#digital-rights

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#censorship

Unveiling Venezuela's Repression: A Legacy of State Surveillance and Control

Venezuela's regime uses surveillance and censorship to suppress dissent and control information access.
The government's narrative labels opposition as terrorism, justifying repression and further censoring communication channels.

NO FAKES - A Dream for Lawyers, a Nightmare for Everyone Else

The NO FAKES Act threatens free speech by allowing lawsuits over AI-generated imitations, making it vulnerable to abuse and censorship.

Apple removed 60 more VPNs from Russian app store

Apple has removed 60 VPNs from its Russian App Store amid a Kremlin crackdown, threatening digital freedom and privacy.

Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Free Expression

EFF actively promotes digital rights in Europe, focusing on freedom of expression and privacy in the context of online platforms.

Today's Double Feature: Privacy and Free Speech

Donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation will be matched, doubling the impact on digital rights until December 10.

Kids Online Safety Act Continues to Threaten Our Rights Online: 2024 in Review

Congress almost passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which threatens online rights and privacy, but strong opposition prevented it from going through the House.

Unveiling Venezuela's Repression: A Legacy of State Surveillance and Control

Venezuela's regime uses surveillance and censorship to suppress dissent and control information access.
The government's narrative labels opposition as terrorism, justifying repression and further censoring communication channels.

NO FAKES - A Dream for Lawyers, a Nightmare for Everyone Else

The NO FAKES Act threatens free speech by allowing lawsuits over AI-generated imitations, making it vulnerable to abuse and censorship.

Apple removed 60 more VPNs from Russian app store

Apple has removed 60 VPNs from its Russian App Store amid a Kremlin crackdown, threatening digital freedom and privacy.

Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Free Expression

EFF actively promotes digital rights in Europe, focusing on freedom of expression and privacy in the context of online platforms.

Today's Double Feature: Privacy and Free Speech

Donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation will be matched, doubling the impact on digital rights until December 10.

Kids Online Safety Act Continues to Threaten Our Rights Online: 2024 in Review

Congress almost passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which threatens online rights and privacy, but strong opposition prevented it from going through the House.
morecensorship
#cybersecurity

8 things that shouldn't have happened last year, but did

2024 was a challenging year for major tech companies, highlighting failures and obstacles in delivering reliable services and protecting digital rights.

Organizing for Digital Rights in the Pacific Northwest

Portland's Digital Safety Fair showcased community engagement in digital rights, underscoring the importance of transparency and collaboration among local organizations.

8 things that shouldn't have happened last year, but did

2024 was a challenging year for major tech companies, highlighting failures and obstacles in delivering reliable services and protecting digital rights.

Organizing for Digital Rights in the Pacific Northwest

Portland's Digital Safety Fair showcased community engagement in digital rights, underscoring the importance of transparency and collaboration among local organizations.
morecybersecurity
#california-law

Paid prenatal leave, child influencer protections, no taxes on rent: New 2025 laws

New York introduces paid prenatal leave in 2025, enhancing support for pregnant employees.
California enacts laws to protect minors in online content and their digital likeness from misuse.

Steam now says the 'game' you're buying is really just a license

Valve clarifies that Steam purchases are licenses, not ownership, complying with upcoming California regulations.

Paid prenatal leave, child influencer protections, no taxes on rent: New 2025 laws

New York introduces paid prenatal leave in 2025, enhancing support for pregnant employees.
California enacts laws to protect minors in online content and their digital likeness from misuse.

Steam now says the 'game' you're buying is really just a license

Valve clarifies that Steam purchases are licenses, not ownership, complying with upcoming California regulations.
morecalifornia-law
#privacy

Defending Encryption in the U.S. and Abroad: 2024 in Review

Strong encryption is essential for privacy and security in digital communications, and there is significant opposition to laws undermining it.

"Can the Government Read My Text Messages?"

Privacy is a fundamental human right, essential for secure communication.

EFF's 2023 Annual Report Highlights a Year of Victories: 2024 in Review

EFF's 2023 report focused on privacy rights and highlighted significant victories in digital rights advocacy, impacting legislation and public awareness.

The 2024 U.S. Election is Over. EFF is Ready for What's Next.

