Meta just introduced Omnilingual Automatic Speech Recognition covering over 1,600 languages. Meanwhile, the EU’s proposed Digital Omnibus regulations face mounting criticism for creating legal incoherence and potential AI exceptionalism. The timing couldn’t be more ironic.
OpenAI is pushing for expanded government support for its AI infrastructure buildout. The company wants tax credits for data centers and faster permitting processes while denying it seeks direct bailouts.
Venture capitalist David Sacks, serving as Trump’s AI czar, declared there will be no federal bailouts for AI companies. His comments came after OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar discussed potential government “backstops” for infrastructure investments. The exchange highlights ongoing debates about government’
A federal court upheld Department of Energy rules banning traditional non-condensing gas water heaters and furnaces. The decision requires new appliances to achieve 90-95% efficiency versus traditional 80% rates. Gas industry groups argue the rules will force expensive home modifications.
Australia has expanded its pioneering social media ban for children under 16 to include Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick. The legislation takes effect December 10 with potential fines of A$50 million for platforms that fail to implement age verification measures.
Norway’s parliament has temporarily suspended ethical divestment rules for its massive sovereign wealth fund. The move allows continued investment in tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon despite potential ethical concerns. This marks a significant shift for the world’s largest investor.
Reddit won’t escape Australia’s sweeping social media ban for children under 16. The platform joins previously announced services like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram on the restricted list starting December 10. Companies face penalties up to AU$49.5 million if they fail to prevent underage access.
The US faces rare earth dependency on China because domestic mining faced relentless opposition from environmental activists and Congress. Permits were denied and litigation stalled projects despite national security concerns. Now bipartisan support may be too late.
A coalition of reporters obtained a dataset containing 278 million location data points from phones in Belgium, including granular tracking of Europe’s top officials. The data came from ordinary apps that sell information to data brokers, who then resell it to governments and militaries.
Norway’s government has temporarily suspended its sovereign wealth fund’s ethics rules to prevent forced divestment from major tech companies. The move comes amid concerns about maintaining portfolio diversification and avoiding U.S. political pressure. Left-wing politicians criticized the decision
