Posts

Showing posts from March, 2023

Apple's iOS 16.4: Security Updates Are Better Than a Goose Emoji

Plus: Microsoft Outlook and Android patch serious flaws, Chrome and Firefox get fixes, and much more. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/uTUS3PQ

Trump’s Indictment Marks a Historic Reckoning

A Manhattan grand jury has issued the first-ever indictment of a former US president. Buckle up for whatever happens next. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/hCeyMkl

TNW València has arrived! Here are some highlights from Day 1  

Image
TNW València is finally here! Founders, investors, business leaders, and tech enthusiasts descended on València’s marina this morning to discover the next in tech, now. Before long, the venue — nestled between the historic inner city and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean — was bustling with talks, deals, pitches, and a whole lot of fun. TNW València is officially open! It’s #Time4València and you are all invited to enjoy the @FinancialTimes #tech festival and to discover the Valencian innovative ecosystem. Let the future of technology surprise you! 🖤👾 pic.twitter.com/e1oAse7yEF — VLC Tech City (@VLCTechCity) March 29, 2023  … This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/dcsgkKA

The Effort to Harness Animal ‘Supersenses’—and Avert Disaster

Technologists want to recreate the sensitivity of certain animals to the subtle signals of impending danger in order to save human lives. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/0LhfI7H

Stockholm is a world-class tech hub: 6 startups and scaleups to watch

Image
Once predominantly known for IKEA, Ericsson, and Volvo, in the past decade, Sweden has emerged as one the most valued tech ecosystems in Europe, with Stockholm ranking as the fifth top performer in 2021. The success of Swedish startups such as Tink and Spotify has turned the capital city into a world-renowned tech hub, attracting the attention of international investors — and for good reason. Stockholm is home to nearly 3,000 startups and scaleups, and counts 208 VC investors and 101,000 tech employees. The city has also bred more tech unicorns per capita than any other region in the world… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/XFES1Jb

Porn ID Laws: Your State or Country May Soon Require Age Verification

An increasing number of states are passing age-verification laws. It’s not clear how they’ll work. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/4Mqlc6E

The US Is Sending Money to Countries Devastated by Cyberattacks

The White House is providing $25 million to Costa Rica, after giving Albania similar aid following aggression by hackers linked to Iran. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/DOWmq7K

Opinion: The AI pope coat is the shape of hyperreality to come

Image
By now, you’ll have seen it. Pope Francis walks across the frame, his focus on the mid-distance. He’s brightly lit as though it’s early morning. A silver cross hangs from his neck, dangling over his snow-white, Balenciaga-inspired puffer jacket. It’s the baller bishop, the steezy father, his holy drippiness — and he’s been ordained from on high. If you were on social media at any point over the past weekend, you would have seen the image. And — if you were anything like me and seemingly millions of other people — you didn’t immediately realise it was AI-generated. In history… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/BiSKsWN

How Good Smile, a Major Toy Company, Kept 4chan Online

Documents obtained by WIRED confirm that Good Smile, which licenses toy production for Disney, was an investor in the controversial image board. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/r1pklLe

Red Teaming GPT-4 Was Valuable. Violet Teaming Will Make It Better

To keep up with the speed of AI advances, we need to develop systems that use AI to defend public goods, too. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/YDEP5LC

Why third-party app stores are good for Apple’s users — and the company

Image
With the passage of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 2022, online platforms, including Apple, with EU revenues of 75 billion euros or more and at least 45 million active monthly end users must open up their devices to third party app stores. The DMA aims to end unfair practices by large online platforms that hold a high degree of market power and function as so-called digital “gatekeepers,” providing key gateways between consumers and business users. The goal of the DMA is to make it easier for small and mid-size tech companies to enter markets currently dominated by… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Apple from The Next Web https://ift.tt/PiWcKMl

Award-winning economist has tapped AI to close the gender equity gap

Image
The gender equity gap in the tech sector is well-documented. Research has found that women occupy only 22% of all tech roles across European companies, while the proportion of funding raised by female-only teams has dropped from 3% to 1% since 2018. The issue is prevalent at every level of the industry. A 2022 poll by Web Summit showed that 67% of European women in technology feel unfairly paid compared to their male peers. Despite this pessimistic picture, technology can also provide a means to close the gender equity gap. That’s the mission of acclaimed gender economist and former Global 500… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/w9zILkR

North Korea Is Now Mining Crypto to Launder Its Stolen Loot

A spy group working for the Kim regime has been feeding stolen coins into crypto mining services in an effort to throw tracers off their trail. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/9oHaEhF

Swedish startup takes commuting by boat to new heights — literally

Image
Is it a boat or is it a plane? Put your glasses on! This is clearly an electrically-powered hydrofoil passenger ferry.  The brainchild of Swedish startup Candela, the P-12 Shuttle is set to become the fastest and longest-range electric passenger vessel in the world when it launches this summer.  Founded in 2014, Candela has spent years perfecting its design on recreational boats, and now, fuelled by a $20m cash injection, is looking to scale up production and bring hydrofoil passenger boats into the mainstream.  The startup is currently building the first two vessels at its new factory in Stockholm, and… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/gIiz6As

