Science and Technology

The repercussions of a recent botched update to the CrowdStrike security platform are vividly captured in a series of photographs. This update inadvertently impacted Microsoft systems, causing widespread disruptions across critical industries. The global scenarioThe series of photos illustrates the far-reaching scope of the cyber incident, showing its effect on airports, financial institutions, healthcare facilities, commercial businesses and government operations around the world. The images capture the immediate confusion and operational delays at international airports, where departures screens went blank and ticketing processes were disrupted. Financial institutions faced similar chaos, with ATM failures and online banking services disrupted, causing long…

A widespread technological failure has recently highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in our interconnected digital world. This incident, triggered primarily by a faulty software update from security firm CrowdStrike, has had far-reaching consequences across multiple industries, including travel, medical services, banking, and government. The accident takes place The problematic update, which affected CrowdStrike’s systems, led to significant operational disruptions. Airports saw flights grounded, media went offline, and essential services like healthcare and banking were disrupted, leaving many without essential services. Technological dependence is aggravated by the pandemic Dependence on connected technology has only increased since the pandemic, a trend that explains…

BEIJING — In a recent crucial meeting, the Chinese Communist Party endorsed President Xi Jinping’s ambitious plan to strengthen the country’s technological power and enhance its national security. Party meeting summary After their high-level meeting, the Party issued a brief statement stressing their commitment to major technological advances. Detailed insights from the discussions are expected to be released soon. Vision for 2029 The Party's goals are set to be completed by the 80th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in 2029, focusing on achieving technological autonomy in an era of limited access to Western technologies, including sophisticated processors and…

Washington — Have you ever come across a free movie or series online and wondered if it's legit? As the saying goes, "If an offer seems too good to be true," it probably is, especially in the realm of digital content. Larissa Knapp, a former FBI agent with 27 years of experience, is now Executive Vice President and Director of Content Protection at the Alliance of Global Entertainment Companies (ACE), a part of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). She points out that the nature of piracy has evolved from the sale of illicit DVD copies to sophisticated online streaming of…

Meta is set to change some restrictions previously imposed on the Facebook and Instagram profiles of Donald Trump, the former president of the United States. Initially, in response to his comments praising the actions of those involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Meta suspended Trump’s social media accounts indefinitely. However, in early 2023, these platforms reinstated his accounts with a promise to closely monitor any further infractions that could lead to additional suspensions lasting anywhere from a month to two years. As Trump actively campaigns against current US President Joe Biden, aiming to return to the presidency,…

WASHINGTON — This week, the Senate is set to consider a major bill aimed at protecting children from the dangers of the internet, which could be a milestone in tech regulation, the first of its kind in decades. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Tuesday his intention to introduce the bipartisan measure, aiming to pass it before the next August recess. Despite overwhelming support from more than two-thirds of the Senate and vocal support from families affected by online harm, the bill has been delayed for several months. Addressing his Senate colleagues, Schumer expressed a deep personal connection to the…

NEW YORK — Following a faulty software update in Vienna, widespread technology disruptions continued at several airports around the world, causing a significant spike in flight cancellations. According to FlightAware, the United States saw a significant increase in domestic and international flight cancellations, totaling 758, exceeding the numbers typically seen on peak holiday days, with Delta Air Lines the hardest hit. Delta alone accounted for 626 of these cancellations, which represents about 83% of the total cancellations reported. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told passengers that the airline is moving forward to resume normal operations following this setback. He explained that…

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate passed a groundbreaking bill Tuesday aimed at improving the safety of children online. The legislation marks the first significant effort in decades by Congress to hold tech companies more accountable for the potential harms associated with their platforms. The bill, which passed by an overwhelming 91-3 vote, was prompted by advocacy for parents whose children have suffered from negative online experiences, including cases that led to suicide. It requires tech companies to implement effective measures to minimize risks on platforms frequently accessed by young people, prioritizing “diligent care” and defaulting to the safest settings possible.…

In Washington, the secretaries of state of five US states have asked billionaire Elon Musk to dismantle an artificial intelligence-based chatbot on his social media platform X, criticizing it for spreading inaccurate information about the upcoming November 5 elections. Why is it important? Social media platforms, particularly X, have come under intense scrutiny for spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories, including incorrect details about the election and voter eligibility. The proliferation of AI-generated content is a growing concern in Washington, especially because it has the potential to influence voter behavior in upcoming presidential and legislative elections. Since acquiring the platform formerly…