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The Binance Crackdown Will Be an 'Unprecedented' Bonanza for Crypto Surveillance Dec 07, 2023

Binance’s settlement requires it to offer years of transaction data to US regulators and cops, exposing the company—and its customers—to a “24/7, 365-days-a-year financial colonoscopy.”

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The Pilots Delivering Your Amazon Packages Are Ready to Strike Dec 06, 2023

Pilots for Amazon’s largest air freight provider voted to strike, complaining of low pay and high turnover. If a strike happens in the new year, Amazon deliveries could be impacted.

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Innovation-Killing Noncompete Agreements Are Finally Dying Dec 05, 2023

More US states are moving to bar companies from binding workers with noncompete agreements. Research shows the move could boost wages and innovation.

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Fresh Bitcoin Hype Shows Crypto Just Can’t Help Itself Dec 04, 2023

After crashes, scandals, and SBF’s guilty verdict, many hoped the crypto industry would grow up. Speculation around the arrival of a spot bitcoin ETF shows old hype dies hard.

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Elon Musk Just Told Advertisers 'Go Fuck Yourself' Dec 01, 2023

In a rambling interview at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit, Elon Musk suggested advertisers fleeing X were blackmailing him and could kill the platform.

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OpenAI’s Custom Chatbots Are Leaking Their Secrets Nov 30, 2023

Released earlier this month, OpenAI’s GPTs let anyone create custom chatbots. But some of the data they’re built on is easily exposed.

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A New Type of Geothermal Power Plant Just Made the Internet a Little Greener Nov 29, 2023

A new approach to geothermal energy makes it possible to tap the energy of hot rocks just about anywhere. A pilot plant in Nevada is now helping to power Google data centers.

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The Problems Lurking in Hollywood’s Historic AI Deal Nov 28, 2023

The terms the Screen Actors Guild negotiated with Hollywood studios put historic AI guardrails in place, but they may not be able to protect performers.

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China Tried to Keep Kids Off Social Media. Now the Elderly Are Hooked Nov 27, 2023

As smartphone costs fall and society becomes more atomized, China’s elderly are using apps like Douyin to find connection and companionship. Many feel they have no choice.

A DOJ Settlement Would Show Binance Is Too Big to Fail Nov 22, 2023

The US government is reportedly willing to suspend criminal charges against crypto exchange Binance, provided it steps into line—and pays $4 billion.

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Climate Activists Tell the EV Industry to Fix Its Filthy Supply Chain Nov 21, 2023

EV production often relies on coal power and harmful labor practices. Climate activists in Squid Games costumes disrupted the LA Auto Show this weekend to demand urgent change.

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A Watchdog Group Calls for an Investigation of X’s Sneaky New Ads Nov 20, 2023

Industry watchdog Check My Ads is petitioning the Federal Trade Commission to investigate X for unlabeled—and potentially misleading—advertisements.

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Sweden’s Tesla Blockade Is Spreading Nov 17, 2023

Starting Friday, dockworkers in all Swedish ports will refuse to offload Teslas, cleaning crews will no longer clean showrooms, and mechanics won’t fix charging points as the labor dispute rages on.

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The Government Is Now the Hottest Tech Employer in Town Nov 16, 2023

Meta, Google, Amazon, and other major tech firms have laid off thousands of people. The public sector has tried—and in some cases, succeeded—to lure them in.

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Google DeepMind’s AI Weather Forecaster Handily Beats a Global Standard Nov 15, 2023

Machine learning algorithms that digested decades of weather data were able to forecast 90 percent of atmospheric measures more accurately than Europe’s top weather center.

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The First Small-Scale Nuclear Plant in the US Died Before It Could Live Nov 14, 2023

Six nuclear reactors just 9 feet across planned for Idaho were supposed to prove out the dream of cheap, small-scale nuclear energy. Now the project has been canceled.

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GM’s Cruise Rethinks Its Robotaxi Strategy After Admitting a Software Fault in Gruesome Crash Nov 13, 2023

Cruise set out to win the autonomous car race by starting with urban driving. After a pedestrian was dragged under a robotaxi, the company and its parent GM are cutting jobs and making other changes.

This New Breed of AI Assistant Wants to Do Your Boring Office Chores Nov 10, 2023

An experimental AI helper attempts to operate a web browser in the same way a human does to take on office admin like processing invoices or screening job applicants.

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This AI Bot Fills Out Job Applications for You While You Sleep Nov 09, 2023

AI-powered services like LazyApply zip through the grunt work of job applications, helping one programmer apply for 5,000 jobs. But they can make mistakes, and some recruiters scorn the technology.

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WeWork Just Filed For Bankruptcy Nov 08, 2023

The troubled coworking company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. WeWork says locations will remain open.

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Elon Musk Announces Grok, a ‘Rebellious’ AI Without Guardrails Nov 07, 2023

xAI, Elon Musk’s new company, claims to have built a powerful language model with cutting-edge performance in just two months.

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Joe Biden Wants US Government Algorithms Tested for Potential Harm Against Citizens Nov 06, 2023

Draft rules from the White House would require federal agencies to assess AI systems currently in use in law enforcement, health care, and other areas—and to shut down any algorithms doing harm.

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World Powers Say They Want to Contain AI. They’re Also Racing to Advance It Nov 03, 2023

The US, China, and others signed a declaration coordinated by the UK warning AI could be “catastrophic.” Yet none seem to be suggesting development of the technology should slow down.

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Sam Bankman-Fried Sealed His Fate Long Before the FTX Trial Nov 02, 2023

Prior to his arrest, the FTX founder did a string of media interviews to tell his side of the story. In the courtroom, those comments came back to haunt him.

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Joe Biden’s Big AI Plan Sounds Scary—but Lacks Bite Nov 01, 2023

Joe Biden’s new executive order is billed as the biggest governmental AI plan ever. Unless he can convince a dysfunctional US Congress and overseas rivals to play along, its effects will be limited.

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25-Year Lasagna, Special Ops Oatmeal, and the Survival Food Boom Oct 31, 2023

The ranks of doomsday preppers have swelled since the pandemic, with many stocking up on freeze-dried rations in case things go bad.

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The GitHub Black Market That Helps Coders Cheat the Popularity Contest Oct 30, 2023

Popularity on GitHub can open valuable doors for developers and startups. Underground stores sell “stars” on the platform, offering coders a way to literally fake it till they make it.

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Why Read Books When You Can Use Chatbots to Talk to Them Instead? Oct 27, 2023

Book publishers are experimenting with chatbot editions of new titles, providing "conversational companions" for readers.

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The 5 Instagram Features That US States Say Ruin Teens’ Mental Health Oct 26, 2023

These five features of Instagram helped Meta deceptively hook teens and harm their mental health, allege lawsuits filed today by 42 US states.

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Amazon’s AI-Powered Van Inspections Give It a Powerful New Data Feed Oct 25, 2023

Amazon delivery drivers at hundreds of sites around the world will be asked to drive through camera-studded archways that log every dent, scratch, or damaged tire.

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The US Has Failed to Pass AI Regulation. New York City Is Stepping Up Oct 24, 2023

The US Congress won’t pass federal AI regulation anytime soon. NYC is forging ahead with an AI Action Plan and a proposal for a new Office of Algorithmic Data Integrity.

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Crypto Groups Gemini, Genesis, and DCG Sued for $1.1 Billion ‘Fraud’ Oct 23, 2023

New York’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against crypto companies, including the Winkelvoss twins’ Gemini, alleging they misled investors.

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AI Is Becoming More Powerful—but Also More Secretive Oct 20, 2023

The companies behind ChatGPT and other popular and powerful AI systems aren’t transparent enough about their training data and how they work, according to a new report from Stanford University.

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Teledriving Is a Sneaky Shortcut to Driverless Cars Oct 19, 2023

German startup Vay is pushing teledriving—in which cars are remotely operated by humans—as easier to achieve than fully autonomous driving.

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The US Just Escalated Its AI Chip War With China Oct 18, 2023

The American government has tightened its restrictions on exports of chips and chipmaking equipment, closing loopholes that let Chinese companies access advanced technology.

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Millions of Workers Are Training AI Models for Pennies Oct 17, 2023

From the Philippines to Colombia, low-paid workers label training data for AI models used by the likes of Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.

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Finding a Tech Job Is Still a Nightmare Oct 16, 2023

Tech companies have laid off more than 400,000 people in the past two years. Competition for the jobs that remain is getting more and more desperate.

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The Chatbots Are Now Talking to Each Other Oct 13, 2023

ChatGPT-style chatbots that pretend to be people are being used to help companies develop new product and marketing ideas.

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Epic Games’ Sale of Bandcamp Has Left the Artist-Friendly Music Platform in Limbo Oct 12, 2023

Bandcamp workers say they are unable to do their jobs and keep the platform operating after being locked out of critical systems. They’re also expecting layoffs.

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A Doctored Biden Video Is a Test Case for Facebook’s Deepfake Policies Oct 11, 2023

Meta’s Oversight Board is reviewing Facebook’s decision not to remove a manipulated video posted during the US midterms, in an attempt to get it to clarify its policies on election deepfakes.

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Deepfake Audio Is a Political Nightmare Oct 10, 2023

British fact-checkers are racing to debunk a suspicious audio recording of UK opposition leader Keir Starmer.

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Men Overran a Job Fair for Women in Tech Oct 09, 2023

The Grace Hopper Celebration is meant to unite women in tech. This year droves of men came looking for jobs.

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Generative AI Is Coming for Sales Execs’ Jobs—and They’re Celebrating Oct 06, 2023

ChatGPT-style AI can tackle the drudge work of responding to RFPs faster than humans. Sales teams at Google, Twilio, and others say productivity is spiking.

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Google Assistant Finally Gets a Generative AI Glow-Up Oct 05, 2023

Google is adding AI capabilities from its chatbot Bard to the humble Google Assistant, allowing the virtual helper to make sense of images and draw on data in documents and emails.

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Sam Bankman-Fried Is a Terrible Client Oct 04, 2023

Criminal defendants often decline to testify at trial for fear of incriminating themselves. For FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, that could be the best option.

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The 15-Minute City Conspiracy Theory Goes Mainstream Oct 03, 2023

The fringe idea that cities built for biking and walking are part of a government plot has been picked up by … the UK government.

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The Global Victims of FTX’s Collapse Won’t Get Their Day in Court Oct 02, 2023

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is about to stand trial in the US. But many customers who lost big when the exchange collapsed are unlikely to get their money back.

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FedEx’s New Robot Loads Delivery Vans Like It’s Playing 3D Tetris Sep 29, 2023

FedEx handles over 15 million packages daily. A two-armed, AI-infused robot is now helping pack some of them into delivery vans with expert care.

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Idris Elba Is Ready to Talk About Crypto Sep 28, 2023

During the crypto gold rush, Idris Elba says he turned down a lot of “mad opportunities.” Now he has partnered with the “crypto-for-good” Stellar Development Foundation.

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FBI Agents Are Using Face Recognition Without Proper Training Sep 27, 2023

The FBI makes heavy use of face recognition services like that of controversial startup Clearview AI, but 95 percent of the agents using them haven’t completed training on the technology.

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ChatGPT Can Now Talk to You—and Look Into Your Life Sep 26, 2023

ChatGPT inches closer to feature parity with the seductive AI assistant from Her, thanks to an upgrade that adds voice and image recognition to the chatbot.

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Workers Demand Job Security in the Autonomous, Electrified Future of Transport Sep 25, 2023

Truck drivers, auto workers, and others are fighting for the greener, smarter era of transportation to also include better pay and more protections for humans.

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Meet the Law Geeks Exposing Google’s Secretive Antitrust Trial Sep 22, 2023

A historic antitrust trial sees Google accused of unlawfully monopolizing search. A handful of antitrust activists are trying to make sure the world sees all the action.

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Amazon Upgrades Alexa for the ChatGPT Era Sep 21, 2023

A sweeping upgrade to Amazon’s Alexa taps AI technology like that behind ChatGPT and also allows the virtual assistant to attempt to read body language.

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TikTok Shop Has a Snail Slime Problem Sep 20, 2023

TikTok Shop, which launched in the US last week, is littered with impossibly cheap—and fake—products. Snail slime is just the beginning.

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Pay Transparency Is Sweeping Across the US Sep 19, 2023

New York joined a wave of states that require pay transparency in job ads. New data suggests most US postings now include a salary range, but they are sometimes laughably vague.

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Teachers Are Going All In on Generative AI Sep 18, 2023

Surveys suggest teachers use generative AI more than students, to create lesson plans or more interesting word problems. Educators say it can save valuable time but must be used carefully.

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A Concrete Crisis Has the UK Literally Crumbling Sep 15, 2023

Hundreds of schools, hospitals, and other public buildings made from RAAC, a cheap, lightweight concrete, have to close—the victims of quick fixes and decades of cost-cutting.

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The iPhone 15 Opts for Intuitive AI, Not Generative AI Sep 14, 2023

Apple ignored the tech industry's obsession with generative AI at the new iPhone launch, offering subtler AI features that make everyday tasks like photography and phone calls better.

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Senators Want ChatGPT-Level AI to Require a Government License Sep 13, 2023

A new US government body would force companies to seek a license before working on powerful AI models like OpenAI's GPT-4, under a bipartisan proposal by senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley.

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TikTok Is Spending $1.3 Billion to Dodge Bans in Europe Sep 12, 2023

European politicians are nervous about where TikTok’s data goes. The company is spending big on local data centers, but analysts say it’s not enough.

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Why This Award-Winning Piece of AI Art Can’t Be Copyrighted Sep 11, 2023

Matthew Allen’s AI art won first prize at the Colorado State Fair. But the US government has ruled it can’t be copyrighted because it’s too much “machine” and not enough “human.”

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This Is the True Scale of New York’s Airbnb Apocalypse Sep 08, 2023

A law meant to crack down on short-term rentals in New York City took effect Tuesday. Thousands have dropped off the map, but there are still hosts offering bookings that may break the law.

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Britain Admits Defeat in Controversial Fight to Break Encryption Sep 07, 2023

The UK government has admitted that the technology needed to securely scan encrypted messages sent on Signal and WhatsApp doesn’t exist, weakening its controversial Online Safety Bill.

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The End of Airbnb in New York Sep 06, 2023

Thousands of Airbnbs and other short-term rentals are expected to disappear from rental platforms as New York City begins enforcing tight restrictions.

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How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google by Using Its ‘Results About You’ Tool Sep 05, 2023

You can now set up alerts for whenever your home address, phone number, and email address appears in Search.

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A Controversial Right-to-Repair Car Law Makes a Surprising U-Turn Sep 04, 2023

The Biden administration has changed its mind about a Massachusetts state law giving mechanics and car owners access to more diagnostic data.

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People Are Increasingly Worried AI Will Make Daily Life Worse Sep 01, 2023

A Pew survey finds that a majority of Americans are more concerned than excited about the impact of artificial intelligence—adding weight to calls for more regulation.

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Meet Aleph Alpha, Europe’s Answer to OpenAI Aug 31, 2023

The European Union is desperate for its own artificial intelligence giant. German startup Aleph Alpha might be its best hope.

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It Costs Just $400 to Build an AI Disinformation Machine Aug 30, 2023

A developer used widely available AI tools to generate anti-Russian tweets and articles. The project is intended to highlight how cheap and easy it has become to create propaganda at scale.

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In a World of Fakes, Trump’s Real Mug Shot Matters Aug 29, 2023

The first booking photo of a US president stands out among a sea of photoshops and AI-generated images online.

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Meta Just Released a Coding Version of Llama 2 Aug 28, 2023

Code Llama may spur a new wave of experimentation around AI and programming—but it will also help Meta.

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How AI Could Transform Email Aug 25, 2023

Artificial intelligence may streamline a form of business communication that’s already super fake.

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Kids Are Going Back to School. So Is ChatGPT Aug 24, 2023

Teachers are caught between cracking down on cheating with generative AI and using it to help empower students. It’s going to be a challenging year.

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25 Years Ago Steve Jobs Launched the First iMac—and the Strategy That Saved Apple Aug 23, 2023

The curvy translucent plastic design of the iMac was the test case for Steve Jobs' “whole-widget” strategy that led to the creation of the iPhone.

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Scammers Used ChatGPT to Unleash a Crypto Botnet on X Aug 22, 2023

A botnet apparently connected to ChatGPT shows how easily, and effectively, artificial intelligence can be harnessed for disinformation.

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This Showdown Between Humans and Chatbots Could Keep You Safe From Bad AI Aug 21, 2023

Thousands of security experts, hackers, and college students competed to trick powerful text-generation systems into revealing their dark sides at the Defcon hacker conference in Las Vegas.

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A Letter Prompted Talk of AI Doomsday. Many Who Signed Weren't Actually AI Doomers Aug 18, 2023

In March a viral letter called for a pause on AI development, warning that algorithms could outsmart humanity—but many experts who signed on did not believe the technology poses an existential risk.

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YouTube Music Adds a TikTok-Like Video Feed to Attract Gen Z Aug 17, 2023

Gregor Dodson, a director of product management, shares why Samples is the music streaming app's newest video feature.

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This Psychologist Wants To Vaccinate You Against Fake News Aug 16, 2023

Controlled exposure to misinformation can help protect people from falling for it in the future, according to new research.

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Uber and Lyft Drivers Have Some Advice for Autonomous Vehicles Set to Swarm the Streets Aug 15, 2023

San Francisco ride-hail drivers are about to share the roads with robot competitors. They say that the self-driving cabs need to work on their traffic skills—and watch out for bodily fluids.

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Smell Your Way Out of the Uncanny Valley Aug 14, 2023

In simulated environments, smell is often the neglected sense. Scentient’s wearable device aims to bring a whiff of authenticity to virtual reality.

Generative AI Is Making Companies Even More Thirsty for Your Data Aug 11, 2023

The outcry over Zoom's tweak to its data policy shows how the race to build more powerful AI models creates new pressure to source training data—including by juicing it from users.

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This AI Company Releases Deepfakes Into the Wild. Can It Control Them? Aug 10, 2023

UK unicorn Synthesia offers clients a menu of digital avatars, from suited execs to Santa Claus. But it has struggled to stop them being used to spread misinformation.

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The Ghost of Privacy Past Haunts the Senate’s AI Future Aug 09, 2023

The US Congress is trying to tame the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. But senators’ failure to tackle privacy reform is making the task a nightmare.

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Microsoft’s AI Red Team Has Already Made the Case for Itself Aug 08, 2023

Since 2018, a dedicated team within Microsoft has attacked machine learning systems to make them safer. But with the public release of new generative AI tools, the field is already evolving.

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Apps Are Rushing to Add AI. Is Any of It Useful? Aug 07, 2023

The artificial intelligence gold rush has thrust services like ChatGPT into every aspect of our digital lives. That still won’t solve your email problems.

Please Stop Asking Chatbots for Love Advice Aug 04, 2023

We get it, relationships are hard. But asking ChatGPT how to do emotions is not going to work. Here are some better ideas.

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WhatsApp Made a Movie About Afghan Women’s Soccer Aug 03, 2023

As the UK pushes for a law that threatens end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp has given itself a starring role in a doc about a girls’ soccer team fleeing the Taliban.

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This Disinformation Is Just for You Aug 02, 2023

Generative AI won't just flood the internet with more lies—it may also create convincing disinformation that’s targeted at groups or even individuals.

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This Is the Era of Zombie Twitter Aug 01, 2023

The bird may be dead, but Twitter—er, X—is still alive for communities, news, and memes.

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Meta’s Election Research Opens More Questions Than It Answers Jul 31, 2023

Researchers were given unprecedented access to Meta’s data during the 2020 elections. Meta says their results show its platforms don’t cause political polarization. That’s not entirely true.

