January 18, 2025
Tech News
A new lawsuit has emerged from the auto industry aiming to challenge President Biden’s proposed automatic emergency braking rule. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major automakers, claims the rule to implement AEB across all vehicles by 2029 is “flawed.” They argue that current technology cannot meet the required standards and are seeking its repeal, despite consumer advocates pushing for stricter safety measures.
In a robust response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defended the new AEB rule, asserting it is practical and necessary to enhance driver and pedestrian safety. The NHTSA emphasized that the regulation fosters industry innovation and supports the adoption of life-saving technology, even as automakers voice concerns over the feasibility of meeting the deadlines.
Meanwhile, Bluesky, the emerging social networking platform, reported a significant spike in moderation activity, reflecting its rapid user growth in 2024. With an unprecedented 17-fold increase in moderation reports—totaling 6.48 million—the platform is adapting by expanding its moderation team and incorporating automation into its processes to handle the volume of reports concerning harassment and anti-social behavior.
Bluesky witnessed the highest influx of users following external changes at X (formerly Twitter), leading to overwhelming reports of trolling and harassment. The platform has also started accepting moderation reports directly through its app, enhancing user engagement while addressing the management of its increasing scale and complexity.
In a regulatory update, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated investigations into mishaps involving SpaceX and Blue Origin during recent rocket tests. SpaceX experienced an explosion of its Starship during a test flight, prompting scrutiny over its operations while the FAA noted no reported injuries.
Tech Explained
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – This safety feature is designed to help prevent collisions by automatically applying the vehicle’s brakes when a potential crash is detected. The new regulatory requirement stipulates that vehicles must be capable of recognizing pedestrians and stop at various speeds to enhance road safety significantly.
Moderation – In the context of social media, moderation involves overseeing user-generated content to ensure compliance with community standards and guidelines. This has become increasingly important for platforms like Bluesky, especially in addressing reports of harassment and maintaining a safe online environment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Referring to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, primarily computer systems, AI is used by platforms like Bluesky to automate the moderation of reports, improving efficiency by quickly identifying spam or inappropriate content while reducing the workload on human moderators.