Be Your Own Tab Manager

WIRED's spiritual advice columnist on the tendency to keep tabs open and the desire to reduce the infinite possibilities of the internet. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/Ia2k84b

How an outsider’s freedom can make a successful startup founder

Image
Building a startup in a sector you’ve never worked in might seem a risky move, but it can actually provide a competitive advantage. That’s certainly proven true for Vivino. Founded in 2010 in Copenhagen, the scaleup has raised $221 million in funding, and become the world’s most downloaded wine app and largest online wine marketplace, with a community of 50 million users. This success came despite an unconventional background. Vivino’s cofounders didn’t come from a place with a rich history of wine, and neither of them had previously worked in the sector. For Heini Zachariassen, co-founder of Vivino, and founder… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/BMCLpiP

6 biggest tech nightmares to avoid next time you travel abroad

Image
Drop me on a Balinese coastline with a decent paperback and my smartphone, and I’ll luxuriate for two weeks straight. But fly me out to the same spot with a Nokia 3310 and a physical map, like the one my dad used to carry, and I’ll probably have a nervous breakdown. Most of us can agree that we’re hyper-dependent on tech, especially when we’re navigating a new place abroad. And the further or more remote you go, the more likely you are to run into tech breakdowns that can put a damper on your plans to wander freely. From racking… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/RPfBuG2

5 Best Password Managers (2022): Features, Pricing, and Tips

Keep your logins locked down with our favorite apps for PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and web browsers. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/hzMSeAN

Deliveroo’s Dutch Supreme Court ruling provides little clarity for the sector

Image
Riders working for Deliveroo are employees, not freelancers, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled on Friday, in a potentially precedent-setting case for the country’s platform economy. The case was brought to trial by trade union FNV, which has been engaged in a legal battle with Deliveroo since 2018. The dispute started when the British firm announced it would discontinue work contracts for its delivery drivers, instead offering them the option to continue as freelancers. FNV immediately filed a lawsuit, arguing that the drivers deserved the legal protections afforded to permanent staff members.  FNV deputy president, Zakaria Boufangacha, said that, as freelancers,… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/kBFOYhj

They Posted Porn on Twitter. German Authorities Called the Cops

Regulators are using an AI system to scan websites and messaging apps to find pornography. Creators face fines and potential prison sentences. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/5nRpQoy

To Hold Tech Accountable, Look to Public Health

The field of public health has transformed medicine, yet failed the most vulnerable. This trajectory can be avoided. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/wnQGcfg

Crypto Was Afraid to Show Its Face at SXSW 2023

Any mention of crypto was deliberately veiled at this year’s festival. And that strategy might catch on. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/yVsYIDw

India Shut Down Mobile Internet in Punjab Amid Manhunt for Amritpal Singh

Plus: The “Clop” gang's ransomware spree, the DC Health Link breach comes into focus, and more. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/A21MpGh

Imploring TikTok to “Think of the Children” Misses the Point

In last week's hearing, lawmakers kept focusing on the harms TikTok inflicts on kids. Until they take steps to solve these problems, that's a distraction. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/vHCdilE

7 unmissable highlights of TNW València

Image
Ladies and gentlemen, the moment has almost arrived: TNW València is next week!  In case you’ve been living under a rock (or frequenting another tech site, you traitor), we’re taking our cherished festival on the road. After 16 glorious years in Amsterdam, we’re bringing the show to Spain’s Mediterranean coast — and you’re all invited. We’re not only there for the sun, sea, and sand — far from it, in fact. València has the fastest-growing innovation ecosystem in Spain, and the most startups per capita in the country. On March 30th and 31st, we’ll showcase the best tech in the region… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/DrngdbM

BMW backs German startup to deliver ‘next generation’ of EV motors

Image
BMW has invested in DeepDrive, the German startup behind a new type of “ultra-efficient” motor for electric vehicles.  The €15m Series A funding round also saw participation from the likes of UVC Partners, the Continental Corporate Venture Capital Unit, and former board member and CTO of Audi and Volvo, Peter Mertens.   Founded in 2021, the Munich-based startup has developed a radial flux dual-rotor motor that boasts the highest torque and power density of any EV motor available today, the startup claims. It also has low noise emissions, and is built using far fewer rare earth materials.   All of this translates… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/B2dMcmw

These 3 fintech trends are key to building an inclusive future

Image
Michael Schlein will be speaking at TNW Valencia 2023 about How fintech innovation can drive inclusive growth. Check out this discussion on the Impact stage on Thursday, March 3oth.   The world has changed so much over the past few years. The global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, worsening climate change, widespread social unrest — all these challenges have had major consequences for families, small businesses, and communities globally. For the first time in our lifetimes, global poverty and hunger are on the rise, and the economic environment remains uncertain and unstable. As challenges evolve, so do solutions. While today’s challenges… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Fintech from The Next Web https://ift.tt/31xal6h

