Latest news with #Dark
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Urgent warning to Amazon Fire Stick TV users before popular app stops working
Older Fire TV models will become incompatible with the Netflix app tomorrow. First-generation devices of Amazon's range, including the Fire TV, Fire TV stick and Fire TV stick with Alexa Voice Remote, will no longer be supported by Netflix. The first two products came out in 2014, while the third was released in 2016. Netflix previously emailed affected customers about the change, and users of the devices will have noticed some modern video formats don't work. More Trending This is because Amazon has not updated them for a while. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Netflix has not given a specific reason for ending support, but PCWorld reports it may be due to newer video coding formats allowing better-quality images. Affected users who want to upgrade have been encouraged to choose a newer model with 4k resolution support, as these will be supported the longest. Models from the second-generation onwards will still be supported for the foreseeable future, however. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Netflix fans already 'obsessed' with season 2 of show watched 250,000,000 times MORE: 'Dark' ITV true crime drama quietly added to Netflix soars up chart MORE: Netflix viewers rush to watch 'astonishing' drama starring Sheridan Smith as beloved British icon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
On ‘World No Tobacco Day,' Nicokick and Northerner Call for Enforcing Existing Regulations, Not Prohibition: "Let's Talk About Choice"
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the global health community marks World No Tobacco Day on May 31, and two of the leading online retailers for nicotine pouches in the U.S, are urging public health leaders and policymakers to shift the narrative from prohibition to responsible choice. In response to this year's campaign theme by the World Health Organization (WHO) —"Dark Intentions: Unmasking the Appeal of Nicotine Products"—Markus Lindblad, Head of External Affairs at and offers a bold call to action: Elevate individual responsibility, transparency, and education about the role of alternative nicotine products in reducing smoking-related deaths. Lindblad points to false narratives and inconsistent public health messaging as major roadblocks to reducing smoking-related deaths. More than 480,000 Americans die annually from smoking-related illness. The truth is that flavored alternatives have proven to be a strong contributor to helping millions of smokers ditch deadly combustible tobacco. "Switching to nicotine pouches is not a fringe choice, it's a potentially lifesaving one," said Lindblad. "Consumers deserve access to the truth, not more fear-based messaging." While flavored nicotine products are routinely criticized for appealing to youth, flavored alcoholic beverages are widely promoted and culturally glamorized, even as alcohol-related cancer deaths in the US are on the rise and the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning on alcohol and cancer earlier this year. "If flavors deserve scrutiny, that logic should apply to all industries, not just nicotine," Lindblad said. "To claim that all flavored products are marketing trickery that entices youth ignores key facts about adult consumer psychology. As responsible retailers, we know that compliant brands follow the very strict guidelines given by regulators, and that the real threats to the industry are illicit vendors and products flooding the market. It begs repeating: Flavors weren't made for kids—they were made for adults seeking an alternative to smoking. The real issue? Youth access. The solution? Enforcement." Global Lessons: Sweden's Success vs. Australia's Prohibition Lindblad, who is based in Sweden where the company is headquartered, highlights the country's historic achievement in reaching "smoke-free" status in 2024—defined as having an under 5% smoking prevalence—as a model of effective harm reduction. By contrast, countries with stricter nicotine bans, such as Australia and Norway, are seeing the rise of illicit markets and youth use of unregulated products. "When regulators rely solely on bans, people adapt in sometimes riskier ways," said Lindblad. "Sweden's success came from consumer empowerment and access to modern oral alternatives, not punishment." A Call for Evidence-Based Communications and Policy Northerner and Nicokick advocate for science-led regulation that protects youth and informs adults. The companies call for increased enforcement of existing regulations and better accountability from social platforms and content creators. "We're not hiding behind marketing," said Lindblad. "Our so-called hidden agenda is compliance and consumer education. Let's stop vilifying alternatives and start enforcing the laws that already work." WHO Has It Wrong: States Must Lead WHO's 2025 campaign is focused on the wrong enemy while their rhetoric continues to drive fear and erode years of research. Instead of condemning flavors, they should be calling for smarter and tighter regulations that keep products out of underage hands, not banning tools that help adults take steps towards a smoke-free lifestyle and improved well-being. Public health isn't advanced by moral panic. It's advanced by policy that works. About Nicokick Nicokick is a leading online retailer in the U.S. specializing in nicotine pouches. With a diverse inventory of over 200 unique products, the platform offers a wide selection of popular and emerging brands that provide consumers with modern oral smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products. As a responsible and compliant retailer, Nicokick is committed to a strict age verification process, with all products delivered directly to adult consumers' doorsteps or mailboxes. For more information, visit About Northerner Established in 1998, Northerner has grown to become one of the largest global online retailers of nicotine pouches. Northerner's US platform has an inventory of over 200 tobacco leaf-free nicotine products that help adult consumers transition from cigarettes. With a strong commitment to youth access prevention, Northerner's products are securely delivered to adult consumers' doorsteps or mailboxes, ensuring compliance with a rigorous age verification process. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media contact:Megan Hanson, Avaans Mediahaypp@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
