Core Viewpoint - The implementation of end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messenger has been criticized for potentially facilitating online child exploitation, with a comparison made to Jeffrey Epstein's private island [1][2][3]. Group 1: Encryption and Child Safety - The end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messenger prevents anyone, including law enforcement, from accessing the contents of messages, raising concerns about its use for illegal activities [2][4]. - Labour MP Paul Waugh accused Meta of creating an environment where predators can operate without fear of detection due to the encryption [3][4]. Group 2: Response from Meta - Meta's representative, Chris Yiu, argued that end-to-end encryption is essential for user safety and privacy, and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between tech companies and law enforcement to address online child sexual abuse [4]. - Yiu stated that the issue of online child exploitation requires a "whole of society response" rather than solely blaming technology [4]. Group 3: Broader Context of Online Harm - The inquiry into online misinformation and harmful algorithms was prompted by widespread unrest following violent incidents, highlighting the rapid spread of illegal content and disinformation online [5]. - The committee is also examining Meta's content guidelines in light of various harmful posts that have been allowed to remain on the platform [8].

Core Viewpoint - Apple's withdrawal of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) cloud storage service from the UK highlights the ongoing conflict between US tech companies and the UK government over end-to-end encryption and privacy commitments [1][4]. Group 1: Government Actions and Legislation - The UK government has been attempting to address the challenges posed by end-to-end encryption, arguing that it hinders law enforcement from catching criminals, including terrorists and paedophiles [2]. - The Online Safety Act 2023 aimed to introduce client-side scanning, which would require tech companies to scan private messages before encryption, leading to threats from companies like Meta's WhatsApp and Signal to exit the UK market [3]. - The Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), referred to as the 'snoopers charter', has been used by the government to compel Apple to allow access to encrypted cloud data, which Apple has resisted by disabling ADP in the UK [4]. Group 2: Impact on Users and Public Opinion - The removal of ADP means that UK users have lost an additional layer of security, complying with government demands but compromising user privacy [6]. - The Home Office reported a 13% increase in offences related to online indecent images of children in 2023, justifying the government's stance on the need for enhanced monitoring [6]. - A YouGov poll indicated public support for tech companies to develop technology to identify child sexual abuse in encrypted messaging apps, although experts warn that creating a 'backdoor' would undermine overall security [7]. Group 3: Reactions from Civil Society and Experts - A coalition of 109 civil society organizations, companies, and cybersecurity experts expressed concerns that government demands jeopardize security and privacy, potentially harming the UK tech sector and setting a dangerous precedent for global cybersecurity [9]. - Human Rights Watch criticized the government's approach as disproportionate and an "alarming overreach," emphasizing the importance of secure communications for exercising rights [10]. - US lawmakers, including Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs, condemned the UK government's plan as "dangerous" and "short-sighted," reflecting broader concerns about privacy rights [11].

Core Viewpoint - Apple has decided to discontinue its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) tool for UK customers due to a conflict with the UK government regarding data privacy and access to encrypted data [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Apple has removed the ADP tool following a request from the UK government for access to user data [1][2]. - The company expressed disappointment over the unavailability of ADP in the UK, emphasizing the increasing threats to customer privacy and the urgency of enhancing cloud storage security [2]. - Customers who previously enabled the ADP feature will eventually need to disable it, as the tool is no longer available for new users [3][4]. Group 2: Government Stance - The UK government has not confirmed or denied whether it requested a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) that would allow access to encrypted data [5]. - Even if a TCN was issued, it would not grant the government unrestricted access to personal data, as separate authorizations or warrants would still be necessary [5][6].

The state of Missouri has sued Starbucks, claiming its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies have led to customers paying more and waiting longer for their coffees.The US state alleged the coffee chain used a commitment to diversity as a pretext to systematically discriminate based on race, gender and sexual orientation. In the complaint, filed in St Louis federal court, Missouri also claimed executive pay was tied to the company achieving race and gender-based hiring quotas."Starbucks has decided ...

Core Points - Google Maps has renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America following an executive order by Donald Trump [1][8] - The renaming is officially recognized in the US Geographic Names Information System (USGS) [8][9] - Mexico has protested the name change, asserting that the US lacks legal authority to alter the Gulf's name under international law [1][10] Summary by Sections Name Change Implementation - For US users, the Gulf is now displayed as the Gulf of America on Google Maps [5][8] - Users in the UK see both names: "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)" [5] - In Mexico, the Gulf retains its original name, Gulf of Mexico [7][10] Political Context - The name change was one of the first executive orders signed by Trump, who also declared a "Gulf of America Day" [8][9] - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that any name change would only apply within 12 nautical miles from the coastline, not to the entire Gulf [10]

Microsoft's Financial Performance - Microsoft's shares fell sharply due to higher-than-expected investment spending, with a forecast of $80bn for the year [1] - The company lost $7bn in market value, partly due to slower-than-expected growth in its Azure cloud business [5] - Despite group revenue and profits beating estimates, shares were down up to 4% in after-hours trading [7] AI and Market Impact - The AI spending forecast preceded a market rout for AI-linked stocks, with Nvidia losing almost $600m in market value in one day [2] - DeepSeek's emergence as a leading chatbot has forced US tech investors to question the high investment levels and market values of AI-exposed firms [3][4] - Microsoft, a major shareholder in OpenAI, faced pressure as the AI race intensified, with DeepSeek toppling ChatGPT in Apple's app store free downloads [3][4] Industry Trends - The Nasdaq constituents lost a combined total above €1trn, reflecting a broader market reaction to AI-related investments [4] - Microsoft added DeepSeek's model to its Azure offerings, signaling continued investment in AI despite market challenges [6] Capital Expenditure - Microsoft's capital expenditure was $1.6bn higher than consensus forecasts, contributing to investor concerns [6]

Amazon plans to begin launching drone deliveries in the UK as part of a trial.The US tech giant said the drone service, called Prime Air, is already operating in two locations in the US, delivering packages in 60 minutes or less using a fleet of Amazon-designed, built and operated drones. The company said it was submitting a planning application to build drone flight operations at its fulfilment centre on the outskirts of Darlington, and was seeking clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the ...

Facebook and Instagram owners Meta is offering popular US creators from competitors' apps such as TikTok the chance to earn $5,000 (£4,040) in bonuses to make content on its platforms. TikTok briefly went offline in the US on Sunday ahead of a ban put in place by Joe Biden, but hours later, it came back online with a message thanking his successor Donald Trump, who has suspended the ban for 75 days. The delayed ban spells uncertainty for creators on TikTok - many of whom make a living through the wildly pop ...

Apple has suspended AI-generated summaries of news notifications after some were criticised for being misleading and false.Many publishers flagged up errors in the way the feature had worded their original push notifications. The National Union of Journalists told Sky News earlier this week it wasn't "fit for purpose" and should be taken down. Reporters Without Borders warned it was a "danger to the public's right to reliable information" and could damage the reputation of news organisations.Notifications f ...

Apple AI is sending misleading push notifications about sensitive stories like Gisele Pelicot's mass rape trial, Britain's grooming gang scandal and a prison officer filmed having sex with an inmate.Concerns have now been raised with Apple by multiple news organisations over the AI summary feature, which is available on iPhones with Apple Intelligence. The feature "must be revoked", the National Union of Journalists told Sky News, as the "inaccurate news summaries shared to audiences through Apple Intellige ...