Report Finds Big Tech Transparency Reports Fall Short
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:30s - Published
Report Finds Big Tech Transparency Reports Fall Short
Report Finds Big Tech, Transparency Reports , Fall Short.
'Fast Company' reports that Big Tech regularly
releases data meant to offer transparency into
how the world's largest platforms are being run.
This data often shares actions companies take
against inappropriate content and when they help
law enforcement at the request of governments.
.
A new analysis by academics at the University of Zurich
and the University of Bern found that few tech companies
follow principles they have previously espoused.
Itâs good to be well-informed about
what is happening.
And right now,
itâs impossible in many aspects,
which I guess might lead to over-
and under-regulation of the platforms, Aleksandra Urman, University of Zurich, via 'Fast Company'.
I think itâs not entirely obvious
what Apple would be taking down.
But actually, Apple does moderate
its App Store, for example.
We just donât know how, Aleksandra Urman, University of Zurich, via 'Fast Company'.
Similarly, the report found that Amazon moderates
what books are sold on its site, however the process
of deeming books inappropriate remains unknown.
The report also found that companies like Microsoft, LinkedIn and Twitch adhered to some of
the transparency guidelines but not all.
The report also found that companies like Microsoft, LinkedIn and Twitch adhered to some of
the transparency guidelines but not all.
Liam McLoughlin at the University of Liverpool suggests
that the findings of the report reinforces the idea that
transparency reports are closely related to public relations.
Liam McLoughlin at the University of Liverpool suggests
that the findings of the report reinforces the idea that
transparency reports are closely related to public relations.
Some might call me cynical
on this,but when we think of
transparency reports as primarily
a public relations mechanism,
it all makes sense, Liam McLoughlin, at the University of Liverpool, via 'Fast Company'
'80s hitmaker Kenny Loggins is peeling back another layer on the legendary recording of "We Are the World" -- revealing how he scored his pal Huey Lewis a solo.. TMZ.com
Samsung Knocks Apple , From Top Phonemaker Spot.
Samsung Knocks Apple , From Top Phonemaker Spot.
Fox News reports that Apple's phone shipments have dropped by about 10%.
During Q1 2024, Apple had a 17.3% market share, while Samsung had 20.8%.
During Q1 2024, Apple had a 17.3% market share, while Samsung had 20.8%.
Xiaomi came in third with 14.1%.
Samsung shipped over
60 million phones during Q1 2024.
Samsung shipped over
60 million phones during Q1 2024.
Apple only shipped 50.1 million. .
Last year during the same time period,
Apple shipped 55.4 million. .
Overall, smartphone shipments rose 7.8% worldwide to 289.4 million units during Q1 2024.
The increase in Samsung shipments
could be attributed to the company's
release of Galaxy S24 series phones.
During a launch event at the beginning
of the year, Galaxy AI, which is incorporated
into the company's new smartphones,
was touted as "a new era of mobile AI.".
News of Samsung's triumph comes as
Apple is cutting over 600 jobs in California
following reports that the company
is abandoning its electric car efforts. .
News of Samsung's triumph comes as
Apple is cutting over 600 jobs in California
following reports that the company
is abandoning its electric car efforts.
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Apple Will Soon Allow iPhones , to Be Repaired With Used Parts.
On April 11, Apple announced that "select"
iPhone models will be eligible for repair with used, genuine parts beginning this fall, The Verge reports. .
Currently, repairing an iPhone with a used or aftermarket piece results in notifications that Apple isn't able to verify the component.
When attempting to repair Face ID and
Touch ID sensors with used or aftermarket parts,
it "might not work at all," The Verge reports. .
But with the changes coming this fall, Apple said, "calibration for genuine Apple parts, new or used, will happen on device after the part is installed.".
This should resolve some of
the aforementioned issues.
The change will also make it so that individuals
and repair shops will no longer need the device's serial number to order "most parts from the
Self Service Repair Store," The Verge reports. .
At launch, the new policy will support
displays, batteries and cameras.
"Future" iPhone releases will support biometric sensors, Apple said. .
