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Bumble Shares What to Expect from Dating in 2023

YourUpdateTV

Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, has released its top trends that will define dating in the new year, based on its global survey conducted amongst more than 14,000 Bumble members. Recently, Shan Boodram, Bumble’s Sex and Relationship Expert, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the rising trends that will shape dating in the new year. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/2fXJC2SaVpc When it comes to dating in 2023, Bumble suggests we should expect… 1. Open casting: It's time to do away with the tall, dark and handsome requirements. Unlike ‘typecasting,’ which narrows the search for our physical "type," more than 1 in 3 (38%) respondents worldwide are now ‘open casting’ - i.e., dating beyond their type. 2. Love-life Balance: There’s been a significant shift in how we think about and value work. Gone are the days when job titles and demanding workdays are seen as status symbols. More than half of respondents worldwide (52%) are actively creating more space for breaks and rest, and more than 1 in 10 (13%) will no longer date someone with a very demanding job. 3. Wanderlove: With many people now working remotely, this flexibility in location has also broadened who and where people date, with 1 in 3 (33%) global respondents saying that they are now more open to travel and relationships with people who are not in their current city. 4. Cash-candid dating: The rising cost of living has led to more honest and open conversations about money and dating, with 1 in 4 (28%) global respondents setting financial boundaries for their dating lives. This doesn't mean that people are dating any less, but rather that they’re changing how they date, with a majority (57%) sharing that they are more interested in casual dates than something fancy or expensive. 5. New Year, New Me(n)/Modern Masculinity: Conversations about gender norms and expectations have been front and center. Over the last year, 3 in 4 (74%) men worldwide on Bumble say they have examined their behavior more than ever and have a clearer understanding of ‘toxic masculinity’ and what is unacceptable. Additionally, half (49%) of men agree that breaking gender roles in dating and relationships benefit them, too. 6. Ethical Sex-ploration: How we talk, think about, and have sex is changing. Globally, more of us are approaching sex, intimacy, and dating in an open and exploratory way (42%), and sex is no longer taboo. However, this doesn’t mean we’re all having more sex. 34% of respondents worldwide are not having sex, and they are fine with this. Below are some tried and true tips as you’re preparing to date ahead of the new year and into Dating Sunday, which is typically known as the busiest day for the online dating industry and is expected to occur on January 8, 2023. "Whether you're new to online dating or a seasoned veteran and your profile just needs a refresh, these tips can help enhance your profile, all while representing your authentic self," says Boodram. ● Make your first photo stand out: The best images are recent and also show a slice of your life; if your dog is the center of your world, include a cute snap of you and the pup. Eye contact can also foster the feeling of connection and establish a sense of trust, so show off your smile, your eyes (without sunglasses), and your whole face (without a filter). ● Get specific about yourself. In your bio, try highlighting aspects of your life that make you stand out. If you like to cook, what’s your favorite dish to make? Give specific examples or anecdotes to set yourself apart from other daters, and use these details to create a more colorful narrative of what you’re like. ● When connecting with others, “positivity” and “empathy” go a long way when dating. In fact, data shows that these two are the most important traits for Bumble members worldwide according to those who adopted the “Values and Traits” Interest Badge on the app in 2022.2 For more information, visit Bumble.com or download the app. About Shan Boodram: Shan Boodram is a certified sex educator, dating coach and intimacy expert. Boodram is host of the top podcast, "Lovers and Friends" and the best-selling author of “The Game of Desire.” She was previously a resident expert on Netflix's “Too Hot to Handle” in addition to starring in Peacock’s show “Ex-Rated with Andy Cohen". She is an ambassador for AIDS Healthcare Foundation and WomensHealth.gov, and a member of the American Sexual Health Association. About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They've built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and strives to provide them with an experience free from hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and widely available in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and the web. Unless otherwise noted, research was conducted by Bumble using internal polling between 12th October - 1st November 2022 with a sample of 14,300 Bumble users around the world, including the United States. 2 Based on proprietary insights from the Bumble app Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 14, 2022 01:27 PM Eastern Standard Time

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COMCAST IS LAUNCHING NEW MULTI-GIG INTERNET SPEEDS TO DENVER AREA HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Comcast Colorado

