European Solar Manufacturing Outlook Not So Sunny

Big Tech companies found themselves in deep trouble on Wednesday‚ following a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on social media harms and rampant sexual exploitation of children online. Five social media CEOs faced probing questions from lawmakers on their policies to stop the sexual exploitation of children online. X CEO Linda Yaccarino‚ Snap CEO Evan Spiegel‚ Discord CEO Jason Citron‚ TikTok CEO Shou Chew and META CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced scorching questions from fired-up senators pushing for the passage of legislation to protect the safety of children online. The nearly four-hour-long hearing began cordially but quickly became tense as senators from both parties grilled the tech executives on their companies’ policies that are deemed detrimental to children. The hearing began with a heartfelt compilation of victims who described the horrific ordeal they said they were subjected to. “How many more kids will suffer because of social media?” a mother asked. “It’s not too late to do something about it‚” a survivor added. Among those present were some of the victims‚ including the family members of a 17-year-old who said their son died of suicide after he became a victim of sexual extortion on Instagram‚ one of the Zuckeberg-owned platforms. One of the key exchanges occurred when Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) pressed Zuckerberg on whether he had apologized to the victims. “Would you like to do it now?” Hawley asked Zuckerberg‚ to which he responded by turning around and directly apologizing to victims attending the hearing. “I’m sorry for everything you have all been through‚” Zuckerberg told the attendees. “No one should go through the things that your families have suffered‚ and this is why we invest so much and are going to continue doing industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the types of things your families have had to suffer.” Rose Bronstein‚ the mother of a 15-year-old who killed himself after being bullied online‚ rebuked Big Tech’s lack of decisive action during an interview on Fox News’s The Story With Martha MacCallum. “All they care about is their profits‚” Bronstein said of the social media executives. “Mark Zuckerberg's apology really didn't mean anything because at the same time‚ children are still being harmed and children are still dying. So whatever protections these CEOs say they're putting in place‚ they’re not working.” Among the issues posed by lawmakers was Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act‚ the federal law that has been interpreted by lower courts to broadly shield Big Tech companies from legal liability for criminal acts committed by social media users. While some of the tech executives voiced a willingness to back measures shielding children from exploiters‚ such openness went out of the window the moment they were pressed on whether Section 230 should be amended.  Sen. John Kennedy (R-AL) caused the hearing room to break into laughter with his sarcastic remarks. “Mr. Spiegel‚ What does‚ ‘Yada‚ yada yada’ mean?’” Kennedy asked the Snap CEO‚ noting that actions speak louder than words. “I’ve heard a lot of yada-yada-yada-yadaing.” Later in the hearing‚ Kennedy called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to bring legislation shielding children from exploiters. “What we’re going to have to do‚ and I say this with all the respect I can muster‚ is convince my good friend Sen. Schumer to go to Amazon‚ buy a spine online and bring this bill to the Senate floor‚” Kennedy said. Included among the bills currently being promoted by the Judiciary Committee are: the STOP CSAM Act‚ EARN IT Act‚ SHIELD Act‚ Project Safe Childhood Act and the REPORT Act. Led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL)‚ the STOP CSAM Act‚ promotes accountability through the creation of a “CyberTipline” and demands Big Tech platforms publish annual reports detailing their efforts against exploitative content. The EARN IT Act‚ led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) with bipartisan co-sponsorship from 23 senators‚ creates exceptions to Section 230 to remove Big Tech’s “blanket immunity” from civil and state criminal liability. The SHIELD Act‚ introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX)‚ and co-sponsored by six senators‚ provides law enforcement with tools to prosecute individuals who distribute explicit content without consent.  The Project Safe Childhood Act—introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)‚ Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)‚ Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)‚ along with Cornyn and Klobuchar—would modernize the technology used to prosecute online child exploitation crimes. The bill has 19 co-sponsors.  The REPORT Act pushes for the installation of new measures to help strengthen the reporting of online crimes.  Conservatives are under attack! Contact your representatives and demand government agencies and Big Tech be held to account to mirror the First Amendment while providing transparency‚ clarity on so-called hate speech and equal footing for conservatives. If you have been censored‚ contact us at the Media Research Center contact form‚ and help us hold Big Tech accountable.

