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Google Updates Privacy Policy to Allow Ad Targeting Based on Gmail, Drive, Photos Data with AI Opt-in
Google updated its privacy policy on October 16, allowing data from Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos to be used for personalized ads if users opt into AI features that access this data. This change means that enabling Google's Personal Intelligence feature, which connects these services to AI tools for better recommendations, can now result in ads targeted based on that content. Previously, Google's policy stated it would not use this data for personalized advertising.
Revolut Experiences Widespread Service Disruption Amidst Google Cloud Outage
Revolut, a digital bank, experienced a significant service disruption affecting multiple services globally, including card payments, transfers, and ATM withdrawals. The outage, which began on Tuesday morning, left thousands of users unable to access funds or make payments. This incident occurred concurrently with elevated errors and intermittent network failures reported by Google Cloud in its europe-west2 region, impacting various Google Cloud services and other companies.
NY Congressman Introduces Bill to Protect Digital Video Game Ownership
Representative Ritchie Torres plans to introduce the Power to the Players Act, a bill directing the FTC to establish regulations ensuring consumers own, rather than license, purchased video games. This initiative aims to prevent situations where games become unplayable due to server shutdowns or delistings, as exemplified by NBA 2K25.
New Mexico Jury Rules Meta Misled Residents on Data Privacy
A New Mexico jury found Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act and misled residents regarding data privacy and misinformation handling. This verdict stems from a 2021 lawsuit related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where Facebook user data was used for political advertising.
EU Kids Act Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-13s, Parental Supervision for 13-14
The European Commission introduced the EU Kids Act, a proposal to ban social media access for children under 13 and require parental supervision for 13- and 14-year-olds. The legislation sets a minimum age of 15 for independent social media account creation and mandates platforms to implement "safe by design" features, including parental controls and restrictions on addictive elements.
Phil Schiller Steps Down from App Store and Apple Events Leadership
Longtime Apple executive Phil Schiller has stepped down from his leadership roles for the App Store and Apple events. The App Store division will now be overseen by Eddy Cue's services team, while Nola Weinstein will lead Apple events. Schiller will retain his title as Apple Fellow and work on unspecified initiatives.
SpaceX stock drops below IPO price amid Nasdaq-100 inclusion and market volatility
SpaceX shares have fallen below their IPO price of $135, despite the company's recent inclusion in the Nasdaq-100. This decline highlights volatility and challenges in investor sentiment, impacting market perceptions of the aerospace company as it prepares for another Starship test flight.
FCC to Vote on Repealing 39% TV Ownership Cap, Prompting Legal Battle
The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, plans to vote on repealing the 39% TV ownership cap, potentially leading to increased media consolidation and favoritism towards certain broadcasters. Carr argues the rule is outdated due to social media and streaming. This decision may face legal challenges over the FCC's authority to change a congressionally mandated limit.
LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps Using Residential Proxies
LG Electronics USA will ban apps on its smart TVs that use residential proxy technology after research revealed over 42% of apps on its webOS store included such features. This decision aims to enhance user security and ensure that smart TVs are not misused as proxy nodes.
Reddit shares drop 9% amid potential end of Google AI content deal
Reddit's shares fell 9% after reports indicated it may not renew its $60 million AI content deal with Google. The deal, struck in 2024, has been reconsidered due to declining traffic from Google's AI summaries, reflecting broader trends affecting various news sites.
SpaceX Starship Test Launch Aborted Due to Engine Ignition Failure
SpaceX aborted its Starship rocket launch due to engine ignition failure on Thursday. Two engines will be replaced, with a new attempt planned for next week, critical for deploying new Starlink satellites. SpaceX's stock fell following the aborted launch, continuing volatility post-IPO.
US utility companies pledge to shield consumers from AI-related energy costs
Nearly 200 U.S. utility and data center companies have pledged to protect consumers from rising electricity bills linked to AI. Signed by major firms including NextEra Energy and Google, the pledge lacks enforcement mechanisms, raising concerns over its actual impact.
Tesla Driver Charged with Manslaughter for Fatal Texas Crash
Michael Butler faces manslaughter charges after a Tesla Model 3 crash killed Martha Avila in her home. The NTSB confirmed Butler manually overrode the Full Self-Driving system, reaching over 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. The crash raises concerns about autonomous vehicle safety and driver responsibility.
FCC Approves Light-Reflecting Satellite Despite Astronomer Concerns
The US FCC has approved Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 satellite to reflect sunlight to Earth at night for improved visibility and solar energy. While the project aims to innovate night-time visibility in various sectors, it faces strong opposition over potential impacts on astronomy and environmental health. The approval marks a critical test stage before a planned expansion to a 50,000-satellite network by 2035.
