An analysis of Germany's unique business culture reveals why attempts to replicate Silicon Valley have failed, proposing instead a 'Digital-Mittelstand' model that aligns with German values of quality, sustainability, and work-life balance. The concept adapts traditional Mittelstand principles to digital products, suggesting a path for German technological innovation that doesn't compromise cultural values.
Apple is removing its Advanced Data Protection tool from UK customers after the government demanded access to user data under the Investigatory Powers Act. The move means UK customer data stored on iCloud will no longer be fully encrypted, despite Apple's strong stance against creating encryption backdoors. This decision has sparked criticism from privacy advocates and US politicians who view it as a threat to security.
Meta defends against copyright allegations by claiming they didn't seed torrented book datasets used for AI training, while arguing that torrenting itself isn't illegal. Authors, including Sarah Silverman and Ta-Nehisi Coates, allege Meta's actions constitute massive data piracy and copyright infringement.
Google's new rules allowing 'fingerprinting' for online tracking have sparked criticism from privacy advocates, marking a reversal from their 2019 stance against such practices. The changes permit collection of IP addresses and device information for advertising purposes, which Google defends as necessary for emerging platforms while maintaining user privacy options.
A critical analysis examines the limitations of 'open' AI systems, revealing how claims of openness often lack precision and fail to address industry concentration in AI development. The research demonstrates that while open AI can offer transparency, reusability, and extensibility, these features alone do not disrupt power concentration in the sector, as large tech companies maintain control over essential resources and infrastructure. The study highlights how corporate actors leverage open AI rhetoric to consolidate market advantages while deflecting regulatory scrutiny.
Meta's surveillance extends beyond its social platforms through tracking tools embedded in millions of websites and apps, collecting personal data even from non-users for targeted advertising. Recent policy changes and privacy concerns have led to increased interest in limiting Meta's data collection, though complete avoidance requires specific settings adjustments and privacy tools.