News from September 2024

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The court-authorized law enforcement operation stopped botnet devices infected by People’s Republic of China state-sponsored hackers with Technology Group, according to a Sept. 18 news release from the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has expressed support for a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Visa, accusing the company of violating federal antitrust law through its debit card practices. However, the NRF suggests that Visa's anticompetitive actions extend beyond this issue.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
John Davisson, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, advises consumers to thoroughly review their insurer’s website before enrolling in a telematics program. This includes understanding which data points are collected and how that data is used. Given the complexity of legal texts in data privacy agreements, Davisson suggests calling the insurer for specific clarifications.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense held the 25th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue from September 23-24, 2024, in Seoul.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
Western Global Airlines has agreed to pay $84,727 in back wages and interest to resolve allegations of gender-based pay discrimination at its Estero facility. This settlement follows a routine compliance review by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which raised concerns about disparities in base pay and bonuses for female managers, support professionals, technicians, and administrators.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
Senator Ed Markey has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2024. The legislation aims to address biases and ensure transparency in AI systems used in decision-making processes that affect individuals' rights, civil liberties, and livelihoods.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has highlighted the increasing use of data and algorithms in personalized pricing, also known as "bespoke pricing." This practice involves tailoring prices based on a consumer's identity, preferences, and situation. While some view this as a form of dynamic pricing with potential benefits, others criticize it as invasive and potentially exploitative.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The Department of Defense has announced a $16.2 million award to Nathan Trotter & Co., Inc. through the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) program. The funding will support the establishment of a domestic facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, dedicated to the smelting, refining, and recycling of tin.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
On September 24, the United States and the European Union co-hosted an event during the 79th UN General Assembly to discuss the future of humanitarian aid in light of climate change and environmental degradation. During this meeting, the United States formally joined the Humanitarian Aid Donors’ Declaration on Climate and Environment (“Donor Declaration”), becoming the 29th signatory along with the EU and other countries.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Visa, alleging anticompetitive behavior in two debit network services markets. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent think tank for science and technology policy, responded with a statement from Joseph V. Coniglio, director of antitrust and innovation at ITIF.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
Jennifer Schulp, Director of Financial Regulation Studies at the Cato Institute, said that the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to the cryptocurrency industry exceeds its authority and fails to provide clarity to market participants. Schulp shared her statement during a Congressional hearing on September 18.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
U.S. Representative Rich McCormick has called on the State Department to prioritize securing the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee and former U.S. federal agent, who is currently imprisoned in Nigeria. McCormick shared his statement in a September 19 post on X.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Chickasaw Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the sustainable management of water, land, and air resources. This agreement aims to establish a framework for technical cooperation and coordination.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The Federal Insurance Office (FIO) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury hosted a roundtable discussion today with representatives from the insurance industry, consumer groups, state insurance regulators, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in the insurance sector.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The global tech trade association ITI has responded to the Government of India's decision to extend its import management system by three months. The policy, initially set to expire on September 30, 2024, would have introduced a new licensing regime for importing tablets, laptops, and other technology devices.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
On the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly, Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Corridor Roundtable with key partners. This high-level discussion focused on advancing PGI’s flagship Lobito Corridor, which aims to develop transcontinental connectivity from the Atlantic to Indian Oceans. Participants included the Foreign Ministers of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia, the European Partnerships Commissioner, and the Italian Vice Foreign Minister alongside the CEO of...

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized national discharge standards to control pollutants and invasive species from approximately 85,000 vessels operating in U.S. waters. The standards, issued through the EPA’s Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance final rule, address discharges that occur during the normal operation of large vessels.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced that Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan has entered into a resolution agreement to address compliance concerns identified by OCR. These concerns relate to the district's obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically regarding its response to a hostile environment for students based on shared Muslim/Arab Palestinian ancestry.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
The Justice Department has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Visa, accusing the company of monopolization and other unlawful conduct in debit network markets. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that Visa violates Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act by maintaining its monopoly over debit network markets.

By Federal Newswire | Sep 24, 2024
Two Ukrainian nationals appeared in court following their extradition from Thailand to the United States. They face charges related to labor-staffing companies they operated in Florida.