Global Pulse

分类： technology

  • Data product IPs drive value creation in Shanghai

    Data product IPs drive value creation in Shanghai

    Shanghai has emerged as a pioneering force in data intellectual property commercialization, generating approximately 19.6 billion yuan ($2.84 billion) in economic value through its groundbreaking data product IP registration system. The municipal initiative, launched in December 2024 as China’s first comprehensive data IP framework, has transformed how digital assets are valued, traded, and leveraged within the commercial ecosystem.

    The Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration (SIPA) revealed that 837 registered data products have facilitated economic activity through licensing agreements, market transactions, and service fees as of February 2026. Beyond direct monetization, the program has enabled 16 enterprises to secure 355 million yuan in loans using their data IP as collateral, demonstrating the tangible asset value now attributed to processed digital resources.

    Industry analysts characterize the IP registration mechanism as the critical bridge converting raw data from mere resource to recognized asset class. The framework establishes legal rights for individuals and entities over data resources that undergo substantial processing and innovation, creating commercially valuable intellectual assets. These rights encompass three primary categories: data processing collections, processed data products, and proprietary technical algorithms.

    SIPA officials emphasized that data has evolved into a fundamental production factor within modern economies, with proper ownership confirmation and registration serving as essential prerequisites for value creation. The administration has received over 1,500 registration applications since program inception, granting certification to more than 1,100 qualified data products from nearly 600 legal entities and 200 individuals.

    The applicant pool reflects Shanghai’s innovative economic structure, with over 80% representing high-technology enterprises or specialized innovative firms according to Xu Shang, head of SIPA’s strategic planning division. Registered products predominantly address artificial intelligence and biopharmaceutical applications—sectors aligned with Shanghai’s strategic industrial priorities—while also spanning financial services, educational resources, cultural content, and transportation systems.

    Notably, the judicial system has recognized data IP certificates as valid evidence in infringement cases. A landmark 2025 ruling by Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court awarded Taobao 30 million yuan in damages after the e-commerce platform successfully demonstrated proprietary rights over its processed data products. The case involved malicious data scraping through unauthorized browser plugins that circumvented Taobao’s commercial data services, generating approximately 23 million yuan in illicit revenue.

    This legal precedent reinforces the program’s significance in protecting data innovation investments while establishing clear ownership frameworks for derivative data products. Shanghai’s model demonstrates how systematic data IP management can accelerate digital economic growth while providing legal protection for increasingly valuable digital assets.

  • ‘Hydrogen pony’ bikes gaining traction

    ‘Hydrogen pony’ bikes gaining traction

    In the streets of Chengdu, Sichuan province, a transportation revolution is quietly unfolding as residents embrace a novel form of clean mobility. The city has become the testing ground for hydrogen-powered shared bicycles, locally nicknamed ‘hydrogen ponies,’ which are transforming urban transportation with their innovative technology and impressive performance metrics.

    Qinglv Technology, a Chengdu-based startup, has deployed 11,000 hydrogen bicycles since August, accumulating over 550,000 registered users and facilitating more than 3.5 million rides. This represents one of the world’s first large-scale commercial operations of hydrogen-powered mobility solutions.

    The bicycles operate on a sophisticated hydrogen fuel cell system that generates electricity to power the vehicle. Each unit carries a compact storage tank containing 100 grams of hydrogen, enabling an impressive range of nearly 100 kilometers—approximately double the distance of conventional shared e-bikes. The pricing structure remains accessible at 2.5 yuan (36 cents) for the initial 10 minutes, with an additional one yuan charged for every subsequent five minutes.

    According to Yang Hao, co-founder of Qinglv Technology, the hydrogen bicycles employ groundbreaking solid-state hydrogen storage technology that combines hydrogen with a specialized metal powder. This innovative approach maintains internal pressure at just 2 MPa, significantly lower than conventional high-pressure hydrogen tanks that operate at 35-70 MPa. ‘This technology ensures that even in the unlikely event of a leak, it would occur gradually and pose minimal safety risks,’ Yang explained.

