Technology Updates
Trump Approves Deal Between Oracle and TikTok
The approval delays President Trump’s threat to block a popular Chinese-owned social media app, while the American software giant, Walmart and others try to complete a deal to take control.
In South Korea, Covid-19 Comes With Another Risk: Online Bullies
The country’s extensive response has been praised around the world but has led to harassment and slander, raising questions about privacy protections.
After Trump’s TikTok Ban, China Readies Blacklist of Foreign Companies
Beijing issued rules that could allow it to halt exports, imports and investments by businesses accused of endangering national security.
Trump Admin to Ban TikTok, WeChat From U.S. App Stores
It issued new rules that will cripple the operation of two popular Chinese-owned apps in the United States.
No, a Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Didn’t Partner With a Pro-Communist Chinese Group
A Heritage Foundation investigation went viral on Thursday, but it conflated two nonprofits with the same name.
‘It’s So Essential’: WeChat Ban Makes U.S.-China Standoff Personal
When downloads of the Chinese-owned messaging service are barred in the U.S. starting at midnight on Sunday, the feud between the countries will hit home for millions of people.
Fox News Is Accused of Hiding George Soros’s Influence
It’s a twist for the cable channel, which regularly airs criticism of the billionaire investor and Democratic donor.
Inside the Social World of Shift-Scheduling Apps
There’s no such thing as remote restaurant work. But there is HotSchedules.
Facebook Tried to Limit QAnon. It Failed.
The social network tried cracking down on the spread of the conspiracy theory and other extremist material. But QAnon groups are still flourishing on the site.
Explaining Trump's Potential Ban on TikTok, WeChat: Q&A
The Commerce Department announced that it was prohibiting downloads of WeChat and TikTok in U.S. app stores. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t quit Facebook. Change laws.
What to do if you think Facebook worsens misinformation and hate speech.
Computing Pioneers Endorse Biden, Citing Immigration
They said the administration’s policies were driving away technology talent and could do long-term damage to their industry.
Isolated Ballot Errors Do Not Equal a ‘Rigged Election’
President Trump continued his assault on voting by mail, but printing and mailing errors are nothing new, and have affected Republican and Democratic candidates alike.
TikTok Accepts Deal Revisions as Trump Prepares to Review Proposal
The video app is also looking for a new chief executive and has talked to candidates including a founder of Instagram.
The New Apple Watch Measures Your Blood Oxygen. Now What?
Blood oxygen readings can be a useful indicator of wellness, but context is important — and so is medical advice from a doctor.
One Family’s Remote-School Tale
Like many parents, Valerie Cruz is dealing with a tough situation and making it work.
A Car Insurance Claim Estimate Before the Tow Truck Is Called
Using algorithms, tech companies are helping insurers speed up the process after an accident, make it more accurate and keep estimators out of the field — a plus during a pandemic.
A New Ship’s Mission: Let the Deep Sea Be Seen
A giant new vessel, OceanXplorer, seeks to unveil the secrets of the abyss for a global audience.
A Chinese Billionaire Is Barred From Spending Over Unpaid Debts
A court-ordered ban on first-class flights and vacations is a humbling turn of events for Chen Feng, the head of the once high-flying conglomerate HNA Group.
Snowflake Stock More Than Doubles in IPO Debut
The data storage company is among several prominent start-ups going public this year as the tech industry thrives in the pandemic.
Backlash Grows to TikTok-Oracle Deal
Senate Republicans and others criticized the latest plan to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States, citing national security concerns.
China-Backed Hackers Broke Into 100 Firms and Agencies, U.S. Says
In indictments against five Chinese nationals, the Justice Department described sophisticated attacks to hijack networks and extort universities, businesses and nonprofits.
Former Parody Account Was Early in Spreading False Rumors on Fires
The rumors have overwhelmed local law enforcement agencies, leading them to plead with the public to verify information before sharing it.
No, a Molotov Cocktail Didn’t Start the West’s Wildfires
Viral posts about a man who was arrested and accused of setting fires in Portland, Ore., have left out one important fact: Those fires were quickly put out.
Oculus Quest 2 Review: Solid V.R. Headset, but Few Games
The new $300 virtual-reality headset works well and feels comfortable. But good luck finding games that will keep you entertained.