Global Pulse

分类： technology

  • Long March rocket sends China’s latest satellite into orbit

    Long March rocket sends China’s latest satellite into orbit

    China has marked another milestone in its ambitious space program with the successful orbital deployment of the Shiyan 33 experimental satellite. The mission commenced on March 27, 2026, when a Long March 2C carrier rocket lifted off precisely at 12:11 pm from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, situated within China’s northwestern Gobi Desert region.

    Operated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the state-owned aerospace and defense contractor, the launch vehicle featured an advanced upper stage propulsion system that efficiently delivered the research satellite to its predetermined orbit. The technical specifications of the Long March 2C reveal a substantial launch vehicle measuring 43 meters in length with a 3.35-meter diameter, capable of lifting 242.5 metric tons at launch. This medium-lift rocket primarily serves to deploy payloads to both low-Earth and sun-synchronous orbits.

    This launch represents the 19th space mission conducted by China in 2026 alone and constitutes the 635th overall flight of the Long March rocket series since its inception. The continuous development and deployment of the Long March fleet underscore China’s growing capabilities in space technology and satellite deployment, reinforcing the nation’s position as a major player in the global space industry.

    The Shiyan series of satellites typically serve experimental purposes, testing new technologies and systems in space environments. While specific details regarding Shiyan 33’s mission objectives remain undisclosed, such satellites commonly contribute to advancements in Earth observation, communications technology, or scientific research capabilities.

  • In the wake of US social media verdicts, a look at what limits other countries have imposed for kids

    In the wake of US social media verdicts, a look at what limits other countries have imposed for kids

    A series of landmark legal decisions this week has intensified global scrutiny on social media platforms’ impact on youth mental health. In consecutive rulings, Los Angeles and New Mexico juries found Meta and YouTube legally responsible for harms inflicted on children through their services, marking a significant validation of long-standing concerns about digital platform dangers.

    Despite these judicial victories, child safety advocates emphasize that without comprehensive federal legislation, meaningful change remains elusive. The current regulatory vacuum in the United States contrasts sharply with aggressive measures being implemented worldwide to protect young digital citizens.

    Australia has emerged as a pioneering force, establishing the first nationwide prohibition barring children under 16 from social media platforms. The legislation imposes severe penalties—up to AU$50 million ($34 million)—for non-compliant companies, though questions persist about implementation methods and potential impacts on privacy rights.

    Brazil has enacted groundbreaking legislation requiring minors under 16 to link social accounts to parental supervision and banning addictive design features including infinite scroll and autoplay videos. The South American nation now mandates robust age verification systems surpassing simple self-declaration.

    Indonesia is poised to become Southeast Asia’s first nation to restrict social media access for under-16 users, targeting ‘high-risk’ platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. The phased implementation begins March 28, 2024.

    European nations are advancing similar protections. France has approved legislation banning social media for under-15s and prohibiting mobile phones in high schools, while Spain plans to restrict access for those under 16. Denmark is pursuing comparable measures, and the UK is considering teenage social media bans as part of enhanced child protection frameworks.

    Malaysia has introduced licensing requirements for major platforms, compelling them to implement age verification and content safety measures as part of broader digital oversight strengthening.

    These international developments highlight a growing consensus that platform self-regulation is insufficient to address the complex challenges of protecting children in digital environments. As nations increasingly adopt legislative solutions, pressure mounts on US lawmakers to advance the stalled Kids Online Safety Act, which gained Senate approval but has since languished without full congressional adoption.

  • Shiziyang bridge takes shape, showcasing innovative designs

    Shiziyang bridge takes shape, showcasing innovative designs

    China’s ambitious Shiziyang Bridge project has reached a critical construction milestone with the completion of its twin 342-meter main towers, marking significant advancement in the infrastructure development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This engineering marvel forms the centerpiece of the 35-kilometer Shiziyang Link, strategically connecting Guangzhou’s Nansha district with Dongguan’s Shatian and Humen townships across the Pearl River estuary.

    The bridge represents a paradigm shift in suspension bridge technology, incorporating groundbreaking innovations that address complex challenges including dense waterways and limited cross-river passage resources. Its revolutionary design features a double-deck configuration accommodating 16 traffic lanes and a record-setting 2,180-meter main span that clears the river in a single leap.

    Engineering breakthroughs extend to the tower construction, where developers implemented a novel steel plate-concrete composite structure that reduces wall thickness by 50% and decreases concrete usage by 43% compared to conventional designs. This innovation alone reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 53,000 tons while significantly enhancing structural stability under the immense pressure of over 200,000 metric tons.

