Tech Official Pushing TikTok Ban Could Reap Windfall From U.S.–China Cold War
From his perch on a government commission, Jacob Helberg fearmongered about TikTok in Congress. He also works for a giant defense contractor.
Technology
Biometrics Giant Accenture Quietly Took Over LA Residents’ Jail Reform Plan
A plan to divert money from police ended up funneling an $8.6 million contract back toward the prison-industrial complex.
Signal’s New Usernames Help Keep the Cops Out of Your Data
Ephemeral usernames instead of phone numbers safeguard privacy — and makes Signal even harder to subpoena.
Israel’s War on Gaza
Meta Considering Increased Censorship of the Word “Zionist”
“I think it may actually harm the fight against antisemitism,” said the head of a Palestinian digital rights group briefed on the potential change.
Israel’s War on Gaza
Erik Prince Claims His Vaporware Super-Phone Could Have Thwarted October 7 Hamas Attack
The special features of the Blackwater founder’s Unplugged device can be replicated on most phones by adjusting the settings.
Israel’s War on Gaza
In Video From Gaza, Former CEO of Pegasus Spyware Firm Announces Millions for New Venture
Dream Security has a raft of NSO Group vets at the helm — and deep ties to the Israeli and international right.
OpenAI Quietly Deletes Ban on Using ChatGPT for “Military and Warfare”
The Pentagon has its eye on the leading AI company, which this week softened its ban on military use.
Israel’s War on Gaza
Israeli Group Claims It’s Working With Big Tech Insiders to Censor “Inflammatory” Wartime Content
Iron Truth members have flagged thousands of posts for removal, from clearly racist or false content to posts that are merely sympathetic to Palestinians.
Drones From Company That “Strongly Opposes” Military Use Marketed With Bombs Attached
Chinese-made Autel drones, which have been widely used in Ukraine, are shown for sale carrying what appear to be explosive shells.
Israel’s War on Gaza
Harvard Endowment Investor and Other Business Leaders Take a Solidarity Trip to Israel
Harvard, a flash point in the campus fights over the war in Gaza, has seen controversy and activism over its endowment’s investments in Israel.