Technology

Thirty Years of Surveillance Ends Without Finding the Threat Germany Claimed Existed

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Church of Scientology International released the following statement:

The truth is simple: The threat never existed.

For nearly 30 years, Germany’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution subjected the Church of Scientology and thousands of Scientologists to intelligence surveillance under the claim that the religion represented a threat to democracy.

Today, that surveillance ends exactly where it always should have ended: with the complete failure of the allegations on which it was built.

After decades of investigations, intelligence operations, informant recruitment, infiltration attempts, political campaigns, blacklisting, “sect filters,” public warnings and extraordinary state scrutiny, German authorities have produced no extremist network, no conspiracy against the state, no campaign to undermine democracy, no acts of violence and no evidence that Scientologists were ever the threat they were portrayed to be.

Because the truth is simple: The threat never existed.

What did exist was 30 years of institutionalized discrimination directed at a peaceful minority religion and the people who practiced it.

Scientologists in Germany lost jobs, careers and business opportunities because of their faith. Families were stigmatized. Children of Scientologists faced discrimination in schools. Artists, professionals and public figures were attacked and ostracized solely because of their religious beliefs. Government-backed “sect filters” spread throughout German public and private life, warning employers and institutions away from Scientologists as though ordinary religious association itself constituted danger.

And all of this was justified through a narrative that has now completely collapsed.

Not because investigators lacked time.

Not because authorities lacked resources.

But because the allegations themselves were false from the beginning.

During these same decades, Scientology continued to gain recognition, protection and vindication throughout the democratic world.

In 1993, following one of the most extensive examinations ever conducted of a religious organization, the United States Internal Revenue Service granted full religious recognition to Scientology Churches and related entities.

In 1997, Italy’s Supreme Court recognized Scientology as a religion and rejected efforts to criminalize its practices.

In 2007, Spain’s National Court affirmed Scientology’s status as a religion entitled to the protections of religious freedom under European law.

In 2013, the United Kingdom Supreme Court unanimously condemned discrimination against Scientologists as “illogical, discriminatory and unjust” while recognizing Scientology chapels as places of religious worship.

In 2016, after an 18-year prosecution filled with sensational allegations, Belgian courts fully acquitted Scientology and condemned the proceedings themselves as fundamentally incompatible with basic human rights protections.

At the same time, courts and governments across Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia recognized Scientology and protected the rights of Scientologists as members of a legitimate religion.

Meanwhile in Germany, the surveillance apparatus continued.

Even as courts repeatedly ruled against discriminatory actions tied to these policies.

Even as internal findings acknowledged the absence of evidence.

Even as multiple German states quietly discontinued surveillance after finding no actionable wrongdoing.

Even as international human rights organizations, foreign officials and major media questioned Germany’s treatment of Scientologists.

History has shown the danger that arises when governments and institutions systematically distort the beliefs of a minority religion in order to justify exceptional treatment against it. Once suspicion replaces evidence and propaganda replaces objectivity, constitutional protections themselves begin to erode.

That is the true lesson of this history.

Because this was never simply about Scientology.

It became a test of whether democratic societies would uphold religious liberty when political fear, stigma and opportunism made doing so unpopular.

Now, after nearly 30 years, the final result stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric that fueled this campaign.

No democracy was saved.

No hidden conspiracy uncovered.

No constitutional threat exposed.

Only the reality that an enormous machinery of surveillance, suspicion and discrimination had been directed against a peaceful religious community that was innocent of the claims used to justify it.

The Office for the Protection of the Constitution’s announcement does not erase the damage inflicted on thousands of Scientologists over three decades.

But it does mark the collapse of one of the longest-running campaigns of state-sponsored religious discrimination in modern democratic Europe.

History has now rendered its verdict.

And that verdict is not on Scientology.

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SOURCE Church of Scientology International

Technology

Smart Digital Group Limited Receives Nasdaq Delisting Determination Notice

Published

25 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

ZHUHAI, China, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smart Digital Group Limited (Nasdaq: SDM) (the “Company”) today announced that it received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on June 17, 2026, stating that Nasdaq has determined to delist the Company’s securities.

As a result of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission having issued a trading suspension in the Company’s securities on September 29, 2025 (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/suspensions/2025/34-104112.pdf), Nasdaq halted trading in the Company’s securities and has now determined to delist the Company’s securities pursuant to its discretionary authority set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule IM-5101-4.

Nasdaq Listing Rule IM-5101-4 allows Nasdaq “to exercise discretion to delist a company from Nasdaq based on the potential for one or more third parties to engage in misconduct impacting a company’s securities where the SEC has implemented a temporary trading suspension.” Nasdaq believes that the ability for third parties to manipulate a security’s price indicate that the security does not have sufficient liquidity to promote fair and orderly markets and, therefore, delisting is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, and that it is appropriate to use its authority under IM-5101-4 to delist the Company’s securities from Nasdaq based on those factors that make the Company’s securities susceptible to manipulation.

Unless the Company files an appeal with the Nasdaq Hearings Panel by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, trading of the Company’s securities will be suspended at the opening of business on Friday, June 26, 2026, and Nasdaq will file a Form 25-NSE with the SEC to complete the delisting. If the Company timely requests a hearing, the suspension of trading will be stayed pending the Panel’s decision, however, the currently imposed trading halt will remain in effect.

Following the Notice, the Company has and will continue to consult with its legal counsel and other advisors to evaluate its options, including the viability of an appeal and any further necessary actions. The Company will make further announcements as appropriate. To date, Nasdaq has not claimed or communicated a view that there has been any wrongdoing by the Company, whether in regard to Nasdaq’s investigation of the recent trading activity of the Company’s securities or otherwise. Nasdaq’s decision does not affect the Company’s operations or financial position, and the Company continues to conduct business in the ordinary course.

Forward-looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections of future events that it believes may affect its financial condition, operating results, business strategies, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is likely to,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no guarantee that these expectations will prove correct. The Company reminds investors that actual results may differ materially from expected results and encourages them to review other factors and risks that may affect its future results, as disclosed in the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.sec.gov.

For inquiries, please contact:
Smart Digital Group Limited
irsmartdigital@163.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smart-digital-group-limited-receives-nasdaq-delisting-determination-notice-302807988.html

SOURCE Smart Digital Group Limited

Technology

3iQ Announces Addition of Anchorage Digital as Sub-Custodian for The Bitcoin Fund

Published

25 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, June 23, 2026 /CNW/ — 3iQ Corp. (“3iQ”), the investment fund manager of The Bitcoin Fund (the “Fund”), today announced that, effective June 23, 2026, Anchorage Digital has been added as an additional sub-custodian under the Fund’s multi-custody arrangement. Tetra Trust remains the Fund’s primary custodian and has played an instrumental role in the integration of Anchorage Digital as part of the Fund’s expanded custody framework.

The addition follows the previously announced selection of Anchorage Digital as 3iQ’s infrastructure and custody partner for its digital asset investment platform, and is intended to provide the Fund with additional institutional digital asset custody infrastructure, operational flexibility, and security controls appropriate for a publicly listed digital asset investment fund.

There is no change to the Fund’s investment objectives, investment strategy, management fee, ticker symbols, or listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange as a result of the addition of Anchorage Digital as an additional sub-custodian. Units of the Fund will continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols QBTC and QBTC.U.

“Adding Anchorage Digital as an additional sub-custodian is an important operational milestone for The Bitcoin Fund,” said Tommaso Mancuso, President and Chief Investment Officer of 3iQ. “As digital asset investment products continue to mature, custody infrastructure remains central to investor protection, operational resilience, and long-term scalability. Anchorage Digital provides regulated, institutional-grade infrastructure that aligns with the needs of the Fund and its unitholders.”

3iQ will file a material change report in respect of the addition of Anchorage Digital as an additional sub-custodian to the Fund, which will be available under the Fund’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/.

About The Bitcoin Fund

The Bitcoin Fund is a closed-end investment fund managed by 3iQ Corp. The Fund seeks to provide unitholders with exposure to bitcoin and the daily price movements of the U.S. dollar price of bitcoin, and the opportunity for long-term capital appreciation. Units of the Fund are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols QBTC and QBTC.U.

About 3iQ

Founded in 2012, 3iQ is one of the world’s leading alternative digital asset managers, pioneering institutional-grade investments. 3iQ launched the world’s first Digital Assets Managed Account Platform (QMAP), a hedge fund investment solution, offering innovative risk-managed investment solutions to gain exposure to digital assets. 3iQ was also the first to launch a Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP listed on a major global stock exchange, integrate staking into its Ethereum and Solana ETPs boosting investor returns, and offering other regulated ETPs. 3iQ is a subsidiary of Coincheck Group N.V., a NASDAQ-listed holding company based in the Netherlands. Since 2012, 3iQ has been at the forefront of innovation in digital asset investment management. To learn more about 3iQ, visit 3iq.io.

W: https://www.3iq.io/
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3iq-corp/
X: https://x.com/3iq_corp

About Anchorage Digital

Anchorage Digital is a global crypto platform that enables institutions to participate in digital assets through trading, staking, custody, governance, settlement, stablecoin issuance, and the industry’s leading security infrastructure. Home to Anchorage Digital Bank N.A., the first federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., Anchorage Digital also serves institutions through Anchorage Digital Singapore, which is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore; Anchorage Digital NY, which holds a BitLicense from the New York Department of Financial Services; and self-custody wallet Porto by Anchorage Digital. Anchorage Digital Bank also offers fiat custody services through the use of an FDIC-insured, licensed sub-custodian. Anchorage Digital is funded by leading institutions including Andreessen Horowitz, GIC, Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Visa, with a valuation of $4.2 billion. Founded in 2017 in San Francisco, California, Anchorage Digital has offices in New York, New York; Porto, Portugal; Singapore; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn more at anchorage.com, on X @Anchorage, and on LinkedIn.

Press Contacts:

Anchorage Digital
press@anchorage.com

Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the expected benefits of the Fund’s expanded custody arrangements and 3iQ’s digital asset investment platform. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections that 3iQ believes are reasonable as of the date of this press release, but which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that the expected benefits of the expanded custody arrangements or the addition of Anchorage Digital as an additional sub-custodian will be realized. 3iQ does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Investor Information

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy units of the Fund in Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction.

Investing in digital assets involves significant risk, including the possible loss of principal. The value of bitcoin may be highly volatile and may fluctuate materially. Investors should read the Fund’s offering documents and other continuous disclosure documents before making an investment decision.

You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the Fund on the Toronto Stock Exchange. If the units are purchased or sold on the Toronto Stock Exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the Fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning units of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the Fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in these documents. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Media Contact

3iQ Corp.
161 Bay Street, Suite 2700
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1
Email: info@3iq.ca
Telephone: +1 (416) 639-2130

SOURCE 3iQ

Technology

D2L Recognized as a Leader Across 15 G2 Summer 2026 Reports

Published

25 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Customer reviews rank D2L Brightspace as a leading learning platform across global markets

TORONTO, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – D2L, a global leader in learning innovation, today announced that D2L Brightspace was recognized with 15 awards in G2’s Summer 2026 Reports. D2L was named a Leader across global, corporate and regional Learning Management System (LMS) Grid Reports.

“At D2L, we believe learning has the power to transform lives and careers,” said John Baker, President and CEO at D2L. “Being recognized by G2 reflects the voices of people who use D2L Brightspace every day to create more engaging, accessible and personalized learning experiences. We are proud to support their success and lean into the future of learning with all our customers.”

D2L Brightspace was named a Leader by G2 across 15 global Summer 2026 Reports including:

Regional LMS reports: Canada (Overall, Mid-market and Small Business), United Kingdom, Europe and EMEALMS reports: Overall, Small-Business, Mid-Market and EnterpriseCorporate LMS reports: Overall and Mid-MarketMomentum and Results Index reports: Momentum Grid Report and Small-Business Results Index for Learning Management System

“Earning a Leader position in a G2 Report is highly competitive and rooted in verified customer reviews,” said Godard Abel, co-founder and CEO, G2. “Congratulations to D2L for achieving this distinction. Buyers can be confident this ranking reflects the authentic experiences of real users.”

These awards add to D2L’s growing list of accolades. View the full list of award-winning solutions, including D2L Brightspace and D2L Lumi.

About G2’s Grid Reports
G2’s quarterly Grid Reports rank products using a proprietary algorithm based on verified user reviews and market presence data. Products in the Leader tier are rated highly by G2 users and hold substantial satisfaction and market presence scores. A product must receive a minimum number of approved, recent reviews to qualify for inclusion. To learn more, visit G2.com.

About G2
G2 is the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 100 million people annually — including employees at all Fortune 500 companies — use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews.

About D2L
D2L is transforming the way the world learns, helping learners achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with customers all over the world, D2L is on a mission to make learning more inspiring, engaging and human. Find out how D2L helps transform lives and delivers outstanding learning outcomes in K-12, higher education and businesses.

The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, D2L India Pvt Ltd, D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda and D2L Sistemas de Aprendizaje Innovadores, S. D2 R.L de C.V., and H5P Group AS.

All D2L and H5P marks are owned by the D2L group of companies. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE D2L