Salon Ceases Publication After 31 Years, Citing Unsustainable Digital Journalism Model
Salon, an online-only news magazine covering politics, culture, and criticism, announced it is ceasing publication after 31 years. The decision was made due to the changing business realities of independent digital journalism, rendering its publishing model unsustainable. Salon launched in November 1995 and was one of the first online-only news outlets.
Trump Administration Sues Utah Over State's Gambling Ban Affecting Prediction Markets
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has sued Utah to prevent the state from enforcing its gambling ban against Kalshi, a CFTC-registered prediction market. This action challenges Utah's attempt to shut down Kalshi, arguing federal preemption over state law regarding regulated contract markets.
9to5Google launches membership program 9to5Google Pro
9to5Google has launched a membership program named 9to5Google Pro, aimed at enhancing community interaction and content offerings. Subscribers will gain access to ad-free podcasts, a dedicated Discord server for discussions, and tiered benefits that expand with membership growth.
Apple faces potential congressional scrutiny over ICE tracking apps and Trump donations
Apple is among several tech companies facing potential congressional investigations as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers. Lawmakers may investigate Apple's hosting of ICE tracking apps and its $25 million donation to a White House ballroom project. These probes could lead to subpoenas for company records.
Apple and DOJ Face Pushback on Subpoenas from Tech Companies in Antitrust Case
Several tech companies, including Epic Games and Samsung, are disputing the scope of subpoenas issued by Apple and the Department of Justice in their ongoing antitrust lawsuit. These companies argue that the requests for documents and information are overly broad and burdensome, complicating the discovery phase of the legal battle.
Senate to Vote on Bipartisan Permitting Reform Bill to Accelerate Energy Projects
The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a bipartisan permitting reform bill, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA), aimed at accelerating the approval process for energy projects. This legislation could speed up the deployment of both clean energy and fossil fuel projects, potentially lowering utility bills but also raising concerns about reduced environmental oversight and increased reliance on fossil fuels for data centers.
UK Porn Ban Leads to Mass Content Purges on Platforms Like Clips4Sale
Following new UK legislation criminalizing certain sexual acts in porn, platforms like Clips4Sale are removing large amounts of content, including videos creators believe are compliant. This has resulted in creators losing access to significant portions of their work due to the law's vague wording and platforms taking precautionary measures.
Apple Plans $7 Billion Bond Sale, Attracts $31 Billion in Investor Demand
Apple filed a preliminary prospectus with the SEC to issue seven series of bonds, targeting $7 billion. The offering has attracted approximately $31 billion in investor orders, securing favorable borrowing terms for Apple. This bond sale follows similar moves by other major tech companies to raise capital.
New York Times and Other Publishers Sue Brave Browser Over AI Scraping and Paywall Bypass
The New York Times, alongside other publications including the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, and Orlando Sentinel, has filed lawsuits against Brave Software. The lawsuits allege that Brave unlawfully scrapes copyrighted content to train AI models for companies like Anthropic, Perplexity, Mistral, xAI, and Cohere, and that its browser features bypass publisher paywalls and block ads.
Ukraine Claims First Drone Evacuation of Wounded Soldier from Front Lines
Ukraine's 92nd Separate Assault Brigade reported the first drone evacuation of an injured soldier from the front lines. A heavy-lift hexacopter, identified as a Gurzuf Defense model capable of carrying 130kg, was used to extract an infantryman named 'Kostya' from a heavily mined area with intense enemy drone activity where conventional evacuation was impossible. This event demonstrates a new application of drone technology for personnel recovery in hazardous combat zones.
International timekeepers replace leap second with leap hour to reduce system risks
Delegates from 69 countries voted to replace the leap second with a leap hour, effective next year. This change aims to mitigate risks to computer systems and national infrastructure caused by the current 61-second or 59-second minutes.
Tech and Telecom Companies Donated Over $330 Million to Trump's White House Ballroom Project
A Washington Post investigation revealed that tech, telecom, and crypto industries contributed over $330 million to President Trump's White House ballroom project. Apple, Nvidia, and Charles Ergen (Dish Network co-founder) each pledged $25 million, making them among the largest donors. Other contributors included Amazon, Palantir, ServiceNow, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Cisco, with some donations made through a nonprofit trust.
NYC Implements Click-to-Cancel Rule for Subscriptions, First in the US
New York City has enacted a "click-to-cancel" rule requiring businesses to make subscription cancellation as easy as signing up, allowing residents to submit complaints to the city government. This initiative is projected to save New Yorkers between $21.5 million and $162.5 million annually, setting a precedent for local governments to regulate consumer protections.
