Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-05-20 Briefing

Created Wed, 20 May 2026 19:52:19 +0000 Modified Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:08:35 +0000
6321 Words

A critical vulnerability in Fediverse software, including Mastodon and Misskey, has been identified, requiring urgent updates to prevent JSON-LD manipulation. Meanwhile, Firefox is phasing out asm.js optimizations in favor of WebAssembly. In the literary world, Granta and the Commonwealth Foundation are investigating AI controversies, while C++26 prepares to introduce new function wrappers like std::copyable_function.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

Google SVP James Manyika on AI, tasks vs. jobs, and labor market optimism

Google SVP James Manyika discusses how AI-driven automation affects individual tasks rather than entire jobs, offering a perspective on the changing nature of work. The collection also covers ongoing legal battles involving Elon Musk and OpenAI, developments in AI safety, and various emerging trends within the tech industry.

CEO Walks Back Comment About Replacing ‘Lower-Value Human Capital’ with AI

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters has retracted controversial remarks suggesting the bank would replace “lower-value human capital” with artificial intelligence. In a memo to staff, Winters sought to reassure employees following backlash over the prospect of large-scale job cuts.

Google I/O 2026 had nothing to say and said it badly ahead of Apple’s WWDC

Google I/O 2026 faced criticism for its overly technical focus on AI statistics and a lack of meaningful audience engagement. While some attendees found the announcements promising, the event struggled with an excessive emphasis on AI and a presentation style that lacked the polish of competitors like Apple.

Lance – image/video generation and understanding in one model

Lance is a research-oriented model capable of unified image and video generation and understanding. The model features 3 billion active parameters and was trained using fewer than 128 GPUs.

Formal Verification Gates for AI Coding Loops

Rather than relying on unreliable prompt-based instructions to prevent bugs in AI-generated code, the author proposes using “structural backpressure.” This approach utilizes machine-verifiable tools like type checkers and formal verification to enforce critical structural invariants within the coding loop.

Stable Audio 3

Stable Audio 3 is a new family of latent diffusion models designed for efficient, variable-length audio generation and editing, including capabilities like inpainting. The models utilize a novel semantic-acoustic autoencoder and adversarial post-training to achieve high-fidelity audio production with rapid inference on both professional and consumer-grade hardware.

Google’s AI is being manipulated. The search giant is quietly fighting back

A BBC investigation has revealed that AI chatbots, including Google’s Gemini, can be manipulated to spread misinformation by scraping deceptive, single-source web pages. While Google and other AI companies are increasing efforts to combat these vulnerabilities, experts warn that the shift toward single AI-generated answers makes it easier for users to be misled.

Infomaniak transitions to a foundation model to protect user data privacy

Infomaniak founder Boris Siegenthaler has transferred the majority of the company’s voting rights to the Infomaniak Foundation to prevent external takeovers and ensure permanent independence. This move aims to safeguard the company’s core values of privacy and environmental responsibility while using a portion of annual profits to support public-interest projects.

Evals will break

Current LLM evaluation methods are structurally reactive, focusing on incremental improvements rather than predicting qualitative shifts in model capabilities. This inability to anticipate new capability regimes represents a critical bottleneck for the future development and safety of artificial intelligence.

Bye-bye, Gemini CLI; Google’s gone and swapped you for a closed-source AI

Google is replacing the Gemini CLI with a closed-source AI. Most users will lose access on June 18 unless they possess enterprise credentials or paid API keys.

Those spared latest Meta job cuts forcibly reassigned to AI roles

Meta is reassigning employees who were not included in recent job cuts to new roles within its AI division. Staff members are protesting this organizational overhaul and the implementation of new monitoring measures, such as mouse tracking.

ZTE releases Sustainability Report 2025: driving a new chapter in sustainable development through AI

ZTE has released its Sustainability Report 2025, highlighting its “All in AI, AI for All” vision for sustainable development. The report details how the company is leveraging AI to surpass climate targets, bridge the global digital divide, and enhance governance resilience.

AI sackings reach New Zealand, which will use it to eject 14 percent of government staff

New Zealand plans to implement artificial intelligence to reduce its government workforce by 14 percent. A government minister has called for AI to become a basic expectation across all public entities.

Dutch regulators: Social media algorithms are weapons to manipulate public opinion

The Dutch Media Authority (CvdM) is calling for government intervention to regulate social media algorithms that spread misinformation and polarize public opinion. The regulator warns that these “anti-democratic” algorithms prioritize profit-driven engagement over democratic interests and urges policymakers to redesign platforms to better serve the public interest.

💻 Software & Systems

How cross-thread double free detection could work in glibc malloc

This article explains the internal mechanics of the glibc malloc allocator, specifically focusing on its use of the tcache freelist. It details how a randomized key is implemented within memory chunks to facilitate an efficient mechanism for detecting double-free errors.

C++26: More function wrappers

C++26 introduces std::copyable_function and std::function_ref to address limitations in existing type-erased callable wrappers. std::copyable_function provides a copyable and const-correct alternative to std::function, while std::function_ref serves as a lightweight, non-owning reference to callables.

Golfing Zig ELF Binaries (2025)

This article explores techniques for shrinking a “do nothing” Zig ELF binary from 2180K to a minimal size. The author achieves these reductions by stripping debug information, utilizing a freestanding target, and employing a custom linker script to merge program segments.

Erasing Existentials

The article explores methods for implementing nested existential quantifiers in Rust, specifically addressing the challenge of traits with existential type parameters. To resolve this, the author proposes a “for-exists conversion” approach based on type theory identities.

The End of asm.js

Starting with Firefox 148, SpiderMonkey is disabling asm.js optimizations by default and plans to remove the feature entirely in a future release. While existing asm.js content will continue to function as standard JavaScript, developers are encouraged to migrate to WebAssembly for improved performance and smaller binaries.

Annotate-in-Place Notes with Emacs and org-remark

The article explores the “annotate-in-place” note-taking pattern, which aims to minimize the cognitive friction and context switching inherent in traditional digital note-taking. It showcases org-remark for Emacs as a practical implementation that enables users to annotate source text directly, creating a more intuitive and ergonomic workflow.

TeamPCP Interview

Inside Darknet has published an interview titled “TeamPCP Interview.” The post was released on May 09, 2026.

Undefined Behavior in C Programming

Writing perfectly correct C or C++ code is argued to be impossible due to the pervasive and inherent presence of undefined behavior. Beyond common memory errors, subtle issues allow compilers to make assumptions that can lead to unpredictable results across different hardware architectures and compiler updates.

SBCL: the ultimate assembly code breadboard (2014)

The author proposes a design for stack-based virtual machines that utilizes a restricted stack size to improve performance. This approach employs a modular counter to track the top of the stack without moving data, specializing primitive operations based on the counter’s current value.

Hocuspocus 4 – self-hosted Yjs collaboration backend

The developers of Tiptap have released Hocuspocus v4, an open-source WebSocket server for real-time Yjs collaboration. The major update removes the dependency on Node.js, enabling the server to run on environments such as Bun, Deno, and Cloudflare Workers.

Deutsche Bahn blocks Linux users

The Deutsche Bahn website is currently flagging Linux users as bots, preventing them from searching for train connections via error code 751. While users can bypass this restriction by manually changing their browser’s User-Agent to Windows, Deutsche Bahn has not yet provided an explanation for the issue.

No way to parse integers in C (2022)

Standard C functions such as atol() and sscanf() are criticized as unreliable for integer parsing because they fail to provide proper error detection and full string validation. While strtol() can be used successfully with careful implementation, the author identifies C++’s std::from_chars() as a more robust alternative.

Cities: Skylines Uses a Stock-Market Analogy to Influence Gameplay

The game Cities: Skylines utilizes a centralized, stock-market-style trading system known as the TransferManager to drive nearly all in-game interactions and movements. By matching “buy” and “sell” offers, this mechanism manages a wide range of tasks, from garbage collection and emergency services to social encounters between residents.

Ex-Apple engineer says Apple deliberately slows older phones via updates

A self-proclaimed former Apple engineer has alleged that the company uses software updates to intentionally slow down older iPhones to drive new sales. Additionally, leaks suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro may feature a cleaner display design with under-screen facial recognition sensors.

Fedora: Microsoft is all aboard, but Deepin is dumped

Red Hat’s Fedora Linux distribution is removing the Deepin desktop environment from its lineup. However, the project is establishing a new partnership with Microsoft.

PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm

Major industry players, including AWS, Percona, and Supabase, have pledged funding to support the PostgreSQL backup tool pgBackRest. This initiative follows an alarm raised by the tool’s sole maintainer regarding its future sustainability.

Google Cloud suspended major customer Railway.com without cause, causing outage

Google Cloud’s suspension of Railway.com without cause has caused a significant service outage. The digest also covers Anthropic’s acquisition of Stainless and Google’s transition of G Suite users to paid plans, as well as a lawsuit against Pizza Hut regarding AI-driven kitchen production.

Hinge’s new Signals feature might be a sign to change your dating style

Hinge has introduced a “Signals” feature that awards a purple heart badge to users who demonstrate thoughtful dating behaviors and adhere to safety guidelines. While intended to promote authentic connections, the feature may encourage users to adopt curated behaviors specifically to earn the distinction.

🛡️ Security & Privacy

the may 2026 fedi software vulnerability

A security vulnerability has been identified in Fediverse software, such as Mastodon and Misskey, involving the implementation of Linked Data signatures. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate signed objects through JSON-LD manipulation, necessitating urgent security updates from developers.

modulejail: Proactively shrink Linux kernel-module attack surface by blacklisting unused modules

ModuleJail is a POSIX shell script designed to reduce the Linux kernel attack surface by blacklisting all kernel modules that are not currently in use. By generating a modprobe.d configuration file, the tool prevents unnecessary modules from loading, thereby mitigating the risk of potential vulnerabilities in unused code.

Huawei router exploit caused 3-hour Luxembourg telecom outage in 2025

A zero-day attack exploiting an undocumented vulnerability in Huawei enterprise router software caused a nationwide telecommunications outage in Luxembourg, disrupting mobile, landline, and emergency services for over three hours. The incident was triggered by specially crafted network traffic that forced critical routers into a continuous restart loop.

Mass surveillance of foreigners in China revealed by abandoned demo dashboard

An exposed web interface has revealed a tracking system used by China’s Public Security Bureau to monitor foreigners, specifically in the Zhangjiakou region. The dashboard contains sensitive personal data, including passport numbers and identification photos of foreign journalists and residents, highlighting the advanced capabilities of Chinese mass surveillance.

Incident Report: May 19, 2026 – GCP Account Suspension

An incident report from May 19, 2026, details a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) account suspension. The report references a previously resolved incident where a railway was blocked due to Google Cloud issues.

Microsoft says cu l8r to text message security

Microsoft is moving away from text message-based authentication because it is considered insecure and outdated. The company plans to replace this method with a more robust and modern authentication alternative.

GitHub says internal repos exfiltrated after poisoned VS Code extension attack

GitHub reported that its internal repositories were exfiltrated following an attack involving a poisoned VS Code extension. While initial assessments indicate that customer data was not compromised, concerns remain regarding the full extent of the breach.

London’s police asked Big Tech for comms data over 700,000 times last year

A Freedom of Information Act request has revealed that London’s police requested communications data from Big Tech companies over 700,000 times last year. The findings highlight the significant scale of data requests made by law enforcement.

Surveillance pros slam snoop tactics behind Southampton FC’s £200m losses

Southampton Football Club has been disqualified from the Championship playoffs after admitting to spying on their semi-final opponents, Middlesbrough, during a training session. Security experts have criticized the incident, which involved an intern caught filming from behind a tree, as an amateurish attempt to gain a competitive advantage.

Millions hit in “scareware” attack that blasts out warning noises and frightens users into callin…

Security researchers have identified “CypherLock,” a sophisticated browser-based scareware scam that uses alarming pop-ups and psychological tactics to trick users into contacting a fraudulent IT helpdesk. The attack impersonates support staff to pressure victims into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords and payment details.

Steam’s lazy vetting allowed free game to drain users’ data, researcher claims

A malware-infected game called Beyond the Dark on Steam has been identified stealing users’ passwords, browser data, and cryptocurrency. The attack exploits a vulnerability in Valve’s security process, which fails to subject game updates to the same rigorous malware screening as initial submissions.

Smart glasses pose “widespread surveillance” threat, French DPA warns

France’s data protection authority, CNIL, warns that smart glasses and AI-powered wearables could enable widespread surveillance and unauthorized recording due to their discreet nature. The regulator is calling for stronger safeguards and greater transparency, and plans to investigate the legal and technical implications of these devices alongside other European privacy supervisors.

💰 Business & Finance

Google says it is testing new ad formats in search results and AI Mode, including Conversational …

Google is introducing new Gemini-powered conversational ad formats, including Conversational Discovery ads and AI-powered Shopping ads, across its Search and AI Mode platforms. These updates utilize generative AI to dynamically tailor ad content and interactions to specific user queries, providing more contextual and interactive advertising experiences.

Airbnb adds hotels, car rentals, grocery delivery, and more to its platform

Airbnb is expanding its platform to include new services such as car rentals, luggage storage, and grocery delivery. The company is also integrating thousands of boutique and independent hotels, signaling a strategic shift away from its previous “forget hotels” approach.

Xbox names Matthew Ball Chief Strategy Officer and Scott Van Vliet CTO

Microsoft has appointed game industry analyst Matthew Ball as Xbox’s new chief strategy officer and Scott Van Vliet as chief technology officer. These leadership changes are part of a broader effort by CEO Asha Sharma to strengthen the company’s strategic foundation and execution.

Match Group CEO: Tinder to win Gen Z with AI, redesign, live events, and group dating

Tinder is shifting its strategy toward in-person connections to better engage Gen Z daters. The app’s new approach includes hosting live local events, such as pickleball gatherings, alongside an AI-driven redesign aimed at reducing endless swiping.

NanoCo raises $12M seed, rejects $20M buyout, and books enterprise customers

NanoCo, the creator of the security-focused NanoClaw, has raised $12 million in a seed round led by Valley Capital Partners. The company’s co-founders revealed they recently declined a $20 million acquisition offer to focus on expanding their enterprise services and growing their community.

Variational raises $50M Series A for decentralized derivatives trading

Variational, a startup developing a decentralized derivatives trading protocol, has raised $50 million in a Series A funding round led by Dragonfly Capital. The company aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto by aggregating liquidity from traditional dealers to enable the on-chain trading of real-world assets.

Global podcast sales hit $9.2B in 2025, up 23% YoY; 73% of US growth from video (Bloomberg)

The global podcast industry generated $9.2 billion in sales in 2025, representing a 23% year-over-year increase. This growth was significantly driven by the adoption of video formats, which accounted for 73% of the industry’s growth in the US.

Circle cofounder’s Catena Labs raises $30M, seeks US bank charter for AI agent guardrails

Catena Labs, founded by Circle cofounder Sean Neville, has raised $30 million in a Series A funding round to develop financial guardrails for AI agents. The startup is also applying for a national trust bank charter in New York to enable its platform to process payments and hold customer funds.

London-based Primer raises $100M Series C led by Sofina to manage e-commerce payments

London-based payments infrastructure provider Primer has raised $100 million in a Series C funding round led by Sofina. The company plans to use the investment to enhance its AI-enabled payment capabilities and accelerate its expansion into the United States.

Sam Altman: OpenAI offered $2M in tokens to current YC startups; source says for equity via SAFE

SpaceX’s draft IPO prospectus prominently features imagery of the Starship rocket to emphasize its importance to potential investors. The filing positions the spacecraft as a central component of the company’s future performance and a key element of its investor pitch.

~$370B in philanthropic assets tied to OpenAI and Anthropic poised to become liquid

Valuations of OpenAI and Anthropic suggest that approximately $370 billion in philanthropic assets are poised to become liquid, potentially providing an additional $37 billion to $100 billion in annual spending. This massive influx of capital will require significantly increased operational capacity and talent within the philanthropic sector to be effectively utilized.

Nvidia’s business dev group, not NVentures, led $90B dealmaking across 145+ firms over 16 months

Nvidia’s business development group has spearheaded approximately $90 billion in deals involving over 145 companies during the past 16 months. This intensive dealmaking effort is designed to tie startups and customers to the chipmaker’s technology ecosystem.

PE firm Hg spins out €500M from €19B Visma as London IPO remains shelved

Private equity firm Hg has spun out €500 million worth of assets from its €19 billion software group, Visma. The move comes as the company’s long-awaited London IPO remains shelved amid broader industry challenges.

Singapore partners with Google and OpenAI, committing $234M+ to AI ecosystem

Singapore has signed separate agreements with Google and OpenAI to strengthen its position as a global AI hub and accelerate technology deployment across various sectors. The deals include the establishment of an OpenAI-led AI lab supported by a S$300 million investment and a National AI Partnership with Google focused on workforce training and enterprise innovation.

Samsung Electronics rejects mediation, raising May 21 strike threat

Samsung Electronics’ rejection of a government-mediated proposal has led to a breakdown in labor negotiations, paving the way for a general work stoppage on May 21. The potential strike threatens to disrupt the global semiconductor supply chain and has already triggered significant declines in Samsung shares and the Kospi index.

OpenAI Is Preparing to File for an IPO Soon

OpenAI is working with investment bankers from firms including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to prepare for an initial public offering. The company plans to file a confidential prospectus with regulators, potentially as early as this Friday.

Goodbye Visa and Mastercard: 130M Europeans switching to sovereign payment

Five major European mobile payment services, including Wero and Bizum, are launching a unified, interoperable network to reduce Europe’s dependence on US-based giants like Visa and Mastercard. Beginning in 2026, this initiative will enable seamless cross-border transactions for 130 million users across the EU and Norway.

Plex appeal fades as Lifetime Pass jumps to $750

The price of a Plex Lifetime Pass has increased to $750. This significant price hike may diminish the platform’s appeal to potential subscribers.

‘Workforce rebalancing’ comes for Kyndryl, and delivery teams are in the firing line

Kyndryl is implementing a workforce rebalancing strategy targeting delivery teams to achieve up to $500 million in savings and a focus on agentic AI. While the company pursues these efficiencies, some insiders have criticized the restructuring as essentially being “IBM without the hardware.”

Smaller suppliers invited to pitch for £2.9B UK defense tech framework

The UK Government Commercial Agency is inviting smaller suppliers to bid for the £2.9 billion DIPS 2 defense technology framework. The initiative aims to expand the scope of the framework beyond large-scale suppliers and traditional Ministry of Defence buyers.

Morgan Stanley issues China-only iPhones and iPads to Hong Kong bankers

Morgan Stanley has issued dedicated iPhones and iPads to its Hong Kong-based bankers for use during business travel to mainland China. The move aims to enhance data security following increased scrutiny from Beijing regarding cross-border data flows.

🔌 Hardware & Infrastructure

Notes on I2C

I2C is a synchronous, two-wire serial communication protocol used for connecting low-speed peripherals via SDA and SCL lines. Its open-drain design utilizes “Wired-AND” logic to facilitate passive bus arbitration among multiple controllers. In this system, controllers monitor the SDA line to detect conflicts and relinquish control if their transmitted signal is overridden by another device pulling the line LOW.

China bans Nvidia’s RTX 5090D V2 chip during Jensen Huang and Donald Trump’s visit

China has banned Nvidia’s RTX 5090D V2 chip, which is designed for gamers and animators. The move is intended to bolster domestic semiconductor companies, such as Huawei and Cambricon, as they strive to compete with US rivals.

Alibaba’s T-Head unveils Zhenwu M890 AI chip for agentic tasks, plans annual upgrades

Alibaba’s T-Head unit has unveiled the Zhenwu M890 AI chip, an accelerator designed for both training and inferencing, particularly for agentic tasks. The company also announced plans for annual upgrades to its Zhenwu series to keep pace with industry leaders like Nvidia.

Wi-Wi Is Wireless Time Sync at 1 Nanosecond

Japan’s NICT has developed Wi-Wi STAMP, a wireless protocol using 900 MHz band interferometry to achieve nanosecond-level time synchronization and millimeter-level distance accuracy. The technology offers superior indoor signal penetration compared to GNSS and is suitable for applications such as remote camera synchronization and precise position tracking.

Datacenter builds could be shielded from judicial review in UK planning reforms

Proposed UK planning reforms may shield datacenter construction and critical infrastructure from judicial review. The British government aims to prevent delays for essential energy and infrastructure projects.

AMD says its $4K Ryzen AI Halo workstation practically pays for itself

AMD claims its $4,000 Ryzen AI Halo workstation effectively pays for itself through increased productivity. This assertion is based on the assumption that users are engaged in “vibe coding” for eight hours a day.

Space factories edge closer after experimental capsule survives hypersonic landing

Varda has successfully demonstrated its autonomous touchdown technology following the hypersonic landing of an experimental capsule. The mission provided valuable heat data and brings the development of space-based factories closer to reality.

🌐 Internet & Society

Controversy Over AI in Literature

Granta and the Commonwealth Foundation are investigating allegations that a prize-winning short story was produced using artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk has clarified that she uses AI for research and creative brainstorming rather than for generating her actual prose.

OpenAI’s Chris Lehane lobbies blue states for AI safety laws to set a de facto US standard

OpenAI is employing a “reverse federalism” strategy, lobbying blue states to pass AI safety laws that establish a de facto national standard. After influencing legislation in California and New York, the company is now targeting Illinois to help create a unified regulatory framework focused on transparency and reporting.

Kickstarter retracts stricter mature content rules after creator backlash and Stripe pressure

Kickstarter has retracted its new, stricter mature content policy following significant backlash from its creator community. The platform originally implemented the rules to align with the standards of its payment processor, Stripe, but has since reverted to its previous, less restrictive guidelines.

China courts rule AI worker replacement is voluntary cost-cutting, not grounds for mass layoffs.

Three recent precedent-setting court rulings in China have established that replacing workers with artificial intelligence is a voluntary cost-cutting measure that does not justify mass layoffs. These decisions reflect Beijing’s attempt to balance its pursuit of AI supremacy with the need to protect employment and prevent widespread job displacement.

Vietnam’s Decree 142 mandates AI risk classification, deepfake labeling, and chatbot disclosure.

Vietnam has enacted a new law to regulate artificial intelligence, establishing comprehensive rules for companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The legislation requires businesses to classify AI models by risk level, label deepfakes, and disclose the use of chatbots.

After Town Bans Flock, Councilmember Crashes Out, Proposes Internet, Phone Ban

The Bandera, Texas, city council voted to end its contract with the surveillance company Flock following intense resident opposition and local vandalism. In response, Councilmember Jeff Flowers proposed a “Bandera Declaration of Digital Independence,” which seeks to ban cell phones, the internet, and most modern technology within city limits to ensure absolute privacy.

Apparently Google hates us now

Following a recent Google Search core update, the prominent Italian Pokémon resource Pokémon Central Wiki has experienced a significant drop in search visibility. Despite various SEO and technical optimizations, the site remains largely unindexed by Google while continuing to function normally on other search engines like Bing and DuckDuckGo.

Victory: Tennessee man jailed 37 days for Trump meme wins $835,000 settlement

Retired Tennessee law enforcement officer Larry Bushart has won an $835,000 settlement from Perry County and local officials following a First Amendment lawsuit. The settlement follows Bushart’s 37-day imprisonment after authorities mischaracterized a Facebook meme as a threat against a local high school.

560-610 minutes of exercise a week needed for substantial heart benefits

A new study suggests that adults should aim for 560 to 610 minutes of moderate to vigorous weekly exercise to achieve a substantial reduction in cardiovascular risk. The findings recommend moving away from “one-size-fits-all” guidelines in favor of personalized targets, as less fit individuals require more activity to achieve equivalent health benefits.

America’s Greatest Strategic Blunder: The Imprisonment of Qian Xuesen

The United States’ 1950 decision to revoke the security clearance of renowned scientist Qian Xuesen led to his deportation to China following a 1955 prisoner exchange. This loss of expertise enabled Qian to help develop advanced Chinese aerospace technologies that now pose a significant strategic challenge to U.S. air superiority.

Meta blocks human rights accounts from reaching audiences in Saudi Arabia, UAE

Meta is facing criticism from human rights organizations for using “geo-blocking” to restrict the visibility of NGOs and activists in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These restrictions, implemented in response to government requests and local cybercrime laws, are being condemned as violations of freedom of expression.

Anna’s Archive Hit with $19.5M Default Judgment and Global Domain Takedown Order

A New York federal court has granted a $19.5 million default judgment against the shadow library Anna’s Archive on behalf of major publishers. The ruling includes a permanent injunction directing domain registries and hosting providers to disable the site’s domains and prevent access to its content. Additionally, the court has ordered the site’s anonymous operators to unmask their identities.

The weird, wild story of humanity’s obsession with gold

A new book explores the historical significance of gold, examining how the metal’s power to inspire awe transcends its role as a financial investment. Through anecdotes like those in Lloyd Blankfein’s memoir, the text charts humanity’s long-standing fascination with the precious metal.

There’s no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going

Author Steven Rosenbaum admitted his new book contains AI-generated quotes, while Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk discussed using AI in her creative process. Simultaneously, Google is overhauling its Search engine with AI-powered interactive experiences and expanding the integration of Gemini across its various applications.

India’s hottest district shuts at 10 am as mercury breaches 48 C mark

Temperatures in India’s Banda district have exceeded 48°C, forcing many businesses and daily activities to shut down by 10 am. This extreme heat, attributed to the global climate crisis and local ecological degradation, is causing widespread disruptions to agriculture, labor, and the electricity supply.

Alternatives to HN for “tech outside of AI” discussion?

A user is seeking alternatives to Hacker News, expressing frustration that AI-related hype and negative news have overshadowed broader technological discussions. They are looking for communities that showcase diverse tech topics and are interested in methods to better filter AI-related content on the platform.

Architect of the UK Online Safety Act Calls for Its Complete Repeal

Former MP Nadine Dorries, the architect of the UK’s Online Safety Act, has called for its complete repeal due to concerns that the law is being used to censor political speech. She proposes replacing it with the UK Freedom of Speech Bill, which aims to prioritize child protection and harmonize UK communication laws with U.S. standards to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation.

Japan is gripped by mass allergies. A 1950s project is to blame

Japan is facing a massive hay fever crisis driven by large-scale reforestation efforts from the 1950s. The widespread planting of cedar and cypress trees to prevent soil erosion has resulted in extreme pollen levels that affect nearly half the population and cause significant economic losses.

FiveThirtyEight articles on the Internet Archive

This document lists FiveThirtyEight contributors along with their total number of published articles. It ranks authors, including Nate Silver and Neil Paine, based on their respective publication counts.

El Niño is coming. The last time ocean temp. looked like this, millions died

Climate models from NOAA and ECMWF indicate a near-certain probability of a “Super El Niño” forming by this winter, with ocean temperatures potentially reaching levels seen during the catastrophic 1877 event. This phenomenon threatens to cause significant global economic losses, food insecurity, and humanitarian crises worldwide.

ESA boss tires of being dragged around by NASA mood swings

ESA leader Aschbacher has expressed frustration with NASA’s unpredictable influence on the agency’s direction. He questions whether the European Space Agency is acting as a leader or merely a passenger in its space endeavors.

Asmongold accused of racist comments after Twitch clip with Hasan Piker

Twitch streamer Asmongold is facing significant backlash following a viral clip that appeared to show him making racist remarks regarding Black people. Asmongold has defended himself against the allegations, claiming his comments were taken out of context and were intended to address socio-economic factors rather than genetics.

“Aliens brought us together:” Is Neil de Grasse Tyson a UFO believer now?

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has shifted from a dismissive stance on UFOs to supporting the disclosure movement following the release of his new book. This transition has drawn significant criticism from the UFO community, with some accusing him of seeking commercial gain after years of mocking believers.

Is death a failure?

The article explores the psychological and ethical debates surrounding “digital afterlife” technologies, such as AI avatars that simulate deceased loved ones. It examines whether these tools aid the grieving process or hinder closure, while addressing concerns regarding the unauthorized use of famous people’s likenesses and the management of digital legacies.