New York Passes a Bill To Limit Bitcoin Mining For 2 Years
During an early morning session of the state senate on Friday, New York lawmakers passed a bill banning some types of cryptocurrency mining that use carbon-based fuel, a move that aims to address growing concerns about the environmental impact of energy-intensive blockchain operations like bitcoin mining.
If passed, it would impose a two-year freeze on new and renewed air permits for fossil-fuel power plants that are used for energy-intensive “proof-of-work” cryptocurrency mining — the computing process that records and secures bitcoin and other forms of digital money. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies use a blockchain-based mechanism called proof-of-work.
During this two-year period, the state will conduct a study to assess the impact of the project on the environment.
EU Deal on Single Mobile Charging Port Likely June 7 in Setback for Apple
According to persons familiar with the situation, EU governments and lawmakers are expected to agree on a standard charging port for mobile phones, tablets, and headphones on June 7 when they gather to debate a plan that has been roundly criticized by Apple.
The European Commission first proposed a single mobile charging connector more than a decade ago, when iPhone and Android users complained about having to use various chargers for their phones.
The trilogue on Tuesday will be the second and most likely final one between EU countries and EU parliamentarians on the subject, indicating a significant effort to reach an agreement, according to the sources.
Remembering Apple’s Newton, 30 years on
On May 29, 1992, Apple launched the Newton MessagePad, their most pioneering and revolutionary invention to date. A year later, it was released amid much enthusiasm, but it was a complete washout as a product. The Newton, which was widely criticized at the time, became a poster child for pricey but worthless high-tech gadgets. Despite significant improvements over time, the device was abandoned in 1997 due to a lack of market share. Despite its failure, the Newton inspired Apple engineers to design something better, which led to the invention of the iPad and iPhone in some respects.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/06/remembering-apples-newton-30-years-on/
Tech firms say India cyber rules risk creating ‘environment of fear’
A group representing leading internet businesses has warned the government that cybersecurity laws set to take effect later this month will create a “climate of fear rather than trust,” and has called for a one-year delay.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), which represents companies such as Facebook, Google, and Reliance, wrote to India’s IT ministry this week to express its displeasure with a cybersecurity guideline issued in April.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a rule that compels IT companies to report data breaches within six hours of becoming aware of them and to keep IT and communications logs for six months.
IAMAI advocated extending the six-hour limit to 72 hours in a letter seen by Reuters, citing worldwide concerns.