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Showing posts from July, 2022

Professional landscapers are reluctant to plug into electric mowers due to cost

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Professional landscapers are reluctant to plug into electric mowers due to cost https://ift.tt/B7XpzcM A heavy duty commercial electric mower with long-lasting batteries can cost nearly $30,000, more than three times what a comparable gas-powered machine sells for. (Image credit: Matthew Schuerman)

Opinion: Are robots masters of strategy, and also grudges?

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Opinion: Are robots masters of strategy, and also grudges? https://ift.tt/n51cTi7 NPR's Scott Simon wonders whether the robots are turning on us. (Image credit: Mark Lennihan/AP)

What is a recession? Wikipedia can't decide

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What is a recession? Wikipedia can't decide https://ift.tt/EiGUYuK An editing battle over its "recession" entry prompted Wikipedia to put a temporarily lock on revisions. The entry was changed to a definition of recession that aligned with President Biden's stance. (Image credit: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Does Twitch Fame Have to Come With a Stalker?

Does Twitch Fame Have to Come With a Stalker? https://ift.tt/Whz1CtM Stars on the video game streaming platform invite viewers into their homes virtually. What happens when one shows up in person?

As Congress Debated Landmark China Bill, Beijing Surged Ahead

As Congress Debated Landmark China Bill, Beijing Surged Ahead https://ift.tt/Whz1CtM Experts are still assessing how China apparently leapfrogged ahead in its effort to manufacture a semiconductor that rivals those made in Taiwan, which supplies both China and the West.

Big Tech Is Proving Resilient as the Economy Cools

Big Tech Is Proving Resilient as the Economy Cools https://ift.tt/Whz1CtM Tech companies are slowing their frenetic hiring, but a combination of dominance and diversity is turning out to be — yet again — an overwhelming asset.

Instagram rolls back some product changes after user backlash.

Instagram rolls back some product changes after user backlash. https://ift.tt/Whz1CtM Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian were among the upset users who said the updates made the app too much like TikTok.

F.T.C. Chair Lina Khan Upends Antitrust Standards by Suing Meta

F.T.C. Chair Lina Khan Upends Antitrust Standards by Suing Meta https://ift.tt/Whz1CtM Lina Khan may set off a shift in how Washington regulates competition by filing cases in tech areas before they mature. She faces an uphill climb.

The Word of the Year Is ‘Uncertainty’

The Word of the Year Is ‘Uncertainty’ https://ift.tt/Whz1CtM Did tech win the pandemic or not? We likely won’t be able to tell for a while.

A.I. Predicts the Shape of Nearly Every Protein Known to Science

A.I. Predicts the Shape of Nearly Every Protein Known to Science https://ift.tt/RX1HkAc DeepMind has expanded its database of microscopic biological mechanisms, hoping to accelerate research into all living things.

Senate passes bill to reduce reliance on China for semiconductors

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Senate passes bill to reduce reliance on China for semiconductors https://ift.tt/9C2aZos The bill would support domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips that power the nation's smartphones, cars, computers and medical equipment. The bill cleared a procedural Senate vote Tuesday. (Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Senior European Parliament Member Targeted as Spyware Abuse Spreads

Senior European Parliament Member Targeted as Spyware Abuse Spreads https://ift.tt/RX1HkAc The attempted hack of a Greek opposition leader is the first aimed at a European Parliament member to be detected, but he has plenty of company among politicians, journalists and dissidents.

4 steps you can take right now to improve your Instagram feed

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4 steps you can take right now to improve your Instagram feed https://ift.tt/53yMdpx From celebrities to regular users, many people are complaining that Instagram doesn't know what users want. Here's what you can do to clean up your feed and get rid of suggested posts. (Image credit: Jenny Kane/AP)

So Much Tech. So Few Winners.

So Much Tech. So Few Winners. https://ift.tt/RX1HkAc Technology is everything. Why are there hardly any blockbuster tech companies of the smartphone age?

The Default Tech Settings You Should Turn Off Right Away

The Default Tech Settings You Should Turn Off Right Away https://ift.tt/06rZsXR These controls, which are buried inside products from Apple, Google, Meta and others, make us share more data than we need to.

Why Does the Prison-Life Content on TikTok Feel So Familiar?

Why Does the Prison-Life Content on TikTok Feel So Familiar? https://ift.tt/06rZsXR Cooking, life advice, bored dancing, workout tips — on social media, you’re reminded that incarceration is a pretty common slice of American life.

Only 31 new emojis will be introduced this year as approvals slow to a trickle

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Only 31 new emojis will be introduced this year as approvals slow to a trickle https://ift.tt/HR97h8b The new additions include a moose, a blackbird, a goose and a jellyfish. You will soon have a pink heart and a "shook face" at your fingertips, too. (Image credit: TENGKU BAHAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Streaming Save Sports or Kill It?

Will Streaming Save Sports or Kill It? https://ift.tt/06rZsXR Sports are the lifeblood of TV but also choking it. Big Tech is following a similar playbook.

How Mark Zuckerberg Is Leading Meta Into Its Next Phase

How Mark Zuckerberg Is Leading Meta Into Its Next Phase https://ift.tt/06rZsXR Facebook’s founder is setting a relentless pace as he pushes his company through a tech transformation during a global economic slowdown.

Alibaba Seeks a Hong Kong Primary Listing

Alibaba Seeks a Hong Kong Primary Listing https://ift.tt/06rZsXR The Chinese e-commerce giant’s application could give it better access to Chinese capital and a safety net against U.S. regulations.

Amid the hype, they bought crypto near its peak. Now, they cope with painful losses

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Amid the hype, they bought crypto near its peak. Now, they cope with painful losses https://ift.tt/PKiEMDd Many first-time investors bought Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as they neared all-time highs, and crypto companies spent millions on marketing. Today, they are coping with painful losses. (Image credit: Kholood Eid for NPR)

Want to lay off workers more smoothly? There's a startup for that

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Want to lay off workers more smoothly? There's a startup for that https://ift.tt/JuLPO6z The tech industry is in turmoil. But there's at least one startup that is thriving these days, and it's one that's helping other startups lay off workers. (Image credit: Dane Mark/Getty Images)

Amazon buying One Medical is only its most recent dive into the health care industry

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Amazon buying One Medical is only its most recent dive into the health care industry https://ift.tt/IowpKUZ Amazon is buying One Medical, a primary care practice. The tech giant has already stepped into the health care world, but experts said this is a big step to expand Amazon's physical health presence. (Image credit: Michael Sohn/AP)

Tesla will spend more to increase production at two new factories.

Tesla will spend more to increase production at two new factories. https://ift.tt/VBY4CbK Tesla said it expected capital expenditures to be $6 billion to $8 billion in 2022, up from an April forecast of $5 billion to $7 billion.

Alt text helps the visually impaired experience the James Webb Telescope images

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Alt text helps the visually impaired experience the James Webb Telescope images https://ift.tt/Jx9mDeC Visually impaired people can enjoy the celestial images captured by the James Webb Telescope and shared by NASA. A team provided descriptive labels using the alt text feature on social media apps. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)

Gen Z Designers Made It Big on Depop. Now They’re Graduating.

Gen Z Designers Made It Big on Depop. Now They’re Graduating. https://ift.tt/VBY4CbK Depop, a social shopping app, was a springboard for many young designers during the pandemic. Some are now taking their success elsewhere.

QAnon Candidates Aren’t Thriving, but Some of Their Ideas Are

QAnon Candidates Aren’t Thriving, but Some of Their Ideas Are https://ift.tt/VBY4CbK While few with ties to the conspiracy theory are winning their primaries, themes pushed by QAnon followers have become Republican talking points.

Online pricing algorithms are gaming the system, and could mean you pay more

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Online pricing algorithms are gaming the system, and could mean you pay more https://ift.tt/3RFltcU Online pricing algorithms can game the system and ultimately end up costing the consumer more. And the impact of these program can go beyond just a few extra dollars at checkout. (Image credit: Steven Puetzer/Getty Images)

Gen Z Designers Made It Big on This App. Now They’re Graduating.

Gen Z Designers Made It Big on This App. Now They’re Graduating. https://ift.tt/VBY4CbK Depop, a social shopping app, was a springboard for many young designers during the pandemic. Some are now taking their success elsewhere.

As Jan. 6 Panel’s Evidence Piled Up, Conservative Media Doubled Down

As Jan. 6 Panel’s Evidence Piled Up, Conservative Media Doubled Down https://ift.tt/VBY4CbK Many of Donald J. Trump’s allies in the media believe the reports about violence and criminal conduct committed by Trump supporters have been exaggerated.

Ties Between Alex Jones and Radio Network Show Economics of Misinformation

Ties Between Alex Jones and Radio Network Show Economics of Misinformation https://ift.tt/IosrQzi The Genesis Communications Network built a lucrative business alongside the radio host, whose show the company has syndicated for more than two decades.

Ties Between Alex Jones and Radio Network Show Economics of Misinformation

Ties Between Alex Jones and Radio Network Show Economics of Misinformation https://ift.tt/IosrQzi The Genesis Communications Network built a lucrative business alongside the radio host, whose show the company has syndicated for more than two decades.

Why Big Tech Is Making a Big Play for Live Sports

Why Big Tech Is Making a Big Play for Live Sports https://ift.tt/IosrQzi Competing for rights to broadcast games from the N.F.L. and other leagues could be hard for broadcast and cable companies that “aren’t playing by the same financial rules.”

You can find the tech behind the Webb telescope down here on Earth

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You can find the tech behind the Webb telescope down here on Earth https://ift.tt/jVbu89H While the James Webb telescope flies through space, it's done more for us here on Earth than show images of distant galaxies. The tech has also helped improve the vision of eye surgery patients. (Image credit: David Higginbotham/NASA, MSFC)

Google Fires Engineer Who Claims Its A.I. Is Conscious

Google Fires Engineer Who Claims Its A.I. Is Conscious https://ift.tt/IosrQzi The engineer, Blake Lemoine, contends that the company’s language model has a soul. The company denies that and says he violated its security policies.

Alt text helps the visually impaired experience the James Webb Telescope images

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Alt text helps the visually impaired experience the James Webb Telescope images https://ift.tt/CceIU1Y Visually impaired people can enjoy the celestial images captured by the James Webb Telescope and shared by NASA. A team provided descriptive labels using the alt text feature on social media apps.

Amazon says its given information from Ring cameras to police without owners' consent

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Amazon says its given information from Ring cameras to police without owners' consent https://ift.tt/4esRCid Scott Simon talks with Democratic Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey about his investigation of how Amazon shares data with law enforcement from Ring cameras without consent or a warrant.

Only 31 new emoji were proposed this year

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Only 31 new emoji were proposed this year https://ift.tt/AKMro94 We've reached peak emoji. The Unicode Consortium proposed 31 new emoji this year, a quarter of the approved 112 emoji last year.

Jay Carney, Amazon’s Top Policy Executive, to Join Airbnb

Jay Carney, Amazon’s Top Policy Executive, to Join Airbnb https://ift.tt/s1I8pUT Mr. Carney, who was press secretary to former President Obama, had joined Amazon in 2015.

Snap Reports User Growth But a Wider Loss in the Second Quarter

Snap Reports User Growth But a Wider Loss in the Second Quarter https://ift.tt/s1I8pUT The company declined to forecast its future financial performance, citing “uncertainties related to the operating environment.”

Twitter reports a revenue drop, citing uncertainty over Musk deal and the economy

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Twitter reports a revenue drop, citing uncertainty over Musk deal and the economy https://ift.tt/2JuhUai Twitter's revenue for the quarter fell short of expectations. The social network cited uncertainty about Elon Musk's acquisition and advertisers worried about the economy. (Image credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Twitter’s Revenue Falls As it Struggles to Draw Advertisers

Twitter’s Revenue Falls As it Struggles to Draw Advertisers https://ift.tt/s1I8pUT Amid a legal battle with Elon Musk, the social media company swung to a loss in the second quarter.

On Earth, NASA tech is all around us

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On Earth, NASA tech is all around us https://ift.tt/wsZp7ni While NASA's James Webb Space Telescope flies through space, its space technology has done more for people on Earth than you might know about.

You Can Be Both Dull and Innovative

You Can Be Both Dull and Innovative https://ift.tt/J7dkSem Take roof trusses.

Fox News Will Not Carry Thursday’s Jan. 6 Hearing Live

Fox News Will Not Carry Thursday’s Jan. 6 Hearing Live https://ift.tt/J7dkSem The network will keep its usual prime-time lineup instead. Its sister network, Fox Business, will air the hearing.

Tesla cashes out $936 million in Bitcoin, after a year of crypto turbulence

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Tesla cashes out $936 million in Bitcoin, after a year of crypto turbulence https://ift.tt/VzDNMpE Tesla aggressively embraced Bitcoin in 2021, investing $1.5 billion in the currency. But it now says its profitability was affected by "Bitcoin impairment." (Image credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

China Fines Didi $1.2 Billion as Tech Sector Pressures Persist

China Fines Didi $1.2 Billion as Tech Sector Pressures Persist https://ift.tt/J7dkSem Regulators sought to make the company an example of the consequences of mishandling data — and of the grave political error of ignoring the authorities.

Amazon to Acquire One Medical Clinics in Latest Push Into Health Care

Amazon to Acquire One Medical Clinics in Latest Push Into Health Care https://ift.tt/J7dkSem The $3.9 billion deal is Amazon’s latest acquisition in the health care industry. In 2018, it acquired PillPack, an online pharmacy.

Amazon Wants 100,000 Electric Vans. Can Rivian Deliver?

Amazon Wants 100,000 Electric Vans. Can Rivian Deliver? https://ift.tt/J7dkSem Amazon has ordered 100,000 trucks to cut its carbon dioxide emissions, but Rivian will take years to deliver.

Meta tweaks Facebook app to act more like TikTok.

Meta tweaks Facebook app to act more like TikTok. https://ift.tt/J7dkSem An update will highlight a new Home tab that will serve content from people outside a user’s Facebook connections as well as from friends and family.

As crypto swoons, Anthony Scaramucci struggles to keep investors.

As crypto swoons, Anthony Scaramucci struggles to keep investors. https://ift.tt/cBRlqIs The hedge fund manager, who did a brief stint in Trump’s White House, is facing a wave of redemption requests amid lackluster performance.

C’mon, Apple: Be the New New Celine

C’mon, Apple: Be the New New Celine https://ift.tt/cBRlqIs With the metaverse looming, a shift in designer could make a big difference.

Loans Could Burn Start-Up Workers in Downturn

Loans Could Burn Start-Up Workers in Downturn https://ift.tt/cBRlqIs Tech workers took out loans based on the value of their start-up stock in recent years. That may come back to haunt them.

Fighting a Brutal Regime With the Help of a Video Game

Fighting a Brutal Regime With the Help of a Video Game https://ift.tt/9cVhmvK Opponents of the coup in Myanmar have flocked to a new online game that lets players shoot virtual soldiers while raising money for the real-life resistance.

Twitter's lawsuit against Elon Musk will go to trial in October

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Twitter's lawsuit against Elon Musk will go to trial in October https://ift.tt/oNAHrhI A Delaware judge ruled the trial will last for five days in October, giving Twitter an early victory in its legal battle against the Tesla CEO. The company had argued that any delay would hurt it. (Image credit: CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Elon Musk and Twitter to Go to Trial Over Deal In October

Elon Musk and Twitter to Go to Trial Over Deal In October https://ift.tt/9cVhmvK Twitter had sought to expedite the case by requesting a trial in September, which Mr. Musk had countered by asking for a trial in February.

This app compares Hubble and Webb images — the differences are astronomical

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This app compares Hubble and Webb images — the differences are astronomical https://ift.tt/xehQLdZ Software developer John Christensen coded an app to show you just how far NASA innovation has come since Hubble. (Image credit: John Christensen/WebbCompare)

Mourning Technoblade: Fans Grieve a Minecraft Star They Never Met

Mourning Technoblade: Fans Grieve a Minecraft Star They Never Met https://ift.tt/9cVhmvK The expert gamer built a following of millions of mostly young players on YouTube, without revealing his name or face.

Meet the new GDP prototype that tracks inequality

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Meet the new GDP prototype that tracks inequality https://ift.tt/uqpP0Yk A team of economists offers America a new way to look at economic growth. It's a sort of GDP prototype that tracks the well-being of different income groups. (Image credit: Pixabay)

Private Mars Landing Mission Aims to Beat SpaceX

Private Mars Landing Mission Aims to Beat SpaceX https://ift.tt/9cVhmvK Relativity Space, which could launch its first rocket soon, and Impulse Space, founded by a SpaceX veteran, optimistically say that together they can reach the red planet a few years from now.

NGL Is the App That Will Tell You What You Don’t Want to Hear

NGL Is the App That Will Tell You What You Don’t Want to Hear https://ift.tt/uTD1VPw NGL is only the latest anonymous-messaging platform to take off by making explicit the subtext of most social media: We’re all judging one another. Why is it so hard to resist?

Amazon C.E.O. Andy Jassy Breaks From the Bezos Way

Amazon C.E.O. Andy Jassy Breaks From the Bezos Way https://ift.tt/uTD1VPw Jeff Bezos’ successor has set himself apart with a hands-on approach in Washington.

How to protect your privacy when using mental health care apps

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How to protect your privacy when using mental health care apps https://ift.tt/P6hokOu Some online therapy companies are facing scrutiny for how they handle user data. Experts weigh in on what patients can do to keep their data safer when using these types of services. (Image credit: Jenny Kane/AP)

Lofi Girl disappeared from YouTube and reignited debate over bogus copyright claims

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Lofi Girl disappeared from YouTube and reignited debate over bogus copyright claims https://ift.tt/z2YoD94 When YouTube took the Lofi Girl stream down by mistake, fans were not happy. It was the latest episode in an ongoing debate over copyright and bogus claims. (Image credit: YouTube)

When it comes to data on your phone, deleting a text isn't the end of the story

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When it comes to data on your phone, deleting a text isn't the end of the story https://ift.tt/OouJwnt The Secret Service may have deleted texts that were being sought by a government investigator. But data on a device isn't necessarily gone when it's been deleted. (Image credit: Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images)

Elon Musk Claps Back at Twitter’s Lawsuit Over $44 Billion Deal

Elon Musk Claps Back at Twitter’s Lawsuit Over $44 Billion Deal https://ift.tt/VPSM5si Mr. Musk formally responded to Twitter’s attempt to force him to buy the company, arguing that there was no reason to hurry the case.

Cryptomining Capacity in U.S. Rivals Energy Use of Houston, Findings Show

Cryptomining Capacity in U.S. Rivals Energy Use of Houston, Findings Show https://ift.tt/U4Oermv The findings, by a congressional investigation, highlight how the surge in activity has caused consumers’ electrical bills to rise and makes it harder to fight global warming.

Stripe, the payments start-up, lowers internal valuation 28 percent.

Stripe, the payments start-up, lowers internal valuation 28 percent. https://ift.tt/U4Oermv A sell-off of tech stocks in the public markets has prompted private start-ups to evaluate whether their soaring valuations over the past two years will hold up.

The Tech Magic That Unleashed Your Best

The Tech Magic That Unleashed Your Best https://ift.tt/CkiMH94 Our readers tell us about the surprising ways in which tech has helped them discover new worlds.

S.E.C. Broadens Inquiry Into Elon Musk’s Disclosures About Twitter

S.E.C. Broadens Inquiry Into Elon Musk’s Disclosures About Twitter https://ift.tt/CkiMH94 The agency questioned whether a tweet Mr. Musk sent in May about the acquisition of Twitter should have been disclosed to the agency and investors.

A super fan collected every Super Nintendo game manual and made them free

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A super fan collected every Super Nintendo game manual and made them free https://ift.tt/om6dRva Kerry Hays has crowdsourced the manuals for upwards of 850 unique Super Nintendo games and made them free on an online archive. (Image credit: BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)

Twitter Is Down in an Worldwide Outage

Twitter Is Down in an Worldwide Outage https://ift.tt/CkiMH94 The social networking site went offline on Thursday morning, affecting users worldwide.

Electric Car Sales Climb Sharply Despite Shortages

Electric Car Sales Climb Sharply Despite Shortages https://ift.tt/CkiMH94 A scarcity of semiconductors and raw materials held back production, but buyers remain enthusiastic.

Online Shopping Is Bananas Confusing

Online Shopping Is Bananas Confusing https://ift.tt/CkiMH94 How much we buy online affects the whole economy, but right now there are lots of question marks.

A centuries-old court in Delaware will decide if Elon Musk has to buy Twitter

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A centuries-old court in Delaware will decide if Elon Musk has to buy Twitter https://ift.tt/VOrwoei In a lawsuit, Twitter has asked the Delaware Court of Chancery to order the Tesla CEO to follow through with a $44 billion takeover bid for the social media company. (Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

GLAAD gives social media giants poor grades over lack of protections for LGBTQ users

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GLAAD gives social media giants poor grades over lack of protections for LGBTQ users https://ift.tt/oMEP50R In a new report, GLAAD found that 84% of LGBTQ adults said not enough protections are on social media to prevent discrimination, harassment or disinformation. (Image credit: Alberto Pezzali/AP)

For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws

For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws https://ift.tt/QdmLJS0 Companies say their A.I.-powered tools are the best way to fix accessibility problems online, but many blind people find they make websites harder to use.

In a Post-Roe World, the Future of Digital Privacy Looks Even Grimmer

In a Post-Roe World, the Future of Digital Privacy Looks Even Grimmer https://ift.tt/QdmLJS0 The sheer amount of tech tools and knowledge required to discreetly seek an abortion underlines how wide open we are to surveillance.

Twitter takes Elon Musk to court

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Twitter takes Elon Musk to court https://ift.tt/zg7MIC2 The social media company is asking a Delaware court to force the world's richest man to follow through on his agreement to buy it for $44 billion.