Protests have ignited across India as the government has mandated major tech firms to install state-operated applications on smartphones, prompting concerns over potential surveillance among opposition leaders and activists.
Companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiomi are required to comply within 90 days by preloading Sanchar Saathi (Telecom Partner) on all mobile devices sold in India.
New devices must have the app pre-installed, while those already on the market will need a software update to include it. The Indian government has downplayed privacy concerns, stating that Sanchar Saathi “will not automatically collect certain personal information from you without your consent within the application.”
Apple is reportedly one of the primary tech companies resisting this order, while other major players have not yet publicly addressed the issue, as reported by Reuters.
Marketed as a tool for citizen safety, the app enables users to block and locate lost or stolen phones, check the number of mobile connections linked to their identity, and helps identify and disconnect fraudulent numbers associated with scams.
Additionally, it allows users to report suspected fraudulent calls, verify the legitimacy of used devices, and ensure they haven’t been stolen prior to purchase.
The directive was covertly issued to mobile manufacturers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration last week.
Once this information became public, the Ministry of Telecommunications confirmed it as a security step to address the “serious risks” of cybersecurity and fraud in India, while also regulating the country’s second-hand mobile market.
This has sparked backlash from opposition parties and digital rights advocates, who argue that it provides the government unrestricted access to the nation’s 730 million smartphones, enabling tracking of citizens through their devices.
KC Venugopal, a leader from the opposition National Congress Party, stated that his party would protest against the “dystopian” decision, asserting: “Big Brother cannot keep tabs on us.”
The Internet Freedom Foundation expressed its determination to “strive until this directive is annulled.”
Priyanka Gandhi, fellow Congress party leader, criticized the initiative as a “spy app” that undermines the fundamental right to privacy of citizens.
Sources indicate that Apple intends to resist the mandate, citing significant safety concerns. Company officials, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted that internal policies prevent Apple from complying with such directives globally due to potential security and privacy risks to its iOS system. Apple did not provide a formal comment.
According to the app’s privacy policy, iPhone users will be prompted to allow access to their camera, photos, and files. Android users, who represent 95% of India’s smartphone users, will need to share call logs, allow registration messages, manage calls “to identify mobile numbers in their phones,” and grant access to their cameras and photos.
It was initially reported that the government had instructed tech companies not to disable the app. However, in a speech on Tuesday, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia refuted this. “It’s your choice to keep it on your device,” he stated. “You can uninstall it just like any other app.”
Studies indicate that altering the tone of posts on X can escalate political polarization within just a week, a shift that traditionally would have taken about three years.
An innovative study examining the impact of Elon Musk’s social media platforms on political polarization discovered that even minor increases in posts featuring anti-democratic sentiments or partisan aggression led to a marked rise in negative sentiments toward the opposing political faction among Democrats and Republicans.
The level of division, termed “emotional polarization,” reached in just one week due to the modifications made to the feeds of a specific number of X users equated to what would typically take an average of three years from 1978 to 2020.
Most of the over 1,000 participants in the experiment during the 2024 U.S. presidential election remained unaware of the changes in the tone of their feeds.
The campaign featured divisive viral content on X, including a fake image of Kamala Harris with Jeffrey Epstein and an AI-generated depiction from an image Musk posted showing Harris as a communist dictator, which garnered 84 million views.
Researchers observed that consistent exposure to posts reflecting anti-democratic views or partisan animosity significantly affected users’ feelings towards polarization, inducing heightened emotions of sadness and anger.
Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, rebranded it as X, and introduced a “for you” feed that presented content aimed at maximizing user engagement rather than just displaying posts from accounts that users actively follow.
The finding that increasing anti-democratic content heightens hostility towards political adversaries underscores the “power of algorithms,” noted Martin Savesky, an assistant professor at the University of Washington’s School of Information and a co-author of the study alongside colleagues from Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and Northeastern University. This research is published in Science magazine.
“While the adjustments in users’ feeds were subtle, they reported marked changes in their sentiments toward others,” explained Tiziano Picardi, an assistant professor in the Johns Hopkins University School of Computer Science and co-author of the study. “These shifts align with approximately three years of polarization trends seen in the U.S.”
The study also indicated that even slight alterations in users’ feed content could substantially diminish political hostility between Republicans and Democrats, implying that X could foster political unity if Musk opts to implement such changes.
“The intriguing aspect of these findings is that platforms can implement measures to mitigate polarization,” added Savesky. “This offers a new perspective for algorithm design.”
Mr. X was reached out for comment.
According to Pew Research, eight in ten American adults believe there’s an inability among Republicans and Democrats to agree on not only policies, but also on fundamental facts. Additionally, over half the British population perceives political differences as dangerously divisive, as revealed by a recent Ipsos poll.
The evolution of political polarization caused by exposure to posts on X was evaluated using an innovative methodology. Initially, researchers utilized AI to analyze posts in X’s “for you” feed in real time. The findings indicated that some groups were exposed to more divisive content while others faced less, demonstrating X’s predominant influence. Divisive posts included support for undemocratic practices, partisan violence, a lack of bipartisan consensus, and skewed interpretations of politicized facts.
After a week of reading these subtly modified feeds, researchers prompted users to evaluate their political opponents’ warmth or coldness, favorability or unfavorability. Changes in “emotional deflection” were rated at two degrees or higher on a scale from 0 to 100 on a “feeling thermometer.” This level of increase in polarization matched the typical trend observed in the U.S. over the past four decades leading to 2020. Conversely, reducing posts with anti-democratic views and partisan hostility led to a corresponding decline in political polarization.
Social media platforms have long faced criticism for amplifying divisive content to boost user engagement and thereby increase advertising revenue. Nevertheless, the study revealed that when divisive posts were deprioritized, users tended to like and share more frequently, despite a slight decrease in overall engagement in terms of time spent on the platform and posts viewed.
“The effectiveness of this approach illustrates its potential for integration into social media AI, aimed at mitigating detrimental personal and societal impacts,” the authors argue. “Simultaneously, our engagement analysis indicates a notable trade-off; implementing such measures could decrease short-term engagement levels, posing challenges to engagement-driven business models, supporting the idea that content that elicits strong reactions tends to generate more engagement.”
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Greetings and welcome to TechScape! In this week’s Technology News, Elon Musk and Donald Trump are reigniting their battle against the president’s extensive tax bill and the looming prospect of forming a third party for Tesla’s top executives. The effectiveness of the wealthiest individuals’ endeavors heavily relies on their ability to enlist other prominent politicians. Additionally, we’re curious to know if you employ generative artificial intelligence for crafting personal messages. Reach out via tech.editorial@theguardian.com and share your thoughts with us.
<h2 id="elon-musk-needs-another-donald-trump" class="dcr-12ibh7f">Elon Musk requires another Donald Trump</h2>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">The rivalry between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has been revived following the passage of the president's significant tax legislation on July 3rd. Musk has been vocal (via Twitter) in expressing his opposition to the "hatred" embodied in the law for weeks, yet it was approved. The discord surrounding the bill triggered their first separation back in early June.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Musk is now contemplating the establishment of a new centrist party, indicating he might pursue his ultimatum to form an "American Party." Trump's response highlighted the absurdity of this idea, labeling it a "train wreck" through a lengthy post on True Social, emphasizing that third parties have historically failed in the United States. Following this news, Tesla's stock prices experienced a significant drop.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">What exactly would the proposed American Party accomplish apart from antagonizing Democrats and Republicans? Perhaps it aims to target the key Republicans who supported the bill.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">From my colleague Ramon Antonio Vargas:</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9"><em>The new party Musk intends to fund could focus on a limited number of achievable House and Senate seats while aiming to make a decisive vote on crucial issues in Congress's narrow margins. Musk tweeted that his strategy to meet his political aspirations is to "concentrate laser-like on just two or three Senate seats and around eight to ten House districts."</em></p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Could Musk himself run for office? It's doubtful. While he has stated a desire to refocus on his various companies, his recent tweets suggest otherwise. All Musk needs to bring his party idea to fruition is Donald Trump—an iconic figure who matches his financial prowess.</p>
<blockquote data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-154zxly">
<p><svg viewbox="0 0 22 14" style="fill:var(--block-quote-fill)" class="dcr-scql1j"><path d="M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z"/></svg>His role in politics resembles that of an ATM.</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">The Wisconsin Supreme Court election in early April revealed Musk's lack of personal popularity. After making a public appearance and donating a million dollars, he witnessed his favored candidate lose against the odds. His function in politics is akin to that of ATMs. Despite being the world's richest individual, Tesla's market valuation has been challenged since he was active in Washington.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Since Musk himself is an ineffective voter, the success of his new party hangs on the presence of a compelling star, similar to another significant Trump. He requires a conduit to direct his donations toward an engaging and effective campaign.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">So far, there seems to be no such individual. Trump's stronghold on the Republican Party is solidified, and he orchestrates rapid and harsh retaliation against disloyal figures, including Musk. There's a substantial risk in fleeing from Trump's party to partake in Musk's unusual centrist venture. The only group eager to witness the formation of a new party comprises X's chaos-loving supporters, who have urged Musk to act decisively in last week’s polling. However, if any of them seek office, it’s likely they simply desire the most bizarre turn of events for our shared destiny.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Noteworthy and coincidental timing: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed feeling "politically homeless" this weekend, echoing Musk's own sentiments regarding his political stance. These two Silicon Valley influencers harbor mutual animosity, evident from Musk's extended legal skirmishes aimed at halting the shift of OpenAI from a nonprofit model to a profit-driven enterprise. Nonetheless, despite their conflict, they both articulated a similar notion.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Musk and Altman embody entirely different public personas. While Musk is boisterous online, Altman is more reserved. As Musk gravitates toward right-wing politics, Altman attempts to straddle both sides of the aisle. However, the alignment of their emotions indicates why these two collaborated in 2015 to establish OpenAI.</p>
<h2 id="do-you-use-ai-to-write-your-texts" class="dcr-12ibh7f">Do you utilize AI for composing messages?</h2>
<figure id="479f5cbe-be80-403d-9d65-22049ff16d01" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-173mewl">
<figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-1tx6u99"><span class="dcr-1inf02i"><svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13"><path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/></svg></span> Illustration: Raven Jiang/The Guardian</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Recently, we featured articles spotlighting individuals who leverage generative artificial intelligence to craft personal messages. AI is becoming more prevalent in the workplace, promising increased productivity. Yet as we become more at ease in professional settings, it is also infiltrating our personal lives.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">My colleague Adrienne Matei reports:</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9"><em>Earlier this spring, Nick Wasseff learned of the passing of a high school friend's mother. Wasseff, a 32-year-old tech entrepreneur based in Vancouver, Canada, used Claude AI, a chatbot designed for human interaction.</em></p>
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<p class="dcr-16w5gq9"><em>Claude assisted Wasseff in composing the notes, facilitating an open dialogue among his friends concerning their collective grief. However, Wasseff never disclosed AI's involvement, which he concedes.</em></p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9"><em>According to a study conducted in 2023, 208 adults received "thoughtful" notes from friends. The researcher noted that those who were informed the notes were crafted with AI felt "more uncertain about their relationships" when they learned about the AI's involvement.</em></p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9"><em>Using AI for personal correspondences is a gamble. The first risk is that the recipient might not realize, and the second is that they may be indifferent. Nonetheless, a conversation is underway regarding the merits of taking such risks and whether the AI input in personal messaging can be considered beneficial.</em></p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9"><strong>Read the full story here.</strong></p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">Now you can effortlessly elevate your messages at the snap of your fingers. Does AI facilitate clearer communication of our intentions and dismantle the barriers to writing that hinder emotional expression? Or does it impede our relationships, as we avoid the emotional labor of drafting our own messages? Does AI enable connection without genuine effort?</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">The benefits and drawbacks are undeniable, with some scenarios appearing more suitable than others. Perhaps certain people wouldn't have sent a birthday card if they hadn’t had a personalized message readily available. One author from the <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/07/google-drive-personalized-chatbot/683436/" data-link-name="in body link">Atlantic</a> was taken aback when Google's Gemini, equipped with access to her conversations, generated a warm and specific birthday card that referenced genuine moments from her friendship. It's possible that they might have left someone without a personal touch had it not been for a mechanical speechwriter. All the variations in reception depend on the context of your decision to employ AI for writing.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">We would love to hear from you. AI is impacting our personal moments and connectivity, as well as our professional interactions, and we want to learn about the situations you believe are most appropriate.</p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">***<br/><strong>Do you use generative AI to craft personal communications?</strong></p>
<p class="dcr-16w5gq9">If you do, please reach out to tech.editorial@theguardian.com and share how and how often you utilize AI. Has it enhanced your relationships or complicated them further?</p>
<h2 id="the-wider-techscape" class="dcr-12ibh7f">Broader Technology Landscape</h2>
A new political party that Elon Musk claims he can focus on a select few attainable House and Senate seats while financially supporting crucial votes on pivotal issues amid the slim margins in Congress.
On Friday, the highly-paid CEOs of Tesla and SpaceX reflected on their strategy in a post on X, the social media platform he owns.
“One strategy is to concentrate intensely on just two or three Senate seats and eight to ten congressional districts,” Musk tweeted. As the wealthiest individual following Trump’s second presidential term that began in January, he is navigating severe federal budget cuts. “Considering the razor-thin legislative margins, it is enough to serve as a critical vote against contentious laws, ensuring they truly reflect the will of the people.”
Musk did not mention which specific seat he might be focusing on.
In another post on Friday, Musk conducted a poll coinciding with the US celebration of its 249th Independence Day asking whether his X followers would support his idea of forming a so-called American party to challenge both Republicans and Democrats. As of Saturday morning, over 65% of approximately 1.25 million respondents indicated they were in favor.
“Independence Day is the perfect occasion to ask if you wish to break away from a two-party system (some refer to it as Uniparty)!” Musk also noted in a message accompanying the poll, which he promoted multiple times on Friday.
Musk’s post on Friday follows his investment of $277 million supporting Trump’s campaign for the 2024 presidential election. In return, the Republican president appointed Musk to lead the so-called “government efficiency” initiative, known as Doge.
However, Doge’s actions could potentially lead to a loss of $135 billion in damages, according to a report by Public Services Partnership, a nonpartisan organization focused on researching the federal workforce.
Musk left Doge at the end of May and has recently expressed anger over Trump’s support for a budget proposal that would increase US debt by $330 million. He threatened to withdraw financial backing from any congressional members who endorsed Trump’s spending plan.
The House voted 218-214 in favor of the spending bill, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. In the Senate, Vice President JD Vance broke the 50-50 tie to support a bill endorsed by Trump on Friday, shortly after Musk published a related poll regarding the American party.
The contentious vote on Trump’s spending bill illustrates how closely contested outcomes will be in Congress.
Trump has cautioned Musk, who became a naturalized US citizen in 2002, that opposing his agenda could be personally costly. The president, known for his aggressive immigration policies, has openly discussed the possibility of deporting Musk from the United States and terminating government contracts.
“Without subsidies, Elon would likely have to shut down and return to South Africa,” Trump stated. He posted on his own social media platform.
The president also addressed reporters in Florida, saying, “We may have to put Doge on Elon. Doge is a monster that needs to go back and confront Elon. That’s not too harsh.”
On Tuesday, Elon Musk stated that he intends to reduce his political spending in the coming period. If accurate, this signifies a significant change from last year when he emerged as one of the Republicans’ most ardent financial supporters.
“I believe my political expenditures will be much less moving forward,” Musk remarked during a video interview with Bloomberg News at the Qatar Economic Forum.
Bloomberg’s Mishal Hussain inquired whether Musk had determined his spending for the midterm elections, which prompted Musk to reply with, “I think I’ve done enough.” It was uncertain if he was joking, but it elicited laughter from the audience.
Last year, the CEO of SpaceX contributed nearly $300 million to support Donald Trump, with his American PAC political organization anticipated to play a significant role in boosting Republican candidates in the 2026 elections. His political contributions and notable position in the Trump administration as the “Doctor of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) have generated international backlash, negatively impacting both Tesla’s popularity and car sales.
When Hussain followed up regarding whether Musk’s retreat from politics influenced his contributions, Musk didn’t clarify, although he hinted at the potential for changing his stance.
“If I find a reason to engage politically in the future, I will. Currently, I’m not seeing any reason,” Musk stated.
Musk was a significant donor during Trump’s reelection campaign, supporting the Pro Trump Group and sponsoring a sweepstakes where pre-elected voters received a $1 million check. Earlier this year, he allocated $25 million to the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, but his contributions were also critiqued, as Democrats focused on his unpopularity and external influences during the campaign.
Following the Wisconsin elections, where Musk’s candidates did not perform well, some Republicans began to reconsider how to balance their financial ambitions with the public’s negative sentiment towards him. Musk had previously seemed poised to leverage his immense resources to disrupt the electoral landscape. According to a Wall Street Journal Report, his top political strategist met with a Nevada consultant in March to discuss upcoming races.
The interviews in Qatar involved numerous exchanges and Musk addressing key media, lasting approximately 40 minutes. He asserted that he would lead Tesla for at least the next five years and that it took time to respond to the Wall Street Journal. Recent reports indicated that the automaker’s board of directors began searching for a potential CEO replacement for Musk. Additionally, Musk faced criticism from fellow tech billionaire Bill Gates, who compared him to “frequently Jeffrey Epstein,” contesting that his DOGE could jeopardize international aid and harm children’s health, as Gates remarked in a recent interview.
Musk mentioned that he plans to dine with Trump this week but has recently stepped back from living full-time in Washington, D.C., and aims to dedicate more time to managing companies like Tesla.
Protesters gathered at Tesla showrooms in cities worldwide over the weekend to demonstrate against Elon Musk’s alliance with Donald Trump within the US government. Their main focus was to denounce Tesla’s vehicles. A sign in Manhattan declared, “Burning Tesla and saving democracy.” Demonstrators are leveraging consumer products as a means to impact American political democracy.
Reports from colleagues Dara Kerr and Edward Helmore revealed:
Hundreds of anti-Tesla protesters convened outside the EV Manhattan showroom on Saturday. Sophie Shepherd, 23, an organizer at Planet over Profit, clarified that the protest was not about electric vehicles per se.
“We’re here to protest the ties that essentially linked Tesla’s car show to the White House lawn,” she stated. “Our aim is to disrupt his business in every way possible, including not just CyberTruck but all Tesla models.”
Although the demonstration didn’t draw a large crowd, Musk’s fortune has decreased by over $100 billion as Tesla’s stock plummeted by nearly half from its peak in December 2024.
The political involvement of Musk forces many Tesla owners to take a stand for or against the company.
Musk is closely associated with Tesla. The company disclosed in its annual report that it heavily relies on Tesla and Musk’s technology services. Tesla’s technology is a significant factor in this contentious connection.
Moreover, the public perception of Musk’s political affiliations is intertwined with Tesla. Initially revered as a tech genius, Musk’s inspiration from Iron Man elevated Tesla’s brand, fueling the growth of his rocket enterprise.
However, with Musk’s polarizing public image, Tesla’s success hinges on maintaining public trust and confidence. The company’s disclosure emphasizes its aim to appeal to a diverse range of potential customers globally.
Musk’s political endeavors place Tesla owners in the spotlight, forcing them to either endorse or disavow the company. Owners often feel compelled to justify their purchase or publicly distance themselves from the company’s political stance. This dichotomy raises concerns about the public’s perception of Tesla as a mere political symbol.
Meanwhile, Musk’s narrow target audience was highlighted by hosting a Tesla sales event on the White House grounds, aligning with a controversial presidency. The outcome for Tesla remains uncertain, but its social relevance appears to impact its financial standing.
For more details on Saturday’s protest, read the full story here.
t
ESLA sales have fallen, and X has seen users leave, but now it appears that a crack is appearing among those who have turned to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system as a way to maintain connections in remote areas.
The number of Starlink users is growing, but some subscribers have said they are venting their complaints about Musk’s political plot and will no longer use the high-speed satellite internet system.
Barry Nisbett, a Scottish fiddler Shetland Business Combining the music with a sailor, Musk’s controversial salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration event was one of the last straws that made him leave Starlink, citing whether he left Starlink, even if it put him at a disadvantage.
“For a while I’ve been deeply uncomfortable with the role he played in the US election and the monopoly he has that really bothers me,” he told The Guardian.
While Starlink controls the sector, signs of user anxiety will raise excitement among European tech enthusiasts and bring about the prospect of a homemade alternative that will eventually emerge. The value of Eutelsat, the French owner of OneWeb, London-based Starlink rival, has increased 500% since Trump’s oval office line with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Eutelsat’s chief executive told Bloomberg that the company could replace Starlink in a few months in places like Ukraine.
In the UK, Starlink is primarily used by people and businesses in rural areas with inadequate broadband access, but some buy “prepers” and technology.
StarLink installers for businesses and housing in the southern part of England told the Guardian that for now there is no better alternative to StarLink for those who need quick access to the internet.
“In the industry, we are stuck between rocks and difficult places. On the one hand, the necessary tools and solutions that exist in many rural areas, especially due to insufficient investment in infrastructure. But on the other hand, we now had to deal with Elon – to put it in politeness – the genitals,” he said.
“The majority of people who use it are those who need it because it’s remote, but there are also a few “chinfoil hats” brigade elements. ”
Richard Opie, a consultant living in a semi-rural Northumberland area, said BT hadn’t had enough and got Starlink during the pandemic, but now he was “wrestling” to decide whether to stay with the company or not.
“It’s a godsend, especially in remote areas, but things have developed politically ever since. Elon Musk is a very different person, and Tesla’s showroom is burned to the ground. I’m uncomfortable with how he gets into bed with Trump and how he throws his weight,” he said.
“It’s something we wrestled and saw alternatives, but we’re kind of stuck for now.”
However, Nisbet’s comments on Facebook’s “Starlink UK User Group” — he couldn’t justify supporting Starlink any further — sparked lively debate among users.
“I refuse to go to Trump’s hotel because I won’t give him a penny. Another StarLink user, Mel Sayer, said:
“I share your thoughts, but for now I’m stuck with Starlink,” says another user, Mike Brown. “Amazon is planning to launch rival services, but it probably won’t be until next year. We’ll jump the ship as soon as possible.”
Others are stuck with StarLink. “We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Paul Feekins, a consultant at West Sussex. “People use Starlinks because they can’t get an internet connection in any other way, but I think these idiots are making a statement by cancelling because they’ve come to oppose Yelon about something.”
Starlink has been requested for comment.
Starlink grew rapidly in the UK. This has gone from 13,000 subscribers three years ago to 87,000 last year.
This is Starlink’s popularity in some parts of the UK, with the company charging extra “crowd charges” in areas in high demand.
The company offers ultra-fast broadband speeds through satellite constellations. UK customers typically pay £75 a month over a 30-day period and £299 for hardware.
For non-customers, Starlink may be well known for its Ukraine use, essential to Kiev’s battlefield communication, after the Starlink terminal rushed after the Russian invasion in February 2022.
However, recently the outlook has grown that Ukraine will be cut from Starlink, With Reuters report US negotiators have lost their system and threatened Ukraine. Musk Tweet Weekend: “If I turn it off, their whole frontline will collapse.”
IIt's easy to believe that Elon Musk's reach is unlimited. But the richest people in the world are given a carte blanche to control the space satellite empire, own one of the biggest social media platforms, produce the world's bestselling electric cars, and gush the US government from Donald Trump, but there is a market where masks have not yet cracked properly.
Now, due to his new impact on the Trump administration and global geopolitics, Musk's entrance into the Indian market could be smoother and faster than expected, both on Tesla's electric vehicles and Starlink satellite internet.
When India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to Washington earlier this month to meet Trump, he sat down with Musk personally. There, according to the Indian government, the pair “discussed about strengthening collaboration with Indian and US organizations in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.”
Trump said it more frankly: “I'm assuming him.” [Musk] I want to do business in India. ”
To date, India's 110% tariffs on imported electric vehicles have prevented Tesla from entering the fast-growing Indian market. However, Musk last year vowed that Tesla would be in India “as soon as possible as humanly possible.” And after his recent encounter with Modi, he appears to be keen to make it a reality.
Tesla has already started advertising for work in Mumbai and Delhi and has signed a lease to open its first showroom in Mumbai. If Tesla promises to invest $500 million in the factory that manufactures the car within three years, it could also take advantage of the new Indian government scheme, which will reduce import duties on electric vehicles to 15%. However, the tax credit only applies to the first 8,000 vehicles. This could push Tesla back.
The Tesla plant will benefit India, a country that is desperate for foreign investment and job creation, particularly in manufacturing. Nevertheless, Musk holds a checkered record of his commitment to investing in India. Last year, he left the Modi government's involvement after coming up with a high-profile plan to travel to India, hanging the possibility of a $3 billion investment to build a Tesla plant in the country, but cancelled the trip at the last minute. Instead, he rivaled China, another huge market that Musk would like to exploit in the same way to cut down on large transactions.
Elon Musk opened at the Tesla factory in Berlin, Germany in 2022. Photo: Patrick Pleul/AP
Tesla also faces tough competition with Indian manufacturers. Indian manufacturers manufacture and sell popular electric SUVs at about a quarter of the starting price of £35,000, which is far above the budget of most Indian families, when Tesla costs. (Tesla car sales have also plummeted worldwide, falling 45% in Europe in January.)
Trump also seemed less enthusiastic about Musk's ambition to start making Teslas in India. “If he builds a factory in India now, that's fine, but that's unfair to us. Trump told Fox News.
Another more advantageous finger in the Indian mask pie could be SpareLink's Starlink. Globally, masks already have the dominant lead on the satellite internet. There are more than half of all satellites in the sky.
Since 2021 he has been adamant about bringing Starlink into India. According to Deloitte, India's satellite internet currently has a small appetite, but is expected to grow to a $1.9 billion (£150 million) market by 2030, and is considered an important entry point for India's thriving telecom industry.
Earlier this year, after Trump took office, where Musk became very well-known, Indian Communications Minister confirmed that Starlink was in the process of seeking the security permits necessary to operate in India.
Jyotiraditya Scindia said: “If you check all boxes, you'll see the license. In their case [Starlink] Do it, we will be very happy. ”
However, in India, communications, including satellite internet, are one of the most strictly regulated and controlled industries in India, putting a huge obstacle in the way that foreign companies such as masks are allowed to have security permits.
In particular, Musk's close ties and business interests in China, and the use of Starlink in the Ukrainian War, was viewed as an insurmountable cybersecurity issue, SpareLink's ability to control access to satellite Internet from abroad. Government Undermody in India routinely orders internet providers to block important online content and uses internet blackout as a means of information management.
These fears could be raised after sources in Myanmar and neighboring India's Manipur state told the Guardian earlier this year that Starlink was already being used by the state's militant groups to avoid the regular internet closures imposed after the outbreak of ethnic violence.
A recent report from an Indian think tank warned that Starlink is a “wolf in sheep's clothing” and cited use by the US intelligence reporting agency and the military, and that it could be used to undermine India's safety.
However, some believe that after Trump's election, the Indian government may want to take those concerns to the side. “I think India had doubts about giving security clearance to Musk's Starlink before the US election results began,” said Nikhil Pahwa, founder of Indian tech news platform Medianama.
“One of the things we rely on India is our control of internet access and control over our operators. But now that Musk is part of the US government, his leverage in India has certainly increased, and it is possible that Starlink Clearing Security approval has improved dramatically.
Starlink can provide satellite internet to rural areas, but some have raised fears that it could be used to undermine India's safety. Photo: Nikolas Kokovlis/Nurphoto/Shutterstock
Pahwa said the Indian government's decision on Starlink is “as many political decisions as it is a security decision.”
What's known as “Starlink diplomacy” — opening the country to mask satellites in an obvious attempt to satisfy the Trump administration — was already evident in neighbouring Bangladesh, where the country's interim leader, Mohammed Yunus, suddenly expanded an invitation to launch Starlink within 90 days.
Even before Trump was re-elected, the Indian government had already piloted Starlink's ambitions in favour of its ambitions. In October, the government announced that broadband satellite spectra would be allocated administratively rather than auctions. “We will do our best to serve the people of India at Starlink,” Musk responded with an X.
This decision means Starlink has a much better opportunity to compete with Indian telecom companies in the fight to manage the country's satellite internet market. He has encountered rage from some of the country's biggest operators, including Jio, who also has vast ambitions in the satellite internet space, and has since lobbyed the government to reverse its auction decisions.
One of the main advantages of satellite internet is that it can provide internet access even in the most remote areas. However, in India, most people living in rural areas are unlikely to be able to afford it unless the subsidies are large.
Technology analyst Prasanto K Roy said that if Starlink cuts a significant amount of what he did in Africa, it could lead to a price war with India's biggest carrier if he repeats what Starlink did in the US at a price of around $10 compared to $120. A successful mobile internet, Jio came from undercutting all competitors to make Indian mobile internet the cheapest in the world, but could follow.
“Starlink isn't as easy in India like other markets, so there's a very strong competition here, so it's going to be difficult to get monopoly even at low prices,” says Roy.
He added: “People using Starlink will obviously be a very small niche at the top of the socioeconomic pyramid. But once he gets the hold, that's something that masks can really be utilized in India.”
The recent gathering between Elon Musk, Nigel Farage, and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy was not just a meeting of Donald Trump supporters but a meeting of minds.
Their political agenda, developed under President Trump’s MAGA Vision, focuses on immigration, culture wars, and public sector cuts.
Farage emphasized the importance of saving the West, stating, “We only have one chance. Together, we can achieve great things.”
Speculation arose about Musk potentially donating up to $100m to the reforms, despite potential objections from voters.
A ban on wealthy foreigners donating to British political parties received 55% support, with 66% saying Musk should not have any influence on British politics.
Although they share ideological similarities, the public opinion on Musk’s influence remains divided.
Immigration
Musk’s stance on U.S. immigration aligns with the reformers’ goals, emphasizing the need for secure borders and boosting legal immigration to meet labor demands in the tech industry.
Farage and Reform prioritize freezing “non-essential” immigration and deporting illegal immigrants, echoing Musk’s concerns.
Shrinking Government
Musk’s anti-government sentiments stem from regulatory challenges in his industries and support from Trump to slash the U.S. federal budget.
Farage endorses Musk’s efforts in reducing public sector size, aligning with Reform’s vision for the UK.
Political science professor Tim Bale highlights Musk’s appeal to disruptors like Reform, citing their shared values in shaking up the establishment.
Rights and “Woke War”
Musk’s criticisms of woke culture and diversity regulations resonate with Reform’s agenda to combat “transgender ideology” and abolish equality provisions.
Support for Musk’s anti-woke stance aligns with Reform’s cultural war priorities.
Net Zero
Musk’s environmental credentials contrast with Reform’s rollback of eco-friendly policies, advocating for revoking the UK’s net zero target and boosting oil and gas licenses.
While Musk prioritizes environmental concerns, Reform focuses on economic implications of green policies.
Russia
Musk’s shifting views on Ukraine, from supporting to more ambiguous stances, reflect his complex relations with geopolitical issues.
Farage’s past remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and criticisms of NATO align with Musk’s involvement in aiding Ukraine through Starlink.
Both Musk and Farage’s views on Russia highlight their divergent paths in addressing international conflicts.
Hello. Welcome to TechScape. I’m Blake Montgomery. I’m the technology news editor for the Guardian US. Today on TechScape, I’m decoding Elon Musk’s global political goals, a notable documentary filmed inside World of Warcraft, a vote on support for school phone bans, and TikTok’s cats. Thank you for your participation. First, let’s talk about Mr. Musk’s world politics.
Over the weekend, Mr. Musk promised to give $150,000 a day to registered voters in U.S. battleground states who signed Mr. Pack’s petition in support of the First and Second Amendments. He awarded the first prize, a novelty check the size of a kitchen island, at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, and the second prize on Sunday in Pittsburgh. He plans to continue running until the November 5th election. Experts say the stunt may be illegal.
Why is Mr. Musk doing this? what does he want?
Last week, my colleagues Nick Robbins Early and Rachel Reingan published an article examining Musk’s inevitable influence on the US presidential election. The article delves into Musk’s political activities over the past few months, but what particularly interested me was the question it raised: As restrictions ease, masks around the world Is it the driving force behind his political activities? Is all this spending and campaigning about cutting government departments?
The constant battle with all the regulatory agencies comes at the same time that Musk has made numerous public statements supporting deregulation and calling for a full-scale federal audit. The idea has gained support from President Trump, who announced in September that he would create a Musk-led Government Efficiency Commission to audit cuts at federal agencies. Musk wants to call it the Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, a reference to one of his favorite memes, the expressive Shiba Inu.
One of Musk’s go-to memes. Photo: The Guardian
The plan is vague in details and fails to address Mr. Musk’s apparent conflict of interest in auditing the regulators that oversee his company, but both Mr. Trump and Mr. He repeatedly brings up the idea of playing some kind of role. President Trump appeared on Fox News earlier this week and said he would create a new position called “Secretary of Cost Reduction” and appoint Musk to the position.
“He wants to do this,” President Trump said.
But Musk’s fight to reduce government agencies is not limited to the United States. At times, he found himself at odds with other billionaires in battles with “regulators.” In India, Mr. Musk is at war with the government. satellite broadband distribution And he won against Mukesh Ambani. Asia’s richest man wanted more favorable terms for his communications empire.
He calls himself a “free speech absolutist” and is dissatisfied with speech regulators. A month after the general election, when Britain was in the midst of violent race riots, Musk tweeted that “civil war is inevitable” and posted a cartoon depicting a man in the electric chair. , argued that this was gratuitous punishment by the government. He has made similar criticisms of California’s government and President Joe Biden’s administration.
His fight for deregulation regularly puts him at odds with the judiciary. Last month, Brazil cut off access to X for failing to comply with a judge’s order and also fined SpaceX subsidiary Starlink for violating its sister company. Mr. Musk and Mr. X eventually complied.
Recently, some regulators have taken new steps and begun imposing penalties on mask companies for their (or Musk’s) actions.
Last week, European regulators took a page out of Brazil’s book, telling Company X’s lawyers: EU could impose fines For social media companies that failed to comply with the Digital Services Act. Importantly, regulators are proposing to calculate that tax based on the total revenue of Mr. Musk’s businesses, not just Company X’s profits. A possibly much higher fine could leave the social media platform in financial limbo.
In California, the Coastal Commission cited Musk’s tendency to tweet misinformation during a vote to reject SpaceX and the U.S. Air Force’s petition to launch more rockets from a base on the Santa Barbara coast. did. In response, Musk filed a lawsuit alleging political bias and violations of the First Amendment. He just wants to be left alone to peacefully fire rockets, tweet, and spend tens of millions of dollars on his presidential campaign.
Read the full story about Mr. Musk’s ubiquitous campaign.
Photo: Christopher Kumar/PR
Evelin’s amazing life The film follows the legacy of Mads Steen, a Norwegian teenager who suffered from a degenerative disorder that forced him to spend most of his 25 years in a wheelchair.
As Steen became more dependent on his wheelchair and breathing machine, he began spending more time playing World of Warcraft and other games, sometimes up to 12 hours a day. The film takes place where he spent most of his life: online.
Steen’s parents are concerned about the negative effects screen time is having on their son. They fear he will “never experience friendship, love, or making a difference in the lives of others.” But after his death, they realize that their despair has given him a lifeline, freeing him to do all the things they never thought he could do. Steen’s Warcraft character Eveline led him into deep friendships, adventures, and even digital romance. He left them a password when he died so they could find out about his second life.
The film’s action, which mirrors Steen’s life, occurs both offline and online. Shot on digital locations in World of Warcraft’s Azeroth, it follows Ibelin’s reenactments of her conquests, conversations, and relationships there. Close-up shots zoom in on the avatar’s facial expressions, simulating the presence and emotions of Steen and his friends who talk about him as part of the Warcraft family. Each speaks of the deeply positive impact of the in-game friendship they shared with Steen through Evelin.
Evelyn’s scenes in Azeroth succeed in imbuing the fictional characters’ actions there with real meaning. Evelin kisses her date at sunset. He joins a family called Starlight. In moments of distress he lashes out at those closest to him. These avatars constitute the entire emotional life of a group of friends. They gave hope to a boy whose parents saw his life as truncated and lacking. Who’s to say they’re not real?
The success story of video games and social media is as old as the backlash against both. But what makes this documentary different is that it places the viewer next to the subject on screen. This is an immersive and empathetic approach, and it’s much better than watching someone use a device from a third-person perspective.
The film comes as parents around the world debate how much screen time is appropriate for their children. The argument that time spent digitally with friends has tangible weight is made even more persuasive by its format. By relying on in-game cinematography, the film shows the emotional weight of online life.
The film will be released on Netflix on October 25th.
on my iPhone
Photo: The Guardian
This week I’ve been watching some interesting videos: Cat equipped with a camera collar. This video is not only a peek into the secret lives of outdoor pets, but also a marvel of camera stabilization technology. Some camera companies have already Sponsored by Mr. Kittershas become one of the main characters on TikTok. Another feline star, the confrontational @max20499, is more of a villain. He loves to ambush and fight unsuspecting cats. To find him, the app suggests the search terms “Maxwell the Bully Kitten” and “Maxwell the Bully Kitten meets his match.”
Britain has banned students from using mobile phones in schools. Should U.S. schools do the same?
Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters
pew research last week released a poll of 5,110 American adults about banning cell phone use in schools. You may be surprised by the results, as I was. Quote from the poll results:
Meta’s recent changes on Instagram mean that users will now see less political content in their recommendations and feed unless they choose to opt-in for it. This adjustment, announced on February 9, requires users to specifically enable political content in their settings.
Users noticed this change in recent days, and it has been fully implemented within the last week. According to the app’s version history, the most recent update before this was a week ago.
The change affects how Instagram recommends content in the Explorer, Reels, and In-Feed sections. It does not impact political content from accounts users already follow.
Instagram defines political content as related to legal, electoral, or social topics. This change also applies to Threads, and users can dispute recommendations if they feel unfairly targeted.
Meta’s aim in making this adjustment is to enhance the overall user experience on Instagram and Threads. They want users to have control over the political content they consume without actively promoting it.
For more information, Meta’s spokesperson directed users to a February blog post. Similar changes will be rolled out on Facebook in the future.
Despite recent controversies, like censorship during the Israel-Gaza conflict and perceived polarization by Facebook’s algorithms, Meta continues to work on separating political and news content from its platforms.
Although past studies suggest that algorithm changes may not alter political perceptions, Meta’s efforts to distance itself from politics and news continue. This includes phasing out the News tab on Facebook in anticipation of potential conflicts with news publishers and governments.
In ongoing discussions with the Australian government, Meta faces considerations under the News Media Bargaining Act 2021. Possible fines and revenue loss could result from this legislation.
Meta maintains that news content makes up less than 3% of user engagement on Facebook. The company remains committed to evolving its platforms in response to user preferences and societal concerns.
your mom’s kitchen Audible, new episodes every week starting Wednesday In this warm and nostalgic celebrity interview series, host Michelle Norris asks guests how the kitchen you grew up in has shaped who you are today. In the first of the new episodes, Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves-McConaughey talk about learning how to tell anecdotes, their grandpa’s wood stove, and how ice cream helps calm arguments. Reminiscing about recognition. That’s a fascinating listen. Alexi Duggins
law and disorder Wide range of weekly episodes available Former High Court judge Nicholas Mostyn, human rights activist Helena Kennedy and former attorney general Charlie Falconer have said their podcasts are “painfully serious and respectful, where everyone can disagree respectfully.” “It won’t become a show,” he promises. And they say this, ruminating on President Trump and the widening gulf between their professions and politicians. Hannah Verdier
Climate scientist Chris Turney, host of “Unf*cking the Future.” Photo: Reuters
unleash the future Wide range of weekly episodes available Wise and foul-mouthed climate scientist Chris Turney offers a cure for Earth-induced existential dread and speaks to those who are doing more than doom-scrolling to make a difference. Maggie “Billie Eilish’s mother” Baird is our first guest and points out that one day a week without meat and dairy can make a big difference. HV
patient 11 Wide range of weekly episodes available This stunning and daring four-part series tells the story of former British youth swimmer Alexis Quinn, who escaped psychiatric treatment to make accusations of widespread sexual assault. This is alarming, given both her story and the year-and-a-half-long investigation into sexual abuse in British mental health units that it sparked. advertisement
Guns and Wands: Official Companion Podcast Wide range of weekly episodes available Alfie Packham and Caroline McEvoy are the hosts of the companion podcast to Game of Thrones meets Peaky Blinders, The Gun and Wand. Of course, the show doesn’t actually exist. That hasn’t stopped the discussion about The Naked Wizard and linguist Dr. Brian Spleen’s lessons on creating mysterious new languages. HV
There’s a podcast for that
Katie Piper is one of the guests on Ellis James and John Robbins’ How Do You Cope? Photo: S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock
this week, Hannah Verdier Our picks for the 5 best podcasts on health and wellnessfrom soothing sounds to calming the tired mind to debunking the myths surrounding health and wellness trends.
slow radio If you find yourself exhausted from not being outside all day, put down your phone and let Slow Radio soothe you. There’s something oddly hypnotic about hearing the dawn chorus three times in a row, even if it involves crazy tweets that sound like angry birds. If you’re not a fan of nature, other meditative sounds are also available in the 30-minute episodes, so you can also delve deeper into chiming clocks or discover the sounds that transmitters hear at night. This is the wellness podcast you never knew you needed, but once you listen to it, you’ll look forward to your daily break.
Scotty: Self-help If you’re really struggling with your mental health, it can be a little overwhelming to be bombarded with positive mantras. So Scotty (above), cabaret artist, activist, and all-around brilliant egg, has the antidote you need. In his “Amateur Guide to Staying Alive,” he doesn’t tell you to meditate, move more, or write a bullet journal, but he does say that he has tried to keep himself sane over the years. Let’s talk about everything. This podcast has a warm and intimate feel, with Scotty appearing as the friend you need when you’re walking in the rain. He’s always been like that, but sometimes he wonders why on earth he does it.
Zoe’s Science and Nutrition Zoe’s research is leading a revolution in health and nutrition, powered by ongoing research, and this podcast is the perfect place to stay up to date with the latest news. We have episodes dedicated to many of the big food questions that make the headlines, including dairy, snacking, protein, nuts, and more. Find the latest research on gut health, artificial sweeteners, and ultra-processed foods, all with an evidence-based perspective from scientists. When you’re surrounded by diet advice that ranges from low-carb to keto to fasting, it’s nice to hear a fresh, balanced approach.
maintenance phase In a world full of Instagram influencers, almond moms, and leg days, Michael Hobbs and Aubrey Gordon are a breath of fresh air, debunking the ‘science’ behind health and wellness fads . Many questions are being discussed. Why do I have to walk 10,000 steps a day? How do you navigate a doctor’s weigh-in when you don’t want to step on the scale? And do French women really not gain weight? For these two, there are no superstitions, old statistics or “everything I ate in a day” videos, just laugh-out-loud humor and common sense that run through every episode.
How do you deal with it?with ellis and john Hosts Ellis James and John Robbins are so open about their mental health day-to-day that their guests can’t help but join in. In this series, James Cracknell, Katie Piper and Jordan Gray talk about what they’ve had to overcome in their lives. Each episode begins with the hosts checking in with each other (“How’s your shame?”), with plenty of time for warmth and conversation. Particularly moving are the scenes in which Robbins opens up about her struggle with alcohol, admitting that “I couldn’t go anywhere because I was like that,” and how she began her recovery.
Apparently it’s dripped into the ear! brain leak It brings together Jackseptic Eye (Sean McLaughlin) and Ethan Nestor for a funny and unconventional deep dive inside their heads, right down to the slimy parts.
What happens when you marry someone whose partner has already committed a crime?Package deals you didn’t ask for Shit!i married twins.
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