Latest news with #legal responsibility
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Unsafe luxury apartments in Felixstowe put 'lives at risk'
People living in a luxury seafront apartment block were put at risk by a property development firm that repeatedly failed to address serious fire safety breaches, a council Wood Homes Ltd and its director Paul Whyman were served an enforcement notice in relation to Cliff House in Chevalier Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk in 2018, "multiple serious deficiencies" were identified, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) investigators ruling there was a risk of rapid fire spreading throughout the Ipswich Crown Court, Whyman was given a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, while the company was fined £40,000. Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection, said the court's decision sent "a clear message"."We will not tolerate developers or property owners who ignore their legal responsibilities and put people's lives at risk," he Whyman, 54, and the firm were also ordered to pay £15,000 each in legal costs within 12 months by judge David were sentenced after previously pleading guilty to failing to comply with a fire enforcement notice issued by SFRS. 'Deeply regrettable' Cliff House, previously a hotel, was converted into a six-storey block of 26 apartments in 2017, but the conversion did not meet the required fire safety court heard how Whyman and the company had repeated opportunities to rectify the issues, but they failed to undertake the necessary work."While we are pleased that justice has been served, it is deeply regrettable that it took this level of enforcement to reach a resolution," added Mr Wiles."Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has acted with patience and professionalism throughout this lengthy process, always with the safety of residents at the heart of their actions," he enforcement notice remains in force and fire safety deficiencies continue to affect the premises.A fire service spokesperson said: "SFRS remains committed to protecting the public will continue to support residents of Cliff House while monitoring the ongoing safety concerns at the premises."The BBC has contacted Suffolk County Council and SFRS to clarify what the safety issues involve. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
South China Morning Post
19-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hongkongers warned of legal liabilities ahead of ChatGPT-style AI tool launch
Using artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword, and users must accept full responsibility if they break the law, according to Hong Kong's technology minister, ahead of the release of a locally developed tool powered by mainland China's DeepSeek for free public use this year. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong issued the warning on Saturday in response to an incident in which a University of Hong Kong (HKU) law student allegedly used AI tools to create illicit pornographic images of female classmates based on publicly available photos and screenshots from social media. The university issued a warning letter and is reviewing the case, while Hong Kong's privacy watchdog has initiated a criminal investigation. The city's leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, has also pledged to explore international regulations and 'best practices' for AI governance. 'The use of AI is a double-edged sword as it will prompt many issues while providing convenience to the public and a boost to the economy. So the key is to have proper guidance and a comprehensive legal framework,' Sun told a radio programme. 'AI is just a tool. Eventually, the users have to be responsible for its application and bear the relevant liability.' Sun added that users should be aware of their legal responsibilities when using AI as Hong Kong prepares for the free public launch of 'HK Chat' in the second half of the year.
