The US government and law enforcement agencies have intensified their criticism of apps designed to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, claiming these tools endanger the lives of officers. The FBI has linked a recent attack on an ICE facility in Dallas, which resulted in the deaths of two detainees, to the use of such apps. Special Agent Joseph Rothrock likened the apps to providing a hitman with the location of their target, a statement contested by developers of these applications. ICEBlock, the most popular of these apps, has been downloaded over one million times since its release in April. Despite backlash from the Trump administration, it remains available on the Apple Store. Joshua Aaron, the developer of ICEBlock, defended his creation, stating it was designed to protect vulnerable communities in response to the administration’s aggressive immigration policies. US Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Aaron of threatening law enforcement, but he remains resolute, arguing that the app serves a necessary purpose. Critics argue that the apps could be misused, while supporters claim they are a tool for safety and transparency. The debate highlights the tension between national security concerns and constitutional freedoms, with legal experts noting that banning such apps would be challenging under US law.
分类： technology
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YouTube to pay $24.5m to settle Trump lawsuit over Capitol riot
YouTube, the video-sharing giant owned by Alphabet, has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from the platform’s decision to suspend Trump’s account in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This settlement marks the latest in a series of payouts by major tech companies, including Meta (Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter), which also faced legal action from Trump over account suspensions. Trump had accused these platforms of political bias, alleging unfair censorship of conservative voices. As part of the agreement, YouTube will allocate $22 million to the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit organization raising funds for a new White House ballroom, while $2.5 million will be distributed to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union. The settlements reflect a broader shift in Silicon Valley’s approach to Trump, with tech leaders adopting a more conciliatory stance. YouTube also announced plans to reinstate accounts previously banned for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and the 2020 election, emphasizing its commitment to conservative voices and civic discourse.
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Swiss voters narrowly approve plan for electronic ID cards
In a closely contested referendum, Swiss voters have narrowly endorsed the introduction of voluntary electronic identity cards, with 50.4% voting in favor and 49.6% opposing the measure. This outcome defied earlier opinion polls, which had predicted a 60% approval rate for the digital IDs, a proposal supported by the Swiss government and both houses of parliament. The vote marks Switzerland’s second attempt at implementing digital IDs, following the rejection of a 2021 proposal due to concerns over centralized data control by private entities. The revised plan ensures that the system remains under government oversight, with data stored exclusively on users’ smartphones and the use of digital IDs remaining optional. Citizens retain the choice to continue using traditional national identity cards, a long-standing standard in Switzerland. To address privacy concerns, authorities will only be able to access specific details, such as proof of age or nationality, when necessary. This development coincides with the UK government’s announcement of its own mandatory digital ID system aimed at curbing illegal migration, which has sparked similar privacy and security debates. Proponents of the Swiss system argue that it will streamline bureaucratic processes, from obtaining phone contracts to age verification for purchases. However, opponents, who successfully petitioned for the referendum, remain wary of potential privacy infringements and misuse of data for tracking or marketing purposes. Switzerland’s strong tradition of privacy protection, exemplified by its banking secrecy laws and stringent regulations on services like Google Street View, underscores the cautious approach to digital innovation.
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India legal setback for Elon Musk’s X in free speech fight
An Indian court has dismissed a legal challenge by Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, against the Indian government’s Sahyog portal, which the company alleged was being used to arbitrarily censor content. The Karnataka High Court ruled that X’s case was ‘without merit,’ though the full judgment remains undisclosed. This marks the second time in just over two years that X has lost a legal battle against the Indian government’s content-blocking powers, raising concerns among free speech and digital rights advocates. X, which boasts an estimated 25 million users in India, has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.
The Sahyog portal, operated by India’s federal home ministry, automates the process of sending government notices to social media platforms like X and Facebook. While other tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Meta have joined the portal, X has refused, labeling it a ‘censorship portal.’ X argued that Sahyog bypasses legal safeguards, allowing government officials, including local police officers, to issue content removal orders unilaterally and arbitrarily. The company’s lawyer criticized the system, stating that it authorizes ‘every Tom, Dick, and Harry officer’ to issue takedown orders, a remark that drew objections from the government.
The Indian government defended Sahyog, emphasizing its necessity in addressing the ‘growing volume of unlawful and harmful content’ on social media. It clarified that the portal is not for issuing blocking orders but for notifying intermediaries about unlawful content. The court upheld this view, stating that social media cannot be left in ‘a state of anarchic freedom’ and that regulation is essential. The judge also noted that while X complies with similar takedown orders in the U.S., it refuses to do so in India.
This ruling has sparked debates about free speech and government overreach in India. Digital rights experts have warned that Sahyog has led to a ‘wholesale increase in censorship.’ X has a history of challenging India’s content-blocking mechanisms, which legal experts often describe as opaque and arbitrary. In 2022, before Musk’s acquisition, X became the first platform to contest takedown orders, resulting in a fine of 5 million rupees ($56,000) for delayed compliance. Its appeal against that ruling is still pending.
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Phone spyware scandal in Greece moves to court as critics claim cover-up
The unfolding saga of Greece’s spyware scandal, often likened to a modern-day Watergate, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political and judicial systems. At the heart of the controversy is the use of Predator spyware, developed by the Athens-based Israeli company Intellexa, which allegedly targeted the mobile phones of government ministers, senior military officers, judges, and journalists. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has labeled the incident a scandal, yet no government officials have faced charges in court, leading critics to accuse the administration of a cover-up.
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Bollywood stars fight for personality rights amid deepfake surge
In a growing battle against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), Bollywood celebrities are taking legal action to protect their personality rights. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar, and Abhishek Bachchan are among the high-profile figures who have approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard their identities from unauthorized exploitation, including deepfakes, fake profiles, and unauthorized merchandising. Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, ensure individuals have control over the commercial use of their name, image, voice, and other unique attributes. While India lacks a dedicated law for these rights, courts rely on common law and other legal frameworks, such as copyright and intellectual property laws, to address violations. Recent cases, including Anil Kapoor’s lawsuit over the misuse of his catchphrase ‘jhakaas’ and Jackie Shroff’s legal victory to protect his nicknames, highlight the increasing challenges posed by technology. Legal experts argue that India’s current system, which ties personality rights to privacy rights under Article 21 of the constitution, falls short compared to countries like the US, where such rights are codified and can even be inherited. The rise of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, has further complicated the issue, with celebrities like Scarlett Johansson also raising concerns globally. While some advocate for codifying personality rights in India to provide clearer protections and deterrence, others believe the flexibility of existing laws allows for broader interpretation. As technology continues to evolve, the need for robust legal safeguards and public awareness about personality rights has never been more critical.
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All is not lost for China in US TikTok deal
In a significant development in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry, Beijing has signaled its approval for American investors to take over TikTok’s operations in the United States. This move marks a rare thaw in the tense standoff between the two global powers, following a pivotal phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 19, where the TikTok issue was reportedly a central topic.
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Apple’s iPhone 17 launch draws hundreds in long queue at its Beijing store
On September 19, 2025, Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series made its debut in Beijing, drawing hundreds of eager customers to the flagship store in the bustling Sanlitun district. The launch marked a significant moment for Apple in China, the world’s second-largest economy, as analysts predict the new models could revitalize the company’s market share amid fierce competition from local brands like Xiaomi and Huawei. Shuke Wang, a 35-year-old customer, was among the early adopters, opting for the Pro Max model priced at 9,999 yuan ($1,406). He praised the series’ redesign, particularly the orange variant, though he found it slightly flashy. The Pro Max’s extended battery life also stood out as a key selling point. Apple highlighted the base model’s enhanced features, including a brighter, scratch-resistant screen and an improved front-facing camera optimized for horizontal selfies. Despite a 6% decline in shipments during the first eight weeks of Q3, analysts remain optimistic. Chiew Le Xuan of Omdia forecasts an 11% year-over-year increase in iPhone shipments in China for the second half of 2025, driven by the new series. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, with its major redesign, is expected to outperform its predecessor and become Apple’s top-performing model in the Chinese market by 2026. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air, featuring e-SIM support, is seen as a technological testbed for future innovations, though its slim design compromises battery life and camera quality, which may limit its appeal among Chinese consumers. Apple’s ability to navigate regulatory hurdles for e-SIM services with Chinese telecom operators will also play a crucial role in its success.
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Panasonic aims to develop groundbreaking EV battery in about two years
Panasonic Corp, a leading global supplier of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is on the brink of a technological breakthrough that could significantly enhance the performance of EVs. The company is developing an anode-free battery technology, which it aims to commercialize within the next two years. This innovation could potentially increase the driving range of Tesla’s Model Y by up to 90 miles (approximately 145 km) without altering the battery pack size, marking a 25% boost in capacity.
By eliminating the anode during the manufacturing process, Panasonic’s new design allows for the formation of a lithium metal anode after the battery’s initial charge. This approach not only frees up space for more active cathode materials—such as nickel, cobalt, and aluminum—but also enhances energy density. The company claims this technology will achieve a ‘world-leading level’ of battery capacity by the end of 2027.
In addition to improving range, Panasonic is exploring ways to reduce the proportion of nickel in its batteries, a move that could lower costs and make EVs more affordable. However, the company has not disclosed specific details regarding potential price reductions for Tesla vehicles.
This anode-free technology is part of a broader industry trend, with multiple global battery producers pursuing similar innovations. Panasonic’s advancements come at a critical time for Tesla, which has seen its U.S. market share decline amid increasing competition from rival EV manufacturers.
The development underscores Panasonic’s commitment to driving the EV industry forward, offering solutions that balance performance, cost, and sustainability. As the race for superior battery technology intensifies, Panasonic’s anode-free design could position it as a key player in shaping the future of electric mobility.
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North Korea’s Kim Jong Un oversees drone testing, KCNA says
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the testing of advanced unmanned drones on September 18, 2025, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The tests, conducted at an undisclosed location, focused on enhancing the capabilities of these drones through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Kim expressed satisfaction with the performance of the ‘Kumsong’ tactical unmanned attack aircraft and an unmanned strategic reconnaissance aircraft, approving plans to further strengthen their operational effectiveness. This marks a continuation of North Korea’s efforts to integrate AI into its military technology, following a similar test of suicide drones equipped with AI in March 2025. In addition to the drone tests, Kim inspected the construction of a large greenhouse farm in Sinuiju, a city bordering China, highlighting the regime’s dual focus on military and agricultural advancements. The developments underscore North Korea’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster its defense capabilities and self-sufficiency.