Tag Archives: Ensure

How Nintendo Navigates Trump’s Tariffs to Ensure the Switch 2 Launch

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n Nintendo enthusiasts across the United States are breathing a sigh of relief as they unwrap their packages containing the new Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console. This comes amidst unresolved trade tariffs implemented during Donald Trump’s administration. Nintendo’s pre-order delays indicated that a May launch seemed more aspirational than guaranteed. The anticipated price initially soared to $450, but the worst fears of consumers did not materialize.


Nevertheless, Nintendo’s battle against Trump’s tariffs isn’t over yet. The Japanese gaming titan managed to introduce the device just before a 90-day tariff suspension issued by the former president. However, if tariffs in regions like India and Japan revert to those proposed during Trump’s “liberation day” speech earlier in April, analysts suggest Nintendo may have to navigate another fraught trade landscape.

The price of the Switch 2 during the holiday season could exceed that of its launch. Competing gaming hardware brands, and virtually all other electronics firms shipping to the U.S., are closely monitoring the Switch 2 narrative.

“What saved Nintendo in this instance was when Trump caved,” stated Robert Johnson, Professor at Notre Dame and International Economist.

Vietnam’s tariffs forced Nintendo to adapt

Since its debut in March 2017, the Switch has become one of the top-selling gaming consoles of all time, with over 150 million units sold globally. Nintendo unveiled its successor in January, providing full details during a livestream on April 2nd, announcing a release date of June 5th at $450 in the U.S. (Or $500 when bundled with Mario Kart World). Just hours later, Trump addressed the nation, announcing new tariffs on imports from countries with trade deficits with the U.S.

Among these tariffs is a 24% levy from Japan, where Nintendo is headquartered, and a 46% tariff from Vietnam, where much of the Switch’s manufacturing takes place. Stock market fluctuations left Nintendo fans wondering if these abrupt tariffs would increase costs for consumers.

U.S. pre-orders for the Switch 2 were initially set to start on April 9th, but Nintendo postponed to “evaluate the potential effects of tariffs and market developments.” The release date of June 5th remained unchanged. Gamers expressed their frustrations on social media, targeting much of their anger towards the Trump administration rather than Nintendo. Pre-orders resumed on April 24th, with units selling out in no time.

Nintendo has not provided immediate comments on the situation.

Saved by ‘tacos’ after preparing for the wrong tariffs

Johnson remarked, like many home appliance manufacturers, “Where is the production happening?”

In 2019, near the end of Trump’s first administration, gaming companies began relocating production for the Switch from China to Vietnam to avoid U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. While Nintendo still produces some Switch items in China, these units are generally directed to non-U.S. markets. Other prominent tech firms like Apple have similarly shifted manufacturing away from China to nations such as India to diminish tariff impacts.

Gamers lined up outside Nintendo’s store in New York. Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

This strategy became contentious when the current administration announced a 46% tariff on imports from Vietnam, catching virtually everyone off guard, according to Johnson. These impending tariffs and the uncertainty they generate can affect the pricing strategies of nearly all consumer technology products reaching the U.S.

Sony and Microsoft, both slated to release new consoles in 2027, are likely to encounter similar hurdles to those faced by Nintendo.

“Setting up new production facilities takes considerable time and capital investment. Manufacturers prefer operating in a stable environment,” Johnson noted. “The current trade climate is the exact opposite.”

Tariffs tied to the release date could have easily inflated Switch 2 prices or delayed its rollout. However, Nintendo avoided this predicament due to the Trump administration’s withdrawal. This scenario is described in financial terms as “Taco,” stemming from Trump’s call for a 90-day tariff suspension to facilitate negotiations with the affected country—allowing the Switch 2 to launch in a timeframe where import duties were not in effect.

Even if negotiations with Vietnam ultimately fall through, reports indicate Nintendo has already shipped approximately 746,000 Switch 2 units to the U.S., which remain exempt from increased tariffs.

Higher add-on costs

Nintendo consumers will not escape the impact of customs duties. The company has indicated that accessories related to the device, which comprise a significant portion of the Switch’s dual functionality, are now experiencing price adjustments. So far, CNBC reports that the dock for playing the Switch on a larger screen costs an additional $10, while the straps for the two controllers are up by $1. Johnson also expressed that he wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo contemplates increasing console prices over the holiday season, particularly if Trump proceeds with the 46% tariff in Vietnam.

“It’s hard to envision Trump’s administration publishing numerous articles about how he ruined Christmas during the holiday season,” Johnson remarked. “So I hope they find a way through this; still, like everyone else, I am uncertain.”

