March 21, 2024
Tech News
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act, which aims to prevent data brokers from selling Americans’ personal information to foreign adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The bill, supported unanimously, focuses on safeguarding U.S. national security and internet users’ data privacy. It grants enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission and covers sensitive data such as biometric, genetic information, and health diagnoses.
Reddit’s initial public offering (IPO) was priced at $34 per share, at the top of its expected range, indicating strong investor interest. The social media company raised nearly $500 million, with an initial valuation of $5.4 billion, lower than its previous private market value of $10 billion. Reddit’s stock, traded under the ticker symbol “RDDT,” debuted on the New York Stock Exchange. Despite net losses exceeding $90 million, Reddit’s involvement in AI and data licensing for AI model training could attract investors.
The Philippines has collaborated with Microsoft to boost AI adoption in government and industry sectors, supporting the country’s National AI Roadmap. Initiatives include implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot in government agencies and creating new applications with chatbot capabilities. Microsoft’s AI-powered Reading Progress tool will be rolled out to 27 million students by the Department of Education, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will offer AI and cybersecurity training to over 100,000 women learners.
Leica introduced its latest mirrorless camera, the Leica SL3, in Malaysia. The camera boasts a 60MP sensor, a lighter magnesium body, and a price comparable to a Perodua Axia car. The SL3 comes with enhancements like a tiltable touch screen, a new phase-detect autofocus system, and the ability to record in DCI 8K. Designed for photography and videography, the focus is on high-quality image capture and versatility.
SpaceX is on the verge of certifying a second launch pad in Florida for astronaut launches, aiming to enhance its human spaceflight capacity. The upgraded SLC-40 pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station now features a crew access arm and an emergency egress system. The upcoming CRS-30 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will serve as a step towards certifying the pad for crewed missions, easing launch site congestion and supporting SpaceX’s future crewed missions, including those on the larger Starship spacecraft.
Tech Explained
Data Brokers – Companies that collect and sell personal information about individuals to other organizations.
Initial Public Offering (IPO) – The first time a company’s stock is offered to the public for purchase on a stock exchange.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
Mirrorless Camera – A type of digital camera that uses an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD screen for composing images, rather than an optical viewfinder.
Launch Pad – A structure used to support a rocket before launch and provide the necessary facilities for fueling, power, and communication.
