Mediaboss Marketing

People pose with the Chinese Communist Party flag during a visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on March 3, 2023, ahead of the opening of the annual session of the National People's Congress on March 5.

Greg Baker | Afp | Getty Images

BEIJING The ruling Communist Party of China is establishing commissions to oversee finance and tech, state media announced Thursday.

The changes come as Chinese President Xi Jinping sees unity under the party as essential for building up the country. That contrasts with a tendency of Chinese leaders in past decades to delegate more power to the government and its ministries.

A new "Central Financial Commission" is set to strengthen the party's "centralized and unified leadership over financial work," state media said Thursday in Chinese, according to a CNBC translation. The commission is responsible for high-level planning in financial stability and development, the report said.

The Chinese government's annual legislative meeting this month emphasized that addressing financial risks is a priority for policymakers this year.

The report said the new commission's administrative office will take on the responsibilities of the State Council's Financial Stability and Development Committee a group once overseen by the essentially retired Liu He and now dissolved.

Alongside that administrative office, a "Central Financial Work Commission" will be established to focus on ideological and party-related work in the finance industry, state media said.

While state media did not specify, a financial work commission of the same name had been set up in the aftermath of the 1998 Asian financial crisis. The commission was dissolved after about five years, leading to the establishment of the now-defunct China banking regulator in 2003.

It's unclear how the commission's future work will compare with history.

Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Central Financial Work Commission helped to make financial regulation and supervision more streamlined minimizing the influence of powerful interest groups on regulators, Sebastian Heilmann, professor of political economy of China at the University of Trier, said in a paper. He later became founding president of the Mercator Institute for China Studies.

"But the hierarchical institutions of Party control were incapable of introducing market-based incentive structures for financial executives and failed to suppress financial mismanagement and corruption," Heilmann wrote in 2004. "Moreover, they caused frictions with the emerging new forms of corporate governance and the increasing activity of foreign investors."

Thursday's announcement included previously released details on plans to restructure the State Council the Chinese government's top executive body with the establishment of the Central Science and Technology Commission.

Responsibilities of that party commission are borne by the restructured Ministry of Science and Technology.

The State Council changes established a National Financial Regulatory Administration to oversee most of the financial industry except for the securities industry. The plan also changed the designation of the China Securities Regulatory Commission within the State Council from one similar to the council's Development Research Center to that of the customs agency.

Beijing has yet to announce who will head the financial administration or the new party commissions.

The changes announced Thursday are set to take effect at a national level by the end of this year.

Other new commissions include groups to oversee the party's work in industry associations, and the affairs of Hong Kong and Macao, state media said. Beijing has tightened its control of the regions, which under the "one country, two systems" structure enjoy freedoms non-existent on the mainland.

Xi president of China and general secretary of the party has consolidated his power and overseen increased party presence in the economy, including among businesses that aren't state-owned.

The new commissions are part of the party's central committee, which has about 200 members. From those members come the core leadership the Politburo and its standing committee.

Membership changes are made every five years at party congresses, the most recent of which was held in October. At that congress, Xi paved the way for his unprecedented third term as president and packed party leadership with loyalists.

Read the original:
China revives ruling party control of financial oversight - CNBC

Mayor Adams on Wednesday defended Correction Commissioner Louis Molinas decision to bar a respected doctor from the jails over his social media posts critical of the Correction Department.

Adams said Dr. James Uhrig posted comments regarding the smuggling of fentanyl into the jails in contradiction to statements by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The mayor did not specify exactly what comments he was referring to.

Hes a doctor. He should know the level of professional standards that he should carry out, Adams said. He put out information that was in contradiction to the CDC. People were putting fentanyl in mail. They were soaking it in mail. His statement was in contradiction to that.

I think its just inappropriate to have someone that is openly going to contradict the CDC.

Mayor Eric Adams, left, and Correctin Commissioner Louis Molina (Barry Williams/for New York Daily News)

As the Daily News reported Monday, Uhrig learned in early November that he had been barred from access to the jails where he had treated thousands of patients over nearly five years. Correction Department officials gave no explanation at the time for the action, which effectively cost Uhrig his job.

Uhrig posted comments about fentanyl and many other things related to Rikers, including expressing support for the installation of a federal receiver to oversee the jails. However, he never discussed his own work or violated patient confidentiality.

He filed a notice of claim with the city alleging the ban violated his free speech rights and amount to retaliation by Molina.

Asked about Adams comments, Uhrigs lawyer Sarena Townsend countered: As usual, the law sharply diverges from Mayor Adams opinion and Commissioner Molinas actions. Now that we know the basis of their illegal actions, we are more confident than ever that we will succeed on Dr. Uhrigs legal claims.

Dr. James Uhrig

The Daily News Flash

Weekdays

Catch up on the days top five stories every weekday afternoon.

