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January 13, 2025AP Technology
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Biden’s administration proposes new rules on exporting AI chips, provoking an industry pushback
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is proposing a new framework for the exporting of the advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence, an attempt to balance national security concerns about the technology with the economic interests of producers and other countries. But the framework proposed Monday raises concerns of chip industry executives who say the rules would limit access to existing chips used for video games and restrict how much access 120 countries have to the chips tied to data centers and AI development. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says the framework is “critical” to preserve America’s leadership in AI and the development of AI-related computer chips. Microsoft says it can comply with the new policy.
Taiwan iPhone maker Foxconn sets its sights on the ever more crowded EV market
BANGKOK (AP) — Automakers are joining forces to boost their scale and competitiveness to contend with industry newcomers like iPhone maker Foxconn. The Taiwan contract manufacturer is one of several technology companies leveraging their knowhow to compete in the increasingly crowded electrical vehicle market. Also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, it is snapping up links in the automotive supply chain. The recent decision by Japan’s Honda and Nissan to pursue a merger reportedly was partly driven by worries that Foxconn would make a bid for Nissan. Foxconn showcased its EV ambitions at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week, showing its Model B, a sleek hatchback, as well as its automotive electronics.
Jeff Bezos’ space company calls off debut launch of massive new rocket in final minutes of countdown
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Blue Origin has called off the debut launch of its massive new rocket because of technical trouble. The 320-foot rocket was supposed to blast off before dawn Monday with a prototype satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida. But launch controllers had to deal with an unspecified rocket issue in the final minutes of the countdown and ran out of time. Founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin did not immediately set a new launch date. Bezos took part in Monday’s countdown from Mission Control. New Glenn is named after the first American to orbit Earth, John Glenn.
Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a federal law that could force TikTok to shut down on Jan. 19
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning Jan. 19 unless the popular social media program is sold by its China-based parent company. Hearing arguments Friday in a momentous clash of free speech and national security concerns, the justices seemed persuaded by arguments that the national security threat posed by the company’s connections to China override concerns about restricting the speech, either of TikTok or its 170 million users in the United States. Early in arguments that lasted more than two and a half hours, Chief Justice John Roberts identified as the “main concern” in the case TikTok’s ownership by China-based ByteDance and the parent company’s ties to Chinese government’s intelligence operations.
TikTok could be banned this month. Here’s what users can do to prepare
TikTok has cemented itself as the quintessential entertainment app, offering everything from funny skits and makeup tutorials to social commentary and news. The platform, though, could vanish from U.S. app stores by Jan. 19. If you are an avid user – or a creator who relies on the platform for income – here’s what you need to know to prepare. First, users will continue to have access to TikTok if it’s already downloaded on their phones. But the app will disappear from Apple and Google’s app stores, which means users won’t be able to download or update it. There are also some workarounds around a ban. But some tech savviness is required and it’s not clear what will and won’t work.
Britain’s leader unveils AI strategy, including vow to rip up red tape hindering AI projects
LONDON (AP) — The British government has pledged to rip up the red tape hindering construction of data centers that underpin artificial intelligence while promoting its “pro-innovation” approach to regulating the technology. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the potential of AI on Monday as he outlined wide-ranging plans to harness the techology, indicating that it will be a key part of his government’s efforts to “turn around the economy” and jump-start lackluster growth. Starmer said he wanted to Britain to become “one of the great AI superpowers” that can keep up with other countries like the United States and China that have led advances in the technology.
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LONDON (AP) — For Jan. 9
The ‘Worst in Show’ CES products put your data at risk and cause waste, privacy advocates say
LAS VEGAS (AP) — So much of the technology showcased at CES includes gadgets made to improve consumers’ lives — whether by leveraging AI to make devices that help people become more efficient, by creating companions to cure loneliness or by providing tools that help people with mental and physical health. But not all innovation is good, according to a panel of self-described dystopia experts that has judged some products as “Worst in Show.” The award that no company wants to win calls out the “least repairable, least private, and least sustainable products on display.”
Man pleads guilty in failed ransom plot that may have been linked to $240M crypto heist
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Florida man has pleaded guilty in connection with the carjacking and kidnapping of a Connecticut couple, in what authorities call a failed ransom plot that may have been linked to a $240 million cryptocurrency heist. Michael Rivas was one of six men arrested after the series of events in Danbury on Aug. 25. He has plead guilty Thursday to kidnapping and conspiracy in federal court in Hartford and is set to be sentenced in May. The couple were assaulted but survived the ordeal. Danbury police say the FBI was investigating whether the couple’s son was involved in a Bitcoin theft a week before the kidnapping.
Musk uses X livestream to amplify German far-right leader’s views ahead of an election
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Elon Musk livestreamed his chat with a leader of Germany’s far-right party, using the power of his social media platform, X, to amplify the party’s message ahead of an upcoming national election. More than 200,000 accounts tuned into Thursday’s livestream, which raised concerns across Europe about the world’s richest man trying to influence foreign politics. The Tesla chief executive, who helped reelect Donald Trump in the United States, spoke with Alice Weidel, a co-leader of the Alternative for Germany party and its candidate for chancellor. They agreed that Germany’s taxes are too high and that there is too much immigration. Musk said he was “strongly recommending” that Germans vote for Weidel’s party in next month’s election.