The Guardian · 13 Jun, 06:00
A group of 10 preteens and teenagers in the UK shared their thoughts on a proposed ban on social media for under-16s, with mixed views on the issue. While some support a ban, others believe it would be too restrictive and that parental controls and monitoring of harmful content would be more effective.
A group of 10 preteens and teenagers aged 12-16 discussed their views on a proposed ban on social media for under-16s. The UK government is considering an under-16 age limit for 'high-risk' platforms and restrictions on features such as livestreaming. The children had varying opinions, with some supporting a ban, others opposing it, and many suggesting that parental controls, monitoring of harmful content, and time limits would be more effective. The consultation on children's online safety is due to deliver an outcome soon.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights the complexities of regulating social media use among children and the need for a balanced approach that considers both the potential risks and benefits. The UK government's decision on this issue could have a major impact on the online experiences of millions of children.
9 in 10 UK parents support an under-16 social media ban, 12-16 age range of the children in the group, 13 age limit on YouTube, next week deadline for government consultation outcome
The goal shouldn't be to make children fearful of technology, but to help them use it safely and responsibly - Nino Dvalidze, parent and founder of Young Minds App
The Guardian · 13 Jun, 05:00
Switzerland is set to vote on a far-right proposal to cap its population at 10 million by 2050, with warnings of economic devastation if voters back the initiative. The proposal, put forward by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), would require the government to restrict family reunification, residency permits, and asylum if the population reaches 9.5 million.
A national ballot on a far-right proposal to limit Switzerland's population to 10 million by 2050 is taking place this weekend. The proposal, put forward by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), would require the government to take steps to cap the population at 10 million by 2050. If the population reaches 9.5 million before that date, the government would need to enact tough restrictions on family reunification, residency permits, and asylum. If the 10 million threshold is still exceeded before 2050, the proposal would oblige the government to pull out of the country's free movement agreement with the EU.
Why it matters: This vote is significant because it could have major implications for Switzerland's economy and immigration policy. The country's population has grown rapidly since the free movement agreement with the EU came into effect in 2002, rising by 23%. The proposal has been met with warnings from the government, business leaders, and trade unions that it would threaten national stability, harm the economy, and hurt Swiss prosperity.
10 million: proposed population cap; 9.5 million: trigger for restrictions on family reunification, residency permits, and asylum; 2050: target year for population cap; 23%: population growth since 2002; 24%: economic output growth since 2002; 27%: proportion of Swiss residents who are not citizens; 52%: predicted 'no' vote; 90%: proportion of voters who typically vote by post
It sells the illusion of a free lunch, and will not solve our housing or traffic problems. - Rudolf Minsch, Economiesuisse's chief economist
The Guardian · 13 Jun, 05:00
British pop star Jessie J recently performed in China, marking a triumphant return to the stage after announcing she was 'cancer free'. Her pivot to China has allowed her to tap into a lucrative market, and other western pop stars are trying to follow suit.
Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, performed on the popular Chinese singing competition 'Singer' on May 29. She sang a rendition of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' and her new song 'California', adapting the lyrics to reference the Chinese city of Changsha. This marks her return to China, where she first gained popularity in 2018 after winning a series of 'Singer'. Her performance was well-received, with fans expressing their admiration for her on social media.
Why it matters: Jessie J's success in China highlights the growing importance of the Chinese market for western pop stars. The Chinese recorded music market has climbed to fourth place globally, and international acts are having to work harder to win over Chinese fans. Jessie J's pivot to China has allowed her to tap into this lucrative market, and other western pop stars, such as Westlife and Charli xcx, are following suit.
1.4 billion (China's population), 20bn (views for a single episode of 'Singer'), 821,600 (Jessie J's followers on Weibo), 650 million (audience for Westlife's performance at China's Spring Festival Gala), 373m yuan (£41.2m) in tourism revenue generated by Ye's (Kanye West) show in Hainan
I just think in life you should go where you're celebrated and I feel so celebrated there. - Jessie J
Ars Technica · 13 Jun, 03:00
Anthropic shut down access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models due to a US Commerce Department directive imposing export controls. The move comes amid concerns over potential national security threats.
Anthropic completely shut off access to its Mythos 5 and Fable 5 models on Friday night, just days after they were launched. The shutdown was prompted by a directive from the US Commerce Department, which imposed export controls restricting the use of these models outside the United States. Anthropic stated that to ensure compliance with the government order, it had to abruptly disable Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all its customers. Access to other Anthropic models remains unaffected.
Why it matters: This shutdown is significant because it highlights the increasing scrutiny of AI technologies by governments due to potential national security concerns. The Trump administration's directive suggests that there are worries about the misuse of advanced AI models, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, chemistry, and biology.
The only way for us to ensure compliance with that government order in the immediate term 'is that we must abruptly disable Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all our customers.'
Ars Technica · 12 Jun, 22:20
SpaceX became a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq exchange, valued at nearly $1.8 trillion, with its shares increasing by 19% on the first trading day.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, began trading on the Nasdaq exchange in New York City at $135 a share. By the end of the trading day, the company's shares were selling at $160.95, a 19% increase. This valuation makes SpaceX worth nearly $1.8 trillion. As a result, Elon Musk's personal stake in the company is valued at over $700 billion.
Why it matters: The successful public listing of SpaceX highlights the company's potential in AI and space exploration, making it a significant event in the tech and financial industries. The listing also rewards the hard work of SpaceX employees, with thousands becoming overnight millionaires due to the company's stock options plan.
$135 (initial trading price), $160.95 (closing price), $1.8 trillion (company valuation), $700 billion (Elon Musk's stake), 19% (increase in share price)
Ars Technica · 12 Jun, 18:45
Jeff Bezos' new startup, Prometheus, has raised $12 billion in funding for its 'physical AI' projects, focusing on applying deep learning principles to robotics and manufacturing.
Jeff Bezos' startup Prometheus has secured $12 billion in funding, bringing its total valuation to $41 billion. The startup, which aims to apply deep learning principles to robotics and manufacturing, initially raised $6.2 billion last year. Prometheus currently employs 150 people and plans to use the funding to purchase computing power for its data-intensive projects.
Why it matters: This significant funding round highlights the growing interest in 'physical AI' and its potential applications in industries like robotics and manufacturing. As a major player in the tech industry, Bezos' involvement in this field could have a substantial impact on its development.
$12 billion (funding), $6.2 billion (initial funding), $41 billion (valuation), 150 (employees)
"One of the reasons we’ve had to raise a significant amount of funding is because... what we’re doing is very compute-intensive and we need to create that data," Bezos told CNBC.
NPR News · 13 Jun, 04:29
Summary not available.
NPR News · 13 Jun, 03:38
Summary not available.
NPR News · 13 Jun, 01:01
Summary not available.