TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have asked the Supreme Court to halt a US law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok by 19 January or face a nationwide ban. The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment, as it targets one of the most widely used social media platforms in the United States, which currently has 170 million American users. A group of TikTok users also submitted a similar request to prevent the shutdown.
The law, passed by Congress in April, reflects concerns over national security. The Justice Department claims TikTok poses a threat due to its access to vast user data and potential for content manipulation by a Chinese-owned company. A lower court in December upheld the law, rejecting TikTok’s argument that it infringes on free speech rights. TikTok maintains that users should be free to decide for themselves whether to use the app and that shutting it down for even a month could cause massive losses in users and advertisers.
With the ban set to take effect the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, TikTok has urged the Supreme Court to decide by 6 January. Trump, who once supported banning TikTok, has since reversed his position and expressed willingness to reconsider. The case highlights rising trade tensions between the US and China and could set a precedent for other foreign-owned apps operating in America.
Florida-based AE Industrial Partners has acquired Israeli spyware company Paragon for an estimated $500 million, with reports suggesting the deal could reach up to $900 million. Paragon, a competitor to NSO Group, is known for providing cybersecurity tools to government agencies that it claims meet “enlightened democracy” standards. The acquisition was completed on 13 December and reportedly approved by both US and Israeli officials.
Paragon, founded in 2019 by former Israeli intelligence officers and backed by ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, is merging with Virginia-based cybersecurity firm Red Lattice. This move aims to strengthen the firm’s presence in the global surveillance market. The US subsidiary of Paragon recently signed a one-year contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reflecting its growing footprint in government cybersecurity services.
The acquisition comes amid tightened scrutiny of spyware technologies after allegations of abuse involving competitors like NSO Group. In 2021, the US added NSO to its trade blacklist, citing its misuse in targeting activists and journalists. Paragon, however, positions itself as a provider of ethically guided surveillance tools, limiting its activities to messaging apps and governmental communications.
Rhode Island officials have confirmed a major data breach in the state’s social services system, potentially exposing the personal and financial details of hundreds of thousands of residents. The hackers, believed to be an international cybercriminal group, accessed sensitive information through RIBridges, the state’s portal for government assistance programmes, including Social Security numbers and banking details.
The breach, which was detected earlier this month, affects users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and healthcare services accessed through HealthSource RI since 2016. The attackers have demanded an undisclosed ransom, threatening to release the stolen data if unpaid. Deloitte, the system’s vendor, confirmed the breach on Friday, prompting the state to shut down the portal temporarily.
Residents impacted by the breach will be notified via letters detailing steps to secure their personal information and protect their bank accounts. For now, new applicants for state benefits must use paper applications as authorities work to secure the compromised system. Governor Dan McKee described the incident as extortion, calling for swift remediation and protection for affected citisens.
The incoming Trump administration is set to explore ways to impose higher costs on adversaries and private actors behind cyber attacks, according to Representative Mike Waltz, the pick for national security adviser. Waltz’s statement follows US allegations that a widespread Chinese cyberespionage operation, known as Salt Typhoon, targeted senior American officials and stole significant amounts of metadata.
The White House has revealed that at least eight telecommunications and infrastructure firms in the US were compromised during this campaign. While Waltz did not specify potential actions against Salt Typhoon, he emphasised the need to go beyond defensive measures and start taking offensive actions to deter cyber threats.
Waltz also highlighted the role of the US tech industry in strengthening national defence and exposing vulnerabilities in adversaries. Meanwhile, Chinese officials continue to deny involvement, dismissing the accusations as disinformation and asserting that Beijing opposes cyber attacks in all forms.
The US Commerce Department announced a preliminary deal to provide German auto supplier Bosch with up to $225 million in subsidies to produce silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors in California. The funding supports Bosch’s $1.9 billion transformation of its Roseville facility, with an additional $350 million in proposed government loans. This effort draws from the $52.7 billion fund established in 2022 to bolster US semiconductor production and research.
Bosch plans to begin manufacturing SiC chips, critical for electric vehicles, telecommunications, and defence, by 2026. These chips, known for their energy efficiency, play a vital role in improving electric vehicle performance and charging capabilities. The Commerce Department estimates the project could represent over 40% of US-based SiC manufacturing capacity once fully operational.
The investment aligns with Bosch’s strategy following its 2023 acquisition of TSI Semiconductors and highlights the growing importance of domestic chip production after pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Representative Doris Matsui, who helped craft the semiconductor funding law, praised the move as a step toward advancing clean energy technologies and electric vehicle development in the US.
Singaporean asset manager Keppel and Vietnam’s Sovico Group are in discussions to develop undersea fibre-optic cables aimed at boosting Southeast Asia’s data centre industry. The potential $150 million project would directly link Vietnam with Singapore, a critical regional hub for data infrastructure. However, talks remain fluid, with Keppel reportedly favouring a larger consortium-led project extending from Singapore to Japan, while Sovico supports a direct connection.
The discussions highlight Southeast Asia’s growing demand for AI services and internet capacity, with Vietnam planning 10 new submarine cables by 2030. These cables are also a focal point in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry, with the United States lobbying against the involvement of Chinese contractors, citing security concerns. US officials have reportedly briefed Sovico and other stakeholders on the risks of working with China’s HMN Technologies.
Vietnam, with a rapidly growing digital economy and a population nearing 100 million, currently relies on five undersea cable branches for global connectivity. Expanding its cable infrastructure is seen as key to establishing itself as a regional data hub, despite challenges like power shortages and stringent data regulations. Keppel and Sovico’s efforts, along with other planned projects, signal significant investment in the region’s digital future.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reopened its investigation into Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, according to a letter shared by Musk on X, formerly known as Twitter. The letter, dated Dec. 12 and written by Musk’s attorney Alex Spiro, also revealed that the SEC issued Musk a 48-hour deadline to settle a probe into his $44 billion takeover of Twitter or face charges. The settlement amount remains undisclosed.
Musk’s tumultuous relationship with the SEC has resurfaced amid allegations that he misled investors about Neuralink’s brain implant safety. Despite ongoing investigations, the extent to which the SEC can take action against Musk is uncertain. Musk, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, is positioned to gain significant political leverage after investing heavily in supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Trump, in turn, has appointed Musk to a government reform task force, raising questions about potential regulatory leniency toward his ventures.
In the letter, Spiro criticised the SEC’s actions, stating Musk would not be “intimidated” and reserving his legal rights. This marks the latest in a series of clashes between Musk and the SEC, including a 2018 lawsuit over misleading Tesla-related tweets, which Musk settled by paying $20 million and stepping down as Tesla chairman. Both the SEC and Neuralink have yet to comment on the reopened investigation.
Nvidia has added around 200 employees in China this year, boosting its research capabilities and focusing on autonomous driving technologies, Bloomberg News reports. The company now employs nearly 600 people in Beijing, with a recently opened office in the Zhongguancun tech hub, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Despite its expansion, Nvidia faces headwinds in China, including an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the country’s anti-monopoly laws. This probe is widely interpreted as a response to US restrictions on China’s chip sector. Nvidia declined to comment on the situation.
China contributed about 17% of Nvidia’s revenue in the year ending January, down from 26% two years earlier. Globally, Nvidia employs around 29,600 people across 36 countries, as detailed in its February 2024 filing.
Swiss robotics firm Anybotics has raised an additional $60 million, closing its Series B round at $110 million. Known for its Anymal quadruped robot, the company focuses on automating routine inspections in complex industrial environments such as oil and gas, mining, and utilities. Equipped with sensors and cameras, Anymal enhances safety and productivity by detecting issues like thermal anomalies and gas leaks, minimising human exposure to hasardous areas.
Since first announcing the Series B round 18 months ago, the Swiss Zürich-based startup has doubled its robot deployments, with nearly 200 units now operational across various industries. Clients include major companies such as Novelis and Iamgold, as well as Stanford University, which uses the technology for advanced research.
The new funding will support Anybotics’ expansion into the US following the opening of its San Francisco office. Co-led by Qualcomm Ventures and Supernova Invest, the investment ensures the company can scale its operations globally, with plans for a broader product portfolio and industry applications in the future.
Lawmakers have called for urgent measures to strengthen US telecommunications security following a massive cyberattack linked to China. The hacking campaign, referred to as Salt Typhoon, targeted American telecom companies, compromising vast amounts of metadata and call records. Federal agencies have briefed Congress on the incident, which officials say could be the largest telecom breach in US history.
Senator Ben Ray Luján described the hack as a wake-up call, urging the full implementation of federal recommendations to secure networks. Senator Ted Cruz warned of future threats, emphasising the need to close vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Debate also surfaced over the role of offensive cybersecurity measures, with Senator Dan Sullivan questioning whether deterrence efforts are adequate.
The White House reported that at least eight telecommunications firms were affected, with significant data theft. In response, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed annual cybersecurity certifications for telecom companies. Efforts to replace insecure Chinese-made equipment in US networks continue, but funding shortfalls have hampered progress.
China has dismissed the allegations, claiming opposition to all forms of cybercrime. However, US officials have cited evidence of data theft involving companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen. Congress is set to vote on a defence bill allocating $3.1 billion to remove and replace vulnerable telecom hardware.
