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Techmeme
January 17, 2022, 11:10 AM

Top News

FingerprintJS Blog:
A flaw in Safari 15's IndexedDB API can leak browser activity and user identifiers, like Google ID, to other sites; Apple was alerted of the flaw on November 28  —  DISCLAIMER: FingerprintJS does not use this vulnerability in our products and does not provide cross-site tracking services.
Lauren Thomas / CNBC:
Recent filings from Walmart, including seven US trademark applications, indicate a possible plan to develop and offer virtual goods, NFTs, and a cryptocurrency  —  - Walmart appears to be venturing into the metaverse with plans to create its own cryptocurrency and collection of NFTs.
Microsoft Security Blog:
Microsoft identifies a destructive malware operation targeting Ukrainian organizations; the malware looks like ransomware but lacks a ransom recovery mechanism  —  - Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)  — Microsoft Digital Security Unit (DSU)  — Microsoft 365 Defender Threat Intelligence Team
Max Seddon / Financial Times:
Ukraine's government says “all evidence points to Russia being behind the attack”, which took down about 70 government websites  —  Proof of involvement could meet threshold for west to impose sanctions but incident yet to be formally attributed
José Adorno / 9to5Mac:
Gurman: Apple's headset will likely cost $2,000+ and have two CPUs, one on par with the M1 Pro, two 8K displays, and an interchangeable prescription lens option  —  A Friday report indicated that Apple was having trouble with its rumored AR/VR headset due to overheating, camera …
Mark Gurman / Bloomberg:
Sources: Apple will expand CarKey availability beyond BMW by this summer, starting with Hyundai's Genesis line; a look at potential Apple headset names  —  As Apple Inc.'s first mixed-reality headset runs behind schedule, here's a look at what the company could name the product.
James Ball / Rolling Stone:
The UK government hires ad agency M&C Saatchi to run a publicity campaign criticizing Meta's plans to make Messenger end-to-end encrypted by default  —  The Home Office has hired a high-end ad agency to mobilize public opinion against encrypted communications — with plans that include some shockingly manipulative tactics
Alberto Nardelli / Bloomberg:
Amazon reverses its proposed ban on Visa credit cards in the UK, due to start on January 19; the company had cited high transaction costs  —  Amazon.com Inc. has emailed U.K. customers to say that a planned ban on Visa credit cards will no longer take place.
Financial Times:
Spain will impose restrictions starting next month on influencers promoting cryptocurrencies, after concerns over protecting investors in the unregulated sector  —  Watchdog imposes landmark restrictions amid concerns for investors in unregulated sector  —  Spain is imposing restrictions …

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Earlier Picks

Charles McDermid / New York Times:
Dan Goodin / Ars Technica:
Fais Khan / startups and econ: