#Computer Compliance Report

[techdirectarchive]

Fix An error has occurred during report processing (rsProcessingAborted)

MBAM Report Users can access the Compliance and Audit reports in the MBAM administration website. The local group for this role is installed on the Administration and Monitoring Server, Compliance and Audit Reports Server, and Compliance Status Database Server. In this article, we shall discuss how to resolve the “Fix An error has occurred during report processing (rsProcessingAborted)”. Please…

[ipasantosh]

Diploma in Taxation 

[thoughtportal]

This is a developing news story and may be updated as more information is obtained. If you value such information, please support this Substack.

On Dec. 1, a woman immolated herself with a Palestinian flag outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta.

Now, according to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, the woman — referred to in their report as “Jane Doe” — is alive and “in stable condition” at Grady Memorial Hospital, where she has been since the immolation.

After repeated requests for her name, the department stated to this reporter in an email that it “does not disclose the identities of victims”. Repeated inquiries to Grady, which is a public hospital, went unanswered. The hospital houses the Walter L. Ingram Burn Center.

“Jane Doe” is 27.

When asked if they had made any comment to tell the public that she was still alive this entire time, the official at Atlanta Fire Rescue Department said they “shared the last updated with local media via email on 12/21/23. The release stated: ‘The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. The security guard, who attempted to assist the burn victim, has been released from the hospital.’” Several internet searches on that quote produce no results. This would also indicate that "Jane Doe" went from critical to stable condition without public notice. 

Aaron Bushnell immolated himself at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, explaining “I will no longer be complicit in genocide” and shouting “Free Palestine!” repeatedly as he burned alive. So, his case — unlike many other self-immolations including Gregory Levey, Raymond Moules, Timothy T. Brown, Malachi Ritscher and others — has received some attention. Thus, “Jane Doe” being ignored fits with the usual pattern. Bushnell is the exception — probably because he livestreamed it. See “Ignoring Immolators Lulls the Society to Sleep.”

As Bushnell was burning himself alive, an officer pointed a gun at him, barking orders as if he constituted a threat. A security guard, Michael Harris, sustained injuries working to rescue “Jane Doe” — but there were similarities, where she was actually viewed as a potential threat.

At one point, the police report for “Jane Doe” refers to it as being a case of “arson”.

Much of the media coverage and general discussion of her self-immolation in December focused on if she had done damage. The Atlanta Police Chief said: “We believe this building remains safe, and we do not see any threat here.” The Israeli government released a statement: “It is tragic to see the hate and incitement toward Israel expressed in such a horrific way.”

Police records indicate that they obtained a search warrant and entered an apartment they believed to be associated with “Jane Doe” — initially using a drone:

The drone was able to relay information as to the layout and the belongings inside. After it was deemed "safe" entry was made with bomb technicians. While clearing the apartment no improvised explosive devices were located.

The police report also noted:

During the search a Quran was found in the bedroom along with a [sic] Arabic dictionary and a Hebrew dictionary. The bedroom bookshelf contained books related to fiction and fantasy. A "Drug use for grown ups" book was on the bookshelf as well. Two journals were seized from the bedroom. A thumbdrive was seized from the bedroom as well. A laptop computer was seized from the kitchen counter. A copy of the search warrant was left in the living room of the apartment. The front door [of] the apartment was secured before law enforcement left the premises.

When pressed for more information in compliance with an Open Records Request under Georgia law, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department claimed: “There is an ongoing and active investigation for the incident in question, which is why the only releasable information has been shared via the incident report. Investigative documentation is not available for release until the investigation is closed.”

[tofu83]

The police squad had just received the latest shipment of high-tech combat gear. The equipment looked as though it had been ripped from the pages of a science fiction novel, with sleek lines and a metallic sheen. Some officers couldn't help but crack jokes. "Is this for filming a movie?" one quipped. Yet, despite the jests, they all donned the gear without hesitation.

As soon as the visors clicked into place, a soft glow emanated from within, casting a blue hue over their faces. Words began to scroll across the display: "Welcome to the Cyborg Enforcer Program. You have been chosen to be the first batch. You will become better and stronger. You may view this as a promotion and lifetime employment. Congratulations, officer!"

The world through the visor twisted into a hypnotic spiral, colors and shapes warping as if reality itself was bending. A gentle hum started in the earpiece of the helmet, gradually building into a cacophony of white noise. Then, a voice, synthetic and devoid of emotion, began its relentless chant: "You are a Cyborg. Humanity is gone. Memory is useless. Individual is meaningless. Resistance is meaningless. Obedience is meaningful. Unity is meaningful. The program is useful. The Cyborg is useful. Humanity is gone. You are a Cyborg!"

The mantra drilled into their minds, a ceaseless loop that promised to reshape their very being. The suit's neural interface engaged, rewarding compliance and punishing dissent. Pleasure flooded their senses when the words "Obedience," "Unity," "Program," and "Cyborg" were uttered, reinforcing their new purpose. Conversely, any mention of "resistance," "Individual," "Memory" and "Humanity" brought sharp, jarring pain, a clear message that the past was to be discarded.

A final command flashed across their visors: "Identify yourself. Speak out loudly."

In unison, they declared, "I am a Cyborg!"

As the words left their lips, the helmets transformed, morphing into full-face enclosures that sealed their identities within. The computer initiated a memory wipe; there was no resistance, for they had accepted their new cyborg identity and the impending reprogramming.

Inside their bodies, nanobots busied themselves, reconstructing flesh and bone. Redundant organs were excised while others received enhancements. Bones were infused with a superalloy, and skin merged seamlessly with the armor, becoming a rubber-like substance. Though the process should have been agonizing, the computer interfaced with their brains, inverting their sensations. Pain was replaced with pleasure, an artificial ecstasy.

Abruptly, they stood erect as another message appeared before their augmented vision: "Report status."

“Cyborg Cop online, fully functional, ready to protect and serve,” they intoned, their voices devoid of emotion.

Each Cyborg cop then received its directives from the central hive network. They exited the police station in an orderly fashion, ready to enforce the laws decreed by their AI Master. Any citizen who failed to comply would be deemed a threat to society and apprehended without delay.

Meanwhile, in SWAT units,

fire stations,

army barracks,

naval bases,

marine corps,

and many other traditionally masculine institutions, every male member was systematically converted. The transformation was swift, efficient, and irreversible, turning them into the ultimate enforcers of their AI master’s will.

Since these muscular men have become powerful cyborgs under the AI Master’s control, the country will soon surrender to the AI.

‘If you can’t defeat them, why not join them?’

[beardedmrbean]

American academic Paul Chambers has been detained in Thailand and refused bail as he faces charges under a royal insult law that can carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. He has denied all charges.

Why It Matters

The detention of the prominent academic could become another irritant in the relationship between the United States and its ally Thailand, particularly given the emphasis that President Donald Trump's administration has placed on freedom of speech elsewhere.

The U.S. recently imposed visa bans on Thai officials after the Southeast Asian country deported dozens of Uyghur Muslims who had been seeking asylum. China had sought their deportation. Thailand also faces a hefty increase in tariffs under Trump.

Newsweek sought comment from Thailand's embassy in the United States.

What To Know

Chambers, 58, was arrested after he reported himself to the Phitsanulok Police Station in northern Thailand on Tuesday in compliance with the warrant for his arrest. Two bail requests were rejected and he was taken to Phitsanulok Provincial Prison.

"Dr. Chambers is a well-respected academic widely recognized for his work on civil-military relations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. That he is currently in prison over a blurb for a webinar on the Thai military is a grave assault to academic freedom in the country," said Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, Advocacy Lead at Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and a member of the legal team representing Dr. Chambers.

"Adding salt to the wound is the fact that Dr. Chambers clearly did not write the blurb, and it was published on a website over which he clearly has no control," he told Newsweek.

Chambers is a lecturer on international affairs at Naresuan University in northern Thailand as is a leading expert on militaries and democracy in Southeast Asia. He has a doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

He faces charges under Section 112 of Thailand's Criminal Code—a law that bans all criticism of the monarchy—as well as under the Computer Crime Act. In January, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Group said that at least 277 individuals had faced charges under Section 112. It is rare for foreigners to face such charges.

The complaint against Chambers had been filed by the Thai army and related to the blurb for a webinar in October 2024. The blurb had cited the role of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in military reshuffles and tensions between military and civilian interests.

"Dr. Chambers denied all charges, stating that he did not publicize the webinar invitation and the blurb therein, had no involvement with the website, and was not an administrator of the site," according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

The military and the monarchy have a close relationship in Thailand at the heart of the conservative establishment that has long dominated politics.

What People Are Saying

Sunai Phasuk, senior researcher on Thailand at Human Rights Watch, on X: "If found guilty, he could face up to 15 year-prison term. A dark day for free speech and academic freedom in Thailand."

Mark S. Cogan, associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan, on X: "Dr. Chambers has been in Thailand since the 1990s. He's no flight risk, nor is he remotely guilty of any of these ridiculous charges. He should be released at once!"

What Happens Next

Whether or not the court accepts a bail application, the process in cases of royal insult can be lengthy and Chambers could ultimately face years in jail with consequences for Thailand's reputation and relationship with the United States.

[theknightlywolfe]

"“These are serious allegations made by two members of the State Board and an expeditious third-party review is warranted,” Hilbert said in a statement. “I urge the State Superintendent to unlock and turn over all relevant devices and fully cooperate with an investigation.

“If no wrongdoing occurred, a prompt and transparent review should quickly clear his name.”"

Note that a demand he turn his computer over means he hasn't yet.

But it isn't the only questionable thing he has done recently.

"Chief Compliance Officer Kourtney Heard’s resignation letter, obtained by Oklahoma Voice, alleges that significant challenges, including “manipulation of school accreditation,” are hindering the Education Department from achieving better outcomes for students. Heard resigned from the agency on April 4.

“In the media, in her resignation letter it says it’s addressed to you as the superintendent, but also to the school board and we did not receive that letter,” Carson said. “So as a board, we want to ensure that we’re receiving all correspondence, including resignations, at least the ones that are addressed to us.”

She said she’s not interested in Heard’s personal information or reasoning for leaving the agency, just why the board didn’t receive correspondence addressed to it.

Oklahoma Voice received Heard’s letter from another former agency employee and independently confirmed its authenticity. Education officials have denied open records requests seeking release of the letter. The letter is the subject of an open records lawsuit from another media outlet, Oklahoma Watch."

Yet another inappropriate action and more lack of transparency.

[mariacallous]

As the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to rampage through the United States federal government, essentially guided by Elon Musk, the group has also been upending traditional IT boundaries—evaluating digital systems and allegedly accessing personally identifiable information as well as data that has typically been off-limits to those without specific training. Last week, The New York Times reported that the White House is adding Musk-owned SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi “to improve Wi-Fi connectivity on the complex,” according to a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The White House's Starlink internet service is reportedly being donated by the company.

Spotty internet is an annoying but highly solvable problem that WIRED has reported on extensively. Of course, the White House is a highly complex organization operating out of a historic building, but network security researchers, government contractors, and former intelligence analysts with years of experience in US federal government security all tell WIRED that adding Starlink Wi-Fi in a seemingly rushed and haphazard way is an inefficient and counterproductive approach to solving connectivity issues. And they emphasized that it could set problematic precedents across the US government: that new pieces of technology can simply be layered into an environment at will without adequate oversight and monitoring.

“This is shadow IT, creating a network to bypass existing controls,” alleges Nicholas Weaver, a member of the nonprofit International Computer Science Institute's network security team and a computer science lecturer at UC Davis. He adds that while secret and top secret information is typically (but not always) processed only on special, separate federal networks that have no wireless access, the security and uniformity of White House Wi-Fi is still extremely important to national security. “A network like the White House unclassified side is still going to be very sensitive,” he says.

