Monthly Archives: July 2022

The Download: police misinformation in Minnesota, and borderless digital repression

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The secret police: A private security group regularly sent Minnesota police misinformation about protestors When US marshals shot and killed a 32-year-old Black man named Winston Boogie Smith Jr. in a parking garage…

Quantum computers could break encryption. The US government is trying to prevent that.

Encryption is getting a makeover in the age of quantum computers. DEPOSIT PHOTOS Encryption is an important part of keeping our digital lives private. For the most part, it works well. However, new generations of quantum computers could threaten to decode the algorithms that the modern encryption process relies on.   Earlier this week, the US…

Butler shows hundreds of employees the door after raising $50M for room service delivery

On May 16, Butler Hospitality, an on-demand platform for room service and amenities, sent an email to vendors that might have been considered reassuring under other circumstances. “We are writing to inform you [that] room service and catering services will continue as is. All collateral is still functional,” the email read. “We appreciate your loyalty…

Universal Music Group signs licensing deal with African streaming service Mdundo

The music catalog of the Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest record company, will be available to users of Africa-focused streaming service, Mdundo, following the signing of a licensing deal. Mdundo said the deal will strengthen its offering to its 17 million active monthly users, and accelerate its growth across Africa. The music streaming…