Drew Firment, Chief Cloud Strategist, PluralsightJanuary 8, 20254 Min ReadPixabaySpurred by the rapid adoption of generative AI, cloud computings 20% year-over-year growth is driving its status as todays default operating model. However, the workforce skills gap has many organizations struggling to leverage the clouds full potential. While security and cost controls are key challenges to cloud adoption, the skills gap continues to vex enterprises seeking to maximize their investments in cloud computing, as more than 75% of organizations have abandoned projects due to skills gaps.Many companies hire new talent to address the cloud skills gap, which is only a temporary solution. To implement a sustainable transition to the cloud, leaders must adopt a long-term strategic approach to upskill existing employees with a comprehensive workforce development plan. Continuous learning programs can help companies close their cloud computing skills gap and evolve the workforce to stay ahead of technology. These programs should also include non-technical employees to ensure enterprise-wide cloud literacy.Impact of AI and the Cloud on Security, Compliance, and UpskillingAIs rapid evolution and influence on the cloud are game changers for businesses innovation and management of the complex security and compliance landscapes that come with this shift. Addressing these challenges through upskilling is vital to ensuring companies can navigate the new era of AI and cloud computing confidently and securely.Related:Companies can use AI to automate routine tasks, improve customer experiences through chatbots and recommendations, and analyze large datasets to derive actionable insights. AI also helps cloud environments to be more adaptive and self-optimizing, enabling them to scale based on real-time demand and usage patterns. This integration of AI and the cloud enhances efficiency and innovation but also creates new challenges related to security, compliance, and the need for specialized skills.AI can be a powerful tool to enhance cloud security through advanced threat detection and real-time risk analysis. However, using AI in cloud systems makes these environments more complex, creating more entry points for potential security threats. AI-driven systems that are not properly secured could become targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. For example, adversarial AI techniques in which data is manipulated to deceive AI models are an emerging threat to cloud security.To mitigate these risks, businesses need cloud security professionals with expertise in both cloud infrastructure and AI-driven tools. These professionals must know how to use AI to strengthen security measures while also being vigilant about the unique security challenges that AI introduces. Through continuous learning and targeted upskilling programs, organizations can equip their workforce with the knowledge needed to navigate these challenges and unlock the full potential of AI and the cloud.Related:Upskilling Teams, Optimizing Cloud Usage, and AlignmentAcross industries, the cloud is now table stakes, but its successful adoption requires more than just implementing a cloud infrastructure. It demands a holistic approach that optimizes cloud usage and aligns its strategies with business objectives. When done right, cloud computing allows teams to enhance agility and speed, drive innovation, and improve cross-team collaboration. To operationalize cloud computing effectively, businesses must focus on leadership and organizational alignment, cloud governance and security, and continuous upskilling of employees.Cloud adoption should be an integral part of the businesss overall strategy rather than an isolated IT initiative. Key considerations include creating a cloud-first mindset and culture across the organization, from leadership to front-line employees. By utilizing the cloud, organizations can pivot quickly based on market conditions and leverage data analytics and AI to make more informed, data-driven decisions.Related:Cloud computing is a highly specialized skill that requires a deep understanding of cloud platforms, security, DevOps practices, and data management. Training that includes AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud certifications helps employees stay current on the latest cloud technologies and best practices. As cloud computing affects many aspects of a business, from IT and development teams to marketing and operations, a cross-functional collaboration ensures that cloud capabilities are utilized as effectively as possible across the enterprise.Fostering a Culture of Continuous LearningAs the cloud continues to evolve, the need for workforces with the skills to use it will intensify. To remain competitive, organizations must foster a culture in which employees are empowered to update their skills through a mix of formal training, hands-on experience, and knowledge sharing.Organizations that fail to address the skills gap risk falling behind in the race to leverage cloud technologies effectively. By investing in cloud training programs, certifications, and continuous learning, businesses can ensure they have the