Computer science enrollment at University of California campuses experienced a decline this year, a trend potentially signaling a shift in student interests, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security has increased its scrutiny of social media accounts critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Elon Musk's xAI is facing departures amid concerns about safety protocols. Additionally, Georgia Tech announced the finalists in its annual Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, and the "Clueless"-inspired app Alta is expanding its styling tools.
UC campuses saw a 6% drop in computer science enrollment this year, following a 3% decline in 2024, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. This occurred even as overall college enrollment nationally increased by 2%, according to January data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The exception was UC San Diego, which added a dedicated AI major this fall. This shift might be linked to fewer CS graduates finding employment post-graduation.
The Department of Homeland Security has been sending hundreds of subpoenas to tech companies to identify owners of social media accounts that criticize ICE, according to The New York Times. Bloomberg reported on five cases where Homeland Security sought to identify anonymous Instagram accounts, later withdrawing the subpoenas after the owners sued. The Washington Post described the department's growing use of administrative subpoenas, which do not require a judge's approval, to target Americans. This practice, previously used sparingly, has become more common in recent months.
At xAI, Elon Musk's AI company, at least 11 engineers and two co-founders departed following the announcement that SpaceX would acquire xAI, according to The Verge. While Musk suggested this was part of an effort to organize xAI more effectively, sources who left the company reported that employees were increasingly disillusioned by the company's disregard for safety.
In other news, Georgia Tech announced the finalists in its annual Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, with early standouts including a "henge made of fiddles" and a "chaotic evil triangle," according to The Verge. The competition invites inventors to submit new instruments for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes.
Meanwhile, the "Clueless"-inspired app Alta, which allows users to create digital closets and try on clothes with virtual avatars, is expanding its styling tools, according to TechCrunch. The company raised $11 million in a round led by Menlo Ventures last year.
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