Norway's oil fund, world's biggest sovereign wealth fund, to vote against Apple boss Tim Cook's $99m 2021 pay package as shareholders revolt
TECHNOLOGY POWERING BUSINESS
February 2022
Apple Says It Has Complied With Dutch App Store Order
Apple argues proposal to Netherlands consumer regulator requires only 'minor technical change' and no additional costs, as App Store fines hit 25m euros
Google Disables Ukraine Live Traffic Data
Google temporarily disables live traffic data and location features from Ukraine in order to protect local communities, amidst ongoing Russian invasion
Meta Shuts Down Ukraine Facebook, Instagram Hacks
Meta Platforms shuts down efforts to hack Facebook accounts of Ukrainian military and public figures, plus separate network of disinformation accounts
Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Peer-to-Peer and Your Business
As a new form of communication that does not require the internet or cellular data, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) could offer businesses a new channel to evolve how they communicate across their enterprises. In this Silicon UK In Focus Podcasts, ...
Bitcoin Mining Gets Dirtier After China Crackdown
Proportion of renewable sources powering Bitcoin mining industry plummets after miners shift from China to Kazakhstan and the United States
Russia Limits Access To Twitter Amidst Ukraine Invasion
Russian regulator slows down access to Twitter across country amidst spat with Facebook over fact-checking and labelling of Russian media posts
Ukraine Raises Millions In Cryptocurrency Donations
Ukrainian government and NGOs receive millions of dollars' worth of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other digital coins amidst Russian invasion
SEC Investigates Elon Musk And Brother Over Share Sales – Report
Fresh scrutiny. Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal Musk reportedly being investigated by the SEC for alleged insider trading
Tech Export Ban On Russia Takes Shape
No more chips for you. Details emerge of what technology will be banned under US and worldwide export restrictions on Russia
Poland Witnessing More Cyberattacks On Government Servers
Cyber security official for Polish government confirms more cyberattacks on Poland's government systems, amid Ukraine invasion
President Biden Confirms Tech Ban Included In Sanctions
More than half over Russia's high tech imports will be cut says President Joe Biden, as Putin's forces seize control of Chernobyl nuclear power plant
Russian Government Websites Downed After Ukraine Invasion
Ukraine strikes back? Russian government websites have been knocked offline in suspected cyberattack, amid Ukraine invasion
Chip Makers Ease Disruption Concerns After Russian Invasion
Despite Ukraine being a key material supplier needed for chipmaking, manufacturers seek to ease worries of semiconductor disruption
Tesla To Double Manufacturing With New Shanghai Factory – Report
World's most valuable car maker Tesla is to construct new factory in Shanghai, to more than double China production capacity
Google Relaxes Vaccine Requirement, As It Readies Office Reopening
Major changes at Google as it eases tough restrictions on vaccines, as it prepares to re-open its offices and campuses in the US
Interview: Buying Used Software Licenses is Allowed and Saves Money
With clarity about the legal standing of used software licences, could buying licenses for your major office applications significantly reduce your business's costs? Silicon speaks to Michael Vilain, Director of International Sales at ...
Ukraine Hit By Data Wiping Malware, Amid Russian Invasion
As Russian forces launch a military assault and bomb key targets in Ukraine, data wiper malware hits the beleaguered country
US Warns Russia It May Restrict All Types Of Tech
Russia risks being denied access to everyday technology such as consumer electronics, computers, semiconductors, and even aircraft parts
EU Proposes Tougher Data Transfer Rules With Data Act
European Commission publishes draft legislation with Data Act, that will govern the rules for data transfers in the years ahead
Meta Launches Short Video ‘Facebook Reels’ Feature
Watch out YouTube and TikTok? Facebook Reels has been launched in more than 150 countries to help content creators earn money
Union Alleges Amazon Misconduct In Election Re-Run In Alabama
US trade union defeated last year in workforce vote, alleges Amazon misconduct once again, amid vote rerun at Alabama fulfilment centre
The Mobile Multiverse
Is the ultimate future of the Metaverse on mobile devices? And have strong business cases for developing some form of ‘Metaverse for business’ with available technologies come into focus yet?
