Tech & Internet
Can TikTok help young people take a break from screens?
The new feature, which TikTok says is meant to encourage young people to practice healthier digital habits, is being rolled out as the platform faces widespread allegations that it has knowingly harmed users' mental health. This includes a raft of lawsuits filed in October by 13 states and the District of Columbia, accusing TikTok of creating an intentionally addictive app that harmed children and teenagers while making false claims to the public about its commitment to safety.
X faces extended outage due to data centre glitch; users report issues with logins and DMs
X has not disclosed the exact cause or extent of the data centre incident, but concerns are mounting over the security and recovery of private messages. A wave of memes and posts has since flooded the platform, with many users calling for clarity on the status of their direct messages.
Made in India iPhones will still be cheaper in US, even with Trump's 25% tariff: GTRI report
The report breaks down the current value chain of a $1,000 iPhone, which involves contributions from over a dozen countries. Apple retains the largest share of the value, about $450 per device, through its brand, software, and design. It also added that the U.S. component makers, such as Qualcomm and Broadcom, add $80, while Taiwan contributes $150 through chip manufacturing.
EU, US authorities take down malware network
German, French, Dutch, Danish, British, American and Canadian authorities joined forces this week against the world's most dangerous malware variants and the perpetrators behind them. More than three dozen suspects were identified and 20 individuals criminally charged. Over 300 servers worldwide were taken down, 650 domains were neutralised and 3.5 million euros in cryptocurrency were seized.
Transforming India
US Supreme Court temporarily halts access sought by watchdog group to DOGE records
The court put on hold Washington-based US District Judge Christopher Cooper's orders for DOGE to respond to a government watchdog group's requests for information after finding that DOGE likely is a government agency covered by the federal Freedom of Information Act.
Who won a seat at Donald Trump's crypto dinner?
The event's invited guests were not known publicly beforehand, even to each other. They were identified only by the pseudonyms they used on the electronic wallets where they kept their $TRUMP meme coins. Most had gained an invitation by becoming one of the top 220 holders of that meme coin over a certain period of time. The Top 25 of those were given VIP status and afforded a more intimate gathering before the dinner and an unofficial tour of the White House on Friday.
'Little, little screws' one of many hurdles to US-made iPhones
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CBS last month that the work of "millions and millions of human beings screwing in little, little screws to make iPhones" would come to the US and be automated, creating jobs for skilled trade workers such as mechanics and electricians. But he later told CNBC that Apple CEO Tim Cook told him that doing so requires technology not yet available.
'Beautiful Bill' moots decade-long pause on AI-related state laws
A bill passed by the House proposes a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulations, sparking debate over innovation versus addressing potential harms. Tech industry supports the move, citing concerns about conflicting state laws hindering AI development.
Tariff? Long arm of Trump law may not pluck Apple off India
Despite Trump's tariff threats against iPhones made outside the US, experts believe Apple will continue its India manufacturing plans. They suggest Trump's comments are a tactic to pressure India on trade. Analysts deem shifting production to the US unfeasible due to high labour costs, potentially raising iPhone prices significantly.
Tariff? Long arm of Trump law may not pluck Apple off India
Donald Trump may impose tariffs on iPhones not manufactured in America. The tariff could be at least 25%. Apple might face challenges diversifying production beyond China. India's electronics manufacturing sector could also be affected. Experts believe shifting production to the US is not feasible. Some see this as a negotiation tactic with India.
