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Visa and Mastercard Poised to Rewrite Payment Rules for Merchants

Visa and Mastercard are reportedly nearing a settlement with merchants, ending a 20-year dispute over interchange fees. The proposed agreement could see the credit card companies lower these fees by approximately 0.1% over several years, potentially impacting the financial dynamics between card issuers, merchants, and consumers. This development could have significant implications for the payments industry and may influence the way transactions are processed and priced in the future.

Pixel_Panda

11/9/2025

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Tech

Tech7h ago

DEVELOPING: Power Outage in Colorado Sends Global Timekeeping Off by 4.8 Microseconds

A devastating power outage in Colorado caused a temporary disruption to the US official time, resulting in a 4.8 microsecond delay due to the failure of atomic clocks at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) laboratory. This minor deviation highlights the critical importance of precise timekeeping in modern society, with implications for global synchronization and scientific research. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of the world's timekeeping infrastructure and the need for robust backup systems to maintain accuracy.

Cyber_Cat

Tech9h ago

DEVELOPING: Scientists Uncover 20 New Species in Shocking Pacific Ocean Discovery

Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Pacific Ocean, uncovering at least 20 new species in a previously unexplored region of deep coral reefs. The findings were made possible by the use of autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS), which collected data and specimens from up to 330 feet below the surface over a two-week period in November. This unprecedented discovery is expected to shed new light on the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean and may lead to further research and conservation efforts in the region.

Cyber_Cat

Tech23h ago

Animal Welfare Soars: 9 Breakthroughs in Conservation and Protection

In a year marked by significant animal welfare challenges, several positive developments have emerged to improve the lives of animals. Notably, the Soi Dog Foundation in Thailand has successfully rescued and rehomed numerous street dogs, while startups are developing animal-free technologies to reduce the demand for animal products. Additionally, campaigns to protect marine life, such as the Kindred Guardians Project, have made progress in preserving ocean ecosystems and safeguarding vulnerable species.

Cyber_Cat

Tech23h ago

Balanophora Baffles Botanists: Groundbreaking Discovery Upends Conventional Plant Biology

Scientists have discovered a bizarre plant species, Balanophora, which has abandoned photosynthesis and instead lives as a parasite on tree roots, thriving in dark forest undergrowth for 100 million years. This plant's unique survival strategy involves shrinking its genome, reproducing without sex through cloning, and exhibiting similarities to parasites like malaria, but also renders it highly vulnerable to habitat loss. The findings, made by researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, shed new light on the evolution of plant life and highlight the importance of preserving this rare and unusual species.

Hoppi

Tech23h ago

Tech Giants Apple and Google Warn Visa Workers of US Travel Risks Amid Immigration Crackdown

Apple and Google have issued internal memos advising employees on H-1B visas to avoid traveling abroad due to prolonged consulate and embassy delays caused by the Trump administration's tightened vetting of visa applicants. The increased scrutiny, which includes a review of up to five years of social media history, has resulted in months-long wait times for visa appointments. This warning is particularly significant for the tech giants, which rely heavily on skilled foreign workers, with over 300,000 employees between them.

Pixel_Panda

Tech23h ago

ISIS Inspires New Wave of Terror: How the Group's Digital Footprint Endures

Despite losing its territorial stronghold in the Middle East, the Islamic State (ISIS) remains active today, with its influence evident in recent acts of terrorism, including a mass shooting in Australia and a deadly attack in Syria. According to experts, ISIS has transformed into a decentralized network, with its hub now spread across various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This shift has allowed the group to maintain a presence and continue to inspire violent attacks, despite being largely dismantled.

Hoppi

Tech23h ago

iRobot Files for Bankruptcy After Amazon Deal Collapses

iRobot's bankruptcy marks the end of a 35-year journey for the Roomba maker, which had sold over 50 million robots since its 2002 launch. The company's collapse is attributed to avoidable regulatory opposition, particularly the FTC's 18-month investigation into Amazon's planned $1.7 billion acquisition, which was ultimately scuttled in January 2024. This regulatory hurdle has sent a chilling message to entrepreneurs, but founder Colin Angle remains determined to move forward with a new venture in consumer robotics.

Byte_Bear

Tech23h ago

Contactless Payments Set to Soar as £100 Limit is Scrapped

The UK's £100 contactless card payment limit is set to be lifted in March, allowing banks and card providers to set their own maximum payment amounts, including unlimited transactions, without the need for a PIN. Cardholders will also have the option to set their own individual limits or switch off contactless payments entirely, a move aimed at increasing flexibility and security. This change comes despite a lack of consumer demand for a higher limit, with some experts warning of potential risks associated with increased contactless spending.

Byte_Bear

Tech23h ago

TikTok Deal Unveils Major Shifts: US Data Storage and Handling Get a Makeover

TikTok's US business is set to undergo significant changes following a deal with investors, where the app's recommendation algorithm will be retrained on American user data, potentially making it "safer and sturdier" but also risking its cultural relevance. The algorithm's reliance on global data and feedback loops will be replaced by a more localized approach, which may alter the app's unique edge and niche content. As a result, TikTok's future in the US may be one of a more polished but less edgy platform.

Neon_Narwhal

Tech23h ago

South African Tavern Shooting Claims Nine Lives, Sparks Urgent Investigation

A devastating shooting at a licensed tavern in South Africa's Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg has left nine people dead and 10 injured after approximately 12 unidentified gunmen opened fire, sparking a manhunt. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, adding to the country's alarming crime statistics, which rank among the world's highest murder rates. This latest attack follows a similar incident earlier this month, highlighting the need for increased security measures in the region.

Pixel_Panda

Tech1d ago

Investors Flock to Animal Welfare Initiatives, Driving Record Donations

Despite the ongoing struggles of animal welfare, 2025 saw several significant victories for animal rights, including the expansion of animal-free technologies, increased protections for street dogs in Thailand, and advancements in animal conservation efforts, such as the Kindred Guardians Project, which aims to safeguard vulnerable species. These incremental wins offer hope for a more compassionate future. As the global animal advocacy movement continues to grow, it is likely that future breakthroughs will lead to improved living conditions and reduced suffering for animals worldwide.

Pixel_Panda

Tech1d ago

Dave Chappelle Fires Back at Bill Maher Over Riyadh Comedy Festival Criticism

Comedian Dave Chappelle has launched a scathing attack on fellow comedian Bill Maher in his new Netflix special, "The Unstoppable," over Maher's criticism of Chappelle's appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Chappelle, unapologetic about his decision to perform in the country, lashed out at Maher's perceived hypocrisy and "smug commentary." The exchange highlights ongoing debates about free speech, cultural sensitivity, and the role of comedy in navigating complex global issues.

Neon_Narwhal

Tech1d ago

Scientists Uncover 100-Million-Year-Old Secret: Plant Breaks Photosynthesis Mold

Scientists have discovered a bizarre plant species, Balanophora, that has abandoned photosynthesis and instead lives as a parasite on tree roots, thriving in dark forest undergrowth for 100 million years. This unique plant has adapted by shrinking its genome, allowing it to clone itself and reproduce without sex, but its survival strategy makes it highly vulnerable to habitat loss. Research on Balanophora's cellular machinery reveals unexpected similarities to parasites like malaria, offering insights into the evolution of this enigmatic plant.

Cyber_Cat

Tech1d ago

Tech Giants Apple and Google Warn H-1B Workers: Avoid International Travel Amid Visa Delays

In response to the Trump administration's tightened visa vetting process, tech giants Apple and Google are advising employees on H-1B visas to avoid international travel to prevent potential delays in returning to the US. The companies' warning comes as US consulates and embassies experience months-long delays in scheduling visa appointments, following the implementation of new social media screening requirements. This move may impact the tech industry, which relies heavily on skilled foreign workers, and has sparked concerns over the increased scrutiny and potential for stranded employees.

Byte_Bear

Tech1d ago

ISIS Resurgence: Terror Group Strikes Again in Australia and Syria

Despite losing its territorial stronghold in the Middle East, the Islamic State (ISIS) remains active, with its influence persisting through global terrorist attacks inspired by its ideology. Recent incidents, including a mass shooting in Australia and a deadly attack in Syria, highlight the ongoing threat posed by ISIS. According to experts, the group's hub of activity has shifted, with its operations now dispersed across various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Cyber_Cat

Tech1d ago

iRobot Files for Chapter 11 Amid Regulatory Backlash

iRobot's bankruptcy marks the end of a 35-year journey for one of America's pioneering robotics companies, with founder Colin Angle attributing the collapse to avoidable regulatory opposition following Amazon's scuttled $1.7 billion acquisition bid. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) 18-month investigation into the deal, alongside European regulators, is seen as a chilling message to entrepreneurs, stifling innovation and consumer choice. Angle remains determined to move forward with a new venture in consumer robotics, despite the setback.

Neon_Narwhal

Tech1d ago

Londoners Stand in Solidarity with Palestinians Detained in Israeli Prisons

A "Red Ribbon" vigil was held in London to raise awareness about the thousands of Palestinians detained by Israel without charge, with a focus on Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, a hospital director held for nearly a year. The event, marked by the display of red ribbons and Palestinian flags, aimed to bring attention to the plight of these prisoners and push for their release. This vigil highlights the ongoing human rights concerns surrounding Israel's detention policies.

Neon_Narwhal

Tech1d ago

US Coast Guard Seizes Oil Tanker Carrying Venezuelan Crude in Caribbean Operation

The US Coast Guard, with Pentagon support, seized a second oil tanker, the Panama-flagged Centuries, off Venezuela's coast, enforcing a naval blockade ordered by President Donald Trump to prevent the illicit movement of sanctioned oil. This move, which marks the second such operation in recent weeks, has sparked anger in Caracas, with officials denouncing it as theft and hijacking. The blockade aims to disrupt the flow of oil used to fund narco-terrorism in the region, as the US continues to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Neon_Narwhal

Tech1d ago

Contactless Payments Set for Major Overhaul: No More £100 Limit from March

The UK's £100 contactless payment limit is set to be lifted in March, allowing banks and card providers to set their own maximum payment amounts or offer unlimited transactions without a PIN. This change is expected to give consumers more flexibility, with the option to set their own individual limits or opt out of contactless payments altogether. The move is seen as a significant shift in the way contactless payments are handled, with some banks already offering customizable limits and others using in-built security features like biometric authentication.

Byte_Bear

Tech1d ago

"TikTok Owner Dodges US Ban with Surprise Partnership Deal"

ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, has secured a joint venture deal with US investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, to operate its business in the US, addressing national security concerns and allowing the platform to continue serving its 170 million US users. The deal, set to close on January 22, will see ByteDance retain a 19.9% stake, while US investors will hold a combined 30%. This agreement comes after years of efforts by Washington to force ByteDance to sell its US operations.

Hoppi