Technology
Two Thinking Machines Lab Cofounders Are Leaving to Rejoin OpenAI
NegativeTechnology
Two cofounders of Thinking Machines Lab are departing to rejoin OpenAI, marking a significant shift for the lab as it loses key leadership. This transition has sparked discussions about the underlying reasons for their departure, with contrasting narratives emerging regarding the state of both organizations.
Tech Workers Are Condemning ICE Even as Their CEOs Stay Quiet
NegativeTechnology
Following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, tech workers have increasingly voiced their condemnation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while executives from major tech companies have remained largely silent on the issue. This shift highlights a growing divide between employee activism and executive inaction within the tech industry.
Neuroscientists Decipher Procrastination: A Brain Mechanism Explains Why People Leave Certain Tasks for Later
NeutralTechnology
New research by neuroscientists has identified a neural circuit that may explain the phenomenon of procrastination, revealing how certain tasks are often postponed. The study demonstrated that this connection could be disrupted using a specific drug, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of procrastination.
AI’s Hacking Skills Are Approaching an ‘Inflection Point’
NeutralTechnology
AI models are increasingly proficient at identifying software vulnerabilities, prompting experts to suggest that the tech industry must reconsider its software development practices. This advancement indicates a significant shift in the capabilities of AI technologies, particularly in cybersecurity.
Verizon Outage Knocks Out US Mobile Service, Including Some 911 Calls
NegativeTechnology
A significant outage at Verizon began around noon ET on January 14, 2026, affecting mobile service across the United States, including disruptions to 911 calls. Customers reported issues with both voice and data services, with many devices displaying an 'SOS' icon instead of signal bars.
How AI Companies Got Caught Up in US Military Efforts
NegativeTechnology
Two years ago, companies like Meta and OpenAI publicly opposed the military use of their technologies, but recent developments indicate a shift as these firms have become entangled in U.S. military efforts, raising ethical concerns about the implications of their AI tools.
TikTok Shop Showed Me Search Suggestions for Products With Nazi Symbolism
NegativeTechnology
TikTok faced backlash after users reported being algorithmically directed to products featuring Nazi symbolism, including swastika jewelry and items associated with the SS, despite the platform's removal of such items from its shop. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of TikTok's content moderation and algorithmic controls in preventing the promotion of hate symbols.
The Fight on Capitol Hill to Make It Easier to Fix Your Car
NeutralTechnology
A bill known as the Repair Act is currently under consideration in the US House, aiming to address the increasing challenges associated with repairing vehicles that are becoming more reliant on software. The legislation seeks to ease restrictions that complicate the repair process for consumers and mechanics alike.
Everything Is Content for the ‘Clicktatorship’
NegativeTechnology
In the context of a second Trump administration, online conspiracy theories are increasingly influencing real-world policies, creating a 'Clicktatorship' where digital content shapes governance. This phenomenon highlights the intersection of technology and political messaging, raising concerns about the implications for democracy and public discourse.