RSnake Report 20250117

Hello, and thanks for reading! I hope you are getting January off to a good start. I have been watching more layoffs happen and one of my friends predicted that 2025 will be even greater layoffs and greater AI/automation. I suspect he’s correct about that, so time to start sharpening those skills! What could you learn that you haven’t bothered to? Time to start!

Let’s start with the Russian/Ukraine conflict, where the sanctions game just escalated dramatically as the U.S. targeted 160 additional oil tankers tied to Russia’s oil trade. Historically, sanctions like these have turned vessels into scrap metal, and this move is likely a crisis for global oil logistics as Russia scrambles to adapt. I have a feeling OPEC will seize the opportunity, though - especially around LNG and long-term fuel storage in the form of urea and ammonia.

On the Kursk front, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers, a development exposing Moscow’s increasing reliance on foreign mercenaries. President Zelenskyy revealed how Russians appear to be falsifying documents to hide North Korean involvement, as evidenced by the soldiers’ IDs falsely listing the Tuva Republic as their birthplace. In that region the population can pass as North Koreans and vice versa. Earlier findings corroborate this pattern.

Ukrainian ingenuity continues to shine, with drones equipped with shotguns proving devastatingly effective. One drone took out three Russian Mavic drones before neutralizing a combatant and finishing with a grenade drop. Here is another supercut of destroying 20 drones! I am somewhat surprised that these makeshift shotguns are combat-effective, but clearly, they do work. Now the question is how cheap can these be made and what kind of round count is necessary to make them ideal for the situation at hand. Meanwhile, an American MRAP MaxxPro demonstrated its resilience, surviving a Russian FPV drone attack in the Donetsk region - it is remarkable how well armored these vehicles are and it gives some comfort that the MRAP is sufficient to withstand the anti-personnel munitions the Russian drones are armed with.

Long-range strikes continue to make headlines, with Ukraine hitting an oil refinery 1,800 kilometers from its borders. Despite Russian attempts to shield these sites with protective netting, the strikes have left major facilities ablaze. 1,800km means that they are likely sneaking drones into Russia and firing from there, or firing from the Caspian Sea. Either way, that’s not good news for anything in that region of value to the Russians.

Gazprom, once the crown jewel of Russia’s energy sector, is now imploding under the weight of sanctions and lost European markets. The company is cutting its headquarters staff by nearly half, reducing numbers from 4,100 to 2,500, as gas supplies have dwindled to a trickle. Shares have hit historic lows, and bankruptcy looms on the horizon.

In a remarkable show of battlefield adaptation, Ukrainian troops are employing innovative improvised weapons like “stick grenades”, which pack a powerful punch with dual TNT blocks and safety fuse lengths, proving highly effective in clearing dugouts and fortified positions. I am really not a fan of these for all kinds of reasons. TNT isn’t long-term stable, it doesn’t fragment, it requires a fuze, etc. So while okay in a pinch this is not the right choice. Even a pipe bomb would be preferable.

Coming back to tech you would expect to find in the 21st century, Ukrainian mine-laying robots, the “Ratel S” unmanned ground vehicles, are now doubling as kamikaze bots. So either they can drop/lay mines, or they can act as the mine and drive right into combat situations (this video shows it taking out a partially dilapidated bridge).

Even Russian forces are succumbing to their chaos, with reports of friendly fire destroying a modernized North Korean SAM system in the Kursk region—an embarrassing blunder in an already fragile military supply chain. It does beg the question of how they are doing friendly communication/detection, especially given the language barrier. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s precision strikes continue to target critical infrastructure, as evidenced by a direct hit on the Bryansk Chemical Plant, which produced everything from explosives to rocket fuel components.

Russia’s oil infrastructure woes show no signs of abating. In Volgograd’s Krasnoarmeysky district, yet another oil refinery erupted into flames under mysterious circumstances. Russians claim it wasn’t hit by anything, though the timing suggests otherwise. Another attack against a refinery in Saratov occurred around the same time, and another occurred in Volgograd.

On top of that, rumors of deposit freezes are rattling ordinary citizens. Although Russian officials dismiss these as baseless, the stronger the denial, the louder the alarm bells go off, it seems. Trust is eroding rapidly as inflation rises, and anxiety mounts about the potential collapse of personal savings. Yes, this could mean that there is a chance that there will be a run on Russian banks.

The rumor is that the Russian Central Bank is pushing a proposal to confiscate bank account balances exceeding $13,300, swapping the cash for stock in failing banks. The Duma is fighting back, but the scenario threatens a financial meltdown.

