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Meta has opened up its open-source Llama AI models to US government agencies and contractors for use in national security applications. This move aims to enhance the US’s capabilities in areas such as logistics, cyber defense, and counterterrorism efforts. The decision comes amidst concerns about China’s rapid advancements in AI and the potential threat posed by its military AI development. Meta is collaborating with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin to make Llama accessible to the government, emphasizing the importance of American AI dominance in the global AI race.

A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, known as “Salt Typhoon,” has infiltrated the networks of major US broadband providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. This sophisticated cyber espionage operation, believed to be orchestrated by the Chinese government, targeted systems used for court-authorized wiretapping, compromising sensitive communications data. The group’s objectives remain unclear, but experts speculate that the attack could be aimed at uncovering Chinese targets of American surveillance or disrupting US intelligence gathering efforts. The incident highlights the increasing threat posed by nation-state actors and underscores the need for robust security measures to protect critical infrastructure and national security.

The U.S. Commerce Department is proposing a ban on the sale of connected and autonomous vehicles in the United States that utilize Chinese and Russian software and hardware. This proposal aims to protect national security and U.S. drivers by addressing potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign adversaries. The concern is that foreign governments could potentially shut down or take control of multiple vehicles simultaneously, leading to crashes and road blockages. This proposed ban highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the automotive industry, particularly as vehicles become more interconnected and reliant on software.