Just ahead of todays Supreme Court ruling which saw the nations highest court uphold the law banning TikTok in the U.S. as of January 19 Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had a very good phone call with Chinas President Xi Jinping, which included discussion of TikTok.Though the U.S. president-elect earlier signaled that he is no longer in favor of the ban, after urging the Supreme Cout to block the law requiring the app to be shut down or sold by January 19, his message today did not indicate what he may now plan to do about TikTok when he comes into office.Instead, Trump wrote that he had a good call with Xi and that it was his expectation that they would solve many problems together, starting immediately. We discussed balancing trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects, Trump wrote on his social platform. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe! Shortly after the call, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban will go through. This means the app will be shut down in the U.S. unless its soldsomething that TikTok argued it could not accomplish in the allotted time.Its unclear if TikTok will effectively go dark on January 19 or if it will continue to operate on users devices where its already installed, as there have been reports pointing to both scenarios. However, the Biden administration was said to be considering ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S., even if the ban was upheld.

With a U.S. ban on TikTok set to come into force on Sunday, what do some of the leading 3D printing influencers on the ByteDance-owned platform think?In March 2024, a House Committee voted 50-0 to advance a bill prohibiting app stores from providing users with TikTok, a social media app. The unanimous support for a defacto ban was signed into law in April, with US President Joe Biden inking the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA). Effectively, Chinas ByteDance received an ultimatum: sell TikTok within the next nine months or watch the app decay.ByteDance has resisted the forced divestiture and intends to shut down TikTok instead. With a U.S. leadership transition also taking place this weekend, the outgoing Biden has reportedly suggested that the returning President Trump administration will handle enforcement of the ban. PAFACA provides for a three-month grace period. The latest Supreme Court ruling states TikTok must be sold to a U.S. company, or it will be banned on Sunday as planned.Reasons for banning TikTok stem from concerns about Chinese government access to user data or using the platform to manipulate the 170 million U.S. citizens who use the video-sharing social network. In 2019, both the U.S. Army and Navy, on Pentagon guidance, banned TikTok on government devices. In the UK, a similar restriction for government ministers was created in 2023, joining some U.S. federal agencies.A ticking clockGeopolitical machinations may now be on the minds of the TikTok users who initially joined to share videos, form friendships, and establish communities. By demographics, the single largest age bracket on TikTok in the U.S. is teens (around 1019), making up roughly 2530% of the platforms user base.The ban of TikTok would restrict my reach, says Ben Pendergast; better known to his 4.1 million followers as itsboyinspace. He aims to ignite enthusiasm for STEM projects and introduce people to this engaging and creative hobby that can foster innovation. Pendergasts videos have over 80 million likes. Pendergast has a stern warning about the bans implications and believes the end of TikTok is just the beginning of what could result in limiting our reach and our capabilities communicating, our freedoms to engage in constructive discussions about both the positive and negative aspects of society is diminishing our opportunities for personal and societal growth.Elegoo is a 3D printer manufacturer that uses the video-sharing network. TikTok has been one of our fastest-growing platforms, with a nearly 60k increase in followers and over 20 million views last year, explains Coco Lee, Brand Director at Elegoo.The TikTok ban wasnt unexpected. However, we are a bit disappointed, as we had planned to invest more resources into the platform, says Lee. We plan to keep investing in our Elegoo account and focus on creating original content. While TikTok has played an important role, its not our only or most critical platform. We also actively create content on other platforms like YouTube. For us, TikTok is primarily a space to showcase our brand, and we havent relied heavily on influencer partnerships there. Our strategy is well-rounded, and were adaptable to any situation.Likewise, Pendergast is also prepared, Im already on every platform and plan to continue; the unfortunate truth though is every other platform seems to make things so much more difficult to find a connection; with TikTok, its super easy to quickly respond to someone with a video response to help solve problems in this hobby. I fear that limitation will distance me from the community I have built over the years.Mike Prior, aka PRIORity-3D agrees, TikTok is a completely different platform compared to other social media outlets. It creates communities with people and brings people together. Ive grinded so hard to get the following I have, and now to possibly have it stripped away, well, it sucks. I really dont want to start over, says Prior, Im going to miss the community for sure. No other app is like this, and without it, creating content [is] not as fun, in my opinion.Itsboyinspace, a 3D printing influencer, at the Anycubic booth in Shenzhen. Photo by Michael Petch.The heat is onProviding a fun user experience and fostering communities are noble goals and not necessarily incongruent with strategiesgrounded in technology and psychologyto keep people engaged, whether through social validation, FOMO, or fundamental human needs such as connection. The cost of leaving a platform must be balanced with the loss of the network. If this ban takes effect, it will be unfortunate as I have made some really good friends using this app. Yes, we will stay in contact, but this app has brought so many people together in the 3D printing community, says Prior.How do platforms encourage such communities? One possibility comes from TikTok confirming it unnaturally pushes content in a way that is not based on a users preference via a heating tool. Potentially, such a boosting tool could be used to build niche communities on the platform. For example, perhaps stamp collectors had a large volume of content creators on a rival video platform. Applying the heating tool to a fortunate philatelist can boost views and likes via inclusion in the widely viewed for you feed. In turn, this may lure new creators from the stamp community laboring under the misapprehension that they too will be showered with a bonanza of likes by replicating the chosen content of the anointed one.Critics have categorized the work done by a significant number of content creators who spend time and money making videos but reap little monetary benefit as playbor. Instead, the unpaid workforce provides a nearly endless supply of material for free, while the platform hordes the rewards.Algorithmeddon: recommendation engines reshape realitySocial Media is a mess, and by no means does ByteDance stand alone when it comes to egregious activities enabled by these platforms. On TikTok, mainstays of journalism sit alongside news influencers who sometimes take the work done by reporters, reformat, and share, often without attribution. I get most of my news from TikTok. From political news to world news, I find that TikTok makes it more accessible to get this information not only from individuals but from reputable sources like the BBC, says Jack Light, aka Twin Shepherd Printing.Recent statistics show 17% of all U.S. adults get news from TikTok. The appeal can be independent voices that report or otherwise illuminate under-represented perspectives. The concern is a lack of formalized safeguards and fact-checking and the potential for spreading misinformation and disinformation. Ive seen content reported on TikTok that U.S. news agencies havent. I believe a great deal of users are aware of the possibility of the algorithm skewing what content is being shown, but I see this as no different than content control on apps like Facebook, says Light.In my opinion, The United States government sees TikTok as a national security threat not because it is a spy app or malware, but because they cannot control its content, says Light. Mike Prior adds, Its ridiculous to say this is a national security thing because anything you purchase through or from China they have your info. The US would need to completely cut ties and not allow anything from China near the US. Its, in my opinion, a money grab from the government.A plurality of channels to freely exchange information and connect individuals is held as a central tenet of democracy. Defenders of interactive online networks may draw parallels between other older mass communication technologies, suggesting that radio, television, or even the printing press should not be held culpable for the perceived sins of its users. The counterpoint here is that radio, television, and print are not inherently subject to the algorithms of social media and the tendency to amplify certain forms of content via recommendation.Recommendation algorithms of social media are sometimes held up as justification for lighter regulation of platforms. Yet, these mathematical models can be subverted or bypassed entirely, for example, by TikToks heating tool. Algorithmically curated content, be it music, news, or social video, leads to an ever-narrowing experience, according to author Kyle Chayka in his book Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture.Another concern cited is a disparity between the content found on ByteDances Douyin app, sometimes called the Chinese TikTok, and the version available in the West. While Douyin serves wholesome content, TikTok is the ultra-processed, fluorescent, gas-station cheese puffs.Whether contested allegations that TikToks parent company promoted a biased perspective of China to U.S. users of its defunct news app or spying on reporters will change the opinion of ardent fans remains to be seen.ByteDance could pocket $50 billion should it choose to sell U.S. operations; leaving such a sum on the table has led some to speculate the value resides not in money but as an intelligence asset. The company has a more prosaic reason for declining: to protect its intellectual property. I do not blame them one bit for refusing to sell. No company should be forced to sell something to someone. This is a money grab for the government, says Mike Prior. This whole thing has nothing to do with a national security thing. Its all about money, he adds.Priors opinion is that Bytedance created an empire, and I feel the government thinks they have a right to it because US citizens are using it and thriving.The rationales for using TikTok are as varied and numerous as the reasons for staying off such platforms. The reality that weighs the heaviest on my heart and mental health is the feeling of impending isolation, says Jack Light. I dont just create content for a following. I make content with other creators I have grown relationships with and now consider some of my closest friends. The turbulence of the ban would displace these creators and cut off a vital channel of communication we all have with one another.Given the tendency of social media platforms to rise and fall, some content creators have wisely hedged their bets. This is not the case for everyone: As a content creator, the TikTok ban would basically mean I have to start over on a new platform, says White. I do not have the following on other platforms that I have on TikTok, the brand deals I have established are solely due to my TikTok followers, so I will most likely lose most if not all of my affiliated marketing partners.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?All the news from Formnext 2024.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.

Brought to you by:Architect: KPFLocation: Hangzhou, ChinaCompletion Date: 2024Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is leading the construction of Westlake 66, a massive development in Hangzhou, China, that will eventually deliver five office towers and a hotel. Seeking to rebuke the citys car-centric urbanism and connect two of its important landmarksWest Lake and the Grand Canal, both UNESCO World Heritage Sitesthe architects devised a pedestrian corridor at the center of the site. The space is defined by a 550-foot-long continuous facade system that wraps the podium of the projects various components, a feature that establishes visual continuity and guides pedestrians through the large site. The urban cell wall, as the architects refer to it, was constructed using modular metal panels that are lined with colorfully glazed terra-cotta, a reference to Hangzhous traditional architecture.Once complete, the Westlake 66 development will deliver 5 office towers and a hotel, rising above a public commercial avenue. (Courtesy KPF)As part of the masterplan, the project needed to create an unprecedented urban facade strategy that would transform pedestrian connectivity across multiple city blocks, respond to varying urban forces, said Jeff Kenoff, design principal at KPF. We realized that the facade needed to be sinuous, yet human in scale, and looked to the ancient walls of the West Lake as a historic precedent for effective urban circulatory infrastructure.The Urban Cell Wall spans across the podium of the developments multiple components. (Courtesy KPF)The composition of the facade modules references the architecture of two important cultural sites in Hangzhou. The proportions reflect the masonry bond patterns present at the Lingyin Temple, a Buddhist monastery located on the outskirts of the city, and the Duan Qin, or broken bridge, which spans the nearby West Lake in the citys center.KPF also connects the design of the urban cell wall to natural structures, such as the hexagonal prisms of a honeycomb or the cellular structure of xylem and phloem, the vascular tissue in plant life. The architects note that the cells within a honeycomb can be repurposed for a variety of uses, including the storage of honey, larva, and eggs. Similarly, the cells at the base of the Westlake 66 development are designed to accommodate a wide range of uses, allowing the architects to anticipate programmatic changes to the development that may occur during leasing. Over the course of the project, the biggest unknowns can often be leasing decisions as well as system changes, all calling for last-minute design updates to the facade, added Kenoff.The composition of the modules was inspired by historic masonry precedents. (Courtesy KPF)Natural metaphors also inspired the aesthetics and functionality of the urban cell wall. (Courtesy KPF)Terra-cotta was selected to line the inside of the metal modules, and was sourced from the nearby city of Yinxing, which posses large clay deposits and has a long history of pottery production dating back to the Song Dynasty. Working closely with the terra-cotta manufacturer, KPF created five glazes for the terra-cotta liner profiles, hues of red, orange, and yellow, that were derived from Hangzhous colorful architectural landmarks.The biggest challenge was matching the colors between extruded and straight segments and cast curved corners, in terms of color as well as dimension, since they are produced with different methods that use different clay substrates, Kenoff told AN. Using parametric and computational methods, the design team simplified the construction of the modules by prescribing 21 unique permutations that include seven exterior metal profiles, the aforementioned five terra-cotta glazes, and four infill panel types. These combinations allow the modules to be optimized according to use, site conditions, and shadingthe later improving the projects energy performance.Westlake 66 is currently pursuing LEED Platinum, China Green Building Label 3 Stars, and Well Platinum certifications.The modules are designed to be roughly human sized in scale. (Courtesy KPF)KPFs podium strategy for Westlake 66 demonstrates how successful advocacy on the part of the architect can improve the quality of public space, even within strictly commercial developments. This case also exemplifies the importance of facade design to such initiatives. The urban cell wall establishes spatial organization, human scale, color, and visual continuity within the larger project, working in tandem with the landscaping and circulation to enhance the urban experience within Hangzhous city center.Project SpecificationsArchitect: KPFExecutive Architect: Wong & OuyangLocal Design Institute: Zhejiang Province Institute of Architectural Design and ResearchLandscape Architect: Adrian L. NormanInterior Design (Retail): The Oval PartnershipInterior Design (Office): M Moser AssociatesStructural Engineer: ArupMEP Engineer: J. Roger PrestonElectrical Engineer: J. Roger PrestonCivil Engineer: ArupLighting Design: Inhabit GroupAV/Acoustics: Campbell Shillinglaw LauSignage/Wayfinding: Dutton Bray DesignTelecommunications: Campbell Shillinglaw LauFire & Life Safety Consultant: Arup Fire EngineeringFacade Consultant: ALT CladdingTraffic Design Consultant: MVA Hong KongGeneral Contractor: China Construction Eighth Engineering Division, Jiangsu Jianye Construction GroupClient: Hang Lung PropertiesFacade Contractor: Jangho Curtain Wall System EngineeringFacade System: Jangho Curtain Wall System EngineeringCladding: Huajian AluminumGlass: CSG, SYPInsulation: Owens Corning

Published January 17, 2025 10:00am EST close Create custom visuals on your iPhone with Image Playground in iOS 18.2 Tool transforms simple text prompts into images or animations in seconds. Before tossing out your old iPhone, consider it a treasure trove of potential waiting to be unlocked.Your seemingly outdated device isn't just electronic waste. It's a versatile gadget ready for an exciting second life. From transforming into a smart home hub to becoming a dedicated digital companion, an old iPhone can be repurposed in countless creative ways that breathe new life into technology you may not have considered.Here are some of the best ways to use your old iPhone. A woman looking at her iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)1. Turn it into a dumb phoneSmartphones are incredibly powerful, but they can also be overwhelming. The constant notifications and social media updates can make it hard to focus or enjoy the present moment. If youre finding that your iPhone is more of a time-waster than a tool for productivity, why not transform it into a "dumb phone"?A "dumb phone" is a basic mobile device that focuses on essential communication functions like calling and texting, while minimizing digital distractions through limited internet access and app capabilities, helping you reduce screen time and stay more present.Steps to disable apps and notificationsDisable notifications:OpenSettingsTap on NotificationsSelecteach app andtoggle off Allow NotificationsDelete unwanted apps:Press and hold the app icon on the home screenTapRemove AppFactory reset (Optional):Back up your data, if neededGo toSettings >General >Transfer or Reset iPhone >Erase All Content and SettingsWHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?2. Give it to your kidsEventually, you may want to give your child their own smartphone. While a new phone can be expensive, handing down your old iPhone is a great way to introduce them to technology while also being mindful of your budget.By using Family Sharing and parental controls, you can carefully monitor what apps and content your child accesses. Plus, its an excellent way to bring them into the Apple ecosystem.Steps to set up Family Sharing and Parental ControlsSet up Family Sharing:OpenSettings and tap on your name at the top.SelectFamily Sharing and tapAdd Family Member to invite your child.If your child does not have an Apple ID, selectCreate an Account for a Child and follow the prompts to set up their account.If they already have an Apple ID, tapInvite People and choose how you want to send the invitation (AirDrop, Messages or Mail).Enable Parental Controls:OpenSettings and scroll down to tap onScreen TimeUnder the Family section, tap onyour child's nameIf Screen Time is not already enabled, tapTurn On Screen TimeFollow the prompts to set it up as your childs device.Tap onContent & Privacy RestrictionsIf prompted, enter yourScreen Time passcode(you will need to create one if you haven't already)Toggle onContent & Privacy RestrictionsYou can nowcustomize settings such as app limits, content restrictions and downtime settings, as needed.For app limits, tap App Limits, then select categories or individual apps to set time limits.To restrict explicit content or purchases, go to therespective sections under Content & Privacy RestrictionsThis process will help you manage your child's device usage effectively while ensuring they have access to appropriate content. A child using his iPhone to play games (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)3. Repurpose it as a webcamIn recent years, Apples Continuity Camera feature has made it easy to use an iPhone as a webcam for your Mac or Apple TV. While newer models work well for this purpose, older iPhones can still serve as excellent webcams, especially for online meetings and video calls.Instead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality. iOS 18 even allows older iPhones to work as dedicated continuity cameras for Apple TV, which is ideal for FaceTime or Zoom calls with family and friends.Steps to use your iPhone as a webcamDownload webcam apps: Consider apps like EpocCam or DroidCam from the App StoreConnect your iPhone: Follow the app's instructions to connect your iPhone to your computer via USB or Wi-FiSelect your iPhone in video settings: In your video conferencing app (like Zoom or FaceTime), select your iPhone as the camera sourceInstead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality.4. Make it a dedicated music playerWhy use your main iPhone for music when you can repurpose your old one as a dedicated MP3 player? With your old iPhone set up as a music player, you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts without the distractions of text messages or social media notifications. Its a perfect solution for workouts, long drives or when you just want to zone out with music.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE A woman using her iPhone as a dedicated music player (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5. Use it as a remote or smart home controllerIf you own an Apple TV, you already know that your iPhone can function as a remote control. However, keeping your main phone tied up with the remote can be inconvenient. By making your old iPhone a dedicated Apple TV remote, you can still enjoy controlling your TV without using your primary phone.Steps to set up your old iPhone as a remoteSet up Apple TV remote feature:Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi networkOpen theControl Center on the old iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner)Tap on theApple TV remote icon and follow the prompts to connectManage smart home devices:Downloadsmart home apps likeApple Home or those specific to your devices (e.g., Philips Hue)Follow theapp instructions to add and control devicesYour old iPhone can even be a hub for all your smart home devices, from adjusting lights and thermostats to checking security cameras.6. Save it for gamingSmartphones have transformed mobile gaming, and your old iPhone could be an ideal portable gaming console. Many classic and modern games run smoothly on older iPhone models, and with subscription services like Apple Arcade, you can access a huge library of high-quality games. This is a fun, low-cost way to enjoy mobile gaming without draining your main iPhones battery life. A game app on iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)7. Convert it into an e-readerFor book lovers, using an old iPhone as a dedicated e-reader is a great option. You can install apps like Kindle or Apple Books from the App Store. The iPhone's display is perfect for reading books and graphic novels, and since youre not using your main iPhone, there are no distractions like notifications to interrupt your reading.You can disable all apps and notifications on the old device, making it a peaceful reading experience. Plus, you can still connect your AirPods to listen to audiobooks while on the go.Kurts key takeawaysJust because youve upgraded to a new iPhone doesnt mean your old one has to be discarded. There are countless ways to repurpose it, from boosting your productivity to controlling your smart home. This way, you can extend its lifespan and maximize the value of your purchase.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat other devices would you like tips on breathing new life into?Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

Existing artificial intelligence (AI) models available in the public domain fail to provide complexities and nuances of the past, and merely offer oversimplified stories about the Holocaust, according to an international Holocaust research lab.In November 2024, the University of Sussex launched the Landecker Digital Memory Lab, an initiative to ensure a sustainable future for Holocaust memory and education in the digital age.According to a research-based policy briefing presented by the lab to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), Does AI have a place in the future of Holocaust memory, the use of AI in Holocaust memory and education is problematic because mainstream models including generative AI (GenAI) systems such as ChatGPT and Gemini lack good data about the Holocaust, and need the right representation from experts on this subject.The labs primary investigator, Victoria Grace Richardson-Walden, has recommended in an urgent call to all stakeholders involved in Holocaust memory and education, as well as policymakers to help solve the problem by digitising their data and human expertise, rather than just bringing people to their sites and museums.Very few of them have a clear digitisation strategy, she said of the Holocaust memory and education sector, which includes archives, museums, memorial sites and libraries all over the world. They only digitise their material content or their testimonies for specific exhibitions.That is a pressing issue for heritage in general, said Richardson-Walden, referring to wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.All heritage, all these things are at material risk, she said. There has been instrumentalisation of history on all sides of the political spectrum for varying political aims. When that becomes very loud on social media, you lose nuance. Thats where the urgency is.Richardson-Walden highlighted that GenAI systems are not knowledge machines, as they only assign probabilistic numerical value to words and sequences of words, rather than a value based on their historical and cultural significance. This leads to lesser-known facts and stories being buried, as the systems will tend to reproduce only the most well-known canonical outputs that focus on the most famous stories.It gives you a headline answer and bullet points, she said, describing a typical answer to an enquiry made to ChatGPT. This idea of summarising really complex histories is problematic. You cant summarise something that happened over six years in many, many countries, and affected a whole range of different people and perpetrators.The research doesnt seek to provide answers to this complex issue. Instead, Richardson-Walden hopes to find alternatives in discussions with her informatics and engineering colleagues. Cultural signifiers are difficult to code and then to build into training data, she said.Richardson-Walden also highlighted the need to have good data in commercial GenAI models, especially in relation to sensitive subjects of history such as those involving genocide, persecution, conflict or atrocities.Good data comes from the Holocaust organisation, but first they need to digitise it in a strategic way, and the metadata attached to it needs to be correct and standardised, she said.Another problem highlighted by the labs policy briefing is the self-censorship that is programmed into most commercial image GenAI models. Almost every time a system is prompted to produce Holocaust images, it will refuse, and the user will be met with censorship guidelines.Read more about artificial intelligenceDigital Ethics Summit 2024: recognising AIs socio-technical nature: At trade association TechUKs eighth annual Digital Ethics Summit, public officials and industry figures and civil society groups met to discuss the ethical challenges associated with the proliferation of artificial intelligence tools globally and the direction of travel set for 2025.Creative workers say livelihoods threatened by generative AI: Computer Weekly speaks with various creative workers about the impact generative artificial intelligence systems are having on their work and livelihoods.Barings Law plans to sue Microsoft and Google over AI training data: Microsoft and Google are using peoples personal data without proper consent to train artificial intelligence models, alleges Barings Law, as it prepares to launch a legal challenge against the tech giants.The brief cited an example of Dall-E, OpenAIs image generator. All it can offer is to produce images of a wreath, elderly hands and a barbed wire fence, or an image that looks like a ghost in a library, it said.Richardson-Walden added: You end up making the Holocaust invisible or abstracting to the point where its absurd. So, this idea of putting in censorship within your programming is a good thing as a moral approach that actually creates the opposite effect.She believes that, although these guardrails are better than producing false or distorted data, they also prevent people from learning the history and its lessons, adding that the developers of these models should therefore find a middle ground in their guardrails that prevent misinformation on the Holocaust, but also dont pigeonhole them into banning Holocaust information for future generations reliant on digital media.The way [middle ground] comes is through dialogue, said Richardson-Walden. There needs to be a space to bring more discussion with OpenAI, Meta, Google, sitting down with places like the UN, with us at the lab. She added that Landecker offers free consultancy to discuss approaches for tech companies that are for the first time engaging in holocaust memory.As soon as they delve into it, [they] realise this is so complex and so political, and theres this whole new area about ethics and digital they never thought about, she said.Landeckers website mentions that the most prominent example of Holocaust memory digitisation is an AI model known as Dimensions in Testimony, developed by the USC Shoah Foundation. Its an example of a domain-specific GenAI model, described as a small language model, which is heavily supervised and relies on substantial human intervention. Users and academics can interact with it by asking questions to which the model responds with testimonies from survivors and answers by experts that have been fed into it.However, other labs and memory centres may not have the same wherewithal and funding as the Landecker lab. Therefore, the focus should be on mass digitisation of assets, which can then be used to responsibly inform commercial large language models.

Does the Supreme Court's ruling mean TikTok is going dark this Sunday? Here's what to know.

ToplineThe federal ban on TikTok is set to take effect Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld the law Friday, and while reports Wednesday suggest President-elect Donald Trump is mulling an executive order that would quickly reinstate the app, he may have limited optionsand his attempts to stop it could be challenged in court.President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the ... [+] Mar-a-Lago Club on January 7 in Palm Beach, Florida.Getty ImagesKey FactsTrump opposes the TikTok ban taking effect, his lawyers said in a recent court filing, and the president-elect asked, Why would I want to get rid of TikTok? on Truth Social, posting a graphic that boasted his popularity on the platform and the billions of views his official accounts and hashtags associated with him have garnered.The lawwhich prohibits U.S. app stores from hosting TikTok unless Chinese parent company ByteDance divests from itis scheduled to take effect one day before Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration, after the Supreme Court ruled Friday to uphold the law.Trump asked the Supreme Court to stop the law from taking effect until after he takes office, arguing he wants time to resolve the ban before it can take effect, but the court did not uphold his request and did not pause it from taking effect.The law empowers the president to pause the ban for 90 days if TikTok shows its in the process of separating from ByteDance, so Trump could pause it once he takes officewhich reports suggest he may do, as The Washington Post cited anonymous sources who said Trump is considering delaying the law for 60 to 90 days, and The New York Times similarly reported Trump could issue an executive order pausing the law until a deal with ByteDance is reached.While any executive order could give time to negotiate a deal with ByteDance, if he pauses the law without actual evidence showing ByteDance is divesting, the executive order may not be legally sound, meaning it could be challenged in court and the ban could take effect anywayor companies like Apple and Google could still take TikTok off their app stores regardless of what Trump says, in order to avoid any potential legal liability.Trump could also similarly just declare TikTok in compliance with the lawregardless of whether or not its actually separated from ByteDanceUniversity of Minnesota law professor Alan Rozenshtein noted, which would keep TikTok legal but similarly leave room for the move to be challenged in court or ignored by companies if ByteDance hasnt actually divested.Beyond that, Trump cant do much: He could try to negotiate a deal for TikTok to be sold to a U.S. company so it would properly comply with the law, but if ByteDance isnt willing to sellwhich so far it isntthe ban will stay in effect unless Congress decides to repeal the law.Crucial QuoteTrump was noncommittal about what actions he could take in a phone call with CNN Friday following the Supreme Courts ruling. It ultimately goes up to me, so you're going to see what I'm going to do, he said. Congress has given me the decision, so I'll be making the decision.What Has The Biden Administration Said?The Biden administration said Friday it will defer to Trump on enforcing the TikTok ban, given it takes effect on the last day of President Joe Bidens term. Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said following the courts ruling.News PegThe Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban in an unsigned opinion Fridaymeaning its unclear if any justices voted against the lawruling the ban does not violate TikTok and its users First Amendment rights, as the plaintiffs claimed. Justices ruled the federal governments national security concerns about TikTok justified imposing the ban and singling out TikTok over other social media apps, and opposed TikTok and content creators arguments that the law silences their speech. The federal law neither references the content of speech on TikTok nor reflects disagreement with the message such speech conveys, justices argued, even as they acknowledged the policy certainly burdens [TikToks] users expressive activity in a non-trivial way.What Will Trump Do About Tiktok?Trump has been mulling a range of options on how to handle TikTok, the Post reports. In addition to an executive order that would pause the law from taking effect for a few months, Trump has reportedly considered issuing an order that would unravel the lawwhich is all but certain to result in legal challenges, given the policy was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and presidents cannot unilaterally repeal federal laws. The Times similarly reports Trump could use an executive order to declare the law wont be enforced, or that it wont be enforced only temporarily until a deal is reached. Trump is reportedly eager to make a deal with TikTok and ByteDance, per The Post, with allies floating options that could include forcing a sale of TikToks U.S. assets in a way that would give the U.S. Treasury a cut of the proceeds, or revive TikToks Project Texas, a plan TikTok previously offered to the Biden administration about how it could handle the U.S. national security concerns without separating from ByteDance. Experts cited by the Post suggested Chinawhich would have to approve any sale by ByteDancewould only be likely to cut a deal with Trump on TikTok as part of broader political negotiations between the two governments.Can Trump Just Not Enforce The Tiktok Ban?While Trump could just declare his administration wont enforce the TikTok ban, its hard to say whether that would actually work. Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioned Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar on Friday about that possibility, and Prelogar acknowledged Trump could order it not to be enforced and while it remains to be seen what the effects of that would be, there may be safeguards to legally protect companies who keep TikTok up as a result of his promises about facing penalties. Legal experts have suggested companies arent likely to take the risk and potentially subject themselves to legal liability by keeping up TikTok even if Trump says its fine, however, given the possibility that Trump could change his mind and decide to start enforcing the ban. You could have a policy not to enforce this ban, University of Washington Law School professor Ryan Calo told The Times. But I think that maybe conservative companies would just be like: OK, youre not going to enforce it. But it is on the books, and you could enforce at any time.Will Bytedance Divest From Tiktok?TikTok and ByteDance so far havent shown any interest in separating, with TikTok arguing in a court filing that doing so is not possible technologically, commercially, or legally. It remains to be seen if the company will change its mind should the Supreme Court uphold the law and it actually takes effect, however, and Prelogar suggested Friday that justices upholding the ban could be the jolt that ByteDance and TikTok need to actually start the divestment process. Trump could also potentially have an impact on forcing ByteDances hand, as James Lewis, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told NPR that China could be persuaded to approve of ByteDance selling TikTok in exchange for Trump backing off his threat of high tariffs on Chinese imports. A source familiar with ByteDances thinking told The Post that reports TikTok could serve as part of a big bargain or a big negotiation were legitimate.What Happens If The Tiktok Ban Takes Effect?The full impact of the TikTok ban taking effect is still unclear. The law does not ban Americans from using TikTok and wouldnt wipe it from users phones, but rather bans U.S. app stores and internet service providers from hosting it. That would mean that users could not download or update TikTok from Apple or Googles app stores, so it would grow obsolete and eventually no longer work. Oracle also wouldnt be allowed to host TikToks U.S. user data, as it does now. Though its been unclear on whether that would result in TikTok shutting down entirely in the U.S., TikTok said in a court filing that banning internet service providers from hosting the app means the company could no longer provid[e] the services that enable the TikTok platform to function, effectively shutting down TikTok in the United States, and TikToks lawyer Noel Francisco reiterated that Friday, saying its his understanding that if the ban takes effect, we go dark. Multiple outlets report TikTok is planning to totally shut off access to the app in the U.S. on Sunday should the ban take effect as scheduled, with Reuters reporting users will only see a pop up message directing them to a website with more information about the ban. TikTok has told its U.S. employees they will still have jobs and the companys U.S. offices will remain open even if the ban takes effect, The Times reports.Will The Ban Impact Possible Tiktok Alternative Lemon8?Yes, the ban is expected to similarly impact ByteDance-owned apps CapCut and Lemon8.Surprising FactIf the ban does block TikToks U.S. user data from being hosted by a U.S. company, its possible the data that TikTok already has on its American users could be moved to China, which a Forbes investigation found is what happened when India similarly banned the app. That would actually make it more likely the data could be accessed by the Chinese government, contrary to the federal laws national security goals.Key BackgroundPresident Joe Biden signed the bill requiring TikTok to leave ByteDance or else be banned into law in April, reflecting a bipartisan concern from lawmakers that the app poses a threat to national security. TikTok has long denied any wrongdoing or links to the Chinese government, but Forbes has reported numerous concerns involving the app, including TikTok spying on journalists, promoting Chinese propaganda that criticized U.S. politicians, mishandling user data and tracking sensitive words. The specific evidence the government has for justifying TikToks ban has not been made public, however, and was entirely redacted in court filings. TikTok and creators on the app sued to block the law days after it was enacted, arguing the ban unlawfully infringed on their First Amendment rights. A panel of federal judges sided with the governments argument that the ban was justified due to the national security threat and did not violate TikToks First Amendment rights, given that users can still post on the app if it just separates itself from ByteDance. The court ruled the law as it was enacted is actually a less restrictive way of handling the governments concerns about TikTok, given the fact it still allows the company to operate in the U.S. if ByteDance divests from it. TikTok appealed the case to the Supreme Court after the lower court declined to pause the law from taking effect, and the Supreme Court quickly took it up, scheduling arguments for Jan. 10 but declining to pause the law in the meantime.Further Reading

TL;DR: Microsoft is adding Copilot-powered AI features to its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans after rolling them out to businesses and Copilot Pro subscribers. However, the AI features come at a price, as Microsoft hiked subscription fees for both plans by $3 per month or $30 per year. Microsoft 365 Personal subscriptions will go from $7 monthly and $70 annually to $10 and $100, respectively. Family subscriptions will also rise from $10 a month and $100 a year to $13 and $130, respectively. The new plans go into effect immediately for first-time subscribers and upon renewal for existing 365 members.Microsoft will still offer 'Classic' Personal and Family plans without Copilot, but only "for a limited time." These plans will have no AI features, maintaining their current pricing. Unfortunately, only existing users can opt for the Copilot versions. New subscribers must sign up for the more expensive plans, like it or not. However, the good old $2 per month Basic plan, which offers no AI features, will remain an option for the foreseeable future.Interestingly, customers with AI-infused plans will have the option to disable Copilot when they want. Users can disable the feature in the Settings of apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint under "academic scenarios."The new Copilot-powered plans come with one significant caveat aside from the price hike. Subscribers won't have unlimited access to the AI features. Instead, they will get 60 AI credits per month for AI services across all the Office apps. Users can also spend credits to generate images or text in Windows apps like Designer, Paint, and Notepad. Customers wanting unlimited access to all the latest AI features must sign up for a Copilot Pro subscription for $20 extra monthly.This change is the first time Microsoft has increased the prices of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans in the US since it rolled out the service in 2013. However, the company did raise pricing for the business and consumer plans in other regions. // Related Stories

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Table of ContentsTable of ContentsA tablet tailored for seniorsThe GrandPads bread and butterGrandie Chat adds AI to the mixGrandPad, the Android tablet designed for seniors, has been around for years. However, its not something Ive ever been able to try for myself. I had a chance to change that at CES 2025, so I did.What I discovered is a surprisingly competent senior-focused Android tablet, and one that now has a splash of AI to boot. Heres what I learned during my hands-on time with the GrandPad.Recommended VideosJason Howell / Digital TrendsAt its core, the GrandPad is an 8-inch tablet designed specifically for older, less technologically confident users. The device aims to keep seniors connected to their family, friends, and caregivers while promoting independence and confidence with current technologies.RelatedDuring hands-on testing, the tablets resemblance to the classic Nexus 7 became quickly apparent. This similarity is no coincidence, as the GrandPads roots trace back to a modified Nexus 7, which served as the initial prototype.The tablet boasts several features that make it more accessible to its target audience. These include large, easy-to-read icons and simplified navigation combined with support for video calls, multiplayer turn-based games, and photo sharing that doesnt rely on a public network, along with personalized content tailored to each users interests.Jason Howell / Digital TrendsOne standout feature of the GrandPad is its 24/7, 365-day-a-year proactive customer care team based in the U.S. Isaac Lien, co-founder of GrandPad, highlighted the teams dedication: If their battery is running low and we see its dying and not on the charger, well just call and say, Hey, it looks like your battery might be running low, reminder to put it on the charger.'Lien further emphasized the importance of this service, stating: For many of our customers, loneliness is a huge issue. Its wintertime, and theyre sitting at home alone. We want them to call. He added, You call us on Christmas Eve at 3 a.m., well answer.Security is critical to the GrandPad experience. The tablet includes a private network for blocking spam and scam calls, a dedicated GrandPad email address to filter untrusted communication, and a persistent LTE connection using an included SIM card. These features ensure the device always has access to critical security updates, even when Wi-Fi is unavailable.GrandPad / GrandPadWhen my concerns about GrandPads use of Android 8 AOSP (from 2017) were raised, Lien assured me that critical security updates are pushed to the device silently overnight. The GrandPad softwares modular and configurable nature allows users to receive security updates without friction or interference.The GrandPad team is constantly upgrading the user experience as well, though they realize that some users may be unaware of or uninterested in those changes. The company offers proactive customer support to inform users about updates and new features, and users have the choice to stay with their familiar interface or upgrade with guided assistance from GrandPad support.GrandPad / GrandPadAt CES 2025, GrandPad was showing off Grandie Chat, an AI-driven, voice-controlled feature that leverages OpenAIs models to provide an intuitive way for seniors to interact with technology. This new feature has led to GrandPad users adopting generative AI at three times the rate of others in their age group.Some users have never used a computer before, said Lien. But with Grandie Chat, once they realize its just like talking, they say, Oh, its so easy, Im just having a conversation.'Grandie Chat eliminates the need for typing through voice interaction and preprogrammed prompts, making it incredibly user-friendly for the elderly. While currently utilizing OpenAIs models as the primary large language model (LLM) brain, GrandPad continuously tests different models to achieve optimal performance and user experience.Jason Howell / Digital TrendsThe GrandPad comes with a wireless charging stand that exemplifies the companys attention to user needs. The tablet easily slides into place without the hassle of aligning pogo pins or plugging in cables a significant benefit for the devices target users. The stand is also convenient for video calls.With its blend of simplicity, security, and LLM-based AI, GrandPad really is unlike any other tablet available. Its certainly not the tablet for everyone, but for a grandparent who wants a way to stay connected with an simple-to-use device, its easy to see why the GrandPad is so appealing.Editors Recommendations

A group of 18 former European heads of state have called on the European Commission to break up Googles highly lucrative advertising-technology business, claiming it erodes Europes media landscape.