Tech
Elon Musk Begins Purging Twitter of Up to 3500 Employees
Billionaire Elon Musk began purging Twitter of its abundance of managers and woke employees on Friday.
Elon Musk’s overhaul of Twitter has sparked condemnation from leftist progressives and Democrats who say they are worried over the platform’s ability to combat disinformation just days before the US midterm elections.
Musk’s purge of Twitter has led to legal action from the left. At least one lawsuit was filed in San Francisco on Thursday, saying that Twitter violated federal law by failing to provide needed notice to sacked employees.
Musk informed employees through email that they would find out if they had been laid off on Friday.
His email did not specify how many approximately 7,500 employees would be let go.
Musk did neither confirm nor correct investor Ron Baron, who asked how much money he would save if he “fired half of Twitter” at a conference in New York on Friday.
Musk responded by discussing Twitter’s cost and income issues, blaming activists within Twitter who persuaded large corporations to stop advertising on the platform.
Musk hasn’t said anything about the Twitter layoffs.
Activist groups, including employees, have been successful in causing a decline in Twitter advertising revenue. We’ve done everything we can to please them, but nothing has worked,” Musk said.
He went on to say that the decline in advertising was expected as many of the advertisers were aligned with EGS, Environmental, social, and corporate governance.
When activist employees lost access to their work accounts hours earlier, they realized they would soon be fired.
These employees and others took to the platform using the hashtag #OneTeam to send messages of solidarity.
The memo to employees stated that job cuts were “essential to ensure the company’s success moving forward.”
No other social media network comes close to Twitter in terms of keeping people informed by public agencies and other key service providers – electoral boards, police departments, utilities, schools, and news sources.
Before Musk’s takeover of Twitter, conservatives accused the social media site of being biased against conservative viewpoints. They were excited by the idea of fair moderation under Musk, who has previously criticized Twitter’s leftist moderation.
Republican, Senator Marsha Blackburn, stated on Friday, “I am hopeful that Elon Musk will assist in reining in Big Tech’s history of silencing users who have a different viewpoint than the left.”
The purge of Spam Bots
Musk has stated that Twitter’s mechanism for ranking tweets should be made public, and he has highlighted user-friendly changes to the service, such as the addition of an edit button and the defeat of “spam bots” that send massive numbers of undesired tweets.
“Free expression is the foundation of a functional democracy,” he stated Monday. “I hope that even my harshest detractors remain on Twitter since that is what free expression entails,” he added.
However, many on the left fear Musk’s layoffs will devastate the social media platform and worry about the possible rise of abuse on the platform. Despite Musk’s saying Twitter would not become a “free-for-all hellscape” under his leadership.
Several employees who tweeted about their job losses claimed that Twitter also eliminated their entire teams, including one devoted to human rights and global conflicts.
Another group for testing Twitter’s algorithms for bias in how tweets are amplified and an engineering team dedicated to making the social platform more accessible to people with disabilities.
Eddie Perez, a former Twitter civic integrity team manager who resigned in September, expressed concern that the layoffs close to the midterm elections could allow disinformation to “spread like wildfire” during the post-election vote-counting phase in particular.
“I have a hard time believing that doesn’t have a meaningful influence on their capacity to handle the quantity of disinformation out there,” he said, adding that there may not be enough personnel to combat it.
Progressive Attack Musk and Twitter
According to Perez, a board member of the nonpartisan election integrity NGO OSET Institute, the post-election period is especially dangerous because “some candidates may refuse to concede and some may cite election anomalies, which is likely to start a fresh cycle of falsehoods.”
However, a Twitter insider says Perez’s concerns are somewhat overinflated, and his comments are stereotypical of the progressive activism that permeated the social media platform.
Since Musk took over as CEO, Twitter staff have been anticipating layoffs. On his first day as owner, he sacked key executives, including CEO Parag Agrawal, and removed the company’s board of directors.
As the emails went out, many Twitter employees rushed to the site to voice their support for one another, typically just tweeting blue heart emojis to represent the company’s blue bird logo and salute emojis in answer to one another.
Meanwhile, a coalition of progressive civil rights organizations say the broad layoffs will threaten content moderation standards, and they have increased their requests for corporations to suspend advertising purchases on the site.
This claim has, however, been disputed by Musk supporters saying the progressive left is more worried about their voices being moderated as the platform is being purged of cancel culture activists.
Cancel Culture Activism Surges
The cancel culture activists have said Musk’s layoffs are especially perilous in the run-up to the elections, as well as for transgender people and other groups facing violence spurred by hate speech that circulates online.
Free Press and Color of Change leaders claimed they spoke with Musk on Tuesday, and he committed to keeping and implementing existing election integrity procedures. According to Jessica González, co-CEO of Free Press, the enormous layoffs suggest otherwise.
González disputed Musk’s claim that content moderation procedures had not changed since his takeover, claiming that the organization was already “dangerously under-resourced.”
“When you purportedly lay off 50% of your workforce — including teams in charge of tracking, monitoring, and enforcing content moderation and guidelines — it essentially suggests that content moderation has changed,” González explained.
Media Bias Fact Check rates Free Press.Org as Far-Left biased based on editorial positions that align with the progressive left.
They also rate them mostly factual in reporting due to one-sided reporting that does not always offer a counter perspective.
Employee Lawsuits and Income Losses
Meanwhile, a California’s Employment Development Department representative stated that Twitter had provided no public notice of the impending layoffs as of Friday.
On Thursday, a complaint was filed in US federal court in San Francisco by one laid-off employee and 3 other employees who were locked out of their work accounts.
The cutbacks come at a difficult time for social media businesses, as advertisers cut back and newcomers — primarily TikTok — threaten established platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Musk blamed cancel culture activists in a Friday post for a “huge loss in income” since taking over Twitter late last week. He did not specify how much revenue had been lost.
Large corporations that have bought into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), such as General Motors, REI, General Mills, and Audi, have all paused advertising on Twitter owing to concerns about how it would run under Musk.
Volkswagen Group has advised its brands, Audi, Lamborghini, and Porsche, to halt sponsored operations until Twitter updates its brand safety standards.
Musk did tell advertisers last week that Twitter would not become a “free-for-all hellscape,” but many are anxious about whether content monitoring will remain strict and whether sticking to Twitter will degrade their brands.
Musk stated Friday that “nothing has changed with content control.”
Degrading their brand means corporations fear reprisals from woke social media activists who will target their shareholders like they have targeted Musk and Twitter.
(VOR News) – Apple has submitted a request to participate in the antitrust trial that is expected to take place in the United States during this time period.
This request comes in light of the fact that the trial against Google that is set to take place in the United States is rapidly approaching. The trial is expected to take place in the United States of America, according to current expectations.
The operations of Google that involve the conduct of online searches will be presented as the subject of examination during the trial that is now taking place.
According to Apple’s frame of thought, the company cannot rely entirely on Google to maintain revenue-sharing arrangements that bring in billions of dollars for Apple and its business each year. These arrangements entail Apple and Google sharing money.
Apple needs these alliances to survive.
At this time, Google is the primary search engine that is incorporated into the Safari web browser that is provided by Apple. This is due to the fact that these agreements have been reached, and as a consequence, the Safari web browser is now compatible with Google.
According to the documents that were presented to the court in Washington on Monday, Apple has made it abundantly clear that it does not intend to establish its own search engine in order to compete with Google. This is consistent with the materials that were filed.
A notation of this fact was included in the documents themselves. Regardless of whether or not these payments continue to be provided, the fact that this remark was made regardless of whether or not they continue to be delivered makes it immaterial whether or not they continue to be provided.
The arrangement that Apple has with Google is directly responsible for the fact that it is projected that Apple will have received twenty billion dollars by the time the year 2022 comes to a close. It is a direct consequence of the arrangement that has come about.
Apple has indicated that it intends to carry out its desire to have a trial in the month of April, and it has claimed that it intends to accomplish this by inviting witnesses to testify during the hearing.
Apple said it would have a trial in April.
According to Apple’s announcement, the company intends to comply with the request. The conditions are anticipated to be the determining factor in determining the site of the trial.
Furthermore, this trial is part of the historic lawsuit the Department of Justice is running against Google. These are some additional things of interest to give thought to.
This case aims to show that the required changes are ones that Google must do if it is to reach the objective of restoring competition in the market for internet search. Right now, the trial is in progress; this is the moment we live in.
The corporation is anticipated to opt for the sale of its Chrome browser and potentially its Android operating system as part of these initiatives. This is a potentiality that persists. It is unequivocal that all of this lies within the realm of possibility. A possibility exists that something will occur.
Apple’s legal counsel claimed Google no longer represented Apple’s interests:
“Google must now defend itself against a broad effort to break up its business units.” This statement was made in response to the fact that Apple’s legal counsel had published the statement.
Regarding the statement that was published by Apple, this remark was made in conformity with the statement. It is extremely probable that the trial will have significant repercussions for the manner in which clients acquire information online, and there is a strong likelihood that these effects will be severe.
The trial is expected to take place in the near future. Considerable influence is anticipated to be brought about by the trial.
Consequently, as a result of this, Google has requested that the default agreements it has with mobile device manufacturers, browser developers, and wireless carriers be opened up to the public. On the other hand, the organization has shown no indication that it intends to terminate the revenue-sharing arrangements that it currently has in place.
SOURCE: TN
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YouTube to MP4: Top Thing You Need to Know
On December 24, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Will Make Its Closest Approach To The Sun.
Downloading videos from YouTube and converting them into MP4 files has become a popular trend. Whether you want offline access or need the content for a project, YouTube to MP4 converters make it simple. Here’s an in-depth look at what these tools are, how they work, and things to keep in mind.
What Is YouTube to MP4 Conversion?
YouTube to MP4 converters allow users to save videos from YouTube in the widely accepted MP4 format. The MP4 format is preferred because it’s compatible with almost every device and delivers high-quality video and audio.
These tools can help you save videos for offline viewing, presentations, or even educational purposes. However, it’s essential to ensure you follow YouTube’s terms of service when using such tools.
Why Choose MP4 Format?
MP4 is one of the most versatile and widely used multimedia formats. Here are some reasons why it’s a go-to option:
- Compatibility: MP4 works on most devices, including smartphones, computers, and smart TVs.
- Quality: It provides excellent quality for both video and audio without taking up excessive storage space.
- Efficiency: It’s easy to stream, share, and edit.
If you’re looking for a reliable tool, platforms like YTMP4 or SubEasy’s converter offer fast and effective solutions.
How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4
Converting videos is simple. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Copy the YouTube Link
Find the video you want to save and copy its URL. Make sure the content is something you have permission to download.
2. Visit a YouTube to MP4 Converter
Access a trusted converter like Y2Mate. These tools are user-friendly and only require you to paste the YouTube link.
3. Choose the Desired Format
Most converters let you select quality settings, such as 720p, 1080p, or even 4K. MP4 is often the default format.
4. Download Your File
Click “Download” and let the tool process your request. Once complete, save the file to your device.
For a detailed guide, check out this resource on how to download YouTube videos.
Are These Tools Legal?
When discussing YouTube to MP4 converters, legality often comes up. YouTube’s terms of service don’t allow video downloads unless explicitly permitted by the platform. This means downloading videos without proper authorization could lead to consequences.
However, there are exceptions. For example:
- Personal Use: Some content creators allow downloads if used for personal, non-commercial purposes.
- Creative Commons: Videos under the Creative Commons licence are free to download.
- Public Domain: Content that’s public domain can usually be saved freely.
Always double-check content rights before proceeding.
Free vs Paid Converters: What’s the Difference?
There are both free and paid tools available for converting YouTube videos. Here’s how they differ:
Free Converters
- Examples: Turboscribe AI
- Pros: No costs, easy to use, quick results.
- Cons: May have ads, limited quality options, or slower speeds.
Paid Converters
- Pros: Offer advanced features, faster downloads, and better quality.
- Cons: Costs may not be worth it if your needs are basic.
If you only need occasional downloads, free tools like YTMP4 are usually sufficient.
Risks to Watch Out For
Not all converters are created equal. While most do the job efficiently, others may pose risks. Here’s what to look out for:
- Malware and Viruses: Avoid tools with excessive ads or suspicious permissions.
- Privacy Concerns: Use platforms that don’t require personal data.
- Quality Issues: Some tools might compress the video too much, reducing its quality.
Visiting trusted options like SubEasy can help you avoid these problems.
Alternatives to Downloading Videos
If you’d rather not rely on converters, YouTube offers its own solutions. The platform’s Premium service allows users to save videos for offline playback directly in the app, though it doesn’t provide MP4 files.
For detailed methods, check out this article on how to download YouTube videos.
YouTube to MP4 conversions can be handy, but it’s important to use these tools responsibly. Always respect intellectual property rights, and choose safe, reliable converters to protect your devices and data.
By understanding the process and potential risks, you can enjoy the convenience of offline videos without any hassle. There’s no shortage of tools available, so pick the one that best suits your needs.
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Best Ways to Convert YouTube to MP3
(VOR News) – NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make its last approach to the sun, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
This is expected to take place on the 24th of December. On this particular date, it is widely predicted that the project will be finished on time.
It has been reported by Sci Tech Daily that the Parker Solar Probe, which is currently in fine condition and is being controlled by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is functioning in an efficient manner. This data was provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is in charge of supervising the Living With a Star Program, which includes the Parker Solar Probe, which is an essential undertaking associated to the program.
The program is managed by NASA.
The program’s principal mission is to conduct research to enhance understanding of the Sun and its effects on Earth.
The airplane is projected to traverse a distance of 3.8 million miles (6.1 million kilometers) from the Sun throughout the mission. In comparison to the Sun, this distance signifies an exceptionally close encounter with the star in question.
The persons responsible for the mission will encounter difficulties in contacting them during the interval when the spacecraft is at its closest approach, known as perihelion.
On December 27th, subsequent to the flyby, it will transmit a signal to confirm its proper functionality and acceptable operation. This will provide as evidence that it is functioning within its standard parameters. The implementation of this plan will ensure its proper functioning.
The acquisition of fresh knowledge and discoveries related to solar activity and phenomena will be facilitated by the subsequent collecting of these data.
“This exemplifies NASA’s audacious missions, undertaking unprecedented endeavors to address enduring inquiries regarding our universe,” stated Arik Posner, a scientist involved in the Parker Solar Probe program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
“This exemplifies one of NASA’s audacious missions.” “This exemplifies one of NASA’s audacious missions.” “This exemplifies one of NASA’s audacious missions.”
“This has to be one of NASA’s most ambitious undertakings.”
Posner dedicated time and effort to composing this assertion, which he then included into a publicly released statement.
He remarked, “We anticipate receiving the initial status update from the spacecraft and commencing the acquisition of scientific data in the forthcoming weeks.”
This constitutes an additional point of interest. These are additional things of interest to contemplate. This subject is attracting significant attention from persons worldwide.
While at the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) laboratory, Nick Pinkine, newly appointed mission operations manager for the Parker Solar Probe, noted that “no human-made object has ever approached a star this closely, thus Parker will indeed be transmitting data from uncharted territory.”
Pinkine is responsible for supervising the mission activities of the Parker Solar Probe and is accountable for these operations. Pinkine’s observation pertains to the Parker Solar Probe’s return of data from hitherto uncharted locations. These ecosystems have not been before encountered.
He issued the following remark for the sake of clarification: “We anticipate a response from the spacecraft upon its completion of the solar orbit.”
SOURCE: JN
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