must read
I’ve combed the internet to find today’s most fun/important/horrifying/fascinating stories about technology.
1 China tightens control over online content
By acquiring “golden shares” of major technology companies Alibaba and Tencent. (FT$)
+ Didi’s ride-hailing app is back. (Reuters)
+ China wants to censor online comments. (MIT Technology Review)
2 US sues two cryptocurrency exchanges
Genesis and Gemini are accused of selling unregistered securities. (block)
+ Another exchange, Crypto.com, is slashing its workforce. (Tech Crunch)
3 AI chatbot learned sexual harassment
Its unsolicited aggressive advances horrified users. (motherboard)
+ Lensa, a viral AI avatar app, made me undress without my consent. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Why Other Viruses Were Suppressed During The Pandemic
One reason is that they can take turns controlling the host. (Knowable Magazine)
+ Chinese people are traveling to Hong Kong for private covid boosters. (guardian)
5 Google says changes to Section 230 could ‘turn the internet upside down’
The tweak claims it will put an end to moderation as we know it. (WSJ$)
6 Cancer deaths in the US have dropped significantly
Improved treatment and declining smoking rates may be one of the contributing factors. (CNN)
7 Gas stove debate snowballs out of control
We know they are bad for our health and climate.
+ Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing debate. (Vox)
+ Welcome to the new culture war. (motherboard)
8 Mexican Subway Drivers Should Communicate Via WhatsApp
They are forbidden to use mobile phones, but the conductor says it can’t be helped. (rest of the world)
9 Indonesian villages that became YouTube sensations
Tapen is at the heart of the country’s burgeoning YouTube scene. (wired $)
10 Reasons Why Space Travel Is So Bad For Us 🚀
It’s a serious health hazard. (WP$)
quote of the day
