Iran war is about to add costs for Amazon merchants

The company is imposing a surcharge on independent sellers, as rising oil prices make shipping costly.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazon/iran-war-is-about-to-add-costs-for-amazon-merchants/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Democrats see Georgia’s failure to curb data centers as an electoral gift

Georgia lawmakers have ended their legislative session without addressing concerns over data centers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/democrats-see-georgias-failure-to-curb-data-centers-as-an-electoral-gift/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Why Seattle tech companies are still laying off workers

Artificial intelligence may be to blame for tech's year of layoffs, but not because workers are being replaced.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/why-seattle-tech-companies-are-still-laying-off-workers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ cast aren’t the only influencers sowing curiosity about the church

Latter-day Saint influencers have found an enthusiastic audience across the country, curious about their faith and family, but they are often imperfect and unofficial representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-cast-arent-the-only-influencers-sowing-curiosity-about-the-church/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump administration appeals ruling that blocked Pentagon action against Anthropic over AI dispute

The Trump administration is appealing a judge’s order blocking the federal government from taking punitive measures against artificial intelligence company Anthropic after a dispute with the Pentagon over military use of AI.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-administration-appeals-ruling-that-blocked-pentagon-action-against-anthropic-over-ai-dispute/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Kids ate the multiplex: How family movies are taking over moviegoing, one blockbuster at a time

As “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” lands in theaters, coloring stations, collectible popcorn containers and mascot Marios are all in place to entice arguably the most prized moviegoers to Hollywood today.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/kids-ate-the-multiplex-how-family-movies-are-taking-over-moviegoing-one-blockbuster-at-a-time/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Washington’s space economy powers the Artemis II moonshot

Forty-one Washington companies have a hand in the Artemis program, which is set to send four astronauts into lunar orbit on Wednesday.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/washingtons-space-economy-powers-the-artemis-ii-moonshot/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Advocacy groups urge YouTube to protect kids from ‘AI slop’ videos

Advocacy groups and experts have slammed YouTube for serving up low-quality artificial intelligence-generated videos to its most vulnerable audience: children.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/advocacy-groups-urge-youtube-to-protect-kids-from-ai-slop-videos/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Oracle lays off hundreds in Seattle, again

Oracle's stock rose 6% on Tuesday after news of the layoffs, but is down almost 25% down on the year.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/oracle-lays-off-hundreds-in-seattle-again/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Meta lays off 168 Seattle-area employees

The majority of Meta's latest layoffs in the Seattle area hit roles in its Reality Labs division.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/meta-lays-off-168-seattle-area-employees/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘TikTok, we’re back’: Mayor Mamdani announces return of social media app for NYC government

Almost three years ago, New York City joined governments across the country to ban TikTok from its devices over security concerns about the Chinese social media site.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/tiktok-were-back-mayor-mamdani-announces-return-of-social-media-app-for-nyc-government/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

When will Japan’s cherry blossoms bloom? AI can help answer that

Experts are using AI systems to analyze decades of temperature data, and to deliver maps and “bloom meters” for trees in more than 1,000 spots.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/when-will-japans-cherry-blossoms-bloom-ai-can-help-answer-that/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

More! More! More! Tech workers max out their AI use

At a number of companies, employees compete on leaderboards to show how much artificial intelligence they’re using. They’re racking up big bills along the way.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/more-more-more-tech-workers-max-out-their-ai-use/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Ukrainians chide German defense boss for jibes about ‘Lego’ drones made by ‘housewives’

Senior officials in Kyiv are taking a swipe at the head of German defense giant Rheinmetall, whose unflattering comments about Ukrainian drone technology and the role of women in the war against Russia ignited a social media backlash.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/ukrainians-chide-german-defense-boss-for-jibes-about-lego-drones-made-by-housewives/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AI chatbots want your health records: Tread carefully

By collecting health data and offering direct feedback, AI chatbots are treading into risky territory.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ai-chatbots-want-your-health-records-tread-carefully/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Hacked hospitals, hidden spyware: Iran conflict shows how digital fight is ingrained in warfare

Iran has turned to its cyber operations to make up for its military disadvantages in its conflict with Israel and the U.S. Since the war began last month, hackers supporting Iran have launched thousands of cyberattacks on companies and organizations in both the U.S. and Israel, seeking to undermine the war effort and critical supply chains.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/hacked-hospitals-hidden-spyware-iran-conflict-shows-how-digital-fight-is-ingrained-in-warfare/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Yahoo turns to AI-powered answer engine Scout to lead it back it its roots in online search