Between Tuesday and Wednesday‚ CBS and NBC have ignored their announcement of a Justice Department probe into far-left Congresswoman and Squad member Cori Bush (D-MO) on their flagship morning and evening newscasts. The probe‚ which reportedly concerns using campaign funds to pay her now-husband to be her bodyguard‚ is a scandal that could be used against her fellow Democrats‚ so CBS and NBC made sure to bury it. The only segment came on Wednesday’s Good Morning America with a very short‚ 58-second report on the ABC News program.     Co-host and former Clinton official George Stephanopoulos began: “Democratic Congresswoman Cori Bush is now under federal investigation facing allegations that she misused campaign funds by hiring her husbands for her security team.” Chief Justice correspondent Pierre Thomas had the live report from Washington‚ fretting Bush “is having her ethics questioned and is acknowledging she is facing a Justice Department investigation.” Continuing this tone of defensiveness toward Bush‚ Thomas added that Bush having “her husband as a paid member of a congressional security staff appears to be the issue” despite her insistence that “she needs him due to ongoing threats to her life.” Thomas threw more mud on the concerns by her own party’s Justice Department‚ implying this is only to assuage “a complaint to the FEC by a right-wing PAC accus[ing] Bush of illegally funneling $60‚000 of campaign funds to her husband‚ who it claims is not a licensed security professional.” He wrapped by fretting that even though “[t]he Office of Congressional Ethics...investigated the security allegations last year and dismissed them‚” this “is clearly not resolved‚ so it now appears DOJ and perhaps Congress will have to resolve this issue one way or the other.” That’s it. 58 seconds of behaving like a possible case of Democratic corruption is a chore to them. Instead of covering this liberal scandal‚ Wednesday’s CBS Mornings touted a Chinese woman leaving her $2.8 million fortune to her pets instead of her children because she said they never visited her when she fell ill. And‚ on Tuesday’s NBC Nightly News‚ they had a full segment touting the release of the Apple Vision virtual reality headset. It’s starting price-tag? Roughly $3‚500. To see the relevant transcript from January 31‚ click “expand.” ABC’s Good Morning America January 31‚ 2024 7:11 a.m. Eastern [ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: New This Morning; Congresswoman Under Federal Investigation; Rep Cori Bush Faces Scrutiny Over Hiring Husband for Security Team] GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Also on Capitol Hill‚ Democratic Congresswoman Cori Bush is now under federal investigation facing allegations that she misused campaign funds by hiring her husbands for her security team. Chief Justice correspondent Pierre Thomas has the story. Good morning‚ Pierre. PIERRE THOMAS: George‚ good morning. Today’s — House Democrat Cori Bush of Missouri is having her ethics questioned and is acknowledging she is facing a Justice Department investigation. Bush’s use of her husband as a paid member of a congressional security staff appears to be the issue. She claims he has security experience and that she needs him due to ongoing threats to her life. But a complaint to the FEC by a right-wing PAC accuses Bush of illegally funneling $60‚000 of campaign funds to her husband‚ who it claims is not a licensed security professional. The Office of Congressional Ethics‚ however‚ investigated the security allegations last year and dismissed them. The matter is clearly not resolved‚ so it now appears DOJ and perhaps Congress will have to resolve this issue one way or the other. George? STEPHANOPOULOS: Pierre Thomas‚ thanks.

