March 15, 2024
Tech News
The European Parliament has passed the world’s first comprehensive AI law, designed to regulate the AI industry by its potential to harm society. The AI Act classifies AI systems based on risk, with strict requirements for high-risk applications and lighter regulation for low-risk services. Violations could result in fines up to 35 million Euros or 7% of a company’s global revenue. The law is expected to officially become law by mid-2024, with provisions taking effect in stages.
Pornhub has disabled access in Texas in response to the state’s age verification law for adult websites. This law is part of a growing trend in the US, with similar laws in Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Utah, Montana, and North Carolina. Pornhub argues that age verification laws pose risks to data security and privacy. The company had initially complied with such laws in Louisiana but has since opted to block access in states with these requirements.
Zscaler, a cloud security company, has acquired cybersecurity startup Avalor for $310 million. The acquisition aims to enhance Zscaler’s platform with AI-driven capabilities for security incident reporting, mitigation, asset discovery, and more. Avalor, founded 26 months ago, specializes in aggregating and managing risk data across cybersecurity assets.
Steam and Epic Games have launched their Spring sales, offering discounts on popular video games. Highlights include 50% off Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and discounts on Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, and Hogwarts Legacy on Steam. The Epic Games Store offers deals on exclusives like Alan Wake 2 and Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora, and is giving away Deus Ex: Mankind Divided for free until March 21. Steam’s sale ends on March 22, while the Epic Games Store sale continues until March 28.
Tech Explained
AI Act – The AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive AI law passed by the European Parliament to regulate the AI industry based on potential harm to society. It classifies AI systems into different risk categories and imposes strict requirements for high-risk applications.
Data Security – Data security refers to the protection of digital data from unauthorized access, use, or corruption to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and preventing data breaches.
Cybersecurity – Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats, such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks. It encompasses measures to prevent, detect, and respond to security incidents to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of information.
Video Games – Video games are electronic games that involve interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a screen. They can be played on various platforms, including consoles, computers, and mobile devices, and offer entertainment and immersive experiences for players.