Facial recognition tech powered by AI poses a threat to society October 24, 2019 Facial recognition software feels like it has stepped out of the realms of science fiction and into reality. Thanks to massive developments in artificial intelligence (AI), cameras and surveillance systems can now check and analyse someone’s facial features in real time. This is a profound step forward in the realms of biometric security, and major [...]
The UK’s AI talent race just stepped up a gear October 24, 2019 Technology has the power to improve lives and tackle the great challenges of our time. At the University of Exeter, for example, Tim Dodwell is about to start a five-year project looking into how technology can make the aviation industry more sustainable and safer. He is one of the first five recipients of a new [...]
Investors pile into Tesla after topping profit expectations October 23, 2019 Shares in Tesla surged more than 11 per cent in after-hours trading tonight, following a set of buoyant third-quarter results. The car maker posted a profit of $1.86 per share, swinging back to profitability. Analysts had expected a loss of 42 cents per share, according to Refinitiv. Revenue for the three months to the end [...]
Cloud computing drives Microsoft revenue up October 23, 2019 Microsoft boosted revenue and earnings in the first quarter, driven by growth in its cloud computing business. The tech giant reported a revenue increase of 14 per cent to $33.1bn in the three months to 30 September, while operating income increased 27 per cent to $12.7bn. Read more: SAP strikes three year cloud computing deal [...]
Wework plans to axe up to 4,000 jobs October 23, 2019 Wework is planning to axe up to 4,000 jobs as Softbank launches a turnaround plan after taking control of the business earlier this week. The redundancies will reduce Wework’s global workforce of 14,000 people by just under 30 per cent. Read more: Softbank takes control of Wework Wework is seeking to move its cleaning operation [...]
BBC launches dark web news site in bid to dodge censors October 23, 2019 The BBC has made its international news website available on the dark web in a bid to sidestep censorship attempts. The corporation said its website can now be accessed on Tor, an internet browser designed to hide a user’s activity and identity. Read more: Louis Theroux leaves BBC Studios to launch his own production company [...]
‘I actually don’t know if Libra’s going to work’: Congress grills Zuckerberg over Facebook’s digital currency plans October 23, 2019 Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has appeared before Congress to defend the social media giant’s controversial proposed digital currency, Libra. Zuckerberg told US lawmakers that Facebook would not support Libra launching before the stablecoin has won the approval of all US financial regulators. Read more: Bitcoin falls to lowest level since June amid Libra concerns [...]
Bitcoin falls to lowest level since June amid Libra concerns October 23, 2019 Bitcoin has tumbled eight per cent as concerns mount over cryptocurrencies ahead of Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance before Congress this afternoon. Zuckerberg is set to be questioned on Libra, Facebook’s proposed digital currency, from 3pm UK time. Regulators and lawmakers from around the world have raised concerns about the possibility of Libra being used [...]
Real estate tech company Blueground launches in London October 23, 2019 Blueground, a startup providing tech-driven flexible apartment rentals, is launching in London and has raised $50m (£39m) in a funding round. The real estate tech firm offers Airbnb-style apartment rentals aimed at business travellers, offering rental lengths of one month or longer. Read more: Exclusive: Flexible office space firm Central Working falls into administration Blueground, [...]
Tiktok launches safety campaign after removing IS propaganda videos October 23, 2019 Tiktok has rolled out a new safety campaign days after it emerged Islamic State (IS) militants had used the platform to spread propaganda videos. The video-sharing app has released a series of so-called awareness videos that it said will help to keep its users informed by highlighting safety features. Read more: Social media firms urged [...]