Ofcom investigates Pornhub owner Aylo over age verification effectiveness
Ofcom has launched an investigation into Aylo, owner of Pornhub, to determine if its new age verification system effectively prevents minors from accessing adult content. The regulator is concerned Aylo may not have conducted sufficient due diligence before implementing the third-party age checks, which could leave children at risk under the UK's Online Safety Act.
Pentagon Taps Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich for Future Warfare Initiative
The Pentagon has launched "Project Meridian," an initiative to identify future military capabilities and technologies, enlisting Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich as co-leads. This effort aims to maintain the U.S. military's technological edge by focusing on discovering, developing, and fielding advanced weapons and systems for future battlefields.
Paramount Settles Antitrust Lawsuit, Clearing Path for $110 Billion Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
Paramount has reached a settlement with California and 11 other states, resolving an antitrust lawsuit that challenged its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The agreement includes commitments for theatrical film releases and increased U.S. production spending, removing a significant obstacle to the merger's completion.
Trump Administration to Confront Australia Over Social Media Algorithm Regulation Plan
The Trump administration plans to confront Australia regarding its proposed laws that would fine digital platforms over $100 million for failing to remove harmful content and for not allowing users to opt out of algorithm-generated feeds. This confrontation highlights international tension over regulating major technology companies and their content moderation practices.
Second Complete Map of a Male Fruit Fly Brain Completed by Researchers
Researchers from Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus and Google have completed the connectome, a map of every neuron, in a male fruit fly brain. This achievement provides a new tool for neurobiology research and refines methods for mapping more complex nervous systems, building on a previous map of a female fruit fly brain.
FCC Waives Foreign Ownership Rules for Paramount-Warner Bros., Allowing 49.5% Stake by Sovereign Funds
The FCC has waived its rules limiting foreign equity ownership to 25 percent, permitting sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi to collectively own 49.5 percent of Paramount-Warner Bros. This decision has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and a Democratic commissioner who argue that such a significant stake grants influence to foreign governments despite the FCC's assertion of no voting control.
Sony seeks arbitration for PlayStation Store 'buy' button class action lawsuit
Sony Interactive Entertainment has requested a federal judge to move a class action lawsuit regarding PlayStation Store's "buy" and "purchase" labels into individual arbitration. The lawsuit alleges Sony misleads consumers by using terms like "buy" for revocable game licenses, violating California's digital goods law (AB 2426) which became effective January 1, 2025.
EFF Urges Governor Newsom to Veto California's AB 1709 Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The California legislature passed Assembly Bill 1709 (A.B. 1709), which bans social media use for individuals under 16, prompting the EFF to call for a gubernatorial veto. The EFF argues the bill restricts access to essential information and online communities, particularly for vulnerable youth, and could lead to privacy issues through mandatory age verification.
UK Government to Legislate Against Child Nude Image Sharing on Tech Platforms
The UK government plans to introduce a new law compelling tech firms to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on mobile devices and apps. This legislation follows insufficient commitments from companies like Apple and Google to address the issue, aiming to create an ecosystem-wide change to protect children online.
X issues cease-and-desist letters to Nitter, an open-source X content viewer
X has sent cease-and-desist letters to the open-source project Nitter, demanding the shutdown of its instances and repository due to alleged unlawful scraping and API circumvention. This legal action follows previous technical attempts by X to disable Nitter, which allowed users to view X posts without ads or tracking. The Nitter.net instance is now offline, and development has ceased as the creator seeks legal advice, impacting users who relied on the service for ad-free X content viewing.
Federal Appeals Court Rules Kalshi Sports Bets Are Gambling, Not Swaps
A federal appeals court ruled that Kalshi's sports-related event contracts are gambling and subject to state laws, not federally regulated swaps. This decision allows Nevada to enforce its gaming laws against Kalshi, conflicting with a prior 3rd Circuit ruling and increasing the likelihood of Supreme Court review.
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taylor Farms' Iceberg Lettuce Affects Thousands
An outbreak of the Cyclospora parasite in Michigan is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, affecting 3,309 state residents by July 14. Federal investigations traced lettuce served at Taco Bell to a supplier in Mexico. The lettuce recall attempts to halt the spread of this intestinal infection.
EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms Under DSA
The European Commission has classified OpenAI's ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as "Very Large Online Platforms" or "Very Large Online Search Engines" under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This designation subjects them to stricter regulations, including obligations to mitigate risks related to minors, user mental health, and illegal content, and increases transparency requirements for their recommendation algorithms. The platforms must comply within four months, with potential fines up to 6% of global revenue for non-compliance.