Redbox shuts down as its parent company declares Chapter 7 bankruptcy

This week, Google shows a robust performance with CEO Sundar Pichai citing increased AI-driven search queries and user engagement, while Meta appoints Shengjia Zhao as its chief AI scientist. The competitive landscape remains intense, with Google retaining talent and pushing back against AI threats despite looming challenges. Want More Context? 🔎

Meta will halt political advertising on its platforms in the EU starting October 2025, citing challenges posed by the EU's new transparency regulations (TTPA) as the reason for this decision. The rules, aimed at preventing foreign election interference, impose complex restrictions on ad targeting and personal data processing, leading Meta to conclude that the operational burdens make political ads unfeasible. Want More Context? 🔎

CRISPR gene-editing therapy has made a breakthrough in malaria prevention by modifying a single gene in mosquitoes, rendering them incapable of transmitting the disease. Researchers from UC San Diego, Johns Hopkins, and UC Berkeley discovered that altering an amino acid in mosquitoes can block malaria parasites from reaching salivary glands, allowing for the potential release of these genetically modified mosquitoes to combat the 600,000 annual malaria deaths. Want More Context? 🔎

A recent analysis by Harmonic Security reveals that generative AI tools from China are widely utilized by employees in the US and UK, frequently without proper oversight or approval from security teams. The study highlights numerous instances of sensitive data being uploaded to Chinese-hosted platforms, raising significant compliance and data security concerns. Want More Context? 🔎

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced an upcoming event to detail the company's plans for the Starship rocket. The presentation will occur shortly before the rocket's anticipated 10th flight test, expected in the first half of . Want More Context? 🔎

The FCC has approved Skydance's $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global, with Chairman Brendan Carr welcoming Skydance's commitments to diversify CBS's programming and avoid DEI initiatives. However, Commissioner Anna M. Gomez opposed the deal, criticizing it for undermining press freedom and suggesting government overreach in media operations following Paramount's $16 million settlement with Trump. Want More Context? 🔎