Epik‚ a provider of critical internet services‚ was once a bastion of free speech. But after being rocked by scandals‚ the company is under new ownership that wants nothing to do with its previously loyal customers. Its future is uncertain‚ as is free speech on the open web.What Epik doesA website’s domain name — like blaze.com — is how you access or link to it. If a website loses a domain name‚ it becomes inaccessible to many and breaks existing links to that website. Individuals and organizations operating websites lease those domain names from registrars. The best-known is GoDaddy‚ with Epik being another example.However‚ the registrars are merely commercial front doors for a nonprofit organization called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.It’s similar to the arrangement between auto manufacturers and dealers. You don’t drive to the Ford factory or a Ford corporate office if you want a Ford Mustang. Instead‚ you visit a dealer that sells Ford vehicles. They buy the cars from the manufacturer‚ and you then buy the car from the dealer. Except in this case‚ you can’t actually buy the car‚ only lease it.Understanding the difference between domain name registration and web hosting is important. A web host stores all the content of a website. A registrar doesn’t host any content; they just manage the record. Registrars often offer web-hosting services and vice versa‚ but having separate registrars and web hosts is common. For example‚ you might register a domain name with Epik but host the website's content with GoDaddy.The internet sours on free speechFor much of the internet’s history‚ free speech was a philosophical cornerstone best exemplified by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and one of its founders‚ the late John Perry Barlow. In 1996‚ Barlow penned “A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace” that laid out the guiding philosophy of what would now be called “free speech absolutism”:Your increasingly obsolete information industries would perpetuate themselves by proposing laws‚ in America and elsewhere‚ that claim to own speech itself throughout the world. These laws would declare ideas to be another industrial product‚ no more noble than pig iron. In our world‚ whatever the human mind may create can be reproduced and distributed infinitely at no cost. The global conveyance of thought no longer requires your factories to accomplish.Likewise‚ registrars were largely content-neutral. As long as you paid your bill and didn’t draw too much government attention‚ you could register a domain name and renew it perpetually without a second thought.That consensus changed quickly in the wake of the 2017 Charlottesville‚ Virginia‚ “Unite the Right” rally‚ when many online service providers decided to cut ties with any individual or group seen as too right-wing. Some of the targets were legitimate hate groups‚ but many conservative voices were also lumped in. Perhaps the most notable example is Alex Jones’ "Infowars‚" which was quickly banned from all popular platforms until its recent return to X under Elon Musk’s leadership.One site caught up in the wave of bans was Gab.com‚ a “free speech" alternative to Twitter that officially launched in 2016 and immediately faced service denials due to its refusal to moderate content.In the wake of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting‚ Gab faced a wave of bans after it was discovered that the perpetrator‚ Robert Gregory Bowers‚ had an active profile on the site. Gab’s registrar‚ GoDaddy‚ asked Gab to transfer its domain elsewhere.At the time‚ it didn’t seem Gab.com had anywhere to go. Enter Epik.Epik makes a free-speech splash Jorm Sangsorn/Getty Epik was founded in 2009 by Rob Monster (yes‚ that’s his real name). In 1999‚ Monster founded Global Market Insite‚ where he was named Ernst &; Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005 before the board ousted him in 2007. He retired at age 40 before founding Epik to pursue his interest in domain name trading.Epik maintained a low profile in the online world until Monster reached out to Gab founder Andrew Torba to invite him to transfer Gab.com to Epik.Monster champions digital sovereignty and free speech. In a blog post (that’s since been pulled) titled “De-Platforming is Digital Censorship. Blacklisting is Digital Shunning‚” Monster wrote:As the news broke‚ and as some elements in the mainstream media rendered their judgement‚ I embarked on my own search for truth. Along the way‚ I did have an opportunity to meet with the Founder of Gab‚ Andrew Torba‚ an entrepreneur who was willing to swim against the tide for what he believes is right‚ namely empowering netizens to discuss openly about matters of mutual interest with limited risk of censorship.And thus‚ Epik’s reputation for being what Monster called “the Swiss Bank of Domains” was born.Over the next few years‚ Epik became a safe haven for free-speech absolutists‚ especially those on the far right. It was the registrar for 8chan‚ AR15.com‚ BitChute‚ InfoWars‚ Parler‚ Patriots.win‚ and other sites that didn’t have a home on the internet.Epik failIn 2021‚ everything went off the rails. Epik was hacked by Anonymous‚ who stole and distributed data on millions of people — users and non-users alike. The total amount of leaked data exceeded 180 GB‚ a staggering sum. Users started to flee