On the heels of increasing internet speeds for the majority of customers in Colorado, today Comcast launched an additional multi-gig internet speed tier for Xfinity and Comcast Business customers throughout the Denver Metro Area. Comcast is now delivering download speeds up to 2 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) and up to 5x to 10x faster upload speeds to customers throughout the Denver metro area. “Our network is made for anything, so you can do anything,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President Comcast Mountain West Region. “Comcast continues to be ahead of customer demand, which enables our network to meet our customers’ needs for fast, reliable internet connections. My own kids and family are working, learning, chatting, watching movies or playing games online whenever we are in the house. I know others have the same experience. Comcast’s investments in our network will provide peace of mind to Coloradans that they can stay reliably connected through the technology they have today and be able to meet their needs tomorrow.” The new multi-gig tier and faster upload speeds are part of the largest- and fastest multi-gig network and WiFi deployment in the United States, which Comcast launched earlier in 2022. As an additional component of this initiative, the company plans to introduce multi-gig symmetrical services in the second half of 2023. As markets launch, Xfinity Internet customers who subscribe to xFi Complete will have their upload speeds increased between 5 and 10 times faster. xFi Complete includes an xFi gateway, advanced cybersecurity protection at home and on the go, tech auto-upgrades for a new gateway after three years, and wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with an xFi Pod included if recommended. “By investing in infrastructure upgrades that ensure secure, reliable connectivity for all our residents and businesses, installing free Community WiFi Lift Zones in neighborhoods with the most connectivity needs, and supporting area families with their Internet Essentials Program, Comcast has shown a commitment to the Denver metro area to ensuring Colorado is prepared for tomorrow – today,” said J. J. Ament, President and CEO, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Speeds Supported by an Unbeatable WiFi Experience While fast speeds are table stakes, Comcast is regularly introducing new capabilities to help our customers manage their increasingly connected homes: Next-Level Cybersecurity: Advanced cybersecurity that blocks threats at the gateway, before they reach devices, to keep everyone safe and secure online. WiFi Controls: A dashboard for all the devices connected to the home network with built-in capabilities to pause access, set up parental controls or automate screen-time rules. Wall-to-Wall Coverage: A reliable connection for all connected devices and coverage throughout the home with Xfinity xFi Pod WiFi extenders. Most Recommended Mobile: A top-ranked mobile service according to the ACSI, Xfinity Mobile combines the most reliable 5G with more than 20 million WiFi hotspots to deliver the fastest mobile speeds in Comcast service areas and save people hundreds of dollars per year. Unbeatable Entertainment: 4K streaming to enjoy content in one place and an award-winning voice remote to navigate between them seamlessly. Plus, thousands of hours of free entertainment. More information about the industry’s efforts toward a 10G future can be found here. Visit Xfinity to learn more and sign up for these exciting new products. Facts about Comcast in Colorado: • Comcast has more than 1,200 miles of fiber in the City of Denver – nearly 9,000 miles throughout the state of Colorado. • More than 2.3 million homes and businesses have access to Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services statewide. • Comcast has invested more than $1.2 billion in its network in Colorado alone in the last three years. • We make continuous strategic investments in building broadband network capacity to stay ahead of demand — effectively doubling our capacity every 2.5 years. • Since 2011, Comcast has connected nearly 600,000 income-constrained Coloradans to the Internet through its Internet Essentials Program – the nation’s largest and most successful private-sector low-income broadband adoption program. The program provides income-eligible people the ability to connect to the Internet for $9.95 per month. Additionally, Comcast participates in the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program which provides those who are eligible a $30 per month credit for the Internet service. • As part of Comcast’s ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the internet, Comcast also worked with our network of nonprofit, community, and city partners to equip nearly 100 locations across Colorado with WiFi connected Lift Zones where students and adults can get online, participate in learning and workforce development trainings, and access critical resources. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

December 14, 2022 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

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COMCAST IS ROLLING OUT MULTI-GIG INTERNET SPEEDS TO SALT LAKE CITY HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Comcast Utah

