Tech
Why Microsoft could be forced to pay more tax
Tech giant Microsoft is facing increasing pressure to publish its tax data with investors demanding transparency
Investors who are managing more than $350 billion of the company’s assets want access to further financial information.
It comes as tech giants globally face growing scrutiny over their tax affairs.
Investors are demanding that Microsoft publish more transparent tax and financial information, as tech giants face growing scrutiny globally over their tax affairs.
A shareholder resolution on tax transparency had been filed to Microsoft ahead of its annual investor meeting this year.
The organiser of the action is UK-based proxy advisers Pensions & Investment Research Consultants.
Taxation transparency
Investors including Nordea, AkademikerPension and Greater Manchester Pension Fund had backed the resolution.
The resolution calls on the company to publish financial and tax information on a country-by-country basis outside its home market of the United States.
The investors want to know whether Microsoft is paying fair taxes and identify any risks posed by tax reforms.
It also calls on Microsoft to produce a tax transparency report in line with the tax standard of the Global Reporting Initiative, a standards organisation.
Microsoft waa not immediately available for comment.
It comes as Microsoft revealed Russian government hackers carried out multiple cyber operations against Ukraine.
Tech
OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.
The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.
Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.
Policy Changes
Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.
The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.
OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.
OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.
Tech
Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.
Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.
The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.
Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.
Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.
Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.
British Companies
In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.
Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.
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