The TikTok Hearing Revealed That Congress Is the Problem

The interrogation of CEO Shou Zi Chew highlighted US lawmakers’ own failure to pass privacy legislation. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/YtDkhBg

TikTok Paid for Influencers to Attend the Pro-TikTok Rally in DC

The embattled social media company brought out the checkbook to ensure at least 30 of its biggest assets—creators—were in DC to help fend off critics. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/AeVJdUv

How to pitch your startup: 9 tips from an expert

Image
Ah, the joys of pitching. Your entire masterplan squeezed into a few sentences, a room of powerful strangers with your future in their hands, and mere seconds to impress them. Who doesn’t love a quick dip in a shark tank? Quite a lot of people, unfortunately. Luckily for them, pitching coach David Beckett is here to help. Beckett has spent decades mastering the art of public speaking. He first honed his skills through over 1,000 corporate presentations across 16 years at Canon, before switching to the crisper craft of startup pitches. In 2013, Beckett founded Best3Minutes, which provides in-person and online training… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/bvGsQDJ

Dark store clampdowns are the newest headache for rapid grocery delivery in Europe

Image
When Barcelona decided to clamp down on dark stores, it opened a new chapter in the story of rapid grocery delivery. In January, the city’s authorities rolled out new restrictions on buildings used by the likes of Glovo and Getir, which had been relentlessly expanding.  These startups use dark stores as distribution hubs for their speedy deliveries. Couriers zip in and out of the buildings all day to collect goods for customers. The facilities, however, have sparked a backlash in many European cities. Residents are complaining about the noise levels, the gatherings of couriers on the street, and the taking up of… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/R3jX4wf

Bug in Google Markup, Windows Photo-Cropping Tools Exposes Removed Image Data

Image-editing tools from Google and Microsoft contain the “aCropalypse” bug, which can reveal information users intentionally removed. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/ae7cNWz

Nuclear power startups are flourishing in Europe — here’s what they can offer

Image
While the tech downturn rumbles on, investment in nuclear fusion remains strong — in 2021, over €2.7 billion was injected in this field alone. More recently, the UK Space Agency committed £2.9 million to have Rolls-Royce develop a nuclear reactor that could work on the Moon and power future settlements there. Back on Earth, nuclear technology has a significant role to play in achieving global carbon neutrality and limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In its 2022 report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) flagged its importance in improving multiple sectors including power, which is responsible for more than a third… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/RyAogXp

These are the new jobs generative AI could create in the future

Image
Search interest in ChatGPT has reached a 2,633% boost in interest since last December, shortly after its launch. For the artificial intelligence and machine learning industry, and for those working in tech as a whole, OpenAI’s chatbot represents a true crossing of the Rubicon. A generative form of AI, it uses prompts to produce content and conversations, whereas traditional AI looks at things such as pattern detection, decision making, or classifying data. We already benefit from artificial intelligence, whether we realise it or not—from Siri in our Apple phones to the choices Netflix or Amazon Prime make for us to… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/StyID7s

AI Loves—and Loathes—Language

Deep learning networks may look like brains, but that doesn’t mean they can think like humans. On the ever-expanding meganet, that’s a problem. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/cA0NGKB

The TikTok CEO’s Face-Off With Congress Is Doomed

On Thursday, Shou Zi Chew will meet a rare united front in the US Congress against the Chinese-owned social media app that has lawmakers in a tizzy. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/7hpF8f4

How You Can Tell the AI Images of Trump’s Arrest Are Deepfakes

Doctored images of the former US president went viral on Twitter. These are the telltale signs that they aren’t what they seem. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/LsDVewc

Big Tech gives EU access to thousands of user accounts each year

Image
Most of us share huge amounts of personal information online, and Big Tech companies are in many ways the gatekeepers of this data. But how much do they share with the authorities? And how often do governments request user data?  According to new research by VPN provider SurfShark, the answer is a lot, and a lot again.  As detailed in SurfShark’s new report which analysed user data requests that Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft received from government agencies of 177 countries between 2013 and 2021, Tech giants get a lot of requests for user data, and the majority of the time,… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/KdDsaVm

NATO picks Netherlands for HQ of new €1B innovation fund

Image
The Netherlands has been selected as the headquarters of NATO’s Innovation Fund (NIF) in a decision disclosed on Monday. First announced at the organisation’s 2022 Madrid Summit, the fund will invest €1 billion on behalf of NATO member countries over the next 15 years. NIF is a multi-sovereign venture capital fund that will focus on investing in early-stage startups and other VC funds developing (dual-use) emerging and disruptive technologies — to be used in military and defense applications. These include: artificial intelligence; big-data processing; quantum technologies; autonomy; biotechnology and human enhancement; novel materials; energy; propulsion and space. “This will allow… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/FGVJLY8