Adding insult to injury, economic analysis reveals a credit bubble and hidden defense debts exacerbated by sanctions and punitive interest rates. Russia’s supposed “economic fortress” is increasingly looking like a house of cards. To put it simply: balance sheets are increasing while income is dropping, which means fewer people are paying their loans, and the bank is seizing more assets, but they can’t find competent operators to run/manage those assets. That cannot last forever. Either Russia needs to sell off more assets to the likes of China, which it has already done, or it will face a full economic meltdown if it cannot find another good source of revenue. Stealing from your own population through massive increases in taxes only works for a very short time period, and even then, it has long-term financial ripple effects on your economy.

The war’s toll on Ukraine’s industries is stark, as well. The nation’s sole coking coal producer, a critical input for steelmaking, has halted operations in Pokrovsk due to the advancing Russian frontlines. The once-giant Ukrainian steel industry is now fighting for survival, and it will now need to look towards European markets for its steel supply.

Finally, Russian reserves are being called up, as Putin has signed a decree mobilizing reserve forces for training in 2025. The announcement adds to the growing strain on a population already stretched thin by previous drafts, economic hardship, and an endless war. People really do not like when things like this happen, and it’s telegraphing greater weakness to his own people that they aren’t winning this 3-day special operation and now have to reach back into any military-age man to send in as a meat wave.

Now, briefly, onto Europe, where Greenland is signaling a major geopolitical shift as Prime Minister Múte Egede announced plans to tighten military and mining ties with the U.S. This move aligns with the US's growing global interest in the Arctic, where resource wealth and strategic positioning are making the region an emerging battleground for influence. As U.S.-China and US-Russian tensions simmer, Greenland’s cooperation could add new dimensions to Arctic security dynamics and bolster Trump’s desire to integrate Greenland.

Onto the Middle East where a rare and unsettling display, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled one of its large underground missile complexes. This base is believed to have been involved in October’s “True Promise 2” attacks on Israel - you remember, the one where they broke their promise… again? 😆 I highly recommend checking out this video if for no other reason than to see the comedy of them stepping on crudely painted US and Israeli flags on the ground. These bases are enormous though, which was telling about the size of the missiles they store there. The engineering to make these facilities is actually fairly impressive, and I am sure that is precisely why they wanted to show them off.

Meanwhile, Iran is trying to recover some geopolitical reach by sending some military-industrial muscle to Syria, agreeing to send 1,500 drones to the YPG/PKK to counter Turkey’s operations. The drones represent a direct challenge to Turkey’s military superiority in the region and underline Iran’s growing role in asymmetric warfare. Okay, so the bad news here is Iran is arming the same groups that the US military is - the YPG/PKK is basically a militant arm of the Kurdish rebels in the north. So, does that make Iran our ally now? Man, what a mess we’ve made over there.

Turning to Israel and Gaza, a ceasefire and hostage deal has finally been announced, but not without complications. The terms include the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with broader reconstruction plans for Gaza led by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN. Biden took credit for the deal, naturally but the Israeli prime minister thanked Trump for his assistance.

Yet the ink wasn’t even dry before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on the agreement, casting doubt on the ceasefire’s viability. Not to mention while the ceasefire starts on the 19th, there is already open talk amongst the Gazans about retaliation. Check out that video if you have any doubts about their veracity. So this deal is likely not going to last long - don’t hold your breath. I don’t care who wants to take the credit for it; it’s not durable peace because these two groups inherently do not have a way to coexist even if the hostages are released. You can read more on a leaked version of the peace plan here.

At sea, the U.S. is ramping up its mission to secure international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. Over 400 munitions, including medium- and long-range surface-to-air missiles, have been used since the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian. This has cost the US taxpayer about half a billion dollars thus far to protect this region’s shipping. Those SM-2 missiles are finite and expensive. Without a real plan in place, this is going to get increasingly expensive, and I see a world in which the Houthis are successful and get a golden BB through and do manage to sink a ship. Then what? It feels like we have no plan at all, while the Houthis are emboldened.

Briefly onto the South China Sea, where the shadow of a Taiwanese invasion looms. China has been caught building specialized landing barges suitable for amphibious operations. While this development is most immediately relevant to Taiwan, its implications extend globally as China continues to project its naval power across multiple theaters.

Onto domestic news, where the U.S. Air Force is taking surveillance to the next level, deploying the WISP system at RAF Lakenheath. Developed by Anduril, this wide-area infrared surveillance technology provides 360° passive, AI-enabled imaging to automate threat detection. I have long thought that aside from situations where the missiles fly too high or in cloudy skies, passive optics or passive thermal optics would be huge for detecting hypersonics and slower moving objects. Glad to see someone working on that!

In a move to revolutionize the concept of military affordability, Scaled Composites and Northrop Grumman have unveiled the Model 437, a low-cost attritable aircraft. This multi-mission airframe boasts a 3,000 nautical mile range and six-hour endurance, carrying up to 2,000 pounds of payload, including AIM-120 AMRAAMs. The cost is unknown, but it’s meant to be cheap, and it's likely they’ll remove the pilot completely in the real production version.

Meanwhile, DJI has made a controversial update to its drones sold in the U.S., removing the geofencing system that restricted flights in no-fly zones. Now operators will simply receive a warning when entering sensitive areas, such as airports and military installations. Obviously, this caught a lot of people’s eye, but they claim that this is how it works elsewhere so they just want to standardize. It’s possible, but I don’t buy that excuse. Likely, their own operatives are having a hard time using DJI for clandestine purposes, and they don’t want to make custom software. Also, it’s somewhat helpful to know that you’re in the right, er… wrong spot, by a visual indicator… isn’t it?

Speaking of drones, Anduril has announced a significant investment on U.S. manufacturing with the establishment of Arsenal-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The company is putting nearly $1 billion into this facility, which is set to begin production by mid-2026.

Donald Trump has unveiled the External Revenue Service (ERS), promising to abolish the IRS entirely. His announcement, coupled with critiques from El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele about unnecessary taxes, sets the stage for a rip-roaring first few months of Trump’s presidency. One way or another, it will be interesting to see what he has in store.

In food safety news, the FDA has officially banned Red Dye No. 3, a petroleum-derived chemical linked to cancer in animals. This dye, found in everything from candy to strawberry milkshakes, must be phased out by January 2027. There are a lot of other synthetic food dyes that are in the MAHA bullseye, so it is slightly odd that only one of them was tackled by the FDA.

Onto Tech news, where self-styled tech bro Mark Zuckerberg claimed the Biden administration screamed and cursed at his team to censor COVID and vaccine-related content on Meta platforms. When Zuckerberg resisted, the administration allegedly launched investigations into his companies. That feels likely constitutionally illegal. I expect these allegations to end in court, so watch out for that. Of course Biden will likely pardon anyone touching that case so likely nothing will come of it.

Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, as the “Gayfemboy DDoS attacks” (yes, I did just say that) expose vulnerabilities in industrial routers. Leveraging 0-day exploits and brute-forcing admin credentials, it gives the bot access to send tons of packets from each network.

In the ongoing battle over TikTok, the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to deny President-Elect Donald Trump’s attempt to block the app’s removal from app stores. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has refused to sell the app to a U.S. firm, even under threat of shutdown. With TikTok’s days in the U.S. potentially numbered, its fate now hangs in the balance. Though obviously rumors are swirling about different suiters.

Finally, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has unlocked a potentially useful new feature: Tasks. This functionality lets users set up recurring automated actions, turning the AI into a personal assistant that operates in the background. It gives the agent some level of autonomy without having to be manually instructed. Of course, users of the API always had this feature by running their code out of cron.

Okay, onto the articles!

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are experiencing ongoing heavy bombardments despite a recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. More than 46,700 Palestinians have reportedly died in the conflict, leading to widespread displacement and trauma among survivors who remain apprehensive about future escalations of violence.

• The ceasefire was announced while bombings continued in Gaza.

• Survivors are dealing with significant psychological trauma and loss of loved ones.

[RSnake: And that will continue until the 19th - at the earliest.]

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/16/we-lost-so-many-gaza-cautiously-waits-for-ceasefire-as-bombing-continues?traffic_source=rss

A significant aid convoy from Jordan, comprising 120 trucks, is heading to Gaza to deliver essential food, medicine, and fuel amid a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict. The United Nations has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to alleviate the catastrophic situation, where up to two million people in Gaza are reliant on aid as the region has faced severe restrictions on supplies.

• Jordan is sending a large aid convoy to Gaza to provide critical supplies.

• The UN stresses the need for a ceasefire due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

[RSnake: I am a little surprised Jordan wants to do this because they must know that this will only end up in the hands of Hamas.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0k5588r7vdo

Two large fires in Los Angeles have resulted in significant destruction, causing 27 fatalities and impacting over 12,000 homes and businesses. Investigators are exploring various theories about the fires' origins, including potential arson and utility-related causes, while fire officials have noted the challenges and complexities in identifying the exact causes as investigations continue.

• The fires resulted in 27 deaths and extensive property destruction in Los Angeles.

• Investigators are examining multiple theories, including arson and the role of utility companies in igniting the blazes.

[RSnake: And a lot of them were uninsured.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r55xgvv36o

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to establish a federal stockpile of bitcoin to pay off the US national debt, driving up its price.

