BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
Your Data Your Rights
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Cash App’s Moneybot might know your spending habits better than you do
NEW YORK (AP) — Imagine if your bank could move money for you with only the slightest of digital nods for your approval. Or that could tell you that you’re overspending but more importantly know how to address that overspending and put you on better financial footing. That’s what you’ll get with Moneybot, a new…
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RCMP in British Columbia help dismantle global cybercrime network
Police in British Columbia say they have dismantled a local operation involved in global cybercrime activity that used malicious software. Mounties say Canadian police along with international agencies have succeeded in dismantling software and online infrastructure used to steal data from personal devices around the world. They says a main suspect was arrested in Greece…
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Township Adopts New Artificial Intelligence Policy and Addresses Landfill Capacity Limits
ADELAIDE METCALFE – Council approved a new policy governing the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and received an update on the School Road Landfill capacity during its November 3 meeting. CAO Morgan Calvert presented the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy, explaining that it positions the township ahead of pending provincial regulations. “In 2024,…
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City taking hands off approach to clear dangers at former GM site in St. Catharines
Many of the toxic risks posed by the former GM site on Ontario Street in St. Catharines are clear. As previously reported by The Pointer, Environmental Site Assessments obtained after a two-year fight with the City and GM officials who fought to keep the documents hidden from public view, revealed contamination of a number of…
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Georgia Republicans advance a plan to leave a bipartisan voter data group, despite warnings
ATLANTA (AP) — For years, Republicans echoing President Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 presidential election was ridden with voter fraud have pushed for states to leave a bipartisan group that lets officials share data to keep voter rolls accurate. Nine have, but none since October 2023. A new bill advanced Tuesday by House…
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Supreme Court should keep whistleblower agency head in place for now, lawyers say in reply to Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court should reject an emergency appeal from the Trump administration asking for quick action to allow the firing of the head of the federal agency that protects whistleblowers, lawyers for the embattled official told the justices on Tuesday. The legal fight over the administration’s move to oust Hampton Dellinger as…
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Downloads of DeepSeek’s AI apps paused in South Korea over privacy concerns
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, South Korean officials said Monday. South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek’s apps were removed from the local versions of Apple’s App…
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Social Security head steps down over DOGE access of recipient information: AP sources
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration ‘s acting commissioner has stepped down from her role at the agency over Department of Government Efficiency requests to access Social Security recipient information, according to two people familiar with the official’s departure who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Acting Commissioner Michelle King’s departure from…
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Competition Bureau says it’s probing whether landlords are using AI to set rents
The Competition Bureau has confirmed it’s investigating the possible use of AI-driven algorithmic pricing in Canadian real estate rental markets. The practice involves real estate companies using programs that track what competitors are charging for rent and leases. An American antitrust lawsuit alleges companies are using this software to collude and artificially inflate rents. That…
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Like Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigration
Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland’s plan to fix the housing shortage would tie the number of newcomers Canada admits to housing availability. The former finance minister made the promise in a 10-point policy document her campaign issued Monday morning. Freeland said the move would slow down population growth until housing affordability stabilizes. Conservative Leader Pierre…
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Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to let the firing of whistleblower agency head proceed
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to permit the firing of the head of the federal agency dedicated to protecting whistleblowers, according to documents obtained Sunday that would mark the first appeal to the justices since President Donald Trump took office. The emergency appeal is the start of what probably will…