Today Comcast launched an additional multi-gig Internet speed tier over its fiber-backed network to Xfinity and Comcast Business customers in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City is the first community in Utah where Comcast is beginning to deliver download speeds of up to 2 Gbps over the network connections already existing in homes and businesses today. Once the rollout is complete, these multi-gig speeds will be available in all of Comcast’s service area in Salt Lake City, as well as throughout Comcast’s entire footprint in Utah. The new offerings are part of a nationwide rollout that will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses before the end of 2025 – making it the largest- and fastest-ever multi-gig network and WiFi deployment in the United States. In addition to multi-gigabit download speeds, Comcast is introducing faster upload speeds in Salt Lake City to Xfinity Internet customers who choose xFi Complete. New speeds will be paired with Comcast’s multi-gig Wi-Fi experience, which delivers the industry’s best combination of speed, coverage, and control, powered by one of the world’s first Wi-Fi 6E Gateways. Xfinity and Comcast Business customers will receive up to 5x to 10X faster upload speeds than their current levels. Comcast will begin offering 10G-enabled multi-gig symmetrical services in 2023. Network data shows downstream traffic remains 14X greater than upload, so the introduction of symmetrical upload speeds will be well in advance of demand. "One key takeaway from the pandemic remains clear: high-speed internet access is critical for everyone," said J.D. Keller, senior vice president, Comcast Mountain West Division. "Utah businesses need reliable, high-speed internet services -- students need to complete homework -- and families need to connect to loved ones around the globe. Comcast's continued investments in our network ensure Utahns have the technology to participate in today's digital world." “Investing in technology and infrastructure ensures Salt Lake City maintains the fastest and most reliable internet service for our residents,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “In my work as a founding member of the Utah Broadband Coalition, I’ve seen how the benefits of Comcast’s investments extend to businesses, government organizations, students and all Utahns; including seniors, veterans and those in low-income households. We greatly appreciate Comcast’s announcement today because it prepares us for tomorrow’s demands.” Faster speeds are just one of the consumer benefits made possible through Comcast’s continued efforts to evolve its entire network to 10G. 10G is a next-generation technology platform supported by a global collaboration of companies in the Internet industry focused on building networks that stay ahead of consumer demand for connectivity. Over the past several years, Comcast has been transitioning to a digital network technology – powered by a virtualized platform – that delivers greater reliability and increased performance. With it, rather than maintaining, updating, and replacing traditional analog network appliances by hand – which can take days or even weeks – Comcast engineers can reliably maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade core network components almost instantly, with a few keystrokes on a laptop or mobile app. This also makes the network much more energy efficient and is an important element of Comcast’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2035. Because Comcast is evolving its entire network architecture, equipment, and customer devices, it’s uniquely positioned to deliver these advancements in speed, reliability, and performance to everyone it serves, not just a select few. And because much of this work is powered by software, these changes can be made with far less disruption to customers than other technologies. The new multi-gig speeds are available today to Xfinity and Comcast Business customers in parts of Salt Lake City and will be rolled out to Comcast markets across the country through 2025. Visit Xfinity or Comcast Business to learn more and sign up for these exciting new products. More about Comcast in Utah: · Comcast has nearly 700 miles of fiber in Salt Lake City – nearly 5,000 miles throughout the state of Utah. · More than 1 million homes and businesses have access to Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services statewide, including more than 100,000 in Salt Lake City. · Comcast has invested more than $389.6M in its network in Utah alone in the last three years. · We make continuous strategic investments in building broadband network capacity to stay ahead of demand — effectively doubling our capacity every 2.5 years. · Since 2011, Comcast has connected nearly 160,000 income-constrained Utahns to the Internet through its Internet Essentials Program –the nation’s largest and most successful private-sector low-income broadband adoption program. The program provides income-eligible people the ability to connect to the Internet for $9.95 per month. Additionally, Comcast participates in the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program which provides those who are eligible a $30 per month credit for the Internet service. · As part of Comcast’s ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the internet, Comcast also worked with our network of nonprofit, community, and city partners to equip nearly 39 locations across Utah with WiFi- connected Lift Zones where students and adults can get online, participate in learning and workforce development trainings, and access critical resources. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Deneiva Knight +1 520-345-9792 deneiva_knight@comcast.com Company Website https://utah.comcast.com/

December 13, 2022 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

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CSG RECEIVES “AA” ESG RATING FROM MSCI