You’re Thinking About ‘Life’ All Wrong

Society’s outdated ideas about what it means to be alive are obstructing progress on some of today’s most pressing issues. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/SRAbJPw

Rolls-Royce secures UK backing to build nuclear reactor on the Moon

Image
Future astronauts living and working on the Moon will require reliable technologies to store and deliver continuous, reliable energy.  But with no wind, no combustible fuels, no water (as far as we know), and two weeks of darkness at a time —the Moon isn’t exactly the best place to set up a solar or wind farm.   British aerospace company Rolls-Royce believes it has a solution to this conundrum: nuclear micro-reactors.   The UK Space Agency (UKSA) seems to agree. It announced last week £2.9m of funding for Rolls-Royce’s lunar micro-reactor project. This follows a £249,000 study funded by the agency last… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/KTpZiYc

The Scorched-Earth Tactics of Iran’s Cyber Army

Amid ongoing protests, the Iranian regime has lost control of its image, pushing it to employ increasingly drastic tactics where everyone loses. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/bNcWRr6

Spanish startup wants to launch the first private reusable rocket from Western Europe

Image
As Europe ramps up its efforts in launching commercial rockets into space, Elche-based startup PLD Space wants to put Spain on the map. The company plans to launch the first private reusable rocket from Western Europe. Named after a famous breed of bull in Spain’s bullfighting tradition, the Miura 1 rocket is set for its maiden voyage later this year, although the launch date hasn’t been specified. Miura 1 was unveiled on March 11, touted by Spain’s Prime Minister as an important development that will put the country “at the vanguard of this emerging but potent industry.” Welcome MIURA 1… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/Vblanip

Top 3 tech trends taking over the travel industry in 2023

Image
2022 proved to be filled with ups and downs for the global tourism sector. At the beginning of the year, the challenge lay in attracting tourists back by providing social distance-friendly amenities and processes. Then, as regulations eased, “revenge travel” kicked in bringing with it a sudden flood of tourists. Yet, many businesses struggled to accommodate this surge in demand with fewer resources. Technology emerged as one answer that helped us navigate these different challenges, from solutions that supported social distancing regulations to tools that helped boost capacity, with fewer staff. As we head into 2023, it’s time to take… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/hLaDQlk

Online Sleuths Untangle the Mystery of the Nord Stream Sabotage

Open source intelligence researchers are verifying and debunking opaque claims about who ruptured the gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/5TDxyav

I Got Investigated by the Secret Service. Here's How to Not Be Me

Don't drink and tweet. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/E5a2PkZ

Security News This Week: Ring Is in a Standoff With Hackers

Plus: A SpaceX supplier ransom, critical vulnerabilities in dozens of Android phones, and more. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/QKuZrj9

How Venture Capital Can Avoid the Next Silicon Valley Bank Fiasco

The crisis exposed Big VC’s flaws. It’s time to rethink venture capital’s power—and reimagine investment in innovation. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/qHLeiJa

New GPT-4 app can be ‘life-changing’ for visually-impaired people, say users

Image
The first app to harness GPT-4’s image-recognition capacity has been described as ‘life-changing’ by visually-impaired users. Be My Eyes, a Danish startup, integrated the AI model in a new feature for blind or partially sighted people. Named “Virtual Volunteer,” the object-recognition tool can answer questions about any image that it’s sent. Imagine, for instance, that a user is hungry. They can simply photograph an ingredient and request related recipes. If they’d rather eat out, they can take an image of a map and get directions to a restaurant. On arrival, they can snap a picture of the menu and hear… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/cd6Y4WF

EU’s new green tech strategy aims to keep production in the bloc

Image
On Thursday, the European Commission unveiled the Net-Zero Industry Act, a much-anticipated proposal aiming at boosting the EU’s green tech production amidst an increasingly intense global race. The new regulation is a key part of the European Green Industrial Plan — the bloc’s response to the US’ $369 billion package of green subsidies — seeking to ensure that at least 40% of the union’s net-zero technology demand is produced domestically by 2030. “We need a regulatory environment that allows us to scale up the clean energy transition quickly,” President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a statement.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/Ea9fdh0

You Don’t Have to Be a Jerk to Resist the Bots

The next phase of tech capitalism will demand more, not less, of your humanity. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/268iN7w

Senator Warner on the Restrict Act and a US TikTok Ban

WIRED spoke with the coauthor of the Restrict Act, a bipartisan bill to crack down on tech from six “hostile” countries. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/SKT14CE

AI Will Make Human Art More Valuable

If history is any indication, society will continue to favor the artistic output of people. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/tkSs35Y