Meta Just Proved People Hate Chronological Feeds Jul 28, 2023

Some social media users and lawmakers say chronological feeds are healthier. A new study found that Facebook and Instagram users who were forced to see time-ranked posts turned to TikTok instead.

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Meta’s Open Source Llama Upsets the AI Horse Race Jul 27, 2023

Meta is giving its answer to OpenAI’s GPT-4 away for free. The move could intensify the generative AI boom by making it easier for entrepreneurs to build powerful new AI systems.

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5 Ways ChatGPT Can Improve, Not Replace, Your Writing Jul 26, 2023

Generate your own text—but get help from the AI bot to make it stand out.

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X Isn’t a Super App. It’s Just Twitter Jul 25, 2023

Twitter’s rebrand to X is both a bad joke and an attempt by Elon Musk to realize his decades-long ambition for an all-conquering super app.

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AI Giants Pledge to Allow External Probes of Their Algorithms, Under a New White House Pact Jul 24, 2023

Leading AI developers including Google and OpenAI promised the Biden administration to check for problems such as biased output. The agreement is not legally binding.

A Battlefield AI Company Says It’s One of the Good Guys Jul 21, 2023

Helsing AI is building an operating system for warfare and says it’ll only ever sell to democracies.

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Threads Is the New Cool Hangout—for Brands Jul 20, 2023

With big names like Wendy’s and Netflix, brand-on-brand chatter is shaping Meta’s new social media app. That could leave little room for people.

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Meta’s Threads Could Make—or Break—the Fediverse Jul 19, 2023

Meta promised to make Threads compatible with the decentralized protocol underlying Mastodon. Proponents of interoperable social media can’t agree whether to welcome or fear it.

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Automakers Say They Resolved the Right-to-Repair Fight. Critics Aren’t Ready to Make Peace Jul 18, 2023

An auto industry pact claims to end the controversy over car data that has embroiled repair shops, parts manufacturers, and car owners. But many doubts remain.

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AI Could Change How Blind People See the World Jul 17, 2023

Assistive technology services are integrating OpenAI's GPT-4, using artificial intelligence to help describe objects and people.

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Ukraine's Botanists Risked Their Lives for a Priceless Collection Jul 14, 2023

When the war came to Kherson, a small group of scientists ventured into the ruined city to rescue a unique herbarium.

Armed Guards and Shootings Plague Airbnb’s Party Ban Jul 13, 2023

People are still using short-term rentals to throw unruly parties—some of them deadly. Local communities are trying to fight back.

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Congress Wants to Take Back Power Over Crypto Jul 12, 2023

On Wednesday, US senators Cynthia Lummis and Kirsten Gillibrand will unveil proposed legislation to decide once and for all how digital assets should be regulated.

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How to Find Your Twitter Friends on Threads Jul 11, 2023

Want to reconnect with people and grow your clout on Threads? Here are a few tips to help you get started.

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ChatGPT Is Reshaping Crowd Work Jul 10, 2023

Although some workers shun chatbot help, platforms are adopting policies or technology to deter use of AI—potentially making crowd work more difficult.

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Open-Source Your Blender to Fight Electronic Waste Jul 07, 2023

Berlin-based Open Funk is tackling throwaway culture with a blender that's as easy to fix as to replace.

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5 Uses for ChatGPT that Aren’t Fan Fiction or Cheating at School Jul 06, 2023

Chatbots are great for lots of things, but these ones may be unexpected.

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Porto Digital Is the Quixotic Tech Hub That Actually Worked Jul 04, 2023

Created in 2000 to halt urban decay in the Brazilian city of Recife, the initiative has brought thousands of tech jobs to the region.

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Wagner Mutiny Puts Russia’s Military Bloggers on a Razor’s Edge Jul 03, 2023

Telegram “war correspondents” have promoted the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, but many have also supported mercenaries who launched a failed coup.

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Reddit Is Already on the Rebound Jun 30, 2023

Despite mass protests by users and moderators, Reddit's unique communities look likely to survive the rebellion over the company's new business strategy.

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Love That Song? Buy Shares in It Jun 29, 2023

A Swedish platform promises to help fund your favorite artists while making you rich and saving the music industry.

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Meet the Humans Trying to Keep Us Safe From AI Jun 28, 2023

As artificial intelligence explodes, the field is expanding beyond the usual suspects—and the usual motivations.

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Google DeepMind’s CEO Says Its Next Algorithm Will Eclipse ChatGPT Jun 27, 2023

Demis Hassabis says the company is working on a system called Gemini that will tap techniques that helped AlphaGo defeat a Go champion in 2016.

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Green Parties Are Gaining Power—and Problems Jun 26, 2023

Environment-focused politicians are winning elections across Europe. Their idealism is crashing into reality, but pragmatism risks alienating supporters.

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The Last AI Boom Didn't Kill Jobs. Feel Better? Jun 23, 2023

ChatGPT is stoking fears of mass layoffs, but a study of several EU countries found the deep-learning boom of the 2010s actually created job opportunities.

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A Fight Over the Right to Repair Cars Takes a Wild Turn Jun 22, 2023

A landmark right-to-repair law in Massachusetts is great for car owners. The US government argues it’s also great for hackers.

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Apple Is Taking On Apples in a Truly Weird Trademark Battle Jun 21, 2023

Apple, the company, wants rights to the image of apples, the fruit, in Switzerland—one of dozens of countries where it’s flexing its legal muscles.

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How to Live Well, Love AI, and Party Like a 6-Year-Old Jun 20, 2023

WIRED cofounder Kevin Kelly believes tech ultimately bends towards good—you just might have to wait a while. For now, he's got a book of life advice.

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Jack Ma Isn't Back Jun 19, 2023

The iconic Alibaba founder disappeared from view after criticizing China's government. He returned to the country in March—as a teacher, not a businessman.

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Google Made Millions From Ads for Fake Abortion Clinics Jun 16, 2023

The search giant took $10 million in ads from, and gave grants to, “crisis pregnancy centers” that work to prevent women from accessing abortions.

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His Drivers Unionized—Then Amazon Tried to Terminate His Contract Jun 15, 2023

The ecommerce giant’s “delivery service partners” are under constant pressure to perform, but say they have little freedom to manage their own businesses.

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UFO Whistleblower, Meet a Conspiracy-Loving Congress Jun 14, 2023

Fresh claims from a former US intelligence officer about an “intact” alien craft may get traction on Capitol Hill, where some lawmakers want to believe.

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Tesla’s Supercharger Strategy Starts a Winning Streak Jun 13, 2023

Deals to let GM and Ford EV owners use Tesla charging points show the EV maker turning its giant Supercharger network into a competitive advantage.

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Deepmind’s AI Is Learning About the Art of Coding Jun 12, 2023

AlphaDev has made small but significant improvements to decades-old C++ algorithms. Its builders say that’s just the start.

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The Strangely Believable Tale of a Mythical Rogue Drone Jun 09, 2023

A widely shared story highlights the need for greater transparency in the development and engineering of AI systems.

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Coinbase and Binance Lawsuits Put Crypto on Ice Jun 08, 2023

The SEC has launched two lawsuits in 24 hours, putting a huge question mark over the future of retail crypto trading in the US.

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Apple Ghosts the Generative AI Revolution Jun 07, 2023

Apple unveiled the Vision Pro headset and a number of AI-powered features yesterday, but largely ignored generative AI applications embraced by Google and Microsoft.

How AI Protects (and Attacks) Your Inbox Jun 06, 2023

Criminals may use artificial intelligence to scam you. Companies, like Google, are looking for ways AI and machine learning can help prevent phishing.

This AI Scouting Platform Puts Soccer Talent Spotters Everywhere Jun 05, 2023

A young player hoping to be spotted by a Premier League club typically relies on luck as much as talent, but artificial intelligence could change all that.

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An Eating Disorder Chatbot Is Suspended for Giving Harmful Advice Jun 02, 2023

A nonprofit that helps people with body image problems closed its human-run helpline. The chatbot that remained suggested things like losing weight.

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Runaway AI Is an Extinction Risk, Experts Warn Jun 01, 2023

A new statement from industry leaders cautions that artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity on par with nuclear war or a pandemic.

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How to Polish Your LinkedIn Profile May 31, 2023

While other networks sputter, LinkedIn is growing. Here’s how to use the professional social network to highlight your accomplishments and skills.

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Shocking Leaked Tesla Documents Hint at Cybertruck Problems May 30, 2023

The EV giant is under pressure to launch new products, but a huge dump of confidential files in Germany details a litany of technical failings.

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Pegasus Spyware Is Detected in a War Zone for the First Time May 29, 2023

Researchers say Armenian government workers, journalists, and at least one United Nations official were targeted by the NSO tool.

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AI Is Steeped in Big Tech’s ‘Digital Colonialism’ May 26, 2023

Artificial intelligence continues to be fed racist and sexist training materials and then distributed around the world.

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Sam Altman’s World Tour Hopes to Reassure AI Doomers May 25, 2023

On a stop in London, the OpenAI CEO called for balanced regulation and warned of the risks of deepfake disinformation.

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Google Will Soon Show You AI-Generated Ads May 24, 2023

Advertisers can save money and perhaps make ads more clickable using ChatGPT-style tools to generate text and images. Meta is testing similar technology.

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Meta’s $1.3 Billion Fine Is a Strike Against Surveillance Capitalism May 23, 2023

The record-breaking GDPR penalty for data transfers to the US could upend Meta's business and spur regulators to finalize a new data-sharing agreement.

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France Is Fighting to Save Your iPhone From an Early Death May 21, 2023

With iPhones getting harder and more expensive to repair, French prosecutors have launched an investigation into the scourge of planned obsolescence.

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Politicians Need to Learn How AI Works—Fast May 19, 2023

Tech regulation has often disappointed. Automation expert Missy Cummings hopes a course to teach policymakers about artificial intelligence can help.

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Spooked by ChatGPT, US Lawmakers Want to Create an AI Regulator May 18, 2023

At a congressional hearing senators from both parties and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said a new federal agency was needed to protect people from AI gone bad.

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Autonomous Worlds Aim to Free Online Games From Corporate Control May 17, 2023

Multiplayer titles like Minecraft encourage creativity, but prototype games built on the blockchain claim to give players more meaningful independence.

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The Curious Case of the Missing Google Assistant May 16, 2023

Google’s generative AI chatbot Bard took center stage at the company’s I/O conference. The company’s answer to Siri was left backstage.

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This European Satellite Giant Is Coming for Starlink May 15, 2023

To compete with American rivals, Eutelsat’s Eva Berneke first has to navigate Russia’s war in Ukraine, Brexit politics, and jamming attacks by Iran.

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Self-Driving Cars Are Being Put on a Data Diet May 12, 2023

Growing fleets, fancier sensors, and tighter budgets are forcing autonomous vehicle developers to get pickier about what stays on their servers.

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Google Just Added Generative AI to Search May 11, 2023

Challenged by ChatGPT, the king of search launches a feature that can answer queries with text summarizing information found online.

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A Radical Plan to Make AI Good, Not Evil May 10, 2023

OpenAI competitor Anthropic says its Claude chatbot has a built-in “constitution” that can instill ethical principles and keep systems from going rogue.

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The Global Battle to Regulate AI Is Just Beginning May 09, 2023

Europe’s parliament is struggling to agree on new rules to govern AI—showing how policymakers everywhere have a lot to learn about the technology.

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These ChatGPT Rivals Are Designed to Play With Your Emotions May 08, 2023

Startups building chatbots tuned for emotionally engaged conversation say they can offer support, companionship—and even romance. Read the story here.

The Comedian Taking on India’s New Censorship Law May 05, 2023

The government says it’ll fact-check the internet. Kunal Kamra is challenging the IT amendments in court. Read the story here.

Twitter Really Is Worse Than Ever May 04, 2023

Under Elon Musk, hate speech has surged and propaganda accounts have thrived.

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FTX-ed Crypto Investors Are Moving Back to Hardware Wallets May 03, 2023

The collapse of the exchange has pushed users back to “self-custody” products like Ledger. But those can be risky too.

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Here Comes the Bride, With AI-Generated Wedding Vows May 02, 2023

Something old, something new, something borrowed—and something spouted by ChatGPT.

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Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming Dreams Are Falling Apart May 01, 2023

UK antitrust authorities have blocked its $69 billion deal to acquire Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard.

Meet ChatGPT’s Right-Wing Alter Ego Apr 28, 2023

A programmer is building chatbots with opposing political views to make a point about biased AI. He’s also planning a centrist bot to bridge the divide.

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Ford Jump Starts Its Attempt to Revive Detroit Apr 26, 2023

The first phase of the automaker's redevelopment of the historic Michigan Central station is aimed at bringing more tech workers to the city—and to Ford.

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ChatGPT Can Help Doctors—and Hurt Patients Apr 25, 2023

The chatbot is tempting physicians with its ability to spout medical information, but researchers warn against trusting AI with tough ethical decisions.

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Stack Overflow Will Charge AI Giants for Training Data Apr 24, 2023

The programmer Q&A site joins Reddit in demanding compensation when its data is used to train algorithms and ChatGPT-style bots

Workers Are Worried About Their Bosses Embracing AI Apr 21, 2023

A survey by the Pew Research Center found that most employees expect hiring, firing, and workplace assessment to be transformed by algorithms.

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Did Instagram Just Kill Linktree? Apr 20, 2023

Meta is finally allowing people to add more links to their Instagram profiles. It’s an existential threat to link-in-bio companies.

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Want More Out of Generative AI? Here Are 9 Useful Resources Apr 19, 2023

Boost your knowledge and your skills with this transformational tech.

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OpenAI’s CEO Says the Age of Giant AI Models Is Already Over Apr 18, 2023

Sam Altman says the research strategy that birthed ChatGPT is played out and future strides in artificial intelligence will require new ideas.

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Texas Could Push Tech Platforms to Censor Posts About Abortion Apr 17, 2023

If passed, the proposed law would also require internet service providers to block websites that discuss access to abortion.

Amazon Is Joining the Generative AI Race Apr 14, 2023

The ecommerce giant doesn’t have a ChatGPT rival, but it wants to sell you the tools you need to build one.

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You May Get More EV Options Thanks to Tougher Emissions Rules Apr 13, 2023

The US Environmental Protection Agency proposed new tailpipe standards that would require electric vehicles to make up two-thirds of new car sales by 2032.

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No, Fusion Energy Won’t Be ‘Limitless’ Apr 12, 2023

Scientific advances have renewed hopes of “unlimited energy,” while economic studies suggest that fusion power will be more costly than wind or solar.

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Ethereum’s Shanghai Update Opens a Rift in Crypto Apr 11, 2023

Ether is finally untethering itself from mining—and driving renewed debate about bitcoin’s environmental impact.

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This Student Is Taking On ‘Biased’ Exam Software Apr 10, 2023

Mandatory face-recognition tools have repeatedly failed to identify people with darker skin tones. One Dutch student is fighting to end their use.

Your Used Car May Soon Come With Subscription Fees Apr 07, 2023

BMW and others have been criticized for charging monthly fees for features in new cars like heated seats. Now the tactic is coming to used cars.

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It’s Way Too Easy to Get Google’s Bard Chatbot to Lie Apr 06, 2023

The company’s policy bars use of the AI chatbot to “misinform.” A study found that it readily spouted untruths on topics from Covid-19 to the war in Ukraine.

Microsoft’s New Campus Drove Up Home Prices. Where Are the Jobs? Apr 05, 2023

The tech giant’s project in Atlanta is on an “indefinite pause,” leaving locals with the inflated prices but none of the jobs and investment.

I’m Healing From the Tech Layoffs by Playing 'Going Under' Apr 04, 2023

Playing video games to deal with reality is nothing new, but this game about being an intern in Silicon Valley is perfect if you just need a laugh.

These Angry Dutch Farmers Really Hate Microsoft Apr 03, 2023

Tech giants want to build massive, “hyperscale” data centers in the Netherlands. A popular political movement wants them stopped.

Let the AI Coding Wars Begin! Mar 31, 2023

The way artificial intelligence can rewrite software will have huge implications for the tech industry—and everyone else, too.

In Sudden Alarm, Tech Doyens Call for a Pause on ChatGPT Mar 30, 2023

Tech luminaries, renowned scientists, and Elon Musk warn of an “out-of-control race” to develop and deploy ever-more-powerful AI systems.

Microsoft's ‘Security Copilot’ Sics ChatGPT on Security Breaches Mar 29, 2023

A new security tool aims to actually deliver the network insights and coordination that “AI” security tools have long promised.

11 Tips to Take Your ChatGPT Prompts to the Next Level Mar 28, 2023

Sure, anyone can use OpenAI’s chatbot. But with smart engineering, you can get way more interesting results.

A US Agency Rejected Face Recognition—and Landed in Big Trouble Mar 27, 2023

Officials working on Login.gov, used to access dozens of government sites, worried about algorithmic bias. Their decision breached federal security rules.

How You Can Tell the AI Images of Trump’s Arrest Are Deepfakes Mar 24, 2023

Doctored images of the former US president went viral on Twitter. These are the telltale signs that they aren’t what they seem.

Meta Is Being Sued in Kenya, Again Mar 23, 2023

Moderators who handled Facebook and Instagram content allege they’ve been blacklisted after raising concerns about working conditions.

Senators Warn the Next US Bank Run Could Be Rigged Mar 22, 2023

Lawmakers call for an investigation into the SVB collapse, fearing hostile foreign governments will use social media to manipulate markets.

Here Are the Skills You Need to Succeed in Tech in 2023 Mar 21, 2023

First, stay human.

USE 3/20 Crypto Faces a Banking Crisis. For Some, It’s a Conspiracy Mar 20, 2023

The collapse of crypto-friendly Silvergate and Signature Bank has left the industry scrambling to find anyone willing to work with them.

In Ukraine, Crypto Finds a Purpose Mar 17, 2023

The UN’s refugee agency has partnered with blockchain and money transfer companies to get vital aid to people displaced by conflict.

Ukrainians’ Google Searches Reveal a Year of Fear—and Hope Mar 16, 2023

Digital traces including social posts and search queries like “How many tank squadrons?” capture a population’s struggle to survive war.

The Silicon Valley Bank Contagion Is Just Beginning Mar 15, 2023

The collapse of SVB isn’t just a tech industry problem—and the rest of the world is about to find out why.

Yes, ChatGPT Is Coming for Your Office Job Mar 14, 2023

White-collar workers may soon face the AI disruption everyone’s been panicking about. But the news may be better than you think.

WhatsApp Has Started a Fight With the UK About Encryption Mar 13, 2023

The head of the messaging app says a new law will undermine privacy. The government says it’s about protecting children.

ChatGPT’s API Is Here. Let the AI Gold Rush Begin Mar 10, 2023

Businesses can now get paid for services built on the large language model, meaning chatbots are going to start appearing everywhere.

Why the Floppy Disk Just Won’t Die Mar 09, 2023

A surprising number of industries, from embroidery to aviation, still use floppy disks. But the supply is finally running out.

What to Do When Your Boss Is Spying on You Mar 08, 2023

Employee monitoring increased with Covid-19’s remote work—and stuck around for back-to-the-office.

New Crypto Mixer Promises to Be Tornado Cash Without the Crime Mar 07, 2023

Privacy Pool founder says he can preserve users’ privacy while keeping money launderers and regulators at bay.

India’s YouTube Vigilante Is Wanted for Murder Mar 06, 2023

Monu Manesar built a huge audience with violent content, but he’s far from the only sectarian streamer in Modi’s India.

Video Games Are a New Propaganda Machine for Iran Mar 03, 2023

The state sponsors titles that cast it in a favorable light and punish indies for depicting a more complex vision of Iranian identity.

An Apple Store Worker Is the New Face of US Labor Law Reform Mar 02, 2023

The company's anti-union tactics at retail outlets have drawn government scrutiny and are fueling a drive to get a new labor bill through Congress.

