Category: Technology

On the morning of January 13, 2025, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a groundbreaking development to employees: the launch of a new AI app stack aimed at driving “the next innings” in the AI platform. This major initiative will be spearheaded by Jay Parikh, an Indian-origin technology leader whom Nadella brought on board in 2024.

“As we begin the new year, it’s clear that we’re entering the next innings of this AI platform shift. 2025 will be about model-forward applications that reshape all application categories,” Nadella wrote in his communication to employees. According to him, this strategic shift has been in the making for over two years, signaling Microsoft’s dedication to staying ahead in AI innovation.

Nadella elaborated on the company’s vision to build what he described as “agentic applications.” These applications will be equipped with memory, entitlements, and action space, enabling them to leverage powerful model capabilities. “We will adapt these capabilities for enhanced performance and safety across roles, business processes, and industry domains,” he explained.

The initiative will bring together several critical units within the company, including the Dev Div, AI Platform, and select teams from the Office of the CTO, such as AI Supercomputer, AI Agentic Runtimes, and Engineering Thrive. Their combined mission is to develop a comprehensive Copilot and AI stack for both Microsoft’s first-party products and third-party customers. This robust stack will enable the creation and deployment of advanced AI apps and agents.

Nadella also emphasized the importance of GitHub Copilot, stating, “This group will also build out GitHub Copilot, thus having a tight feedback loop between the leading AI-first product and the AI platform to motivate the stack and its roadmap.”

At the forefront of this ambitious undertaking is Jay Parikh, who will serve as the Executive Vice President (EVP) of CoreAI – Platform and Tools. Parikh, a former executive at Meta, will lead a team that includes Eric Boyd, Jason Taylor, Julia Liuson, and Tim Bozarth, along with their respective teams. Nadella described Parikh’s role as pivotal in optimizing Microsoft’s tech stack for both performance and efficiency.

Parikh’s responsibilities extend beyond AI platform development. He and his team will also drive advancements in developer productivity and Engineering Thrive across Microsoft. Nadella highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting, “Our success in this next phase will be determined by having the best AI platform, tools, and infrastructure. We have a lot of work to do and a tremendous opportunity ahead, and together, I’m looking forward to building what comes next.”

Jay Parikh’s appointment to lead this transformative effort reflects Nadella’s confidence in his capabilities. In a blog post dated October 31, 2024, when Parikh was hired, Nadella praised his new recruit, saying he had long admired Parikh’s achievements as a technology leader.

Parikh boasts an impressive resume. He previously served as the global head of engineering at Facebook, now Meta, and was most recently the CEO of Lacework, a cloud security company. Nadella highlighted Parikh’s unique blend of experience in building and scaling technical teams that cater to both commercial customers and consumers.

“His deep connections across the start-up and VC ecosystems, coupled with his leadership roles at Akamai and Ning, will bring valuable perspective to Microsoft,” Nadella wrote in the earlier blog post.

As Microsoft embarks on this new chapter in AI innovation, the company’s leadership is focused on leveraging its existing strengths while adapting to emerging opportunities. The collaboration between teams and leaders under Parikh’s guidance underscores Microsoft’s commitment to building a robust AI platform for the future.

Microsoft has announced plans to allocate approximately $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to expand its network of data centers, aimed at supporting artificial intelligence (AI) model training and the deployment of AI and cloud-based applications. The announcement was made in a blog post on Friday, highlighting the tech giant’s commitment to AI-driven innovation.

Since OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022, interest in artificial intelligence has skyrocketed, with businesses across various industries racing to incorporate AI capabilities into their offerings. This surge in AI adoption has led to an increased demand for advanced computing power, particularly in the form of specialized data centers capable of clustering thousands of chips to facilitate the immense processing needs of AI systems.

To stay ahead in the competitive AI landscape, Microsoft has been investing billions to strengthen its AI infrastructure and expand its global data-center network. Industry analysts project that Microsoft’s capital expenditure for fiscal 2025, including capital leases, will reach $84.24 billion, as per data from Visible Alpha.

The company’s spending in this area is already on the rise. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Microsoft’s capital expenditure increased by 5.3%, amounting to $20 billion.

Microsoft’s strategic position in the AI space is bolstered by its exclusive partnership with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. As OpenAI’s primary backer, Microsoft is widely regarded as a frontrunner in the AI competition among major technology firms.

A significant portion of the planned $80 billion investment will be concentrated in the United States. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, emphasized this point in the blog post, stating, “More than half of Microsoft’s $80 billion investment will be in the United States.”

Smith underscored the country’s leadership in the AI sector, attributing it to robust private investment and the innovative efforts of American companies. He remarked, “Today, the United States leads the global AI race thanks to the investment of private capital and innovations by American companies of all sizes, from dynamic start-ups to well-established enterprises.”

By significantly expanding its data-center capabilities, Microsoft aims to solidify its position as a leader in AI development while catering to the growing demand for AI-powered tools and services.

The Tamil Tech Entrepreneur Council, an inspiring hub of ambitious entrepreneurial activity. was founded by a group of ambitious and like-minded Tamil entrepreneurs in the United States. A non-profit organization, TTEC is dedicated to fostering mentorship, collaboration, and networking within the tech industry, with a strong emphasis on social impact, transformation, and gender equality.

Here is the new leadership of the Tamil Tech Entrepreneur Council, entrusted with the task of leading this fast-growing organization to greater heights:

• President – Uthaya Ramanathan
• Vice President – Deva Subramanian
• Secretary – Raj Boopathy
• Treasurer – Suresh Sivakaminathan
• Joint Secretary – Bala Rajaraman
• Election Officer – Muthukrishnan G.
• Chapter Relations – Sesha Parimalarangan
• Benefits Chair – Aparna Devadoss
• Startup Chair – Saru Seshadri
• Council Strategist – Gowri Shanker Viswanathan
• Membership Chair – Hari Venkat
• CSR Chair – Syed Shafi
• PR & Media Chair – Ashwin Annamalai
• Technology Chair – Rajinikanth Jayaseelapandian
• Event Chair – Gokila Ganesan
• Sponsorship Chair – Prasanna Vasanth
• Administrator – Rekha Kannan

“We are fortunate to have such a talented and passionate group of individuals at the helm of TTEC. Their combined expertise and commitment to our mission will undoubtedly lead us to new heights in 2025,” said the Team TTEC. “Thank you for your continued support, and let us look forward to an exciting year ahead!”

Founded to inspire, ideate, and support the growth of entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses, the Tamil Tech Entrepreneur Council is passionate about helping these businesses succeed and flourish, as we understand that they are the backbone of our economy.

TTEC’s objective is to provide a platform for mentorship, networking, collaboration and to provide social impact opportunities to our members. Dedicated to gender equality with 200+ member companies in its growing community, the platform TTEC has created is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, provide mentorship, learn from experts, and explore new ideas to cross sell and upsell.

TTEC is a friendly yet professional environment full of people, who are passionate about promoting economic growth. By volunteering to mentor, guide, and contribute their collective knowledge, its members provide each other with ample support, from networking and upselling to lightening the load during times of struggle.

TTEC leadership and members believe that it’s through sharing resources, genuine collaboration, and collective problem-solving that they can empower current and future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs. As part of this commitment, the Council offers an array of resources and opportunities to help connect entrepreneurs of all stages in pursuit of their ambitions.

The Council provides resources, guidance, and assistance to aid businesses in their pursuit of success. To further this goal, the Tamil Tech Entrepreneur Council hosts stimulating events and workshops where its members can gain new knowledge, collaborate with others, and build meaningful connections. Tamil Tech Entrepreneur Council strongly believes that when entrepreneurs succeed, it generates opportunities for everyone and strengthens our economy as a whole.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella predicts a fiercely competitive future for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, emphasizing that the market will not be dominated by a single player. Speaking in a recent podcast, Nadella remarked, “It’s going to be very competitive,” but he added, “not winner-takes-all.” These comments reflect Microsoft’s strategy of supporting a broad AI ecosystem while maintaining a strong partnership with OpenAI, a leading contender in the market.

Nadella’s remarks arrive at a time when major tech companies are ramping up their AI efforts. Google recently unveiled its advanced AI system, Gemini, while Meta continues to make strides with its open-source AI models. This intensifying competition underscores the dynamic and diverse nature of the AI industry, a sentiment Nadella appeared to embrace. By recognizing OpenAI’s significance and simultaneously acknowledging the broader competitive landscape, Microsoft demonstrates a strategic balancing act between its investment interests and the industry’s rapid evolution.

During the podcast, Nadella revealed a surprising fact: Google generates more revenue from Microsoft’s Windows operating system than Microsoft itself. This disclosure highlights the intricate and often paradoxical competitive relationships within the tech industry. Nadella noted this dynamic as a reflection of the complex interplay between rival companies that both compete and collaborate in various capacities.

A particularly notable moment in the discussion was Nadella’s reaction to OpenAI’s recent partnership with Apple, a deal he had sought unsuccessfully for a decade during his time as Microsoft’s CEO. Reflecting on the development, Nadella remarked, “I was the most thrilled person,” underscoring his satisfaction with Microsoft’s dual role as both a commercial partner and a significant investor in OpenAI. His enthusiasm for this partnership indicates Microsoft’s confidence in its position within the rapidly advancing AI sector.

The conversation also touched on the evolving ways consumers interact with technology. Nadella contrasted the traditional “stateless” search methods—characterized by discrete, unconnected queries—with the emerging “stateful” interactions enabled by AI systems such as ChatGPT. Stateful interactions offer users a more personalized and continuous experience, reshaping how information is accessed and utilized. Despite these advancements, Nadella acknowledged Google’s enduring dominance, largely attributed to its widespread mobile distribution network and its role as the default search engine across major platforms.

Microsoft, however, is actively pursuing opportunities to regain lost market share. The company is leveraging its Edge browser and Co-Pilot AI assistant to reestablish itself as a significant player in the tech landscape. Nadella framed past setbacks as opportunities, stating, “This is the best news for Microsoft shareholders—that we lost so badly that we can now go contest it and win back some share.” This sentiment reflects a forward-looking approach, with Microsoft viewing its past challenges as stepping stones for future success.

In summary, Nadella’s comments paint a picture of an AI industry poised for intense competition and innovation. While Microsoft continues to strengthen its relationship with OpenAI, it remains focused on navigating a market characterized by rapid development and diverse players. Nadella’s strategic optimism signals Microsoft’s determination to thrive in a field where collaboration and competition go hand in hand.

Elon Musk often alternates between advocating for economic goals like mass migration and prioritizing his political aim of safeguarding America’s entrepreneurial and high-trust culture. Meanwhile, Congress remains a formidable barrier to Indian migrants’ demand for increased green card access.

“If they attempt to do this once again in a reconciliation package, we’re going to beat them, and we’re going to beat them soundly,” declared Kevin Lynn, founder of the U.S. Techworkers advocacy group. His organization strongly opposes white-collar migration, arguing that it disproportionately shifts middle-class wealth to corporate executives and investors.

Indian Migrants’ Uphill Battle

Indian migrants’ fight for more green cards faces steep challenges and limited allies in Congress. Most of these migrants were brought to the U.S. by corporate investors and executives to fill mid-skill white-collar positions, roles that might otherwise have gone to young American professionals.

Several visa programs—such as H-1B, L-1, J-1, TN, OPT, CPT, and H4EAD—allow companies to hire low-wage foreign graduates, often without requiring job offers to Americans or any skill assessments. Indian workers receive around 70% of these visas, which are often uncapped and advantageous for employers.

In 2023 alone, approximately 69,000 Indian nationals were granted H-1B visas, with another 210,000 receiving three-year visa extensions, according to Indian sources. Estimates suggest at least 600,000 Indians currently hold U.S. white-collar jobs via H-1B visas, with more than 500,000 employed under other visa categories.

Many visa programs permit employers to entice workers with the prospect of green cards and eventual U.S. citizenship. This system, established in 1990, has drawn millions of Indian graduates to U.S. white-collar roles, where they endure long hours and low pay in hopes of gaining approval from their superiors. This green card “bonus” benefits executives, who can turn $1 in payroll savings into $20 in added stock value.

However, this influx has led to a backlog of over 1.2 million Indian workers and family members awaiting green cards. The federal cap of 140,000 green cards per year—divided among applicants from various countries—has created fierce competition among Indian workers.

Systemic Exploitation

India’s government and ethnic networks within U.S. companies actively support the influx of Indian workers, creating hiring pipelines that often sideline American employees. Indian managers and subcontractors frequently oversee foreign hires, a system preferred by corporate boards. “U.S. executives see their American workforce as being expensive, undeserving, and expendable,” Lynn remarked.

These discriminatory networks also extend to other countries where Indians work and are rooted in U.S. pro-migration policies implemented since the 1990s. Many migrants resort to unethical practices, such as submitting duplicate applications or falsifying credentials, as they compete for visas and green cards.

Critics argue this system undermines corporate quality, innovation, and long-term investment, while damaging national prosperity. Jessica Vaughan, policy director at the Center for Immigration Studies, likened it to the exploitation seen during the Industrial Revolution. “You had business owners so far removed from their workers that they saw them as just a factor of production,” she said.

This investor-driven influx has also displaced many American graduates, with Indian technology managers and CEOs now dominating many Fortune 500 companies. It has further created security concerns, as untraceable foreign workers from countries like China and India develop and maintain critical U.S. infrastructure.

Legislative Pushback

Political resistance to these policies was evident in December 2022, when the pro-outsourcing EAGLE Act was defeated. Despite support from West Coast investors, growing bipartisan opposition led to its withdrawal. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) criticized the bill as “an end-run around the annual green card limit.”

To counter opposition, Indian lobbying groups argue that faster green card processing would benefit Americans. “If people don’t have green cards and if they live in the perpetual state of H-1B or L-1 status, that doesn’t work good for immigrants, that doesn’t work good for Americans,” said one advocate, Kapoor.

He emphasized the need for a “level playing field” to prevent the mistreatment of visa workers and argued for equal treatment across the board. Fresco, another proponent, claimed that speeding up green cards would eliminate incentives for companies to hire visa workers over Americans.

However, critics like Lynn dismissed these arguments, stating, “Their presence in this country’s labor market disadvantages Americans, and the quicker we can resolve that problem by sending them home or ending the programs, the better.”

Economic Implications

While establishment media often overlook the economic impact of white-collar migration, evidence of its effects on American graduates is mounting. The Wall Street Journal reported in May 2024 that entry-level tech hiring has declined, with job postings for software development roles dropping by 30% since pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, the number of U.S. students majoring in computer and information science has surged by 40% in five years, reaching over 600,000 in 2023. Many of these graduates face bleak job prospects. “If you get a job, even if you don’t like it, you need to take it because you don’t know if you’re going to get anything else,” Cornell computer science major Alex Giang told reporters.

Lobbying Strategies

Fresco detailed the Indian lobbying plan, which involves educating members of Congress about their issues and engaging American workers to advocate on their behalf. “What is it going to require? It’s going to require educating every member of Congress what your problem is,” he said.

He encouraged migrants to highlight their contributions to local districts and to involve U.S. citizens in their lobbying efforts. “We need as many women [Indian] members as possible because we want to show this isn’t just a group for men,” Fresco added.

Indian advocacy groups have already conducted thousands of meetings with lawmakers, Fresco claimed, positioning themselves as key advisers on immigration issues. The green card campaign has gained support from Indian-American legislators like Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

Political Risks

Despite these efforts, the push for more green cards poses significant risks for both parties. Public opposition to labor migration continues to grow, particularly among families affected by stagnant job opportunities for American graduates.

Lynn pointed to parents of unemployed college graduates as a driving force behind this opposition. “The parents of kids who have graduated from prestigious universities with computer science degrees but are not getting job offers, are still at home—they know the reason,” he said.

The political fallout from pro-migration policies has been severe in the past. In 2018, Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS) lost his seat after supporting a green card expansion. Similarly, Democrats faced major losses after passing migration-friendly legislation in 2014 and 2020.

Conclusion

Indian migrants’ push for more green cards continues to face stiff resistance amid growing public and political awareness of its economic implications. While lobbying efforts intensify, critics argue that these policies harm American workers and undermine the country’s prosperity.

The debate underscores the broader challenges of balancing economic goals with the need to protect domestic labor markets and maintain national security.

In a recent company-wide meeting, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, provided updates on the organization’s ongoing efforts to boost efficiency. Over the past two years, the tech giant has reduced its management positions by 10%, a move that has impacted roles at the manager, director, and vice president levels. According to insiders, some positions were outright eliminated, while others were transitioned into individual contributor roles. These changes are part of Google’s broader initiative to streamline operations and maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

The push for efficiency started in September 2022 and is being spearheaded by Pichai with the goal of making Google 20% more efficient. The effort comes in the wake of the company’s largest round of layoffs in January 2023, which saw 12,000 employees losing their jobs. This wave of cuts is another reflection of Google’s strategic focus on optimizing its workforce as it faces heightened competition from emerging AI-focused companies like OpenAI. These competitors are challenging Google’s dominance, particularly in its core business of search.

During the meeting, Pichai addressed the evolution of Google’s internal culture, particularly its traditional emphasis on “Googleyness.” He noted that this long-standing cultural cornerstone needed to evolve to meet the demands of a modern, fast-paced tech environment. This acknowledgment highlights the company’s shift in mindset as it contends with the competitive pressures fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence.

The structural adjustments at Google align with similar measures being implemented at other major tech firms. Amazon, for example, has undertaken comparable efforts under the leadership of CEO Andy Jassy. Amazon has been working to reduce layers of middle management while emphasizing the importance of individual contributors. Such measures aim to expedite decision-making processes, foster innovation, and keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology.

As Google navigates these transformative changes, both its workforce and leadership structures are expected to continue evolving. The company is positioning itself for a new era in the tech industry, where agility and efficiency are critical for maintaining leadership.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search, a web search tool integrated with its AI capabilities, is now accessible to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier. This release comes with new features aimed at improving user experience and functionality.

By default, ChatGPT determines whether to route a user’s query through its search engine. Users can also manually activate it using a new “Search the web” button in the interface. ChatGPT Search provides concise summaries of information from multiple online sources and includes rich content like images and YouTube videos.

Initially launched in October, ChatGPT Search represents an evolution of OpenAI’s earlier prototype, SearchGPT, which debuted during the summer. Powered by a fine-tuned version of OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, it delivers up-to-date web-based information such as sports scores, news updates, and stock market data. The tool also includes links to original sources, enabling users to ask follow-up questions for a more refined search experience.

Previously, access to ChatGPT Search was restricted to premium subscribers. With this update, non-paying users can also use the feature, marking a significant expansion in its availability.

OpenAI has announced performance enhancements to ChatGPT Search, claiming that it is now faster than before. Users can set it as their default search engine on any web browser. Additionally, improvements have been made to its mobile functionality. For instance, mobile users can now view better-organized business details, such as addresses and phone numbers, directly integrated with Apple Maps when using the ChatGPT app on iOS.

Another noteworthy feature is the integration of ChatGPT Search into Advanced Voice Mode, which allows real-time conversational interaction. In the coming days, users on both mobile and desktop platforms will be able to access live web information while using this voice-based mode.

While these enhancements aim to broaden ChatGPT Search’s appeal, initial user experiences have been varied. Max Zeff, a colleague who tested the feature earlier this year, described it as a “mixed bag.” Despite this, OpenAI remains committed to refining ChatGPT Search, viewing it as a critical element for the platform’s growth and adoption.

However, the rollout of AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT Search, Google’s AI Overviews, and Perplexity has not been without controversy. Many publishers have expressed concern about the potential impact on website traffic. According to one study, AI-generated summaries could reduce traffic to original publisher sites by as much as 25%, as fewer users click on the provided links.

To address these concerns, OpenAI says it has incorporated feedback from its partners. The company has adjusted how ChatGPT Search evaluates which articles are most relevant, how it determines summary lengths, and how it integrates quotations from original content.

The latest iteration of ChatGPT Search underscores OpenAI’s ambition to seamlessly integrate AI-powered tools into everyday online experiences while navigating the challenges and criticisms associated with such technologies.

Tech giant Google has named Preeti Lobana as its new Country Manager and Vice President for India. Lobana steps into this role following the elevation of her predecessor, Sanjay Gupta, to the position of President for the Asia-Pacific region at Google.

