WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot
LONDON (AP) — WhatsApp users will soon have the option to use usernames instead of phone numbers. The company announced plans on Monday to address a privacy concern. Users can reserve unique usernames to be contacted without sharing their phone numbers. The feature is expected to launch later this year, though no specific timeline was given. There won't be a directory or suggestions for usernames. People will need to know the exact username to make contact. This change comes as many of WhatsApp's 3 billion users have requested more privacy options. Usernames will be limited to 35 characters.
South Korean tech giants to build a $518 billion chipmaking hub to serve soaring AI demand
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plan to invest a combined $518 billion in a new computer chip manufacturing hub, capitalizing on surging artificial intelligence-driven demand. The project in South Korea's southwest also will support the government’s regional development agenda. President Lee Jae Myung joined the companies' chairs in announcing the plan Monday on television. Lee has made AI and balanced regional growth key policy priorities, urging businesses to expand investment beyond the greater Seoul metropolitan area. The southwest has been a particular focus, as it lacks major manufacturing hubs and has historically trailed other regions.
Nvidia's AI chip sales in China stall, as local chipmakers like Huawei take the lead
HONG KONG (AP) — In the race between the U.S. and China to develop artificial intelligence, the battle over hardware and computing power is heating up as Chinese companies like Huawei overtake global industry leaders like Nvidia in their home market. Jensen Huang, the CEO of computer chip giant Nvidia, is a celebrity in China but that's no guarantee of success as his company struggles to sell its advanced chips there. Controls imposed by Washington on exports of advanced technology initially stalled sales of Nvidia’s H200 AI chips to China. By the time Huang won a reprieve allowing them to be sold, Beijing had already switched to encouraging use of chips made by Huawei and other Chinese companies.
Kara Swisher took Silicon Valley by force. Now she's eyeing influence in the 2028 campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kara Swisher is expanding her influence from tech journalism to politics. Swisher is known for her fearless interviews and has hosted figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Swisher's podcasts include “On with Kara Swisher” and “Pivot” and are gaining traction as political platforms. The former traditional print journalist often challenges guests like Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swisher's goal is to engage a wide audience, including Republicans, despite her critical views on some. Swisher's podcasts are financially successful, reflecting the growing importance of digital media in political discourse. Swisher says from her Washington home she gets called by all the presidential candidates and she's "going to get to all of them.”
What to Stream: 'Enola Holmes 3,' Madonna and the 'Legally Blonde' prequel series 'Elle'
New streaming entertainment options for the week of June 29 include “Enola Holmes 3" and a new Madonna album. The Associated Press highlights some top picks. “Obsession,” a film with surprising box-office success, becomes available via premium video-on-demand on June 30. Millie Bobby Brown returns in “Enola Holmes 3" on Netflix on July 1. Madonna's “Confessions II” album, a sequel to her 2005 hit, releases July 3. New series include “Zorro,” streaming June 30, and “Elle,” a “Legally Blonde” prequel, premiering July 1. Ralph Lauren's stamp collection is featured in a History Channel special on July 5. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” launches July 2 on Nintendo Switch.
The US lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing
A campaign for stronger online safety measures for children in the U.S. is gaining steam with recent jury verdicts against tech giants like Meta and Google and a new push for legislation in Congress. Parents who turned to advocacy after their children died from social media-related harms say it feels like the tide is turning. And while the U.S. is nowhere near embracing social media bans for children like those seen from Australia to Indonesia, some U.S. senators are calling for urgent action. The Senate Judiciary Committee has invited the CEOs of Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap to testify at an upcoming hearing about children’s safety.
OpenAI and Anthropic limit new AI models to Trump-approved customers during cybersecurity review
OpenAI has restricted the release of its new AI model at the request of President Donald Trump's administration. This move is part of a government effort to vet AI products for cybersecurity risks. OpenAI's rival, Anthropic, announced that the administration has approved a limited release of its cybersecurity model. Both companies will only provide access to small groups of trusted partners. OpenAI's new model, GPT-5.6 Sol, will be available to about 20 customers approved by the administration. The government’s actions have sparked criticism, with some experts warning that unpredictable intervention could hinder U.S. companies.
Greece bets on space technology to contain wildfires in a global first
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — As Greece braces for another blistering wildfire season, a new line of defense is taking shape in Earth’s orbit. A group of suitcase-sized satellites will alert the first signs of fire, a pioneering system that could save lives, protect communities and advance Europe’s drive for technological independence. Planners across Europe envision applying an emerging satellite architecture far beyond fire detection. Future systems are likely to support border surveillance, heat-wave planning and defense on a continent rattled by Russia’s war in Ukraine and strained trans-Atlantic ties.
ATF cancels phone tracking contract after lawmakers raise concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has canceled its contract for a surveillance tool that allows warrantless tracking of mobile devices. Concerns about the tool's legality were raised by lawmakers, a prosecutor, and a judge. The tool, called Webloc, sources data from consumer apps and advertising networks. It has been controversial because it lets agencies bypass warrant requirements. The ATF said it ended the pilot program after determining it didn't meet their needs. Other agencies, like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, continue to buy commercial geolocation data without a warrant.
Former executive sues Meta over attempts to 'silence' her memoir, 'Careless People'
A former Meta executive whose memoir, “Careless People,” provides an explosive insider account of her time at the social media giant, has sued the company for attempting to “silence” her. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Northern California on Thursday. It claims the tech giant’s private arbitration order preventing her from speaking out about the company or promoting her bestselling book is invalid. It also argues that the severance agreement she signed when she left Meta was done under duress.
