Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices

Texas ordered a ban on the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek on government devices days after the popular chatbot has shook investors and the tech community in recent weeks for its ability to compete with OpenAI.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/texas-governor-orders-ban-on-deepseek-rednote-for-government-devices/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

NFL officials spotting the football isn’t going away despite several technological advances

The NFL will engage its Competition Committee on technology to take virtual line-to-gain measurements next season, but officials will continue to spot the football.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nfl/nfl-officials-spotting-the-football-isnt-going-away-despite-several-technological-advances/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

President Trump to meet with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the White House

President Donald Trump is meeting Friday with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, whose company designs and supplies the advanced computer chips that play an integral role in developing artificial intelligence.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/president-trump-to-meet-with-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-at-the-white-house/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Justice Department sues to block $14 billion Juniper buyout by Hewlett Packard Enterprise

U.S. government regulators sued to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s $14 billion acquisition of rival Juniper Networks on Thursday, saying the combination would eliminate competition, raise prices and reduce innovation.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/justice-department-sues-to-block-14-billion-juniper-buyout-by-hewlett-packard-enterprise/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Microsoft cloud growth constrained by data center shortage

Microsoft said its cloud-computing business will continue to grow slowly in the current quarter as the company struggles to build enough data centers to handle demand for its artificial intelligence products. Revenue at the Azure cloud division will increase as much 32% in its fiscal third quarter, not much faster than it did during the […]

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft-cloud-growth-constrained-by-data-center-shortage/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

US cyber agency’s future role in elections remains murky under the Trump administration

The nation’s cybersecurity agency has played a critical role in helping states shore up the defenses of their voting systems, but its election mission appears uncertain amid sustained criticism from Republicans and key figures in the Trump administration.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/us-cyber-agencys-future-role-in-elections-remains-murky-under-the-trump-administration/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

As Trump and RFK Jr. move to upend drug making, Seattle biotech bets on science

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may soon be America's top pharmaceutical regulator. That is cause for concern in Seattle’s biotech sector, but industry leaders believe science may carry the day.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/as-trump-and-rfk-jr-move-to-upend-drug-making-seattle-biotech-bets-on-science/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

New report outlines risks of artificial intelligence in early stages

A new report says advanced artificial intelligence systems have the potential to create extreme new risks, such as fueling widespread job losses, enabling terrorism or running amok.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ai-risks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

In Seattle, a convergence of 5,444 mathematical minds

Participants at this year's Joint Mathematics Meetings explored everything from the role of artificial intelligence to the hyperbolic design of a patchwork denim skirt.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/in-seattle-a-convergence-of-5444-mathematical-minds/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Google to change map names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali when US updates them based on Trump order

Google says it will take its cue from the U.S. government if it has to change the names of the Gulf of Mexico and Denali on its Maps service.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/google-to-change-map-names-for-gulf-of-mexico-and-denali-when-us-updates-them-based-on-trump-order/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

DeepSeek has rattled the AI industry. Here’s a quick look at other Chinese AI models

The Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek has rattled markets with claims its latest AI model performs on a par with those of OpenAI, despite using less advanced, more energy efficient computer chips.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/deepseek-has-rattled-the-ai-industry-heres-a-quick-look-at-other-chinese-ai-models/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

DeepSeek’s new AI chatbot and ChatGPT answer sensitive questions about China differently

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new artificial intelligence chatbot has sparked discussions about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI development, with many users flocking to test the rival of OpenAI's ChatGPT.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/deepseeks-new-ai-chatbot-and-chatgpt-answer-sensitive-questions-about-china-differently/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

When Google altered its ad rules, charities paid the price

n 2023, Google said it would no longer restrict advertisers from using trademarks of other organizations. That change became a headache for nonprofits.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/when-google-altered-its-ad-rules-charities-paid-the-price/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tech stocks shake as a Chinese competitor threatens to topple their AI domination; Nvidia down 11%

Wall Street is tumbling on fears the big U.S. companies that have feasted on the artificial-intelligence frenzy are under threat from a competitor in China.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/stock-market-today-asian-markets-are-mixed-after-wall-street-edges-back-from-its-record/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

When AI passes this test, look out | Commentary

Some of the smartest humans in the world are struggling to create tests that AI systems can’t pass.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/when-ai-passes-this-test-look-out-commentary/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Elon Musk, video game king? Well, maybe not

Last week, the community of gamers Musk has long tried to impress turned against him.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/elon-musk-video-game-king-well-maybe-not/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

A Sundance documentary called ‘The Stringer’ disputes who took AP’s ‘napalm girl’ photo in Vietnam

The authorship of The Associated Press’s renowned “napalm girl” photograph is being called into question in the new documentary “The Stringer,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/a-sundance-documentary-called-the-stringer-disputes-who-took-aps-napalm-girl-photo-in-vietnam/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Scenes from the ‘Super Bowl for Excel nerds’

