Here are the top tech news stories from the past week or so:
- Japan-EU Cooperation on Tech Materials: Japan and the European Union are collaborating to reduce reliance on China for critical tech materials. The focus is securing a stable supply chain for semiconductors, rare earth metals, and other essential components. This move comes amid global concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions.
- Digital Avatars for Reuniting with Loved Ones After Death: Technology entrepreneur Artur Sychov created a virtual reality tool called “live forever mode.” It features digital avatars that simulate a person’s voice, mannerisms, and movements after observing them for 30 minutes. The goal is for these avatars to exist online as memories, allowing future generations to interact with them. While it raises ethical questions, it provides a unique way to cope with grief and loss.
- Generative AI for Drug Discovery: Researchers use generative artificial intelligence models to accelerate drug development. The model, SyntheMol, creates chemical structures and recipes for novel drugs targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Acinetobacter baumannii, a major cause of antibacterial resistance-related fatalities, is a primary focus.
- EU Investigation into Tech Giants: The European Union has launched investigations into major tech firms, including Apple, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Google. These investigations focus on potential breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. The DMA aims to address uncompetitive practices and ensure fair competition in the tech industry. These companies could face substantial fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover if found guilty.
- Undersea Cables: A Vulnerable Global Network: Undersea cables are the backbone of the modern internet, transmitting data at incredible speeds. These cables are vulnerable to accidental damage and deliberate sabotage. Approximately 100 to 150 cables are severed annually, impacting global communications and financial transactions.
- Women in AI Researching Intimacy: Dr Kate Devlin of King’s College London explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and intimacy. Her work delves into human-robot relationships, consent, and emotional connections. Understanding AI’s impact on emotions and relationships is crucial for responsible AI development.
- Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for FTX Fraud: The disgraced cryptocurrency mogul has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $11 billion in assets. Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was convicted of fraud and conspiracy to launder money. The judge described him as a calculating math genius who knowingly committed wrongdoing. Despite apologizing for the fall of FTX, no remorse was expressed for his crimes. His defence attorney portrayed him as an awkward math nerd who made mistakes.
