The Web

Google Chrome is finally transitioning to Manifest V3, introducing new rules for ad blockers

The big picture: Google claims that the new version of its Chrome extension platform will mean a safer and more efficient browser experience for users. While there are some features in Manifest V3 that will facilitate this, critics claim that the new controls are more helpful to advertisers. This has raised questions about Google's motivations, given that a significant portion of its revenue comes from advertising.

Google is officially a monopoly: Company loses massive DOJ antitrust trial over search engine agreements

What just happened? The US Department of Justice's nearly year-long case against Google over its dominance in the search engine market has reached a dramatic end. The case could drastically alter how numerous devices and web browsers choose their default search engines, though the full extent of the impending effects remains unclear.

What is the most commonly used password?

AI companies to music labels: scraping copyrighted tracks on the internet to train algorithms is "fair use"

Chrome browser is getting AI features to let you compare data between tabs

In brief: Chrome is gaining three new AI features powered by Google's latest language models. There's a new Google Lens integration for visually searching any on-screen images and text, a Tab Compare feature that automatically generates product comparison overviews, and enhanced history search using natural language queries.

Reddit stands firm against AI companies scraping content for training without paying

Microsoft removes ads from Skype to improve user experience

Google Chrome 127 introduces application-bound encryption on Windows

Wikipedia embraces the dark side with official dark mode launch

Meta agrees to pay $1.4 billion in Texas lawsuit for abusing facial recognition tech

Facepalm: Meta attempted to use Facebook as a giant surveillance service to profit from users' personal data. The company ultimately failed in the endeavor and is now facing significant financial penalties as a result, which includes a massive settlement due to the state of Texas over the next five years.

Can you manage your passwords? Survey shows many feel overwhelmed yet overconfident about it

Senate passes sweeping online child safety measures amid free speech concerns

Microsoft urges congress to enact laws against deepfake misuse

Internet disruptions across France after fiber optic cables cut in suspected sabotage

New haptic feedback standard vows to bring a sense of touch to the internet

Feel the Bit: A recently released standard aims to solve the technology issues related to haptic feedback sent through the internet, bringing a whole new sense to network-powered applications. As with streaming, compression will be instrumental in achieving this ambitious goal.

Google apologizes after 15 million Chrome users lost access to their passwords

UK scientists achieve unprecedented 402 Tbps data transmission over optical fiber

What just happened? A few months ago, scientists at Aston University in the UK broke a world record for data transmission speed. They have now surpassed their previous work, achieving a new benchmark. The team accomplished this feat by constructing the first optical transmission system that uses six wavelength bands. The development could revolutionize internet connectivity, enabling faster data transfers at cheaper price points – provided that ISPs pass on the savings to customers.

Senators urge FTC to investigate carmakers selling drivers' location and speed data

Twitter/X is feeding your data to Grok AI by default – here's how you can opt out

OpenAI unveils prototype search engine "SearchGPT"

NASA streams 4K video from aircraft to space (and back) at blistering speeds using laser tech

Bing is rolling out generative search to counter Google's awful AI overviews

Philippines shutters its online gambling industry amid tax evasion, human trafficking concerns

Apple Maps is now available on the web