, Ravi Srivastava, CEO of Akemona Technologies, stated: “This dual-mode capability provides an onramp for traditional financial institutions and businesses to adopt tokenization at their own pace. They can begin with the familiar traditional mode and, as they grow comfortable, switch to DeFi for tokenizing real-world assets. With regulatory shifts favoring blockchain technology, institutional capital is increasingly moving onchain.”

In its non-blockchain TradFi mode, the Akemona platform functions like a traditional web-based application, supporting issuers, investors, trustees, attorneys, lead managers, custodians, broker-dealers, and other deal participants in managing the issuance and distribution of securities under SEC exemptions such as Regulations A, D, Crowdfunding, and S. When issuers are ready to adopt blockchain-based securities, they can transition effortlessly to DeFi tokenization, where smart contracts coordinate all aspects of issuance, sale, and purchase. Institutional investors have the flexibility to use their digital wallets or custodial wallets provided by custodians like Fireblocks and Anchorage.

Akemona’s Investor Portal, a key component of its SaaS Tokenization platform, is designed to simplify and accelerate fundraising for private equity firms and businesses. Like the tokenization platform, the portal operates in both TradFi and DeFi modes. The customizable, white-labeled platform integrates seamlessly with a firm’s website, enabling the creation of professional deal rooms, streamlining investor commitments, and efficiently managing inbound funding.

The Investor Portal also features integrated ACH payment solutions through Plaid and ACH processors, enabling faster and more cost-effective transactions. Businesses can receive funds from investors and initiate projects without delay. The platform’s automated KYC/AML verification ensures secure onboarding, supporting firms in maintaining compliance with SEC regulations while safeguarding their operations and expanding investor networks.

Accreditation status verification is fully integrated, empowering investors to upload accreditation letters directly within the portal. This feature facilitates compliance with Regulation D offerings and enhances the overall user experience.

Document management is another cornerstone of the Investor Portal. Advanced tools allow firms to organize, templatize, search, and share documents with investors efficiently. Additionally, the platform includes capitalization table management, reducing administrative overhead by automating financial processes.

Security remains a top priority for Akemona. The Investor Portal incorporates robust measures, including encryption, geofencing, and two-factor authentication. These features have been verified through rigorous security audits to ensure the highest level of protection for users.

Media Contact:
Email: info@akemona.com 

Disclaimer:
This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice or endorsement. Neither Akemona nor Akemona Technologies nor their officers, directors, agents, or employees make any recommendations regarding any securities.

About Akemona Technologies:
Founded in 2018, Akemona Technologies is a pioneer in digital securities and RWA tokenization. As one of the first to develop a regulated funding portal protocol powered by smart contracts in the U.S., Akemona Technologies provides a comprehensive SaaS platform for tokenizing assets such as stocks and real estate. Akemona Technologies is neither a funding portal nor a broker-dealer. Akemona Inc., an affiliate of Akemona Technologies, is registered with the SEC as a funding portal and is a member of FINRA. The platform operates within the exempt offering framework of the U.S. SEC.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akemona-accelerates-blockchain-technology-adoption-in-the-capital-market-through-its-software-as-a-service-tokenization-platform-and-investor-portal-302329663.html

SOURCE Akemona, Inc.

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