Perhaps unsurprisingly, July 4th was a quiet day for news, but we still have editorials about e-ink writing, the longest-delayed video game in history, and more bad news from the creators of ChatGPT.
Earlier this week, Swift engineer and developer Pedro José Pereira Vieito investigated OpenAI’s ChatGPT Mac app and found that it stored user conversations locally in plain text, rather than encrypting them. Since that app is only available on OpenAI’s website and not available in the App Store, it doesn’t have to comply with Apple’s sandbox requirements. OpenAI released an update that added encryption to locally stored chats.
Then, more bad news came in the wake of the problems that arose in 2023. Last spring, a hacker obtained information about OpenAI after illegally accessing the company's internal messaging systems. The New York Times OpenAI technical program manager Leopold Aschenbrenner reportedly raised security concerns, arguing that the attack involved internal vulnerabilities.
Aschenbrenner now says he was fired for disclosing information about OpenAI and raising safety concerns. An OpenAI representative told The Times that “while we share his commitment to building safe ai, we disagree with many of the claims he has since made about our work,” adding that his departure was not the result of whistleblowing.
This adds to an increasingly confusing impression of how corporate oversight and practices can play out behind those closed corporate doors.
– Mat Smith
The most important stories you may have missed
Recover the joy of writing with Supernote Nomad
FTC warns some PC makers that they are violating right-to-repair rules
The most delayed video game in history is finally available… on Game Boy Advance
You can receive these reports daily directly to your inbox. Subscribe right here!
He sided with the plaintiffs, who were, of course, companies.
The Federal Trade Commission's ban on noncompete agreements was set to take effect Sept. 4, but a Texas court has postponed its implementation. “Noncompete clauses hold down wages, stifle new ideas and deprive the American economy of dynamism,” FTC Chairwoman Lina M. Khan said when the rule was announced. So, surprisingly, many businesses are unhappy with the agency's rule. Dallas tax services firm Ryan LLC sued the FTC hours after it was announced. But Chamber of Commerce senior counsel Daryl Joseffer called the ban an attempt by the government to micromanage business decisions.
Keep reading.
The best speakers in each category.
Choosing a portable Bluetooth speaker can be difficult. With so many options, finding the right combination of sound quality, durability, and portability is key. We tested dozens of speakers to help you choose, focusing on versatile portable speakers, not smart speakers. We've identified the best performers for different needs, whether you want powerful bass, long battery life, or a rugged design.
Keep reading.
