The Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC) has urged a security review of Intel’s products in China, alleging that the US chipmaker poses a national security risk. Although CSAC is an industry group, it has strong connections to the Chinese government, and its claims may prompt action from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
CSAC’s post on WeChat accuses Intel’s chips, including its Xeon processors used for AI, of containing vulnerabilities and backdoors allegedly tied to the US NSA. The group warns that using Intel products threatens China’s national security and critical infrastructure.
This recommendation comes amid growing US-China tensions over technology and trade. Last year, the CAC banned Chinese infrastructure operators from using products from Micron Technology after a security review, raising concerns that Intel could face a similar outcome.
Intel’s China unit responded, emphasising its commitment to product safety and quality. The company stated on its WeChat account that it will cooperate with authorities to clarify concerns. If the CAC carries out a security review, it could impact Intel’s sales in its significant Chinese market. Intel’s shares recently dropped 2.7% in US premarket trading.
With the US facing a growing shortage of electricians, Treehouse, a startup, is using AI to help make installations of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, heat pumps, and other tech more efficient and affordable. As the demand for renewable energy and electrification surges, Treehouse has developed AI models to predict job times, materials needed, and to eliminate unnecessary site visits, which typically slow down the process. By gathering data and asking customers key questions, Treehouse can streamline quoting and installation processes, especially for simpler jobs like EV chargers.
Treehouse uses its AI-driven platform to design installations and assist in permitting, often completing jobs with minimal visits from electricians. For more complex installations, like heat pumps, the company may require additional photos or virtual visits. Treehouse works in 40 states, hiring independent electricians for many of the jobs, and plans to expand its operations across all 50 states by the end of the year. With a recent $16 million Series A funding round, the company aims to improve its AI tools and grow its team.
Founder and CEO Eric Owski believes the electrification trend will continue to reshape how consumers think about home energy, with EV chargers being just the starting point. Treehouse’s partnerships with companies like CarMax and ChargePoint also help boost its reach as it tackles the ongoing electrician shortage.
Kyrgyzstan is advancing towards comprehensive digital transformation by modernising identity systems and public services. Since adopting universal ID numbers in 2014, the country has introduced biometric passports and e-ID cards, ensuring secure and efficient identity management. These digital credentials provide citizens with access to public services while minimising fraud risks.
The government’s 2024-2028 digital transformation strategy aims to streamline public services via platforms like Tunduk, inspired by Estonia’s X-Road system. The platform integrates over 160 public services into mobile applications, allowing easy access to essential services. Kyrgyzstan has partnered with global firms such as KOMSCO, Mühlbauer, and Emptech to support these efforts.
Neighbouring countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, are exploring cross-border digital identity solutions with Kyrgyzstan. This initiative aims to improve regional mobility and trade by enabling border crossings using national ID cards. However, challenges related to data sharing and cybersecurity remain key issues that need collaboration and trust among countries.
Despite infrastructure limitations in rural areas, Kyrgyzstan’s digital initiatives are gaining momentum with support from international partners like the UNDP and the EU. Enhanced mobile coverage and a 98% mobile penetration rate enable citizens to use digital IDs for official purposes, contributing to more transparent governance and fostering participation in the digital economy.
Alchemy Pay has formed a new partnership with Yellow Card, a fintech company that operates in 20 African countries. The collaboration aims to simplify the process for African users to buy cryptocurrency using familiar local payment methods like bank transfers and mobile money, making crypto more accessible to people in countries such as South Africa, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Yellow Card’s existing payment infrastructure, which processes over $3 billion in transactions, will now support Alchemy Pay’s service, enabling users to easily convert local currencies into cryptocurrency. This move is expected to open up new financial opportunities for millions of people across Africa, promoting participation in decentralised finance (DeFi) and stablecoins.
Additionally, Alchemy Pay has integrated Samsung Pay into its Virtual Card service, alongside Google Pay, providing users with more options for making crypto payments. The company continues to expand its services, including partnerships with Scroll, to improve access to digital assets like Tether and USDC for global users.
Wolfspeed is set to receive $750 million in government grants for its new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing plant in North Carolina, as announced by the US Commerce Department. This funding news caused the US chipmaker’s shares to surge over 30%. The preliminary agreement requires Wolfspeed to strengthen its balance sheet to safeguard taxpayer funds.
Investment firms, led by Apollo Global Management, have pledged an additional $750 million in financing for Wolfspeed. The company produces energy-efficient chips using silicon carbide, crucial for applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. As part of a larger $6 billion expansion plan, Wolfspeed aims to increase its manufacturing capacity in Marcy, New York.
Wolfspeed anticipates up to $1 billion in cash tax refunds from the advanced manufacturing tax credit under the Chips and Science Act. CEO Gregg Lowe highlighted the significance of Wolfspeed’s products to the US economy and national security. However, the company has encountered difficulties this year, with its stock plummeting nearly 75% due to a decline in electric vehicle demand. The grant remains subject to due diligence and is not yet finalised.
ASML’s lowered 2025 sales forecast has triggered a significant sell-off in semiconductor stocks, reflecting concerns over global chip demand. While the Dutch company’s revised forecast indicated €30 billion to €35 billion in net sales, this figure sits near the bottom of previous projections. Its stock plunged to record its biggest one-day drop in 25 years, sending shockwaves throughout the chipmaking sector.
The shift in outlook suggests that factory overcapacity, rather than weak demand, is affecting orders. Many manufacturers, including Intel, Samsung, and TSMC, had stocked up on ASML’s advanced tools during the pandemic. As production efficiency improved, fewer new machines were needed to keep up with stabilising demand. Analysts noted that chip factories have become better at maximising output with existing equipment.
Chip usage at production facilities remains around 81%, far from the 95% threshold where manufacturers typically invest in new tools. Industry experts also reported that new technology could reduce the reliance on ASML’s machines. Samsung, for example, is exploring advanced chip-etching techniques to minimise the use of ASML’s extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, potentially creating excess capacity.
Despite challenges, analysts maintain an optimistic long-term outlook for the semiconductor industry. AI-related chips and memory solutions remain in high demand, though the broader market continues to experience some volatility. Experts believe the current slowdown is a temporary phase before the sector resumes growth.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a formal inquiry into the use of data caps by telecom companies. The investigation aims to assess how these caps impact consumers and market competition, particularly in an increasingly connected world.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel expressed concerns about the effects of limiting internet usage. She pointed out that data caps could harm small businesses by cutting off access to customers, penalise low-income families with additional fees, and limit essential communication tools for people with disabilities.
Rosenworcel noted that, for many Americans, rationing internet use would be unthinkable. However, millions of people across the country constantly face limitations on their data usage, which may hinder their ability to stay connected.
The inquiry is expected to explore whether these caps unfairly limit consumer choice and what impact they have on competition among telecom providers.
Apple has introduced its new iPad mini, equipped with advanced AI capabilities and powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is also used in the iPhone 15 Pro models. The upgraded iPad mini is set to deliver 30% better CPU performance compared to its predecessors and will include AI-driven writing tools and an enhanced Siri assistant, running on Apple’s AI software, Apple Intelligence.
A new software update, iPadOS 18.1, will roll out the first AI features in the United States English version this month for iPads using the A17 Pro or M1 chips and later models. Additional AI features, such as image generation and ChatGPT-powered tools, are expected to be released over the coming months.
Despite initial concerns over the iPhone 16 launch in September, analysts predict the new iPad mini and AI-driven devices will boost Apple’s sales in the fourth quarter and sustain momentum into 2025. Apple’s third-quarter shipments already reached a record high.
The new iPad mini, starting at $499, is now available for pre-order and will start shipping to customers and stores next week, according to Apple.
Dane Stuckey, former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Palantir, has been appointed as the new CISO at OpenAI, working alongside head of security Matt Knight. Stuckey made the announcement in a post on social media, expressing his excitement to help secure OpenAI’s technologies as they continue to grow in use and impact.
Stuckey, who joined Palantir in 2014, brings extensive experience in digital forensics and incident response, having worked in both commercial and government roles. His background may prove valuable as OpenAI continues to deepen its partnerships with the United States Department of Defense, with whom it has collaborated on various cybersecurity projects.
OpenAI has been expanding its security efforts in recent months, following the appointment of former National Security Agency head Gen. Paul Nakasone as a board member. The company has also lifted its ban on selling AI technology to the military, signalling a strategic shift towards government contracts.
In addition to Stuckey’s appointment, OpenAI has posted a new job listing for a head of trusted compute and cryptography, highlighting its commitment to developing secure AI infrastructure to protect its technologies and users.
Japan’s largest annual electronics event opened alongside a mobility show, marking the first joint trade fair of its kind. The collaboration reflects the increasing convergence of technology and automotive industries, especially as vehicles become more autonomous and connected.
The trade show, hosted by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), aims to promote cross-industry innovation. AI emerged as a core theme, with around half of the 800 tech exhibitors presenting AI-driven products and solutions.
Toyota Motor showcased a portable hydrogen tank capable of powering electric generators during disasters, promoting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Panasonic highlighted its perovskite solar cells, which can be installed on car windows to enhance power efficiency for electric vehicles, while Sony demonstrated a safety system that uses image sensors to detect driver fatigue.
NEC presented an AI-powered service capable of summarising movies or creating accident reports from dashcam footage, offering applications in various fields. TDK introduced a brain-inspired semiconductor chip that reduces AI electricity consumption to one-hundredth of current levels. The fair runs until Friday at Chiba’s Makuhari Messe, with free entrance for online registrants.