On ‘World No Tobacco Day,' Nicokick and Northerner Call for Enforcing Existing Regulations, Not Prohibition: 'Let's Talk About Choice'
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the global health community marks World No Tobacco Day on May 31, and two of the leading online retailers for nicotine pouches in the U.S, are urging public health leaders and policymakers to shift the narrative from prohibition to responsible choice. In response to this year's campaign theme by the World Health Organization (WHO) — 'Dark Intentions: Unmasking the Appeal of Nicotine Products' —Markus Lindblad, Head of External Affairs at and offers a bold call to action: Elevate individual responsibility, transparency, and education about the role of alternative nicotine products in reducing smoking-related deaths. Lindblad points to false narratives and inconsistent public health messaging as major roadblocks to reducing smoking-related deaths. More than 480,000 Americans die annually from smoking-related illness. The truth is that flavored alternatives have proven to be a strong contributor to helping millions of smokers ditch deadly combustible tobacco. 'Switching to nicotine pouches is not a fringe choice, it's a potentially lifesaving one,' said Lindblad. 'Consumers deserve access to the truth, not more fear-based messaging.' While flavored nicotine products are routinely criticized for appealing to youth, flavored alcoholic beverages are widely promoted and culturally glamorized, even as alcohol-related cancer deaths in the US are on the rise and the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning on alcohol and cancer earlier this year. 'If flavors deserve scrutiny, that logic should apply to all industries, not just nicotine,' Lindblad said. 'To claim that all flavored products are marketing trickery that entices youth ignores key facts about adult consumer psychology. As responsible retailers, we know that compliant brands follow the very strict guidelines given by regulators, and that the real threats to the industry are illicit vendors and products flooding the market. It begs repeating: Flavors weren't made for kids—they were made for adults seeking an alternative to smoking. The real issue? Youth access. The solution? Enforcement.' Global Lessons: Sweden's Success vs. Australia's Prohibition Lindblad, who is based in Sweden where the company is headquartered, highlights the country's historic achievement in reaching 'smoke-free' status in 2024—defined as having an under 5% smoking prevalence—as a model of effective harm reduction. By contrast, countries with stricter nicotine bans, such as Australia and Norway, are seeing the rise of illicit markets and youth use of unregulated products. 'When regulators rely solely on bans, people adapt in sometimes riskier ways,' said Lindblad. 'Sweden's success came from consumer empowerment and access to modern oral alternatives, not punishment.' A Call for Evidence-Based Communications and Policy Northerner and Nicokick advocate for science-led regulation that protects youth and informs adults. The companies call for increased enforcement of existing regulations and better accountability from social platforms and content creators. 'We're not hiding behind marketing,' said Lindblad. 'Our so-called hidden agenda is compliance and consumer education. Let's stop vilifying alternatives and start enforcing the laws that already work.' WHO Has It Wrong: States Must Lead WHO's 2025 campaign is focused on the wrong enemy while their rhetoric continues to drive fear and erode years of research. Instead of condemning flavors, they should be calling for smarter and tighter regulations that keep products out of underage hands, not banning tools that help adults take steps towards a smoke-free lifestyle and improved well-being. Public health isn't advanced by moral panic. It's advanced by policy that works. About Nicokick Nicokick is a leading online retailer in the U.S. specializing in nicotine pouches. With a diverse inventory of over 200 unique products, the platform offers a wide selection of popular and emerging brands that provide consumers with modern oral smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products. As a responsible and compliant retailer, Nicokick is committed to a strict age verification process, with all products delivered directly to adult consumers' doorsteps or mailboxes. For more information, visit About Northerner Established in 1998, Northerner has grown to become one of the largest global online retailers of nicotine pouches. Northerner's US platform has an inventory of over 200 tobacco leaf-free nicotine products that help adult consumers transition from cigarettes. With a strong commitment to youth access prevention, Northerner's products are securely delivered to adult consumers' doorsteps or mailboxes, ensuring compliance with a rigorous age verification process. For more information, visit
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
E-commerce platforms must comply with guidelines on 'dark patterns': Food Minister Pralhad Joshi
HighlightsUnion Minister of Consumer Affairs Prahlad Joshi emphasized the need for e-commerce platforms to comply with government guidelines on 'dark patterns' to protect consumer interests. The Central Consumer Protection Authority identified 13 deceptive practices categorized as 'dark patterns' that manipulate consumer choices, including False Urgency and Subscription Trap. A joint working group will be established to ensure effective implementation of the dark pattern guidelines, with over 50 major e-commerce players participating in discussions on the matter. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday asked all major e-commerce platform to follow the government's guidelines on ' dark patterns ', else actions will be taken to protect consumers' interest. The minister said the e-commerce players have also been told to conduct internal audits to examine the presence of 'dark patterns', defined as deceptive user interface designs that mislead or manipulate consumers into making unintended choices. E-commerce players need to submit an audit report to the department of consumer affairs. He said a joint working group will also be set up for effective implementation of the guidelines and curb this unfair trade practice. In November 2023, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, issued Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, to curb 'dark patterns' on digital and offline platforms. On Wednesday, Joshi held discussions with stakeholders to discuss consumer concerns over 'dark patterns' and explore more effective solutions to tackle the issue. "Representatives of More than 50 e-commerce players participated in the meeting which was organised to sensitise all stakeholders. We have asked for full compliance with dark pattern guidelines," Joshi told reporters. He said the government has identified 13 dark patterns. These are False Urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm Shaming, Forced action, Subscription trap, Interface interference, Bait and Switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised advertisement, Nagging, Trick question, Saas Billing, and Rogue Malwares. "Consumer interest is paramount," Joshi said, adding that the e-commerce players have promised to abide by these guidelines. The minister stressed on the need that digital marketplaces are governed by fairness, transparency, and accountability. In case they do not follow guidelines, action will be taken as per the law, Joshi said. On 'advance tipping' by cab aggregators, the minister said the notices have been given to ride-hailing operators. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said the CCPA has issued 11 notices under dark patterns. Overall, she said more than 400 notices have been issued for unfair trade practices . She said the government will also look into dark patterns by quick-commerce platforms. The secretary asserted that the CCPA will take actions against unfair trade practices in any sector after proper investigation. According to the guidelines, dark patterns have been defined as any practice or deceptive design pattern using user interface or user experience interactions on any platform that is designed to mislead or trick users to do something they originally did not intend or want to do, by subverting or impairing the consumer autonomy, decision making or choice. All major e-commerce platforms, working in the food, travel, cosmetics, pharmacy, retail, clothing and electronics sectors participated in the meeting. Some of the key stakeholders present in the meeting were Amazon, Flipkart, Apple, BigBasket, Meesho, Meta, MakeMyTrip, Paytm , Ola, Reliance Retail Limited, Swiggy , Zomato , Yatra, Uber, Tata, EaseMyTrip, Clear Trip, IndiaMart , IndiGo Airlines, ixigo, JUSTDIAL, Medika Bazaar, Netmeds, ONDC, Thomas Cook , and WhatsApp. Key industry organisations, including Voluntary Consumer Organizations (VCOs) and leading National Law Universities (NLUs), also participated in this meeting. PTI
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jacksonville businesses see boost from Jazz Fest After Dark, despite concerns over new venue
Music lovers are filling The Elbow in downtown Jacksonville this weekend as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival continues into the night with its After Dark event. While the festival has drawn strong crowds, not everyone is thrilled with the event's new location. Action News Jax reporter Nicholas Brooks was downtown Saturday night and reported long lines at local businesses. He spoke with several business owners who said the festival has brought a noticeable increase in foot traffic and sales. 'Yesterday was profitable. Let's see how the rest of this weekend goes because last year was pretty freaking good,' said Julia Cordero, manager of The Circuit, a new business participating in the event. Cordero added that Friday night saw a steady stream of customers. 'We had a lot of people come in here. We had a couple bands playing.' Bands are set to perform at venues throughout The Elbow during the After Dark portion of the festival, offering a boost to nearby businesses. Related: See the full After Dark performance schedule Earlier in the day, music filled the air as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival kicked off from its new location at Tailgater's Lot in the city's Sports & Entertainment District. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Despite the distance from the original downtown setup, some businesses farther from the main venue reported strong customer turnout. 'We had a steady flow of people coming in and out. It's also been a pretty good turnout as well,' said Nick Colston, an employee at That Bar at the Arena. Other local establishments echoed the sentiment, saying they typically see increased profits when events are held in town. However, not all attendees are pleased with the festival's relocation. The festival said the move was due to them expecting a larger crowd than Metropolitan Park can handle, and other previous venues being currently preoccupied with construction. Some longtime festivalgoers said they preferred previous downtown sites, citing convenience. 'I did like the other location a lot,' said Dolly Singleton. 'I love the location, but it's not the best location,' said William Steele. For those who haven't attended yet, Sunday is the last chance to enjoy this year's Jazz Fest. Related: Know before you go: 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
