Nvidia criticizes Biden over his new AI chip rules, praises Trump
The second most valuable company in the world is taking aim at President Joe Biden, while at the same time praising President-elect Donald Trump. Nvidia’s criticism is in response to Biden’s last minute export controls on AI chips.
Nvidia’s Vice President of Government Affairs Ned Finkle called the new rules “misguided” and “sweeping overreach” in a blog post on Monday, Jan. 13.
“In its last days in office the Biden administration seeks to undermine America’s leadership with a 200+ page regulatory morass, drafted in secret and without proper legislative review,” Finkle wrote.
Biden’s policy changes would steer sales to allies, while curbing access to countries where there are national security concerns, like China. That’s another blow to Nvidia, which often sells its products to Chinese companies.
Nvidia’s China revenue has already taken a hit over past restrictions. It dropped from around a quarter of total revenue to 10%-15% in recent years.
Finkle’s blog post goes on to applaud Trump. He said his first administration showed “America wins through innovation, not by retreating behind a wall of government overreach.”
“We look forward to a return to policies that strengthen American leadership, bolster our economy and preserve our competitive edge in AI and beyond,” Finkle said.
The stance is a departure from Nvidia’s approach during the presidential campaign. The company and its CEO Jensen Huang stayed quiet on politics and did not make an endorsement.
This latest policy rule from Biden includes a 120-day comment period, leaving Trump’s incoming administration in charge of seeing it through.
In Trump’s first term, his team did restrict Chinese companies from getting their hands on the best U.S. semiconductor tech.
Another Chinese app rises in popularity in the US as TikTok ban looms
With a TikTok ban possibly hitting the United States in less than a week, another Chinese social media app is quickly gaining traction. Xiaohongshu, known as “RedNote” in English, surged to the top spot among free apps in the Apple App Store on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
The app launched in 2013 and has 300 million monthly users. It checks a lot of the boxes TikTok users are looking for in an alternative to share and consume content, including short-form videos, images, community engagement and shopping features.
Chinese users on the app have welcomed American users with the hashtag “TikTok refugees,” which is getting millions of views and comments.
Some content creators are hoping to rebuild communities they had on TikTok, as others are moving to the app to protest the U.S. government.
TikTok’s looming shutdown largely comes from national security concerns related to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
RedNote is owned by a Shanghai-based company, Xingyin Information Technology.
What issues will arise with users moving to another Chinese app?
More scrutiny from the U.S. government over privacy and data concerns is likely to follow, similar to ByteDance.
Some who haven’t been as eager to download RedNote have raised concerns about its terms of service.
Part of the document states the company can use user data without authorization when it’s “necessary for the performance of statutory duties or obligations.” This means the company may be required to use user data to fulfill legal responsibilities or to comply with government regulations.
In China, internet and social media companies are required to comply with all requests from the communist government.
RedNote’s terms of service also state the company can use user data to “carry out news reporting and supervision by public opinion for the public interest” and in “other circumstances provided by laws and regulations.” This means user data can be shared with journalists and in situations that aren’t specifically listed without permission.
Yahoo News talked with digital safety experts who said since RedNote is relatively unknown in the U.S., it should be “approached with caution.”
The founder of fraud protection platform Hitprobe, John Jackson, told Yahoo that RedNote doesn’t have the same level of child protection that other apps have, saying it’s “an unsafe platform for young people to use.”
Another issue is user experience. Many Americans who joined the app are relying on translation tools to navigate the Chinese platform, which is different from TikTok since it was created for a global audience.
If ByteDance does not sell TikTok by Jan. 19, the app will be illegal for distribution through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
China floats Elon Musk as possible future owner of US TikTok: Report
Chinese officials are weighing options for TikTok as the popular short-form video app faces an outright ban in the U.S. on Jan. 19. One possible option they are discussing is selling its U.S. operations to X owner Elon Musk, according to a report from Bloomberg.
The Chinese government would “strongly” prefer TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, remain the app’s owner, according to Bloomberg sources. But they have discussed Musk’s X taking over TikTok’s U.S. arm as a possible contingency.
Bloomberg said it is unclear whether Musk, X, TikTok or ByteDance are involved in these discussions with Chinese government officials.
Despite his ownership of a rival social media platform, Musk has adamantly maintained that TikTok shouldn’t be banned.
In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the 𝕏 platform.
Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.
“In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform,” Musk posted in April. “Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.”
Musk has had positive dealings with the Chinese government as part of his role as CEO of Tesla.
Recently, President-elect Donald Trump said TikTok has a “warm spot” in his heart, despite being the first president to propose banning the app on national security concerns during his first administration.
