How is the time decided? The clock is maintained by members of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. They monitor risks to humanity, looking at everything from nuclear proliferation to developments in artificial intelligence. … [Read more...] about What is the Doomsday Clock – and what is the current time?
Technology
Sonos to deny software updates to owners of older equipment
The company offered an alternative solution for users who want to continue to receive software updates: enable Recycle Mode on their older hardware, a setting that Sonos launched to some controversy in November. When Recycle Mode is enabled, Sonos credits the owner with a voucher worth 30% of the cost of the device – then sends a software update that renders the hardware unusable in the future. … [Read more...] about Sonos to deny software updates to owners of older equipment
EU tech regulator backs UK plans for digital tax, despite Trump threats
“I think the energy coming from the British side has been part of [how] that axis works. With the Brits leaving, there’s a void and a void will have to be filled, otherwise things implode. So I think there will emerge a new dynamic, where maybe not one country but changing groups of countries will step in to fill that.” … [Read more...] about EU tech regulator backs UK plans for digital tax, despite Trump threats
Microsoft sues for right to tell customers when US government requests emails
In a federal complaint that names the US attorney general, Loretta Lynch, the company argues the government has taken advantage of the consumer trend for storing their private data on tech companies’ servers, rather than storing it on their own devices. This shouldn’t let the government search the digital equivalent of a person’s desk without telling them, Microsoft argues. … [Read more...] about Microsoft sues for right to tell customers when US government requests emails
Nadine Gordimer advocates book over screen for the imagination – and Africa
Gordimer, who is 86, also recounted at the weekend her early adventures in poetry. Aged nine, she had written a verse in praise of Boer hero Paul Kruger that began: "Noble in heart, noble in mind/ Never deceitful, never unkind." Despite the precision of language in her novels (notable among which is The Conservationist, which won the Booker prize in 1974), she said: "I wasn't up to poetry." … [Read more...] about Nadine Gordimer advocates book over screen for the imagination – and Africa