Apple Store Siege Ends, Hostages Freed
Apple thanks Dutch police after hostage situation in Amsterdam store ends, when police run over the gunman as he chased after escaping hostage
Gunmen Hold Hostages At Apple Store In Amsterdam
Apple store hostage drama in Holland, as suspected gunmen takes hostage in Amsterdam Apple Store, amid reports of foiled robbery
NCSC Issues Fresh Call To Bolster Online Defences
Russia's further violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity prompts a fresh warning from UK's cyber defence agency, NCSC
Virgin Hyperloop Axes Half Of Staff, Abandons Passenger Transport Goal
Over 100 staff axed as Virgin Hyperloop abandons plan for passenger transport, in favour of freight or cargo transportation
Irish Watchdog Provides Update On Data Transfer For Meta – Report
Ireland's data watchdog is to consult with fellow EU regulators in April over Meta's Facebook data transfers to the United States
Russian Invasion Triggers Crypto Crash
Cryptocurrencies suffer loses on Monday and Tuesday, as Vladimir Putin orders Russian combat troops into rebel held parts of Eastern Ukraine
SEC Responds After Elon Musk’s ‘Unrelenting Harassment’ Allegation
US financial watchdog the SEC responds, after Elon Musk and Tesla made a 'harassment' allegation last week to a US court in Manhattan
Apple Fined For Fifth Time Over App Store Fees In Netherlands
Another $5.7 million fine for Apple in the Netherlands, after it continues to ignore watchdog ruling on alternative payment methods for dating apps
Brand Voice
Benefits and Applications of a Collaborative Robot
Are collaborative robots taking over human space? It appears as if robots are coming for human jobs. But the truth is a collaborative robot work alongside humans in factories and other manufacturing operations. Robots can work with hum ...
Tourism & the IT Sector
IT is present in just about any industry, and the people who work in these jobs adapt their knowledge to the respective field. In the medical sector, IT specialists create systems that handle patient data, technology that helps with di ...
EU Takes China To WTO In Smartphone Patent Spat
European Commission launches WTO challenge against China over court decision that forces smartphone tech patent owners to settle for cut-rate licensing fees
GM’s Cruise Seeks Permit For ‘Origin’ Autonomous Vehicle
General Motors unit Cruise formally seeks US regulatory permit for Cruise Origin vehicle that includes no human controls as it pushes ahead with robo-car
Meta Says Mixed Reality Ads Coming In ‘A Few Years’
Facebook parent Meta tells ad agencies mixed reality advertising platforms could be ready in 'a few years' as it spends billions to develop 'metaverse'
Russia Finance Ministry Advances Crypto Regulation Plans
Russia's finance ministry says it will take central bank's cryptocurrency fears into account as it submits legislative proposals to regulate the sector
Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Digital Identity
Mobile devices are so central to our personal and business lives, are the issues around digital identity about to be resolved with new legislation? Is the ease with which some forms of identity can be faked, copied or stolen, moved us ...
Trump’s ‘Truth Social’ Launches On Apple App Store
Former US President Donald Trump launches 'Truth Social' platform on Apple's App Store in latest effort to get around social media ban
Brand Voice
How to gain a competitive edge by processing documents intelligently?
This blog will discuss how businesses can eliminate manual document processing and gain a competitive advantage with Intelligent Document Processing (IDP).
Apple Investors Urged To Vote Against $99m Tim Cook Pay Deal
Advisory group urges Apple investors to vote against Tim Cook's massive $99m pay deal for 2021, as company cashes in on pandemic
US Regulator Launches Probe Into Tesla ‘Phantom Braking’
US auto safety regulator NHTSA launches preliminary inquiry into Tesla cars unexpectedly braking while on motorways in latest safety probe
Government Launches Consultation To Ban Huawei From FTTP, 5G
UK government begins consultation on the next legal steps to restrict Huawei in Britain's mobile and fixed line telecoms networks
Tesla, Elon Musk Accuse SEC Of ‘Unrelenting Harassment’
Letter to US judge overseeing 2018 settlement with the SEC, alleges the US financial regulator is harassing Tesla and Elon Musk
Donald Trump’s ‘Truth Social’ App Emerges For Beta Testing
Approximately 500 beta testers have begun using Donald Trump's 'Truth Social' app, which reportedly bears a striking resemblance to Twitter
US Warns Russian Hackers Targetting Defence Contractors
American security agencies warn Russian-backed hackers have acquired sensitive US weapons data after breach defence contractors
Microsoft Reopening Campuses, Offices As Pandemic Eases
Software giant reopening its offices in Washington State, and giving staff 30 days to return to the office starting 28 February
Amazon and Visa Agree Worldwide Truce
Global payment fee truce has been agreed, after Amazon threatened to stop accepting UK-issued Visa cards last year, over its 'high fees'
Google To Limit Ad Tracking On Android Apps
More bad news for advertisers? Google announces the Privacy Sandbox will be expanded from web browser and will include Android apps
Twitter Expands ‘Safety Mode’ To Tackle Trolls
Stopping the trolls? Twitter expands its Safety Mode feature to give users greater control over who can reply to their tweets
Ukraine Defence Ministry Suffers DDoS Attack
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence confirms it suffered a huge DDoS attack, while online services for two local banks were also downed
Apple Lawsuit By Norfolk County Council Upgraded To Class Action Status
Norfolk complaint against Apple over alleged misleading iPhone demand in China, upgraded in San Francisco to a class action lawsuit
Elon Musk’s Neuralink Refutes Animal Abuse Allegations
Neuralink admits eight monkeys have died during its research, as it responds to legal complaint from anti animal testing group
Virgin Galactic Reopens Space Tourism Ticket Sales
Got a spare $450,000? Sir Richard Branson's space venture restarts ticket sales to edge of space, after brief FAA grounding and tech upgrades
Three quarters Of Ransomware Payments Go To Russian Hackers
Roughly 74 percent of all ransomware revenue in 2021 was sent to Russian-linked cyber-criminals, Chainalysis research has discovered
3DEXPERIENCE World 2022: “The new economy is the experience economy”
During the three-day event, Dassault Systèmes showed what SOLIDWORKS can achieve in terms of 3D design thanks to a series of tools that cover the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept to manufacture.
