Social Security Administration Employees to Share Appointment Details with ICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Workers at the Social Security Administration (SSA) were instructed to share information about in-person appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a source with direct knowledge of the directive. This policy, revealed by WIRED, has raised concerns about the privacy of individuals seeking assistance from the SSA.
The directive applies to in-person appointments, which are necessary for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and require sign language interpreters, or those needing to change direct deposit information. Noncitizens are also required to appear in person for certain matters. "If ICE comes in and asks if someone has an upcoming appointment, we will let them know the date and time," the employee stated, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
In other news, a group of 23 Democratic U.S. senators urged the top federal regulator overseeing prediction markets to avoid intervening in court cases concerning the legality of offerings on platforms tied to sports, war, and other prohibited events, according to WIRED. These prediction markets, which allow users to wager on real-world outcomes, have grown in popularity, attracting mainstream interest and ethical controversies.
Meanwhile, in the realm of public health, U.S. Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill 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. O'Neill, who oversees a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars, also signed the decision memorandum on the U.S.'s new vaccine schedule.
In Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted DBS and Grab as role models during his budget address, citing their use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a way to future-proof the country's economy, according to Fortune. Singapore is establishing a new AI council, led by Wong, to oversee national AI missions in areas such as advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance, and healthcare. "Harnessed well, AI will be a strategic advantage for Singapore," Wong said during his February 12 budget address.
Finally, in Venezuela, a debate is underway regarding a sweeping amnesty for political prisoners, as reported by NPR Politics. Relatives of political prisoners have demonstrated outside the National Assembly, advocating for the release of those detained.
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