However, there’s another factor motivating Nintendo to minimize price hikes. A significant portion of its revenue doesn’t come from console sales. Instead, the real profit drivers for Nintendo and its competitors are software and online subscriptions, which are not impacted by customs duties.

“Ultimately, Nintendo aims to sell consoles to enable game and accessory purchases,” Johnson noted. “As a result, they may be inclined to keep console prices down.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

TikTok Fined €530 Million by Irish Regulators for Failing to Ensure User Data Protection from China

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TikTok has been penalized €530 million (£452 million) by the Irish regulator for failing to ensure that European user data transmitted to China would be safeguarded from access by the Chinese government.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) oversees TikTok’s operations across the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes all 27 EU member states along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

It was determined that the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by not adequately addressing whether EEA user data sent to China is shielded from the authorities there.

The DPC remarked: “TikTok did not consider the potential access by Chinese authorities to EEA personal data. China’s national security and anti-terrorism laws have been noted as diverging from EU standards by TikTok.”

According to the DPC, TikTok did not “verify, assure, or demonstrate” that the European user data sent to China was afforded a level of protection comparable to that guaranteed within the EU.

TikTok stated that it would not “certify” that the DPC transfers European user data to Chinese authorities. The company claimed it has never received such a request from Chinese officials nor provided user data to them.

Moreover, TikTok has been directed to cease data transfers to China unless compliant processing measures are implemented within six months.

For instance, the National Intelligence Act of 2017 in China mandates that all organizations and citizens “support, assist, and cooperate” with national intelligence efforts.

The DPC noted that the data was “remotely accessed by TikTok’s Chinese staff.”

The watchdog also reported that TikTok provided “false information” during the investigation, initially claiming it had not stored user data from the EEA, but later acknowledging the possibility of storing “limited” European user data in China.

The Dublin-based regulator expressed that it takes “inaccurate” submissions very seriously and is evaluating whether additional regulatory actions are necessary.

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The security of TikTok user data has been a longstanding concern among politicians regarding its Chinese ownership. The app still faces the threat of a ban in the US, with legislators on both sides of the Atlantic cautioning that the Chinese state may have access to user data. TikTok is managed by an organization based in Beijing.

In response to the ruling, TikTok announced its intent to appeal and mentioned that safeguards have been put in place under the Project Clover Data Security Scheme, introduced in March 2023. The DPC investigation covered the period from September 2021 to May 2023.

The DPC’s decision also included a finding from 2021 that a privacy statement provided to users did not disclose that data could be accessed in China when personal user data was transferred to a third country. The Privacy Policy was subsequently revised in 2022 to clarify that data is accessible in China.

Following the changes in 2022, TikTok acknowledged that it could access European user data in countries like China to perform checks on platform functionalities, including the effectiveness of algorithms that recommend content to users and identify problematic automated accounts.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ofcom introduces new regulations for tech companies to ensure online safety for children

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As of July, social media and other online platforms must block harmful content for children or face severe fines. Online Safety Law requires tech companies to implement these measures by July 25th or risk closure in extreme cases.

The Communications Watchdog has issued over 40 measures covering various websites and apps used by children, from social media to games. Services deemed “high-risk” must implement effective age checks and algorithms to protect users under 18 from harmful content. Platforms also need to promptly remove dangerous content and provide children with an easy way to report inappropriate material.

Ofcom CEO Melanie Dawes described these changes as a “reset” for children online, warning that businesses failing to comply risk consequences. The new Ofcom code aims to create a safer online environment, with stricter controls on harmful content and age verification measures.

Additionally, there is discussion about implementing a social media curfew for children, following concerns about the impact of online platforms on young users. Efforts are being made to safeguard children from exposure to harmful content, including violence, hate speech, and online bullying.

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Online safety advocate Ian Russell, who tragically lost his daughter to online harm, believes that the new code places too much emphasis on tech companies’ interests rather than safeguarding children. His charity, the Molly Rose Foundation, argues that more needs to be done to protect young people from harmful online content and challenges.

Source: www.theguardian.com

American attorneys demand scientific publications to clarify how they ensure a diverse range of viewpoints.

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This week, US attorneys for the District of Columbia will be reaching out to the editors of a scientific journal for chest doctors. They are implying that the journal may have a partisan bias and are asking a series of questions regarding how publications protect against misinformation, potential influences from competing perspectives, and funders and advertisers.

In a letter from US lawyer Ed Martin, it is stated, “It has come to my attention that magazines and publications like the Chest Journal may declare themselves as partisans in various scientific debates. You have a certain responsibility.”

