Undercover investigation of Meta heads to trial in New Mexico in first stand-alone case by state

The first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against Meta is getting underway in New Mexico.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/undercover-investigation-of-meta-heads-to-trial-in-new-mexico-in-first-stand-alone-case-by-state/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Bitcoin plunges below $80,000 today as the crypto slide deepens

The decline came amid thin liquidity and limited buying interest, deepening a drawdown that has erased more than 30% from the world's largest cryptocurrency. 

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bitcoin-plunges-below-80000-today-as-the-crypto-slide-deepens/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Young people are protesting ICE and reenacting immigration raids in online gaming platform Roblox

Some young people on Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, have been using a roleplaying game to embody Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/young-people-are-protesting-ice-and-reenacting-immigration-raids-in-online-gaming-platform-roblox/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Microsoft pledged to save water. In the AI era, it expects water use to soar

Internal forecasts show that Microsoft expected its annual water needs for roughly 100 data center complexes worldwide to more than triple this decade.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-pledged-to-save-water-in-the-ai-era-it-expects-water-use-to-soar/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Amazon found ‘high volume’ of child sex abuse material in AI training data, center says

Child safety officials say Amazon has not provided information on the sources of child sexual abuse images it uncovered, potentially hindering law enforcement. 

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazon/amazon-found-high-volume-of-child-sex-abuse-material-in-ai-training-data/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Taiwan’s economy grows 8.6% in 2025, fastest rate in 15 years, turbocharged by the AI boom

Taiwan has reported its economy expanded at an 8.6% annual rate last year, its fastest growth in 15 years.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/taiwans-economy-grows-8-6-in-2025-fastest-rate-in-15-years-turbocharged-by-the-ai-boom/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Liberia’s largest gold miner repeatedly spilled dangerous chemicals, records show

A joint investigation by The Associated Press and The Gecko Project has found that cyanide, arsenic and copper repeatedly leaked from a facility run by the largest gold miner in Liberia in recent years.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/liberias-largest-gold-miner-repeatedly-spilled-dangerous-chemicals-records-show/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

As an uncertain 2026 begins, virtual journeys back to 2016 become a trend

The year is 2016.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/as-an-uncertain-2026-begins-virtual-journeys-back-to-2016-become-a-trend/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Microsoft’s $357B rout is worst since DeepSeek hit Nvidia

The software giant's stock closed down 10%, its biggest plunge since March 2020, following Microsoft's earnings after the bell Wednesday.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsofts-357b-rout-is-worst-since-deepseek-hit-nvidia/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Some blind fans to experience Super Bowl with tactile device that tracks ball

Some blind and low-vision fans will have unprecedented access to the Super Bowl thanks to a tactile device that tracks the ball, vibrates on key plays and provides real-time audio.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/some-blind-fans-to-experience-super-bowl-with-tactile-device-that-tracks-ball/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs in historic wave of layoffs

Amazon is again laying off thousands of corporate employees, mirroring broad cuts the company made to its workforce in October.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazon/amazon-cuts-16000-jobs-in-historic-wave-of-layoffs/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

ASML made record $11.5 billion profit in 2025 thanks to AI-driven demand, plans to cut 1,700 jobs

ASML reports a record net profit of 9.6 billion euros in 2025, driven by AI demand.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/asml-made-record-11-5-billion-profit-in-2025-thanks-to-ai-driven-demand-plans-to-cut-1700-jobs/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tim Cook slammed for partying at Melania Trump’s movie after Pretti killing

Calls to boycott Apple products began circulating online as CEO Tim Cook was revealed to be among a group of CEOs and other VIPS who celebrated the premiere of “Melania.”

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tim-cook-slammed-for-partying-at-melania-trumps-movie-after-pretti-killing/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

EU steps in to make sure Google gives rivals access to AI services and data

The European Union is stepping in to ensure Google gives rival AI companies and search engines access to data and Gemini AI services.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/eu-steps-in-to-make-sure-google-gives-rivals-access-to-ai-services-and-data/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

French lawmakers have approved a bill banning social media for children under 15.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/french-lawmakers-approve-bill-banning-social-media-for-children-under-15/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump administration invests in another US rare earth miner to loosen China’s grip on supply

The U.S. is taking a minority stake in an Oklahoma rare earth miner, the latest government investment in the sector as it seeks to minimize its reliance on imports of a material used prevalently in smartphones, robotics, electric vehicles and many other high tech products.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-administration-invests-in-another-us-rare-earth-miner-to-loosen-chinas-grip-on-supply/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Apple to revamp Siri as a built-in iPhone, Mac chatbot to fend off OpenAI

The new approach will go well beyond the abilities of the current Siri — or even a long-promised update that's coming earlier in 2026.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/apple-to-revamp-siri-as-a-built-in-iphone-mac-chatbot-to-fend-off-openai/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

European Union opens investigation into Musk’s AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes

European Union regulators have opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X after its AI chatbot Grok started producing nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/european-union-opens-investigation-into-musks-ai-chatbot-grok-over-sexual-deepfakes/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Egypt to adopt restrictions on children’s social media use to fight ‘digital chaos’

Egypt is exploring ways to regulate children's use of social media.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/egypt-to-adopt-restrictions-on-childrens-social-media-use-to-fight-digital-chaos/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How Americans are using AI at work, according to a new Gallup poll

A new Gallup poll finds that American workers have adopted artificial intelligence into their work lives at a remarkable pace over the past few years.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/how-americans-are-using-ai-at-work-according-to-a-new-gallup-poll/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Macron pushes for fast-track ban on social media for children under 15

French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to fast-track a ban on social media for teenagers under 15.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/macron-pushes-for-fast-track-ban-on-social-media-for-children-under-15/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Toyota recalls 162,000 trucks over faulty screens

Toyota announced Friday it would recall about 162,000 pickup trucks in the United States after it was discovered that the vehicles’ multimedia displays could compromise driver safety.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/toyota-recalls-162000-trucks-over-faulty-screens/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Meta pauses teen access to AI characters

Meta is halting teens’ access to artificial intelligence characters, at least temporarily, the company said in a blog post Friday.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/meta-pauses-teen-access-to-ai-characters/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Intel’s stock meltdown risks eroding Trump-endorsed comeback

Intel Corp.'s stock slide is delivering a reality check to President Donald Trump.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/intels-stock-meltdown-risks-eroding-trump-endorsed-comeback/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What to know about the deal to keep TikTok in US

TikTok has at last finalized a deal to keep the popular video sharing platform operating in the U.S. after years of uncertainty.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/what-to-know-about-the-deal-to-keep-tiktok-in-us/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The coming winter storm: There’s an app for that. But how reliable is it and what’s inside?

That snowflake icon on your smartphone app might be quick and handy — it just might not be as accurate as a human when the weather gets rough.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/the-coming-winter-storm-theres-an-app-for-that-but-how-reliable-is-it-and-whats-inside/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tesla to sell Optimus robots to public next year, Musk says

Sales to the public will begin when Tesla is "confident that it's very high reliability, very high safety, and the range of functionality is also very high," Musk said.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tesla-to-sell-optimus-robots-to-public-next-year-musk-says/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Google offers users option to plug AI mode into their photos, email for more personalized answers

Google is leveraging its artificial intelligence technology to open a new peephole for its dominant search engine to tailor answers that draw upon people’s interests, habits, travel itineraries and photo libraries.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/google-offers-users-option-to-plug-ai-mode-into-their-photos-email-for-more-personalized-answers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Paramount extends its deadline for its Warner Bros. Discovery tender offer, again

Skydance-owned Paramount is again extending the tender offer window in its $77.9 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/paramount-extends-its-deadline-for-its-warner-bros-discovery-tender-offer-again/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Nuclear reactor owned by Fukushima plant operator TEPCO suspends hours-old restart

The restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant was suspended only hours after it resumed for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/nuclear-reactor-owned-by-fukushima-plant-operator-tepco-suspends-hours-old-restart/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Ryanair CEO dismisses Elon Musk’s idea of buying the airline as verbal feud escalates

Ryanair's CEO has a sense of humor about Elon Musk's insults and his idea of buying the airline. Each man has called the other an "idiot."

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ryanair-ceo-dismisses-elon-musks-idea-of-buying-the-airline-as-verbal-feud-escalates/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

FTC says it will appeal Meta antitrust decision

The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday it will appeal the November ruling in favor of Meta in its antitrust case against the social media giant.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ftc-says-it-will-appeal-meta-antitrust-decision/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

EU plans phase out of high risk telecom suppliers, in proposals seen as targeting China

The European Union plans to phase out telecom gear from companies in "high risk" countries, targeting Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/eu-plans-phase-out-of-high-risk-telecom-suppliers-in-proposals-seen-as-targeting-china/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

British leader says ’no option off the table’ as UK considers Australia-style teen social media ban