In a sports arena that typically hosts Fortnite and League of Legends tournaments, there was stardust in the air as 12 finance professionals vied to be crowned the world’s best spreadsheeter.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/scenes-from-the-super-bowl-for-excel-nerds/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Big Tech wants to plug data centers right into power plants. Utilities say it’s not fair

Looking for a quick fix for their fast-growing electricity diets, tech giants are increasingly looking to strike deals that would let them plug directly into power plants.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/big-tech-wants-to-plug-data-centers-right-into-power-plants-utilities-say-its-not-fair/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

People are hawking TikTok-loaded phones for thousands on eBay, Facebook

People are listing phones preloaded with TikTok for tens of thousands of dollars on eBay, Facebook marketplace and other online storefronts.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/people-are-hawking-tiktok-loaded-phones-for-thousands-on-ebay-facebook/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Egypt and Eni-Total consortium to sign deal on processing Cypriot natural gas for export

Officials say Egypt and a consortium made up of energy companies Total of France and Italy’s Eni will sign a key agreement next month to transport natural gas from an undersea deposit inside Cypriot waters to Egypt, where it will be liquefied and processed for export.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/egypt-and-eni-total-consortium-to-sign-deal-on-processing-cypriot-natural-gas-for-export/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Instagram and Facebook blocked and hid abortion pill providers’ posts

Some posts related to obtaining abortion pills were recently hidden on Instagram and Facebook and some accounts were suspended, before being later restored.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/instagram-and-facebook-blocked-and-hid-abortion-pill-providers-posts/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Google pledges to crack down on fake reviews after UK watchdog investigation

Google is pledging to crack down on fake online reviews with tougher punishments for rogue reviewers and businesses after an investigation by regulators in Britain.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/google-pledges-to-crack-down-on-fake-reviews-after-uk-watchdog-investigation/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How Trump was persuaded to pardon an online drug kingpin

Libertarian and crypto allies of Ross Ulbricht, who was serving a life sentence, leveraged Mr. Trump’s desire for political support to secure his release.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/how-trump-was-persuaded-to-pardon-an-online-drug-kingpin/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tips on overcoming the loss of cherished, personal belongings in disasters

Losing sentimental belongings can be traumatic for those who go through disasters that destroy homes.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/tips-on-overcoming-the-loss-of-cherished-personal-belongings-in-disasters/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Pakistani government proposes sweeping controls on social media

Pakistan’s opposition said Thursday the government is seeking to further suppress freedom of speech a day after it proposed sweeping controls on social media that could include blocking platforms and sending users to prison for spreading disinformation.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/pakistani-government-proposes-sweeping-controls-on-social-media/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Families sue TikTok in France over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content

Seven families are suing TikTok in France, accusing the platform of failing to moderate harmful content and exposing children to life-threatening material.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/families-sue-tiktok-in-france-over-teen-suicides-they-say-are-linked-to-harmful-content/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Wisconsin man accused of setting fire to congressman’s office over TikTok ban charged with arson

Prosecutors have charged a Wisconsin man who allegedly told police he tried to burn down a congressman's office because he was upset over the federal TikTok ban with felony arson.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/wisconsin-man-accused-of-setting-fire-to-congressmans-office-over-tiktok-ban-charged-with-arson/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

MrBeast not quite in the bidding race for TikTok just yet, rep says

Jimmy Donaldson — better known online as MrBeast — isn’t in the TikTok bidding race just yet, according to a representative for the YouTube star.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/mrbeast-not-quite-in-the-bidding-race-for-tiktok-just-yet-rep-says/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump rescinds Biden’s executive order on AI safety in attempt to diverge from his predecessor

Hours after returning to the White House, President Donald Trump made a symbolic mark on the future of artificial intelligence by repealing former President Joe Biden’s guardrails for the fast-developing technology.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-rescinds-bidens-executive-order-on-ai-safety-in-attempt-to-diverge-from-his-predecessor/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AI experiment in halfpipe judging at X Games will give snowboarders a glimpse into the future

The X Games will experiment judging halfpipe runs this week in Aspen using artificial intelligence, the cutting-edge technology that could someday play a role in the way subjectively judged sports are scored.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/ai-experiment-in-halfpipe-judging-at-x-games-will-give-snowboarders-a-glimpse-into-the-future/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Auto-followed Trump on Facebook? It’s probably because you previously liked the POTUS account

Some Facebook and Instagram users were surprised to find themselves automatically following the accounts of President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance this week after the president was inaugurated.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/auto-followed-trump-on-facebook-its-probably-because-you-previously-liked-the-potus-account/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Governor proposes banning cellphones in schools throughout New York state starting next fall

Students throughout New York state might have to give up their cellphones during school hours starting next fall under a proposal announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/governor-proposes-banning-cellphones-in-schools-throughout-new-york-state-starting-next-fall/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