Adams also reitierated his support for Molina and asserted that Uhrig was not an employee. Uhrig was employed by the Physician Affiliate Group, which works under contract with city Correctional Health Services.

This guy [Molina] is doing a good job, and, you know, were not going to spend our time talking about a doctor that wasnt an employee, Adams added. We have major things to deal with at Rikers Island, and thats my focus. The courts can deal with his lawsuit.

But City Councilwoman Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan) said barring an experienced physician from the jails for his social media posts sends the wrong message. Many people, she noted, supported a federal takeover of the jails.

Correctional health is not easy to begin with, and when you have someone so competent, I would think you would want to keep them, Brewer said. I was upset someone so qualified and committed would not be able to continue. You would want to keep someone like that.

DOC Commissioner Louis Molina (Barry Williams/for New York Daily News)

James Flannery, a retired physicians assistant who worked with Uhrig at the Eric M. Taylor Center at Rikers, described him as very well respected and called barring him a violation of his free speech rights. He was A1 in my book, said Flannery, who worked in the jails for 25 years.

Jerome Wright, co-director of the #HALTsolitary Campaign, said, The mismanagement of this department is astounding. [The Correction Department] should be bringing in the best possible health care staff and addressing its own often deadly failures to get detained people to their appointments.

Last year, a judge in the Bronx fined the city roughly $200,000 for failing to fix an ongoing problem at the jails on bringing people to their medical appointments. The city is appealing the ruling.

Go here to read the rest:
Mayor Adams backs NYC correction commissioner in Rikers Island ... - New York Daily News

3/22/2023

Last week, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) highlighted the work of the Debris Task Force to remove and refloat 34 shrimp trawlers six months post-landfall of Hurricane Ian. The estimated cost for this project totals $9.6 million from the Emergency Trust Fund.

"Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage in Southwest Florida putting many in the seafood industry out of work due to their inability to access their shrimp trawlers, said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. I want to thank our team at the Division as well as the numerous contractors who have worked around the clock to take on this massive project and help this industry get back on their feet.

Hurricane Ian caused a devastating impact on the shrimping industry in Southwest Florida, which accounts for 43% of the total shrimp harvest for the state. Over 300 workers in Lee County were displaced as a result of the storm.

On Saturday, October 29, 2022, FDEM offered affected counties the option to have all Hurricane Ian-related personal property debris removal and commercial property debris removal handled by the Division. This is the first time the State has managed debris removal in the aftermath of a Hurricane.

Excerpt from:
20230322 Florida Division of Emergency Management Announces ... - Florida Disaster

Water Corporation is making it easier for people with disability to join its workforce thanks to an improved recruitment process which has been recognised by the Australian Network on Disability.

The utility has become one of just 27 organisations nationally - and the first water service provider in Australia - to be accredited as a Disability Confident Recruiter.

Announced by Water Minister Simone McGurk today, accreditation recognises Water Corporation's work to identify and remove common recruitment barriers for people with disability.

This includes improving language in job advertisements, providing more accessible locations for job interviews, and helping applicants access a support person or interpreter.

Water Corporation's commitment to improving employment outcomes for people with disability is stated in its Disability Access Inclusion Plan, which supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Under the plan, Water Corporation works closely with disability employment providers to promote job opportunities, particularly through career entry and graduate programs.

One such initiative, undertaken with disability employment provider Edge, has seen three high school-aged students complete traineeships and go on to obtain permanent employment with the utility.

A further four school-aged trainees with disabilities will join the program in March.

More information on becoming a Disability Confident Recruiter is available at http://www.and.org.au

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"Applying for a job can be a difficult and sometimes stressful process, but hidden recruitment barriers make it even tougher for people with disability.

"By removing some of these barriers, Water Corporation is helping provide people with disability equal opportunity to find and enjoy a fulfilling career.

"It's fantastic to see government enterprises leading from the front in taking meaningful action to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

"I'm also pleased by the success of Water Corporation's traineeship program for students with disabilities, that will soon provide another four young people with an opportunity to shape their future at WA's principal water provider."

Comments attributed to Disability Services Minister Don Punch:

"Employment is so much more than just income, it can help people become more independent and have more control over their lives, which is why we're committed to getting as many people into the workforce as possible.

"As WA's largest employer, it is important that the State Government leads by example in ensuring that people with disability have the same opportunities to participate in employment and live their best lives.

"Making it easier for Western Australians with a disability to obtain meaningful employment doesn't just support the individuals, it also benefits their families and the wider community, while helping create diverse and inclusive workplaces."

Water Minister's office - 6552 6600

Disability Services Minister's office - 6552 6900

Read the original:
Media statements - Water Corporation employer of choice for people ... - Media Statements

TikToks CEO faced an intense grilling Thursday on Capitol Hill over his social media platforms data privacy, content algorithms and moderation.

