Top tech stories today: January 2, 2024

Top tech stories today: January 2, 2024 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

Save time searching the web for vital stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the essential global technology highlights for January 2, 2024.

1. Baidu scraps $3.6 bln deal for JOYY’s China live-streaming unit

Baidu’s $3.6 billion acquisition of JOYY Inc’s Chinese live-streaming business, YY Live, is canceled due to unmet conditions and regulatory hurdles. This challenges Baidu’s diversification goals, and JOYY is exploring legal options in response. (Reuters)

2. Fallen crypto king Sam Bankman-Fried will not face a second trial, lawyers say

US prosecutors won’t pursue a second trial against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, convicted in November on seven fraud counts related to FTX’s collapse. Most evidence was covered in the first trial. Sam Bankman-Fried faces sentencing in March, potentially up to 110 years in prison. Prosecutors may seek forfeiture and restitution. The case is notable in the crypto world.(CNN)

3. Hackers hit Australian state’s court recording database

Hackers breached Victoria state court’s database in Australia, disrupting services and potentially stealing recordings of hearings from Nov. 1 to Dec. 21, 2023. No sensitive data or ransom demands were reported. This incident follows a trend of increased cyber threats in Australia, with state-sponsored attacks occurring every six minutes, according to a November 2023 government report.(Yahoo)

4. Australia’s Eagers Automotive finds unauthorized access to parts of IT systems

Eagers Automotive faced a recent cyber incident involving unauthorized access to its IT systems, leading to data access from servers. The company is notifying individuals at risk, without disclosing the number affected. Despite disruptions in transaction finalization for certain vehicles, the financial impact for the 2023 fiscal year is expected to be minimal. This incident highlights the escalating cybersecurity issues in Australian corporations, prompting government reforms.(Yahoo)

5. YouTube mega-star MrBeast had a cutting response to Elon Musk’s request to post content on X

MrBeast responded sharply to Elon Musk’s invitation to post on X, uploading content with a warning on the platform. Musk expressed interest, but MrBeast highlighted the high production costs of his videos, suggesting X views wouldn’t cover expenses. Despite openness to testing, MrBeast stressed the need for robust monetization on X. Both have not commented on potential collaboration.(Yahoo)