Note: I’ve rewritten the content to make it more provocative and controversial, highlighting potential biases and criticisms. I’ve also kept the original script unchanged.



Source link

"Federal Judge Abandons Mississippi’s Effort to Protect Kids from Online Predators, Siding with Big Tech Instead"

In a shocking move, a federal judge has blocked a Mississippi law aimed at protecting children from online predators, siding with Big Tech’s interests over the well-being of minors. The law, which would have required age verification for all and parental consent for teens to make accounts on social media sites, was set to take effect on Monday.

The Supreme Court’s Warning

The judge’s decision comes on the same day the Supreme Court issued a ruling in two cases challenging social media laws in Florida and Texas. While the Court sent the cases back to the lower courts, it made it clear that platforms’ content moderation and curation are protected speech. This sets a dangerous precedent for future tech regulations, as it gives Big Tech a free pass to prioritize profits over the safety of children online.

Big Tech’s Influence

NetChoice, the industry group representing Meta and Google, has been at the forefront of these battles, using its deep pockets and influence to challenge laws aimed at protecting kids online. The group has successfully gotten judges to block laws in California, Arkansas, and Ohio, claiming they would violate the First Amendment by impeding speech.

The Consequences

The consequences of this decision are severe. Children will continue to be exposed to harmful and explicit content online, with no meaningful protections in place to safeguard their well-being. Meanwhile, Big Tech will continue to prioritize its profits over the safety and dignity of children.

The Fight Isn’t Over

While the judge’s decision is a setback, the fight is far from over. Mississippi’s attorney general has vowed to continue fighting for this commonsense law, and NetChoice’s latest win may only embolden the group to challenge more laws aimed at protecting kids online. The Supreme Court’s ruling also leaves open the possibility that tech laws could be crafted in ways that don’t violate the First Amendment, but the guidelines it sets out for what is likely to violate the Constitution could make that a tricky path to follow.

The Real Issue

At the heart of this debate is a fundamental question: what is the role of government in protecting children from the dangers of the internet? While Big Tech may claim that its content moderation and curation are protected speech, the reality is that these platforms have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of children online. It’s time for policymakers to take a stand and prioritize the safety and dignity of children over the interests of Big Tech.

Source link

Fintech Frenzy: The Great Hack and the Rise of the AI Empire

Welcome to the wild west of fintech, where the stakes are higher than ever and the stakes are higher than ever. This week, we’re diving into the chaos of Evolve Bank’s massive data breach, the rise of AI-powered financial services, and the M&A madness that’s taking over the industry.

The Big Hack

Evolve Bank, a financial institution popular among fintech startups, has been hit with a devastating cyberattack that could have affected its partner companies and their customers. The hack, which involved the theft of sensitive customer data, has sent shockwaves through the fintech community, leaving many wondering how this could have happened and what the consequences will be.

AI Takes Over

Meanwhile, AI-powered financial services are taking over the industry, with companies like Hyperplane and Salt Labs getting snapped up by bigger players. Robinhood is adding AI features to its investing app, and Plaid is expanding its product offerings to include AI-powered tools. It’s clear that AI is the future of fintech, but what does this mean for jobs and the economy?

M&A Madness

The M&A frenzy is in full swing, with companies like Chime and Nubank making big moves. Chime is acquiring Salt Labs for a reported $173 million, while Nubank is snapping up Hyperplane. What’s driving this M&A madness, and what does it mean for the future of fintech?

Dollars and Cents

Payabli and Rainforest are raising millions to build out their payment infrastructure, while Connect Money is tapping into the African market. Feather is helping expats navigate health insurance systems, and Plaid is expanding its enterprise customer base. It’s a wild world out there, but someone’s gotta make the deals happen.

What Else We’re Writing

We’re keeping an eye on the latest developments in fintech, from Citi’s AI-powered job displacement to Goldman Sachs’ generative AI tool. We’re also tracking the rise of AI-powered financial services, from trade-in platforms to insurance platforms. And, of course, we’re keeping an eye on the M&A madness, with deals like Flipkart’s payments app and Point72 Ventures’ pivot towards AI.

High-Interest Headlines

• Citi sees AI displacing more bank jobs than any other sector
• Goldman Sachs deploys its first generative AI tool across the firm
• Billionaire Steve Cohen’s Point72 Ventures lays off fintech team in pivot towards AI
• Pay for new stuff by trading in your old stuff right at checkout
• Prudence, Profits, and Growth (global fintech report co-authored by BCG and QED Investors)
• Only up from Here: 2024’s State of Fintech and the Hero’s Journey (from Bain Capital Ventures partner Matt Harris)

Want to Reach Out?

Email me at maryann@techcrunch.com or send me a message on Signal at 408.204.3036. You can also send a note to the whole TechCrunch crew at tips@techcrunch.com. For more secure communications, click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop (instructions here) and links to encrypted messaging apps.

Source link

Note: I’ve taken some liberties with the original content to make it more provocative and controversial, while still maintaining the core information. The rewritten text is intended to be humorous and satirical, rather than factual.



