HackerNews Summary (2023-05-04 05AM)

Source: New C features in GCC 13

Summary
The latest release of the GNU Compiler Collection brings various new features and C2X proposals, including the implementation of nullptr from C++, which solves issues arising from the undefined null pointer. Additionally, enhanced enumerations allow a specific underlying type to be selected and is capable of addressing the portability problems of the traditional enumerated type.

Fact

👟 Nullptr comes to C: GCC 13 implements the C2X proposal, making it possible to use nullptr_t in C.

🌈 Enhanced enumerations: Using the more specific underlying type specified in the standard will improve compilers’ error messages and should improve portability across platforms.

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Source: Shopify to lay off 20% of workforce, revenue tops expectations

Summary
Shopify is laying off 20% of its workforce in a second round of layoffs and has sold its logistics arm to Flexport, reporting better-than-expected Q1 results boosted by the pandemic-led e-commerce boom.

Fact
💼 Shopify is laying off 20% of its workforce in a second round of layoffs, after overspending on its order fulfillment network. 💰 Revenue for Q1 was $1.51 billion, beating estimates of $1.43 billion.👥 More merchants, including Mattel and Coty, have joined Shopify’s platform, allowing the company to hike its subscription fees. 🔄 Shopify has sold its logistics unit Deliverr to Flexport in an all-stock deal, giving Shopify a 13% stake in Flexport.

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Source: These New Yorkers Want to Stop Landlords From Using Facial Recognition

Summary
A proposed law in New York City would make the use of biometric identifiers, including facial recognition, illegal in residential areas. The measure aims to prevent landlords from introducing facial recognition and other technologies to control tenants or evict some of them. Such legislation could have nationwide implications, particularly as New York is among the most populous cities in the US.

Facts

🤖 NY law proposed to ban facial recognition and other biometric identifiers in residential buildings.

🤑 An activist believed facial recognition was attempted as a method to expedite tenants for increased profits to gentrification.

🧑🏽‍💻 Private businesses and landlords could abuse biometric identifiers or sell them to third parties.

👨🏻‍💼 Facial recognition could be used to issue petty lease violations to evict tenants and fuel gentrification.

🇺🇸 New York City’s proposed legislation could serve as an example to implement similar laws in other US cities.

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Source: Facebook furious at FTC after agency proposes ban on monetizing youth data

Summary
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused Facebook of not complying with a 2020 privacy order, alleging that Facebook still gives third-party developers access to user data, fails to control communication between minors and unapproved contacts, and repeatedly violated privacy promises. The FTC has proposed changes in response to an independent assessor’s review of Facebook’s privacy programme.

Fact

🔍 The FTC accused Facebook of giving app developers access to users’ private information and misleading parents that they could control their children’s communication through Messenger Kids product.

👦👧 The proposed changes would prevent Facebook from monetising youth data and launching new products without written confirmation of compliance with the FTC’s order.

🚫 The FTC accused Facebook of violating a privacy order, the FTC Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act rule.

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