How Ukraine’s Trains Kept Running Despite Bombs, Blackouts, and Biden Mar 01, 2023

Since Russia’s full-scale assault began, Ukraine’s railways evacuated 4 million people and brought 300 foreign delegations to Kyiv.

Ukraine’s War Brings Autonomous Weapons to the Front Lines Feb 28, 2023

Drones that can find their own targets already exist, making machine-versus-machine conflict just a software update away.

Amazon Has a Donkey Meat Problem Feb 27, 2023

The online retailer sells products meant for human consumption that contain donkey meat. A new lawsuit claims that’s illegal in California.

Alphabet Layoffs Hit Trash-Sorting Robots Feb 24, 2023

The company recently laid off thousands of human workers and is also shutting down a unit working on robots that learned to open doors and clean tables.

Generative AI Is Coming For the Lawyers Feb 23, 2023

Large law firms are using a tool made by OpenAI to research and write legal documents. What could go wrong?

One Startup’s Plan to Help Africa Lure Back Its AI Talent Feb 22, 2023

Lelapa is building a research lab to serve African businesses and nonprofits, with the hope that locally grown algorithms can better serve communities.

Germany Raises Red Flags About Palantir’s Big Data Dragnet Feb 21, 2023

A court has issued strict limits on how police can pull innocent bystanders into big data investigations.

The Scramble to Save Twitter’s Research From Elon Musk Feb 20, 2023

Fearing the company’s new management, researchers frantically completed studies on misinformation and algorithmic bias, then published them online.

Audiobook Narrators Fear Spotify Used Their Voices to Train AI Feb 17, 2023

After a backlash, Spotify has removed a clause that allowed Apple to train machine learning models on some audiobook files.

The Generative AI Race Has a Dirty Secret Feb 16, 2023

Integrating large language models into search engines could mean a fivefold increase in computing power and huge carbon emissions.

The Mastodon Bump Is Now a Slump Feb 15, 2023

Active users have fallen by more than 1 million since the exodus from Elon Musk’s Twitter, suggesting the decentralized platform is not a direct replacement.

Meta’s Gruesome Content Broke Him. Now He Wants It to Pay Feb 14, 2023

A Kenyan moderator sued the company for work-related PTSD. A new ruling on his case could signal a global reckoning for Big Tech outsourcing.

Startup T2 Wants to Terminate Twitter Feb 13, 2023

Cofounder Gabor Cselle says his upstart social network can offer a “2007 Twitter” community vibe that Elon Musk’s platform no longer supplies.

The Race to Build a ChatGPT-Powered Search Engine Feb 10, 2023

A search bot you converse with could make finding answers easier—if it doesn’t tell fibs. Microsoft, Google, Baidu, and others are working on it.

Robot Cars Are Causing 911 False Alarms in San Francisco Feb 09, 2023

City agencies say the incidents and other disruptions show the need for more transparency about the vehicles and a pause on expanding service.

Layoffs Broke Big Tech’s Elite College Hiring Pipeline Feb 08, 2023

Students from top schools used to waltz from Silicon Valley internships into lucrative jobs. Now, some are reconsidering their options.

How the US Could Ban TikTok in 7 Not-So-Easy Steps Feb 07, 2023

Former president Trump tried and failed to ban the app. Now US lawmakers from both parties are preparing legislation they say can finish the job.

Get Used to Face Recognition in Stadiums Feb 06, 2023

Madison Square Garden is under fire for using the technology. Other venues are exploring their own uses of face algorithms, raising privacy concerns.

The Earth Is Begging You to Accept Smaller EV Batteries Feb 03, 2023

Electric vehicles are selling fast. But unless people change how they get around, the demand for battery materials threatens its own environmental disaster.

Alphabet's Layoffs Aren’t Very Googley Feb 02, 2023

The company’s founders pioneered putting employees first and said they’d never bow down to Wall Street. How things have changed.

Tesla’s Problems Go Way Beyond Elon Musk Feb 01, 2023

The EV giant is alienating its customers, bringing in less revenue, and falling behind legacy carmakers.

My Week With the Future of Garbage Bins Jan 31, 2023

A device called Mill from veterans of Nest, the smart-thermostat creator, transforms your would-be kitchen waste intoÂ chicken feed.

FTX Has Wrecked the Crypto Party in Paradise Jan 30, 2023

The digital currency exchange’s stupendous fallout has put local Web3 companies in the Bahamas on the back foot.

Metaverse Landlords Are Creating a New Class System Jan 27, 2023

Virtual landowners have found a way to put their investments to work, but with unintended consequences.

The Collapse of the UK’s Electric Vehicle Champion Jan 26, 2023

Britishvolt promised investors it would be the cornerstone of the country’s battery industry. Now it faces bankruptcy.

Twitter Is a Megaphone for ‘Sudden Death’ Vaccine Conspiracies Jan 25, 2023

By reinstating banned accounts and selling blue checks, Musk has supercharged “the most dangerous” Covid disinformation.

Lina Khan’s Plan to Liberate US Workers Jan 24, 2023

The chair of the Federal Trade Commission explains why she wants to ban companies from locking up employees with noncompete clauses.

On-Demand Tailoring Brings the Gig Economy to Your Wardrobe Jan 23, 2023

A London-based startup is networking seamsters with the goal of personalizing fit and making garments last longer.

Right-to-Repair Advocates Question John Deere’s New Promises Jan 20, 2023

The tractor maker is accused of blocking farmers from fixing their own equipment. A new agreement offers concessions—but campaigners say it’s not enough.

The FAA Outage Highlights an Essential System Everyone Hates Jan 19, 2023

A glitch in the so-called NOTAM system caused the agency to ground flights across the US. But its problems go back years.

Iran Says Face Recognition Will ID Women Breaking Hijab Laws Jan 18, 2023

Iranian women are baring their heads to protest government controls. A top official said algorithms can identify anyone flouting dress codes.

As Gig Economy Companies Flee Europe, Getir Is Taking Over Jan 17, 2023

Rapid grocery delivery apps are leaving the continent, putting the Turkish startup on top. But, its reign is anything but stable.

ChatGPT Has Investors Drooling—but Can It Bring Home the Bacon? Jan 16, 2023

The loquacious bot has Microsoft ready to sink a reported $10 billion into OpenAI. It’s unclear what products can be built on the technology.

Twitter Promised Them Severance. They Got Nothing Jan 13, 2023

Staff laid off by Elon Musk were assured they would be compensated following mass cuts. As the deadline passes, the silence has been deafening.

No One Will Escape the FTX Fallout Jan 12, 2023

Try as they might, crypto companies pressured by the trading platform’s collapse are failing to bail themselves out.

The Slow Death of Surveillance Capitalism Has Begun Jan 11, 2023

A European Union ruling against Meta marks the beginning of the end of targeted ads.

Can’t Decide What to Do About Twitter? Here Are Some Options Jan 10, 2023

It’s not too late to move toward your ideal social media existence. You could opt for Mastodon or Post, or stay and hope things turn around.

Digital Traders Want to Go Fish Jan 09, 2023

A network of trading platforms is restructuring the seafood industry and tackling waste.

Wine Is Getting Pricier Thanks to a Logistical Nightmare Jan 06, 2023

Supply chain issues, drought, and war are conspiring to make it way more expensive to produce the drink around the world.

Sorry, GDP. There Are Other Ways to Measure a Nation’s Worth Jan 05, 2023

A country’s real wealth lies in its equality, environment, and happiness.

Mastodon Is Hurtling Toward a Tipping Point Jan 04, 2023

As the niche, decentralized social networking platform rises in popularity, it faces rising costs, culture shifts—and potential legal risks.

The Overlooked Upsides of Algorithms in the Workplace Dec 30, 2022

Author and labor lawyer Orly Lobel says AI can help mitigate human biases in hiring and compensation.

Big Tech Laid Off Thousands. Here’s Who Wants Them Next Dec 29, 2022

Governments, nonprofits, and small startups hope to scoop up people let go by the likes of Meta and Amazon. It’s their big chance to lure top-tier talent.

The Spawn of ChatGPT Will Try to Sell You Things Dec 28, 2022

Companies are exploring how to adapt powerful new chatbot technology to negotiate with customer service—and to persuade humans to buy stuff.

No One on Twitter Is Safe From Elon Musk Dec 23, 2022

The entrepreneur says he’s cracking down on doxing. Many see his account-blocking spree as self-serving.

Tired, Filthy, and Overworked: Inside Amazon’s Holiday Rush Dec 22, 2022

The retailer’s warehouses are flooded with packages. Workers say that means mandatory extra shifts and faster-paced work.

Amazon Investors Demand Answers About Its Cloud’s Human Rights Record Dec 21, 2022

At the company’s next annual meeting, shareholders will be asked to pressure the company over contracts with US immigration and the Israeli government.

A Fight Over Automation Plans at US Hydroelectric Dams Dec 20, 2022

The US government says replacing staff with automation and remote monitoring saves taxpayers money. Some workers fear accidents and cyberattacks.

A Tale of Two Nuclear Plants Reveals Europe's Energy Divide Dec 19, 2022

An upgraded power plant in Slovakia has angered neighboring Austria and fueled the debate over nuclear power andÂ independence from Russian gas.

These Algorithms Are Hunting for an EV Battery Mother Lode Dec 16, 2022

AI trained on reams of geological data can indicate where to dig in search of metals crucial to electric cars and other green technology.

ChatGPT’s Most Charming Trick Is Also Its Biggest Flaw Dec 15, 2022

The articulate new chatbot has won over the internet and shown how engaging conversational AI can be—even when it makes stuff up.

Elon Musk’s Twitter Isn’t Ready for the Next Natural Disaster Dec 14, 2022

Emergency responders rely on the platform to share and collect lifesaving information. Looser moderation puts that in peril.

A Row Erupts Over Texas’ Bold Bitcoin Battery Plan Dec 13, 2022

Bitcoin miners say they can help stabilize a shaky power grid and prevent blackouts. Experts say it will make the problem worse.

Airbnb Is Running Riot in Small-Town America Dec 12, 2022

The company sent cities scrambling to clamp down on short-term rentals. Now resort towns are feeling the pinch.

San Francisco Just Reversed Its Killer Robot Plan Dec 09, 2022

The city’s board of supervisors has rolled back a controversial decision to let robots use lethal force without human intervention. But the fight is far from over.

The Twitter Files Revealed One Thing: Elon Musk Is Trapped Dec 08, 2022

Messages show Twitter’s past leaders struggling with a tough moderation call with political overtones. Musk is now on the hook for such decisions himself.

How Chinese Netizens Swamped China’s Internet Controls Dec 07, 2022

The government regained control of streets and social networks, but citizens protesting zero-Covid policies proved smartphones can help fuel mass action.

San Francisco's Killer Robots Threaten the City's Most Vulnerable Dec 05, 2022

Law enforcement says that in some scenarios a lethal robot is the only way to protect public safety. Experts say the policy will harm communities of color.

Crypto Contagion Is Spreading, Fast Dec 05, 2022

The collapse of FTX has set off a chain reaction that threatens to topple one of crypto’s oldest and most well-respected institutions.

They Wanted a Baby, Then Twitter Fired Them Dec 02, 2022

From IVF treatments to parental leave, Twitter staff laid off without notice have had their lives upended.

Elon Musk’s Twitter Risks Big Fines From US Regulators Dec 01, 2022

The company’s past failings place its security under scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission until 2042. Any new mishaps could lead to heavy penalties.

Truth Social Is Rising as the Anti-Mastodon Nov 30, 2022

Amid Twitter chaos and Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, the conservative social network is having a moment of its own.

Here's Proof Hate Speech is More Viral on Elon Musk's Twitter Nov 28, 2022

Researchers monitoring a "firehose" of public tweets found signs of increasing toxicity—before Elon Musk reversed bans on Trump and other divisive figures.

The Race To Save Sam Bankman-Fried’s Other Crypto Exchange Nov 24, 2022

Following the collapse of FTX, a group of volunteers has gathered to try and salvage Serum. But the work is far from straightforward.

This Copyright Lawsuit Could Shape the Future of Generative AI Nov 23, 2022

Algorithms that create art, text, and code are spreading fast—but legal challenges could throw a wrench in the works.

Twitter’s Moderation System Is in Tatters Nov 22, 2022

Disinformation researchers have spent years asking Twitter to remove toxic and fake posts. After Elon Musk’s staff cuts, there’s hardly anyone to talk to.

The Pandemic Bike Boom Survives—in Cities That Stepped Up Nov 21, 2022

Covid lockdowns prompted a surge of new cyclists. But the trend has faltered in places that didn't build bike-friendly infrastructure.

Lyft Aspired to Kill Car Ownership. Now It Aims to Profit From It Nov 18, 2022

The company once claimed that ride-hail services and robotaxis would make personal cars obsolete. Mounting losses have prompted a rethink.

TikTok’s Format Breeds Sassy Customer Service Nov 16, 2022

Unlike the old days of replying to someone’s tweet, brands now poke back at their consumers on social media.

Elon Musk Has Put Twitter’s Free Speech in Danger Nov 16, 2022

Authoritarian countries around the world want to suppress criticism and public opinion. Can this new Twitter fight back?

Elon Musk Is Overloaded Nov 15, 2022

Twitter’s new CEO also leads Tesla, SpaceX, and startups working on tunnel digging and brain implants. His social media project will make it harder to juggle them all.

How to 'Quiet Quit' Twitter Nov 14, 2022

The chaos engulfing the platform provides an opportunity to reclaim control of your online life, without logging off for good.

The Reason for Meta's Massive Layoffs? Ghosts in the Machine Nov 11, 2022

The social media company's failed projects required thousands of staffers who swelled the ranks and never left.

Fintech in Latin America and Africa Is Breaking the Mold Nov 10, 2022

The US and Europe can learn a lot from startups that are nimbler, more digitized, and potentially better at serving underserved people.

Algorithms Quietly Run the City of DC—and Maybe Your Hometown Nov 09, 2022

A new report finds that municipal agencies in Washington deploy dozens of automated decision systems, often without residents’ knowledge.

The Strange Death of the Uyghur Internet Nov 08, 2022

China’s Muslim minority used to have its own budding cluster of websites, forums, and social media. Now that’s been erased.

Cannabis Banking Startups Want to Make It Easy to Buy Weed Nov 07, 2022

In dispensaries, cash is king—and it's a nuisance for business owners and buyers. Fintech players are entering the fray.

Uber Squeezed Europe’s Taxi Drivers. Now It Wants to Hire Them Nov 04, 2022

The ride-sharing giant is trying to end a yearslong battle by offering EU cabbies aggressive financial incentives.

Ford Abandons the Self-Driving Road to Nowhere Nov 03, 2022

Ford and Volkswagen sank nearly $4 billion into developer Argo. Now, amid wider signs of slow progress in autonomous tech, they're shutting it down.

Europe Prepares to Rewrite the Rules of the Internet Nov 02, 2022

The Digital Markets Act will force big tech platforms to break open their walled gardens in 2023, says the EU's new ambassador to Silicon Valley.

AI's New Creative Streak Sparks a Silicon Valley Gold Rush Nov 01, 2022

Investors have got the hots for "generative AI" that can make text and images. But so far, the hype runs ahead of the business results.

A Chaotic Crypto Launch Reveals How Hard It Is to Beat Ethereum Oct 31, 2022

When Aptos rose from the ashes of Meta’s Diem digital currency project, it aimed to be the fastest crypto network. Instead, it just angered its fans.

How Retail App Temu Lures US Shoppers With Mind-Bending Prices Oct 28, 2022

The new ecommerce platform can beat Amazon on price by shipping direct from China. It’s already racing up the charts.

Apple’s App Review Fix Fails to Placate Developers Oct 27, 2022

After bad press about its App Store rules, Apple added a way to challenge app rejections. Creators say projects still get blocked for no good reason.

The Quiet Insurrection the January 6 Committee Missed Oct 26, 2022

A former congressman who helped the House select committee investigate the Capitol attack says the US is losing sight of the big picture.

High-Tech Cars Are Killing the Traditional Repair Shop Oct 25, 2022

Many independent auto shops can’t afford the equipment needed to fix today’s complex vehicles. Prepare to wait longer for repairs.

Apple Is an Ad Company Now Oct 24, 2022

Pushing more ads at users would compensate for slowing smartphone sales but risks annoying Apple fans—and antitrust regulators.

The Gig Law Causing Chaos in California Strip Clubs Oct 21, 2022

Dancers say a law to protect people working at ride-hailing and food delivery apps has been used to undercut their livelihoods.

Amazon Workers Lose Another Union Vote as Management Digs In Oct 20, 2022

Three warehouses have voted on joining the Amazon Labor Union, but organizers prevailed in only one—and the retail giant’s heavily funded opposition continues.

China’s WeChat Is a Hot New Venue for US Election Misinformation Oct 19, 2022

Ahead of US midterms, activists are fighting falsehoods circulating in Chinese-language communities that they fear will distort the vote or suppress turnout.

Meta’s VR Headset Harvests Personal Data Right Off Your Face Oct 18, 2022

Cameras inside the device that track eye and face movements can make an avatar’s expressions more realistic, but they raise new privacy questions.

The $1 Billion Alex Jones Effect Oct 17, 2022

The Infowars host now knows the cost of “free speech”—but does the landmark judgment signal a crackdown on disinformation?

How to Protect Yourself If Your School Uses Surveillance Tech Oct 14, 2022

Colleges and K-12 campuses increasingly monitor student emails, social media, and more. Here’s how to secure your (or your child’s) privacy.

These Remote Tech Workers Secretly Juggle Multiple Jobs Oct 13, 2022

Working from home makes it easier to take on several full-time posts. The extra cash is nice—but simultaneous Zoom meetings can be tricky.

How A British Teen's Death Changed Social Media Oct 12, 2022

An inquest found content on Pinterest and Instagram contributed to the 2017 death of Molly Russell. The sites say they’ve changed—with opposing strategies.

Opendoor’s iBuyer Model Is a Canary in the Economic Coal Mine Oct 11, 2022

The company is losing huge sums of money on cookie-cutter homes—suggesting a fundamental weakness in the US housing market.

Elon Musk's Half-Baked Robot Is a Clunky First Step Oct 10, 2022

Tesla’s Optimus robot did not dazzle robotics experts and can't yet walk. But if the project delivers, it could give the company an edge in manufacturing.

Facebook Freeloads Off Newspapers. This Plan Might Stop It Oct 07, 2022

The Journalism Competition and Protection Act would allow publishers to finally bargain with Meta and Google.

Google Borrows From TikTok to Keep Gen Z Searching Oct 06, 2022

Younger people seek answers on TikTok and Instagram—Google hopes to lure them back with more visual, infinite scrolling search results.

Amazon Wants to Cocoon You With ‘Ambient Intelligence’ Oct 05, 2022

The company’s new smart gadget uses radar to track your breathing while you sleep. It’s part of Amazon’s plan to weave its products invisibly into your life.

Amazon Wants Its Home Robot, Astro, to Anticipate Your Every Need Oct 04, 2022

The cutesy robot doesn’t do much now, but the company says it’s a step toward machines that understand your habits.

This Student’s Side Project Will Help Decide Musk vs. Twitter Oct 03, 2022

In the battle over Twitter’s future, the number of bots on the platform is a key issue. Problem is, nobody knows how to count them.

Brazil's Far Right Plots Its Own January 6 Insurrection Sep 30, 2022

Extreme content is spreading rapidly on the country's social networks, sparking fears of a violent uprising.

Twitch's Crypto Casino Ban Ignores the Bigger Play Sep 29, 2022

The company is going after cryptocurrency gambling—but will that be enough to satisfy concerned streamers?

California Voted for Cheaper Uber Rides. It May Have Hurt Drivers Sep 28, 2022

Uber and Lyft spent millions promoting a controversial ballot measure. A new study suggests it has lowered driver wages.

This Uncensored AI Art Tool Can Generate Fantasies—and Nightmares Sep 27, 2022

Open source project Stable Diffusion allows anyone to conjure images with algorithms, but some fear it will be used to create unethical horrors.

Electric Vehicles Could Rescue the US Power Grid Sep 26, 2022

By 2035, the batteries in California’s zero-emission cars could power every home in the state for three days.

It’s Time for Cities to Ditch Delivery Trucks—for Cargo Bikes Sep 23, 2022

A new study shows that cycling packages the final few miles to their recipients isn’t just greener than using a van, but often quicker too.

YouTube’s ‘Dislike’ Button Doesn’t Do What You Think Sep 22, 2022

Users try to control the video platform’s algorithm by giving content a thumbs-down, but Mozilla researchers say it’s not so simple.

Banning Gas Cars Is Good, but It’ll Take More to Save the Planet Sep 21, 2022

People must both drive less and switch to electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions enough to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

A US Rail Strike Was Averted—but the Crisis Is Far From Over Sep 20, 2022

A preliminary agreement prevented a total shutdown, but many supply chains still face delays and disruption caused by staff shortages.

Satellite Data Shows How Russia Has Destroyed Ukrainian Grain Sep 19, 2022

The Russian blockade and bombardments are cutting off thousands of tons of grain, threatening the food supply in countries that rely on wheat exports.

The Twitter Whistleblower's Testimony Has Senators Out for Blood Sep 16, 2022

Peiter "Mudge" Zatko's allegations about the social media platform renewed a sense of urgency for lawmakers to rein in Big Tech.

Undocumented Workers Protest Uber Eats Crackdown Sep 15, 2022

In France, the gig economy platform welcomed thousands of immigrants during the pandemic, unions say. Now it’s deactivating them en masse.

Google and Amazon Want More Defense Contracts, Despite Worker Protests Sep 14, 2022

The tech giants' corporate offices across the US Â drew demonstrations over an Israeli government cloud contract that opponents say could have military uses.

The FTC Is Closing In on Runaway AI Sep 13, 2022

The US regulator is eager to end unfair use of artificial intelligence and commercial surveillance, but experts remain skeptical.

How Drought and War Are Really Affecting the Global Food Supply Sep 09, 2022

Blistering temperatures and the invasion of Ukraine have fed fears of global shortages—but some regions are suffering much more than others.

Silicon Valley’s Most Powerful ‘Mafia’ Gets a New Boss Sep 08, 2022

Startup incubator Y Combinator birthed big names like Airbnb and Stripe. Incoming CEO Garry Tan says he’ll tap the program’s alumni network to generate new tech giants.

Trans Researchers Want Google Scholar to Stop Deadnaming Them Sep 07, 2022

The academic search engine’s policy on name changes is out of step with other search tools and publishers.

GM's Cruise Recalls Self-Driving Software Involved in June Crash Sep 06, 2022

After two people were injured in the incident, Cruise blocked its robot vehicles from making left turns for several weeks before issuing a software update.

Europe Set Itself Up for This Energy Crisis Sep 02, 2022

The region’s unified approach to energy predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but countries suffering from shortages may now have to watch gas flow past.

The Climate Bill Is Poised to Electrify Delivery Vans and Trucks Sep 01, 2022

Tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act could transform how goods get to stores and consumers by incentivizing US business owners to buy zero-emission electric vehicles.

Get Used to Startups Trying to Reinvent Housing Aug 31, 2022

WeWork’s controversial cofounder Adam Neumann is not the only entrepreneur to see opportunity in the generation of Americans unable to buy homes.

Raising Startup Funding Used to Be Easy—Not Anymore Aug 30, 2022

In recent years investors greeted founders with generous checks and warm smiles, but now CEOs seeking cash encounter cold shoulders.

Babylon Disrupted the UK’s Health System. Then It Left Aug 29, 2022

The AI-powered online doctor app is ditching its controversial NHS contracts as it focuses on the US market.

How to Stop Robots From Becoming Racist Aug 26, 2022

Algorithms can amplify patterns of discrimination. Robotics researchers are calling for new ways to prevent mechanical bodies acting out those biases.

Ethereum's 'Merge' Is a Big Deal for Crypto—and the Planet Aug 25, 2022

One of the most influential cryptocurrency projects is set to finally ditch proof-of-work mining.

Algorithms Can Now Mimic Any Artist. Some Artists Hate It Aug 24, 2022

A new generation of AI image tools can reproduce an artist’s signature style. Some creatives fear for their livelihoods.

Spyware Scandals Are Ripping Through Europe Aug 23, 2022

The latest crisis that rocked the Greek government shows the bloc’s surveillance problem goes beyond the notorious NSO Group.

Colleges Are Already Ditching Income-Share Agreements Aug 22, 2022

The financial aid model more closely associated with coding boot camps has made its way to traditional universities. Now it's coming under scrutiny.

Smiling Dogs? Horses Made of Clouds? Captcha Has Gone Too Far Aug 19, 2022

Users face increasingly impossible challenges to prove they are not bots.

Machine Learning Is Causing a ‘Reproducibility Crisis’ in Science Aug 18, 2022

AI hype has researchers in fields from medicine to sociology rushing to use techniques that they don’t always understand—causing a wave of spurious results.

TikTok Is ‘Shadow-Promoting’ Banned Content in Russia Aug 17, 2022

The company said it would prevent Russia-based users from uploading fresh content—but some new videos are still showing up on FYPs.

A Suspected Killer’s Fans Are Still Promoting Him Online Aug 16, 2022

After a local politician and two others were gunned down in the Philippines, posts supporting the suspect continue to gain traction on social media.

Tech’s Offshore Hiring Has Gone Into Overdrive Aug 15, 2022

Companies that once battled to hire employees close to home are now turning to Latin America and other markets for talent.

Amazon Workers in the UK Walk Out in a Cost-of-Living Rebellion Aug 12, 2022

After news of a “pointless” pay increase spread, workers at three warehouses stopped work to demand higher wages as inflation and interest rates surge.

Beware the Contract Clause Loading US Workers With Debt Aug 11, 2022

Nurses, retail workers, and other employees can owe thousands of dollars just for quitting their job—or getting laid off.

What Twitter’s Move to Shutter Offices Signals for Big Tech Aug 10, 2022

Companies are cutting costs by embracing remote setups, but what happens to the hubs they leave behind?

The Rise and Fall of a Bitcoin Mining Sensation Aug 09, 2022

Compass Mining grew quickly during crypto’s halcyon days. Now, its customers and their thousands of mining machines are stuck.

Wikipedia Articles Sway Some Legal Judgments Aug 08, 2022

An experiment shows that overworked judges turn to the crowdsourced encyclopedia for guidance when making legal decisions.

Kenya’s Threat to Ban Facebook Could Backfire Aug 05, 2022

Meta has allowed ads that include hate speech and calls for violence ahead of the country’s elections. But experts warn that a shutdown isn’t the answer.

Data Centers Are Facing a Climate Crisis Aug 04, 2022

Companies are racing to cool down their servers as energy prices and temperatures soar. And the worst is yet to come.

Big Tech Can’t Stop Obsessing Over Apple and TikTok Aug 03, 2022

Earnings season was dominated by two companies—both existential threats to their competition.

Why Google Sued the Descendants of a Railroad Tycoon and a Civil War General Aug 02, 2022

To secure the land for its multibillion-dollar Downtown West development, the company has had to track down dozens of distant relatives of 19th-century landowners.

The Fallout From Apple’s Bizarre, Dogged Union-Busting Campaign Aug 01, 2022

Workers are calling on management to stop inflicting “traumatic” pressure on other workers trying to unionize.

EV Makers Think They’ve Figured Out What Women Want Jul 29, 2022

Men are more likely to buy electric vehicles, and carmakers are eager to diversify their base. But what will it take to close the gender gap?

The Chip Shortage is Easing—But Only For Some Jul 28, 2022

Certain chips have caught up with demand, thanks to stockpiling and reduced consumer spending, but the semiconductor supply chain is still snarled up.

BeReal Basics: How to Use the 'Unfiltered' Social Media App Jul 27, 2022

Post within the two-minute window to share off-the-cuff photos with your friends—and the world.

Abortion Pill Demand Is Driving an Underground Network Jul 25, 2022

Desperate people in the US and beyond are turning to an unregulated, cross-continental supply chain.

Is It a Bird? Is It a Plane? No, It’s a Flying Ferry Jul 22, 2022

An electric hydrofoil ferry could be the future of public transportation in Stockholm—and beyond.

Juul Nears Its Last Gasp—After It Hooked a Generation on Vaping Jul 21, 2022

The startup used regulatory loopholes and marketing to make nicotine cool. Now the FDA threatens to shut the company down, but new rivals are taking over.

Amazon’s ‘Safe’ New Robot Won’t Fix Its Worker Injury Problem Jul 20, 2022

The company’s warehouses demand a fast pace of workers, and have higher injury rates than at competing firms.

Cruise's Robot Car Outages Are Jamming Up San Francisco Jul 19, 2022

In a series of incidents, the GM subsidiary lost contact with its autonomous vehicles, leaving them frozen in traffic and trapping human drivers.

Escooter Rentals Aren’t as Green as You Think Jul 18, 2022

Dubious design and inefficient operations are just some of the reasons why shared scooters’ ecocredentials are thin.

The Digital Divide Is Coming for You Jul 15, 2022

More services are going online-only—catching more people on the wrong side of a widening gulf.

Crypto’s Free Rein May Be Coming to a Close Jul 14, 2022

Lawmakers in the US and Europe are considering ways to regulate crypto and crack down on money-laundering and other illicit activities.

Tech Companies Will Cover Abortion Travel—but Not for All Workers Jul 13, 2022

Google, Amazon, and others will help permanent staff seek out-of-state care. But their many contractors remain shut out.

What, Exactly, Is the Metaverse Standards Forum Creating? Jul 12, 2022

No one will agree on what the metaverse is. But that's not stopping a coalition of big names in tech from designing the tools needed to build it.

Meta Was Restricting Abortion Content All Along Jul 11, 2022

Abortion access groups and activists say they were dealing with algorithmic suppression long before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The Fight Over Which Uses of AI Europe Should Outlaw Jul 08, 2022

A new European Union law will set rules for what the technology can and can’t do to people, like whether it’s OK to deploy lie detectors at borders.

The World Can’t Wean Itself Off Chinese Lithium Jul 07, 2022

China dominates the global supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Now rival countries are scrambling for more control over “white oil.”

China Is Racing to Electrify Its Future Jul 06, 2022

The country wants electric vehicles to make up 40 percent of new cars sold by 2030—but first it has to figure out how to keep them charged.

This Warehouse Robot Reads Human Body Language Jul 05, 2022

Machines that understand what their human teammates are doing could boost productivity without taking jobs.

Before Starbucks Baristas Had Unions, They Had Coworker Petitions Jul 01, 2022

A platform called Coworker has helped effect change for nearly a decade. As the coffee chain’s workers organize, its role has evolved in kind.

Meta Made Millions From Ads That Spread Disinformation Jun 30, 2022

The social media giant banned networks of fake accounts for promoting disinformation, spam, or propaganda—and kept the money it made from ads.

EV Charging Costs Penalize Urban Drivers Jun 28, 2022

While suburban drivers can comfortably charge at home, those in low-income areas face higher prices—if they can find a station that works.

No One Knows How Safe New Driver-Assistance Systems Really Are Jun 27, 2022

Tesla’s Autopilot and other automotive safety features are involved in plenty of car crashes. But thanks to spotty data, it’s still not clear how many, or what to do about it.

Sure, Crypto Is Crashing, but Everything Is Perfectly Fine Jun 24, 2022

Cryptocurrencies are behaving exactly like the rest of the stock market, but the faithful say that's no reason to jump ship.

The Weak Argument Jeopardizing Tech Antitrust Legislation Jun 22, 2022

Democrats are pumping the brakes on an ambitious Senate bill over long-shot concerns about content moderation.

LaMDA and the Sentient AI Trap Jun 21, 2022

Arguments over whether Google’s large language model has a soul distract from the real-world problems that plague artificial intelligence.

How Ukraine Is Winning the Propaganda War Jun 20, 2022

As the Russian siege drags on, Ukraine's media campaign has shifted from glorified myths to accounts of everyday bravery.

Why It’s Impossible to Rent a Car Right Now Jun 17, 2022

From Avis-Budget to Hertz, traditional rental companies are struggling to restock their fleets. Now peer-to-peer upstarts are scrambling to fill the gap.

Coinbase Offered Them Dream Jobs—and Then Took Them Away Jun 15, 2022

Hundreds of prospective employees have been left adrift, including some who were counting on the position for their visas.

Axon’s Taser Drone Plans Prompt AI Ethics Board Resignations Jun 14, 2022

The company has backed down on its proposal to address school shootings, but the damage was already done.

Bolt Loaned Employees Thousands to Buy Stock—Then Laid Them Off Jun 13, 2022

At least one employee borrowed $100,000 from the company—and now has just 30 days to pay it back.

Google's Russian Empire Faces an Uncertain Future Jun 10, 2022

After filing for bankruptcy, Google could withdraw from Russia or antagonize the country's regulators from overseas.

Satellites and AI Can Help Solve Big Problems—If Given the Chance Jun 09, 2022

Traditional hurdles stand in the way of ambitious plans to use imagery to help feed people, reduce poverty, and protect the planet.

This Is What Flying Car Ports Should Look Like Jun 08, 2022

It might be years before flying cars take to the skies, but designers and engineers are already testing the infrastructure they’ll need to operate.

As Bitcoin Falters, Crypto Miners Brace for a Crash Jun 07, 2022

Electricity costs more, Bitcoin is worth less. What can possibly go wrong?

Companies Are Hacking Their Way Around the Chip Shortage Jun 03, 2022

The supply chain issues have no end in sight, so manufacturers are being forced to improvise.

Elon Musk’s Twitter Plans Would Mean Less Free Speech for Many Jun 02, 2022

The platform has a history of standing up to governments. Its billionaire suitor wants to follow their rules to the letter.

An Autonomous Car Blocked a Fire Truck Responding to an Emergency Jun 01, 2022

The incident, which cost first responders valuable time, underscores the challenges that Cruise and other companies face on the road to driverless taxis.

Think Airport Crowding Is Bad Now? Wait ’Til Summer May 31, 2022

Increased demand and staffing shortages are already contributing to huge delays and airport logjams across the country. Here’s what you can do.

The Incredible Shrinking Car Dealership May 27, 2022

The way people buy automobiles is changing—so Honda and other manufacturers are adapting in kind.

Feds Warn Employers Against Discriminatory Hiring Algorithms May 26, 2022

As AI invades the interview process, the DOJ and EOCC have provided guidance to protect people with disabilities from bias.

Amazon Has Too Many Warehouses. Now Sellers Are Paying More May 25, 2022

Sellers keep getting hit with fee increases—at a time when shelves are sitting empty.

Terra’s Crypto Meltdown Was Inevitable May 24, 2022

An epic crash in algorithmic stablecoins spells trouble for the entire industry.

Google Has a Plan to Stop Its New AI From Being Dirty and Rude May 23, 2022

The future of computing is AI-powered chatbots that have read the entire internet—if Google can figure out how to tame them.

How 10 Skin Tones Will Reshape Google's Approach to AI May 20, 2022

For years, the tech industry has relied on an six-shade scale to classify skin tones. The search giant’s open source alternative could change that.

Alas, Elon Musk May Have a Point About Trump’s Twitter Ban May 19, 2022

It’s probably not a good idea for important platforms to be in the business of frequently banning users for life.

How Starlink Scrambled to Keep Ukraine Online May 18, 2022

Elon Musk’s intervention demonstrates how satellite internet could route around war or censorship far beyond Ukraine.

How YouTube Can Rewrite the Past and Shape an Election May 17, 2022

Philippine researcher Fatima Gaw says the platform has become a hub for pro-Marcos historical revisionism.

Miami’s Bitcoin Conference Left a Trail of Harassment May 16, 2022

For some women, inappropriate conduct from other conference-goers continued to haunt them online.

DALL-E 2 Creates Incredible Images—and Biased Ones You Don’t See May 13, 2022

OpenAI’s new system is adept at turning text into images. But researchers say it also reinforces stereotypes against women and people of color.

The Fall of Roe Would Put Big Tech in a Bind May 12, 2022

Alphabet, Meta, and others collect heaps of user data that could be exploited by law enforcement—and create legal hazards.

Uber and Lyft Drivers Must Now Set Their Own Mask Rules May 11, 2022

After pandemic safety measures ended in the US, ride-hailing companies lifted their requirements for riders—leaving those behind the wheel on their own.

The Crypto Industry Is Getting Too Honest May 10, 2022

What if no one cares whether it’s a Ponzi scheme?

Shanghai Is Rewriting Chinese Censorship Amid Lockdown May 09, 2022

Censors are cracking down on free speech online, but people are finding new ways to get around them.

Europe’s New Law Will Force Secretive TikTok to Open Up May 06, 2022

The Digital Services Act will extract more new information from the young app than from older platforms like Facebook.

To Win the Next War, the Pentagon Needs Nerds May 04, 2022

Data scientists, coders, and other techies could prove decisive in future conflicts—if Uncle Sam can recruit them.

Right-Wing Trolls Are Trying to Break Back Into Twitter May 03, 2022

Elon Musk's “free speech” promise is igniting an extremist revival, but the "replatforming" has only just begun.

Europe Has Traded Away Its Online Porn Law May 02, 2022

The landmark Digital Services Act has a glaring omission: It ditches plans to tighten rules that could have protected survivors of revenge porn and other forms of sexual abuse.

Broken Charging Stations Could Be Stalling the EV Movement Apr 29, 2022

Range anxiety is bad enough. But even when they find a station, drivers often have to deal with broken equipment.

How Elon Musk Won Twitter Apr 28, 2022

His weeks-long pursuit of the company has resulted in a $44 billion deal. But how did it happen, and what the hell comes next?

Ukraine War Prompts Europe's New Emergency Rules for the Internet Apr 27, 2022

The Digital Services Act has granted the European Commission unprecedented power over tech companies in times of war.

Shanghai’s Plan to Reboot the Tech Supply Chain Will Be Hard Apr 26, 2022

The government wants to restart production and shipping to meet global demand, but some people may trade a lockdown at home to being locked inside factories.

The Future of the Web Is Marketing Copy Generated by Algorithms Apr 25, 2022

The killer app for GPT-3 could help marketers lure clicks and game Google rankings.

A TikTok Army Is Coming for Union Busters Apr 22, 2022

Online activists Gen-Z for Change targeted Starbucks and Kroger for anti-union firings. Now they plan to take aim at Amazon.

Hospital Robots Are Helping Combat a Wave of Nurse Burnout Apr 21, 2022

Moxi and other delivery-focused assistants have become even more critical as the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed health care workers to their limits.

The Rise of Brand-New Secondhand EVs Apr 20, 2022

The global chip shortage has triggered a surge in demand for prized, pricey used electric vehicles. It's only just beginning.

Elon Musk’s Truth Apr 19, 2022

At TED, the Tesla CEO made his case for owning Twitter—and rewrote his own history.

Wikipedia Editors Are Ready to Stop Accepting Crypto Donations Apr 18, 2022

A majority of editors voiced support to end such donations, arguing that the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks consume too much energy.

The Census Is Broken. Can AI Fix It? Apr 15, 2022

Machine learning can help count people to deliver government funding and decide political representation, but the technology still makes mistakes.

How Apple’s Monster M1 Ultra Chip Keeps Moore’s Law Alive Apr 14, 2022

By combining two processors into one, the company has squeezed a surprising amount of performance out of silicon.

The Race to Archive Social Posts That May Prove Russian War Crimes Apr 13, 2022

Painstaking new techniques for archiving social media posts could provide crucial evidence in future prosecutions.

This Is How Twitter’s Edit Button Can Actually Work Apr 12, 2022

The ability to edit tweets is coming—but it’s full of risks. This is how to do it right.

After-Loss Tech Wants to Ease the Logistics of Death Apr 11, 2022

A world of services has appeared to help act as digital death doulas for the bereaved. They show software's potential—and its limits.

This Is How the Global Energy Crisis Ends Apr 08, 2022

With future price rises baked in and some countries on the verge of rationing gas, things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get any better.

Europe’s Biggest Lithium Mine Is Caught in a Political Maelstrom Apr 07, 2022

Europe wants to source EV materials within its own borders. But fierce opposition ahead of the elections in Serbia shows locals don’t trust mining companies.

Washington State Passed a Contentious New Gig Worker Law Apr 06, 2022

Uber and Lyft have legally cemented the independent contractor status of ride-hail drivers. Now other states are on the horizon.

A Wave of Startups Is Tackling Cow Burps and Other Climate Issues Apr 05, 2022

The demand for tech to save the planet is driving a new boom in companies trying to cash in.

Russians Need VPNs. The Kremlin Hates Them Apr 04, 2022

VPNs are divided between trying to help Russians stay connected to the global web and steering clear of Putin’s messy politics.

TikTok’s Black Box Obscures Its Role in Russia’s War Apr 01, 2022

Outside researchers can’t easily monitor how truth or lies circulate on the social media platform—raising concerns about its role in spreading misinformation.

The Supply Chain Crisis Is About to Get a Lot Worse Mar 31, 2022

A seemingly endless supply chain crunch has fueled interest in tech that promises to track problems or predict where new ones might occur.

Europe's Digital Markets Act Takes a Hammer to Big Tech Mar 30, 2022

The EU targets tech giants' walled gardens with aggressive new rules, but the smaller companies the DMA is meant to help are skeptical it will work.

Workers Are Trading Staggering Amounts of Data for 'Payday Loans' Mar 29, 2022

Companies are offering interest-free advances to people with poor credit in exchange for detailed personal data.

California’s Plan to Electrify Uber and Lyft Doesn’t Add Up Mar 28, 2022

A 2030 target for electric vehicles to dominate ride-hailing is a lofty goal. But it’s the drivers, not the companies, who may have to foot the bill.

Why WhatsApp Survived Russia’s Social Media Purge Mar 25, 2022

Russia has branded Meta an “extremist organization” and banned Facebook and Instagram. WhatsApp is a different story.

Coal Threatens a Comeback as the EU Pulls Away From Russian Oil Mar 24, 2022

Europe's efforts to avoid Russian energy imports will likely trigger a short-term spike in coal, and environmentalists are concerned.

China’s Gig Workers Are Challenging Their Algorithmic Bosses Mar 23, 2022

Food delivery drivers are using platforms’ data-powered systems, mass WeChat groups, and unofficial unions to fight unfair conditions.

Can an Online Course Help Big Tech Find Its Soul? Mar 22, 2022

The Foundations of Humane Technology is an eight-hour class for Silicon Valley’s disillusioned workers.

On Depop, Sellers Are Pushing Shady Secondhand Pills Mar 21, 2022

The popular ecommerce site is riddled with half-used packets of diet pills and harmful health supplements, highlighting the need for tougher regulation.

Activists Are Reaching Russians Behind Putin's Propaganda Wall Mar 18, 2022

Apps like Tinder, Google Maps, and Telegram give activists a way to share what's really going on in Ukraine—for now.

How a New Digital Dollar Could Shake the US Financial System Mar 17, 2022

The Biden administration is looking into a government-issued digital currency. The implications would be profound.

The Great Tech Hub Exodus Didn't Quite Happen Mar 16, 2022

Two years into the pandemic, US tech jobs remain concentrated in a handful of coastal hubs. But a new set of cities is gaining ground.

The Problem With Big Tech's Wartime Push Against Putin Mar 15, 2022

Plus: Silicon Valley’s response to Snowden, stories that shift reality, and a culmination of catastrophes.

In Ukraine, Online Gig Workers Keep Coding Through the War Mar 14, 2022

The country is a large supplier of contract labor through platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. The ongoing crisis with Russia exposes weaknesses in that system.

High Above Ukraine, Satellites Get Embroiled in the War Mar 11, 2022

While the Russian invasion rages on the ground, companies that operate data-collecting satellites find themselves in an awkward position.

Today's Startups Are Flush With Cash—and Watching Every Penny Mar 10, 2022

Investors have poured money into startups the past few years. Now, founders worry about a changing market and the rising cost of retaining employees.

How to Move Your Shop or Business Online Mar 09, 2022

The pandemic prompted entrepreneurs to move their brick-and-mortars into the digital sphere. Here's what worked for me and other small business owners.

The Original Hybrid Workers Can Teach Us How to Do It Right Mar 08, 2022

Over 50 years ago, they trialed “part-time telecommuting.” The pandemic-driven model has problems, but early adopters think they can be fixed.

The Governor of Colorado Is High on Blockchain Mar 07, 2022

Can Jared Polis turn the Rockies into the next crypto paradise?

Australia's Standoff Against Google and Facebook Worked—Sort Of Mar 04, 2022

A year after Australia forced tech giants to pay news outlets for the content they display, other countries want to follow suit.

YouTube's Captions Insert Explicit Language in Kids' Videos Mar 03, 2022

The AI that transcribes spoken dialog on the platform's standard version can render “corn” as “porn,” “beach” as “bitch,” and “brave” as “rape.”

Energy Firms Are Going ‘Green’ by Offloading Dirty Coal Plants Mar 02, 2022

In the EU, phasing out emissions often means paying someone to take over polluting plants—and keep them running.

An NFT Bubble Is Taking Over the Gig Economy Mar 01, 2022

Two-thirds of freelancers on Fiverr say they’re servicing the NFT industry. But is it sustainable?

Why Cities Want Old Buildings Taken Down Gently Feb 28, 2022

A growing number of US cities are adopting “deconstruction” policies that involve taking structures apart by hand in the name of sustainability.

China Is About to Regulate AI—and the World Is Watching Feb 25, 2022

Sweeping rules will cover algorithms that set prices, control search results, recommend videos, and filter content.

TikTok Wants Longer Videos—Whether You Like It or Not Feb 24, 2022

The company knows that clips over 60 seconds in length stress users out. That won't stop it from chasing the lucrative long-video market.

Grocery Apps Hoped to Win Over Amsterdam. Then Things Turned Sour Feb 23, 2022

The "dark stores" that popped up in Dutch cities have triggered turf wars with residents and citywide crackdowns.

The Elusive Hunt for a Robot That Can Pick a Ripe Strawberry Feb 22, 2022

It's a tricky, delicate task that combines machine vision and robotics. Progress has been slow, but entrepreneurs and farmers continue to invest.

The Psychology of Placing EV Chargers Along Roads Less Traveled Feb 21, 2022

Just seeing a map of charging stations in rural areas can help alleviate “range anxiety”—and help get more EVs on the streets.

After the Great Resignation, Tech Firms Are Getting Desperate Feb 17, 2022

Faced with a shortage of qualified workers and fierce competition, companies are offering candidates money to interview and plush perks if they stay.

Face Recognition Is Out. So How Will the IRS Verify Identity? Feb 16, 2022

Fighting fraud is important. But so is respecting privacy and guarding against bias. Â It's a “no-win situation,” one former official says.

Assange’s NFT Clock Sale Rides a Wave of DAO Crowdfunding Feb 15, 2022

The WikiLeaks founder raised $50 million for legal fees, making him the latest public figure to benefit from decentralized autonomous organizations.

Sony's AI Drives a Race Car Like a Champ Feb 14, 2022

The company built GT Sophy to master the game Gran Turismo, but it may help the development of real self-driving cars.

The IRS Drops Facial Recognition Verification After Uproar Feb 11, 2022

Privacy advocates and lawmakers from both major parties objected to the agency's use of a third-party system to confirm taxpayers' identities.

Battery-Powered Trains Are Picking Up Speed Feb 10, 2022

Electric locomotives could cut emissions of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants that harm people living near rail yards.

A Fight Over the Right to Repair Cars Turns Ugly Feb 09, 2022

In the wake of a voter-approved law, Subaru and Kia dealers in Massachusetts have disabled systems that allow remote starts and send maintenance alerts.

Thousands of Planes Are Flying Empty and No One Can Stop Them Feb 08, 2022

A pre-pandemic policy on airport usage is pressuring airlines to keep "ghost flights" in the air. The climate impact is massive.

Big Tech Needs to Stop Trying to Make Their Metaverse Happen Feb 07, 2022

From Microsoft to Meta, the race is on to sell an amorphous concept that no one really wants them to build.

HP Wins Huge Fraud Case Against Autonomy’s Mike Lynch Feb 04, 2022

The ruling by the UK’s High Court could also lead to Lynch’s extradition to the United States, where he faces further charges.

It's Not Just the IRS—the US Government Wants Your Selfies Feb 03, 2022

A controversial new program that uses facial recognition is part of a national effort to verify identities and reduce fraud.

Now Physical Jobs Are Going Remote, Too Feb 02, 2022

Advances in artificial intelligence and other technology allow machines to be operated from far away. The trend could spell trouble for workers.

Synthetic Voices Want to Take Over Audiobooks Feb 01, 2022

Publishers hope computer-generated voices can help them tap surging demand, but some fans—and Amazon—are resisting the robots.

Latino Founders Have a Hard Time Raising Money From VCs Jan 31, 2022

Despite diversity pledges, funding to Latino-founded startups in the US still lags—accounting for only 2 percent of venture investments last year.

Everyone Wants to Be an Entrepreneur Jan 28, 2022

Applications for new businesses rose 20 percent last year, after languishing for a decade. Many newly minted founders attribute it to the pandemic.

Meta and Twitter's NFT Landgrab Could Backfire Jan 27, 2022

A new plan to lure social media users to the metaverse could legitimize NFTs, but it could also ruin them.

Guts, Not Guidelines, Will Stop Tech Mergers Jan 26, 2022

Plus: Microsoft’s bid for Yahoo, Silicon Valley’s approach to history, and Tonga’s disastrous eruption.

China’s ‘People’s Courts’ Resolve Online Disputes at Tech Firms Jan 25, 2022

No garlic on the oysters? Soup stained a blanket? Panels of users hear the complaints and can order refunds or removal of critical reviews.

When It Comes to Health Care, AI Has a Long Way to Go Jan 24, 2022

Medical information is more complex and less available than the web data that many algorithms were trained on, so results can be misleading.

Cities Want Ebikes to Stay in Their Lane—but Which One? Jan 21, 2022

From New York to Moab, Utah, bicyclists and municipal officials are divided over whether ebikes should be permitted on bicycle trails.

Who Do Young Entrepreneurs Look Up To? Elon Musk Jan 20, 2022

Steve Jobs is dead, Mark Zuckerberg is tarnished. For the next generation of startup founders, the contributions of Bill Gates feel like ancient history.

As Kazakhstan Descends into Chaos, Crypto Miners Are at a Loss Jan 19, 2022

The central Asian country became No. 2 in the world for Bitcoin mining. But political turmoil and power cuts have hit hard, and the future looks bleak.

Accessible Cars Aren’t Born, They’re Made Jan 18, 2022

Car buyers looking for specific mobility features have limited options, but customizers and manufacturers are trying to change that.

You May Be Able to Own a Self-Driving Car After All Jan 17, 2022

For years, automakers focused on using autonomous technology for “robotaxis,” akin to a shared Uber. A GM announcement this week shows that’s changing.

Facebook’s Data Center Plans Rile Residents in the Netherlands Jan 14, 2022

The country has become a magnet for Big Tech facilities, but locals say they will syphon away all their green energy.

Self-Driving Vehicles Are Here—If You Know Where to Look Jan 13, 2022

Glossy visions of an autonomous future always seem just out of reach. But two insiders say the technology is available on farms, and on clear, dry streets.

Public Transit Systems Refocus on Their Core Riders Jan 12, 2022

In the wake of the pandemic, officials are shifting bus and rail service toward lower-income neighborhoods, while some agencies are eliminating fares.

A Move for 'Algorithmic Reparation' Calls for Racial Justice in AI Jan 11, 2022

Researchers are encouraging those who work in AI to explicitly consider racism, gender, and other structural inequalities.

Advice to Startup Founders: Prepare to Fail Jan 10, 2022

Three new books explore why fledgling companies flounder—and what to do about it.

John Deere's Self-Driving Tractor Stirs Debate on AI in Farming Jan 07, 2022

The automation, and control of the resulting data, raise questions about the role of human farmers.

A Year In, Biden’s China Policy Looks a Lot Like Trump’s Jan 05, 2022

The administration has toned down the anti-China rhetoric, but it has maintained and expanded economic sanctions—and plans a “diplomatic boycott” of the Olympics.

This Company Has a Way to Replace Plastic in Clothing Jan 04, 2022

Natural Fiber Welding uses an innovative process to treat cotton and make it behave more like synthetic fibers.

The Morbid War Over Online Obituaries Jan 03, 2022

“Obituary pirates” scrape websites and publish their own versions of death notices, reaping commissions on flowers and gifts.

VCs Lavished Startups With Cash in 2021. Now Comes the Hard Part Dec 30, 2021

“Is it a casino or the future of tech? Everyone’s trying to figure that out.”

Face Recognition Is Being Banned—but It’s Still Everywhere Dec 29, 2021

Two dozen cities and states prohibit use of the tech. But it’s on phones and is increasingly used in airports and in banks.

How Y Combinator Changed the World Dec 28, 2021

As if launching Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox weren’t enough, the famous accelerator has had an outsize—and mixed—impact on all of us.

More Black and Hispanic Entrepreneurs Are Open for Business Dec 23, 2021

A new report finds more people, particularly those in minority groups, are starting new ventures amid the pandemic.

This Digital Bank Is Designed for the LGBTQ+ Community Dec 22, 2021

New York-based Daylight is rethinking fintech with a social twist.

Taking a ‘Flexible Job’? Beware the Never-Ending Workday Dec 21, 2021

The rise of “asynchronous” working has great potential for companies and employees alike—but it comes with unexpectedly rigid downsides.

The Gig Economy’s Days in Europe Are Numbered Dec 20, 2021

Court cases and a new draft law from the European Commission are chipping away at the controversial industry. What comes next may look very different.

This New Tech Cuts Through Rock Without Grinding Into It Dec 17, 2021

A startup called Petra uses super-hot gas to penetrate bedrock. The method could make it cheaper to move utilities underground—and make electric lines safer.

There's $2B for Broadband on Reservations. It Won't Be Enough Dec 16, 2021

The recently approved US infrastructure law aims to close the digital divide for Native peoples. But the demand far outstrips the money allocated.

What Will Work Look Like in 2022? (Hint: Not the Metaverse) Dec 15, 2021

Here’s what industry leaders think about the future of work, from changing office hours to, yes, staying in the meatspace.

What Crypto Can Expect From Twitter’s New CEO Dec 14, 2021

@jack is out at Twitter, but his crypto-mania is alive and well under Parag Agrawal.

Meta’s Failed Giphy Deal Could End Big Tech’s Spending Spree Dec 13, 2021

There was a time, not so long ago, when Meta’s big-money deal to acquire Giphy would have been waved through. No more.

Why Do DVDs Still Exist? Dec 10, 2021

Some people still buy them—though not necessarily who you’d think.

The Watch World Is Finally Being Forced to Embrace Ecommerce Dec 09, 2021

Digital retail came into its own during lockdown, yet amazingly some watch brands still haven’t committed to online sales. Now time is running out.

Robots Won’t Close the Warehouse Worker Gap Anytime Soon Dec 08, 2021

Even Amazon’s new AI-powered machines aren’t nearly capable enough to handle the most important fulfillment tasks.

Great Resignation? Tech Workers Try a Great Reconsideration Instead Dec 07, 2021

More Americans are quitting their jobs than ever before. Some engineers are finding new workplaces to prioritize their own wellbeing.

Good Luck Trying to Fix the Supply Chain Crisis Dec 06, 2021

The system of getting things from A to B is broken. Fixing it will involve rethinking how pretty much everything moves.

Why the Chip Shortage Drags On and On … and On Dec 03, 2021

Demand is still surging, but it takes time to build new factories. And a history of highs and lows may deter some investors.

John Doerr Wants to Stop Climate Change—With OKRs Dec 02, 2021

Plus: Bill Gates’ climate plan, real estate in the metaverse, and a different kind of mirrorworld.

Twitter Blue Is for People Who Love Reading the News Dec 01, 2021

The platform's first subscription feature has a specific target audience.

You Don’t Have to WFH at Home—Try These Places Instead Nov 30, 2021

Mix up your new normal by seeking out quirky local coworking spaces—or find some inspiration in a museum.

The Hidden Dangers of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Apps Nov 29, 2021

Services such as Afterpay, Affirm, and Klarna are soaring in popularity and valuation. But consumer advocates say they make it easy to get overextended.

Timnit Gebru Says Artificial Intelligence Needs to Slow Down Nov 23, 2021

The AI researcher, who left Google last year, says the incentives around AI research are all wrong.

How To Fix Email … With Science! Nov 22, 2021

Email isn’t broken—it’s the people who are the problem. But if you start treating it like old-fashioned snail mail, suddenly it makes sense again.

Sodium Batteries May Power Your New Electric Car Nov 19, 2021

As EV sales increase, supplies of lithium may get tight. So some companies are incorporating cells with sodium, which provides almost as big a charge.

The Wild Rise of Moonbug—YouTube’s Magic Money Machine Nov 18, 2021

The company, which runs several channels full of children's content, just sold for $3 billion. Disney, look out.

The Metaverse Is Mark Zuckerberg’s Mobile Do-Over Nov 17, 2021

Plus: Facebook’s Home flop, the trouble with Covid answers, and good and bad news from Gaia.

These Robots Follow You to Learn Where to Go Nov 16, 2021

Burro makes carts that help growers of trees and vineyards with harvests. Meanwhile, the maker of Vespa scooters wants to carry your groceries.

These Philadelphians Created an App to Prevent Gun Violence Nov 15, 2021

Two neighbors stepped up to use technology to protect their community, and now they're sharing how easy it is for others to do the same.

Google Staff Squirm as Remote Workers Face Pay Cuts Nov 12, 2021

As more and more people switch to working from home, some are left counting the cost.

Even as China Cracks Down on Tech, AI Companies Plan IPOs Nov 11, 2021

SenseTime and Megvii both include facial recognition technology among their offerings and do a lot of business with government agencies.

Facebook Drops Facial Recognition to Tag People in Photos Nov 10, 2021

The social media company will delete data from images of more than 1 billion people.

These Companies Are Already Living in Zuckerberg’s Metaverse Nov 09, 2021

The Meta dream envisages whole companies operating in a virtual world. Many made the switch years ago—with mixed results.

These Batteries Can't Power a Car—but They Can Light Up a City Nov 08, 2021

Entrepreneurs are devising innovative ways to reuse spent electric vehicle batteries. One promising idea is storing power from solar and wind farms.

Facebook Is Going Meta Nov 05, 2021

Mark Zuckerberg would like you to call his troubled company something else now.

This Group Pushed More AI in US Security—and Boosted Big Tech Nov 04, 2021

The National Security Commission on AI included members from Oracle, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Some of its recommendations are already federal law.

This Program Can Give AI a Sense of Ethics—Sometimes Nov 03, 2021

Researchers trained an algorithm to answer questions about human values. Some of the responses are troubling.

Apple’s New MacBook Pro Chips Flex the Power of Custom Silicon Nov 02, 2021

The new M1 Pro and M1 Max better integrate the computers’ hardware with their software—much like the iPhone.

Facebook Is Everywhere; Its Moderation Is Nowhere Close Nov 01, 2021

Human reviewers and AI filters struggle to police the flood of content—or understand the nuances in different Arabic dialects.

I Used Facebook Without the Algorithm, and You Can Too Oct 29, 2021

Making your News Feed chronological is an enlightening look at what's really happening on the platform.

You Can Get This Free Crypto—If the ‘Orb’ Scans Your Eye Oct 28, 2021

Worldcoin's backers see it as a potential first step to a universal basic income.

The ‘Broadband Gap’ Is Now a Housing Problem Oct 27, 2021

Many people eligible for Covid-era rent assistance have trouble navigating a “tangled web” of agencies because they don't have reliable internet access.

Facebook Can't Hide Its Problems Behind a New Name Oct 26, 2021

Can rebranding the company herald a fresh start? Experts, as you might guess, are skeptical.

A New Credit Card Arrives—With a Silicon Valley Twist Oct 25, 2021

The X1 is designed for spenders who are young, high-earning, and live on their phones.

With Subscriptions, Automakers Mimic Netflix’s Playbook Oct 22, 2021

GM thinks consumers might pay $135 a month for emergency assistance, enhanced maps, and software-enabled upgrades that boost acceleration.

AI’s Smarts Now Come With a Big Price Tag Oct 21, 2021

As language models get more complex, they also get more expensive to create and run. Some companies are locked out.

These Virtual Obstacle Courses Help Real Robots Learn to Walk Oct 19, 2021

Researchers used specialized chips and simulation software to teach a four-legged robot to navigate stairs and blocks.

The Government Wants to Bolster Its Tech—Starting With Workers Oct 18, 2021

Robin Carnahan, head of the agency that manages the federal government's offices and IT, is revamping job descriptions and pushing remote work.

Borrowed a School Laptop? Mind Your Open Tabs Oct 15, 2021

Students—many from lower-income households—were likely to use school-issued devices for remote learning. But the devices often contained monitoring software.

A True Story About Bogus Photos of People Making Fake News Oct 14, 2021

A photographer set out to capture the misinformation producers in a small town in Macedonia. He wound up revealing uncomfortable truths about his own profession.

Weighing Big Tech’s Promise to Black America Oct 13, 2021

Last year, Netflix made a pledge that represents the tech industry’s best shot at redressing the nation’s racial inequality. How seriously should we take it?

Clearview AI Has New Tools to Identify You in Photos Oct 12, 2021

In an interview with WIRED, CEO Hoan Ton-That said the company has scraped 10 billion photos from the web—and developed new ways to aid police surveillance.

Bring on the Fist Bumps and Nasal Swabs—Tech Conferences Are Back Oct 11, 2021

Hundreds of (vaccinated) attendees gathered in a Beverly Hills hotel ballroom as Code Conference returned after a year-long hiatus.

China's Sweeping Cryptocurrency Ban Was Inevitable Oct 08, 2021

The decentralized technology clashes with the government’s plans for a state-dominated economy—one that includes its own digital currency.

Soon Your Google Searches Can Combine Text and Images Oct 07, 2021

With the help of AI, you’ll be able to take a picture of a shirt, then ask Google to find socks with the same pattern.

This Software Aims to Make Your Flight Smoother—and Help the Planet Oct 06, 2021

Airplanes taxiing isn't just annoying—it's a big source of emissions. The FAA and NASA created a new system to save time and fuel.

Why Tesla Is Designing Chips to Train Its Self-Driving Tech Oct 05, 2021

Developing AI is costly and time-consuming. Custom silicon can give companies an edge.

These Deepfake Voices Can Help Trans Gamers Oct 04, 2021

Players of online games can be harassed when their voices don't match their gender identity. New AI-fueled software may help.

AI Can Write Code Like Humans—Bugs and All Oct 01, 2021

New tools that help developers write software also generate similar mistakes.

It’s Time to Talk About Facebook Research Sep 30, 2021

Plus: Adam Mosseri on News Feeds, remote drivers for cars, and a pickle for Greenland.

How Computationally Complex Is a Single Neuron? Sep 29, 2021

Scientists taught an artificial neural network to imitate a biological neuron. The result offers a new way to think about the complexity of brain cells.

The Elizabeth Holmes Trial Is Underway. Silicon Valley Is Watching Sep 28, 2021

“I’m glad the ‘Fake it till you make it’ mantra of Silicon Valley is coming into question,” one investor told WIRED.

Google Is Getting Caught in the Global Antitrust Net Sep 27, 2021

As more governments force US tech companies to change how they do business, one case in Turkey cuts to the heart of the search giant’s power.

A Stanford Proposal Over AI's 'Foundations' Ignites Debate Sep 24, 2021

A research paper that dubs some artificial intelligence models "foundational" is sparking a dispute over the future of the field.

Community Pharmacies Stepped Up During Covid—and Changed for Good Sep 23, 2021

Pharmacies have long been perceived as commodities. Now, they’re a central tool for removing barriers to health care.

In the US, the AI Industry Risks Becoming Winner-Take-Most Sep 22, 2021

A new study illustrates just how geographically concentrated AI activity has become.

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Gamble Is Off to a Rocky Start Sep 21, 2021

Enthusiasm, fear, and light shows usher the country into the age of cryptocurrency.

An Explosion in Geofence Warrants Threatens Privacy Across the US Sep 20, 2021

New figures from Google show a tenfold increase in the requests from law enforcement, which target anyone who happened to be in a given location at a specified time.

The $150 Million Machine Keeping Moore’s Law Alive Sep 17, 2021

ASML’s next-generation extreme ultraviolet lithography machines achieve previously unattainable levels of precision, which means chips can keep shrinking for years to come.

GM Recalls Every Chevy Bolt Ever Made Over Faulty Batteries Sep 16, 2021

The automaker is recalling the electric vehicle after investigating two manufacturing defects linked to car fires.

Gavin Newsom’s Recall Election Divides Silicon Valley’s Elite Sep 15, 2021

How the tech world’s unique brand of politics is shaping the fight over who governs California.

A New Chip Cluster Will Make Massive AI Models Possible Sep 14, 2021

Cerebras says its technology can run a neural network with 120 trillion connections—a hundred times what's achievable today.

Lina Khan’s Theory of the Facebook Antitrust Case Takes Shape Sep 13, 2021

With a beefed-up complaint, the Federal Trade Commission explains precisely why it thinks the social media giant is an illegal monopoly.

AI Can Write in English. Now It's Learning Other Languages Sep 10, 2021

Startups in Germany, China, Israel, and elsewhere are following the path blazed by GPT-3—with local twists.Â

Tesla Promised a Robot. Was It Just a Recruiting Pitch? Sep 09, 2021

The highlight of an event aimed at AI whizzes was a human simulating a robot that might someday replace a human.

Looking for a New Job in Tech? It’s Your Lucky Day Sep 08, 2021

Flexible WFH policies, signing bonuses, fancy cookies—employers are turning on the charm to attract engineers and developers to their firms.

The Push for Ad Agencies to Ditch Big Oil Clients Sep 07, 2021

An activist coalition is pressuring firms to stop promoting fossil fuel companies—some of which have advertised oil and gas as “climate friendly.”

Apple and Google Are Gearing Up to Fight a New App Store Bill Sep 06, 2021

The Open App Markets Act would relax the tech giants’ grip on the app economy. But a PR campaign against it is already underway.

Now That Machines Can Learn, Can They Unlearn? Sep 03, 2021

Privacy concerns about AI systems are growing. So researchers are testing whether they can remove sensitive data without retraining the system from scratch.

How an Obscure Green Bay Packers Site Became the Biggest Thing on Facebook Sep 02, 2021

The social media giant's new transparency report mostly succeeds in showing the extent of its spam problem.

New Regulation Could Cause a Split in the Crypto Community Sep 01, 2021

An article in the Infrastructure Bill led cryptocurrency to acquire a great marker of prestige: a lobby. But can it keep a united front?

The Feds Are Investigating Tesla Over Autopilot Crashes Aug 31, 2021

The probe will look at 11 accidents, each of which involved a parked emergency vehicle.

Deepfakes Are Now Making Business Pitches Aug 30, 2021

The video technology, initially associated with porn, is gaining a foothold in the corporate world.

What Airbnb’s Summer Boost Reveals About Covid-19 Recovery Aug 27, 2021

The company’s latest earnings report showed an upsurge in business, but it also hedges expectations for the fall.

Samsung Has Its Own AI-Designed Chip. Soon, Others Will Too Aug 26, 2021

Synopsys, which sells software for designing semiconductors to dozens of companies, is adding artificial intelligence to its arsenal.

This Device Helps Paralyzed People Breathe—and Sing Aug 25, 2021

Called the Exo-Abs, the robotic device uses artificial intelligence to gauge how much pressure to put on a person’s midsection.

Struggling to Recruit, Police Turn to Targeted Ads Aug 24, 2021

The pandemic and the George Floyd protests have made recruiters’ jobs tougher. Now they’re tapping the behavioral profiling power of social media.

Biden Wants More EVs on Roads. What About Charging Stations? Aug 23, 2021

The president called for 40 percent of new cars to be electric by 2030. But motorists still fret about running out of juice—even if it rarely happens.

John Deere Doubles Down on Silicon Valley and Robots Aug 20, 2021

The farm-equipment giant is buying Bear Flag Robotics, which makes autonomous tractors, markingÂ its second big tech buy in four years.

If YouTube Algorithms Radicalize Users, Data Doesn’t Show It Aug 19, 2021

New research tracking people’s behavior on the platform found that most don’t go down those ever-deepening rabbit holes.

These Algorithms Look at X-Rays—and Somehow Detect Your Race Aug 18, 2021

A study raises new concerns that AI will exacerbate disparities in health care. One issue? The study’s authors aren’t sure what cues are used by the algorithms.Â

Amazon's Massive GDPR Fine Shows the Law's Power—and Limits Aug 17, 2021

It's the first significant GDPR ruling against Big Tech. But secrecy around the decision exposes the regulation’s flaws.

Facebook’s Reason for Banning Researchers Doesn’t Hold Up Aug 16, 2021

The company says privacy concerns forced it to block access for a team of academics. Whose privacy, exactly?

China Cracks Down On Its Tech Giants. Sound Familiar? Aug 13, 2021

Companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent were once regarded with national pride. Now they’re being slapped with fines and other penalties.

The Pandemic Drives Cofounders to Couples Therapy Aug 12, 2021

Startups are like relationships—at least that’s what some Silicon Valley therapists are pitching.

Toyota Whiffed on EVs. Now It’s Trying to Slow Their Rise Aug 11, 2021

In a bid to protect its investments in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells, the carmaker is lobbying against the transition to electric vehicles.

Intel's Ambitious Plan to Regain Chipmaking Leadership Aug 10, 2021

The company announced a strategy that involves new machinery and new technologies. It may get a boost from the US government.

Clubhouse Opens Its Doors. Is Anyone Rushing to Get In? Aug 09, 2021

Just a few days after ditching its invite-only status, the audio chat app had fewer than 500,000 new downloads.

Trucks Move Past Cars on the Road to Autonomy Aug 06, 2021

Money is pouring into autonomous trucking startups, just as many are souring on the short-term prospects for self-driving cars.Â

These Bendy Plastic Chips Fit in Unusual Places Aug 05, 2021

Researchers think these flexible semiconductors will be able to monitor your heartbeat or tell you whether your milk has spoiled.

As the Use of AI Spreads, Congress Looks to Rein It In Aug 04, 2021

The White House, lawmakers from both parties, and federal agencies are all working on bills or projects to constrain potential downsides of the tech.

Who’s Winning the War Between Biden and Facebook? Fox News Aug 03, 2021

Misinformation on the cable channel may be responsible for more vaccine hesitancy than the social network.Â

The Pentagon Is Bolstering Its AI Systems—by Hacking Itself Aug 02, 2021

A new “red team” will try to anticipate and thwart attacks on machine learning programs.

Why Not Use Self-Driving Cars as Supercomputers? Jul 30, 2021

Autonomous vehicles use the equivalent of 200 laptops to get around. Some want to tap that computing power to decode viruses or mine bitcoin.

No, Facebook and Google Are Not Public Utilities Jul 29, 2021

It’s time to retire one of the most half-baked ideas for regulating Big Tech.Â

As Travel Rebounds, Airlines Are Figuring It Out on the Fly Jul 28, 2021

Businesses destinations are out, tourist spots are in. The old rules governing fares and flight schedules have been thrown out the window.

Why Do Some Crimes Increase When Airbnbs Come to Town? Jul 27, 2021

Tourists neither commit nor attract crimes. But a study finds that violent offenses rose in neighborhoods where more homes were converted to short-term rentals.

The US Needs to Get Back in the Business of Making Chips Jul 26, 2021

Pandemic-induced supply disruptions and competition from China put more pressure on US companies to manufacture semiconductors at home.

China's Nationalistic ‘Wolf Warriors’ Blast Foes on Twitter Jul 23, 2021

Diplomats hurl insults and mock enemies in screeds that often appear aimed at a domestic audience, even though the social media service is blocked in China.Â

A New Tool Shows How Google Results Vary Around the World Jul 22, 2021

Search Atlas displays three sets of links—or images—from different countries for any search.

GitHub’s Commercial AI Tool Was Built From Open Source Code Jul 21, 2021

Copilot is pitched as a helpful aid to developers. But some programmers object to the blind copying of blocks of code used to train the algorithm.

Clubhouse Aimed to Foster Diversity. Is it Working? Jul 20, 2021

Here’s what you need to know before joining the social audio platform, especially if you’re a person of color.

French Spyware Executives Are Indicted for Aiding Torture Jul 19, 2021

The managers are accused of selling tech to Libya and Egypt that was used to to identify activists, read private messages, and kidnap, torture, or kill them.

Pet Startups Are Having a Field Day Jul 16, 2021

The pandemic ushered in a new wave of pet owners—and unleashed business opportunities for companies that cater to them.

Need to Fit Billions of Transistors on a Chip? Let AI Do It Jul 15, 2021

Google, Nvidia, and others are training algorithms in the dark arts of designing semiconductors—some of which will be used to run artificial intelligence programs.Â

The Pentagon Scrubs a Cloud Deal and Looks to Add More AI Jul 14, 2021

The JEDI program had become a legal and political morass. Microsoft won the $10 billion contract, but Amazon and Oracle sued to block the deal.

This AI Helps Police Monitor Social Media. Does It Go Too Far? Jul 13, 2021

Law enforcement officials say the tool can help them combat misinformation. Civil liberties advocates say it can be used for mass surveillance.

A Global Smart-City Competition Highlights China’s Rise in AI Jul 12, 2021

Chinese entrants swept all five categories, featuring technologies to improve civic life. But the advances could also be tools for surveillance.

Oregon’s Buckled Roads and Melted Cables Are Warning Signs Jul 09, 2021

Highways and rail lines in the Pacific Northwest were built for a cooler climate. But the heat wave proved that extreme weather is becoming more common.

El Salvador’s Race to Be the Bitcoin Capital of the World Jul 08, 2021

After China’s crackdown, the cryptocurrency crowd is looking for a new haven. This Central American nation thinks it’s the answer.

Google Launches a New Medical App—Outside the US Jul 07, 2021

The dermatology AI app won approval for use in the EU but not with the FDA, an odd twist on Europe's reputation for tough rules on tech.

America’s ‘Smart City’ Didn’t Get Much Smarter Jul 06, 2021

Columbus, Ohio, won a $50 million grant five years ago to use tech to solve old problems. But technical hurdles, bureaucracy, and the pandemic dashed many plans.

An Algorithm That Predicts Deadly Infections Is Often Flawed Jul 05, 2021

A study found that a system used to identify cases of sepsis missed most instances and frequently issued false alarms.

Andreessen Horowitz Goes Ham on Crypto with a New $2.2B Fund Jul 02, 2021

After its wildly successful Coinbase exit, the VC firm signals its commitment to cryptocurrencies with a third fund.

A New Wave of Dating Apps Takes Cues From TikTok and Gen Z Jul 01, 2021

Online dating exploded in popularity during the pandemic, and the number of new startups has grown. But will they last?

How Some Americans Are Breaking Out of Political Echo Chambers Jun 30, 2021

A growing number of people are seeking a wider diversity of news sources or opinions contrary to their own to combat information silos within social media.

Baltimore May Soon Ban Facial Recognition for Everyone but Cops Jun 29, 2021

The measure would make private use of the technology illegal, but would not apply to police. It awaits the mayor's signature.

The Efforts to Make Text-Based AI Less Racist and Terrible Jun 28, 2021

Language models like GPT-3 can write poetry, but they often amplify negative stereotypes. Researchers are trying different approaches to address the problem.

Apple and Google’s New AI Wizardry Promises Privacy—at a Cost Jun 25, 2021

The companies revealed upgrades for their phones that protect data and reduce reliance on the cloud. It also binds users more tightly to their ecosystems.

Zillow Taps AI to Improve Its Home Value Estimates Jun 24, 2021

By employing a neural network, the company says its numbers will be more accurate—and allow it to offer to buy more homes.Â

Transit Agencies Are Trying Everything to Lure You Back Jun 23, 2021

Systems in Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and the San Francisco Bay Area are offering reduced fares or free rides. Others are considering abolishing fares altogether.Â

VC Pledged to 'Do Better' on Diversity. It's Barely Changed Jun 22, 2021

The Black Lives Matter protests drew sympathetic public statements from investors in 2020. One year later, signs of progress are harder to find.

Covid Brings Automation to the Workplace, Killing Some Jobs Jun 21, 2021

Unable to find enough workers, employers are turning to technology to perform tasks—and women are likely to be the hardest hit.

China's Quiet Ecommerce Giant Thrives on Fresh Produce Jun 18, 2021

Pinduoduo, which recently passed Alibaba as the shopping site with the most customers, connects 12 million farmers to more than 800 million users.

Deepfake Maps Could Really Mess With Your Sense of the World Jun 17, 2021

Researchers applied AI techniques to make portions of Seattle look more like Beijing. Such imagery could mislead governments or spread misinformation online.

Don't End Up on This Artificial Intelligence Hall of Shame Jun 16, 2021

A list of incidents that caused, or nearly caused, harm aims to prompt developers to think more carefully about the tech they create.

The All-Seeing Eyes of New York’s 15,000 Surveillance Cameras Jun 15, 2021

Video from the cameras is often used in facial-recognition searches. A report finds they are most common in neighborhoods with large nonwhite populations.

This Arcane Manual Could Pave the Way to More Human-Friendly Cities Jun 14, 2021

For decades, the federal government has issued a guide for designing streets. Activists want to make it better for pedestrians and cyclists.

Inside Silicon Valley’s Mayo Marketing Madness Jun 11, 2021

The war on eggs started back in the ’70s, not with the company formerly known as Hampton Creek, but with a little cafe-grocery store in Los Angeles.

AI Can Write Disinformation Now—and Dupe Human Readers Jun 10, 2021

Georgetown researchers used text generator GPT-3 to write misleading tweets about climate change and foreign affairs. People found the posts persuasive.

Uber’s Union Deal in the UK Doesn’t Mean Its Battles Are Over Jun 09, 2021

The company's first-ever union agreement could distract from more changes that need to happen, both within the gig economy and governments.Â

AI Could Soon Write Code Based on Ordinary Language Jun 08, 2021

Microsoft reveals plans to bring GPT-3, best known for generating text, to programming. “The code writes itself,” CEO Satya Nadella says.Â

When Driving Is (Partially) Automated, People Drive More Jun 07, 2021

A study finds that users of advanced driver-assistance systems drive 4,888 more miles per year than similar drivers without the feature.Â

Meet Your Next Angel Investor. They're 19 Jun 04, 2021

It’s never been easier to invest in startups, and Gen Z is taking full advantage.

This AI Makes Robert De Niro Perform Lines in Flawless German Jun 03, 2021

When films are dubbed in another language, an actor’s facial movements may clash with his lines. Technology related to deepfakes can help smooth things over.

Florida’s New Social Media Law Will Be Laughed Out of Court Jun 02, 2021

The Stop Social Media Censorship Act almost certainly violates both the US Constitution and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.Â

The Ford Lightning F-150 Is the Electric Vehicle of Dystopia Jun 01, 2021

The automaker says the battery inside the pickup can power a home for three days—useful in a world of fires, floods, and freezes.Â

All Those Electric Vehicles Pose a Problem for Building Roads May 31, 2021

Gas taxes are the largest source of funding for highway construction and maintenance. As more cars plug in, that revenue is shrinking.

The Most Radical Thing About Ford's F-150 Lightning? The Cost May 28, 2021

After tax credits, the base model of the electric pickup will be cheaper than its gas-fueled sibling, removing what has been a big barrier for EV sales.

Roku and YouTube Are Battling for Your Precious TV Data May 27, 2021

Connected TV advertising brought in $9 billion last year and is poised to grow as more viewers shift from cable to streaming.

Covid Forced America to Make More Stuff. What Happens Now? May 26, 2021

A software entrepreneur pivoted to making masks at the start of the pandemic. The experience opened his eyes: “I thought, ‘Wow, the US really is behind.’”

Live Audio Apps Lure Creators With Money and Promises May 25, 2021

Talk is cheap, unless you’re an in-demand content creator for platforms like Clubhouse and its many clones.

GameStop FOMO Inspires a New Wave of Crypto Pump-and-Dumps May 24, 2021

Thousands of would-be investors are joining Discord groups that promise big earnings by manipulating the crypto market.

DeepMind Wants to Use AI to Transform Soccer May 21, 2021

The Alphabet-owned company is working with Liverpool to bring computer vision and statistical learning to the high-stakes world of sports.

To Make These Chips More Powerful, IBM Is Growing Them Taller May 20, 2021

The company reveals a process that it says can cram two-thirds more transistors on a semiconductor, heralding faster and more efficient electronic devices.

Black and Queer AI Groups Say They'll Spurn Google Funding May 19, 2021

The move is the latest fallout following the departures of the heads of the company's ethical AI research team and a recruiter.

Twitter Group's Offer India a Covid-19 Lifeline May 18, 2021

Hashtags have provided a kind of emergency hotline—but the need for mutual aid on social media is also a rebuke to the government.

It Began As an AI-Fueled Dungeon Game. It Got Much Darker May 17, 2021

The game touted its use of the GPT-3 text generator. Then the algorithm started to generate disturbing stories, including sex scenes involving children.

The One Legal Question That Will Probably Decide the Epic-Apple Lawsuit May 14, 2021

It’s all about how you define the market.

Gummy Bears and Candy Bars Are Casualties of the Pandemic May 13, 2021

Shopping online means fewer unplanned purchases. Manufacturers and retailers are testing tactics to bring impulse buying to the web.

Why Almost No One Is Getting the Fastest Form of 5G May 12, 2021

A new report shows that US mobile customers are tapping into the technology’s speediest networks less than 1 percent of the time.

The WFH Exodus Creates an Opportunity for Small Cities May 11, 2021

Workers from urban centers will continue to work from home, at least part-time. Officials and developers are planning the shops and services they'll want.

Ford's Ever-Smarter Robots Are Speeding Up the Assembly Line May 10, 2021

A transmission factory shows how artificial intelligence may creep into industrial processes in gradual and often imperceptible ways.

AI Helps Prove Two Scribes Wrote Text of a Dead Sea Scroll May 07, 2021

Most scholars thought the Isaiah Scroll was copied by a single author. New handwriting analysis just revealed otherwise.

This Researcher Says AI Is Neither Artificial nor Intelligent May 06, 2021

Kate Crawford, who holds positions at USC and Microsoft, says in a new book that even experts working on the technology misunderstand AI.Â

Now for AI’s Latest Trick: Writing Computer Code May 05, 2021

Programs such as GPT-3 can compose convincing text. Some people are using the tool to automate software development and hunt for bugs.Â

Europe's Proposed Limits on AI Would Have Global Consequences May 04, 2021

The EU released draft laws that would regulate facial recognition and uses of algorithms. If it passes, the policy will impact companies in the US and China.

Need an Angel Investor? Just Open Up Clubhouse May 03, 2021

Consider it likeÂ Shark TankÂ on your phone: Every week on Angelhouse, founders make a pitch to a panel of investors as hundreds of people listen in.

A Fatal Crash Renews Concerns Over Tesla’s ‘Autopilot’ Claim Apr 30, 2021

The company offers a feature called “Full Self-Driving Capability.” But it remains far from a self-driving car.Â

Union Says Amazon Violated Labor Law in the Alabama Election Apr 29, 2021

Amazon defeated the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union’s bid to represent workers at one warehouse. The union claims the company fought dirty.

BMW’s Virtual Factory Uses AI to Hone the Assembly Line Apr 28, 2021

The German automaker uses new software from chipmaker Nvidia to simulate train robots and human workers.

Microsoft Makes a $16 Billion Entry Into Health Care AI Apr 27, 2021

The company plans to buy Nuance, a speech-recognition firm that grasps the specialized language of medicine — tech that won’t be easy for others to replicate.

Is Silicon Valley Dead? Not According to Venture Dollars Apr 26, 2021

In a record quarter for VC funding, California still takes the cake—further evidence that reports of the region’s demise are greatly exaggerated.Â

Coinbase Makes Its Debut—and Bitcoin Arrives on Wall Street Apr 23, 2021

The largest cryptocurrency exchange goes public through a direct listing, and it could make a bigger debut than Facebook.

Antitrust and Privacy Are on a Collision Course Apr 22, 2021

Facebook is being sued for weakening data protections. Google is being sued for strengthening them. Can that paradox be resolved?

AI Comes to Car Repair, and Body Shop Owners Aren’t Happy Apr 21, 2021

During the pandemic, insurers accelerated the use of automated tools to estimate repair costs. Garage operators say the numbers can be wildly inaccurate.

New Vaccine Conspiracy Theories Are Going Viral in Arabic Apr 20, 2021

Facebook has been criticized for failing to curb misinformation in English. But little attention has been paid to the scale of the problem in Arabic.

This AI Could Help Wipe Out Colon Cancer Apr 19, 2021

Medtronic's GI Genius, awaiting clearance from the FDA, will help doctors identify precancerous polyps.Â

Biden Announces His Broadband Plan—and ISPs Will Hate It Apr 16, 2021

The $100 billion proposal will probably be met with fierce resistance by telecom companies, but there's a lot to like for internet users.

Serve Food in Far-Away Restaurants—Right From Your Couch Apr 15, 2021

A growing number of robots are operated remotely, often by workers thousands of miles away. Could it be a job of the future?

US Sanctions Are Squeezing Huawei, but for How Long? Apr 14, 2021

Growth slowed last year at the tech giant, as it had trouble securing the most advanced chips. China's government has a plan to change that.Â

Silicon Valley Revs Up for a ‘Hot Startup’ Summer Apr 13, 2021

“Now is the time to start stepping on the gas,” as one prominent VC firm put it to founders.

Groups Call for Ethical Guidelines on Location-Tracking Tech Apr 12, 2021

The Locus Charter asks companies to commit to 10 principles, including minimizing data collection and actively seeking consent from users.

Biden Wants You Out of Your Car and on the Train Apr 09, 2021

The president's $2 trillion infrastructure proposal boosts funding for buses and rail. It even envisions actually tearing down some freeways.

The Foundations of AI Are Riddled With Errors Apr 08, 2021

The labels attached to images used to train machine-vision systems are often wrong. That could mean bad decisions by self-driving cars and medical algorithms.

One Startup’s Solution for Zoom Fatigue? The Walk and Talk Apr 07, 2021

Spot is a new platform dedicated entirely to walking meetings, launched by a longtime remote work evangelist.

This AI Can Generate Convincing Text—and Anyone Can Use It Apr 06, 2021

The makers of Eleuther hope it will be an open source alternative to GPT-3, the well-known language program from OpenAI.

Negligence, Not Politics, Drives Most Misinformation Sharing Apr 05, 2021

Researchers found that social media users are generally adept at identifying fake news. But that doesn’t always affect their decision to repost it.

AI Could Enable 'Swarm Warfare' for Tomorrow's Fighter Jets Apr 02, 2021

A Pentagon project is testing scenarios involving multiple aircraft that could change the dynamics of air combat.

Where Are Those Shoes You Ordered? Check the Ocean Floor Apr 01, 2021

More containers have fallen off ships in the past four months than are typically lost in a year. Blame heavy traffic and rolling waves.

A New WeWork Documentary Relives Its Roller Coaster Story Mar 31, 2021

WeWork: Or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn is a good crash course while you wait for the adaptation starring Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway.

This Startup Wants to Take Your Blood Pressure With an iPhone Mar 30, 2021

“Hey Siri, help me treat my hypertension."

Researchers Blur Faces That Launched a Thousand Algorithms Mar 29, 2021

Managers of the ImageNet data set paved the way for advances in deep learning. Now they’ve taken a big step to protect people’s privacy.

This Chip for AI Works Using Light, Not Electrons Mar 26, 2021

Lightmatter says the computing and power demands of complex neural networks need new technologies like these to keep up.

The Pandemic Prompts Cities to Rethink the Parking Spot Mar 25, 2021

Some urban designers have long wanted to reduce the area set aside for cars. Covid is giving them a chance.

Who Are the Biggest Influencers on Clubhouse? Mar 24, 2021

It's harder to figure out than you might expect.

Fake News Gets More Engagement on Facebook—But Only If It's Right-Wing Mar 23, 2021

Far-right pages that publish misinformation get the most interactions by far compared to other news sources, new research shows.Â

As China Rises, the US Builds Toward a Bigger Role in AI Mar 22, 2021

After decades of staying out of industrial policy, a Pentagon-appointed commission recommends more spending on research and support for US chip makers.

Black Tech Employees Rebel Against ‘Diversity Theater’ Mar 19, 2021

Companies pledged money and support for people of color. But some say they still face a hostile work environment for speaking out or simply doing their jobs.Â

Good-bye Zoom. Hello Low-Key Ambient Snooping Mar 18, 2021

If you are missing out on serendipity in your remote work, try ramping up your 2-D audio copresence.

Big Tech Targets DC With a Digital Charm Offensive Mar 17, 2021

Facebook, Amazon, and Google ads are blanketing inside-the-Beltway newsletters in a bid to rehab their tarnished reputations.

Gig Companies Fear a Worker Shortage, Despite a Recession Mar 16, 2021

The pandemic sapped demand for rides from Uber and Lyft, and government aid has cushioned the blow for workers. Execs are feeling the strain.

There's a Surge of New EVs. We Take Them for a Spin Mar 15, 2021

Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Volvo, Porsche, and Polestar have each introduced new battery-powered models. So we hit the road with each of them.

You’re About to See a Lot More Instagram Live Collabs Mar 12, 2021

Instagram is finally giving creators their most requested feature—which the company hopes will make it a more dynamic destination for viewers.

Why a YouTube Chat About Chess Got Flagged for Hate Speech Mar 11, 2021

AI programs that analyze language have difficulty gauging context. Words such as “black,” “white,” and “attack" can have different meanings.Â

California Can Now Enforce Its Net Neutrality Law Mar 10, 2021

A judge ruled earlier this week on the law, which has faced challenges from lobbyists representing internet providers as well as the Trump administration.

Clubhouse Is Booming. So Is the Ecosystem Around It Mar 09, 2021

A wave of startups, features, and tools has sprung up around the popular audio app. And some are looking to cash in.

Gig Workers Gather Their Own Data to Check the Algorithm’s Math Mar 08, 2021

Drivers for Uber, Lyft, and other firms are building apps to compare their mileage with pay slips. One group is selling the data to government agencies.

The UK Is the Latest Country to Tighten the Screws on Uber Mar 05, 2021

The country's highest court ruled that the 25 drivers who filed a lawsuit should be considered workers and entitled to minimum wage and vacations.

How Planes Keep Flying After an Engine Catches Fire Mar 04, 2021

A Boeing 777 shed huge chunks of metal over a Denver suburb over the weekend—but wasn't in danger of going down itself.

Boston Dynamics’ Robot Dog Is Now Armed—in the Name of Art Mar 03, 2021

A group of meme-spinning pranksters attached a paintball gun to the dynamic robot to make a point about the automated future.

A Second AI Researcher Says She Was Fired by Google Mar 02, 2021

Margaret Mitchell was the co-leader of a group investigating ethics in AI, alongside Timnit Gebru, who said she was fired in December.

The AI Research Paper Was Real. The ‘Coauthor’ Wasn't Mar 01, 2021

An MIT professor found his name on two papers with which he had no connection. A different paper listed a fictitious author by the name of "Bill Franks."

How Covid Gums Up the Court System Feb 26, 2021

Videofeeds sometimes fail, defense attorneys can’t confer with clients, and witnesses have a hard time reviewing documents.Â

A New Artificial Intelligence Makes Mistakes—on Purpose Feb 25, 2021

A chess program that learns from human error might be better at working with people or negotiating with them.

Carjackings Are Up—and Gig Workers Are Getting Victimized Feb 24, 2021

Drivers, often unfamiliar with a neighborhood, leave cars running while dropping off food. Opportunistic thieves lie in wait.Â

Microsoft’s Big Win in Quantum Computing Was an ‘Error’ After All Feb 23, 2021

In a 2018 paper, researchers said they found evidence of an elusive theorized particle. A closer look now suggests otherwise.

Aurora Partners With Toyota on Self-Driving Sienna Taxis Feb 22, 2021

The autonomous vehicle startup purchased Uber’s struggling self-driving technology division in December.

How Censorship Can Influence Artificial Intelligence Feb 19, 2021

A study finds that algorithms learn to associate words with other words. “Democracy” can equal “stability”—or “chaos.”

A Silicon Chip Shortage Is Causing Big Issues for Automakers Feb 18, 2021

Car companies have had to reduce output, pause production, and even idle shifts and entire factories.Â

The Digital Divide Is Giving American Churches Hell Feb 17, 2021

Covid-19 has upended churchgoing in the US. Like so much else with the pandemic, the impacts are not felt equally.

Would You Trade a Bitcoin for a Tesla? Feb 16, 2021

The maker of electric vehicles said it had invested $1.5 billion in bitcoin and plans to accept the cryptocurrency as payment for its cars.

Finally, an Interesting Proposal for Section 230 Reform Feb 15, 2021

A new bill directly targets the most egregious excesses of online platform immunity.

AI and the List of Dirty, Naughty, Obscene, and Otherwise Bad Words Feb 12, 2021

It started as a way to restrict autocompletes on Shutterstock. Now it grooms search suggestions on Slack and influences Google's artificial intelligence research.

Lawmakers Take Aim at Insidious Digital ‘Dark Patterns’ Feb 11, 2021

A new California law prohibits efforts to trick consumers into handing over data or money. A bill in Washington state copies the language.

Biden Wants the Government to Run on EVs. It Won’t Be Easy Feb 10, 2021

The president hopes electrifying the federal fleet will create jobs and encourage motorists to ditch gas-powered cars. But no automaker is ready yet.

Miami’s Mayor Woos Techies. What Does He Need to Succeed? Feb 09, 2021

If anywhere could use innovation, it’s Miami—one of the country’s most unequal, environmentally vulnerable cities.

Why Instacart Is Laying Off Workers As Deliveries Soar Feb 08, 2021

Big grocery chains relied on app-based delivery companies at the start of the pandemic. Now grocers’ priorities have shifted.

New Algorithms Could Reduce Racial Disparities in Health Care Feb 05, 2021

Machine learning programs trained with patient reports, rather than doctors', find problems that doctors miss—especially in Black people.

These Doctors Are Using AI to Screen for Breast Cancer Feb 04, 2021

During the pandemic, thousands of women have skipped scans and check-ups. So physicians tapped an algorithm to predict those at the highest risk.

This AI Could Go From ‘Art’ to Steering a Self-Driving Car Feb 03, 2021

DALL-E drew laughs for creating images of a daikon radish in a tutu. But it builds on an important advance in computer vision with serious applications.

Facebook’s Oversight Board Has Spoken. But It Hasn’t Solved Much Feb 02, 2021

The board’s first content moderation decisions show how impossible its task—and Facebook’s—really is.

Janet Yellen Will Consider Limiting the Use of Cryptocurrency Feb 01, 2021

During her confirmation hearing, the Treasury nominee said that blockchain-based financial networks are “a particular concern.”

The Art and Science of Boarding an Airplane in a Pandemic Jan 29, 2021

Researchers and airlines that obsessed over efficiency have spent the past year worrying about safety too.

The US Needs More Foreign Artificial Intelligence Know-How Jan 28, 2021

Jason Furman, a top economic adviser to President Obama, says good ideas come from everywhere—but Trump has dissuaded tech workers from coming to the US.

AI-Powered Text From This Program Could Fool the Government Jan 27, 2021

A Harvard medical student submitted auto-generated comments to Medicaid; volunteers couldn’t distinguish them from those penned by humans.

An Algorithm Is Helping a Community Detect Lead Pipes Jan 26, 2021

The model had shown promise in Flint before officials rebelled. Now Toledo is using it, while incorporating more public input.

Job Screening Service Halts Facial Analysis of Applicants Jan 22, 2021

But it’s still using intonation and behavior to assist with hiring decisions.

A Startup Will Nix Algorithms Built on Ill-Gotten Facial Data Jan 21, 2021

The FTC applies a novel remedy, going a step further than simply deleting the source photos.

New York City Proposes Regulating Algorithms Used in Hiring Jan 20, 2021

A bill would require firms to disclose when they use software to assess candidates, and vendors would have to ensure that their tech doesn’t discriminate.

Google’s New Union Is Already Addressing Political Issues Jan 19, 2021

The Alphabet Workers Union isn’t seeking better pay and benefits. It wants to influence the company’s policies on social and other issues.

The Tweets That Got Trump Banned Were Far From His Worst Jan 18, 2021

In the end, what took down @realdonaldtrump was not what he tweeted, but how it was interpreted.

Chatroulette Is On the Rise Again—With Help From AI Jan 15, 2021

The hottest app of early 2010 faded quickly when it was flooded with unwanted nudity. Smarter content moderation is helping to revive it.

Some UK Stores Are Using Facial Recognition to Track Shoppers Jan 14, 2021

Branches of the British grocer Southern Co-op are using surveillance technology to look for potential shoplifters.

The Year of Driving Less—but More Dangerously Jan 13, 2021

Total traffic deaths fell during pandemic lockdowns. But fatalities per mile traveled rose, due to faster driving, fewer cops, and more drug use.

Why Do Many Self-Driving Cars Look Like Toasters on Wheels? Jan 12, 2021

Without any need for steering wheels or pedals, the cubes give passengers room to maneuver inside. The latest entrant, from Zoox, can hold 4.

How Restaurants Retooled for Takeout—and Survival Jan 11, 2021

Chefs tinkered with food chemistry, while dining apps reengineered logistics. Those changes will endure even after the pandemic is over.

Airlines’ Pandemic-Driven Cargo Business Will Keep Flying Jan 08, 2021

As Covid-19 shut down air travel, the industry quickly pivoted to hauling more stuff. It won’t be pivoting away anytime soon.

The Newest Weapon Against Covid-19: AI That Speed-Reads Faxes Jan 07, 2021

Local health departments rely on the old-fangled tech to track cases. A hastily developed machine-learning program gives it an assist.

Texas Accuses Google and Facebook of an Illegal Conspiracy Jan 06, 2021

A new antitrust case against Google alleges that the two companies made a deal to reduce competition in online advertising.Â

The ‘Healthy Building’ Surge Will Outlast the Pandemic Jan 05, 2021

Because of Covid-19, developers are realizing that incorporating health concerns in a building's design isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

The Future of Social Media Is All Talk Dec 31, 2020

From Clubhouse to Discord to Twitter, 2020 was all about giving people a voice online. Literally.

Conferences After Covid Will Be Shorter—and Smarter Dec 30, 2020

In-person gatherings will resume eventually, but innovations born during the pandemic will remain.

Mass Transit Is in Jeopardy—and So Are Cities Dec 29, 2020

Subways and buses are the lifeblood of dense cities like New York. If the system withers, the region becomes a less attractive place to live and work.Â

Behind the Paper That Led to a Google Researcher's Firing Dec 24, 2020

Timnit Gebru was one of seven authors on a study that examined prior research on training artificial intelligence models to understand language.

Chuck Yeager’s 1947 Flight Inspired Our Supersonic Ambitions Dec 23, 2020

Yeager was the prototype of the American hero, a decorated fighter pilot immortalized in Tom Wolfe’s The Right Stuff. He died Monday at age 97.

This Guy Is Taking Viewers Along for His Driverless Rides Dec 22, 2020

Joel Johnson, who has taken more than 60 rides in Waymo's Arizona taxis, has posted over a dozen videos and says it's been "rock solid."

Uber Gives Up on the Self-Driving Dream Dec 21, 2020

The ride-hail giant invested more than $1 billion in autonomous vehicles. Now, it's selling the unit to Aurora, which makes self-driving tech.

A Prominent AI Ethics Researcher Says Google Fired Her Dec 18, 2020

Timnit Gebru is a leader among those examining the societal impacts of the technology. She had also criticized the company's diversity efforts.

Do Diverse Corporate Boards Lead to a Fairer Workplace? Dec 17, 2020

Nasdaq wants at least one woman and one underrepresented minority among directors at listed companies. The proposal goes further than most, but will it matter?

Ride-Hail Companies Are Making Life Harder for Scooters Dec 16, 2020

Officials in many cities feel they couldn't rein in Uber and Lyft. Now, they're being stricter with other innovative forms of transportation.

All the Social Media Giants Are Becoming the Same Dec 15, 2020

Which major platform has a news feed, disappearing posts, private messaging, and a live broadcasting feature? That would be … all of them.Â

As Cities Curb Surveillance, Baltimore Police Took to the Air Dec 14, 2020

In a program that overcame three court challenges this year, planes with high-tech cameras circled the city up to 40 hours a week.

Congress Is Eyeing Face Recognition, and Companies Want a Say Dec 11, 2020

Amazon and Microsoft have hired lobbyists. So too have airlines, retailers, wireless carriers, and cruise operators.

Did a University Use Facial Recognition to ID Student Protesters? Dec 10, 2020

University of Miami students accuse the campus police of using the software. Administrators deny it, but they had previously touted the capability.

AI Can Run Your Work Meetings Now Dec 09, 2020

A new wave of startups is trying to optimize meetings, from automated scheduling tools to facial recognition that measures who’s paying attention.

When AI Sees a Man, It Thinks 'Official.' A Woman? 'Smile' Dec 08, 2020

A new paper renews concerns about bias in image recognition services offered by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.Â

What the EU Gets Right—and the US Gets Wrong—About Antitrust Dec 07, 2020

European regulators focus on how Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google use—and abuse–their vast stores of data to maintain advantages over rivals.

Robots Invade the Construction Site Dec 04, 2020

Boosted by advances in sensors and artificial intelligence, a new generation of machines is automating a tech-averse industry.

Apple Will Take a Smaller Cut of Some App Store Revenues Dec 03, 2020

The App Store Small Business Program aims to improve the company’s public image and its standing in antitrust battles.

Marissa Mayer’s Next Act Is Here Dec 02, 2020

The former Yahoo CEO wants to build a better address book on your phone. Does anyone want it?

DoorDash Shows Delivery Can Be Profitable—in a Pandemic Dec 01, 2020

Can the app-based services survive once restaurants reopen and diners aren't sequestered in their homes?

More Black and Latinx Students Were Going to College. Then Covid Hit Nov 26, 2020

Underrepresented students enrolled in higher education in historic numbers. But financial setbacks and the challenges of remote schooling may reverse any progress.

One Big Challenge for Biden? China’s Push for Tech Supremacy Nov 25, 2020

Trump’s aggressive policy scored only modest successes. Analysts say the US needs a more nuanced approach if it wants to out-compete Beijing.

Why Just Zoom When You Can Bend Reality? Nov 24, 2020

Plus: The rise of desktop publishing, the legal fate of the Trumps, and a mix-up for the ages.

What Happened to the Deepfake Threat to the Election? Nov 23, 2020

Lawmakers and researchers had warned that videos altered using AI could disrupt the 2020 vote. But they didn't turn out to be a problem.

Apps Are Now Putting the Parole Agent in Your Pocket Nov 20, 2020

The pandemic has stirred interest in smartphone software for remotely monitoring parolees and people on probation. But the approach has raised alarms.

The US Government Will Pay Doctors to Use These AI Algorithms Nov 19, 2020

The artificial intelligence programs can diagnose eye disease in diabetics and complications in stroke patients.

These Factory Robots May Point the Way to 5G’s Future Nov 18, 2020

Manufacturing, mining, and delivery firms, among others, are exploring building their own high-speed wireless networks with the new standard.

Who’s Still Covered by California’s Gig Worker Law? Nov 17, 2020

Uber and Lyft led a ballot measure that exempts them from AB 5. But millions of janitors, retail workers, and others are still covered by the statute.

With Its Own Chips, Apple Aims to Define the Future of PCs Nov 16, 2020

Intel processors are on their way out, replaced by home-grown designs, which will give the Mac maker more control of its destiny.

The Future of McDonald's Is in the Drive-Thru Lane Nov 13, 2020

The fast food chain is radically rethinking what the Golden Arches experience looks like, from a new loyalty program to more high-tech drive-thrus.

One Clear Message From Voters This Election? More Privacy Nov 12, 2020

Ballot measures were approved in California to restrict commercial use of user data and in Michigan to require warrants for searches of electronic information.Â

With $200 Million, Uber and Lyft Write Their Own Labor Law Nov 11, 2020

Following a well-funded campaign, California voters approved Proposition 22—allowing gig economy companies to keep treating workers as independent contractors.

It's Hard to Escape Facebook's Vortex of Polarization Nov 10, 2020

Suggesting other news sources only reinforces users' political beliefs. Another study finds that quitting the social media giant leaves people less informed.

WFH or Work at the Office—More Tech Employees Can Now Choose Nov 09, 2020

The “hybrid workplace” is Silicon Valley’s latest buzzword, as tech companies start giving people more options for how and when and where they get stuff done.

To Save the Planet, Get More EVs in Used Car Lots Nov 06, 2020

To reduce carbon emissions, electric vehicles need to stay on the road as long as possible. That means developing a robust trade in second-hand cars.

The Left and the Right Speak Different Languages—Literally Nov 05, 2020

A study analyzed patterns in online comments and found liberals and conservatives use different words to express similar ideas.

How an Algorithm Blocked Kidney Transplants to Black Patients Nov 04, 2020

A formula for assessing the gravity of kidney disease is one of many that is adjusted for race. The practice can exacerbate health disparities.

How Police Can Crack Locked Phones—and Extract Information Nov 03, 2020

A report finds 50,000 cases where law enforcement agencies turned to outside firms to bypass the encryption on a mobile device.

Why Is Everyone Building an Electric Pickup Truck? Nov 02, 2020

Tesla has the Cybertruck, GM a $113,000 Hummer, and Ford an electric F-150. And then there are the startups.Â

Give These Apps Some Notes and They'll Write Emails for You Oct 30, 2020

Entrepreneurs are building tools that create emails or marketing copy using GPT-3, text-generation technology released earlier this year.

Give These Apps Some Notes and They'll Write Emails for You Oct 30, 2020

Entrepreneurs are building tools that create emails or marketing copy using GPT-3, text-generation technology released earlier this year.

Companies Are Rushing to Use AI—but Few See a Payoff Oct 29, 2020

A study finds that only 11 percent of firms that have deployed artificial intelligence are reaping a “sizable” return on their investments.

The Fate of Gig Workers Is in the Hands of California Voters Oct 28, 2020

A ballot measure would create a new classification for people who have been contractors. Uber and Lyft threaten to leave the state if it fails.

The Anticlimax of the Google Antitrust Suit Oct 27, 2020

The justice department's case against Microsoft in the 1990s was much stronger than the one it's concocted against the Mountain View tech giant.

Here's What Google Does Illegally, According to the DOJ Oct 26, 2020

In an antitrust suit, the Justice Department claims the company uses exclusive deals with device makers and browser makers to prop up its near-monopoly on search.

‘Do Not Track’ Is Back, and This Time It Might Work Oct 23, 2020

California’s privacy law says businesses must respect universal opt-outs. Now the technology finally exists to put that to the test.Â

Behind Anduril’s Effort to Create an Operating System for War Oct 22, 2020

The company, launched by Oculus cofounder Palmer Luckey, is building software to connect multiple Air Force systems—allowing officers to act more quickly.

Does the House Antitrust Report Mean That Tech Is Evil? Oct 21, 2020

Plus: a plan to break up Microsoft, anonymity on the internet, and a baffling balcony address.Â

Just as Tech Looked Serious About Diversity, Trump Intervenes Oct 20, 2020

The Labor Department last week questioned Microsoft’s stated goal to double the number of Black leaders in the company.Â

Facebook Tweaked Its Rules, but You Can Still Target Voters Oct 19, 2020

Political strategists say they combine information from multiple databases to identify the people they want to vote—and not vote.

College Going Virtual Means Reaching Young Voters Online. Good Oct 16, 2020

More potential young voters are on social media than enrolled in college full time.Â

Facebook Finally Slowed Down—When We Needed It to Move Fast Oct 15, 2020

Plus: Mark Zuckerberg’s own words, the personification of the internet, and Burger King’s whopper of an ask.

AI Can Help Patients—but Only If Doctors Understand It Oct 14, 2020

Algorithms can help diagnose a growing range of health problems, but humans need to be trained to listen.

Tesla's Latest Numbers Put Growth Concerns to Rest Oct 13, 2020

The company's Q3 report exceeded analysts' expectations, but its stock still fell about 3 percent in Friday morning trading.

These Robots Use AI to Learn How to Clean Your House Oct 12, 2020

At Toyota, researchers are experimenting with prototypes that swoop from the ceiling to take care of chores with the help of machine learning.

Publishers Worry as Ebooks Fly off Libraries' Virtual Shelves Oct 09, 2020

Checkouts of digital books from a popular service are up 52 percent since March. Publishers say their easy availability hurts sales.

Lawmakers Demand Scrutiny of Racial Bias in Health Algorithms Oct 08, 2020

Four congressmembers say formulas that include race as a factor can hurt Black Americans' access to care.

Alexa Now Has Its Own Questions for You Oct 07, 2020

A new feature from Amazon allows the intelligent assistant to ask users to clarify requests, such as “Dim the lights.”

Activists at Amazon Say Its Climate Efforts Still Fall Short Oct 06, 2020

One year after organizing a walkout, employees are calling for a more ambitious environmental agenda.

Companies Can Track Your Phone’s Movements to Target Ads Oct 05, 2020

Brands are seeking new ways to customize messages. A startup that gathers data on when you pick up your phone, or when you go out on a run, can help.Â

Elon Musk Promises a $25,000 Tesla in 3 Years—Again Oct 02, 2020

Reducing the cost of electric vehicles is all about a cheaper battery. Tesla outlined a plan that includes making more of the components itself.

To Clean Up Comments, Let AI Tell Users Their Words Are Trash Oct 01, 2020

It won’t solve everything, but a new study suggests real-time automated feedback could help make the internet a less toxic place.

Portland’s Face-Recognition Ban Is a New Twist on ‘Smart Cities’ Sep 30, 2020

The first big US city to prohibit private businesses from using the technology reflects rising skepticism of new tools and concerns about fairness.

The Apocalypse Doesn’t Need an Instagram Filter Sep 29, 2020

Plus: Kevin Systrom’s app inspiration, the characteristics of successful CEOs, and Colorado’s disconcerting forecast.

A Utah Company Claims It Invented Contact Tracing Tech Sep 28, 2020

Blyncsy wants states using Apple and Google technology to pay it $1 per resident. It may not win, but the patent tussle could deter others from adopting apps.

Nvidia's Arm Deal Would Make It the Center of the Chip World Sep 25, 2020

Combining the two chipmakers would unite leaders in two big tech trends—artificial intelligence and mobile computing.

FedEx Will Track Your Packages More Precisely Than Ever Sep 24, 2020

A Bluetooth-based system coming this fall will be especially useful for high-value shipments, like medicines or vaccines.

Anduril’s New Drone Offers to Inject More AI Into Warfare Sep 23, 2020

A swarm of Ghost 4s, controlled by a single person on the ground, can perform reconnaissance missions like searching for enemy weapons or soldiers.

Creepy ‘Geofence’ Finds Anyone Who Went Near a Crime Scene Sep 22, 2020

Police increasingly ask Google and other tech firms for data about who was where, when. Two judges ruled the investigative tool invalid in a Chicago case.

No, Amazon Won't Deliver You a Burrito by Drone Anytime Soon Sep 21, 2020

Several companies are testing airborne deliveries. But rules are years away, and no one knows if consumers are even interested.

Doctors and Nurses Take to TikTok to Fight Covid Myths Sep 18, 2020

“We can treat only one patient at a time, but if we can get a message out there that can hit thousands or hundreds of thousands, then we can change their thoughts.”

Uber Pledges to Go All-Electric, but It Doesn't Own the Cars Sep 17, 2020

The ride-hail company joined rival Lyft with a “Green” pledge. It's counting on incentives to encourage drivers to switch to battery power.Â

Access to Telemedicine Is Hardest for Those Who Need It Most Sep 16, 2020

Older patients and other vulnerable populations tend to need more medical care, but it’s often difficult for them to get online for remote visits.

TikTok Is Paying Creators. Not All of Them Are Happy Sep 15, 2020

Users say the platform’s new Creator Fund is opaque and riddled with problems. The company says it’s listening.

AI Ruined Chess. Now, It's Making the Game Beautiful Again Sep 14, 2020

A former world champion teams up with the makers of AlphaZero to test variants on the age-old game that can jolt players into creative patterns.

Startup Perks Go Remote—and Take a More Inclusive Approach Sep 11, 2020

Tech companies are swapping on-campus gourmet chefs for free snack deliveries, but they're also stepping up childcare support and mental health services.Â

Google Offers to Help Others With the Tricky Ethics of AI Sep 10, 2020

After learning its own ethics lessons the hard way, the tech giant will offer services like spotting racial bias or developing guidelines around AI projects.

Google and Apple Change Tactics on Contact Tracing Tech Sep 09, 2020

The companies will handle more of the technology for notifying people who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Privacy won't be affected, they say.Â

A Dogfight Renews Concerns About AI's Lethal Potential Sep 08, 2020

Alphabet's DeepMind pioneered reinforcement learning. A California company used it to create an algorithm that defeated an F-16 pilot in a simulation.

California Lawmakers Push for More Diversity in the Boardroom Sep 07, 2020

If it succeeds, AB979 would require Facebook, Netflix, Nvidia, Salesforce, and others to add directors of color.

How the Pandemic Reshaped Election Campaigns—Maybe Forever Sep 04, 2020

The digital infrastructures have been under construction for years. But the pandemic has forced candidates to embrace them and to get creative with how they use them.

MAGA TikTok Creators Stand by Trump—Despite a Potential Ban Sep 03, 2020

Conservative influencers say they understand the president's moves to shut down the platform in the US, even if it costs them their audience.

Should Google’s Ad Market Be Regulated Like the Stock Market? Sep 02, 2020

A leading antitrust scholar says yes. Congress may be listening.

Covid Hits Minorities Hardest, but Data Often Doesn't Show It Sep 01, 2020

Many states are not collecting the race or ethnicity of coronavirus patients, which can make it harder to know the true impact on low-income communities.

Amazon and FedEx Push to Put Delivery Robots on Your Sidewalk Aug 31, 2020

The companies are backing bills in more than a dozen states that would legalize the devices. Some bills would block cities from regulating them at all.

Meet the Star Witness: Your Smart Speaker Aug 28, 2020

Requests are rising from law enforcement for information on the devices, which can include internet queries, food orders, and overheard conversations.

A Move for Driverless Mass Transit Hits Speed Bumps Aug 27, 2020

Pilot projects for autonomous shuttles abound. But technical limitations and hostility from labor unions may thwart large deployments

An Algorithm Determined UK Students' Grades. Chaos Ensued Aug 26, 2020

This year's A-Levels, the high-stakes exams taken in high school, were canceled due to the pandemic. The alternative only exacerbated existing inequities.

Skewed Grading Algorithms Fuel Backlash Beyond the Classroom Aug 25, 2020

Thousands protest in the UK after a formula replaced a test that influences college placement. It's led to broader scrutiny of automation and inequality.

What Happens If Uber and Lyft Flee California? Look at Austin Aug 24, 2020

The ride-hail services are threatening to stop service in the Golden State to protest a judge's ruling. They did something similar in Texas in 2016.

A Plan to Turn Military Bases Into ‘Sandboxes’ for 5G Aug 21, 2020

A top Trump adviser outlines a blueprint for experimenting with wireless tech on bases and using software to counter China's lead in hardware.

Trump's Executive Orders Hurt More Than TikTok and WeChat Aug 20, 2020

The president's latest actions against China may affect US tech firms, and Americans who communicate overseas through the social apps.

The White House Announces a Plan to Speed the Rollout of 5G Aug 19, 2020

The Pentagon will share part of the wireless spectrum, allowing telecom carriers to reach more areas with fewer cell towers.

When Private Security Cameras Are Police Surveillance Tools Aug 18, 2020

Civil rights activists warn of "mission creep," as cameras installed to prevent break-ins are increasingly used to monitor protesters and communities of color.

Uber's Now a Food Delivery Company—and It's Still Losing Money Aug 17, 2020

The pandemic has slashed demand for rides and boosted orders for UberEats. Neither segment is profitable.

As Restaurants Move to the Cloud, Something Is Missing Aug 14, 2020

Thousands of eateries are closing amid the pandemic. Delivery specialists are popping up, but some worry about a loss of culture and community.

Cheap, Easy Deepfakes Are Getting Closer to the Real Thing Aug 13, 2020

Using open source software and less than $100, a researcher was able to create plausible images and audio of actor Tom Hanks.

What’s This? A Bipartisan Plan for AI and National Security Aug 12, 2020

Republican Will Hurd and Democrat Robin Kelly want more Pentagon spending, a Cold War-style “hotline,” and a curb on chip exports to China.

Facebook Has More to Learn From the Ad Boycott Aug 11, 2020

Rashad Robinson, an organizer behind the Stop Hate for Profit boycott, says civil rights groups can’t be left to police the company by themselves.

Bill Gates on Covid: Most US Tests Are ‘Completely Garbage’ Aug 10, 2020

The techie-turned-philanthropist on vaccines, Trump, and why social media is “a poisoned chalice.”

Stop Saying Facebook Is ‘Too Big to Moderate’ Aug 07, 2020

The social media company could surely enforce its own rules on false and harmful posts—it just needs to cut into its massive profit margins.

The Facebook and Amazon Documents That Captivated the Hearing Aug 06, 2020

Here's a look at how Mark Zuckerberg plotted the Instagram acquisition. Plus: Inside Amazon's plan to take down Diapers.com.

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