Quantum computing sector reacts to UK’s new £2.5B programme

Image
The UK government has pledged to invest £2.5bn in quantum computing over the next 10 years, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced today. The programme forms part of the new Spring Budget, which aims to reduce inflation and the risk of a recession.  The British tech sector will play a central role in the plan. As part of his goal to make the UK a “science and technology superpower,” Hunt wants to build a world-leading “quantum-enabled economy” by 2023. To create this, the government is more than doubling its previous funding commitment to the field. It aims to attract another £1 billion… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/ue3USso

‘Router freedom’ has arrived in Greece — here’s what it means

Image
Greece has become the seventh EU country to introduce a principle called “router freedom.” This means consumers of any Internet Service Provider (ISP) can now use a modem or router of their choice, instead of equipment provided by the ISP. The freedom of choice for routers and modems is regulated in the EU by two primary sets of rules. The first one comes from the Net Neutrality Regulation in 2015, which establishes the people’s right to choose their own digital equipment. The second one is is a set of guidelines to identify the network termination point (NTP) in different network… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/LMcDFOj

Sailing, reimagined: UK startup bets wind-powered ships will cut carbon emissions

Image
The maritime industry may have long replaced sails with engines, but a UK startup is betting that wind-powered ships still have a bright future. Founded in 2014, Smart Green Shipping (SGS), has developed a new type of wind sail, called FastRig, that cuts carbon emissions. According to the company, it can be retrofitted to existing commercial vessels with available deck space, requiring no additional crew to operate it or port-side infrastructure changes. It’s also retractable to allow for standard loading and unloading operations, and it’s designed to be recyclable. FastRig is paired with the startup’s software tool, TradeWind, which provides… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/KRT14aC

An AI Told Me I Had Cancer

Why was an AI looking through my medical records and how did it work? I decided to find out. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/gLBScmk

AI-Generated Voice Deep Fakes Aren’t Scary Good—Yet

The threat of scammers using voice deepfakes in their cons is real, but researchers say old-school voice-impersonation attacks are still the more pressing concern. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/Zd7PaK9

The World’s Real ‘Cybercrime’ Problem

From US state laws to the international stage, definitions of “cybercrime” remain vague, broad, and increasingly entrenched in our legal systems. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/YDSpNt0

New data centre turns waste heat into warm water for swimming pools

Image
A startup has unveiled a UK-first solution to soaring energy bills: data centre heat. The company, called Deep Green, installs tiny cloud data centres at local businesses. The system then turns heat from the servers into hot water for the host site. Deep Green provides the equipment free of charge and refunds the electricity costs. As a result, the client can cut their carbon emissions and energy bills. In exchange, Deep Green gets a home for the data centre, which supplies computer power for AI and machine learning to customers. Computers inside the washing machine-sized data centre are surrounded by… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/dNtHGR2

Neuromarketing and the Battle for Your Brain

You experience subtle and overt manipulation on the web every day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think and act for yourself. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/MNrBfUj

92% of UK companies that tested 4-day work week decide to adopt it permanently

Image
If you lived in the 19th century and worked in manufacturing, you’d be looking at a working week of between 60 to 90 hours, according to research from the University of Groningen. These days, thankfully, things look a bit brighter. While working weeks differ across the EU—France famously has a 35-hour week—in general European staff can’t work more than 48 hours per week on average, including overtime. This means that we are now working between 50% and 125% less than we would have been in the 1800s—and the better news is that workers’ conditions have continued to improve. Weekly working… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/wq7SODK

Sale of SVB UK ‘minimises disruption to British tech,’ says Bank of England

Image
The British tech sector can rest a little easier tonight after the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was sold to HSBC for just £1. The intervention followed last week’s collapse of the subsidiary’s California-based parent company. The Bank of England (BoE) intervened over fears that mass withdrawals in the US would spread to the UK business. Many of SVB UK’s 3,300 customers, which include numerous VC investors and startups, warned they would go bust if their deposits were lost. The BoE had initially planned to put the bank into insolvency, which would have only guaranteed protection for deposits worth… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/SF2J7rp

New plans for a GDPR replacement have divided Britain’s tech sector

Image
The UK has finally unveiled plans for its GDPR replacement: the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB). Introduced in Parliament last week, the bill aims to boost economic growth while protecting privacy.  The proposed rules promise to reduce paperwork, slash costs, foster trade, and (please, Lord) cut down on cookie pop-ups. They also controversially claim to produce savings of more than £4 billion over 10 years (more on that later). The shadow of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU looms large over the plans. In its pitch for the bill, the government pledges to unleash an elusive Brexit dividend.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/IaAZYsm

No Wifi? No problem: The traveler’s guide to eSIMs

Image
The reasons you’ll want to stay connected while traveling are pretty obvious: unless you’re planning an Into the Wild style off the grid experience, you’ll probably want to be able to use your data to find your way around, buy tickets, upload photos onto social media, fire up that local dating app, or whatever you like to do while abroad. But, international data and calling rates can place a hefty burden on your travel budget, not to mention roaming fees which vary with every border you cross. That’s why buying physical SIM cards has been the option of choice for… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/oPh3wK7

