Mamdani puts New York City government back on TikTok
Almost three years ago, New York City joined governments across the country to ban TikTok from its devices over security concerns about the Chinese social media site. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is a bona fide social media star. On Tuesday he took to the app to announce a reversal. He said: “TikTok, we’re back.” The city will now allow agencies to start posting again on the short-form social media site as long as departments follow a set of security precautions. That's according to a memo from city cybersecurity officials. TikTok did not immediately return a request for comment.
Brazil is uniquely positioned to weather rising world oil prices. Here is why
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil is finding protection in a decades-old buffer against shocks that is both cheap and environmentally friendly as global oil markets tremble amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Tens of millions of Brazilian drivers have a choice at the pump: fill up with 100% sugarcane-based ethanol or a gasoline blend that contains 30% of biofuel. Brazil’s massive “flex-fuel” fleet, which are vehicles capable of running on any mix of ethanol and gasoline, is unique in its scale. It is the result of a landmark military dictatorship program launched in 1975, transformed into success during democratic times to reduce foreign oil dependency.
Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube aren't fully complying with child account ban, Australia says
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia is considering bringing court action against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube after alleging they are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their platforms. Australia banned young children from holding accounts on 10 social media platforms in December. The first report from the eSAfety commission about compliance with the law was issued Tuesday. It found significant concerns with five platforms and was gathering evidence against them before deciding whether to initiate court action. The law also applies to Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch, but they aren't under investigation.
Movie Review: Wahoo! ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ levels up the magic
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day return to voice Mario and Luigi in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which opens theaters globally on Wednesday. The sequel to the 2023 smash takes the Brooklyn plumbers, Princess Peach and Toad into space to help save Rosalina from a vengeful Bowser Jr. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that while the movie adds some family drama and backstories, and some unsavory merchandising, it's largely committed to keeping things light and playful and in the spirit of the games. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a Universal Pictures release rated PG.
A college instructor turns to typewriters to curb AI-written work and teach life lessons
Once a semester, a Cornell University instructor requires her students to complete an in-class assignment using typewriters — an exercise to help them understand what writing, thinking and classrooms were like before everything turned digital. The exercise started in 2023, as Grit Mathias Phelps grew frustrated that her German language students were using generative AI and online translation platforms to churn out grammatically perfect assignments. The revival is part of a national trend toward old-school testing methods like in-class pen-and-paper exams and oral tests to prevent AI use for assignments on laptops.
Systems that let drivers take their hands off the wheel don't improve safety, NTSB head says
The head of the National Transportation Safety Board says the systems that allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel are convenient but don’t improve safety because people who use them often pay less attention to the road. The hearing on Tuesday focused on two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise system. The NTSB formally recommended that automakers need to do more to improve the way these systems monitor drivers, and the government should establish minimum safety standards. Automakers emphasize that partially automated driving systems aren't designed to replace the human drivers, who have to be ready to take control at any time. But NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy says the ads from automakers make it seem like the systems can drive their cars.
Hacked hospitals, hidden spyware: Iran conflict shows how digital fight is ingrained in warfare
WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran has turned to its cyber operations to make up for its military disadvantages in its conflict with Israel and the U.S. Since the war began last month, hackers supporting Iran have launched thousands of cyberattacks on companies and organizations in both the U.S. and Israel, seeking to undermine the war effort and critical supply chains. Hospitals and health care organizations have been targeted, as well as data centers. Iran is also using artificial intelligence to generate bogus images of the war. These operations haven't yet had a huge impact, but they demonstrate how disinformation, AI and hacking are now ingrained in modern warfare.
Cardi B and Steph Curry earn Webby Award nominations, along with Sydney Sweeney's bathwater
NEW YORK (AP) — This year’s Webby Award nominations highlight the internet’s wildest hits, from celebrity campaigns to strange viral products. On Tuesday, the academy announced nominees from more than 13,000 entries across 70 countries. Several stars earn nods, including Cardi B, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson and Justin Bieber. Kendall Jenner’s Fanatics Sportsbook ad competes with Sydney Sweeney’s bathwater soap stunt. Duolingo’s fake mascot death also landed nominations. The academy picks most winners, while fans vote for the People’s Voice Award. Voting stays open until April 16. Winners will be announced April 21 and the awards ceremony is on May 11.
Ukrainians chide German defense boss for jibes about 'Lego' drones made by 'housewives'
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Senior officials in Kyiv are taking a swipe at the head of German defense giant Rheinmetall, whose unflattering comments about Ukrainian drone technology and the role of women in the war against Russia ignited a social media backlash. Rheinmetall AG’s Chairman and CEO Armin Papperger, in comments to The Atlantic magazine published Friday, likened Ukraine’s development of cutting-edge drone expertise as like playing “with Lego” and said the drones are being built by “Ukrainian housewives.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday described Papperger’s remarks as “strange.”
Cambodia advances a scam center law with penalties of up to life in prison
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's lawmakers have passed legislation to crack down on online scam centers that have made the country a cybercrime hub. The scams are notorious for swindling huge sums through fake investments and online romance schemes. The justice minister on Monday said many workers are tricked by fake job offers into working at scam centers in conditions of near-slavery. The law sets long prison terms and large fines for running scam operations. There are harsher penalties for cases involving trafficking, violence or death. The legislation awaits Senate review and final approval by the king. Experts are skeptical it can end the criminal practice.