• The US government buying bitcoin at inflated prices would not help pay off America's debt.

• The plan could drive up Bitcoin's price due to increased demand.

[RSnake: We shall see how that plays out but it likely will pump up bitcoin artificially.]

Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-trumps-bitcoin-embrace-the-biggest-pump-and-dump-ever-9b2c2e71?mod=mw_rss_topstories

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been arrested on charges of insurrection after briefly declaring martial law, a decision that was quickly overturned by the National Assembly.

• Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law citing threats from North Korea, which was revoked within hours.

• The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, triggering an arrest by South Korean investigators.

[RSnake: Took a bit but they finally managed to arrest him.]

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/15/south-korean-investigators-enter-presidents-home-in-second-arrest-attempt

The Arctic region is becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions among the United States, China, and Russia due to its strategic significance and natural resources.

• The U.S. views Greenland as crucial for national security amid rising tensions with Russia.

• Russia is expanding its Arctic military and economic activity, exploiting new shipping routes.

• China aims to gain influence in the Arctic through investments, complicating the geopolitical landscape.

[RSnake: Greenland is just an example of the issue. So is Canada. Owning the north will be very important in the future. It’s the fastest path over the poles for missiles and aircraft to/from Russia.]

Source: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/?p=226188

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is implementing new export controls on advanced computing integrated circuits and artificial intelligence model weights. These controls are aimed at safeguarding U.S. national security interests by regulating the global diffusion of crucial AI technologies and computing components, particularly to countries perceived as security threats.

• BIS is reforming export regulations surrounding advanced computing and AI technologies to strengthen national security.

• New controls include licensing requirements for products related to AI model weights and computing integrated circuits, affecting international trade dynamics.

[RSnake: ITAR of a new category of weapon. This worked so well for cryptography.]

Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/15/2025-00636/framework-for-artificial-intelligence-diffusion

The U.S. government is engaged in discussions about potentially banning TikTok, a move that could significantly benefit Meta Platforms Inc. and Mark Zuckerberg by eliminating a major competitor. President Trump, who is set to be sworn in soon, has the authority to influence the outcome of the ban, which has been positioned as a measure against Chinese internet dominance and competition.

• U.S. government is considering a ban on TikTok.

• A ban could significantly benefit Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

[RSnake: If you are looking for a replacement, try ibble. It’s domestically built and has similar features.]

Source: https://www.404media.co/a-tiktok-ban-is-a-gift-to-meta-and-instagram/

In Bangladesh, a revolution led primarily by university students, especially women, resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years. The movement, which began as a protest against government job quotas, transformed into a widespread uprising that saw significant female participation, though post-revolution, women's roles and visibility in political decision-making have diminished significantly.

• A large-scale uprising in Bangladesh led to the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

• Women's participation was crucial in the protests, but they have since been sidelined in political discussions.

[RSnake: Women power until the regime changes, I guess. More on that here.]

Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/?p=1183964

Donald Trump is preparing to take office with a focus on Israel's security issues, primarily concerning the Iranian nuclear threat and military support for Israel. His administration plans to lift restrictions on military equipment for Israel, seek a swift resolution to the ongoing Gaza war, and implement sanctions against the International Criminal Court, affecting its operations in relation to Israel.

• Trump's administration will impose new sanctions on the International Criminal Court regarding its actions towards Israel.

• There are plans to expedite military shipments to the Israel Defense Forces within days of Trump's inauguration.

[RSnake: That whole area is a mess, so it’s no wonder. It’s been mismanaged by the U.S. if our goal is to be world police. Or it’s been terribly managed if our goal is to stay out of it. Either way.]

Source: https://www.jewishpress.com/?p=723351

By 2027, China is expected to have a significant numerical superiority in modern fighter jets compared to the United States, with estimates suggesting a 12-to-1 advantage in key Western Pacific regions.

• China's modern fighter jet fleet will outnumber the U.S. by 12 to 1 by 2027.

• Ongoing cyber espionage from China poses significant risks to U.S. national security and infrastructure.

[RSnake: Ouch. That is a big delta. That said, they aren’t tested at all in combat. So it remains to be seen how many of them would survive even first contact with the enemy let alone a full blown conflict.]

Source: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/?p=226232

Biden has issued an executive order to expedite the development of AI infrastructure in the United States, requiring federal agencies to identify sites for new AI data centers and clean power facilities. The initiative aims to improve the nation's capability to support advanced AI operations and manage the expected increase in electricity consumption from these facilities, which is projected to significantly rise over the next few years.

• The executive order mandates federal agencies to facilitate the rapid development of AI infrastructure.

• Projected electricity consumption from data centers could rise to 12% of the nation's total by 2028, emphasizing the need for efficient energy solutions.

[RSnake: It will go up a lot more than that if we do our job right in the AI community and the government stays well and truly out of the way.]

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91260504/biden-issues-executive-order-ai-infrastructure

Raytheon is increasing production rates of the SM-3 missile as demand grows due to recent successful intercepts against missile attacks, particularly in the Middle East. The U.S. Navy weapon has proven effective in combat, prompting Congress to restore funding for the SM-3 Block IB production in the National Defense Authorization Act, while also investing in the SM-3 Block IIA version for increased capabilities.

• Raytheon aims to enhance missile production rates due to global demand.

• Congress has restored funding to maintain SM-3 Block IB production amidst successful combat performance.

[RSnake: Good - this, after we shot 400 SM missiles at the Houthi rockets/drones… And that is only one country defending a small region of the ocean. Imagine if we have to fight a real war.]

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2025/01/15/raytheon-aims-to-boost-sm-3-missile-production-rates/

A significant vulnerability in Google's OAuth authentication system allows former employees of failed startups to have their sensitive accounts compromised. Millions of accounts are potentially exposed due to domain ownership changes, as attackers can purchase defunct domains and access old employee accounts involving sensitive data.

• A flaw in Google's OAuth system permits unauthorized access to accounts of former employees of defunct startups.

• Without unique identifiers in the OAuth implementation, millions of accounts remain at risk from domain ownership changes.

[RSnake: Clever! Of course. Dropping old domains is a nightmare.]

Source: https://trufflesecurity.com/blog/millions-at-risk-due-to-google-s-oauth-flaw

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A significant illicit online marketplace named Huione Guarantee is reportedly facilitating $24 billion in transactions, primarily supporting scammers with various digital services, including money laundering. The platform has expanded its offerings to include a messaging app, a stablecoin, and a cryptocurrency exchange, which has contributed to a substantial increase in its activity and transaction volume.

• Huione Guarantee is now the largest illicit online marketplace, focused on providing services to scammers.

• The marketplace has seen a 51% increase in transaction volume and features various tools for facilitating scams and money laundering.

[RSnake: I did a double-take on that number. Yes, it’s right. 24 Billion! Yikes.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/the-largest-illicit-online-marketplace-ever-is-growing-at-an-alarming-rate/

Microsoft fixed multiple security flaws in its January 2025 Patch Tuesday update, addressing eight zero-day vulnerabilities and 159 other issues. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provided guidance on enhancing cybersecurity operations using new Microsoft Purview Audit logging capabilities, prompted by a significant breach involving Chinese hackers who accessed over 60,000 emails from State Department officials.

• Microsoft addressed critical security flaws in its systems affecting numerous users.

• CISA's guidance aims to improve threat detection capabilities in response to previous hacking incidents.

[RSnake: Make sure you patch up if you are using Windows or Office products.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisa-shares-guidance-for-microsoft-expanded-logging-capabilities/

A service creating AI-generated nude images of real people is using Meta platforms, bypassing moderation efforts, and being promoted with explicit ads featuring non-consensual nudity.

• Crushmate app uses AI to create non-consensual nude images of celebrities, influencers, and real people.

• Meta platforms are buying thousands of explicit ads for Crushmate, with over 5,000 ads overall.

[RSnake: Yep, and they aren’t the only ones. Trying to stop this will be a game of whack-a-mole, and I’m not sure it is worth the time. At best you can push it underground. People will draw the nudes if they can’t produce them with AI. Same thing.]

Source: https://www.404media.co/instagram-ads-send-this-nudify-site-90-percent-of-its-traffic/

US President Joe Biden has issued a comprehensive executive order aimed at enhancing federal cybersecurity measures, establishing guidelines for artificial intelligence use, and tightening security around software procurement and cloud services.

• The executive order mandates improved cybersecurity practices for government networks following recent security incidents.

• It emphasizes the integration of AI in protecting critical infrastructure and automating threat detection.

[RSnake: Okay, yes, and the mandates are…? Oh wait, they haven’t actually defined them yet. *sigh* Here is some OT guidance from CISA that has a better chance of being useful and un-confusing.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/biden-executive-order-cybersecurity-ai-and-more/

BrainChip has integrated its neuromorphic processor into Quantum Ventura’s CyberNeuro-RT cybersecurity tool, aimed at enhancing protection for various network access devices. This collaboration, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, enables on-chip learning for detecting cyber threats, making it particularly effective for edge devices that cannot rely on central servers for threat identification.

• BrainChip's Akida processor allows for low-power, event-based AI capabilities, enhancing cybersecurity efforts for edge devices.

• The partnership with Quantum Ventura leverages government support to develop advanced cyber threat detection tools.

[RSnake: I think this is a very dangerous place for AI to be used. Yes, it will help find things but it’s also going to misclassify and hallucinate. At a minimum, I want a human reviewer in that loop.]

Source: https://thereadable.co/brainchip-provides-low-power-neuromorphic-processing-for-quantum-venturas-cyberthreat-intelligence-tool/

GDPR complaints have been filed against several Chinese companies, including TikTok and Temu, for transferring European user data to China in violation of EU data protection laws. The non-profit organization NOYB is advocating for the suspension of these data transfers and has outlined potential fines against the companies for these violations.

• GDPR complaints have been filed against Chinese firms for unlawful data transfers.

• Potential fines for violations may reach billions of dollars for specific companies.

[RSnake: The US version of TikTok is building differently from what I gathered by talking to a friend who works there. The US version is isolated from TikTok employees and run by Oracle. The rest of the world…? Not so much.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/gdpr-complaints-filed-against-tiktok-temu-for-sending-user-data-to-china/

A data breach at the Wolf Haldenstein law firm has exposed the personal information of approximately 3.5 million individuals, including Social Security numbers. This incident, detected in December 2023, has led to a delay in notifying affected individuals due to difficulties in identifying and contacting them.

• 3.5 million individuals were impacted by a data breach.

• The breach increased the risk of phishing and other targeted attacks.

[RSnake: Ouch. A few of us used to say that law and accounting firms would be great targets. So much info and their data protection policies and budget for tech is suspect.]

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/wolf-haldenstein-law-firm-says-35-million-impacted-by-data-breach/

General Motors has been banned from selling driving behavior and geolocation data for five years following an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC found that consumers were not adequately notified about the data collection practices, which had implications for insurance rates and consumer privacy.

• General Motors was found to have collected and sold drivers' behavior data without adequate consumer notification.

• The FTC's settlement prohibits the sale of individual driving information to third parties but allows for the sharing of anonymous data.

[RSnake: … for five years? Lol]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/technology/general-motors-driving-data-settlement.html

Chinese companies are releasing advanced AI models that compete with U.S. technologies, with a startup called MiniMax unveiling several new models that boast significant capabilities, including a vast context window and multimodal understanding. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is implementing stricter export controls aimed at preventing advanced semiconductor technologies from reaching Chinese companies, as part of ongoing efforts to limit China's access to sophisticated AI technologies.

• MiniMax has launched new AI models that rival those from leading U.S. firms with enhanced performance metrics.

• The U.S. government is intensifying restrictions on chip exports to China to control their advancements in AI.

[RSnake: I am super wary of these models. How they are trained and react to US queries might be very different than US build models. I would not trust or use these models outside of a lab and only interrogate them.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2947466

Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket into Earth's orbit on January 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company founded by Jeff Bezos. The mission, however, faced challenges as the reusable first stage booster did not successfully land on the barge due to telemetry issues shortly after separation.

• Blue Origin reached Earth's orbit for the first time with its New Glenn rocket.

• The mission encountered issues with the booster landing attempt.

[RSnake: Congrats, despite the issue.]

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/bezos-blue-origin-reaches-orbit-in-first-rocket-launch/articleshow/117315934.cms

SpaceX's Starship rocket experienced a catastrophic malfunction during its seventh test launch, causing debris to fall from the sky over the Caribbean. The upper stage shut down prematurely, leading to a loss of communication with the ground. SpaceX was able to catch the booster stage successfully but failed to reach orbit.

• SpaceX is developing the Starship rocket for interplanetary travel and has made significant progress in recent tests.

• The malfunction highlights the challenges and risks involved in space exploration and development.

[RSnake: Also congrats - I see it as a win in part at least. Space travel is hard.]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/science/spacex-starship-test-launch-7.html

Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, has become a significant figure in the tech industry, amassing a fortune through strategic investments totaling $1 trillion. He gained exclusive rights to distribute the iPhone in Japan through a verbal agreement with Steve Jobs, which significantly boosted SoftBank's market presence and led to its dominance in the mobile sector. Currently, SoftBank is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, planning to develop innovative consumer devices in this emerging field.

• Masayoshi Son has been a pivotal figure in the tech industry, with substantial investments and a pivotal partnership with Steve Jobs.

• SoftBank's exclusive distribution rights for the iPhone in Japan catalyzed its growth, establishing it as a leader in the mobile market.

• SoftBank is focusing on artificial intelligence, aiming to develop groundbreaking consumer technology.

[RSnake: Wow - 1 trillion. Impressive. Especially that verbal agreement. What a win.]