“We’ll take a look at TikTok,” he said in December. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points. And there are those that say that TikTok has something to do with it.”
Based on a Tufts University analysis of Associated Press data, Vice President Kamala Harris won the under-30 vote by four points, though Trump did make major gains in the age group and won under-30 men by 14 points, a group he lost in 2020.
In recent months, ByteDance hoped the situation could be resolved in the courts. Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the ban should be upheld.
The people cited in Bloomberg’s report said Beijing may get more involved in the negotiations, despite ByteDance’s repeated claims it operates independently from the Chinese government. Chinese officials see it as an opportunity to work with the Trump administration, with promises of tariffs and export controls on the docket.
A day before the Supreme Court heard arguments over TikTok, billionaire and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt’s group put in a formal bid to take over the app.
The People’s Bid for TikTok also includes investor Kevin O’Leary and has been in the works since May 2024. The value of that offer wasn’t made public but McCourt has said he doesn’t need the highly coveted algorithm as part of the deal, which could significantly decrease the value of U.S. operations.
‘In position to wreak havoc’: FBI director warns of China threat before retirement
Outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray called China’s cyber capabilities “the defining threat of our generation” during an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Wray warned that China has already infiltrated critical U.S. infrastructure, including water treatment plants, the electrical grid, natural gas pipelines and telecommunications.
Wray explained that China has “pre-positioned” malware within these systems.
“There’s another part of the threat that has not gotten the attention it desperately deserves, and that’s the Chinese government’s pre-positioning on American civilian infrastructure, to lie in wait, to be in a position to wreak havoc and inflict real-world harm at a time and place of their choosing,” Wray said.
Wray also raised concerns about China’s ability to spy on high-level U.S. officials, suggesting Beijing may have intercepted communications from figures such as President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and national security personnel. While Wray did not confirm specific targets, “60 Minutes” verified that China had monitored communications from these individuals.
Other reports point to the broader implications of Chinese espionage operations. U.S. senior officials told the Washington Post that Chinese hackers maintain access to American telecom companies, potentially exposing millions of mobile phone users from three major U.S. carriers.
The threat Wray described is echoed in the annual report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which labeled China as the most “persistent” cyber threat to U.S. government and private-sector networks. The report suggests that if Beijing were to enter a conflict with the U.S., it might consider aggressive cyber operations targeting U.S. military and civilian assets to disrupt troop deployments and cause societal panic.
China has long been accused of engaging in state-sponsored hacking campaigns targeting the U.S. and other nations.
In response to these activities, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Integrity Technology Group Inc., a Beijing-based cybersecurity firm, on Jan. 3. The company is linked to the “Flax Typhoon” hacking group, which has been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure sectors since at least 2021.
However, China continues to deny these accusations. At a Jan. 6 news briefing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected claims of state-sponsored hacking and criticized the U.S. for using cybersecurity issues to vilify China.
China’s Solar Great Wall aims to power millions of homes, combat desertification
China is developing a massive renewable energy project in the Kubuqi Desert of Inner Mongolia, a barren expanse now set to host one of the world’s largest stretches of solar energy infrastructure. Known as the Solar Great Wall, the project aims to generate power while addressing environmental challenges in the region.
Spanning nearly 250 miles in length, the Solar Great Wall will leverage the desert’s flat terrain and abundant sunlight to maximize solar power production.
Upon completion in 2030, the project is expected to achieve a total capacity of 100 gigawatts, enough to potentially power around 29 million homes.
In addition to generating electricity, the project is designed to contribute to environmental conservation efforts. By stabilizing wind-eroded dunes and reducing evaporation through solar shading, the Solar Great Wall helps combat desertification.
The project also supports ecological restoration by enabling vegetation growth under its solar panels, transforming sections of the arid desert into greener areas.
China remains a global leader in solar energy, accounting for 51% of the world’s solar capacity as of mid-2024. Between 2017 and 2023, the country consistently added an average of 40,000 megawatts of solar capacity annually. The Solar Great Wall is expected to further solidify China’s position at the forefront of the renewable energy sector.
China building barges that can transport troops, equipment to Taiwan
China’s military developments are under scrutiny, as satellite imagery and intelligence reports reveal the construction of new amphibious landing barges and advancements in its aircraft carrier program. These developments raise concerns about Beijing’s military capabilities, and intentions in the Taiwan Strait.
Reports indicated that China is building specialized landing barges at a shipyard in southern China. Each barge is equipped with 120-meter-long bridges, capable of supporting heavy equipment, including tanks and bypassing terrain challenges like rocky or soft beaches. Defense analysts said these barges could expand potential landing sites for Chinese forces, challenging Taiwan’s strategy of fortifying a limited number of beaches.
Some experts believe the barges are designed primarily for military use, while others suggest they could serve civilian purposes, such as disaster relief. The timing and design of the vessels, however, highlight their potential military role.
China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian (CVN-18), returned to port after its sixth sea trial. Observers noted what appeared to be touch-and-go maneuver marks on the flight deck, suggesting early testing of aircraft landing and takeoff capabilities. Full-scale models of J-35 fighter jets and KJ-600 early warning aircraft were present during the trial, indicating progress in the ship’s operational readiness.
The Fujian is China’s first carrier equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), a technology that allows for more efficient launches of lighter and heavier aircraft. The carrier is expected to become fully operational by 2026.
China has not commented on the purpose of the barges or the Fujian’s latest trials. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reiterated his commitment to Taiwan’s reunification, describing it as inevitable, adding to concerns about Beijing’s long-term intentions.
Biden administration proposes new rules limiting AI chip exports
With just a week left until he leaves office, President Joe Biden is making his last few policy changes as president. On Monday, Jan. 13, the Biden administration proposed a new framework for how advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence are exported.
The changes would help facilitate sales to allied nations while curbing access to countries where there are national security risks, like China. However, the proposal is raising concerns of chip industry executives, who said the rules would limit access to existing chips used for video games.
They also said the rules would restrict the chips used for data centers and AI products in 120 countries, limiting access to U.S. allies like Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland.
The Biden administration said the framework is designed to “safeguard the most advanced AI technology and ensure that it stays out of the hands of our foreign adversaries” but also enable the broad “diffusion and sharing of the benefits with partner countries.”
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the framework would ensure that the most cutting-edge aspects of AI would be developed within the United States and with its closest allies, instead of possibly being handed over to other countries.
Because the framework includes a 120-day comment period, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration would be in charge of seeing it through and determining the rules for international sales of advanced computer chips.
Xi Jinping sending top Chinese official to Trump’s inauguration: Report
China is reportedly sending a high-level envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, signaling an effort to ease tensions between Washington and Beijing as the new U.S. administration takes office. This comes after Trump extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping in December, though Xi is reportedly not attending.
The attendance of any high-level Chinese official would mark an unprecedented shift, as China typically sends its ambassador in Washington to represent the country at such events.
Xi is expected to dispatch a senior official, though it remains unclear who that will be. Some sources told the Financial Times it could be the country’s vice president or foreign minister. According to their report, Trump’s team expects China to respond appropriately by sending an official of proper distinction to start the relationship on the right foot.
The timing of the move is significant as both countries brace for a possible escalation in their already tense relationship. Human rights, trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the origins of COVID-19 are longstanding issues that could intensify during Trump’s second term.
Trump has also made cabinet appointments known for their tough stance on China, including Mike Waltz, his incoming national security adviser, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who was nominated for secretary of state.
Trump confirmed his team is already in contact with Beijing, even before Inauguration Day. During a recent radio interview, he stated that his people and Xi’s have been “talking through their representatives.”
At least 10 dead as major wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles area
The death toll rises as the onslaught of fires continues in Southern California, destroying complete neighborhoods. And President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced for his conviction in the New York hush money case after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid to stop the proceeding. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
Death toll rises as wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles area
Flames have destroyed entire neighborhoods, obliterating 10,000 homes and buildings between the Palisades and Eaton Fires alone. Firefighters made some progress as the Santa Ana winds weakened, but wind and dry conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. This will make it difficult for crews to battle the flames.
The biggest and most destructive fire in Pacific Palisades now spans nearly 20,000 acres, which is more than 30 square miles and is only 6% contained.
Nearly 180,000 people in Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders and another 200,000 are on standby to leave their homes if necessary. The wildfires and strong winds fueling them have led to mass power outages.
Entire stretches of Pacific Ocean beachfront property along Malibu have been charred, as well as homes and neighborhoods up and down the Pacific Coast Highway.
The latest fire to break out, the Kenneth Fire, sparked Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, near Calabasas. That fire spans 1,000 acres and is 35% contained, according to CalFire’s last update. Police arrested one man on suspicion of arson in connection with that fire.
It’s not just those in the fires’ paths in danger. Polluted air poses a threat even to those far away.
Supreme Court rejects Trump’s bid to halt sentencing in hush money case
Trump’s sentencing on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels will proceed as planned.
The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, said earlier this month he would not sentence the president-elect to prison time, saying incarceration is not an option.
Instead, the judge is expected to impose a no-penalty sentence called an unconditional discharge.
Trump vowed to appeal his conviction, claiming evidence and testimony was admitted that implicated his duties as president during his first term. The Supreme Court ruled over the summer presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for some official acts.
Appeals court allows release of election interference case report
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit rejected a bid to block the release but kept in place the judge’s order for a three-day delay, giving time for additional appeals. That means Trump could seek the Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the election interference case was eventually dismissed following his victory in November’s presidential election due to a Justice Department policy that forbids the prosecution of a sitting president.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said he plans to release the report to the public once he is permitted to do so. In response, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said Thursday night that it’s time for Garland and President Joe Biden to “do the right thing and put a final stop to the political weaponization of our justice system.”
Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in TikTok ban case
With less than two weeks until a ban on the social media app TikTok is slated to take effect, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments against the legislation Friday, Jan. 10. TikTok looks to show the justices that, despite claims from the federal government, it is not a national security threat to the U.S.
It is unclear when the court will deliver its ruling.
TikTok faces a nationwide ban in the U.S. that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 19, impacting roughly 115 million monthly users. That is unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sells the platform, as required by the law signed by President Joe Biden last year, or SCOTUS rules in favor of TikTok’s position that the law is unconstitutional.
Supporters of the ban believe the app allows China to access vast amounts of data from Americans and possibly influence public opinion in the U.S.
Trump opposes the ban and has met with TikTok’s CEO in recent weeks.
Macy’s to close 66 stores
Macy’s confirmed it will close 66 stores across the U.S. The department store chain said Thursday that the move is part of its “bold new chapter” strategy, which was announced in February of last year. The strategy will see the closure of approximately 150 underperforming stores, or about a third of its locations, over a three-year period.
Tony Spring, the retailer’s chairman and CEO, said that while “closing any store is never easy,” this will allow the company to focus its “resources and prioritize investments” in its other locations.
Macy’s told Axios clearance sales will begin this month and run for up to 12 weeks.
Friends, family remember President Jimmy Carter at state funeral in Washington
Family, friends and fellow lawmakers honored former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday, a National Day of Mourning, during a state funeral in Washington, D.C. All five surviving presidents attended the service at the National Cathedral.
President Joe Biden, who declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning, delivered a eulogy for his late friend.
“Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me and through his life taught me the strength of character is more than title or the power we hold. It’s a strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity. Respect that everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves an even shot, not a guarantee, but just a shot. You know, we have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor. And to stand up to — my dad used to say was the greatest sin of all — the abuse of power. That’s not about being perfect as none of us are perfect. We’re all fallible. But it’s about asking ourselves ‘Are we striving to do things, the right things? What value, what are the values that animate our spirit? Do we operate from fear or hope, ego or generosity? Do we show grace? Do we keep the faith when it’s most tested?’ Or keeping the faith with the best of humankind and the best of America is a story, in my view, from my perspective, of Jimmy Carter’s life.”
Carter’s grandchildren also spoke about their late grandfather.
“They were small-town people who never forgot who they were and where they were from no matter what happened in their lives,” Jason Carter said. “But I recognize that we are not here because he was just a regular guy. As you’ve heard from the other speakers, his political life and his presidency for me was not just ahead of its time, it was prophetic. He had the courage and strength to stick to his principles, even when they were politically unpopular.”
Following a private funeral in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, Carter was laid to rest next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, creators are flocking to Lemon8, an increasingly popular social media app. The app has been gaining attention for its unique blend of features.
Lemon8 combines TikTok’s short-form videos with Pinterest and Instagram-like feeds. Owned by ByteDance, the same parent company as TikTok, Lemon8 is often referred to as TikTok’s sister app.
Lemon8 focuses on visual aesthetics and personal storytelling. Popular content categories include fashion, beauty, fitness, travel and food. The platform is designed to foster a sense of community while encouraging creativity.
ByteDance ownership raises concerns
However, Lemon8’s future is not guaranteed. Since ByteDance owns both Lemon8 and TikTok, the app could face regulatory scrutiny similar to TikTok’s if the U.S. government increases pressure on the company.
Another app impacted by the ongoing ByteDance controversy is CapCut. The all-in-one video editing and graphic design tool is popular among social media creators. CapCut offers features like green screens, transitions and video templates, making it easy to create polished content.
Its seamless integration with TikTok and other platforms has made it a go-to tool for content creators.
TikTok ban deadline approaches
President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to block a law passed last April calling for a potential ban on the massively popular social media app. For TikTok to avoid the ban, ByteDance must divest its U.S. operations. However, if that doesn’t happen, the ban could take effect as soon as Jan. 19.