World

North Carolina to Target Robocalls and Scammers With Penalties

Published

6 years ago

July 23, 2019

Phone prankers usually mask their real number to pass robocalls to consumers. To take action against them, North Carolina lawmakers passed legislation on Monday to make it mandatory for callers to use their real name and number of the business they are representing. The legislation bill passed by 45-0 in the state senate. It was passed by the House last month and now it is waiting for the sign of Gov. Roy Cooper.

Telephone scammers usually block or trick caller ID to send spam calls to people. They make their calls in such a format that they are from a local number or from a family member. When the bill will be signed by the state Governor, people who do so will be fined up to $5,000.

Federal law has already declared the practice of using fake numbers illegal in all states. But this bill will give states’ authority an extra power to go after the scammers. The bill also would apply on fake messages and mobile posts.

Consumers can also enroll with the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry, which stops companies to send telemarketing sales calls to the consumers. And if they violate the regulation, consumers can complain against them. Alternatively, consumers can detect the identity of spammers with the use of Glasscaller that identifies the suspicious caller.

Tim Moore sponsored the bill in State House Speaker, and said that these fake and robocalls are at a top concern for his constituents. When he went out campaigning last year, he heard about more people getting scammed phone calls.

World

Swiss International University Granted TAG-EDUQA Accreditation Under AROQA Quality Framework

Published

7 hours ago

June 22, 2025

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU), an institution of higher learning that is recognized internationally for its unique strategies in teaching, is pleased to announce its provisional recognition with TAG-EDUQA. This award belongs to a small number of universities that have achieved the high level of academic quality required by the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA). The milestone supports SIU’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to students in the United States and around the world.

The accreditation was headed by HH Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, the distinguished Arab business figure and a leading reformer in education, who is also the chairman of TAG-EDUQA. Further elevating the importance of accreditation news, the Secretary-General of the Arab League is Honorary President of TAG-EDUQA, indicating the regional and global recognition of this accreditation.

This achievement demonstrates SIU’s commitment to academic quality, value, and the experience of students. It is a major move in the university’s strategic vision to expand its footprint throughout the Arab region and in the wider world of education. The accreditation by TAG-EDUQA is a testament to the academic integrity of the programs at SIU, and it will further internationalize the recognition of the degrees and diplomas offered by the university.

Derya Briand, Academic Program Director at SIU, is delighted: “This successful outcome, at the first attempt, is an outstanding achievement, surpassing our expectations. It supports the high academic standards that we have now, and it ensures that the next generation of students will receive the benefit of that quality. Our ongoing pursuit of NEASC accreditation also demonstrates our commitment to being part of a global community while integrating the values and ideals of local educational institutions.”

The accreditation is a key element of SIU’s strategy to develop academic programs at the University and establish valued international partnerships. The university is a key member of an international education alliance championing cross-border academic collaboration. SIU collaborates with some renowned institutions, like the OUS International Academy, Zurich ISBM International Business Management School, Lucerne International Vocational Institute, Dubai ISB, and their own campuses in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. These partners are working to form a new educational model centered around inclusiveness, academic success, and multiculturalism.

The accreditation of SIU exemplifies how universities can balance the demands of local and international academic aspirations, especially given the growing importance of quality assurance in Arab higher education. As more Arab students actively search for internationally accredited institutions around the world, SIU’s commitment to student-centric learning, ethical leadership development, and international career preparation has received tremendous backing from accrediting bodies and education pioneers.

Moving forward, SIU is dedicated to improving its academic standing, increasing its global presence, and continuing to provide affordable, high-quality education to students around the world. The TAG-EDUQA Accreditation, stemming from AROQA’s stringent quality guidelines, will significantly contribute to these aspirations and enhance SIU’s position in the international academic landscape.

This success represents a ringing endorsement of SIU’s leadership in contemporary education and our continued commitment to providing cutting-edge, relevant, and forward-looking academic programs that meet both local and global needs.

For more information, please visit the official website at www.swissuniversity.com.