Environmentalists hate a fast-moving chips bill. Biden looks poised to sign it.

Environmentalists hate a fast-moving chips bill. Biden looks poised to sign it.

Environmentalists are pushing President Biden to veto a bill that would weaken federal scrutiny of semiconductor manufacturing. But Biden is reportedly set to sign the legislation, which has moved quickly through both the House and Senate and has support from lawmakers in key swing seats. The bill would exempt semiconductor manufacturing facilities that receive federal funding from environmental reviews. Opponents … Read more

California’s new law goes after ‘disappearing’ digital media

California’s new law goes after ‘disappearing’ digital media

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law (AB 2426) to combat “disappearing” purchases of digital games, movies, music, and ebooks. The legislation will force digital storefronts to tell customers they’re just getting a license to use the digital media, rather than suggesting they actually own it. When the law comes into effect next year, … Read more

Google backs Distance, startup bringing mixed reality to cars, planes

Google backs Distance, startup bringing mixed reality to cars, planes

Distance Technologies develops a product that it says can turn any transparent surface into an augmented-reality display. Distance Technologies Distance Technologies, a Finnish startup that aims to bring mixed-reality technology to any car windshield or plane cockpit, has raised 10 million euros ($11.1 million) of funding from GV, the venture capital arm of Alphabet and … Read more

Google Maps is cracking down on fake reviews

Google Maps is cracking down on fake reviews

Google Maps is reeling in business pages engaging in fake reviews, and highlighting such activity to its users. Google will now impose restrictions against business profiles that violate the search giant’s Fake Engagement policy, such as temporarily removing reviews, blocking new reviews or ratings, and displaying a warning message on profiles that have had fake … Read more

Facebook’s misinformation problem has local election officials on edge

Facebook’s misinformation problem has local election officials on edge

Voters cast their mail-in ballots at a ballot drop box outside Maricopa County Recorder and Elections Department southeast Mesa office during the Arizona state primary election in Mesa, Arizona, U.S. July 30, 2024.  Rebecca Noble | Reuters Derek Bowens has never had such an important job. He’s the director of elections in Durham County, North … Read more

OpenAI planning to become for-profit company, say reports | OpenAI

OpenAI planning to become for-profit company, say reports | OpenAI

OpenAI is reportedly pushing ahead with plans to become a for-profit company, as more senior figures left the ChatGPT developer after the surprise exit of its chief technology officer, Mira Murati. The San Francisco-based startup is preparing to change its corporate structure as it seeks $6.5bn (£4.9bn) of new funding, according to reports. Under the … Read more