    The project has pioneered large-scale application of C80 high-strength concrete, capable of withstanding 8,000 tons of pressure per square meter. Construction teams overcame substantial technical challenges, including managing hydration heat effects during massive pours exceeding 300 cubic meters. Through extensive research, engineers developed an advanced air-cooled aggregate system and intelligent pouring platform featuring automated temperature measurement, flow adjustment, and precision vibration positioning.

    According to project officials, the Shiziyang Bridge is poised to establish five world records for double-deck suspension bridges upon completion, spanning main span length, lane capacity, tower height, anchor diameter, and main cable dimensions. The project has generated comprehensive technological standards for ultra-long-span suspension bridges, significantly advancing China’s capabilities in mega-infrastructure development.

    With tower construction completed, the project now advances to the superstructure phase, with cable saddle installation and catwalk construction preparations underway. Project planners anticipate implementing the pilot cable crossing operation during the latter half of this year.

  • US judge suspends govt sanctions on AI company Anthropic

    US judge suspends govt sanctions on AI company Anthropic

    A landmark judicial decision has temporarily suspended federal sanctions against artificial intelligence company Anthropic, marking a significant development in the intersection of technology policy and constitutional rights. US District Judge Rita Lin of the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, effectively freezing the Trump administration’s executive order that had barred all federal agencies from utilizing Anthropic’s technology.

    The legal confrontation emerged after Anthropic publicly expressed ethical concerns regarding the potential military applications of its AI systems, specifically opposing their use in mass surveillance programs and fully autonomous weaponry. This stance provoked strong reactions from Pentagon leadership, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterizing the company’s position as “a master class in arrogance and betrayal” in social media statements.

    Judge Lin’s ruling specifically challenges the government’s designation of Anthropic as a “national security supply chain risk” – a classification typically reserved for foreign entities from adversarial nations. This designation had not only prevented Department of Defense use of Anthropic’s Claude AI model but also required all defense contractors to certify they weren’t utilizing the company’s technology in their work.

    In her written opinion, Judge Lin expressed serious constitutional concerns, stating that the government’s actions appeared to “punish Anthropic for criticizing the government’s contracting position in the press,” which would violate First Amendment protections. She further characterized the supply chain risk designation as “likely both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious,” noting that nothing in governing statutes supports “the Orwellian notion that an American company may be branded a potential adversary and saboteur of the US for expressing disagreement with the government.”

    The technology sector has largely rallied behind Anthropic following the sanctions. The seven-day suspension granted by the court provides the government window to file an emergency appeal. Anthropic representatives expressed gratitude for the swift judicial action while emphasizing their commitment to “working productively with the government to ensure all Americans benefit from safe, reliable AI.”

  • Judge rejects Pentagon’s attempt to ‘cripple’ Anthropic

    Judge rejects Pentagon’s attempt to ‘cripple’ Anthropic

    In a significant legal development, artificial intelligence firm Anthropic has secured a preliminary victory in its constitutional challenge against the U.S. Department of Defense. Federal Judge Rita Lin issued a ruling on Thursday that temporarily blocks enforcement of directives from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mandating immediate cessation of Anthropic tool usage across government agencies.

    The court order determined that the government’s actions constituted attempted retaliation against Anthropic for its public expressions of concern regarding military applications of its technology. Judge Lin characterized the measures as potentially “crippling Anthropic” and suppressing public debate, noting that the administration’s public statements labeling the company as “woke” and composed of “left-wing nut jobs” suggested First Amendment violations rather than genuine security concerns.

    The litigation originated from Anthropic’s refusal to accept expanded contract terms that would permit “any lawful use” of its AI systems, including Claude. Company leadership, including CEO Dario Amodei, expressed concerns that such broad authorization could enable mass surveillance operations against American citizens and deployment of fully autonomous weapon systems.

    Following the contracting impasse, the Defense Department issued an unprecedented “supply chain risk” designation typically reserved for foreign adversarial entities. The subsequent presidential directive ordered all federal agencies to immediately discontinue using Anthropic’s technology.

    Judge Lin’s ruling allows continued operation of Anthropic systems within government and military contracting operations pending final resolution of the lawsuit. The court found that the government’s actions “far exceed the scope of what could reasonably address such a national security interest” if the dispute were merely contractual.

