TikTok attorney: China can’t get U.S. data under plan
April 1, 2023 GMTSAULSALITO, Calif. (AP) — Under intense scrutiny from Washington that could lead to a potential ban, the top attorney for TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance defended the social media platform’s plan to safeguard U.S.
Italy temporarily blocks ChatGPT over privacy concerns
March 31, 2023 GMTROME (AP) — Italy is temporarily blocking the artificial intelligence software ChatGPT in the wake of a data breach as it investigates a possible violation of stringent European Union data protection rules, the government's privacy watchdog said Friday.
How a little-known agency holds power over TikTok’s future
March 31, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Under pressure from the U.S. government, TikTok is now facing the music with the possibility of a nationwide ban if it defies a government order to sell to an American company — unless the popular social media app can convince a high-powered panel that its data security restructuring plan sufficiently guards against national security concerns.
EU chief urges caution in tech trade with China
March 30, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union must be prepared to develop measures to protect trade and investment that China might exploit for its own security and military purposes, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Thursday.
Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit slashing 85% of its workforce
March 31, 2023 GMTRichard Branson's Virgin Orbit is letting go of almost its entire work force with the satellite launch company finding it difficult to secure funding three months after a failed mission.
The company, headquartered in Long Beach, California, will cut 675 jobs, about 85% of its workforce, according to a Friday filing with the U.S.
Musk, scientists call for halt to AI race sparked by ChatGPT
March 29, 2023 GMTAre tech companies moving too fast in rolling out powerful artificial intelligence technology that could one day outsmart humans?
That's the conclusion of a group of prominent computer scientists and other tech industry notables such as Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak who are calling for a 6-month pause to consider the risks.
Fox lawsuit highlights effects of conspiracies on Dominion
March 31, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — In Arizona’s most populous county, elected officials are bracing for what could happen when it comes time to replace its $2 million-a-year contract for voting equipment.
Officials in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, say they have no concerns about their current vendor, Dominion Voting Systems.
TikTok propaganda labels fall flat in ‘huge win’ for Russia
March 30, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A year ago, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, TikTok started labeling accounts operated by Russian state propaganda agencies as a way to tell users they were being exposed to Kremlin disinformation.
Huawei profit sinks in 2022 amid sanctions, but sales higher
March 31, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Huawei on Friday reported a nearly 70% decline in profit last year amid sanctions and pandemic challenges, but its enterprise sales rose as the Chinese technology giant sought to pivot into digital industries and reduce its vulnerabilities to U.S.
TikTok ban pushed by Missouri’s Hawley blocked in Senate
March 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley tried to force a Senate vote Wednesday on legislation that would ban TikTok from operating in the United States, but he was blocked by a fellow Republican as lawmakers in both chambers are still trying to figure out what action, if any, is appropriate against the social media app.
‘War of the states’: EV, chip makers lavished with subsidies
April 1, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — States are doling out more cash than ever to lure multibillion-dollar microchip, electric vehicle and battery factories, inspiring ever-more competition as they dig deeper into their pockets to attract big employers and capitalize on a wave of huge new projects.
Court: 2018 Musk tweet unlawfully threatened UAW efforts
March 31, 2023 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — A 2018 Twitter post by Tesla CEO Elon Musk unlawfully threatened Tesla employees with the loss of stock options if they decided to be represented by a union, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
Verizon wins FAA technology deal worth up to $2.4 billion
March 31, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Verizon Communications a contract potentially worth $2.4 billion to upgrade the agency’s technology systems.
The FAA said Verizon will build a network that includes secure communications and administrative services.
Report: Chinese state-sponsored hacking group highly active
March 30, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A Chinese hacking group that is likely state-sponsored and has been linked previously to attacks on U.S. state government computers is still “highly active” and is focusing on a broad range of targets that may be of strategic interest to China's government and security services, a private American cybersecurity firm said in a new report Thursday.
Finland says Russia spy operations weakened in Nordic nation
March 30, 2023 GMTHELSINKI (AP) — Expulsions of Russian intelligence officers and visa refusals have substantially weakened Moscow’s intelligence operations in neighboring Finland in the past year, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service said Thursday.
China e-commerce giant Alibaba outlines future strategy
March 30, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Alibaba plans to spin off some of its sprawling e-commerce and finance empire as independent businesses to make them more flexible and maximize their value, its top executives said Thursday, as the company emerges from regulatory crackdowns that rattled Chinese tech industries.
Twitter removes tweets about ‘Trans Day of Vengeance’
March 30, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Twitter says it has removed thousands of tweets showing a poster promoting a “trans day of vengeance” protest in support of transgender rights in Washington, D.C., on Saturday.
Court hears appeal of ruling favoring Musk in SolarCity deal
March 29, 2023 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for a group of Tesla shareholders are asking the Delaware Supreme Court to overturn a judge’s decision in favor of CEO Elon Musk in a lawsuit challenging the electric car maker’s $2.4 billion acquisition of a solar panel company founded by two of his cousins.
Driver who crashed into Apple store charged with murder
March 29, 2023 GMTHINGHAM, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man whose SUV crashed through the glass storefront of an Apple store, killing one man and injuring nearly two dozen other people, has been charged with murder, prosecutors said.
Green groups slam German government’s energy, climate deal
March 29, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Environmental groups have criticized a deal between Germany’s three governing parties on energy and climate policies, saying Wednesday that it risks watering down essential measures to curb global warming.
Apple rolls out buy now, pay later service: What to know
March 29, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Apple is getting into the buy now, pay later space with a few tweaks to the existing model — including no option to pay with a credit card. The company will roll out the product to some consumers this spring, and will begin reporting the loans to credit bureaus in the fall.
US energy officials release strategy to boost offshore wind
March 29, 2023 GMTThe U.S. Energy Department said Wednesday it has a new strategy to meet the goal of vastly expanding offshore wind energy to address climate change.
The Biden administration wants to build 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 — enough to power more than 10 million homes.
Montenegro: South Korea, US seek extradition of Do Kwon
March 29, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — South Korea and the United States have requested the extradition from Montenegro of Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon, who is wanted in connection with a $40 billion crash of the firm’s cryptocurrency that devastated retail investors around the world, Montenegro's justice minister said Wednesday.
Spain clean energy case shakes confidence in EU investment
March 29, 2023 GMTMADRID (AP) — Renewable energy investors who lost subsidies promised by Spain are heading to a London court to try to claw back $125 million from the government — a decadelong dispute with ramifications for clean energy financing across the European Union.
Biden: GOP policies would surrender tech economy to China
March 29, 2023 GMTDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Republicans' ideas for cutting the budget could undermine U.S. manufacturing and help China dominate the world economy.
FTX founder Bankman-Fried charged with paying $40M bribe
March 29, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with directing $40 million in bribes to one or more Chinese officials to unfreeze assets relating to his cryptocurrency business in a newly rewritten indictment unsealed Tuesday.
German governing parties agree on energy, climate measures
March 28, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Germany’s three ruling parties announced Tuesday that they have an agreement on a series of energy and climate policies following weeks of infighting that threatened to paralyze the government.
MLB The Show breaks barrier with Negro League players
March 28, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — MLB The Show has broken a video game barrier: For the first time, the franchise will insert some of the greatest Negro League players — from Satchel Paige to Jackie Robinson — into the 2023 edition of the game as playable characters.
Lawmakers back Paris Olympic law despite surveillance fears
March 28, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — A proposed French law for the 2024 Paris Olympics that critics contend will open the door for privacy-busting video surveillance technology in France and elsewhere in Europe passed an important hurdle on Tuesday with lawmakers overwhelmingly voting for it.
Comic Relief launches metaverse fundraiser to fight poverty
March 28, 2023 GMTCan playing more Roblox make your kids more philanthropic?
That’s what the nonprofit Comic Relief US hopes, announcing Tuesday its new Kids Relief initiative to encourage giving and community building with a new virtual world on the social gaming platform.
Mark Hamill lends ‘Star Wars’ voice to Ukrainian air-raid app
March 28, 2023 GMTKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — “Attention. Air raid alert,” the voice says with a Jedi knight’s gravitas. “Proceed to the nearest shelter.”
