Bogotá, May 12 (EFE).- These are the main technological news of the week in America.
1. A minute of silence for the iPod
Just as for our parents and some of us the Sony Walkman was our first portable sound system, the Apple iPod represented a kind of “freedom cry” for millennials, with thousands of songs at their disposal.
As well. This week Apple ended production of the iPod, which has already lost popularity with the development of other types of devices.
However, the latest iPod touch, the most recent model, will remain available while supplies last.
A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since the first time this tiny device, initially with a capacity of 5 and 10 gigabytes of storage, was presented by Steve Jobs in 2001.
Goodbye, dear iPod! You marked an entire generation.
2. The doors of Twitter would be reopened for Trump
One of Elon Musk’s flags regarding the purchase of Twitter has been to grant him broad freedom of expression, which even means lifting the veto on the network of the little blue bird to former US President Donald Trump (2017-2021).
But that depends on Musk being able to gain full ownership of Twitter, something that hasn’t happened yet.
“I would reverse the permanent ban, but I don’t own Twitter yet, so this is not something that is going to happen for sure,” Musk confessed during an automobile conference organized by The Financial Times.
For Musk, the closure of Trump’s account after the incidents carried out by his followers on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021 was a mistake, because it has alienated a large part of the United States and, moreover, it has not prevented the former president from Keep in touch with your followers.
It will be necessary to see if, after opening the doors for him to return, Trump again agrees to settle in the tweeter’s lap. difficult thing.
3. USA, to keep cryptocurrencies in check
Many people are really scared of what is happening with some cryptocurrency transactions.
That is why the Congress and the US Government have decided to work together to carry out a regulation that regulates stable cryptocurrencies before the end of the year.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assured in the Senate that the country needs a “consistent” federal framework for this type of currency, created to reduce the enormous volatility of “traditional” cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin or ether.
If bitcoin or ether cause concern, what could be said about others that circulate in the digital black market?
It’s time to put them in waist.
4. Canada and Russia show their teeth over cyberattacks
Like dogs of prey, and in this very complicated framework caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada and Russia are showing their sharp teeth after several cyber skirmishes allegedly ordered from the Kremlin.
Canada blamed Russia for several cyberattacks in Europe and North America, including the February 24 attack on the Viasat KA-SAT telecommunications satellite.
The attack blocked the operation of vital infrastructure for internet service and communications in Ukraine and other European countries.
According to Canada, this attack is the latest example of hostile and irresponsible cyber activities launched by Russia against targets in Europe, the United States and the country of the maple leaf.
Today’s wars are fought both on earth and in the sky…and in cyberspace.
5. Subsidized internet for the poorest Americans
The Internet ceased to be considered a luxury a long time ago, and many authorities around the world understand it that way.
And that is why the US government announced that it will subsidize high-speed internet for poor families with up to 30 dollars a month.
The announced “Affordable Connectivity Program” is backed with funds from the infrastructure law passed last year by the US Congress with support from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
The measure will subsidize families that have incomes below double the federal poverty line ($55,000 a year for a family of four or $27,000 for a person living alone, for example) or that already receive some other government aid.
According to data from the White House, 48 million American households (40% of the total) could benefit from this program by meeting the requirements detailed above.
Very good for the digital interconnection!
6. Another Latin American country victimized by hackers!
What thing! Last week Costa Rica was still dealing with the consequences of an attack on its customs system and now Puerto Rico has also been affected, but in its toll payment network.
Despite the fact that the Government has already reported that the AutoExpreso toll payment system, which had been hijacked by hackers three weeks ago, was recovered, there is widespread concern about other vulnerable networks.
Cybercriminals are on the loose in Latin America!
7. Spotify joins the electoral “fair game” in Brazil
The more players who join in monitoring electoral fair play in Brazil, the better, and Spotify has understood that very well.
The Swedish platform joined the alliance promoted by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to combat disinformation with a view to the elections on October 2.
Spotify will help the TSE reduce “the negative effects” of false news about the electoral process through the dissemination of “reliable content” and the “identification and containment of disinformation cases and practices,” according to the agreement signed by both entities .
It will be a matter of days or hours to wait for President Jair Bolsonaro’s pronouncement on this initiative, very similar to the one established with Twitter and for which the Brazilian president shouted to the heavens.