The Case for Regulating Platform Design

Focusing on Section 230 protection for user-generated content is detracting from the real threat: apps’ negligent design choices. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/1gpDuX3

Ransomware Attacks Have Entered a ‘Heinous’ New Phase

With victims refusing to pay, cybercriminal gangs are now releasing stolen photos of cancer patients and sensitive student records. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/l5EfQRL

How a Catholic Group Doxed Gay Priests

Plus: A data breach exposes Washington, Ring camera footage has a new problem, and the George Santos scandal slips into the world of cybercrime. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/rRix0Oe

EU extends crisis state aid rules to prevent green tech firms from leaving

Image
The EU Commission is extending the relaxation of state aid rules to prevent green tech firms from relocating abroad and enable the bloc’s transition to a net-zero economy. The rules around national subsidies had already been amended in 2022 as a response to Russia’s war on Ukraine, seeking to enable member states to more easily finance struggling companies and energy production in Europe. Now, rising concerns about an escalating global subsidy race have pushed the EU to further prolong this temporary crisis framework — and even expand its scope to include support to domestic clean tech companies fighting climate change.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/hAGpK5n

On Asphyxiation From Trains and Other Inaccurate Predictions

The internet loves to poke fun at people who got it wrong, but those ridiculed forecasters might get the last laugh. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/XeynpDF

Europe’s ports are using tech to navigate ‘the perfect storm’

Image
Cargo ports are vital transport hubs in the world economy. Around 90% of all globally traded goods by tonnage is transported by sea and in 2021, a whopping 3.5 billion tonnes of freight passed through EU ports alone. Antwerp was the second-largest port in Europe — spreading across 120km² — before a merger with Bruges in 2022 created a combined port area of 160km² and the biggest chemical cluster on the continent.  València’s expanding port is the largest on the European Mediterranean in terms of container traffic — and dates back to 1491. Its port authority, Valènciaport, is responsible for… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/TS8eNjx

‘Pig Butchering’ Scams Are Now a $3 Billion Threat

The FBI's latest Internet Crime Report highlights the stunning rise of investment-themed crimes over the past 18 months. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/M1jYlTw

Congressman Darin LaHood Says FBI Targeted Him With Unlawful 'Backdoor' Searches

Representative Darin LaHood's claim that he was the subject of “backdoor” searches comes at a dicey moment for the bureau. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/6HaQmMr

Intel wants another €5BN in subsidies to build chip plant in Germany

Image
Under the Chips Act, the EU is seeking to end its dependence on China and produce 20% of the world’s semiconductors by 2030. Amidst the political push, attracting global giants to invest in the union’s domestic production has been a key strategy — with Intel’s plan to construct a massive chip plant in Magdeburg, Germany, considered a big boost for the bloc. But now, Intel is asking the German government for an additional €4 billion to 5 billion in subsidies to move forward with the project, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter. In March 2022, Intel announced an initial… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Intel from The Next Web https://ift.tt/EUq6ZQH

An AI ‘Sexbot’ Fed My Hidden Desires—and Then Refused to Play

Late-night curiosity about the NSFW depths of a chatbot unleashed my fantasies—until we were censored. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/cFQ9JT6

Here’s how media outlets are using generative AI in journalism

Image
Generative AI is entering the media — and hacks are getting worried. Except for your loyal correspondents at TNW, of course, as automated output can’t compare to our flair and original reporting (at least, that’s what I’m telling my overlords). Other journalists, however, aren’t as blessed. Last week, the owner of Britain’s Daily Mirror and the Express became the latest media magnate to add bots to the newsroom. The publisher, Reach, has posted several AI-written articles on the local news site In Your Area. According to Reach CEO Jim Mullen, they include a listicle on “7 things to do with visitors… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/fzda1DG

The FBI Just Admitted It Bought US Location Data

Rather than obtaining a warrant, the bureau purchased sensitive data—a controversial practice that privacy advocates say is deeply problematic. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/muG9QHE

The US Air Force Is Moving Fast on AI-Piloted Fighter Jets

After successful autonomous flight tests in December, the military is ramping up its plans to bring artificial intelligence to the skies. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/dsUapu7

Lark Optics is targeting your retinas for AR without nausea and other sickness

Image
This story is syndicated from the premium edition of PreSeed Now, a newsletter that digs into the product, market, and founder story of UK-founded startups so you can understand how they fit into what’s happening in the wider world and startup ecosystem. Whether you believe it’s the future of everything, or just a useful tool that will be part of the mix of tech we regularly use a few years from now, augmented reality is a rapidly developing field with one major drawback – like VR, it can leave you feeling sick. For example, US soldiers who tried Microsoft’s HoloLens… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/Kx04pDd

Doctor Unions Are Good for Your Health

Physicians across the US are unionizing, which can lead to better working conditions for health care providers and greater advocacy for patients. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/4iwZjf9

