Today’s Bwoglines features victories for both Colombian women and camera-shy Americans!

Happening in the World: Yesterday, Colombia became the latest Latin American country to expand abortion access to the 24th week of pregnancy. Although pro-choice activists in the country hoped for abortion to be fully decriminalized, the decision from Colombia’s Constitutional Court was described as a victory by women’s rights groups. Prior to yesterday’s decision, Colombian women were only permitted to receive abortions within a narrow set of circumstances such as if the woman’s life was endangered. (AP)

Happening in the US: The IRS announced on Monday that it would allow taxpayers to opt out of using facial recognition technology to gain access to their online accounts as the agency responds to backlash about the use of biometric data. The agency stated they would transition away from its use of ID.me, a third party service to authenticate identity, to an entirely different identity verification service next year. While the IRS adopted the facial recognition technology as a way to enhance the security of taxpayer information, activist groups and lawmakers expressed concern over the use of such facial recognition as an invasion of privacy. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: In a statement on Sunday, Governor Hochul warned New Yorkers to be wary of cyberattacks as a result of geopolitical uncertainty as federal officials fear an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Biden administration had previously vocalized concerns of cyberattacks against the United States if the country imposes sanctions on Russia as a response to its aggression against Ukraine. Hochul specifically cited in her statement that New York State’s strength in a variety of sectors, like healthcare, finance and transportation, could make it a target for foreign adversaries. Hochul’s recently proposed state budget currently allocates $62 million for cybersecurity protections. (Gothamist)

Happening in our Community: Tonight from 7 to 9 pm, Columbia’s Maison Française is hosting a screening of the documentary Restitution, directed by Nora Philippe. A unique art-history saga, this film recounts the troubling story of the African artwork that fills European museums, whose return is now being demanded by their countries of origin. This event is free and open to the public, with proof of vaccination and online RSVP required for entry. The screening will take place in Buell Hall’s East Gallery, and will be followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director, Nora Philippe, moderated by Emmanuel Kattan.

Facial Recognition Technology via Wikimedia