Tech

Why tech giants will boycott Hong-Kong

Published

5 years ago

July 6, 2021

Global tech giants Facebook, Google and Twitter have all warned Hong Kong’s government that they may depart the city-state if the proposed data-protection laws are enacted

In a private letter, the companies say they are concerned that employees could be subject to criminal investigations and charges.

A link to Google’s proposal to a workable news code on the company’s homepage, arranged on an iPhone in Sydney, Australia, on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Google threatened to disable its search engine in Australia if its forced to pay local publishers for news, a dramatic escalation of a months-long standoff with the government. Photographer: David Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images

“The only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering the services in Hong Kong,” the AIC said in its letter, according to the Journal.

The proposed laws will make tech giants liable for when an individual’s information is shared maliciously without their permission.

Also known as “doxing”, it refers to the act of “revealing people’s personal information such as real name, home address or workplace online” without consent.

The Journal notes that this practice became prevalent when pro-democracy protests broke out in the city in 2019.

Hong Kong’s government has announced the amendments to the legislation in response to doxing being used during protests in the city.

In the letter, the companies say “the only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering the services in Hong Kong.”

“The amendments will not have any bearing on free speech,” a spokesperson for Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data told the Journal, acknowledging that the AIC’s letter had been received.

According to the spokesperson, the city’s government “strongly rebuts any suggestion that the amendments may in any way affect foreign investment in Hong Kong.”

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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Tech

AI spending in 2026: Why investment is compounding, not just cyclical

As 2026 begins, AI investment debates rise; real revenue growth signals pivotal changes for tech adoption and future trends.

Published

15 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

As 2026 begins, AI investment debates rise; real revenue growth signals pivotal changes for tech adoption and future trends.

As we kick off 2026, the debate around AI spending is heating up. Skeptics warn of cyclical hype, but new evidence suggests that AI investment is delivering real revenue and gaining traction across enterprises. Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies breaks down why this year could be pivotal for AI adoption.

We dive into how AI spending today compares to previous tech booms, the impact of circular funding models, and why enterprise and sovereign demand are driving durable growth. Brad explains the compounding effect of AI investment and what it means for future technological development.

Finally, we explore the race toward AGI and ASI and the broader implications for the tech landscape. From skeptics to believers, understanding these trends is key for investors, businesses, and tech enthusiasts alike.

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#AIInvestment #TechTrends2026 #ArtificialIntelligence #EnterpriseAI #FutureTech #AGI #TechBoom #CircularFunding

Tech

TSMC posts record profits on AI chip boom

TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has posted a record net profit for the fourth quarter, driven by strong demand for advanced chips.

Net profit surged 35% year-on-year, exceeding analyst expectations and signalling a dominant position in the semiconductor market.

Quarterly revenue also rose 20.5% compared to last year, supported by robust sales in AI and high-performance computing segments. The company’s success reflects the growing global appetite for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

Looking ahead, TSMC plans to ramp up capital expenditure, projecting investments of up to $56 billion in 2026. The positive results have sparked an upbeat reaction across global markets, highlighting TSMC’s influence in the tech sector.

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#TSMC #Semiconductors #AIChips #TechNews #HighPerformanceComputing #StockMarket #QuarterlyEarnings #TechInvesting

Tech

X restricts Grok AI as global backlash grows

X restricts Grok AI from creating sexualized images amid global backlash and regulatory concerns, aligning with UK guidelines.

Published

7 days ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

X restricts Grok AI from creating sexualized images amid global backlash and regulatory concerns, aligning with UK guidelines.

X has announced new restrictions on its Grok AI chatbot, preventing it from generating sexualized images of women amid mounting criticism and regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

The move comes after concerns over non-consensual image manipulation sparked widespread backlash from users, advocacy groups, and authorities.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the platform’s latest changes align with British law, as Ofcom launches a formal investigation to determine whether X has violated the Online Safety Act.

Regulators are closely monitoring the situation, highlighting growing global concerns about the ethical use of AI in image generation. Critics have argued that X’s initial measures were insufficient and did not adequately address the risks associated with sexualized AI content.

The controversy has also prompted action in Southeast Asia. Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Grok entirely, citing the platform’s potential to generate inappropriate content.

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#GrokAI #XPlatform #AIRegulation #OnlineSafety #KeirStarmer #AIControversy #TechNews #DigitalEthics