Internet trailblazer Yahoo is exploring technology’s next frontier with Scout, an answer engine powered by artificial intelligence.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/yahoo-turns-to-ai-powered-answer-engine-scout-to-lead-it-back-it-its-roots-in-online-search/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AI’s arrival complicates Big Tech climate goals, and some worry it’s locking in more fossil fuels

The race to deploy artificial intelligence is complicating tech companies' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ais-arrival-complicates-big-tech-climate-goals-and-some-worry-its-locking-in-more-fossil-fuels/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

In the wake of US social media verdicts, a look at what limits other countries have imposed for kids

Dual jury verdicts this week have validated longstanding concerns about the dangers of social media for young people.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/in-the-wake-of-us-social-media-verdicts-a-look-at-what-limits-other-countries-have-imposed-for-kids/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Having a conversation and creating best practices for your child’s social media use

Earlier this week a jury in California this found both Meta and YouTube liable for mental health harms to kids using their services.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/having-a-conversation-and-creating-best-practices-for-your-childs-social-media-use/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AI is giving bad advice to flatter its users, says new study on dangers of overly agreeable chatbots

Artificial intelligence chatbots are so prone to flattering and validating their human users that they are giving bad advice that can damage relationships and reinforce harmful behaviors, according to a new study that explores the dangers of AI telling people what they want to hear.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ai-is-giving-bad-advice-to-flatter-its-users-says-new-study-on-dangers-of-overly-agreeable-chatbots/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

EU targets Snapchat over child safety and accuses porn sites of failing to block minors

EU regulators are investigating Snapchat over fears it's not doing enough to protect children from online harm.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/eu-targets-snapchat-over-child-safety-and-accuses-porn-sites-of-failing-to-block-minors/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Teens get probation after using AI to create fake nudes of classmates

Two teenage boys who used artificial intelligence to create fake nude photos of their classmates have been put on probation.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/teens-who-used-ai-to-create-fake-nudes-of-classmates-given-probation/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Meta is cutting several hundred jobs amid record AI spending

The Meta cuts will impact fewer than 1,000 total employees, according to a person familiar with the matter. Meta had about 79,000 employees worldwide at the start of the year.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/meta-is-cutting-several-hundred-jobs-amid-record-ai-spending/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

World Food Prize goes to food safety scientist for preventing millions of cases of foodborne illness

Dutch food scientist Huub Lelieveld has won the World Food Prize for shaping modern food processing safety standards used worldwide.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/world-food-prize-goes-to-food-safety-scientist-for-preventing-millions-of-cases-of-foodborne-illness/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

A group of Oscar winners set out to make the definitive AI documentary

A new documentary tries to explain generative AI fast, clearly and without taking sides, even as the technology keeps changing.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/a-group-of-oscar-winners-set-out-to-make-the-definitive-ai-documentary/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Czech police arrest 3 over arson at drone warehouse supplying Ukraine

Czech police have arrested three suspects after a fire destroyed a warehouse tied to drone supplies for Ukraine.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/czech-police-arrest-3-over-arson-at-drone-warehouse-supplying-ukraine/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump administration bans import of new foreign-made routers, citing supply chain and security risks

The Trump administration is banning imports of new, foreign-made routers citing supply chain vulnerability and cybersecurity risks.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-administration-bans-import-of-new-foreign-made-routers-citing-supply-chain-and-security-risks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Here’s how to recycle those old laptops, iPhones and earbuds lying around

Most consumers are guilty of the same habit — filling drawers or closets with devices such as old laptops, cellphones, fitness trackers and other electronics once those things are no longer needed.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/heres-how-to-recycle-those-old-laptops-iphones-and-earbuds-lying-around/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies of cancer at 43

Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of adult content platform OnlyFans, has died at age 43.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/onlyfans-owner-leonid-radvinsky-dies-of-cancer-at-43/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The apps you need for your next trip abroad

Apps common in the U.S. sometimes don’t exist in other countries, and when they do, they may not offer the best prices or service. Here are some better options.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/the-apps-you-need-for-your-next-trip-abroad/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Landmark trial in New Mexico to decide whether Meta misled users about children’s safety risks

Closing arguments are scheduled in a landmark trial where New Mexico prosecutors are accusing social media conglomerate Meta of misleading people about the safety of its platforms for children.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/landmark-trial-in-new-mexico-to-decide-whether-meta-misled-users-about-childrens-safety-risks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What to Stream: Charlie Puth, Daniel Day-Lewis, Robyn, James Marsden and a ‘Hannah Montana’ special

A “Hannah Montana” anniversary special starring Miley Cyrus and fresh music from Robyn and Charlie Puth 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-charlie-puth-daniel-day-lewis-robyn-james-marsden-and-a-hannah-montana-special/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tech review: Two dashcam systems keep an eye on your trips

