Tag Archives: accuse

Critics accuse Ofcom of putting high-tech companies’ interests ahead of online child safety

Posted on by
Reply

The Communication Watchdog is accused of endorsing major technology for the safety of under-18s after England’s children’s commissioners criticized new measures to address online harm. Rachel de Souza warned Offcom last year that the proposals to protect children under online safety laws are inadequate. She expressed disappointment that the new code of practice published by WatchDog ignored her concerns, prioritizing the business interests of technology companies over child safety.

De Souza, who advocates for children’s rights, highlighted that over a million young people shared their concerns about the online world being a significant worry. She emphasized the need for stronger protection measures and criticized the lack of enhancements in the current code of practice.

Some of the measures proposed by Ofcom include implementing effective age checks for social media platforms, filtering harmful content through algorithms, swiftly removing dangerous material, and providing children with an easy way to report inappropriate content. Sites and apps covered by the code must adhere to these changes by July 25th or face fines for non-compliance.

Critics, including the Molly Rose Foundation and online safety campaigner Beavan Kidron, argue that the measures are too cautious and lack specific harm reduction targets. However, Ofcom defended its stance, stating that the rules aim to create a safer online environment for children in the UK.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also advocated for stricter online protections for children, calling for measures to reduce harmful content on social media platforms. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is considering implementing a social media curfew for children to address the negative impacts of excessive screen time.

Overall, the new code of practice aims to protect children from harmful online content, with stringent measures in place for platforms to ensure a safer online experience. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in significant fines or even legal action against high-tech companies and their executives.

Source: www.theguardian.com

US Officials Accuse “Silicon Six” of Dodging $278 Billion in Corporate Taxes in a Decade

Posted on by
Reply

The “Silicon Six” tech giants in America have been accused of only paying $278 billion (£21.1 billion) in corporate income taxes over the last ten years.

Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Netflix, Apple, and Microsoft have collectively made $1.1 trillion in revenue and 2.5 trillion in profit during the same period.

Despite this, they have only paid an average of 18.8% in national and federal taxes, compared to the US average of 29.7%, with Silicon Six allegedly involving tax avoidance in their business strategies.

Nonprofit organizations’ analysis showed that the average corporate income tax contribution for these companies fell to 16.1% over the past decade when excluding one-time US repatriation tax payments related to past tax avoidance.

The report also claimed that businesses inflated $820 billion in tax payments by including tax contingencies they didn’t anticipate paying during the same period.

Paul Monaghan, the CEO of FTF, stated, “Our analysis reveals that Silicon Six’s tax avoidance persists within their corporate structure. Their contributions exceed what other sectors like banks and energy pay in many regions globally.”

Monaghan highlighted “active tax practices” and companies’ significant influence on the economy, stressing that they spend millions lobbying the government.

The report points to the impact of tech moguls like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, emphasizing the influence of US tech companies.

Significant tax reductions for these companies reportedly played a pivotal role in discussions with the UK to secure lower tariffs on US exports.

Monaghan explained that much of Silicon Six’s international income benefits from lower tax rates due to tax credits for foreign intangible income. Overseas sales also face reduced income taxes due to lower profit margins and profits booked in low-tax jurisdictions.

Netflix had the lowest tax rate of 14.7% compared to its profit, with Microsoft at 20.4%. Amazon, despite a tax system criticized for profit shifting, had a corporate tax rate of 19.6%, surpassing Netflix, Meta (15.4%), and Apple (18.4%).

An Amazon spokesperson noted that UK revenues, costs, profits, and taxes are all reported and paid in the UK as required.

A Meta representative assured compliance with tax laws across all the countries they operate in, while a Netflix spokesperson stated adherence to relevant tax rules in every jurisdiction.

Microsoft, Alphabet, and Apple have been approached for comment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Midland warehouse workers accuse Amazon of employing ‘union-busting’ tactics

Posted on by
Reply

GMB has accused Amazon of resorting to “union-busting” tactics at its warehouse in the Midlands, with a workplace message board telling workers: and you.Labor unions want talks for you. “

The claims come as unions prepare for three days of strike action next week at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, known as BHX4, as part of a labor dispute that has been going on for more than a year. Staff are demanding a pay rise to £15 an hour and the right to negotiate with the company over pay and conditions.

The Guardian has seen photos from information boards and internal newsletters that GMB claims were on display at BHX4 and other Amazon warehouses in the region. These will display messages similar to the following: ‘The union wants to pay you £14.37 a month to represent you. We believe there should be no price to pay for having your voice heard’, ‘Make your voice heard’ You don’t have to join a union to do it. We’ve got you.”

Another says: “Before you vote or join a union, we encourage you to research the facts for yourself. The best relationships are direct relationships.”

Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB, said: “What do you want to call it? One of the richest companies in the world working on union-busting right here in the UK.”

He added that GMB members in Coventry “refuse to give in to Amazon’s union busting and they will get the pay and recognition they deserve.”

TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell, who visited the Coventry picket line last year, said: “Rather than giving workers the respect they deserve, Amazon will do everything in their power to stop workers from organizing for better pay. “I’m working on it,” he said. and conditions. “

GMB’s latest criticism of Amazon comes as the company prepares for a new battle to gain formal recognition in Coventry. The union last year withdrew its application to the Independent Central Arbitration Commission (CAC) and ordered Amazon to add at least 1,000 additional workers to prevent GMB from proving it represented a clear majority of its front-line workers. accused of conscripting people into military service.

The company denied the allegations and said the recruitment of new staff was done as a result of normal business requirements. A concerted membership recruitment campaign continues on the ground, and GMB said it plans to submit a new application to the CAC this spring.

Skip past newsletter promotions

“We respect our employees’ right to join or not to join a labor union,” an Amazon spokesperson said.

Source: www.theguardian.com