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US exempts key electronics from China import taxes

Smartphones, computers, and key tech components have been granted exemption from the latest round of US tariffs, providing relief to American technology firms heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing.

The decision, which includes products such as semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards, marks the first major rollback in President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.

The exemptions, retroactively effective from 5 April, come amid concerns from US tech giants that consumer prices would soar.

Analysts say this move could be a turning point, especially for companies like Apple and Nvidia, which source most of their hardware from China. Industry reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with suggestions that the policy shift could reshape global tech supply chains.

Despite easing tariffs on electronics, Trump has maintained a strict stance on Chinese trade, citing national security and economic independence.

The White House claims the reprieve gives firms time to shift manufacturing to the US. However, electronic goods will still face a separate 20% tariff due to China’s ties to fentanyl-related trade. Meanwhile, Trump insists high tariffs are essential leverage to renegotiate fairer global trade terms.

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Benchmark backlash hits Meta’s Maverick model

Meta’s latest open-source language model, Llama 4 Maverick, has ranked poorly on a widely used AI benchmark after the company was criticised for initially using a heavily modified, unreleased version to boost its results.

LM Arena, the platform where the performance was measured, has since updated its rules and retested Meta’s vanilla version.

The plain Maverick model, officially named ‘Llama-4-Maverick-17B-128E-Instruct,’ placed behind older competitors such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro.

Meta admitted that the stronger-performing variant used earlier had been ‘optimised for conversationality,’ which likely gave it an unfair advantage in LM Arena’s human-rated comparisons.

Although LM Arena’s reliability as a performance gauge has been questioned, the controversy has raised concerns over transparency and benchmarking practices in the AI industry.

Meta has since released its open-source model to developers, encouraging them to customise it for real-world use and provide feedback.

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Microsoft users at risk from tax-themed cyberattack

As the US tax filing deadline of April 15 approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up phishing attacks designed to exploit the urgency many feel during this stressful period.

Windows users are particularly at risk, as attackers are targeting Microsoft account credentials by distributing emails disguised as tax-related reminders.

These emails include a PDF attachment titled ‘urgent reminder,’ which contains a malicious QR code. Once scanned, it leads users through fake bot protection and CAPTCHA checks before prompting them to enter their Microsoft login details, details that are then sent to a server controlled by criminals.

Security researchers, including Peter Arntz from Malwarebytes, warn that the email addresses in these fake login pages are already pre-filled, making it easier for unsuspecting victims to fall into the trap.

Entering your password at this stage could hand your credentials to malicious actors, possibly operating from Russia, who may exploit your account for maximum profit.

The form of attack takes advantage of both the ticking tax clock and the stress many feel trying to meet the deadline, encouraging impulsive and risky clicks.

Importantly, this threat is not limited to Windows users or those filing taxes by the April 15 deadline. As phishing techniques become more advanced through the use of AI and automated smartphone farms, similar scams are expected to persist well beyond tax season.

The IRS rarely contacts individuals via email and never to request sensitive information through links or attachments, so any such message should be treated with suspicion instead of trust.

To stay safe, users are urged to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on links or scanning codes from unsolicited emails. Instead of relying on emails for tax updates or returns, go directly to official websites.

The IRS offers resources to help recognise and report scams, and reviewing this guidance could be an essential step in protecting your personal information, not just today, but in the months ahead.

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UAE experts warn on AI privacy risks in art apps

A surge in AI applications transforming selfies into Studio Ghibli-style artwork has captivated social media, but UAE cybersecurity experts are raising concerns over privacy and data misuse.

Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, warned that engaging with unofficial apps could lead to breaches or leaks of personal data. He emphasised that while AI’s benefits are clear, users must understand how their personal data is handled by these platforms.

He called for strong cybersecurity standards across all digital platforms, urging individuals to be more cautious with their data.

Media professionals are also sounding alarms. Adel Al-Rashed, an Emirati journalist, cautioned that free apps often mimic trusted platforms but could exploit user data. He advised users to stick to verified applications, noting that paid services, like ChatGPT’s Pro edition, offer stronger privacy protections.

While acknowledging the risks, social media influencer Ibrahim Al-Thahli highlighted the excitement AI brings to creative expression. He urged users to focus on education and safe engagement with the technology, underscoring the UAE’s goal to build a resilient digital economy.

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AI transforms global healthcare with major growth ahead

The healthcare sector is poised for significant growth as AI continues to revolutionise the industry. A new report from Avant Technologies predicts an influx of AI-powered solutions in healthcare, with key technology giants leading the charge.

Avant Technologies and Ainnova, in their joint venture, plan to showcase their AI-powered Vision AI platform at the 2025 Mexico Healthcare Innovation Summit.

The platform, aimed at early disease detection, is nearing approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is already in clinical trials in Southeast Asia and South America.

Apple and Amazon are also entering the AI healthcare space, with Apple launching an AI-powered health coach to guide users on diet and exercise, while Amazon is expanding its AI solutions with a healthcare chatbot.

Meanwhile, GE Healthcare has seen success with its AI-driven cardiac imaging, which has garnered FDA approval. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports AI integration in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care and early diagnosis, though it has urged regulators to be cautious of potential risks.

AI in healthcare is expected to grow exponentially, reaching a market valuation of $613 billion by 2034. The sector’s rapid expansion is driven by increasing adoption rates, particularly for early disease detection, administrative efficiency, and personalised medicine.

Despite data privacy concerns, the adoption of AI tools in fields like dermatology, oncology, and cardiovascular health is expected to surge. North America is predicted to lead the market, followed by Europe and South Asia, as more healthcare institutions embrace AI technologies.

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Hackers leak data from Indian software firm in major breach

A major cybersecurity breach has reportedly compromised a software company based in India, with hackers claiming responsibility for stealing nearly 1.6 million rows of sensitive data on 19 December 2024.

A hacker identified as @303 is said to have accessed and exposed customer information and internal credentials, with the dataset later appearing on a dark web forum via a user known as ‘frog’.

The leaked data includes email addresses linked to major Indian insurance providers, contact numbers, and possible administrative access credentials.

Analysts found that the sample files feature information tied to employees of companies such as HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, and ICICI Lombard, suggesting widespread exposure across the sector.

Despite the firm’s stated dedication to safeguarding data, the incident raises doubts about its cybersecurity protocols.

The breach also comes as India’s insurance regulator, IRDAI, has begun enforcing stricter cyber measures. In March 2025, it instructed insurers to appoint forensic auditors in advance and perform full IT audits instead of waiting for threats to surface.

A breach like this follows a string of high-profile incidents, including the Star Health Insurance leak affecting 31 million customers.

With cyberattacks in India up by 261% in early 2024 and the average cost of a breach now ₹19.5 crore, experts warn that insurance firms must adopt stronger protections instead of relying on outdated defences.

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Meta faces landmark antitrust trial

An antitrust trial against Meta commenced in Washington, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the company’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were designed to crush competition instead of fostering innovation.

Although the FTC initially approved these deals, it now claims they effectively handed Meta a monopoly. Should the FTC succeed, Meta may be forced to sell off both platforms, a move that would reshape the tech landscape.

Meta has countered by asserting that users have benefited from Instagram’s development under its ownership, instead of being harmed by diminished competition. Legal experts believe the company will focus on consumer outcomes rather than corporate intent.

Nevertheless, statements made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, such as his remark that it’s ‘better to buy than to compete,’ may prove pivotal. Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg are both expected to testify during the trial, which could span several weeks in the US.

Political tensions loom over the case, which was first launched under Donald Trump’s presidency. Reports suggest Zuckerberg has privately lobbied Trump to drop the lawsuit, while Meta has criticised the FTC’s reversal years after approving the acquisitions.

The recent dismissal of two Democratic commissioners from the FTC by Trump has raised concerns over political interference, especially as the commission now holds a Republican majority.

While the FTC seeks to challenge Meta’s dominance, experts caution that proving harm in this case will be far more difficult than in the ongoing antitrust battle against Google.

Unlike the search engine market, which is clearly monopolised, the social media space remains highly competitive, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube and X offering strong alternatives.

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Google rolls out AI to improve US power grid connections

Google has announced a partnership with PJM Interconnection, the largest electricity grid operator in North America, to deploy AI aimed at reducing delays in connecting new power sources to the grid. The move comes as energy demand surges due to the expansion of data centres required for AI development.

Wait times for connecting renewable and traditional energy sources, such as wind, solar and gas, have reached record levels, increasing the risk of blackouts and rising energy costs in the US. Google’s AI technology, developed alongside Alphabet-backed Tapestry, will streamline and automate key planning processes traditionally handled manually by grid operators.

Initial deployment will focus on automating tasks like assessing project viability, which are currently time-consuming. Over time, the project aims to create a digital model of PJM’s grid, similar to Google Maps, allowing planners to view layered data and make faster, more informed decisions.

While it is too early to quantify exactly how much time will be saved, the collaboration is expected to gradually improve planning efficiency. PJM’s grid serves 67 million people, including the world’s largest data centre hub in northern Virginia, making this a critical step toward modernising the energy infrastructure needed to support the AI era.

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AI giant Nvidia rebounds but challenges remain

Shares in Nvidia soared by nearly 20 per cent following a 90-day suspension of new US tariffs, lifting Wall Street to one of its strongest single-day performances in decades. The tech giant, whose chips underpin much of the AI boom from tools like ChatGPT to drone technologies, added $440bn to its market value in just one session, underlining its pivotal role in the global AI race.

Despite the rally, serious concerns remain. While some tariffs were temporarily halted, President Donald Trump raised levies on Chinese imports to as high as 125 per cent. For Nvidia, whose supply chain relies heavily on advanced manufacturing in Asia, particularly Taiwan and South Korea, the move threatens to disrupt both costs and production timelines. Analysts caution that such trade friction could deter investment in AI infrastructure, which is still in early stages of commercial return.

Even with strong revenues and continued dominance in AI hardware, Nvidia faces growing headwinds. The firm’s recent share slump reflected broader anxiety over whether AI spending is peaking, alongside the rise of cheaper, open-source alternatives. Added pressure from high energy demands, regulatory risks, and tighter capital markets could further complicate growth. Industry watchers warn that tariffs may undermine the very conditions AI needs to flourish: stable supply chains, affordable power, and investor confidence.

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ICT policy reform planned to boost digital economy in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is set to overhaul key ICT and telecom policies by June to eliminate major barriers to digital growth, according to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and ICT.

He shared the plan at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, highlighting that modern laws and a supportive business environment will pave the way for stronger digital investments.

Taiyeb noted that for over 15 years, fragmented digital initiatives have led to isolated systems with little integration or interoperability.

However, this lack of coordination has weakened citizen services and digital payments, and the government now aims to fix these issues as a top priority. The goal is to empower the country’s vast youth population through technology.

Several major reforms are currently in progress. The Cyber Security Ordinance, set to be finalised by the end of April, will introduce new transparency measures by requiring the government to disclose information about online content restrictions, giving citizens the right to legally challenge them.

Changes to the telecom licensing framework and network infrastructure are also moving forward.

At the summit’s digital growth panel, international experts called for easier cross-border e-commerce and fewer restrictions on digital transactions.

Bangladesh Bank plans to introduce full interoperability in digital payments by next year, and Grameenphone’s CEO highlighted how mobile connectivity continues to drive economic transformation.

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