This isn’t a comprehensive review, but these are two dashcams I really like; both offer 4K recording and lots of other features.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tech-review-two-dashcam-systems-keep-an-eye-on-your-trips/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How Ukraine’s front line became a laboratory for drone innovation

Ukraine has built a fast, low-cost defensive shield to stop Russian attacks with Iranian-designed Shahed drones.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/how-ukraines-front-line-became-a-laboratory-for-drone-innovation/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Africa’s solar boom faces higher costs as China cuts export subsidies

China’s decision to end value-added tax rebates on solar panel exports and phase out incentives for battery storage equipment could raise solar equipment costs in Africa.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/africas-solar-boom-faces-higher-costs-as-china-cuts-export-subsidies/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trapped! Inside a self-driving car during an anti-robot attack

Self-driving cars are designed to stop moving if a person is nearby. People can take advantage of that function to harass and threaten their passengers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trapped-inside-a-self-driving-car-during-an-anti-robot-attack/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase, absolves him of some fraud claims

A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter’s stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/jury-finds-elon-musk-misled-investors-during-twitter-purchase-absolves-him-of-some-fraud-claims/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Horror novel ‘Shy Girl’ canceled over suspected AI use

The cancellation of the novel reveals the challenges the book world is navigating as the adoption of AI becomes more widespread and as publishers look to self-published books as a pipeline for hits.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/horror-novel-shy-girl-canceled-over-suspected-ai-use/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Drone video from inside a Fukushima reactor shows a hole in pressure vessel, likely fuel debris

A video taken by tiny drones sent into one of three damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant shows a gaping hole in the thick-walled steel container of the core, with lumps of likely fuel debris hanging from it, in a first sighting of a pressure vessel bottom since the meltdown 15 years ago.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/drone-video-from-inside-a-fukushima-reactor-shows-a-hole-in-pressure-vessel-likely-fuel-debris/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

American Airlines and Google say AI helped airplanes reduce contrails that trap heat

American Airlines and Google said the tool could be one of the most cost-effective, scalable climate solutions available in aviation now.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/american-airlines-and-google-say-ai-helped-airplanes-reduce-contrails-that-trap-heat/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

China’s Alibaba targets $100B in AI and cloud revenue over 5 years

China’s Alibaba Group has pledged on Thursday a goal of surpassing $100 billion in revenue from its artificial intelligence and cloud businesses over the next five years, which it says would be powered by the AI demand boom.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/chinas-alibaba-targets-100b-in-ai-and-cloud-revenue-over-5-years/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tina Turner’s name, image, likeness and most music catalog rights acquired by Pophouse

Pophouse Entertainment Group has acquired Tina Turner's name, image and likeness rights as well as the majority of her music catalog rights from music company BMG.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tina-turners-name-image-likeness-and-most-music-catalog-rights-acquired-by-pophouse/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

2,400 Kaiser mental health professionals strike in Northern California over AI concerns

About 2,400 Kaiser Permanente mental health workers are striking in Northern California over fears the company will replace therapists with artificial intelligence.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/2400-kaiser-mental-health-professionals-strike-in-northern-california-over-ai-concerns/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

An AI-rendered Val Kilmer will posthumously appear in a new film

A year after the actor’s death, a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent film.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/an-ai-rendered-val-kilmer-will-posthumously-appear-in-a-new-film/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Cryptocurrency and AI industries tested their influence in Illinois. It didn’t go that well

The artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency industries have suffered a setback as they try to reshape the midterm elections and establish themselves as power players in American politics.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/cryptocurrency-and-ai-industries-tested-their-influence-in-illinois-it-didnt-go-that-well/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

5 things to know about gaps in Seattle’s 911 ambulance service

The Seattle Times has been investigating Seattle's 911 medical system and ambulance service. Here's what you should know about our findings.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/5-things-to-know-about-gaps-in-seattles-911-ambulance-service/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Arizona files criminal gambling charges against Kalshi, the prediction site

The state accused Kalshi of operating an illegal gambling business, escalating the legal battle between states and prediction markets.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/arizona-files-criminal-gambling-charges-against-kalshi-the-prediction-site/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Amazon offers 1-hour and 3-hour deliveries for US customers, for a fee

Amazon says it has started offering faster U.S. deliveries of selected products for a fee.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazon/amazon-offers-1-hour-and-3-hour-deliveries-for-us-customers-for-a-fee/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The $500 million mystery will, signed by ghosts

Tony Hsieh, of Zappos, joined the internet’s first crop of whiz‑kid tycoons when Microsoft paid $265 million for a banner‑ad startup he had co-founded.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/the-500-million-mystery-will-signed-by-ghosts/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology