United News of Bangladesh

Scammers stole millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from people seeking remote work opportunities as part of an elaborate scheme, according to New York's attorney general. Attorney General Letitia James said Thursday that she's filed a lawsuit in order to recover more than $2 million that she said was stolen from New Yorkers and others around the country. James said the unknown network of scammers used unsolicited text messages to target people looking for remote work. They told victims that the job involved reviewing products online in order to help generate "market data,” James’ office said. But in order to begin earning money, victims were told they had to open cryptocurrency accounts and had to maintain a balance equal to, or greater than, the price of the products they were reviewing. The victims were assured they would get their investments back plus commission, but the funds simply went into the scammers' crypto wallets, James' office said. The product reviews were also conducted on a website set up as part of the scheme. The suit cites seven victims, identified by pseudonyms, residing in New York, Virginia and Florida. One New York victim lost over $100,000, according to the suit. A Florida woman lost over $300,000. “Deceiving New Yorkers looking to take on remote work and earn money to support their families is cruel and unacceptable,” she said in a statement. “Scammers sent text messages to New Yorkers promising them good-paying, flexible jobs only to trick them into purchasing cryptocurrency and then stealing it from them." James’ suit seeks to return the stolen funds. Read: ‘Worst in Show’ CES products put users' data at risk, cause waste: Privacy advocates Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said her office's cryptocurrency unit traced over $2 million in stolen crypto and identified the digital wallets where the coins were being held. Then, working with James' office, they were able to have the currency frozen until they could be returned to victims. “Work scams that prey on those seeking legitimate employment not only rob victims of their hard-earned money but also shatter their trust in the job market,” she added.

The ZTE Nubia Red Magic series has consistently delivered high-performance gaming smartphones with cutting-edge features. Launched on November 18, 2024, the Red Magic 10 Pro continues this legacy with several notable upgrades. Let’s take a look at the main features, pros, cons, and pricing of the ZTE Red Magic 10 Pro in Bangladesh. Key Specs of ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro . Design and Build Quality The Red Magic 10 Pro features a sleek yet sturdy design with a glass front, an aluminum frame, and a glass back. The transparent design options (e.g., Transparent Silver Deuterium and Transparent Dark Knight) add a futuristic aesthetic. It retains pressure-sensitive zones with a 520Hz touch-sensing rate, enhancing gameplay precision. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Compared to the Red Magic 9 Pro, the 10 Pro offers similar dimensions and weight, maintaining a comfortable grip for gaming despite its bulk. However, at 229g, it feels heavier than the rival Sharp Aquos R8s Pro (203g), making portability a slight concern. While not as sleek as the Huawei Mate 70 Pro, which boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, the Red Magic 10 Pro compensates with its gamer-centric aviation aluminum middle frame and built-in cooling fan. Read more: Best Air Purifiers in Bangladesh: Price Guide, Top Models, and Buying Tips Display Quality The 6.85-inch AMOLED display on the Red Magic 10 Pro is a standout feature, with 1 billion colors, a 144Hz refresh rate, and an astounding peak brightness of 2000 nits. It has a resolution of 1216 by 2688 pixels featuring 431 PPI density. This makes it suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption, offering vibrant colors and seamless motion. The Red Magic 9 Pro had a slightly smaller display (6.8-inch) with a lower refresh rate (120Hz)  and lower peak brightness (1600 nits). The 10 Pro’s improvement is significant, providing a more immersive and responsive experience. Against the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro, which features a smaller display (6.6-inch) with a lower refresh rate (120Hz), the Red Magic 10 Pro excels in smoothness and brightness, making it a better choice for gamers. However, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro’s 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display with 2500 nits brightness slightly edges out the 10 Pro in outdoor visibility. Read more: Honor GT Review: A Power-Packed Mid-range Smartphone for Gamers Camera Performance The 50MP triple-camera system on the Red Magic 10 Pro is competent, featuring a primary wide sensor (50MP f/1.9) with optical image stabilization (OIS), an ultra-wide lens 50 MP (f/2.2), and a macro lens 2MP (f/2.4). It has a 16MP (f/2.0) selfie sensor. Photos in well-lit conditions are crisp and detailed, but low-light performance is average, which remains a limitation compared to non-gaming smartphones. The Red Magic 9 Pro had a similar setup but with a slightly smaller main sensor (1/1.57” versus the 10 Pro’s 1/1.5”). The new model shows marginal improvements in sharpness and dynamic range.  However, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro’s 50MP main sensor delivers superior low-light photography and telephoto zoom capabilities. Similarly, the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro offers a unique 1.0-inch sensor, outperforming the 10 Pro in color reproduction and detail. In the video section, Red Magic 9 Pro can capture a maximum of 8K footage at 30fps like its ancestor 9 Pro and rival Sharp Aquos R8s Pro. However, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro falls behind with 4k video capacity. Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in January 2025: What to Expect Processor Performance The Red Magic 10 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with an Adreno 830 GPU. With an octa-core CPU clocked at up to 4.32GHz, it provides a massive leap in processing power over the Red Magic 9 Pro, which used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Benchmark tests show a 15–20% performance increase in CPU and GPU performance. In direct competition, the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Huawei Mate 70 Pro’s Kirin 9020 lag behind in raw performance. The 10 Pro’s performance remains unmatched for gaming and intensive tasks, making it a clear winner among its competitors. Gaming Performance The Red Magic 10 Pro is optimized for gaming, with its dedicated cooling fan, liquid cooling system, and shoulder triggers providing an edge over general-purpose flagships like the Huawei Mate 70 Pro. It handles prolonged gaming sessions without noticeable throttling, maintaining stable frame rates in graphically demanding games. Read more: ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra Review: Is It Really a Flagship Killer? Compared to the Red Magic 9 Pro, the enhanced cooling and the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm chipset’s efficiency allow for smoother gameplay. The GPU section contains an Adreno 830 graphics card. Against competitors like the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro, the Red Magic 10 Pro’s 144Hz refresh rate and pressure-sensitive zones make it more gamer-friendly. Battery Life The Red Magic 10 Pro is powered by a 7050mAh battery, an improvement over the Red Magic 9 Pro’s 6500mAh. With 100W fast charging, it recharges fully in under 40 minutes, offering more gaming hours on a single charge. While its larger battery gives it an edge over the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro (5000mAh), the Huawei Mate 70 Pro (5500mAh) with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging options provides more versatility for general users. Read more: Best Projectors to Create Home Theaters in Bangladesh in 2025 Software and User Interface Running on Android 15 with Redmagic OS 10, the Red Magic 10 Pro offers several gaming-centric customizations, including Game Space for performance tuning and game optimization. However, software updates are limited to one major Android update and two Redmagic OS updates, which may not appeal to long-term users. Compared to competitors, the Huawei Mate 70 Pro’s HarmonyOS 4.3 feels more polished and feature-rich for non-gaming tasks, while the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro’s Android 13 lacks significant gaming-oriented features. Storage Options The Red Magic 10 Pro offers ample storage configurations: 256GB with 12GB RAM, 512GB with 12/16GB RAM, and 1TB with 24GB RAM, all using the fast UFS 4.1 Pro standard. This provides a clear advantage for gamers requiring extensive storage for large game files. In comparison, the Red Magic 9 Pro lacks the 1TB option, while competitors like the Sharp Aquos R8s Pro max out at 256GB and rely on microSD for expansion, which is slower. The Huawei Mate 70 Pro offers up to 1TB but without the cutting-edge UFS 4.1 Pro technology. Read more: Vivo X200 Pro Mini Review: A Compact Flagship Smartphone with Powerful Features Pros and Cons of ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro . Pros  - Aluminum frame with a built-in cooling fan.- Large 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.- Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.- Offers 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB RAM configurations.- Triple rear camera system with dual 50MP sensors.- Massive 7050mAh battery with 100W fast charging (80W in China).- 5G and NFC-enabled for advanced connectivity.- Android 15 OS with Redmagic OS 10.- Bright 2000 nits display for outdoor use.- Stereo speakers and an infrared port.- Pressure-sensitive zones for gaming.- Under-display fingerprint scanner and selfie camera.- 8K video recording capability. Read more: Vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo Plus Review: A Game-Changer Among Mid-Range Gaming Smartphones Cons  - No FM radio support.- Lacks a microSDXC card slot for storage expansion.- Missing optical zoom in the camera system.- No dust or water resistance.- Lacks reverse and wireless charging support.- Selfie camera limited to 1080p video recording.- Missing Gorilla Glass protection.- No Gyro-EIS for stable video recording. Price of ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro is unofficially priced at approximately BDT 105,000. Final Words The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro excels in gaming performance, display quality, and battery life but falls short in camera features and durability. It is ideal for hardcore gamers and tech enthusiasts seeking a performance powerhouse. However, those prioritizing photography, compact designs, or advanced durability features can explore other alternatives. Read more: realme C75 Review: What Does This Budget Smartphone Offer?

Meta platform has announced the termination of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, including initiatives related to hiring, training, and supplier selection. The decision was shared in a memo to employees on Friday, reflecting significant changes in the legal and political environment in the United States. The move coincides with preparations for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of Meta’s political content policies. Meta tries letting Facebook Marketplace users view eBay listings Trump previously threatened Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg with imprisonment, adding pressure on the company to realign its strategies. Shifts in Legal and Social Frameworks Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, explained the rationale behind the decision in the internal memo, which was later seen by Reuters. She cited recent Supreme Court rulings as indicative of a broader shift in how US courts will handle DEI initiatives in the future. “The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing,” Gale wrote. She noted that the term ‘DEI’ has become polarising, with some perceiving it as advocating preferential treatment for certain groups. While Meta will continue to seek job candidates from diverse backgrounds, it will no longer use the "Diverse Slate Approach," a practice that ensured candidates from underrepresented groups were included in hiring pools. Besides, the company’s dedicated DEI team will be disbanded. Maxine Williams, Meta’s Chief Diversity Officer, will transition to a new role focusing on accessibility and engagement. Employee Backlash The announcement has elicited mixed reactions within Meta’s workforce. One employee described the news as “upsetting to read” in a comment on Gale’s memo. Meta ditches independent fact-checkers in favor of user-led "community notes" system In a related development, Meta recently elected three new directors to its board, including Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close ally of Trump. The appointments signal a potential realignment in Meta’s governance, further distancing the company from its previous DEI commitments. Focus on Accessibility and Engagement As part of its revised strategy, Meta plans to prioritise accessibility and engagement in its operations. The company’s pivot underscores a broader trend among US corporations recalibrating their diversity initiatives amid heightened political scrutiny and legal challenges. The changes mark a significant departure for Meta, which has previously championed inclusive practices. But as the US political and judicial landscape evolves, the tech giant appears intent on navigating these shifts with a recalibrated approach. Source: With inputs from Indian media

As the Los Angeles Rams secured their win against the San Francisco 49ers, Amazon Prime Video’s innovative broadcast technology took center stage. While the Rams' defense seemed focused on preventing a Hail Mary from Brock Purdy, Prime Video’s “Prime Vision with Next Gen Stats” anticipated linebacker Christian Rozeboom's rush. Moments later, Rozeboom sacked Purdy, sealing the game. This real-time analysis exemplifies how Prime Video's integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Next Gen Stats is transforming how viewers experience and understand NFL games. As Prime Video gears up for its third season finale with Saturday's AFC wild-card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, its advanced features continue to enhance fan engagement. Automakers revolutionise in-cabin experiences at CES Simplifying the Complexities of Football Alex Strand, Prime Video's senior coordinating producer, emphasized their goal of making football strategies accessible to all. “AI can decipher complexities that even seasoned fans might miss,” he said. Features like Defensive Alerts, which highlight potential pass rushers using a red circle, cater to both diehard fans and newcomers by pointing out pivotal moments on the field. Now in its second season, Defensive Alerts employs machine learning to track player movements pre-snap and predict blitzes. Other features, such as Prime Targets for optimal receiver selection, analytics for fourth-down decisions, and field goal probabilities, are reshaping in-game analysis. Innovative AI Development and Insights Amazon’s Computer Vision Machine Learning team, in collaboration with Prime Video's production and engineering teams, developed these AI models. Leveraging data from the NFL’s Next Gen Stats—powered by Amazon Web Services since 2017—these models provide insights into defensive vulnerabilities, pressure alerts, and coverage schemes, helping fans understand offensive and defensive dynamics. Sam Schwartzstein, a TNF Prime Vision analyst, highlighted the integration of Next Gen Stats with football knowledge: “We can now define intricate plays, like double teams, and explain them in real-time, enhancing the viewing experience.” Enhanced Viewing Experience A key upgrade this season is the shift to the high skycam as the primary view, offering a quarterback-like perspective of the field. This "Madden view" replaced the traditional all-22 sideline camera, allowing fans to see all 22 players and the play's progression in greater detail. The change resonated with fans, with social media mentions for Prime Vision skyrocketing from under 5,000 in the first nine games to over 315,000 in the last seven following the camera switch. Jay Marine, Prime Video’s global head of sports, called the high skycam a game-changer: “It’s an immersive perspective that brings fans closer to the action.” Collaborative Analysis Prime Video’s production team works alongside NFL’s Next Gen Stats analysts to identify trends and matchups during broadcasts. By combining film with data, they deliver compelling narratives that deepen fans’ understanding of the game. Keegan Abdoo, an NFL analyst, noted the collaboration’s broader impact: “It’s about helping everyone—viewers and analysts alike—connect what they see on the field with the underlying data to tell richer stories.” As Prime Video continues to refine its tools, its AI-powered broadcasts are setting a new standard for sports coverage, blending innovation with accessibility to make football more engaging for fans worldwide.              

Automakers are showcasing cutting-edge in-vehicle experiences at CES, the Consumer Technology Association’s annual tech trade show in Las Vegas, reports AP. Innovations on display include interior lighting designed to reduce motion sickness, holographic dashboards projected onto windshields, and AI-powered voice assistants integrated with infotainment systems for enhanced driving experiences. Trump's electric vehicle policies create uncertainty for automakers Hyundai Mobis demonstrated full-windshield holographic technology, BMW unveiled its new “iDrive” panoramic display, and Honda, along with Sony Honda Mobility, previewed features in their forthcoming electric vehicles. These advancements aim to make the car interior a more comfortable and engaging space, according to Axel Maschka, Hyundai Mobis’ executive vice president and head of business. Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windshield display, which remains years away from commercial availability, projects critical driving information, safety alerts, and entertainment options across the windshield. This technology provides varied views based on seating position: for instance, the front-row passenger can watch a movie or play a game, while the driver’s view remains distraction-free. Maschka highlighted that this setup ensures drivers focus on the road by minimising unnecessary distractions. Automakers Renault, Nissan make cross-shareholdings equal Car safety experts stress the importance of keeping drivers’ eyes on the road and avoiding overly complex displays. Ian Reagan, senior research scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, warned that too many visual elements could overwhelm drivers. While he acknowledges recent progress in panoramic displays designed to simplify information presentation, he cautions that not all innovations prioritise safety over consumer appeal. BMW echoed this focus on streamlined information with its Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X, debuting in select models later this year. Stephan Durach, BMW’s Head of UI/UX Development, emphasised the importance of presenting only essential details in the driver’s line of sight, aiming to reduce distractions. He rejected the idea of cars as “smartphones on wheels,” underscoring the need for clarity and minimalism in design. Sony Honda Mobility introduced “Afeela 1,” featuring an AI-driven voice assistant that engages in interactive conversations to enhance the driving experience. CEO Yasuhide Mizuno described the assistant as proactive, providing drivers with useful information while entertaining them. Scheduled for release later this year, with deliveries starting in mid-2026, Afeela 1 also offers a panoramic infotainment system with various entertainment apps. Automakers face a threat to EV sales: Slow charging times Meanwhile, Honda previewed its upcoming 0 series of electric vehicles, set to launch in North America next year. Its “AISMO OS” operating system supports automated driving, advanced driver assistance, and customisable in-car infotainment. Honda promises continuous updates to its software, allowing vehicles to become more personalised over time. Katsushi Inoue, Honda’s global head of electrification, explained that increased usage would enhance the system’s adaptability to individual preferences. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these advancements, safety and usability concerns persist. Reagan noted that partially automated driving systems often lead to higher driver distraction, as users must remain ready to intervene. Similarly, AI voice assistants, while potentially reducing visual distractions, can become counterproductive if they require overly complicated interactions. In addition to enhancing in-cabin experiences, automakers at CES highlighted the importance of sustainable energy. Honda, in collaboration with seven other automakers, is working on the “IONNA” charging network, aiming to provide over 100,000 charging stations in North America by 2030. The company is also exploring AI-driven solutions to personalise charging, such as locating nearby stations or simplifying payment processes, with potential integration of Amazon Web Services technology. CES 2025 offers a glimpse into the future of driving, where comfort, connectivity, and sustainability converge — though ensuring safety remains a critical challenge as these innovations evolve.

So much of the technology showcased at CES includes gadgets made to improve consumers' lives — whether by leveraging AI to make devices that help people become more efficient, by creating companions to cure loneliness or by providing tools that help people with mental and physical health. But not all innovation is good, according to a panel of self-described dystopia experts that has judged some products as “Worst in Show." The award that no company wants to win calls out the “least repairable, least private, and least sustainable products on display." “We’re seeing more and more of these things that have basically surveillance technology built into them, and it enables some cool things,” Liz Chamberlain, director of sustainability at the e-commerce site iFixit told The Associated Press. “But it also means that now we’ve got microphones and cameras in our washing machines, refrigerators and that really is an industry-wide problem.” The fourth annual contest announced its decisions Thursday. A new smart ring every few years? Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, awarded the Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring the title of “least repairable.” The rings, which come in colors like dune and desert sand, cost $2,200. Wiens said the jewelry “looks sleek but hides a major flaw: its battery only lasts 500 charges.” Worse, he said, is the fact that replacing the battery is impossible without destroying the device entirely. “Luxury items may be fleeting, but two years of use for $2,200 is a new low,” he said. Ultrahuman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An AI-powered smart crib? Bosch’s “Revol” crib uses sensors, cameras and AI that the company says can help monitor vital signs like how an infant is sleeping, their heart and respiratory rates and more. The crib can also rock gently if the baby needs help falling asleep and signal to parents if a blanket or other object is interfering with breathing. EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn said the crib preys on parents' fears and “collects excessive data about babies via a camera, microphone, and even a radar sensor.” “Parents expect safety and comfort — not surveillance and privacy risks — in their children’s cribs,” she said in the report. Read: Japan links Chinese hacker MirrorFace to dozens of cyberattacks targeting tech data A spokesperson for Bosch told The Associated Press that all data is encrypted end-to-end and stored on Bosch-administered servers, “while all data at rest is secured locally with individual data encryption keys.” “Caregivers have the final say on whether data is transmitted at all. The Revol has an offline mode, which keeps data local if preferred,” the spokesperson said, adding that the smart crib helps keep children safe. Too much waste? Although AI is everywhere at CES, Stacey Higginbotham, a policy Fellow at Consumer Reports, felt that SoundHound AI’s In-Car Commerce Ecosystem, powered by its Automotive AI, pushes it to unnecessary extremes. The feature “increases energy consumption, encourages wasteful takeout consumption and distracts drivers—all while adding little value,” Higginbotham said. That landed the in-car system as “least sustainable” on the list. Soundhound AI's platform allows drivers and passengers to order takeout for pick-up directly from the car’s infotainment system. The company did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement Tuesday, Keyvan Mohajer, CEO of SoundHound AI, said the product's launch marks an moment “decades in the making.” “What begins here with food and restaurants will ultimately open up a whole new commercial ecosystem for vehicle and device manufacturers everywhere,” he said. Vulnerable to hacking TP-Link's Archer BE900 router won for “least secure” of CES. The company is a top-selling router brand in the U.S. But its products are vulnerable to hacking, said Paul Roberts, founder of The Security Ledger. "By Chinese law, TP-Link must report security flaws to the government before alerting the public, creating a significant national security risk," he said. “Yet TP-Link showcased its Archer BE900 router at CES without addressing these vulnerabilities.” In an email response, TP-Link Systems contested the report. “TP-Link Systems Inc. is a U.S.-headquartered company and does not provide any such security reporting to China as referenced by iFixit,” the company said. “TP-Link Systems has a secure, vertically-integrated, and U.S.-owned international supply chain. Nearly all products sold in the United States are manufactured in Vietnam.” TP-Link said it controls its own supply chains, and “is constantly assessing potential risks to its U.S. operations, customers, and supply chain," adding that it acknowledges that vulnerabilities exist across the industry. Read more: Musk hiring cheaper tech servants from Asia: Alleges Bernie Sanders “However, contrary to claims of widespread vulnerabilities, comparative data places TP-Link on par with, or in some cases ahead of, other major industry players in terms of security outcomes,” the company said. Who asked for this? The awards also feature a category called “who asked for this?” Top of that list was Samsung's Bespoke AI Washing Machine, which Nathan Proctor, senior director of U.S. PIRG, a consumer advocacy group, said is filled “with features no one needs,” including the ability to make phone calls. “These add-ons only make the appliance more expensive, fragile, and harder to repair,” he said. Samsung did not respond to a request for comment. At a press conference at CES Tuesday, Jong-Hee Han, vice chairman of Samsung’s device experience division, said that he was “proud of how we have introduced new technologies and intelligence to the home, connected key devices and set the standard for the home of the future.” “We are reinforcing our commitment to delivering personalized experiences through our widespread implementation of AI and we will continue this journey of AI leadership in the home and beyond, not just for the next decade, but for the next century,” he said. The worst overall Gay Gordon-Byrne, executive director of The Repair Association called the LG “AI Home Inside 2.0 Refrigerator with ThinkQ” the worst product overall. The fridge adds “flashy features,” Gordon-Byrne said, including a screen and internet connection. “But these come at a cost,” Gordon-Byrne said. “Shorter software support, higher energy consumption, and expensive repairs reduce the fridge’s practical lifespan, leaving consumers with an expensive, wasteful gadget.” Christopher De Maria, director of public relations at LG Electronics, disagreed with Gordan-Byrne's assessment of their new product. “Of course, like any new innovation, there will be naysayers, but we believe that when we launch this product, consumers who are looking to elevate their kitchen experience will appreciate its innovative features, convenience and performance. We have not announced pricing or availability or shared any information regarding energy consumption, so these comments are respectfully without factual merit.”

While electric vehicle demand is expected to continue growing this year, the forecast is clouded by uncertainty surrounding potential policy changes and tariffs, reports AP. S&P Global Mobility predicts global sales of 15.1 million battery electric vehicles in 2025, reflecting a 30% increase. These vehicles are expected to capture 16.7% of the light vehicle market. Automakers Renault, Nissan make cross-shareholdings equal Tesla, China's BYD, and other manufacturers face significant uncertainties in 2025. Under Donald Trump's presidency, major policy changes related to taxes and incentives for both electric vehicle producers and consumers could occur. The possibility of tariffs on imports and retaliatory tariffs globally could further complicate production and sales for electric vehicles. “There's just a lot of uncertainty in the air,” said Stephanie Brinley, associate director of auto intelligence at S&P Global Mobility. “It’s not an environment where you want to necessarily go gangbusters.” In the U.S., consumers can currently claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for certain new electric vehicles. Car manufacturers have also benefited from federal support for electric vehicle production and infrastructure. However, all of this may be at risk under President Trump. Automakers face a threat to EV sales: Slow charging times Trump has criticised the federal tax credit for electric vehicles during his presidential campaign, calling it part of a “green new scam” that would harm the auto industry. Nonetheless, the incoming administration is expected to push for wider deregulation of industries, which may benefit carmakers. Despite benefits for consumers and manufacturers, some large electric vehicle makers faced mixed results in 2024. Tesla saw a 1.1% drop in sales, marking its first annual sales decline in more than twelve years. Meanwhile, Rivian's deliveries rose by 2.9%. Tariffs also pose a threat to the industry. As production occurs globally, parts are imported and exported throughout the process. Trump has threatened to tax imports from Mexico, Canada, China, and other countries, potentially triggering retaliatory tariffs. China is the largest market for electric vehicles, followed by the U.S. Within the U.S., Tesla holds a dominant 50% market share. Automakers, like many industries, are adopting a wait-and-see approach to determine whether Trump will follow through on his threat to rescind tax credits and impose tariffs. The broader auto industry is proceeding cautiously. S&P Global Mobility forecasts a 1.6% decline in light vehicle production in 2024, followed by a further 0.4% drop in 2025. Administration ends antitrust probe of 4 automakers, Calif. This is attributed to automakers aligning production with demand. Overall, light vehicle sales are expected to increase by 1.7% in 2025. The ongoing shift to electric vehicles also contributes to more measured production. Companies such as Ford and General Motors are reallocating production capacity towards electric vehicles, sometimes at the expense of expanding overall capacity.

In a crucial case for the social media era, free speech and national security collide at the Supreme Court on Friday, as arguments unfold over the fate of TikTok, a hugely popular platform used by nearly half of Americans for entertainment and information, report AP. TikTok has announced plans to shut down in the U.S. by January 19 unless the Supreme Court either overturns or delays the implementation of a law aimed at forcing the sale of the platform by its Chinese parent company. ByteDance’s Lemon8 gains popularity amid TikTok ban threat With a tight deadline, the justices are also considering a request from President-elect Donald Trump, who has reversed his previous support for a ban, asking for time to reach a “political resolution” to avoid a ruling. It is uncertain whether the court will take the views of the Republican president-elect, a rare attempt to influence a case, into account. TikTok, along with its parent company ByteDance, and content creators and users, argue that the law is a severe violation of the Constitution’s free speech protections. Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban “Rarely, if ever, has the court dealt with a free-speech case that impacts so many people,” the lawyers for the users and creators stated. Many creators are anxiously awaiting a ruling that could threaten their livelihoods and are considering other platforms. This case is another instance of the court being asked to rule on a medium with which the justices have admitted little familiarity, although they frequently weigh in on significant speech restriction issues. The Biden administration, defending the law signed by President Joe Biden in April after it was approved by bipartisan majorities in Congress, asserts that “no one can seriously dispute that (China’s) control of TikTok through ByteDance represents a grave threat to national security.” Officials argue that Chinese authorities could compel ByteDance to hand over data on U.S. TikTok users or manipulate the platform to control information. However, the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok told the justices, adding that limitations on speech should not be justified by fears based on future potential risks. Venezuela's top court issues a $10 million fine for TikTok over allegedly deadly video challenges In December, a panel of three appellate judges, two appointed by Republicans and one by a Democrat, unanimously upheld the law and rejected the free speech claims under the First Amendment. Adding to the urgency, the court is hearing arguments just nine days before the law’s scheduled implementation and 10 days before the new administration takes office. In an unusual move, Trump’s lawyers have asked the court to temporarily block the TikTok ban while waiting for a political resolution rather than making a definitive decision. “President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the Government — concerns which President Trump himself has acknowledged,” stated D. John Sauer, Trump’s nominee for top Supreme Court lawyer. Trump has not taken a stance on the case’s merits, with his campaign using TikTok to connect with younger voters, especially males, and holding a meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida in December. He has 14.7 million followers on the app. The justices have allotted two hours for arguments, though the session is expected to run longer. Three experienced Supreme Court lawyers will present arguments: Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar will defend the law for the Biden administration, former Trump Solicitor General Noel Francisco will represent TikTok and ByteDance, and Stanford Law professor Jeffrey Fisher will argue for the content creators and users in his 50th Supreme Court case. Should the law be enacted, Trump’s Justice Department would be tasked with its enforcement. Lawyers for TikTok and ByteDance have argued that the new administration might attempt to lessen the law’s most severe consequences. However, they also contend that a one-month shutdown would result in TikTok losing a third of its U.S. users and significant advertising revenue. As it deliberates, the court must determine the level of scrutiny to apply to the law. Under strict scrutiny, laws typically fail. However, two appellate judges who upheld the law stated it could be one of the rare exceptions that would survive such a review. TikTok, its users, and many supporters are urging the court to apply strict scrutiny to strike down the law. The Democratic administration and some backers of the law argue that restrictions on foreign ownership of media and other sectors of the economy justify efforts to counter Chinese influence, citing the TikTok ban as part of that strategy. A decision is expected soon.

With a potential TikTok ban looming in the US, content creators are increasingly promoting its sister app, Lemon8. The app, a blend of TikTok’s short-form videos and the visual appeal of Instagram and Pinterest, is owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, Douyin, and other apps like CapCut and Hypic.  Lemon8 launched in the US in 2023 after debuting in Asian markets but struggled to gain traction compared to TikTok, which boasts over 170 million US users. However, in the past month, downloads of Lemon8 have surged, making it a top-ranking free app on Apple’s app store. This rise in popularity coincides with a pending Supreme Court decision on a federal law that would require TikTok to sever ties with ByteDance or face a US ban.  TikTok has stated it will shut down its US operations by January 19 if the government wins its case. The ban could also impact other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, as the law targets any apps operated by the company or its subsidiaries.  Italy fines OpenAI for ChatGPT data privacy violations Content creators, some of whom had previously partnered with Lemon8 for promotions, have recently championed the app as a potential alternative to TikTok. Many influencers are posting paid promotions tagged #lemon8partner, reflecting a corporate push to attract users. However, analysts warn that creators may not fully understand the law’s implications for ByteDance’s other apps, including Lemon8 and CapCut.  Jasmine Enberg, an analyst at Emarketer, suggested ByteDance may be hoping Lemon8 avoids regulatory scrutiny as lawmakers concentrate on TikTok. ByteDance did not comment on the situation.  In November, TikTok announced a feature allowing creators to access Lemon8 with their TikTok accounts, facilitating content sharing across platforms. Like TikTok, Lemon8 features “following” and “For You” feeds, alongside categorized posts in areas such as wellness, relationships, and skincare.  While ByteDance has not disclosed user numbers, research from SimilarWeb indicates Lemon8 has about 1 million daily active users in the US Data from Sensor Tower shows the app had 12.5 million global monthly active users as of December, with US downloads accounting for 70% of the month’s total. Albanian prime minister says TikTok ban was not a 'rushed reaction to a single incident' Downloads spiked on December 19, the day after the Supreme Court announced it would review the TikTok ban law.  Lawmakers have expressed concerns over potential misuse of US user data by Chinese authorities, fueling bipartisan support for the legislation.

Japan on Wednesday linked more than 200 cyberattacks over the past five years targeting the country's national security and high technology data to a Chinese hacking group, MirrorFace, detailing their tactics and calling on government agencies and businesses to reinforce preventive measures. The National Police Agency said its analysis on the targets, methods and infrastructure of the cyberattacks by MirrorFace from 2019 to 2024 concluded they were systematic attacks linked to China with an aim of stealing data on Japanese national security and advanced technology. The targets of the Chinese government-led cyberattacks included Japan's Foreign and Defense ministries, the country's space agency and individuals including politicians, journalists, private companies and think tanks related to advanced technology, the NPA said. Experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the vulnerability of Japan’s cybersecurity, especially as the country steps up its defense capabilities and works more closely with the United States and other partners to strengthen cyber defenses. Japan has taken steps but experts say more work is needed. Japan Airlines hit by a cyberattack, delaying flights during the year-end holiday season MirrorFace sent emails with attachments containing malware to targeted organizations and individuals to view data saved on computers mainly from December 2019 to July 2023, often from Gmail and Microsoft Outlook addresses using stolen identities, the NPA investigation found. The emails typically used as subjects key words such as “Japan-U.S. alliance,” “Taiwan Strait,” “Russia-Ukraine war” and “free and open Indo-Pacific," and included an invitation for a study panel, references and a list of panelists, the NPA said. In another tactic, the hackers targeted Japanese organizations in areas of aerospace, semiconductors, information and communications from February to October 2023 by exploiting vulnerabilities in virtual private networks to gain unauthorized access to information. The attacks included one on the Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency, or JAXA, which acknowledged in June it had suffered a series of cyberattacks since 2023, though sensitive information related to rockets, satellites and defense was not affected. It was investigating to take preventive measures. Last year, a cyberattack paralyzed operations at a container terminal at a port in the city of Nagoya for three days. More recently, Japan Airlines was hit by a cyberattack on Christmas, causing delays and cancellations to more than 20 domestic flights, though the carrier was able to stop the onslaught and restore its systems hours later and there was no impact on flight safety.