Wrongly Convicted Post Office Staff Demand Prison For Former Bosses
Public inquiry update: Former Post Office workers wrongly convicted in Horizon IT scandal, call for prison sentences for management
EU Watchdog Begins Joint Investigation Into Public Sector Cloud Use
European Data Protection Board announces co-ordinated investigation over the use of cloud-based services by public sector organisations
Texas AG Sues Meta For Biometric Data Collection
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Facebook parent Meta, alleging it captured and used biometric data of millions of Texans
Google To Wind Down Currents, Final Remanent Of Google+
Last twitch of the corpse that is Google+ (Google Plus) revealed, as enterprise-focused spin-off Currents is to be wound down
Intel Acquires Israeli Chipmaker Tower Semiconductor For $5.4bn
Chip giant Intel expands its manufacturing capabilities, and spends billions to acquire specialised chip manufacturing expert Tower Semiconductor
Amazon Removes Mask Requirement For Fully Vaccinated Staff
Amazon warehouse workers in certain US states will no longer have to wear facemasks - providing they are fully vaccinated
Post Office Horizon Scandal Public Inquiry Begins
The “appalling injustice” of Post Office's Horizon scandal left some victims contemplating suicide after theft allegations and convictions
Apple Hit With Fourth Fine Over App Store Fees In Netherlands
Fourth week in a row Dutch antitrust watchdog fines Apple 5m euros for preventing app developers from using other payment methods
AMD Closes $50 Billion Xilinx Acquisition
HPC boost for chip giant AMD, as it completes its drawn out acquisition of FPGA specialist Xilinx for approximately $50 billion
Meta Patent Filings Reveal Metaverse Business Model Plans
Facebook/Meta files patent applications for 'metaverse' tech including sponsored digital goods and tools that could use biometric data to target ads
Mobileye To Launch Autonomous Shuttles In US
Intel unit Mobileye plans to launch autonomous shuttles in US in 2024 with partners Benteler EV Systems and Beep, as firm prepares for IPO
Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Network Transformation
What the pandemic showed many businesses was that their networks were lacking in some fundamental areas such as security and the ability to offer efficient connections at scale. How has the pandemic fundamentally changed how enterprise ...
Israeli Investigators Review NSO Database In Pegasus Hacking Probe
Israeli inquiry examines database from NSO Group amidst allegations that controversial Pegasus spyware was used against domestic public figures
Chip Sales ‘Hit Record $555.9bn’ Last Year
Semiconductor sales hit record $555.9 billion in 2021, with volumes surpassing 1 trillion units for first time since 2018, says SIA
Just Eat Takeaway Chief Says No Plans To Sell Grubhub
Just Eat Takeaway chief executive Jitse Groen says plan to delist from Nasdaq does not indicate intention to sell Grubhub, amidst pressure on shares
HMRC Seizes NFTs In £1.4m Fraud Probe
HMRC becomes first UK law enforcement body to seize non-fungible tokens, as authorities warn that crypto assets pose money-laundering risk
Crypto Giant Binance To Take $200m Stake In Forbes
Giant cryptocurrency exchange Binance to take $200m stake in Forbes as media firm plans $630m listing in New York through blank-cheque company
UK Watchdog Accepts Google’s Revised Browser Cookie Pledge
CMA says it will keep “close eye” on Google after it accepted the firm's revised offer concerning the banning of third-party cookies
Tesla Sued For Racial Discrimination By California
Another reason for Elon Musk to hate California, as local agency sues electric car maker for race discrimination and harassment
Apple To Issue AirTag Warning Amid Stalking Fears
Tech giant Apple to issue setup warning after a number of high profile incidents where AirTags have been used to stalk people
Silicon UK In Focus Podcast: Workforce Trends and Technology
Businesses have re-organised their workforces and processes. Has technology delivered the tools they need to keep their enterprises running and profitable? How do businesses resolve attention residue? And how does technology fit into t ...
