Noticias Financieras

Gold holds firm after paring losses as focus shifts to US jobs, inflation data

Sentry Introduces Size Analysis to Help Developers Tackle Mobile App Bloat

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sentry introduces Size Analysis to help developers monitor, understand, and reduce the size of their iOS and Android applications

Jury told at US landmark trial: Meta, Google 'engineered addiction'

LOS ANGELES, California — Meta and Google-owned YouTube were accused on Monday of pushing highly addictive apps on children as a landmark social media trial began in earnest at a court in California.The blockbuster trial in front of a Los Angeles jury could establish a legal precedent on whether the social media juggernauts deliberately designed their platforms to lead to addiction in children.The proceedings are expected to see Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg on the stand next week and Instagram boss Adam Mosseri in the courtroom as early as Wednesday.In addition to Instagram, Meta's platforms include Facebook and WhatsApp."This case is about two of the richest corporations in history who have engineered addiction in children's brains," the plaintiffs' attorney Mark Lanier told the jury in his opening statement."This case is as easy as A-B-C," he said as he stacked children's toy blocks bearing the letters.He contended the A was for addicting, the B for brains, and the C for children."They don't only build apps; they build traps," Lanier said, saying Meta and YouTube pursued "addiction by design," making his arguments using props like a toy Ferrari and a mini slot machine.Meta attorney Paul Schmidt countered in opening remarks to the jury that evidence will show that problems with the plaintiff's family and real-world bullying took a toll on her self-esteem, body image and happiness rather than Instagram."If you took Instagram away and everything else was the same in Kaley's life, would her life be completely different, or would she still be struggling with the same things she is today?" Schmidt asked, pointing out an Instagram addiction is never mentioned in medical records included in the evidence.Mental harmThe trial before Judge Carolyn Kuhl focuses on allegations that a 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley G.M. suffered severe mental harm because she became addicted to social media as a child.The case is being treated as a bellwether proceeding because its outcome could set the tone, and the level of payouts to successful plaintiffs, for a tidal wave of similar litigation across the United States.Social media firms are accused in hundreds of lawsuits of leading young users to become addicted to content and suffer from depression, eating disorders, psychiatric hospitalization and even suicide.Lawyers for the plaintiffs are borrowing strategies used in the 1990s and 2000s against the tobacco industry, which faced a similar onslaught of lawsuits arguing that companies knowingly sold a harmful product.Lanier told the jurors that Kaley began watching YouTube at 6 years old because the company never told her mother "the goal was viewer addiction," or that toddlers as young as two were being targeted despite "critical" risk of addiction."This is the first time that a social media company has ever had to face a jury for harming kids," Social Media Victims Law Center founder Matthew Bergman, whose team is involved in more than 1,000 such cases, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).'Strongly disagree'Internet titans have argued that they are shielded by Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act, which frees them from responsibility for what social media users post.However, this case argues that those firms are culpable for business models designed to hold people's attention and to promote content that can harm their mental health.The plaintiffs said they would call expert witnesses that would argue that young people's brains were not yet developed to withstand the powers of the algorithms being flung at them on Instagram and YouTube.The company pointed to recent efforts to provide more safeguards for young people, adding that "we're always working to do better."Jose Castaneda, a YouTube spokesman, said "the allegations in these complaints are simply not true."Snapchat and TikTok were named as defendants in the suit, but struck settlement deals before the start of the trial. The terms were not disclosed.Lawsuits, including some brought by school districts, accusing social media platforms of practices endangering young users, are making their way through federal court in northern California and state courts across the country.

Crown Point Records moving to Valpo

Crown Point Records is going to keep spinning at a new location in Valparaiso.

Vega Manila: Innovation, family behind growth

ILOILO CITY — The powerful connection between family resilience and technological advancement took center stage at the Iloilo Convention Center on Feb. 6, 2026, as Vega Manila Crewmanagement, Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary. Leadership from both the local manning agency and its international partners from Germany, Greece, and Turkey underscored a unified strategy that identifies the Filipino family as a "force multiplier" for safety while launching a new era of ultra-modern, diesel-electric vessels.The event transitioned from a celebration of two decades of partnership into a roadmap for securing maritime jobs through human-centric care and high-tech fleet modernization.The significance of the venue was not lost on the attendees. Iloilo City serves as the heart of Western Visayas, a region that historically contributes one of the largest demographics of seafarers to the global fleet. With more than 700 individuals — comprising seafarers and their families from Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, and Negros — filling the hall, the event was a testament to the region's deep-rooted maritime heritage. For Vega Manila, choosing this province was a deliberate nod to the communities that provide the backbone of their workforce, emphasizing that the company’s success is built upon the homes of Western Visayas.Capt. Vicente Fedelicio, president and CEO of Vega Manila, delivered a rallying message that framed seafarer welfare as the foundation of the company’s operational reliability. He argued that technical excellence is a product of "care for colleagues, for vessels, and for the communities that sustain maritime work." By prioritizing family engagement and clear communication, Fedelicio noted that the company aims to build a culture of practical efficiency. To navigate global industry shifts, he called for continued investment in training and "smarter collaboration supported by technology" to ensure every crew member feels valued in a safer, more productive workplace."The family’s steadfast support amplifies crew resilience and allows seafarers to perform with confidence," Fedelicio told the 700 guests. He explained that recognizing families is not just a social gesture but an essential component of crew well-being and long-term retention. In an industry defined by long months at sea, the mental and emotional security provided by a stable home life is considered a critical safety factor. By bringing so many families together, the company aimed to reinforce the idea that the seafarer is never truly sailing alone.Complementing this vision, Dr. Arend Bruegge, CEO and managing director of Vega Reederei, shared a message reflecting on the agency's 20-year journey. He recalled how a vision shared with Captain Fedelicio aboard the Vega Diamond led to the creation of a dedicated Filipino manning agency. This partnership has since expanded significantly, now serving a diverse group of German, Greek, and Turkish principals, including major global clients like Contships Management Inc. (Greece), Medkon Lines (Turkey), and Bravo Shipmanagement."Captain Vic worked tirelessly, and that vision became Vega Manila," Bruegge stated, crediting Fedelicio with transforming a shared dream into a reality that sustains a diverse international fleet.Bruegge further announced that the company is entering a new chapter with six ultra-modern diesel-electric minibulkers already in operation, with more expected in the coming weeks to be staffed by Filipino crews. This advancement is supported by the success of long-term education initiatives, such as the partnership with the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. Based in the region, this institution continues to produce captains and chief engineers from within the company’s ranks. By linking these training programs to the requirements of the new diesel-electric fleet, Vega Manila ensures its workforce remains competitive in an era of rapid technological and regulatory change.Ultimately, the joint messages from Fedelicio and Bruegge tied human care directly to operational excellence. The roadmap presented includes expanding family outreach and welfare resources while reviewing procedures to implement safer, standardized workflows across the fleet. By honoring the families from Iloilo and neighboring provinces that sustain seafarers, and by investing in the technology that defines the future of shipping, Vega Manila is positioning itself to maintain high standards and job security for the next generation of maritime professionals. This 20th-anniversary celebration served as a bridge between the company's storied past and a high-tech, family-centered future.

ILO study: TNVS drivers in PH earn above minimum wage

TRANSPORT network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and riders in the Philippines earn significantly more than the government-mandated minimum wage, according to a study commissioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO).The survey, covering 12 of the country’s 17 regions, found that TNVS drivers and riders earn an average net weekly income of P6,704, after deductions. This figure surpasses the national minimum wage, which ranges from P498 to P695 per day — or roughly P4,865 per week.Conducted from June to December 2025, the survey interviewed 400 respondents across nine platforms providing food delivery, logistics, parcel delivery, and ride-hailing services. It has a 5 percent margin of error. The study was presented during the Department of Labor and Employment’s 2026 National Tripartite Conference.According to the ILO, the study aimed to analyze working conditions in the platform economy, document labor practices, assess the impact of digital platforms on employment, and guide policies on enterprise formalization and social protection.Also, the findings show that nearly 90 percent of TNVS drivers and riders have access to social protection provided by their platforms, including health insurance, workplace injury coverage, and pension or retirement benefits.Survey respondents cited flexibility and decent earnings as the main reasons for choosing platform work, with many noting that the income is better than other available employment. Platforms have also implemented initiatives to improve working conditions, such as increasing earnings and incentives, enhancing training and safety, and strengthening operational support and communication.The study also noted that ride-hailing platforms are actively assisting drivers in securing mandatory government benefits through the Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund.

Growing Energy Demand from Data Centres Driven by AI and Projected Electricity Consumption to Reach 945 TWh by 2030, Representing 3% of Global Electricity Consumption

According to data published by Precedence Research, the electricity consumption of data centres is set to grow rapidly, with a projected 945 TWh demand by 2030, contributing to 3% of global electricity usage. This growth is primarily fueled by accelerated server requirements for AI workloads. Major regions such as the United States and China will account for nearly 80% of global growth, while Southeast Asia is expected to experience significant expansion due to growing e-commerce and cloud services. According to data published by Precedence Research, the electricity consumption of data centres is set to grow rapidly, with a projected 945 TWh demand by 2030, contributing to 3% of global electricity usage. This growth is primarily fueled by accelerated server requirements for AI workloads. Major regions such as the United States and China will account for nearly 80% of global growth, while Southeast Asia is expected to experience significant expansion due to growing e-commerce and cloud services.

MTN to Distribute Amazon Leo for Global Deployment

MTN will be one of the first maritime resellers to distribute Amazon Leo, providing this service across key industry sectorsFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MTN, a world-class network operator and pioneer in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology adoption, has finalized an agreement to offer Amazon Leo, Amazon's satellite internet, as an authorized reseller for maritime deployment. MTN will initially provide this service across key maritime industries, including commercial shipping, yachting, offshore, and cruise & ferry, among others.Amazon Leo is building one of the most advanced satellite communications systems in the world. Powered by a constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, the system will provide lower latency and higher transmission capacity than traditional geostationary satellite solutions, enabling real-time applications, telemetry, remote operations, and hybrid network architectures. In the maritime sector, it will help enable fast onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced crew communications, and efficient vessel operations across global waters, from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific. "Being selected as an authorized reseller of Amazon Leo network allows us to stay at the forefront of satellite innovation as we expand our multi-network architecture," said Steve Ritacco, Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development. "Integrating this new constellation will give us unparalleled flexibility to custom-design network solutions that offer continuous, high-performance service, including in the most challenging environments for maritime customers.""This agreement with MTN will benefit maritime operations worldwide. Using our low-latency satellite network, maritime customers will gain real-time communication capabilities that enable everything from enhanced crew welfare to advanced vessel tracking, remote diagnostics, and seamless integration with shore-based operations," said Trevor Vieweg, Amazon Leo Head of Global Business.Offering connectivity through Amazon Leo demonstrates MTN's commitment to providing converged connectivity solutions with the highest levels of speed and redundancy. MTN offers customers a robust, multi-orbit ecosystem that ensures clients have fast, secure and reliable connectivity for mission-critical operations anywhere in the world.About MTNMTN is a world-class network operator that connects global operations with the speed, security, and trust required for success. Our multi-network architecture delivers resilient, fully managed connectivity for critical systems and remote teams across the maritime, energy, government, and enterprise sectors.Headquartered in Florida with offices across Europe, the Middle East, and South America, MTN enables rapid deployments and white-glove service anywhere. The company has pioneered the delivery of converged connectivity solutions on a global scale by partnering with major wireless carriers and satellite communications providers that integrate 5G/LTE and high-throughput satellite (HTS) networks, as well as all cutting-edge Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations such as Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon Leo.For more information, please visit www.mtnsat.comMedia contactsFernando Arreaza Vargas, Director of Media Relations and Corporate Communications at MTNFernando.vargas@mtnsat.com | +1.305.343.8279

Changan’s most affordable car on offer in South Africa, the Alsvin

On sale since the beginning of this year, the Changan Alsvin has become popular with compact sedan buyers.

MPBSE Class 12 exams start with live CCTV monitoring in 226 centres

MP Board Class 12 exams began for over 6 lakh students, with the MPBSE introducing a pilot project of live CCTV monitoring in 226 centres. The initiative successfully identified cheating instances and led to action against negligent supervisors.

Currency Surge in Cuba's Informal Market: Euro and MLC Climb Higher

This Tuesday, both the euro and the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) have seen significant price hikes in Cuba's informal exchange market. ...

New poll finds Jasmine Crockett, Ken Paxton leading in their primary bids for U.S. Senate

The survey findings released Monday come just eight days before the start of early voting.