Microsoft has stopped providing some cloud services to an Israeli military unit after finding its technology was used for mass surveillance on civilians in Gaza. This decision came after a report by The Guardian uncovered this use of Microsoft's Azure cloud services. Microsoft is reviewing the situation while ensuring the decision does not impact other projects with Israel.
Key Facts
Microsoft cut off certain services to a unit of Israel's Ministry of Defence.
The decision followed an investigation showing the technology was used for mass surveillance in Gaza.
Microsoft's Azure cloud service was used to collect and analyze calls from Palestinians.
Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, stated this use violated the company's terms of service.
The move does not affect other Microsoft projects with Israel.
The Guardian's investigation was in collaboration with other media outlets.
Microsoft informed Israel about stopping specific subscriptions and services.
The UN had previously highlighted concerns about companies doing business with Israel in this context.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump signed an order detailing a plan for the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations by ByteDance. The sale involves forming a group of new investors, including Oracle, to manage TikTok's U.S. assets. The plan aims to fulfill legal requirements to avoid banning TikTok while protecting American user data.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the order to outline the sale plan for TikTok's U.S. operations.
ByteDance must sell its U.S. assets to avoid a ban, as required by a U.S. law.
Oracle, along with MGX and Silver Lake, will be key investors in TikTok's U.S. operations.
A deadline of January was set for the sale, which has been postponed several times.
The deal is valued at about $14 billion.
ByteDance will retain less than 20% of TikTok U.S. to meet legal requirements.
The order aims to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. while protecting American data privacy.
Full details on the investors involved will be announced later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump signed an executive order allowing the deal for TikTok's U.S. assets sale to move forward. The deal is not finalized yet, but it has made significant progress.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to advance the sale of TikTok's U.S. assets.
Vice President Vance mentioned a valuation of around $14 billion for the deal.
The specifics of the deal points and valuation aren't fully public or confirmed.
American investors are expected to make up the majority of the board of the new company.
The new company will lease an algorithm from ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.
Potential investors include Oracle, Silver Lake, and the Abu Dhabi government.
President Trump mentioned Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell might be part of the investor group.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sir Andrew Steer, former CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, highlighted opportunities in investing in green technologies at a Newsweek event in New York City. The conference discussed sustainable solutions in energy and infrastructure with experts from various industries. Despite political challenges, participants focused on the economic sense and feasibility of sustainable policies.
Key Facts
Sir Andrew Steer, who once led the Bezos Earth Fund, spoke about investing in green tech at Newsweek's event.
The event, named "Powering Ahead: Innovations in Energy and Plastics Technology," took place on September 24, 2025, at One World Trade Center.
Discussions covered various topics, including energy storage, electric vehicles, and reducing plastic waste.
Participants included leaders from energy and manufacturing industries like Amazon, PG&E, and Electrify America.
Though political landscapes are challenging, the emphasis was on the economic benefits of sustainable policies.
The event aimed to highlight practical and optimistic solutions for climate challenges.
Jeffery Young, the event’s host, encouraged solution-based discussions in the sustainability sector.
The conference was sponsored by Kia and promoted networking among attendees to discuss green initiatives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Clean energy leaders met to discuss solutions to environmental challenges at a Newsweek event. They emphasized the importance of practical energy policies and the challenges of political conflicts. Speakers highlighted the need for clean energy to be cost-effective and reliable for consumers.
Key Facts
Clean energy leaders met at the Newsweek "Powering Ahead" event.
The event focused on finding solutions to climate and energy issues.
Speakers included representatives from energy and tech companies and environmental groups.
They discussed the impact of political conflicts on clean energy industries.
Leaders stressed the importance of practical, non-partisan energy policies.
Renewable energy was promoted as cost-effective and reliable.
The event highlighted the interconnected nature of environmental challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A proposed deal involves the U.S. government and tech companies possibly gaining control over TikTok's algorithms. This could affect how the app operates for about 170 million American users and raises questions about data control and free speech.
Key Facts
TikTok's algorithm is known for accurately predicting user preferences.
The U.S. government is involved in a deal concerning TikTok's operations.
Trump allies and tech companies might gain power over TikTok's algorithms.
Around 170 million people in the U.S. use TikTok.
This situation raises concerns about control over speech and personal data.
The changes could alter how TikTok recommends content to users.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government plans to collect a multibillion-dollar fee from American investors as part of a deal to take over TikTok. Some experts have strongly criticized this fee, calling it similar to forcing money from someone.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is involved in a deal concerning TikTok.
American investors will be taking over TikTok as part of this deal.
A large fee, amounting to billions, will be collected by the U.S. government.
