Uber's attempt to purchase British rival Autocab is being officially investigated by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
TECHNOLOGY POWERING BUSINESS
January 2021
Track-and-Trace Personal Data Stolen In The Netherlands
Leak surrounding the Netherlands’ coronavirus track-and-trace programme, results in the personal data of people being stolen, amid curfew riots
Facebook Oversight Board Overrules Zuckerberg In Four Cases
Social network's 'supreme court' overturns four out of five Facebook decisions to remove questionable content from its platform
Facebook To Reduce Political Content After Posting Healthy Profit
Mark Zuckerberg admits platform is looking at ways to reduce political content in news feeds, after it posts billion dollar profits
Qualcomm Ordered To Hand Over Data To EU Antitrust Regulators
Europe's top court orders Qualcomm to hand over data to EU officials, after US firm objected saying EU was exceeding probe scope
Google Maps To Display Coronavirus Vaccination Locations
Announcement this week that Google Maps will begin to display US locations that offer Covid-19 vaccinations, with world locations following
Apple Reaps Benefit From Soaring Pandemic Sales
Firm finishes 2020 with its most profitable ever quarter, thanks to soaring pandemic sales of iPhones, iPads and Macbooks
Emotet Botnet Offline After Global Takedown By Police
Good news. One of the world's most dangerous botnets, Emotet, has been taken down in a co-ordinated police operation around the world
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Link11 to acquire DDoS protection provider DOSarrest Internet Security LTD
The acquisition reinforces Link11’s commitment to deliver DDoS protection solutions to organizations globally.
Amazon Appeals US Labor Ruling Over Union Vote
American workers at Amazon US fulfilment centre face fight over mail-in vote to approve staff unionisation
Cyclist Swept Into River Calls 999 From Apple Watch
Lucky escape. Man uses Apple Watch to alert emergency services, after he was swept off his bike in Herefordshire and into flooded river
Google To Restore ‘News Showcase’ Service To Australia – Report
Despite confrontation with Australian government over content payments, Google reportedly readies own news service down under
Taiwanese Minister: Chip Makers To Address Car Silicon Shortage
As a silicon shortage slows global car production, Taiwanese government minister says chip makers are at full capacity but will try to priortise car makers
YouTube Extends Donald Trump Suspension
YouTube reviews its decision to ban Donald Trump from uploading to the plaform, and opts to keep its indefinite suspension in place
Google Updates Plan To End Cookies In Chrome Browser
Look ma, no cookies. Google says it has made progress in effort to remove third-party cookies from its Chrome web browser
Facebook News Launches In UK After Deals Signed
Curated news service for UK Facebook users launches, after deals signed with the Telegraph, Daily Mail, Guardian, Sky News etc
SpaceX Launches 143 Satellites In One Launch
Record-breaking launch as single SpaceX Falcon rocket carries 143 satellites into orbit for Starlink and a number of other companies
An Augmented Reality Future?
Rumours that Apple is actively developing AR technology that would deliver a usable and wearable AR could herald a new age of information access and delivery. In this feature, Silicon UK assesses the current AR technologies and asks wh ...
Apple Issues Warning About iPhones And Pacemakers
After researcher deactivates an implanted defibrillator with a MagSafe iPhone 12, Apple tells customers to keep iPhones away from Pacemakers
Twitter ‘Birdwatch’ Trial To Allow Users To Flag Misleading Content
'Birdwatch' pilot to give users the power to flag misleading tweets, and write background notes about reason for reporting
Cisco Warns Of Critical Flaws In Networking Products
Security bugs in SD-WAN offerings could allow attackers to run malicious code with root privileges or execute malicious CLI commands
ICO To Restart Adtech Probe
Information Commissioner's Office puts adtech companies on notice as it relaunches investigation into widespread non-compliance with privacy rules
US Administration Renews Cyber-Security Focus
Incoming US administration set to place experienced cyber-security officials in key posts, as country grapples with massive SolarWinds hack
EU Pressures Tech Giants’ CEOs Over Hearings
European Parliament invites chief executives of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google to appear before virtual session as major regulatory overhaul looms
Hackers Release Data Stolen In Sepa Ransomware Attack
Hackers have released confidential business and staff data stolen in a Christmas Eve ransomware attack on Sepa after the agency refused to pay
Google Shuts Down Project Loon
Tech giant deflates high altitude balloon-based project that sought to deliver high speed connectivity to developing nations
Facebook Refers Donald Trump Ban Decision To Oversight Board
Hot potato. Mark Zuckerberg refers his decision to indefinitely suspend Donald Trump over to its independent oversight board
Google Warns It May Withdraw Search Engine From Australia
Nuclear option. Google executive warns it will withdraw search engine from Australia due to 'unworkable' publisher payments law
Some Laptops For Vulnerable Children Contain Malware – Report
A small number of laptops handed out by the Department for Education to vulnerable children, reportedly contain malware linked to Russian servers
India To Quiz Facebook Over WhatsApp Privacy Terms
Delayed mandatory privacy policy update by Facebook's WhatsApp, to reportedly trigger questions from Indian parliamentary panel
Social Networking Giants Grilled By MPs On Hate Content
After Donald Trump's ban from many social networking platforms, British MPs grill executives on their respective hate content policies
Outgoing FCC Boss Ajit Pai Warns Of China Threat
China continues to pose espionage and cyber threat to US telecommunications networks, says FCC chairman as he steps down after three years in charge
Google Seeks To Move ‘Meritless’ Collusion Lawsuit To California
Lawsuit by US states filed in Texas, alleging Google collusion with Facebook, should be heard in California instead says Google
EU Takes Aim At Google Advertising Practices In Antitrust Probe
European Commission seeks information from advertisers, as it opens second EU antitrust probe of Google and its practices
Jack Ma Makes First Public Appearance After Ant’s Cancelled IPO
First public appearance in nearly three months for Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, after criticism of Chinese regulatory system
Google Begins Investigation Of AI Staffer Over Data Transfer
Google reportedly begins investigation and locks the corporate account of member of its ethical AI team, after sensitive data transfer
StoreDot Demos Five Minute Charging Car Battery
No more electric car range anxiety? Israeli firm StoreDot touts car electric battery that can be charged in just five minutes
Trump Pardons Former Google Engineer Anthony Levandowski
Engineer who stole self-driving car secrets from Google's Waymo division, receives pardon from outgoing US President Donald Trump
Microsoft Invests In GM’s Cruise For Self-Driving Future
Software giant confirms it is part of a $2 billion investment in GM's Cruise self-driving unit, which will utilise Azure going forward
Turkey Hits Twitter With Ad Ban Under New Law
Controversial law in Turkey governing social media firms, sees Ankara imposing advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest
Apple’s Tim Cook Defends Parler Suspension
Amid criticism of big tech 'censorship' of free speech, Tim Cook defends decision to suspend far right Parler app from App Store
Coronavirus: Silicon Shortage Slows Car Production
Supply chain squeeze. Worldwide shortage of CPUs is slowing the manufacturing of new cars from a number of the world's largest car makers
US Asks Australia To Scrap Proposed Publisher Payment Law
Major clash down under is looming, after Australia rejects US request to halt new law to force Google, Facebook to pay for news
The Apple M1: The Beginning of a New Era?
The current iMacs and Macbooks are the last and perhaps the best with Intel silicon at their heart. As Apple is moving to its own custom CPUs, what does this mean for the desktop PC and the masses of applications that have been Intel-c ...
Internet’s Biggest Card Theft Marketplace To Shut Down
Joker's Stash, a 'dark web' marketplace estimated to have generated more than $1 billion in sales of stolen payment card data, announces imminent shutdown
US States Investigating Google App Store Practices
Group of US states may hit Google with fourth government antitrust lawsuit, this time focusing on allegedly anti-competitive practices in its Play Store
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Flagship Gets Stylus Support
New Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphone gets support for S Pen for the first time, as Samsung introduces smart earbuds and Bluetooth tracking tag
US Adds Xiaomi To Military Blacklist
Xiaomi and eight other Chinese companies added to US military blacklist, as outgoing US administration throws final punches
WhatsApp Delays Deadline For New Privacy Terms
WhatsApp delays deadline for users to agree to new privacy policy by three weeks as notice triggers backlash over Facebook data sharing
Fortnite Maker Expands Apple Dispute To UK
Fortnite developer Epic Games launches legal action against Apple and Google in the UK, as it seeks changes to 'unfair' app store rules
US Administration Revokes Huawei Export Licences
Outgoing US administration revokes some tech export licences to Huawei and plans to deny others, in final moves against Chinese telecoms giant
Police Delete Database Containing 150,000 Records
Police database falls down some stairs. British coppers accidentally delete data on 150,000 people from the Police National Computer
Swedish Court Rejects Huawei Appeal Over 5G Ban
Appeal by Huawei against Swedish regulator's decision to exclude it from 5G networks dismissed, with 5G auction slated to begin next week
Australian Government Slams Google For Blocking Local Content
Users in Australia complain after Google blocks local websites, after Australia seeks to force tech firms to pay for news content
Hackers Bypassing MFA To Access Cloud Accounts, Warn CISA
US cyber agency warn hackers are bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA) authentication protocols to compromise cloud accounts
Intel Chips Already Being Made By TSMC – Report
Manufacturing outsourcing move. Intel chips are already being manufactured by TSMC, amid inhouse issues for US firm
CES 2021: Ring Trials End-To-End Encryption In Smart Doorbells
Privacy move. Smart doorbell maker adds encryption to protect video streams after security scares
Death Threats Against Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou
A number of death threats allegedly made against Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou, whilst she remains under house arrest in Vancouver
Twitter’s Jack Dorsey: Trump Ban Right Thing To Do
CEO of Twitter opens up about permanent ban on outgoing US President Donald Trump, after criticism from some quarters over 'freedom of speech'
Signal Ramps Up Hiring After Surge – Report
Signal reportedly hiring more staff to cope with surge, as it and Telegram benefit from WhatsApp data policy update controversy
Qualcomm To Acquire Chip Startup NuVia For $1.4 Billion
Chip technology startup created by Apple veterans is snapped by Qualcomm, in what could be strategic move for mobile chip giant
Intel CEO Bob Swan To Step Down, Replaced By Pat Gelsinger
VMware boss Pat Gelsinger is to take over as Intel CEO, with Bob Swan stepping down next month at the troubled chip giant
CES 2021: Tech Expo Virtual Highlights So Far
See-through television, rollable smartphone, and gaming company making a highly advanced facemask among new developments during CES 2021
YouTube Suspends Donald Trump Channel
Google streaming service YouTube becomes latest social network to suspend President Donald Trump, following attempted insurrection
Twitter Suspends 70,000 Accounts Sharing QAnon Content
Tens of thousands of accounts spreading QAnon conspiracy content in past few days after US Capitol attack have been suspended, Twitter confirms
State of ITAM: How Your IT Asset Management Must Evolve
The role of ITAM [IT asset management] and SAM (Software Asset Management) have to change to not only meet compliance responsibilities, but also, to meet the challenges facing businesses in a post-COVID-19 world. Silicon UK asks how CT ...
Signal Installations Surge Amid WhatsApp Data Concerns
Research shows installations of Signal messaging app approaching one million a day, amid concern over WhatsApp data policy update
Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Broadband Gains UK Approval
Superfast connectivity for remote locations. Elon Musk's Starlink satellite broadband service has been approved by regulator Ofcom
Parler Sues Amazon Web Services After Hosting Takedown
Consequences from President Trump's attempted coup last week continues, with Google and Apple removing Parler from app stores
Twitter Permanently Bans Donald Trump
Outgoing US President Donald Trump reportedly went 'ballistic' after he was permanently banned from his favoured messaging outlet
Google Faces UK Investigation Over Chrome Cookie Change
The UK's CMA opens investigation of Google’s proposals to remove third-party cookies and other functions from Chrome browser
Elon Musk Now Richest Man In The World
Soaring shares of car maker Tesla, sees Elon Musk overtaking Amazon's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos as the richest man in the world
Facebook Bans Donald Trump ‘Indefinitely’ After Capitol Killings
With five dead including a police officer and talk of his immediate removal from office, Mark Zuckerberg extends Donald Trump's ban
Hackney Council Hackers Post Stolen Documents
New low... Ransomware gang publishes sensitive documents online, after crippling Hackney Council systems in October last year
WhatsApp Will Share Data With Facebook, Despite User Wishes
What is the point of end-to-end encryption? Facebook to access people's WhatsApp data, whether they like it or not, from February
NEC Facial Recognition Works Despite Masks
NEC launches facial recognition system that can identify people, even if they are wearing masks to protect against Coronavirus
Nvidia Acquisition Of ARM Faces Competition Probe
UK competition regulator the CMA, launches investigation into the acquisition of British silicon designer ARM Holdings by Nvidia
Twitter, Facebook Block Donald Trump After Four Die In Capitol Siege
President Trump suspended from both Twitter and Facebook for posts to 'supporters', after mob storm US Capitol building and people die
Russia Behind SolarWinds Hack – US Intelligence
Russia was the likely culprit of the damaging SolarWinds supply chain compromise, multiple US intelligence agencies declare
YouTube Reinstates TalkRadio Channel After Ban Decision
Streaming service YouTube restores talkRADIO after a “further review” of its controversial decision to remove it over Covid-19 content
Julian Assange Denied Bail, Despite Extradition Halt
Wikileaks founder denied bail and will remain at Belmarsh prison, as Assange still has “incentive” to abscond from unresolved proceedings
President Trump Blacklists Eight Chinese Apps
Executive order signed by US President bans transactions with eight Chinese software applications including Ant's Alipay payment app
Google To Add Privacy Labels To Its iOS App Portfolio
Bad news for advertisers. Search giant is to update all its iOS apps to carry Apple's privacy labels that will disclose how data is used
YouTube Axes TalkRadio Channel
Coronavirus misinformation speculated as reason for YouTube removing Ofcom-regulated TalkRadio from its streaming platform
Slack Starts 2021 With Outage
Rough start to the year for communication platform Slack, which is in the process of being acquired by CRM giant Salesforce
Alibaba’s Founder Jack Ma Absence Triggers Concern
Where is Jack? Concern mounts over Alibaba's Jack Ma, after Chinese regulatory clampdown on his business empire following outburst
Print Your Own: The State of 3D Printing
What’s happening with industrial 3D printing? How are businesses using the technology? And what’s the future look like for this technology that offered so much promise five years ago?
Google Staff Form Company’s First Ever Trade Union
Rare step for tech industry sees workers at Google form their own bespoke trade union, after years of employee unrest and complaints
Julian Assange Extradition To US Denied By UK Judge
Protracted extradition of Wikileaks co-founder to the United States is halted by London court, but US DoJ is expected to appeal
Microsoft Says SolarWinds Hackers Viewed Its Source Code
Microsoft says SolarWinds hacking group penetrated its internal systems and viewed source code, but downplays security threat
UK Drone Regulation Update ‘Clarifies Rules’
UK brings in new drone rules to harmonise regulatory environment across Europe, with light-weight devices now permitted to fly around people
NYSE To Delist Chinese Telecoms Companies
New York Stock Exchange moves to suspend trading in China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom Hong Kong amidst ongoing US-China trade tensions