It's a surreal moment in an already surreal war: the grave but calming baritone of actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker of “Star Wars,” urging people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine.
US, Japan reach deal on vital minerals for EV batteries
March 28, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan and the United States have reached an agreement on trade in critical minerals for electric vehicle batteries, part of an effort to ensure secure supplies of strategically important resources.
US opens investigation into Tesla seat belts coming loose
March 28, 2023 GMTDETROIT (AP) — U.S. highway safety regulators have opened yet another investigation into problems with Teslas, this time tied to complaints that the seat belts may not hold people in a crash.
Lyft to pick up new CEO amid deepening post-pandemic losses
March 27, 2023 GMTLyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer are relinquishing their leadership roles to make way for a former Amazon executive as the ride-hailing service struggles to recover from the pandemic while long-time rival Uber has been regaining its momentum.
What can Google’s AI-powered Bard do? We tested it for you
March 27, 2023 GMTTo use, or not to use, Bard? That is the Shakespearean question an Associated Press reporter sought to answer while testing out Google's artificially intelligent chatbot.
Biden’s moves on Alaska drilling, TikTok test young voters
March 27, 2023 GMTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Recent moves by President Joe Biden to pressure TikTok over its Chinese ownership and approve oil drilling in an untapped area of Alaska are testing the loyalty of young voters, a group that’s largely been in his corner.
St. Louis sues Kia, Hyundai over rash of car thefts
March 27, 2023 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — A federal lawsuit filed Monday by the city of St. Louis accuses automakers Kia and Hyundai of failing to install industry-standard anti-theft technology, resulting in thousands of vehicle thefts in the Missouri city.
South Dakota gov’s veto of cryptocurrency regulations upheld
March 27, 2023 GMTSouth Dakota's House failed Monday to override Gov. Kristi Noem's recent veto of a bill that would have created government regulations for the use of cryptocurrency in the state.
The bill had passed smoothly throughout the legislature, and Noem's veto of last week was upheld on a 37-30 vote.
Twitter celebs balk at paying Elon Musk for blue check mark
March 27, 2023 GMTWilliam Shatner, Monica Lewinsky and other prolific Twitter commentators — some household names, others little-known journalists — could soon be losing the blue check marks that helped verify their identity on the social media platform.
US to adopt new restrictions on using commercial spyware
March 27, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government will restrict its use of commercial spyware tools that have been used to surveil human rights activists, journalists and dissidents around the world, under an executive order issued Monday by President Joe Biden.
Taron Egerton slots Tetris story into place in new biopic
March 27, 2023 GMTThe origin story of the iconic computer game “Tetris” is more thrilling than you may think.
It involves border crossing, authority dodging, underhand deals, putting your house on the line and — finally — trying to secure the rights for the game from behind the Iron Curtain.
No deal yet on issues shaking up Germany’s ruling coalition
March 27, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — All-night talks failed Monday to break the political deadlock over a series of issues that threaten to divide German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition.
Scholz and several of his ministers flew to Rotterdam for long-planned talks with the Dutch government Monday, leaving unfinished business back home.
Poland, EU seek to boost munitions production
March 27, 2023 GMTWARSAW, Poland (AP) —
Officials from Poland and the European Union on Monday discussed artillery munitions manufacturing as part of a new, 2 billion euro ($2.2 billion) program to supply Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces and to replenish Europe’s dwindling stocks.
Wind industry predicts bounceback and rapid growth in 2023
March 27, 2023 GMTThe wind power industry on Monday projected growth to rapidly accelerate this year, with incentives and policy changes in key nations helping to overcome factors that led to a slowdown in 2022.
Alibaba’s Jack Ma returns to mainland China
March 27, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Alibaba founder Jack Ma has resurfaced in China after months of overseas travel, visiting a school Monday in the city where his company is headquartered and discussed topics such as artificial intelligence.
Twitter hunts Github user who posted source code online
March 27, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Some parts of Twitter's source code — the fundamental computer code on which the social network runs — were leaked online, the social media company said in a legal filing that was first reported by The New York Times.
Gap grows between TikTok users, lawmakers on potential ban
March 26, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — On the one side are dozens of lawmakers on Capitol Hill issuing dire warnings about security breaches and possible Chinese surveillance.
