The world of technology is always buzzing with new developments, breakthroughs, and trends. As March continues to unfold, 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 that’s driving the tech world forward!
Utah Governor Enacts New Online Child Safety Law
On Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill mandating that Apple and Google’s app stores verify user ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18 to access certain apps, according to the governor’s spokesperson, as reported by CNBC.
This pioneering law, the first of its kind in the U.S., marks a major shift in online age verification. It places the responsibility of verifying ages on mobile app stores—namely Apple and Google—rather than on individual apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and X.
Tesla Shares Fall Amid Decline in European Sales
Tesla shares dropped nearly 6% on Wednesday after European sales data revealed a slowdown in February, coupled with rising tech investor concerns over President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla experienced a 40% year-over-year decline in new vehicle registrations across Europe last month, while overall sales of battery electric vehicles grew by 26%.
23andMe Co-Founder Criticizes CEO After Bankruptcy Filing
23andMe co-founder Linda Avey took to social media on Wednesday to share her frustration over the decline of the once-successful genetics testing company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week.
Avey, who helped launch 23andMe in 2006 with Paul Cusenza and Anne Wojcicki—who stepped down as CEO on Friday—watched the company rise to prominence with its popular at-home DNA testing kits. However, in recent years, 23andMe struggled to build recurring revenue, develop viable therapeutics and research businesses, and address tech privacy concerns.
“My time at the company was cut short in 2009 when my co-founder Anne persuaded the board that she should take over as CEO,” Avey shared in a post on X. “I must admit, I was frustrated with the direction the company took after that decision.”
OpenAI Projects Revenue to Triple to $12.7 Billion This Year
OpenAI is projecting its revenue will triple to $12.7 billion in 2025, CNBC has confirmed.
Bloomberg was the first to report on the revenue forecast, which was later verified to CNBC by a source familiar with the details, who requested anonymity because the figure is private.
Microsoft, OpenAI’s major investor and strategic partner, posted $13 billion in annual recurring revenue for the fourth quarter, marking a 175% increase from the previous year.
Earlier this week, OpenAI announced significant leadership changes. CEO Sam Altman will shift his focus from daily operations to research and product development, while operating chief Brad Lightcap will expand his role to include oversight of business and day-to-day operations.
Amazon Trials New Shopping and Health Assistant Features
In an effort to integrate generative artificial intelligence more widely across its e-commerce ecosystem, Amazon has recently begun testing a shopping assistant and a health-focused chatbot with a select group of users.
AI has become a key investment focus for Amazon, spanning its retail, cloud computing, devices, and healthcare sectors. In retail, Amazon has already rolled out a shopping chatbot, an AI assistant for sellers, and AI-driven shopping guides.
The new services being tested by Amazon have appeared on its app and website in recent weeks. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that these features are currently in beta testing with a subset of customers.
