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We all know the internet is required for full participation in our society and economy. Every business, device or government agency seems to require or highly encourage consumers to engage with them online.

Consumers are in a tough spot. Whether someone has access to the internet is the modern-day version of the haves and have-nots. Consumers must also Click to Accept to rules and policies not typically in their best interests. And if they say No to these rules and policies, these internet users are banished to the have-nots.

Consumers need a public policy to establish and exercise their digital rights. We deserve a digital Bill of Rights making possible a fair, transparent and empowering internet.

Consumers need awareness, trust and control, none of which they have at this time. In fact, all internet consumers operate as a marginalized set of users who lack the rights and privileges in the digital world that would be demanded and protected in our physical world.

Awareness is the first step. Consumers deserve transparency and notification describing the collection and sharing of their personal data, and a return on its value.

In other words, when consumers give up personal data, what do they get in return? Organizations use a consumers personal data, and how they do so is basically unknowable studies show that privacy policies now require a postgraduate degree to decipher, and only 1% of us even make the effort.

In 85% of the more than 600 policies studied by the Center for Identity at The University of Texas, organizations declare their right to change their policies, and your continued use of their products are considered your consent to those changes even if you had no idea of the changes. So, as a real matter, we have no awareness and no control.

Our current binary choice to simply accept the status quo or disengage is not a real or fair one.

We need laws that require organizations to fully disclose their use of and rate of return on a consumers personal data asset. Consumers also need control. Although awareness and trust may help consumers decide which websites to visit, which apps to download and which social media sources to follow, consumers still arent able to exercise control in the digital world.

Imagine a day when consumers could control their personal data asset like they control their money: If the product is you (and the product is definitely the consumer), shouldnt consumers be able to control that which directly affects every aspect of their lives? Shouldnt consumers have the ability to control the collection, use and misuse of their personal data assets?

Laws must establish the requirements for this utility the internet giving consumers awareness, trust and control as their most foundational rights. We need federal and state laws that construe personal data as the asset it is (analogous to currency), to define the value proposition for all parties involved in personal data transactions with the appropriate rights and redress. The first step will be laws that clearly address the issue of personal data ownership and halt the exploitation of people and their data.

These policies and protections are long overdue. For too long, consumers have not fully understood what they are sharing or how this information is used, i.e. the value proposition that underpins this transaction. In fact, plenty of diverse interests exist on the internet, and the personal data industry benefits from a lack of transparency and opaque ownership. The reach and intrusiveness of the personal data collector and aggregator have grown significantly, while consumer ownership and control remains undefined.

Consumers deserve better. We all deserve an internet that is fair, transparent and empowering.

Suzanne Barber is the director of the Center for Identity and the AT&T Foundation Endowed Professor in Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.

Susan Combs is a former comptroller for the State of Texas; former assistant secretary for policy, management and budget at the Department of the Interior; and a fellow in the Center for Identity at The University of Texas at Austin.

A version of this op-ed appeared in The Hill.

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We Need to Give More Credence to Personal Data as the Asset That It Is - UT News - UT News | The University of Texas at Austin

Michigan State played a strong first half in Thursday night's First Four game against UCLA, but the main story at the break concerned a heated exchange between Tom Izzo and junior forward Gabe Brown as the two were walking off the floor.

After UCLA scored a bucket at the buzzer to cut Michigan State's lead to 11, Izzo chided Brown beneath the basket for missing a defensive switch. When Brown yelled back in disagreement and then turned away, Izzo grabbed him by the arm, then by the back of the jersey as Brown continued walking up the tunnel to the locker room.

It was reminiscent of Izzo's clash with Aaron Henry in the NCAA Tournament in 2019. The difference, in this case, is that there was physical contact between player and coach.

Izzo was asked about his confrontation with Brown shortly after Michigan State's season-ending OT loss in which it blew an 11-point second-half lead.

"You guys are beautiful," he said with a laugh. "He missed a play and I told him and he walked away and I told him to come back. We went through this a couple years ago. After a game like that, thats the question youre going to ask? I guess I'll answer it because the media has the right to ask whatever question, but well get him in here and you can ask him. It was a normal nothing. Its just that in this day and age, everythings something. It was over a missed switch that we had talked about."

On the TBS postgame show, Kenny Smith said the question deserved to be asked "because it's not normal to see a coach-and-player relationship like that."

"Coaches are there to not create the chaos, but to control it. That chaos was not controlled in that moment, and it was visible. It wasnt on the bench, it wasnt in the locker room, it was visible to everybody watching and it wasnt normal," said Smith. "To me, both were in the wrong. I dont think anyone was right in that situation. I dont think that should be normal behavior for any coach or player."

Fellow analyst Charles Barkley, meanwhile, defended Izzo's actions -- much like former Spartan Draymond Green on Twitter.

"This thing is getting out of hand," Barkley said. "A coach can yell at his players. If I yell at my kid and he walks away, Im gonna grab his arm, 'Im not done talking to you.' That's the exact same situation. When your parents or your coach is talking to you, you dont walk away. Im not gonna be one of these idiots on TV where every time a coach yells at a player, they say the coach is wrong. If your coach is trying to talk to you, you dont walk away."

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Izzo calls heated exchange with Brown 'a normal nothing' - 97.1 The Ticket

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural CommunitiesThe Honourable Mark Furner

Cash grants worth $1.4 million for getting rid of feral pests are now available under Round 6 of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI).

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the funding was critical to supporting the agriculturfe sector throughout regional Queensland.

We have backed regional Queensland to succeed, and the success of our agricultural sector is a critical part of Queenslands plan for economic recovery, Mr Furner said.

This funding will increase the capacity of local governments to manage the feral pests that are a problem for farmers in their communities.

Mr Furner said through the QFPI, the Queensland Government had now committed $24.74 million over five years to support the construction of cluster fencing and the control of invasive plants and animals.

This investment has been complemented by a $14 million investment from the Federal Government, he said.

This latest round aims to support local authorities and organisations in taking on more of their biosecurity responsibility by building their capacity to manage pest plants and animals.

There is also fundng specifically for local governments to continue coordinated 1080 baiting programs. This is open to local governments that were previously supplied from the DAF-managed 1080 stockpile.

To apply for QFPI Round 6 grants, visit http://www.daf.qld.gov.au or call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23. Applications close 28 April 2021.

Mr Furner said as with previous rounds, these grants would reduce the impact of feral pests while creating jobs in the regions and underpinning the Queensland Governments Unite and Recover Queensland Economic Recovery Package.

ENDS

Media contact: Ron Goodman 0427 781 920

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More funding for feral pest control supports the regions - Media Statements

A message is being circulated on social media claiming that several countries across the world have imposed new lockdown restrictions amid the rise in COVID-19 cases in their countries. This post claims that Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Brazil, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy have imposed lockdown once again to control the second wave of the COVID-19 virus. Lets verify the claim made in the post.

Claim: The list of countries that imposed new lockdown restrictions to contain the second wave of COVID-19 virus.

Fact: The same message is being circulated on social media at least since December 2020. According to the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker, several countries eased the lockdown restrictions imposed during the rise of second-wave cases in their countries. The countries mentioned in the list are implementing lockdown with only a few restrictions. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.

When we searched for the details of the claim made in the post, it is found out that the same message is being circulated on social media at least since December 2020. Old social media posts that shared the same message can be seen here, here, and here.

The Governments in different countries are implementing a wide range of preventive measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To track and compare the policy responses of different countries, Oxford University created a database called The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. This tool provides the visual representation of the lockdown measures using the COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index, a composite score developed by researchers at Oxford University. Financial Times provided the visual representation of the COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index of different countries on their website. Based on this information, lets check the lockdown measures of different countries mentioned on the list.

Saudi Arabia:

According to the latest report of Geo News, Saudi Arabia lifted most of the COVID-19 virus-related restrictions from 07 March 2021. In February 2021, Saudi Arabia banned travellers from 20 different countries as a preventive measure to control the spread of COVID-19 second-wave. Saudi Arabia lifted these restrictions on 07 March 2021. The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index score of Saudi Arabia was between 50-75.

Tanzania:

According to the article published by QUARTZ AFRIA, the Tanzania government underreported the rise of COVID-19 cases in their country. On 21 February 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) called upon Tanzania Government to take robust actions to contain the COVID-19 virus spread in their country. Acknowledging the rise in COVID-19 cases, Tanzania President John Magufuli advised the people of Tanzania to wear masks and maintain physical distance. John Magufuli reiterated that country will not impose a lockdown again.

Brazil:

According to the latest reports, Brazil Government imposed a two-week lockdown in Brazilia amid the rise of COVID-19 cases in the state. Hundreds of Brazilians protested the Brazil Governments decision to reimpose a lockdown in Brazilia. The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index composite score of Brazil was between 50-75.

Spain:

According to a news report, Spain lifted down most of the lockdown restrictions from 15 March 2021. Night curfew remains in place from 10 pm. The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index score of Spain is 50-75.

United Kingdom:

According to the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker, UK is implementing strict lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 virus spread in their country. The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index score of the UK was between 85-100. On 08 March 2021, Boris Johnson led UK Government implemented the first phase of Englands roadmap to lift down the lockdown restrictions. Boris Johnson assured the people of the UK that almost all COVID-19 restrictions in the country could be lifted by 21 June 2021.

France:

According to a BBC news report, France is implementing a curfew between 6 pm to 6 am. Schools have opened with extra testing in place. France imposed weekend lockdown measures in parts of the French Riviera, including Nice and Cannes, as well as parts of the north coast. The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index composite score of France is 50-75.

Germany:

According to the latest report of The Hindu, Germany extended lockdown restrictions until 28 March 2021. But, the German Government eased most of the restrictions and allowed the businesses to reopen in areas with low infection rates. The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index composite score of Germany was between 75-85.

Italy:

According to the latest report of The New York Times, Italy imposed a strict regional lockdown from 15 March 2021 to contain the spread of the coronavirus. A nationwide curfew between 10 pm to 5 am continues in Italy. The country is divided into red, yellow, orange, and white zones depending on the infection rates. The Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index composite score of Italy was between 75-85.

To sum it up, an old message is now revived as the new lockdown restrictions in different countries to contain the second wave of COVID-19.

Continue reading here:
Old message revived as new lockdown restrictions in various countries to contain second wave of COVID-19 - Factly

Conspiracy theorists, fascists, far-right, loonies, nutjobs are just some of the words used to describe the crowds that have taken to the streets to protest against lockdown measures.

Some of these words accurately describe some of those in attendance. There is no doubt that the anti-lockdown movement has been infiltrated by far-right fascists. There is no doubt that conspiracy theories have successfully twisted peoples sense of reality.

But to laugh, scoff and label everyone on the streets as a loonie or nutjob is both highly inaccurate and extremely damaging to how were going to recover from the effects of the past year.

The people who have taken to the streets are your neighbours, your colleagues, your schoolmates, your local publican.

In other words, they are regular people who have been driven to the point of despair by the longest lockdown in Europe.

They have watched the lockdowns affect their children, their relationships, their livelihoods, and many feel like they have nothing left to lose.

We have watched over the past year as the same political parties who bailed out the banks, and failed to gain any control over a housing and healthcare crisis, have stumbled their way through the pandemic.

The same parties have failed to implement common-sense approaches to fighting the virus and have been responsible for contradictory restrictions, irresponsible Government leaks and, dare I mention it, Golfgate.

The pull of conspiracy theories

Peoples frustrations are more than justified and many people who took to the streets are just that frustrated. But there is a murkier side to this movement that we need to talk about.

I have been monitoring online conspiracy theory and far-right movements for almost five years and what I am seeing being discussed within anti-lockdown communities in Ireland is very concerning.

Pre-pandemic, Ireland had active and bubbling anti-5G, anti-vaxx and far-right movements. They were part of an international online ecosystem where pseudo science and the opinions of bad actors reigned. When the pandemic struck, these groups banded together and used this online ecosystem to spread their theories on the pandemic to the masses.

Extended periods of time spent indoors and online, coupled with powerful social media algorithms that boost content designed to generate reactions began pushing these theories into peoples news feeds. The online ecosystem exploded.

Protesters clash with garda during the anti-lockdown protest in Dublin in February. Picture: Damian Eagers/PA Wire

Recent research conducted by my colleague Ciaran OConnor at ISD shows that Irish Covid conspiracy communities have almost doubled in the last six months. New influencers came on the scene who spoke determinedly about how lockdowns and masks were unnecessary and were infringing on your civil rights.

