Latest news with #MARS
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Privacy commissioner says smart vending machines went ‘over and above what you needed to sell snacks'
Ontario's privacy watchdog is sharing new insight on the investigation into the so-called smart vending machines that collected the personal data of users at the University of Waterloo. '[They] went over and above what you needed to sell snacks,' the privacy commissioner told CTV News. Those machines should have never been installed, she said, if the school had followed proper procedures. History of the case Students were alarmed last year when they saw an error message displayed on a machine in the Modern Languages building that read: ' – Application Error.' vending machine facial recognition A vending machine at University of Waterloo displays a facial recognition app error. (Reddit) They filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) in Feb. 2024, alleging the vending machines were using facial recognition technology to collect images without their consent. The ensuing investigation determined the university had signed an agreement with Adaria to provide, maintain, monitor and stock the vending machines in Oct. 2023. The University of Waterloo told the IPC that Adaria had purchased or leased the machines from candymaker MARS and MARS contracted another company, Invenda to build and supply the machines. smart intelligent vending machine uw university of waterloo Intelligent Vending Machine (IVM) at the University of Waterloo. (Colton Wiens/CTV News) The school insisted they were not aware they contained facial recognition technology, and the machines were removed from campus when they learned about the students' concerns. smart intelligent vending machine uw university of waterloo Intelligent Vending Machines (IVMs) after being removed from the University of Waterloo. (Source: UW) According to IPC's report, the vending machines recorded purchase and demographic data. 'There was no dispute that the IVMs [Intelligent Vending Machines] captured video images of individuals' faces on the university's campus,' the report read. 'However, the university argued that the resolution of the optical sensor in the IVMs was too low for the device to be considered a camera or create identifiable images of individuals.' The investigator noted the images were of 'photographic quality' but were only held for milliseconds before being converted into grayscale images and numeric descriptors. facial recognition An example of the photos taken by facial recognition software (left) and conversion into grayscale images (right). (Source: Canadian Legal Information Institute) 'Our investigation into this matter has found no evidence to suggest that personal information, beyond the initial temporary capture of facial images, was retained and further used by these vendors,' the report said. The IPC ruled the university violated the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, as it failed to do its due diligence to identify potential risks. More from the investigation Ontario's privacy commissioner spoke exclusively with CTV News about the investigation. Patricia Kosseim said the 'over-collection' of personal information was concerning. 'There were other optional features that, to our knowledge, we did not find were turned on in this case,' she said. 'These machines could also detect student's moods, from very happy to very sad, and facial features like a beard or a mustache, or if somebody was wearing sunglasses or not.' vending machine facial recognition Fourth-year University of Waterloo student River Stanley explains where students have been trying to cover a hole on a vending machine that they believe houses a camera. (Colton Wiens/CTV Kitchener) The University of Waterloo, the privacy commissioner added, was not the only school to use the vending machines. 'We've gotten a lot of emails from people that have seen them all over the province.' vending machine facial recognition Students believe there is a camera inside this hole on the vending machine. (Colton Wiens/CTV Kitchener) For Kosseim, the problem started before the contract was signed for the smart vending machines. 'Had they had proper due diligence in the course of their procurement practice… they would have probably twigged onto the fact that there was technology behind them, smart technology, that should have prompted the university to conduct a privacy impact assessment and then, unpack all of these features which would have given them the choice, the option to say, 'No, you can't do this,'' she explained. 'Then they would have seen that there were quite significant risks and… either mitigated the risks by not turning on those features or maybe going with another vendor altogether and avoiding all these problems.' Public institutions in Ontario have limitations on what personal information they can collect. 'They can only do it for a lawfully authorized activity,' Kosseim said. 'Universities are allowed to have cafeteria services and vending machines and provide food for its students on campus, and to collect payment information to pay for those services. But they were not lawfully authorized to go beyond that and collect all this additional information, which was not necessary for the purpose of buying a can of Coke or a bag of chips. That's where the law really draws the line in Ontario for public institutions.' She said the IPC's investigation should serve as a warning to other schools. 'Despite the best intentions, and sometimes unbeknownst to the institution itself, there could be these technologies in the background, in the dark so to speak, which really undermine students' trust or public trust more generally,' Kosseim explained. 'One of our strong recommendations to the institution, the university, going forward was to follow that guidance in the future so that similar oversights won't happen again.' Changes to privacy rules The investigation by the IPC only focused on what the university should have done to avoid potential privacy problems. 'We did not investigate the vending machine manufacturer or the provider or supplier,' Kosseim said. 'Those commercial activities fall under the jurisdiction of the federal commission.' The IPC also does not have the ability to do anything more than provide recommendations. That will change, however, on July 1. 'I'll have the ability, the authority, to exchange information with my federal counterparts or, in fact, any of my provincial or territorial counterparts,' Kosseim explained, adding that the federal commission could then investigate commercial or third-party vendors. 'A joint investigation can come up with consistent findings and work together, which is good for the institution as well.' The privacy commissioner can also go beyond recommendations. 'There are provisions that will come into force that will allow my office to conduct investigations with quite extensive investigative powers,' said Kosseim. 'And the power to issue binding orders, including to order institutions to stop certain practices or to change their practice, or to modify [their practice].' Institutions will also be required to do more due diligence. 'They will have to conduct privacy impact assessments… before collecting personal information or before making significant changes, to the purpose for which they will use or disclose that personal information,' Kosseim said. '[They] have an obligation to notify the students in this case, or the public or citizens or users of government services, of these collection practices and of these technologies. So, there is a positive obligation on institutions to provide public notice of what they're doing and explain the information practice.' The smart vending machine investigation is one of the last she will participate in before the new rules go into effect. Kosseim also praised those who first raised privacy concerns, saying they should be 'proud' of their efforts in this case. 'I want to just highlight how fortunate we were that the students brought this issue to our attention,' she said. 'That kind of proactivity on the part of everyday Ontarians is really important, to stand up for the rights of everybody.' MARS, Invenda and Adaria did not respond to requests for comment from CTV News. - With reporting from Colton Wiens
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Top Eyeshadow Palettes for Every Look
Whether you're going for a natural daytime look or a dramatic evening glam, eyeshadow allows endless creativity through blending, layering, and contouring. Modern eyeshadow palettes often include matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes, making them versatile for any occasion. With the right eyeshadow, you can highlight your eye shape, complement your outfit, and express your unique style effortlessly. 1. L'Oréal Paris La Petite Eyeshadow Palette Image Source: Order Now The L'Oréal Paris La Petite Palette is a compact and travel-friendly eyeshadow palette that delivers high-impact color in a sleek, elegant design. Each palette includes 5 curated shades ranging from matte to shimmer finishes, allowing you to create both everyday and bold looks with ease. The ultra-smooth texture blends effortlessly and offers decent pigmentation with minimal fallout, making it suitable for both beginners and pros. Key Features: 5 versatile, curated shades Mix of matte and shimmer finishes Silky texture with easy blendability Compact and perfect for on-the-go use Stylish packaging with mirror Cons: Limited shade range compared to larger palettes Some shimmer shades may require layering for full intensity Slightly higher price for a smaller quantity 2. MARS 12 Shades Back to Basics Eyeshadow Palette (with Free Applicator) Image Source: Order Now The MARS Back to Basics Palette is an affordable yet impressive option for those who want a versatile range of neutral shades. With 12 shades including matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, this palette is great for everyday wear or soft glam. The pigmentation is surprisingly rich for its price point, and the formula blends well with both brushes and fingers. A free applicator adds convenience, especially for quick touch-ups. Key Features: 12 wearable, neutral-toned shades Variety of finishes: matte, shimmer, and metallic Blendable formula with good color payoff Budget-friendly with great value Comes with a free dual-ended applicator Cons: Packaging feels a bit flimsy Some shimmer shades may have fallout No mirror included 3. SWISS BEAUTY Select 12 Shades Eyeshadow Palette Image Source: Order Now The SWISS BEAUTY Select Eyeshadow Palette offers a combination of highly pigmented shades in a mix of textures that work for both everyday use and festive makeup. It includes a wide range of colors—from soft neutrals to bold jewel tones—making it a go-to option for those who enjoy experimenting with looks. The formula is smooth and buildable, and it performs well on both bare lids and with primer. Key Features: 12 richly pigmented shades Variety of shades for day-to-night transitions Matte and shimmer options included Smooth, buildable texture Great color variety in a single palette Cons: Lighter shades may need layering Slight fallout with glitter shades Doesn't come with a brush or mirror 4. Maybelline New York City Mini Palette Eyeshadow Image Source: Order Now The Maybelline City Mini Palette is a compact, highly curated palette that offers 6 coordinated shades inspired by city vibes. Each palette is theme-based (e.g., Rooftop Bronzes, Chill Brunch Neutrals) and perfect for quick makeup looks without the need to overthink combinations. The shades are blendable, with moderate pigmentation and smooth texture, ideal for daily wear and touch-ups. Key Features: 6 city-inspired, complementary shades Compact and perfect for handbags or travel Blendable and soft textures Great for quick, effortless eye looks Available in multiple color themes Cons: Smaller quantity of product May not be bold enough for dramatic looks Some matte shades are less pigmented Eyeshadow is a powerful makeup tool that can instantly elevate your entire look, whether you're aiming for soft and natural or bold and dramatic. Each of the palettes reviewed—L'Oréal Paris La Petite, MARS Back to Basics, SWISS BEAUTY Select, and Maybelline City Mini—offers something unique, catering to different styles, occasions, and budgets. From the everyday versatility of MARS and Maybelline to the bold pigment variety of SWISS BEAUTY and the elegant precision of L'Oréal, there's a perfect palette for everyone. With the right combination of shades and finishes, eyeshadow allows you to express your creativity, enhance your features, and complete your makeup look with flair and confidence. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Shark washes up along Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore
A shark was discovered along Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. The Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) received a call about the animal in the Port Dufferin area Saturday evening. It said the animal was reported dead and appears to have been there for a few days. MARS said it was a mako shark. 'We don't often get reports of dead or distressed makos anywhere in the Maritimes, so this is not a common occurrence,' said MARS Executive Director Tonya Wimmer in an email to CTV News. 'Makos aren't often reported in nearshore waters, though there have been some sightings over the years.' According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), a shortfin mako shark is a 'sleek spindle shaped shark with a long conical snout' that has 'short pectoral fins and a crescent shaped caudal fin.' DFO said makos typically live in tropical and temperate offshore waters. 'In the western Atlantic it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank, along the continental shelf of Nova Scotia and even into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In Canadian waters these sharks are not abundant as they prefer warm waters, but neither are they rare,' reads the DFO website. DFO noted in some years, warm water conditions can bring them closer to shore. 'In 2002 for example, several makos were caught during blue shark fishing derbies and as part of recreational shark fishing trips about [16 kilometres] outside of Halifax Harbour. However, no makos have been observed within [1.6 kilometres] of shore.' At this time, it is not known what caused this shark to wash ashore in Nova Scotia. MARS said it has documented and sampled the animal, and it will be disposed of locally. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MARS Company Announces VEROflow Mobile App: Revolutionizing Meter Field Testing for Water Municipalities
Advanced Mobile Technology for Precision, Efficiency, and Compliance in the Field OCALA, Fla., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MARS Company, a recognized leading innovator in flow measurement and water meter testing accuracy solutions, is excited to announce the release of the VEROflow Mobile Tester App, the ultimate mobile companion for the VEROflow-4 Field Testing Unit. Designed specifically for water municipalities, this cutting-edge app streamlines large meter testing, making it a seamless, accurate, and efficient process. It empowers field technicians to achieve operational excellence while ensuring compliance with industry standards. The VEROflow Mobile Tester App, now available on the App Store for iOS devices (version 16.0 or later), integrates advanced features with an intuitive interface to meet the demands of modern field testing. Optimized for iPhone and iPad, this app delivers unmatched functionality with secure local data storage, making it an indispensable tool for water management professionals. Key Features and Benefits: Smart OCR Meter Recognition: Automatically captures meter readings, serial numbers, and more with intelligent value extraction—just snap a photo, and the app does the rest. MARS AI Chat: Offers instant support with an intelligent AI assistant, providing answers on app usage, best practices, and step-by-step guidance for VEROflow-4 hardware. Advanced Geolocation Integration: Leverages GPS tracking, Google Maps integration, and reverse address lookup to document the precise location of each test. Comprehensive Analytics Dashboard: Provides real-time insights with customizable charts (line, bar, scatter) to track accuracy and visualize trends. Comprehensive Reporting and Test History: Access searchable test records with chronological tracking, exportable as PDF or CSV reports, and share directly from your iPhone via email or other apps. Seamless iOS Integration and Offline Capability: Works flawlessly on iPhone and iPad, with full offline functionality that stores all data locally for maximum security. "The VEROflow Mobile Tester App is a game-changer for water municipalities performing in-field large meter testing," said Dave Corey, CEO at MARS Company. "By combining precision technology with a user-centric design, we're empowering field technicians to test smarter, work faster, and ensure compliance—all while keeping their data secure. This app is the future of in-field large meter testing." Available now on the Apple App Store, the VEROflow Mobile Tester App is the go-to solution for water municipalities looking to streamline their field-testing operations. Download today and pair