TECH
Big tech faces lawsuits and EU scrutiny over AI and data privacy
Ars Technica reported that the New York Times has moved to amend its lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, alleging the firms built a custom supercomputer to train AI on the paper’s copyrighted articles, a claim reshaped by a recent Supreme Court ruling on contributory infringement. Wired reported that Google’s senior security officials warn the EU’s Digital Markets Act proposals to force the company to share anonymized search data and open Android could expose users to re‑identification and fraud. Together, the coverage shows major tech firms confronting heightened legal and regulatory pressure, Ars Technica emphasizing copyright liability and Wired focusing on privacy and security risks under new competition rules.
California bans loud ads on streaming services as of July 1
Beginning July 1, California law SB 576 will make it illegal for streaming platforms to play commercial audio louder than the video content, matching the broadcast industry's CALM Act standards. The Motion Picture Association and Streaming Innovation Alliance, which include Netflix, Disney, and other major services, have opposed the measure, saying many providers already manage ad loudness, while a similar Illinois law takes effect in 2027. According to Ars Technica, compliance will likely require real‑time loudness control in server‑side ad insertion and could be applied nationwide, as the FCC has recorded thousands of complaints about overly loud ads in recent years.
China's Z.ai model narrows gap with US AI in cybersecurity
Zhipu AI's open‑weight GLM‑5.2 model has been shown to match Anthropic’s Mythos in certain bug‑finding and cybersecurity tests, though it trails behind US‑based models on broader tasks. The Verge notes that the model’s open nature allows anyone to run it on standard hardware, raising both flexibility and abuse concerns. U.S. officials, citing national‑security risks, have moved to limit China’s access to advanced models and the high‑end hardware needed to train them.
South Korea aims to train all troops as drone warriors
South Korea announced it will train its 450,000‑person military to use drones as a “second personal weapon,” targeting 60,000 operational drones by 2029. Ars Technica reports the plan, citing Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back’s briefing covered by Reuters, as a response to Ukraine’s drone successes. Officials warn of hurdles such as a shrinking conscript pool, a shortage of non‑Chinese drone components, and limited trainer personnel. The article also notes that the United States is adding drone familiarization to its basic training, reflecting a broader allied push for unmanned systems.
Ford rehires veteran engineers after AI quality tools fall short
Ford hired about 350 experienced engineers, many former staff or from suppliers, to address shortcomings in its AI‑driven quality systems, according to TechCrunch. COO Kumar Galhotra said the veterans now hunt for failure points before parts reach the plant floor, aiming to improve product reliability. The initiative has already lowered warranty and recall costs and helped Ford claim the top spot in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey.
Flock surveillance cameras face security flaws and police abuse concerns
Engadget reports that Flock Security’s AI‑enhanced license‑plate readers are rapidly spreading across the United States, yet they suffer numerous security vulnerabilities that allow unrestricted access to live footage. The company’s network is being misused by law‑enforcement officers, who can conduct searches without warrants, leading to documented instances of stalking, false accusations, and broader privacy violations. Despite public backlash and documented abuses, cities continue to contract Flock, citing crime‑prevention claims that remain largely unproven.
Suno launches Spark incubator for indie artists amid contractual concerns
Suno unveiled the Spark incubator, offering grants, mentorship and marketing support to unsigned singers, songwriters and producers. The Verge reports that participants must grant Suno broad rights to remix their work, waive trial rights, accept limited exclusivity, and adhere to a non‑disparagement clause, prompting criticism from independent artists. The terms have already spurred a proposed class‑action lawsuit against the company.
Comcast to split into two companies, creating separate Comcast and NBCUniversal
Comcast announced it will spin off its NBCUniversal and Sky broadcasting units into a new publicly traded media company while retaining its broadband and wireless business under the Comcast name. The separation, expected to take about a year, will give shareholders shares in both entities. Brian L. Roberts will stay involved in both firms, with Michael Angelakis slated to become CEO of the new Comcast and Mike Cavanagh named co‑CEO of NBCUniversal, according to The Verge.
Apple vision pro exec departs for OpenAI amid hardware reorganization
TechCrunch reports that Paul Meade, Apple’s vice‑president overseeing the Vision Pro headset and upcoming smart‑glasses project, is leaving to join OpenAI’s hardware team. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, cited by TechCrunch, ties the move to John Ternus’s expected promotion to CEO and a broader reshuffle of Apple’s hardware leadership. The exit highlights Apple’s shift toward more affordable AI‑enabled wearables while OpenAI aims to build a calmer AI device with former Apple design chief Jony Ive.
Tesla battery shipments stolen in Nevada, prompting tighter security measures
Wired reports that at least 11 cargo thefts of Tesla car and Powerwall batteries have occurred at the company’s Nevada gigafactory since December, with thieves using forged IDs and lax carrier vetting. Storey County investigators say the thefts are part of a growing trend of strategic cargo thefts that threaten EV supply chains. Tesla has responded by tightening driver verification at the factory gate, while lawmakers are advancing a bipartisan bill to strengthen cargo‑theft prosecution.