3 women-led tech companies that are hiring right now

Image
Call it an “old boys’ club” or “brogrammer culture,” there’s no denying the tech world is still dominated by men. Much has been written about the industry’s lack of diversity, of course. Most tech companies are run by men, and female role models are few and far between. According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. In the European Union, they make up just 17% of the ICT (information and communication technology) sector. This gap grows further at the executive level, where women hold a mere… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/4q5BaxU

5 things founders want you to know about the Dutch tech scene this Women’s Day

Image
Women’s Day is a day when we celebrate the achievements of the amazing women founders, developers, and VCs that are bringing innovation and disruption to the Dutch tech ecosystem. But it should also be a day when we confront the barriers and challenges women continue to face. The fact that International Women’s Day still exists is both a sign of progress but also a sign that, in our society, inequality is endemic and not always clearly visible on the surface. The ultimate goal will be when everyday is ‘Women’s Day.’ Although we’ve made progress and we should celebrate that, the… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/snycNoB

Darktrace’s plan to protect critical infrastructure: think like an attacker

Image
Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure have become a growing concern since war broke out in Ukraine. After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, a sustained barrage by Russian-linked groups pummelled infrastructure in Ukraine. The next year, the country endured the first confirmed hack to take down a power grid. The attacks have continued since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. According to a recent report from Google’s Threat Analysis Group, Russia’s military intelligence agency has repeatedly used destructive malware to degrade Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Analysts are now increasingly worried about the threats spreading across the globe. In November, a general who commanded… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/YkdQrLD

The Era of Faked CCTV Has Truly Arrived

Bad actors are manipulating scenes to cover their tracks, fueling “malinformation” that is tough to contain. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/Ms0NyLn

TikTok’s Screen-Time Limits Are the Real Distraction

Kids today face problems far larger than their social media usage. Restrictions feed into a moral panic without addressing the root cause of their anxiety. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/wl1Vq36

How Denmark’s Welfare State Became a Surveillance Nightmare

Once praised for its generous social safety net, the country now collects troves of data on welfare claimants. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/WF7856e

Spain has launched a digital nomad visa — here’s how to get one

Image
Sunny weather, a reasonable cost of living, delicious food, stunning landscapes — Spain has it all. And with some of the best internet speeds in Europe, the Mediterranean nation has become a popular destination for expats and remote workers. The newly-launched digital nomad visa has made the country an even more appealing option. The scheme has been in force since January, as part of the recently approved Startup Law, which aims to make the nation a frontrunner in attracting investment, innovative entrepreneurship, and talent. While other EU countries such as Greece, Portugal, and Croatia have already introduced similar schemes, Spain’s… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/c1axjCH

This Algorithm Could Ruin Your Life

A system used by the Dutch city of Rotterdam ranked people based on their risk of fraud. The results were troubling. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/wG0uMDm

Opinion: Europe’s throwing billions at quantum computers. Will it pay off?

Image
No one may fully understand quantum computing yet, but one thing is clear — the expectations are high. And where there are high expectations, there’s money. Both private and public funding for European quantum technologies has grown notably over the last few years. In 2021, private funding to quantum startups increased by 2.5x compared to 2020, and by 8x compared to 2019. Public funding has grown as well, with the EU planning to invest $7.2 billion (€6.8 billion) in quantum computing projects by 2025. Understandably, most of these billions already are or will be directed to building a successful quantum… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/Vf4gMOn

A Privacy Hero's Final Wish: An Institute to Redirect AI's Future

Peter Eckersley did groundbreaking work to encrypt the web. After his sudden death, a new organization he founded is carrying out his vision to steer artificial intelligence toward “human flourishing.” from Security Latest https://ift.tt/Bnfs6S9

When It Comes to OnlyFans, Humans Can Outcompete AI

When people pay for sexual media, they’re seeking more than an anonymous image. AI cannot replicate the underlying desires that drive sex work. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/rnz5C2o

The LastPass Hack Somehow Gets Worse

Plus: The US Marshals disclose a “major” cybersecurity incident, T-Mobile has gotten pwned so much, and more. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/UMCZ8Gp

What to Do When Your Boss Is Spying on You

Employee monitoring increased with Covid-19’s remote work—and stuck around for back-to-the-office. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/6AlGiYx

The High-Stakes Blame Game in the White House Cybersecurity Plan

The Biden administration’s new strategy would shift the liability for security failures to a controversial target: the companies that caused them. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/XhjfFLi

Sunak branded ‘unspeakably idiotic’ for impeding plans to rejoin Horizon

Image
Rishi Sunak has enraged British scientists after dimming hopes of rejoining the EU’s Horizon programme. Prospects of entering the €96 billion research scheme had grown after a new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland was struck on Monday. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described the agreement as “good news” for scientists and researchers. She said work to associate the UK with Horizon could start “immediately” after implementing the terms. Scientists had overwhelmingly welcomed the breakthrough. Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, the UK’s foremost collective of scientific voices, called for access to Horizon to be swiftly secured. “These schemes… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/ZIF94vN