On the other are some 150 million TikTok users in the U.S.
Factory or farm? Oregon may alter land use for chipmakers
March 26, 2023 GMTNORTH PLAINS, Ore. (AP) — Aaron Nichols walked past rows of kale growing on his farm, his knee-high brown rubber boots speckled with some of the richest soil on earth, and gazed with concern toward fields in the distance.
Technical issues at Lufthansa cause delays in Frankfurt
March 26, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Lufthansa's operations were disrupted Sunday at Frankfurt airport because of technical problems, German news agency dpa reported.
Check-in systems on the airline's website and at the counter, as well as boarding, were affected at Germany's biggest airport, a Lufthansa spokeswoman told dpa.
Intel co-founder, philanthropist Gordon Moore dies at 94
March 25, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gordon Moore, the Intel Corp. co-founder who set the breakneck pace of progress in the digital age with a simple 1965 prediction of how quickly engineers would boost the capacity of computer chips, has died.
Book thief in plot that duped famous authors avoids prison
March 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — It was the stuff of novels: For years, a con artist plagued the publishing industry, impersonating editors and agents to pull off hundreds of literary heists.
Utah social media law is ambitious, but is it enforceable?
March 24, 2023 GMTUtah's sweeping social media legislation passed this week is an ambitious attempt to shield children and teens from the ill effects of social media and empower parents to decide whether their kids should be using apps like TikTok or Instagram.
Ford’s Tenn. plant could make 500K electric pickups a year
March 24, 2023 GMTSTANTON, Tenn. (AP) — Ford said Friday that its assembly plant under construction in western Tennessee will be able to build up to 500,000 electric pickup trucks a year at full output, part of the automaker's drive to produce 2 million electric vehicles worldwide annually by late 2026.
LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr issues warning to users in Egypt
March 24, 2023 GMTCAIRO (AP) — A popular gay social networking application said Friday that it is issuing a warning to its users in Egypt, as police impersonate community members to target LGBTQ+ individuals.
Users in Egypt will see the following warning appear in Arabic and English when they open the app:
France bans TikTok, Twitter from government staff phones
March 24, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — France announced Friday it is banning the “recreational” use of TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and other apps on government employees' phones because of concern about insufficient data security measures.
UK watchdog softens position on Microsoft Activision deal
March 24, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — British antitrust regulators scrutinizing Microsoft's blockbuster purchase of videogame maker Activision Blizzard on Friday dropped concerns that the deal would hurt the console gaming market, narrowing the scope of their investigation.
Why does US see Chinese-owned TikTok as a security threat?
March 24, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — U.S. lawmakers have grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew about data security and harmful content, with some pushing to ban the popular short-video app nationwide.
Scandal-plagued Japan tech giant Toshiba gets tender offer
March 24, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Scandal-embattled Japanese electronics and technology manufacturer Toshiba has accepted a 2 trillion yen ($15 billion) tender offer from Japan Industrial Partners, a buyout fund made up of major banks and companies.
Kids in Utah will need parents’ OK to access social media
March 24, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Children and teens in Utah would lose access to social media apps such as TikTok if they don’t have parental consent and face other restrictions under a first-in-the-nation law designed to shield young people from the addictive platforms.
Do Kwon, wanted in $40B crypto crash, arrested in Montenegro
March 24, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Police in Montenegro have arrested Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon, who is wanted in South Korea in connection with a $40 billion crash of the firm’s cryptocurrency that devastated retail investors around the world, the European country’s interior minister said Thursday.
TikTok CEO grilled by skeptical lawmakers on safety, content
March 23, 2023 GMTFord says EV unit losing billions, should be seen as startup
March 23, 2023 GMTDETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co.'s electric vehicle business has lost $3 billion before taxes during the past two years and will lose a similar amount this year as the company invests heavily in the new technology.
Trump arrested? Putin jailed? Fake AI images spread online
March 23, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump getting gang-tackled by riot-gear-clad New York City police officers. Russian President Vladimir Putin in prison grays behind the bars of a dimly lit concrete cell.
