Indiana launches litigation against TikTok, alleging the protection of children and combat threats
The Indiana Secretary of State’s office announced two separate lawsuits against TikTok, both related to claims made by the company about its video-sharing app of the same name.
The first lawsuit alleges that TikTok has lured children onto the platform through a variety of misleading representations indicating that the app contains only “infrequent/mild” sexual content, profanity, or drug references — when in reality the app is rife with extreme examples of such material. An essential part of TikTok’s business model is presenting the application as safe and appropriate for children ages 13 to 17.
The second lawsuit asserts that TikTok has reams of highly sensitive data and personal information about Indiana consumers and has deceived those consumers to believe that this information is protected from the Chinese government and Communist Party.
Attorney General Rokita is seeking emergency injunctive relief and civil penalties against the company.
City of Bloomington installs public Wi-Fi access in People’s Park and Waldron, Hill, & Buskirk Park
The City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department (ITS) has announced public Wi-Fi in two City parks, with work currently underway in three more. Funded through the City’s Recover Forward initiative using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Wi-Fi in Parks project is part of the City’s 2020 Digital Equity Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce digital inequities in Bloomington.
The first round of parks targeted in this effort are Peoples Park; and the Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park (formerly 3rd St Park); Butler Park; and, Crestmont Park. Wi-Fi services are now available at People’s Park and Waldron, Hill, & Buskirk Park at speeds up to 140 Megabits per second (Mbps). Work at the Butler and Crestmont Parks is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023 and offer service at or above 100 Mbps.
In addition to these parks, the City is now evaluating public Wi-Fi placement at Seminary Park. New LED lighting and pre-installed conduit within the park will allow for the placement of Wi-Fi access points to serve this area. ITS will connect this park to its network this winter, with service also expected in the Spring of 2023.
City Commission on the Status of Women seeks nominations for annual awards
The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women is seeking nominees for the 2023 Woman of the Year, Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution, Emerging Leader, and Young Woman of the Year awards. The deadline for submission of nominations for 2023 is Friday, January 20th. Otherwise, nominations for these awards are accepted throughout the year. The 2023 awards will be presented during the Women’s History Month Luncheon in March 2023.
- The Woman of the Year Award is presented to a woman who has improved the quality of life for other women through inspiration, community service, or professional accomplishments above and/or outside normal job responsibilities. The recipient is someone who serves as a positive role model for girls and women and has made outstanding contributions to the community.
- Named for the former director of Middle Way House and former member of the Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women, the Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution Award recognizes a woman whose work has significantly advanced the status of women through leadership and service.
- The Emerging Leader Award acknowledges a woman with a relatively short (less than five years) history of significant achievements and recognizes the potential for future contributions.
- The Young Woman of the Year Award recognizes a young woman between the ages of 11-18 years who has already, at a young age, impacted issues for girls and/or women in the community. Self-nominations are encouraged in this category.
Nomination forms are available online at https://bton.in/bdj~i, in the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department, 401 N. Morton St, Suite 260, or by contacting Marissa Parr-Scott at marissa.parrscott@bloomington.in.gov.
This Week in Hoosier History
1940 – In a meeting at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Madison, it was announced that the federal government was purchasing 60,000 acres of land in Jefferson, Ripley, and Jennings counties. The site would become a major ordnance testing area known as the Jefferson Proving Ground.
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