talent to innovate, scale, and secure their operations in the cloud.About the AuthorDrew FirmentChief Cloud Strategist, PluralsightDrew Firment works closely with business and technology leaders to accelerate cloud adoption by migrating talent to the cloud. Drew was previously Director of Cloud Engineering at Capital One where he led enterprise cloud operations within their Cloud Center of Excellence and migrated the early adopters of Amazon Web Services (AWS) into production. He founded Capital One's cloud engineering college that drove a large-scale talent transformation and earned a patent for measuring cloud adoption and maturity. Drew is recognized by Amazon as an AWS Community Hero for his ongoing efforts to build inclusive and sustainable learning communities.See more from Drew FirmentNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

Ryanair is suing a passenger it said had forced a flight to divert, it announced Wednesday.The airline said it paid for 160 passengers' accommodation after the diversion meant an overnight delay.It said it would take action against "disruptive passengers personally."Ryanairannounced a clampdown on passenger misconduct as it revealed it was suing someone it accused of disrupting a flight and forcing it to divert.The budget airline said it wants to claim over 15,000 euros, around $15,500, in damages, having filed proceedings in the Irish Circuit Court.In a statement issued Wednesday, the airline said it would now take action against "disruptive passengers personally" in a "major misconduct clamp down."It added it would "continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behavior."In the statement, it said that the incident occurred on April 9, 2024, on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote a popular vacation destination in Spain's Canary Islands.The flight, with 160 passengers on board, diverted to Porto, Portugal, and was delayed overnight, the airline said.The airline accused the passenger of "inexcusable behavior" but did not elaborate on what they had specifically done.A Ryanair spokesperson said the incident cost the airline 15,000 euros for overnight accommodation, passenger expenses, and landing costs."It is unacceptable that passengers many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday are suffering unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of one unruly passenger's behavior," the spokesperson said."This demonstrates just one of the many consequences that passengers who disrupt flights will face as part of Ryanair's zero-tolerance policy, and we hope this action will deter further disruptive behavior on flights so that passengers and crew can travel in a comfortable and respectful environment," they added.

Apple still can't sell iPhone 16s in Indonesia due to a ban in place since October.Indonesia's industry minister said that Apple doesn't meet rules to source some materials locally. That's despite Apple's plan to invest $1 billion in building an AirTag factory in the country.Apple is still banned from selling the iPhone 16 in Indonesia after a top government official dismissed its $1 billion plan to meet local investment requirements.Indonesia's industry minister, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, said in a briefing on Wednesday that Apple's proposal, which included a plan to build an AirTag factory in the country, did not fulfill the demands of its local regulations.Apple has been blocked from selling its latest iPhone model in the country of over 280 million people since October. It currently falls short of a requirement for tech firms to locally source at least 40% of the material in their smartphones and tablets.Indonesia's investment minister, Rosan Roeslani, said on Tuesday that Apple had "committed" to building the AirTag factory on Batam Island, with operations beginning in early 2026.However, Kartasasmita said on Wednesday that the factory would not be enough to reverse the ban, with AirTags considered just an accessory, according to comments reported by Bloomberg."As of this afternoon, the government does not have a basis for issuing the local content certificates" that Apple needs to sell its flagship device in Indonesia, Kartasamita said. "Apple needs to negotiate with us so that we can issue a certificate."The comments came after Reuters reported that Indonesia's industry minister had met with Apple representatives on Tuesday to discuss the tech giant's plans to comply with investment expectations and get the iPhone 16 ban lifted.However, Kartasasmita's comments on Wednesday suggest negotiations between Indonesia and the world's most valuable company had failed to reach a resolution, extending Apple's drought on iPhone 16 sales in Indonesia.Apple's difficulties in Southeast Asia's largest economy have been deepened as smartphone rivals such as Samsung have pushed forward with their own efforts to meet Indonesia's regulatory demands."There's no deadline for compliance," Kartasasmita said. "If Apple wants to sell the iPhone 16, and especially if they plan to launch the iPhone 17, the decision is entirely up to them."Apple did not immediately respond to BI's request for comment.

