Science and Technology

On a lively Wednesday in the White House Indian Treaty Room, President Biden wowed a roomful of digital influencers and media professionals with his entrance, immediately raising their smartphones as they prepared to document the event. In a display of modernity and relatability, President Biden interacted directly with attendees by taking selfies before addressing the crowd. He emphasized the critical role that social media creators play in today’s communications landscape, acknowledging the generational shift in media consumption preferences, particularly among younger people who prefer digital content to traditional media. “Unlike my generation’s media, you are where today’s young people listen,…

WASHINGTON AND SAN FRANCISCO — Following a final court ruling that Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing the online search market, the U.S. Department of Justice, along with state prosecutors, is actively considering remedies. Possible strategies could include segmenting core Google components, such as the Chrome web browser and Android operating system, according to several sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing discussions. Further measures under consideration force Google to provide competitive access to its valuable data and dismantle agreements that establish Google as the default search engine on…

Cisco Systems, a leading developer of computer networking solutions based in San Jose, California, said it will reduce its workforce by 7 percent, marking its second significant reduction this year. The decision means about 6,000 job losses from its 84,900-person workforce as of July 2023. Earlier this year, Cisco had already cut its workforce by 4,000. Despite the job cuts, Cisco reported net income of $2.16 billion for the latest quarter, a 45 percent decline from the previous year, with revenue falling 10 percent to $13.64 billion. However, those numbers still beat expectations set by Wall Street, sending Cisco's stock…

SAN FRANCISCO AND WASHINGTON — In what could be a groundbreaking step for AI regulation, a California bill is making waves in the Silicon Valley tech landscape. Spearheaded by state Sen. Scott Wiener, the legislation seeks to address the growing risks associated with advanced AI technologies. The bill is currently working its way through the legislative process in Sacramento and is expected to be considered by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee later this week. If it passes, it will go to the full House for a vote. Gov. Gavin Newsom, if he signs the bill, would approve a framework…