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Meta's Alleged Illegal Torrenting of Books for AI Training: New Evidence Surfaces

2025-02-07

Meta's Alleged Illegal Torrenting of Books for AI Training: New Evidence Surfaces

Newly surfaced emails reveal Meta allegedly used the shadow library LibGen to train its AI models, employing torrenting to download and seed terabytes of data. Internal messages suggest high-level knowledge and attempts to conceal the activity. Authors allege direct copyright infringement and demand further depositions, contradicting previous testimony. Meta maintains its actions constituted fair use, but the new evidence complicates its legal defense and expands the scope of the copyright infringement claim.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Let's Encrypt Drops Automated Certificate Expiration Emails

2025-02-06

Let's Encrypt Drops Automated Certificate Expiration Emails

Let's Encrypt, the non-profit providing free wildcard SSL certificates, will cease sending automated expiration emails starting June 4, 2025. This change, however, is likely beneficial. Reasons cited include widespread automation of certificate renewal by users, the significant cost (tens of thousands of dollars annually) and infrastructure complexity of sending these emails, and importantly, enhanced user privacy by eliminating the need to store millions of email addresses. Let's Encrypt suggests using alternatives like Red Sift Certificates Lite for free certificate expiration monitoring.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

FCC Employees Targeted in Robocall Scam

2025-02-05

FCC Employees Targeted in Robocall Scam

On February 6-7, 2024, over a dozen FCC staff and their families received robocalls from scammers posing as FCC employees. The calls used a synthesized voice claiming to be from an FCC “Fraud Prevention Team,” demanding $1,000 in Google gift cards to avoid jail time. The FCC clarified it has no such team and is unsure how the scammers obtained employee contact information. The FCC proposed a $4,492,500 fine against Telnyx, the voice service provider, for allegedly violating KYC rules. Telnyx denies the allegations and plans to contest the fine.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech robocalls scam

Cruz's Telecom Director to Lead US Broadband Deployment Program

2025-02-04

Cruz's Telecom Director to Lead US Broadband Deployment Program

US Senator Ted Cruz has been pushing for an overhaul of a $42.45 billion broadband deployment program, and now his telecom policy director, Arielle Roth, has been nominated to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the agency responsible for distributing the funds. Roth's nomination is pending Senate approval. Cruz previously criticized the NTIA's implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, accusing it of 'technology bias' for prioritizing fiber. Roth herself criticized the program for adding extra-legal requirements and a 'woke social agenda,' increasing costs and deterring participation. Her appointment could lead to less emphasis on fiber and more funding for cable, fixed wireless, and satellite services, potentially impacting municipal broadband and fiber networks.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech government

Open Source Projects Face Funding Crisis: Freedesktop.org and Alpine Linux Seek New Homes

2025-02-04

Open Source Projects Face Funding Crisis: Freedesktop.org and Alpine Linux Seek New Homes

Freedesktop.org and Alpine Linux, two crucial open-source projects, are facing server relocation challenges due to funding shortages. After exhausting Google Cloud Platform's open-source credits, Freedesktop.org is now rushing to move off Equinix and its leader proposes a new plan: Freedesktop.org pays for its own servers and seeks sponsors. Alpine Linux, widely used in containers and embedded devices, consumes 800TB of bandwidth monthly and needs new servers and continuous integration environments. It's currently searching for servers near the Netherlands. Both projects highlight the mismatch between their importance and funding, urging more individuals and organizations to support the sustainable development of open-source projects.

(arstechnica.com)

Development

AstroForge's Odin Mission: A High-Stakes Deep Space Asteroid Probe

2025-02-02

AstroForge's Odin Mission: A High-Stakes Deep Space Asteroid Probe

AstroForge's Odin payload, launching no earlier than February 26th on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aims to image a near-Earth asteroid and assess its metal content. This ambitious mission marks a first for private companies—operating a spacecraft in deep space beyond the Moon. The mission's success hinges on Odin's survival and communication back to Earth, with asteroid arrival considered a secondary, less likely goal. AstroForge has also partnered with Stoke Space for future asteroid mining missions using their reusable Nova rocket.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Asteroid Mining Deep Space

Severance Season 2: From Corporate Satire to Cult Investigation

2025-02-01

Severance Season 2: From Corporate Satire to Cult Investigation

Season one of *Severance* captivated audiences with its unique premise of memory severance between work and home life. Season two delves deeper, transcending corporate satire to explore social control mechanisms, particularly those mirroring cult dynamics. The showrunner and actors confirmed research into numerous cult documentaries, cleverly weaving parallels between cults and corporations to expose the darker sides of power structures and information control. This elevates *Severance* Season 2 beyond a simple corporate critique, transforming it into a profound exploration of social control and the nature of power.

(arstechnica.com)

Game cult

Google's Mysterious Pixel 4a Battery Update: A Recall in Disguise?

2025-01-31

Google's Mysterious Pixel 4a Battery Update: A Recall in Disguise?

Google released a battery update for some Pixel 4a phones, significantly impacting battery life for affected devices. The reason for the update remains unclear; Google only mentions improved "battery stability" without explaining why some phones were targeted or the nature of the problem. This lack of transparency has led to user frustration and speculation that this is a de facto recall without the usual safety warnings and clear communication.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware

US Copyright Office: No New Laws Needed for AI-Assisted Works

2025-01-31

US Copyright Office: No New Laws Needed for AI-Assisted Works

The US Copyright Office declared this week that existing laws suffice to address copyright issues surrounding AI-assisted works, negating the need for new legislation. Over 10,000 comments urged stronger protections for artists in the age of AI. The office responded by referencing a 1965 precedent when similar authorship questions arose with the advent of advanced computer technology. Then, Register of Copyrights Abraham Kaminstein stated there's no one-size-fits-all solution. This remains the office's stance; only fully AI-generated content is ineligible for copyright protection. Works with human-authored expressive elements, even with AI assistance, retain copyrightability.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech AI Authorship

Video Game History Foundation Launches Digital Library

2025-01-31

Video Game History Foundation Launches Digital Library

The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has launched its digital library, a treasure trove of historical video game materials. This includes scans of the 1999 E3 catalog and old PC Gamer magazines, even unearthing information on the obscure 3D racing game Pretzel Pete. Digitizing this information proved challenging, requiring the development of a custom text recognition tool to handle the complex layouts of 90s gaming magazines. While direct access to game ROMs is currently restricted by copyright, the VGHF continues to advocate for change.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

OpenAI Partners with US National Labs to Supercharge Scientific Research with AI

2025-01-30

OpenAI Partners with US National Labs to Supercharge Scientific Research with AI

OpenAI announced a partnership with US National Labs, leveraging AI to advance scientific research and serve national security and public good. Over 15,000 scientists will gain access to OpenAI's latest reasoning models, potentially leading to breakthroughs in materials science, renewable energy, astrophysics, and more. Key areas of focus include bolstering US global tech leadership, disease treatment and prevention, cybersecurity, power grid protection, threat detection, and furthering our understanding of the universe. The partnership aims to unlock the potential of natural resources and revolutionize the nation's energy infrastructure, while also significantly enhancing national security research.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech National Labs

US Congresswoman Proposes Bill to Block Foreign Piracy Sites

2025-01-30

US Congresswoman Proposes Bill to Block Foreign Piracy Sites

Rep. Zoe Lofgren introduced the Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act, allowing copyright holders to obtain court orders compelling ISPs and DNS providers to block access to foreign piracy websites. While supported by groups like the Motion Picture Association, the bill has drawn criticism as a “censorious site-blocking” measure and an “internet kill switch.” The bill includes exemptions and claims to respect the First Amendment, but critics argue it grants copyright holders excessive power.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech digital piracy

Sony Backtracks: PlayStation Account No Longer Required for 4 Single-Player Steam Games

2025-01-30

Sony has performed a dramatic U-turn, making PlayStation Network account login optional for four single-player titles on Steam: Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. While logging in still unlocks in-game rewards like exclusive costumes or early access items, it's no longer mandatory. This follows considerable player backlash and negative reviews after similar policies for other titles, notably Helldivers 2, sparked outrage.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

Cruz Blocks Wi-Fi for Schoolkids: Censorship Concerns?

2025-01-29

Cruz Blocks Wi-Fi for Schoolkids: Censorship Concerns?

Senator Ted Cruz is attempting to block the FCC's plan to distribute Wi-Fi hotspots to students, citing concerns about unsupervised internet access, potential safety risks, and the possibility of limiting children's exposure to conservative viewpoints. Cruz argues the FCC's action violates federal law and harms parental rights. The FCC counters that the program, utilizing existing E-Rate funding, is necessary to bridge the homework gap for students lacking reliable internet. While a similar temporary program existed during the pandemic, Cruz claims the new plan lacks sufficient safeguards and could lead to censorship. The dispute involves the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn recent agency actions, and highlights ongoing debate about internet access and parental control.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech internet access parental control political debate

Critical Apple Chip Flaws: FLOP and SLAP Attacks

2025-01-28

Critical Apple Chip Flaws: FLOP and SLAP Attacks

Researchers discovered two critical vulnerabilities, dubbed FLOP and SLAP, in Apple's M-series and A-series chips. FLOP exploits the chip's load value predictor (LVP) to steal sensitive data from Chrome and Safari browsers, including information from Gmail, iCloud, and Google Maps. SLAP, targeting primarily Safari, leverages the load address predictor (LAP) for similar data theft. Affected devices include iPhones, iPads, and Macs released since September 2021. While Apple claims to be assessing the risk, researchers have published mitigations and recommend users update their systems.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Apple chip vulnerabilities security risk FLOP and SLAP attacks

AI Scrapers Meet Their Match: The Rise of 'Tarpits'

2025-01-28

AI Scrapers Meet Their Match: The Rise of 'Tarpits'

Frustrated by AI crawlers ignoring robots.txt, developer Aaron created 'Nepenthes,' malware that traps crawlers in an endless maze of static files. This 'tarpit' technique, inspired by anti-spam tactics, has sparked a wave of similar tools, including Gergely Nagy's 'Iocaine.' While criticized for potentially burdening servers and hindering AI progress, supporters see it as a rebellion against AI's overreach and a way for content creators to reclaim control. The debate highlights the tension between AI development and the protection of online content.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

FPGA-Powered Retro Console Recreates the PlayStation Experience

2025-01-28

FPGA-Powered Retro Console Recreates the PlayStation Experience

Retro Remake's SuperStation One, a $180 FPGA-based PlayStation clone, is set to launch in Q4 2025. This console boasts compatibility with original PlayStation accessories and supports other MiSTer FPGA cores, offering versatility beyond PlayStation games. Featuring modern connectivity like HDMI and USB-C, the SuperStation One also offers an optional SuperDock for playing original PlayStation discs. Its FPGA emulation ensures accurate game performance and low latency.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

US Wind and Solar to Outpace Coal in 2024

2025-01-28

US Wind and Solar to Outpace Coal in 2024

Data from the US Energy Information Agency reveals that US solar power generation surged 30% in the first 11 months of 2024, leading to combined wind and solar generation surpassing coal for the first time. Despite a near 3% rise in electricity demand, coal generation fell by almost 5%. The rapid growth of renewables has primarily displaced fossil fuel generation, not met increased demand. Future growth in solar and wind capacity, coupled with policy uncertainties, promises a dynamic energy landscape for the US grid.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech solar wind

Anthropic's Claude Gets a Citation API to Fight Hallucinations

2025-01-28

Anthropic's Claude Gets a Citation API to Fight Hallucinations

Anthropic launched a new Citations API that integrates Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) directly into its Claude models. This combats AI hallucinations by directly linking responses to source documents. Developers can add documents to Claude's context, allowing it to cite specific passages used in generating answers. Internal testing showed a 15 percent improvement in recall accuracy. Early adopters like Thomson Reuters and Endex report positive results, including reduced confabulations and increased references. While further research is needed, this represents a significant step toward more reliable AI.

(arstechnica.com)

AI

Unencrypted Radio Signals Expose Central European Power Grid to Catastrophic Attack

2025-01-25

Unencrypted Radio Signals Expose Central European Power Grid to Catastrophic Attack

Researchers have discovered that renewable energy facilities across Central Europe use unencrypted radio signals to control power distribution, leaving the entire grid vulnerable to a potential catastrophic attack. By replaying or forging signals, attackers could manipulate numerous power facilities, potentially causing widespread blackouts. While the feasibility of such an attack is debated, the vulnerability highlights the urgent need to upgrade existing systems and improve security.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech energy infrastructure

Physics Uncovers Critical Tipping Points in Chess Matches

2025-01-24

Physics Uncovers Critical Tipping Points in Chess Matches

Physicist Marc Barthelemy analyzed over 20,000 top-level chess games using interaction graphs to reveal crucial tipping points. Treating chess as a complex system, he measured the 'betweenness centrality' and 'fragility scores' of chess pieces to predict game outcomes. The fragility score of key pieces rises about eight moves before a critical turning point and remains high for approximately 15 moves afterward, revealing a universal pattern across players and openings. This research offers fresh insights into the complex dynamics of chess and provides new avenues for AI and machine learning.

(arstechnica.com)

AI

FBI's Warrantless Searches Deemed Unconstitutional, Sparking Calls for Section 702 Reform

2025-01-24

FBI's Warrantless Searches Deemed Unconstitutional, Sparking Calls for Section 702 Reform

A US court ruled that the FBI's warrantless searches of communications, conducted under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), violate the Fourth Amendment. The ruling stems from a case involving 3.4 million warrantless searches in 2021. While the judge acknowledged potential exceptions for national security emergencies, the decision emphasizes that the government cannot circumvent warrant requirements simply because data is already held. This ruling reignites calls for Section 702 reform, with digital rights groups urging Congress to mandate warrants for searching US persons' data and increase transparency to protect civil liberties.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Fourth Amendment

Trump Administration Orders End to Federal Remote Work

2025-01-24

Trump Administration Orders End to Federal Remote Work

President Trump issued an executive order mandating all federal agencies to terminate remote work arrangements within 30 days, forcing employees back to in-person work. This move addresses the high vacancy rate in federal offices stemming from pandemic-era remote work, citing economic losses and a "national embarrassment." While some exceptions are allowed, the order is considered forceful and has sparked controversy.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech federal government