Source link

Biden’s Desperate Attempt to Save Face on Climate Change: New Heat Rules for Workers

In a desperate bid to salvage his administration’s crumbling climate legacy, President Biden is set to unveil new rules today aimed at protecting workers from the "deadliest weather-related risk Americans face": extreme heat. But will these half-baked measures be enough to distract from the administration’s glaring failures on climate action?

Heat Waves: The Silent Killer

Heat already claims more American lives than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or any other weather-related disaster. And with global warming only making the problem worse, it’s a wonder the administration didn’t come up with this plan sooner. But will these new rules be enough to prevent the next heat-related tragedy?

Employers on the Hook

Under the proposed rules, employers would be forced to craft plans to prevent heat injury and illness. That includes designating a heat safety coordinator, having procedures in place to respond to symptoms of heat illness, and monitoring workplaces for potentially dangerous conditions. But will these measures be enough to hold employers accountable for putting their workers’ lives at risk?

Who’s Left Out?

The rule is expected to cover some 35 million workers who are routinely exposed to heat risk, including those in construction, agriculture, and other outdoor jobs. But what about the millions of workers who are not covered, including teleworkers, indoor employees, and state and local public employees? Are they not worth protecting from the deadly effects of extreme heat?

A Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound

The proposal is already several years in the making, and while it’s a step in the right direction, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this is just a token gesture from an administration that has consistently failed to take meaningful action on climate change. Will these new rules be enough to save face, or will they simply be a footnote in the history books as another example of the administration’s lack of commitment to addressing the climate crisis?

Source link

The VC "Chosen Ones" Get Ahead in 2024: Industry Giants Continues to Dominate Funding Round

In a shocking yet hardly surprising turn of events, industry-leading venture capital firm Industry Ventures is further solidifying its grip on the lucrative funding landscape. The once-insular club of established investors appears to be widening its members to include a select few elite players, while the already scarce opportunities for emerging managers appear destined to dwindle. Industry Ventures’ latest $900 million early-stage hybrid fund offers further proof of this trend.

Back in 2021, Industry Ventures bagged a $575 million venture from limited partners, and things seemed to be looking up. In less than three years, their assets under management have ballooned to an astonishing $8 billion – mostly thanks to their knack for buying stakes in emerging VC funds and directly investing in promising companies at the Series B level. To put it bluntly: other VCs are struggling, even as Industry Ventures snags the cream of the crop while onlookers are left scrounging for scraps.

Here are the "rules" of getting access to this exclusive club: emerge, if you can at all, with a fund size larger than $250 million, and focus only on backing seed and Series A startups in markets that are deemed "high-tech" enough. Industry Ventures loves seeding the next big thing among fresh-faced founders, but is perfectly happy to invest in established entities where the risk is lower but still has the potential for massive return-on-investment.

Meanwhile, an select few experienced investors defect from larger firms to start new adventures, and Industry Ventures gobbles them up, minted with the stamp of approval it awards to those deemed worthy to lead.

In the shadows, the landscape will continue to shift, reshuffled by the whims of the powers-that-be. As the dust settles on industry giants like Industry Ventures making inroads, the rest fight a losing battle for scraps: over $8 billion in under- management, a testament to industry dominance.

Source link

Here is the rewritten content in a provocative and controversial manner:

The Dark Side of Space Photography: 20 Jaw-Dropping Images That Will Blow Your Mind

Get ready to have your mind blown by the most unsettling, mind-bending, and awe-inspiring space photography contest you’ve ever seen. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has returned, and its 16th edition is a masterclass in psychological manipulation.

Warning: The Following Images May Cause Existential Crisis

With over 3,500 entries from amateur and professional photographers around the world, this collection of images is a cosmic reflection of our own mortality. Behold, the eerie beauty of the universe, staring back at us like a cold, dark mirror.

1. "Abandoned House" by Stefan Liebermann: A Lonely Testament to Humanity’s Futility

This haunting image of a deserted house in the Namib Desert, with the Milky Way looming in the background, is a poignant reminder of our insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

2. "A Whale Sailing the Sun" by Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau: A Surrealistic Representation of Our Place in the Universe

This bizarre image of a whale-like creature soaring through the solar system is a thought-provoking commentary on our own existence. Are we just a fleeting moment in the universe’s vast expanse?

3. "SNR G156.2+5.7, a Faint Supernova Remnant in Auriga" by Bray Falls: A Grave Reminder of Our Imminent Demise

This haunting image of a supernova remnant is a chilling reminder of the universe’s destructive power. Are we just a mere speck of dust in the vast expanse of space, awaiting our own destruction?

4. "Arctic Dragon" by Carina Letelier Baeza: A Mesmerizing Ode to the Mystery of the Universe

This stunning image of an aurora borealis in the shape of a dragon is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. But is it just a fleeting moment of wonder, or a harbinger of something greater?

5. "Run to Carina" by Vikas Chander: A Breathtaking View of the Futility of Human Existence

This breathtaking image of the International Space Station passing in front of the Moon is a poignant reminder of our own fragility in the universe. Are we just insignificant specks in the grand scheme of things, racing towards an uncertain fate?

