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Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
New data broker registries aid mass deletion requests, Amicus launches quarterly data hygiene cadence
Vancouver, Canada — August 16, 2025 — Consumers and organizations are entering a new chapter in the fight to control personal information. With statewide data broker registries now active in California, Texas, Oregon, and Vermont, individuals have tools to locate companies that trade in their data, submit deletion requests, and track compliance in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. Amicus International Consulting has responded to this shift by launching a quarterly data hygiene cadence, a structured process that helps families, vulnerable individuals, and small organizations maintain ongoing control of their digital footprint. The registries are designed to bring visibility and accountability to a historically opaque industry. For decades, data brokers collected, packaged, and sold personal information with limited oversight. Families who tried to erase their records often faced a maze of broken opt-out forms, conflicting instructions, and companies that hid behind vague disclaimers. The new registries provide a roadmap. They identify who is required to register, how they can be contacted, and what categories of data they process. When paired with Amicus's quarterly cadence, these resources create a disciplined system that transforms deletion from a one-time scramble into a repeatable routine. The significance of state registries Each of the four registries has unique features but shares a common purpose: ensuring that data brokers are visible and reachable. California's Delete Act requires annual registration and enhanced disclosures, while also laying the foundation for a one-stop deletion tool known as DROP. Texas has established a searchable registry through its Secretary of State, and Oregon requires brokers to register with its Division of Financial Regulation. Vermont, the first state to adopt a registry, continues to mandate disclosures and host its dataset through the Secretary of State. These lists may appear unremarkable, but for families, survivors of harassment, small business owners, and travelers, they provide a direct line to companies that previously operated in the shadows. Instead of spending hours searching the internet for outdated contact details, a person can generate a contact list in minutes and begin issuing deletion requests. The promise of California's Delete Act California's Delete Act stands out as the most ambitious framework. In addition to strengthening registration, it introduces the concept of DROP, a platform that will allow individuals to submit a single deletion request that reaches all registered brokers. DROP is expected to launch in 2026 and represents a significant step toward efficiency and uniformity. Until then, the registry itself already provides value by consolidating broker information, clarifying requirements, and creating leverage for consumers who want their data removed. The compliance gap and dark patterns While registries offer hope, compliance is uneven. Investigations and consumer reports have found that some brokers fail to register or deliberately hide opt-out forms from search engines. These 'dark patterns' create friction that discourages people from exercising their rights. Amicus notes that regular cadence checks make these issues easier to detect. By running the same process every quarter, individuals and organizations can identify missing brokers, broken forms, and repeat offenders. Documenting these failures provides more substantial evidence for complaints to regulators. Why quarterly, not annually Amicus has deliberately chosen a quarterly rhythm for its data hygiene cadence. Weekly deletions can overwhelm users, while annual sweeps leave too much time for data to be re-collected and resold. Quarterly cycles align with the reporting periods of many businesses and strike a balance between efficiency and effectiveness. Thirteen-week intervals provide enough time to monitor compliance, escalate non-responses, and prepare for the next round of requests. The cadence also creates an auditable trail. Families facing landlord screenings, job applicants undergoing background checks, and survivors managing relocation often need proof that they have acted diligently. A quarterly log of requests, confirmations, and follow-ups becomes valuable evidence when contesting errors or disputing claims. How the cadence works The Amicus cadence operates in five phases: scope, verify, request, validate, and escalate. Scope involves compiling a list of relevant brokers from the four registries and industry sources. This list includes categories such as people search, adtech, risk analytics, identity verification, location services, and health-adjacent data. Verify requires preparing a controlled identity package. Families are encouraged to create a dedicated email and phone number for privacy requests, as well as to use redacted identification when possible. The goal is to minimize unnecessary exposure during the verification process. Request is the stage where deletion or suppression requests are submitted. Amicus advises specifying whether the request is made under a legal right or as a voluntary suppression, and clearly demanding written confirmation. Validation occurs after responses arrive. Families check whether information reappears under alternate spellings, old addresses, or related phone numbers. Logging confirmation numbers and outcomes is essential. Escalate comes into play when a broker fails to respond or re-lists data. Families send second requests citing state codes, then escalate to regulators or attorneys general if necessary. Case studies of the cadence in action A survivor of domestic violence moved across state lines and needed to ensure old addresses did not resurface. Within two quarterly cycles of using registry-guided requests, her data disappeared from people search sites that had been feeding stalkers. A real estate professional plagued by robocalls traced the problem back to lead brokers registered in California and Texas. After submitting requests through the cadence and tracking confirmations, the volume of disruptive calls fell by more than half in six months. A school volunteer program discovered that its vendor's software had funneled parent data into marketing networks. By applying the cadence, the school suppressed those profiles, replaced the vendor, and adopted quarterly audits that required checking state registries before approving new tools. A small business that published an employee directory online was shocked to see its staff's details appear on caller ID services and contact databases. After two cycles of deletions and verifications, phishing attempts targeting the company declined sharply. An elderly widow faced a flood of sweepstakes offers and high-interest credit card solicitations. By combining registry deletions with a deceased-protected alert for her late spouse's credit file, her family reduced targeted marketing and prevented attempted fraud. Building and maintaining the list One of the most critical aspects of the cadence is creating a living record. Families and organizations are encouraged to maintain spreadsheets that capture each broker's legal name, state registry, request method, submission date, confirmation ID, and outcome. This record helps identify patterns, improves consistency, and provides documentation for regulators if enforcement becomes necessary. Verification and monitoring Success in deletion efforts requires patience and follow-up. Many brokers respond within 30 to 45 days, but some delay or provide incomplete confirmations. Amicus advises setting reminders to check responses at two weeks and again at one month. Families should also monitor whether profiles repopulate from partner networks, in which case deletion requests must be extended upstream. Cross-border implications Although registries are state-based, many brokers handle data from people outside their jurisdictions. Canadians, Europeans, and Latin Americans who shop, travel, or work in the United States often appear in these databases. Amicus emphasizes that non-residents should still submit deletion requests, framing them as voluntary suppressions where statutory rights do not apply. Doing so often achieves the same outcome, as many brokers operate nationally or internationally. Sector-specific guidance Different categories of brokers pose various challenges. People search sites are the most visible and should be prioritized early. Adtech brokers may regenerate profiles through cookies and device identifiers, requiring browser-level privacy controls in addition to deletion requests. Risk analytics firms sometimes resist deletion by citing fraud prevention needs, but many will suppress marketing fields. Location and telematics brokers draw from multiple app sources, making app-level permission management critical. Brokers trading in health inferences, such as fertility or chronic conditions, require special attention due to sensitivity and potential embarrassment. Templates and documentation To simplify the process, Amicus provides request templates that can be customized. A reasonable deletion request identifies the individual with minimal information, cites the legal or voluntary basis for deletion, specifies the categories to be erased, and demands confirmation. Follow-up templates escalate matters when a broker fails to respond, while regulator referral templates translate the evidence into complaints suitable for state agencies. Metrics and organizational adoption Organizations adopting the cadence can measure success through three metrics: the number of active broker profiles identified each quarter, the volume of unsolicited contacts received, and the average time-to-resolution for deletion requests. Over multiple quarters, these metrics provide a tangible demonstration of progress and help justify continued investment in privacy practices. The enforcement landscape Regulators are expected to become more active as registries mature. California's CPPA has already adopted registration regulations, and DROP will soon create a one-stop deletion tool. Vermont has enforced its registry requirements since 2019, while Texas and Oregon are beginning to implement theirs. Investigative reporting on noncompliance and dark patterns will likely push attorneys general to take public action. Families and organizations that keep thorough logs will be best positioned to benefit from these enforcement trends. Quotes from Amicus 'Registries convert a scavenger hunt into a checklist, which means regular people can win,' said an Amicus employee. 