Avoid the hassle of scouring the web for essential stories – we’ve got you sorted. Delve into the pivotal global technology highlights as of January 4, 2024.
1. SpaceX faces NLRB complaint over employee firings
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against SpaceX, alleging illegal firing of employees who criticized CEO Elon Musk in an open letter. NLRB claims SpaceX violated workers’ rights and engaged in surveillance, urging apologies and posting notices for 120 days. A hearing is set for March 5, 2024. (The Verge)
2. Cyber attack hits Orange’s Spanish network
Orange, Spain’s second-largest telecom provider, faced a cyber attack affecting clients’ internet access. The unauthorized access to Orange’s IP network coordination center has been largely resolved, and client data remains uncompromised, as confirmed by the company on social media platform X. (Investing.com)
3. JPMorgan, Goldman consider Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF
Grayscale is in talks with JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs for roles in its Bitcoin ETF. Both may serve as authorized participants, crucial for maintaining ETF value and liquidity. Representatives from the firms have not commented on the discussions. (Yahoo)
4. ProShares strategist flags issues in Bitcoin spot market
ProShares strategist Simeon Hyman points out deficiencies in the Bitcoin spot market, citing pricing variations across exchanges and platform risks. He highlights multiple Bitcoin prices and expresses doubt about the practicality of cash creation and redemptions in the cryptocurrency’s futures market. (Bloomberg)
5. Privacy concerns as Facebook’s “Link History” aids ad targeting
Facebook and Instagram’s “link history” feature, designed to help users revisit links, raises privacy concerns for potential ad targeting improvements. Users, prompted to enable this feature, can check and disable it in settings. Privacy advocates worry about data collection tactics, urging caution. Despite potential ad impact, users have the option to opt out. In the EU, a fee allows ad opt-out. (Yahoo)
6. Instagram trend poses security risks, warns expert
A viral Instagram trend prompting users to answer personal questions could expose them to hacking risks, warns cyber-security expert Eliana Shiloh. She cautions that seemingly innocuous details could aid hackers in social engineering. While some dismiss concerns, experts stress the broader risk of sharing personal information online. (Yahoo)
7. X (Formerly Twitter) lowers business verification cost
Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, introduces a discounted business verification plan at $200 per month, down from the initial $1,000. The move follows criticism and a recent estimate by Fidelity, suggesting X’s value has declined by 71.5% since Musk’s acquisition in 2022. The new option aims to attract smaller businesses. (Yahoo)
8. Samsung unveils advanced Bespoke Jet Bot Combo
Samsung introduces the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo, a highly intelligent robot vacuum equipped with AI Object Recognition. This upgraded model surpasses its predecessor, the Bespoke Jet Bot AI+, offering enhanced capabilities in identifying and addressing stains, showcasing the evolution of AI in household technology. (Yahoo)
9. Apple’s Vision Pro may display diverse AR info
Apple’s patent suggests expanded features for the Vision Pro headset, displaying various information on its external screen, from love hearts to “DO NOT DISTURB” messages. This enhances the headset’s functionality, providing visual cues about the user’s focus to those around them. (Yahoo)
10. Facebook unveils ‘Link History’ tool for internet tracking
Facebook introduces “link history,” tracking users’ clicked links within the platform. While marketed for convenience, it enables ad targeting. Defaulted on, users can turn it off via mobile browser settings. Deletion may take up to 90 days, raising privacy concerns over data retention. (Yahoo)