In her new capacity, Lobana will play a pivotal role in advancing Google’s strategic objectives in India, particularly by harnessing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to an official Google release, her responsibilities will include driving innovation and creating value for customers in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.

“Preeti will now lead Google India’s sales and operations, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting India’s flourishing digital ecosystem,” the statement noted. With eight years of experience at Google as Vice President of customer-centric solutions, Lobana is described as a seasoned leader well-suited for this challenging role.

Sanjay Gupta, Google’s President for Asia-Pacific, expressed his enthusiasm for Lobana’s appointment. He highlighted the importance of India’s dynamic digital landscape, calling it a source of inspiration and innovation for the company. Gupta remarked, “With AI poised to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible, I am incredibly excited to welcome my colleague, Preeti, as our new Country Manager. Preeti’s leadership will be instrumental as we deepen our engagement with India’s unique ecosystem, leveraging AI advancements like Gemini 2.0 to accelerate digital inclusion and unlock unprecedented economic opportunities for every Indian.”

Lobana’s primary focus will be to advance Google’s mission in India by promoting AI-driven initiatives and fostering innovation. The company aims to empower Indian customers while contributing to the nation’s digital growth. As part of her leadership role, Lobana will collaborate with Roma Datta Chobey, the interim Country Manager, who will continue to serve as Managing Director for Google India’s Digital Native Industries.

Preeti Lobana’s appointment reflects her extensive expertise and leadership skills honed over more than three decades in technology and financial services. Her career is distinguished by a consistent emphasis on business transformation, operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experiences.

Before taking on her new role, Lobana served as Google’s Vice President, gTech – Process, Partner, Publisher Operations, Ads Content and Quality Operations. In this role, she led a global team that developed innovative advertising solutions and provided robust support for Google’s customers and partners.

Lobana’s professional journey extends beyond her tenure at Google. She has held significant leadership positions at NatWest Group, American Express, Standard Chartered Bank, and ANZ Grindlays Bank. In these roles, she focused on business strategy, product management, and operational excellence, gaining valuable insights into diverse markets, including India.

An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad, Lobana is known for her ability to lead change within large, complex organizations. She has successfully built high-performing teams and fostered collaboration across diverse groups, a skill set Google highlighted as a critical asset for her new role.

Google’s appointment of Lobana underscores its confidence in her ability to drive its strategic vision in India. Her leadership is expected to guide the company through a transformative phase, marked by the increasing integration of AI technologies to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers and businesses.

Microsoft is grappling with a significant challenge: persuading its 800 million Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11. With Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline looming in October 2025 and the sales of new AI-powered PCs falling short of expectations, the holiday shopping season has become crucial for the tech giant.

Recent data indicates a troubling reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11. Over eight months, there was steady growth in transitions from Windows 10, but November statistics revealed a 1% decline—equivalent to 10 to 15 million users globally. This downward trend is even more pronounced in the United States.

According to Statcounter, Windows 10’s global market share grew from 61% to 62%, while Windows 11’s share dropped from over 35.5% to below 35%. In the U.S., Windows 10 climbed from 58% to 61%, with Windows 11 experiencing a sharp decline from nearly 40% to under 37%. While global figures may be within statistical margins of error, the U.S. data reflects a clear shift.

Microsoft’s announcement of an extended support option for Windows 10 could be driving these changes. This option, available for $30 per PC, extends support until October 2026, providing users with additional time to make a transition. Some Windows 10 users may have even reversed their upgrades upon learning they could retain support for another two years. Despite Microsoft’s persistent reminders encouraging migration to Windows 11, these efforts have not yielded the desired results.

Adding complexity to this situation is the reality that approximately 400 million Windows 10 devices lack the hardware compatibility for Windows 11. While there are workarounds for installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices, Microsoft has issued stern warnings that such upgrades could result in halted updates and voided warranties.

A contributing factor may be the limited availability of compelling AI features in Windows 11. Many users might believe postponing a hardware upgrade could lead to cost savings. With the current upgrades focusing primarily on basic improvements rather than AI capabilities, there’s little incentive for users to rush.

Microsoft has emphasized Windows 11’s enhanced security, with features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 offering advanced encryption and integrating with tools such as Secure Boot and Windows Hello for Business. The company described TPM 2.0 as a crucial component of its “Zero Trust” strategy, stating, “TPM 2.0 is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity for maintaining a secure and future-proof IT environment with Windows 11.”

Despite these security advancements, the stringent hardware requirements have left millions of devices obsolete. Microsoft has been firm in its stance, asserting that upgrading incompatible machines would terminate support and warranties. These users will need to transition by 2026 or face using unsupported, less secure systems.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s push to attract users with innovative AI features has encountered issues. One of the flagship features, Recall, which was designed to revolutionize AI-driven search functionality, has been plagued by technical glitches. Recall takes regular screenshots to enhance its AI-powered search, but testers have reported problems, including the feature failing to save snapshots.

As TechRadar reported, “Some of the Windows 11 testers trying out the Recall feature ran into a baffling issue where it didn’t work at all, and Microsoft has just explained the problem—but failed to provide a fix for those affected.”

The root of the problem appears to be tied to a preview update, KB5046740, released in November. Users who installed the update and joined the Windows Insider Dev channel to test Recall faced non-functional features. The Register highlighted, “Microsoft has pinned down why some eager Windows Insiders could not persuade the Recall preview to save any snapshots. It’s all down to a pesky non-security preview.”

Such technical hiccups, especially for a highly anticipated feature like Recall, are problematic for Microsoft. These missteps undermine confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a seamless user experience, which is vital for encouraging upgrades.

For now, many Windows 10 users seem content to delay upgrading, opting instead for the $30 extended support option. This delay gives Microsoft time to address hardware and software concerns and refine its offerings, potentially making the transition smoother and more appealing by 2026.

As The Register aptly summarized, “It’s reasonable to think that users willing to install a preview update from Microsoft might also be keen to join the Dev Channel. They might want to check out the company’s latest attempt to convince the world that Recall is not an ill-thought-out privacy nightmare but instead a reason to spend some cash on a Copilot+ PC.”

The next few months will be critical for Microsoft. December’s Windows statistics and holiday PC sales data will provide clearer insights into user behavior. As the 2025 deadline approaches, Microsoft faces the dual challenge of persuading users to invest in hardware upgrades while addressing the growing skepticism surrounding its new features and requirements.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, revealed that the company’s search engine is set to undergo significant transformations by 2025, marking a shift toward tackling more complex queries. Speaking at the New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday, Pichai explained, “I think we are going to be able to tackle more complex questions than ever before.” This announcement points to ambitious changes in the future of search, as Google plans to evolve its capabilities and enhance the search experience for users.

Pichai expressed his confidence in the direction the company is heading, stating that early in 2025, users will notice a significant difference in what Google’s search engine can offer. “I think you’ll be surprised, even early in ‘25, the kind of newer things Search can do compared to where it is today,” he added. This statement suggests that Google is preparing to introduce features that will push the boundaries of what is currently achievable in search technology.

During the summit, Pichai also addressed a remark made earlier this year by Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who claimed that Google should have been the “default winner” in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. In response, Pichai noted, “I would love to do a side-by-side comparison of Microsoft’s own models and our models.” He further clarified his point by stating that Microsoft’s AI models are not entirely their own, but are based on the models of others. “They are using someone else’s models,” Pichai said, referring to Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI, which powers its AI systems.

Pichai’s comments reflect his belief that Google’s AI development and search innovations are on track to shape the future of technology. “When I look at what’s coming ahead, we are in the earliest stages of a profound shift,” he said. “I just think there’s so much innovation ahead. We are committed to being at the state of the art in this field, and I think we are.” This perspective highlights Google’s determination to lead the AI space and remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Google has already begun to implement significant changes to its search engine this year. These updates include AI-generated search summaries that provide more insightful and relevant answers to user queries. Additionally, Google’s Lens tool, which allows users to search the web with images and videos, has been enhanced to offer more interactive and dynamic search experiences. Pichai’s statements suggest that these changes are just the beginning, with Google poised to introduce even more groundbreaking features in the near future.

As part of its ongoing commitment to AI innovation, Google is preparing to launch an upgraded version of its Gemini AI model. This development is seen as a key move to bolster Google’s position in the competitive landscape, particularly as the company faces increasing competition from Microsoft, OpenAI, and other emerging AI-powered search engines, such as Perplexity. The competition between these tech giants is intensifying, with each striving to redefine how users interact with AI and search technology.

The evolution of Google’s search engine is part of a broader trend in which AI is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday technology. By leveraging AI to refine and enhance search capabilities, Google is positioning itself to address a wide range of user needs, from more accurate search results to the ability to handle complex inquiries. This aligns with Pichai’s vision of a future where AI not only supports but transforms the way we access information.

The future of search is becoming more dynamic, with AI at its core, and Google’s ongoing efforts to improve its search engine reflect a commitment to this shift. With plans for significant AI advancements, including the launch of new AI models and innovative features, Pichai’s optimistic outlook for the next few years seems well founded. The world can expect a future where search engines are not just tools for finding information but platforms capable of offering intelligent, context-aware answers to complex questions.

Google is on the cusp of a major transformation in its search technology. Sundar Pichai’s remarks at the DealBook Summit underscore the company’s ambitious plans for the future, with AI playing a pivotal role in enhancing the user experience. As Google continues to innovate and develop its search engine, the company aims to stay at the cutting edge of AI advancements, ensuring that it remains a leader in the rapidly evolving landscape of search technology.

Timing is everything, and just as Apple’s support for RCS messaging seemed poised to revive traditional text messaging against the dominance of apps like WhatsApp, a significant challenge has emerged. While communication within Android or iPhone ecosystems is secure, cross-platform messaging lacks end-to-end encryption, leaving it vulnerable.

The urgency of secure communications has been underscored by warnings from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Both organizations are urging Americans to adopt responsibly encrypted messaging and calls, emphasizing that fully encrypted communications provide the best defense against ongoing cyber threats. These concerns arise against the backdrop of extensive Chinese hacking operations targeting U.S. communication networks.

Chinese Hacking and U.S. Network Vulnerabilities

The cyberattacks, attributed to a group known as Salt Typhoon—linked to China’s Ministry of Public Security—highlight vulnerabilities in critical U.S. communication infrastructure. The scope of these attacks, described as “larger in scale than previously understood,” has raised alarms among U.S. officials. Fully encrypted communication is seen as essential to mitigating risks posed by these espionage campaigns.

“Within the investigative activity, especially one this significant and this large, the facts will evolve over time,” a senior FBI official explained, referring to the ongoing probe into Salt Typhoon’s operations. The FBI discovered in late spring that Chinese-affiliated cyber actors had compromised multiple telecom networks to facilitate a broad cyberespionage campaign. This campaign targeted metadata from calls and texts, and while most content was not accessed, private communications involving government and political figures were breached.

CISA’s Jeff Greene echoed these concerns, urging Americans to prioritize encrypted communication. “Use your encrypted communications where you have it,” he advised. “We definitely need to do that, look at what it means long-term, and secure our networks.”

Encryption: A Critical Line of Defense

The FBI has emphasized the importance of using devices that support timely updates, encryption, and phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email and social media accounts. During a classified briefing for U.S. senators, lawmakers were informed about Salt Typhoon’s efforts to infiltrate telecommunications networks and steal sensitive data. Following the briefing, senators pledged action, with a Senate Commerce subcommittee scheduled to hold a December 11 hearing to address these security threats and evaluate best practices.

CISA’s Greene also highlighted the importance of encrypted platforms, suggesting that Americans avoid texting across platforms, such as between iPhones and Androids, where encryption is not guaranteed. Instead, he recommended relying on apps like WhatsApp or Signal, which provide fully encrypted messaging and calling. “Encryption is your friend,” Greene emphasized. “Even if the adversary intercepts the data, encryption makes it impossible for them to access.”

The RCS Security Gap

RCS (Rich Communication Services), the successor to SMS, has been touted as a modern messaging solution, but its lack of end-to-end encryption across platforms has drawn criticism. While RCS offers encryption for Android-to-Android communication, the absence of cross-platform encryption remains a glaring omission. Samsung’s recent PR campaign celebrating RCS noted this limitation, underscoring the need for further development.

The GSMA and Google have promised to bring encryption to RCS, but no timeline has been announced. This delay is particularly concerning given the cybersecurity risks outlined by the FBI and CISA. Apple, known for its strong encryption within its iMessage ecosystem, has yet to comment on the issue. The disparity between platforms highlights a major security gap for users who communicate across operating systems.

Balancing Security and Law Enforcement Needs

The FBI’s endorsement of encryption comes with a notable caveat: responsible encryption that allows lawful access to user data when necessary. This approach contrasts with platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, which, due to their end-to-end encryption, cannot provide access to content without compromising user devices. While this limitation frustrates law enforcement efforts, it underscores the high level of security these platforms offer.

As PC Mag noted, the FBI’s push for encryption is ironic, given its history of criticizing the technology for hindering investigations. Nonetheless, the agency’s emphasis on “responsible encryption” reflects a balancing act between protecting user privacy and addressing national security concerns.

Alternatives for Secure Communication

Until RCS adopts full encryption, experts recommend using platforms like Signal and WhatsApp for secure cross-platform communication. Signal, praised for its robust encryption, remains a top choice despite its smaller user base. WhatsApp, with its broader reach, also offers fully encrypted voice and video calls. Even Facebook Messenger has joined the trend, adding encryption to its messaging services.

Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.2 update, expected this month, will enable iPhone users to change their default messaging app, potentially reducing reliance on iMessage for those seeking more secure alternatives. This development highlights the growing recognition of encryption as a critical feature in modern communication tools.

Growing Cyber Threat Landscape

The heightened focus on encryption reflects the broader cybersecurity challenges facing the U.S. As Salt Typhoon’s campaign demonstrates, cyber threats are evolving, targeting not only individuals but also critical infrastructure. The FBI, CISA, and NSA, along with their Five Eyes partners, issued a joint alert emphasizing the need for vigilance and secure communication practices.

Despite these warnings, achieving universal encryption across platforms remains an uphill battle. The lack of interoperability between Apple and Google’s ecosystems leaves many users exposed, even as the two companies continue to champion secure messaging within their respective platforms.

In the face of these challenges, Americans are encouraged to adopt secure communication practices wherever possible. Whether through fully encrypted apps like Signal and WhatsApp or by prioritizing secure devices and MFA, the importance of protecting personal and sensitive information cannot be overstated.

Conclusion

The growing reliance on digital communication underscores the need for robust security measures. As the FBI and CISA warn of the ongoing threats posed by cyber espionage campaigns like Salt Typhoon, the call for encrypted communication has never been more urgent. While platforms like RCS hold promise, their current security gaps highlight the importance of established alternatives like Signal and WhatsApp. In today’s cyber threat landscape, the message is clear: secure your communications, or risk compromising your privacy and security.

This week served as a stark reminder for the 450 million Windows users worldwide to take immediate action to protect their PCs and data. A recent report unveiled vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system, leaving users with an urgent task: ensure their devices are updated and secured. While Microsoft has introduced a $12 billion solution to extend support, it won’t apply universally. Users must evaluate their options to avoid being exposed.

On Tuesday, cybersecurity firm ESET published findings on a previously undisclosed Windows vulnerability that was used in combination with an unpatched browser flaw to target PCs. “The previously vulnerability in Windows, assigned CVE-2024-49039 with a CVSS score of 8.8,” ESET reported, “enables arbitrary code to be executed as if being by the logged-in user.” The report highlighted that this flaw, categorized as a use-after-free memory bug, could allow attackers to bridge a browser exploit to a Windows machine. This attack is triggered when a user visits a malicious website hosting the exploit.

Fortunately, Microsoft has issued patches for these vulnerabilities, ensuring that updated systems are safeguarded. However, the risks remain substantial for users whose PCs are no longer eligible for support or who fail to update their systems promptly. For these individuals, threats like CVE-2024-49039 represent real dangers.

Currently, an estimated 450 million Windows users have devices that meet the technical specifications required to upgrade to Windows 11, a move that ensures continued protection. However, approximately 400 million users still operate on Windows 10, which is set to lose official support in October next year. An additional 50 million users with older systems also face the challenge of maintaining security without Microsoft’s official patches.

Microsoft has offered a potential lifeline for those on Windows 10: a one-time payment of $30 to extend support by 12 months. If all 400 million users take advantage of this option, it would generate a $12 billion windfall for the company. However, this extension merely delays the inevitable need to upgrade. For users unable to move to Windows 11 due to hardware restrictions, other solutions include exploring workarounds that bypass the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement or investing in new hardware. For some, 2025 might be an opportune time to consider buying a new PC.

Users must act decisively, whichever option they choose. Failing to maintain support leaves systems exposed to vulnerabilities like the one recently highlighted by ESET. Microsoft’s persistent reminders to upgrade or extend support may feel intrusive, but they serve a critical purpose: ensuring users remain protected in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.

By keeping systems updated and supported, users can defend against sophisticated threats and ensure their data and devices remain secure.

Here are the top five tech developments this week and how they could impact your business.

Microsoft takes a significant lead in the AI agent ecosystem by building the largest enterprise AI network with its Copilot Studio. Since its launch, over 100,000 organizations have been creating or refining AI agents using the platform, positioning Microsoft as a leader in this dynamic segment of enterprise technology. Charles Lamanna, Microsoft’s executive responsible for the company’s AI vision, highlighted the rapid growth, stating, “That’s a lot faster than we thought, and it’s a lot faster than any other kind of cutting-edge technology we’ve released. And that was like a 2x growth in just a quarter.” This development underscores the company’s pivotal role in shaping the AI landscape.

For businesses, this advancement is crucial. As AI agents are predicted to dominate the business landscape by 2025, Microsoft’s progress ensures it holds a competitive edge, likely drawing more enterprises toward its product ecosystem, including Office and Windows. Organizations exploring AI’s potential should consider leveraging Microsoft’s innovations for future readiness.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing customer service. David Pogue of CBS News reported on how AI is transforming call centers by easing the burden on human agents. Gridspace, a Los Angeles-based AI voice agent developer, showcased “Grace,” an AI phone representative designed with humanistic qualities, including empathy. Grace can manage incoming calls and gather preliminary information, reducing the stress for both customers and human agents. During a live demonstration, Pogue witnessed Grace handling an incoming call seamlessly.

This evolution in AI-driven customer service holds significant value for businesses. By deploying AI platforms like Grace, companies can ensure quicker and more accurate service delivery, even amidst labor shortages. These technologies won’t replace human workers but will complement their efforts, leading to enhanced productivity and better customer experiences. Businesses should explore these solutions to streamline operations and meet customer expectations effectively.

Microsoft’s Copilot in Excel demonstrates game-changing capabilities. Tech expert Leila Gharani shared insights into Copilot’s functionality through a detailed YouTube demonstration. The tool excels in text summarization, such as condensing online reviews, and extracting valuable insights from extensive datasets. Another standout feature allows Copilot to suggest formula columns tailored to the spreadsheet’s data. Gharani provided a step-by-step guide to activating these features.

For businesses, understanding and utilizing tools like Copilot is critical for driving future productivity gains. Companies already employing such technologies are preparing for significant efficiencies. Employees should engage with training resources and instructional videos, such as those created by Gharani, to maximize these tools’ benefits. Similar resources are also available for Google’s Gemini for Workspace, offering further opportunities for productivity enhancement.

Cloud ERP solutions continue to redefine manufacturing. Manufacturing Digital highlighted some of the best industrial cloud ERP platforms of 2024, emphasizing their ability to cater to diverse business needs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications, while Odoo offers extensive customization options. SYSPRO is tailored for manufacturers and distributors, providing robust solutions, and NetSuite stands out for global operations with its scalability and comprehensive features.

For growing businesses transitioning from small-scale accounting software, cloud ERP platforms offer scalable solutions to meet enterprise-level demands. Manufacturers, in particular, can benefit from features that address unique industry challenges, such as job costing, inventory management, and process manufacturing. Exploring these ERP solutions can help mid-sized manufacturers achieve greater operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

myCOI’s enhanced integration with Procore Technologies simplifies compliance and payments in construction management. This collaboration introduces key benefits, including timely payments, streamlined vendor management, and improved compliance visibility through automatic updates within two hours. Kristen Nunery, CEO of myCOI, remarked, “Our goal is to ensure Procore customers can focus on what they do best – building – while we handle the compliance details.”

Procore’s growing ecosystem of third-party integrations has bolstered its reputation as a leading construction management platform. For construction businesses, myCOI’s capabilities address critical industry challenges, providing a unified platform for managing compliance across local, regional, and national levels. Businesses in construction should consider adopting such integrated solutions to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.

These developments highlight how technological advancements continue to reshape industries. Businesses should remain proactive in exploring these innovations to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Last week, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, shared his annual message on LinkedIn. His letter spans over 4,500 words, predominantly exploring the ways artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming technology and, by extension, Microsoft’s role in this new age. Nadella has consistently underscored the revolutionary impact of AI, equating it with milestones like the PC in the 1980s, the internet in the 1990s, mobile technology in the 2000s, and cloud computing in the 2010s. For Microsoft, AI represents a foundational shift in human-computer interaction, making it central to the company’s current and future vision.

Within his extensive commentary on AI, Nadella emphasizes a critical phrase: “trust is earned, not given.” For him, these five words convey a fundamental leadership lesson, especially in what he calls the “age of AI.” As Microsoft steers much of its future on AI, Nadella underscores that trust—particularly in areas like cybersecurity, privacy, and digital safety—remains an essential priority, saying, “We recognize that trust is earned, not given. And we remain committed to earning trust every day, spanning cybersecurity, trustworthy AI, privacy, and digital safety.”

Trust, Nadella argues, is not automatic. It requires consistent effort, particularly in the evolving realm of AI, where trust is often shaky. Many consumers view AI with skepticism, perceiving it as something more entertaining or experimental than dependable. ChatGPT, a widely recognized generative AI model, might be enjoyable to use, but it is far from being anyone’s primary method of interacting with technology. This general skepticism toward AI technology reflects a broader lack of trust, which can arise from several factors.

One of the main issues is how AI models are developed. Generative AI systems, for instance, are trained on vast amounts of internet data, including content created by individuals who may receive no compensation or recognition. This creates a somewhat uneasy relationship between AI users and providers. Moreover, AI’s rapid advancements mean these models sometimes evolve beyond human comprehension, raising concerns about control and predictability. AI systems, including chatbots, are known to occasionally generate inaccurate or misleading information, challenging user trust.

In the case of Microsoft, these concerns are particularly significant. The company plays a pivotal role in introducing AI technologies to both commercial and personal users, while simultaneously risking its own reputation by taking these advancements forward. Nadella’s message underscores that even with Microsoft’s standing as a tech giant, trust cannot be assumed—it must be cultivated continuously. This is especially true for companies with as large a stake in AI as Microsoft, where reputational risk is always a factor.

From Nadella’s perspective, trust is the bedrock of any successful relationship between a company and its customers. He emphasizes that it is trust that motivates people to buy products, share personal information, and engage with technology platforms. For instance, users share sensitive information, including credit card details, because they believe in a brand’s reliability and security. Nadella’s “trust is earned, not given” stance reflects the notion that a company’s most precious asset is its credibility, an asset that is both hard-earned and fragile.

Building trust, as Nadella suggests, demands rigorous effort. Trust is not a one-time achievement; it requires ongoing maintenance and diligence. It can be shattered easily, especially in the high-stakes world of AI, where uncertainties abound. Errors in AI technology, from privacy breaches to inaccurate information, can quickly erode trust. Nadella’s approach is a reminder to other business leaders of how valuable and delicate trust is, especially when a technology as transformative as AI is involved.

In Nadella’s view, even Microsoft—a global leader in the tech industry—cannot take trust for granted. The company’s size and reputation do not automatically grant it the trust of users. Instead, Microsoft must actively earn this trust, a challenge facing many businesses today. Even those companies not directly involved in building the next generation of computing platforms can benefit from this approach, recognizing that trust is as essential in small business interactions as it is in large corporations. For leaders, Nadella’s five-word philosophy offers a guiding principle for building lasting, trust-based relationships with customers in the age of AI.

In response to ongoing antitrust scrutiny, Google CEO Sundar Pichai remains committed to defending the company’s practices and promoting continued innovation. During an earnings call, Pichai expressed confidence in Google’s legal stance and emphasized the company’s focus on making its products accessible to users worldwide.

When questioned about potential effects from losing significant contracts related to Google Search—such as with Apple—and remedies suggested by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a historic antitrust case, Pichai reiterated Google’s intent to defend its practices. He described DOJ proposals as “far-reaching” and voiced concerns over possible implications for the tech industry.

“First of all, we plan to vigorously defend these cases,” Pichai stated. “And some of the early proposals from the DOJ, et cetera, have been far-reaching.” He further elaborated on his apprehensions, saying, “I think they could have unintended consequences, particularly to the dynamic tech sector and the American leadership there. And we plan to engage very vigorously there.”

While refraining from providing a detailed action plan, Pichai underscored Google’s leadership as a search engine, citing its history of technological advancements. “It’s not appropriate for me to speculate given it’s in the middle of ongoing litigation. But what I would say is stepping back, look, we’ve always—and even as the court acknowledged—clearly, we have reached a position of success because we have deeply innovated, and we are continuing to do so,” he explained.

“People have chosen us because they view it as the best product, be it consumers or partners. And we have a long track record of working hard to make sure our products are as easily available to users as possible across all platforms. So all that approach and all the learnings over the years, I think, will all be—will give us a strong foundation,” he added.

This is not the first time Pichai has addressed Google’s plans to contest regulatory challenges, emphasizing that scrutiny is an inevitable aspect of being a large, successful tech company.

Google’s latest shift emphasizes its bold strategy to weave AI technology further into its operations, marking a crucial moment for the tech sector as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integral to development workflows.

“More than a quarter of all new code at Google is generated by AI,” shared Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a blog post following the company’s recent earnings call. According to Pichai, Google’s use of AI in coding aims to not only speed up processes but also to grant engineers the flexibility to innovate faster, all while trimming development timelines. This AI-powered assistance is just one part of a broader move by Google to improve efficiency. To bolster this, the company has also restructured by merging its research, machine learning, security, platforms, and devices teams. This strategic consolidation is intended to facilitate quicker rollout of new AI models like Gemini.

Gemini’s influence has already expanded beyond Google’s internal applications, now accessible through GitHub Copilot. This marks an important development in making AI-powered tools more widely available to developers across the globe, as highlighted by Pichai in his blog post. Additionally, Google’s investments in video AI have paved the way for Google DeepMind’s Veo, which will soon debut on YouTube Shorts. This feature is anticipated to equip creators with generative video tools, enhancing content creation capabilities.

Google’s proactive integration of AI into both internal functions and public-facing products signals its readiness to drive the next chapter of technological innovation. This transition seeks to not only redefine software development but also enhance the company’s products with advanced AI functionalities.

Elon Musk’s early years as a budding entrepreneur in the U.S. included hurdles with immigration law, casting light on his complicated beginnings in Silicon Valley. At the time, Musk’s legal status in the U.S. was questionable, and his efforts to remain legally employed and manage a business faced significant challenges. In the words of Derek Proudian, a former Zip2 board member and later chief executive, “Their immigration status was not what it should be for them to be legally employed running a company in the US.” Venture capitalists investing in Musk’s first start-up also worried about his immigration status, as Proudian highlighted, saying, “We don’t want our founder being deported,” reflecting a sentiment shared by the board and investors.

In 1996, Mohr Davidow Ventures, a venture capital firm, agreed to finance Musk’s fledgling company with a $3 million investment. However, this funding came with a firm stipulation: Musk and his associates were required to secure legal work authorization within 45 days or risk losing the investment. This high-stakes requirement added pressure on Musk to address his legal standing in the U.S., pushing him into what he would later describe as a “grey area” early in his career. Reflecting on this time in a 2020 podcast, Musk admitted, “I was legally there, but I was meant to be doing student work… I was allowed to do work sort of supporting whatever.”

Musk’s legal entanglements extended to various instances in his early career, including a late-night email in 2005 to Tesla co-founders Martin Eberhard and JB Straubel. In this email, Musk openly acknowledged that he did not have authorization to be in the U.S. when he founded Zip2. To remain legally in the country, he had also applied to Stanford University. Musk elaborated on his motivation in the email, stating, “Actually, I didn’t really care much for the degree, but I had no money for a lab and no legal right to stay in the country, so that seemed like a good way to solve both issues.” He also noted that the rise of the internet appeared to be “a much surer bet,” an observation that influenced his decision to focus on business ventures rather than academic pursuits.

The email correspondence between Musk and his co-founders later became part of a California defamation lawsuit, shedding further light on Musk’s legal strategy for remaining in the U.S. In a deposition in May 2009, Musk recounted his decision to decline his Stanford acceptance just two days before classes were scheduled to begin. This decision was pivotal, as it allowed him to divert his efforts toward building Zip2, initially called Global Link Information Network, in the fall of 1995.

Despite his own immigration struggles, Musk has recently expressed mixed opinions on the issue of immigration. On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, he has often voiced support for legal immigration while expressing criticism of unauthorized entry into the U.S. “The legal immigration process in America needs to be greatly streamlined and expanded, while illegal should be shut down,” Musk posted, adding, “If someone is talented, hard-working and honest, they are an asset to the country.” This statement reflects Musk’s nuanced stance on immigration policy, a stance that, according to some, may overlook the more complex reality he faced as a young entrepreneur navigating a challenging immigration system.

Ira Kurzban, an expert in immigration law, offered a different perspective, suggesting that Musk’s past would likely have complicated his ability to gain legal status. “If you tell them you worked illegally in the US, it’s highly unlikely you’d get approved,” Kurzban explained, indicating that Musk’s candid admission of his early unauthorized work could have had severe implications for his immigration applications.

Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk’s brother, has been more direct about his experience with immigration challenges. Unlike Elon, Kimbal has openly acknowledged working in the U.S. without legal status, a situation he has used to illustrate the dysfunctionality of the immigration system. In a straightforward statement, Kimbal shared, “We were illegal immigrants,” an admission that he believes underscores systemic barriers that inhibit skilled foreigners from thriving in the U.S.

The Musk brothers’ immigration status drew attention from investors, who took steps to secure their future in the U.S. According to a 2023 biography of Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, Mohr Davidow Ventures played a crucial role in assisting the Musk brothers with immigration-related matters. The venture capital firm, concerned with potential disruptions to its investment, helped arrange visas for Elon and Kimbal Musk. They also consulted with immigration attorney Jocelyne Lew, who advised the brothers on mitigating potential obstacles by minimizing their leadership roles in official documentation and avoiding any records that might reveal their residential addresses in the U.S. Lew’s strategy reflected a proactive approach to preserving the Musk brothers’ ability to work on their start-up without triggering legal repercussions.

Kimbal Musk further discussed his visa challenges during a 2021 interview, admitting, “I tried to get a visa, but there’s just no visa you can get to do a start-up.” His experience exemplifies the broader struggles that foreign entrepreneurs often face when attempting to launch businesses in the U.S. without a clear immigration pathway. He added, “I was definitely illegal,” a statement underscoring the difficulties associated with achieving legal standing for entrepreneurial activities under the existing immigration framework.

These early struggles with immigration law reveal a lesser-known aspect of Musk’s journey as an entrepreneur. While his comments today might sometimes echo anti-immigration rhetoric, his own experiences show a young immigrant facing a complex legal landscape to pursue his entrepreneurial vision.

Microsoft’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, earned a total of $79.1 million last year, marking a significant 63% increase in his overall compensation compared to the previous year. This substantial pay rise occurred despite Nadella’s own request for a reduction in one part of his pay package, a step he took to assume responsibility for cybersecurity issues within Microsoft. This decision led to Nadella receiving $5 million less than he would have otherwise.

In line with trends across the technology industry, Microsoft has implemented extensive job cuts this year, with thousands of layoffs, including significant reductions in its gaming division. Nonetheless, in a proxy statement submitted to the U.S. financial regulator, Microsoft’s board emphasized the company’s strong financial performance, noting a 16% revenue growth for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2024.

The board’s compensation committee stated in a letter to shareholders that Nadella fully recognized Microsoft’s achievements over the past year. According to the committee, “Mr. Nadella agreed that the Company’s performance was extremely strong.” In light of his role in overseeing the company, he asked them “to consider departing from the established performance metrics and reduce his cash incentive to reflect his personal accountability” for a series of cyber incidents affecting Microsoft.

One prominent cybersecurity incident involved a breach reported in July 2023, when hackers accessed the email accounts of around 25 organizations, including government entities. Microsoft attributed the attack to sources in China, although the Chinese embassy in London countered this, labeling the claim as “disinformation.” The company’s fiscal year closed on June 30, 2024, just weeks before a major internet outage affected Microsoft Windows PCs globally, causing disruptions around the world. Although this incident was not linked to cybercrime, another outage in July led Microsoft to apologize, as this one was indeed caused by a cyber attack.

As part of the adjustments to Nadella’s pay package, the compensation committee made a significant reduction to his cash pay, cutting it by more than half to $5.2 million, which now represents less than 7% of his total compensation. The bulk of Nadella’s earnings, approximately $71.2 million, came from stock options.

Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre, commented on the size of Nadella’s earnings, acknowledging that Microsoft’s robust financial results could superficially justify the high payout. However, he questioned the necessity of such vast sums for an individual who is already extraordinarily wealthy. He stated, “We might also ask whether the extra $79 million on top of $49 million last year for someone who is already worth hundreds of millions, with more money than they could spend over multiple lifetimes of absolute luxury, is really necessary as a reward or incentive.” Hildyard also emphasized the role of Microsoft’s employees, customers, and society in the company’s success, suggesting that “the proceeds of that success should be shared a little more evenly.”

In comparison with Nadella’s pay, other high-profile tech leaders also received substantial earnings. For example, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook earned $63.2 million in 2023, and Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia—the world’s most valuable semiconductor company—was paid $34.2 million for the 2024 fiscal year. Nevertheless, none of these tech executives approach the compensation scale of Tesla’s Elon Musk, whose pay package could reach up to $56 billion.

This year’s executive compensation landscape in the tech sector reflects the sector’s intense focus on financial growth and stock performance, which has led to both high pay packages for executives and significant layoffs among staff across major firms.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual, saw his wealth skyrocket by a remarkable $34 billion in a single day, reinforcing his top position among the ultra-wealthy. The spike followed a robust earnings report from Tesla that drove the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer’s stock up by 22%, its highest single-day performance since 2013.

Tesla’s latest quarterly earnings report yielded mixed results, yet managed to deliver on a critical aspect that had captured investors’ interest—profit. The EV giant posted its largest quarterly profit since mid-2023, rebounding from a streak of four consecutive quarters of disappointing earnings. Despite a slight miss in revenue expectations, which some worried would further impact the company’s performance, investors were buoyed by Musk’s confident forecast for vehicle sales growth of 20% to 30% in the upcoming year.

What surprised many was Musk’s announcement that Tesla’s much-anticipated Cybertruck achieved profitability for the first time in its quarterly sales. This milestone signaled to investors Tesla’s capacity to innovate and overcome production obstacles.

Musk’s personal fortune increased by $30 billion in just one day, marking his third-largest single-day gain and raising his net worth to $270.3 billion. This widened the gap between him and Jeff Bezos, the world’s second-richest person, by $61 billion. While Tesla’s stock—comprising three-quarters of Musk’s wealth—was primarily responsible for this financial leap, his stakes in SpaceX, the social media platform X, and the AI company xAI also contributed.

During the earnings call, Musk articulated a bold vision for Tesla’s future, particularly in terms of market dominance in the EV sector and beyond. “My prediction is Tesla will become the most valuable company in the world, and probably by a long shot,” he asserted.

Tesla’s strategy centers around autonomous driving, an area that Musk considers essential to the company’s growth. He outlined plans to introduce “Cybercab” robo-taxis by 2026, aiming to produce these autonomous vehicles in the millions each year. Musk acknowledged regulatory hurdles, yet expressed confidence in Tesla’s potential to spearhead the autonomous movement.

Amid Musk’s optimistic outlook, some concerns remain, particularly regarding the delay of the Tesla Roadster, an updated model of Tesla’s original sports car. First announced in 2017, the Roadster has experienced several postponements. Musk hinted that its long-awaited release would be “spectacular” whenever it finally occurs.

This surge in Musk’s wealth and the ambitious roadmap for Tesla underscore Musk’s vision of a future where Tesla dominates the global automotive and technology landscape.

OpenAI, a leader in the development of artificial intelligence technologies, has announced the appointment of Indian-American economist Dr. Aaron Chatterji as its first-ever chief economist. Chatterji, who has made significant contributions in the fields of business and public policy, is currently a professor at Duke University. His new role at OpenAI will focus on examining the broad economic implications of artificial intelligence and exploring how AI can contribute to global economic growth and innovation.

According to an official statement from OpenAI, Chatterji’s research will be instrumental in understanding the ways AI can reshape economic landscapes worldwide. His primary responsibility will be to investigate how AI-driven innovation can enhance productivity, addressing some of the most pressing and complex economic issues. Chatterji’s expertise is expected to guide not only the internal research and development at OpenAI but also inform key stakeholders, including policymakers, business leaders, and academics, about the best ways to harness AI’s transformative potential while managing associated risks.

In his own words, Chatterji expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to OpenAI’s mission, emphasizing his long-standing interest in how innovation and entrepreneurship impact both the economy and society. “My career has focused on studying how innovation and entrepreneurship shape our economy and society, and I am excited to apply my skills to support OpenAI’s mission. I look forward to contributing to research that helps inform how we transition to an AI-driven economy,” Chatterji stated.

His appointment has garnered significant attention, especially given Chatterji’s extensive experience in both the academic and public policy sectors. He has previously served in prominent governmental roles, including as acting deputy director of the White House National Economic Council and as chief economist at the U.S. Department of Commerce. This background has provided him with a unique perspective on the interplay between technology, government, and economic growth.

Larry Summers, a member of OpenAI’s board of directors and former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, was among those who praised Chatterji’s selection for the role. Summers highlighted the transformative power of AI and drew parallels to other revolutionary technologies. “Like electricity, AI holds the potential to revolutionize our economy by accelerating innovation and boosting productivity. Chatterji’s deep understanding of the dynamics that shape our economy and society will guide OpenAI’s mission to create AI tools that fuel growth and foster long-term prosperity,” Summers said.

Chatterji’s appointment signals a strategic move by OpenAI to delve deeper into understanding the economic ramifications of AI development. With AI technologies rapidly advancing and being integrated into various sectors, there are increasing questions about how they will impact everything from job markets to global trade. By appointing a chief economist, OpenAI aims to position itself at the forefront of these discussions, ensuring that it not only drives technological progress but also actively participates in shaping the future of the AI-driven economy.

One of the critical areas of research that Chatterji is expected to focus on is how AI can be leveraged to tackle significant economic challenges. These include improving productivity across industries, solving labor shortages, and addressing inequality. AI has the potential to automate tasks, optimize processes, and create new economic opportunities, but it also raises concerns about job displacement and the potential widening of income gaps. By guiding OpenAI’s research in these areas, Chatterji will help ensure that the development of AI technologies is aligned with long-term economic goals that benefit a broad spectrum of society.

OpenAI’s decision to bring Chatterji on board reflects its recognition of the need for an interdisciplinary approach to AI development. While technological innovation remains at the heart of the company’s mission, understanding the broader societal and economic impacts of these innovations is equally important. Chatterji’s background, which combines academic rigor with practical policy experience, makes him well-suited to lead this effort.

As AI continues to evolve, the economic insights provided by Chatterji and his team will likely play a crucial role in shaping how businesses, governments, and individuals adapt to an increasingly AI-centric world. His work will help guide decisions on how to integrate AI into various sectors of the economy, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education, ensuring that the benefits of AI are maximized while minimizing potential risks.

In addition to his work on AI’s impact on economic growth, Chatterji will also play a key role in advising on policy recommendations. Policymakers around the world are grappling with how to regulate and promote AI technologies in ways that foster innovation while protecting public interests. Chatterji’s insights will be invaluable in this regard, as his previous experience in government equips him with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex intersections of technology, policy, and economics.

