Today's tech news digest covers a jury's decision regarding Elon Musk and Twitter investors, new warnings from the FBI about Russian intelligence-linked phishing, and the resignation of a Super Micro co-founder following an indictment. Additionally, the digest includes reports on the impact of gas prices on the electric vehicle market, a call for a social media ban for users under 16, and a national security data leak via a fitness app.
Jury Finds Musk Misled Twitter Investors In Buyout
A federal jury in San Francisco has determined that Elon Musk defrauded Twitter investors. According to Bloomberg Technology, the verdict concluded that Musk intentionally misled shareholders through his tweets regarding fake accounts. This was done in an attempt to withdraw from his initial $44 billion buyout offer for the social media company in 2022. Musk's legal team has indicated their intention to appeal the jury's decision, as reported by various sources including the New York Times and The Verge.
FBI Links Russian Intelligence To Signal Phishing
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a public service announcement connecting Russian intelligence services to widespread phishing campaigns. As reported by BleepingComputer, these campaigns specifically target users of encrypted messaging applications such as Signal and WhatsApp. The method of attack involves deceiving users into providing verification codes or scanning malicious QR codes to hijack accounts, rather than directly compromising encryption. This ongoing campaign has reportedly affected thousands of accounts globally, with a focus on high-value targets including government officials and journalists.
Super Micro Co-Founder Resigns After AI Chip Smuggling Charges
Super Micro Computer co-founder Yih-Shyan 'Wally' Liaw has resigned from the company's board of directors, CNBC reports. This departure follows his indictment on charges of illegally smuggling equipment containing Nvidia AI chips to China. The indictment claims this alleged scheme resulted in approximately $2.5 billion in sales for the company since 2024. In response to the news, Super Micro's shares experienced a significant decline of 33% on Friday.
Surging Gas Prices Impact Electric Vehicle Market Demand
The New York Times reports that surging gas prices are influencing demand within the electric vehicle market. According to the publication, these fluctuating fuel costs are altering consumer interest and the strategic approaches of manufacturers in the EV sector. The Guardian also notes that current global energy events may be contributing to shifts in the electric vehicle industry.
Pinterest CEO Calls For Under-16 Social Media Ban
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has publicly advocated for governments to implement a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. In an op-ed for Time, Ready emphasized concerns surrounding youth mental health, citing rising rates of depression and anxiety. TechCrunch notes that Pinterest itself has already taken steps to restrict access to social features for its users under 16 years old.
French Navy Officer Leaks Carrier Location Via Strava
A French Navy officer inadvertently disclosed the location of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier by publicly logging a running route on the fitness application Strava. TechCrunch, referencing a report from Le Monde, stated that the officer's workout data precisely indicated the position of the nuclear-powered warship during its deployment to the Middle East. A representative from the French Armed Forces confirmed that the officer's actions did not adhere to established guidelines.