General · Top stories
US Midterm Elections See Widespread Voter Rejection of Data Center Development
In the recent US midterm elections, voters across multiple states overwhelmingly supported measures restricting data center development. Out of 40 to 46 ballot measures across 10 to 13 states, 33 to 38 passed, with only one failing, indicating significant public opposition to the expansion of data center infrastructure. These measures included outright bans, moratoriums, and limits on energy consumption, impacting future AI data center projects and influencing political races.
Teen drops social media addiction lawsuit against Meta after settlements with other platforms
A Florida teenager, identified as R.K.C., dropped his social media addiction lawsuit against Meta just days before a Los Angeles jury trial was set to begin. This decision followed R.K.C.'s settlements with TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, leaving Meta to avoid a trial without making a payment in this specific case. The lawsuit was part of a larger legal trend accusing social media companies of designing addictive platforms harmful to young users.
Meta ordered to pay additional $567M in New Mexico child safety case, total $942M
A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million into an abatement fund, bringing the total in the state's child safety case to $942 million. The ruling found Meta's platforms to be a "public nuisance" and a "significant contributing factor" to a mental health crisis among New Mexico youth. This decision follows a March jury verdict that found Meta liable for violating consumer protection laws and knowingly harming children's mental health.
Russia targets Ukrainian data centers, causing internet outages and civilian casualties
Russian forces have begun striking data centers and network infrastructure in Ukraine, including a drone attack in Kyiv that damaged a facility and killed four people. These attacks have disrupted internet connectivity for approximately 100,000 households and are considered by Ukraine to be targeting critical civilian infrastructure.
Google's Final Appeal Over $4.7 Billion EU Antitrust Fine for Android Dismissed
The European Court of Justice upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google for anti-competitive practices with Android. Multiple appeals failed, ending a lengthy legal battle that highlights strict EU regulation on major tech firms. This ruling emphasizes the need for fair competition and impacts Google's operations in Europe.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Rocket Successfully Achieves Orbit on First Launch
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket has successfully reached orbit on its inaugural launch from Sriharikota, marking India's entry into the private satellite launcher market. This represents a significant milestone in India's space capabilities, allowing it to compete in the commercial space sector.
FTC and 22 States Sue Amazon Over Alleged Secret Ad Surcharge Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 22 U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company secretly overcharged over one million advertisers on its platform since 2019. The lawsuit claims Amazon manipulated its online ad auctions, potentially generating billions in additional revenue and impacting both businesses and consumers through increased costs. Amazon denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit "misguided."
EU Proposes Age Restrictions on Children's Social Media Access
The EU is considering legislation to restrict children's social media access, emphasizing mental health and safety. The proposal targets users under 13 with a phased access for teenagers, contingent on platforms proving safety. This responds to concerns over excessive social media usage and potential mental health impacts.
Trump Threatens EU with Tariffs Over Fines on US Tech Giants
Donald Trump announced his administration will launch a trade probe into the European Union, threatening substantial tariffs in response to EU fines against US tech companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon. This action follows a recent $1 billion fine against Google for alleged non-compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act, which scrutinizes Big Tech practices.
AI Trade Drives Mixed Results in Wall Street Amid Cybersecurity Stock Rise
The stock market experienced mixed outcomes during the holiday-shortened week, influenced by AI-related trades and geopolitical tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record high before pulling back, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq saw gains. Cybersecurity stocks improved with investors anticipating more AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, despite semiconductor volatility. Renewed US-Iran tensions contributed to market uncertainty.
New Mexico Court Orders Meta to Pay $25 Billion Penalty in Cambridge Analytica-Related Case
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay a $25 billion penalty in a data privacy case stemming from the Cambridge Analytica scandal. This ruling follows a September jury finding that Meta misled state citizens about user data safeguards and the prevention of harmful content on its platforms, identifying 43 million violations of the state's unfair practices act. The penalty, initially calculated at $219.5 billion based on a maximum of $5,000 per violation, was reduced by a New Mexico judge, and Meta plans to appeal the decision.
Microsoft Announces Major Layoffs and Restructuring in Xbox Division
Microsoft is laying off 4,800 employees, including 3,200 within Xbox, to enhance profitability and adapt to industry shifts. The company is spinning off four game studios as part of this restructuring, reacting to declining profits and the changing technology landscape influenced by AI.
Sony to Halt Physical PlayStation Disc Production by 2028, Embracing Digital Shift
Sony announced plans to discontinue physical game disc production for PlayStation starting January 2028. New games will be available only digitally, reflecting a consumer trend as digital game sales grow. Concerns arise over ownership, game preservation, and the impact on the resale market.