Shou Zi Chews appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee came as the Biden administration is demanding TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, sell the video-sharing app, threatening a ban if it does not.

The Biden administration as well as Democratic and Republican lawmakers is concerned the Chinese government could access sensitive data about American users or influence them by pushing misinformation on the app.

A 2017 Chinese law compels companies to turn over any personal data the government believes is relevant to national security.

From the data it collects to the content it controls, TikTok is a grave threat of foreign influence in American life, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the committees chairwoman. It's been said it's like allowing the Soviet Union the power to produce Saturday morning cartoons during the Cold War, but much more powerful and much more dangerous.

"Your platform should be banned," she added.

Chew, who is from Singapore, insisted ByteDance is not owned or controlled by the Chinese government. TikTok, which has more than 150 million users in the U.S., in headquartered in Singapore and Los Angeles, he noted.

Chew said in the two years hes been TikToks CEO, hes not had any conversations with Chinese government officials and has seen no evidence to suggest Beijing has access to its data.

But Chew said TikTok takes concerns about the potential of unwanted foreign access seriously and has been taking action.

Among a series of pledges he made, Chew said TikTok is working on an initiative called Project Texas, which will result in American data stored on American soil by an American company, overseen by American personnel.

Chew said third-party monitors will have access to TikToks coding to help reassure users their data is safe.

While the goal of Project Texas is to build a firewall around U.S. user data, Chew acknowledged later in the hearing that some ByteDance employees in China might currently be able to access data personal information about Americans.

Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the committees top Democrat, said the Project Texas plan did not ease his concerns.

I still believe that the Beijing Communist government will still control and have the ability to influence what you do, and so this idea, this Project Texas, is simply not acceptable, he said.

Pallone urged Congress to pass legislation, which he and Rodgers introduced last year, that would give online users greater control over their personal information, require companies to only use data needed to provide their services and increase protections for children and teenagers. He also called for reforms to Section 230, the provision in the 1996 Communications Decency Act that gives online platforms legal immunity from liability for content posted on the internet.

Rodgers challenged Chews assertion that TikTok was insulated from interference from the Chinese government or the ruling Chinese Communist Party, citing reports that some ByteDance executives and a board member have ties to the party.

Several lawmakers also brought up reports that the U.S. Justice Department is investigating allegations that TikTok employees spied on journalists and that a member of TikToks Trust and Safety Department was recorded saying in a 2021 meeting, Everything is seen in China.

Chew claimed many reports about the social media app have been inaccurate. On the allegations of spying on journalists, he said TikTok does condone the effort by certain former employees to access U.S. Tiktok user data. We condemn these actions.

Lawmakers also pressed Chew on a Wall Street Journal report Thursday in which a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokeswoman said Beijing would oppose the forced sale of TikTok and need to approve it because it would involve exporting technology.

So the CCP believes they have the final say over your company, Rodgers said. I have zero confidence in your assertion that ByteDance and TikTok are not beholden to the CCP.

Chew said he disagreed with the China spokeswomans comments.

Some committee members, meanwhile, focused their attacks on TikToks content moderation and algorithms, which they say promote harmful and extreme content.

Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., showed a TikTok post of an animated gun firing bullets. The post included the caption Me asf at the, House Energy and Commerce Committee on 03/23/2023. It also used a hashtag with Rodgers name.

This video has been up for 41 days, Cammack said. It is a direct threat to the chairwoman of this committee, the people in this room, and yet it still remains on the platform. And you expect us to believe that you are capable of maintaining the privacy and security of 150 million Americans when you can't even protect people in this room?

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., alleged that 16-year-old Chase Nasca, whose parents attended the hearing, killed himself last year after TikTok recommended videos to him suggesting suicide. Bilirakis showed a montage of suicide-related content found on the app.

The content on Chases For You page was not a window to discovery, as you boldly claimed, Bilirakis said. His For You page was sadly a window to discover suicide.

Would you share this content with your children? he asked Chew.

The TikTok CEO said it was devastating to hear about Nascas death. He said TikTok takes such issues seriously and recommends help resources to users based on certain search terms.

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., said she found examples of potentially harmful health misinformation on the app. When Chew said such content is not allowed, DeGette responded, I'm sorry to report it is on your platform, though.

You have current controls, but the current controls are not working to keep this information mainly from young people but from Americans in general, she said.

Chew conceded TikTok is not perfect, adding, This is a problem that faces our industry that we need to really invest and address this.

But he also touted the companys work to protect young people by implementing a default 60-minute daily limit for users 18 and under as well as parent tools.

Many of those measures are firsts for the social media industry, he said.

Read this article:
'Your platform should be banned': Lawmakers blast TikTok CEO ... - Bay News 9