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/softbank-masayoshi-son-bet-billions-iphone-steve-jobs/

A startup called NeuroBionics is developing minimally invasive bioelectric fibers designed to treat neurological conditions by being threaded through blood vessels in the brain. The technology aims to reduce the need for traditional deep brain stimulation surgery, potentially making treatments more accessible and less intrusive. The company has recently secured $5 million in funding to advance its clinical device, with expectations for market entry by 2030.

• NeuroBionics is working on bioelectric fibers that can be implanted through blood vessels in the brain.

• The technology could offer a less invasive alternative to deep brain stimulation for treating neurological conditions.

[RSnake: I am wary of shoving anything in my brain, but if I had such a condition, I might seriously consider it, given the alternative.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2948089

Waymo has expanded its commercial driverless taxi operations to three major US cities and plans to further grow its presence in additional markets in the coming years. The company has increased the number of rides completed weekly, reflecting a rapid adoption of its autonomous ride-hailing service since its initial launch in 2018.

• Waymo operates commercially in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, completing hundreds of thousands of rides weekly.

• The company plans to launch services in Austin, Atlanta, and Miami by 2026, further expanding its autonomous taxi network.

[RSnake: I am looking forward to getting stuck in a roundabout, and I will laugh and laugh and then throw up and laugh.]

Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/where-are-waymos-robotaxis-today

The State of Maryland and the University of Maryland have announced a $1 billion initiative called the 'Capital of Quantum' to establish Maryland as a leader in the quantum computing industry. The plan includes investments in quantum technology, the establishment of a new quantum intelligence campus, and the creation of high-paying jobs in various fields related to quantum science and engineering.

• Maryland aims to be a global hub for quantum computing.

• The initiative includes significant investments and job creation in the quantum sector.

• IonQ will anchor this initiative with a new facility and expanded workforce.

[RSnake: Interesting. We should try something like that here in Austin, and not something as boring as the live-music capital of the world. Meh.]

Source: https://thereadable.co/state-of-maryland-university-of-maryland-announce-1-billion-capital-of-quantum-initiative/

The US FDA bans Red No. 3, a synthetic dye found in foods and drinks, due to cancer-causing concerns and behavioral issues in children.

• Some states have already banned Red No. 3 from food and drinks, and major companies like Mars, General Mills, and Kellogg's have removed artificial flavors and colors from their products.

• The FDA maintains that humans do not respond to the additive in the same way as rats, but some studies suggest a link between synthetic food dyes and behavioral impacts in children.

[RSnake: Just three more years to eat all those dangerous dyes! Again, why not just get rid of all of them all at once if you’re going to piss off food manufacturers anyway.]

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91261307/cancer-risk-prompts-fda-ban-on-red-food-dye

The U.S. housing market is experiencing unprecedented challenges, with home prices soaring over 53% since January 2020, while mortgage rates have risen significantly, leading to a dramatic decline in housing affordability. Homebuyers are now facing monthly payments that have nearly doubled, with many expressing comfort in payments as high as $10,000 due to rising wages and increased wealth, despite high borrowing costs and limited housing supply. The ongoing 'lock-in effect' is keeping many homeowners from selling, resulting in historically low existing home sales.

• Homebuyers face skyrocketing mortgage payments as prices and rates rise.

• A significant portion of the market is affected by the lock-in effect, limiting supply.

[RSnake: That is a massive jump. Wow. No wonder so many people were screaming about the economy.]

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91260816/housing-market-loan-officer-more-homebuyers-8k-to-10k-mortgage-payments

In 2024, iron ore shipments from Australia's Port Hedland reached a record 569 million tons, despite a decline in December. China, the largest consumer of iron ore, has faced a slowdown in steel output, leading to a significant drop in iron ore prices, while global production from major exporters like Australia and Brazil remains high.

• Iron ore shipments from Port Hedland achieved a record volume in 2024.

• China's economic issues have led to a decrease in steel output and iron ore demand.

[RSnake: Interesting. Perhaps China’s great ship-building build-up is tapering off.]

Source: https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/41018-iron-ore-shipments-from-top-australian-port-hit-annual-record

Venture capital investment in U.S. startups surged to approximately $75 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, a significant increase compared to the average investment of $42 billion in prior quarters. However, these funds are concentrated in a small number of large deals, primarily benefiting a handful of major companies, indicating a widening gap in the startup ecosystem.

• Venture capital investment reached $75 billion in Q4 2024.

• 43% of the investment was concentrated in a few large deals.

[RSnake: That’s good - at least if you are an entrepreneur. Same was true in Israel by the way.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2948563

Symbotic is acquiring Walmart's automation business for $200 million upfront, with the potential for an additional $350 million based on performance. This partnership aims to enhance Symbotic's role as a supplier of technology for Walmart's distribution and delivery centers, reflecting a significant move in the retail automation sector. The deal is expected to finalize in Q2 2025.

• Symbotic will take control of Walmart's automation program, strengthening their existing partnership.

• This acquisition mirrors Amazon's acquisition of Kiva Systems, indicating a trend in retail automation.

[RSnake: Wow - that might end up being a steal. Walmart has been way ahead on AI and automation for, in some areas, decades.]

Source: https://techcrunch.com/?p=2948311

Google has entered a deal to purchase carbon credits from Indian farms as part of its strategy to offset emissions through carbon dioxide removal methods. This agreement with the supplier Varaha marks a significant step for Google into India's carbon removal sector, utilizing biochar to sequester CO2 and potentially benefiting soil health.

• Google is buying carbon credits from Indian farms to offset emissions.

• The deal focuses on using biochar, which can sequester CO2 for extended periods.

[RSnake: A lot of the carbon credits out there are bogus, btw. I hope Google bought ones that were real.]

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91261933/how-google-partnering-indian-farms-offset-carbon-emissions

Hytera Communications has pled guilty to felony charges for conspiring to steal proprietary trade secret information from Motorola Solutions. The U.S. Department of Justice has been prosecuting Hytera for a decade-long scheme to misappropriate Motorola's DMR technology, with Hytera admitting to taking confidential documents and source code. Hytera will be sentenced in November 2025, while Motorola continues its civil litigation against Hytera for further damages.

• Hytera Communications entered a guilty plea for felony conspiracy charges regarding trade secret theft from Motorola Solutions.

• The U.S. Department of Justice has prosecuted Hytera for a decade-long conspiracy involving the theft of proprietary information.

[RSnake: I am sure you will be shocked to find out that Hytera is a Chinese company.]

Source: https://thereadable.co/hytera-pleads-guilty-to-felony-for-conspiring-to-steal-trade-secret-information-from-motorola-solutions-in-u-s-department-of-justice-prosecution/

A Norwegian shipping company is expanding its logistics services by taking over terminal operations at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden's largest vehicle port, which serves as a vital connection between the Nordic region and global markets. The 12-year contract aims to create a comprehensive logistics hub that enhances the strategic importance of the port through improved supply chain capabilities and multimodal connectivity.

• Wallenius Wilhelmsen is assuming terminal operations at Gothenburg, a key maritime hub.

• The strategy includes developing integrated supply chain solutions to enhance logistics services.

[RSnake: The best joke I have on that region is, “What is the difference between Sweden and Norway? At least Sweden has nice neighbors.”]

Source: https://gcaptain.com/?p=220499

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is suing Elon Musk for allegedly failing to disclose his stake in Twitter in a timely manner, which allowed him to purchase shares at lower prices than their true value. This failure reportedly resulted in him underpaying approximately $150 million for his stock acquisitions. The case is part of ongoing scrutiny surrounding Musk's compliance with securities regulations.

• Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit for not disclosing his ownership stake in Twitter within the required timeframe.

• The SEC claims this allowed Musk to acquire shares at artificially low prices, harming other investors.

[RSnake: I wonder if this lawsuit will survive the Trump administration’s intervention.]

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/1/15/us-watchdog-sues-elon-musk-over-late-disclosure-of-twitter-stake?traffic_source=rss

Meta is planning to reduce its global workforce by about 5% as part of an effort to expedite performance-based job cuts, affecting approximately 3,600 employees. This decision comes amid broader changes in the company, including a shift away from certain diversity initiatives and the restructuring of performance management processes.

• Meta is cutting about 5% of its workforce to improve performance management.

• These job cuts are part of a series of reductions since 2022 aimed at increasing efficiency.

[RSnake: Layoffs but rehires are imminent. They just wanted to dump the low performers.]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3e18lnl20po

Big Tech companies are increasing their reliance on natural gas power to meet the rapid energy demands of AI and data centers, which are projected to triple energy usage by 2028. The U.S. government is facilitating this energy expansion by leasing federal land for AI data centers, while plans for new gas power plants are set to rise significantly in the coming years, despite potential environmental implications.

• Big Tech is investing heavily in natural gas and renewable energy to support energy-hungry AI data centers.

• The U.S. government is taking steps to streamline energy infrastructure development and support clean energy initiatives.

[RSnake: We have 18-year-olds with no college degrees who are working on nuclear subs under the ocean. We can do this safely, even if the government has to be the one operating them. Clearly, it works, it’s safe, and it’s the only long-term answer. ☢️]

Source: https://gizmodo.com/?p=2000550092