Science and Technology

Over a decade ago, Pavel Durov, then an emerging tech entrepreneur in Russia, made headlines when he defied government pressure to censor opposition voices on his social media platform, VKontakte, by posting a humorous image of a dog in a hood. This act of defiance not only underscored his commitment to free speech, but also set the stage for his future efforts. Fast forward to 2024, and Durov’s penchant for challenging authority has once again put him under scrutiny. He was recently arrested in France amid allegations that he facilitated illicit activity through Telegram, the communications service he launched in…

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against RealPage, a major real estate software provider. The case alleges that RealPage’s software played a critical role in allowing landlords across the country to collude and artificially inflate rental prices. The lawsuit, backed by several states including North Carolina, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington, alleges that RealPage facilitated a pricing conspiracy that negatively impacted the rental market, affecting millions of renters. It marks a significant case in which the role of an algorithm in pricing strategies is at the forefront of legal scrutiny. Attorney General…

David Wallace-Wells, a leading science writer, delves into the current complexities and uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in his exclusive newsletter for Times subscribers. Known for his insights into climate change and futuristic technologies, Wallace-Wells offers a critical perspective on the current state of AI, which he calls the “Age of Excess.” Not long ago, the narrative around AI was dominated by dire predictions and existential risks, with leading figures in the technology predicting dire implications for humanity. However, the conversation has changed dramatically. Recent financial analyses from major firms like Barclays and Goldman Sachs paint a grim picture of…

In the heart of Silicon Valley, a culture of innovation has long been celebrated, with startups often emerging to challenge the status quo and introduce disruptive technologies. Historically, this dynamic environment has fostered the development of transformative technologies such as the personal computer and the smartphone. However, recent trends suggest a shift, with a few dominant technology companies increasingly maintaining their market positions by absorbing emerging competitors before they pose a real threat. Take the field of generative AI, for example. DeepMind, an early leader in AI, was quickly acquired by Google. Similarly, OpenAI, originally founded as a nonprofit to…

During a frantic drive to Kennedy International Airport, I found myself gripping the wheel, driving across multiple lanes at about 50 miles per hour to get onto the exit, only to be told moments later by the pleasant but frustrating voice of my navigation app to get back on the highway I had just left. This ordeal has led me to grumble in frustration. Many drivers can relate to the conflicting nature of modern navigation apps. Although designed for efficiency, these apps sometimes compromise safety by directing us into risky maneuvers to shave a minute or two off our travel…

In many homes today, an advanced electric meter diligently records energy use, serving as a gateway to both a sustainable future and reduced energy costs. These devices have the potential to revolutionize the way we consume electricity by providing real-time data to homeowners, utilities, and the myriad of technology companies eager to optimize energy use. However, the promise of these smart meters is undermined by a significant obstacle: the data they collect is not standardized, making it difficult to use effectively. Without a uniform format, the valuable insights that could be gleaned from this data are often inaccessible, stifling the…

On August 22, 2024, federal authorities in New York charged Michelle Bond, a prominent former cryptocurrency lobbyist, with campaign finance violations. These charges are part of a broader investigation stemming from the infamous collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The allegations center on a 2022 incident in which Bond, in an attempt to secure a congressional seat on Long Island as a Republican, allegedly received an illicit $400,000 payment. The transaction was allegedly facilitated by Ryan Salame, a high-ranking FTX official and Bond associate who previously pleaded guilty to related charges last year and received a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The lawsuit…

As we head into 2024, the corporate landscape is buzzing with the emergence of potential billion-dollar companies. Forbes, in its annual effort to spotlight future unicorns, has already identified more than a hundred startups poised to reshape industries. This year’s lineup includes a wide range of innovators, from aerospace manufacturers to AI-driven tech companies, each bringing something unique to the table. A Journey of Resilience and Innovation Among the most inspiring stories is that of an entrepreneur who overcame anorexia to secure a whopping $110 million in funding for online treatment innovations. This remarkable journey not only highlights personal resilience,…

In a significant escalation of its efforts to counter foreign influence in its electoral processes, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a full criminal investigation into American individuals who have been associated with Russian state media outlets. This action underscores a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming November presidential election. Earlier this month, FBI operations included raids on the residences of two well-known individuals with ties to Russian media: Scott Ritter, a former United Nations weapons inspector and a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, and Dimitri K. Simes, who served as an advisor to Donald…

Peregrine Technologies, a pioneering startup founded by former Palantir executives, is poised to revolutionize the field of law enforcement. By harnessing the power of advanced technology, Peregrine aims to equip police departments with the tools they need to improve public safety while upholding civil liberties. At the heart of Peregrine’s innovation is its cutting-edge platform, which seamlessly integrates multiple data sources into a unified interface. This powerful tool enables law enforcement to access critical information quickly and efficiently, allowing them to make informed decisions and respond to incidents more effectively. Unlike traditional surveillance systems, Peregrine’s technology prioritizes both efficiency and…