    The technological advantages become particularly evident in colder climates. While lithium batteries experience rapid energy depletion in low temperatures, hydrogen fuel cells maintain consistent performance regardless of temperature variations, making them ideally suited for northern winters.

    With strong governmental support, Qinglv Technology plans to expand its fleet by 15,000-30,000 additional bicycles within Chengdu this year. The company has also established partnerships to launch services in multiple Chinese cities including Hangzhou, Jinan, Sanya, Shenyang, and Ganzhou.

    International interest has surged, with the company securing orders for 50,000 units from markets across the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. These export models will require design modifications to accommodate local preferences and regulations.

    To support this growing demand, the company is constructing a new production facility in Xindu dedicated to manufacturing small-power hydrogen fuel cell systems specifically for bicycles. The facility, scheduled for completion by July, will boast an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.

    Yang acknowledges that current market penetration faces challenges due to the higher costs associated with onboard power generation and hydrogen storage systems. However, he projects that achieving mass production scale will drive costs down to levels comparable with lithium battery-powered alternatives.

    This innovation emerges against the backdrop of China’s massive electric bicycle market, which reached 380 million units in operation as of September 2025 according to the China Bicycle Association. LeadLeo Research Institute forecasts continued market expansion, with annual sales expected to grow from 51.2 million units in 2025 to 59.3 million units by 2030.

    ‘Our objective isn’t to replace lithium battery-powered bicycles with hydrogen alternatives,’ Yang emphasized. ‘There exists ample space for both technologies to coexist and complement each other within the evolving urban mobility landscape.’

  • China launches two new satellites

    China launches two new satellites

    China has successfully expanded its Earth observation network with the deployment of two advanced satellites into orbit. The milestone mission occurred on March 26, 2026, utilizing a Long March 2D carrier rocket that launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province at 6:51 am Beijing Time.

    The newly deployed satellites, designated as Siwei Gaojing-2 05 and Siwei Gaojing-2 06, represent China’s continuing advancement in space-based observation technology. These sophisticated instruments were precisely delivered to their predetermined orbital paths, marking another achievement in China’s ambitious space program.

    This launch constitutes the 634th mission in the storied history of the Long March rocket series, demonstrating China’s growing proficiency and reliability in space launch operations. The successful deployment enhances China’s capabilities in high-resolution Earth imaging, which supports numerous applications including urban planning, agricultural monitoring, disaster response, and environmental protection.

    The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, strategically located in northern China, has become a crucial facility for the country’s space ambitions, particularly for sun-synchronous orbit missions that require specific launch parameters and precision orbital insertion.

  • US activists work to connect Iranians via Starlink

    US activists work to connect Iranians via Starlink

    A sophisticated network of international activists, primarily based in the United States, has successfully established clandestine internet access throughout Iran utilizing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite technology. This digital resistance movement emerged in response to the near-total internet blackout imposed during the ongoing conflict and represents a critical lifeline for Iranian citizens seeking to bypass government censorship.

    The operational framework involves multiple organizations including NetFreedom Pioneers and Holistic Resilience, which have developed intricate smuggling channels through neighboring countries to deliver Starlink terminals into Iran. According to Emilia James of NetFreedom Pioneers, their organization alone has successfully delivered over 300 devices into the country, while Ahmad Ahmadian of Holistic Resilience reports facilitating the distribution of approximately 5,000 units through underground networks.

    Despite severe government crackdowns implemented in 2025 that carry imprisonment penalties—particularly for devices traced to American organizations—the activist networks have evolved their methodologies. They now employ secure smuggling routes while providing remote security guidance and usage instructions to minimize risks for both operators and end-users.

    The financial barriers remain substantial, with black market terminal prices soaring from approximately $1,000 in late 2025 to nearly $4,000 currently due to supply constraints exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, users face challenges in maintaining subscription payments as traditional payment processors like Visa and Mastercard remain inaccessible within Iran.

    Current estimates suggest between 50,000 to tens of thousands of Starlink devices are operational throughout Iran, serving a population of 92 million people. Iranian authorities have responded with increased surveillance, including rooftop inspections and the recent arrest of a major Starlink distribution network leader earlier this month.

