June 28, 2024
Tech News
Indonesia’s Temporary National Data Centre, operated by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, was hit by a ransomware attack affecting 210 databases of government and regional institutions. The attackers demanded a US$8 million ransom, which the government refused. The attack caused significant disruptions, including at immigration checkpoints and licensing services. Efforts to recover include relocating immigration data to Amazon Web Services. The attack has prompted investigations and a push to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee abruptly canceled a meeting to discuss and vote on the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and other bills due to disagreements within the Republican House leadership. The cancellation reflects the ongoing challenges in passing national privacy legislation, despite bipartisan efforts. The APRA faced opposition from various groups, including civil rights organizations and industry players, over its provisions.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized competitors for their closed-source AI development approaches, suggesting they aim to create a monopolistic “one true AI.” He advocated for open-source AI to foster a diverse ecosystem of AI applications. This comes after reports that Meta’s negotiations with Apple to integrate its AIs into Apple’s operating systems were rejected due to privacy concerns. Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of multiple AIs reflecting different interests and hinted at future technologies beyond smartphones.
The New York Times has integrated its word search game, Strands, into its NYT Games app on iOS and Android. Strands has become a popular addition to the NYT’s suite of games, which includes Wordle and Connections. The integration allows users to access all NYT puzzles within a single app, enhancing the user experience.
Meta is contemplating blocking news content on Facebook in Australia in response to potential government-imposed licensing fees for news links. This stance was revealed during a parliamentary hearing, highlighting Meta’s willingness to take drastic measures to avoid additional costs. The move would mirror Meta’s previous actions in Canada and raises concerns about access to news content on the platform.
Tech Explained
Ransomware – Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid.
Cybersecurity – Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
Open-source – Open-source refers to software that is released with a license that allows users to study, change, and distribute the software for any purpose.
Integration – Integration in technology refers to the process of combining different systems or software to work together seamlessly.
Licensing – Licensing refers to the granting of permission to use intellectual property, such as copyrighted material or patented technology, under specific conditions.
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