It’s time for Bits & Bytes…

… where we bring you news, innovations, and thought-provoking insights from AI, IT, and beyond. In this week’s newsletter we’re looking at:

• Wells Fargo cracks down on mouse-jigglers
• Fast food and AI don’t work together just yet
• Ad blocker wars

 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 

📰 Keyboard Jiggler Scandal

In a recent turn of events, Wells Fargo has fired over a dozen employees from its wealth- and investment-management unit for allegedly simulating keyboard activity to create the illusion of active work. This was revealed in disclosures filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

A spokesperson for Wells Fargo emphasized the company’s commitment to high ethical standards, stating, “Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards and does not tolerate unethical behavior.”

The use of “mouse movers” or “mouse jigglers” – gadgets designed to keep a computer from going idle – became the not-so-secret weapon for remote workers during the pandemic. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, these devices surged in popularity as employees swapped tips on Reddit and TikTok to maintain the illusion of constant activity.

This incident isn’t Wells Fargo’s first brush with employee misconduct. Back in 2018, the firm investigated investment bank staff for trying to expense ineligible evening meals. Now, with the latest firings, Wells Fargo is once again in the hot seat, reminding us that ethical standards in the workplace are more crucial than ever.

TL;DR

• Wells Fargo fired over a dozen employees for using devices to fake active work.
• Wells Fargo requires most employees to work on-site at least three days a week now.
• “Mouse movers” became a popular tool during the pandemic to simulate activity.

TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB

 

🍔 Frustration on the Menu

McDonald’s is calling it quits on its AI chatbot drive-thru experiment with IBM after a flood of botched orders and frustrated customers. The fast-food titan aimed to revolutionize the ordering process but discovered that the tech just wasn’t up to snuff. Maybe next year, big guy.

 

🖥️ Freelancers vs. ChatGPT

The surge of ChatGPT has sparked a massive decline in demand for online digital freelancers, as businesses flock to AI for tasks once managed by human hands. This large shift has freelancers hustling to safeguard their careers. To stay ahead of the curve, freelancers are advised to upskill, carve out niches, and embrace AI tools to supercharge their offerings.

 

📺 Ad Blocker Showdown

In a bold move, YouTube is testing a new strategy to combat ad blockers by putting ads on your device before the video even loads making it harder for the blockers. This latest tactic is YouTube’s way of saying “no more free rides,” pushing users to support the platform through ads or subscriptions, ensuring content creators continue to get paid. It’s the newest skirmish in the ongoing battle against the rising tide of ad-blocking software.

 

TECH FOR GOOD

Scientists have made a groundbreaking advancement in microchip technology, promising to revolutionize the world of computing. This significant breakthrough, achieved by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, involves the development of microchips that make devices smaller and more efficient.

The key to this innovation lies in using ultra-thin materials. The result is a chip that can perform tasks at higher speeds while consuming significantly less power.

This advancement has far-reaching implications, particularly in the realm of sustainability. The new microchips could lead to the development of devices that are not only more powerful but also more environmentally friendly. By reducing energy consumption, these chips can help lower the carbon footprint of data centers, which are notorious for their high energy usage.