Top tech news today: May 2, 2025

1. Tech firms brace for recession

Tech companies are advised to streamline operations, prioritise essential projects, and build financial resilience to weather potential economic downturns. Strategic planning and agility are key to survival. (InformationWeek)

2. Google adds ads to AI chats

Google is now embedding hyper-personalised advertisements into third-party AI chatbot conversations, aiming to monetise the growing generative AI space amid antitrust challenges. (Computerworld)

3. China enforces ‘minors mode’ online

China activates ‘minors mode’ across devices and platforms, ensuring users under 18 access only age-appropriate, socialist-aligned content, with time limits and parental controls. (The Register)

4. Venmo outpaces Cash App in growth

Venmo experiences significant growth in payment volumes, surpassing Cash App, which faces challenges in user retention and competition in the mobile payments sector. (CNBC)

5. ICANN previews May board workshop

ICANN’s chair outlines the agenda for the upcoming May board workshop, focusing on strategic planning, policy development, and enhancing the security and stability of the internet’s unique identifier systems. (ICANN)

6. RIPE shares April member updates

RIPE NCC provides updates on policy proposals, community events, and operational developments from April, highlighting ongoing efforts to support internet infrastructure and address member concerns. (RIPE)

7. ARIN 55 conference day 3 recap

Day three of the ARIN 55 conference covered discussions on internet governance, policy proposals, and technical sessions aimed at improving the management of internet number resources. (ARIN)

8. Apple shifts production to India

Apple reports stronger-than-expected earnings, with a strategic move to manufacture more iPhones in India to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. (The Times)

9. Microsoft adopts passkeys by default

Microsoft announces new accounts will default to passwordless authentication using passkeys, enhancing security and user experience, with nearly a million passkeys registered daily. (The Verge)