  • Social media ban to target doomscrolling, disappearing stories

    Social media ban to target doomscrolling, disappearing stories

    Australia has significantly expanded its pioneering social media prohibition by implementing new regulatory measures specifically targeting platforms that employ psychologically manipulative design features. The updated legislation, officially registered this Wednesday, now classifies as ‘age-restricted social media platforms’ those services utilizing algorithms ‘engineered to be addictive’ and providing users with a ‘continuous dopamine stimulus.’

    This regulatory enhancement specifically addresses several concerning design elements including infinite scroll interfaces without termination points, feedback mechanisms displaying like counts and upvotes, and ephemeral ‘stories’ functionality that generates artificial urgency among young users. These features have been identified as deliberately fostering ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) psychology, compelling constant application monitoring.

    The revised framework maintains exemptions for communication and educational platforms including Discord, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Roblox, which fall outside the prohibition’s scope. Current enforcement focuses on ten major platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, with the eSafety Commissioner investigating several additional services.

    Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the particular vulnerability of ‘Generation Alpha,’ noting their prolonged exposure to what she characterized as an ‘addictive dopamine drip’ since acquiring their initial smartphones and social media accounts. ‘Sophisticated algorithms, doomscrolling behaviors, persistent notifications, and harmful popularity metrics are appropriating their attention for substantial daily periods,’ Minister Wells stated, affirming the government’s commitment to ‘illuminating these detrimental and habit-forming features targeting young Australians.’

    This regulatory development follows significant international scrutiny regarding social media’s psychological impacts, particularly after a New Mexico judicial ruling determined that Meta’s Facebook operations compromised children’s mental health and safety through state law violations.

    Concurrently, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young announced impending legislation titled the ‘Fix our Feeds’ Bill, drawing direct parallels between social media design and addictive substances. ‘This verdict substantiates long-standing concerns: social media platforms are intentionally architected to maintain user engagement, comparable to cigarettes or gambling machines,’ Senator Hanson-Young remarked regarding the American case.

    The proposed legislation would empower users to selectively opt out of ‘predatory algorithmic systems,’ thereby enabling safer digital experiences according to Greens representatives. However, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson delivered critical assessment, asserting the existing social media prohibition has ‘failed to deliver promised outcomes’ and questioning the validity of reported 4.7 million deactivated accounts cited by eSafety authorities.

    Senator Henderson characterized the New Mexico decision as ‘deeply condemnatory,’ emphasizing that ‘platform architecture fundamentally seeks to maintain juvenile addiction to detrimental content.’ She further advocated for enhanced algorithmic transparency, stating ‘Australian citizens warrant unambiguous disclosure, and platforms must not operate concealed algorithmic systems when children’s welfare is implicated.’

    eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is scheduled to provide comprehensive compliance updates regarding the social media prohibition next week.

  • Day of reckoning arrives for social media after US court loss

    Day of reckoning arrives for social media after US court loss

    A landmark legal decision in California has established a critical precedent in the mounting litigation against social media corporations, potentially exposing them to billions in liabilities. A Los Angeles jury determined that both Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube contributed to a teenage girl’s depression through addictive platform designs, despite corporate awareness of associated risks.

    The civil court found these technology giants liable for insufficiently warning young users about mental health dangers inherent in excessive social media engagement. While compensatory damages were set at $3 million with equivalent punitive penalties, the implications extend far beyond financial considerations. This verdict coincides with a separate New Mexico ruling ordering Meta to pay $375 million for endangering minor users on Facebook and Instagram.

    Legal experts identify these cases as bellwether trials that signal how juries respond to allegations of digital harm. According to Pennsylvania State University law professor Daryl Lim, these outcomes intensify pressure on platforms to settle hundreds of pending lawsuits alleging similar violations. Snap and TikTok previously settled with the Los Angeles plaintiff before trial commencement.

