Digital World



China's women e-sports players defy sexism for love of the game

AFP - 23h ago

For women e-sports players in China, mastering the game is just the first hurdle to carving out a space for themselves …

Tech sector's energy transition draws attention at Vegas show

AFP - Jan 12 2025

With its focus on innovative products and cutting-edge technology, the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has not …

Biden blasts 'shameful' Meta decision to scrap US fact-checking

Jan 11 2025

US President Joe Biden blasted Meta Friday for scrapping fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in the United States, …

Smart glasses enter new era with sleeker designs, lower prices

Jan 10 2025

Producers of hi-tech connected eyewear are multiplying their innovations with increasingly discreet models in an attempt …

Supreme Court looks poised to uphold TikTok ban

Jan 10 2025

The US Supreme Court appeared likely on Friday to uphold a law that would force TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell …

Robots set to move beyond factory as AI advances

Jan 10 2025

Today's robots perform safety checks at industrial plants, conduct quality control in manufacturing, and are even …

Pro-Russian disinformation makes its Bluesky debut

Jan 10 2025

The first symptoms of disinformation are emerging on the social media network Bluesky, with echoes of the pro-Russian …

Meta policy reversal puts question mark on future of fact-checking

Jan 10 2025

Media outlets around the world have been left scratching their heads over the future of their fact-checking operations …

Meta policy reversal puts question mark on furure of fact-checking

Jan 10 2025

Media outlets around the world have been left scratching their heads over the future of their fact-checking operations …

Ubisoft: the 'Assassin's Creed' maker targeted by suitors

Jan 10 2025

From its founding in 1986, French video game maker Ubisoft has grown into a giant of the sector with operations in 20 …

'Real-world harm' if Meta ends fact-checks, global network warns

Jan 10 2025

There will be "real-world harm" if Meta expands its decision to scrap fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram, a global …

Vietnam jails ex-lawyer over Facebook posts

Jan 10 2025

A Vietnamese court jailed a prominent former lawyer for three years on Friday over Facebook posts, a ruling condemned by …

AI comes down from the cloud as chips get smarter

Jan 10 2025

Artificial intelligence is moving from data centers to "the edge" as computer makers build the technology into laptops, …

Right-wing disinformation targets DEI, 'liberal' policies as LA burns

Jan 10 2025

Months of dry weather and recent strong winds created optimal conditions for the deadly wildfires engulfing Los Angeles, …

At CES, AI-powered garbage trucks reduce battery fire risk

Jan 10 2025

From laptops to EVs, lithium-ion batteries have fueled phenomenal growth in the 21st century, but businesses struggle …

US Supreme Court to hear TikTok ban case

Jan 10 2025

The US Supreme Court is to hear TikTok's appeal on Friday of a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the wildly …

E-Power hits the slopes: new wave of snow sports emerges

Jan 09 2025

Following in the footsteps of electric scooters on land and wakeboards at sea, young entrepreneurs are bringing electric …

Ubisoft reviews restructuring options, postpones new Assassin's Creed

Jan 09 2025

Ubisoft said Thursday it would take decisive steps to reshape itself as the French video game publisher announced it …

Video game play gets frisky at CES gadget gala

Jan 09 2025

Video game play met romantic intimacy in a corner of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Thursday -- but it hasn't …

Italy's Meloni denies discussing SpaceX deal with Musk

Jan 09 2025

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied Thursday talking to Elon Musk about a cybersecurity deal with the American …

China's electric and hybrid vehicle sales jump 40.7% in 2024

Jan 09 2025

Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles jumped more than 40 percent in China last year, as demand for new energy models …

Waymo exec hopeful Trump will boost autonomous driving

Jan 09 2025

A top Waymo executive said Wednesday the United States could lead globally on autonomous driving, expressing hope that a …

Australia frets over Meta halt to US fact-checking

Jan 09 2025

Australia is deeply concerned by Meta's decision to scrap US fact-check operations on its Facebook and Instagram …

Trade war worries loom over Las Vegas tech show

Jan 09 2025

Chinese companies have turned out in force again at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, with their prospects …

Campaigners fear spike in hate speech as Meta lifts restrictions

Jan 09 2025

Tech giant Meta has rolled back restrictions around topics such as gender and sexual identity, a sweeping move advocacy …

Political chess or true beliefs? Zuckerberg's surprise Trump pivot

Jan 08 2025

The clean cut hair has grown, his college kid's hoodie is now a gold chain, and his politics have swerved hard right.

Meta's 'Musk playbook' fans misinformation concerns

Jan 08 2025

Meta's decision to swap professional US fact-checkers with crowd-sourced moderation has raised fears that Facebook and …

US tech titans ramp up pressure on EU

Jan 08 2025

Mark Zuckerberg's U-turn on Meta's content rules piles pressure on the EU -- already in the crosshairs of Donald Trump …

Spanish PM says Musk 'stirs up hatred', warns against fascism

Jan 08 2025

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned Wednesday that fascism could return as X owner Elon Musk, an ally of US …

Nobel winner Ressa tells AFP 'dangerous times' ahead after Meta ends US fact-checking

Jan 08 2025

Philippine Nobel laureate Maria Ressa warned Wednesday of "extremely dangerous times ahead" in an interview with AFP …

France urges European Commission to be firm against Musk interference

Jan 08 2025

France on Wednesday urged the European Commission to protect its member states with "the greatest firmness" against …

OpenAI chief Sam Altman denies sister's sexual abuse accusations

Jan 08 2025

Open AI CEO Sam Altman denied on Tuesday allegations from his sister Annie Altman, who has filed a complaint accusing …

Big Tech rolls out the red carpet for Trump

Jan 08 2025

Tech leaders continue to fall in line around Donald Trump, with Facebook's announcement that it would end its US …

TVs get smarter as makers cater to AI lifestyles

Jan 07 2025

Dazzling televisions that routinely star at the Consumer Electronics Show opening here Tuesday are getting ever smarter …

Disinformation experts slam Meta decision to end US fact-checking

Jan 07 2025

Tech giant Meta's shock announcement that it is ending its US fact-checking program triggered scathing criticism Tuesday …

Invisible man: German startup bets on remote driver

Jan 07 2025

With no one in the driver seat, the SUV pulling up resembles an autonomous robotaxi like those becoming increasingly …

Meta abruptly ends US fact-checks ahead of Trump term

Jan 07 2025

Social media giant Meta on Tuesday slashed its content moderation policies, including ending its US fact-checking …

X's 'Community Notes': a model for Meta?

Jan 07 2025

Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg said Tuesday that the group's platforms including Facebook and Instagram would in future …

Meta announces ending fact-checking program in the US

Jan 07 2025

Social media giant Meta announced Tuesday a significant rollback of its content moderation policies, including the …

Microsoft announces $3 bn AI investment in India

Jan 07 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday said the company plans to invest $3 billion in India on artificial intelligence …

Nvidia ramps up AI tech for games, robots and autos

Jan 07 2025

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang made a rock star appearance at a packed arena late Monday, touting AI chips and …

Homes talk and tables walk at AI dominated CES

Jan 07 2025

Home appliances that do chores, cars that know your favorite cafe, and robot pets aiming to please are among artficial …

Meta Names UFC boss Dana White, a Trump ally, to board

Jan 07 2025

Social media giant Meta announced Monday the appointment of three new directors to its board, including Ultimate …

New Orleans attacker had recorded street using Meta glasses: FBI

Jan 06 2025

The man accused of the ramming attack that killed 14 revelers on a crowded New Orleans street had earlier visited the …

'Form of violence': Across globe, deepfake porn targets women politicians

Jan 06 2025

From the United States to Italy, Britain, and Pakistan, female politicians are increasingly becoming victims of …

At Las Vegas show, tech world turns to mental health tools

Jan 06 2025

Whether detecting rising anxiety or managing a full-blown panic attack, the tech industry is offering an array of new …

AI expected to star at CES gadget extravaganza

Jan 04 2025

Gadgets, robots and vehicles imbued with artificial intelligence will once again vie for attention at the Consumer …

Microsoft expects to spend $80 bn on AI this fiscal year

Jan 03 2025

Microsoft president Brad Smith on Friday said the company is on track to pump about $80 billion into artificial …

Indian food delivery app rolls out ambulance service

Jan 03 2025

A popular Indian food delivery app has started offering a private ambulance service, looking to use its logistics …

Beijing slams US over potential Chinese drone ban

Jan 03 2025

China said on Friday it would take "all necessary measures" in response to the United States announcing it was …

US court blocks Biden-era net neutrality rules

Jan 03 2025

A federal appeals court on Thursday ruled that US regulators overstepped their authority by reinstating "net neutrality" …

Apple agrees to $95 mn deal to settle Siri eavesdropping suit

Jan 02 2025

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing its digital assistant Siri of listening in on users' …

Extradited SKorean crypto 'genius' in court to face US charges

Jan 02 2025

The South Korean co-founder of Terraform Labs appeared in a New York court on Thursday to face fraud charges stemming …

Nick Clegg leaves Meta global policy team

Jan 02 2025

Former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said Thursday he is stepping down from his role as president of Meta's …

Secret lab developing UK's first quantum clock: defence ministry

Jan 02 2025

A top-secret lab in the UK is developing the country's first quantum clock to help the British military boost …

US mulls new restrictions on Chinese drones

Jan 02 2025

The United States is considering new rules to address risks posed by drones with tech from foreign adversaries like …

Sales surge in 2024 for Chinese EV giant BYD

Jan 02 2025

Leading Chinese electric car maker BYD's vehicle sales surged in 2024, the company said in a statement, as the firm …

Right-wing YouTubers back South Korea president's last stand

Jan 01 2025

Camped on the street winding up to the residence of South Korea's impeached president, protesters direct vitriol at …

Musk flummoxes internet with 'Kekius Maximus' persona

Jan 01 2025

Elon Musk adopted the moniker "Kekius Maximus" on X Tuesday, sparking speculation among his 210 million followers about …

German leaders hit back at Musk's support for far right

Dec 31 2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his deputy hit back Tuesday at Elon Musk's support for the far-right Alternative for …

Anger in Germany at Musk attempt to 'influence' election

Dec 31 2024

Germany's government said Monday US billionaire tech baron Elon Musk is trying to sway February elections by praising …

Venezuela fines TikTok $10 million over viral challenge deaths

Dec 31 2024

Venezuela's highest court on Monday fined TikTok $10 million in connection with viral challenges that authorities say …

EU universal charger rules come into force

Dec 28 2024

EU rules requiring all new smartphones, tablets and cameras to use the same charger came into force on Saturday, in a …

Trump asks US Supreme Court to pause law threatening TikTok ban

Dec 28 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the …

Sweeping Vietnam internet law comes into force

Dec 25 2024

New Vietnamese internet rules requiring Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and hand over data to authorities …

US agency focused on foreign disinformation shuts down

Dec 24 2024

A leading US government agency that tracks foreign disinformation has terminated its operations, the State Department …

How Finnish youth learn to spot disinformation

Dec 24 2024

Finland is consistently ranked as Europe's most media literate country and the skills needed to spot online hoaxes are …

Blogs to Bluesky: social media shifts responses after 2004 tsunami

Dec 24 2024

The world's deadliest tsunami hit nations around the Indian Ocean two decades ago before social media platforms …

Trump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fate

Dec 23 2024

President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent …

US probes China chip industry on 'anticompetitive' concerns

Dec 23 2024

The United States said Monday it is opening an investigation into China's policies for its semiconductor industry, over …

'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears

Dec 23 2024

Social media users in Vietnam on platforms including Facebook and TikTok will need to verify their identities as part of …

'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying

Dec 23 2024

A US health boss's murder sparked a torrent of online misinformation and calls for violence against other executives, …

Secretive game developer codes hit 'Balatro' in Canadian prairie province

Dec 22 2024

There are no photos or videos of LocalThunk, an anonymous computer programmer who lives in the vast and desolate …

One billion users, but controversies mount up for TikTok

Dec 21 2024

TikTok's breakneck rise from niche video-sharing app to global social media behemoth has drawn intense scrutiny, …

Albania announces shutdown of TikTok for at least a year

Dec 21 2024

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday the government would shut down social network TikTok for at least a year …

Sierra Leone student tackles toxic air pollution

Dec 21 2024

In his small Freetown workshop, engineering student James Samba tinkered with batteries and electrical parts he hoped …

Google counters bid by US to force sale of Chrome

Dec 21 2024

Google late Friday countered a US call to sell its Chrome browser, suggesting a judge address antitrust concerns by …

Anger after Musk backs German far right

Dec 20 2024

A post from Elon Musk on his platform X claiming that only the far-right AfD party can "save Germany" sparked …

'Angry gamblers' behind half of abusive tennis social media posts - report

Dec 20 2024

Tennis chiefs revealed Thursday that "angry gamblers" accounted for almost half of abusive social media posts targeting …

El Salvador plans to sell or shut its crypto wallet

Dec 20 2024

El Salvador will privatize or close the cryptocurrency wallet "Chivo" created by President Nayib Bukele when he made …

'President Musk' makes his presence felt in Washington

Dec 19 2024

Elon Musk's role in wrecking a bipartisan Congress deal to avert a US government shutdown has underlined his …

Amazon workers in US strike days before Christmas

Dec 19 2024

Thousands of workers at Amazon facilities across the United States went on strike Thursday, the Teamsters Union said, …

Sony buys 10% of 'Elden Ring' owner for $320 mn

Dec 19 2024

Japanese electronics titan Sony said Thursday it had paid more than $300 million for a 10 percent stake in the media …

TikTok's rise from fun app to US security concern

Dec 18 2024

As the US Supreme Court considers whether to uphold a law that could get TikTok banned in the United States, here is a …

US Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok ban case

Dec 18 2024

The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear TikTok's appeal of a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the …

Dutch authorities fine Netflix 4.75 mn euros over personal data use

Dec 18 2024

Dutch authorities fined video streaming giant Netflix 4.75 million euros ($4.98 million) Wednesday over its handling of …

Ireland fines Meta 251 mn euros over Facebook hacks

Dec 17 2024

An Irish regulator helping police European Union data privacy on Tuesday said it had fined Facebook-owner Meta 251 …

EU launches probe into TikTok over Romania vote 'interference'

Dec 17 2024

The EU said on Tuesday it had opened a formal investigation into TikTok following allegations the platform was used by …

TikTok asks Supreme Court to temporarily block looming US ban

Dec 17 2024

TikTok asked the US Supreme Court on Monday to temporarily block a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the …

Brazil judge orders Adele song be pulled globally

Dec 17 2024

A Brazilian judge has ordered a song by British pop superstar Adele, "Million Years Ago," be pulled worldwide -- …

ChatGPT search opens to all users in challenge to Google

Dec 17 2024

OpenAI on Monday said it is making ChatGPT-powered internet search available to all users, escalating its threat to …

Schools targeted with AI learning apps despite experts' doubts

Dec 14 2024

Apps infused with AI are being marketed to schools across the world and governments are rushing to embrace the …

'Astro Bot' wins highest award at Oscars of video games

Dec 13 2024

Video game "Astro Bot" -- a family-friendly sci-fi adventure -- was named 2024's Game of the Year on Thursday at the …

'Alarming' US mystery drones confound officials, scare locals

Dec 12 2024

A rash of unexplained drone sightings in the skies above New Jersey has left locals rattled and sent US officials …

Google renews push into mixed reality headgear

Dec 12 2024

Google is ramping up its push into smart glasses and augmented reality headgear, taking on rivals Apple and Meta with …

Australia to force tech titans to pay for news

Dec 12 2024

Australia will force Meta and Google to pay for news shared on their platforms under a new scheme unveiled Thursday, …

Video game bosses gather at 'darkest hour' for industry

Dec 12 2024

The movers and shakers of the video game industry will gather Thursday in Los Angeles to celebrate the annual Game …

Lithium-rich Bolivia lags behind in race to mine key metal

Dec 12 2024

In a patch of South America rich in lithium, used to make batteries for electric cars and other tech, Bolivia is lagging …

Google unveils latest AI model, Gemini 2.0

Dec 11 2024

Google on Wednesday announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to date, as the …

Apple adds ChatGPT integration in latest software update

Dec 11 2024

Tech giant Apple on Wednesday rolled out major updates to its artificial intelligence offerings that integrate OpenAI's …

US offers $10 mn reward for wanted Chinese hacker

Dec 11 2024

The United States offered a $10 million reward on Tuesday for information leading to the arrest of a Chinese man and …

Google announces quantum computing chip breakthrough

Dec 10 2024

Google on Monday showed off a new quantum computing chip that it said was a major breakthrough that could bring …