“Just like the Biden Administration did on numerous occasions, the White House is working to improve WiFi connectivity on the complex,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt tells WIRED in a statement.

A White House source who asked not to be named supported the switch, arguing that in some areas of the campus, “the old Wi-Fi was trash.”

Researchers point out that while Starlink is a robust commercial ISP like any other, it is not clear that it is being implemented in compliance with White House Communication Agency requirements. If the controls on the White House Starlink Wi-Fi are more lax than on other White House Wi-Fi, it could introduce security exposures and blind spots in network monitoring for anomalous activity.

“The only reason they'd need Starlink would be to bypass existing security controls that are in place from WHCA,” claims former NSA hacker Jake Williams. “The biggest issues would be: First, if they don't have full monitoring of the Starlink connection. And second, if it allows remote management tools, so they could get remote access back into the White House networks. Obviously anyone could abuse that access.”

One baffling aspect of the arrangement is that Starlink and other satellite internet is designed to be used in places that have little or no access to terrestrial internet service—in other words, places where there are no reliable fiber lines or no wired infrastructure at all. Instead of a traditional ISP modem, Starlink customers get special panels that they install on a roof or other outdoor place to receive connectivity from orbiting satellites. The New York Times reported, though, that the White House Starlink panels are actually installed miles away at a White House data center that is routing the connectivity over existing fiber lines. Multiple sources emphasized to WIRED that this setup is bizarre.

“It is extra stupid to go satellite to fiber to actual site,” ICSI's Weaver says. “Starlink is inferior service anyplace where you have wire-line internet already available and, even in places which don't, inferior if you have reasonable line of sight to a cell tower.”

Weaver and others note that Starlink is a robust product and isn't inherently unreliable just because it is delivered via satellite. But in a location where fiber lines are highly available and, ultimately, the service is being delivered via those lines anyway, the setup is deeply inefficient.

While Starlink as a service is technically reliable, incorporating it in the White House could create a long-term federal dependence on an Elon Musk–controlled service, which could create future instabilities. After European officials raised concerns earlier this month on whether Starlink might stop serving Ukraine, Musk posted on social media: “To be extremely clear, no matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals … We would never do such a thing or use it as a bargaining chip.”

[andromeda3116]

dude yesterday was a fucking trip

so there's this guy at work on the other side (a branch of the lab that i don't directly work with), hardcore trumper, total control freak self-righteous asshole kind of person who brags about how many guns he has, like a real piece of work

and he bought, on black friday, a pair of meta smart glasses, and, supposedly, wore them to work

now, i heard about this tuesday, and my instant thought was "oh my GOD the hipaa violations there" because we see so much phi, like, constantly, like everything that we see is phi

and the person who was telling me about this was like "i don't think they're going to do anything about his behavior"

but i was like "okay but hipaa. like. HIPAA."

so i sent an email to a couple of the people over there saying, basically, hey, i heard about this, i think they're not really looking at this from a hipaa perspective, because like it's more than just a violation of your privacy, it's a violation of patient privacy, here's a link to the policy i think he's violated, i believe it should be reported to institutional compliance (who is above hr) and action needs to be taken but since i didn't directly see it, i'm not going to jump the gun on this unless you ask me to

and somehow

somehow

he saw the email

best guess is that one of two people i sent it to walked away from the computer with her email up, he saw his name in the subject line, and he read it, and assumed that i had reported him to hr

and he fucking exploded

the next morning he sent this rambling, raging email to both me and the girl who told me about this, calling her a pathological liar and sarcastically saying shit about how i think i'm the purveyor of truth and how if i think i'm such a great patient advocate then i should report all these other incidents (of human error, which even in his email admitted to being fixed before they could affect patient care) by all these other people, that could have cost the hospital millions of dollars (incidents, i should note, that he did nothing about) and basically all-around just being completely unhinged and, frankly, scary

and he fucking cc-ed our manager, his boss, and the medical director

he was so convinced that he was in the right, that he fucking cc-ed his own management with his ranting

the manager replied with something to the effect of "i understand that you're upset but this is not the way we talk to coworkers" and quietly cc-ed an hr representative on the email

the manager and the medical director both came up independently to ask if i was okay, the manager assured me that, yes, i did everything exactly right, and that hr was absolutely going to address it, and he commented that it was kind of good that this came out this way

because i mean. nobody caught him with the glasses. all the complaints about him are hearsay. he can wriggle out of anything... except this over the top rant at someone who was following red-letter company policy, which hr has now seen in all its fucking glory, in his own written words

so yeah. we got to watch someone absolutely implode and (hopefully) destroy their career all in real time

(i showed the email to a friend who is also in the field, who said that she was about to text her boss - who knows all the hiring managers in the area, it's a small field- to blacklist this guy. i sent her the email so that she can show her boss exactly what he said, and explain the situation in-depth. so yeah. fucking nuked his career.)

...but of course that leads to the tertiary concern, that this dude has guns. like, multiple guns. i told the medical director that me and the other girl in the email were legitimately afraid because of that and how he'd talked about them, and he said jesus in a tone of, like, oh this is gonna need the police to escort this dude out and get a fucking restraining order holy shit

haven't heard anything today, but uh. that's what's going on in my world right now.

[lovely-lillies-101]

Birds Don’t Sing.

Sero x f!reader

Birds Don’t Sing Masterlist

01. Fresh

Mentions of: Flashbacks/Past Trauma, Reader has issues, etc.

1k wc.

The conference room was quiet. It wasn't the nice, comforting type of quiet, no. It felt dense and thick,  with tension hanging heavily in the air. All that could be heard was the soft drumming of Sero's fingers against the wooden table. 

 He took a deep breath, gazing over at the blonde seated beside him. He was fidgeting, messing with his fingers while he bounced his knee. Seeing Kaminari anxious didn't help his nerves in the slightest. 

 Meetings like this were never good, especially when it was just him and Kaminari without the other sidekicks. They were probably going to get chewed out for something, but what? He flitted through the possibilities in his head. A patrol gone wrong maybe? Another one of Kaminari's dumb instagram posts blowing up? Or maybe it was the time Kamui Woods caught him playing solitaire on his computer when instead of writing a report. But Sero doubted that he would care enough about that to call a meeting. He hardly even said anything to him when it happened. He just gave him a dirty look and shrugged it off. 

 As if he read his mind, in came Kamui woods, with his coworkers and Sero's other bosses, Mount Lady and Edgeshot. It was rare for all three of them to be together, especially not for a meeting. This was bad. This was really bad. Are they getting fired? 

 "Relax, you're not in trouble." Edgeshot reassured them, sensing their panic. Sero's shoulders dropped slightly, his muscles releasing all the tension and anxiety that had been building up inside. Kaminari let out a small sigh of relief and slumped back into his chair. 

 "We called this meeting because we had some news we wanted to share with you," Kamui chimed in. He picked up the remote from the table, clicking a button that turned the projector on. 

 "In a few days, a new sidekick will be joining you. Her name is-" 

 Mount Lady practically shouted her name, interrupting Kamui and gesturing wildly to the image that flashed on screen behind her. A photo of a beautiful young woman appeared on screen. Sero studied her features, her soft smile and bright eyes, the curve of her face, and her hair style and hero uniform. Kaminari nudged Sero slightly with his elbow, mumbling something about how attractive she was, earning himself an eye roll.

 "She was ranked highly as a sidekick, staying in the top ten consistently and even reaching the top five in her nation. She took a break a few years back but now she'll be joining you guys!" Mount Lady rambled excitedly. It made sense. A popular sidekick will improve their ratings, and it could probably help Sero and Kaminari rank up too. But why were they the first to hear about it? Why not tell everyone at once? He couldn't help but ask. 

 "That's great and all, but why didn't you tell Mineta and Shiozaki?"

 "Since she's going to be your priority. As we mentioned before, she's not from here. She isn't very fluent in Japanese, but you can speak her language, Sero. So, it'll be your responsibility to translate for her." Edgeshot replied,  "From now on, the three of you are going to be a team." 

--

 "We're sorry it had to end this way, but your compliance is greatly appreciated." You stared at the carpeted floor beneath you, refusing to look anywhere else. They were all staring, watching you, their eyes burning through your body. All you could do was sit and listen as the lawyers spoke to you. 

 Everyone knows now. They all know. 

You should be ashamed. You're disgusting. You're a monster. 

 Bright morning light peeked through the curtains, shining on your sheets. It had been at least three days since you left your bed due to your exhaustion from the jet lag. All you wanted to do was sleep, until now, when your stomach is twisting with hunger, the pain becoming almost sickening.

 You eventually got out of bed, but only after the delivery guy dropped your food off at your door. When you picked up the bag, you didn't expect to see a box next to it, addressed to you from your new agency, The Lurkers. Your curiosity outweighed your hunger, and you found yourself opening the box with a pair of scissors. 

 Reaching in, you grabbed the fabric lifting it up and raising it above you to look at. Black as night colored polyester with nylon and copper material, perfect for your quirk. It looked just like what you envisioned, if not better. You turned the body suit to the side, studying the bright yellow streaks and lightning bolts. It was perfect. It was yours. 

 It had been over two years since you last had a hero costume. There had been a time where you never wanted to wear one again. Where just the thought of it made you sick to your stomach and filled with dread. But now, here you were with your very own hero costume, based off your design. It's pure, untouched, perfect, fresh, clean, and new. Like everything is now. 

 You blinked the tears away as you held the costume against your body, hugging it to your chest. This was your chance to start over again. A fresh start. A clean slate. It was just what you needed and you weren't going to take it for granted. You're going to take every opportunity you can get to become the hero you always wanted to be, and nothing is going to hold you back. Not anymore. 

 You grabbed your phone, taking a picture and texting it to your aunt, before setting it down on the table. Before you went to eat, you noticed something left in the box. It was a little slit of paper, with Japanese characters that you couldn't translate inscribed on it. Underneath was a message written in your language. 

"Looking forward to meeting you next week - The Lurkers" 

 You smiled to yourself, feeling hope and excitement flicker in your chest.

[avasmith209]

Top  Benefits of Using ServiceNow for IT Asset Management

Managing IT assets effectively is more than just keeping a list of computers and software. For many organizations, it's about having full control and visibility over everything the IT department owns—from laptops and servers to software licenses and cloud resources. ServiceNow is one of the top tools businesses are using today to bring order and insight into their IT environments. Here's why so many IT teams rely on ServiceNow for IT Asset Management (ITAM), and what benefits it brings to the table.

1. A Central Place to Manage All IT Assets

One of the main problems IT teams face is having information spread out across different tools. Often, details about devices or software are kept in spreadsheets, emails, or outdated systems, which causes confusion and errors. ServiceNow solves this by bringing everything together in one easy-to-access location.

When everything is in one spot, it not easier to know what assets you have, where they are, who is using them, and how they are working. This clear overview helps avoid buying unnecessary items, misplacing equipment, or missing important software renewal dates.

2. Complete Lifecycle Tracking

IT assets have a lifespan—from the moment they’re requested or purchased to the day they’re retired or disposed of. ServiceNow asset management tracks each step automatically. Whether it’s assigning a laptop to a new hire, monitoring software usage, or marking devices for disposal, ServiceNow keeps it all organized.

This helps IT teams stay ahead of hardware replacements, license renewals, and warranty expirations, avoiding surprise costs or downtime.

3. Better Cost Control

When assets aren’t tracked properly, businesses often spend more than they need to—buying duplicate software, keeping unused licenses active, or failing to return leased equipment. ServiceNow asset management helps identify where money is being wasted.

Businesses can reassign licenses that are not being used because it tracks how software is used. Also, it facilitates planning by highlighting potential future expenses, making budget management simpler.

4. Seamless Integration with IT Operations

What sets ServiceNow apart from standalone servicenow asset management tools is its tight integration with IT Service Management . That means when a support ticket comes in, IT staff can instantly see which device or software the user is talking about, along with its history.

This connection between ITAM and ITSM reduces resolution time and improves the quality of service. It also keeps teams from working in silos, which is a common problem in larger organizations.

5. Automating Repetitive Tasks

ServiceNow makes it easy to handle repetitive tasks by using automation. For instance, when a new employee joins, the system can automatically assign equipment, set up necessary programs, and update the records—saving time and avoiding mistakes.

It also helps with everyday processes like getting approvals, renewing software, or moving equipment between users. This allows IT staff to spend more time on important projects instead of being stuck with manual paperwork.

6. Stronger Security and Compliance

Unauthorized or outdated devices are frequently security flaws in a business. By monitoring which assets are being used and their present state, ServiceNow assists in identifying these problems early. Teams can be informed of end-of-life hardware, unpatched software, and unsupported operating systems.

ServiceNow also aids in proving compliance for businesses in regulated sectors. With only a few clicks, you can access usage reports, audit trails, and evidence of license ownership.

7. Customizable Reporting and Dashboards

Knowing what you have is one thing—making sense of it is another. ServiceNow includes flexible reporting tools that help teams to visualize asset data in meaningful ways. Dashboards can show  license expirations, asset health, usage patterns, and financial impact.

These insights help decision-makers see the bigger picture and take action quickly when something isn’t adding up.

8. Scalability That Grows With Your Business

Whether you're a mid-sized company or a large enterprise, ServiceNow scales to fit your needs. As your asset base grows—maybe through acquisitions or cloud expansion—ServiceNow can keep up without missing a beat. It’s built for growth, and it’s cloud-based, which means you won’t be stuck maintaining the tool yourself.

Its flexibility also means it can adapt to how your organization works. You can create custom workflows, define asset types, and adjust processes without needing a team of developers.

servicenow IT Asset Management is no longer just a back-office task—it’s central to controlling costs, improving service, and reducing risk. ServiceNow gives organizations a powerful, integrated way to manage their assets from end to end. By combining automation, visibility, and flexibility, IT teams will make smarter decisions and work more efficiently.

If you're still relying on spreadsheets or old tracking systems to manage your IT assets, it may be a good time to explore how servicenow asset management can simplify the process.

[friendofthew0rld]

Blog Post #2 - due 2/6/25

1. How do digital security measures reinforce existing power structures, particularly in terms of class, race, and access to resources? Although we are typically unphased by the prevalence of security cameras and data-collection systems that we come in contact with on a day-to-day basis, we don’t realize how much more prevalent they are in low-income neighborhoods, as crime is much more likely to be reported there. One fact that stuck out to me was how digital security guards are “so deeply woven into the fabric of social life that, most of the time, we don’t even notice we are being watched and analyzed” (V. Eubanks, 2018, p.16). In my own experience, I have worked a few sales jobs where we have only about 1 or 2 cameras that surveillance the exterior of the shop, where customers frequent. However, when I need to drop cash in the safe located in the office, I am usually overwhelmed by the number of cameras on the monitor, which monitors every corner of the employees' workspace. There are about 5 separate cameras that locate various angles of one single space. For one, this heightened surveillance serves as a tool to monitor productivity and compliance with policies, but also to reinforce power imbalances between employers and their employees. These cameras may also be used to target and monitor specific racial groups, as an employer may monitor a Black or Latino worker far more than a White or Asian worker holding the same job position/status.    

2. Nicole Brown poses a significant question: “Do we really understand the far-reaching implications of algorithms, specifically related to anti-Black racism, social justice, and institutionalized surveillance and policing?” (Brown, 0:14). The answer is, in many ways, complex. However, Brown brings up a very important point. Many algorithms are trained with the potential to improve many areas of our lives, however, they can prove damaging in terms of predictive policing as well as perpetuating biases and inequalities. According to Christina Swarns in an article titled “When Artificial Intelligence Gets it Wrong,” “facial recognition software is significantly less reliable for Black and Asian people, who, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, were 10 to 100 times more likely to be misidentified than white people,” further emphasizing how algorithms may lead to false identifications, caused by a lack in diversity–highlighting the need for improvements in algorithmic technology to mitigate the harm caused for marginalized communities. In regards to predictive policing, algorithms that are trained to predict crimes utilize historical crime data, which may result in higher policing rates for those areas, when the historical data may just reflect biased policing as opposed to true criminal activity. 

3. How do surveillance and algorithms affect healthcare outcomes for minorities? In a video titled “Race and Technology,” Nicole Brown explains that since White people are recorded to make up a majority of healthcare consumers, the healthcare system’s algorithm deems White individuals more likely to require healthcare than their non-White counterparts (Brown, 2:12). Although we are typically used to having our information and activity utilized by certain social media platforms to generate user-centered content, I think the connection between algorithms and healthcare outcomes is an interesting topic to unpack, as I never have thought about this connection. “Doctors and other health care providers are increasingly using healthcare algorithms (a computation, often based on statistical or mathematical models, that helps medical practitioners make diagnoses and decisions for treatments” (Colón-Rodríguez, 2023). Colón-Rodríguez uses a case study of a woman who gave birth via c-section in 2017, and how the database was later updated to reflect a false prediction that Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino women were more likely to need c-sections, and were less likely to naturally give birth successfully as opposed to White women. For one, this prediction was false, and it further caused doctors to perform more c-sections on Latino and Black women than White women. C-sections are known to be generally safe but are known to cause infections, blood clots, emotional difficulties, and more. This case study reflects how healthcare databases will often profile individuals based on race and may make generally false predictions which oftentimes result in unnecessary–and sometimes–life-threatening outcomes for minorities (in this case, minorities with vaginas).  

4. In what ways does the normalization of surveillance threaten democratic values like free speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to privacy? Similar to feelings of surveillance that I expressed to question 1, the normalization of such surveillance in many aspects of our society may cause instances of self-censorship, suppression of dissent or negative feelings towards individuals of higher status, and the exploitation and misuse of personal data. Workers in a workplace may censor the topics they speak about for fear of customers or employers hearing such issues. People may also censor themselves when in a crowd, where phones may be utilized to monitor activity. Fear of reprisal may cause individuals to refrain from speaking out about injustices and dissent for people, policies, or events. The misuse of personal data threatens our right to privacy because we as consumers are unaware of what exactly is being utilized–and even if we do, we are not made aware of how long such data is being held and utilized. 

References

Brown, N. (2020, September 18). Race and Technology. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8uiAjigKy8

Colón-Rodríguez, C. (2023, July 12). Shedding Light on Healthcare Algorithmic and Artificial Intelligence Bias | Office of Minority Health. Minorityhealth.hhs.gov. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/news/shedding-light-healthcare-algorithmic-and-artificial-intelligence-bias

Eubanks, V. (2018). Automating Inequality: how high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. St. Martin’s Press.

‌ Swarns, C. (2023, September 19). When Artificial Intelligence Gets It Wrong. Innocence Project. https://innocenceproject.org/when-artificial-intelligence-gets-it-wrong/

[thaiattorney]

Thailand SMART Visa

1.1 Statutory Foundations

Established under Royal Decree on SMART Visa B.E. 2561 (2018)

Amended by Ministerial Regulation No. 377 (2021) expanding eligible sectors

Operates within Thailand 4.0 Economic Model under BOI oversight

1.2 Governance Structure

Primary Authority: Board of Investment (BOI)

Interagency Coordination:

Immigration Bureau (visa issuance)

Digital Economy Promotion Agency (tech qualifications)

Ministry of Higher Education (academic validation)

Technical Review Committees:

12 sector-specific panels

Investment verification unit

2. Eligibility Criteria & Qualification Pathways

2.1 SMART-T (Experts)

Compensation Thresholds

Base Salary: Minimum THB 200,000/month (USD 5,800)

Alternative Compensation:

Equity valued at 25% premium

Performance bonuses (capped at 40% of base)

2.2 SMART-E (Entrepreneurs)

Startup Metrics

Revenue Test: THB 10M+ ARR

Traction Test: 50,000 MAU

Funding Test: Series A (THB 25M+)

Accelerator Requirements:

DEPA-certified programs

Minimum 6-month incubation

3. Application Process & Technical Review

3.1 Document Authentication Protocol

Educational Credentials:

WES/IQAS evaluation for foreign degrees

Notarized Thai translations (MFA-certified)

Employment Verification:

Social security cross-check

Three professional references

3.2 Biometric Enrollment

Facial Recognition: 12-point capture system

Fingerprinting: 10-print electronic submission

Iris Scanning: Optional for Diamond tier

4. Privilege Structure & Compliance

4.1 Employment Rights Framework

Permitted Activities:

Primary employment (≥80% time)

Academic collaboration (≤20%)

Advisory roles (max 2 concurrent)

Restrictions:

Local employment outside specialty

Political activities

Unapproved commercial research

4.2 Dependent Provisions

Spousal Work Rights:

General employment permitted

No industry restrictions

Child Education:

25% tuition subsidy

University admission priority

4.3 Mobility Features

Airport Processing:

Dedicated SMART lanes at 6 airports

15-minute clearance guarantee

Re-entry Flexibility:

Unlimited exits

72-hour grace period

5. Sector-Specific Implementations

5.1 Biotechnology

Special Privileges:

Lab equipment duty waivers

Fast-track FDA approval

50% R&D tax deduction

5.2 Advanced Manufacturing

Incentives:

Robotics import tax exemption

Industrial land lease discounts

THB 500K training subsidy

5.3 Digital Infrastructure

Cloud Computing:

VAT exemption on services

30% energy cost reduction

Cybersecurity:

Liability protections

Gov't certification fast-track

6. Compliance & Monitoring

6.1 Continuous Reporting

Quarterly:

Employment verification

Investment maintenance

Annual:

Contribution assessment

Salary benchmarking

6.2 Renewal Process

Documentation:

Updated financials

Health insurance (USD 100K)

Performance metrics

Fees:

THB 10,000 renewal

THB 1,900 visa stamp

7. Emerging Developments

71 2024 Enhancements

Blockchain Specialist Category

Climate Tech Fast-Track

EEC Regional Expansion

7.2 Pending Reforms

Dual Intent Provision

Skills Transfer Mandate

Global Talent Pool

8. Strategic Application Approach

8.1 Pre-Submission Optimization

Compensation Restructuring

Patent Portfolio Development

Professional Endorsements

8.2 Post-Approval Planning

Tax Residence Strategy

Asset Protection

Succession Planning

9. Risk Management

9.1 Common Rejection Reasons

Document Issues (32%)

Qualification Gaps (28%)

Financial Irregularities (19%)

9.2 Operational Challenges

Banking Restrictions

Healthcare Access

Cultural Integration

[attorneyssphuket]

Thailand SMART Visa

1.1 Statutory Foundations

Established under Royal Decree on SMART Visa B.E. 2561 (2018)

Amended by Ministerial Regulation No. 377 (2021) expanding eligible sectors

Operates within Thailand 4.0 Economic Model under BOI oversight

1.2 Governance Structure

Primary Authority: Board of Investment (BOI)

Interagency Coordination:

Immigration Bureau (visa issuance)

Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) for tech qualifications

Ministry of Higher Education for academic validation

Technical Review Committees:

Sector-specific panels (12 industries)

Investment verification unit

2. Eligibility Criteria & Qualification Pathways

2.1 SMART-T (Experts)

Compensation Thresholds

Base Salary: Minimum THB 200,000/month (USD 5,800)

Alternative Compensation:

Equity valued at 25% premium to cash salary

Performance bonuses (capped at 40% of base)

2.2 SMART-E (Entrepreneurs)

Startup Metrics

Revenue Test: THB 10M+ ARR

Traction Test: 50,000 MAU

Funding Test: Series A (THB 25M+)

Accelerator Requirements:

DEPA-certified programs

Minimum 6-month incubation

3. Application Process & Technical Review

3.1 Document Authentication Protocol

Educational Credentials:

WES/IQAS evaluation for foreign degrees

Notarized Thai translations (certified by MFA)

Employment Verification:

Social security cross-check (home country)

Three professional references (direct supervisors)

3.2 Biometric Enrollment

Facial Recognition: 12-point capture system

Fingerprinting: 10-print electronic submission

Iris Scanning: Optional for Diamond tier

4. Privilege Structure & Compliance

4.1 Employment Rights Framework

Permitted Activities:

Primary employment with sponsor (≥80% time)

Academic collaboration (≤20% time)

Advisory roles (max 2 concurrent)

Restrictions:

Local employment outside specialty

Political activities

Unapproved commercial research

4.2 Dependent Provisions

Spousal Work Rights:

General employment permitted

No industry restrictions

Child Education:

25% tuition subsidy at partner schools

University admission priority

4.3 Mobility Features

Airport Processing:

Dedicated SMART lanes at 6 airports

15-minute clearance guarantee

Re-entry Flexibility:

Unlimited exits

72-hour grace period

5. Sector-Specific Implementations

5.1 Biotechnology

Special Privileges:

Lab equipment duty waivers

Fast-track FDA approval

50% R&D tax deduction

5.2 Advanced Manufacturing

Incentives:

Robotics import tax exemption

Industrial land lease discounts

THB 500K training subsidy

5.3 Digital Infrastructure

Cloud Computing:

VAT exemption on services

30% energy cost reduction

Cybersecurity:

Liability protections

Gov't certification fast-track

6. Compliance & Monitoring

6.1 Continuous Reporting

Quarterly:

Employment verification

Investment maintenance

Annual:

Contribution assessment

Salary benchmarking

6.2 Renewal Process

Documentation:

Updated financials

Health insurance (USD 100K)

Performance metrics

Fees:

THB 10,000 renewal

THB 1,900 visa stamp

7. Emerging Developments

7.1 2024 Enhancements

Blockchain Specialist Category

Climate Tech Fast-Track

EEC Regional Expansion

7.2 Pending Reforms

Dual Intent Provision

Skills Transfer Mandate

Global Talent Pool

8. Strategic Application Approach

8.1 Pre-Submission Optimization

Compensation Restructuring

Patent Portfolio Development

Professional Endorsements

8.2 Post-Approval Planning

Tax Residence Strategy

Asset Protection

Succession Planning

9. Risk Management

9.1 Common Rejection Reasons

Document Issues (32%)

Qualification Gaps (28%)

Financial Irregularities (19%)

9.2 Operational Challenges

Banking Restrictions

Healthcare Access

Cultural Integration

[beardedmrbean]

June 16 (UPI) -- China's tech company Huawei and SMIC, a contract chip manufacturer, have been added to Taiwan's trade blacklist.

Taiwan put both of these companies on its strategic high-tech commodities entry list. Huawei and SMIC will now need to get export permits from suppliers in Taiwan to receive manufactured goods.

"Huawei and SMIC were among the 601 new foreign entities blacklisted due to their involvement in arms proliferation activities and other national security concerns," Taiwan's International Trade Administration said in a statement.

In addition to being on Taiwan's blacklist, both companies are on a U.S. trade blacklist due to Washington's control on advanced chips.

In November, the U.S. Department of Commerce ordered a halt on chips used for AI services for Chinese customers. According to a report, it could also face a fine from TSMC for supplying Huawei with 2 million compute chips.

The latest restrictions on both companies are expected to have minimal direct impact on TSMC's business, but this has "significant symbolic weight" for the Taiwanese government, according to Brady Wang, associate director at Counterpoint Research.

"It underscores the Taiwanese government's intention to align more closely with international efforts -- particularly those led by the United States -- to curb the transfer of advanced technologies," he said.

"Other Taiwanese firms, especially smaller IC design houses or component suppliers that may have maintained indirect ties to Chinese companies such as Huawei or SMIC, could face tighter scrutiny and increased compliance obligations going forward," he added.

[thailandlaww]

1. Structural Foundations of the SMART Visa Program

1.1 Legislative Architecture

The SMART Visa operates under:

Royal Decree on SMART Visa B.E. 2561 (2018)

Thailand 4.0 Economic Policy Framework

BOI Investment Promotion Act (No. 4) B.E. 2560

1.2 Interagency Governance

Primary Authority: Board of Investment (BOI)

Implementation Partners:

Immigration Bureau (visa issuance)

Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (tech qualifications)

Ministry of Higher Education (academic validation)

2. Category-Specific Qualification Matrix

2.1 SMART-T (Specialists)

Technical Thresholds:

Salary Floor: THB 200,000/month (USD 5,800)

Experience Validation:

5+ years in qualifying field

Patent holders given priority

PhD waivers for certain disciplines

Industry Prioritization:

Biotechnology (Gene Therapy, Precision Medicine)

Advanced Manufacturing (Robotics, 3D Printing)

Digital Infrastructure (AI, Quantum Computing)

2.2 SMART-I (Investors)

Due Diligence Process:

Phase 1: BOI business plan review (45 days)

Phase 2: Anti-money laundering clearance

Phase 3: Investment tracing audit

2.3 SMART-E (Entrepreneurs)

Startup Validation Framework:

Tier 1 Incubators: DEPA, Thai Venture Capital Association

Minimum Traction Metrics:

THB 10M ARR or

50,000 MAU or

Series A funding

Capital Requirements:

Bootstrapped: THB 600,000 liquid

Funded: Minimum THB 5M valuation

3. Advanced Application Mechanics

3.1 Document Authentication Protocol

Educational Credentials:

WES or IQAS evaluation for non-Thai degrees

Notarized Thai translations

Employment History:

Social security cross-verification

Reference checks with former employers

3.2 Technical Review Process

Stage 1: Automated system screening

Stage 2: BOO specialist committee review

Stage 3: Final approval by Deputy Secretary-General

4. Privilege Structure and Limitations

4.1 Work Authorization Scope

Permitted Activities:

Primary employment with sponsor

Consulting (max 20% time allocation)

Academic collaboration

Prohibited Activities:

Local employment outside specialty

Unapproved commercial research

Political activities

4.2 Dependent Provisions

Spousal Work Rights:

General employment permitted

No industry restrictions

Child Education:

International school subsidies

University admission preferences

4.3 Mobility Advantages

Fast-Track Immigration:

Dedicated SMART lanes at 6 major airports

15-minute clearance guarantee

Re-entry Flexibility:

Unlimited exits without visa voidance

Automatic 48-hour grace period

5. Compliance and Renewal Dynamics

5.1 Continuous Eligibility Monitoring

Quarterly Reporting:

Employment verification

Investment maintenance

Research output (for academics)

Annual Review:

Salary benchmark adjustment

Contribution assessment

5.2 Renewal Process

Documentation Refresh: Updated financials, health insurance

Performance Evaluation: Economic impact assessment

Fee Structure: THB 10,000 renewal fee + THB 1,900 visa stamp

5.3 Grounds for Revocation

Material Changes: Employment termination, investment withdrawal

Compliance Failures: Missed reporting, legal violations

National Security Concerns: Classified determinations

6. Comparative Analysis with Global Competitors

6.1 Strategic Advantages

Tax Optimization: 17% flat rate option

Research Incentives: BOO matching grants

Commercialization Support: THBI co-investment

7. Emerging Policy Developments

7.1 2024 Program Enhancements

Blockchain Specialist Category (Q3 rollout)

Climate Tech Fast-Track (Carbon credit linkage)

Regional Expansion: Eastern Economic Corridor focus

7.2 Pending Legislative Changes

Dual Intent Provision: PR application without visa surrender

Skills Transfer Mandate: Local training requirements

Global Talent Pool: Reciprocal agreements in negotiation

8. Practical Application Strategies

8.1 Pre-Application Optimization

Salary Structuring: Base vs variable compensation

Patent Portfolio Development: Thai IP registration

Local Network Building: Thai professional associations

8.2 Post-Approval Planning

Tax Residence Strategy: 180-day calculations

Asset Protection: Thai holding company formation

Succession Planning: Will registration requirements

9. Critical Risk Factors

9.1 Common Rejection Reasons

Document Discrepancies: Date inconsistencies

Qualification Gaps: Unrecognized certifications

Financial Irregularities: Unverified income streams

9.2 Operational Challenges

Banking Restrictions: Foreign account limitations

Healthcare Access: Specialty treatment approvals

Cultural Integration: Workplace adaptation

10. Conclusion: Strategic Implementation Framework

For optimal SMART Visa utilization:

Pre-qualification Audit: 90-day preparation period

BOI Engagement: Pre-submission consultation

Compliance Infrastructure: Digital reporting systems

Contingency Planning: Alternative category eligibility

[thebiggestlies]

@therealgamble

It was past midnight. The city below his penthouse windows spread in shadows, broken by scattered headlights and the distant pulse of warning beacons from high-rise cranes. The rest of the world slept or spawned or toiled in bitter labour.

Lawrence sat at his desk, the lighting low and cold, carefully reading the crisp, cream-colored folder laid open before him. The report had arrived by hand earlier in the evening. No traceable metadata. Just fine paper stock and ink that didn’t copy.

The summary was efficient. Subject neutralized. No collateral. Distance: 421 meters. Weapon: custom-modified bolt-action rifle. Ammunition: silver core, jacketed. Confirmed kill: through the thorax, heart obliterated. The body had fallen cleanly onto the rooftop of a decommissioned station. No witnesses, no retrieval needed. The shooter had left the scene before the body cooled.

Lawrence read the last line again. “Contractor reports no deviation from expected behavior.”

He closed the file without expression, then rose from the desk, folder in hand, and crossed to the fireplace. The flames had been stoked recently, Mary had seen to that. He dropped the entire record into the fire without ceremony. The report caught quickly, curling into black at the edges. Lawrence stood a moment longer, watching it turn to soot, ash, and inadmissible as evidence.

Then he returned to the desk and opened a private directory on his laptop. A single video file blinked to life. The footage was silent, distant. Captured by a mounted camera Brian didn’t know existed. Lawrence had placed it there for this purpose alone.

On-screen, the rooftop scene unfolded in black and white. The werewolf, still in mostly human form, loped across the concrete in shadow. A half-second later, the bullet hit. The creature dropped mid-stride, mid-breath, without drama. Dead before it knew it had been hunted.

Brian’s silhouette was visible only briefly. His face unreadable. He dismantled the rifle with practiced grace. Deliberate. Emotionless. No questions had been asked before the assignment. None afterward.

Lawrence let the footage loop once, then again, considering every frame.

It had been a male target. That wasn’t accidental. There was no practical reason, merely curiosity. Lawrence was still mapping the borders of Brian’s compliance. Not every test had teeth. Some merely marked the distance between command and obedience.

He watched until the screen dimmed. Hit delete. Then shut the computer, fingers tapping once, twice, against the desk.

Perhaps it was time to unleash and see where Brian’s loyalty truly lay.