If this was a real pandemic, surely people would be dying in the streets, they said.

Ill never forget the videos of overcrowded hospitals in Wuhan, or scenes of bodies piled up on the streets in Ecuador, that prove exactly why lockdown was the only answer, especially in Ireland, where videos of overcrowded hospitals were commonplace, even without a pandemic.

Conspiracy theory belief is driven by fear, anger, insecurity and distrust, all things that have increased dramatically among the general population in the last year.

When you enter these online communities, you find just that, a community, something people have been without for a year. Here are thousands of people, all feeling as disaffected as you and determined to collectively find a purpose to fight back.

They vent their frustrations at the Government, speculate about what they think is really going on and misinterpret small pieces of information that lack context. Many share convincing videos outlining the idea that the pandemic is all part of a global plot, or that the vaccines are designed to harm you. They constantly reassure each other of their new reality where nothing is as it seems.

Aoife Gallagher: 'Online anti-lockdown communities in Ireland are consistently peppered with content from other conspiracy theory movements such as QAnon, sovereign citizen anti-government movements and various far-right and white nationalist movements.'

Conspiracy theories often erase the fact that humans act as individuals with their own thoughts and decision-making abilities in a world that is random.

They propose a world where a small number of elites have the ultimate control, and they in turn control those in governments, the media and science. No one working in these industries can be trusted as a result and they are often dehumanised and presented as the ultimate evil force.

Conspiracy theories can be empowering and addictive and if you believe in one, it's much easier to believe in more, as the enemies are often the same. The online world creates the perfect environment for this rabbit-hole effect.

Online anti-lockdown communities in Ireland are consistently peppered with content from other conspiracy theory movements such as QAnon, sovereign citizen anti-government movements and various far-right and white nationalist movements.

Given the right narrative and timing, this can lead to radicalisation and people becoming completely dissociated from friends and family members, as seen in countless stories out of the US in the past year. Pulling people back into reality is extremely difficult and often unsuccessful.

Far-right involvement

The far-right has the most to gain from sending people into this conspiratorial alternate reality. In real life, their opinions are abhorrent and despicable. In the conspiracy theory world, they are reasonable and warranted.

In Ireland, it has been well reported that the far-right has been fanning the flames of the anti-lockdown movement, organising rallies that resulted in violence and using online influencers to spread falsehoods.

They use populist talking points, mixed with powerful disinformation tactics, to present themselves as the ultimate opposition to the Government, and good, unsuspecting people are being taken in by their narratives.

This is the same far-right that spreads vile disinformation following tragedies, launches homophobic smear campaigns against gay politicians and consistently harasses people that do not fit their archaic definition of what it means to be Irish.

Ireland should not underestimate the power of these movements. The past four years in the US has shown us what can happen when a populist leader takes hold by spreading lies, fear and conspiracy theories.

The language and phraseology I see in anti-lockdown conversations here is frighteningly similar to those Ive monitored in the US.

What can we do?

What can we do, you ask? If you know people going down these paths, reach out and talk to them. You dont have to talk about lockdowns or Covid, the goal is to keep them connected to reality.

Informing people on how to discern truth from fiction online is key to tackling this. Both adults and children need to be able to navigate the online world without falling into dangerous movements or believing in harmful lies. Media Literacy Irelands Be Media Smart campaign is a great example of how this can be done.

The elephant in the room is, of course, the social media platforms. Their lack of regulation, along with a business model that is powered by the amount of time people spend online, means that tackling this issue requires some bold, brave thinking.

Ireland houses the headquarters of some of the worlds largest social media companies, putting us in a unique position to lead on finding regulatory and policy-based solutions to tackle these issues.

The next few years are going to be some of the hardest this country has ever faced and murky far-right forces are going to spread lies and fear to exploit every minute of it.

Collectively, as a nation, we need to remain vigilant and call out their hate, lies and spin for exactly what they are.

Aoife Gallagher is a Research Analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue

Read more here:
Anti-lockdown frustrations are justified, but we need to talk about the darker side of this movement - Irish Examiner