Category: Around the World
AI’s Extinction Potential: Industry Experts Warn Amidst Controversy and Skepticism
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be a catalyst for human extinction, according to a recent warning issued by several AI experts. However, this alarm has also sparked some backlash against an arguably overemphasized focus on the hypothetical dangers of AI. The cautionary statement, signed by some of the industry’s biggest names, only adds to a series of warnings that have been issued regarding AI
Amazon Shareholders Reject Record 18 Proposals Amid Labor Unrest
At Amazon’s annual shareholders meeting held several days ago, investors rejected a record 18 outside proposals, indicating a strong undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the company’s operations. The company reported that a majority of Amazon’s shares voted against all these proposals.
Harnessing Tech to Safeguard the Amazon: Indigenous Youths Take Charge
In Brazil, where her grandfather once protected native Amazonian lands with bows and arrows, Txai Surui, now uses tech as her weapon of choice. Txai, a 26-year-old Brazilian, is among the standout participants of the Web Summit Rio, the world’s largest annual technology conference. Not only an indigenous activist, Txai is the coordinator of the Kaninde Ethno-Environmental Defense Association, which represents 21 Amazon Indigenous peoples. Txai also produced the National Geographic documentary “The Territory”, continuing her parents’ legacy of activism. She speaks out of the double-edged nature of technology, “technology can also be used for evil.”
Reddit Enhances Sharing Capabilities with Rich Previews for iMessage and Instagram Stories Integration
On Tuesday, popular social media platform Reddit revealed a significant update to its iOS and Android applications. The update offers users a more seamless experience when sharing Reddit content with other platforms, including iMessage and Instagram. Moreover, Reddit is introducing new tools that allow publishers to display Reddit content on…
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.
A Glimpse into Bluesky: The Exclusive, Decentralized Social Media Sensation
There’s a new social media platform on the horizon, and it’s generating quite the buzz. Bluesky is a decentralized Twitter clone that has become the talk of the town. But there’s a catch: you’ll need an elusive invite to step foot on this digital island.
Is the Internet on Life Support? Unraveling the Dead Internet Theory for the Average Joe
You might be wondering what’s up with the title of this article. Well, grab a cup of coffee and let me introduce you to a mind-bending concept known as the Dead Internet Theory. It’s a bit like the plot of a sci-fi movie, except it’s unfolding right here on the World Wide Web. But don’t wory, I’ll break it down for you in a friendly, informal way, with a dash of humor to keep things light. So buckle up, and let’s dive into the intriguing world of the Dead Internet Theory.
Yandex Market Share Grows
Yandex, the Russian tech giant often referred to as “Russia’s Google,” has exceeded analysts’ expectations by posting a 54% jump in Q1 revenue to 163.3 billion roubles ($2 billion) and a return to profit after posting a net loss in the same period last year. This is a remarkable feat for the company, especially given the challenges it has faced in recent years.
Facebook, Instagram follow Twitter’s lead
Elon Musk’s recent firing of Twitter’s customer support team and replacement of the support email with a poop emoji has caused quite a stir. If you were hoping to receive help with your Twitter account, you’re out of luck. It’s safe to say that Musk’s behavior was immature, but it’s not the only eyebrow-raising event since he bought Twitter.
Palm-Scans for Bread-Bowls: Amazon and Panera’s Dystopia
Panera Bread has announced that it will be integrating Amazon One checkout technology into its loyalty program to enhance customer experience and speed up checkout time. With this new technology, customers will be able to make purchases without the need for credit cards, loyalty cards or mobile devices. After enrollment, customers will simply need to scan their palm to checkout, with their loyalty account and saved payment method used for the transaction.
California Bill Could Force Big Tech to Pay for News Content
Tech giants such as Facebook and Google may soon have to pay publishers for news content under a new California bill aimed at reining in Silicon Valley’s dominance. The proposed California Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, would require digital advertising giants to pay news outlets a “journalism usage fee” when they sell advertising alongside news content. The bill would also mandate that publishers invest 70% of the profits from that fee in journalism jobs.
Twitter reportedly considers selling usernames
Twitter is contemplating selling user names to create new income as its owner, Elon Musk, tries to resuscitate the company’s cash-flow, according to two people with knowledge of the plan, according to the Times.
Twitter and the FBI, sitting in a tree –
And they aren’t just k-i-s-s-i-n-g….. It’s much worse.
What’s being disclosed in the now-weekly Twitter releases certainly doesn’t improve the image of the FBI (and, of course, other 3-letter and 4-letter agencies).
Twitter bans journalists that cover Elon Musk
Several prominent journalists who cover Elon Musk, the company’s owner, have had their Twitter accounts suspended abruptly.
The Metaverse — Part 2: Imagining a Modern Metaverse
We’re imagining the evolution of the internet which will eventually be called the metaverse. What does metaverse entail? The metaverse concept is a tech-industry wide vision to create a tangible internet. Imagine a web of interconnected virtual spaces that will, in theory, operate much like spaces in the conventional world. In order to transform the internet as it is now into a more tangible space that we can interact with and experience in the same ways that we do real life. To create the metaverse, each of these interactive spaces need to be universally accessible.