Author: Silke Mayr

The UK government has reportedly ordered Apple to grant access to encrypted user data stored in the cloud, a move that could have global ramifications for privacy and government surveillance. This decision marks a significant challenge to Apple’s reputation as a staunch privacy advocate. Apple Privacy Battle Apple is facing a controversial order from the UK government to provide backdoor access to encrypted data, including messages, photos, and notes, stored on its iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The request, issued last month, is said to be unprecedented, as it demands broad access to data that is typically accessible only by the…

In a recent executive order, President Donald Trump directed that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. This follows his broader initiative to honor American heritage by renaming national landmarks, including Mount McKinley. Google Maps Update Google has confirmed that it will update its maps to reflect the Gulf of America, following Trump’s executive order. The order, signed soon after Trump took office, mandates all federal maps and documents to use the new name. The change is part of Trump’s goal to preserve national heritage and celebrate America’s legacy.   Google announced on X that it will…

Amazon made more money than experts predicted. But its forecast for the future was weak. This caused its stock to drop by over 4% in after-hours trading. In 2024, Amazon’s stock rose 44%. It had already gained 9% this year. But its soft outlook hints at a slowdown in AI. Other tech giants like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta also gave weak forecasts. The AI industry faces new challenges. Demand for AI is high, but data centers are costly. Meanwhile, Chinese startup DeepSeek made a powerful AI model at a lower price. This raised concerns that US tech stocks may be…

Data centres store and process digital data. They generate heat and need cooling to work properly. Many use water-based cooling systems. AI-powered centres need even more cooling, which increases water demand. The UK plans to build more data centres to boost AI growth. But this could put pressure on water supplies. Experts say this may be a problem, especially in dry areas. Southern England already faces water shortages. Population growth and climate change make it worse. The government is planning nine new reservoirs to help. Some of these will be near new data centres. For example, a planned reservoir in…

Kia Motors is the latest global carmaker facing tax-related challenges in India. Customs authorities accuse Kia India of tax evasion worth millions of dollars. Indian tax officials sent a confidential notice to the South Korean carmaker in April last year. The notice accuses Kia of evading taxes that could total up to $155 million (£125 million). Kia responded to the claim with a detailed rebuttal, backed by comprehensive evidence and documentation. The notice was issued by a customs commissioner in Chennai, but Kia provided no additional details about the case. Kia has a factory in Andhra Pradesh and has sold…

The United States had claimed Panama agreed to waive fees for US government ships using the Panama Canal. However, Panama has denied any recent agreements or changes related to free transits for US vessels. The US State Department announced on X that US government ships “can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees, saving millions of dollars annually.” However, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) refuted this statement, clarifying that it maintains full authority to determine tolls and charges. The ACP emphasized that no changes to the fee structure had been made. US President Donald Trump has frequently expressed his…

Google recently revised its principles for artificial intelligence development, lifting restrictions on AI for weapons and surveillance tools. The change came as part of updated guidelines from Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Alphabet removed a previous rule that prohibited AI applications likely to cause harm. In a blog post, Google explained that democratic governments and businesses should collaborate on AI development for national security purposes. Google stated: “We believe democracies should guide AI innovation through core values like freedom, equality, and human rights. Companies, governments, and aligned organizations should work together to build AI that protects people and promotes growth. AI…

Donald Trump has closed a loophole, enforcing taxes on low-value parcels like clothing from China. The US Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily stopped accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong. The suspension does not affect letter deliveries, though USPS provided no explanation for its decision. New rules, effective Tuesday, closed a loophole that previously allowed tax-free small packages worth $800 (£641) or less. Trump introduced this measure, imposing an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. The de minimis tax exemption has faced scrutiny as Chinese companies like Shein and Temu used it to access US markets. Changes to…

UN planetary defense groups are monitoring an asteroid with a small chance of hitting Earth in 2032. The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, has an estimated 1.3% probability of impacting the planet on December 22, 2032. The European Space Agency (ESA) states there is a nearly 99% likelihood that YR4 will pass safely. However, experts cannot fully dismiss the possibility of a collision. Dr. Robert Massey of the Royal Astronomical Society remains calm, saying, “I’m not losing sleep over this.” He explained that risk estimates often drop to zero after refined calculations. He emphasized the importance of equipping astronomers with resources…

The locus coeruleus is a small but crucial brain region, now drawing major research attention. It regulates important functions, including sleep and attention. Anyone with insomnia knows the struggle of silencing mental chatter. A brain switch to ease this would be ideal. Surprisingly, wakefulness operates on a continuum, controlled by interconnected brain regions. At the core of this system is the “locus coeruleus,” a tiny cluster of neurons named for its blue hue due to norepinephrine production. Norepinephrine influences both mental and physical arousal. Although scientists once believed the locus coeruleus was silent during sleep, research shows low, sporadic activity…