The world of tech is always buzzing with new developments, breakthroughs, and trends. As April comes to an end, we’re keeping a sharp eye on the top stories shaping the future of innovation. Here are the top 5 tech stories we’re following this week. Stay tuned as we dive into the latest driving the tech world forward!
South Korea Accuses DeepSeek of Transferring User Data to China, U.S. Without Permission
South Korea’s data protection authority announced Thursday that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek transferred local user data to companies in China and the United States without obtaining consent.
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) released its findings as part of an ongoing investigation into the AI firm, which had previously removed its chatbot from South Korean app stores in February following pressure from the regulator.
According to the commission, DeepSeek transferred a range of user data, including text from AI prompts, as well as device, network, and app usage details, to overseas entities without informing users or seeking approval.
Adobe to Release Mobile App for AI Image Generation Tool
Adobe announced plans Thursday to launch a mobile version of its Firefly AI image generation tool for both iOS and Android devices, ramping up its rivalry with OpenAI as the Microsoft-backed company advances its visual AI capabilities.
The tech giant revealed at its MAX creativity conference in London that Firefly will be available soon, though a specific release date was not provided.
“Creative people think on the go,” said Alexandru Costin, Vice President of Adobe Firefly. “One of our goals is for the Firefly mobile app to be a creative partner that’s always with you.”
Tesla’s Optimus Humanoid Robots Impacted by China’s Rare Earth Restrictions
Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that China’s recent trade restrictions on rare earth magnets have hindered the production of the company’s Optimus humanoid robots, which depend on these critical components.
During a Tesla earnings call on Tuesday, Musk explained that the company is currently negotiating with Beijing to resolve the issue and hopes to gain approval to access the necessary materials.
Earlier this month, China imposed new export controls on seven rare earth elements, including magnets used in a variety of industries, from defense to automotive technologies. This move is seen as retaliation against the U.S. for escalating tariffs under President Donald Trump.
LG Considers Price Hikes and Production Shift Due to US Tariffs
LG Electronics is contemplating raising prices for some products and relocating its home appliance production to the United States in response to U.S. tariffs, the South Korean company announced on Thursday.
During an earnings conference call, LG’s senior vice president, Kim I-kueon, explained that the company is evaluating its production locations and discussing potential price hikes with distribution channels to address the tariff impact.
LG is considering moving the production of appliances such as washers and dryers to its factory in Tennessee, which could account for nearly 20% of its total home appliance sales in the U.S. market.
Musk’s X Sues Minnesota Over ‘Deepfake’ Law, Citing Free Speech Concerns
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota over a state law that bans the use of AI-generated “deepfakes” to influence elections. The tech company argues that the law infringes on free speech protections.
The law, which replaces social media platforms’ judgment with the state’s, threatens criminal liability if platforms fail to comply. X claims this system could lead to the censorship of valuable political speech and commentary. Musk, a self-described free speech absolutist, removed Twitter’s content moderation policies after acquiring the platform in 2022, renaming it X.
Minnesota’s law, which bans deepfakes—AI-generated videos, images, or audio clips designed to appear real—aims to prevent election manipulation. At least 22 states have enacted similar laws, according to Public Citizen, which highlights the potential for AI to influence voters. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