Names, photos of Los Angeles undercover police posted online
March 23, 2023 GMTThe Los Angeles police chief and the department's constitutional policing director are under investigation after the names and photographs of undercover officers were released to a technology watchdog group that posted them online, the Los Angeles Times reported.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew: 3 things to know
March 23, 2023 GMTTikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified Thursday at a congressional hearing over concerns about user data collected by the popular video-sharing app and potential Chinese spying.
Under his helm, TikTok reached 150 million users in the U.S., the majority of them teens and young adults who are attracted to the app’s simple interface and addictive algorithm that serves up short videos on just about any imaginable topic.
Why TikTok’s security risks keep raising fears
March 23, 2023 GMTThe battle between the U.S. and China over TikTok came into full view on Thursday when the social media platform's CEO testified before Congressional lawmakers.
Shou Zi Chew's hearing in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is happening at what he's called a “pivotal moment” for the hugely popular short video sharing app.
Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok
March 23, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — A growing number of countries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific have banned the popular video-sharing app TikTok from government devices as privacy and cybersecurity concerns increase. A handful have prohibited the app altogether.
Coinbase tumbles after SEC warns of securities violations
March 23, 2023 GMTShares of Coinbase tumbled 15% Thursday after the cryptocurrency trading platform received a warning from the Securities and Exchange Commission that it could face securities charges.
The cryptocurrency trading platform said in an SEC filing late Wednesday that it had received a Wells Notice from the agency, which indicates that regulators believe laws protecting investors were violated.
Holocaust survivor shares on TikTok to educate young people
March 23, 2023 GMTMORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman is a TikTok star at age 85, thanks to her 17-year-old grandson.
In the family living room in Morristown, New Jersey, he records short videos of his grandmother reminiscing about life in 1944 and 1945 when she was a 6-year-old child at the Auschwitz death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland.
China criticizes possible US plan to force TikTok sale
March 23, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s government said Thursday it would oppose possible U.S. plans to force TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the short-video service as a security risk and warned such a move would hurt investor confidence in the United States.
3D-printed rocket fails just after launch
March 23, 2023 GMTCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A rocket made almost entirely of 3D-printed parts made its launch debut Wednesday night, lifting off amid fanfare but failing three minutes into flight — far short of orbit.
March Madness: Athletes balance privacy, online profile
March 23, 2023 GMTAliyah Boston recalls her parents prodding her to be more active on social media, to extend her brand as her basketball prowess began to draw national attention.
She said she would be more active — and then post just one photo in two months, which is no way for an athlete influencer to earn big money in the era of name, image and likeness compensation.
Thai police bust call scammers who preyed on older Americans
March 23, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thai police said Wednesday they busted an international gang that operated call centers to deceive older Americans into wiring them money, netting more than 3 billion baht ($87 million).
TikTok sends influencers to Washington as its troubles grow
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — TikTok is ramping up a public relations campaign to fend off the possibility of a nationwide ban by the Biden administration, and it’s bringing some unconventional advocates to help: online influencers.
Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul and others settle with SEC over crypto case
March 22, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress Lindsay Lohan, rapper Akon and several other celebrities have agreed to pay tens of thousands of dollars to settle claims they promoted crypto investments to their millions of social media followers without disclosing they were being paid to do so.
German group sues Facebook owner Meta over death threats
March 22, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — A prominent German environmental group said Wednesday that it's suing Facebook's parent company Meta over persistent death threats posted on the social network against its staff.
Environmental Action Germany, known by its German acronym DUH, says Meta has failed to take steps to stop the threats of violence regularly directed at DUH director Juergen Resch and others in a Facebook group with more than 50,000 members.
Google suspends Chinese shopping app amid security concerns
March 21, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Google has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo on its app store after malware was discovered in versions of the app from other sources.
Google said in a statement Tuesday that it suspended the Pinduoduo app on the Google Play app store out of “security concerns” and that it was investigating the matter.
TikTok bans deepfakes of young people as it updates guidelines
March 21, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — TikTok went on a counteroffensive Tuesday amid increasing Western pressure over cybersecurity and misinformation concerns, rolling out updated rules and standards for content as its CEO warned against a possible U.S.