In Bangladesh, a series of bans have been implemented affecting popular messaging and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The disruptions began on July 17, when mobile internet services were first disabled. The following day, broadband services were also shut down.

Between July 17 and July 31, restrictions extended to major social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. On July 23, broadband services were partially restored, but mobile internet remained unavailable until July 28.

The most recent ban, which was announced on a Friday afternoon, targeted TikTok and YouTube, impacting mobile connections while broadband connections remained functional.

The primary reason behind these measures is the ongoing protests against a controversial quota system in Bangladesh. Students nationwide have been protesting against a reservation system that allocated 30% of government jobs to descendants of those who fought in the 1971 War of Independence.

Protesters argue that this system unfairly benefits supporters of the ruling Awami League party, which led the fight against Pakistan during the war. The protests have been intense and have resulted in over 200 deaths due to clashes with the police and groups affiliated with the ruling party.

After more than two weeks of unrest, the Supreme Court intervened and revised the quota system, reducing the reservation from 30% to 5%. The majority of government job seats, now 93%, will be allocated based on merit, while the remaining 2% are reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities.

Despite this legal adjustment, the protests continue as campaigners demand the release of individuals who have been unjustly imprisoned and the resignation of officers responsible for the violence.

The effectiveness of censorship as a response to such protests is debated. While censorship can prevent the spread of inflammatory content and reduce the potential for escalating violence, it also impedes the free flow of information and may infringe on citizens’ rights to free speech.

Countries with autocratic tendencies, like North Korea and China, often use censorship as a tool to maintain control. In Bangladesh, the current blackout reflects this approach, though it raises concerns about its impact on public discourse and access to information.

The duration and ultimate resolution of the bans in Bangladesh remain uncertain. As the situation evolves, the balance between maintaining public order and respecting democratic freedoms will continue to be a contentious issue.

The ongoing nature of the protests and the government’s response highlight the complex interplay between state control and civil liberties in times of social unrest.

Mickle, a prominent figure in the XRP community, forecasts that imminent U.S. cryptocurrency regulations could trigger a dramatic increase in XRP’s value. He suggests that these regulations, which are expected to be announced soon, might result in a staggering 1,000X rise in XRP’s price.

This prediction comes amidst a growing political focus on cryptocurrency as the U.S. election season approaches, with potential implications for how the market and regulations could evolve.

As the election season nears, the crypto community has garnered significant attention from presidential candidates, recognizing its potential impact on the election. Candidates have started to engage with the crypto sector, acknowledging its influence in the political landscape.

This shift is partly driven by the evolving stance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on cryptocurrency regulations.

The SEC has recently shown a more accommodating approach towards cryptocurrencies. It has approved spot Ethereum ETFs and previously approved Bitcoin ETFs, signaling a change in regulatory stance.

Additionally, the SEC concluded its investigation into Paxos Trust Company regarding BUSD without pursuing further legal action. The SEC has also retracted its previous assertions that certain coins are securities in its ongoing cases against Binance and Coinbase.

Mickle’s prediction on July 31 hints at a major shift in U.S. politics that could benefit top cryptocurrencies, including XRP. He points to historical patterns in XRP’s price movements, highlighted by narrow Bollinger Bands, which often precede significant price surges.

Based on this analysis, Mickle anticipates a substantial rally for XRP, projecting a potential 1,000X increase that could drive the coin’s price to $582.

While Mickle’s forecast is ambitious and suggests an extraordinary increase in XRP’s market capitalization, which would surpass both Gold and Bitcoin, some in the crypto community view this target as highly unrealistic.

Despite the skepticism, Mickle’s prediction reflects a strong belief in the potential for substantial growth, driven by the anticipated changes in the regulatory and political landscape.

Coinbase faces allegations of breaching U.S. campaign finance laws due to a significant donation to a super political action committee (PAC). The controversy centers on Coinbase’s $25 million contribution to the Fairshake PAC in May 2024, a donation that came during the period when Coinbase was in discussions for a federal contract with the U.S.

Marshals Service (USMS). Critics, including crypto critic Molly White, argue that the timing of the donation suggests a potential attempt by Coinbase to influence the contract award process.

Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s chief legal officer, has publicly refuted these claims, asserting that the company is not a federal contractor and thus not subject to the specific campaign finance regulations cited.

Grewal’s response, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized that Coinbase’s status as a non-federal contractor exempts it from the 11 Code of Federal Regulations 115.1 clause, which pertains to federal contractors making political donations.

White’s report also highlighted that the USMS selected Coinbase Prime for providing advanced trading services and custody for Class 1 digital assets based on Coinbase’s reputation and security track record.

The USMS contract, which began after Coinbase’s substantial donation to Fairshake, has fueled suspicions about potential impropriety, particularly given the timing of the donation.

The Fairshake PAC, which promotes pro-crypto political candidates, received considerable financial support from Coinbase.

This included a $5 million donation in November 2023, $15.5 million in December 2023, and the latest $25 million donation in May 2024. The donation’s timing, coinciding with Coinbase’s bid for the USMS contract, has led to concerns about whether the donation was intended to secure favorable treatment.

In response to these allegations, Grewal clarified that the USMS’s payments to Coinbase come from the Asset Forfeiture fund, derived from the sale of forfeited property rather than direct federal appropriations.

Grewal’s clarification aims to counter claims that the donation was an attempt to influence the federal contract process and asserts that Coinbase’s actions are compliant with campaign finance laws.

Character AI, an AI avatar company founded in 2022, is forging a significant partnership with Google. The startup announced that it will license its large language model (LLM) technology to Google, which will result in increased funding for Character AI.

This financial boost will allow Character AI to expand its operations and concentrate on developing personalized AI products for users globally.

As part of the agreement, Character AI’s co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, along with some research team members, will transition to Google. Despite this shift, the majority of Character AI’s employees will stay with the company. Dominic Perella, the company’s general counsel, will step in as the interim CEO, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Character AI plans to leverage Google’s LLMs to enhance its post-training capabilities and focus on creating innovative products. The company’s blog post highlights its intention to invest in developing new tools and applications for its users while adapting to the evolving AI landscape with more readily available pre-trained models.

Founded in 2022, Character AI gained significant attention and valuation, reaching $1 billion by March 2023 following a $150 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company initially built its AI avatars using its own models through a comprehensive approach that included pre-training and deployment.

Recent developments in the AI industry, such as Meta’s decision to discontinue its celebrity AI chatbots, have underscored the shifting landscape. Google and Character AI have not disclosed specific details about their agreement, and it remains unclear if the arrangement resembles an acquisition or acqui-hire. Notably, Character AI has been previously involved in potential acquisition talks, including rumored interest from Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI.

A new Android malware named BingoMod has been identified, which poses a significant threat by not only stealing money but also erasing all data from infected devices. This malware can steal up to 15,000 EUR per transaction and is currently active.

It was discovered by the Cleafy TIR team in late May 2024. The malware’s authors are reportedly focusing on developing more obfuscation techniques, indicating that they might be relatively inexperienced compared to more seasoned malware creators.

BingoMod is distributed through SMS phishing schemes where it masquerades as legitimate mobile security tools. It disguises itself with names such as WebsIndfo, InfoWeb, WebSecurity, App Protection, or Antivirus Cleanup to trick users into installing it.

Once installed, the malware requests access to “Accessibility Services,” which grants it extensive control over the device, including the ability to execute remote commands.

The malware’s functionalities include over 40 remote commands, such as screen monitoring, keylogging, and screenshot capture. After installation, BingoMod employs techniques like Account Takeover (ATO) and Device Fraud (ODF) to intercept messages, steal login credentials, and bypass bank authentication processes.

It is also designed to evade behavioral detection methods used by banks, making it difficult for traditional fraud detection systems to catch suspicious activities.

In addition to stealing financial information, BingoMod has a destructive component—it wipes all data from the infected device after completing its theft. This deletion of data is intended to prevent forensic analysis and hinder security experts from detecting and understanding the malware’s operations.

The malware also has the capability to block certain apps, including security apps, rendering them ineffective against the infection.

The malware’s authors are believed to be Romanian, based on their use of English, Romanian, and Italian in their phishing attempts. However, beyond this linguistic clue, little else is known about them.

The Cleafy TIR report notes that BingoMod exhibits common features of Remote Access Trojans (RATs), including remote control capabilities and SMS suppression, highlighting its effectiveness and the challenges in combating it.

Ethereum ($ETH) has traditionally lagged behind Bitcoin ($BTC) in prominence, primarily due to Bitcoin’s reputation as digital gold and a store of value. However, the recent launch of Ethereum ETFs on July 23 has the potential to shift this dynamic.

Unlike Bitcoin’s more straightforward value proposition, Ethereum’s primary strength lies in its ability to power decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) through smart contracts, which could enhance its appeal among investors and users alike.

The introduction of $ETH ETFs has been met with considerable enthusiasm. In just one day following their launch, Ethereum ETFs achieved a trading volume of $1 billion, and this figure surged to $2.6 billion at its peak. This rapid uptake indicates strong investor interest and confidence in Ethereum’s potential.

Analysts, such as Katalin Tischauser from Sygnum Bank, project that Ethereum ETFs could accumulate $10 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM) within their first year, further reflecting the growing institutional interest in Ethereum-based investments.

This burgeoning interest is supported by the early success of Blackrock’s $118 million inflow into its $ETH ETF, which surpasses the $74.9 million inflow into its Bitcoin ETF. This is notable as it marks the first time Ethereum ETFs have outperformed their Bitcoin counterparts in terms of initial investment.

The success of Ethereum ETFs can be attributed to Ethereum’s unique programmable blockchain and smart contract capabilities, which provide a broad range of functionalities beyond what Bitcoin’s Lightning Network can offer.

In contrast, the Lightning Network—Bitcoin’s second-layer solution designed to enhance transaction speed and scalability—has seen substantial growth but does not fundamentally alter Bitcoin’s core functionality.

While the Lightning Network has improved Bitcoin’s transaction capabilities and integration across popular exchanges, it remains a layer added to Bitcoin’s original design. Ethereum’s inherent flexibility, on the other hand, allows for more complex financial operations directly through its smart contracts, offering a more versatile approach to financial transactions and applications.

Looking ahead, Ethereum ETFs could play a significant role in shaping the future of finance by leveraging Ethereum’s broad utility and smart contract capabilities. With only 10% of Ethereum’s supply currently available on exchanges, a surge in demand could notably impact Ethereum’s price.

Although Bitcoin will likely retain its status as a digital store of value, Ethereum’s diverse applications make it a strong contender for broader adoption in financial operations, positioning it as a more practical choice for various financial activities.

A new study led by Gregory Gray, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch, suggests that more livestock workers have been infected with bird flu than previously reported.

The study, which is pending publication in a leading infectious disease journal, highlights significant gaps in current surveillance systems. Gray emphasized that the underreporting of bird flu cases among farmworkers poses a risk to public health, as it could delay the detection of a more contagious virus strain.

Health officials may not promptly notice an increase in bird flu contagion due to the underreporting of cases. The U.S. government’s flu surveillance system would respond to a large surge of infections beyond farmworker communities, but such a response might come too late to effectively contain the virus. Gray stressed the urgency of addressing the issue, noting that bird flu is not simply disappearing on its own.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bases its decisions on the current surveillance data, which has led to a conservative approach regarding bird flu vaccinations for farm workers.

Despite having vaccines available, the CDC has not offered them to farmworkers, citing a low number of reported cases. However, Gray’s study challenges the accuracy of these reported numbers, suggesting that many infections go undiagnosed and unreported.

Gray’s research stands out as it focuses on undiagnosed infections among workers exposed to sick dairy cattle. The study involved blood sample analysis from 14 farmworkers at two Texas dairy farms with bird flu outbreaks. The findings revealed antibodies in two workers, indicating a prior infection rate of nearly 15%. This rate is significant given the large number of dairy farms affected by bird flu outbreaks across multiple states.

The study’s results align with the suspicions of Richard Webby from the World Health Organization, who believes that the official count of human bird flu cases is an underrepresentation.

The findings bring fresh urgency to addressing the lack of testing and undiagnosed ailments among farm workers and veterinarians. The CDC has warned about the potential for the bird flu virus to swap genes with seasonal flu, which could result in a highly transmissible human strain.

Despite no current evidence of such gene swapping and the rarity of asymptomatic bird flu cases, the study’s findings highlight the need for increased testing and surveillance among farm workers.

Challenges such as precarious employment and lack of health insurance complicate these efforts. Without better surveillance and cooperation between the government and livestock industry, the U.S. risks remaining uninformed about the true extent of bird flu infections.

Communication breakdowns further exacerbate the issue, as evidenced by a Colorado dairy worker who sought medical care for eye irritation but was not tested for bird flu.

Many farm workers are unaware of bird flu and lack the necessary protective gear. Financial constraints and fear of retaliation from employers also prevent workers from seeking medical care, making it difficult to identify the cause of their symptoms without proper testing.

The CDC’s current flu surveillance system, which monitors hospital visits and patient samples, has not detected any significant anomalies related to bird flu. However, experts like Samuel Scarpino warn that this system may miss emerging health threats that start with a small number of infections. By the time a significant number of cases are detected, it could be too late to control the virus effectively, echoing the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers caution that the H5N1 bird flu virus has evolved to become more infectious to mammals, including humans. The virus is mainly spreading through milk and milking equipment, and there are troubling signs of it spreading inefficiently through the air in laboratory settings. Observations from Gray’s study and other research underline the need for improved surveillance to make informed decisions rather than relying on guesswork.

The Minister for Law and Institutional Reform, Azalina Othman Said, announced that Malaysia is working on legislation for a new ‘internet kill switch’ aimed at enhancing digital security, expected to be presented to parliament by October.

This kill switch would allow authorities to quickly cut off access to certain websites or online services to prevent cybercrimes such as financial fraud, bullying, sexual harassment, and child abuse. The details of what content would be blocked and under what conditions the kill switch would be activated were not disclosed.

Minister Azalina emphasized the initiative’s goal of encouraging social media apps and internet messaging providers to improve their security measures. The misuse of these platforms by criminals has become a significant concern, and the kill switch is seen as a means to combat these issues effectively.

Additionally, the government is exploring amendments to better define and classify cyberbullying, which will help in crafting appropriate measures to address it.

In conjunction with this initiative, Malaysia will host a conference in September to discuss online dangers, featuring academics and former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen.

The conference aims to bring attention to the severity of these issues and explore potential solutions. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that social media and online messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users must obtain a license by January 1, 2025, or face legal consequences. This regulation extends existing licensing requirements under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While some view the measures as necessary for protecting internet users, international human rights organization Article 19 and 66 partner organizations criticized the move as an abuse of power.

They argue that such government intervention could stifle social media and hinder democratic participation, expressing concerns that it may be used as a political tool to censor and exert pressure on social media channels.

The controversy reflects ongoing tensions between the need for online safety and the risks of overreach by authorities. As Malaysia moves forward with these initiatives, balancing security and freedom of expression will be crucial in shaping the country’s digital landscape and ensuring that measures to combat cybercrime do not infringe on civil liberties.

Remote health care delivery, often referred to as telehealth or telemedicine, has become increasingly beneficial for patients who face challenges visiting their preferred health care providers in person.

The use of telemedicine was growing steadily even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has now become a common practice. This advancement allows patients to receive medical care remotely, which is particularly advantageous for those in rural areas who can access superior care from urban hospitals without the need for travel.

A recent study by Zihan Ye from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, along with co-authors Kimberly Cornaggia and Xuelin Li, investigates the financial effects of telemedicine on long-term access to acute care.

The research, set to be published in the Review of Financial Studies, reveals that while telemedicine provides convenient services, it also has unforeseen consequences for rural health care access. Specifically, rural hospitals are losing patients to urban hospitals that offer telehealth services, affecting their financial stability and operations.

The study highlights that urban hospitals are more equipped to provide telehealth services due to their better infrastructure, workforce, and profit potential. Rural patients often prefer these services for initial consultations and recovery monitoring, even when they receive surgical care locally.

This preference leads to a significant patient drain from rural to urban hospitals, which negatively impacts the financial health of rural hospitals. Consequently, these rural facilities face divestments in essential medical staff and intensive care units, exacerbating their financial struggles.

Telemedicine has also intensified competition among hospitals, often leading to price wars. Urban hospitals, with their higher charges, tend to dominate the market, while rural hospitals, unable to attract as many patients, face indirect price reductions.

Insurance reimbursement plays a critical role in this dynamic, with hospitals serving many Medicare and Medicaid patients facing reimbursement risks. This financial uncertainty influences their decisions on whether to offer telehealth services.

The financial strain on rural hospitals results in lower net income, higher leverage, and downgraded credit ratings for their bonds. These hospitals must offer higher yields to attract investors, translating into a heavier financial burden.

The study suggests that while telehealth offers superior care access, patients and policymakers need to consider its long-term financial impact on rural hospitals. The shift towards telemedicine, driven by technological advancements, brings significant benefits but also challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of rural health care facilities.

African health officials have reported a significant increase in mpox (monkeypox) cases, with a 160% spike so far this year, and have highlighted the high risk of further spread due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines on the continent.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report revealing that mpox has been detected in 10 African countries in 2024, with Congo bearing the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for over 96% of all cases and deaths. The majority of cases and deaths in Congo involve children under 15, raising particular concern.

This year has seen an estimated 14,250 mpox cases in Africa, nearly matching the total number of cases from the previous year, with a 160% increase in cases and a 19% rise in deaths, totaling 456.

New reports of the virus have emerged in Burundi and Rwanda, with fresh outbreaks declared in Kenya and the Central African Republic. In Kenya, the Health Ministry identified mpox in a passenger from Uganda at a border crossing, prompting an outbreak declaration. Central African Republic’s public health minister expressed serious concern about the outbreak affecting the capital region.

The Africa CDC noted a higher death rate of about 3% on the continent compared to less than 1% globally during the 2022 global mpox emergency. The emergence of a deadlier form of mpox, capable of killing up to 10% of infected individuals, was reported earlier this year in a Congolese mining town, potentially indicating easier human-to-human transmission.

This new form of mpox presents milder symptoms with lesions primarily on the genitals, complicating detection compared to previous outbreaks where lesions were more visible on the chest, hands, and feet.

Doctors Without Borders expressed alarm over the expanding outbreak, particularly in camps for displaced people in Congo’s North Kivu region, which borders Rwanda. The organization emphasized the high risk of further spread due to significant population movements.

Despite the severe situation, African countries like Congo have received minimal vaccines and treatments, which have been instrumental in controlling outbreaks in the West. The medical charity has urgently called for vaccine availability to protect the most affected populations.

In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the lack of international financial support to contain the mpox outbreak in Africa despite its potential to spread globally. In response, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations announced a study starting next month in Congo and other African countries.

This study aims to determine if administering an mpox vaccine post-exposure can prevent severe illness and death, signaling a proactive step towards addressing the outbreak’s impact on the continent.

Netflix’s gaming ambitions are evident as the company continues to expand its gaming division in 2024, highlighted by the appointment of Alain Tascan as the new president of games.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, emphasized the potential of gaming to enhance fan engagement between seasons of their favorite shows and to introduce new characters and storylines. Sarandos also noted a significant increase in gaming engagement on the platform, which tripled in 2023.

Alain Tascan, a veteran in the gaming industry, joins Netflix from Epic Games, where he oversaw first-party game development for major titles like “Fortnite” and “Rocket League.”

His extensive experience includes founding Ubisoft and Electronic Arts studios in Montreal and leading Umi Games as CEO. Industry experts, like Sergey Punchev, believe Tascan’s innovative mindset and leadership skills will bring transformative changes to Netflix’s gaming division.

Netflix’s gaming growth has been steady since its initial foray in 2021, marked by hiring Mike Verdu to lead its game development arm and acquiring several gaming studios.

The company now offers over 100 games for download via its mobile app and is developing additional studios and games based on its own intellectual properties. This strategic move aims to integrate gaming more deeply into the Netflix ecosystem, offering fans more interactive content.

The company’s gaming efforts have resulted in impressive download growth, with figures soaring from 5 million in 2021 to 81 million in 2023, according to Jason Chapman of Konvoy Ventures. Netflix games remain ad-free, even for users on ad-supported streaming plans, which enhances the appeal for subscribers looking for immersive, narrative-driven experiences.

Netflix’s focus on adapting its original IPs into games aligns with Tascan’s expertise in developing premium games based on popular movies during his time at Ubisoft and EA.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Netflix’s position in the gaming industry, leveraging his ability to blend gaming with entertainment and foster a collaborative environment for innovation.

Several Salmonella infections in Ireland have been linked to the consumption of duck eggs, prompting a warning from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Over the past 12 months, the FSAI and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have investigated five cases of Salmonellosis tied to duck eggs.

Details about the specific type of Salmonella and information about the patients have not been disclosed. Duck eggs are sold across various retail outlets in Ireland and are sometimes preferred over hen’s eggs for cooking and baking.

The FSAI advises that duck eggs must be thoroughly cooked before consumption, ensuring both the white and yolk are solid. This is crucial because duck eggs are larger and denser than hen’s eggs, requiring a longer cooking time.

Raw duck eggs should never be used in dishes that won’t be cooked thoroughly, such as homemade mayonnaise, tiramisu, icing, or hollandaise sauce. Proper hygiene practices, including washing hands and cleaning preparation surfaces after handling raw duck eggs, are emphasized to prevent contamination.

Consumers are also advised to store duck eggs in the fridge away from ready-to-eat foods. All utensils and surfaces that come into contact with raw duck eggs should be washed thoroughly before reuse.

This guidance follows past incidents in Ireland where consumption of undercooked duck eggs or dishes containing raw or lightly cooked duck eggs led to Salmonellosis outbreaks. Sellers of duck eggs must be registered and implement a Salmonella control plan to ensure safety.

The FSAI has previously issued warnings about Salmonella risks associated with duck eggs, highlighting the need for thorough cooking and stringent hygiene. Food contaminated with Salmonella usually does not look, smell, or taste spoiled, making it difficult to detect without proper testing.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, typically appearing within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.

Certain groups, including infants, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe illness from Salmonella. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, may require hospitalization.

People who suspect they have contracted Salmonella should seek medical attention and inform their doctors about the potential exposure. Even individuals who do not show symptoms can still spread the infection to others, underscoring the importance of careful food handling and hygiene practices.

A new version of the notorious Android spyware, Mandrake, has been identified in five Google Play Store applications, according to a report by Kaspersky. The affected apps include AirFS, Amber, Brain Matrix, Cryptopulsing, and Astro Explorer, collectively amassing over 32,000 installations primarily in countries like Mexico, Spain, Peru, Germany, Canada, and the UK.

Despite their widespread distribution, these apps have been removed from the Play Store, with AirFS being the last to be taken down in March 2024.

The latest Mandrake variant employs advanced evasion techniques to avoid detection. Researchers Tatyana Shishkova and Igor Golovin highlighted that this version moves malicious functionalities to obfuscated native libraries, uses certificate pinning for C2 communications, and conducts tests to detect if it’s running on a rooted device or in an emulator.

Notably, it circumvents Android 13’s “Restricted Settings” feature by using a session-based package installer, showcasing its sophisticated approach to bypassing security measures.

The spyware’s operation unfolds in three stages. Initially, a dropper launches a loader to execute the malware’s core component. In the second stage, it gathers device data like connectivity status, battery level, IP address, and the current Google Play version.

During this phase, it can also remove the core module, request permission to draw overlays, and run in the background. Finally, in the third stage, the malware can load a URL that grants remote screen-sharing access to the threat actor.

In response to this incident, Google has acknowledged the situation and emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance security. The company pointed out that Google Play Protect, which is enabled by default on all Android devices, already shields users from known versions of Mandrake.

However, Google also recognized the evolving nature of Mandrake, which continually devises new evasion tactics, making it a persistent challenge to counteract.

Mandrake has been active since 2016 but remained undetected until it was first documented by Bitdefender in 2020. Despite numerous attempts to curtail its spread, Mandrake has successfully evaded detection and removal multiple times over the past four years. This persistent and evolving threat underscores the ongoing battle between cybersecurity measures and sophisticated malware techniques.

Matt Clifford, a prominent tech entrepreneur and chair of Aria, has been tasked by Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Science, to create an AI Opportunities Action Plan. This initiative aims to accelerate the integration of AI into various services to enhance the quality of life and develop new products. The government’s strategy emphasizes the central role of AI in boosting economic growth and improving public services.

The government’s plan includes building a scalable and competitive UK AI sector on the global stage. It also aims to increase the adoption of AI technology across all sectors of the economy by addressing infrastructure needs, talent acquisition, and data access. This comprehensive approach is designed to drive both public and private sector AI integration.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the economic potential of AI, stating it can significantly boost productivity, create jobs nationwide, and enhance public services while reducing taxpayer expenses. The newly established AI Opportunities Unit will spearhead efforts to unlock AI’s potential, contributing to the broader mission of economic growth and national prosperity.

Simultaneously, the Open Data Institute (ODI) released a whitepaper titled “Building a better future with data and AI,” which identifies critical weaknesses in the UK’s tech infrastructure that could hinder AI’s benefits. The research underscores the need for a robust data ecosystem, emphasizing that data must be AI-ready, accessible, and meet stringent quality and assurance standards.

The ODI’s findings reveal significant gaps in AI training datasets’ governance, posing ethical, safety, and security challenges. To address these, the ODI recommends the establishment of strong data governance systems.

Nigel Shadbolt, ODI’s executive chair, stresses that building a trustworthy data infrastructure is essential for maximizing AI’s potential while mitigating risks, ensuring the UK can fully leverage technological advancements for economic and social gains.

Johnny Ng, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, has suggested that Bitcoin could be a viable addition to Hong Kong’s reserve assets. In a recent X post, Ng outlined his intention to collaborate with various stakeholders to assess the feasibility of incorporating Bitcoin into the city’s financial reserves.

This proposal aligns with the growing global interest in digital assets and their potential advantages in financial management.

Ng’s proposal follows a notable speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, where Trump emphasized Bitcoin’s significance.

Bitcoin has increasingly attracted global attention for its perceived value as digital gold and a hedge against inflation. Ng believes that integrating Bitcoin into Hong Kong’s reserves could be advantageous, especially given the region’s expanding Web3 ecosystem and its reputation as a burgeoning hub for digital innovation.

The Hong Kong legislature highlighted Bitcoin’s advantages, including its decentralized nature, limited supply, and its role as a safeguard against economic instability and governmental control.

Ng has been a strong advocate for Web3 and digital assets, and he views incorporating Bitcoin into Hong Kong’s financial strategy as a natural extension of the city’s efforts to enhance its status as an international center for virtual assets.

Ng’s support for digital assets includes backing the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in Hong Kong, which he believes will bolster the city’s position in the global crypto market. He also underscores the importance of attracting global talent, crypto exchanges, and blockchain projects to foster innovation.

However, Ng acknowledges that careful research and regulatory compliance are essential to successfully integrate Bitcoin into Hong Kong’s financial system.

In the U.S., Trump’s speech at the Bitcoin Conference included a pledge to create a favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies if he is elected. He proposed establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, maintaining the U.S. government’s existing Bitcoin holdings, and ending restrictive crypto policies.

This stance has been well-received by the crypto community, particularly because of Trump’s commitment to a more supportive approach to digital assets and the controversial position of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.

John Deaton, a US Senate candidate and pro-XRP lawyer, has challenged Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris to prove her commitment to cryptocurrency. Deaton’s challenge comes in response to Harris’s recent attempts to align herself with the crypto industry while seeking endorsements from notable figures in the field.

As the incumbent Vice President and a prominent figure in the current anti-crypto administration under Joe Biden, Harris’s newfound support for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has raised questions about her genuine stance.

Deaton’s primary demand is that Harris push for the resignation of Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He argues that Gensler’s tenure has been detrimental to the crypto community, inflicting more harm than notorious figures like Sam Bankman-Fried.

According to Deaton, Gensler’s regulatory approach, which he terms “regulation by enforcement,” has driven investors away from domestic platforms to riskier offshore alternatives, including FTX.

The SEC under Gensler’s leadership has faced criticism for failing to provide transparent communication about its interactions with FTX, despite numerous meetings with the company’s founder.

Deaton believes that removing Gensler would not only benefit Ripple XRP but also set a positive precedent for the broader crypto industry. Such a move would demonstrate Harris’s genuine support for the development of a sustainable digital asset economy.

In response to her campaign’s engagement with the crypto community, Harris has reportedly reached out to major players in the industry, such as Coinbase, Ripple Labs, and Circle, to build relationships that could support a more favorable regulatory environment.

However, the true intentions behind Harris’s sudden pro-crypto stance are being scrutinized, with some industry insiders questioning the authenticity of her support.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has cautioned Harris to avoid associating with anti-crypto figures, reflecting a broader skepticism within the crypto community about Harris’s recent shift in position.

As Deaton continues to challenge Harris’s commitment, the broader crypto industry remains watchful of her actions and the potential implications for future regulatory policies.

Apple has introduced its anticipated artificial intelligence features under the label “Apple Intelligence” through developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.

These updates, although not the full release expected later in the year, offer an early preview of Apple’s AI capabilities to a select group of developers. This move is part of Apple’s strategy to gradually roll out their AI features and gather feedback before the official launch.

To access these new features, developers with Apple accounts must update their devices and navigate to the Apple Intelligence settings to join a waitlist. The approval process is typically swift, taking only a few hours.

It’s important for users to have the latest devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max for iOS 18.1, or an iPad or Mac with an M1 chip or newer for iPadOS 18.1. Additionally, devices must be set to US English to utilize these features.

The developer beta introduces a range of new tools, including advanced writing capabilities for proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing text. Users can also create Memories in a revamped Photos app and transcribe live calls or audio in the Phone and Notes apps, respectively.

Siri’s enhancements include new visual elements, the option to type commands, and improved understanding of interrupted or stuttered speech.

Certain features, however, are still unavailable in this beta. These include Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, Cleanup in Photos, and personalized Siri actions.

These features are expected to be rolled out in future updates, with a full general release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia anticipated later in the year, and Apple Intelligence functionalities expected to be fully available in 2024.

An update on July 29, 2024, has provided additional details on the available Apple Intelligence features and the necessary language settings. This update highlights the ongoing developments and sets expectations for the upcoming releases as Apple continues to refine and expand its AI capabilities.