The biggest question in politics right now is what the second Trump administration will actually look like. The most honest answer is that nobody knows for sure: Its leader is so chaotic, and his followers so divided against themselves, that predicting anything with full confidence is a fools errand.With that in mind, I still want to engage in a bit of an exercise: to try to lay out what I think is true about the American right today, and then make some tentative predictions about the upcoming Trump administration based on those premises.The idea isnt just to make guesses for the sake of guessing. Rather, its to generate some testable predictions for my view of Trump and the right to see whether my ideas are pointing me in the right direction, and to adjust them if they prove wrong. Ill be doing that retrospection in my newsletter On the Right; if youre interested and/or want the chance to tell me Im wrong, please subscribe!Lets start with the premises: The things I think are true about the right today. Talking about the right today is mostly talking about the Trump coalition. Obviously, ownership of being on the right is contested with many Never Trumpers claiming to be the true conservatives and calling Trumps followers apostate sellouts. But at this point, with Trump and his allies in firm control of both the GOP and its aligned external institutions, the right as an actually existing political force is mostly just the Trump coalition. This coalition includes people with varying degrees of ideological fervor, ranging from Stephen Miller-style true believers to more reluctant knee-benders, but it is still a coalition aligned behind a particular leader.The rights first uniting principle is anti-liberalism. The various factions of the Trump coalition share a core belief that American liberalism is something worse than merely wrong: that it is an actively malign force in American public life. Liberals, in their eyes, are not mere political opponents but enemies threats to the essence of America itself. This justifies extreme measures against them.The rights second uniting principle is the person of Donald Trump. Trump is not merely the leader of the Republican Party: He is a charismatic figure who wields a uniquely personal type of power, an uncanny ability to get a majority of Republican voters to follow wherever he seems to lead. Thats why no one on the right can get on Trumps bad side for long and remain in good standing; theyre all following where he leads.The rights wholesale turn against democracy is a byproduct of those two principles, and itll define much of Trumps agenda. Trumps personal obsession with denying his defeat in 2020, and justifying his coup attempt, set the tone for much of Republican politics today including plans to purge the federal government during the next administration. Some more traditional Republicans may make noises of concern about Trump going too far, but they will ultimately go along with it because theyre either afraid of Trump or hate liberals more than they care about norms. For these reasons, a willingness to subvert democracy has become a rare point of consensus on the modern right.Beyond these areas of agreement, the right is profoundly divided. There are many different factions inside the Trump coalition with examples including MAGA ideologues like Miller and Steve Bannon, traditional pre-Trump Republicans like Marco Rubio, postliberal authoritarians like JD Vance, and techno-rightists like Elon Musk. These different factions disagree even on core Trump issues like immigration and tariffs, with much wider divergences on issues he cares less about like government spending. These, at any rate, are my starting points. Preceding from there, I want to make nine specific predictions that (mostly) follow directly.Related1) Trump will attempt a purge of the federal civil service. If Trump really is serious about his anti-democratic desires for revenge and personal control over the federal government, this is the obvious place to start. I would expect efforts along these lines most notably a revival of the Schedule F executive order to begin relatively swiftly after he takes power.2) Internal conflict will be a major problem for the Trump administration on most policy issues. Trumps first administration was largely riven by divides between Trumpists and the adults in the room. With the latter largely purged, the divides between the Trumpists themselves will take center stage in a second Trump term. And the baseline condition that created an opportunity for the adult faction in 2016 Trumps chaotic management style and disinterest in policy details will create plenty of opportunities for the different factions to work at cross purposes with each other.3) The fate of the tariffs will be a bellwether for these fights but Id expect the pro-tariff side to win. Tariffs are one of Trumps signature policy ideas, but theyre deeply opposed by the faction of the business community that has aligned with him. Theres already been a Washington Post piece reporting some deputies trying to limit the scope of tariffs behind the scenes, a trial balloon Trump has loudly shut down. Given Trumps unusual level of personal investment in the policy here, Id expect him to (mostly) get his way.4) So too will Trumps approach to China and Id expect hawkishness. Theres a lot of noise about Trumps alleged dovishness, and there certainly is a more isolationist strain in the MAGA movement. But in the past, the more aggressive impulses in MAGA have won out impulses that happen to align with the more traditional Republican foreign movement. China policy is a key test here, and I would expect the administration to take a generally confrontational stance.5) Elon Musk will prove less important than he seems. Musk talks a big game, but his Department of Government Efficiency isnt a real department and wields no formal authority. Theres little evidence that Musk understands how Washington works or even has a coherent and stable set of political ideas aside from pursuing his own financial interests. Theres also a very real chance that his huge ego