This letter has sparked concern among revision groups and some scientists who worry about potential threats to academic and scientific freedom.

JT Morris, a senior supervising lawyer at the Foundation for Personal Rights and Expression (Fire), remarked, “It is highly unusual to see a US attorney from Columbia sending letters to publications in Illinois inquiring about editorial practices, especially those of medical journals. It appears to be an act of government officials targeting a publication due to disagreements with its content.”

Fire, a non-profit civil liberty group, criticized Martin for allegedly threatening speakers critical of the government’s efficiency department.

Scientific journals play a crucial role in the advancement of scientific knowledge and provide a platform for researchers to share new discoveries with their peers. Trusted scientific journals undergo a peer review process where submissions are scrutinized by external researchers to ensure accuracy and validity of the content.

The Trump administration has made significant cuts in funding and staffing for federal science and healthcare institutions, raising concerns that research topics may be targeted based on political considerations. These actions have raised suspicion among scientists regarding potential government influence in independent journals.

The District of Columbia’s US Attorney’s Office did not respond to requests from NBC News for comments or additional information regarding the letters they are sending.

The letter was originally shared online by Dr. Eric Reinhart, a Chicago-based clinician, political anthropologist, and social psychiatrist, who described the letter as “blackmail” and labeled it as “fascist tactics.”

Laura Dimasi, a communications specialist at the American College of Chest Physicians, publishers of Chest Journal, confirmed that they have received the letter shared by Reinhart.

Dimasi stated, “The content was posted online without our knowledge. Lawyers are currently reviewing the letter for further action.”

The American College of Chest Physicians is an organization of experts with around 22,000 members specializing in lung, critical care, and sleep medicine. Their website provides more information about the organization.

According to a Publication Website Statement, Chest Journal upholds strict peer review criteria to ensure scientific rigor.

Reinhart explained that he shared the letter online to bring together editors of science journals and the broader scientific community to resist government pressures on publishers.

NBC News reached out to former editors of science journals to inquire if they had ever received similar letters from the Department of Justice regarding their publishing practices, but none reported receiving such letters.

Jeremy Berg, a former editor of the Science Family of Journals, interpreted the letter as a signal of scrutiny.

Michael Eisen, a former editor of the biomedical journal Elife, viewed the letter as part of a broader attack by the Trump administration on academia, universities, and science.

Berg and Eisen expressed uncertainties about the intentions behind the letter, with Eisen highlighting that the Department of Justice’s involvement in editorial matters is unprecedented and raises concerns about undue influence.

There is uncertainty among scientists about the implications of the letter and whether it signifies a broader investigation into scientific journals. NBC News reached out to other scientific publications, and representatives from PLOS, the US Academy of Sciences, and the New England Journal of Medicine reported no similar investigations had taken place.

Representatives of Science, Nature, and Jama, the medical journals of the American Medical Association, did not respond to requests for comments.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

10 Simple Steps to Ensure Your Dog’s Safety and Happiness in Hot Weather

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As temperatures rise in many parts of the world this summer, staying cool can be a challenge. Imagine wearing a furry coat all day in such heat – not fun, right?

Our furry friends face this reality, which is why they need extra attention when the weather gets hot.

“Dogs rely on panting to cool down, which is less efficient than sweating,” explains Dogs Trust to BBC Science Focus.

“They lack self-control, so they don’t realize when they need to slow down due to heat.”

Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to keep your dog calm and happy when temperatures soar.

1. Walk your dog in the mornings and evenings

Like humans, dogs can overheat if exercised in direct sunlight. Research shows that a significant number of heatstroke cases in dogs are caused by exercise, with walking being a common trigger.

One recommendation from The Kennel Club is to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest times of the day.

2. Stay hydrated

Just like people, dogs need to stay hydrated in hot weather. Carry water and a bowl for your dog when going out to prevent dehydration.

3. Harness your dog

Harnesses are recommended over collars, especially in hot weather, as collars can restrict airflow and hinder a dog’s ability to cool down through panting.

4. Watch out for symptoms of heatstroke and stroke

Heatstroke can affect any dog, with certain breeds and conditions increasing the risk. Look for signs like excessive panting, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and more.

5. Remember that the sidewalk can be hot for your feet.

Test pavement temperature with your hand before letting your dog walk on it. Hot pavements can burn your dog’s paws, so stick to grass or cooler surfaces.

6. Try paddling

Give your dog access to water for a cool dip. A paddling pool or water play can help them cool off and have fun.

7. Be careful when traveling by car

Avoid leaving your dog in a hot car and take precautions for car journeys to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.