With this latest expansion to our repair
program, weâre excited to be adding
even more choice and convenience for
our customers, while helping to extend
the life of our products and their parts. , John Ternus, Appleâs senior vice president
of hardware engineering, via statement.
Apple did not make it clear which iPhone models
will be supported under the new policy this fall
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Apple Sends iPhone Users in 92 Countries , a Spyware Attack Warning.
The message was sent on
April 10, Engadget reports. .
Apple detected that you are being targeted
by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying
to remotely compromise the iPhone
associated with your Apple ID -xxx-, Apple's warning, via Engadget.
This attack is likely targeting
you specifically because of
who you are or what you do. , Apple's warning, via Engadget.
Although it's never possible to achieve
absolute certainty when detecting such
attacks, Apple has high confidence in
this warning â please take it seriously, Apple's warning, via Engadget.
Internal information and investigations are used by the tech giant to pinpoint attacks. .
However, Apple couldn't provide any more information about the mercenary spyware attacks because it might "help attackers avoid future detection," Engadget reports. .
Apple has sent this type of message
to customers in the past.
Since 2021, people in over 150 countries
have gotten similar warnings.
Last October, journalists and politicians located in India were among those
who received such a message
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Learn more about the controversy as tech giant Apple refuses the Enforcement Directorate's request to unlock the iPhone of jailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, citing user privacy concerns. Join the discussion on the delicate balance between privacy rights and law enforcement needs.
#Apple #ED #EnforcementDirectorate #ArvindKejriwal #ArvindKejriwalArrest #ArvindKejriwaliPhone #ArvindKejriwalLatest #DelhiNews #Oneindia
~HT.99~PR.274~ED.103~
This Day in History:, Albert Einstein Is Born.
March 14, 1879.
The celebrated theoretical physicist
who radically enhanced human understanding
of the universe was born in Ulm, Germany.
Einstein spent his childhood
in Italy and Germany.
Studying physics and mathematics,
he was awarded a Ph.D. by the
University of Zurich in 1905.
During that same year, Einstein worked as a patent clerk in Bern. He also published five theoretical papers that would transform modern physics.
Known as Einstein's "miracle year,"
his papers included his general theory of relativity
as well as the equation E=mcÂČ.
The papers were almost immediately
embraced by the scientific community.
They marked the beginning of
one of the most extraordinary
scientific careers in history
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:00Published
Jon Stewart is saying that Apple asked him not to talk to the Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan on his former Apple show 'The Problem with Jon Stewart.' Khan, who became chair of the FTC in 2021, has made a name for herself for being an outspoken critic of the business practices of Big Tech companies like Amazon and Meta and has been praised by both Democrats and Republicans for her antitrust efforts. Khan was a guest on Monday's episode of Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show,' where Stewart made the revelation.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:47Published
The European Commission has asked X, TikTok, Facebook and other online platforms to mitigate risks to elections and clamp down on voter disinformation, as part of new guidelines adopted on Tuesday.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:14Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, âincluding non-participating
bystanders during last weekâs protests.â.
Googleâs aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, âevery single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.â
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Travis Kelce just landed his first TV job. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is set to host a spin-off of the Fox game show 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' for Amazon's Prime Video. The new show hosted by Kelce is titled 'Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?' It will see adult contestants answer elementary curriculum questions with the help of a classroom full of famous faces.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:24Published
It looks like there's a new 'Legally Blonde' TV show in the worksâŠwhat like it's hard? Reese Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine banner is teaming up with Amazon to develop a 'Legally Blonde' TV series. 'Gossip Girl' and 'The O.C.' grads Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are attached to write the TV offshoot.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:07Published
Amazon Is Getting Rid of , Just Walk Out Technology , at Its Fresh Grocery Stores.
The company's Just Walk Out
technology allows customers to
avoid standing in checkout lines.
It works by sending receipts to customers after they've left the store with their items.
While customers have said they enjoy the process, .
they wish they could view their receipts and savings while they are shopping, according
to Amazon spokesperson Carly Golden.
As a result, Amazon is revamping its
grocery chain to better serve customers.
The Just Walk Out technology will
be replaced by smart carts that provide spending data in real time, NPR reports. .
Most Fresh grocery stores are located in
Washington State, California, Illinois and Virginia. .
The retailer also operates Amazon Go
stores in addition to owning Whole Foods.
The retailer also operates Amazon Go
stores in addition to owning Whole Foods.
Amazon Go stores and smaller Fresh
stores in the U.K. will continue to use
Just Walk Out technology, NPR reports.
Last year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that the company is still trying to figure out how to have
a greater impact on physical grocery stores.
This revamp, and "selectively" launching new Fresh locations, is part of that process, Golden said
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DOJ Sues Apple , for Monopolizing Smartphone Market.
The Justice Department and 16 state attorneys general filed suit against Apple on March 21 in New Jersey, 'The Hill' reports. .
The complaint alleges that
the tech company constructed a
"dominant iPhone platform and ecosystem," .
and "rather than respond to competitive
threats by offering lower smartphone prices to
consumers or better monetization for developers,".
Apple enforced a "series of shapeshifting rules and restrictions" in the App Store.
It has deployed this playbook across
many technologies, products, and
services, including super apps, text
messaging, smartwatches, and digital
wallets, among many others, Via complaint.
Todayâs lawsuit seeks to hold Apple
accountable and ensure it cannot
deploy the same, unlawful
playbook in other vital markets, Via complaint.
In its defense, Apple claimed that
the lawsuit "threatens who we are and
the principles that set Apple products
apart in fiercely competitive markets.".
If successful, [this lawsuit] would
hinder our ability to create the
kind of technology people expect
from Appleâwhere hardware,
software, and services intersect, Apple, via statement.
It would also set a dangerous
precedent, empowering
government to take a heavy hand
in designing peopleâs technology. , Apple, via statement.
We believe this lawsuit is wrong
on the facts and the law, and we
will vigorously defend against it, Apple, via statement
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Amazon Cuts Hundreds , of Cloud Computing Jobs.
An Amazon Web Services (AWS)
spokesperson issued a statement about
the job cuts on April 3, CNBC reports. .
Weâve identified a few targeted areas of
the organization we need to streamline
in order to continue focusing our efforts
on the key strategic areas that we
believe will deliver maximum impact, AWS spokesperson, via statement.
We didnât make these decisions
lightly, and weâre committed
to supporting the employees
throughout their transition to new
roles in and outside of Amazon, AWS spokesperson, via statement.
Cuts are being made to the store technology division âas a result of a broader strategic shift in the use of some applications in Amazonâs owned as well as in third-party stores,â the spokesperson said.
The layoffs come after Amazon announced that it was ending its Just Walk Out technology in Fresh stores.
The cashierless technology is overseen
by teams within the AWS unit. .
Beginning in 2022, Amazon started
its largest layoffs in history by letting
go of 27,000 roles company-wide. .
So far in 2024, the retail behemoth has cut jobs at Audible, Buy with Prime, Prime Video, MGM Studios and Twitch, CNBC reports. .
This latest round of cuts will
allow U.S. employees to collect pay
and benefits for a minimum of 60 days.
They will also be offered a severance package.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The Multi-Cloud Storage Service offers a single, intuitive interface for interacting with industry-leading cloud storage platforms like Amazon S3, Google Cloud.. DNA
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal âwas developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.â.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal âwas developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.â.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
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US Government Emails With Microsoft , Were Stolen by Russian Hackers.
On April 11, American officials confirmed
that emails sent between Microsoft and
U.S. government agencies have been
stolen by Russian hackers, CNN reports. .
According to Eric Goldstein, a senior
official at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), .
those emails may have included login information like usernames and passwords.
At this time, we are not aware of any
agency production environments that
have experienced a compromise as
a result of a credential exposure. , Eric Goldstein, a senior official at the U.S. Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), via CNN.
Even though there is currently no evidence that the stolen credentials have been used to compromise federal computer systems, .
CISA described the occurrence as an "unacceptable risk to agencies.".
As a result, the agency released an "emergency directive" on April 11 ordering those potentially affected by the hack to bolster their defenses. .
The hack was first revealed by
Microsoft in January, but it has gotten more serious as new details continue to emerge.
CNN reports that the U.S. has
previously linked the hackers in question
to Russia's foreign intelligence service. .
A Microsoft spokesperson
issued a statement on April 11.
As we shared in our March 8 blog,
as we discover secrets in our
exfiltrated email, we are working
with our customers to help them
investigate and mitigate, Microsoft spokesperson, via CNN.
This includes working with CISA on
an emergency directive to provide
guidance to government agencies, Microsoft spokesperson, via CNN
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NYCâs AI Chatbot Has Been , Telling Businesses to Break the Law.
New York City's AI chatbot was created to help small business owners, but it's been dispensing concerning advice, AP reports. .
For example, many small business owners have
been given inaccurate information about local policies or been encouraged to break the law.
However, the city is not removing
the chatbot from its official website.
Instead, it has provided a disclaimer stating that the chatbot may "occasionally produce incorrect, harmful or biased" information.
Critics say that the situation highlights
the dangers of AI being used by
governments without proper guardrails.
Theyâre rolling out software that
is unproven without oversight, Julia Stoyanovich, computer science professor
and director of the Center for Responsible AI
at New York University, via statement.
Itâs clear they have no intention
of doing whatâs responsible, Julia Stoyanovich, computer science professor
and director of the Center for Responsible AI
at New York University, via statement.
Thereâs a different level of trust thatâs
given to government. Public officials need
to consider what kind of damage they can
do if someone was to follow this advice
and get themselves in trouble, Jevin West, a professor at the University of Washington and
co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, via statement.
Microsoft, which powers the chatbot, said it
is working with the city "to improve the service
and ensure the outputs are accurate and
grounded on the cityâs official documentation.".
On April 2, Mayor Eric Adams said that
letting users find issues with the chatbot is just part of sorting out the new technology.
Anyone that knows technology knows this
is how itâs done. Only those who are fearful
sit down and say, âOh, it is not working the
way we want, now we have to run away from
it all together.â I donât live that way, Mayor Eric Adams, via statement.
Julia Stoyanovich, a computer science professor and director of the Center for Responsible AI at New York University, referred to Adams' approach as "reckless and irresponsible," AP reports.
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OpenAI and Microsoft Make Plans , for $100 Billion Data Center.
According to The Information, the two companies are planning to build a data center that would house an AI supercomputer
called "Stargate," Reuters reports.
According to The Information, the two companies are planning to build a data center that would house an AI supercomputer
called "Stargate," Reuters reports.
The project, which could cost $100 billion or more, is reportedly set to launch in 2028.
The tentative cost is roughly 100 times
more expensive than some of the
biggest data centers that exist today. .
Demand for AI data centers has increased due to
the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence technology, Reuters reports. .
This is because traditional data
centers aren't as capable of handling
the advanced tasks that AI requires. .
Several supercomputers
would be built across five phases.
"Stargate" would be launched in the fifth phase, while a smaller supercomputer would be launched
in the fourth phase, tentatively around 2026.
Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly
in the third phase currently.
We are always planning for
the next generation of infrastructure
innovations needed to continue
pushing the frontier of AI capability, Microsoft spokesperson, to Reuters .
The cost for the next two phases largely revolves around acquiring expensive AI chips.
In March, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said
that the newest "Blackwell" B200 AI chip
will cost between $30,000 and $40,000
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LinkedIn Is Developing , In-App Games.
Networking is about to become more entertaining, Engadget reports. .
The jobs-focused social media platform will soon offer its users puzzle-based games.
The jobs-focused social media platform will soon offer its users puzzle-based games.
Nima Owji, an app researcher, posted screenshots of some of the upcoming games.
LinkedIn also confirmed the development
of the games to TechCrunch.
Weâre playing with adding puzzle-based
games within the LinkedIn experience to
unlock a bit of fun, deepen relationships,
and hopefully spark the opportunity
for conversations. Stay tuned for more!, LinkedIn spokesperson, to TechCrunch.
Upcoming titles include
'Queens,' 'Inference' and 'Crossclimb.'.
Companies will reportedly be ranked in the games based on how their employees score.
A release date has yet to be announced.
It's also not clear whether only
paid subscribers will have access to the
games or if free users can play as well. .
It's also not clear whether only
paid subscribers will have access to the
games or if free users can play as well.
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