Technology

A coalition of parents and advocates is slated to arrive on Capitol Hill this week, intensifying their advocacy for federal online safety legislation, following two recent landmark jury verdicts that found social media companies liable for knowingly harming young individuals.

The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging the company is operating unpermitted gas turbines to power a massive data center near Memphis. The legal action asserts that these turbines will emit hundreds of tons of toxic pollution, disproportionately affecting majority-Black communities already burdened by environmental hazards.

Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff's book, 'Dopamine Kids,' introduces a science-backed methodology for parents to manage children's technology consumption. This strategy advocates for substituting digital engagement with enriching activities that address fundamental needs for social connection and exploration, aiming to enhance overall child well-being.

The four-person Artemis II crew, having completed a record-breaking lunar flyby, received a hero's welcome at Ellington Field at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they reunited with their families for the first time since their historic 10-day journey around the moon.

IBM has agreed to pay approximately $17 million to the federal government, settling allegations of illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The Department of Justice had asserted that the technology firm made "false claims" about its hiring and employment practices in federal contracts, including identifying "diverse" candidates and developing race and sex demographic goals. IBM, however, denied discriminatory practices, emphasizing the agreement was not an admission of liability.

A federal judge in California has indefinitely blocked the Pentagon's attempt to label AI firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, a designation that would have severed its government ties. The ruling determined these measures infringed upon the company's First Amendment and due process rights.

Dominique Townsend, a Detroit resident, has initiated RideAble, a pilot rideshare service aimed at offering dependable and accessible transportation for individuals who use wheelchairs.

The White House has unveiled a comprehensive national framework for artificial intelligence legislation, aimed at precluding states from imposing individual regulations and maintaining a minimalistic regulatory stance on AI. This initiative seeks to harmonize the rapid advancement of AI technology with the imperative of fostering public confidence.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to significantly impact the planet, either positively or negatively, contingent upon its regulation and application. Institutions globally are implementing measures to ensure its ethical and responsible use.

A recent study from North Carolina State University reveals that Black young adults facing online racism increasingly turn to digital mental health tools for support. Mental health professionals are urged to acknowledge the profound impact of online racism on the mental well-being of Black youth.