EFF is committed to defending digital rights, user privacy, and free expression in the post-election landscape.

2024 Year in Review

Law and policy should be careful and technologically neutral to protect individual rights, regardless of the technology in question.

3 Risky Social Media Apps Experts Warn Are Accessing Your Personal Information And Selling Your Data: Instagram, More

Social media apps profit from user data, which raises serious privacy concerns.

Defending Encryption in the U.S. and Abroad: 2024 in Review

Strong encryption is essential for privacy and security in digital communications, and there is significant opposition to laws undermining it.

"Can the Government Read My Text Messages?"

Privacy is a fundamental human right, essential for secure communication.

EFF's 2023 Annual Report Highlights a Year of Victories: 2024 in Review

EFF's 2023 report focused on privacy rights and highlighted significant victories in digital rights advocacy, impacting legislation and public awareness.

The 2024 U.S. Election is Over. EFF is Ready for What's Next.

EFF is committed to defending digital rights, user privacy, and free expression in the post-election landscape.

2024 Year in Review

Law and policy should be careful and technologically neutral to protect individual rights, regardless of the technology in question.

3 Risky Social Media Apps Experts Warn Are Accessing Your Personal Information And Selling Your Data: Instagram, More

Social media apps profit from user data, which raises serious privacy concerns.
moreprivacy
#rebranding

Electronic Frontier Alliance Fought and Taught Locally: 2024 in Review

EFA is experiencing significant growth in digital rights advocacy across the USA, especially on college campuses, supported by rebranding and enhanced resources.

Mozilla rebrand takes from early internet aesthetics, to move its mission to "reclaim the web"

Mozilla's rebranding emphasizes nostalgia while reinforcing its commitment to digital rights and innovation.

Electronic Frontier Alliance Fought and Taught Locally: 2024 in Review

EFA is experiencing significant growth in digital rights advocacy across the USA, especially on college campuses, supported by rebranding and enhanced resources.

Mozilla rebrand takes from early internet aesthetics, to move its mission to "reclaim the web"

Mozilla's rebranding emphasizes nostalgia while reinforcing its commitment to digital rights and innovation.
morerebranding
#online-safety

Global Age Verification Measures: 2024 in Review

Mandatory age verification threatens rights to privacy and speech under the pretext of child protection.

EFF Launches Digital Rights Bytes to Answer Tech Questions that Bug Us All

Digital Rights Bytes offers easy-to-understand answers to tech questions, enhancing digital literacy and privacy awareness in today's interconnected world.

Global Age Verification Measures: 2024 in Review

Mandatory age verification threatens rights to privacy and speech under the pretext of child protection.

EFF Launches Digital Rights Bytes to Answer Tech Questions that Bug Us All

Digital Rights Bytes offers easy-to-understand answers to tech questions, enhancing digital literacy and privacy awareness in today's interconnected world.
moreonline-safety
#eff

U.S. Federal Employees: Plant Your Flag for Digital Freedoms Today!

CFC raises funds for EFF supporting privacy and free speech; important for civil liberties.

We're Creating a Better Future for the Internet

EFF's Certbot tool has revolutionized website security by making SSL certification accessible and free, contributing to widespread internet encryption.

You Can Be a Part of this Grassroots Movement

Grassroots support is crucial for EFF's mission to advocate for online privacy and free expression.

U.S. Federal Employees: Plant Your Flag for Digital Freedoms Today!

CFC raises funds for EFF supporting privacy and free speech; important for civil liberties.

We're Creating a Better Future for the Internet

EFF's Certbot tool has revolutionized website security by making SSL certification accessible and free, contributing to widespread internet encryption.

You Can Be a Part of this Grassroots Movement

Grassroots support is crucial for EFF's mission to advocate for online privacy and free expression.
moreeff
#human-rights

Pavel Durov's Arrest Leaves Telegram Hanging in the Balance

Telegram faces scrutiny for its encryption practices and handling of user data in light of recent arrests.

Guide Helps Australian Workers Expose Tech Wrongdoings

The Human Rights Law Centre empowers Australian tech employees to address harmful practices via a new guide on whistleblowing rights.