bumps up against Trumps, leading to a messy fight that Trump will almost certainly win. 6) But the superrich as a class will prove more important than they seem. All the focus on Musk personally has distracted from the more mundane influence of his class on the GOP: the way in which they set the tone for the policy on a host of issues ranging from environmental regulation to taxation to anti-trust enforcement. The rich will set the terms for Trump 2s economic policy, with tariffs the exception rather than the rule.7) The GOP anti-corporate turn is likely to peter out. During the first Trump and Biden administrations, there was a lot of right-wing talk about the dangers of woke capital and an attendant Republican turn against corporations. I was always somewhat skeptical that this would persist, and with the business community increasingly bending the knee to Trump, I expect this kind of talk to quietly disappear.8) But the war on wokeness will persist. The culture war is the lowest common denominator expression of the rights binding anti-liberalism. It is the heart of the GOPs current appeal to its base, and will remain a central element of its message in perpetuity. Perhaps the term wokeness will fall out of use, feeling tired in a new era, but the obsessive focus on race, sexuality, gender, and immigration will remain.9) So will support for Israel. While its true that antisemitic bigots like Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes have recently become more prominent in the GOP, support for Israel remains an extremely popular cause among most mainstream Republicans. And far-right movements around the world have developed a model of being pro-Israel while simultaneously threatening Jews at home, a model that Trump himself followed in his first term. If Israel takes even more aggressive steps in the coming years like resettling Gaza or annexing parts of the West Bank Id expect the Trump administration largely to get on board.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

Youre not imagining it: An unusually large number of Americans are barfing these days.Ninety-one norovirus outbreaks were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the first week of December (shown in the orange line in the chart below), the latest week for which data is available. Thats more than have been reported at this time of year at any time since 2012.The viral stomach bug, which causes intense but blessedly short episodes of vomiting and diarrhea with or without a brief period of fever, chills, and body aches normally spreads in the wintertime and recedes in warmer months. This years uptick has been more ferocious than usual, with more outbreaks bubbling up earlier than in pandemic years (shown in the blue lines) and pre-pandemic years (which fall within the gray-shaded area).Additionally, at the end of December, nearly 23 percent of people were testing positive for norovirus at a sampling of clinical laboratories across the country an extraordinarily high proportion, way above the typical peak of 10 to 15 percent.The CDCs figures, while useful for comparing patterns year to year, are a significant underestimate of real-world norovirus spread, says Lee-Ann Jaykus, a North Carolina State University microbiologist who directs NoroCORE, a food virology collaboration among multiple federal agencies. The numbers are really ish-y, she says. The norovirus outbreak data comes from a 14-state sampling not the entire US and the agency doesnt count individual norovirus cases. Many people dont seek medical care for symptoms, and even if they do, norovirus isnt a disease that doctors and laboratories are required to report when they diagnose it.Experts say they dont think the trend is just a result of more people seeking care for symptoms this year. I do think that there is an increase in medically attended visits and infections, so the increase is real and not just increased testing, Baylor College of Medicine norovirus researcher Robert Atmar wrote in an email to Vox. The best way to protect yourself during this seasons norovirus surge is to wash your damn hands: Norovirus is primarily spread when traces of a sick persons poop or vomit sneak into our mouths via our hands or food theyve prepared. However, the virus also spreads through aerosols that hang around after someone barfs, so its also good to take precautions if youre around someone who has come down with the bug.Why are norovirus levels so high right now?Norovirus has been peaking at higher-than-usual levels since the pandemic. Thats probably related to the fact that immunity to the virus only lasts somewhere around a couple of years. Norovirus levels dropped during the pandemic due to more masking, more social distancing, and more careful hand and surface hygiene and by the time people dropped those behaviors, there was less population-wide protection from the virus. That may explain why the US saw more outbreaks in post-pandemic years than in pre-pandemic years.My first thought was, Gee, do we have a new variant?But this years rise is earlier and higher than even the past few years trends. Why is this season so bad? My first thought was, Gee, do we have a new variant? says Jaykus. In past years, new norovirus variants have been associated with spikes in global infections. While the CDCs genetic analyses of circulating noroviruses havent yet shown any dramatic changes this season, the possibility of a new strain is top of mind for many experts.I can guarantee you that my colleagues at the CDC are doing a lot of sequencing now to figure out if there is a new strain, but its too early to say that there is, says Jaykus. (A CDC spokesperson confirmed that reported outbreaks this season have exceeded both recent and pre-pandemic numbers.)How to protect yourself from norovirus, or care for yourself if you get the ickHand-washing, careful surface cleaning, keeping a distance from actively sick people, and masking if theres a chance someone recently barfed in your vicinity are the best ways to prevent the spread of this nasty infection. If you do get infected with this very gnarly bug, take some