The British government is considering banning young teenagers from social media to protect them from harmful content and excessive screen time.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/british-leader-says-no-option-off-the-table-as-uk-considers-australia-style-teen-social-media-ban/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Israel will aid Greece in countering military drone swarms

Israel is set to help Greece develop technology to counter military drone swarms.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/israel-will-aid-greece-in-countering-military-drone-swarms/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

NYSE working on a new platform for trading digital tokens around the clock

The New York Stock Exchange is working on a digital platform that would enable investors to trade digital tokens around the clock.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/nyse-working-on-a-new-platform-for-trading-digital-tokens-around-the-clock/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Flying taxis? China has them. And drone lunch deliveries, too

China has incurred huge debts to put trillions of dollars into efforts like these, along with the full force of its state-planned economy.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/flying-taxis-china-has-them-and-drone-lunch-deliveries-too/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What to Stream: ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Louis Tomlinson, ‘The Beauty’ and Bruce Springsteen biopic

Dwayne Johnson transforming into MMA pioneer Mark Kerr for “The Smashing Machine” and Louis Tomlinson releasing his third solo album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/what-to-stream-the-smashing-machine-louis-tomlinson-the-beauty-and-bruce-springsteen-biopic/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trends in tech that will affect our lives in 2026

Here's a heads-up on which innovations could actually affect your day-to-day life amid the many fads you can ignore.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trends-in-tech-that-will-affect-our-lives-in-2026/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Social media addiction’s surprising challenger? Anti-doomscrolling influencers

With billions of active users across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms, cutting down on screen time is a common goal for many people.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/social-media-addictions-surprising-challenger-anti-doomscrolling-influencers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

YouTube relaxes monetization policy on videos with controversial content

YouTube is updating its guidelines for videos containing what advertisers define as controversial content, like abortion and self-harm, allowing more creators to earn full ad revenue when they tackle sensitive issues in a nongraphic way.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/youtube-relaxes-monetization-policy-on-videos-with-controversial-content/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

ChatGPT’s free ride is ending: Here’s what OpenAI plans for advertising on the chatbot

OpenAI plans to introduce ads for ChatGPT users who aren't paying for the premium version.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/chatgpts-free-ride-is-ending-heres-what-openai-plans-for-advertising-on-the-chatbot/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

A reboot of WA’s aging IT systems is getting reset. Will it help?

After years of blown budgets and missed deadlines, Washington state’s most expensive — and most troubled — technology projects may be showing signs of life.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/a-reboot-of-was-aging-it-systems-is-getting-reset-will-it-help/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

She set a photo afire, lit a cigarette — and became a symbol of resistance for Iran protesters

A woman in Canada has become a global symbol of defiance against Iran's regime.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/she-lit-a-cigarette-set-a-photo-afire-and-became-a-symbol-of-resistance-for-iran-protesters/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Wikipedia unveils new AI licensing deals as it marks 25th birthday

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia written by volunteers, is embracing artificial intelligence to mark its 25th anniversary.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/wikipedia-unveils-new-ai-licensing-deals-as-it-marks-25th-birthday/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Aimed at the growing number of young Chinese who live alone, a new app asks: ‘Are you dead?’

In China, the names of things are often either ornately poetic or stunningly direct.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/aimed-at-the-growing-number-of-young-chinese-who-live-alone-a-new-app-asks-are-you-dead/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Sales of a powerful Nvidia AI chip to China gets the greenlight, with conditions

The Trump administration essentially greenlighted the export of its powerful H200 artificial intelligence chips to Chinese buyers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/sales-of-a-powerful-nvidia-ai-chip-to-china-gets-the-greenlight-with-conditions/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Music streams hit 5 trillion in 2025. Christian, rock and Latin lead growth in the US

The global music industry hit 5.1 trillion streams in 2025.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music-streams-hit-5-trillion-in-2025-christian-rock-and-latin-lead-growth-in-the-us/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Free Starlink access for Iran seen as game changer for demonstrators getting their message out

SpaceX's Starlink has dropped fees to help Iranian demonstrators share protest details globally, activists say.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/free-starlink-access-for-iran-seen-as-game-changer-for-demonstrators-getting-their-message-out/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Ancient Rome meets modern technology as tourists visit restored, frescoed home via livestream tours

One of the best-preserved ancient Roman homes on the Palatine Hill is opening to the public for the first time, thanks to technology.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/tourists-can-visit-hard-to-reach-roman-landmark-via-livestream-tours/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology