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OpenAI's API Chat Log Preservation Order Sparks User Privacy Concerns

2025-06-04

OpenAI's API Chat Log Preservation Order Sparks User Privacy Concerns

A court order requiring OpenAI to preserve API chat data has sparked user panic. Users voiced concerns on LinkedIn and X, arguing it constitutes a serious breach of contract and jeopardizes privacy. Some recommend alternatives like Mistral AI or Google Gemini. OpenAI contends users need control over personal information for freedom of use and believes the court insufficiently considered user concerns. It remains unclear if the court will overturn the order.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Privacy Isn't Dead: Ditch the All-or-Nothing Approach

2025-02-17

Privacy Isn't Dead: Ditch the All-or-Nothing Approach

Advocates for privacy often encounter two damaging narratives: that privacy is dead and thus efforts to protect data are futile, and that only perfectly private and secure tools are worth using. The author argues that both mindsets lead to inaction. The article encourages a gradual approach, celebrating small wins like switching from SMS to Signal, even if imperfect. Instead of aiming for perfection, incremental improvements gradually enhance privacy. Building a positive privacy culture is key.

(www.privacyguides.org)

Misc incremental improvement

HBO Max is Back: Warner Bros. Discovery Rebrands Streaming Service

2025-05-14

HBO Max is Back: Warner Bros. Discovery Rebrands Streaming Service

After a two-year experiment, Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing back the HBO Max name for its streaming service. The rebranding signals a shift away from a broad, Netflix-style approach to a focus on HBO's high-quality programming. This move acknowledges the value of the HBO brand and aims to attract a more discerning audience, boosting subscriber numbers towards a target of 150 million by 2026. The company highlights improved profitability and subscriber growth as justification for the change.

(variety.com)

Tech

bewCloud: A Lightweight Open-Source Cloud Solution

2025-02-21

Tired of the complexity and limitations of cloud platforms like Nextcloud and ownCloud? bewCloud, a modern, open-source cloud solution built with TypeScript and Deno, offers unparalleled simplicity and efficiency. It addresses the resource-intensive nature of Nextcloud and ownCloud, boasting a lightweight and fast design. Currently featuring file, photo, and note functionalities, calendar and contact integration may not be prioritized. Developed and maintained by Bruno, contributions and donations are welcome.

(bewcloud.com)

Development open-source cloud Nextcloud alternative

Francis Picabia's 391: Perpetual Motion in Dada and Beyond

2025-01-09

Francis Picabia's *391*: Perpetual Motion in Dada and Beyond

Francis Picabia, a close associate of Marcel Duchamp, was known for his multiple pseudonyms and his rebellious approach to artistic movements. His art review, *391* (1917-1924), chronicles his complex relationship with Dada and Surrealism. The magazine's eclectic content—poetry, artwork, satirical essays—reflects Picabia's anti-establishment stance. Ultimately, he declared his 'Instantanism,' rejecting all artistic movements and proclaiming that art is not a movement, but perpetual motion.

(publicdomainreview.org)

Design Dada Surrealism Picabia

Blue Shield Data Breach: Google Analytics Misconfiguration Exposed Member Data

2025-04-10

Blue Shield of California announced a potential data breach affecting some members' protected health information. Between April 2021 and January 2024, a misconfiguration of Google Analytics allowed certain member data, including plan details, location, and demographics, to be shared with Google Ads for targeted advertising. Social Security numbers and financial information were not compromised. Blue Shield severed the connection in January 2024 and is taking steps to prevent future incidents. Members are advised to monitor their accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.

(news.blueshieldca.com)

Tech

Decade-Long Program Cracks Century-Old Math Conjecture

2025-09-22

Decade-Long Program Cracks Century-Old Math Conjecture

Two mathematicians ran a program for over a decade, finally disproving the long-standing additivity conjecture. Using a massive database they built, they processed millions of knots, ultimately finding a counterexample that shattered the conjecture. This story highlights the power of persistence and clever methodology, demonstrating the immense challenges hidden within seemingly simple mathematical problems.

(www.quantamagazine.org)

Misc

Open Source Software: A Cornerstone of Scientific Research

2025-06-04

This article explores the crucial role of open-source software in scientific research. The author argues that the freedom and reproducibility inherent in open-source software are essential for scientific progress, effectively addressing challenges in data processing, simulation, document preparation, and preservation. In contrast, proprietary software presents numerous risks, including restrictive licensing, software rot, and the inability to reproduce results. The article concludes by recommending several commonly used open-source software packages, such as GCC, GFortran, Julia, Typst, and Pandoc, and emphasizes the significant contribution of open-source software to scientific advancement.

(lwn.net)

Tech

US to Stop Making Pennies: A Costly Tradition Bites the Dust

2025-05-22

US to Stop Making Pennies: A Costly Tradition Bites the Dust

The US Treasury is phasing out the penny. Production of new one-cent coins will cease once existing blanks are used up. This move, driven by the fact that producing a penny costs over three cents, follows President Trump's earlier order to halt production. While consumers can still use existing pennies, businesses will round cash transactions to the nearest nickel. The Treasury estimates $56 million in annual savings, but increased nickel demand might offset this. This echoes Canada's previous elimination of the penny, highlighting a trend towards efficiency and waste reduction.

(www.cnn.com)

Tech penny coin US Treasury

Say Goodbye to FFmpeg Command Lines: Natural Language Video Processing

2025-07-23

Say Goodbye to FFmpeg Command Lines: Natural Language Video Processing

wtffmpeg is a command-line tool that uses a local Large Language Model (LLM) to translate plain English descriptions of video and audio tasks into executable ffmpeg commands. No more sifting through Stack Overflow and documentation – simply describe your task in natural language, and wtffmpeg generates the corresponding ffmpeg command. It features interactive execution confirmation, GPU acceleration, and customizable LLM models. The tool runs locally, requiring no internet connection, but you need to download an LLM model and install dependencies.

(github.com)

Development

The Rise of Agentic Business Objects: Data That Works for You

2025-03-02

The Rise of Agentic Business Objects: Data That Works for You

For decades, business data has been passive, waiting for humans to process it. Now, AI is giving data agency. This article explores the concept of Agentic Business Objects (ABOs), intelligent entities that can autonomously handle workflows, coordinate resources, and even communicate with other systems. Using the example of an invoice, the author demonstrates how ABOs can independently manage approval, payment, and reconciliation processes. The article envisions applications across sales, support, and HR, transforming enterprise software architecture and freeing humans to focus on higher-value work. This shift moves us from data operators to process orchestrators, unleashing human potential for creativity and innovation.

(10xbetterai.beehiiv.com)

Development Enterprise Software

LLM-Powered Pong: AI Commentary Takes Center Court

2025-05-04

LLM-Powered Pong: AI Commentary Takes Center Court

xPong is a Pong game with a twist: real-time AI commentary powered by an LLM. After five years of development, the creator leveraged OpenAI's gpt-4o-mini-tts to bring this vision to life. The game simulates 15 years of tournaments, features AI players with varying skill levels, and boasts a three-layered commentary system (opening, in-game, closing) that dynamically adapts to match events. It even draws parallels to past games and adds humorous elements. xPong showcases the exciting potential of LLMs in gaming.

(github.com)

Game

Kmart's Facial Recognition System Deemed Unlawful Privacy Breach

2025-09-22

Kmart's Facial Recognition System Deemed Unlawful Privacy Breach

Australia's Privacy Commissioner has ruled that Kmart Australia Limited's use of facial recognition technology (FRT) to combat refund fraud violated the privacy of Australians. Between June 2020 and July 2022, Kmart deployed FRT in 28 stores, collecting facial data without consent. The Commissioner found the system disproportionately invasive and that less privacy-intrusive alternatives existed. This follows a similar ruling against Bunnings, highlighting the need for businesses to prioritize privacy when implementing new technologies.

(www.oaic.gov.au)

Tech

The Extremely Large Telescope: A Giant Leap for Astronomy

2025-05-16

The Extremely Large Telescope: A Giant Leap for Astronomy

The Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the darkest places on Earth, is hosting the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). With a primary mirror 39 meters in diameter—nearly four times larger than existing telescopes—the ELT promises a revolutionary leap in astronomical observation. Competing projects, such as the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Thirty Meter Telescope (currently stalled due to local opposition), aim for similar breakthroughs within the decade. These next-generation telescopes will dramatically alter our view of the cosmos, unveiling previously unseen wonders.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech telescope

Apple Wallet Ad Controversy: Trust Broken?

2025-06-29

Apple Wallet Ad Controversy: Trust Broken?

Apple's push notification for an F1 movie ad within its Wallet app has sparked controversy. The author argues this decision undermines Apple's carefully cultivated image of privacy and trust. Injecting ads into the Wallet app is akin to placing ads in a physical wallet – absurd and directly contradictory to Apple's messaging. This action could lead users to believe their interests are being tracked, eroding trust and raising privacy concerns. The author even suggests that whoever authorized the ad should be fired.

(daringfireball.net)

Tech

Global Optical Clock Network Paves Way for Redefining the Second

2025-06-16

Global Optical Clock Network Paves Way for Redefining the Second

Researchers have conducted the most extensive coordinated comparison of optical clocks to date, simultaneously operating clocks and links across six countries. This experiment, spanning thousands of kilometers, represents a significant step towards redefining the second and establishing a global optical time scale. Using both satellite and optical fiber links, the study highlights areas for improvement in optical clock precision and reliability. The findings are crucial for advancing next-generation optical clocks and scientific endeavors reliant on precise time and frequency measurements, ultimately aiming to leverage the superior accuracy of optical clocks to redefine the second in the International System of Units.

(phys.org)

Tech optical clocks international system of units

Pushing the Limits of Physics: How Consciousness Might Influence Reality

2025-04-30

Nearly three decades of experiments suggest anomalous physical phenomena in PEAR studies correlate significantly with subjective variables like intention, meaning, resonance, and uncertainty. This starkly contradicts established physics and psychology, demanding new theoretical models. The article explores several, including applying quantum mechanics principles to consciousness and influencing reality through subconscious interaction with material processes. These models highlight consciousness' proactive role in shaping reality, offering a framework for a "science of the subjective" that challenges our understanding of reality.

(pearlab.icrl.org)

AI anomalous phenomena

CACM's Practice Section: Call for Articles

2025-04-26

Communications of the ACM (CACM) is seeking submissions for its new Practice section, focusing on enhancing the skills and job performance of computing practitioners. The section welcomes articles on technical advancements, development practices, organizational structures, successful system examples, and other relevant topics. Articles should be broadly applicable and insightful, avoiding highly specialized content or detailed tutorials on specific technologies. Submissions are limited to 10 pages (approximately 6,000 words) and can be previously blogged, but not formally published elsewhere. Authors retain copyright. Potential authors are encouraged to contact the co-chairs before submitting.

(cacm.acm.org)

Development Call for Papers

Global Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Climate Action Roadblock

2025-02-23

Global Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Climate Action Roadblock

Massive government subsidies for fossil fuels are hindering climate change efforts worldwide. Despite pledges to reduce them, progress remains slow due to political and economic factors. Subsidies take many forms, from direct price controls to tax breaks and the externalization of environmental costs, artificially lowering fossil fuel prices and increasing consumption and emissions. The article analyzes the stubborn persistence of these subsidies, exploring opportunities and challenges for reform during energy price volatility, highlighting the need to balance climate goals with socioeconomic stability.

(theconversation.com)

Tech fossil fuel subsidies

Magnus Carlsen's Apparent Farewell to Classical Chess: A Turning Point?

2025-06-05

Magnus Carlsen's Apparent Farewell to Classical Chess: A Turning Point?

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen recently hinted at a waning passion for classical chess, sparking debate within the chess community. He cited the grueling preparation and intense pressure as contributing factors. The article explores the demanding nature of top-level classical chess, highlighting the hours of preparation, memorization, and lengthy games often ending in draws. The rise of chess engines and readily available databases has also leveled the playing field, diminishing the element of pure skill. However, Carlsen isn't abandoning chess entirely; he remains active in faster time controls and is a proponent of more creative formats like Freestyle Chess. The piece concludes by questioning the future of classical chess and the need for innovation to maintain its relevance and appeal.

(lichess.org)

Game Classical Chess Future of Chess

Apple's Smart Glasses: 2026 Launch, Smartwatch Plans Shelved

2025-05-22

Apple's Smart Glasses: 2026 Launch, Smartwatch Plans Shelved

Apple is aiming for a late 2026 release of its smart glasses, a key part of its push into AI-enhanced gadgets. The glasses, set to rival Meta's Ray-Bans, are in active development, with mass prototype production beginning late this year with overseas suppliers. However, the company has reportedly abandoned plans for a smartwatch featuring a built-in camera for environmental analysis.

(www.bloomberg.com)

Tech

Montana's Right-to-Try Bill: A Medical Tourism Gamble?

2025-05-15

Montana's Right-to-Try Bill: A Medical Tourism Gamble?

Montana's controversial new law allows access to unapproved experimental drugs, sparking debate. While proponents claim it promotes equitable access, experts question its safety and feasibility. US courts have previously rejected the right of patients to access unapproved experimental treatments. The bill mandates that experimental treatment centers allocate a percentage of profits to support local residents' access, but this might introduce further risk as doctors lack efficacy guarantees. Additionally, the law limits sales to drugs manufactured within Montana, contradicting federal requirements for FDA approval of interstate drug commerce. Despite these hurdles, several clinics have expressed interest, potentially creating a unique medical tourism market.

(www.technologyreview.com)

Tech medical bill experimental drugs medical tourism

Microsoft Copilot Flops: Only 20 Million Weekly Users Compared to ChatGPT's 400 Million

2025-04-27

Microsoft Copilot Flops: Only 20 Million Weekly Users Compared to ChatGPT's 400 Million

Microsoft's ambitious AI assistant, Copilot, is struggling to gain traction, boasting a mere 20 million weekly users compared to ChatGPT's staggering 400 million. Despite significant investment and integration into various applications like Office and Edge, along with premium subscriptions and dedicated hardware, Copilot's user engagement remains disappointingly low. This raises concerns about Microsoft's AI strategy, especially considering the company's high hopes for Copilot and substantial resource allocation. The underwhelming performance mirrors Intel's struggles in the AI hardware market, highlighting the intense competition and uncertain user demand in the AI landscape.

(www.xda-developers.com)

Tech

Python Integrates Formally Verified Crypto Library HACL*

2025-04-18

After 2.5 years of work, Python successfully integrated the formally verified cryptographic library HACL* into its hash and HMAC implementations. This upgrade replaces the previous SHA3 implementation, which contained a CVE, and covers various algorithms including Blake2, SHA3, and HMAC, significantly improving Python's security. The project overcame challenges in implementing streaming APIs and building the system, and also implemented handling of memory allocation failures. This demonstrates the potential of formal verification in large-scale real-world projects.

(jonathan.protzenko.fr)

Development

Amazon Kills Prime Sharing, Likely to Boost Subscriptions

2025-09-02

Amazon Kills Prime Sharing, Likely to Boost Subscriptions

Amazon is ending its program that lets Prime members share their free shipping benefits with non-household members, effective October 1st, 2025. Instead, Amazon is replacing this with Amazon Family, limiting shared benefits to those residing at the same address. This move, mirroring similar actions by streaming services combating password sharing, is likely a response to missed Prime signup goals during the recent Prime Day event. Non-household members will be offered a discounted one-year Prime subscription.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Prime Membership Subscription

arXivLabs: Experimental Projects with Community Collaborators

2025-02-03

arXivLabs is a framework enabling collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on the arXiv website. Individuals and organizations involved with arXivLabs embrace our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners who adhere to them. Have an idea for a project that will benefit the arXiv community? Learn more about arXivLabs.

(arxiv.org)

Development

AI's Limits in Enzyme Function Prediction: A Nature Paper's Hidden Errors

2025-06-03

AI's Limits in Enzyme Function Prediction: A Nature Paper's Hidden Errors

A Nature paper used a Transformer model to predict the function of 450 unknown enzymes, garnering significant attention. However, a subsequent paper revealed hundreds of errors in these predictions. This highlights the limitations of AI in biology and the flaws in current publishing incentives. Careful examination showed many predictions weren't novel, but were repetitions or outright incorrect. This underscores the importance of deep domain expertise in evaluating AI results and the need for incentives focused on quality over flashy AI solutions.

(rachel.fast.ai)

AI Biology Enzyme Function Prediction

Become a 10x Developer in 30 Seconds with rust-stakeholder

2025-03-16

Become a 10x Developer in 30 Seconds with rust-stakeholder

Tired of actually coding? Meet rust-stakeholder, a CLI tool that generates impressive-looking, yet utterly meaningless, terminal output. Convince everyone you're a coding genius without writing a single line of useful code! Simulate development activity, generate progress bars, fake network traffic, and even create artificial crises. It's satire, of course – don't actually use this to land a job you're not qualified for!

(github.com)

Development programmer humor satire

New Bill Aims to Crack Down on Foreign Digital Piracy, Sparking Debate

2025-02-04

New Bill Aims to Crack Down on Foreign Digital Piracy, Sparking Debate

Rep. Zoe Lofgren's introduced the Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act (FADPA), aiming to curb foreign-run piracy sites exploiting U.S. legal loopholes. The act mandates site-blocking, requiring ISPs to make a 'good faith effort' to disable access to pirate websites. While backed by industry groups citing billions in economic losses from piracy, the bill has also raised concerns about free speech and internet openness. FADPA attempts to balance intellectual property protection with maintaining a free internet, a delicate dance considering the legacy of past, more heavy-handed legislation like SOPA.

(deadline.com)

Tech

US Health Secretary's Purge of Vaccine Advisory Board Sparks Outrage

2025-06-09

US Health Secretary's Purge of Vaccine Advisory Board Sparks Outrage

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee on Monday, sparking widespread criticism from medical groups. Kennedy cited conflicts of interest and plans to appoint his own team within two weeks. The move, described as a "coup," threatens to undermine public trust in vaccine science and potentially lead to a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases. It also breaks a previous promise by Kennedy and raises concerns about the impartiality of future committee members.

(apnews.com)

Tech

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