Welcome back to your daily memorandum talking tech, business, AI, markets, and more. 🗞️

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💥 Elon Musk reportedly considers strategies to unseat UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
🔌 Mercedes-Benz EV owners can access Tesla’s Superchargers with a $250 adapter.
💰 Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty proposes acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
🇱🇧 Lebanon elects Joseph Aoun as president, ending two years of political stalemate.
🔥 California wildfires could cost insurers over $20 billion.

TECH

• McCourt's Project Liberty Eyes TikTok's US Operations

  • Billionaire entrepreneur proposes acquiring TikTok's US operations to challenge data centralization.

  • The initiative focuses on privacy and user control, reshaping the US digital landscape with a decentralized vision.

  • TikTok has yet to comment on the bid, as scrutiny from US regulators continues to mount.

• Mercedes-Benz EV Owners Get Tesla Supercharger Access

  • Mercedes drivers can now access Tesla’s vast Supercharger network using a $250 adapter.

  • The adapter ensures compatibility for older and future EV models, easing charging concerns.

  • This collaboration bolsters charging infrastructure and streamlines the EV ownership experience.

• Google Home Hubs Add Local Control via Matter

  • Matter integration allows Google Home to control devices offline, improving speed and reliability.

  • Local control enhances user privacy by reducing dependence on cloud-based processing.

  • Google’s adoption of Matter promotes seamless interoperability across smart home ecosystems.

BUSINESS

• Musk Examines How to Oust Starmer as UK Prime Minister

  • Elon Musk reportedly explores ways to influence UK politics, focusing on unseating Prime Minister Keir Starmer before the next election.

  • Discussions include potential media strategies, political funding, and partnerships with influential UK figures to sway public opinion.

  • Critics raise concerns about the ethical implications of external interference in national political processes.

• Google Donates $1 Million to Trump's Inauguration Fund

  • Other major tech companies and executives like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Meta both announced $1 million donations late last year.

  • Critics worry the move signifies corporate alignment with a controversial administration amid antitrust scrutiny.

  • Google states the donation supports the democratic process, emphasizing neutrality over political agendas.

• Apple Responds to Siri Advertising Privacy Lawsuit Rumors

  • Apple refutes allegations that Siri conversations are used for targeted ads, affirming its strong privacy stance.

  • The lawsuit accuses Apple of misusing user data, reigniting debates over Big Tech's data collection practices.

  • Apple maintains Siri's data processing is anonymized and secure, calling the claims baseless and inaccurate.

CONTENT

• The #1 Bottleneck to AI Progress is Humans

  • Tyler Cowen shares insights on why humans are the biggest limitation in accelerating AI innovation and adoption.

  • Discusses cultural attitudes toward growth and the slow diffusion of transformative technologies in society.

  • Explores the challenges of writing for AI audiences and the tension between progress and maintaining traditional values.

• Elon Musk Just Made Bonkers New Predictions

  • Musk envisions a future with humanoid robots surpassing human population ratios, transforming global labor.

  • Highlights the exhaustion of human knowledge in AI training, leading to reliance on synthetic data for further learning.

  • Discusses Tesla's advancements in self-driving cars and robots, forecasting rapid adoption within the next few years.

• Behind the Founder: Drew Houston (Dropbox)

  • Drew Houston reflects on Dropbox's journey through viral growth, competing with tech giants, and redefining its vision.

  • Shares personal lessons on managing challenges, maintaining a founder's learning curve, and finding purpose beyond metrics.

  • Examines Dropbox’s evolution across three distinct phases, emphasizing adaptability in the ever-changing tech landscape.

WORLD

• Lebanon Elects Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President

  • Lebanon's parliament has elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, ending a two-year political deadlock.

  • Aoun secured 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.

  • His election is seen as a move to stabilize the country amid ongoing economic and political challenges.

• Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Kidnapped

  • María Corina Machado was reportedly ‘kidnapped’ by regime officials after leading a protest against President Nicolás Maduro.

  • She was released hours later, with her party alleging she was forced to record videos during her detention.

  • The incident occurred a day before Maduro's scheduled inauguration for a contested third term.

• Trump Warns of 'Hell to Pay' if Gaza Hostages Are Not Released

  • President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza before his inauguration.

  • He stated that failure to comply would result in severe consequences once he assumes office.

  • The situation adds urgency to ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the hostages' freedom.

AND MORE…

• Insurers Brace for Losses of Up to $20bn From California Wildfires

  • California's ongoing wildfires have led to record-breaking insurance claims. Industry estimates suggest losses could exceed $20 billion.

  • Insurers face growing challenges as climate change increases the frequency and severity of such catastrophic events.

  • The crisis has reignited debates over the need for improved risk models and stronger climate action policies.

• U.S. Companies and Investors in Japan Are at Risk From Steel Backlash

  • Blocking the Nippon Steel deal could lead to retaliation from Japanese authorities, risking U.S. business interests in Japan.

  • Concerns grow among American investors over heightened scrutiny and regulatory barriers in cross-border transactions.

  • The controversy casts doubt on Japan-U.S. partnerships in critical sectors like steel and manufacturing.

• Google Chrome 2FA Bypass Attacks And Millions of Users at Risk

  • A sophisticated new exploit targets vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, bypassing two-factor authentication safeguards.

  • Hackers are leveraging browser extensions to gain unauthorized access to sensitive accounts, affecting millions worldwide.

  • Experts advise users to update browsers and avoid suspicious emails to mitigate exposure to these attacks.