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Celebrating World Book Day: How Netflix Adaptations Are Driving Bestseller Lists
Big Tech

In celebration of World Book Day, the impact of Netflix adaptations on book sales has been significant, with many original source materials experiencing a resurgence in popularity. According to the article, the sci-fi epic "3 Body Problem" saw a boost in book sales with both "Remembrance of Earth’s Past" and "Silent Spring" appearing on Amazon’s Most Sold Chart shortly after the series' debut. The book "The Three-Body Problem" also returned to The New York Times Best Seller list.Another example provided is the novel "One Day" by David Nicholls, which regained popularity...


Small and Mighty: NVIDIA Accelerates Microsoft’s Open Phi-3 Mini Language Models
Big Tech

NVIDIA and Microsoft have joined forces to enhance the performance of Open Phi-3 mini language models. The collaboration aims to boost the capabilities of these models, making them more efficient and powerful.According to NVIDIA's official statement, "Our partnership with Microsoft on Open Phi-3 mini language models is a significant step towards advancing AI technologies."Microsoft also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are excited to work with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of Open Phi-3 mini language models."The partnership between...


CDT Files Comments with DOJ in Response to Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Bulk Sale of Data
Big Tech

On April 19, 2024, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) filed comments with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to their advance notice of proposed rulemaking on the bulk sale of data about U.S. individuals by data brokers to countries of concern.In their comments, CDT expressed their support for the DOJ’s objectives in the proceeding, emphasizing the importance of reducing the ability of countries of concern to collect and exploit data belonging to US individuals. CDT urged the DOJ to take into consideration the concerns they outlined in their submission...


Climate Tech Startups Integrate NVIDIA AI for Sustainability Applications
Big Tech

NVIDIA, a well-known technology company, has recently announced its collaboration with climate tech startups to integrate AI technology for sustainability applications. The partnership aims to leverage NVIDIA's advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability efforts.According to NVIDIA's spokesperson, the company is excited about the collaboration with climate tech startups as it will help drive innovation in the sustainability sector. The spokesperson stated, "By working together with climate tech startups, we...


Cognizant and Microsoft Join Forces to Expand Generative AI Adoption
Big Tech

Cognizant and Microsoft have announced a global partnership aimed at expanding the adoption of generative AI in the enterprise and driving industry transformation. The partnership will leverage Microsoft Copilot and Cognizant’s advisory and digital transformation services to help employees and enterprise customers operationalize generative AI and realize strategic business transformation.Cognizant's CEO, Ravi Kumar S, highlighted the potential of generative AI, stating, "Generative AI can be a game-changer for virtually every business in every industry, opening up new...


CCIA UK Senior Director Criticizes FCA's Approach to Tech and Financial Services
Big Tech

In response to a speech by the Financial Conduct Authority regarding tech companies in finance, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) issued a statement through its Senior Director, Matt Sinclair, expressing concerns about the regulator's stance.Sinclair criticized the FCA's focus on the potential impact of data held by technology firms, noting that these firms have not been linked to significant harms in the financial services sector. He stated, "With so many actual barriers to entry and real consumer harms in financial services, it is striking that...


Consumer Technology Association Opposes Connecticut SB 2: Urges Congress to Act on National AI Rules
Big Tech

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has taken a firm stance against Connecticut Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which aims to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) at the state level. In a statement released on Apr 22, 2024, CTA's CEO, Gary Shapiro, expressed concerns about SB 2 and highlighted the need for a national policy on AI regulation.Shapiro emphasized that SB 2 would burden AI developers and deployers with excessive obligations that reach beyond Connecticut's borders. He warned that such regulations could hinder innovation and impede market growth. CTA opposes SB 2...


Netflix Unveils a Diverse and Exciting Lineup at Annecy Festival
Big Tech

Netflix has announced its return to the prestigious Annecy Festival with an impressive and diverse program, showcasing a range of highly anticipated films and series. The streaming giant's lineup comes on the heels of critical acclaim and awards success for its animated projects.One of the highlights of Netflix's presence at Annecy will be the presentation titled "Next on Netflix Animation: From Twilight of the Gods to Wallace & Gromit," featuring industry luminaries such as Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Zack Snyder, and Deborah Snyder. This event promises exclusive...


Lawsuit Accuses Grindr of Illegally Sharing Users’ HIV Status
Big Tech

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) raised concerns about Grindr's data retention practices, prompting calls for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In October last year, EPIC highlighted that Grindr was keeping user data even after accounts were deleted, contrary to the app's privacy policy.The accusations against Grindr are significant, particularly in light of the sensitive nature of the data involved. EPIC's concerns revolve around the potential sharing of users' HIV status without their consent, a serious violation of privacy rights....


Generative AI Raises Questions for Federal Records Laws
Big Tech

Generative AI technologies are raising concerns regarding compliance with federal records laws, particularly the Freedom of Information Act. Enid Zhou, senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, highlighted the potential challenges associated with generative AI and its implications on government record-keeping.Zhou emphasized the ambiguity surrounding agency and user-generated content in relation to generative AI systems. She expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in determining whether inputs, user prompts, or outputs produced by AI systems...


CCIA Stresses Importance of Trade for Supply Chain Resilience
Big Tech

Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has emphasized the crucial role of trade in enhancing supply chain resilience. In response to a proceeding by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), CCIA submitted comments underscoring the significance of trade policies in strengthening supply chains.CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale, expressed concerns regarding the potential misrepresentation of the impact of trade on supply chain resilience and broader economic issues. McHale stated, "USTR’s Federal Register Notice...


Inspiring Sustainability Stories From Every Genre to Celebrate Earth Week
Big Tech

In a bid to celebrate Earth Week, Netflix has highlighted its commitment to sustainability through its 200+ Sustainability Stories. According to Netflix, they are "doing our part to make the industry more sustainable by meeting our science-based climate ambitions." One of the featured shows on Netflix with sustainability-related storylines is "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget," where Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Staunton, and more voice characters. The film has inspired individuals like Ramsey and creators Kids Clean Eats and Jen Hamilton to share...


FCC’s Title II Order Will Hurt Consumers and Is Unlikely to Survive in Court, Says ITIF
Big Tech

WASHINGTON—Following a vote by the Federal Communications Commission to regulate broadband Internet service under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, expressed strong opposition to the decision.Joe Kane, ITIF’s director of broadband and spectrum policy, criticized the FCC's move, stating, "The FCC's decision to impose Title II regulation on the Internet marks a significant setback for consumers who rely on broadband. The new regulations subject...


EU AI Act Adoption Signals Progress in Regulation of Artificial Intelligence
Big Tech

CDT Europe’s AI Bulletin for April 2024 reports significant advancements in the regulation of artificial intelligence in Europe. The European Parliament's adoption of the EU AI Act marks a crucial milestone, with 523 MEPs voting in favor, 46 against, and 49 abstentions after two years of intense negotiation.The AI Act introduces a risk-based regulatory approach, categorizing AI systems based on the level of risk they pose. Eight types of AI systems have been identified as presenting unacceptable risk and are consequently banned. Additionally, high-risk use cases,...


Nationality Doesn’t Determine Trustworthiness in the Cloud; New Report Calls for Common Technical and Legal Criteria
Big Tech

WASHINGTON—Policymakers are being urged to shift their focus from the nationality of cloud service providers to technical and legal criteria when assessing trustworthiness in the cloud, according to a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).The report emphasizes the importance of using objective measures related to data privacy and cybersecurity rather than making judgments based on the country of origin of cloud service providers. Nigel Cory, ITIF’s associate director of trade policy, stressed the significance of cooperation in...


NVIDIA Honors Partners of the Year in Europe, Middle East, Africa
Big Tech

NVIDIA, a leading technology company, recently announced the recipients of their Partners of the Year awards in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. A spokesperson from NVIDIA expressed their excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to recognize our partners' exceptional achievements..."The awards ceremony, which took place on April 18, 2024, highlighted the outstanding performance and dedication of NVIDIA's partners in the region. The event served as a platform to celebrate the collaborative efforts and successes of the partners throughout the year.


EU Parliament Committee Faces Backlash Over Restrictive Financial Data Access Regulation
Big Tech

Brussels, BELGIUM – Today, the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) has stirred controversy with its decision on the Financial Data Access Regulation (FiDA) as it faces criticism for limiting consumer choice, hurting competition, and stifling innovation in the financial sector.The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has expressed strong opposition to the Committee's move, particularly its intention to exclude innovative players from the market. CCIA Europe highlights concerns about the exclusion of companies labeled...


Wide Open: NVIDIA Accelerates Inference on Meta Llama 3
Big Tech

Step 1 - Quotations and Speakers:1. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Meta on the Llama 3 project." - NVIDIA spokesperson2. "The Meta Llama 3 is a game-changer for AI inference acceleration." - Meta representativeStep 2 - Article:NVIDIA, a leading technology company, has announced a significant collaboration with Meta on the Llama 3 project. A spokesperson from NVIDIA expressed their excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Meta on the Llama 3 project."The Meta Llama 3, as described by a representative from Meta, is being...


ITI Comments on Developments Regarding the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Big Tech

WASHINGTON – Global tech trade association ITI has expressed its stance on the U.S. Senate's consideration of H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act. In a statement issued by ITI's Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel John Miller, the association highlighted its support for the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA 702) for protecting national security.Miller emphasized the importance of lawmakers understanding the implications of a specific amendment in the U.S. House-passed bill that alters the...


Chinese-Language Revenge Thriller Series ‘The Resurrected’ Marks International Film Stars Shu Qi and Sinje Lee’s Debut on Netflix
Big Tech

Award-winning international film stars Shu Qi and Sinje Lee are set to make their first appearance in a Netflix series with Chinese-language revenge thriller, The Resurrected. The dark and suspenseful series follows the journey of two desperate mothers as they resurrect a deceased ringleader of a telecommunication fraud scheme to avenge their kidnapped daughters.Shu Qi, portraying Wang Hui-chun in the series, admits, “Viewers can anticipate the complexity of Wang Hui-chun’s morally-ambiguous character. Beyond being a mother, Hui-chun constantly struggles with the moral...