That is as we speak’s version of The Obtain, our weekday publication that gives a every day dose of what’s occurring on the earth of expertise.
Why the Chinese language authorities is sparing AI from harsh rules—for now
The way in which China regulates its tech trade can appear extremely unpredictable. The federal government can have a good time the achievements of Chinese language tech firms in the future after which flip towards them the following.
However there are patterns in how China approaches regulating tech, argues Angela Huyue Zhang, a legislation professor at Hong Kong College and writer of the brand new ebook Excessive Wire: How China Regulates Massive Tech and Governs Its Economic system.
Chinese language insurance policies virtually at all times comply with a three-phase development: a lax strategy the place firms are given relative flexibility to develop and compete, sudden harsh crackdowns that slash earnings, and finally a brand new loosening of restrictions.
Zeyi Yang, our China reporter, not too long ago spoke with Zhang about her new ebook and how you can apply her insights to China’s tech trade, together with vital new sectors like synthetic intelligence. Learn the complete story.
For those who’re fascinated by China’s strategy to regulation, why not try:
+ How China is regulating robotaxis. The self-driving autos are solely accessible in a number of Chinese language cities thus far, however nationwide rules have began to rein them in. Learn the complete story.
+ 4 issues to learn about China’s new AI guidelines in 2024, from a possible new legislation to zooming in on copyright and security opinions.
+ China is escalating its battle on children’ display time. Right here’s what Beijing’s new restrictions on little one web use imply for privateness safety. Learn the complete story.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to search out you as we speak’s most enjoyable/vital/scary/fascinating tales about expertise.
1 Kremlin-linked trolls labored to undermine US assist for Ukraine
And it appears they’ve had loads of success with that technique. (WP $)
+ Russia has began utilizing the identical drones as Ukrainian forces. (New Yorker $)
+ Ukraine is preventing again with refined AI methods. (Economist $)
+ Right here’s how one can keep away from being sucked into sharing falsehoods in regards to the battle on-line. (MIT Know-how Assessment)
2 Tesla settled a lawsuit over a deadly autopilot crash
Simply months earlier than it unveils its tackle a robotaxi. (NYT $)
+ The transfer avoids a prolonged jury trial dissecting Tesla’s autopilot software program. (WP $)
+ Embattled robotaxi agency Cruise is ready to renew testing in Phoenix. (Bloomberg $)
three Taiwanese producers are contemplating opening abroad HQs
In a bid to guard themselves within the occasion of an assault from China. (FT $)
+ The US has launched a program to attach startups with Taiwanese friends. (Bloomberg $)
four Are you able to watch an eclipse on a Imaginative and prescient Professional headset?
With extra eclipse glasses, certain. That doesn’t imply it’s best to, although. (The Verge)
+ Yesterday’s North American photo voltaic eclipse appeared fairly superb. (Wired $)
+ For those who missed it: don’t fear. You don’t have to attend too lengthy. (Vox)
5 India’s electrical rickshaws have eclipsed EVs in reputation
They’re powering the nation’s electrical revolution. (Remainder of World)
+ Europe’s best-selling Chinese language EV maker has a stunning title. (MIT Know-how Assessment)
6 Nobody makes use of domains anymore
Social media murdered the necessity for a private web site, and the net is worse for it. (The Atlantic $)
+ Learn how to repair the web. (MIT Know-how Assessment)
7 We’re getting nearer to figuring out how you can deal with lengthy covid
And blood could possibly be the reply. (New Scientist $)
+ Scientists are discovering indicators of lengthy covid in blood. (MIT Know-how Assessment)
eight Followers of a Japanese digital pop star are livid
After their idol appeared in 2D on a display throughout a live performance, not as a hologram. (404 Media)
9 TikTok offers in radical candor
Soul-baring confessions equate to massive views. However is it smart to reveal all of it? (The Guardian)
+ TikTok has confirmed it’s engaged on an app to rival Instagram. (TechCrunch)
+ In the meantime, the corporate’s US staff aren’t in a position to promote their shares. (FT $)
10 Please, no extra journal apps
Massive Tech is hellbent on churning them out, whether or not we would like them or not. (Wired $)
Quote of the day
“We tried. Whole catastrophe.”
—Jonathon Narvey, chief govt of Thoughts Meld, a Vancouver-based public relations company, laments the corporate’s transient foray into generative AI to the Wall Avenue Journal.
The large story
Assume that your plastic is being recycled? Assume once more.
October 2023
The issue of plastic waste hides in plain sight, a ubiquitous a part of our lives we hardly ever query. However a more in-depth examination of the state of affairs is surprising.
Up to now, people have created round 11 billion metric tons of plastic. 72% of the plastic we make leads to landfills or the setting. Solely 9% of the plastic ever produced has been recycled.
To make issues worse, plastic manufacturing is rising dramatically; in reality, half of all plastics in existence have been produced in simply the final twenty years. Manufacturing is projected to proceed rising, at about 5% yearly.
So what will we do? Sadly, options comparable to recycling and reuse aren’t equal to the size of the duty. The one reply is drastic cuts in manufacturing within the first place. Learn the complete story.
—Douglas Fundamental
We will nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction to brighten up your day. (Obtained any concepts? Drop me a line or tweet ’em at me.)
+ For those who’ve at all times wished to look at The Social Community however by no means had the time, boy do I’ve the gif for you.
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+ Artist Keith Haring cherished creating to music. His basis has created playlists of his favourite mixtapes—and so they’re licensed bangers.
+ The James Webb House Telescope has made an intriguing area discovery: alcohol.
