The Cyberspace Administration of China has proposed regulations that would restrict the use of file-sharing programs like Apple’s AirDrop. The new rules would require new file-sharing programs to undergo a security assessment and register details of their identities with the service providers before they can be introduced in China. Operators of these services will likely be required to give the government any requested data about the people who have used these file sharing programs. The agency says the new rules will be open for public comment until July 6 but did not disclose when the rules would come into effect.
The move by China to crack down on file-sharing programs comes after the service was used by protestors in Hong Kong and China to quickly share information. Such services, like Apple’s AirDrop, allow users to send data to nearby devices without an internet connection. Apple recently introduced a new feature called NameDrop that allows users to easily exchange contact info. In the latter half of 2021, Apple received 1,261 requests from Beijing asking for details about users’ devices and complied with 93% of them.
In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is planning for new rules that would restrict advertisements for cryptocurrency. By classifying crypto as “restricted mass market investments,” the new rules would require that any ads contain risk warnings. As well, the new rules would ban investment incentives like refer a friend perks or new member bonuses. The FCA is set to receive authority over crypto under the Financial Services and Markets Bill, which is currently being considered by Parliament. In addition to the new rules, new guidance aimed at ensuring “firms clearly understand the implications of this requirement for crypto asset promotions” is also being opened to public comment, the document states.
Sheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, stated, “It is up to people to decide whether they buy crypto. But research shows many regret making a hasty decision. Our rules give people the time and the right risk warnings to make an informed choice.”
Meanwhile, world lawmakers continue to debate the best course of action when it comes to regulating artificial intelligence. During a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden stated, “I don’t think ever in the history of human endeavor has there been as fundamental potential technological change as is presented by artificial intelligence. It is staggering.” Head of software firm Palantir Alex Karp spoke out against increased regulation, stating that it will only sacrifice the West’s supremacy in the tech race. Palantir recently announced that it would be increasing investment in the UK. Karp also referenced a letter from the Future of Life Institute, which is calling for a pause in AI development and has garnered nearly 32,000 signatures. Signers include some of the biggest names in the tech industry, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
In Ukraine, a $2 billion US aid package is expected to be announced today. The grant, part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will provide HAWK air defense launchers as well as the Patriot Advanced Capability Missile-3 (Pac-3) and the Guidance Enhanced Missile (GEM-T). The GEM-T is a complement to the PAC-3, and is designed for use against a full range of aerial threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. The US Department of Defense is also buying Starlink connectivity to bolster the resilience of Ukraine’s communications. Citing concerns about operational security, the Department has declined to provide details of the Starlink support.