US Suspends Microsoft, Adobe, and Other Tech Firms from Green Card Program
The US government has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program. This action, announced by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, prevents these companies from submitting new or processing pending permanent labor certification applications, impacting their ability to secure permanent residency for some foreign employees. The suspension is due to alleged fraud and abuse within the H-1B visa program and ongoing federal investigations.
Apple Plans 'Apple Upgrade' Device Leasing Program Launch on July 28
Apple is reportedly launching 'Apple Upgrade,' a new leasing program for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, starting July 28. Partnering with Klarna, the program offers 24- to 36-month leases with lower monthly payments but excludes certain budget-friendly models. Existing programs like the iPhone Upgrade Program will be phased out.
Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts to 60,000 Employees Amid AI Investment
Microsoft is offering voluntary exit packages to approximately 60,000 employees, representing about 27% of its global workforce, in the U.S., Canada, India, and the UK. This initiative allows the company to reduce headcount and adapt its workforce while balancing significant investments in AI infrastructure with financial efficiency goals.
Rising Memory Prices Hit Budget Smartphones Hard, Driving Market Contraction
Increased memory costs are causing a significant decline in budget smartphone shipments globally. Devices priced under $400 will see shipments drop by over 22% this year as manufacturing costs rise. This contraction could affect company dynamics, potentially benefiting Apple and Samsung.
New York Imposes One-Year Moratorium on New Large Data Centers
Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted a one-year moratorium on the construction of new data centers with over 50 megawatts of power in New York State. The measure, the first of its kind in the United States, aims to address environmental and energy concerns while the state develops regulatory standards. The decision has sparked political backlash, with critics arguing it may hinder economic growth.
Elon Musk Donates Over $276 Million to Republican Midterm Efforts, Becomes Top Donor
Elon Musk has donated over $276 million to Republican groups since July, making him the largest known donor for the 2026 midterm election cycle. This includes $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund and over $76 million to America PAC, a super PAC he founded. These contributions support Republican efforts to maintain majorities in Washington.
FAA Phasing Out Floppy Disks from Air Traffic Control Systems
The US Federal Aviation Administration is upgrading air traffic control systems that previously relied on floppy disks for critical data storage. These systems, dating back to the 1980s, will be replaced by the Enterprise – Information Display System (E-IDS) to improve data access, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance safety. The E-IDS will be installed in 435 sites by the end of 2028.
European Activists Plan Protests Against Datacenters Over Environmental and Social Concerns
Over 100 activist groups across 15 European countries are organizing two days of protests against datacenters, calling for a moratorium on large projects. The protests cite environmental impact, including projected six-fold increase in CO2 emissions from AI datacenters by 2030, and social concerns such as job displacement and housing prioritization.
Two Unvaccinated Individuals Die from Measles in Pennsylvania Amidst Rising Cases
Two unvaccinated individuals in Pennsylvania have died from measles, marking the first measles deaths in the state in 35 years and the first in the US in 2026. These deaths occur as national vaccination rates decline and measles cases surge, with 2,777 cases reported in the US in 2026, the highest total since 1991.
Reddit to Require Logged-In Access Amid Declining Search Traffic and AI Scrutiny
Reddit announced it will transition to a primarily logged-in experience, initially testing outside the US, requiring users to create accounts to view content. This change is a response to a significant decline in search traffic, particularly from Google's AI-powered search features, and aims to protect data from AI scraping while improving ad targeting and user engagement. The company's shares dropped over 15% following the announcement and weak Q4 sales guidance.
Jim Cramer Highlights Market Rotation and AI Infrastructure Opportunities
Jim Cramer discussed a recent market rotation where investors moved away from high-performing AI infrastructure stocks into lagging sectors like healthcare and financials. He identified a pullback in AI infrastructure stocks as a buying opportunity, mentioning companies like Micron, AMD, and Intel. Additionally, he noted the impact of Samsung's earnings on the semiconductor market and highlighted Apple's stock performance due to its cautious AI spending approach.
Report Accuses TikTok of Promoting Sex Industry to Girls Through Coded Content
A new report alleges TikTok facilitates the promotion of the sex industry by allowing "sexfluencers" to post non-explicit videos with coded references to pornographic content available on platforms like OnlyFans. Researchers found performers embed hints about adult content within lifestyle videos, using euphemisms and emojis to bypass TikTok's content moderation policies. This practice normalizes the sex industry and markets it as a path to wealth and luxury, particularly to young female audiences.
RealPage Rent-Pricing Lawsuit Settles for Nearly $360 Million for Renters
RealPage and its co-defendants have agreed to a settlement of nearly $360 million to resolve allegations of antitrust violations related to its rent-setting software. The settlement, which still requires court approval, aims to compensate renters who may have been overcharged due to the software's influence on rental prices.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro expected launch in September 2026
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, following its annual release pattern. Pre-orders are anticipated to open on a Friday following the announcement, with shipping likely starting the following week.
eBay and Former Executives Settle Harassment Lawsuit for $56 Million
eBay and several former executives have agreed to pay approximately $56 million to Ina and David Steiner, publishers of EcommerceBytes, to resolve a 2021 civil lawsuit. The settlement stems from a 2019 harassment and cyberstalking campaign orchestrated by former eBay employees in retaliation for the couple's critical reporting on the company. This resolution follows criminal charges and prison terms for some of the former eBay employees involved.
