Firefox remains a competitive browser choice in 2025, offering unique features like full uBlock Origin support, robust privacy protections, and extensive customization options. The browser maintains strong technical capabilities including offline translations, DNS over HTTPS, and superior history synchronization, while supporting user interests over advertiser demands.
After a 5-year legal battle, an Illinois FOIA lawsuit seeking database schemas from Chicago's parking ticket system ended in a unanimous Supreme Court loss, significantly broadening agencies' ability to withhold records. The case highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing public data through FOIA requests and revealed inconsistencies in how Chicago handles sensitive data disclosure.
The Department of Defense is terminating numerous grants under the Minerva Research Initiative, which funds social science research for national security. Dozens of researchers studying topics like violent extremism, disinformation, and climate change threats have had their funding cut, signaling a possible end to the 15-year-old program. The initiative's $46.8 million funding supported crucial research on security challenges, from AI applications to drug cartels.
A former Microsoft engineer shares their journey from networking enthusiast to software developer, ultimately leaving their role at Viva Insights due to ethical concerns about surveillance. The narrative explores the conflict between high-paying tech jobs and personal values, leading to a decision to pursue entrepreneurship through an IT startup called Fourplex.
A Department of Energy (DOGE) employee Jordan Wick has been publicly sharing sensitive work-related code on GitHub, including a Twitter DM downloader and geospatial data analysis tools for undersea cables and critical minerals.
A comprehensive explanation of sideloading on iOS, focusing on recent EU regulations and Apple's implementation of alternative app stores through the Digital Markets Act, while highlighting the continued restrictions and limitations compared to true sideloading capabilities.
DOGE's widespread disruption of federal agencies has resulted in significant staffing cuts, program terminations, and institutional knowledge loss across multiple sectors. The organization's actions have impacted critical areas including cybersecurity, scientific research, social services, and international aid programs. The consequences of these cuts are expected to have long-lasting effects on government operations and public services.
Modern Tesla vehicles are equipped with extensive surveillance capabilities, including multiple cameras and sensors that collect significant amounts of data about the car's surroundings and occupants. While Tesla claims to protect user privacy through data anonymization and limited collection practices, investigations have revealed concerning privacy breaches and employee misuse of customer data. Privacy experts express skepticism about Tesla's data protection measures and policy transparency.
A massive power outage in Chile affected 8 million homes across 14 regions, disrupting transportation, internet, and mobile services. The government declared a state of emergency and implemented a curfew while investigating the cause of the blackout, which stemmed from a disrupted high-voltage transmission line. By Wednesday, 90% of affected areas had power restored, though 220,000 customers remained without electricity.
Y Combinator-backed Optifye.ai uses artificial intelligence to monitor and control factory workers' performance, raising ethical concerns about workplace surveillance and worker treatment. The startup, founded by Duke CS graduates from manufacturing families, markets their solution as a stress-reducer for company owners at the potential expense of worker well-being.