Sustainable development

Lemon8 gains popularity amid TikTok uncertainty

As the possibility of a US TikTok ban looms, social media influencers are increasingly turning to Lemon8, a new app owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, as a potential alternative. Lemon8, which launched in the US and UK in 2023, combines the best aspects of Instagram and Pinterest, offering a “lifestyle community” with an emphasis on aesthetically pleasing images, videos, and lifestyle topics like beauty, fashion, food, travel, and pets. With over 1 million daily active users in the US, it has quickly gained traction, especially among Gen Z users.

Influencers are particularly drawn to Lemon8’s integration with TikTok, allowing creators to easily cross-post and boost engagement. Despite the platform’s appeal, however, Lemon8’s future remains uncertain. Like TikTok, it is owned by ByteDance, making it potentially subject to the same US regulations, including a law requiring the company to divest from TikTok or face a ban. This uncertainty is causing anxiety among creators who fear the loss of their primary platform and are seeking safer options like Lemon8.

The app itself is gaining attention for its simplicity and visual appeal. Lemon8 stands out by offering a quieter, less chaotic environment compared to the bustling, ad-heavy content on Instagram and TikTok. Its user interface is designed for easy scrolling, and the app encourages creativity through tools that enhance text, stickers, and music, making posts feel inspirational. While it’s still early days, Lemon8 offers a nostalgic, aesthetically curated space for users who may be growing weary of the larger social media giants.

Though the app is still new, it could provide a refreshing change from the current social media landscape, where content can often feel oversaturated or too commercialised. For now, Lemon8 offers a simpler, more intentional way to engage with online content—a return to a more “authentic” era of social media, reminiscent of earlier Instagram days. Whether it will succeed in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, it’s carving out a niche for users seeking a quieter digital space.

Starmer unveils ambitious plan to position UK as global leader in AI technology

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an ambitious plan to position the UK as a global leader in AI. In a speech on Monday, Starmer outlined proposals to establish specialised zones for data centres and incentivise technology-focused education, aiming to boost economic growth and innovation. According to the government, fully adopting AI could increase productivity by 1.5% annually, adding £47 billion ($57 billion) to the economy each year over the next decade.

Central to the plan is the adoption of recommendations from the “AI Opportunities Action Plan,” authored by venture capitalist Matt Clifford. Measures include fast-tracking planning permissions for data centres and ensuring energy connections, with the first such centre to be built in Culham, Oxfordshire. Starmer emphasised the potential for AI to create jobs, attract investment, and improve lives by streamlining processes like planning consultations and reducing administrative burdens for teachers.

The UK, currently the third-largest AI market behind the US and China, faces stiff global competition in establishing itself as an AI hub. While Starmer pledged swift action to maintain competitiveness, challenges persist. The Labour government’s recent high-tax budget has dampened some business confidence, and the Bank of England reported stagnation in economic growth last quarter. However, Starmer remains optimistic, declaring, “We must move fast and take action.”

By integrating AI into its economic strategy, the UK hopes to capitalise on technological advancements, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Supreme Court weighs TikTok ban amid national security concerns

The US Supreme Court on Friday appeared inclined to uphold a law requiring a sale or ban of TikTok in the United States by January 19, citing national security risks tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Justices questioned TikTok’s potential role in enabling the Chinese government to collect data on its 170 million American users and influence public opinion covertly. Chief Justice John Roberts and others expressed concerns about China’s potential to exploit the platform, while also probing implications for free speech protections under the First Amendment.

The law, passed with bipartisan support and signed by outgoing President Joe Biden, has been challenged by TikTok, ByteDance, and app users who argue it infringes on free speech. TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, warned that without a resolution or extension by President-elect Donald Trump, the platform would likely shut down on January 19. Francisco emphasised TikTok’s role as a key platform for expression and called for at least a temporary halt to the law.

Liberal and conservative justices alike acknowledged the tension between national security and constitutional rights. Justice Elena Kagan raised historical parallels to Cold War-era restrictions, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh highlighted the long-term risks of data collection. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the Biden administration, argued that TikTok’s foreign ownership poses a grave threat, enabling covert manipulation and espionage. She defended Congress’s right to act in the interest of national security.

With global trade tensions and fears of digital surveillance mounting, the Supreme Court’s decision will have wide-ranging implications for technology, free speech, and US-China relations. The court is now considering whether to grant a temporary stay, providing Trump’s incoming administration an opportunity to address the issue politically.

Meta and Amazon scale back diversity programs amid changing political climate

Meta Platforms and Amazon have announced plans to wind down their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting shifting political and legal land scapes as Donald Trump prepares to return to the US presidency. Meta, in an internal memo, revealed it is discontinuing DEI programs related to hiring, training, and supplier selection, while Amazon is phasing out its representation and inclusion efforts, targeting completion by late 2024.

These moves come amid growing conservative opposition to DEI initiatives, which critics argue promote preferential treatment. The trend has gained momentum following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions. Meta Vice President Janelle Gale noted the legal shift, explaining that the term ‘DEI’ has become polarising, and courts are signalling changes in their approach to such programs.

Meta has also made high-profile changes to align with conservative leadership, elevating Republican Joel Kaplan as its chief global affairs officer and adding UFC CEO Dana White, a close Trump ally, to its board. The company’s relationship with Trump has softened recently, with Meta pledging $1 million to his inaugural fund in December. These developments mark a departure from the company’s previous focus on inclusive policies following the 2020 protests against racial injustice.

As political and cultural pressures mount, corporate America’s retreat from DEI programs signals a broader shift in how businesses approach diversity and inclusion, navigating the intersection of public sentiment, legal rulings, and political dynamics.

Smart garbage trucks target battery dangers

A US waste management firm has introduced AI-powered electric garbage trucks to reduce fire risks caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. The vehicles, showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, can detect batteries in rubbish loads before they reach recycling centres, preventing potential fires.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in gadgets like phones and toothbrushes, are highly flammable and often slip through existing detection systems at recycling facilities. Fires linked to these batteries have caused significant damage, with several US recycling centres burning down annually. The new trucks allow drivers to flag sensitive collections and alert facilities in advance.

The advanced trucks, developed by industrial firm Oshkosh, also come with electric arm technology to speed up collections and AI software to spot contamination in recycling bins. These features help reduce risks, improve efficiency, and allow companies to hold customers accountable for improper recycling. Waste management officials see electrification as a key step, as garbage trucks typically travel shorter distances, making them ideal for battery-powered operation.

Taiwan eyes minimal disruption from US import policies

Taiwan is optimistic about the limited impact of US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on semiconductor exports, citing the nation’s technological edge in the global chip industry. On Friday, economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei emphasised that Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor processes, led by industry giant TSMC, maintain an irreplaceable position in the supply chain for major companies like Apple and Nvidia.

Despite Trump’s pledges for sweeping tariffs—10% on global imports and up to 60% on Chinese goods—Taiwanese policymakers acknowledged potential challenges for the island’s export-driven economy. However, Kuo reassured that the chip sector’s resilience lies in its technological leadership, which mitigates the risk of significant disruption.

To adapt to the shifting trade landscape, Taiwan plans to help companies relocate parts of their supply chains to the United States if necessary. The island also aims to deepen cooperation in industries like aerospace and advanced technology by fostering ties with US and Japanese firms. This includes establishing a dedicated office in Japan to bolster collaboration on AI and drone development, Kuo said.

Taiwan’s proactive approach reflects its strategic positioning in global trade and its commitment to maintaining robust economic ties amid evolving US policies.

Meta accused of using pirated books for AI

A group of authors, including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Sarah Silverman, has accused Meta Platforms of using pirated books to train its AI systems with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s approval. Newly disclosed court documents filed in California allege that Meta knowingly relied on the LibGen dataset, which contains millions of pirated works, to develop its large language model, Llama.

The lawsuit, initially filed in 2023, claims Meta infringed on copyright by using the authors’ works without permission. The authors argue that internal Meta communications reveal concerns within the company about the dataset’s legality, which were ultimately overruled. Meta has not yet responded to the latest allegations.

The case is one of several challenging the use of copyrighted materials to train AI systems. While defendants in similar lawsuits have cited fair use, the authors contend that newly uncovered evidence strengthens their claims. They have requested permission to file an updated complaint, adding computer fraud allegations and revisiting dismissed claims related to copyright management information.

US District Judge Vince Chhabria has allowed the authors to file an amended complaint but expressed doubts about the validity of some new claims. The outcome of the case could have broader implications for how AI companies utilise copyrighted content in training data.

Brazil’s Lula criticises Meta’s move to end US fact-checking program

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has condemned Meta’s decision to discontinue its fact-checking program in the United States, calling it a grave issue. Speaking in Brasília on Thursday, Lula emphasised the need for accountability in digital communication, equating its responsibilities to those of traditional media. He announced plans to meet with government officials to discuss the matter.

Meta’s recent decision has prompted Brazilian prosecutors to seek clarification on whether the changes will affect the country. The company has been given 30 days to respond as part of an ongoing investigation into how social media platforms address misinformation and online violence in Brazil.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Court, known for his strict oversight of tech companies, reiterated that social media firms must adhere to Brazilian laws to continue operating in the country. Last year, he temporarily suspended X (formerly Twitter) over non-compliance with local regulations.

Meta has so far declined to comment on the matter in Brazil, fueling concerns over its commitment to tackling misinformation globally. The outcome of Brazil’s inquiry could have broader implications for how tech firms balance local laws with global policy changes.

AI revolutionises drug discovery with promising new treatments

AI is transforming the way new medicines are developed, with AI-powered drug discovery advancing at an unprecedented pace. Insilico Medicine, a US-based biotech firm, has designed an experimental treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using AI to identify a potential drug target and generate molecules. The approach significantly reduced the time and resources needed, with the drug discovery process taking 18 months instead of the usual four years.

AI-driven methods are being adopted by both startups and major pharmaceutical companies to accelerate drug development. Insilico Medicine has multiple drug candidates in clinical trials, while Recursion Pharmaceuticals is using AI to analyse vast biological datasets and uncover new treatment possibilities. A molecule designed by Recursion to target lymphoma and solid tumours has already entered human trials, demonstrating the growing potential of AI in medical research.

Despite the progress, experts note that AI-discovered drugs have yet to complete full clinical trials. The technology faces challenges, particularly in data availability and bias, but researchers remain optimistic. As AI continues to refine drug discovery, many believe it will lead to faster, more cost-effective treatments and a higher success rate in bringing new medicines to market.

AI teams merged into Google’s DeepMind for faster progress

Google is merging additional AI teams into its DeepMind division to speed up innovation in AI technologies. Logan Kilpatrick, head of product for Google’s AI Studio, confirmed that both the AI Studio team and the Gemini API developers would now operate under DeepMind.

DeepMind, created in 2023 from the merger of Google Brain and DeepMind, has played a central role in Google’s AI advancements, including the Gemini model series. Kilpatrick stated the restructuring would strengthen collaboration and accelerate progress in making research tools available to developers.

Engineer Jaana Dogan highlighted that the move would make DeepMind’s tools more publicly accessible, with better APIs, open-source contributions, and enhanced developer resources planned. This shift follows earlier integrations of the Gemini chatbot and responsible AI teams into DeepMind as part of Google’s ongoing strategy.

CEO Sundar Pichai previously described Gemini as gaining strong momentum while stressing the need to move faster in 2025 to close competitive gaps. Scaling Gemini for consumers will be a primary focus next year.