small comfort in the fact that it usually goes away almost as quickly as it comes on.Staying hydrated is key: While nauseated, sip water or an electrolyte drink every 15 to 30 minutes, and if you feel like lying down afterward, prop yourself up to reduce reflux. Theres no need to slam a liter of fluid at a time; you just want to get enough in to produce some urine at least every six hours. Wait until you have an appetite to start eating solids, and start with bland foods like bananas and dry toast.Alcohol-based sanitizer doesnt kill norovirus all that well, so clean your hands with soap and water. And clean shared surfaces with a bleach-based product only a few virus particles are needed to cause infection, and it can live for weeks on surfaces, so be as thorough as you can.If you develop bloody diarrhea, you cant keep enough fluids down to make some urine, or your symptoms last longer than three days, its time to seek medical care.Otherwise, thank your lucky stars its over, and keep washing those hands: People often shed norovirus for weeks after that first spectacular bathroom moment.A norovirus vaccine is probably a few years awayTo healthy people, a norovirus infection translates to some truly miserable bathroom moments, but it isnt usually deadly. However, the virus can be life-threatening to babies and older adults, and scientists worldwide have been working to develop a vaccine aimed at dampening the infections worst effects.Several companies are trying to develop norovirus vaccines using both mRNA vaccine technology and more conventional vaccine development strategies, with varying levels of success. HilleVax stopped working on a candidate vaccine after it proved ineffective in a recent trial, Moderna is in the late stages of developing an mRNA vaccine against the virus, and Vaxart is studying several oral pill vaccine candidates, which have been only moderately effective at blunting symptoms. It hasnt been an easy road, says Jaykus, who has advised pharmaceutical companies on potential applications of norovirus vaccines. There are literally hundreds of [norovirus] strains, she says, and the Food and Drug Administration wants a vaccine that will protect people from most if not all of them. Additionally, manufacturers have found it challenging to create a vaccine whose protection lasts longer than a few years.It will probably be at least three to five years before a norovirus vaccine is available to the narrowest slice of the population likely babies, says Jaykus. After all, young children are not only among those worst affected by severe stomach bugs, but theyre also most responsible for spreading the virus to the rest of us. They dont wash their hands as regularly or thoroughly as adults do, and theyre in each others faces all the time.Older adults, especially those in nursing homes, would take next priority because of how much severe illness norovirus causes in that population. The rest of us will have to wait even longer for a shot to protect us from the dreaded stomach bug.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

With less than two weeks before the new Trump administration takes office, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg announced a sweeping set of policy changes that will do away with fact-checkers on the companys platforms and reduce restrictions on the posts its users can share.Zuckerberg said the changes are meant to address political bias and curtail censorship echoing arguments that President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters have long made about the platform. In lieu of fact-checkers, Facebook will employ a Community Notes model like the one used on X. As it operates on X, Community Notes allows users to add context and corrections to other peoples posts, though studies show it can be slower and cover different subjects than professional fact-checking. Zuckerberg also said that the site would relax its policies for moderating posts and allow more content on issues including immigration and gender instead of taking them down. (According to a Wired review, some of these changes appear to have already gone into effect.)For users interested in seeing more political content, Zuckerberg noted that Meta plans to reintroduce more of these posts into peoples feeds as well. In a five-minute video announcing the changes, Zuckerberg said the fact-checkers Facebook has worked with were too politically biased and had harmed user trust, and jabbed at the Biden administration for the censorship its allegedly employed against Meta. (Zuckerberg didnt specify what he meant by that claim, though tech companies have previously fielded requests from the Biden administration about removing posts related to Covid-19 misinformation and election fraud.)Broadly, Metas announcement signals a willingness among tech companies to cater to Trump as they seek to preserve their business prospects and avoid political retaliation from a frequent, strident critic. Its shifts in content moderation also have serious implications for the types of posts and misinformation that can spread on its platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. I suspect we will see a rise in false and misleading information around a number of topics, as there will be an incentive for those who want to spread that kind of content, Claire Wardle, an associate professor in communication at Cornell University, told Vox. Metas recent changes coincide with other moves Zuckerberg has made in an apparent attempt to get into Trumps good graces, including a personal visit to Mar-a-Lago and the appointment of Dana White, the CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship and a Trump ally, to Metas board of directors. Below is a more detailed rundown of the changes Zuckerberg just announced, as well as other recent steps hes taken.Changes to content moderation Replacing fact-checkers with Community Notes: Meta had worked with 90 different independent organizations to fact-check posts that spread on its platforms. Those fact-checkers would append warning labels to false content, and Meta would also reduce the distribution