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Android app secretly recording users

The Android app iRecorder Screen Recorder was discovered secretly recording videos of users and sending them to the developer. (Vaughn Cockayne, The Washington Times)

Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink says it has U.S. approval to begin trials in people

Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink says it's gotten permission from U.S. regulators to begin testing its device in people. (Laura Ungar, The Washington Times)

Meta fined record $1.3 billion by EU over handling of user data

A European Union regulator said Meta's infringement was "very serious since it concerns transfers that are systematic, repetitive and continuous. (CBS News)

TikTok files lawsuit challenging Montana's ban of the app

Social media app calls the state's ban "unconstitutional," arguing that it violates the First Amendment. (CBS News)

Microsoft's Brad Smith on "real concern" about Chinese malware targeting infrastructure

The hacking operation code-named "Volt Typhoon" that targeted critical infrastructure in Guam and other locations in the United States is of "real concern," Microsoft president and vice chair Brad Smith tells "Face the Nation. (CBS News)

OpenAI could ‘cease operating’ in Europe over AI laws: Sam Altman

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said ChatGPT said on Wednesday that he has "many concerns" about complying with the EU AI Act's expanded legislation. (Shannon Thaler, New York Post)

Guerrero: Smartphones take a toll on teenagers. What choice do parents have?

The older children are when they get their first smartphone, the better their mental health later in life. That's little consolation to teens feeling left out when all their friends are connected. (Jean Guerrero, Los Angeles Times)

South Korea blasts 8 satellites into orbit, shows capabilities for space

South Korea's homegrown "Nuri" space rocket successfully launched eight satellites into orbit on Thursday in a development the country's President Yoon Suk-yeol hailed as "a splendid feat" proving his nation's status among other countries with advanced space capabilities. (Andrew Salmon, The Washington Times)

Rotender is like a jukebox for mixed drinks

Think about the last time you went to a big concert, sporting event or play. Did you have to wait in line for a drink? A Los Angeles startup is trying to make long wait times a thing of the past with a new machine called Rotender. (Rich DeMuro, KTLA 5)

New York City Moves to Regulate How AI Is Used in Hiring

New York City’s pioneering, focused approach sets rules on how companies use the technology in work force decisions. (Steve Lohr, The New York Times)

Most recent

I use ChatGPT to ace interviews: ‘Works for every single job’

"I’ve been doing this for a few weeks and now I’m being flown to another state for a second interview at my dream job NO JOKE," someone exclaimed. (Brooke Kato, New York Post)

How to Protect Your Mental Health When Using Social Media

You don’t have to quit Instagram and TikTok cold turkey. Use these strategies — some practical, some more philosophical — to be online in a healthier or less harmful way. (Michael Levenson, The New York Times)

Column: Californians deserve the right to repair their electronics — even if Big Tech hates it

A state bill would require device manufacturers to make it easier for consumers to get their gadgets fixed. It has strong support from voters — but not tech companies. (Brian Merchant, Los Angeles Times)

California breaks record for renewable electricity

Newsom cheers plans new battery factory on Richmond waterfront, as hydropower boost reduces risk of summer shortfalls (Paul Rogers, The Mercury News)

DeSantis event underscores Twitter’s rightward shift under Musk

The Daily Wire, whose podcast hosts include popular conservative influencers such as Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens, said Tuesday that it would bring its shows to stream on Twitter starting next week. (The Associated Press, The Mercury News)

Chinese Malware Hits Systems on Guam. Is Taiwan the Real Target?

The code, which Microsoft said was installed by a Chinese government hacking group, set off alarms because Guam would be a centerpiece of any U.S. military response to a move against Taiwan. (David E. Sanger, The New York Times)

Larry Magid: Pixel 7A gives you more than you pay for

You know that adage, “you get what you pay for.” Well, it’s not always true. With Google’s new Pixel 7A phone, you get more than you pay for, compared with other phones. At $499, the 6.1-inch Pixel 7A is $100 less than the 6.3-inch Pixel 7 and $400 less than the 6. (Larry Magid, The Mercury News)

This free app finds just-canceled permits for Yosemite, other California parks

WildPermits pings you the minute someone cancels a hard-to-get wilderness permit to Yosemite and other popular California parks. (John Metcalfe, The Mercury News)

Ted Cruz is preparing his own TikTok clampdown after Montana’s ban: sources

In addition to Cruz, US Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.), who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is drafting a similar bill and others may be in the works, sources said. (Lydia Moynihan, New York Post)

American companies building lunar landers, ready to commercialize moon

As part of "CBS Mornings'" "American Innovation" series, Mark Strassmann reports on space quickly becoming the next economic frontier, if you can stick the landing. (CBS News)

In case you missed

When will Facebook settlement payments be sent out? Here's what we know

You can submit a claim in just a couple minutes for a piece of the massive $725 million Facebook settlement, but it will take much longer to get your payout. (Alix Martichoux, KTLA 5)

Reid Hoffman Is Praising the Virtues of AI

Few are as involved in so many different artificial intelligence efforts as Mr. Hoffman, a Silicon Valley investor who co-founded LinkedIn. (Erin Griffith, The New York Times)

Microsoft Calls for AI Rules to Minimize Risks

Its president, Brad Smith, said companies needed to “step up” and governments needed to “move faster” as artificial intelligence progressed. (David McCabe, The New York Times)

As Elizabeth Holmes heads to prison for fraud, many puzzle over her motives

As Elizabeth Holmes prepares to report to prison next week, the criminal case that laid bare the blood-testing scam at the heart of her Theranos startup is entering its final phase (ABC News)

Influencer dies after binge drinking on livestream: ‘He was already gone’

"He didn't even get a chance for emergency treatment," a friend of the influencer told local outlet Shangyou News, which reported a funeral was held last week. (Brooke Kato, New York Post)

Opinion: I've lived into my 40s without ever owning a smartphone. Hopefully I'll never have to

With links between mental health challenges and excessive technology use, our app-dependent world should make it easier for a flip phone user like me. (Stacy Torres, Los Angeles Times)

ACT Expo 2023: The Future of Clean Transportation

Rich DeMuro visits the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim where the latest sustainable vehicles and technologies are on display including those powered by electricity, hydrogen and biofuels. (Rich DeMuro, KTLA 5)

Do not call: 49 states sue telecom company over billions of robocalls

An estimated 577,879,156 robocalls were made to California phone numbers between December 2018 and January 2023. (The Associated Press, The Mercury News)

Elon Musk’s Neuralink gets FDA approval for human test of brain implants

Neuralink is developing a brain implant it hopes will help paralyzed people walk again and cure other neurological ailments. (Reuters, New York Post)

San Francisco clean-energy startup aims for hydrogen breakthrough for trucking

"We’ll have a semi-truck operating with our technology next year. Truck fleets are already lining up to try it out. (John Woolfolk, The Mercury News)