    Anthropic expressed satisfaction with the interim ruling while emphasizing its commitment to collaborative engagement with government entities to ensure responsible AI development. The case represents the first judicial examination of constitutional protections extending to AI companies challenging government contracting practices.

  • Report highlights AI driving leap in global engineering fronts

    Report highlights AI driving leap in global engineering fronts

    A landmark report unveiled at the 2026 Zhongguancun Annual Forum in Beijing has identified artificial intelligence as the central catalyst transforming global engineering practices. The Chinese Academy of Engineering’s ‘2025 Global Engineering Fronts’ report, presented Wednesday, demonstrates AI’s pervasive influence across 74 of the 189 identified engineering research and development fronts.

    The comprehensive analysis, which incorporates high-impact academic papers, patents, and scientific news, reveals AI’s role in accelerating breakthroughs from energy material performance to research cycle compression. The technology enables revolutionary advances through big data analytics, intelligent design systems, and high-throughput automated experimentation platforms.

    Professor Yang Baofeng of Harbin Medical University, a CAE member, characterized AI as ‘a powerful assistant’ that significantly enhances research efficiency across diverse sectors including aerospace infrastructure, bridge engineering, and healthcare innovation. He noted that different large language models offer specialized capabilities ranging from chemical formula analysis to massive data processing operations.

    International experts echo this assessment. Peter David Lund, representing both the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and the Swedish Engineering Academy, emphasized AI’s critical function in solving highly complex energy challenges. ‘Machine learning has enabled breakthroughs in smart grid optimization and plasma stabilization for fusion research—achievements previously considered unattainable,’ Lund stated.

    The report underscores a fundamental transition in engineering methodology from single-agent applications to system-wide intelligence, marked by increasing automation, systematization, and intelligent integration. This shift substantially improves both the efficiency and quality of engineering solutions while enhancing capacity to address multifaceted global challenges.

    Despite these advancements, researchers caution that AI remains a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. The report emphasizes the continued necessity of laboratory experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in sensitive fields like clinical medicine and cutting-edge research.

    Looking forward, experts anticipate AI’s role will expand further, with Lund noting these developments represent ‘just the first steps’ in technological transformation. The report concludes that successful innovation requires maintaining focus on practical application and market pathways throughout the development process.

  • Long March 2D launches two satellites from Shanxi

    Long March 2D launches two satellites from Shanxi

    China has successfully deployed two advanced Earth observation satellites into orbit using a Long March 2D carrier rocket. The launch occurred at 6:51 am on March 26, 2026, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province, marking China’s 18th space mission of the year.

    The satellites, designated Siwei Gaojing 2E and 2F, were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). These sophisticated satellites are equipped with high-resolution radar systems designed to capture detailed Earth observation data.

    Following successful in-orbit testing, operational control will transfer to China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology, another CASC subsidiary specializing in satellite operations. The satellites’ advanced capabilities will support multiple critical applications including natural resource management, public security operations, emergency response coordination, marine monitoring, and various public service functions.

    The Long March 2D rocket, measuring 40.6 meters in height with a 3.35-meter diameter and a liftoff weight of 251 metric tons, successfully delivered its payload to the predetermined orbit. This medium-lift launch vehicle specializes in transporting satellites to both low-Earth and sun-synchronous orbits.

    This mission represents the 634th flight of China’s Long March rocket series, demonstrating the country’s continuing advancement in space technology and Earth observation capabilities. The successful deployment enhances China’s orbital infrastructure for environmental monitoring and resource management applications.

  • EU targets Snapchat over child safety and accuses porn sites of failing to block minors

    EU targets Snapchat over child safety and accuses porn sites of failing to block minors

    European Union regulators have initiated a formal investigation into Snapchat, alleging the social media platform has failed to adequately safeguard minors from online predators and harmful content. The probe centers on concerns that Snapchat’s age verification systems are insufficient and may be exposing young users to serious risks including sexual exploitation and criminal recruitment.

    The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, announced Thursday that Snapchat appears to be violating the bloc’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates stringent user protection measures for online platforms. Regulators specifically questioned the effectiveness of Snapchat’s ‘age assurance’ mechanisms, noting they suspect the system is inadequate at preventing underage access despite the platform’s requirement that users be at least 13 years old.

    Commission officials expressed particular concern that the platform fails to properly distinguish between users under and over 17, potentially exposing teenagers to inappropriate content. The investigation will also examine whether Snapchat’s systems adequately prevent adults from impersonating minors and whether the platform sufficiently protects young users from contact with malicious actors.