CSG

CSG ® (NASDAQ: CSGS) today announced that it has received a “AA” ESG rating from MSCI, an upgrade from CSG’s “A” rating in 2021. MSCI, a provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, uses a “AAA” to “CCC” ratings scale to measure over 8,500 companies according to their exposure to industry-specific and financially material ESG risks, and their ability to manage those risks relative to peers. MSCI’s ESG ratings reports help institutional investors identify companies’ ESG risks and opportunities. “We are honored to receive a “AA” ESG rating from MSCI,” said Brian Shepherd, CEO, CSG. “CSG is a purpose-driven SaaS company that strives to create a better, more future-ready world for our customers, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Over the last two years, we have improved our MSCI rating from “BBB” in 2020 to “AA” this year. CSG is deeply committed to elevating every part of our business with ESG, diversity, equity, and inclusion being foundational to our culture. We are excited to continue our journey to help make the world more sustainable and inclusive.” Guided by its membership in the UN Global Compact and the Ten Principles of the Compact, CSG is focused on three core areas of corporate responsibility: community impact, environmental stewardship, and digital inclusion. About CSG CSG empowers companies to build unforgettable experiences, making it easier for people and businesses to connect with, use and pay for the services they value most. Our customer experience, billing and payments solutions help companies of any size make money and make a difference. With our SaaS solutions, company leaders can take control of their future, and tap into guidance along the way from our more than 5k-strong experienced global CSG services team. Want to learn more about how to be a change maker and industry shaper like our 1,000-plus clients? Visit csgi.com to learn more. Copyright © 2022 CSG Systems International, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“CSG”). All rights reserved. CSG® is a registered trademark of CSG Systems International, Inc. All third-party trademarks, service marks, and/or product names which are referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners, and all rights therein are reserved. Contacts: John Rea Investor Relations +1 (210) 687-4409 john.rea@csgi.com Contact Details Tammy Hovey +1 917-520-2751 tammy.hovey@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

December 13, 2022 07:25 AM Mountain Standard Time

tvScientific Announces Michael Bilow as its First Head of Data Science and the Formation of its Data Science Advisory Board

tvScientific

tvScientific, the leading connected TV performance advertising platform, today announced the strategic appointment of industry veteran Michael Bilow, as its first head of data science, as well as the official launch of its Data Science Advisory Board. Together Bilow and the board will provide strategic guidance over tvScientific's industry leading approach to television attribution. Leveraging the expertise of the board and cutting-edge and effective AI/machine learning algorithms, tvScientific will now enable mass advertiser adoption of TV as a performance channel. Michael Bilow joins tvScientific as a seasoned data scientist with more than a decade of experience in leading teams to apply machine learning and data engineering to solve real world problems. He’s worked with top tech brands like Protabit, where he accelerated COVID-19 antibodies research, and Foursquare, where he led the development of advertising and measurement technologies. Most recently, he was the principal engineer and team lead at Motional, where he led his team in the development of semantic search techniques for unstructured driverless technology data. tvScientific’s first-of-its-kind data science board comprises industry powerhouses with deep experience in the development and application of data science to large-scale problems at leading companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce, Oracle and Yahoo/Overture. Current members include: Dr. Gary Flake, entrepreneur, author, and scientist. Former CTO search & data science at Salesforce, technical fellow and founder of Microsoft Live Labs, VP and founder of Yahoo! Research Labs, and chief science officer of Overture Dr. Andrew Cron, senior vice president/chief scientist at 84.51 and board member at Last Mile Food Rescue, Inc. Former principal data scientist at Citadel Dr. David Pennock, director of DIMACS center and professor of computer science at Rutgers University. Former assistant managing director of Microsoft Research New York and former principal research scientist at Yahoo! Dr. Patrice Simard, chief executive officer at Intelus. Former distinguished engineer at Microsoft Research and chief scientist of Microsoft Ad Center Dr. Scott Rickard, chief data scientist at Citadel LLC. Former CEO of hedge fund Probability Dynamics, professor of electrical engineering at University College Dublin, and the founding director of its Complex & Adaptive Systems Laboratory (CASL). "Enabling search performance advertisers to engage in and succeed with television is a very interesting data science challenge that is particularly well suited for the application and innovation of advanced machine learning approaches,” said Michael Bilow, head of data science at tvScientific. “It's an interesting problem set and us data scientists love interesting problems. I’m excited to be a part of this company." Historically, millions of digital-first advertisers have been unable to enter the television advertising industry because of its high-friction sales processes and inaccurate measurement. The rise of the connected television (CTV) advertising paradigm provides unprecedented opportunities to solve these classic quandaries with its ability to deterministically connect the dots between television ads viewed and business outcomes. “Television advertising is in the middle of a radical transformation, driven by mass consumer adoption of streaming services, in addition to the advent of platforms like tvScientific that enable advertisers to engage in CTV advertising,” said Jason Fairchild, CEO and co-founder of tvScientific. “Our goal is to power millions of businesses to execute performance advertising on television and our advisory board was specifically curated with some of the brightest data scientists and technologists who have spearheaded digital transformation, such as the paid search model, for some of the world’s most innovative companies.” The board will support tvScientific in advancing the state-of-the-art in online advertising. "For most of its history, television advertising has been more art than science. Search and social advertising was a breakthrough because it aligned the economic incentives of all parties,” said Dr. Flake, chair of the advisory board. “But now, perhaps for the first time, we can connect the dots between these disparate systems, revealing holistic patterns that would otherwise be invisible." Through the advisory board’s strategic guidance, tvScientific will advance its goals to become the standard for television attribution and optimization through continued improvement of a fully deployed “set it and forget it” optimization technology. About tvScientific tvScientific is the most sophisticated performance advertising platform built for connected TV. The tvScientific platform makes TV advertising accessible and measurable for brands and apps of all sizes. tvScientific offers a self-managed solution custom built for performance marketers, that simplifies and automates TV buying and optimization, leveraging massive data to prove the actual value of TV advertising. The platform reaches 95% of AVOD inventory using proprietary, deterministic ID technology to measure ad exposure to outcome in an approachable, radically transparent and scalable way. An Idealab company, tvScientific was co-founded by senior executives with deep roots in programmatic advertising, digital media, and ad verification. The company is headquartered in Pasadena, California. For more information, visit https://www.tvscientific.com. Contact Details Ernestine Belgrave +1 917-689-8488 ernestine@kitehillpr.com