    The litigation centers on plaintiffs like Kaley G.M., who developed severe depression, chronic anxiety, and body image disorders following early, intensive social media exposure. Researchers increasingly correlate such psychological conditions with adolescent social media overuse.

    This judicial action represents a strategic circumvention of Section 230 protections—the legal provision historically shielding platforms from content-related liability. Lawyers successfully argued that platform architecture itself, rather than user-generated content, created addictive environments harming young users.

    The verdicts occur amid accelerating global regulatory scrutiny. Australia’s recent proposition to ban social media for under-16 users has inspired similar legislative considerations across multiple U.S. states. Industry analysts warn that court-mandated product redesigns could fundamentally threaten the attention-based advertising models underpinning these technological enterprises.

  • Shanghai kicks off 2026 WeStart international innovation and entrepreneurship competition

    Shanghai kicks off 2026 WeStart international innovation and entrepreneurship competition

    Shanghai has officially inaugurated the 2026 edition of its prestigious WeStart International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, marking a significant stride in fostering global technological advancement. The launch event on Tuesday introduced a comprehensive platform designed to bridge innovative enterprises with governmental support systems, investment opportunities, and collaborative networks.

    Huang Lihong, Director of the Shanghai Technology Innovation Center, emphasized this year’s strategic focus: “We are intensifying our commitment to technology entrepreneurship initiatives across future industrial domains. Our expanded partnerships with leading research institutions, major corporations, innovative R&D facilities, and high-caliber incubators have significantly broadened our reach into early-stage projects spanning healthcare, energy, advanced materials, manufacturing, and next-generation communications.”

    The three-day inaugural ceremony featured the unveiling of the competition’s enhanced ecological service framework and the establishment of a dedicated incubation academy. The event also integrated multiple brand initiatives including the WeStart Venture Capital Conference and the Gateway cross-border community platform, creating a unified ecosystem for innovation development.

    Demonstrating the competition’s tangible impact, previous award-winning teams formalized agreements to establish operations within Shanghai. These enterprises represent diverse sectors including semiconductor design and intermodal transportation solutions. Among them, Sailyond Technology—winner of the 2025 top prize—showcased their groundbreaking work in AI-driven automation equipment for high-end manufacturing.

    Ru Binxin, Co-founder of Sailyond Technology, elaborated on their achievement: “Our AI-powered industrial inspection machines have addressed critical challenges in manufacturing precision, representing exactly the type of innovation WeStart seeks to amplify. Shanghai’s ecosystem provides the ideal environment for transforming technological concepts into commercial realities.”

    The 2026 competition reinforces Shanghai’s position as a global innovation hub, strategically designed to attract, nurture, and scale transformative technological ventures through structured support mechanisms and international collaboration.

  • California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable in social media addiction trial

    California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable in social media addiction trial

    In a groundbreaking legal decision with far-reaching implications for the tech industry, a Los Angeles jury has delivered a decisive verdict against Meta and YouTube, holding both platforms accountable for their role in fostering social media addiction among young users. The Wednesday ruling found the companies liable for harming a plaintiff identified as Kaley through intentionally addictive platform designs, awarding $3 million in compensatory damages while opening the door for potentially substantial punitive awards in a subsequent phase.

    The jury unanimously affirmed all seven allegations on the verdict forms, determining that both Meta and YouTube acted negligently in designing and operating their platforms, with this negligence substantially contributing to the plaintiff’s harm. Crucially, jurors concluded that the companies were either aware or should have been aware that their services presented dangers to minors, yet failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks.

    Meta was assigned 70% responsibility ($2.1 million) for the damages, while YouTube was deemed 30% responsible ($900,000). The jury further determined that both companies acted with ‘malice, oppression or fraud’—a finding that establishes the foundation for separate punitive proceedings that could significantly increase the financial penalties.

    The case centered on Kaley (identified in court documents as K.G.M.), who began using YouTube at age six before progressing to Instagram at nine, despite her mother’s attempts to restrict access. Testimony revealed how her extensive social media engagement negatively impacted self-worth, social relationships, and personal development.

