Tag Archives: exit

Nick Clegg’s exit signals the dawn of a new era in Meta Politics

Posted on by
Reply

Hello. Welcome to TechScape. Happy new year! Headaches are less common in dry January. Today’s highlights from TechScape include Meta’s promotion of a Trumpian bulldog, TikTok facing challenges beyond bans, Meta receiving backlash over AI, and Elon Musk’s foreign involvement.

Former British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has resigned from Meta after six years as head of international affairs. He played a role in bridging technology and politics, earning approximately $19 million during his tenure.

Clegg, a centrist, may return to British politics following his party’s success in the last election. His departure marks a shift towards more partisan times at Meta under new appointee Joel Kaplan.

Meta’s approach to AI integration has faced criticism, with the company recently removing AI-powered profiles following negative feedback. Elon Musk’s political involvement extends to international affairs, with interests in Germany, France, and Canada.

TikTok faces second war in US: child exploitation lawsuit

Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters

TikTok faces legal challenges in the US over child exploitation allegations, with multiple states suing the app. Concerns have been raised about misuse of its livestreaming feature to harm children.

Meta’s AI strategy has stirred controversy, particularly with its AI-generated profiles causing backlash. The company plans to introduce more AI characters despite previous issues.

Elon Musk intervenes overseas

Photo: Argi February Sugita/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock

Elon Musk’s political influence extends across multiple countries, including Germany, France, and Canada. His support of far-right parties and involvement in international affairs has raised concerns about interference in elections.

Musk’s recent actions suggest a deepening involvement in Canadian politics, aligning himself with conservative figures and advocating for specific political initiatives.

Wider TechScape

Source: www.theguardian.com

Minneapolis drivers successfully protest for wage increase, leading Lyft and Uber to exit city rather than pay fees.

Posted on by
Reply

Uber and Lyft have announced the suspension of their operations in the Minneapolis area in protest of a newly passed minimum wage ordinance by the City Council.

The ordinance, set to take effect on May 1, establishes a minimum wage of $1.40 per mile and 0.51 cents per minute for rideshare drivers, with a minimum wage of $5 per ride. Despite the mayor’s veto being overridden by the City Council, Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the area in response.


If the companies proceed with their plans to halt operations on May 1, Minneapolis will stand as the only city in the U.S. without Uber or Lyft services.

Advocates for the bill highlight the low wages and high costs faced by rideshare drivers. They assert that wages have decreased, leading to support for the ordinance.

Eid Ali, a veteran rideshare driver and president of the Minnesota Uber Lyft Drivers Association, has been terminated. Uber and Lyft argue that the minimum wage is unsustainable for maintaining affordable fares for riders.

Ali expressed his disbelief in the actions of the multi-billion-dollar companies, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and a living wage for all workers.

Should Uber and Lyft exit the market, Ali believes that other entities are prepared to step in. He believes their fight is not solely about the minimum wage but also about its implications on the broader market.

Farhan Bader, another rideshare driver, highlighted the undervaluation of drivers’ roles in society and argued for fair compensation amid declining pay and increased working hours.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Efforts are underway by Minnesota lawmakers to introduce a bill preempting Minneapolis regulations to retain Uber and Lyft in the area.

Uber’s senior director of communications, Josh Gold, expressed disappointment in the City Council’s decision and emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure drivers receive fair wages while keeping rideshare affordable.

A Lyft spokesperson also voiced support for state-level preemption and raised concerns about the impact of the minimum wage ordinance on drivers’ income and the accessibility of ridesharing services.

Uber and Lyft’s clash with regulators over wages and working conditions reflects a broader trend seen in the industry both in the U.S. and globally.

Source: www.theguardian.com