December 13, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Blackbird unveils new technology licensing partnership

Blackbird PLC

Contact Details Proactive Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

December 13, 2022 07:42 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Guess & Co. Names Chief Counsel Officer

Guess & Co. Corporation

Guess & Co. Corporation has named Erin L. Basinger to serve as senior executive vice-president and chief counsel officer. Ms. Basinger is responsible for managing all legal affairs and legal exposure for the corporation. She joined the company's leadership team and was appointed to its management committee. Ms. Basinger earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from East Carolina University. She earned a Master of Arts in Fashion Journalism from the Academy of Art University. Ms. Basinger earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at Campbell University. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. Ms. Basinger is a licensed lawyer and a member of the North Carolina Bar. "We are pleased to have Erin Basinger with our company, she has impeccable credentials and is a valued member of our leadership team," said Jerry D. Guess, chairman, president and chief executive officer. Ms. Basinger will head the company's Office of the Counsel and be responsible for developing the company's in-house legal department to accommodate the company's growth. Her responsibility includes managing legal matters for the company and its subsidiaries across states throughout the U.S. along with the oversight of outside counsel relationships. Ms. Basinger reports to the chairman, president and chief executive officer. About Guess & Co. Corporation Guess & Co. Corporation is committed to revitalizing and serving rural communities and neighboring urban areas through technology, real estate, energy, and health along with diversified solutions. The company serves clients through multiple client groups and through a nationwide footprint. Guess & Co. Corporation’s principal office is in Topeka, Kansas. The company is a registered U.S. Government contractor and its members hold Top-Secret/SCI Clearances. The company commenced operations in August of 2017. Contact Details Guess & Co. Corporation Media Contact +1 913-270-7332 media@guessandcocorporation.com Company Website https://guessandcocorporation.com/