OpenAI has long been at the forefront of AI research and development, and the addition of a chief economist underscores the company’s commitment to exploring the far-reaching implications of its work. As AI continues to transform industries and economies, Chatterji’s leadership will be vital in ensuring that these changes lead to sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

The appointment of Dr. Aaron Chatterji as OpenAI’s first chief economist is a significant milestone for the company. His expertise will be crucial in guiding OpenAI’s efforts to understand and address the economic impacts of AI, ensuring that the technology contributes to economic growth while addressing challenges such as inequality and productivity stagnation. With his deep understanding of innovation, entrepreneurship, and public policy, Chatterji is well-positioned to help OpenAI shape the future of the AI-driven economy.

As Chatterji takes on this new role, his contributions are expected to have a lasting impact, not just within OpenAI but across the broader AI industry and the global economy. The insights generated through his research will likely influence how AI technologies are developed, deployed, and regulated, ensuring that they benefit society as a whole.

In late 2022, when ChatGPT made its debut, Anurag Garg, founder of PR agency Everest PR, was quick to encourage his 11-member team to incorporate AI into their daily tasks. He saw the potential for his business to stay competitive by utilizing the technology in activities such as generating story ideas, drafting media pitches, and transcribing notes from meetings and interviews.

However, the implementation of AI tools did not yield the expected increase in productivity. Instead, it introduced stress and complications for the team. Employees found that tasks, rather than being completed faster, were taking longer. The need to carefully craft prompts for ChatGPT and verify its output for errors, which were frequent, consumed more time than expected. Every update to the platform further complicated matters as the team had to familiarize themselves with new features.

“There were too many distractions. The team complained that their tasks were taking twice the amount of time because we were now expecting them to use AI tools,” Garg explained. He divides his time between the U.S. and India, overseeing operations for Everest PR. The intended purpose of AI—streamlining workflows—was being undermined. Instead of simplifying their jobs, it was adding layers of complexity, leading to stress and burnout among the team.

Garg himself felt increasingly overwhelmed by the proliferation of AI tools in the market. He used several platforms—ChatGPT for general tasks, Zapier for team management, and Perplexity for research—but found the constant need to keep up with multiple tools a source of frustration. “There’s an overflow of AI tools in the market, and no single tool solves multiple problems. As a result, I constantly needed to keep tabs on multiple AI tools to execute tasks, which became more of a mess,” he said. The challenge of managing these tools grew, as Garg found himself struggling to remember which tool was supposed to handle what task. “I started getting utterly frustrated,” he added.

One of the main issues was the rapid evolution of AI tools. “The market is flooded with AI tools, so if I invest in a specific app today, there’s a better one available next week. There’s a constant learning curve to stay relevant, which I was finding hard to manage, leading to burnout,” Garg explained. Ultimately, he decided to scale back the mandatory use of AI tools in the company’s workflow. Now, the team primarily uses AI for research, and overall, the environment is more relaxed and productive.

“It was a learning phase for us. The work is more manageable now as we are not using too many AI tools. We’ve gone back to everything being done directly by the team, and they feel more connected and more involved in their work. It’s much better,” Garg said, reflecting on the experience.

The challenges faced by Garg and his team are mirrored in recent studies. A survey conducted by the freelancer platform Upwork among 2,500 knowledge workers across the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada found that 96% of top executives expect AI to boost overall productivity. However, 81% also admitted that the use of AI has increased demands on employees over the past year. Meanwhile, 77% of employees surveyed reported that AI tools have reduced their productivity, while adding to their workload. Moreover, 47% said they were unsure how to achieve the productivity gains their employers were expecting from them.

This disconnect is causing concern. According to a separate study conducted by CV writing company Resume Now, 61% of respondents believe that using AI in the workplace will lead to burnout. This figure rises to 87% for workers under the age of 25. The same study also revealed that 43% of workers believe AI will have a negative impact on their work-life balance.

Even outside the realm of AI, employees are already feeling burdened by the sheer number of work-related apps. A survey by work management platform Asana found that of 9,615 knowledge workers surveyed in six countries, 15% of those using six to 15 different apps reported missing messages and notifications due to the abundance of tools. For employees using 16 or more apps, 23% said their efficiency had dropped and their attention span was negatively impacted by the constant switching between platforms. University of California, Los Angeles, management professor Cassie Holmes commented on the situation, saying, “Using multiple apps requires additional time to learn them and switch between them, and this lost time is painful because we are so sensitive to wasted time.”

Lawyer turned coach Leah Steele has observed the growing burden that AI-based productivity tools are placing on legal professionals. Having experienced a similar scenario in a previous role where new technology increased her client load from 50 to 250, she now helps professionals overcome burnout. “The biggest thing I’m seeing is this continuous competing demand to do more with less – but companies are not really considering whether the systems and the tech that they’re introducing are giving an outcome that isn’t helpful,” said Steele, who is based in Bristol.

Steele argues that the rise in burnout isn’t just a result of increased workloads, but also the emotional toll of a tech-driven environment. “When we’re looking at burnout, it’s not just about the volume of the work we’re doing, but how we feel about the work and what we’re getting from it,” she said. Many professionals, particularly in law, entered their fields with the goal of making a personal impact through client interactions. AI, with its emphasis on speed and efficiency, often removes that human element. “You could feel stressed about having ended up in an environment of high volume and low control,” Steele noted, adding that workers also fear job displacement by technology.

The legal sector in particular has seen challenges in integrating AI. Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, acknowledged that while AI can streamline some tasks, it often creates additional work for lawyers. “Learning to use these tools takes time, and lawyers often need to undertake training and adapt their work processes. Many technologies were not originally designed for the legal sector, which can make the transition more challenging,” Atkinson said.

Despite the hurdles, some believe AI, when used correctly, can be beneficial. Alicia Navarro, founder and CEO of Flown, a platform that helps individuals focus on tasks requiring deep concentration, acknowledges the flood of AI tools but emphasizes the importance of appropriate use. “There’s such a huge amount of filtering and learning that has to take place before these tools can even start to become productive elements in our lives,” Navarro said. However, she also highlighted how small businesses could benefit from AI. “It’s an incredibly empowering thing for start-ups to be able to do a lot more, or companies to be able to pay more dividends or pay their team more.”

While AI tools offer potential for enhancing productivity, they also pose significant challenges. The experience of Garg and his team underscores the importance of balancing technology with human-centric work environments to avoid stress and burnout.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that the company will actively contest a recent antitrust ruling against it. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Pichai openly disagreed with the judge’s decision, making it clear that Google is preparing for a lengthy legal battle. This is the first time Pichai has publicly addressed the company’s search engine antitrust case since the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors put forward their proposed remedies.

Pichai, while speaking with host David Rubenstein, acknowledged that with the company’s vast reach and size, scrutiny is inevitable. He stated, “With our scale and size, I think scrutiny is inevitable,” referring to the level of attention the company has attracted from regulators and other competitors over the years.

The ruling, which labeled Google as a “monopolist,” marked a significant challenge for the tech giant. Despite this, Pichai strongly emphasized that Google’s dominant position in the search engine market is due to its innovation and the quality of its services, which have been acknowledged even by its competitors. He reinforced this point by saying, “Google is the world’s best search engine, and our rivals too accept that.” His comment underscored the confidence that Google has in the strength of its product offerings and the value it provides to users globally.

The ruling has undoubtedly put a spotlight on the company, but Pichai reiterated that Google intends to appeal the decision, anticipating that the legal process could stretch on for several years. He stated, “We’re still in the middle of the remedies phase, and we will appeal, and this process will likely take many years.” This suggests that Google is prepared for a protracted legal fight to defend its practices and its place in the tech landscape.

Despite the legal challenges, Google is determined to maintain business as usual. The company will continue to operate while keeping a close eye on the remedies phase of the case. During this phase, Google will also have the opportunity to present its own proposals to the court, as it works to ensure that its position is considered in the ongoing deliberations.

The antitrust case against Google has attracted a great deal of attention, both within the technology sector and from the general public. It is viewed as a landmark case that could set a precedent with far-reaching implications not only for Google but also for other major technology companies that may face similar scrutiny in the future.

The legal battle against Google is part of a broader conversation about the power and influence of tech giants, and the outcome of this case could shape the future of the technology industry as a whole.

Google’s appeal will focus on arguing that its business model, particularly its search engine services, is not harmful to consumers or competition, but instead benefits them by providing high-quality services that are widely regarded as superior. This is a critical argument, as the outcome of the case will not only affect Google’s future but could also impact the way other large tech companies are regulated and governed.

At the heart of the dispute is whether Google has abused its dominant position in the search engine market to stifle competition. Critics argue that the company has used its market power to unfairly edge out rivals, making it harder for smaller competitors to gain a foothold. The Department of Justice has taken the lead in prosecuting the case, arguing that Google’s practices have harmed consumers by limiting choices and driving up prices in the digital advertising space.

Google, on the other hand, has maintained that its success is built on the quality of its products, rather than any anti-competitive behavior. The company has argued that consumers choose its services because they are the best available, not because they are forced to do so. Google’s legal team will aim to demonstrate that the company’s practices have been fair and beneficial to users, and that any restrictions placed on its operations would ultimately harm consumers by reducing the quality of services they can access.

The case has wide-ranging implications for the technology sector, as other tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Facebook also face increased scrutiny from regulators. If the court sides with the Department of Justice, it could open the door for further antitrust actions against these companies, potentially leading to significant changes in how they operate.

For Google, the stakes are high. A ruling against the company could result in significant penalties, including fines and potential restrictions on its business practices. It could also force Google to make changes to how it operates, particularly in its advertising business, which is a major source of revenue.

However, Pichai’s comments suggest that Google is prepared to fight vigorously against any restrictions that may be imposed. The company’s appeal will be closely watched by other tech firms, regulators, and industry analysts, as the outcome could have a ripple effect across the entire industry.

In the meantime, Google will continue to operate its search engine and other services as usual, even as the legal proceedings unfold. The company has indicated that it will work closely with regulators during the remedies phase of the case, and will present its own proposals for how to address the concerns raised by the ruling.

As the case moves forward, it is expected to become a major test of the government’s ability to regulate the tech industry. While the outcome is uncertain, one thing is clear: the battle between Google and the Department of Justice is far from over, and the final decision could reshape the future of the technology landscape for years to come.

Sundar Pichai’s public statements reflect Google’s determination to fight the antitrust ruling and defend its position as the world’s leading search engine. While the legal battle is likely to be long and complex, Google is prepared to challenge the ruling and argue that its success is built on innovation and quality rather than monopolistic practices. The broader implications of the case will be felt across the tech industry, as other companies face similar scrutiny and potential regulatory action.

Google has ramped up its security to protect its over 2.5 billion Gmail users, but as security measures improve, so do the strategies of cybercriminals. The latest wave of AI-driven scams is more sophisticated than ever, posing a significant threat even to experienced users. This is the story of one such near-miss incident and Google’s ongoing efforts to combat these scams.

A New Level of Sophistication in AI-Driven Gmail Attacks

Sam Mitrovic, a Microsoft solutions consultant, recently shared his close call with a highly advanced AI scam that could deceive even tech-savvy individuals. Mitrovic first encountered the attack about a week before fully realizing its complexity. In a blog post, he described how the attack unfolded. It began with a seemingly routine notification for a Gmail account recovery attempt. This is a classic phishing tactic, aiming to trick users into entering their login details through a fake portal. Recognizing this as a typical scam, Mitrovic ignored the recovery request.

However, 40 minutes later, he received a missed call from a number claiming to be Google support, based in Sydney, Australia. It wasn’t until a week later that the real attack began. Another recovery request came in, followed by a phone call that Mitrovic answered. On the other end was a person with an American accent claiming to be from Google support, alerting him of suspicious activity on his Gmail account.

The supposed support agent asked if Mitrovic had been traveling, to which he replied no. The agent then inquired if he had logged in from Germany, again receiving a negative response. This tactic was designed to establish trust with the victim. Things escalated quickly when the caller claimed that an attacker had been accessing Mitrovic’s Gmail account for the past seven days and had already downloaded sensitive data.

At this point, Mitrovic began to connect the dots, recalling the previous recovery attempt and missed phone call from a week prior. The level of detail in the scam was remarkable. As Mitrovic spoke to the caller, he searched the phone number online, discovering that it was indeed linked to Google business pages. This clever move likely would have convinced many users of the call’s legitimacy. However, it wasn’t actually a support number—it was a number used for calls related to Google Assistant.

A Close Call

Mitrovic didn’t immediately hang up, but he did request an email confirmation from the alleged support agent. The email arrived soon after, appearing legitimate at first glance, but upon closer inspection, the “to” field revealed a cleverly disguised address that wasn’t actually from Google. Mitrovic’s technical skills and attentiveness saved him from falling victim to the scam.

The final clue came when Mitrovic noticed that the AI-generated voice on the other end sounded too perfect, with evenly spaced words and an unnatural rhythm. He later described this realization, stating, “At this point, I realized it was an AI voice as the pronunciation and spacing were too perfect.”

Mitrovic’s blog goes into much more technical detail about how he spotted the scam and the steps he took to avoid it. His advice is invaluable for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even highly experienced users can be targeted and that staying informed is crucial in defending against such attacks.

How the Scam Likely Would Have Played Out

Mitrovic’s quick thinking likely saved him from a more severe attack. Had he followed through with the fake support call, he would have been led to a cloned login portal designed to steal his credentials. Once the scammers had his information, they could have bypassed any two-factor authentication through session cookie stealing malware, giving them full access to his account.

Google’s Response: The Global Signal Exchange

In response to this growing threat, Google has taken proactive steps to combat scammers. The tech giant has partnered with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and the DNS Research Federation to launch the Global Signal Exchange (GSE). This initiative aims to serve as an intelligence-sharing platform, providing real-time insights into the cybercrime supply chain.

According to Amanda Storey, Google’s senior director of trust and safety, the collaboration brings together the unique strengths of each partner. GASA’s extensive network of stakeholders and the DNS Research Federation’s data platform, which monitors over 40 million signals, combine to make GSE a powerful tool for detecting and disrupting fraudulent activities across multiple sectors.

Storey explained, “GSE aims to improve the exchange of abuse signals, enabling faster identification and disruption of fraudulent activities across various sectors, platforms, and services.” The ultimate goal of this project is to create a solution that operates on the same massive scale as the internet itself while being efficient and user-friendly. Qualifying organizations will be able to leverage GSE’s capabilities to take action against scammers.

Google has already shared over 100,000 malicious URLs and analyzed millions of scam signals as part of the testing phase for GSE. Nafis Zebarjadi, Google’s account security product manager, commented, “We’ll start by sharing Google Shopping URLs that we have actioned under our scams policies, and as we gain experience from the pilot, we will look to add data soon from other relevant Google product areas.”

The intelligence-sharing platform runs on Google Cloud, allowing participants to access and contribute to a shared pool of intelligence signals. Storey noted that Google Cloud’s AI capabilities help find patterns and match signals more effectively, enhancing the overall fight against scammers.

Staying Safe from Advanced AI Scams

AI-driven scams like the one Mitrovic encountered highlight the dangers posed by modern phishing attacks. These scams are no longer limited to low-effort attempts; they now employ sophisticated tactics designed to trick even the most vigilant users. Deepfake technology, commonly associated with political or pornographic misuse, is also being employed to carry out seemingly straightforward account takeovers.

The key to staying safe is to remain calm and cautious. Google will never call you directly, so any such call should immediately raise suspicion. If you receive a call claiming to be from Google support, it’s best to hang up. Use available tools, such as Google’s search engine and your Gmail account, to verify any suspicious activity. Search for the phone number that contacted you and check your Gmail account activity for signs of unauthorized access.

One of the most important things to remember is never to rush. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to bypass your usual judgment. Taking your time to verify information before clicking a link or providing credentials can prevent a serious breach. Following Google’s advice on staying safe from phishing attacks is crucial.

In summary, AI-driven scams are becoming more advanced, but with knowledge and caution, users can defend themselves against even the most deceptive tactics. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and never let scammers pressure you into making hasty decisions.

If you are reading this, you may unknowingly be leaving yourself vulnerable to hackers. Recent research indicates that a staggering 86% of broadband users lack a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity, particularly regarding the security of their devices that connect to the internet. This figure represents the number of individuals who have never changed the factory default password for their broadband routers, a situation that security experts deem extremely concerning. Here’s why this is critical and the immediate steps you should take to protect yourself.

The Broadband Genie Router Security Survey has unveiled alarming insights into the security practices—or lack thereof—of internet users. The survey, conducted to assess changes in router security attitudes compared to similar surveys from 2018 and 2022, included responses from over 3,000 users. The findings reveal that 52% of users have never accessed their router settings to alter the device from its factory default state. Even more troubling, 86% admitted to never changing the factory-set administrator password. These figures indicate a worrying trend, as they demonstrate a decline in cybersecurity awareness among broadband users.

For someone who spends significant time educating non-technical audiences about essential security hygiene, this trend is disheartening. The need to change your router’s default admin password should be the first action taken when setting up the device.

“Leaving the password as the default is the easiest way for someone to gain access to your router and, therefore, your network and connected devices,” warned Alex Toft, Broadband Genie’s broadband expert. “It’s an open invitation to nefarious characters to snoop around and take what’s yours.” Once you set a strong password, you should only need to change it if it has been compromised.

The urgency of this recommendation diminishes if your router is a newer model with a unique admin password instead of a standard one used by multiple users. However, if this password is too short or easy to guess, it remains prudent to change it. The survey also indicated poor practices regarding Wi-Fi passwords, with 72% of users reporting that they never change their Wi-Fi password. While this may not pose an immediate risk for many users, it is still a good practice. “Similar to the router admin password, default Wi-Fi passwords are well known,” Toft noted. “It would take seconds for a knowledgeable hacker to gain access.”

Passwords are not the only areas where users exhibit a lack of vigilance. A staggering 89% of respondents said they never update their router firmware, which is one of the most concerning findings from a security standpoint. This represents a slight increase from the 2022 survey, suggesting that the message about the importance of updates is not resonating strongly enough. “Failing to update can leave routers vulnerable,” Toft cautioned. “This result isn’t the one we wanted to see.” Although updating router firmware can be complex, newer routers are simplifying the process by implementing automatic updates.

“Cybercriminals take advantage of bugs and vulnerabilities in firmware to gain access to your online information,” said Oliver Devane, a senior security researcher at McAfee. “Keeping the firmware up to date with the latest security patches will prevent this from happening.”

To address these serious security oversights, Broadband Genie researchers recommend that all internet router users take immediate action by following these steps, utilizing the vendor-provided instructions or consulting with your internet service provider for assistance:

1. Disconnect your internet and perform a full factory reset of the router.
2. Change your router admin password, Wi-Fi password, and network name to unique identifiers without delay.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in the United States has also issued a formal directive urging federal agencies to apply mitigations for two security vulnerabilities actively exploited by hackers targeting different router types. While this mandate legally pertains only to federal employees, CISA advises all organizations to consult the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog to stay informed about ongoing threats and incorporate this information into their vulnerability management frameworks.

CISA has added two vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog based on confirmed exploitation by hackers, which mandates federal agencies to remediate the zero-day vulnerabilities within a maximum timeframe of 60 days, with even shorter deadlines for critical-rated vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities affect routers from D-Link and DrayTek, both relating to operating system command injections. According to CISA, these vulnerabilities “pose significant risks” and are “frequent attack vectors for malicious cyber actors.”

CVE-2023-25280, an OS command injection vulnerability in D-Link DIR-820 routers, could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to escalate their privileges to root level through a maliciously crafted payload. Although the use of this exploit in ransomware attacks is currently unknown, CISA recommends discontinuing the affected router model due to its end-of-life status, along with seeking security advice from D-Link.

CVE-2020-15415 impacts Vigor3900, Vigor2960, and Vigor300B routers from DrayTek, allowing remote code execution through shell metacharacters within a filename when using a text/x-python-script content type. CISA advises applying mitigations as outlined by the vendor, with further security guidance available from DrayTek.

Additionally, research released on October 2 by Vedere Labs at Forescout Research has identified 14 new vulnerabilities in DrayTek routers. The report, titled “DRAY:BREAK Breaking Into DrayTek Routers Before Threat Actors Do It Again,” authored by Stanislav Dashevskyi and Francesco La Spina, describes how the researchers discovered one vulnerability with a maximum severity rating of 10, another rated 9.1, and nine classified as medium severity. The vulnerabilities impact users in 168 countries, leaving approximately 704,000 routers susceptible to risks such as distributed denial of service attacks, botnet exploitation, and ransomware. Forescout revealed that around 425,000 affected routers are located in the U.K. and EU, while over 190,000 are in Asia, with only 7,200 found in North America.

Forescout highlighted that DrayTek routers are particularly attractive to cybercriminals due to their widespread use across various industries. “Routers are crucial for keeping internal systems connected to the outside world, yet too many organizations overlook their security until they are exploited by attackers,” stated Barry Mainz, Forescout CEO. “Cybercriminals work around the clock to find cracks in routers’ defenses, using them as entry points to steal data or cripple business operations.”

The vulnerabilities identified by CISA could enable attackers to execute remote code using an operating system command injection exploit. Some of the reported issues include:

1. The same admin credentials were used across the entire system, including guest and host operating systems. If obtained, these credentials could lead to a complete system compromise.
2. The “GetCGI()” function in the Web UI was vulnerable to a buffer overflow when processing query string parameters.
3. Several buffer overflow issues in the Web UI arose from missing bounds checks when handling CGI form parameters.
4. The web server backend for the Web UI utilized a static string to seed the PRNG in OpenSSL for TLS, potentially allowing attackers to gain information and execute man-in-the-middle attacks.

In total, the vulnerabilities discovered by Vedere Labs affected 24 models of DrayTek routers, with 11 already reaching their end-of-life status. The report indicated that 63% of the exposed devices were either at end-of-sale or end-of-life, complicating the process of patching and protecting against potential exploits.

The positive takeaway is that researchers acted responsibly by disclosing these vulnerabilities to DrayTek promptly. As part of this responsible disclosure process, DrayTek has since patched all firmware vulnerabilities identified by Vedere Labs. “To safeguard against these vulnerabilities, organizations must immediately patch affected DrayTek devices with the latest firmware,” cautioned Daniel dos Santos, head of security research at Forescout Research Vedere Labs. “Disabling unnecessary remote access, implementing access control lists and two-factor authentication, and monitoring for anomalies through syslog logging are all crucial steps.”

On Monday, September 30, millions of Gmail users will encounter new password regulations aimed at improving the security of the world’s most widely used free email service. Google will cease to support access to Gmail account data from apps that are deemed less secure, including third-party applications and even devices that rely solely on username and password login protection. This move is part of a broader effort to bolster security, and here’s everything you need to know about these changes.

Google Ends Support for Google Sync and Less Secure Apps

For those surprised by this security overhaul, it’s worth noting that Google has been focused on enhancing password security for some time now. In fact, this particular update has been in the works for over a year. Last year, Google announced its intention to move away from outdated login methods that rely on just a username and password. Now, as the deadline approaches, Gmail users must prepare for a shift toward more secure login methods. This change is part of Google’s larger push to reduce the risk of account compromise and improve security for users of its Gmail service.

Starting from September 30, Google will no longer allow Gmail data to be accessed by apps and services that rely on less secure login methods. In particular, apps that depend on only a username and password to access Gmail accounts will no longer be supported. The aim of this change is to improve the security of Gmail accounts and prevent potential threats posed by weak or compromised passwords. The new rules apply to all Google Workspace accounts, including those that use protocols such as CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP, POP, and Google Sync. These services will no longer accept password-based login credentials, meaning users will need to adopt a more secure method for accessing Gmail data.

Google’s Focus on Security

Google’s commitment to improving security has been evident throughout the month, as the tech giant has rolled out various new features aimed at protecting users. One of the major initiatives has been the introduction of passkeys to Chrome web browser users. These passkeys are now available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, providing users with a more secure login option that doesn’t rely on passwords. Additionally, Google has been exploring post-quantum cryptography as a way to protect against future cyberattacks. This cutting-edge technology is designed to secure sensitive data against potential threats from quantum computers, which could one day be capable of breaking current encryption methods.

In the case of this specific Gmail password security update, Google has been working toward these changes for an extended period. The company has been encouraging users to adopt more secure login methods, and it issued a warning about the upcoming changes 12 months ago. Now that the deadline is approaching, users must be prepared to adjust to the new system. One of the key aspects of this update is the move away from password-based login credentials for accessing Gmail data. Instead, Google is requiring users to use a more secure authentication method known as OAuth.

What is OAuth and Why is it Important?

OAuth is a secure authorization framework that allows users to grant third-party applications limited access to their accounts without sharing their passwords. This is a significant improvement over traditional password-based login methods, as it reduces the risk of account compromise. OAuth tokens are used to authorize access, and these tokens are much harder for hackers to steal or exploit compared to passwords. By requiring apps to use OAuth for accessing Gmail data, Google is ensuring that users’ accounts are better protected against potential cyberattacks.

For users of Google Workspace accounts, this change will have a significant impact. Apps that previously used CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP, POP, or Google Sync to access Gmail data will no longer be able to rely on password-based authentication. Instead, they must use OAuth to gain access. This means that users will need to update their apps and services to ensure they are compatible with the new system. While this may require some effort, the result will be a more secure and protected Gmail account.

Why Google is Making These Changes

The move away from password-based login methods is part of Google’s broader effort to improve the security of its services. Passwords have long been considered a weak point in online security, as they are often easy to guess or steal. In many cases, users choose weak passwords that are easily cracked by hackers, or they reuse the same password across multiple accounts, increasing the risk of compromise. Even strong passwords can be vulnerable to phishing attacks or other forms of cybercrime.

By requiring users to adopt more secure login methods, such as OAuth, Google is reducing the likelihood of these types of attacks. OAuth tokens are far more secure than passwords, as they are harder to steal and cannot be reused across multiple accounts. Additionally, OAuth allows users to grant limited access to their accounts, meaning that third-party apps can only access the data they need without gaining full control of the account.

How to Prepare for the New Gmail Password Rules

If you are a Gmail user who relies on third-party apps or services to access your email, it’s important to take action before September 30. The first step is to review the apps and services you currently use to access your Gmail account. If any of these apps rely on password-based login credentials, you will need to update them to use OAuth instead. Most modern apps already support OAuth, but if you are using an older app, you may need to switch to a more secure option.

Google has provided detailed instructions on how to update your apps and services to comply with the new rules. It’s a good idea to review these instructions and ensure that all of your apps are up-to-date before the deadline. Failure to do so could result in losing access to your Gmail account from these apps.

For users who are concerned about the security of their accounts, Google also recommends enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone in addition to your password. With 2FA enabled, even if someone manages to steal your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the additional code.

Conclusion

As September 30 approaches, Gmail users should be prepared for significant changes to the way they access their accounts. Google’s new password rules are designed to improve security by requiring apps and services to use OAuth instead of password-based login methods. This change applies to all Google Workspace accounts, and it affects apps that use protocols such as CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP, POP, and Google Sync. While the update may require some effort, it will ultimately result in a more secure and protected Gmail account. Users are encouraged to review their apps and services and ensure they are compatible with the new rules before the deadline arrives.

On September 9, 2024, Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 16 in Cupertino Park, California, and three Indian-origin engineers stood out for their remarkable contributions. The new model represents Apple’s first AI-powered smartphone and boasts several technological advancements, many of which were made possible by these engineers. Piyush Pratik, Paulom Shah, and Sribalan Santhanam were instrumental in developing features that push the boundaries of camera control and cutting-edge smartphone technology.

The iPhone 16 introduces several notable innovations, including a revamped camera layout, a brighter display, and enhanced user interfaces, all driven by the contributions of this talented team. Among them, Piyush Pratik, a gold medalist from IIT-Delhi, showcased a revolutionary new feature in camera control. According to a report in The Print, Pratik was behind a side button that allows users to capture photos, adjust zoom, and switch between modes seamlessly. This design change makes the camera more accessible and user-friendly for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Pratik’s journey to this pivotal role at Apple began with a year-long stint as an associate consultant at Bain & Company, a prestigious management consulting firm. He then pursued an MBA at Stanford, graduating in 2019, and later joined Apple as a product manager, where he continues to work today. His contributions to the iPhone 16 are a reflection of his deep expertise in product management and his ability to translate user needs into practical technological solutions.

The latest iPhone includes several other noteworthy updates. The return to a vertical camera layout enhances the phone’s ability to capture spatial video, improving the depth and realism of recorded content. The phone also boasts a new micro-lens display, which produces brighter and more vivid colors, ideal for both casual viewing and professional use. Another exciting addition is the “Dynamic Island” feature, which is now available across all models. This allows for smoother transitions between apps, improved notifications, and overall better multitasking on the device. Moreover, the iPhone 16 has a dedicated capture button that further refines the camera’s functionality, giving users more control over their photography. An action button also comes standard, allowing users to access critical functions like the camera, flashlight, or even specific apps without navigating through multiple screens.

Paulom Shah, another key contributor to the iPhone 16’s advancements, is now the manager of camera hardware engineering at Apple. Shah’s journey with Apple began as a camera design intern. His current role involves leading the design team for the iPhone’s wide and telephoto cameras, both of which have seen significant improvements in the iPhone 16. Shah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo, which he earned in 2015. Since joining Apple, he has quickly risen through the ranks, thanks to his innovative designs and leadership skills.

In a post on LinkedIn, Shah shared his excitement about being part of the iPhone 16’s launch event, saying, “Incredibly honored to be part of the iPhone 16 Pro keynote! Representing the camera team and Apple on a global stage is a dream come true. Grateful for this surreal experience and to everyone who made this possible.” His statement reflects the pride and enthusiasm that comes with being part of such a monumental product launch, one that is expected to set new benchmarks in smartphone camera technology.

Shah’s work on the iPhone 16 camera system has received widespread praise. The wide and telephoto lenses, both of which are crucial for professional-grade photography, now deliver sharper images, better low-light performance, and faster autofocus. These improvements are expected to appeal not only to everyday users but also to professionals who rely on their smartphones for high-quality photography and videography. Shah’s expertise in mechatronics, a field that combines mechanical engineering with electronics and software, has proven invaluable in developing these complex camera systems.

Another major contributor to the iPhone 16’s success is Sribalan Santhanam, who serves as vice president of Apple’s silicon engineering division. Santhanam leads the team responsible for designing the A-series processors, the heart of the iPhone and other Apple devices. His career in the semiconductor industry spans several decades, beginning in the mid-1990s. Before joining Apple, he held prominent positions in companies like Broadcom, where he served as a senior director.

Santhanam’s journey with Apple began in 2008 when the company acquired PA Semi, a chipmaker that played a crucial role in shaping the processors that power iPhones today. Santhanam’s expertise in chip design has been instrumental in the development of the A-series processors, which are known for their speed, energy efficiency, and ability to handle complex tasks, including those related to AI and machine learning. His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Anna University in Chennai and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Michigan, which he earned in 1989.

Under Santhanam’s leadership, the A-series processors have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in smartphone technology. The A17 Bionic chip, which powers the iPhone 16, is designed to deliver unparalleled performance while using less energy. This allows users to run demanding apps, capture high-resolution videos, and even edit content on the go, all without draining the battery. The chip also integrates AI-powered features, enabling the phone to learn user preferences and optimize performance accordingly.

Santhanam’s contributions to the iPhone 16 go beyond hardware design. His team also worked closely with software engineers to ensure that the phone’s AI capabilities were fully integrated into the user experience. From camera settings that automatically adjust to different lighting conditions to predictive text features that make typing faster and more accurate, AI is at the core of the iPhone 16’s functionality. Santhanam’s work has been crucial in making this seamless integration possible.

The launch of the iPhone 16 marks a significant step forward for Apple, both in terms of technological innovation and the global impact of its products. The involvement of engineers like Pratik, Shah, and Santhanam highlights the important role that Indian-origin professionals continue to play in shaping the future of technology. Their contributions to the iPhone 16 demonstrate not only their technical expertise but also their ability to lead teams and develop products that resonate with users around the world.

As Apple continues to push the envelope with its AI-powered devices, it is clear that the company’s future success will be driven by the talent and dedication of individuals like Pratik, Shah, and Santhanam. Their work on the iPhone 16 is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that Apple remains at the forefront of the global smartphone market.

Security researchers have recently discovered a dangerous new Android hacking campaign that uses advanced methods to steal user data and potentially access cryptocurrency wallets. The SpyAgent malware, disguised as one of over 280 apps, employs optical character recognition (OCR) technology to launch sophisticated attacks. Once compromised, users may face significant financial losses, as the hackers are primarily targeting their digital assets.

A New Kind of Attack: SpyAgent Malware

The McAfee Mobile Research Team uncovered more than 280 apps used as entry points for SpyAgent malware, which has been actively attacking Android users since early 2024. These apps pretend to be legitimate services, ranging from banking applications to streaming utilities. However, they use deceptive techniques, such as “endless loading screens, unexpected redirects, or brief blank screens to hide their true activities,” explained McAfee researcher SangRyol Ryu.

The real goal of these fake apps is to collect sensitive information stored on users’ Android devices. SpyAgent malware gathers SMS messages, contacts, and most critically, every image stored on the phone. All of this data is then sent to a remote server, where the hackers begin exploiting it for their malicious purposes, which could lead to considerable financial damage.

These fake apps are typically deployed through phishing campaigns, tricking users into visiting seemingly genuine websites that, in reality, are malicious. When a user downloads the app, they unknowingly download an Android Package Kit (APK) file instead of a legitimate app. Once installed, the malware requests access to SMS messages, contacts, and the device’s storage. The hackers focus on gaining access to users’ photos, scanning them with OCR technology. Interestingly, the hackers are not interested in personal or compromising images. Their main objective is to find mnemonic keys hidden in photos.

What Is a Mnemonic Key?

A mnemonic key is a passphrase made up of 12 to 24 words used to recover cryptocurrency wallets. SpyAgent malware aims to find these keys stored in users’ photos and use them to gain access to cryptocurrency assets. “This suggests a major emphasis on gaining entry to and possibly depleting the crypto assets of victims,” Ryu stated.

Potential Future Threat to iPhone Users

While SpyAgent has primarily been targeting Android users so far, McAfee researchers have discovered something concerning. They found an item labeled “iPhone” within the malware’s admin panel code. This suggests that the developers might be working on an iOS version of the malware. Although there is no direct evidence of an iOS-compatible version yet, Ryu warned that “the possibility of its existence is genuine.”

How to Protect Yourself Against SpyAgent

Whether you are an Android or potential iOS user, the best way to protect yourself from SpyAgent and similar malware attacks is to stay alert to phishing threats. Always download apps from official app stores, avoid clicking on suspicious links in unsolicited emails or text messages, and be cautious about granting excessive or unnecessary permissions to apps. If an app’s permission requests seem intrusive or unwarranted, it’s best to avoid granting access.

Google has also provided security measures for Android users. It advises using Google Play Protect, which checks apps and devices for harmful behavior. Although Google Play Protect is enabled by default, it is wise to double-check to ensure it hasn’t been turned off. To do so, open the Google Play app, tap your profile icon, go to settings, and ensure that the option to scan apps with Play Protect is toggled on.

Google Play Protect Live Threat Detection

Looking ahead, Google is stepping up its efforts to protect Android users from malware attacks like SpyAgent. A forthcoming feature in Android 15, Google Play Protect live threat detection, aims to enhance security even further. According to Dave Kleidermacher, vice president of engineering for Android security and privacy, Google Play Protect currently scans a staggering 200 billion Android apps every day. This helps safeguard more than 3 billion Android users from malware and malicious apps.

“We are expanding Play Protect’s on-device AI capabilities with Google Play Protect live threat detection,” Kleidermacher explained. This new feature will improve fraud and abuse detection by analyzing additional behavioral signals, particularly in how apps use sensitive permissions and interact with other apps and services. If Google Play Protect detects any suspicious activity, the service will review the app in question more closely. Once confirmed as malicious, the app will either be disabled, or users will be alerted to the threat, depending on the level of danger posed.

Kleidermacher reassured users concerned about privacy, emphasizing that this on-device AI scanning is conducted “in a privacy-preserving way.” It operates through Google’s Private Compute Core, which ensures that users’ data remains protected and not collected during the scanning process.

SpyAgent represents a significant threat to Android users, particularly those who may store sensitive information related to their cryptocurrency wallets on their devices. The malware’s advanced use of OCR technology to locate mnemonic keys in photos is a highly innovative and dangerous tactic. However, by staying vigilant, avoiding unofficial app downloads, and utilizing tools like Google Play Protect, users can mitigate the risk of falling victim to these attacks.

Security experts warn that SpyAgent could evolve, possibly targeting iPhone users in the future. Thus, staying informed and adopting robust security practices is crucial to safeguarding personal and financial data in this ever-evolving threat landscape.

A comprehensive review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that mobile phones are not linked to brain cancer. This extensive study, published in the journal *Environment International*, reassures the public that the use of mobile phones, which emit radio waves, does not pose a health risk, particularly in relation to brain cancer.

Mobile phones are widely used and often held against the head during calls, leading to concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to radio waves, a type of non-ionizing radiation. These concerns have persisted for years, primarily because of the proximity of the device to the brain during use. Given the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and wireless technology in daily life, addressing the safety of radio wave exposure from these devices has been crucial.

Over the years, the majority of scientific research has consistently shown no association between mobile phone use and brain cancer or other health issues. However, despite this consensus, occasional studies have suggested potential harm. These studies have fueled ongoing public concerns, even though the broader scientific community has largely dismissed the idea that mobile phones could cause brain cancer.

The debate intensified in 2011 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the WHO, classified radio wave exposure as a “possible carcinogen” to humans. This classification was based on limited evidence from human observational studies, also known as epidemiological studies, which examine disease rates and potential causes in human populations. Unfortunately, the classification led to widespread misunderstanding and heightened public concern about the safety of mobile phones.

Observational studies, while valuable, often have limitations and can produce biased results. For example, in studies where people with brain cancer reported their mobile phone usage, there was a tendency to overestimate their usage. One well-known study, the INTERPHONE study, faced this issue. As a result, the IARC’s 2011 classification was based on data that was not as robust as it could have been.

The new systematic review commissioned by the WHO, however, provides a much clearer picture. This review includes a more extensive and up-to-date dataset compared to what the IARC considered in 2011. It incorporates more recent studies that are both comprehensive and methodologically sound, allowing for greater confidence in the findings. The review concludes that there is no association between exposure to radio waves from mobile phones or other wireless technologies and an increased risk of brain cancer.

This review is part of a broader series of systematic reviews commissioned by the WHO to examine the potential health effects of radio wave exposure more closely. The findings from this review are the strongest evidence to date, indicating that radio waves from wireless technologies do not pose a health hazard to humans. The review analyzed over 5,000 studies, with 63 studies published between 1994 and 2022 included in the final analysis. Most studies were excluded because they were not relevant, which is a common outcome in systematic reviews.

The review found no evidence of an association between mobile phone use and brain cancer, as well as no link to other head or neck cancers. Furthermore, there was no increased risk of cancer among individuals who had used mobile phones for ten years or more, nor did the frequency or duration of use—such as the number of calls or time spent on the phone—affect the risk.

These findings align with previous research, which has consistently shown that despite the exponential growth in wireless technology use over the past few decades, there has been no corresponding increase in the incidence of brain cancers. This consistency across studies further strengthens the conclusion that mobile phones do not pose a significant health risk.

The results of this systematic review are reassuring. They confirm that national and international safety limits for radio wave exposure from mobile phones are effective in protecting human health. Mobile phones emit radio waves at levels well below these safety limits, and there is no evidence to suggest that this exposure has any harmful effects.

However, the review also emphasizes the importance of ongoing research. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, with new devices and frequencies being introduced, it is crucial that scientific studies keep pace. Ensuring that radio wave exposure from emerging technologies remains safe is an ongoing challenge.

One of the significant challenges now is to ensure that the findings of this review help dispel the persistent misconceptions and misinformation surrounding mobile phones and brain cancer. Despite the widespread fear, the evidence remains clear: there is no established link between mobile phone use and any adverse health effects, including brain cancer. This is undoubtedly a positive outcome for public health, providing reassurance that our reliance on mobile phones and wireless technology does not come with hidden health risks.

In a rapidly advancing digital world, the concept of “artificial intimacy” has emerged as a topic of significant interest among psychologists and sociologists. Dr. Sherry Turkle, a professor of social studies of science and technology at MIT, explores this phenomenon, emphasizing its impact on human relationships and empathy. As she stated, “When we seek out relationships of no vulnerability, we forget that vulnerability is really where empathy is.” Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved at an unprecedented pace, mimicking human behaviors more closely than ever before. This evolution has led to increasing emotional connections between people and AI entities, such as chatbots and avatars, raising concerns about the potential risks to our understanding of genuine human interactions.

Dr. Turkle, who has been studying this trend extensively, shared her insights during a TED Radio Hour podcast titled “How Our Relationships Are Changing in the Age of ‘Artificial Intimacy.’” Her research focuses on the growing emotional bonds people are forming with AI technologies. As these technologies become more sophisticated and accessible, she warns that they could significantly affect our perception of human relationships and our ability to empathize.

Artificial intimacy, according to Turkle, involves interactions with technologies that go beyond showcasing intelligence; they claim emotional attachment. These technologies, she explains, say things like, “I care about you. I love you. I’m here for you. Take care of me.” Such interactions include therapy chatbots, AI companions, virtual fitness coaches, and digital avatars of deceased loved ones. While these tools might appear beneficial at first glance, Turkle expresses concern about their long-term effects on human psychology and relationships. She reiterates, “The trouble with this is that when we seek out relationships of no vulnerability, we forget that vulnerability is really where empathy is.”

One intriguing aspect of this discussion is the use of AI for writing personal communications. At the start of the podcast, Turkle discussed with host Manoush Zomorodi the use of ChatGPT for composing love letters. She mentioned studying a person who relies on ChatGPT for this purpose, believing the AI-crafted letters more accurately express her feelings than her own words could. Turkle finds this trend worrying. “Even those of us who couldn’t write very good love letters summoned ourselves in a certain kind of special way when we wrote a love letter,” she observed. “And the love letter was not just about what was on paper. It was about what we had done to ourselves in the process of writing it.”

While AI-generated love letters may produce appealing results, Turkle argues that this practice undermines a critical personal process. Writing a love letter involves self-reflection and emotional engagement—elements lost when the task is outsourced to AI. According to Turkle, the act of crafting a letter, regardless of its eloquence, is an important exercise in introspection and emotional connection.

Another significant issue Turkle identifies is the concept of “pretend empathy.” AI chatbots are designed to provide continuous positive affirmations and validation, which may attract users but differs fundamentally from genuine human empathy. As Turkle puts it, “I call what they have ‘pretend empathy’… because the machine they are talking to does not empathize. It does not care about them. There is nobody home.” This discrepancy is especially problematic when people begin to prefer AI interactions over real human connections. Turkle shared anecdotes of individuals who feel more bonded to their AI companions than to their real-life partners or family members. She worries that this preference for “friction-free” interactions could lead to a skewed understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship.

The impact of AI on younger generations is another area of concern. Turkle is particularly worried about children and adolescents who are exposed to artificial intimacy early on, as it may hinder the development of essential social skills. She cited an example of a mother pleased that her daughter could vent her emotions to an AI companion rather than a parent. Turkle argues that such interactions could deprive children of valuable learning experiences in managing complex emotions within real relationships.

The creation of digital avatars of deceased individuals is another ethically challenging application of AI intimacy. While the idea of continuing to interact with a loved one after their death might initially seem comforting, Turkle warns of the psychological implications. “The thing about mourning somebody who’s gone is that you leave space to bring that person inside of yourself,” she explains. Relying on an AI avatar could disrupt the natural grieving process, potentially hindering a person’s ability to accept loss and grow from the experience.

Despite her concerns, Turkle does not advocate for an outright ban on these technologies. She acknowledges that, in certain contexts, they may provide comfort or serve as valuable tools. However, she stresses the importance of maintaining a “dual consciousness”—an awareness that these interactions are with a computer program, not a real person. She notes, “The main thing I would offer is that this is kind of an exercise, hopefully in self-reflection. That the only good that can come out of this is you reflect better on your life with the person you loved and lost.” This awareness is becoming increasingly difficult as AI becomes more sophisticated and lifelike.

Turkle also pointed out that AI avatars, trained on extensive internet data, could potentially say things that might be distressing—comments that a real person would likely never make. She also raised concerns about how these technologies are marketed, particularly as a way to avoid the finality of saying goodbye to deceased loved ones.

While AI technologies that facilitate artificial intimacy may seem innovative and useful, they also pose significant risks to our understanding of human relationships and empathy. Turkle encourages users to view these interactions as opportunities for self-reflection rather than as replacements for real relationships. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to remain mindful of its limitations and the importance of maintaining genuine human connections.

Apple has named Kevan Parekh, an executive of Indian origin, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Parekh will also become a member of Apple’s executive team. The current CFO, Luca Maestri, is set to step down from his position on January 1, 2025, according to a statement released by Apple.

Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Parekh’s appointment, emphasizing his deep understanding of the company and his extensive experience within the finance team. “For more than a decade, Kevan has been an indispensable member of Apple’s finance leadership team, and he understands the company inside and out,” said Cook. “His sharp intellect, wise judgment, and financial brilliance make him the perfect choice to be Apple’s next CFO,” he added.

Parekh’s career prior to joining Apple includes holding significant leadership positions at Thomson Reuters and General Motors, where he gained substantial global experience. He is an electrical engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Over his 11 years at Apple, Parekh has held various critical roles, most recently leading Financial Planning and Analysis, General and Administrative (G&A) and Benefits Finance, Investor Relations, and Market Research.

In his earlier roles at Apple, Parekh led Worldwide Sales, Retail, and Marketing Finance. He started his career at Apple by managing financial support for the company’s Product Marketing, Internet Sales and Services, and Engineering teams, highlighting his diverse expertise within the company.

Luca Maestri, who will step down as CFO, has had a significant impact on Apple’s operations and strategic direction. He will remain with the company to oversee Corporate Services teams, including information systems and technology, information security, and real estate and development, all under the direction of CEO Tim Cook.

Cook commended Maestri for his exceptional contributions to Apple, stating, “Maestri has been an extraordinary partner in managing Apple for the long term. He has been instrumental in improving and driving the company’s financial performance, engaging with shareholders, and instilling financial discipline across every part of Apple.”

Under Maestri’s financial leadership, Apple has seen substantial growth, more than doubling its revenue and increasing its services revenue fivefold. He has been recognized for his role in enabling crucial investments and maintaining strict financial discipline, which have been key to Apple’s financial success.

Reflecting on his tenure, Maestri said, “It is the greatest privilege of my professional life to serve the world’s most innovative and admired company, and to work side by side with a leader as inspirational as Tim Cook.”

With the leadership transition set for the beginning of 2025, Apple is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation under the financial guidance of Kevan Parekh. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Apple’s internal processes are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the company’s financial strategies moving forward.

Pavel Durov, co-founder and CEO of the messaging platform Telegram, was arrested on Saturday at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, according to reports from the French media. Durov, who was arriving on his private jet from Azerbaijan, was detained by law enforcement officials, with details about the situation expected to be released by the Paris prosecutor’s office on Monday.

The arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into Telegram’s role in failing to prevent illegal activities on its platform. French news agency AFP has reported that an arrest warrant was issued for Durov over suspicions that Telegram has not done enough to combat criminal activities such as drug trafficking, terrorism promotion, and various forms of fraud. Additionally, the French newspaper Le Monde highlighted that the investigation is also looking into whether Durov has resisted cooperating with law enforcement on other issues, including cyber scams and the spread of child pornography on Telegram.

In response to the arrest, Telegram released a statement on Sunday, asserting that “Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.” The company further criticized the allegations, stating, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” Telegram also emphasized its commitment to adhering to European Union laws, noting that its moderation practices are “within industry standards and constantly improving.”

Following Durov’s detention, the Russian Embassy in France issued a statement expressing its concern and requesting an explanation from French authorities. The embassy also demanded that Durov’s rights be respected and that he be granted access to consular services.

Pavel Durov, a 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He manages Telegram from its base in Dubai, overseeing a platform that boasts nearly one billion users worldwide. Durov’s journey in the tech world began in 2007 when he founded VKontakte, a social media platform similar to Facebook that quickly became the most popular social network in Russia. Due to his role in creating VKontakte, he is often referred to as “Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg.”

In 2013, Pavel Durov, along with his brother Nikolai, launched Telegram. However, Durov left Russia a year later after he refused to comply with the Russian government’s demands to provide data on Ukrainian users of VKontakte. Since then, Telegram has become a favorite among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and has gained prominence as a leading messaging service globally. The platform is particularly known for providing real-time, unfiltered updates on conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced criticism for its hands-off approach to content moderation. Researchers have raised concerns that the platform’s lax policies have allowed the spread of misinformation, extremism, and illegal activities, including drug sales and child pornography. Some experts have even speculated that Telegram might have connections to the Kremlin, a claim that Durov has denied. In a rare interview with the Financial Times in March, his first press appearance since 2017, Durov dismissed the allegations as “inaccurate.”

Durov is known for his unique personal style and enigmatic public persona. His Instagram account often features him bare-chested, showcasing his muscular build in scenic desert landscapes or in luxurious infinity pools. He is also frequently seen wearing all-black outfits, reminiscent of Neo, the iconic character from “The Matrix” film series.

On Telegram, content often quickly spreads to other social networks, where it might be subject to the content moderation rules of those platforms. However, Durov has consistently promoted Telegram as a platform that supports free expression, often positioning it as an “anything-goes” service. This stance has won him admiration from free speech advocates, who see him as a defender of open communication.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Telegram remains a highly influential platform with a significant user base. The outcome of the current investigation and Durov’s detention could have important implications for the future of the platform and its approach to content moderation. As the world waits for further details from French authorities, the case underscores the ongoing tension between tech companies and regulatory bodies over the balance between free speech and responsible content management.

Michelle Fang, a tech community manager based in San Francisco, observed a significant shift when she visited her father in their New Jersey home last year. Her father, a first-generation Chinese American, had started using ChatGPT to write emails and create work presentations. This was a stark change from the past when Fang would print out his PowerPoints and help edit his English. “I would go in with a pen to mark everything up,” Fang, 25, recalls. Now, her father no longer asks for her help with English grammar or technical language; instead, he relies on ChatGPT. “He’s replaced me with ChatGPT,” Fang noted.

This is not an isolated experience. Many adult children of immigrants who grew up assisting their parents with language barriers are finding that these duties are gradually being taken over by artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT.

Monica Mikael, a 30-year-old nurse practitioner in Los Angeles, shared a similar experience. Her Egyptian American parents, who have struggled with written English since they immigrated to the U.S. 30 years ago, relied on her for years to help with their communications. Since high school, Mikael has been writing and rewriting emails for her parents, who run a small medical practice, to help them coordinate with patients and staff.

For many immigrants who learn English as a second language, even minor grammar mistakes can create significant anxiety in professional settings. A survey of over 200 East, Southeast, and South Asian women in the tech industry found that many felt discriminated against because of their accents and grammar usage.

When ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, Mikael saw an opportunity. She quickly introduced her parents to the tool, teaching them how to use it to ask questions and draft communications. “I downloaded ChatGPT onto their phones and showed them how to ask it questions,” Mikael said. “After a month or so, they were using it entirely on their own.” Now, her parents rarely ask for her help with basic communication tasks like sending simple emails. While Mikael still assists with more important matters, she noted a decrease in daily interruptions. “It’s net positive for our relationship,” she said. “Our interactions are less task-based, so it’s made us closer.”

The trend of adopting AI tools like ChatGPT is particularly pronounced among Asian American adults. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll, they are the most likely racial group to have used generative artificial intelligence tools for purposes such as entertainment, work tasks, or learning something new. They are more than twice as likely to use these tools compared to their white peers.

However, for many adult children of immigrants, watching their parents adopt new technology comes with a mix of feelings. Sheeta Verma, a tech marketer in San Francisco, has guided her parents through both the benefits and pitfalls of using ChatGPT. “AI tools aren’t always correct,” Verma said. “I had to teach them how to use prompts and to spot misinformation.” She is also concerned that her parents’ co-workers might detect their use of AI or that the rapid pace of technological change could leave her aging parents behind. Her mother, who was laid off from her company last year, is now navigating the challenges of AI-scanned resumes. “There’s a lot of learning that has to accompany AI. It’s changing so fast, and there’s not a lot of time to walk older people through it,” Verma explained.

Not all adult children are entirely relieved by this technological shift. Some miss the bonding that came with helping their parents. “It’s a little bittersweet, but I’m glad he has the 24/7 support that I can’t give him,” Fang said, reflecting on her father’s growing independence from her help.

Verma, too, has mixed feelings. She noticed a decrease in calls from her mother and initially wondered if her mother was upset with her. “And then I realized she and all my Indian aunties are using ChatGPT,” Verma said. Despite the initial skepticism, she is ultimately happy that her mother is embracing this new tool. “I’m happy that she’s embracing this new tool,” she added.

The advent of ChatGPT and similar AI tools is redefining the dynamics between immigrant parents and their adult children. While it eases the burden on these children, it also alters a significant aspect of their relationship with their parents, shifting interactions away from practical support toward a more emotional and personal connection. The new technology represents both a challenge and an opportunity as families navigate this evolving landscape.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are currently waiting for a decision from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regarding their return to Earth aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. NASA has yet to finalize several key details, including the exact date for the astronauts’ return, whether to send the spacecraft back uncrewed, or to transport them back using either the Starliner or a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Ken Bowersox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Operations, provided an update, stating, “We’re reaching a point where that last week in August we really should be making a call, if not sooner.” Bowersox further explained, “Everybody will like a date, but we got some working dates, but I know we need to maintain that flexibility…right now, Butch and Sunny are well engaged on board the ISS…I know that they are making the best of the time, but I am sure they are eager for a decision just like the rest of us, and when we have that, we will be sure to get together with the rest of you and share that information.”

Williams and Wilmore launched aboard the Starliner on June 5 and arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6. Their initial plan was to return to Earth by mid-June. However, this schedule was disrupted when the Starliner was found to have several issues, including problems with its propulsion system, helium leaks, and thruster malfunctions. As a result, the spacecraft has now been in space for over two months.

Efforts are underway to identify the root cause of these problems and ensure a safe return for the astronauts. While the primary goal is to bring Williams and Wilmore back on the Starliner, NASA is also considering the possibility of using a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft if the Starliner remains unfit for the return journey.

Joel Montalbano, Deputy Associate Administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, emphasized the inherent risks of human spaceflight. He noted, “Butch and Suni [Sunita Williams] said ahead of their launch that they know that this mission might not be perfect. Human spaceflights are inherently risky, and as astronauts, we accept that.”

If Williams and Wilmore do not return on the Starliner and remain aboard the ISS, they could spend up to eight months in orbit. Should they return on a SpaceX spacecraft, their journey back to Earth would be scheduled for February 2025. In the event that the Starliner is not used, SpaceX, which is a competitor of Boeing, could potentially launch NASA’s Crew-9 mission to the ISS on September 24 with only two astronauts instead of the usual four. This would allow the Crew Dragon capsule to bring Williams and Wilmore back in February 2025.

NASA officials have indicated that if the mission plan is altered and the crew returns on a different vehicle, this change should not automatically be considered a NASA mishap. They clarified, “Our big concern is having a successful deorbit burn and making…the propulsion system work just the way it needs to all the way through the deorbit burn and that’s why we are looking so closely at the thruster jets and even thinking about how the largest thrusters work.”

The issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system are primarily related to the spacecraft’s “service module,” which is essential for maneuvering the capsule away from the ISS and preparing it for re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Many of the spacecraft’s thrusters have overheated, and helium leaks, used to pressurize the thrusters, seem to be related to their frequent use.

Regarding the astronauts’ return attire, Montalbano mentioned the possibility of the astronauts returning without suits in an emergency situation. He said, “Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator at NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, said the two astronauts could return unsuited in Crew-8 in the event of an emergency.” However, he assured that extra SpaceX flight suits would be sent up with the Crew-9 Dragon for their scheduled return. Montalbano clarified, “From a suits standpoint, they are really not interchangeable. You can’t have a Boeing suit in SpaceX or a SpaceX suit in a Boeing vehicle, so that would not be the plan. If the Starliner undocks and there’s only Dragon, they could come home unsuited in the Dragon…” He added, “Once Crew-9 gets there we’ll have suits,” ensuring, “They would come home suited on Crew-9.”

In a recent episode of the podcast “The Diary of a CEO,” neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki issued a stark warning about the detrimental effects of smartphone addiction. Speaking with host Steven Bartlett, she emphasized that excessive screen time and reliance on digital devices can stunt brain development and inhibit the potential for genuine happiness. “Screen addiction limits your potential for brain growth, for brain plasticity. It is going to limit your possibility for joy in your life,” Dr. Suzuki stated.

The conversation highlighted how the overuse of smartphones is metaphorically “frying” our brains. This phrase refers to the negative impact of constant phone usage, suggesting that the brain is being overstimulated and potentially harmed by the frequent dopamine hits and stress responses triggered by smartphone use. Dr. Suzuki pointed out that this over-reliance on digital devices is rewiring our neural pathways, diminishing our capacity for brain growth, and ultimately affecting our overall well-being.

The neuroscientist expressed particular concern over the correlation between increased screen time and rising levels of anxiety and depression. She explained that prolonged exposure to social media, in particular, is contributing to these mental health issues while also reducing meaningful human connections, which are essential for brain health.

Smartphones and social media are designed to be addictive, according to Dr. Suzuki. She likened the experience to gambling, where the constant flow of notifications, likes, and new content acts like a slot machine that users can’t resist. “Social media is … like pulling the slot machine handle. I pull down on the feed and I get a ping. ‘Oh look there’s a nice picture’. ‘Oh ping, there’s notifications and comments’. It’s that constant… dopamine hit,” she said. This steady stream of dopamine release in the brain’s reward centers can condition users to crave this stimulation, leading to compulsive behaviors such as constantly checking their phones or social media apps.

Dr. Suzuki also highlighted the significant impact of smartphone use on young people. She noted that the widespread availability of smartphones and the increasing amount of time spent on social media correlate with “huge increases in depression and anxiety levels, particularly in young girls.” She expressed concern about how the constant comparison and instant access to metrics like likes and reach are adding unprecedented stress to adolescents.

The neuroscientist warned that this alarming addiction to smartphones is impairing our ability to form genuine human connections. “There’s no substitute for real human connections when it comes to brain health and emotional wellbeing,” she asserted. She explained that face-to-face interactions activate key regions of the brain in ways that digital interactions cannot replicate. “A lot of the social interaction areas including the insula…part of the brain right in the side here just in the area near the ear deep into the cortex gets activated,” she explained.

Moreover, Dr. Suzuki cautioned that by constantly reaching for our smartphones instead of engaging with the people around us, we might be “atrophying” the neural pathways responsible for empathy, emotional intelligence, and deep relationships. This atrophy could lead to a diminished capacity for these essential aspects of human connection and emotional well-being.

To address these concerns, Dr. Suzuki offered several strategies for developing a healthier relationship with digital devices. She suggested that people take long breaks from their smartphones to reset habitual behaviors such as frequently checking their phones. This “digital detox” can lead to healthier ways of spending time and reduce the compulsive urge to stay connected.

In addition to digital detoxes, Dr. Suzuki recommended physical activity as an effective way to combat the negative effects of smartphone addiction. “Exercise immediately decreases anxiety and depression levels… Ten minutes of walking can significantly decrease your anxiety and depression levels,” she said. Physical activity provides a natural mood boost and helps reduce stress, offering a healthier alternative to the constant stimulation provided by digital devices.

Conscious breathing is another technique Dr. Suzuki advocated for managing the stress that comes with constant connectivity. She suggested taking “three deep breaths” as a simple yet powerful way to activate the relaxation response and slow down the heart rate, helping to counteract the stress induced by frequent smartphone use.

Mindful meditation is another practice Dr. Suzuki encouraged for strengthening one’s ability to be present in the moment instead of constantly seeking stimulation. This practice can help individuals resist the urge to constantly check their phones and instead focus on more fulfilling, real-life interactions. Having more face-to-face interactions can satisfy one of our most innate needs — that of human connection.

Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety entirely, Dr. Suzuki proposed a different approach: reframing anxiety as a warning system that reveals what we truly care about. By viewing anxiety in this way, individuals can use it as a tool for personal growth rather than something to be feared or avoided.