    Plaintiff attorneys successfully argued that platform features including infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, notifications, and engagement metrics were deliberately engineered to promote compulsive usage patterns among young audiences. Despite defense arguments attributing Kaley’s challenges to familial circumstances and disputing actual platform usage metrics, the jury rejected these counterarguments across all considerations.

    This bellwether case establishes a critical precedent regarding technology companies’ legal responsibilities for mental health impacts resulting from their platform designs, potentially triggering numerous similar lawsuits across the industry.

  • First Lady Melania Trump arrives with humanoid robot at tech summit

    First Lady Melania Trump arrives with humanoid robot at tech summit

    First Lady Melania Trump made a striking entrance at a White House technology summit, accompanied by a humanoid robot, to highlight the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. The event, convened by Mrs. Trump, focused on critical discussions surrounding AI development and the imperative of safeguarding children in increasingly digital environments. This visual demonstration served as a powerful symbol of the technological advancements shaping modern society while underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing both the opportunities and challenges presented by digital innovation. The summit brought together thought leaders from technology, education, and child advocacy sectors to explore responsible AI implementation and develop strategies for protecting young digital citizens. Mrs. Trump’s initiative reflects growing governmental engagement with emerging technologies and their societal implications, particularly concerning the wellbeing of the next generation navigating complex digital landscapes.

  • DeepZang, first AI model in Tibetan language, unveiled

    DeepZang, first AI model in Tibetan language, unveiled

    In a landmark development for both artificial intelligence and linguistic preservation, China has introduced DeepZang—the world’s inaugural large language model specifically engineered for the Tibetan language. The groundbreaking platform, unveiled in Lhasa by local technology firm Choknor, represents a significant stride in bridging digital divides and enhancing public service accessibility for Tibetan speakers.

    DeepZang facilitates multilingual interactions in Tibetan, Mandarin Chinese, and English, integrating advanced functionalities such as AI-driven dialogue, real-time translation, and speech-to-text conversion. Its certification by the World Record Certification Agency as the ‘World’s First Tibetan Large Language Model’ underscores its pioneering status in global AI research.

    According to Tenzin Norbu, founder of Choknor, the model culminates over four years of intensive development. It leverages an extensive dataset comprising nearly 70 million standardized parallel corpora and over 30,500 hours of voice recordings encompassing Tibet’s three primary dialects: Utsang, Kham, and Amdo. This repository now stands as China’s most comprehensive and meticulously annotated Tibetan speech database.

    Beyond its technical achievements, DeepZang is poised for practical implementation across multiple sectors. Several institutions, including China Mobile and PICC Property and Casualty Co’s regional branches, have entered collaborative agreements to deploy the technology in government services, education, healthcare, and financial operations.

    Li Yalong, Deputy General Manager at PICC Xizang, emphasized the model’s potential to overcome linguistic barriers in servicing rural communities: ‘It will enable the development of intelligent Tibetan-language customer support and policy interpretation tools, particularly in agricultural insurance.’

    Academic users have reported efficiency gains in research workflows. Sonam Yontan, a doctoral candidate at Xizang University, noted: ‘The translation and search functionalities significantly accelerate material processing and source retrieval, marking an unprecedented advancement for Tibetan in AI.’

    However, initial feedback indicates areas for refinement. Tibetan language instructor Nie Chang observed that while DeepZang’s linguistic capabilities are robust, its response latency exceeds that of mainstream models like ChatGPT. Some users also reported encountering paywalls after limited queries, potentially impacting accessibility.

    In educational contexts, the model currently functions more as a search engine than a tailored pedagogical tool, with grammar explanations sometimes lacking clarity for non-native learners. Online discourse reflects mixed reactions, praising cultural preservation efforts while noting challenges in translation accuracy, complex query handling, and pricing structures.

    Choknor acknowledges the model’s evolving status and commits to continuous improvement through data expansion and user feedback. The current mobile application represents merely one manifestation of the underlying technology, with potential future applications spanning wearable devices, sector-specific solutions in healthcare and education, and possibly extending to other minority languages like Mongolian and Uygur.