December 13, 2022 05:45 AM Central Standard Time

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GUESS & CO. CORPORATION CHANGES PRINCIPAL OFFICE

Guess & Co. Corporation

Guess & Co. Corporation is pleased to announce that it has moved its principal office from Overland Park, Kansas, to Topeka, Kansas. Guess & Co. Corporation was incorporated in North Carolina in 2015 and began operations in August 2017. The principal office is located at 534 S. Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka. The office is the company’s official address, along with the official address for many of its subsidiaries. Guess & Co. Corporation anticipates having approximately 60 employees for the principal office team. The principal office is responsible for maintaining official records for the company along with accounting, treasury, audit, and legal functions. The office consists of approximately 11,000 square feet of space. Guess & Co. signed a 10-year lease with the landlord of Townsite Tower. About Guess & Co. Corporation: Guess & Co. Corporation delivers rural optimization for our clients. We revitalize and serve rural communities and neighboring urban communities through leading technology, real estate, energy, health care, and diversified solutions, while consistently providing a rewarding employment experience for our employees, generating favorable returns for our shareholders, and strengthening rural communities while fostering relationships between rural and neighboring urban communities that improve the welfare of all people. Contact Details Guess & Co. Corporation Guess & Co. Corporation Media Contact principalbuilding@guessandcocorporation.com Company Website https://guessandcocorporation.com/

December 12, 2022 05:30 PM Central Standard Time

Shareholder: Zuckerberg Should Follow Musk’s Lead and Release ‘Facebook Files’

National Legal & Policy Center

As Elon Musk breaks blockbuster news almost daily with releases of internal communications and documents that reveal how much former Twitter executives lied to the public about its censorship practices, a Meta shareholder is calling upon CEO Mark Zuckerberg to take similar steps to be transparent with his current and former Facebook customers. National Legal and Policy Center – which owns stock in the Mountain View, Calif. social media company – will sponsor a shareholder proposal at the company’s next annual meeting in May 2023. The resolution calls for the tech giant to disclose requests it has received from the federal government to remove content from its Facebook platform. “Mark Zuckerberg admitted, matter-of-factly, to Joe Rogan earlier this year that the FBI led Facebook’s moderators to believe the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “There are countless other examples of requests by government for Facebook to censor users – indeed, the company even created an online censorship portal with the word ‘takedowns’ in it, for the government to submit such requests.” “Meta shares today are worth one-third of what they were valued on January 1 st of this year,” Chesser added. “Mr. Zuckerberg has used the company as his personal playground to pursue his metaverse fantasies, while letting Facebook wither by reputational ruin. He blames Apple’s privacy protection measures for Facebook’s revenue woes, but the truth is the social media platform is dying from self-inflicted wounds like censorship, which is driving users away.” The text of NLPC’s proposal for a “Report on Government Take-Down Requests” for Meta’s 2023 annual meeting follows: RESOLVED: Shareholders request that Meta Platforms, Inc. (“Company”) provide a report, published on the Company’s website and updated semi-annually – and omitting proprietary information and at reasonable cost – that specifies the Company’s policy in responding to requests to remove or take down content from its platforms by the Executive Office of the President, Members of Congress, or any other agency, entity or subcontractor on behalf of the United States Government. This report shall also include an itemized listing of such “takedown” requests, including the name and title of the official making the request; the nature and scope of the request; the date of the request; the Company’s action or inaction to the request; and a reason or rationale for the Company’s response, or lack thereof. SUPPORTING STATEMENT: In Bantam Books, Inc. vs. Sullivan (1963), and in other cases, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that private entities may not engage in suppression of speech at the behest of government, as it has the same effect as direct government censorship. On July 15, 2021, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked, “Can you talk a little bit more about this request for tech companies to be more aggressive in policing misinformation? Has the administration been in touch with any of these companies and are there any actions that the federal government can take to ensure their cooperation, because we’ve seen, from the start, there’s not a lot of action on some of these platforms.” Psaki replied, “Sure. Well, first, we are in regular touch with these social media platforms, and those engagements typically happen through members of our senior staff, but also members of our COVID-19 team, given, as (Surgeon General) Dr. (Vivek) Murthy conveyed, this is a big issue of misinformation, specifically on the pandemic.” Evidence – and testimony by Company Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg – shows the Company has been subject to overtures from the U.S. government to censor. For example, in a podcast interview in August 2022, Mr. Zuckerberg said Facebook restricted reach among users to a New York Post article about Hunter Biden’s laptop, after the FBI told the Company to be on “high alert” for so-called “Russian propaganda.” Also, Facebook maintained a “content requests system” for use by government and law enforcement to request censorship of so-called “disinformation.” The Internet domain for the company’s portal even has the word “takedowns” in it. Shareholders need to know whether the Company cooperates with government officials engaged in unconstitutional censorship, opening the Company to liability claims by victims. Shareholders also need to know whether the Company fails to disclose these potential liabilities as material risks in its public filings. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

December 12, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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