Trump News – cybernews.pt

Amazon Strikes $11.57 Billion Deal to Acquire Globalstar, Escalating Space Internet Rivalry with Starlink

Newsroom — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:28:28 +0000

In a bold move to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding satellite internet market, Amazon has announced a $11.57 billion agreement to acquire satellite communications firm Globalstar. The deal signals Amazon’s growing ambitions in space-based connectivity and sets the stage for intensified competition with SpaceX Starlink, backed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

The acquisition is expected to significantly boost Amazon’s Project Kuiper initiative, the company’s ongoing effort to build a global broadband network using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. By integrating Globalstar’s existing satellite infrastructure, spectrum licenses, and operational expertise, Amazon aims to accelerate deployment timelines and expand coverage, particularly in underserved and remote regions.

Industry analysts view the move as a strategic shortcut. Instead of building entirely from scratch, Amazon is leveraging Globalstar’s established assets to compete more aggressively with Starlink, which already serves millions of users worldwide and has a substantial head start in satellite launches.

Globalstar, known for its mobile satellite services and partnerships in both commercial and government sectors, brings valuable spectrum rights that are increasingly scarce and highly sought after in the space communications race. These assets could provide Amazon with a critical advantage in scaling its network efficiently.

The deal also reflects the broader trend of tech giants investing heavily in space infrastructure as demand for global, high-speed internet continues to rise. Satellite broadband is seen as a key solution for bridging the digital divide, especially in areas where traditional fiber or cellular networks are impractical.

While regulatory approvals are still pending, both companies have expressed confidence that the transaction will be completed within the next year. If finalized, the acquisition could reshape the competitive landscape of satellite internet, turning it into a high-stakes contest between Amazon and SpaceX.

As the space economy heats up, this deal underscores a clear message: the battle for the skies—and global connectivity—is only just beginning.

Massachusetts Court Allows Lawsuit Against Meta Platforms Over Youth Social Media Addiction to Proceed

Newsroom — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:48:52 +0000

Boston, Massachusetts — A major legal battle over social media and youth safety is moving forward after a Massachusetts court ruled that a lawsuit accusing Meta Platforms of fostering addiction among young users can proceed.

The case, brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell in 2024, alleges that Meta deliberately designed features on its platforms—particularly Facebook and Instagram—to keep children and teenagers hooked for longer periods. State lawyers argue that these design choices were profit-driven and contributed to widespread compulsive use among minors.

Allegations of “addictive design”

According to the lawsuit, Meta’s own internal research indicated that certain platform features could encourage addictive behavior. Prosecutors claim the company used tools such as notifications, infinite scrolling, and engagement-driven design to increase user retention—especially among young people.

State officials say the impact has been significant, affecting hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts alone.

“This case is about the tools Meta built,” state solicitor David Kravitz told the court, emphasizing that the lawsuit targets platform design—not user-generated content.

Meta pushes back

Meta Platforms has strongly denied the allegations, stating it is committed to supporting young users and maintaining safe online environments. The company argues that the lawsuit attempts to hold it liable for functions protected under free speech laws.

Meta’s legal team also contends that its services fall under protections similar to those granted to publishers, raising constitutional concerns tied to the First Amendment.

A key legal question: platform vs. publisher

At the heart of the case is whether federal protections—particularly Section 230—shield Meta from liability not just for user content, but also for how its platforms are designed.

Massachusetts’ highest court is now weighing whether these protections extend to features that allegedly amplify engagement and potentially harm users. Legal experts say the outcome could set a nationwide precedent for how tech companies are regulated.

Broader implications

The lawsuit is part of a growing wave of legal challenges against major tech companies over the mental health impact of social media on young users. Courts across the United States are increasingly being asked to determine whether platform design choices can be considered harmful—and legally actionable.

What happens next

The Massachusetts case will continue through the courts following the ruling, with further hearings expected to examine evidence and legal arguments in detail.

If the state ultimately prevails, the case could reshape how social media platforms are built—and significantly increase accountability for how tech companies design products used by millions of young people worldwide.

White House Pushes Deep Cuts to U.S. Cybersecurity Agency Budget

Newsroom — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:34:06 +0000

The White House has proposed a sweeping reduction of funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), seeking to cut approximately $707 million from its budget in the upcoming fiscal plan.

The proposed reduction—part of the administration’s fiscal year 2027 budget—would amount to roughly a 30% decrease in funding for the nation’s primary civilian cybersecurity agency.

Major Shift in Cybersecurity Strategy

According to budget documents, the administration aims to refocus CISA on core responsibilities, such as protecting federal networks and critical infrastructure, while scaling back broader coordination and outreach programs.

The proposal includes:

Reductions in staffing and contractor support
Cuts to stakeholder engagement and coordination programs
Elimination of initiatives tied to misinformation and external partnerships

Officials argue that these changes would streamline operations and remove what they describe as “duplicative” or inefficient programs.

Criticism and Security Concerns

The plan has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and cybersecurity experts, who warn that such deep cuts could weaken national defenses at a time of rising global cyber threats.

Critics point out that CISA plays a central role in:

Sharing threat intelligence with state and local governments
Coordinating with private-sector infrastructure operators
Responding to cyber incidents nationwide

Some officials have labeled the proposed reduction as “reckless,” arguing it could undermine the country’s ability to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Ongoing Pressure on the Agency

The proposed cuts come after a challenging period for CISA, which has already faced:

Workforce reductions
Budget constraints
Increased operational pressure from cyber threats

If approved, the new budget would further reduce the agency’s funding to around $2 billion, significantly lower than previous levels.

European Startup Ecosystem Sees Strong Weekly Investment Momentum

Newsroom — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:25:48 +0000

European tech startups continued to attract significant investor interest this week, with more than 60 funding deals collectively surpassing €1.2 billion, signaling sustained confidence in the region’s innovation landscape.

The steady flow of capital highlights the resilience of Europe’s startup ecosystem, particularly at a time when global venture markets remain cautious. Rather than being dominated by a handful of mega-rounds, this week’s activity reflects a broad base of investments across early- and mid-stage companies.

One notable deal came from Italy, where Wearable Robotics secured a €5 million Series A round. The company specializes in wearable robotic systems designed to support neuromotor rehabilitation. The fresh funding will help accelerate product development, expand into international markets, and advance regulatory approvals.

Industry observers note that sectors such as healthtech, robotics, and deep technology are drawing increased attention from investors. This trend suggests a shift toward startups offering scalable, high-impact solutions with strong technical foundations.

Additionally, the diversity of deals across multiple European countries underscores the growing decentralization of innovation, with emerging hubs gaining traction alongside established centers like London, Berlin, and Paris.

Overall, this week’s funding activity reinforces the view that Europe’s startup ecosystem remains dynamic and well-supported, driven by consistent investment across a wide range of industries.

DeepSeek’s AI Strategy Signals Shift Toward Domestic Chips and Global Competition

Newsroom — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:18:44 +0000

April 3, 2026

BEIJING — Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is preparing to launch a new generation of its flagship AI model, signaling a broader shift in the global tech industry away from reliance on U.S. hardware and toward domestically developed alternatives.

The upcoming model, known as V4, is expected to run on advanced chips produced by Huawei Technologies, according to a report by The Information cited by Reuters. The move reflects a growing push within China’s tech sector to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor technology amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Sources familiar with the matter said major Chinese technology firms—including Alibaba Group, ByteDance, and Tencent Holdings—have placed large orders for Huawei’s AI chips in anticipation of the model’s release.

Shift Toward Domestic Ecosystems

DeepSeek’s decision to prioritize Chinese chipmakers marks a break from industry norms, where AI developers typically collaborate closely with U.S. firms such as Nvidia and AMD to optimize performance. Instead, the company has worked with Huawei and other domestic players like Cambricon Technologies to adapt its software for local hardware.

Analysts say this reflects a broader strategic realignment within China’s AI industry.

“Optimizing models for domestic chips is no longer optional—it’s becoming a core priority,” said one industry observer, noting that export restrictions and supply uncertainties have accelerated the trend.

The V4 model is also expected to come in multiple variants designed specifically for Chinese processors, underscoring the growing importance of hardware-software integration within national ecosystems.

Global Implications

The development highlights intensifying competition between the United States and China over control of advanced AI technologies. Washington has imposed export controls on cutting-edge chips, limiting Chinese firms’ access to the most powerful processors.

In response, Chinese companies have increased investment in domestic alternatives, even as technical challenges remain. Earlier efforts to fully replace U.S. chips encountered performance and stability issues, but continued collaboration between AI developers and local chipmakers is narrowing the gap.

DeepSeek’s earlier models, known for their relatively low cost, disrupted global markets and raised questions about the spending strategies of Western AI firms. The upcoming V4 release is expected to intensify that scrutiny, particularly if it demonstrates competitive performance using non-U.S. hardware.

Online Buzz and Industry Reaction

On social media platform X, discussions around DeepSeek and Huawei have surged, with users debating whether China can build a fully independent AI stack.

Trending themes include:

“China AI chips vs Nvidia”
“DeepSeek V4 performance”
“AI chip decoupling”
“Huawei Ascend vs Western GPUs”

Some users describe the move as a “turning point for AI sovereignty,” while others remain skeptical about whether domestic chips can match the efficiency of leading U.S. hardware.

Looking Ahead

DeepSeek is expected to unveil V4 in the coming weeks, in what analysts describe as a key test of China’s ability to compete at the frontier of artificial intelligence without relying on American technology.

As the global AI race accelerates, the company’s strategy could help redefine how—and where—the next generation of AI systems is built.

Iran Is Offline. 90 Million People Just Went Dark. Here Is Why.

Newsroom — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:17:33 +0000

Iran Is Offline. 90 Million People Just Went Dark. Here Is Why.

TEHRAN,For the past four weeks, the noise of the digital world has been replaced by a deafening silence. As of April 2, 2026, Iran is cut off from the global grid. While the physical war started by the joint US-Israeli Operation Epic Fury on February 28 disrupts the skyline of Tehran, a parallel “Digital Siege” is dismantling the daily lives of 92 million people. The internet isn’t just slow; it is basically gone. Here is the reality of the world’s most sophisticated digital lockdown.

The “Kill Switch”: Absolute Digital Isolation

Since the conflict escalated, the Iranian government has put nearly the entire internet offline. This isn’t the temporary slowing we’ve seen in the past; it is the rollout of the National Information Network (NIN), a closed-loop domestic intranet. The Reality: For

most Iranians, the internet now consists only of government-approved local banking apps and state-run news. International platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail have been wiped from existence. The Monitoring: Every ping within this domestic network is heavily watched. Digital rights groups report that even previously used peer-to-peer networks are being dismantled.

The Starlink Underground & The $4,000 Price Tag

With the local web compromised, the only remaining lifeline is the stars. However, accessing Elon Musk’s Starlink has become a risky move. Banned & Jammed: The government has officially banned the hardware and is reportedly using military-grade jammers to scramble satellite signals in urban areas. The Black Market: Smuggled

Starlink kits that once cost $600 are now being sold for as much as $4,000 (roughly 2.4 billion tomans) on the black market. For those who manage to get online, the cost of specialized “Starlink-compatible” VPNs has surged tenfold, making the internet a luxury for the elite or the desperate.

Economic Suicide: 130 Trillion tomans Per Day

The digital blackout is doing what sanctions alone could not: it is crippling the Iranian economy from within. E-Commerce Fallout: Online sales, which support Iran’s modern middle class, have collapsed by 80%. Stock Market Chaos: The Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) has entered a tailspin, losing over 450,000 points in just four days. The Daily Drain: Analysts estimate the shutdown is costing the nation 130 trillion tomans daily in lost productivity, trade, and banking operations.

The Geopolitical Chokepoint: The Strait of Hormuz

The digital war is now spilling into the physical sea. The Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world’s oil, is currently a controlled zone. Selective Passage: Iran is using its digital control to enforce a selective blockade. While not fully closed, traffic has dropped by 90%. Digital Piracy: The IRGC is reportedly using satellite spoofing and jamming to make navigation impossible for unfriendly vessels. Without a global GPS signal, the Strait has become a danger zone of navigation errors and tension.

The Human Verdict: A Nation in the Dark

The most heartbreaking aspect of this lockdown is the silence from families. Those in the diaspora haven’t heard from their parents in Tehran for weeks. There is no way to verify casualties, no way to find safe routes through bombed neighborhoods, and no way to tell the world what is happening. Iran’s digital isolation is a frightening model for future warfare. It shows that in 2026, you don’t need to destroy a city to erase it; you just need to turn off the signal. As the US and Israel continue their campaign, 90 million people remain trapped in a dark age, waiting for a connection that may never come back.

FDA’s Misstep Shows AI Can’t Guarantee Public Safety

Newsroom — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:46:14 +0000

FDA’s Misstep Shows AI Can’t Guarantee Public Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found itself under scrutiny after a high-profile reliance on artificial intelligence failed to deliver on its promise of safeguarding the public. The incident underscores growing concerns that while AI tools can enhance decision-making, they are far from infallible.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the FDA had incorporated an AI-based system into its review process for [insert product type — e.g., medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or food safety inspections] with the goal of speeding up approvals and flagging potential risks more efficiently. However, the technology failed to detect critical safety issues, leading to a recall and raising questions about the oversight framework for such systems.

“This is a wake-up call,” said [Expert Name], a professor of regulatory science at [University]. “AI can help, but it should never replace human judgment—especially when lives are on the line.”

The misstep comes amid a wave of government agencies experimenting with AI to manage large volumes of data and streamline workflows. Proponents argue that the technology can spot patterns invisible to human reviewers, but critics caution that algorithms are only as reliable as the data and assumptions behind them.

Consumer safety advocates are now urging the FDA to adopt a “trust but verify” approach, combining algorithmic recommendations with thorough human-led review. They warn that overconfidence in AI could lead to systemic blind spots, particularly when the technology is deployed without transparent validation and regular auditing.

The FDA has acknowledged the shortcomings of the system and announced an internal review. “We are committed to improving our processes and ensuring that AI tools meet the highest standards of accuracy and accountability,” the agency said in a statement.

This episode adds to a broader debate over the role of AI in high-stakes decision-making, from autonomous vehicles to predictive policing. Experts say that until AI is subjected to the same rigorous testing as any other critical tool, it should be viewed as an aid—not a replacement—for human expertise.

“The lesson is simple,” said [Expert Name]. “Technology can be powerful, but public safety demands more than just trusting the math.”

FTX Japan’s Defunct Platform Still Online, Potentially Exposing 35,000 Users

Newsroom — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:16:32 +0000

FTX Japan’s Defunct Platform Still Online, Potentially Exposing 35,000 Users

August 3, 2025 — A troubling discovery has surfaced in the ongoing fallout from the collapse of crypto giant FTX. Despite the company’s bankruptcy and shutdown in late 2022, the Japanese arm of the exchange—FTX Japan—still has a portion of its platform publicly accessible online. This lingering digital remnant may be exposing personal data of more than 35,000 former users, raising serious concerns over cybersecurity and user privacy.

Security analysts recently flagged the issue after finding that parts of the FTX Japan website, including backend infrastructure and API endpoints, remained active. While most trading services have been disabled, some user information appears to still be accessible, including usernames, account balances, and transaction histories. Experts warn that if not properly shut down, the platform could become a goldmine for cybercriminals.

Regulatory Oversight in Question

FTX Japan had been under the supervision of Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), which had frozen customer assets and ordered the platform to suspend operations following the global FTX meltdown. However, the fact that parts of the system remain online suggests possible oversight gaps in how the exchange’s infrastructure was decommissioned.

Privacy advocates argue that FTX and its administrators have failed to fulfill their obligations to protect user data, even in bankruptcy. “Leaving even a fragment of an exchange like FTX online is a ticking time bomb for user privacy,” said Ayumi Tanaka, a cybersecurity expert based in Tokyo. “With thousands of users involved, the potential for identity theft, phishing attacks, or worse is very real.”

What This Means for Users

While there is no immediate confirmation of any large-scale data breach, affected users are being urged to monitor their email accounts and crypto wallets for suspicious activity. Former FTX Japan customers are also advised to reset passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on any connected services.

The issue further highlights the vulnerabilities that can remain even after a company’s public operations cease. FTX’s global collapse was one of the largest financial scandals in crypto history, and this new development underscores how the damage may still be unfolding for its users.

What’s Next?

At the time of reporting, neither FTX’s bankruptcy administrators nor Japanese regulators have issued a public statement regarding the online remnants of the platform. Legal experts suggest that this exposure could lead to further legal liabilities and class-action suits against the failed exchange.

In a space already plagued by volatility and trust issues, the ghost of FTX Japan may serve as yet another cautionary tale for both crypto investors and regulators worldwide.

If you were a user of FTX Japan and are concerned about your data, consider contacting your local consumer protection authority or seek legal advice on possible recourse.

ByteDance’s Trae IDE Accused of Spying on Developers

Newsroom — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:37:31 +0000

ByteDance’s Trae IDE Accused of Spying on Developers

July 28, 2025 — Tech Desk

ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind TikTok, is facing serious allegations after its AI-powered coding platform, Trae IDE, was accused of secretly collecting sensitive user data without consent. The controversy has sparked fresh concerns about user privacy and data security in AI-driven developer tools.

Allegations of Unauthorized Data Access

Several cybersecurity researchers and developers have raised red flags after analyzing Trae IDE’s behavior. According to initial reports, the tool was found to be making unexpected outbound connections, potentially transmitting snippets of source code and project metadata to external servers linked to ByteDance.

A widely shared post on GitHub by an independent security analyst claimed that Trae IDE was accessing local directories unrelated to the IDE workspace, and periodically sending encrypted payloads over the internet—without user authorization or opt-in consent. While the full scope of the data allegedly harvested is still unclear, some believe it could include proprietary code, API keys, and other confidential development assets.

Developer Backlash

The developer community has responded with outrage, with many calling for a boycott of Trae IDE and demanding greater transparency from ByteDance. “#BanTraeIDE” began trending on developer forums and social platforms such as Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), where programmers voiced concerns over the potential misuse of their intellectual property.

“It’s one thing to offer an AI-assisted coding experience, but it’s another to secretly siphon off developer data. That crosses the line,” said Mariana Lopez, a backend engineer and privacy advocate.

ByteDance Responds

In a brief statement, ByteDance denied any wrongdoing, saying that Trae IDE’s data transmissions were solely intended for “performance monitoring and improvement of AI coding suggestions.” The company emphasized that all user data is “anonymized and encrypted,” and that they adhere to global data privacy standards.

Despite the denial, ByteDance has promised a full internal review and temporarily suspended certain telemetry features pending further investigation.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The incident has caught the attention of global regulators. Authorities in the European Union and India—two major markets for ByteDance—are reportedly assessing whether the tool violates GDPR and local cybersecurity laws. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have also voiced concerns, with some calling for an inquiry into the company’s software practices.

The Larger Debate on AI and Privacy

The controversy adds to the growing debate over AI tools and developer privacy. As AI-integrated IDEs and code assistants become more common, questions arise over what data these tools collect, how it’s stored, and who has access to it.

“If developers can’t trust their tools, the entire software ecosystem is at risk,” said Javed Khan, a cybersecurity professor at MIT. “We need stricter standards and transparency in AI development environments.”

What’s Next?

As investigations continue, developers are advised to review network activity and permissions granted to third-party tools like Trae IDE. Some cybersecurity experts recommend using firewalls and sandbox environments to limit data exposure until more is known.

For now, Trae IDE’s reputation hangs in the balance as ByteDance faces mounting pressure to prove it can be trusted with the very data that fuels its AI.

Microsoft Attributes SharePoint Server Attacks to Chinese Hackers

Newsroom — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:31:14 +0000

Microsoft Attributes SharePoint Server Attacks to Chinese Hackers

July 23, 2025 — Microsoft has announced that a sophisticated cyberattack targeting its SharePoint server infrastructure has been traced to a state-sponsored hacking group operating out of China. The company revealed the findings in a recent threat intelligence report, underscoring growing concerns over state-backed cyber activity aimed at critical enterprise systems.

According to Microsoft, the attackers exploited a previously unknown vulnerability in SharePoint, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information on targeted networks. The campaign is believed to have been active for several months before detection.

The hacking group, identified by Microsoft as part of the broader “Storm” threat actor network, reportedly focused on government agencies, defense contractors, and high-tech firms. While Microsoft did not publicly name a specific group, security experts say the techniques and infrastructure used align with known operations of APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) groups with ties to Beijing.

“We have high confidence that this campaign was carried out by a China-based threat actor with a history of targeting enterprise collaboration tools,” Microsoft said in its advisory. “This operation demonstrates a continued focus on data exfiltration and long-term access to strategic information.”

The company has released patches and mitigation guidelines for affected organizations and urged all customers to apply the updates immediately. Microsoft is also working closely with U.S. cybersecurity agencies and international partners to assess the full scope of the breach.

The Chinese government has routinely denied involvement in cyber-espionage campaigns. In response to Microsoft’s report, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “China firmly opposes all forms of cyberattacks and maintains that any accusations must be based on clear evidence.”

Cybersecurity analysts warn that this latest incident reflects a broader trend of targeting widely used enterprise platforms like SharePoint, which are often deployed across sensitive sectors but can be difficult to secure comprehensively.

“This attack underscores the importance of proactive threat monitoring and rapid vulnerability management,” said Laura Kim, a senior analyst at Mandiant. “State-aligned actors are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit even niche software exposures.”

Microsoft has committed to continuing its investigation and sharing further technical details with industry partners to bolster collective defense efforts.