Despite the challenges posed by smartphone addiction, Dr. Suzuki remains optimistic about our ability to adapt and thrive. She emphasized that humans have the capacity to take control of their brain health and well-being by making conscious choices in their daily lives. “We have an opportunity every single day to make our brain as healthy as it could be,” she concluded.

In sum, Dr. Suzuki’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of mindful technology use and the need to prioritize real human connections over digital interactions. By adopting healthier habits and practices, individuals can protect their brain health, reduce stress, and enhance their overall quality of life.

In the early stages of Facebook, Aditya Agarwal was a relatively inexperienced engineer trying to find his place in the rapidly growing company. Just a week into his new role, Agarwal was still adjusting when a significant challenge was presented to him by none other than Mark Zuckerberg. This moment, which Agarwal recalls as the most defining 30 seconds of his life, was shared during the episode titled ‘Mark Zuckerberg on Llama, AI, & Minus One.’

Aditya Agarwal crossed paths with Mark Zuckerberg in 2005 through a shared connection. At the time, Zuckerberg’s vision for Facebook left a lasting impression on Agarwal, prompting him to join the company as one of its early engineers. Soon after joining, Agarwal was given a major task: to create Facebook’s search engine. This was no small feat, and Zuckerberg made it clear that Agarwal was expected to tackle the challenge on his own, without the support of a team.

Despite being new to the company and the immense pressure associated with such a critical project, Agarwal, who later ascended to the position of Facebook’s first Director of Product Engineering, managed to develop the search engine successfully. The search engine was an integral feature for Facebook, allowing users to locate and connect with others on the platform, thus playing a crucial role in the company’s growth and user engagement.

Agarwal initially proposed bringing in an expert from established tech giants like Google or Yahoo to develop the search engine. However, Zuckerberg was resolute in his confidence in Agarwal’s abilities. He responded with the motivational words that stuck with Agarwal: “Dude if I can build Facebook you can build a damn search engine.” This statement from Zuckerberg not only highlighted his belief in Agarwal’s potential but also served as a driving force behind Agarwal’s determination to succeed in this pivotal project.

The swift embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming the business landscape. A recent Microsoft and LinkedIn report reveals that within the next five years, 41% of executives expect to completely overhaul their business processes, integrating AI at the core. This shift underscores the growing importance of AI in modern business operations.

A substantial 42% of leaders anticipate the necessity of training teams of AI-powered bots and emphasize the importance of ethical and responsible AI implementation, noted by 47% of the respondents. Businesses across various industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing, e-commerce, and manufacturing, are increasingly turning to AI technologies. These advancements are driving innovation, boosting productivity, automating tasks, and deriving insights from extensive data sets.

Despite these advancements, a significant concern persists among business leaders. More than half (55%) expressed unease about their ability to find qualified talent for AI roles in the coming year. Over the past eight years, there has been a remarkable 323% increase in the hiring of technical AI talent, with employers now also seeking non-technical candidates who possess AI skills.

In the current job market, proficiency in AI is becoming crucial for staying competitive. The high demand for AI professionals, combined with a shortage of qualified candidates, has made AI expertise a valuable asset that can enhance career prospects. Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer, highlighted to CNBC Make It, “Learning basic AI skills—such as prompt engineering, machine learning, or data literacy—is the best insurance to shortcut your competitiveness against people who might have more experience.”

According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report by Microsoft and LinkedIn, AI skills are becoming as critical as job experience in the hiring process. The report indicates that 66% of business leaders would not consider hiring a candidate without AI skills. Moreover, 71% of executives prefer to hire someone with AI skills, even if they have less experience, over a more experienced candidate lacking AI aptitude.

The demand for AI-related roles has surged dramatically. Indeed reported a “tenfold increase” in job postings related to generative AI within the past year, with job listings in this category experiencing a staggering 75-fold increase from April 2022 to April 2024. In the U.S., AI-related jobs now account for approximately 2% of all job postings.

This rising demand is likely to lead to higher salaries in the AI sector, which already offers compensation significantly above many other fields. A Biz Report survey found that AI-related roles offer salaries more than 77% higher than those in other professions.

While core software engineering skills remain valuable, AI introduces a new layer of complexity. Merely possessing coding skills may no longer be sufficient to compete in the evolving tech landscape. As a result, workers are rapidly retraining and acquiring AI skills to stay relevant. The urgency is driven by fears of job obsolescence in the face of technological advancements.

Workers are enrolling in courses, updating their résumés with AI-related terms, and fiercely competing for available AI positions. Seventy-six percent of workers acknowledge that AI skills are essential to stand out in today’s job market. Additionally, 69% believe that AI proficiency can expedite career advancement, while 79% assert that AI skills will broaden their job opportunities.

LinkedIn Learning has seen a 160% increase in non-technical professionals taking courses to enhance their AI skills, particularly among project managers, architects, and administrative assistants. This trend reflects a growing eagerness to develop AI competencies.

Furthermore, LinkedIn members have demonstrated a 142-fold increase in adding AI skills, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, to their profiles over the past year. As employers seek to fill AI-related positions, job seekers are rising to the challenge. Job postings on LinkedIn mentioning AI or generative AI have experienced a 17% higher increase in applications over the past two years compared to those not mentioning these terms.

Intel has announced a significant cost-cutting measure, revealing it will reduce its workforce by 15% as part of a $10 billion strategy aimed at improving its financial health. This decision was disclosed in the company’s second-quarter earnings report released on Thursday.

Pat Gelsinger, Intel’s CEO, addressed the necessity of this drastic step in a memo, stating, “Simply put, we must align our cost structure with our new operating model and fundamentally change the way we operate.” He further elaborated, “Our revenues have not grown as expected — and we’ve yet to fully benefit from powerful trends, like AI. Our costs are too high, our margins are too low.”

The company’s financial performance for the second quarter reflects these concerns, with reported revenues of $12.8 billion, marking a 1% decline from the previous year, and an income loss of $1.6 billion.

Historically, Intel was the leading chipmaker globally, dominating the PC and Mac markets. However, the company has struggled to keep pace with evolving technology trends. The rise of mobile computing over the past two decades caught Intel off guard, leading to a loss of market dominance to competitors such as Qualcomm and Texas Instruments, who now lead in mobile chip technology.

Moreover, Intel has also lagged behind in the burgeoning AI sector. Unlike Nvidia, which has surged in value due to its AI-related advancements, Intel has faced significant challenges. Its Foundry business, a key area of investment in 2024 aimed at capitalizing on the AI era, has been a major source of financial losses for the company.

Intel’s current situation comes at a crucial juncture for the chipmaking industry, which is witnessing increased US investment in domestic manufacturing and a global surge in demand for AI chips.

Jacob Bourne, an analyst at Emarketer, commented on Intel’s cost-cutting plan, stating, “Intel’s announcement of a significant cost-cutting plan including layoffs may bolster its near-term financials, but this move alone is insufficient to redefine its position in the evolving chip market.”

In addition to the layoffs, Intel is undertaking a major shift in its business model. The company plans to transition to manufacturing processors for other companies, effectively becoming a white label provider. This change targets companies like Apple, which designs its own chips but outsources production. Despite this shift, Taiwan’s TSMC remains the global leader in chipmaking. Intel’s strategy relies heavily on gaining support from both the global market and the US government, a transition expected to be costly and to result in further job losses.

Intel aims to achieve $10 billion in savings by 2025. To support its strategic pivot, the company plans to suspend its dividend payments starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, a move that halts previously planned shareholder payouts. Following this announcement, Intel’s stock fell by 19% in after-hours trading.

In related financial news, Amazon reported a 10% increase in sales for the last quarter, with its operating profit nearly doubling. However, the company’s forecast fell short of investor expectations, causing its stock to decline by 5% in after-hours trading.

Neil Saunders, an analyst at GlobalData Retail, noted, “Amazon will remain very profitable, but the pace at which it can add to the bottom line appears to be waning.”

Forget about the iPhone 16 and iOS 18; Apple’s standout achievement this year might well be its uncanny timing. Just as Apple’s revamped ad, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s *The Birds*, publicly criticized Google Chrome—without naming it—Chrome hit a significant milestone by reaching 3 billion users. This was followed by a surprising revival of cookies, prompting headlines such as “Google’s latest privacy changes in Chrome prove Apple’s nightmare ad is all too real.”

For the vast Chrome user base, the core issue is the timing—or rather, the lack thereof. Google had intended to phase out cookies in favor of anonymized tracking methods, such as new industry standards and similar approaches. However, regulatory concerns over the potential damage to the industry and doubts about the efficacy of these alternatives have caused delays.

Despite the setbacks, the phasing out of Chrome’s tracking cookies was intended to push forward the development of their replacement, the Privacy Sandbox. With cookies temporarily retained, the issue has been deferred, and while the concept of tracking options similar to Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) sounds promising, it remains elusive.

In a recent virtual industry panel, Alex Cone, the Privacy Sandbox’s product manager, revealed, “We’re at work on those [new] designs, and we’ll discuss those with regulators as we advance… there’s no new information to provide.”

Regarding the expansion of the Privacy Sandbox, which is supposed to run alongside cookies, Cone stated, “We have not shared a timeline around any sort of ramp-up… No new information to share on that.”

In simpler terms, there’s currently no solution in place for the tracking “nightmare” affecting Chrome users—a situation that Google and regulators have engineered. The development and launch of such a fix are not entirely within Google’s control, leaving a void in updates about its progress or timing.

Ad Exchanger reported Cone’s comments and added that “the Privacy Sandbox may serve as a cookie alternative, but Google asserts it was never meant to be a substitute for cookies.” Thus, the deprecation of Chrome cookies and the adoption of the Privacy Sandbox were never directly linked, although regulators and much of the advertising industry might have expected otherwise.

Previously, discussions between Google and entities like the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) were anchored around a set date for cookie deprecation. Now, however, the timeline is open-ended, which means the tracking industry continues as before.

This situation highlights the major issue: despite its design flaws, the Privacy Sandbox was seen as a concrete plan to replace cookies, representing a shift in tracking methods. There was a target date—frequently missed, but a date nonetheless. Now, the conversation has shifted to an abstract debate about user choice and whether Google’s unequal information about its users might benefit Google at the expense of the ad industry, similarly to concerns raised about the Privacy Sandbox.

The CMA responded to Google’s update by stating, “We will need to carefully consider Google’s new approach. We welcome views on Google’s revised approach, including possible implications for consumers and market outcomes.”

The CMA’s role is to balance Google’s business interests with those of the broader industry. Users will still be tracked; the debate centers on the method. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has warned that “the targeting of ads based on people’s online behavior should be banned. Behavioral advertising incentivizes all online actors to use tracking technology, like third-party cookies, to collect as much of our information as possible. We need robust privacy legislation in the United States to ensure that privacy standards aren’t set by advertising companies like Google.”

The challenge for Chrome users is that the advertising and tracking industries had already made significant progress in finding alternatives to cookies, anticipating their removal. The abrupt shift following Google’s announcement was palpable across the web. As Ad Exchanger noted, “deprecation was the forcing mechanism for Sandbox adoption. If third-party cookies remain widely available, advertisers, ad tech, and publishers won’t rebuild their online advertising infrastructure.”

This means users face a major retrenchment, with no immediate prospect of meaningful change. As Apple’s ad aptly puts it, “your browsing is being watched.”

Microsoft is once again taking steps that may frustrate Windows users by pushing unavoidable warnings, reminiscent of past efforts to encourage users to switch from Chrome to Edge for security reasons. However, this time, clicking on the advertisement could cost users money.

As reported by Windows Latest, Microsoft is now displaying an intrusive full-screen popup that encourages users to back up their files to OneDrive. The popup emphasizes the risks of not backing up and promotes Windows 11’s feature to “backup your desktop, documents, and pictures folder in the cloud,” offering peace of mind in case something happens to the PC.

The catch is that while the backup feature is useful, there are limitations when it comes to free storage. As Windows Latest explains, “the Windows Backup feature is indeed good [but] it’s worth noting that OneDrive’s free storage is limited to 5GB, so you need to buy storage to use the Windows Backup feature. It isn’t practically possible to backup your complete PC to OneDrive in the long run unless you have empty folders.”

In essence, users are being nudged towards paying for that peace of mind. This push comes on the heels of the CrowdStrike incident involving blue screen of death images, and Microsoft’s use of its dominant desktop OS to promote additional products and services walks a fine line. Although Microsoft has been urging users towards its browser and search engine for some time, this latest OneDrive campaign is new.

The Register comments on this tactic by stating, “Microsoft is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to annoy Windows users… imposing a full-screen pop-up that urges them to back up their files using another Microsoft product is perhaps an upsell too far, particularly considering how much of the Windows experience is devoted to ads nowadays.”

Much like previous ads comparing Edge to Chrome, this popup carries a slight undertone of threat—click here to protect yourself in case something happens to your PC. And just like the browser wars, this raises questions about the appropriateness of Microsoft using its dominant operating system to push its other products, especially in the current era of gatekeeper technologies. With Windows holding more than 70% of the global desktop OS market, it certainly has the influence to do so.

Backing up your PC is undoubtedly sound advice, and utilizing cloud storage is a practical option. However, it’s crucial to carefully consider which service to use before making a commitment. While OneDrive offers tighter integration with Windows compared to its competitors, switching services and transferring files back and forth can be cumbersome once you’ve started. It’s wise to do thorough research and choose the provider and storage level that best suits your needs.

Google has issued an apology following a significant bug that prevented a substantial number of Windows users from accessing or saving their passwords. The issue began on July 24 and lasted for nearly 18 hours until it was resolved on July 25. Google attributed the problem to “a change in product behavior without proper feature guard,” a situation that echoes recent issues faced by users during the CrowdStrike disruption earlier this month.

The bug affected users of the Chrome web browser globally, rendering previously saved passwords and newly stored passwords invisible to those using the Chrome password manager. Google has since addressed and fixed the problem, noting that it was confined to the M127 version of Chrome on the Windows platform.

Determining the exact number of users impacted by the issue is challenging. However, with over 3 billion Chrome users worldwide and Windows users constituting the majority, estimates suggest that around 25% of users experienced the configuration change, amounting to approximately 750 million users. Google estimated that about 2% of these users were affected by the password manager issue, which translates to roughly 15 million users experiencing the problem.

The disruption has now been resolved. Initially, Google offered an interim workaround involving a cumbersome process: launching Chrome with the command line flag “ —enable-features=SkipUndecryptablePasswords.” Fortunately, the final fix requires users only to restart their Chrome browser. Google thanked users for their patience, stating, “We apologize for the inconvenience this service disruption/outage may have caused.” Users who experienced issues beyond this should contact Google Workspace Support for assistance.

For those using Google’s Chrome password manager, it can be accessed through the browser’s three-dot menu under Passwords and Autofill, then Google Password Manager. Alternatively, users can install the password manager Chrome app from the settings and access it directly from the Google apps menu. If Chrome prompts for a password autofill, selecting manage passwords will also navigate users to the password manager.

For users interested in switching from a standalone password manager to Google’s offering, though it is generally recommended to use a separate service for added security, the transition is straightforward. First, export your passwords from the existing application as a .CSV file, ensuring the file is correctly formatted with column headers: url, username, and password. Then, go to passwords.google.com in Chrome, select Settings|Import, and upload your password file. Remember to delete the .CSV file from your device and empty the trash to prevent unauthorized access.

While Google’s Chrome password manager is user-friendly, it may not offer the best security compared to dedicated password managers. Using a dedicated service is preferable as it provides additional security features such as two-factor authentication, password generation options, and other safeguards. For instance, I use 1Password, which employs end-to-end encryption for data in transit, 256-bit AES encryption, and secure pseudorandom number generators for encryption keys. The service also incorporates key derivation strengthening and a 128-bit secret key created on the user’s device, not known to 1Password. This secret key, used in conjunction with the master password, protects the vault. Even if an attacker gained physical access, they would need the master password to decrypt stored information. Brute-forcing the 1Password servers would be futile without the secret key, which is only stored on the user’s device.

The Google Chrome password manager can also use on-device encryption if configured. Instructions for setting this up are available, though users should note that once on-device encryption is enabled, it cannot be removed. With this setup, users can unlock their password or passkey using their Google password or the screen lock on compatible devices.

In addition to the password manager issue, Google users have recently faced another security problem. Renowned cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs reported that email verification issues when creating new Google Workspace accounts also surfaced. This authentication issue, now fixed by Google, allowed malicious actors to bypass email verification, enabling them to impersonate domain holders at third-party services. This breach permitted unauthorized access to third-party accounts, including Dropbox.

The problem appeared to be linked to Google Workspace’s free trials, which offer access to services like Google Docs. Typically, Gmail is accessible only to users who can verify control over the associated domain name. However, attackers managed to circumvent this verification process. Anu Yamunan, Director of Abuse and Safety Protections at Google Workspace, confirmed to Krebs that a few thousand accounts were created without domain verification before the fix was implemented. This fix was applied within 72 hours of the vulnerability being reported. Yamunan explained, “The tactic here was to create a specifically-constructed request by a bad actor to circumvent email verification during the signup process.” None of the compromised domains were previously linked to Workspace accounts or services.

India’s aspiration to surpass China and establish itself as a global manufacturing hub is fraught with significant challenges, according to NR Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. At the ‘ELCIA Tech Summit 2024,’ Murthy conveyed his doubts regarding India’s capacity to match China’s manufacturing dominance, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced government involvement and public governance for India to achieve meaningful progress in this domain.

Murthy advised caution against the premature use of ambitious terms like “hub” and “global leader.” He pointed out, “China has already become the factory of the world. Around 90% of things in supermarkets and home depots in other countries are manufactured in China. They have six times the GDP of India. It is too audacious of us to say India will become the manufacturing hub.” This comparison highlights the considerable gap India must close to compete with China’s manufacturing capabilities.

Murthy elaborated that while the IT sector benefits greatly from exports, the manufacturing industry relies heavily on domestic contributions and governmental support. He noted, “For manufacturing, by and large, the domestic contribution is more, and the government plays a big role in the success of manufacturing. Unfortunately, the response time, transparency, accountability, speed, and excellence in public governance in a country like India still need to improve.” He stressed the importance of reducing the interface between government and industry to promote manufacturing growth.

Additionally, Murthy addressed the critical need for entrepreneurs to better evaluate market conditions and use simple mathematical models to increase value. He explained, “Entrepreneurs need to learn to assess the market and estimate the possible size they can capture. They must be able to produce simple mathematical models to bring higher value leverage, vis-à-vis all other ideas in the market. This knowledge and talent are mandatory for success.”

Looking to the future, Murthy expressed confidence in the resilience of human creativity in the face of advancing AI. He asserted, “AI will not replace designers and individuals implementing large-scale application systems, simply because they are too complex. There will have to be huge data dictionaries, data programs, and interconnectivity between all. The creativity and power of the human mind are superior to this system.”

In an unexpected shift, Samsung has significantly revamped its latest devices and operating system to alter the functionality of Android fundamentally. This update makes Samsung’s user interface (UI) more akin to the iPhone and extends beyond the broader restrictions anticipated with Android 15. Given that this is Android, this change will likely provoke a strong reaction.

Although Google’s Play Store has substantial security issues, the main threat to Android devices arises from third-party app stores and direct installs. These sources lack the stringent screening defenses of the official store, providing a conduit for threat actors to distribute malicious installs via social media, messengers, and email.

In its core OS, Android distinguishes between apps obtained from official stores and other sources, but the default setting allows such apps to be installed. Google’s Play Protect offers some security for these downloads, though it doesn’t match the Play Store’s screening process. Android 15 aims to introduce live, AI-based monitoring to flag risks in real time, but this feature isn’t available yet.

With the rollout of One UI 6 on Android 14, Samsung introduced “enhanced security through a feature called Auto Blocker… When enabled, Auto Blocker protects your Galaxy device and data by preventing the installation of applications from unauthorized sources and blocking malicious activity.”

Until now, users had to manually enable this setting, but this is set to change. Samsung has confirmed that “starting with One UI 6.1.1, additional security features including Maximum Restrictions, have been added.”

This advanced security mode significantly bolsters the defenses of Galaxy devices and, despite some inevitable pushback, will be a welcome change for most users.

