🤝 OpenAI partners with U.S. government

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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:

☀️ On this day: On February 1, 1991, Sun Microsystems initiated the development of Java technology, which would go on to revolutionize programming with its "write once, run anywhere" philosophy. Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages today.

What’s happening:

• 🤝 OpenAI partners with U.S. government

• 🏛️ Musk aides seize control of US agencies

• 🚫 Texas bans Chinese AI and social media apps

• 🤦 Meta's anti-leak memo gets leaked instantly

• 📈 Apple posts record earnings despite iPhone dip

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

🤝 OpenAI partners with U.S. government ↗️LINK

• What: OpenAI announced a partnership with U.S. National Laboratories to apply its AI models in scientific research, cybersecurity, and nuclear weapons security. Up to 15,000 scientists will access OpenAI’s o1 series models, and a model will be deployed on Los Alamos’ Venado supercomputer.

• Why: The collaboration aims to enhance cybersecurity, improve disease research, and advance mathematics and physics. OpenAI will also help secure nuclear materials and reduce nuclear war risks, with some researchers holding security clearances.

• Impact: OpenAI is strengthening ties with the U.S. government, following its release of ChatGPT Gov for government use. Meanwhile, Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is gaining traction, intensifying global AI competition.

🏛️ Musk aides seize control of US agencies ↗️LINK

• What: Elon Musk and his associates are reportedly taking control of key US government agencies, including the Treasury Department and General Services Administration. His team has locked out civil servants and requested access to the Treasury’s $6 trillion payment system.

• Why: Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was meant to recommend spending cuts but has instead taken direct control. Trump’s executive order rebranded the U.S. Digital Service as U.S. DOGE, giving Musk a formal role.

• Impact: Critics see this as an unprecedented private takeover of federal agencies, raising concerns over governance, data security, and financial stability. Some compare it to Musk’s chaotic Twitter acquisition.

🚫 Texas bans Chinese AI and social media apps ↗️LINK

• What: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has banned six Chinese-backed AI and social media apps, including DeepSeek, RedNote, and Lemon8, from government devices. This expands on a 2022 ban on TikTok and follows a law granting Abbott authority to block apps posing security risks.

• Why: Abbott cites concerns over Chinese data-harvesting and espionage, emphasizing the need to protect Texas' critical infrastructure and personal data from the Chinese Communist Party.

• Impact: The move fuels U.S.-China tech tensions and restricts access to popular AI models like DeepSeek. It also signals a broader crackdown on Chinese tech, as lawmakers debate further national security measures.

🤦 Meta's anti-leak memo gets leaked instantly ↗️LINK

• What: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed frustration over leaks from internal meetings, citing the company’s decision to end DEI programs, adjust hate speech policies, and lay off low performers. Afterward, Meta’s security chief issued a memo warning that leakers would be fired. Ironically, that memo was leaked immediately.

• Why: Zuckerberg claimed leaks undermine transparency, prompting stricter internal policies. The company also disabled public voting on questions during the latest all-hands meeting.

• Impact: The leaks expose Meta’s internal changes and reinforce distrust among employees. Tightening secrecy may backfire, leading to more dissent and further leaks.

📈 Apple posts record earnings despite iPhone dip ↗️LINK

• What: Apple reported record quarterly revenue of $124.3 billion, a 4% increase from last year, driven by strong Mac, iPad, and services sales. However, iPhone revenue saw a slight decline, raising questions about demand for the latest models.

• Why: Apple's cautious rollout of AI-powered features and shifting consumer interest may have affected iPhone upgrades. CEO Tim Cook argued that Apple Intelligence boosted sales in some markets but acknowledged its limited impact so far.

• Impact: While Apple remains financially strong, the dip in iPhone revenue signals potential challenges in sustaining smartphone growth. Future AI enhancements and new product strategies may be key to driving upgrades.

Love staying informed? These newsletters are a must-read for curious minds!

Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Do you agree with the ruling that AI-generated works alone can’t be copyrighted?

• A) Yes – Only human-created works should qualify - 53% 🏆

• B) No – AI-generated content deserves protection too - 47%

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