Tesla Reports 25% Increase in Q2 2026 Vehicle Deliveries, Exceeding Expectations
Tesla reported a 25% year-over-year increase in vehicle deliveries for Q2 2026, totaling 480,126 units. This represents a recovery in sales after two years of decline, driven largely by strong demand for the Model 3 and Model Y. The growth exceeded Wall Street expectations but did not prevent a subsequent 7% drop in Tesla's stock price.
Ken Griffin Donates $3 Billion to Carnegie Mellon University for New Campus, Computer Science
Billionaire Ken Griffin has donated $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon University, the largest single donation in US education history. The funds will establish a new Miami campus, support Pittsburgh operations, and rename the computer science school.
Stripe and Advent reportedly in renewed talks to acquire PayPal
Stripe and private equity firm Advent are reportedly in renewed negotiations to acquire PayPal, following an initial offer in July that PayPal rejected. These discussions come as PayPal's CEO, Enrique Lores, implements a turnaround strategy for the company.
Judge Rejects Trump's Claim EPA Can Dismiss Data Center Pollution Lawsuits
A federal judge rejected Donald Trump's argument that the EPA can unilaterally dismiss Clean Air Act lawsuits, specifically one against SpaceXAI over alleged data center pollution. This ruling affirms citizens' right to sue under the Clean Air Act, preventing the executive branch from blocking such legal actions at will.
GM to Pay $220 Million to Settle Claims of Illegally Selling Driver Data
General Motors will pay $220 million to settle claims from 36 U.S. state attorneys general that it illegally sold driver and location data through its now-discontinued Smart Driver program. The settlement requires GM to obtain express consent from drivers before collecting or sharing their data and to limit the types of driving data it gathers. This action addresses concerns about consumer privacy and data sharing practices in connected vehicles.
Reddit Restricts Old Reddit Access and Ends RSS Support Citing AI Scraping
Reddit is implementing new restrictions on its 'Old Reddit' interface and discontinuing support for RSS feeds, effective November 13. These changes are part of the company's efforts to combat large-scale data scraping and automated abuse, particularly from AI bots. Additionally, Reddit plans to end public API access by March 2027.
Apple ordered to pay $5.7 billion in patent infringement case over iPhone and Apple Watch haptics
A federal jury in San Diego awarded Taction Technology over $5.7 billion in damages after finding Apple infringed on two haptics patents. The lawsuit alleged Apple's Taptic Engine in iPhones and Apple Watches used Taction's vibration technology without license, a claim Apple denies and plans to appeal.
Google Not Forced to Sell Ad Exchange After Antitrust Loss; Behavioral Remedies Imposed
A US federal judge ruled that Google will not be required to sell its online advertising exchange (AdX), despite losing an antitrust trial in 2025 where it was found to have illegally locked publishers into its exchange. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had sought the divestiture, but the court instead accepted undisclosed "behavioral remedies" that will mandate Google open its ad tech tools to rivals. This decision limits the structural penalties Google faces following the antitrust verdict.
Federal Court Halts $110 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
A judge issued a temporary restraining order on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery following a lawsuit from 12 state attorneys general. The lawsuit cites antitrust concerns, predicting reduced competition in film distribution and cable licensing. This delay could cost Paramount significantly, impacting the media industry landscape.
OnePlus to Cease Operations in US, Europe Amidst Oppo Restructuring
OnePlus will stop launching new products in North America and Europe, as part of a restructuring initiative by its parent company, Oppo. The company will transition existing devices to Oppo's ColorOS for updates while maintaining support agreements. This move, triggered by declining demand and operational challenges, marks a significant change for OnePlus's presence in Western markets.
Archive of Our Own (AO3) Offline for Up to Four Weeks Following Maintenance
Archive of Our Own (AO3), a major fanfiction repository, is experiencing an extended outage that could last up to four weeks. The Organization for Transformative Works (OTW), the nonprofit operating AO3, initially announced routine maintenance but later updated the timeline, stating service restoration could take two to four weeks. The site hosts over 18.4 million works across more than 82,900 fandoms, and its data is reported to be intact, though the specific cause of the extended downtime has not been disclosed.
Best Free CarPlay Apps Identified After Extensive Testing
A comprehensive test of free CarPlay apps has identified the best options for music and navigation. These apps enhance in-car experiences by projecting smartphone functionality on larger screens with user-friendly interfaces.