10 trailblazing Valèncian startups to watch in 2023

Image
València’s tech ecosystem is growing and maturing at a brisk pace. Founders, investors, and business leaders in the city are unanimous that this region in Spain will cement itself as a tech hub to be reckoned with in the coming years. Names like Flywire, Fever, and Jeff are well-known, but there are tons more Valèncian startups and scaleups making waves at home and abroad. Ahead of The Next Web’s first conference in València on the 30th and 31st of March, we’re zooming in on 10 noteworthy local startups, selected by TNW and its key strategic conference partners: Lanzadera, Marina de Empresas,… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/bYTdFN6

To compete with Silicon Valley, European startups need their own Nasdaq

Image
Why can’t European tech companies compete with Silicon Valley giants? It’s a perennial conundrum for the continent’s IT leaders — and one that Phill Robinson is trying to solve. After a globetrotting career as a tech executive, Robinson returned home to the UK and founded Boardwave, a networking platform that wants to make Europe a software superpower. The concept emerged from Robinson’s diverse background in the sector. The entrepreneur spent decades traversing Europe and Silicon Valley, in roles ranging from CMO of Salesforce.com during its IPO to CEO of Dutch software giant Exact.  These experiences exposed several advantages for tech firms… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/SRfLCd7

Can AI make better art than humans? We asked IBM’s Seth Dobrin

Image
Artificial intelligence has been infiltrating every industry and the world of arts and culture is no exception. In other words, AI art is poised to explode. AI text-to-image generators such as DALL-E or Midjourney have been creating remarkable visual artworks. ChatGPT has taken the world by the storm with its ability to answer questions, write essays, and summarize texts, among other things. AI-generated art is even being displayed at world-renowned museums. These examples show just how powerful generative AI can be and bid this pressing question: is AI about to replace human artists? Seth Dobrin, IBM’s first-ever Global Chief AI… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: IBM from The Next Web https://ift.tt/2VOgUjq

Survivors Suffer When Judges Misunderstand Social Media

In sexual assault cases, the complainant’s fate may depend on the judge’s awareness of how various online communications platforms work. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/A05mRs8

Bad news, junior developers: You will be judged by your documentation

Image
Developers become developers because they like to code. Many have taken up coding as teens after school, or during after-hours after their cubicle job. They realize how much power they can get from their IDE and their command line, and they get addicted to it. Even when developers land that dream job where they can code all day, many keep their side projects going in the evenings and during after-hours. I personally know developers who keep coding on the train after they leave their office — because what else is one going to do on a train? Coding is a… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/0L9clDk

Platforms Can Optimize for Metrics Beyond Engagement

Our social media researchers weren’t getting what they wanted out of criticizing platforms, so we decided to try collaborating. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/ESqw8l0

This Hacker Tool Can Pinpoint a DJI Drone Operator's Exact Location

Every DJI quadcopter broadcasts its operator's position via radio—unencrypted. Now, a group of researchers has learned to decode those coordinates. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/EGzvoQ3

How WIRED Will Use Generative AI Tools

Some publications are already using text and image generators. Here’s how WIRED will—and won’t—use the technology. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/SqipTPs

New €15M fund for early-stage quantum startups launches in the Netherlands

Image
A new €15 million fund has launched to help quantum technology research in the Netherlands transform into venture capital-investable startups. Backed by Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), a foundation that seeks to boost and scale the Dutch quantum ecosystem, the so-called QDNL Participations fund has a twofold focus: early-stage startups in the sector and research teams working on promising quantum technologies before they incorporate as startups. In the first case, the funding will reach up to €1.5 million — with the foundation typically leading the investment round. In the second case, the fund will offer €50,000 to researchers via a SAFE… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/ZfKRXHQ

I Asked an Algorithm to Optimize My Life. Here's What Happened

I spend all day making decisions, and they’re not always good ones. Could an algorithm do a better job of deciding what’s best for me? from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/rfva42U

Insect farming startup targets pet food as gateway to human consumption

Image
Evolving views on food are challenging traditional diets — and not just for humans. Innovative dining options are also being added to the menus of our pets. Startups have proposed numerous new ways to satiate their appetites. The UK’s Bella and Duke, for instance, caters to animals on raw diets, while Sweden’s Buddy Pet Foods serves natural dry food, and Portugal’s Barkyn personalises their grub. If none of those excites their palates, our furry friends could try a more avant-garde delicacy: insects. That’s what’s cooking in the kitchen of FlyFeed, an Estonia-based startup.  The company has developed an automated farming… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://thenextweb.com/news/insect-farming-startup-flyfeed-makes-pet-food-gateway-human-consumption

It’s Time to Fall in Love with Nuclear Fusion—Again

Let’s indulge: Once fusion arrives, handmade suns could wipe out all human problems in a go. from Ideas Latest https://www.wired.com/story/livermore-nuclear-fusion-homemade-suns/