Ghost Shark and Manta Ray might sound like characters from a future Marvel movie, but they represent a significant leap forward in Pacific naval defenses. These prototype uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) were recently introduced by Australia and the United States, and they could revolutionize undersea warfare by enhancing power while minimizing the risks to human life.

Developed by Australia, Ghost Shark, and crafted by Northrop Grumman in the US, Manta Ray, significant advancements in military technology. The Ghost Shark prototype, “Alpha,” was co-developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group, Navy, and Anduril Australia. It offers stealthy, long-range autonomous capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. According to the Australian Defense Ministry, the first production models are expected by the end of next year, though specific details remain classified.

In the United States, the Boeing-built Orca UUV and Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray prototype showcase modular designs for varied payloads and efficient deployment. Aerial drones have become commonplace in warfare, and their maritime counterparts are set to follow. Drones have been extensively used by the US in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan since the 1990s and have become key military hardware in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Kyiv’s naval surface drones have inflicted significant damage on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

However, controlling drones underwater presents unique challenges. Unlike aerial and surface drones that use satellites and radio waves, underwater drones face communication barriers due to water’s properties. A 2023 study published in the Swiss journal *Sensors* highlights that underwater communications require more energy and suffer significant data loss due to variables like water temperature, salinity, and depth. Makers of the new generation of military UUVs have not disclosed how they will overcome these challenges.

When Australia unveiled Ghost Shark, it called the prototypes “the most advanced undersea autonomous vehicles in the world.” These UUVs are designed to provide the Navy with stealthy, long-range capabilities for persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike. This innovation marks a significant milestone in undersea defense technology.

Australian officials and those from manufacturer Anduril Australia have not shared specific details on Ghost Shark due to classification. However, they emphasized the speed of development from concept to prototype within two years. “Being ahead of schedule, on budget, it’s pretty unheard of,” said Shane Arnott, Anduril’s senior vice president for engineering. Australia’s chief defense scientist, Tanya Monro, stated that delivering the first Ghost Shark prototype ahead of schedule sets a new standard for rapid capability development.

Emma Salisbury, a fellow at the British think tank Council on Geostrategy, noted that Ghost Shark seems similar to the Orca extra-large UUV being developed in the US. Ukraine has used sea drones effectively against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, with each drone carrying at least 250kg (500lb) of explosives. Salisbury suggested that these UUVs are likely intended for similar missions, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine capabilities.

The US Navy describes the Boeing-built Orca UUV as a cutting-edge, autonomous, unmanned diesel-electric submarine with a modular payload section for various missions. The modular design allows the Orca to carry different weapons or specialized equipment for reconnaissance or intelligence gathering. The Pentagon plans to acquire five more UUVs, but no specific timetable has been provided. The Orca has been in development for over a decade, highlighting the contrast with the rapid progress of Australia’s Ghost Shark.

Chris Brose, Anduril’s chief strategy officer, stated that the company and Australia are proving that these capabilities can be developed much faster, cheaper, and more intelligently. Anduril Australia indicated that Ghost Shark, developed entirely domestically, would be available for export after joining the Australian naval fleet.

Meanwhile, the US continues to innovate with Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray, which was tested off Southern California in February and March. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) praised Manta Ray’s modularity, which allows payloads to be switched out depending on the mission. The Manta Ray can be broken down to fit into five standard shipping containers, transported to the deployment site, and reassembled in the field. This method saves internal energy for the mission instead of using it to reach the deployment site.

DARPA program manager Kyle Woerner highlighted the innovation in Manta Ray’s design, which began in 2020. Despite slower development compared to Ghost Shark, DARPA is working with the US Navy on the next steps for testing and transitioning the technology. China, identified by the US military as a primary threat in the Pacific, is also advancing in UUV development. Submarine expert H I Sutton suggests that Beijing has at least six extra-large UUVs in development based on open-source intelligence.

Besides Australia, the US, and China, other countries developing UUVs include Canada, France, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. The rapid evolution of UUV technology underscores the strategic importance of undersea defenses in modern military operations. Ghost Shark and Manta Ray exemplify the cutting-edge advancements leading this transformative shift in naval warfare.

In recent months, Wall Street has witnessed a resurgence of interest in the virtual gaming platform, Roblox. While this may come as a surprise to some, there are several compelling reasons behind this renewed enthusiasm among investors.

Firstly, Roblox has demonstrated impressive growth potential. With its unique combination of gaming, social interaction, and user-generated content, the platform has captured the imaginations of millions of users worldwide. This exponential growth trajectory has not gone unnoticed by Wall Street, with analysts and investors alike eager to capitalize on Roblox’s promising future.

Secondly, Roblox’s innovative business model has garnered attention for its monetization strategies. Unlike traditional video game publishers that rely on upfront sales or subscription fees, Roblox operates on a freemium model, allowing users to play for free while offering optional in-game purchases. This approach has proven to be highly lucrative, with Roblox reporting robust revenue streams from virtual items, in-game currency, and developer payouts. Wall Street recognizes the potential of this business model to generate sustained revenue growth and profitability over the long term.

Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Getty Images/File

Lastly, Roblox’s strategic partnerships and expansion efforts have bolstered investor confidence. The platform has forged collaborations with major brands, entertainment companies, and celebrities to create exclusive virtual experiences, further enhancing its appeal to users and investors alike. Additionally, Roblox has been actively expanding its presence in international markets, tapping into new audiences and revenue streams. These strategic initiatives signal Roblox’s commitment to continued growth and innovation, making it an attractive investment opportunity for Wall Street.

In conclusion, Wall Street’s renewed interest in Roblox can be attributed to its impressive growth potential, innovative business model, and strategic expansion efforts. As the platform continues to evolve and capture the hearts of users worldwide, investors are increasingly bullish on Roblox’s prospects for long-term success.

In March, the entrepreneurial vision of Sohail Prasad materialized into the Destiny Tech100 fund, a venture poised to capitalize on the allure of technology titans like Stripe, SpaceX, and OpenAI. This fund, designed to grant broader access to privately held companies’ shares, ignited hope among investors eager to claim a stake in Silicon Valley’s hottest prospects.

Yet, Destiny’s debut was swiftly shadowed by controversy. Denials from tech luminaries Stripe and Plaid regarding Destiny’s ownership of their shares rocked the nascent fund. Concurrently, detractors lambasted Destiny as “too good to be true,” while Robinhood, the popular stock trading app, hastily removed the fund from its offerings, citing an erroneous inclusion.

Sarah Blesener for The New York Times

Amidst the tumult, Prasad remained resolute, interpreting the uproar as emblematic of a cultural shift, with Destiny positioned as a vanguard of change.

These developments underscore a mounting tension surrounding the enigmatic domain of private company stocks, a realm witnessing an unprecedented surge in activity. Secondary market transactions, forecasted to soar to a staggering $64 billion this year—a 40% surge from the previous year—signal a profound evolution in investment dynamics.

As investor appetite swells, a proliferation of online platforms emerges, connecting sellers with eager buyers. Destiny, among the few options accessible to retail investors, stands as a beacon amid a landscape predominantly accessible to accredited investors.

Yet, amidst this fervor, challenges emerge. Many entrenched start-ups, accustomed to tightly controlled ownership structures, now confront mounting pressure as a broader spectrum of investors clamor for shares. Compliance with intricate securities laws becomes increasingly convoluted, raising multifaceted concerns for all stakeholders involved.

In this ever-evolving panorama, a poignant question resonates: should the riches and risks of Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial endeavors be democratized? As tensions escalate and uncertainty looms, the future of private company stock trading hangs in a precarious balance, poised at the intersection of aspiration and apprehension.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, a legal showdown is underway that could reshape the landscape of the tech industry. The trial, often dubbed as the strongest challenge to Big Tech’s power in the United States, revolves around none other than Google, the search engine giant that has become synonymous with internet navigation.

At its core, the trial questions whether Google, with its unparalleled dominance in the search engine market, has engaged in anti-competitive practices that stifle innovation and harm consumers. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications not only for Google but for the entire tech ecosystem.

For years, critics have raised concerns about Google’s business practices, particularly its control over online advertising and search results. Allegations range from favoring its services in search results to striking deals that effectively block out competitors. The trial represents a culmination of these concerns, bringing them to the forefront of public and regulatory scrutiny.

One of the key arguments put forth by the prosecution is that Google’s dominance in search gives it an unfair advantage in other markets, such as online advertising, where it holds a commanding position. By allegedly manipulating search results to promote its products and services, Google is accused of stifling competition and limiting consumer choice.

On the other hand, Google contends that its search engine algorithms prioritize user experience and relevance, rather than promoting its interests. The company argues that competition in the digital sphere is fierce and that its success is a result of delivering what users want.

Regardless of the outcome, the Google trial marks a significant moment in the broader conversation about Big Tech regulation. It comes at a time when governments around the world are increasingly scrutinizing the power wielded by tech giants and exploring ways to curb their influence.

Beyond Google, the outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future antitrust actions against other tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, and Apple, which have also faced scrutiny over their market dominance.

As the trial unfolds, all eyes are on the courtroom, where the fate of Big Tech’s power hangs in the balance. Whatever the verdict, one thing is certain: the Google trial will leave a lasting impact on the future of the tech industry and the regulation of its most powerful players.

Samsung Electronics is anticipating a robust demand surge for artificial intelligence (AI), which is poised to tighten the supply of high-end chips, contributing to a solid rebound in the global memory chip market. This optimistic outlook from the world’s leading memory chip maker has driven its shares up by 1.8% following a remarkable more than 10-fold increase in first-quarter operating profit.

Despite experiencing a slight decline in its shares this year, Samsung is actively working to bolster its position in supplying top-tier chips, particularly high bandwidth memory (HBM) crucial for AI leader Nvidia. The company plans to significantly ramp up HBM chip production in 2024, with a focus on the latest 8-layer HBM3E chips, while also gearing up for the production of 12-layer versions.

Analysts are acknowledging Samsung’s ambitious targets, noting the potential for its advanced chip technology to meet diverse AI needs, possibly serving both Nvidia and AMD. Samsung is also intensifying efforts to increase offerings of high-end solid-state drive (SSD) products to meet the surging demand for AI servers.

As Samsung aims to strengthen its foothold in the high-end memory chip market, it foresees tight supply conditions toward the year-end due to the concentration of capacity on HBM production, echoing similar sentiments from SK Hynix.

In the first quarter, Samsung witnessed a significant revenue increase, driven by a substantial rise in memory chip sales amidst the AI boom. Operating profit surged to its highest level since 2022, marking a significant turnaround for Samsung’s chip division, which had previously suffered losses.

Despite facing challenges such as rising costs impacting margins, particularly with the launch of its flagship Galaxy S24 smartphones, Samsung remains bullish about the role of AI features in driving sales. The company reported that a significant portion of customers were attracted to the S24 phones for their AI capabilities, signaling a positive outlook for Samsung in the AI-driven market.

As Samsung continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of the semiconductor industry, its strategic focus on AI-driven technologies positions it favorably to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for high-performance chips in various sectors.

In a strategic move to fortify domestic chipmaking capabilities, the Biden administration has pledged up to $6.4 billion in grants to South Korea’s tech giant, Samsung Electronics. This substantial investment aims to propel the expansion of Samsung’s chip production facilities in central Texas, serving as a pivotal component of a broader initiative to bolster the United States semiconductor industry.

As detailed by the Department of Commerce on Monday, the funding, allocated under the 2022 Chips and Science Act, will facilitate the establishment of two cutting-edge chip production facilities, alongside a dedicated research center and packaging facility in Taylor, Texas. Additionally, the infusion of funds will empower Samsung to enhance its existing semiconductor facility in Austin, Texas. This expansion is poised to cater to the burgeoning demands of US customers and bolster chip output across critical sectors such as aerospace, defense, and automotive industries, thereby strengthening national security.

Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that these investments are pivotal in reinstating US leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, and advancing capabilities in design, production, and research and development. The move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to mitigate reliance on overseas chip production, particularly in regions like China and Taiwan.

Samsung Electronics Co-CEO Kyung Kye Hyun reiterated the company’s commitment to meeting the anticipated surge in demand for advanced products like AI chips. Samsung’s facilities are poised to be equipped with state-of-the-art process technologies, enhancing the security of the US semiconductor supply chain.

Anticipated to commence production in 2026, Samsung’s venture into chip manufacturing in Texas represents a significant stride toward revitalizing domestic semiconductor capabilities. Analysts project the company’s initial focus on producing 4-nanometer chips, with potential expansion into 2-nanometer chips in the future.

The Biden administration’s grant to Samsung marks a crucial step in its efforts to strengthen the US semiconductor industry. Intending to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly in Taiwan, the initiative seeks to address vulnerabilities in the global semiconductor landscape.

Republican U.S. Senator from Texas, John Cornyn, emphasized the significance of investing in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing to enhance national security and competitiveness while creating employment opportunities in Texas.

Samsung’s investment in Texas is expected to amount to approximately $45 billion by the decade’s end, signaling a significant commitment to bolstering American chip production. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) applauded Samsung’s bold investment and commended the US Commerce Department for advancing the manufacturing incentives and research and development programs outlined in the Chips Act.

In tandem with Intel and TSMC’s recent grant awards, Samsung’s foray into US-based chip manufacturing underscores a concerted effort to strengthen the nation’s semiconductor capabilities, ensuring a secure and resilient supply chain for critical technologies.

Microsoft is making a strategic move in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by investing $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi’s G42, an AI group that has recently come under scrutiny for its ties to China. This collaboration between the two companies marks Microsoft’s foray into the Middle Eastern AI landscape for the first time, with plans to focus on AI development and digital infrastructure.

Led by Peng Xiao, a Chinese businessman and former CEO of Pegasus, a cybersecurity firm, G42 has faced questions regarding its connections to Beijing. Concerns have been raised, particularly by US officials, regarding the potential for G42 to facilitate the sharing of American technology and data with the Chinese government. However, Xiao has refuted these claims, dismissing them as “misinformation” in a recent interview with CNN.

Despite these concerns, both G42 and Microsoft have emphasized their commitment to adhering to US and international trade regulations as part of their partnership agreement. Microsoft President Brad Smith will even join the G42 board, signaling a deeper collaboration between the two entities.

One of the notable outcomes of this partnership is the development of an Arabic-language AI model named “Jais,” unveiled by G42 last year and hosted on Microsoft’s Azure platform. This initiative underscores the potential for AI to address linguistic and cultural diversity in technology.

Microsoft’s investment in G42 is part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a frontrunner in the AI sector. The company has already formed significant partnerships, including with OpenAI, contributing to its growth in recent years. However, these partnerships have drawn attention from regulators in the United States and Europe, who are wary of Microsoft’s expanding influence in the AI domain.

Beyond the Middle East, Microsoft has been actively pursuing AI investments worldwide. In February, it announced a partnership with Mistral, a leading French AI startup, and committed substantial funding to AI projects in Spain and Germany. This global outreach reflects Microsoft’s vision of ushering in a new era of AI-driven innovation across industries.

As Brad Smith remarked in a recent interview, “It’s all about this new AI era.” With Microsoft’s latest investment in G42 and its ongoing initiatives, the company is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI on a global scale.

In a significant move towards enhancing digital privacy, lawmakers have unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at expanding protections for online users. The initiative, introduced by legislators, outlines a sweeping framework designed to bolster privacy safeguards across various digital platforms.

The proposed measures encompass a wide array of online activities, addressing concerns surrounding data collection, tracking, and user consent. Among the key provisions are stricter regulations on how tech companies handle user data, increased transparency requirements, and provisions for stronger user control over personal information.

Under the proposed plan, online platforms would be required to provide clear and accessible information about their data practices, including details on what information is collected, how it is used, and with whom it is shared. Additionally, users would have greater control over their privacy settings, with options to limit data collection and tracking.

The initiative also aims to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, empowering regulatory agencies to hold tech companies accountable for violations of user privacy rights. Penalties for non-compliance could include hefty fines and other punitive measures to ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Furthermore, the proposed plan includes provisions for greater collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and advocacy groups to foster dialogue and consensus on privacy-related issues. This collaborative approach seeks to balance the need for privacy protection with the innovation and competitiveness of the digital economy.

The unveiling of this extensive initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing growing concerns about online privacy and data protection. By establishing a robust framework for safeguarding user privacy rights, lawmakers aim to create a safer and more transparent digital environment for all.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders from across the tech industry, civil society, and government will closely monitor developments, anticipating the potential impact of these proposed reforms on the digital landscape. With privacy concerns continuing to dominate public discourse, the need for effective and comprehensive privacy protections has never been more pressing.

Under the condition of anonymity, the Federal Trade Commission is looking into TikTok’s data and security policies.

For the social media network, which is already in danger of a possible US ban or being forced to separate from its Chinese parent firm, the investigation is just one more hurdle.

According to the sources, TikTok is being investigated by the FTC for allegedly breaking the Children’s Online Privacy Protection rule, which mandates that businesses get parental permission before collecting any data from children under the age of 13.

According to the sources, the agency is also looking into whether TikTok broke the FTC Act by refusing to allow users’ data to be accessed by those in China. This provision of the Act forbids “unfair or deceptive” business activities.

One of the sources claims that in the upcoming weeks, the FTC may file a lawsuit against TikTok or reach a settlement with the business. Politico first broke the story of the investigation.

“No comment,” was the response given by FTC Director of Public Affairs Douglas Farrar when questioned about the probe.

An instant comment was not received from TikTok.

The US existential danger to TikTok is the reason behind the FTC investigation. A bipartisan group in the US House of Representatives voted earlier this month to enact legislation mandating that ByteDance sell TikTok or else it would be removed from US app stores. President Joe Biden has stated he would sign the law if it reaches his desk, and it is currently before the Senate. However, Senate leaders have stated that they are proceeding methodically, which may cause delays or bring the House bill to an end.

The Chinese corporation ByteDance, which owns the short-form video company, has refuted claims that its app risks US citizens’ national security.

According to TikTok, which is not present in China, the Chinese government has never accessed user data from Americans.

Cybersecurity experts claim that ByteDance is obligated by Chinese law to comply with the nation’s intelligence requests. This could potentially jeopardize US user data, as ByteDance owns TikTok. To solve that problem, TikTok has implemented internal protocols that restrict access by non-US workers and moved its user data from US users onto cloud servers run by US tech giant Oracle.

After BuzzFeed News revealed in 2022 that ByteDance employees had obtained US user data many times, TikTok admitted to Congress in 2022 that staff based in China could access such data. In his initial testimony before Congress last year, TikTok CEO Shou Chew confessed that a “misguided attempt” to find leakers within the company led to the firing of numerous ByteDance workers for spying on specific US journalists.