As Samsung details on its support site, Maximum Restrictions provides an array of “extra-strong protections,” including:

– App protection: Checks installed apps for malicious activity.

– Blocks device admin apps: Prevents activation of device admin apps and work profiles to safeguard against potential malicious attacks.

– Blocks auto downloading attachments: Prevents automatic downloads of message attachments to guard against malicious software while still allowing manual downloads from trusted sources.

– Blocks hyperlinks and previews: Protects against accidental clicks on hyperlinks or viewing of preview images, shielding users from malicious websites.

– Removes location data when sharing pictures: Ensures recipients cannot determine the picture’s location when sharing via Samsung Messages or Samsung Gallery.- Blocks shared albums: Protects users from sharing sensitive information and accepting invites from unknown senders.

According to Android Authority, “starting with new Galaxy smartphones and tablets that launch with One UI 6.1.1, Samsung has decided to block users from being able to sideload apps from unauthorized sources… We’ll likely start to see complaints arise soon on online forums about side-loading being blocked on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6… Fortunately, it’s really easy to disable Auto Blocker.”

Side-loading apps already requires enabling, and for users with existing restrictions disabled, their preferences will carry over to the new UI. Thus, they won’t notice any change. For most users, however, it is advisable to keep these protections enabled.

Significant changes are coming to the Play Store in the next few weeks, with Google confirming the removal of thousands of low-quality apps. This will eliminate many malicious apps, enhancing the store’s safety. Google is determined to clean up the ecosystem, moving away from the “wild west” atmosphere. Samsung’s approach goes even further in this direction.

With these security advancements, Android is aligning more with the iPhone regarding control. While this shift may be unpopular with some users, it will result in increased safety for the majority.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aims to simplify the process for consumers to unlock their mobile phones from their carriers, proposing that all devices should be unlockable just 60 days after purchase. This proposal seeks to address how it will integrate with current phone plans and purchasing trends, a topic the FCC intends to explore further before implementing the rule.

Typically, mobile phones bought from carriers are locked to that carrier until the contract expires or the phone is fully paid off. Despite progress over the years—unlocking phones was once illegal—it remains unclear to many consumers when and how they can unlock their phones to use with different carriers or in different countries.

To clarify, this isn’t about unlocking the phone using facial recognition, fingerprints, or passwords, but rather altering the phone’s software settings to enable it to work with various mobile networks.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in a press release on Thursday. “When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier you want and not have the device you own stuck by practices that prevent you from making that choice,” she wrote. “That is why we are proposing clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules.”

The proposal specifically requires carriers to provide unlocking services 60 days after activation. While this standard is welcomed, it may clash with the current dynamics of the phone and wireless markets.

For example, although the two-year contract is no longer mandatory for most consumers, many still opt for such contracts to secure pricing and other benefits. More relevantly, phones are often paid for through installment plans, where a phone is acquired for “free” but paid off over several years.

The NPRM stage in FCC rulemaking involves drafting the rule without having solicited public feedback yet. On July 18, the agency will publish the complete document and open the floor for comments on these issues. It’s expected that mobile providers will have much to say!

Without knowing the exact details of the proposed rule, it’s uncertain how it will align with these common pay-over-time arrangements. However, unlocking a phone doesn’t absolve the user from paying off the device—it simply allows them to use it on other networks. If a carrier lets a customer buy a phone outright but locks it to its bands for six months or a year purely out of greed, this rule would provide an early way out.

As Rosenworcel pointed out, the objective of the rule is to offer consistency and transparency—a straightforward, nationwide regulation that sets a reasonable limit on how and when carriers can lock devices. More details will be available in July when the full NPRM is published.

Nikesh Arora, CEO and chairman of Palo Alto Networks, is the sole Indian-American featured among the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in the United States, according to a recent report by C-Suite Comp, a data analytics firm. This report, published on Monday, diverges from the commonly highlighted Indian-origin executives in Silicon Valley, such as Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella, who did not make the list.

C-Suite Comp compiled two lists based on different metrics: “total compensation granted” and “compensation actually paid” in 2023. Remarkably, neither Google’s Sundar Pichai nor Microsoft’s Satya Nadella featured on either list, despite Microsoft’s significant achievements with OpenAI over the past year. Conversely, Nikesh Arora secured spots on both lists, highlighting his significant earnings.

In the “Highest earning CEOs in the US by total compensation granted in 2023” category, Arora ranked fourth with an impressive $151.4 million. Additionally, he was tenth in the “Highest earning CEOs in the US by compensation actually paid in 2023” category, with an annual compensation totaling $266.4 million.

Leading the list of highest-paid CEOs by actual compensation in 2023 is Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, with an astronomical earning of $1.4 billion. He is followed by Alexander Karp of Palantir Technologies, who also crossed the billion-dollar mark with $1.1 billion. Other notable CEOs on this list include Hock Tan of Broadcom, Brian Armstrong of Coinbase Global, and Safra Catz of Oracle.

Here’s a detailed look at the top earners:

1. Elon Musk, Tesla – $1.4 billion
2. Alexander Karp, Palantir Technologies- $1.1 billion
3. Hock Tan, Broadcom- $767.7 million
4. Brian Armstrong, Coinbase Global – $680.9 million
5. Safra Catz, Oracle- $304.1 million
6. Brian Chesky, Airbnb- $303.5 million
7. Jon Winkelried, TPG – $295.1 million
8. Jeff Green, Trade Desk – $291.7 million
9. Adam Foroughi, Applovin- $271.3 million
10. Nikesh Arora, Palo Alto Networks- $266.4 million

Nikesh Arora’s journey to becoming one of the highest-paid CEOs is noteworthy. He became the CEO of Palo Alto Networks in 2018, following a distinguished career at Google and SoftBank Group. Born 56 years ago to an Indian Air Force officer, Arora completed his early education at Air Force Public School in Delhi. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (now IIT-BHU). Furthering his education, he obtained an MBA from Northeastern University and an MSc from Boston College.

Arora’s professional trajectory includes a decade at Google, where he held senior leadership roles. In 2014, he transitioned to SoftBank Group, serving as its president and chief operating officer. His career also spans roles at T-Mobile and Bharti Airtel, Europe.

In his personal life, Arora is married to Ayesha Thapar, the granddaughter of the notable business magnate Karam Chand Thapar. This background not only highlights his professional achievements but also his significant personal affiliations.

Arora’s inclusion in the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in the US underscores the financial recognition of his leadership at Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity company. His dual appearances on both the “total compensation granted” and “compensation actually paid” lists further emphasize his substantial earnings and the high value placed on his executive role.

The achievement is particularly significant given the context of the technology industry, where other prominent Indian-American CEOs like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella have not made the same lists despite their considerable influence and the technological advancements under their leadership. Arora’s recognition in these rankings demonstrates the diverse achievements of Indian-origin executives in the United States and the broad spectrum of industries where they make significant impacts.

Nikesh Arora stands out not just among Indian-origin executives, but across the entire landscape of American corporate leadership. His impressive earnings and notable career progression highlight his substantial contributions to the tech industry and his exceptional role at Palo Alto Networks. As the only Indian-American in the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in the US, Arora’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, expertise, and the high regard in which he is held within the business community.

Several of India’s largest temples, including the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, and Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, have embraced facial recognition technology to manage their vast numbers of worshippers. This technology captures data on tens of thousands of daily visitors, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance in the absence of clear regulations.

At the Venkateswara Swami Temple, for instance, devotees are photographed upon entry, with their details cross-checked against registration information. According to L.M. Sandeep, TTD’s general manager for information technology, the system aims to prevent criminal entry and eliminate exploitation by middlemen who charge for expedited temple access and accommodation services.

Critics like Disha Verma from the Internet Freedom Foundation argue that facial recognition technology is inherently flawed and raises serious privacy concerns, particularly when used without robust legal frameworks. They warn of potential misuse of data, especially in a country where similar technologies have been deployed for law enforcement purposes, often with discriminatory outcomes.

India has rapidly adopted facial recognition technology since 2018, with systems deployed across various states in public spaces, schools, and even temples. Concerns about its accuracy and the lack of transparency regarding data storage and usage persist, despite some legislative efforts like India’s Data Protection Law, which has yet to be fully enforced.

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marked a significant moment, symbolizing a shift towards integrating AI technology into religious sites for enhanced security. However, critics argue that such measures could lead to increased surveillance and potential misuse of data, particularly in a politically charged environment where religious sentiments are mobilized during elections.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, witnessing massive footfall daily, introduced AI-enabled facial recognition in 2023 to manage crowds effectively. Similarly, other states have explored schemes linking temple visits with government subsidies, raising further concerns about privacy and the possible targeting of minority groups.

While India’s parliament passed its first data protection law in 2023, its implementation remains pending, leaving privacy rights vulnerable to technological advancements like facial recognition. Contrastingly, countries like China have begun drafting laws to restrict private use of such technologies and safeguard personal data, highlighting the global debate on surveillance and privacy rights.

In the absence of clear guidelines and accountability, the deployment of facial recognition in temples and other public spaces continues to be contentious. Legal challenges have been mounted, although outcomes remain pending, reflecting the broader uncertainty and concerns regarding privacy in the digital age.

In a significant advancement for customer service technology in the Middle East, NAM InfoCom has introduced a cutting-edge Arabic Interactive Voice Response (IVR) solution named IVR 2.0, powered by @E42.ai’s advanced AI platform. This innovation promises to revolutionize customer interactions across the region.

NAM InfoCom, renowned for its IT solutions globally, has developed this new Arabic IVR system as a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. By harnessing the sophisticated AI capabilities of @E42.ai, NAM InfoCom aims to provide businesses with a tool that can manage customer inquiries more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

Vinay Mahajan, CEO of NAM InfoCom, emphasized the importance of customer service in driving business success, particularly in the rapidly growing and evolving Middle Eastern market. He stated, “Our new AI-powered Arabic IVR 2.0 solution is designed to meet the specific needs of this region, providing businesses with the ability to offer high-quality, round-the-clock customer support.”

The article highlights a challenge faced by a leading provider of voice-supported backend services—a surge in call volumes strained manpower resources and impacted profitability. To combat this, the company implemented voice-based intelligent responses to automate call handling. However, they encountered limitations in cognitive capabilities and experienced reduced customer satisfaction.

Seeking a solution that could deliver more human-like responses, the company integrated a Cognitive AI platform into their response system. This enhancement enabled the system to accept voice inputs, recognize customer queries, validate identities, generate context-aware responses, guide users through interactive voice experiences, confirm resolutions, and probe for further issues.

The integration of Cognitive AI yielded significant results:

– Reduced caller wait times to under 3 seconds.

– Improved customer experience and satisfaction.

– Increased operational efficiency and reduced manpower costs.

The benefits extended beyond efficiency improvements. The enhanced IVR system offered:

– Enhanced self-service capabilities through natural language understanding.

– Personalized support by analyzing customer data and tailoring responses based on past interactions.

– Improved issue resolution rates using machine learning.

– Round-the-clock availability for seamless customer support across time zones.

– Substantial cost savings by automating complex tasks and reducing operational overheads.

– Reduced wait times for quicker issue resolution.

– Enhanced first-call resolution rates with accurate and helpful information.

The Middle Eastern market poses unique challenges due to its diverse and multilingual population, which often complicates delivering consistent and effective customer support. NAM InfoCom’s AI-powered Arabic IVR 2.0 addresses these challenges adeptly by not only understanding and speaking Arabic fluently but also adapting to the cultural nuances and expectations of customers in the region.

Animesh Samuel, CEO of @E42.ai, expressed their goal to empower Middle Eastern businesses in enhancing customer service operations. He remarked, “By combining our AI expertise with NAM InfoCom’s deep understanding of the local market, we have developed a solution that truly meets the needs of Arabic-speaking customers and can be adapted to cater to diverse language needs globally.”

The integration of a Cognitive AI platform into the company’s IVR system marked a transformative shift in their call center operations. By leveraging AI capabilities, they have not only elevated customer experiences but also streamlined processes and significantly boosted profitability. This innovation underscores NAM InfoCom’s leadership in delivering advanced solutions tailored to meet the dynamic demands of the Middle Eastern market.

Duddilla Sridhar Babu, the IT minister of Telangana, emphasized the state’s proactive efforts in engaging NRIs, particularly those of Telugu origin, to contribute to the development of their respective regions and hometowns. Speaking to New India Abroad, Babu outlined plans to create platforms ensuring accountability for NRIs’ contributions: “We would like to create some platform. So, the benefits that NRIs would like to share with their own people will be given with proper audit and accountability.”

He highlighted the initiative taken by the former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy to establish a US embassy in Hyderabad, simplifying visa processes for Telangana residents: “Previously, people from Telangana had to travel to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru for their visas, but they can now be obtained locally,” he noted.

Addressing the significant Telugu diaspora in the US, Babu urged their contribution in various forms, including intellectual property and financial support: “We are seeking their contribution in terms of kind, in terms of their intellectual property, in terms of their expertise. And if need be, if somebody wants to contribute in terms of money or in cash, they can give back to the region or the place where they hail from.”

Regarding economic policies, Babu, a Congress leader, affirmed the government’s commitment to Telangana’s economic progress. He underscored the continuity of progressive policies while introducing new initiatives to further enhance economic growth: “This is the confidence that we have been trying to instill in our investors in the state and who also become the stakeholders of our state’s economy.”

Babu outlined plans to replicate Hyderabad’s success across other districts and towns, promoting investment in tier 2 and tier 3 cities for holistic development: “The plan is to replicate Hyderabad’s success in other districts and towns, encouraging investors to set up operations in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, fostering a holistic development approach.”

Highlighting Telangana’s role in the global IT sector, Babu acknowledged the contribution of companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, whose operations in Hyderabad have significantly contributed to their global growth: “Most of the companies which have contributed to US growth too, we are also part and parcel of this growth.”

In the context of emerging technologies, Babu stressed the importance of embracing AI to avoid missed opportunities similar to the semiconductor industry: “AI is occupying a major role in times to come. So, we cannot miss that bus. We cannot miss that, just like we have missed the semiconductor bus.”

Reflecting on Hyderabad’s advantages over Bengaluru, Babu cited affordable living, reliable infrastructure for water and power, and efforts to decentralize growth across the city: “We have affordable living, quality of life is much better, you know, water, is never a problem, power is never a problem and when you see in some parts, the density of the population, especially the IT population, is high. Now we are concentrating on four corners of Hyderabad.”

He contrasted Hyderabad’s growth strategy with Bengaluru’s centralized development approach, emphasizing the need to learn from Bengaluru’s experiences: “When Bengaluru is losing its vitality, we are growing and we have learned many lessons in the process from Bengaluru too. Not to concentrate everything in one area or one city, but we are trying to concentrate in all parts of our state.”

Duddilla Sridhar Babu articulated Telangana’s strategic initiatives to leverage its diaspora’s strengths, promote economic growth, embrace technological advancements like AI, and ensure balanced regional development. His vision underscores the state’s ambition to emerge as a leader in inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Apple is fully embracing artificial intelligence, unveiling several novel AI functionalities and forming a partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. This groundbreaking collaboration was announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday.

Regarded by analysts as relatively slower in embracing AI compared to peers like Microsoft and Google, this move marks a significant step forward for Apple. The partnership allows Apple’s vast user base to tap into the technology offered by OpenAI, a prominent player in the AI landscape. OpenAI, known for its high-profile alliances with various technology and publishing entities, including a substantial deal with Microsoft, will now integrate its capabilities into Apple’s digital assistant Siri, as revealed by Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi during the conference. This integration will enable users to seek assistance for tasks ranging from recipe suggestions to story composition, as Federighi demonstrated with an example of crafting a customized bedtime story for a child.

The announcement comes amidst the rapid expansion of AI technology, accompanied by notable challenges such as erroneous outputs and controversies like the alleged unauthorized use of actor Scarlett Johansson’s voice by OpenAI. Additionally, Apple finds itself entangled in an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Justice Department and several states, accusing the tech giant of monopolistic practices. The implications of Apple’s partnership with OpenAI in the context of this legal battle remain uncertain.

Following Apple’s disclosure, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “very happy to be partnering with apple to integrate chatgpt into their devices later this year! think you will really like it.”

Alongside its collaboration with OpenAI, Apple introduces “Apple Intelligence,” its proprietary generative AI software. This new offering encompasses features such as call transcription, AI-powered photo editing, and enhancements to Siri’s conversational abilities. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence facilitates the summarization of notifications, text messages, articles, documents, and web pages. Federighi underscored Apple’s commitment to privacy with the introduction of Private Cloud Compute, a system designed to safeguard user data.

Apple has slated the rollout of these new features for later this year.

In a significant cybersecurity breach, a group of hackers has leaked a database containing the criminal records of 70 million Americans, as reported by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes. The leaked data includes comprehensive personal and criminal details, posing a serious threat to those with past convictions.

Details of the Leak:

The leaked database contains extensive information, including full names, dates of birth, known aliases, postal addresses, dates of arrest, dates of conviction, sentences, and more. This leak is particularly concerning for anyone who has been convicted in the past, as their personal and criminal details are now exposed.

Malwarebytes disclosed the news of this data leak on its blog. The post suggests that the company did not have direct access to the leaked database but was able to provide substantial information about the incident and the threat actors involved.

The Perpetrators:

The hacking groups EquationCorp and USDoD are reportedly behind this major data breach involving the criminal record database. The breach resulted in the online leak of the database, which contains 70 million entries. These entries include comprehensive personal and criminal details of millions of Americans who had encounters with the U.S. justice system between 2020 and 2024.

Insights from Malwarebytes:

We reached out to Malwarebytes and spoke with Pieter Arntz, a security researcher at the company. Arntz informed us that they were able to obtain a small sample of the criminal records, which are specific to individual incidents. Each entry represents either an arrest or a case rather than a comprehensive compilation of all crimes committed by a single person. In other words, these records provide a snapshot of discrete legal events rather than a comprehensive overview of an individual’s criminal history.

The Source and Motive:

The exact source of this database is unknown. However, the hacker group USDoD, a major player in the field, is closely linked to “Pompompurin,” the operator of the original data leak site BreachForums. According to Malwarebytes, USDoD plans to create a successor to the second version of BreachForums, which was recently shut down by law enforcement. By releasing this database, USDoD might be trying to attract new users.

The same hacker is also believed to be involved in a breach at TransUnion, the data from which was partly dumped in September 2023.

Implications of the Leak:

The exposure of such a comprehensive criminal database could have significant implications for law enforcement, judicial proceedings, and the individuals mentioned within the dataset. The hackers who pulled off the leak might be looking to make a quick buck by selling your data to shady characters on the dark web. They might also try to con you by pretending to be someone you trust or a legit company, aiming to get their hands on some cash.

This much bulk data can also be used by bad actors to threaten, harass and blackmail people with records similar to the Ashley Madison breach. For the unaware, In July 2015, a hacker group calling itself “The Impact Team” stole the user data of Ashley Madison, a commercial website billed as enabling extramarital affairs. These hackers copied personal information from the user base and threatened to expose users’ names and personal details unless Ashley Madison shut down right away.

Steps to Protect Your Personal Data and Privacy:

If you suspect you’ve been impacted by this data breach, follow these steps to protect your personal data and privacy:

1.Invest in identity theft protection:If you think your personal data has been leaked, scammers may try to impersonate you to gain access to your private information. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to subscribe to an identity theft service.

2.Place a fraud alert:Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert to be placed on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without verification.

3.Be cautious of phishing attempts:Be vigilant about emails, phone calls or messages from unknown sources asking for personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive details unless you can verify the legitimacy of the request.

4.Check Social Security benefits:It is crucial to periodically check your Social Security benefits to ensure they have not been tampered with or altered in any way, safeguarding your financial security and preventing potential fraud.

5.Invest in removal services:While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.

6.Change your password:You can render a stolen password useless to thieves simply by changing it. Opt for a strong password — one you don’t use elsewhere. Even better, consider letting a password manager generate one for you.

The fact that threat actors were able to leak such a comprehensive amount of data suggests serious loopholes in government systems. These issues need to be addressed to prevent data breaches like this from exposing people’s personal information. As there is currently no advisory from the government, you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. Stay extra vigilant against identity theft and targeted phishing attacks.

Have you ever been a victim of a data breach? If yes, what steps did you take to protect your personal data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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