Latest news with #Tong
RTHK
2 hours ago
- Health
- RTHK
Ban on space oil ingredients 'stops drug production'
Ban on space oil ingredients 'stops drug production' Henry Tong welcomes the government's proposal to ban all etomidate analogues. File photo: RTHK The government's latest proposal to ban all synthetic versions of a space oil drug ingredient can effectively prevent the production of different types of the drug, chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health Henry Tong said. The Security Bureau on Tuesday proposed introducing a generic definition of etomidate analogues under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, empowering law enforcement agencies to ban the trafficking of all etomidate analogues. Tong told RTHK that he welcomes the bureau's action. 'That's an effective way to prevent criminals from keep creating different space oil drugs,' he said. Tong also appealed to the government to impose a complete ban on the possession of e-cigarettes, which he said are the 'main and only device' for young people to take the space oil drug. 'If the government can outlaw the possession of any e-cigarettes in Hong Kong, that sends a very clear message to all the people that e-cigarette itself, the device itself, is illegal and dangerous,' he said. Tong also said many students became drug users due to various reasons, such as coming from broken families, suffering mental stress or having been bullied by other students.
RTHK
3 hours ago
- Health
- RTHK
Ban on space oil ingredients 'stops drug production'
Ban on space oil ingredients 'stops drug production' Henry Tong welcomes the government's proposal to ban all etomidate analogues. File photo: RTHK The government's latest proposal to ban all synthetic versions of a space oil drug ingredient can effectively prevent the production of different types of the drug, chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health Henry Tong said. The Security Bureau on Tuesday proposed introducing a generic definition of etomidate analogues under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, empowering law enforcement agencies to ban the trafficking of all etomidate analogues. Tong told RTHK that he welcomes the bureau's action. 'That's an effective way to prevent criminals from keep creating different space oil drugs,' he said. Tong also appealed to the government to impose a complete ban on the possession of e-cigarettes, which he said are the 'main and only device' for young people to take the space oil drug. 'If the government can outlaw the possession of any e-cigarettes in Hong Kong, that sends a very clear message to all the people that e-cigarette itself, the device itself, is illegal and dangerous,' he said. Tong also said many students became drug users due to various reasons, such as coming from broken families, suffering mental stress or having been bullied by other students.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Algorithmic Outrage Meets Constitutional Law
Lawmakers aren't wrong to worry about kids and social media — they're just dead wrong about how to fix it. The latest example is Connecticut, which is poised to enact a law allegedly aimed at protecting minors on social media, joining a growing trend among other states — like Ohio, Arkansas and Utah — pushing for sweeping online regulations. However, if passed, the law risks landing in federal court over constitutional concerns. On May 14, the Connecticut House passed H.B. 6857 — a bill that would make it illegal for social media platforms to display algorithmic content to minors unless they first verify the user's age and obtain 'verifiable parental consent.' In other words, any app using personalized feeds — like infinite scroll, suggested videos, or targeted posts — would be forced to screen every user or risk violating state law. The bill also defaults minors to one-hour daily limits, blocks notifications after 9 p.m., and restricts interactions so that only approved contacts can view or respond to their content. Platforms must allow parents to override these limits. It passed the House 121–26 and now awaits action in the Senate. Supporters, including Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, say it's necessary to fight youth 'addiction' to platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat. AG Tong even likened the proposal to past fights against Big Tobacco and the opioid epidemic — suggesting that endless scrolling is the next fentanyl. But setting aside the melodrama, there's a glaring problem with this policy and it's called the Constitution. However, federal courts are already swatting down similar laws. In April, a U.S. district judge in Ohio blocked the state's Social Media Parental Notification Act, ruling that it infringed both parental rights and minors' First Amendment freedoms. The decision came just weeks after another federal judge in Arkansas permanently struck down that state's Social Media Safety Act — which required age verification and parental consent — on the grounds that it was not narrowly tailored and lacked a compelling government interest. The ruling was simple, '[T]here is no evidence that the Act will be effective in achieving [its] goal.' Utah also tried a similar approach. In 2023, the state passed a pair of laws requiring social media platforms to verify users' ages, obtain parental consent for minors, and impose time-based restrictions on access. But after tech industry group NetChoice filed suit, a federal judge blocked the laws, finding they likely violated the First Amendment. Despite a legislative rewrite in 2024, Utah's revised laws were again put on hold. U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby ruled in September that the regulations were not narrowly tailored and imposed content-based restrictions on speech — a constitutional red flag. The message from the courts is clear, and that is states can't violate civil liberties in the name of protecting children, no matter how well-intentioned the law may be. That should matter to legislators. But in Connecticut — as in many states — the urge to 'do something' often overrides constitutional caution. Ironically, this legislation is being pushed in a state that already passed a sweeping data privacy law just last year. That law, which is still in effect, bans targeted ads to minors, prohibits the sale of their data without consent, limits geolocation tracking, and even requires platforms to exercise 'reasonable care' to shield young users from harm. Now lawmakers want to layer another set of vague, legally risky mandates. If passed, the Connecticut bill would apply to any platform with users in the state — meaning national companies could face costly compliance requirements or lawsuits under the state's Unfair Trade Practices Act, just for showing kids a recommended post. There is also the question of resources. Connecticut's own attorney general has publicly said his office is under-resourced. So, who exactly is going to monitor compliance, enforce reporting requirements, and litigate inevitable First Amendment challenges? Apparently, the same office admitting it's already stretched thin. There are better tools for families — ones that don't require deputizing the government as everyone's digital babysitter. App-store level parental controls already exist. Devices can be set to limit access, and many platforms offer family management features. Empowering parents doesn't require disempowering everyone else. Bills like this aren't about safety. They're about signaling. Lawmakers want to appear 'tough on tech' — even if it means trampling constitutional rights and bogging down courts in litigation that will almost certainly end in defeat. For now, the bill sits on the Connecticut Senate calendar, waiting for a vote. If passed, it won't just regulate platforms. It will test the boundaries of what the government can dictate in the name of protecting children. Let's hope the courts keep doing what the legislature refuses to: draw a aren't wrong to worry about kids and social media — they're just dead wrong about how to fix it. The latest example is Connecticut, which is poised to enact a law allegedly aimed at protecting minors on social media, joining a growing trend among other states — like Ohio, Arkansas and Utah — pushing for sweeping online regulations. However, if passed, the law risks landing in federal court over constitutional concerns. On May 14, the Connecticut House passed H.B. 6857 — a bill that would make it illegal for social media platforms to display algorithmic content to minors unless they first verify the user's age and obtain 'verifiable parental consent.' In other words, any app using personalized feeds — like infinite scroll, suggested videos, or targeted posts — would be forced to screen every user or risk violating state law. The bill also defaults minors to one-hour daily limits, blocks notifications after 9 p.m., and restricts interactions so that only approved contacts can view or respond to their content. Platforms must allow parents to override these limits. It passed the House 121–26 and now awaits action in the Senate. Supporters, including Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, say it's necessary to fight youth 'addiction' to platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat. AG Tong even likened the proposal to past fights against Big Tobacco and the opioid epidemic — suggesting that endless scrolling is the next fentanyl. But setting aside the melodrama, there's a glaring problem with this policy and it's called the Constitution. However, federal courts are already swatting down similar laws. In April, a U.S. district judge in Ohio blocked the state's Social Media Parental Notification Act, ruling that it infringed both parental rights and minors' First Amendment freedoms. The decision came just weeks after another federal judge in Arkansas permanently struck down that state's Social Media Safety Act — which required age verification and parental consent — on the grounds that it was not narrowly tailored and lacked a compelling government interest. The ruling was simple, '[T]here is no evidence that the Act will be effective in achieving [its] goal.' Utah also tried a similar approach. In 2023, the state passed a pair of laws requiring social media platforms to verify users' ages, obtain parental consent for minors, and impose time-based restrictions on access. But after tech industry group NetChoice filed suit, a federal judge blocked the laws, finding they likely violated the First Amendment. Despite a legislative rewrite in 2024, Utah's revised laws were again put on hold. U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby ruled in September that the regulations were not narrowly tailored and imposed content-based restrictions on speech — a constitutional red flag. The message from the courts is clear, and that is states can't violate civil liberties in the name of protecting children, no matter how well-intentioned the law may be. That should matter to legislators. But in Connecticut — as in many states — the urge to 'do something' often overrides constitutional caution. Ironically, this legislation is being pushed in a state that already passed a sweeping data privacy law just last year. That law, which is still in effect, bans targeted ads to minors, prohibits the sale of their data without consent, limits geolocation tracking, and even requires platforms to exercise 'reasonable care' to shield young users from harm. Now lawmakers want to layer another set of vague, legally risky mandates. If passed, the Connecticut bill would apply to any platform with users in the state — meaning national companies could face costly compliance requirements or lawsuits under the state's Unfair Trade Practices Act, just for showing kids a recommended post. There is also the question of resources. Connecticut's own attorney general has publicly said his office is under-resourced. So, who exactly is going to monitor compliance, enforce reporting requirements, and litigate inevitable First Amendment challenges? Apparently, the same office admitting it's already stretched thin. There are better tools for families — ones that don't require deputizing the government as everyone's digital babysitter. App-store level parental controls already exist. Devices can be set to limit access, and many platforms offer family management features. Empowering parents doesn't require disempowering everyone else. Bills like this aren't about safety. They're about signaling. Lawmakers want to appear 'tough on tech' — even if it means trampling constitutional rights and bogging down courts in litigation that will almost certainly end in defeat. For now, the bill sits on the Connecticut Senate calendar, waiting for a vote. If passed, it won't just regulate platforms. It will test the boundaries of what the government can dictate in the name of protecting children. Let's hope the courts keep doing what the legislature refuses to: draw a line. Meghan Portfolio is the Manager of Research and Analysis at Yankee Institute.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Mets Have Next Tim Lincecum, 'Strikeout Machine' in Line for Rotation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The New York Mets have taken back the top spot in the National League East division and are coming off of an impressive extra-innings win against the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the Mets' best player, Juan Soto, is seeing a slow start to the season, the team has enjoyed strong contributions from a broad range of others. Pete Alonso has returned to the team in career form, Francisco Lindor has continued to play like one of the best shortstops in the sport and the pitching staff is replete with pleasant surprises. Even with a big-league roster that appears as complete as any in the majors, the Mets also have a budding superstar waiting in the wings. SNY's Danny Abriano detailed how "fast-rising" prospect Jonah Tong is drawing some exciting comparisons from Double-A Binghamton. "As Tong continues a meteoric rise that saw him excel across three minor league levels in 2024 during what was his first full professional season, he has taken it up a notch this season with Binghamton, where he has a 2.25 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, with an eye-popping 72 strikeouts and only 23 hits allowed over 44.0 innings spanning seven starts," Abriano wrote. "But as far as one pitcher Tong most enjoyed watching and says he's compared to the most, it's Tim Lincecum, who was a strikeout machine during his heyday while winning two Cy Young awards for the Giants." DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants walks to the dugout after striking out swining Andy Dirks #12 of the Detroit Tigers to end the eighth inning during Game... DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants walks to the dugout after striking out swining Andy Dirks #12 of the Detroit Tigers to end the eighth inning during Game Three of the Major League Baseball World Series at Comerica Park on October 27, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by) More Shaw/Getty From 2008 to 2011, Lincecum was one of the most electric pitchers in all of baseball, earning four All-Star nods in that span despite his diminutive stature and unorthodox delivery. His career took a sharp downward turn after its peak, but if the Mets can expect a Lincecum-like arrival for Tong, they will surely take it. Tong does have some more to prove in the minors before he'd be ready to test that comparison at the big-league level, but it's possible the Mets could promote him as soon as next season if he can keep up this level of production. Given the level of success the team is having, particularly in the pitching staff, the idea of adding the next Lincecum to the rotation is an exciting one. More MLB: Cubs President Hints at Potential Trade Deadline Plans
Straits Times
a day ago
- General
- Straits Times
Servicemen's contributions recognised at Police Day Parade
SINGAPORE – 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Police National Service (PNS), which was conceived after a terror incident in Singapore. And PNS officers have contributed much to keeping the country safe, said Mr Edwin Tong, who was attending his first police event as the second minister for Home Affairs. He made these comments on June 3 at the Police Day observance ceremony, which took place at the Home Team Academy at Choa Chu Kang. Mr Tong, who is also the Minister for Law, thanked police officers past and present for their sacrifices . He said: 'Policing, we know, is an inherently challenging profession. Threats to our public order and security remain ever present, and your operating environment is increasingly complex and highly demanding. 'Thank you for your steadfast dedication round the clock, for putting your lives on the line to uphold and enforce our laws, to keep Singapore safe and secure.' PNS was introduced in 1975, a year after the Laju incident, in which four armed attackers targeted the oil refinery on Pulau Bukom and hijacked a ferry, called the Laju, with civilians onboard. It was Singapore's first brush with international terrorism. The hostages were released after a group of 13 'guarantors', including former President S R Nathan, boarded the vessel to take their place. Said Mr Tong: 'We recognised the urgent need to strengthen the protection of our vital installations. And so, full-time PNS was introduced — where their role was established to serve as a credible deterrent against future threats.' PNS officers now work with regular police officers to perform frontline duties such as patrolling the streets and responding to incidents. Mr Tong said that in the recent general election more than 8,000 PNS officers were recalled and deployed at rallies, polling stations and counting centres to control crowds and ensure public safety. Two batches of NSCOs have been deployed to the Anti-Scam Command and Cybercrime Command. NSCOs detect and disrupt cybercrimes and scams, including operating the ScamShield dashboard to review user-reported scams. Said Mr Tong: 'They are at the forefront of safeguarding Singapore's digital space as our new generation of cyber defenders.' Scams and cybercrimes account for the majority of crime in Singapore. A record $1.1 billion was lost here to scams in 2024. To commemorate the 50 years of PNS, Mr Tong announced that SPF will be holding a series of events including the launch of a PNS50 time capsule, and a graduation parade for the 200th PNSF intake. Said Mr Tong: 'To our PNS officers, both past and present, thank you very much for stepping up to serve the nation, taking your training seriously, and discharging your duties with the utmost professionalism. 'You have played an invaluable role in keeping Singapore safe and secure. To your families and employers, thank you too for your support as our PNSmen perform their duties.' Police day also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) band. Established in 1925, it is the oldest uniformed band in Singapore, consisting of more than 60 officers. In recognition of their achievements in 2024, the police Central Division was lauded as the Best Land Division during the ceremony. It is the second time it has received the award, after winning it in 2018. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Wong Keng Hoe, commander of the Police Central Division, received the award from Mr Tong during the ceremony. DAC Wong told the media in an interview on June 2 that the award was due to the efforts of his predecessors and his officers on the ground. In 2024, the Central Division was responsible for ensuring the safety of the public during the Marina Bay Countdown 2025 and taking down scam syndicates who were trying to cheat retailers of electronic devices and jewellery. The runners-up for the Best Land Division were Clementi Police Division and Jurong Police Division. Tanglin Police Division was named Best NS Operationally Ready Unit, with Jurong Police Division and Woodlands Police Division achieving second and third place respectively. The award recognises national service divisions for their management of NS men in fitness, operations and recall rates. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