    Additionally, regulators raised alarms about Snapchat’s apparent failure to restrict minors from viewing content promoting illegal or age-restricted products including drugs, vaping devices, and alcohol.

    Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s Executive Vice President for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, stated that Snapchat ‘appears to have overlooked’ the DSA’s rigorous safety standards designed to protect all users, particularly children.

    In response, Snapchat issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to user safety, noting it has ‘fully cooperated’ with regulators through ‘proactive, transparent engagement.’ The company maintained that user well-being is a ‘top priority’ and that its platform incorporates ‘privacy and safety built in from the start, including additional protection for teens.’

    The investigation represents the latest regulatory action against social media platforms concerning child protection. This development coincides with increased scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic, following recent US court rulings holding tech companies accountable for harms to young users.

    The DSA empowers EU regulators to impose substantial penalties for violations, including fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual global revenue. The investigation will now proceed with Snapchat having opportunity to respond to the allegations before any final determination is made.

  • ‘A game-changing moment for social media’ – what next for big tech after landmark addiction verdict?

    ‘A game-changing moment for social media’ – what next for big tech after landmark addiction verdict?

    A groundbreaking jury verdict in Los Angeles has delivered a seismic blow to tech giants Meta and Google, ruling their platforms Instagram and YouTube deliberately engineered addictive features while negligently failing to protect young users. The court ordered both companies to pay $6 million in damages to Kaley, a plaintiff who developed severe body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts after using the platforms.

    The ruling represents a potential watershed moment for social media regulation globally. Legal experts describe it as ending the ‘era of impunity’ for technology companies that have historically operated with limited liability for user harm. Despite immediate appeals from both defendants—with Meta arguing no single app bears sole responsibility for teen mental health crises, and Google disputing YouTube’s classification as a social network—the verdict establishes critical precedent.

    Internal whistleblower testimony proved damning during proceedings. Former Instagram executive Arturo Bejar revealed he had warned CEO Mark Zuckerberg years ago about the platform’s dangers to children, stating the service evolved from ‘a product you used to a product that uses you.’ Meta has denied these allegations.

    The case exposes fundamental tensions between engagement-driven business models and user welfare. Social platforms rely on infinite scrolling, algorithmic recommendations, and autoplay features to maximize advertising exposure—practices now facing unprecedented legal scrutiny. While TikTok and Snap settled similar claims pre-trial, Meta and Google invested enormous resources in their defense, indicating the verdict’s profound commercial implications.

    Globally, regulatory momentum is building. Australia has already implemented under-16 social media bans, while the UK parliament debates similar restrictions through the Children’s Schools and Wellbeing Bill. This verdict strengthens arguments for age-gated access worldwide, with bereaved parents like Ellen Roome—whose son died following an online challenge—demanding immediate action.

    Legal scholars compare this moment to Big Tobacco’s historical reckoning, suggesting mandatory health warnings, advertising restrictions, and potential revisions to Section 230 protections that shield tech companies from content liability. As dozens of similar lawsuits advance through US courts, this ruling fundamentally redefines accountability standards for digital platforms engineered for maximum engagement.

  • Chinese researchers develop high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaic for space energy

    Chinese researchers develop high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaic for space energy

    Chinese researchers have made a significant advancement in photovoltaic technology with the development of a high-efficiency thin-film solar cell specifically designed for space applications. The breakthrough comes from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where scientists have achieved a certified efficiency rating of 16.6% for their CZTSSe photovoltaic technology.

    This innovation addresses critical needs in space infrastructure development and deep-space exploration, where solar technology must meet stringent requirements including lightweight design, radiation resistance, long operational lifespan, and sustainable resource utilization. The CZTSSe technology, composed of abundant elements including copper, zinc, and tin, offers distinct advantages over conventional solar solutions through its environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and natural resistance to space radiation.

    Led by researcher Meng Qingbo, the team overcame fundamental challenges in material crystallization, atomic structure, and defect control. Their novel approach involved developing an atomic vacancy strategy that guides the precise positioning of copper and zinc atoms within the material matrix. This breakthrough fundamentally reduces defect activity and minimizes internal energy losses, resulting in significantly improved performance.

    The research team has already developed flexible cells and modules based on this technology, with the current efficiency level providing a solid foundation for industrial applications. Scientists project that once cell efficiency approaches 20% and module efficiency reaches 18%, enabling mass production, the technology will become commercially competitive and widely applicable in aerospace equipment and other advanced scenarios.