The Guardian · 2 Jun, 05:46
Palantir, a US data analytics company, has grown rapidly and become a major player in the global tech industry, but its rise has been marked by controversy and opposition due to its clients and use of AI-driven software. The company has contracts with various UK government agencies and public services, including the NHS and Ministry of Defence, worth a total of £600m.
Palantir, a US data analytics company founded by Peter Thiel, has grown rapidly since the pandemic, using its AI-driven software to analyze complex datasets for clients worldwide. The company has contracts with various UK government agencies and public services, including the NHS and Ministry of Defence, worth a total of £600m. However, its rise has been marked by controversy and opposition due to its clients, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Israeli military, and concerns about its access to sensitive information. A growing number of people are criticizing the company, with almost a quarter of a million people calling on ministers to break contracts with Palantir via two petitions.
Why it matters: The controversy surrounding Palantir is significant because it highlights concerns about the role of big tech companies in government and public services, and the potential risks of data-sharing and surveillance. Palantir's use of AI-driven software and its access to sensitive information have raised fears of data-driven abuses of state power and the potential for US laws to be used to subpoena UK sovereign data. The company's contracts with UK government agencies and public services have sparked opposition and criticism, with many arguing that public money should not be used to fund companies that may not share the values of the UK.
£600m: the total value of Palantir's contracts with UK government agencies and public services; $375bn: Palantir's current worth; 1,500%: the increase in Palantir's value after its listing on the US stock market in 2020; 22: the number of points in Palantir's manifesto that sparked scrutiny and criticism; £50m: the value of a deal between Palantir and the Metropolitan police that was blocked by London mayor Sadiq Khan; £330m: the value of an NHS contract with Palantir and other contractors.
The woke left and the woke right wake up every day figuring out how they can hurt Palantir, and if they get into power, they'll hurt Palantir - Alex Karp, Palantir's CEO
The Guardian · 2 Jun, 05:00
British Paralympian and surgeon John McFall could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit on a commercial space station called Haven-1, launching in 2027. McFall, part of the European Space Agency's astronaut reserve, will focus his research on how space affects his body and prosthetic limbs.
The UK government has signed a deal with US company Vast to support a mission that could make John McFall, a British Paralympian and surgeon, the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit. McFall, who lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident, was cleared for activities in orbit last year and could join a mission to the Haven-1 space station as early as 2027. The Haven-1 space station, currently under construction, will be capable of housing up to four astronauts and features a laboratory for microgravity research. McFall's two-week mission will study the effects of space on his body and modern prosthetic limbs.
Why it matters: This mission could pave the way for greater inclusivity in space exploration and challenge preconceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. McFall's research could also drive the development of lighter and more adaptable prosthetics, benefiting disabled people more widely. Additionally, his mission could further understanding of conditions such as osteoporosis and muscle wastage.
2027: proposed launch year of Haven-1 space station, 2008: year McFall won bronze in the 100m at the Beijing Paralympics, 2015-16: period when Tim Peake spent six months on the ISS, 45: McFall's age, 19: McFall's age when he lost his right leg, 2022: year McFall was selected for Esa's Fly! project
We're saying it's OK for people with disabilities to be astronauts. We've demonstrated that it's possible, that we're open-minded enough to give people the opportunities to do this and recognise that they are equally capable. - John McFall
The Guardian · 2 Jun, 05:00
Hungary's new government, led by Péter Magyar, is set to introduce a wealth tax, targeting oligarchs who benefited from the previous government's 'System of National Cooperation'. The tax could affect around 10,000 households with assets over 1bn forints (£2.4m).
Hungary's new leader, Péter Magyar, and his party, Tisza, have announced plans to introduce a wealth tax, which could make Hungary the first current EU member to do so since the 1980s. The tax would apply to assets above 1bn forints (£2.4m), with a proposed rate of 1% per annum. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle the 'System of National Cooperation' (NER) established by the previous government, led by Viktor Orbán, which rewarded political loyalty with economic opportunities.
Why it matters: The wealth tax is significant as it aims to address the concentration of wealth in Hungary, where the top 1% own about 35% of assets, and the top 10% own more than two-thirds. The tax is also seen as a way to ensure accountability and return public money into the public coffers. The move has sparked debate, with some business leaders supporting the tax, while others argue it could put Hungarian enterprises at a disadvantage.
1bn forints (£2.4m): the proposed threshold for the wealth tax; 1%: the proposed annual tax rate; 10,000: the number of households that could be affected; 35%: the proportion of assets owned by the top 1% in Hungary; 5bn forints (£10m): an alternative threshold suggested by István Karagich, the chief executive of Blochamps Capital; 100bn forints (£240m): the estimated annual revenue that could be raised from the tax at the higher threshold.
In the current situation, I don’t think that our group of companies has a future - Balásy Gyula, one of Hungary's richest men.
Ars Technica · 1 Jun, 22:18
GitHub Copilot users are reacting to a new usage-based pricing system, which has resulted in unexpectedly high costs for some users. The new system charges users based on their actual AI usage, rather than a request-based billing model.
GitHub has switched its Copilot service from a request-based billing model to a usage-based pricing system. This change has led to many users reporting high costs, with some using up their monthly allotment of AI credits in just a few hours. The new system has resulted in 'sticker shock' for many users, who are sharing their experiences on social media and forums.
Why it matters: The new pricing system is significant because it affects how much users pay for the AI-powered Copilot service. The change has resulted in some users facing unexpectedly high costs, which may impact their decision to continue using the service. The reaction from users highlights the challenges of implementing usage-based pricing for AI services.
Ars Technica · 1 Jun, 21:38
A prehistoric cave in the eastern Pyrenees may have been used as an ancient copper smelting site, with more frequent human occupation than previously thought. Spanish archaeologists uncovered artifacts supporting this theory during excavations between 2021 and 2023.
A team of Spanish archaeologists excavated a prehistoric cave in the eastern Pyrenees between 2021 and 2023. Based on analysis of uncovered artifacts, they believe the site may have served as an ancient copper smelting spot. The researchers published their preliminary findings in a paper in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology. The site shows signs of far more frequent occupation by humans than previously thought.
Why it matters: The discovery of a potential prehistoric mining site provides new insights into the lives and activities of ancient humans. Understanding the history of mining and metalworking can shed light on the technological and social developments of early human societies. This finding could lead to further research and a better understanding of human history in the region.
2021, 2023
Ars Technica · 1 Jun, 20:58
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed up to $50 million to Moderna to develop an mRNA-based vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV). The funding will support preclinical development, Phase 1 clinical testing, and large-scale manufacturing of the vaccine candidate.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has pledged over $60 million to accelerate the development of three vaccine candidates against Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), which is currently causing an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. CEPI has committed up to $50 million to Moderna to develop its mRNA-based BDBV vaccine candidate. The funding will support preclinical development and Phase 1 clinical testing of the vaccine, as well as large-scale manufacturing capabilities in preparation for potential Phase 2/3 trials.
Why it matters: The development of a vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus is significant because it addresses an urgent need to control an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The use of Moderna's mRNA vaccine platform, which was also used to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, could enable rapid development and deployment of the vaccine.
$50 million, $60 million
"[W]e believe our mRNA platform can play an important role in responding rapidly to emerging infectious disease threats. We will move with urgency and scientific rigor to support the response and help bring a potential vaccine closer to the communities that need it most." - Stéphane Bancel, Moderna CEO
NPR News · 1 Jun, 18:20
Serena Williams, 44, is returning to professional tennis to play doubles at the HSBC Championships in London, marking her comeback nearly four years after retirement.
Serena Williams, a 44-year-old tennis legend and mother of two, has announced her return to professional tennis. She will be playing in the HSBC Championships in London this month. Williams had retired from tennis nearly four years ago. Her return to the sport has been welcomed by the tournament, which has referred to her as 'THE QUEEN RETURNS.'
Why it matters: This is significant as it marks a comeback for one of the most successful tennis players in history. Williams' return to professional tennis is notable given her age and time since retirement. Her participation in the HSBC Championships will be closely watched by fans and the tennis community.
44 (Serena Williams' age), nearly 4 years (since her retirement)
NPR News · 1 Jun, 20:35
The US Justice Department has agreed to abide by a court order that pauses a $1.776 million fund for victims of government 'weaponization', despite disagreeing with the ruling.
The US Justice Department has announced that it will abide by a court order that has paused a fund intended for victims of government 'weaponization'. The fund, valued at $1.776 million, was established to support individuals affected by alleged government overreach. The department has expressed disagreement with the court's decision but will comply with the order.
Why it matters: This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing debates surrounding government accountability and the role of the justice system in addressing allegations of misconduct. The pause on the fund raises questions about the future of the program and its potential impact on those it was meant to support.
$1.776 million
The Justice Department said it 'strongly disagrees' with the court's ruling
NPR News · 1 Jun, 19:52
The state of Florida has sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging safety lapses with the company's ChatGPT product. The lawsuit claims the company failed to warn users of potential dangers and instead marketed it as safe and reliable.
The state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, in a Florida state court. The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI failed to warn users that ChatGPT could be dangerous and instead marketed it as safe and reliable, including for children. The lawsuit claims that this marketing approach was misleading and put users at risk.
Why it matters: This lawsuit is significant because it highlights concerns about the safety and reliability of AI products like ChatGPT. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could have implications for how AI companies market and develop their products in the future.