with your VEROflow-4 Field Testing Unit to experience unparalleled precision and efficiency. MARS Company will exhibit at the AWWA ACE25 Trade show from June 9th – 11th, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, at booth #3344. For more information about this innovative solution and how it can revolutionize your meter testing process, please visit our website at or contact our sales team at sales@ About MARS CompanyAs the global leader in water meter measurement for sustainable revenue recovery, MARS Company continues to innovate and transform the water meter measurement industry worldwide through the unparalleled design, development, and manufacturing of patented analytical enterprise software and ultra-high-precision measurement equipment. Whether the test bench solutions or enterprise software systems, each offering from MARS provides customers with state-of-the-art business intelligence, powerful data visualization, and highly advanced solutions to some of the most common yet costly water management issues. CONTACT: Jeff Butt, Vice President of Operations; Tel: (813) 466-9808, 396411@ This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "planned," "expects," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipates," and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that may cause MARS Company's actual results to be materially different from historical results or any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. MARS Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof. The potential risks and uncertainties which could cause actual growth and results to differ materially include but are not limited to, customer acceptance of the company's services, products and fee structures, the success of the company's brand development efforts, the volatile and competitive nature of the water industry, and changes in domestic and international market conditions, and foreign exchange rates. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE MARS Company
India.com
03-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Best Foundations to Buy During Myntra End of Reason Sale 2025
Whether you're looking for a daily wear foundation or a long-lasting formula for special occasions, the Myntra End of Reason Sale offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. Happy shopping! 1. SWISS BEAUTY High Coverage Waterproof Base Foundation Image Source: Order Now SWISS BEAUTY's High Coverage Waterproof Base Foundation is designed for those who want a flawless, long-lasting finish without spending a fortune. This foundation offers full coverage that conceals blemishes, redness, and uneven tone with ease. It's lightweight yet buildable, making it a great option for both daily wear and special occasions. Key Features: High coverage formula that hides imperfections effectively Waterproof and sweat-resistant, ideal for all-day wear Lightweight texture that blends seamlessly into the skin Matte finish, great for oily and combination skin Long-lasting with minimal touch-ups required Cons: May cling to dry patches if not prepped with moisturizer Limited shade range for deeper skin tones 2. MARS Beige Matte Mousse Foundation Image Source: Order Now The MARS Matte Mousse Foundation offers a velvety matte finish with a light-as-air feel. Its mousse texture makes it easy to blend and build, giving your skin a smooth, pore-blurring effect. Best suited for normal to oily skin types, it controls shine while still looking natural and soft throughout the day. Key Features: Air-whipped mousse texture that glides smoothly Soft matte finish that minimizes the appearance of pores Buildable coverage from medium to full Shine-control properties for oily skin Compact and travel-friendly packaging Cons: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types Oxidation can occur on some skin tones after wear 3. Insight Cosmetics Long Lasting HD Dewy Finish Foundation Image Source: Order Now This HD foundation from Insight Cosmetics is crafted to give your skin a radiant, camera-ready glow. It provides a dewy finish with buildable coverage that looks natural yet polished. Perfect for dry to normal skin, it keeps the complexion hydrated and luminous all day, while blurring minor imperfections. Key Features: Dewy, radiant finish for a healthy glow HD technology for a smooth, flawless look in photos and videos Long-lasting wear, ideal for daily use and special events Lightweight and blendable texture Affordable without compromising on quality Cons: Not suitable for oily skin as it may cause excess shine May require setting powder for longer wear 4. Mamaearth Glow Serum Foundation with Vitamin C & Turmeric Image Source: Order Now Mamaearth's Glow Serum Foundation combines makeup with skincare, offering medium coverage and a radiant finish that lasts up to 12 hours. Enriched with Vitamin C and Turmeric, it brightens and evens skin tone over time while delivering a natural glow. This foundation is best for everyday use and suits those who prefer light, skin-loving formulas. Key Features: Infused with Vitamin C and Turmeric for skincare benefits 12-hour long stay with radiant, natural finish Lightweight and breathable texture Suitable for sensitive and all skin types Dermatologically tested and toxin-free Cons: Medium coverage may not conceal heavy blemishes May need touch-ups for oily skin by the end of the day The foundation you choose sets the tone—literally—for your entire makeup look. Whether you're after high coverage, a dewy glow, or a matte finish, there's a perfect formula for every skin type and occasion. This season, with the Myntra End of Reason Sale (31st May to 12th June 2025), it's the ideal time to explore and invest in some of the best-performing foundations at incredible prices. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