of those posts. Zuckerberg has accused the fact-checkers of being politically biased, while providing no examples, and said theyll be replaced with a Community Notes system that will be phased in over the coming months. Reducing content restrictions on topics like immigration and gender: Zuckerberg said that the platforms will focus on removing posts that contain illegal and high-severity violations and allow more posts to stay up that they might have previously been flagged. Effectively, the company is cutting back on content moderation in general and taking down fewer posts on hot-button political issues.Bringing back politics content: Meta had previously downgraded politics content and reduced the distribution of it on its platforms, citing user requests for less of this content in their feeds. Zuckerberg announced that Meta would be phasing political content back into users feeds due to changing demands.Moving content and moderation teams: In another bid to address alleged political bias, Zuckerberg said that Metas content moderation team will move from California to Texas. Working with Trump to combat censorship by other countries: Zuckerberg committed to collaborating with Trump to fight censorship and regulations in other countries, pointing to the blocking of Meta apps in China and European tech policies he claimed were stifling innovation.Donating to Trumps inaugural fund and visiting Mar-a-Lago: Meta is among the tech firms donating $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund. Amazon has as well, and Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have made comparable personal donations. Zuckerberg, Amazons Jeff Bezos, and Googles Sergey Brin are also among the tech chiefs whove paid a personal visit to Trump at Mar-a-Lago.Silicon Valley is bending the knee with troubling consequencesAs Voxs Nicole Narea previously reported, Zuckerberg is far from the only tech CEO to try to build a friendlier relationship with Trump as his second term approaches. A number of others, including Bezos who killed a Washington Post editorial endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris have done the same. Many of these efforts are driven by the goal of maintaining a friendlier regulatory climate, Narea reports, whether thats less scrutiny of antitrust or more consideration for government contracts. Efforts by businesses to cultivate ties across administrations are commonplace. But Zuckerbergs and Bezoss moves have raised additional concerns, given the impact they have on what millions of people read and, in Zuckerbergs case, post.Zuckerbergs moves could shape the type of content that proliferates on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, enabling misinformation to thrive unchecked. Not only will Facebook remove fact-checkers, but by dialing back moderation on topics like immigration and gender identity, which have already been the subject of rampant right-wing conspiracy theories, it could exacerbate an existing mis- and disinformation problem. X, formerly known as Twitter, has also rolled back its content moderation since Trump ally and Tesla CEO Elon Musk took over the site in late 2022. Since then, Musk elevated Community Notes as a way to crowd-source fact-checks. Community Notes has been a mixed bag since it was implemented, says Erik Nisbet, a professor of policy analysis and communications at Northwestern University. Researchers have found that users are likely to trust context offered via Community Notes more than a basic flag from a fact-checker, for example. But Community Notes are often slower than a professional fact-checker, meaning a false post could go viral before it gets checked. Additionally, Community Notes relies on the expertise and interest of the sites users, whereas professional fact-checkers can offer expertise quickly on a wider range of key topics. The changes in content moderation at X since Musks takeover could foreshadow similar results at Meta. A USC study of English-language posts on X from January 2022 to June 2023 found that hate speech had increased 50 percent on the site in that time, with use of transphobic slurs increasing 260 percent. Musk fired a number of content moderators when he took over in 2022 and began revamping the platforms approach, including lifting suspensions for previously banned accounts.Mark Zuckerberg argues that his role model for this change is Elon Musk and what he did on Twitter. So we can look at Twitter for answers, right? And if we do, we see chaos, says Yotam Ophir, a University of Buffalo communications professor who studies misinformation. The potential spread of more misinformation and hateful content on Metas platforms is concerning, Nisbet told Vox, and could have significant effects on the quality of US democracy. Access to accurate information and the ability to hold political leaders accountable is a crucial differentiator for democratic states, he said, and as falsehoods are allowed to proliferate and spread, it weakens peoples access to trustworthy information and their ability to confront their political leaders.Multiple recent events have illustrated the acute impact such misinformation can have. In September, Trump amplified a lie about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, which had begun on Facebook. That lie went on to fuel property damage and threats against Haitian people in the city. Trumps lies about FEMA aid workers in North Carolina following Hurricane Helenes devastation also spread on social media, spurring distrust of the agency and even threats of violence toward government workers.Without strong guardrails at Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, such misinformation could spread further and have even more dangerous consequences.