Latest news with #JoanneOrlando
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Roblox: new safety features leave kids 'at risk'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. New safety features on the popular children's gaming platform Roblox don't go far enough, experts have said. Roblox introduced the new features after warnings that children were being exposed to inappropriate content, and adults were creating fake child accounts to message, harass or groom them. The changes are a step in the right direction, say experts, but will still leave vulnerable kids at risk. Roblox is a "gigantic platform" where users can create, share, and play games, said the BBC. It hosts some 40 million user-generated games and experiences and has more monthly users than Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation combined. Last year, the "vast empire" averaged more than 80 million players per day – and 34 million of them were children under the age of 13. Young people are drawn to the range of experiences Roblox offers, from "raising and dressing up virtual pets to playing an online game of hide and seek using GPS", said Joanne Orlando on The Conversation. Roblox has been "dogged" by claims that some children have been exposed to "explicit or harmful" content, with multiple reported allegations of "bullying and grooming", said the BBC. There has been material featuring players dressed up as members of the KKK, wearing swastikas and using racist terms, said The Times. And there have been incidents of "sexual exploitation" and "grooming by paedophiles", said The Conversation's Orlando. The new features limit who children can communicate with on Roblox, and what content they can play with: Roblox experiences without a 'maturity-based rating' will be blocked from users under the age of 13, for example. Parents also have more control to manage what their child has access to. They can set time limits for their child, and block them from specific games and experiences. They can also see the 20 experiences their child has engaged with the most over the past week, and block or report any suspicious people on their child's friends list. However, to access the new controls, parents must have their own Roblox account, to which they must add their credit-card details. They can then can link their account with their child's account. The new safety features only apply to children under the age of 13, who have parental controls set up on their accounts. This means only those with "vigilant and engaged parents – the children we need to worry least about" – will be better protected, Ian Acheson, a former director of community safety at the Home Office, told The Times. "For other kids, perhaps the more vulnerable, they still remain at risk." And however vigilant parents may try to be, constant supervision has its limits. "We all know that, with the best will in the world, life sometimes gets in the way", Mumsnet boss Justine Roberts told the BBC. If you've got several children, "you probably can't 24/7 watch everything they're doing, even if you've got all your parental controls set". The new measures have "significant limitations" Ashton Kingdon, a criminology lecturer at The University of Southampton, told The Times. There is still "no proper user verification to prevent adults from creating fake accounts". Roblox co-founder and CEO Dave Baszucki insisted his company is vigilant in protecting users. But his "first message" to parents is "if you're not comfortable, don't let your kids be on Roblox".
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ProClaim Celebrates 25 Years of Leadership in EMS Solutions and Billing
Proudly Woman-Owned and Delivering Comprehensive Support for EMS Agencies Throughout New York. 'In 2024, ProClaim collected over eighty million dollars on behalf of its clients, which went back to their communities to help keep their EMS services sustainable.' — Joanne Orlando, Co-Founder of ProClaim TARRYTOWN, NY, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2025 / / -- ProClaim, a trusted leader in EMS billing and solutions, proudly celebrates its 25th year of empowering EMS agencies with innovative services that enable lifesaving care. Founded in 2000 by Joanne Orlando and Cindy Orfino, ProClaim has evolved into a comprehensive partner, helping providers focus on their patient care mission. As a proud woman-owned business and certified member of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), ProClaim stands out as a trailblazer in its field. 'For 25 years, we have remained dedicated to our clients, helping them navigate the complexities of EMS billing and providing solutions that allow them to focus on what truly matters—delivering medical care to those in need,' said Joanne Orlando, Co-Founder of ProClaim. 'This milestone is a celebration of our clients' trust in us and our successes together.' ProClaim's commitment to solving the unique challenges of EMS agencies is evident in its services, which include TRAC Reporting for clear and accurate visibility into agency performance, enabling better financial decision-making. Its CQI intelligence tools empower agencies to implement effective quality improvement measures, ensuring exceptional care delivery. ProClaim facilitates education and offers clinical data solutions to support further field providers that provide actionable insights and ongoing training. The Adaptive Tech Package is another of their offerings, with durable hardware, advanced security measures & encryption, expert training, and responsive 24/7 support designed to streamline agency operations while maintaining compliance and security. 'In 2024, ProClaim collected over eighty million dollars on behalf of its clients, which went back to their communities to help keep their EMS services sustainable', added Orlando. 'Our company is built on a foundation of operational expertise and experience, helping our clients anticipate patient needs like no other,' said Cindy Orfino, Co-Founder of ProClaim. 'ProClaim is not simply an ambulance billing service. We deliver a comprehensive, integrated plan to enhance agency operations, administrative functions, and clinical performance. We know EMS, and we know how to support its heroes.' Founded in 2000 by Joanne Orlando and Cindy Orfino, ProClaim specializes in ambulance billing and revenue cycle management for EMS agencies across the United States. As a certified WBENC member, ProClaim is proud to be a woman-owned and led business. With a team of Certified Ambulance Coders and a dedication to innovative solutions, ProClaim ensures financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and peace of mind for EMS agencies. Frank Orlando YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
