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Tesla warns of Trump tariff own goal as US trade war escalates
Sky News· 2025-03-14 11:16
Group 1: Trade War Impact on Tesla - Tesla has warned US officials about the risk of facing "disproportionate" retaliatory tariffs due to the ongoing trade war initiated by the Trump administration [1][4] - The company's market value has decreased by 50% from its peak in December, amounting to a loss of approximately £800 billion [2] - Tesla experienced its worst daily loss in five years, attributed to broader market declines and concerns over a potential recession affecting US consumers and businesses [3] Group 2: Tesla's Concerns and Recommendations - In its letter to the US Trade Representative, Tesla emphasized the importance of ensuring that trade actions do not inadvertently harm US companies [4][8] - The company expressed a desire to avoid retaliatory tariffs similar to those faced in previous trade disputes, which led to increased tariffs on electric vehicles in response to US tariffs [5][6] - Tesla called for a phased approach to trade policies to allow more time for strengthening supply chains, highlighting the difficulty of sourcing certain parts domestically [7][8] Group 3: Industry-Wide Reactions - The letter from Tesla reflects a broader industry concern, with organizations like Autos Drive America warning that the tariff regime could negatively impact production and earnings [10] - Automakers are unable to quickly shift their supply chains, which could result in higher consumer prices, fewer vehicle models, and potential job losses across the supply chain [11]
TikTok and Reddit investigated over use of children's data
Sky News· 2025-03-03 00:26
Core Viewpoint - The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur regarding their use of teenage users' personal information, particularly focusing on data protection and the potential risks associated with content recommendations for users aged 13 to 17 [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Focus - The ICO's investigation will assess how TikTok utilizes information from teenage users to deliver content recommendations [1][3]. - For Reddit and Imgur, the focus will be on their age assurance measures, including how they estimate and verify children's ages and the use of personal information [2][6]. - The regulator is responding to concerns about social media platforms' data usage and the risk of exposing young users to harmful content through recommendation algorithms [2][4]. Group 2: Algorithm and Content Concerns - TikTok's algorithm, which powers the For You Page, has been criticized for suggesting harmful content, such as eating disorders and self-harm, to new teen accounts shortly after they join [3][4]. - The ICO aims to ensure that the processes used by these platforms are robust enough to protect children from potential harm, including addictive practices and inappropriate content [4][5]. - The Information Commissioner, John Edwards, emphasized that the investigation is not targeting TikTok specifically but is motivated by the platform's growth among young users and the associated risks [5][6]. Group 3: Regulatory Process - The ICO will investigate potential data protection infringements and will seek input from the platforms if evidence of breaches is found before reaching a conclusion [6]. - The regulator hopes to derive lessons from these investigations that can be applied across the industry to enhance data protection practices [6].
Microsoft is shutting down Skype: What other technologies have become obsolete?
Sky News· 2025-02-28 21:24
Company Overview - Microsoft has announced the shutdown of Skype, which was once the leading video call service, scheduled for May this year [1] - At its peak, Skype had over 300 million users, but this number has significantly declined to more than 36 million users as of 2023 [1] Strategic Shift - Microsoft, which acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in 2011, will transition some of Skype's services to Microsoft Teams, its primary videoconferencing and team collaboration platform [2] - Existing Skype users will be able to log into Teams using their current accounts, facilitating the migration process [2]
Starbucks reverses store policy with UK impact unclear
Sky News· 2025-01-14 12:28
Core Points - Starbucks has reversed its North American policy, requiring patrons to make a purchase to use the facilities [1][2] - The new coffeehouse code of conduct aims to prioritize store spaces for paying customers and outlines prohibited behaviors [2][4] - This policy change marks a departure from the open-door policy established after a controversial incident in 2018 [5][6] Policy Changes - Patrons in the US and Canada must now buy something or leave the store [1] - The new code of conduct includes rules against vaping, smoking, discrimination, harassment, begging, and consuming outside alcohol [4] - Non-compliance with the rules may result in being asked to leave or police involvement [2][4] Background Context - The reversal of the policy comes amid challenges for Starbucks, including slowed sales and a recent change in leadership [6] - The previous open-door policy was implemented in response to a high-profile incident involving the arrest of two black men in a Philadelphia store [5][6]