From ransomware arrests and a TikTok-alypse, to chatbot boyfriends and a 'robo-chic' revolution on the runway.

???? TikTok's future is on the chopping block as the Biden administration backs a bill to empower the President to ban the popular app. Will Gen Z face a TikTok-alypse? https://bit.ly/3L9GaAw

?? It’s game over for the DoppelPaymer Ransomware Group as police arrest suspected members responsible for large-scale attacks. The most serious attack targeted a University Hospital in Düsseldorf. The subsequent failure of critical systems caused delays in emergency treatment, including the death of a 78-year-old patient: https://bit.ly/3T630uP

?? This week on “Keeping up with ChatGPT”: A relationship scientist and therapist created a chatbot boyfriend to explore the boundaries of AI chatbots and human relationships. Plot twist: The bot proved to be a real heartbreaker and was unfaithful in just three days: https://bit.ly/3LbhgRg

? The tech tide is receding with some of the biggest tech giants witnessing sharp revenue declines. Even as VC investments in Silicon Valley plunge amid a defensive macroeconomic environment, Meta has revealed its second round of layoffs in four months, which reports say could begin this week and affect thousands of employees: https://bloom.bg/3Lc01z8

?? Space dreams shattered. Japan's first new model of a space rocket in 30 years launches, reaches space, and then fails, forcing its mission officials to destroy it 14 minutes into the flight.? The H3, a new 187-foot rocket, failed to ignite its second-stage engine, squandering the country's aspirations to reduce the costs of space travel and compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX: https://bit.ly/3ZKnprA

?? Heavy metal on the runway. No, I’m not referring to the music; I’m referring - quite literally - to heavy metal as robots are taking the fashion world by storm. Coperni is leading the Robo-Chic revolution with their ground-breaking fashion show in collaboration with Boston Dynamics. Step aside supermodels. The future is here! https://bit.ly/3mCV34n

?? Gene-ius or just recklessness? China has updated their gene-editing laws, which will soon enable scientists to make precise changes to DNA. Experts warn that while it could be used to correct inherited diseases, dire possibilities could also arise out of making permanent changes to genetic make-up: https://bit.ly/3FbJMyi

?? Well, well. Apple has unveiled a new yellow iPhone 14 for spring with surprise extras. Surely, a yellow case would have sufficed? https://bit.ly/3kY5IG7

?? Elon Musk back-pedals rapidly after Twitter backlash. Musk mocked a disabled Twitter employee who reached out after being locked out of his computer. Following a storm on Twitter, Musk Tweeted a public apology before the waters calmed down: https://bit.ly/3mCWFLt

?? Logistics just got a futuristic upgrade: Plus One Robotics has landed a $50 million funding round led by Scale Venture Partners, to help parcel robots keep up with the e-commerce boom: https://bit.ly/3J5Wpfu

?? Hermès has put a hold on artist's MetaBirkins NFTs as the luxury brand wins the trademark case. The French fashion house is not letting anyone "bag" their famous Birkin trademarks, and has sought a court order to halt Mason Rothschild's promotion and sale of the infringing NFTs: https://bit.ly/3J6NASJ

?? Finishing up on a headline that is sure to brighten your Friday: NASA's Curiosity Rover has captured the first-ever 'sun rays' on the Red Planet in an absolutely dazzling sunset snap: https://bit.ly/3SZo8mA

Wishing you all a Happy Friday!

For more of the latest tech news, my documentary and latest projects, visit my website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, BRIAR PRESTIDGE:

Based between New York and Dubai, Briar Prestidge is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, trusted advisor and author.

Briar founded?Prestidge Group, a leading personal branding, PR and speaker relations agency managing HNWI, C-level executives, tech experts, celebrities, government officials and investors.

Her corporate power suit collection?BRIAR PRESTIDGE - The Label?is a premium label made from fine wool and cashmere. At the world’s first Metaverse Fashion Week, they dropped their spin-off NFT power suits for avatars on Decentraland.

Briar sits on the Advisory Board for the Metaverse Fashion Council, and she is also a Strategic Advisor for Scopernia, specialized in future proofing organizations by preparing them for Web3. In 2022, she?produced the documentary '48 Hours in the Metaverse'?where Briar travelled to 33 virtual worlds and interviewed 21 metaverse experts and VR build builders.

Briar has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Emirates Woman, Grazia, The National, and Marie Claire (among others) in recognition of her work.?LEARN MORE