Speaking Freely: Tomiwa Ilori

Freedom of expression is essential and intrinsic to human existence, likened to the air we breathe.

Pavel Durov's Arrest Leaves Telegram Hanging in the Balance

Telegram faces scrutiny for its encryption practices and handling of user data in light of recent arrests.

Guide Helps Australian Workers Expose Tech Wrongdoings

The Human Rights Law Centre empowers Australian tech employees to address harmful practices via a new guide on whistleblowing rights.

Speaking Freely: Tomiwa Ilori

Freedom of expression is essential and intrinsic to human existence, likened to the air we breathe.
morehuman-rights
#copyright-law

These Startups Are Making Sure AI Companies Pay Up For Taking Content

Media companies are adapting by using middlemen to license content to AI businesses.
Emerging firms provide solutions to get compensated for AI scraping their content.

Video game preservationists have lost a legal fight to study games remotely

Video game preservation efforts face setbacks as the Copyright Office denies remote lending requests, complicating access to classic games.

Copyright Office Denies Proposed AI Security Research Exemption in Triennial Rulemaking Under DMCA

The U.S. Copyright Office denied new exemptions for AI and educational use under Section 1201 of the DMCA due to lack of sufficient evidence.

These Startups Are Making Sure AI Companies Pay Up For Taking Content

Media companies are adapting by using middlemen to license content to AI businesses.
Emerging firms provide solutions to get compensated for AI scraping their content.

Video game preservationists have lost a legal fight to study games remotely

Video game preservation efforts face setbacks as the Copyright Office denies remote lending requests, complicating access to classic games.

Copyright Office Denies Proposed AI Security Research Exemption in Triennial Rulemaking Under DMCA

The U.S. Copyright Office denied new exemptions for AI and educational use under Section 1201 of the DMCA due to lack of sufficient evidence.
morecopyright-law
#legislation

Trump sharing fake Taylor Swift images highlights wave of legislationagainst misuse of AI | CNN

Trump's repost of a fake Taylor Swift image underscores the urgency for legal protections against unauthorized digital likenesses.

EFF Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's Decision to Consider TikTok Ban

The TikTok ban sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and governance in the U.S.
Concerns over foreign manipulation should not justify limiting citizens' communication tools.

New Law Will Force Companies To Admit You Don't Actually Own Digital Games

California's AB 2426 mandates that companies inform consumers they are only licensing, not owning, digital content.

Australia's Social Media Ban: Protection Or Overreach? What You Must Know

Australia's world-first law banning under-16s from social media aims to protect children but risks pushing them to more dangerous online spaces.

Trump sharing fake Taylor Swift images highlights wave of legislationagainst misuse of AI | CNN

Trump's repost of a fake Taylor Swift image underscores the urgency for legal protections against unauthorized digital likenesses.

EFF Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's Decision to Consider TikTok Ban

The TikTok ban sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and governance in the U.S.
Concerns over foreign manipulation should not justify limiting citizens' communication tools.

New Law Will Force Companies To Admit You Don't Actually Own Digital Games

California's AB 2426 mandates that companies inform consumers they are only licensing, not owning, digital content.

Australia's Social Media Ban: Protection Or Overreach? What You Must Know

Australia's world-first law banning under-16s from social media aims to protect children but risks pushing them to more dangerous online spaces.
morelegislation
#youtube

YouTube is helping high-profile actors and athletes monetize their AI likenesses

YouTube is empowering actors and athletes to manage their AI likenesses through a collaboration with CAA.

YouTube says that soon, its tech will be able to find AI copies of celebs and creators

YouTube is enhancing creator rights over AI-generated likenesses through new tools and partnerships.
The platform aims to protect creators’ digital identity and voice against unauthorized AI usage.

Youtube has a new tool to detect AI-faked celebrities

YouTube and CAA are collaborating to identify and remove fake AI clips of celebrities using a dedicated database.

YouTube is helping high-profile actors and athletes monetize their AI likenesses

YouTube is empowering actors and athletes to manage their AI likenesses through a collaboration with CAA.

YouTube says that soon, its tech will be able to find AI copies of celebs and creators

YouTube is enhancing creator rights over AI-generated likenesses through new tools and partnerships.
The platform aims to protect creators’ digital identity and voice against unauthorized AI usage.

Youtube has a new tool to detect AI-faked celebrities

YouTube and CAA are collaborating to identify and remove fake AI clips of celebrities using a dedicated database.
moreyoutube
#copyright-issues

Why creatives need a new alliance toface the existential threat of AI

AI technologies pose existential threats to creators and their rights.
The Creative Origin Alliance aims to protect artists in the era of AI.
Big Tech companies face backlash from creators for using their work without consent.

YouTube creators can now opt into third-party AI training

YouTube gives creators control over their content used for AI training, following criticisms about unauthorized use.

Why creatives need a new alliance toface the existential threat of AI

AI technologies pose existential threats to creators and their rights.
The Creative Origin Alliance aims to protect artists in the era of AI.
Big Tech companies face backlash from creators for using their work without consent.

YouTube creators can now opt into third-party AI training

YouTube gives creators control over their content used for AI training, following criticisms about unauthorized use.
morecopyright-issues

Speaking Freely: Prasanth Sugathan

Prasanth Sugathan advocates for digital rights in India through strategic legal actions and policy work.
#sag-aftra

It's Now Officially Illegal to Use AI to Impersonate a Human Actor in Hollywood

California has enacted new laws protecting actors from unauthorized AI replicas, setting a significant precedent for technology legislation nationally.

SAG-AFTRA partners with Narrativ to replicate actors' voices in AI ads

SAG-AFTRA's deal with Narrativ provides a framework for actors to monetize AI-duplicated voices while ensuring their rights and control over usage.

Hollywood unions OK AI-cloned voices in commercials

SAG-AFTRA partners with Narrativ to enable actors to license their AI-generated voice copies, providing new opportunities and control for performers.

As AI makes its way into movies, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is fighting for actors' rights

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland's leadership at SAG-AFTRA addresses the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI in recreating actors' performances.

It's Now Officially Illegal to Use AI to Impersonate a Human Actor in Hollywood

California has enacted new laws protecting actors from unauthorized AI replicas, setting a significant precedent for technology legislation nationally.

SAG-AFTRA partners with Narrativ to replicate actors' voices in AI ads

SAG-AFTRA's deal with Narrativ provides a framework for actors to monetize AI-duplicated voices while ensuring their rights and control over usage.

Hollywood unions OK AI-cloned voices in commercials

SAG-AFTRA partners with Narrativ to enable actors to license their AI-generated voice copies, providing new opportunities and control for performers.

As AI makes its way into movies, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is fighting for actors' rights

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland's leadership at SAG-AFTRA addresses the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI in recreating actors' performances.
moresag-aftra
#legal-issues

Downey Jr. plans to fight AI re-creations from beyond the grave

Robert Downey Jr. plans to sue for unauthorized AI recreations of his likeness, regardless of his future status.

Who bears responsibility for what happens on social media?

Recent legal accountability cases signal a potential shift in how social media platforms are regulated and held responsible for their content.

Let's Answer the Question: "Why is Printer Ink So Expensive?"

Printer ink is expensive due to monopolies and exploitation, not high production costs.
Digital Rights Bytes provides resources for understanding digital rights and technology.

Downey Jr. plans to fight AI re-creations from beyond the grave

Robert Downey Jr. plans to sue for unauthorized AI recreations of his likeness, regardless of his future status.

Who bears responsibility for what happens on social media?

Recent legal accountability cases signal a potential shift in how social media platforms are regulated and held responsible for their content.

Let's Answer the Question: "Why is Printer Ink So Expensive?"

Printer ink is expensive due to monopolies and exploitation, not high production costs.
Digital Rights Bytes provides resources for understanding digital rights and technology.
morelegal-issues
#privacy-protection

A social media ban in Australia for children under 16 is first in the world

Australia is the first country to pass a law banning children under 16 from social media platforms.

Digital ID Isn't for Everybody, and That's Okay | EFFector 36.13

Stay informed about digital rights, privacy protections, and the implications of legislation affecting online freedoms.

A social media ban in Australia for children under 16 is first in the world

Australia is the first country to pass a law banning children under 16 from social media platforms.

Digital ID Isn't for Everybody, and That's Okay | EFFector 36.13

Stay informed about digital rights, privacy protections, and the implications of legislation affecting online freedoms.
moreprivacy-protection
#privacy-advocacy

Geofence Warrants Are 'Categorically' Unconstitutional | EFFector 36.11

Geofence warrants are determined to be unconstitutional, highlighting the importance of protecting individual privacy.

Triumphs, Trials, and Tangles From California's 2024 Legislative Session

California's 2024 legislative session saw key victories for digital rights, including the defeat of several bills that threatened privacy protections.

Cypherpunks Write Code: Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware | HackerNoon

Eva Galperin exemplifies cypherpunks' commitment to privacy and freedom online, shaped by her personal history of political oppression.

Geofence Warrants Are 'Categorically' Unconstitutional | EFFector 36.11

Geofence warrants are determined to be unconstitutional, highlighting the importance of protecting individual privacy.

Triumphs, Trials, and Tangles From California's 2024 Legislative Session

California's 2024 legislative session saw key victories for digital rights, including the defeat of several bills that threatened privacy protections.

Cypherpunks Write Code: Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware | HackerNoon

Eva Galperin exemplifies cypherpunks' commitment to privacy and freedom online, shaped by her personal history of political oppression.
moreprivacy-advocacy
#technology

Bitfinex Hacker Gets 5 Years for $10 Billion Bitcoin Heist

Innovative technologists in India created a clever hack to use AirPod Pro 2s as hearing aids for grandmothers, showcasing technology's potential for accessibility.

Vote for EFF's 'How to Fix the Internet' podcast in the Signal Awards!

The "How to Fix the Internet" podcast addresses technology's challenges and proposes creative solutions for a better future.

Bitfinex Hacker Gets 5 Years for $10 Billion Bitcoin Heist

Innovative technologists in India created a clever hack to use AirPod Pro 2s as hearing aids for grandmothers, showcasing technology's potential for accessibility.

Vote for EFF's 'How to Fix the Internet' podcast in the Signal Awards!

The "How to Fix the Internet" podcast addresses technology's challenges and proposes creative solutions for a better future.
moretechnology
#consumer-rights

Activists urge FTC to ban hardware downgrades

Consumer activists urge the FTC to curb practices that limit functionality of purchased devices, affecting ownership rights and resale value.

"Why Is It So Expensive To Repair My Devices?"

Device repair has been made unnecessarily expensive by companies, but awareness and advocacy can help consumers take back their right to repair.

Activists urge FTC to ban hardware downgrades

Consumer activists urge the FTC to curb practices that limit functionality of purchased devices, affecting ownership rights and resale value.

"Why Is It So Expensive To Repair My Devices?"

Device repair has been made unnecessarily expensive by companies, but awareness and advocacy can help consumers take back their right to repair.
moreconsumer-rights
#freedom-of-speech

Speaking Freely: Tanka Aryal

Tanka Aryal advocates for digital rights and freedom of expression in Nepal, stressing its importance for democracy and civic engagement.

Telegram CEO's arrest fuels debate on platform regulation DW 08/30/2024

The arrest of Telegram's CEO raises concerns about how authorities handle platforms that resist compliance with regulations on harmful content.

Speaking Freely: Tanka Aryal

Tanka Aryal advocates for digital rights and freedom of expression in Nepal, stressing its importance for democracy and civic engagement.

Telegram CEO's arrest fuels debate on platform regulation DW 08/30/2024

The arrest of Telegram's CEO raises concerns about how authorities handle platforms that resist compliance with regulations on harmful content.
morefreedom-of-speech

Celebrating the Life of Aaron Swartz: Aaron Swartz Day 2024

Aaron Swartz championed digital rights and open internet access, leaving a lasting legacy after his tragic death.
#lawsuit

Mark Zuckerberg faces deposition in AI copyright lawsuit from Sarah Silverman and other authors

Meta is being sued by authors for using their works without permission to train AI.

Meta beats suit over tool that lets Facebook users unfollow everything

Meta has successfully dismissed a lawsuit challenging its control over third-party tools like Unfollow Everything 2.0, invoking Section 230 protections.

Mark Zuckerberg faces deposition in AI copyright lawsuit from Sarah Silverman and other authors

Meta is being sued by authors for using their works without permission to train AI.

Meta beats suit over tool that lets Facebook users unfollow everything

Meta has successfully dismissed a lawsuit challenging its control over third-party tools like Unfollow Everything 2.0, invoking Section 230 protections.
morelawsuit

Treat revenge porn in same way as child abuse content online, MPs told

Revenge porn is to be classified as a serious online offence, highlighted by a rising number of non-consensual intimate image cases.

"Is My Phone Listening To Me?"

Digital Rights Bytes clarifies that phones are not listening to conversations, but targeted ads create that perception due to data tracking.

UN cybercrime convention will 'legitimize' authoritarian nations' cyber behavior, senators warn

Democratic senators are alarmed about a UN cybercrime treaty potentially legitimizing repressive policies of authoritarian regimes.

In Appreciation of David Burnham

The unchecked technological power of surveillance agencies poses severe threats to individual privacy in the digital age.

Adobe's experimental tool can identify an artist's work online or on a tote bag

Adobe is developing a tool to combat misinformation and protect artists' rights by linking content ownership across platforms.

Pakistan's internet slows to a crawl as suspicion falls on government

The Pakistani government is accused of intentionally throttling internet speeds to suppress political dissent and control information.

6-fingered gloves sent to Altman, EU leaders in chilling AI warning

The six-fingered gloves symbolize the risks and challenges of rapidly evolving AI technologies.

New California law means digital stores can't imply you're buying a game when you're merely licensing it

California's AB 2426 reveals the distinction between buying and licensing digital games, demanding transparency from companies on ownership rights.

High School Is Becoming a Cesspool of Sexually Explicit Deepfakes

AI technology is being misused to create nonconsensual sexual imagery of children, affecting millions.
Reports show increasing prevalence of AI-generated child sexual abuse material in schools.

Cloudflare's new AI Audit tool aims to give content creators better bot controls

AI Audit by Cloudflare empowers website owners to monitor and control AI bots' interaction with their content.

Other Barks & Bites for Friday, September 20: Biden Administration Announces $3 Billion Advanced Battery Investment; Fifth Circuit Affirms Fair Use Ruling on Dog Art Kits; and California Passes State Bills on Digital Replica Rights

Federal Circuit's ruling emphasizes adherence to statutory presumption of patent validity.
California joins several states in protecting against unauthorized digital replicas of individuals.

Content Creators in the Adult Industry Want a Say in AI Rules

Sex industry advocates demand inclusion in AI regulation discussions, highlighting the critical gap in perspectives on adult content in regulatory dialogues.

Stopping the Harms of Automated Decision Making | EFFector 36.12

The EFFector newsletter covers critical updates in digital rights, including major developments in immigration AI use and a victory against internet ID checks.

Russian Voting Concludes With Putin Allies Poised To Win

Engagement with external content in Russia and controlled Ukraine can lead to legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

French authorities arrest Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at a Paris airport, French media report

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, was detained in France over serious allegations including money laundering and crimes involving minors.

This startup wants to be the iTunes of AI content licensing

TollBit aims to create a marketplace for AI companies to fairly access fresh, high-quality data from publishers.

Serbian Police Kill Man Linked To Attack On Israeli Embassy

Caution is essential for individuals in Russia regarding engagement with certain content to avoid legal penalties.

ISP to Supreme Court: We shouldn't have to disconnect users accused of piracy

Cox Communications is contesting a ruling that could force ISPs to disconnect users based on unproven piracy accusations, impacting entire households.

U.S. Warns Tehran Again Against Sending Ballistic Missiles To Russia

Caution for individuals in Russia or Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine regarding sharing or interacting with specific content.

UN Official Says 95 Percent Of Ukrainian Soldiers In Russian Captivity Face Torture

Sharing, liking, or commenting on certain content in Russia or Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine could lead to fines or imprisonment.

Russia Says Ukrainian Strikes Kill 2 Near Border As Kyiv Hit By Russian Drones

Sharing, liking, or saving content from certain sources in Russia or Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine could lead to fines or imprisonment.
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