Technology

Elon Musk, with nearly 200 million followers on social platform X, is a central figure in the dissemination of information. In the span of just one week, Musk was particularly active, sharing numerous posts on topics ranging from illegal immigration to election integrity, even as he targeted Democratic Party figures. His posts, often lacking crucial context or even misleading, have reached an audience of more than 800 million people. Since acquiring X (formerly known as Twitter) in 2022, Musk has used the platform to promote conservative political views, most notably endorsing Donald J. Trump's presidential campaign. About a third of Musk's posts from the week analyzed contained inaccuracies, including incorrect claims about legal changes affecting memes and immigration policies allegedly ...

As recently as Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Caroline Ellison, a former key advisor to cryptocurrency tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried, was sentenced to two years in prison. His conviction is linked to his involvement in the infamous $8 billion fraud scandal that brought down the once-thriving cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Chief Judge Lewis A. Kaplan acknowledged Ellison's evident remorse and noted his significant cooperation with federal authorities. However, he said the severity of the fraud does not allow for a lighter sentence. Ellison will begin his sentence at a minimum security facility near Boston by November 7, marking nearly two years since FTX's dramatic fall. Ellison previously admitted guilt to conspiracy charges along with Bankman-Fried, his on-and-off romantic partner,...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital journalism, media organizations are increasingly turning to innovative platforms to connect with their readers as traditional social media avenues falter. With declining visibility on major platforms like Google and Facebook due to algorithm changes that devalue news content, news publishers are looking for alternative strategies to maintain audience engagement and advertising revenue. One promising avenue that has emerged is WhatsApp, the dominant messaging application globally. Recently, WhatsApp introduced a feature called WhatsApp Channels. This feature works as a broadcast tool, allowing publishers to send links to news and headlines directly to their subscribers. This shift has allowed them to cultivate a more direct line of communication ...

In a groundbreaking effort to combat climate change, scientists have introduced a new experiment off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, infusing ocean waters with a red dye. This marks the first phase of a series of trials to improve the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, according to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The project, conducted last year, serves as a precursor to larger interventions designed to increase the ocean's natural ability to sequester carbon. The initiative is based on the premise of enhancing biochemical processes that can lock away carbon dioxide for extended periods, potentially mitigating the effects of global warming. The researchers, who have ventured from locations including Nova Scotia and Woods Hole, Massachusetts, are exploring innovative ways t...

General Motors announced that starting Wednesday, owners of its electric vehicles, including models like the Chevrolet Bolt and GMC Hummer, will now be able to charge their vehicles at Tesla Supercharger stations. The development follows a wait-and-see period and is seen as a potential catalyst for boosting EV sales, which have been slowing. To facilitate this compatibility, General Motors will introduce adapters that will allow its vehicles to connect to Tesla’s charging infrastructure. The Tesla Supercharger network is recognized as the largest and most reliable fast-charging system in the United States, and this access is expected to alleviate consumer concerns about charging availability, potentially driving further EV adoption. Tesla’s network, previously exclusive to its own models, ...

In a significant move to safeguard election integrity, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed groundbreaking legislation aimed at regulating AI-powered voter impersonations, commonly known as “deepfakes.” The new mandates, signed Tuesday, are designed to force social media platforms to actively moderate such content. Among the bills passed, one bill stands out as particularly innovative, establishing unprecedented standards for social media oversight. This bill, along with two others, focuses on prohibiting or mandating clear labeling of AI-generated misleading content that could influence elections. While only one of these laws will be effective in time to impact the upcoming 2024 presidential election, together they set a potential blueprint for future regulatory action nationwide. Thes...