8. Offer frozen treats

Provide your dog with frozen treats to help them cool down. Avoid harmful foods and opt for ice in their water or frozen toys.

9. Have the person lie down on a damp towel

Use a damp towel to help your dog relax and cool down after a hot day.

10. Get a haircut

Trimming your dog’s hair can help keep them cool, especially in hot weather. Proper grooming can assist in heat dissipation and prevent overheating.

For more tips and information on caring for your dog in hot weather, visit the Dogs Trust website.

About our experts

Victoria Phillips Veterinary Manager at Dogs Trust, with 18 years of experience in the veterinary field.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Innovate with Azure: 5 Key Factors to Ensure Your Business’ Cloud Platform is Future-Proof

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The world is on the brink of a productivity revolution

The world is on the brink of a productivity revolution, as artificial intelligence (AI) creates a new wave of opportunity for businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s using chatbots, more advanced AI, uncovering deeper insights into customer needs, or speeding up product development, you’re missing out on the improved outcomes that AI can bring. No company wants that. For some organizations, generative AI tools are emerging, such as: Chat GPT and Daruiis increasingly making business cases for adopting AI strategies to generate content and images. But while business leaders want to maximize the benefits of technology, they also need to understand the broader responsibilities that come with it (including considerations around data privacy, unintentional bias, copyright infringement, etc.) and how to do so. You also need to. Most of the opportunities are rapidly evolving. To help board executives and IT leaders drive success with their AI strategies, Michael Wignall, director of infrastructure for Microsoft’s Azure Business Customer Success unit, recommends what leaders need to do before leveraging AI. Here are the first five steps you should take.

1. Make AI part of a broader cloud computing strategy

First and foremost, Wignall says companies should consider working with established technology providers. AI works best when it’s part of a broader cloud computing strategy. This means IT operations are outsourced to an outside company that operates the data center. Microsoft Azure he says. “AI is born in the cloud. To take advantage of this wave of innovation, you need to be in the cloud,” he added. He points to his three main components of AI: computing power, data, and algorithms, all of which are best provided through cloud services. He believes companies should adopt a “cloud-native” approach, where the entire AI infrastructure is built on a cloud platform. Such an approach offers many benefits, including: Reduce costs by paying only for the resources you use, rather than maintaining and updating expensive on-premises equipment. Flexibility and scalability. Customers can easily add or remove resources as needed. Access to enhanced security tools. This allows you to better detect, assess, and alert on threats to your customers’ data. As with cloud data, you can easily back up your data and quickly restore it in the event of a failure or disaster.

2. Find the data

Next, businesses need to have a solid understanding of where their data resides within their organization and move it to cloud platforms. The success of AI depends on analyzing relevant data at scale. To fine-tune AI for best performance, AI should be powered by your company’s own data from customer lists, inventory, sales information, financial data, and other key data. “It’s important to make sure your data platform and data strategy is the best it can be, and that you know where your data is and how to access it,” he said.

3. Protect your data

Once the cloud infrastructure is in place and the associated data has been migrated, the next critical step is to secure that data. With all of a company’s important data in one place (the cloud), it’s important to have peace of mind in the presence of multiple threats, such as hackers. “Make sure you’re protected with best-in-class security features, clearly defined policies and governance around who can access your data, and the ability to audit how your data is handled,” he said.

4. Decide which functions and tasks to use AI for

Once the infrastructure, data, and security are in place, companies can move on to determining the best uses for AI, such as automating office processes, extracting insights from data, and handling copywriting and a variety of other tasks. Masu. For the past five years, general AI has provided so-called “cognitive services” such as data analysis and product recommendations. Generative AI takes technology to a new level. With a few keystrokes, users can create content such as reports, ads, images, copy, automated emails, and personalized user connections. Generative AI can also analyze large volumes of documents, call center logs, and financial results and summarize information with short precision.

5. Implement a responsible AI policy

Once a company takes these steps, it is ready to deploy an AI strategy. However, before launching, companies should ensure they have responsible AI policies in place across the board. Businesses ensure that AI is free from embedded bias, that there is good governance around its use, that AI is used ethically, and that there are no unintended or undesirable consequences is needed. Microsoft provides responsible AI policy guidance and provides tools to check for bias, ensure inappropriate data is filtered out, and perform sentiment checks to scrutinize output. Ultimately, however, it is essential that companies ensure they have responsible AI policies in place. While many organizations are just beginning their AI journey, Wignall summarizes the mindset companies should adopt when considering AI: Partnership is key. Cloud is the key. Prioritize the business benefits that matter to your organization. And start today.


Source: www.theguardian.com