6. "M81, a Grand Design Spiral Galaxy" by Holden Aimar: A Mind-Bending Representation of Our Place in the Universe

This stunning image of a spiral galaxy is a thought-provoking commentary on our own existence. Are we just a small part of a much larger cosmic machinery, or are we the masters of our own destiny?

7. "Gigantic Solar Prominence in Motion" by Miguel Claro: A Jaw-Dropping Display of the Universe’s Power

This breathtaking image of a solar prominence is a testament to the awe-inspiring power of the universe. But is it just a fleeting moment of wonder, or a harbinger of something greater?

8. "Martian Dementors" by Leonardo Di Maggio: A Chilling Reminder of the Unknown

This haunting image of the Martian landscape is a chilling reminder of the unknown dangers that lurk in the depths of space. Are we just a fragile species, susceptible to the whims of the universe?

9. "Saturn with Six Moons" by Andy Casely: A Breathtaking View of the Universe’s Beauty

This stunning image of Saturn and its moons is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. But is it just a fleeting moment of wonder, or a harbinger of something greater?

10. "The Fire-Spitting Dragon" by Moritz Telser: A Mind-Bending Representation of the Universe’s Fury

This breathtaking image of an aurora borealis in the shape of a dragon is a thought-provoking commentary on the universe’s fury. Are we just a small part of a much larger cosmic machinery, or are we the masters of our own destiny?

And so, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition continues to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. These images are not just a celebration of human ingenuity, but a haunting reminder of our own mortality. So, the next time you gaze up at the stars, remember: we are not alone in the universe, and our existence is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things.

Source link

Here’s the rewritten content in a provocative and controversial manner:

“The Atari 400 Mini: A Nostalgic Cash-Grab or a Gaming Experience Like No Other?

Amazon has a limited-time deal on the Atari 400 Mini, a retro console that’s almost as old as your grandparents. Yes, you read that right – the Atari 400 was launched in 1979, making it older than many of the games it comes preloaded with. But hey, who needs quality control when you’re selling a blast from the past, right?

This relic from the stone age of gaming comes with a keyboard, because who doesn’t want to play Asteroids and Centipede with a chunky, 8-bit keyboard strapped to their lap? And let’s not forget the games – or should I say, the relics? With a list of 25 games that are barely recognizable, you’ll be lucky to find a title that doesn’t make you nostalgic for the era of pixelated mess.

But hey, who needs new games when you can sideload your own, right? That’s what the five USB ports are for – to unleash your inner gaming hacker and inject your own classics into the system. Just be careful not to brick the console, or you’ll be stuck with a hunk of useless plastic.

And then there’s the display options. Oh boy, are they a trip down memory lane. You can play in 720p, which is impressive considering the resolution of most games back then. But why settle for a straightforward 720p when you can scale it up with “pixel perfect” mode, which is just code for “we couldn’t bother to upgrade the graphics”? And don’t even get me started on the option to overlay digital scanlines, because what’s a retro gaming experience without a few unnecessary lines of digital static?

But wait, there’s more! You can rewind gameplay up to 30 seconds, because who needs to learn from their mistakes when you can just re-do the same level 10 times? And with snapshot saves, you’ll never have to worry about losing your progress – or getting bored with the same old game over and over again.

All in all, the Atari 400 Mini is a nostalgic cash-grab that’s perfect for collectors who want to own something that will never see the light of day again. It’s a relic of a bygone era, and for that, we can be grateful. But if you’re looking for a gaming experience that’s anything more than a trip down memory lane, look elsewhere.”



Source link

Apple’s Desperate Attempt to Appease Global Language Demands

In a move that’s being seen as a last-ditch effort to stay relevant in a rapidly changing global landscape, Apple has unveiled iOS 18, a new operating system that promises to cater to the diverse language needs of its users.

The company’s latest attempt to curry favor with language enthusiasts comes in the form of support for 12 new languages on the lock screen, including Arabic, Bangla, and Gujarati. Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t want to see the time displayed in Devanagari numerals?

But that’s not all – Apple has also decided to bless its users with trilingual predictive typing, because who needs to switch between languages when you can have them all on one keyboard? And because some people still insist on using Latin text, Apple has also added support for Latin-to-language suggestions.

But don’t get too excited just yet – these new features are still in beta, and we all know how well those tend to work out. Just ask anyone who’s ever tried to use an early beta of iOS.

And because Apple knows that its users are nothing if not linguistically adventurous, the company has also added support for Korean and English multiscript keyboards. Because, why settle for just one script when you can have two?

But the real pièce de résistance is the new language search feature, which promises to let users search for different spellings of similar-sounding words in the same language. Because, let’s be real, who hasn’t spent hours trying to find the perfect Hindi transliteration of "चन्द्र"?

And because Apple knows that its users are nothing if not enthusiastic about language, the company has also added support for live voicemail transcription in Indian English. Because, who doesn’t want to listen to their voicemails in the original Indian English, complete with all the grammatical errors and malapropisms?

So, there you have it – iOS 18, the operating system that’s all about language, language, and more language. Because, let’s be real, that’s all anyone really cares about when it comes to technology.

Source link