EU set to approve ‘disturbing’ new media surveillance law

Jun27
by on June 27, 2023 at 8:57 am
Posted In: Uncategorized


EU member states have approved draft legislation allowing governments to spy on journalists in the name of “national security.”  The Council published a draft of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) last week that would extend media surveillance powers, including placing spyware on journalists’ phones. The original purpose of the EMFA was to safeguard media independence and pluralism. First presented by the Commission last September, the act was hailed as a major step forward for the protection of press freedom.  But earlier this month, France introduced an exception to the ban on deploying spyware against journalists, provided it was used…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: , , , , , , , ,
 Comment 

Apple’s Vision Pro can boost Europe’s XR kingpin — in the short-term, at least

Jun26
by on June 26, 2023 at 7:00 am
Posted In: Insider


The Vision Pro arrived with great fanfare. At the launch event in California, Apple CEO Tim Cook described the new headset as a “revolutionary” device that heralds a “new era of spatial computing”. Bold claims indeed, but Apple’s track record lends them credibility.  The tech giant has already redefined music players, tablets, laptops, desktops, smartwatches, and headphones. Analysts are now proclaiming an “iPhone moment” for extended reality (XR).  Across the Atlantic, the launch was being watched closely by Europe’s XR kingpin: Varjo. The Helsinki-based startup claims to produce the world’s most advanced VR and XR. But it now faces competition from…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
 Comment 

US approval for cultivated meat ‘provides a framework’ for Europe to follow

Jun23
by on June 23, 2023 at 4:05 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


Cultivated meat is on its way to American plates — and European startups want a spot in the kitchen. In a landmark moment for the sector, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given two companies approval to sell lab-grown meat, which is made by taking cells from living animals. After extraction, the cells are placed in a bioreactor and grown into muscle tissue. Finally, the flesh is shaped into the type of cuts found on supermarket shelves. Proponents say the process reduces our carbon footprint and prevents animal suffering, while producing the same meat products that we know and…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: , , , , , , ,
 Comment 

EU plants flag in Silicon Valley ahead of big tech crackdown

Jun23
by on June 23, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


The EU’s industry chief Thierry Breton travelled to Silicon Valley this week to prep tech giants for sweeping new rules governing social media, AI, and data. Breton also made the trip to inaugurate the Commission’s first-ever office in Silicon Valley, as the bloc looks to plant its flag firmly on big tech’s home turf.   EU officials entered Twitter’s headquarters yesterday to conduct a mock exercise with the company’s staff to analyse its handling of issues such as Russian propaganda, fake news, and criminal activity.  This “stress test” was aimed at preparing Twitter for the bloc’s new Digital Services Act, which…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
 Comment 

Startup unveils AI breakthrough for male fertility diagnosis

Jun22
by on June 22, 2023 at 2:48 pm
Posted In: Insider


A new algorithm can determine male fertility at a faster and more accurate rate than previously possible, according to research by UK startup Bayezian. The breakthrough arrives amid growing issues for couples trying to get pregnant. A recent report from the World Health Organisation estimated that one in six people globally is now affected by infertility. Despite perceptions that it’s “women’s business,” men now contribute to approximately 50% of fertility problems. Indeed, the male factor has become a growing concern. Recent research found that sperm counts have dropped by more than 50% over the past 45 years, with double the…

This story continues at The Next Web

└ Tags: , , , , , ,
 Comment