Day: August 9, 2025

Nvidia’s Stance on Backdoors and Kill Switches Amidst Growing Pressure

Nvidia’s Chief Security Officer, David Reber Jr., asserts that the company’s GPUs “do not and should not have kill switches and backdoors.” This stance comes as pressure mounts from U.S. lawmakers who are advocating for government access to AI chip functionalities, while Chinese officials allege such features may already exist, reports 24brussels.

In a recent blog post, Reber Jr. directly addresses these U.S. legislative pressures. Earlier this year, a bipartisan group introduced the Chip Security Act, which would mandate Nvidia and other manufacturers to integrate tracking technology to monitor the international movement of chips and leaves open the possibility for further security measures, including remote kill switches. As Nvidia prepares to gain permissions to resume selling specific AI chips in China, its most advanced hardware remains subject to strict U.S. export controls.

“To mitigate the risk of misuse, some pundits and policymakers propose requiring hardware ‘kill switches’ or built-in controls that can remotely disable GPUs without user knowledge and consent,” writes Reber Jr. He references ongoing scrutiny in China regarding alleged vulnerabilities and backdoors in H20 chips sold in the market.

“There is no such thing as a ‘good’ secret backdoor,” he argues, labeling kill switches as “an open invitation for disaster.” He warns U.S. policymakers that such measures could detrimentally impact America’s economic and national security interests, asserting that this perspective reflects an overreaction to perceived risks.

Both Nvidia and the U.S. government share the goal of establishing the company as the leading provider of AI chips in China. However, the prospect of direct U.S. government access to these technologies could undermine that ambition. Competing Chinese chip manufacturers are gradually improving their capabilities, which positions them to potentially displace Nvidia, echoing the experience of Huawei, which has previously faced setbacks due to allegations regarding government access.

Beerzel – A 6-hectare corn maze has opened in Beerzel, part of the 8th edition organized by the Kempens Landschap Foundation, with a theme inspired by the Ursuline Sisters’ Winter Garden. Supported by Mayor Glenn Smets, this seasonal event showcases local heritage while providing a recreational outing, reports 24brussels.

On August 9, 2025, the corn maze opened in Peredreef, Beerzel, located near Putte in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. Each year, the maze features a new theme, and this year it highlights the historical significance of the Winter Garden, restored to offer tours and modern displays connecting art with nature.

Jan De Haes, chairman of the Kempens Landschap Foundation, stated that the maze aims to introduce visitors to a hidden treasure in the province in an original way. “With the corn maze, we want to introduce people to a hidden gem in our province in an original way,” he emphasized.

The local municipality of Putte provides financial backing for this year’s maze, and Mayor Glenn Smets remarked that it effectively showcases the municipality’s strengths. Additionally, schoolchildren from Putte and Beerzel can visit the maze at a reduced price, encouraging greater youth participation.

The corn maze will remain open to visitors until September 28, 2025. Throughout August, it welcomes guests daily, except Mondays, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In September, it will operate only on weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a special late-night event on September 26 at 7:30 p.m., for which visitors are advised to bring flashlights.

How did the Beerzel corn maze become a local summer tradition?

Initially created eight years ago, the Beerzel corn maze was designed by the Kempens Landschap Foundation to merge nature, recreation, and heritage promotion. Each summer, the maze adopts a theme reflecting the region’s cultural or historical aspects.

Over the years, it has emerged as a popular seasonal attraction for both residents and tourists, bolstered by support from the municipality of Putte and local schools. This year’s corn maze theme draws inspiration from the Ursuline Sisters’ Winter Garden, a historical structure built circa 1900, recognized as the largest Art Nouveau site in the region.

The Winter Garden, celebrated for its glass dome and intricate design, continues to be a highlight for visitors interested in the area’s rich history and architectural beauty.

Instagram Introduces New Features to Enhance User Engagement

Instagram announced on August 6, 2025, the rollout of new features that resemble those found on competing platforms, aimed at enhancing user interaction and content sharing, reports 24brussels.

Beginning today, users will have the option to repost public Reels and grid posts from other accounts. Similar to TikTok, these reposts will be collected in a dedicated tab on user profiles and integrated into the feeds of followers. This marks a significant evolution from Instagram’s previous approach, where sharing content mostly occurred via the Instagram Story feature.

Additionally, Instagram is integrating a location map feature that mimics Snapchat’s functionality. This feature allows users to view the last active location of friends who opt in, displaying posts from popular venues such as music festivals. This new option aims to foster real-time connection among users.

The platform is also revising an earlier feature that tracks friends’ interactions with Reels. Initially met with resistance, this feature is now being enhanced to offer users more control over whose interactions they wish to see. Users will be able to hide their likes and reposts and mute others’ interactions, thereby tailoring their experience according to personal preferences.

These updates respond to ongoing concerns voiced by users who feel that Instagram has drifted from its original purpose of personal photo sharing to a focus on algorithm-driven content visibility. As Instagram continues to prioritize Reels in the face of TikTok’s popularity, photos from followed accounts have become increasingly obscured in user feeds. Creators are expressing frustration over diminished reach and engagement as the platform diversifies its offerings, including features some deem unnecessary.

As Instagram evolves, the question remains whether the new location map will enhance the platform’s appeal to users or further alienate those who preferred its original setup. The upcoming changes illustrate the platform’s commitment to adapting in a competitive environment, although it raises concerns for creators who thrive on traditional photo-sharing mechanics.

With these strategic modifications, Instagram hopes to rekindle user engagement and retention amidst fierce competition in the social media landscape.