Some experts refer to this fee collection as "extortion."
The criticism suggests that the fee might be unjust or unfairly imposed.
The discussion about this deal includes strong language regarding the nature of the fee.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump signed an order to allow a group of mostly U.S. investors to take over the American version of a popular video app. Oracle, a software company, will play a big part in the new company.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order related to the takeover of a video app in the U.S.
The order allows mostly U.S. investors to be part of this takeover.
Oracle, a software firm, will have a major role in the new setup.
The app involved is popular for sharing short videos.
The decision was announced on a Thursday.
Some experts have criticized the terms of the deal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a judge's order to make major changes to its Play app store. This comes as Google plans to appeal a 2023 jury decision in a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, which accused Google of limiting competition in app distribution and billing on Android devices.
Key Facts
Google filed a request to the Supreme Court to put a judge's order on hold.
The judge's order would require changes to Google's Play app store, allowing rival app stores and external billing links.
Epic Games sued Google in 2020, claiming Google restricted competition on Android devices.
A jury found Google limited competition, and a judge issued an order to change its practices.
Google must submit its appeal to the Supreme Court by October 27.
A prior appeals court upheld the injunction against Google, and the Supreme Court's decision is pending.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney publicly supported the appeals court’s decision.
Google's parent company, Alphabet, saw its stock price decrease slightly during this legal battle.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses "zero-sum thinking," an idea that can help people understand modern politics and attitudes. It is available as a program on BBC Sounds, which focuses on different themes, such as winners and losers.
Key Facts
The program is called "Rethink."
It was released on September 25, 2025.
The episode focuses on zero-sum thinking.
Zero-sum thinking is a belief where one person's gain is another person's loss.
This idea is used to explain modern politics and people's attitudes.
The program lasts 28 minutes.
It is available on BBC Sounds.
The content will be accessible for over a year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hackers stole personal data, including names, pictures, and addresses, from around 8,000 children at the Kido nursery chain. The hackers, calling themselves Radiant, demand a ransom from the company and have already contacted some parents. The hack is part of a broader trend of cyber-attacks affecting various organizations.
Key Facts
Hackers obtained personal data about children from the Kido nursery chain.
The stolen data includes names, pictures, addresses, and information about parents and carers.
The cyber criminals demand a ransom and have contacted some parents directly.
The hackers refer to themselves as Radiant, a new group in the cybercrime world.
A sample of the stolen data was released on the dark web.
Cyber-security experts advise against paying ransoms to deter further crimes.
The incident is part of a larger series of cyber-attacks affecting other companies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study shows that many people in the UK are confused by internet acronyms like "FB," which means "Follow Back." These short forms often start in specific online communities and gain new meanings as they spread. Understanding these acronyms can be important for fitting in on social media.
Key Facts
A study by ProfileTree reports widespread confusion over internet acronyms in the UK.
"FB," meaning "Follow Back," is searched over 364,000 times a month in the UK.
Acronyms like "TIME" (tears in my eyes) and "BBL" (Brazilian Butt Lift or be back later) are commonly misunderstood.
More than 55,000 people search for the meaning of "LOL" each month.
Acronyms serve as cultural markers, acting like memes as they move through different online communities.
Internet librarian Amanda Brennan explains that acronyms help lower conversation barriers in niche communities.
Acronyms can signify group membership, making people feel included or excluded.
Social media accelerates the spread of acronyms, making them part of online social capital.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman found three unfamiliar photos on her phone that she didn't remember taking. After asking for help on Reddit, she realized the photos came from a WhatsApp group she was in, but had forgotten about. This incident highlights how default settings on apps can sometimes cause confusion.
Key Facts
A woman found three photos in her phone's gallery that she didn't recognize.
She shared her experience on Reddit, where many users discussed possible reasons for the photos' appearance.
One user suggested the photos might have come from WhatsApp, leading the woman to realize they were from a group chat she had muted.
Over 1,200 people upvoted her Reddit post, showing significant interest in the mystery.
The woman's discovery emphasizes how automatic download settings in apps, like WhatsApp, can confuse users.
Other Reddit users shared their experiences with unexpected files appearing on their devices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The head of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Takashi Iizuka, discusses how they keep the series appealing by adding new features to their games. Sega's new game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, is available on various platforms, and they plan to introduce updates regularly to retain player interest. Sega focuses on creating new experiences rather than remastering older games.
Key Facts
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is Sega's latest game in the Sonic series, similar to Mario Kart.
The game is available on different gaming consoles and PC, with expected high sales on Nintendo's Switch.
Sega plans to introduce new characters and a "season pass" to keep the game fresh and engaging for players.
"Live service" games, which frequently update content, are essential for maintaining player interest.
Older game remakes are popular, but Sega aims to create new experiences instead of remakes.
Sega believes in leveraging Sonic's popularity against other popular games to attract new players.
Takashi Iizuka emphasizes creating complex and engaging new game worlds rather than revisiting old games.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Traditional TV shows for tweens are becoming less common as Gen Alpha, kids born from around 2010, increasingly watch adult-themed series on streaming services and social media. Experts say the change is due to easier access to more mature content, as well as changes in technology and marketing.
Key Facts
Tween shows like Hannah Montana and iCarly were popular in the late 2000s but are less common now.
Gen Alpha, today's tweens, are watching shows like Stranger Things and Wednesday, which have darker themes.
Tweens now also follow reality shows and online content that is not specifically made for their age group.
Experts say that technology gives Gen Alpha easier access to content meant for older viewers.
In the past, tweens wanted to watch older content, but now it's much easier due to streaming services.
Traditional networks like Disney and Nickelodeon face competition from social media platforms and online influencers.
The decrease in tween-focused media is linked to shifts in how content is produced and consumed, with more focus on digital platforms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study claims that many of Instagram's safety tools for protecting teens from harmful content, including suicide and self-harm posts, are not working well. Researchers found that only a small number of these tools are effective, with many either failing or no longer available. Meta, which owns Instagram, disputes the findings and says its protections have reduced harmful content seen by teens.
Key Facts
Instagram's tools to protect teenagers from harmful posts are reportedly not working well.
Researchers found that 30 out of 47 safety tools are either ineffective or no longer exist.
Only 8 tools were found to be working as intended.
The study showed teens could still see content against Instagram's rules, like suicide-related posts.
The platform was criticized for encouraging risky behaviors by showing suggestive sexual comments.
The study was conducted by Cybersecurity for Democracy and child safety groups.
Meta claims its tools help reduce harmful content for teens and offers parental controls.
Instagram's teen accounts were introduced in 2024, with expansions to Facebook and Messenger in 2025.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elon Musk's company, xAI, has reached an agreement with the U.S. General Services Administration to integrate its AI chatbot, Grok, with federal agencies. This partnership is intended to enhance government operations using advanced AI models. The deal is supported by the Trump administration to improve innovation and efficiency in federal work.
Key Facts
Elon Musk's company, xAI, developed the Grok AI chatbot.
xAI signed a deal with the General Services Administration (GSA).
Grok will be integrated with various U.S. federal agencies.
The agreement aims to help government offices work faster and more efficiently.
The Trump administration supports this integration for improving government functions.
Concerns may arise about Musk’s influence in government due to this partnership.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order about TikTok. The order will address security concerns related to a deal where Oracle will manage the U.S. oversight of TikTok's technology. The arrangement does not include a U.S. government stake or involvement in the business's leadership.
Key Facts
President Trump will sign an executive order about TikTok.
The order focuses on a deal that addresses security issues.
Oracle will lead the U.S. oversight for TikTok's technology.
The U.S. government won't own or control part of the TikTok joint venture.
It's unclear if China has agreed to this deal's framework.
An unnamed White House official shared these details.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Powering Ahead conference, organized by Newsweek on September 25, 2025, focuses on clean energy and sustainable technology. It brings together industry leaders to discuss topics like electric vehicles, reducing plastic waste, and improving power systems. The event includes expert panels and discussions sponsored by Kia.
Key Facts
The Powering Ahead conference took place on September 25, 2025.
Newsweek organized the event, focusing on clean energy and sustainability.
Topics include electric vehicles, plastic waste reduction, and power system improvements.
The event features expert panels and networking opportunities.
Jeff Young, Newsweek's Environmental Sustainability Governance Editor, led the forum.
Sponsors included Kia.
Companies like AES, Bloom Energy, and Duke Energy participated as speakers.
The event addresses the intersection of clean energy with new technologies like AI.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists found that a supermassive black hole in a distant quasar is smaller than previously believed. Their study shows the black hole has a mass of about one billion suns, one-tenth of earlier estimates. Intense radiation from the black hole prevents it from growing as fast as previously thought.
Key Facts
Scientists studied a supermassive black hole in a distant quasar, a very bright galaxy core.
The black hole's mass was found to be around one billion suns.
The team from the University of Southampton used advanced equipment at the European Southern Observatory in Chile.
The study suggests radiation prevents the black hole from gaining more mass quickly.
The discovery challenges previous ideas about the growth of supermassive black holes.
The research involved experts from several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium.
Results were published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The phenomenon observed was likened to a "cosmic hairdryer" blasting away gas with intense light.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