Stealthy VPN Backdoor Uses 'Magic Packets' to Evade Detection

2025-01-24

Stealthy VPN Backdoor Uses 'Magic Packets' to Evade Detection

Researchers uncovered a novel backdoor, dubbed J-Magic, infecting dozens of enterprise VPNs running Juniper's Junos OS. This backdoor leverages 'magic packets' embedded within normal TCP traffic, activating only upon receiving specific data patterns. To prevent unauthorized access, J-Magic employs an RSA encryption challenge-response mechanism. Its in-memory operation further hinders detection. The backdoor has been found in 36 organizations across various industries, including semiconductor, energy, manufacturing, and IT. The origin of the infection remains unknown.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Backdoor

A Song of Ice and Fire Author Co-Authors Physics Paper

2025-01-23

A Song of Ice and Fire Author Co-Authors Physics Paper

George R.R. Martin, author of *A Song of Ice and Fire*, has co-authored a physics paper with a physicist from Los Alamos National Laboratory. The paper models the fictional virus from Martin's *Wild Cards* series, explaining the distribution of superpowers and mutations. While not a perfect representation, the model offers a unique pedagogical exercise, demonstrating how seemingly intractable problems can be transformed into analyzable dynamic systems for physics education.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Science Fiction George R.R. Martin

Trump Admin Dismantles Cybersecurity Board Investigating Major Chinese Hack

2025-01-23

Trump Admin Dismantles Cybersecurity Board Investigating Major Chinese Hack

The Trump administration dissolved the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity Safety Review Board (CSRB), which was investigating a significant cyberattack by the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon on major US telecom firms. This move has sparked controversy, with Democrats accusing the administration of stacking the board with loyalists to hinder the investigation into Salt Typhoon. DHS countered that the board was pursuing agendas detrimental to national security. The hack reportedly compromised communications data of Trump, the Vice President, and other government officials.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Chinese hacking

Florida Man's High-Fat Diet Leads to Cholesterol Crisis

2025-01-22

Florida Man's High-Fat Diet Leads to Cholesterol Crisis

A Florida man's high-fat carnivore diet, consisting of pounds of cheese, butter, and hamburgers, resulted in a cholesterol level exceeding 1000 mg/dL—far above the healthy range. This led to lipids oozing from his blood vessels, forming visible yellow nodules on his skin, a condition called xanthelasma. His case, published in JAMA Cardiology, highlights the dangers of extreme high-fat diets and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent serious health complications.

(arstechnica.com)

Health high cholesterol carnivore diet xanthelasma

Mars Dichotomy Boundary Eroded Hundreds of Kilometers

2025-01-21

Mars Dichotomy Boundary Eroded Hundreds of Kilometers

New research suggests Mars' iconic dichotomy boundary, separating the higher southern hemisphere from the lower northern one, may have receded hundreds of kilometers due to water erosion. Researchers analyzed data from the Mars Express and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, finding that thousands of buttes and mesas near Mawrth Vallis, situated at the dichotomy boundary, share a similar height with a nearby higher-elevation plateau, indicating they are remnants of a larger plateau eroded away. This massive erosion suggests an active water cycle early in Mars' history, consistent with the theory of a northern ocean but also potentially caused by other hydrological processes like ice cap melting. The finding offers new clues about early Martian climate and geological evolution, adding to evidence for a past ocean but also raising new questions.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Mars hydrological cycle

Deep Earth Life: More Diverse Than We Thought

2025-01-20

Deep Earth Life: More Diverse Than We Thought

New research is reshaping our understanding of life's distribution on Earth. Scientists have discovered that the diversity of microbes deep beneath the surface rivals, and sometimes surpasses, that of rainforests and coral reefs. These microbes thrive in extremely low-energy environments, flourishing even at depths where energy supply is far lower than for surface organisms. Researchers suggest subsurface ecosystems may host more than half of all microbial cells. This finding not only deepens our understanding of Earth's life forms but also offers new perspectives on the search for extraterrestrial life.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech deep life microbial diversity

Pulitzer-Winning Cartoonist Arrested for AI-Generated CSAM

2025-01-18

Pulitzer-Winning Cartoonist Arrested for AI-Generated CSAM

Under a new California law targeting AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell was arrested for possessing 134 CSAM videos. The law, effective January 1st, criminalizes AI-generated CSAM even without a real victim, citing the inherent harm and revictimization of those depicted in the training data. Police traced the files to Bell's account, marking the Sacramento Valley ICAC's first arrest for AI-generated CSAM. This case highlights the emerging legal and ethical challenges posed by AI-generated content in the context of child exploitation.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech CSAM Law

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