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 has seen a 50% drop in its player base since launch, lagging behind Modern Warfare 3's retention numbers here's what we knowTech10:56, 08 Jan 2025Here's why Activision is unlikely to be too concerned(Image: Grab)Call of Duty fans seemed pretty positive on Black Ops 6 when it launched in October, but the player count has seemingly plummeted.TheGamer is reporting around a 50% drop in player count on Steam in two months as players seemingly drop the title, with SteamCharts data suggesting players have dropped from November's 165,668 to 87,000 in the last 30 days.Here's all we know about the numbers, and why Activision is unlikely to be too concerned despite it looking worse than 2023's Modern Warfare 3, which lost less of its players in the same window despite being considered an underwhelming entry by many.Call of Duty Black Ops 6 is the best CoD in years(Image: Activision)While there have been a few incidents that have upset the CoD community (we're looking at you, Squid Games Event Pass and Six-Fingered Santa Claus), one major reason for the lower player count is likely to be the game's inclusion on Xbox Game Pass.Subscribers get access to the game via the Xbox app on PC, which would mean Steam data isn't affected. That doesn't change the fact that a whole host of Steam players aren't logging in, but that could be down to how the games are packaged, too.Call of Duty's PC launcher, on Battle.net, Steam, and the Xbox app, is home to Black Ops 6, Modern Warfare 3, and Warzone (as well as a host of older titles). That means the Steam player count would have included Warzone players over the last few months, too, which means it likely factored in the spike around Season 1's launch with a new map.It's still very possible players got fed up with cheats, but there's every chance a lot of players have gone from playing Warzone on Steam to playing Black Ops 6 on Game Pass.Article continues belowSpeaking of Game Pass, there's a good chance more Call of Duty fans will flock to Microsoft's subscription service in the coming months. One report suggests 2008's World at War will be the next CoD title added to the service.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

While Bloomberg's Jason Schreier has again suggested GTA 6 could see a delay to 2026, a Rockstar staff member's post on LinkedIn suggests the studio is still targeting 2025Tech10:41, 08 Jan 2025GTA 6 could hit its 2025 date, or it could be delayedGTA 6 is expected to pull in billions of dollars in sales figures, but Rockstar has now been quiet on the long-anticipated title for over a year.That hasn't stopped the 'leaks' though, from a potential leak via a janitor, to a longtime voice actor seemingly confirming they're in the upcoming title, but Rockstar's silence has fans wondering if the game will make it to 2025 after all.And, just as Bloomberg's Jason Schreier predicts the game will shift to a 2026 window, a Rockstar staff member has seemingly doubled down on 2025.Rockstar's LinkedIn post still says 2025Over on LinkedIn, Georgio Jankowski, a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Rockstar Games, shared the company's career page and pointed to 2025 being "one of the most exciting years ahead here at Rockstar" while linking to the first GTA 6 trailer.At the bottom of the post, there's the same key art we've seen before of Lucia and her male companion with the logo still saying "Coming 2025", suggesting the game is on track.With that said, any delay announcement would likely come via official channels and not LinkedIn, and Bloomberg's Jason Schreier thinks it'll happen.While Take-Two insists the most anticipated game of all time is on track for late 2025, companies often make optimistic claims, he mentioned in his 2025 predictions.Article continues belowGTA 6 is a monumental and ambitious project, and the pressure for success is enormous. My prediction is that the release will slip to 2026.There was some good news in his predictions, though although not for GTA. Schreier believes Hollow Knight: Silksong, a sequel to one of the most beloved indie games of the last decade, could finally launch in 2025.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

Nintendo Switch 2 release date leaked at CES as new Joy-Cons video releasedAdam StarkeyPublished January 8, 2025 11:51amUpdated January 8, 2025 11:51am The leak floodgates have opened (Amazon.co.jp)Nintendos Switch successor have invaded CES in Las Vegas, as an accessory company claims to know when the console will launch.While we dont officially know anything about Nintendos next console, aside from it being backwards compatible, an ongoing tsunami of leaks has made it very plain what the new hardware looks like.Weve already seen videos of the seemingly magnetic Joy-Cons, a bunch of images showing the console and the dock, along with rumours that the systems controllers could operate like a computer mouse, but now more evidence has emerged at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.According to multiple reports, accessory company Genki is showing off a Nintendo Switch 2 replica behind closed doors at the tech event this week, while also claiming to have information about the consoles launch window.The mock-up is being used to demonstrate eight accessories Genki has planned for the new console, including controllers and a docking station. The company also claims to have a final unit of the console, which this replicated model has allegedly been based on.According to a report from French publication Numerama, who went hands-on with the replica, the Switch 2 model is larger than the original Switch and introduces a second USB-C port on the top of the console, which lines up with prior leaks.The report also claims Genkis accessories for the Switch 2 will all launch at the same time as the console in April, a date which has been rumoured in the past. Are these what the new Joy-Cons will look like? (Genki)According to a separate hands-on report on Netzwelt, the Joy-Cons are removed from the dummy console by pulling them from the side, instead of sliding upwards like the original Switch, presumably because of the rumoured magnetic feature.A video on X of the Genki replica shows how the Joy-Cons attach to the console, with a back pedal (also leaked before) on the controller being the release mechanism. On one mock-up, a plastic flap is seen wrapping around the controllers, but this is presumably because it is a 3D