A new approach to geothermal energy makes it possible to tap the energy of hot rocks just about anywhere. A pilot plant in Nevada is now helping to power Google data centers.
Category: Business / National Affairs
The US Wants Vietnam to Be Its New Tech Best Friend
Teaming up with Vietnam may help the US lessen its dependence on China’s tech supply chain. But decoupling from a chipmaking giant like China won’t be easy.
Hard Drives, YouTube, and Murder: India’s Dark History of Digital Hate
India’s next election will be partly decided online. But even before the internet reached the country’s rural regions, divisive videos were distributed using hard drives and laptops.
The EU Wants to Fix Gig Work. Uber Has Its Own Ideas
The European Union’s Platform Work Directive was supposed to settle the employment status of gig workers. Years of lobbying later, workers are losing hope in the process.
Sweeping New Powers Could Let the UK Block Big Tech Platforms
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has released its first set of proposed rules under a new online safety law, with strict penalties for noncompliance.
Intensified Israeli Surveillance Has Put the West Bank on Lockdown
The West Bank was Israel’s surveillance laboratory. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, Palestinian residents have been locked in for days at a time.
Joe Biden Wants US Government Algorithms Tested for Potential Harm Against Citizens
Draft rules from the White House would require federal agencies to assess AI systems currently in use in law enforcement, health care, and other areas—and to shut down any algorithms doing harm.
Rocket Alert Apps Warn Israelis of Incoming Attacks While Gaza Is Left in the Dark
Civilians in Israel can get mobile alerts of incoming rockets from apps that relay data from the Israel Defense Forces. Gaza has no early warning system, or internet access.
How to Digitize an Entire Government
From online voting to frictionless taxes, Estonia’s government services can sound like sci-fi to outsiders. Its chief information officer talks about how it works—and what other countries might learn.
US House Republicans Had Their Phones Confiscated to Stop Leaks
In an attempt to wrest control from raucous far-right hardliners amid the fight for a new House speaker, Republican Party leaders are instituting phone bans to keep backroom deals secret.