Social Security Administration employees have been instructed to share appointment details with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a source with direct knowledge of the directive, raising concerns about privacy and data sharing. This news comes as the US grapples with other significant developments, including a push for AI integration in Singapore, ongoing debates over prediction market regulations, and discussions about post-war security in Gaza.
Workers at the Social Security Administration (SSA) are now required to provide ICE agents with the dates and times of in-person appointments if requested, as reported by Wired. The employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, cited fear of retaliation. While most SSA appointments occur over the phone, in-person meetings are still necessary for individuals with specific needs, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing and require interpreters, or those needing to change direct deposit information. Noncitizens also must appear in person to review continued eligibility for benefits.
In other news, a group of 23 Democratic US senators urged the top federal regulator overseeing prediction markets to avoid intervening in court cases concerning the legality of offerings on platforms tied to various events, including sports and geopolitical conflicts, as reported by Wired. Prediction markets, which allow users to bet on real-world outcomes, have gained popularity, attracting scrutiny due to ethical and legal concerns.
Meanwhile, Singapore is embracing artificial intelligence to future-proof its economy, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighting companies like DBS and Grab as role models during his budget address, according to Fortune. The country is establishing a new AI council, led by Wong, to oversee national AI missions in areas such as advanced manufacturing, finance, and healthcare. Wong stated that AI could be a strategic advantage for Singapore, helping it overcome structural constraints like limited natural resources and an aging population.
In the realm of public health, US Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill, who oversees a department with a budget of over a trillion dollars, discussed plans to increase human healthspan through longevity-focused research supported by ARPA-H, a federal agency dedicated to biomedical breakthroughs, as reported by MIT Technology Review. Following publication of this story, Politico reported ONeill would be leaving his current roles within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Finally, NPR reported on a U.S. proposal, drafted shortly after the October 7 Hamas-led attack, outlining plans for post-war security in Gaza. The memo, titled "Gaza Exit Strategy and the Morning After," recommended establishing Palestinian and international security forces to prevent a security vacuum.
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