print and doesnt have the magnetic functionality.The Genki mock-up also features the mysterious new button on the right Joy-Con which has been the source of much discussion already, although it is not labelled the C button, as in prior leaks. There are images of an optical sensor inside the Joy-Con too, which might be tied to the recently rumoured mouse-like functionality.Following these reports, Genki has since posted the full video of the Switch 2 replica on its website. This shows off the console mock-up, a circular dock, and charging stations for the Joy-Con controllers. Interestingly, the Joy-Cons shown here have coloured joysticks in baby blue and orange, the exact colour scheme touted in a previous leak.You might be wondering why Genki isnt being sued into the ground for releasing all this information if it is true, but the company is apparently not an official partner with Nintendo, so it can show these accessories in advance without breaking any contract.This is likely a similar scenario with other companies like Dbrand, who claimed to have information last month. Nevertheless, Nintendo is unlikely to be unhappy with them spoiling so many of their secrets.While this could be a well-made replica, based on all the leaked information already out there, Genki is a respected manufacturer and is unlikely to be faking anything.. Coupled with the sheer amount of leaks over recent weeks, its hard not to believe this is, at the very least, close to the final design.More TrendingIf the Switch 2 is set to launch in April, that means Nintendo will have to announce the console very soon with many expecting a reveal at some point in January. Is this the Switch 2? (Genki)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Huamu Lot 10 The Summit / KPFSave this picture! PlompmozesShanghai, ChinaArchitects: KPFAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:278858 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs: More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Conceived as an integration of culture and commerce, Huamu Lot 10 The Summit, reimagines participatory urbanism by re-activating an abandoned riverfront, fostering a new public space, and merging its three towers through cantilevered sky galleries with the adjacent museum. Strategically located adjacent to Century Park and the Huangpu River, the project transforms a previously neglected riverfront into an active civic realm. "The project seeks to flip the equation of a tower, which typically includes an iconic top, and instead uses the gallery program as a cantilevered volume at the mid-point of the tower," explains KPF Design Principal Jeffrey Kenoff, FAIA. "The result is a moment that engages the pedestrian realm while simultaneously sculpting the project's identity within the Shanghai skyline." The cantilevered sky galleries are illuminated and clad with reflective and hammered titanized soffits, reinforcing their spatial prominence within the urban fabric and contributing to the project's distinct identity within the skyline.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A critical move for the project is its reorganization of vehicular circulation. By relocating traffic to an outer loop, the design liberates a central plaza that redefines pedestrian connectivity between the towers, museum, and waterfront. This spatial strategy allows the podiums to engage directly with the urban context, with terraces formed through shifted slabs that guide visitors to key programmatic elements. The terraces simultaneously provide green spaces, fostering a biophilic connection for users while offering expansive views of the surrounding city. "The urban significance of this cluster of buildings goes beyond its office function," Says KPF President James von Klemperer, FAIA. "The complex combines with a major museum to create cultural spaces that elevate the aspirations of the city."Save this picture!Save this picture!Sustainability is integral to the project's conception. Rainwater collection systems capture stormwater for irrigation and cooling applications, while vegetative roofs mitigate runoff, enhance insulation, and reduce urban heat island effects. The waterfront landscape was designed to be resilient to the heightened risk of flooding due to the increasing frequency of severe weather events, strategically allowing certain zones to be submerged while others remain intact. Co-generation systems, in conjunction with absorption chillers, optimize energy efficiency by converting waste heat into electricity, heating, and cooling. These measures exemplify a commitment to environmentally responsive design that minimizes the project's ecological footprint.Save this picture!Save this picture!Attention to user wellness is also evident throughout the project. "To ensure tenant wellness, we designed every floor with full-height glass for ample daylight and great views, operable windows for fresh air and thermal comfort, and amenities such as roof gardens and art galleries, all while saving energy and respecting the surroundings," explains Senior Designer Katsu Shigemi, AIA. The use of glass curtain walls maximizes daylight penetration and offers panoramic views, reinforcing the integration of interior and exterior environments.Save this picture!Save this picture!From a structural perspective, the project employs innovative engineering solutions to achieve its ambitious cantilevers. "While most of the structure is reinforced concrete, we are using steel trusses for the major structural moves as well as a double slab system at the gallery that cantilevers over the public plaza," says Senior Technical Designer Eric Engdahl. This approach ensures the structural stability of the cantilevered galleries while allowing for flexible programming.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Shanghai, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialGlassMaterials and TagsPublished on January 08, 2025Cite: "Huamu Lot 10 The Summit / KPF" 08 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025427/huamu-lot-10-the-summit-kpf&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream