World News Daily(2024-08-10) : U.S. and States File Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google
U.S. and States File Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google
The United States, along with 18 states and 38 additional jurisdictions, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google LLC. The suit, initiated under Section 2 of the Sherman Act, targets Google's alleged monopolization of general search services, search advertising, and text advertising markets. The plaintiffs accuse Google of maintaining these monopolies through anticompetitive practices.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the initial 18 states seek to restrain Google's monopolistic activities and remedy their effects. Meanwhile, 38 other states and jurisdictions have filed a separate action, incorporating the DOJ's allegations and adding further claims of Google's unlawful monopoly maintenance.
This legal action marks a significant challenge to Google's dominance in the tech industry, aiming to restore competition and fairness in the markets it allegedly controls.
ScoresPolitics
Global Central Banks Increasing Gold Reserves Amid Economic Uncertainties
Central banks worldwide are shifting away from the dollar and yuan, turning to gold as their reserve of choice. This move reflects growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. The dollar's share in global foreign reserves has dipped to historic lows, currently at 58.9%.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent U.S. sanctions have pushed emerging economies to favor gold, a 'stateless currency' not tied to any specific nation. This shift underscores global fragmentation.
Gold purchases by central banks have surged, with net purchases reaching 1,030 tonnes in 2023, following a record 1,082 tonnes in 2022. Countries like China, Brazil, and India are increasing their gold reserves while reducing their reliance on the yuan.
The trend towards gold reflects a broader move away from currencies linked to specific nations, driven by concerns over financial stability and geopolitical risks. As tensions persist, gold's appeal as a stable, independent asset continues to grow.
ScoresU.K. Considers Stricter Tech Regulation Amid Disinformation-Fueled Unrest
The U.K. government is considering stricter tech regulation following recent violence fueled by online disinformation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to review the Online Safety Act (OSA), which was enacted in September 2023. The OSA requires platforms to remove illegal content and protect users from harm, such as hate speech, with significant fines for non-compliance.
Starmer emphasizes that online spaces are not lawless, pointing to prosecutions for hate speech linked to the violence. However, he acknowledges the need for broader scrutiny of social media. London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticizes the OSA as inadequate.
The unrest started after a knife attack in Southport, with false claims about the attacker's identity causing widespread chaos. A woman was arrested for allegedly spreading these falsehoods.
The OSA, which is not yet fully operational, faces criticism for its drafting and for omitting provisions against "legal but harmful" speech. Critics argue it fails to address platforms' profit models based on outrage-driven engagement.
Platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) claim to enforce content standards, but enforcement is often opaque. The EU is already scrutinizing X for its handling of disinformation.
Once the OSA is fully operational, it could pressure platforms to more proactively manage misinformation. The U.K.'s internet regulator warns of the risks posed by social media in inciting violence.
ScoresSociety
Security Researcher Exposes USPS Text Scam
Grant Smith, a security researcher, tackled a smishing scam aimed at USPS customers. Scammers sent texts, masquerading as USPS, requesting credit card details. Smith's wife was duped, sparking his investigation.
He traced the scammers to a Chinese-language group, infiltrated their systems, and collected evidence. He then collaborated with USPS and a US bank to safeguard over 438,000 credit cards.
The scam encompassed 1,133 domains, capturing over 1.2 million pieces of information. Smith's efforts likely only touched the surface, as similar scams have been identified in other countries.
ScoresUkraine Ambushes Russian Convoy in Kursk, Sparking Federal Emergency
Ukrainian forces ambushed a Russian convoy deep in Kursk, triggering a federal emergency in Russia. The Kremlin responded by moving military reserves, including Grad rockets and tanks, to the region.
A video showed the destroyed convoy near Oktyabrskoe, with casualties evident. This attack mirrored earlier strikes near Kyiv, showcasing Ukraine's hit-and-run tactics.
In Kursk, the acting governor urged calm among residents, while 3,000 civilians were evacuated. Meanwhile, a Russian missile hit a supermarket in Kostiantynivka, killing 10 Ukrainians and injuring 35.
Ukraine's incursion into Kursk marked a significant shift, employing fast-moving maneuver warfare, a stark contrast to the trench-dominated battles seen previously.
Russian military bloggers reported Ukraine's capture of parts of Sudzha, with tactics involving armored vehicles and ambushes. Ukraine's leaders have been cautious in their public comments about the operation.
Analysts suggest this attack has psychologically impacted Putin's image and might divert Russian forces from the Donbas, easing pressure on Ukraine's eastern front.
The White House has shown support for Ukraine's actions, despite previous concerns about escalating the conflict. The Pentagon emphasized its policy consistency but reiterated its opposition to long-range attacks into Russia.
ScoresScientists Propose Lunar Vault for Endangered Species DNA
Scientists propose a lunar vault for endangered DNA. No power, no liquid nitrogen needed. Moon's shadowed craters stay cold enough.
Led by Smithsonian, the plan aims to safeguard Earth's vanishing species. They target high-risk species first, then expand. The idea? Use the moon's natural chill.
The proposal draws from Norway's seed vault, but for animal cells, which need colder temps. Earth's setups rely on liquid nitrogen, power, and manpower—all vulnerable.
Moon's poles have pits never hit by sun. These spots hit -410°F (-246°C), perfect for passive freezing. To shield from space radiation, store samples underground or in thick lunar rock.
They've frozen fish skin cells, a good test case. These cells are easier to collect than eggs or sperm and can represent many species.
Next, test radiation resistance on Earth. Seek partners for more trials, maybe on the International Space Station.
Imagine a public-private lunar vault, managed like the seed bank. Not a doomsday plan, but a safeguard against disasters, and a boost for space travel. Life, precious and rare, deserves this backup.
ScoresEconomy
The U.S. Department of Justice wins the antitrust lawsuit against Google, considering the divestiture of the Android system.
The U.S. Department of Justice won its antitrust lawsuit against Google, considering mandatory divestiture of the Android system. This move aims to weaken the Google-Apple alliance and promote market competition. The Department of Justice may require structural reforms, not just behavioral restrictions. Google faces significant changes and could potentially lose control over Android.
Antitrust litigation: Government legal actions against large corporations abusing their market dominance.
Structural remedies: Solving problems by changing the company's structure, such as splitting the company's business.
ScoresBOE and CSOT Lead the Global LCD TV Panel Market
BOE leads the global LCD TV panel shipments in the first half of 2024, reaching 28.1 million units. CSOT follows, with a market share of 20.6%. These two Chinese companies are in the lead, showcasing the strength of China's panel manufacturing. Korean LGD and Japanese Sharp have seen growth in shipments, while Taiwanese Innolux and AUO have also performed well.
Demand for OLED is rising, prompting BOE and others to accelerate their OLED deployment. BOE's OLED screens are already supplying Apple's iPhone, with nearly 40 million units shipped in the first three quarters.
ScoresUS Military Exports Surge Amid Global Conflicts
US arms exports experienced a significant surge. In 2022, they reached $100 billion. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) increased from $34.8 billion in 2021 to $80.9 billion in 2023. Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) climbed from $153.6 billion to $157.5 billion.
Notable sales in 2023 included:
- Poland: $12 billion for Apache helicopters, $10 billion for HIMARS rocket systems.
- Germany: $8.5 billion for Chinook helicopters.
- Norway, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Kuwait, Qatar: Various arms amounting to billions.
The majority of US arms were exported to the Middle East (38%) and Asia-Oceania (31%). Europe's share saw a 200% increase, with Ukraine accounting for 17% of those exports.
SIPRI forecasts ongoing growth in US military sales, with a focus on aircraft, tanks, artillery, and warships.
ScoresTechnology
VGGHeads: A Synthetic Dataset for 3D Human Head Analysis
VGGHeads presents a synthetic dataset for 3D human head analysis. It offers over a million images, each with detailed 3D models and annotations. This dataset bypasses real-world biases and privacy issues. Models trained on VGGHeads perform well on real images, proving the effectiveness of synthetic data. The dataset's versatility extends its use across various tasks, providing a robust tool for head detection and mesh reconstruction.
ScoresCRISPR Gene-Editing Therapy Launched for UK Blood Disorder Patients
Gene-editing therapy, CRISPR, makes its debut on the UK's National Health Service (NHS). It targets beta thalassaemia, a blood disorder. Stem cells are extracted, corrected, and then reinserted. The aim is to eliminate the need for lifelong, frequent blood transfusions. Beta thalassaemia impairs the production of haemoglobin, which is vital for oxygen transport. This genetic condition affects energy levels, breathing, and life span. It marks a significant step forward in medical innovation.
ScoresVideo Game
Transforming Sketches into Interactive 3D Game Scenes
Sketch2Scene transforms rough sketches into interactive 3D game environments. It employs deep learning and a 2D image model to decipher drawings, subsequently converting them into 3D scenes using game engines such as Unity or Unreal. This process guarantees that the end result matches the creator's original concept, enhancing the intuitiveness and accessibility of game design.
ScoresEntertainment
Disney Plans $5 Billion Investment in UK and Europe
Disney plans to invest $5 billion in the UK and Europe over the next five years, primarily for film and television production. Approximately $1 billion per year will be allocated to movie and TV production, including content for Disney+ and National Geographic. Additionally, €2 billion will be used to expand Disneyland Paris.
This move underscores Disney's commitment to the European market, particularly in its strategic positioning post-Brexit. Investing in Disneyland Paris not only enhances visitor experiences but also strengthens Disney's physical presence in Europe.
Disney has been actively acquiring and investing in recent years, such as its $15 billion investment in Epic Games, showcasing its ambition to expand in the gaming and digital entertainment sectors. These initiatives aim to solidify its leadership position in the global entertainment industry.
Scores"Avatar 3" is set to release on December 19, 2025, in North America and China simultaneously.
"Avatar 3: Fire and Ash" is set to release on December 19, 2025, in North America and China simultaneously. The film has completed motion capture and live-action shooting and has entered post-production. Director James Cameron revealed that the film carries high emotional risks, with characters' emotions significantly impacted, and there may be unexpected twists. Cameron is already contemplating "Avatar 4," which might require the efforts of several generations to complete and could potentially be directed by other filmmakers. The release dates for the "Avatar" sequels are scheduled for 2025, 2029, and 2031.
Motion capture: A filmmaking technique that records actors' movements using specialized equipment and applies them to CGI characters.
ScoresDisney and Pixar Announce New Projects at D23 Expo
D23 Expo unveiled a slate of Disney and Pixar projects. Highlights include sequels like "Avatar 3," "Zootopia 2," and "Toy Story 5." New films and series, such as "DreamProductions" and "Elio," are slated for 2025. Live-action remakes of "Lilo & Stitch" and "Snow White" are also in the pipeline. Disney+ will host several original series and live adaptations.
"D23 Expo" is Disney's biennial fan event, showcasing upcoming films, series, and other media.
ScoresHealth
Discovery of Largest Protein in Algae Promises New Biotechnological Applications
Scientists discovered a colossal protein, PKZILLA-1, in algae. It measures 1250 nm in length and weighs 4730 kDa, aiding in the production of a toxin lethal to fish. This protein surpasses titin, the former record holder in size.
PKZILLA-1 and PKZILLA-2, both enzymes, undergo 239 reactions to synthesize prymnesin. This groundbreaking discovery could pave the way for new diagnostic tests for algae and innovative chemical products, potentially including cancer treatments.
ScoresAfrica on Verge of Declaring Mpox Public Health Emergency
Africa CDC may declare a public health emergency due to rising mpox cases. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director, warns of a potential pandemic if borders aren't secured. This week, 887 new cases pushed the year's total to 15,132, a 160% increase from last year. Sixteen countries are affected, with the Democratic Republic of Congo leading in cases and deaths.
Mpox, a viral disease causing rashes and flu-like symptoms, is related to smallpox. It spreads through direct contact. A new, more virulent strain was reported in the DRC. Vaccine shortages in Africa complicate control efforts; only 200,000 doses are available against a demand of 10 million. The AU approved $10.4 million to support the fight against mpox.
Kaseya emphasizes collective action. The WHO may declare a global emergency. The process involves technical consultations and a summit of African Union heads of state.
ScoresSports
Ami Yuasa wins the first Olympic Breaking gold medal.
Ami Yuasa, 25, a Japanese dancer, won the first Breaking gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Breaking made its debut as an Olympic event. Yuasa defeated her Lithuanian opponent with a clean sweep in three rounds. She began dancing in the fifth grade of elementary school, emphasizing the importance of maintaining her personal style. It remains uncertain whether Breaking will continue to be an Olympic event. It is not planned for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
ScoresMLB to Play First Game at NASCAR Track, Aiming for Attendance Record
Major League Baseball plans to hold a game at Bristol Motor Speedway, a NASCAR venue, on August 2, 2025. The game will feature the Atlanta Braves against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the first MLB regular-season game in Tennessee.
Bristol Motor Speedway, which seats nearly 150,000, could potentially break the MLB attendance record. The current record of 115,300 was set in 2008 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred views this event as an opportunity to blend sports, music, and community in Tennessee. The league is looking to expand its reach, having previously played in nontraditional venues such as military bases and iconic movie locations.
Bristol Motor Speedway has previously hosted diverse events, including an NFL game and an NCAA football game that attracted a record-breaking 156,990 spectators.
Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley sees the event as a unique and fun experience, reflecting MLB's broader strategy to engage new audiences.
ScoresOlympic Boxing Gender Controversy: Balancing Fairness and Safety
Gender controversy at Paris Olympics sparks debate. Algeria's Imane Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting faced disqualification and slander. Misinformation spread, labeling them transgender or claiming disorder of sex development (DSD). DSD refers to variations in chromosomes or reproductive organs.
IBA and IOC conflict complicates matters. IBA's gender tests and public naming raise issues. History shows past gender suspicions and invasive checks. IOC's 1968 chromosomal tests led to mental health crises. Tests abolished in 2000 due to discrimination and scientific doubts.
Science now recognizes gender complexity. XY chromosomes don't always mean masculine bodies. Sports separate men and women by testosterone levels, but this method is flawed. Testosterone's impact on strength varies, and it's not the sole factor for athletic prowess.
The debate continues, highlighting the need for fairer, safer sports policies.
Scores