Ontario has officially terminated its $100-million contract with Starlink, but the province has not disclosed the cost of exiting the agreement. The contract, intended to bring high-speed internet to 15,000 residents in rural and northern Ontario, was canceled in response to U.S. tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. Premier Doug Ford initially threatened cancellation due to Musk’s support of Trump and subsequent anti-Canadian statements. The opposition has called for a new plan to deliver high-speed internet to those who were promised it, expressing concern over the handling of taxpayer funds.
Read More
China is set to introduce a centralized digital ID system that will further solidify its control over its 1 billion internet users. This system, requiring users to submit personal information including facial scans to access online accounts, will allow the government to monitor real identities across various platforms while giving companies less access to user data. Though presented as a measure to protect data privacy, experts fear it will facilitate digital exile and personalized censorship. Critics also worry about increased government surveillance and potential data breaches, despite the system’s stated purpose.
Read More
Effective March 6th, 2025, the Social Security Administration banned employees from accessing news websites, online shopping sites, and sports websites on government devices to enhance security and improve employee focus on mission-critical tasks. Employees may request exceptions for work-related needs. This policy follows recent criticism of the agency and aligns with prior administration efforts to limit federal agency access to certain news sources. The restrictions aim to protect sensitive information and ensure employees concentrate on serving the public.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker