Russian regulator blocks Google News

Russia’s communications regulator has blocked Google News, accusing the news aggregator service of spreading false information about Moscow’s war in Ukraine, according to Russian news agency Interfax. Interfax has said that Roskomnadzor, a Russian regulator, acted on a request from the office of Russia’s prosecutor general. Confirming that “some people are having difficulty accessing the Google News app and website in Russia,” Google confirmed in a statement that it was not the result of technical issues on their end. It follows news that Google would not assist websites, apps, or YouTube channels deemed to “exploit, dismiss or condone the conflict in Ukraine,” and that it would stop selling all online ads in Russia. Read more at Al Jazeera.

Australia takes steps towards regulating cryptocurrency 

Australia is making moves to start regulating cryptocurrency after it announced it was seeking feedback on a proposed new licensing program for what it calls crypto asset secondary service providers (CASSPrs). The government’s recently released consultation paper on new licensing and custody requirements for the crypto assets industry is the first set of proposed reforms after three large-scale reviews of Australia’s payment system framework in 2021. It calls for a new licensing regime for CASSPrs, more options to regulate the crypto industry, and an expansion of the obligations on CASSPrs. Read more about it at Lexology 

Ontario financial regulator to oversee use of financial advisor, planner titles

Ontario’s financial regulator now requires individuals using the financial planner or financial advisor title to be overseen by a credentialing body. The province’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is implementing new regulations to oversee those who use the titles of financial advisor or planner. In recent years, citizens in the province have voiced concerns about the lack of oversight in the industry, advocating the need to prove that individuals using the titles have the appropriate expertise.

Under new rules, all financial planners and advisors in the province will have to meet a minimum standard of education and would also be subject to a complaints and discipline process. They will also have to abide by a code of conduct as part of the regulator’s measures to bolster standards and accountability mechanisms. The provincial government   was clear about its intention to regulate individuals in the professions in its 2019 budget. The new standards come into effect today. Read more at Global News.

UK regulator warns 50 crypto companies about ‘misleading’ ads

Britain’s advertising watchdog has sent enforcement notices to more than 50 cryptocurrency companies as part of a regulatory crackdown on promotions in the industry. The Advertising Standards Authority said it told the various firms to review their ads and ensure they comply with the rules, while threatening them with targeted sanctions if the so-called “problem ads” persist at which point non-compliant advertisers would be referred to the Financial Conduct Authority, another regulator. The news follows recent moves by the U.K. to regulate cryptocurrency more closely, and it plans to govern crypto ads with the same rules applied to financial promotions, meaning advertisers in the industry would have to be authorized by regulators.

New Hampshire bill would create state-run cannabis market

A House committee in New Hampshire approved an amended bill that will create a state-run marijuana market for adult consumers. Many have been pushing to create a regulated market within the state. The proposed legislation already cleared the state chamber this month, but was sent to the Ways and Means Committee since it contained budgetary elements. With the committee’s support, the bill soon moves to the House for a second floor vote, the passage of which will advance it to the Senate. Prior to the vote, the House panel on Monday specifically discussed issues such as the potential revenue that taxing and regulating cannabis would bring to the state. Read more on the story and learn about Illinois’ own legalization challenges.

Consequences:

• A federal jury convicted a former Utah dentist of five tax charges for what prosecutors allege were efforts to avoid paying millions in taxes.(Standard-Examiner)
• A central Iowa man has been permanently barred from working as a heating contractor after being accused of causing the death of a customer. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• Ohio’s Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for inappropriate sexual activity with a client and lying about it during the investigation. (Times Reporter)

Also noteworthy:

• Nurses frustrated by months-long delays to get licensed in some states (NPR)
• Opinion: New York lawmakers must support future generations of immigrant students and workers (City Limits)
• Why an investigation into cheating on Ontario bar exams may point to a $15 billion online industry (Toronto Star)
• Digital identity: what the UK government needs to get right in One Login programme (Global Government Forum)

Got a news tip? Write us at editor@ascend.thentia.com.