YouTubers profit as AI companies search for unused video footage

AI companies are collectively paying hundreds of content creators for access to their unpublished videos.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/youtubers-profit-as-ai-companies-search-for-unused-video-footage/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump’s inauguration will usher in a crypto-friendly administration, and with it, new state policies

The bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses could bring a cryptocurrency policy blitz in 2025.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trumps-inauguration-will-usher-in-a-crypto-friendly-administration-and-with-it-new-state-policies/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Bitcoin soars past $109,000 ahead of possible early action on crypto by Trump

The price of bitcoin has surged to over $109,000 just hours ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, as a pumped up cryptocurrency industry expects early action by him soon after he takes office.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bitcoin-soars-past-100000-ahead-of-possible-early-action-on-crypto-by-trump-2/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

From backing a ban to being hailed as a savior: Inside Trump’s TikTok shift

During his first term as president, Donald Trump led the effort to ban TikTok, the hugely popular video-sharing site he said posed threats to U.S. national security.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/from-backing-a-ban-to-being-hailed-as-a-savior-inside-trumps-tiktok-shift/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Content creators respond to TikTok’s uncertain future in the US

TikTok content creators who make a living promoting their businesses and personal brands on the app were afraid that they would have to find new ways to engage consumers and make money as the app’s future in the United States remained uncertain.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/content-creators-respond-to-tiktoks-uncertain-future-in-the-us/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump promotes new meme coin before taking office on pro-crypto agenda

President-elect Donald Trump has launched a new cryptocurrency token that's soaring in value and potentially boosting his net worth.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-promotes-new-meme-coin-before-taking-office-on-pro-crypto-agenda/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How TikTok grew from a fun app for teens into a potential national security threat

If it feels like TikTok has been around forever, that’s probably because it has, at least if you’re measuring via internet time.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/how-tiktok-grew-from-a-fun-app-for-teens-into-a-potential-national-security-threat-3/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

TikTok goes dark in the US

TikTok’s app was removed from prominent app stores on Saturday just before a federal law that would have banned the popular social media platform was scheduled to go into effect.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tiktok-goes-dark-in-the-us/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How to create a multimedia digital journal of your life

People have been keeping personal diaries for several millenniums, but free smartphone apps now let you capture much more than words.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/how-to-create-a-multimedia-digital-journal-of-your-life/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump says he ‘most likely’ will give TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid US ban

President-elect Donald Trump says he “most likely” will give TikTok 90 more days to work out a deal that would allow the popular video-sharing platform to avoid a U.S. ban.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-says-he-most-likely-will-give-tiktok-a-90-day-extension-to-avoid-us-ban/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Apple pulls error-prone AI-generated news summaries in its beta iPhone software

Apple is suspending an error-prone feature that used artificial intelligence to deliver bogus news alerts to some iPhone owners.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/apple-pulls-error-prone-ai-generated-news-summaries-in-its-beta-iphone-software/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Bitcoin soars past $100,000 ahead of possible early action on crypto by Trump

The price of bitcoin topped $100,000 again early Friday as a pumped up cryptocurrency industry expects early action by Donald Trump when he’s sworn in as president next week.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bitcoin-soars-past-100000-ahead-of-possible-early-action-on-crypto-by-trump/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok if it’s not sold by its Chinese parent company

The Supreme Court has upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning Sunday unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/supreme-court-upholds-law-banning-tiktok-if-its-not-sold-by-its-chinese-parent-company/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tech founder pledges to give away half his wealth to make the American dream more possible

Jeff Atwood, who co-founded a popular forum for software developers, made what is considered an ambitious and unusual pledge.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tech-founder-pledges-to-give-away-half-his-wealth-to-make-the-american-dream-more-possible/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

US defense contractor to build 4,000-worker advanced manufacturing facility in central Ohio

U.S. defense contractor Anduril Industries is preparing to build a massive advanced manufacturing facility in central Ohio.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/us-defense-contractor-to-build-4000-worker-advanced-manufacturing-facility-in-central-ohio/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Taiwan takes a further step in production of AI chips with advanced new plant

Taiwan has taken another step in enhancing its key role in the production of advanced semiconductor chips used for artificial intelligence with the inauguration of a new plant by Siliconware Precision Industries Co. The ceremony Thursday marking the inauguration of the Tan-Ke factory in the central city of Taichung was attended by Jensen Huang, CEO and co-founder of California-based Nvidia Corp., a world leader in the design of AI chips, reinforcing the companies’ partnership in the...

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/taiwan-takes-a-further-step-in-production-of-ai-chips-with-advanced-new-plant/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Biden executive order aims to shore up US cyber defenses

An executive order issued by President Joe Biden just days before he leaves office aims to shore up America's cyber defenses while making it easier to go after foreign countries that launch cyberattacks.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/biden-executive-order-aims-to-shore-up-us-cyber-defenses/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology