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AI Under Scrutiny: US Government to Monitor Foundation Model Developments

In a groundbreaking development that signals a shift in how artificial intelligence (AI) is managed at the national level, the US government, through the Defense Production Act, is setting up new measures to oversee the development of foundational AI models. This new directive, which requires AI powerhouses like OpenAI and Google to report their advances, brings the rapidly evolving field of AI under closer governmental scrutiny.

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Google and the EU’s DMA

In a world where your every click, search, and scroll is a breadcrumb leading back to you, big players like Google hold more power than you might realize. It’s 2024, and Google is back in the news, this time for tweaking its online search results. Why? Well, it’s all thanks to the European Union’s new tech rules, the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These rules are like a referee in a game where Google’s been both a player and a scorekeeper.

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The Incognito Illusion: Google’s Chrome and the Privacy Paradox

In a recent and quite revelatory turn of events, Google has conceded a point that privacy advocates have long suspected: even when you’re browsing in ‘Incognito’ mode in Google Chrome, you’re not quite as incognito as you might think. This acknowledgment comes in the wake of a $5 billion settlement to dodge a lawsuit from 2020, shining a spotlight on the often-misunderstood realm of digital privacy.

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Google’s $5 Billion Privacy Settlement

In yet another chapter of the ongoing saga of tech giants and their questionable privacy practices, Google finds itself settling a $5 billion privacy lawsuit. This lawsuit revolves around Google’s alleged tracking of users in Chrome (and other browser’s) “incognito” mode, a practice that we’re sure is continuing unabated.

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Meta’s Grand Misstep: EU’s Top Court Decimates Legal Ground for Facebook’s Targeted Ads

This Independence Day was nothing short of explosive for Meta, and not in the festive sense. The tech behemoth, alongside its industry cohorts, got a shocking present from the European Union’s top court. The verdict? A full-frontal attack on the legal framework that supports Meta’s key business model of targeted advertising.

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AI Apocalypse: Is It Reality or Just Another Science Fiction Tale?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has stoked fears of an impending technological apocalypse, with some proponents envisioning machines outpacing human capabilities, defying control, and becoming too formidable to disable. So, are these fears grounded in reality or are they merely the ramblings of overactive imaginations?

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Amazon Ring Doorbell Footage Shared With Police Without User Consent

Amazon was caught red-handed, handing over Ring doorbell footage to law enforcement agencies without user permission, subpoenas, warrants, without any of the traditional legal controls which prevent liberal disclosure of non-public data to law enforcement. This disclosure was set to further ignite ongoing debates about privacy and civil liberties in relation to the tech giant’s video-sharing agreements with police departments nationwide.

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Concerns Raised Over Privacy Breach as Suicide Hotline Websites Transmit Sensitive Data to Facebook

In a worrisome revelation, dozens of mental health crisis center websites across the United States, which are designed to ensure the anonymity of users, have been discovered to discreetly transfer sensitive visitor data to Facebook, according to an investigation by The Markup. These websites, linked to the national mental health crisis 988 hotline, reportedly transmit user data through a tool known as Meta Pixel. This breach of privacy, particularly significant given the sensitive nature of the data involved, exposes users in critical emotional states to potential data misuse.

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Go Directly To Jail: A Guide to Unjailbreaking Your iDevice

In the world of tech, the term “jailbreaking” might sound like an action straight out of a Hollywood heist film, but it’s simply a process that gives iPhone users the ability to customize their devices beyond Apple’s restrictions. It’s an enticing prospect for the tech-savvy, but what happens when you want to return to the safety of Apple’s walled garden? Fear not, for this guide will lead you through the process of unjailbreaking your iPhone.

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Third 4channer Arrested for Posting Same Metaironic Threat as Previous Two

In a concerning/disturbing/funny turn of events, a third individual has been arrested in connection with threats made against Volusia County, FL’s sheriff on the notorious online forum, 4Chan. The incident has sparked discussions about the implications of interstate extradition for what some argue was a mere joking remark made on the internet.

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UK Government Silently Intensifying Controversial Web Surveillance Measures

In what is seen by many as an alarming move, the UK Government has been discretely expanding a contentious surveillance technology with the potential to log and store the internet histories of millions of individuals.

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Encryption: Why It Matters to You, Even If You Think You Have ‘Nothing to Hide

Have you ever wondered how your sensitive information stays secure when you’re shopping online or sending a private email? The answer lies in something called encryption, a complex system of coding that disguises your data to keep it safe from prying eyes. Some might argue, “I have nothing to hide. Why should I care about encryption?” Well, the truth is, encryption is critical for everyone, and here’s why.

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The AI Lobbying Surge: Big Tech Companies Race to Influence AI Regulations Amid ChatGPT Boom

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, has led to an increase in lobbying efforts by tech giants to influence potential regulation on this emerging technology. OpenSecrets’ analysis of federal lobbying disclosures reveals that 123 companies, universities, and trade associations spent roughly $94 million lobbying on AI-related issues in the first quarter of 2023.

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5 Reasons to Get a Password Manager ASAP

In today’s digital age, passwords have become an essential part of our lives. We use them to access our email, bank accounts, social media, and much more. With so many passwords to remember, it’s no wonder that many people resort to using the same password for multiple accounts or writing them down on paper. However, these practices can put your sensitive information at risk.

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Ideal Password Manager Candidates

As we wait for a future without passwords, many individuals and organizations still struggle with managing countless login credentials. A password manager creates an encrypted vault that securely stores credentials, protected by a master password. Most consumer-focused apps can also create unique, random passwords and support safe credential sharing between friends and family members. Some also contain extra perks such as detecting reused passwords and monitoring your accounts for possible data breaches.