⚖️ Big Tech's Power Play, Hong Kong Cyber Rules, Microsoft Flaws
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 20. Today we are covering:
Political leaders must push back against tech bullies
US Firms Warn Against 'Unprecedented' Hong Kong Cyber Rules
Multiple flaws in Microsoft macOS apps unpatched despite potential risks
Software estimates have never worked and never will
Apple Podcasts launches on the web
Let’s dive in
Political leaders must push back against tech bullies
By Marietje Schaake via Financial Times
Tech leaders like Elon Musk are increasingly using threats to influence political decisions, challenging the authority of democratic leaders.
Big tech companies exploit their power to pressure governments, risking public interest and safety, such as by threatening to cut off services in crucial areas.
Kamala Harris has the opportunity to resist the influence of Big Tech and assert democratic control over tech policy, setting a precedent for future governance.
𝕏: Telling political leaders to F*%# off should not be the new normal - Marietje Schaake (@MarietjeSchaake)
US Firms Warn Against 'Unprecedented' Hong Kong Cyber Rules
By Newley Purnell via Bloomberg
US firms have raised concerns that Hong Kong's proposed cyber regulations could grant the government unusual access to their computer systems, posing a challenge to Western tech companies.
The Asia Internet Coalition, which includes Amazon, Google, and Meta, criticized the rules as overly broad, despite officials claiming they are meant to protect critical infrastructure.
These regulations follow recent actions by Hong Kong to censor politically sensitive content, intensifying scrutiny from international businesses.
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Multiple flaws in Microsoft macOS apps unpatched despite potential risks
By Connor Jones via The Register
Cisco Talos identified eight vulnerabilities in Microsoft's macOS apps that could allow attackers to access sensitive data, record from devices, and escalate privileges.
Despite these risks, Microsoft has declined to patch these vulnerabilities, considering them low-risk, though some updates were made to Teams and OneNote.
The vulnerabilities highlight potential security weaknesses in macOS apps, particularly regarding the use of entitlements that disable crucial protections like library validation.
Software estimates have never worked and never will
By David Heinemeier via HEY
Software estimates have consistently failed for over sixty years, especially for medium to large projects, due to the unpredictability of novel work.
Instead of relying on estimates, developers should use budgets or appetites to allow scope flexibility during development, leading to better software delivery.
Great software emerges from trade-offs and concessions made during the development process, not from rigid upfront specifications.
𝕏: "Estimating all projects is devilishly difficult, and estimating large projects is virtually impossible. Yet we insist that what hasn't worked for sixty years will definitely work on this next project, if we all just try a little harder. Delusional." - DHH (@dhh)
Apple Podcasts launches on the web
By Lauren Forristal via TechCrunch
Apple Podcasts is now available on all major web browsers, allowing users in over 170 countries to stream directly from the web without needing the app.
The new web interface provides access to features like Library, Top Charts, and premium subscriptions, with sync capabilities for users logged into their Apple Accounts.
This web launch expands Apple's reach, joining other podcast platforms and offering a convenient option for users who prefer not to install additional apps.
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