Samsung Reveals S22 Galaxy Smartphones, Made From Fishing Nets
New smartphone range includes the Galaxy S22 and S22+, as well as the Galaxy S22 Ultra, boasting recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets
UK Nuclear Fusion Experiment Breaks Record
Huge step forward for clean energy, after UK scientists break fusion energy output record in major breakthrough at JET facility in Oxford
FBI Arrest Couple For Alleged Laundering Of $4.5bn In Bitcoin
Married couple arrested in New York by FBI, in largest ever cryptocurrency theft case, as authorities seize $3.6 billion in stolen bitcoin
Biden Earmarks $5bn For US Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
US government establishes $5 billion fund to help US states construct nationwide electric vehicle charging network across major transportation routes
Apple Turns iPhone Into Mobile Payments Terminal
Watch out Jack Dorsey and Square (renamed Block)! Apple 'Tap To Pay on iPhone' transforms an iPhone into a payment terminal
ARM Likely To File For Public Listing In US
Disappointment for London Stock Exchange, as ARM owner Softbank indicates it will file for public listing in the United States
ECB Warns Banks To Prepare For Russian Cyberattacks
ECB warns banks to prepare for possible Russian-sponsored cyber attacks, as fears of possible military conflict in Ukraine mount
Space Storm To Destroy 40 Satellites, SpaceX Warns
Up to 40 Starlink satellites launched last week will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, after geomagnetic storm last Friday
Facebook Should Tighten Doxing Rules, Says Oversight Board
Sharing private residential information, even if data is publicly available, should not be allowed by Facebook, Oversight Board rules
Vodafone Portugal Networks Still Down After ‘Malicious’ Cyberattack
Vodafone Portugal's 4G and 5G mobile networks knocked offline by cyberattack, that also impacted fixed-line, TV, SMS and other services
Microsoft Mulls Mandiant Purchase To Bolster Security – Report
Shares in Mandiant rise amid report that software giant Microsoft is considering a purchase of the veteran cybersecurity specialist
Foreign Office Suffered ‘Serious Cyber Security Incident’
Public tender document reveals the UK's Foreign Office was targeted by a "serious cyber security incident", but details have not been disclosed
Government To Force Age Verification On Porn Websites
Online Safety Bill will include legal duty requiring all porn websites to implement 'robust checks' on the person's age
Nissan To End Development Of New Combustion Engines – Report
First of many? Japanese car giant Nissan to end development of all combustion engines in all markets, except for the United States
EC Proposes Easing State Aid Rules To Encourage Chip Factories
European Commission officially proposes easing state aid rulings to help countries offer financial incentives for the building of chip factories
US Carriers Ask FCC for $5.6bn For Chinese Kit Replacement
US carriers ask for billions more dollars than the $1.9 billion initially offered by the US to replace all Huawei equipment
Hybrid Work. Hybrid Business
Hybrid work will become the norm as businesses look towards their post-pandemic futures. With these radical shifts in workforce organisation and business processes, how can your company transform into a business fit to thrive post-COVI ...
Nvidia’s $40bn Purchase Of ARM Holdings Collapses
Softbank and Nvidia confirm termination of controversial $40bn purchase of UK's ARM, which now has new CEO ahead of initial public offering
Mark Zuckerberg Mulls Closing Down Facebook, Instagram In Europe
Potential shutdown of Facebook and Instagram services in Europe has been suggested, if Meta can not process European data on US servers
Dutch Court Fines Apple Third Time Over App Store Fees
Netherlands competition regulator imposes third weekly fine of 5 million euros on Apple, as company insists its changes are in line with December decision
Crypto Companies Band Together To Address Fraud Risk
Large crypto companies and trade associations promote 'market integrity pledge' to gain public trust amidst ongoing risk of manipulation and fraud
Tesla Bitcoin Holdings Valued At $1.99 Billion
Tesla's Bitcoin holdings had fair market value of $1.99bn at end of 2021, as it loses $101m due to cryptocurrency's ongoing volatility
EU Urged To Take Rapid Action Over Digital Finance Risks
Joint report by EU financial regulators identifies 'new synergies' but also potential for 'systemic risk' that must be addressed by holistic supervisory approach
SpaceX Team In Fiji ‘Working On Tonga Internet’
SpaceX sends team to Fiji for six months as it works to re-establish internet connectivity for Kingdom of Tonga after devastating volcanic eruption
North Korea Cryptocurrency Theft ‘Funding Missile Programmes’
Attacks on cryptocurrency exchanges remain 'important revenue source' for North Korea's ongoing missile programmes, UN report finds
Online Safety Bill Targets Social Media Giants
Changes to proposed online safety bill require companies such as Twitter and Facebook to take proactive steps and add more criminal offences
UK Bosses Rethink Physical Office Spaces, Slack Finds
End of physical offices and the 9 to 5? New research from Slack suggests 98 percent of UK bosses have rethought physical office space needs
European Oil And Port Facilities Suffer Cyberattacks
More cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, as IT systems are severely disrupted at several European oil and transport companies
CMA Fines Meta A Second Time Over Giphy Order
UK watchdog fines Meta a second time, as Facebook again fails to inform the CMA about 'material changes' to its Giphy Purchase
Great Resignation Increases Security Risks For Businesses, Warns Tessian
Large scale resignations during the Coronavirus pandemic is causing security risks for businesses in the UK and US, Tessian survey finds
Tesla Recalls 817,000 Vehicles Over Seatbelt Reminder
Why no recalls elsewhere? Tesla is recalling more than 817,000 vehicles in the United States - this time concerning a seatbelt chime failure
Ransomware Attack On KP Snacks Prompts Shortage Warning
Cyberattack on KP Snacks has seen it issue a warning of shortages of crisps and peanuts in British shops over the coming months
Meta Stock Suffers, As Facebook Loses Daily Users For First Time
Facebook warns of significant Apple iOS privacy impact, which will decrease sales in the coming year by as much as $10 billion
Questions Raised About Future Of Microsoft HoloLens
HoloLens 3 has reportedly been cancelled, amid speculation Microsoft is heading towards another car crash for its electronic devices
FBI Admits Procurement Of NSO’s Pegasus For ‘Product Testing’
“Limited licence” for NSO's Pegasus spyware was obtained by FBI in 2019, but bureau says it never used it to support any investigation
Russia May Employ Cyberattacks For Destablisation, US Warns
American deputy national security advisor issues Russia cyber warning, during visit to her European counterparts on Wednesday
Alphabet Posts Record Results, Announces 20 for 1 Stock Split
Google parent Alphabet posts a stunning set of quarterly and annual results, and announces a 20 to 1 stock split in the summer
Amazon To Create 1,500 Apprenticeships In UK
Amazon UK workforce grows by 25,000 in 2021, as e-commerce giant announces the creation of 1,500 apprenticeship roles in 2022
FTC To Review Microsoft Activision Buy, As Sony Acquires Bungie
Sony spends $3.6 billion to acquire Halo and Destiny developer Bungie, as US regulator reviews Microsoft's deal for Activision
Citrix Merges With Tibco In $16.5bn Deal
After years of activist shareholder pressure, Citrix is being acquired by a private equity group and will then be merged with Tibco
FBI Urges Olympic Athletes To Use Burner Phones
FBI urges athletes competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics to leave their personal devices at home, and rather carry burner phones
German Fuel Supplier Offline After Cyberattack
Echo of Colonial Pipeline attack, as fuel supplier in Germany is paralysed by cyberattack, prompting worries of local fuel shortages
India To Launch Digital Currency In 2022
India's central bank will launch a digital rupee in two months time, as India becomes the latest country to embrace a digital currency
Elon Musk Offers Teenager $5,000 To Stop Tracking Bot
The movements of Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk is being tracked by a Florida teenager, who has asked the world's richest man for $50,000 to stop it
Twitter Sues Over German Online Reporting Rule
Twitter joins Facebook and Google in filing lawsuits against a new law in Germany that obliges social networking platforms to report offences to police
Virgin Media O2 Mulls Fibre Network Expansion With New Venture – Report
Virgin Media O2 reportedly plans to launch a fibre-network building joint venture, to expand its network footprint beyond current reach
Apple Trolls Spotify Over Neil Young
After Spotify agrees to remove Neil Young's music from its platform, Apple Music touts itself as “the home of Neil Young”
Brand Voice
Breaking new ground with low-code and a mobile strategy at Mercury Engineering
Mercury Engineering streamlines time management processes on construction sites with low-code solution built with Neptune Software and Client Solutions.