'A quarterly habit is more powerful than a one-time purge because it turns deletion into a documented routine that vendors and bad actors cannot ignore.' 'DROP will help Californians reach all registered brokers from one place,' another employee explained. 'Until then, the registry itself is an amplifier, and the other state registries allow families and small teams to widen the net without hiring a big privacy department.' Conclusion Data broker registries represent a turning point for privacy. They bring transparency to a sector that has long evaded accountability, providing families, survivors, and organizations with practical tools to manage their data. Amicus International Consulting's quarterly data hygiene cadence translates these registries into an accessible, repeatable workflow that reduces risk and protects dignity. Privacy need not be complicated. It requires routine, discipline, and the right tools, all of which are now within reach. About Amicus International Consulting Amicus International Consulting advises clients on lawful anonymity, identity protection, and cross-border risk hygiene. The firm designs low-exposure workflows for travelers, families, and small organizations, with an emphasis on documentation that works across jurisdictions and institutions. The quarterly data hygiene cadence for data broker deletion is available as a self-guided kit or a short training for teams that want to run it in-house. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BTS reunites at FESTA: From 'Mic Drop' moves to Jin & Jungkook's surprise appearance at J-Hope's concert — A night ARMY will never forget
BTS sent the fandom ARMY into an emotional frenzy on June 13 as all seven members reunited in celebration of their 12th debut anniversary. Six members — RM, Jin, SUGA, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — came together to support J-Hope at his Hope On The Stage finale concert, marking a powerful moment of unity following their military discharges. Held at Goyang Stadium in South Korea as part of BTS FESTA 2025, the concert quickly turned into a historic celebration. The members were spotted in the VIP section, cheering on their lead dancer, with their presence alone making the night unforgettable for fans. But the surprises didn't stop there, as special stage appearances from Jin and Jungkook added to the magic. Jin and Jungkook's surprise stage performances Just hours before the concert, Jin and Jungkook were heard during rehearsals, sparking speculation — and hope — that they might perform. As photos and videos of the reunion flooded social media, the night quickly became an unforgettable chapter in BTS history. During the concert, Jungkook joined J-Hope on stage for their duet i wonder..., prompting ARMY to erupt in cheers. The excitement continued as J-Hope handed the stage to Jungkook to perform his solo hit SEVEN, with J-Hope even rapping Latto's part, delighting the crowd. JUNGKOOK PERFORMING 'SEVEN' WITH J-HOPE Later, when many thought the concert had ended, J-Hope returned to the stage with the eldest member, Jin. The duo sang the group's beloved classic Spring Day, drawing emotional reactions from fans. [FULL] Jin joining J-hope for 'Spring Day (봄날)'! Jin was also given the stage to perform his solo track Don't Say You Love Me, which many believe is in preparation for his upcoming solo tour. JIN preforming DON'T SAY YOU LOVE ME As if that wasn't enough, the trio — Jin, J-Hope, and Jungkook — performed Jamais Vu, a fan-favorite song from BTS' 2019 album MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA. JUNGKOOK, J-HOPE AND JIN PERFORMING 'JAMAIS VU' BTS members dance to 'Mic Drop' Adding to the unforgettable night, videos went viral showing the members in the VIP section dancing along as J-Hope performed the group's high-energy anthem Mic Drop, a song known for its bold message to haters. ALL MEMBERS DOING THE MIC DROP CHOREO STOPPPPPP As the iconic OT7 fan chant echoed through the venue and ARMY screamed "mianhae eomma" at the top of their lungs, it added an extra layer of emotion to an already powerful Festa night. THEY WERE DANCING TO MIC DROP TOGETHER About BTS Festa BTS Festa 2025 kicked off on June 1 with special digital content celebrating the group's 12th anniversary. The main offline events are being held on June 13 and 14 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Not just a DROP, Munambam fishers lead drive against ocean plastic pollution
Kochi: A small initiative to introduce the concept of reducing and recycling plastics among the fishing community at Munambam harbour three years ago has now become one of the finest examples of a community-driven movement to reduce oceanic plastic pollution. From initially bringing back all the plastics they carried on board during multi-day trawling, now more than 600 fishing boats are returning with all the plastics that get caught in their nets. Fishermen even use the nets to hang and drain out much of the seawater from the plastic waste by the time they reach the harbour. The project, called Drive to Recover Ocean Plastic (DROP), jointly executed by the Munambam Harbour Management Society, fishermen's associations and NGO Plan@Earth, ensured the recovery of 22,000kg of plastic waste by fishing boats in 2024–25. "When the initiative began, there was a lot of reluctance to bring back even the plastic packaging, such as milk covers, water bottles, food packets and snack wrappers, they carried during multi-day fishing trips. Their hesitation was mainly about carrying back the waste as it occupied space they preferred to reserve for storing their catch. But even then, they were starting to experience the menace of plastic, entangling in their nets, damaging them as well as taking away the fish space," said Sooraj Abraham, founding member, Plan@Earth. Over 400 large fishing boats operate from the main harbour at Munambam, while most smaller boats sail from the adjoining mini harbour. "Almost 80% of the boats from both harbours are now bringing back plastic waste. Initially, we used to supply bags to the boats to bring back the waste, but now Plan@Earth provides them and collects the filled bags upon landing. The fishermen try to drain or dry out the water from the waste during the return journey. The collected bags are stored in a facility at the harbour before being transported by the NGO to its godown for recycling and processing," said Rajesh K B, a member of the harbour management society. Sooraj said they gave awards to fishing boats that bring in the most plastic. "Recently, a single boat fished out over 28kg of plastic discards from the ocean. Since the boats return at irregular hours, we have stationed staff around the clock to ensure that we don't miss any boat," he said. The recovered waste is a mixed bunch of PET bottles, food packaging, slippers and plastic sandals, cans, containers and a lot of abandoned fishing gear, especially ropes and nets that turn into ghost nets, entangling marine life and obstructing fishing operations. " We don't just recycle the waste; we also hold art exhibitions in different cities featuring installations made from these materials," Sooraj said. The DROP project has won several accolades from govt and other agencies. Interest in replicating the initiative has grown, with enquiries coming in from other harbours. The impact has extended beyond the boats. Fishermen are now ensuring that their coastal panchayats also minimise plastic disposal at sea. In the past year alone, 2.6 lakh kg of plastic waste was recovered and processed from these panchayats and nearby inland water bodies. Additionally, 30 Chinese fishing nets registered under the DROP project contributed to the recovery of 1,115 kg of plastic waste.
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
The Hemp Doctor Launches DROP – Fast Acting THC & THCP Mixer
MOORESVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, May 20, 2025 / / -- The Hemp Doctor introduces DROP – Fast Acting Mixer, a new innovative line of nano-emulsified hemp-derived liquids available in two formats: THC (Delta 9) and THCP. DROP is designed for rapid onset, precise dosing, and easy integration into any routine, with each variant offering a unique set of effects. 1. DROP | Delta 9 (15mg per 5ml vial) – Delivers a balanced, uplifting high ideal for relaxation, socializing, or everyday stress relief. 2. DROP | THCP (2.5mg per 5ml vial) – A concentrated option for experienced users, offering deeper, longer-lasting effects in a smaller dose. DROP comes in a compact, travel-ready vial, making it easy to take your THC or THCP liquid mixer anywhere. Each 5ml dose is completely flavorless, so it won't alter the taste of any drink or food. The way it was designed, DROP will blend seamlessly into 'practically anything,' from water-based beverages, soft food like yogurt, salads, brownies, and more. And unlike traditional cannabinoid oils, it doesn't separate or leave a residue. Formulated with cutting-edge nano-emulsion technology, DROP is absorbed faster and more efficiently than traditional edibles because the nano-sized cannabinoids bypass the liver's processing. This allows users to feel the effects within minutes rather than waiting hours for results. All DROP vials are 0-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan. All batches are made with US-grown Farm Bill-compliant organic hemp and tested by third-party labs to ensure purity and potency. Why DROP is a Game Changer: Fast-acting nano-emulsion – Onset in minutes Flavorless and discreet – No smell, no taste Pocket-sized and portable – Use anywhere Precisely measured doses – Complete control over every drop Hemp-derived & compliant – Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill DROP—Fast Acting Mixer is available at and The Hemp Doctor's main retail store offers single vials and 10-count multipacks, while 50-count value multipacks are available at The Hemp Doctor Wholesale. Note: Not for use by persons under 21 years old. Do not mix with alcohol. About The Hemp Doctor The Hemp Doctor has been providing quality hemp-derived products since 2018. The North Carolina-based company is known for offering cannabinoid products ranging from THCA flower to pre-rolls, concentrates, gummies, and more. The company stands out for its dedication to producing quality products at par with customer satisfaction. With over 100,000 satisfied returning customers, thousands of subscribers, 5,000+ Yotpo comments, and a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 3,730 genuine reviews, The Hemp Doctor has positioned itself as a leader in the industry. As a company strictly adhering to lawful and safe human consumption, The Hemp Doctor's array of products undergoes third-party DEA-certified lab testing. Tara Phoenix The Hemp Doctor +1 917-797-8347 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Drop serves killer looks
DROP, the American thriller directed by Christopher Landon, arrives with an irresistible premise: a first date that spirals into a nightmare of anonymous threats, escalating dangers and rising suspicion. Add in the backing of genre powerhouses Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes and expectations naturally soar. But while Drop delivers gorgeously polished visuals and performances, its narrative leans heavily on familiar tricks, asking viewers to stay patient as it unfurls its tangled threads. There is no denying that Drop is a feast for the eyes. Cinematographer (who deserves applause here) bathes the upscale restaurant setting in moody lighting, gleaming surfaces and just the right touches of noirish shadow. Every glass of wine, flicker of candlelight and nervous glance is captured with surgical precision. This is a film where even a cell phone notification looks cinematic. But as sharp as the visuals are, the plot sometimes struggles to keep pace. Familiar recipe (but still tasty enough) Let us be clear: Drop does not reinvent the thriller wheel. The core premise: a protagonist trapped in a confined, elegant space while an unseen tormentor pulls the strings, echoes everything from Phone Booth to Panic Room. Add in a widowed protagonist with a tragic backstory, a too-charming date and a parade of suspicious side characters and the setup feels more comfort-food familiar than groundbreaking. Yet despite the sense of déjà vu, Drop remains a solid watch. This is thanks largely to Meghann Fahy's magnetic presence as Violet, the frazzled yet determined single mom trying to navigate both dating jitters and escalating danger. Fahy brings an emotional vulnerability that grounds the more outlandish moments, making the audience root for her even when the plot feels like it is jogging in place. Brandon Sklenar's Henry, meanwhile, plays the charming date with just the right amount of 'Is he or isn't he?' ambiguity. The supporting cast, including Violett Beane as Violet's sister and Gabrielle Ryan as the sharp-eyed bartender, fill out the ensemble with texture, even if many of them serve more as set dressing for Violet's rising paranoia. Let tension build Here is the key to enjoying Drop: approach it knowing that it is not a nonstop thrill ride. This is not one of those breathless, edge-of-your-seat thrillers where the plot fires off twists every ten minutes. Instead, Landon crafts a deliberately slow burn, teasing out the tension piece by piece. For some, this will be a treat, a rare thriller that luxuriates in mood, atmosphere and simmering dread. For others, it might test their patience. There are stretches where the movie seems to coast on its vibes rather than push the story forward and the central mystery occasionally feels padded out to stretch the runtime. But for viewers willing to sink into the slow-building unease, Drop offers a satisfying payoff. Visual that outshines its plot It bears repeating: the real star of Drop is its visual design. The film's upscale restaurant setting is a living, breathing character, full of reflective surfaces, shadowy corners and a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Director Landon, known for stylish genre hits like Happy Death Day and Freaky, brings his playful touch here, making even the most mundane objects: a phone, a cocktail glass, a note scribbled on a napkin, pop with cinematic flair. The visuals are so compelling that they often distract from the more predictable beats of the story. There is a sense that Landon and his team know they are working with a somewhat familiar script, so they lean hard into the atmosphere, ensuring the film at least looks fresher than it reads. For thriller fans who value aesthetics and mood, this attention to detail makes Drop worth the ticket price alone. Worth a watch, with right expectations Drop is not the most original thriller to hit screens this year, but it does not need to be. It knows what it is doing, delivering a tense, visually stunning cat-and-mouse game wrapped in a glossy package and it does it well enough to satisfy. Sure, the plot relies on familiar tropes and the pacing demands a patient viewer, but the overall experience is polished, suspenseful and anchored by strong lead performances. Audiences looking for groundbreaking twists or adrenaline-pumping action might walk away wishing for more. But for those content to settle in for a stylish, slow-burning thriller with a killer aesthetic, Drop delivers just enough thrills to keep them watching and admiring how good it all looks along the way. DIRECTOR: Christopher Landon CAST: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Violett Beane E-VALUE: 7/10 PLOT: 7/10 ACTING: 8/10
