Latest news with #DigitalNomad
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Consultant behind AI-generated robocalls mimicking Biden goes on trial in New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A political consultant who sent voters artificial intelligence-generated robocalls mimicking former President Joe Biden last year goes on trial Thursday in New Hampshire, where jurors may be asked to consider not just his guilt or innocence but whether the state actually held its first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Steven Kramer, who faces decades in prison if convicted of voter suppression and impersonating a candidate, has admitted orchestrating a message sent to thousands of voters two days before the Jan. 23, 2024, primary. The message played an AI-generated voice similar to the Democratic president's that used his phrase 'What a bunch of malarkey' and suggested that voting in the primary would preclude voters from casting ballots in November. 'It's important that you save your vote for the November election,' voters were told. 'Your votes make a difference in November, not this Tuesday.' Kramer, who owns a firm specializing in get-out-the-vote projects, has said he wasn't trying to influence the outcome of the primary election but rather wanted to send a wake-up call about the potential dangers of AI when he paid a New Orleans magician and self-described 'digital nomad' $150 to create the recording. 'Maybe I'm a villain today, but I think in the end we get a better country and better democracy because of what I've done, deliberately,' Kramer told The Associated Press in February 2024. Ahead of the trial in Belknap County Superior Court, state prosecutors sought to prevent Kramer from arguing that the primary was a meaningless straw poll because it wasn't sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee. At Biden's request, the DNC dislodged New Hampshire from its traditional early spot in the nominating calendar, but later dropped its threat not to seat the state's national convention delegates. Biden did not put his name on the ballot or campaign there, but won as a write-in. The state argued that such evidence was irrelevant and would risk confusing jurors, but Judge Elizabeth Leonard denied the motion in March, saying the DNC's actions and Kramer's understanding of them were relevant to his motive and intent in sending the calls. She did grant the prosecution's request that the court accept as fact that the state held its presidential primary election as defined by law on Jan. 23, 2024. Jurors will be informed of that conclusion but won't be required to accept it. Kramer faces 11 felony charges, each punishable by up to seven years in prison, alleging he attempted to prevent or deter someone from voting based on 'fraudulent, deceptive, misleading or spurious grounds or information.' He also faces 11 misdemeanor charges that each carry a maximum sentence of a year in jail accusing him of falsely representing himself as a candidate by his own conduct or that of another person. He also has been fined $6 million by the Federal Communications Commission, but it's unclear whether he has paid it, and the FCC did not respond to a request for comment earlier this week. The agency was developing AI-related rules when Donald Trump won the presidency, but has since shown signs of a possible shift toward loosening regulations. In April, it recommended that a telecom company be added back to an industry consortium just weeks after the agency had proposed fining the company for its role in illegal robocalls impersonating the FCC. Half of all U.S. states have enacted legislation regulating AI deepfakes in political campaigns, according to the watchdog organization Public Citizen. But House Republicans in Congress recently added a clause to their party's signature 'big beautiful' tax bill that would ban states and localities from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade, though it faces long odds in the Senate.
Japan Today
25-04-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Japan's digital nomad visa explained: Who qualifies and how to apply
By Whitney Hubbell Japan finally launched its Digital Nomad visa in April 2024 — joining dozens of countries that now welcome remote workers. This new visa lets eligible freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote employees live and work from Japan for up to six months, with the option to bring along their spouse and children. So how does Japan's Digital Nomad visa work? While many nations rolled out similar programs early in the remote work boom, Japan has taken a more cautious, curated approach. But with tourism at an all-time high and a growing appetite for global talent, the timing might be just right. For location-independent workers dreaming of Japanese food, culture and convenience — without quitting their overseas jobs — this could be a perfect fit. Here's what you need to know about who qualifies, how to apply and what life in Japan looks like on a Digital Nomad visa. And if your six-month stay leaves you wanting more, check out GaijinPot Jobs for long-term work opportunities across Japan Eligibility and Requirements Japan's Digital Nomad visa isn't open to everyone. It's limited to citizens from 49 countries that have both a visa waiver and a tax treaty with Japan — think the U.S., Canada, most of the EU, Australia, and a few others. Spouses and children from 21 additional countries may also apply, but only as dependents. To qualify, you'll need to prove that you work remotely for a company or clients outside Japan. That means submitting documents about your job, income, and plans during your stay. You'll also need private health insurance that covers at least ¥10 million in medical costs and accidents. One of the biggest hurdles is the income requirement: you must earn at least ¥10 million a year (around U.S.$65,000). It's steep, but it's meant to ensure applicants can support themselves — especially since working for Japanese companies or taking on local gigs isn't allowed. Who qualifies for Japan's Digital Nomad visa? Citizen of one of 49 eligible countries (21 more for dependents only) Working remotely for a foreign company or clients Annual income of at least ¥10 million Private health insurance covering at least ¥10 million Dependents allowed (if eligible and insured) Benefits and Limitations The Digital Nomad visa is valid for six months and can't be extended, so it's only meant for short-term stays. Because it doesn't come with a residence card, visa holders can't open a Japanese bank account, sign long-term rental contracts, or register at a city hall. You're also not allowed to work for any Japanese company or client while in Japan — only remote work for foreign employers or businesses is permitted. The same restrictions apply to accompanying spouses and children. Dependents also can't work or attend school as full-time students. If you're planning to live in Japan long-term or hope to find local employment, this isn't the right visa. You'll need to explore alternative visa options, such as a standard work visa or a highly skilled professional visa. How to Apply for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa If you're eligible and ready to apply, here's what you'll need to submit to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country: Required documents: Completed visa application form with a recent photo A passport valid for at least six months Either : : A Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or Documents outlining your planned activities and period of stay in Japan Proof of income showing at least ¥10 million annually Proof of insurance covering death, injury, or illness during your stay If you're bringing your spouse or children, they'll also need the same documents — plus a marriage certificate (for a spouse) or birth certificates (for children) to prove the relationship. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Local Spain
11-02-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
How does Spain's digital nomad visa income requirement compare to others globally?
How attainable is Spain's digital nomad visa when compared to the income requirement for similar visas available around the world? Here is a breakdown to help you decide. The rise in the number of remote workers worldwide has caused many countries to launch digital nomad visas to meet demand, so that people can legally work online from different locations for a specific amount of time. Spain launched its own digital nomad visa in January 2023, and since then has been attracting more and more foreigners who want to come and live and work here. The Spanish government recently announced an increase in the income requirement for the digital nomad visa in 2025 – up to €2,762 per month, but how does this compare to the amount needed for other nomad visas worldwide? Iceland Iceland has one of the most expensive digital nomad visas on the entire planet. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a stable monthly income of ISK 1,000,000. This is currently equivalent to €6,821 per month. Japan Japan only launched its nomad visa in March 2024, but it's already proving popular. You need to show that you make at least 10 million Japanese Yen or €64,000 per year. This is equivalent to €5,333 per month. UAE The United Arab Emirates also offers a nomad visa. For this you need a minimum monthly income of $3,500 for employees or $5,000 for business owners. This is equivalent to approximately €3,392 per month for employees and €3,340 and €4,848 for business owners. Barbados For Barbados' Digital Nomad 'Welcome Stamp' there is a minimum income threshold of $50,000 per year for visa applicants or $4,166.66 per month. This equals around €4,040 per month. Antigua and Barbuda Another Caribbean nation, Antigua and Barbuda also requires the same at $50,000 USD per year. This is equivalent to €48,480 per year or around €4,040 per month. Greece If you want to move to Greece and work remotely you'll have to earn €3,500 per month after tax deductions. Cyprus For Cyprus you also need to prove you have €3,500 after the deduction of taxes. Malta The minimum income for a Malta Digital Nomad Visa is €3,500 per month before taxes. Estonia Estonia's income requirement is the same as Malta's - €3,500 per month. Portugal For Portugal's Remote Work Visa, you must prove that your monthly income exceeds the threshold of €3,480. Costa Rica Applicants who want to work remotely from Costa Rica must show proof of a stable net income of at least $3,000 per month or €2,909 per month. Hungary For Hungary you need a monthly income of at least €3,000 for the last six months. Spain You now need to earn €2,762 per month to be eligible for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa in 2025. Croatia Proof of remote income of at least €2,539 per month is needed. Mexico If you want to work from Mexico, you'll need to prove at least $2,595 USD or €2,517. Italy Italy's minimum income requirement is €28,000 for the year or €2,333.33 per month. Brazil To live and work remotely in Brazil you provide three months of bank statements proving a monthly income of at least $1,500 or a bank balance of $18,000. This equals €1,455 per month or €17,455 in your bank account. Cape Verde To work from the African nation of Cape Verde, you'll need to prove a monthly bank balance of €1,454.34 or $1500 USD. Mauritius For Mauritius you'll also need a monthly income of €1,454.34 or $1500 USD. Finland To be eligible for Finland's self-employment visa, applicants must earn at least €1,220 per month. This is by far the cheapest digital nomad visa in Europe. Thailand No income requirement, but you need to show THB 500,000 or €13,500 for the last three months to support yourself. Colombia To work from Colombia you'll need a minimum income of $900 USD per month. This equals around €873 per month. Conclusion - is Spain's digital nomad visa more or less attainable financially speaking? Spain falls almost exactly in the middle of the amount of income needed for digital nomad visas around the world. This makes it neither very expensive or very cheap. In fact there are at least seven different European countries which have income requirements more than Spain, even if some of them have a lower cost of living. See Also