Epik for other registrars.With Epik’s future already uncertain‚ Monster was forced out as CEO in 2022 after being accused of mixing company funds with the escrow funds of customers. However‚ he remained chairman of the board.Brian Royce succeeded Monster as CEO‚ and he restated Epik’s commitment to free speech:Epik will continue to stand for free speech. It is extremely important to me to see core values of freedom‚ truth and liberty reflected in all we do at Epik. I am concerned about free speech as I look at what is happening across America. People are actively trying to silence people like Joe Rogan‚ Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock just for talking and telling jokes. More conversations‚ more speech‚ more debate—that is what makes people more informed and more compassionate.However‚ Royce did not last long as CEO. According to his LinkedIn profile‚ he left the company in May 2023. After months of silence‚ the Epik X account sprang back to life to publicly accuse Monster of impropriety‚ ask him to resign from the board‚ and threaten to sue him. Those posts have since been deleted.In recent weeks‚ Epik’s ownership seems to have changed hands again‚ and the X account has come back to life. Whoever is now running Epik has done a complete 180 from Monster’s free-speech philosophy.Epik recently banned Kiwi Farms‚ a notorious forum for online trolls. Epik repudiated the user base that Monster had welcomed in a bizarre string of posts on X. — (@) — (@) At this point‚ it’s hard to tell how many customers Epik can retain. After the hacking and financial scandals‚ all but the most die-hard or desperate transferred their domains elsewhere. With Epik pulling a 180 on its free-speech branding and posting bizarre messages on social media‚ the company probably has few potential customers left.The problem with 'alt-tech'The Epik saga illustrates one of the problems when you make technological decisions based on ideology. A company might talk a good game about certain ideals only for that to go out the window the second the business plan or ownership changes. Google once promised not to be evil but abandoned that decision long ago. Reddit once prided itself on “free speech” only to become one of the most censor-happy megaliths on the web.The same has now happened with Epik. Epik was always slightly harder to use than the more popular registrars‚ but many users stuck to it due to its dedication to free speech. What many of those users got in return was their information — and perhaps even their money — stolen and for them to get stabbed in the back.Ultimately‚ it’s best to treat our technology like any other tool. When you need a circular saw‚ you might prefer a DeWalt or Makita‚ but that choice doesn’t define you as a person. Either way‚ you handle that tool cautiously because it’s just as likely to harm you as help.

President Joe Biden is slated to visit East Palestine‚ Ohio‚ sometime next month‚ according to the White House‚ meaning that his trip will take place around a year after the February 2023 train derailment.Following the derailment‚ vinyl chloride was released from several tank cars and burned in a bid to prevent a possible explosion‚ reports indicate."In February‚ President Biden will travel to East Palestine‚ Ohio‚ to meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment‚ discuss Federal support to the community‚ and hold Norfolk Southern accountable‚" according to a White House press release.During a Wednesday briefing‚ White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre said the mayor and community leaders had invited Biden. "I'm as red as they come. I'm as conservative as they come. Sometimes I have to do what's best for the people so‚ yes‚ that's why I invited him‚" Mayor Trent Conaway said‚ according to the Associated Press.Fox News Channel's "Special Report" noted on Wednesday that earlier this month‚ Trent had indicated that the "best time" for Biden "to come would be February of 2025 when he is on his book tour‚" and that "the President is always welcome to our town‚" but "I don’t know what he would do here now."In comments aired on Wednesday's "Special Report‚" Trent said that he had written a letter around a month ago noting that he believed Biden needed to visit and witness what is happening. When Kelly Saberi of Fox Business asked Trent if he stood by his book tour comment‚ he said he fully stood behind what he had said. Trent also said that he thinks the best time for Biden to visit would have been when the episode actually occurred. — (@) In a post on Truth Social‚ former President Donald Trump‚ who visited the area just weeks after the wreck in February last year‚ blasted Biden."With the World blowing up around us‚ with the Middle East on FIRE‚ Biden has finally decided to visit East Palestine‚ Ohio‚ a year late‚ and only to develop some political credibility because EVERYTHING else he has done has been such a DISASTER. I know those great people‚ I was there when it counted‚ and his reception won't be a warm one. Worst President in History!" Trump declared in the post.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The eight-CD (or 12-LP) set‚ which comes with a 16-page booklet‚ is a treasure trove of great rock performances. The post Dire Straits’ ‘Live: 1978–1992’ Is a Must-Have Boxed Set: Review appeared first on Best Classic Bands.

Looking for every Wee Pincer location in Granblue Fantasy Relink? While you can elongate your first run through the relatively short campaign by searching for the dozens of little crabs‚ it does make more sense to save them for your second run. By waiting until you unlock Chapter Select‚ you can track your progress. That makes following along with the location list below a breeze. Looking for your next new anime-infused RPG after Granblue Fantasy Relink? Check out the best anime games on PC. You should find more than enough choice there. And if you're just after a JRPG in general‚ we know the best JRPGs on PC. Just like to loot things and don't mind a bit of demon blood on your hands? Here are the best Diablo 4 builds for Season 3 to tempt you back to Sanctuary. Continue reading All Granblue Fantasy Relink Wee Pincer locations

How do you get more Crewmate Cards in Granblue Fantasy Relink? As soon as you see the character recruitment window‚ you'll be dying to know how to add the whole lot to your roster. One simply isn't enough‚ but little vendor Siero really will tease you with just the singular Crewmate Card. Need more? Keep reading. We'll break down the people and places holding them from you. Already in need of a new anime-infused RPG to play after Granblue Fantasy Relink? Here are the best anime games on PC. Yes‚ that's a category. And if you're just looking for a JRPG of any sort‚ we've rounded up the best JRPGs on PC as well. If you just like looters in general‚ you can't go wrong with the best Diablo 4 builds for Season 3. Might it be time to return to Sanctuary? Continue reading How to get more Granblue Fantasy Relink Crewmate Cards

Where do you get more Griffin Feathers in Granblue Fantasy Relink? These unassuming items are actually in-game commodities of sorts. Used in a bunch of different ways to boost the power of your characters‚ you'll soon realise that you're always short of one when you need them. You can truly never have too many‚ and we're going to detail how to keep a steady supply. Looking for another new and colourful RPG to play after Granblue Fantasy Relink? Here are the best anime games on PC. Maybe you just want a traditional JRPG to mix things up.  For that‚ we've rounded up the best JRPGs on PC. And if you need to cleanse yourself of all the cutesy anime art for a time‚ the best Diablo 4 builds for Season 3 can offer a stark contrast. Continue reading How to get more Granblue Fantasy Relink Griffin Feathers

How do you get Silver‚ Gold‚ and Whitewing keys in Granblue Fantasy Relink? You only need one of each throughout your playthrough‚ but finding them in the first place can be tricky. You might find all the chests before you come across a single key. And that's no fun. Here's where to find them‚ as well as where to find each silver‚ gold‚ and whitewing chest in Folka and Seedhollow. Already in need of a new anime-infused RPG to play after Granblue Fantasy Relink? Here are the best anime games on PC. Yes‚ that's a category. And if you're just looking for a JRPG of any sort‚ we've rounded up the best JRPGs on PC as well. If you just like looters in general‚ you can't go wrong with the best Diablo 4 builds for Season 3. Might it be time to return to Sanctuary? Continue reading Where to find the Granblue Fantasy Relink treasure chest keys