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Tag: security

  • IRS Confirms 2025 Withholding Tables and Tax Forms Stay Unchanged

    IRS Confirms 2025 Withholding Tables and Tax Forms Stay Unchanged

    IRS Keeps the Same Tax Forms for 2025 – OBBB Is a Slow‑Roller

    The IRS recently dropped a damning headline for taxpayers: No changes to your individual return forms or withholding tables in 2025. While the government drags its feet on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), the tax scene stays practically unchanged.

    What’s the Deal with OBBB?

    • Phased Implementation: The big bill rolls out in stages, not all at once.
    • Minimal Immediate Impact: For now, you just keep filing the old forms.
    • Future Tweaks: Expect updates later, but nothing for 2025.

    Why It Matters for You

    In plain terms: you won’t need a new tax app or a fresh pair of tax templates this year. The good news? Your savings plan is still the same. The bad news? The government’s grand vision is still a work in progress.

    Quick Takeaways
    1. No new forms or tables in 2025.
    2. OBBB is on a slow‑burn schedule.
    3. Keep an eye out for future tweaks.

    So buckle up, folks. The IRS will eventually figure out how to make a smoother ride, but for now, it’s the trusty old “This is still the same thing” route.

    IRS Says No Surprise tide in 2025 Tax‑Season

    When the IRS rattles its windows on July 21, 2025, it is not about new tax‑laws or sudden changes. Instead, the agency reaffirmed that the familiar form‑suite (W‑2, 1099, 941) and the old school withholding tables stay exactly the same for this year.

    Why the status‑quo matters

    The President’s OBBB (that’s the “Obamacare Reversal Bill”—no, not a new policy, just a name) slipped into law on July 4, 2020. It has a handful of tax‑relief clauses, but the IRS decided not to mix them with the existing reporting system just yet.

    Key points for employers and payroll‑pros:

    • Keep using the same W‑2, 1099, 941 forms.
    • Withholding tables remain unchanged.
    • Aim is to avoid chaos when everyone is grinding on tax filings.

    The agency says they are giving businesses and tax‑advisors ample head‑space to put the new rules into practice as they roll out in 2026.

    2025: Tax relief bites but forms stay lean

    While you’re not going to see a shiny new form, there are a few sweet spots for taxpayers as the OBBB shakes things up. Here’s what the IRS put out now:

    1. No Taxes on Tips

    • Employees and self‑employed folks who earn tips can now deduct the tip amount—under certain occupation rules that will be published by Oct 2.
    • Maximum deduction: $25,000 (and that sunsets once your modified AGI crosses $150,000).

    2. Overtime Gets a Chin‑Up

    • If you’ve clocked overtime, you can deduct the extra pay above your regular rate.
    • Max deduction: $12,500 per person (joint filers can claim up to $25,000).
    • Need to show your SSN on the return.

    3. Car‑Loan Interest: New‑dredged & Gone

    • Interest on a loan used to buy a qualified vehicle can now be deducted.
    • It’s valid only for loans granted after Dec 31, 2024 and vehicles built in the U.S. (lease payments? No way.)

    4. Seniors Get a Kick

    • Age 65 and older can claim an extra $6,000 deduction on top of the usual standard deduction.
    • Drop‑off zone: modified AGI over $75,000.

    All four of these goodies apply from 2025 through 2028, so the next few years will be a bit easier on the wallet.

    Bottom line for you

    The IRS is staying the course for now, leaving the shiny new rules for next year, keeping your paperwork familiar, and ensuring a smooth transition. Keep your eye on the forms, and remember: the power to reduce your tax burden is almost tucked into the corners of your paycheck and car loan.

    Rising Tax Collections, New Commissioner

    IRS‑Slewing: How the Tax Bureau Raided $5.1 Trillion in FY 2024

    When the U.S. tax agency rolled over into 2024 (Oct 1, 2023 → Sept 30, 2024), it set a new record by grabbing more than $5.1 trillion from taxpayers. That’s a ~9 % jump from the previous year – the first time the IRS cracked the $5 trillion milestone.

    What the Numbers Actually Mean

    • 266 million returns and other forms were processed, covering individuals, businesses, and even tax‑exempt outfits.
    • Nearly 4.6 billion information returns were received – a staggering data avalanche.
    • In total, about $553 billion in refunds went out to taxpayers during FY 2024.

    Cabinet Shuffle: From Commissioner to Ambassador

    Following President Trump’s decision to replace Commissioner Billy Long, a White House insider told The Epoch Times that the former commissioner will now serve as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland.

    Long posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug 8:

    “It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland. I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”

    With Long stepping down, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will act as the new commissioner of the IRS.

    Shout‑out

    Special thanks to Andrew Moran for his contribution to this report.

  • Palantir Builds ICE ImmigrationOS to Track Migrants

    Palantir Builds ICE ImmigrationOS to Track Migrants

    Palantir Meets ICE in a New, Uncharted Drama

    Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, is poised to be at the centre of a storm that could look suspiciously like the “Tesla Takedown” you saw buzzing on social media. The spleen of this whirlwind is rather simple: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has just teamed up with Palantir to roll out a set of new, “near real‑time visibility” tools that are all about speeding up deportations.

    What’s the Deal?

    • ICE signs a contract with Palantir to develop what they’re calling the Immigration Lifecycle Operating System (or ImmigrationOS). This is supposed to help ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
    • Paying homage to the Trump Administration’s “urgent deportation national security goals,” the deal references Executive Orders EO 14159 and EO 13773.
    • Palantir’s bragging rights: releasing a working prototype by September 25.
    • Full‑blown system rollout by September 2027.

    Why Is The World Watching?

    Imagine a tech‑savvy sorcerer being handed the keys to a very powerful, highly‑controllable lock‑picking set. Political factions are already whispering about the ethical quagmire. Critics wonder: Will this make deportations faster, or is it a slick way to sidestep due process?

    What’s Next in This Real‑Time Saga?

    As the new system’s prototype hits the deadline, programmers, policymakers, and activists are scrambling to assess whether what’s being built could straddle the thin line between efficiency and human rights infringement. Meanwhile, the whispers grow louder: “Hey Alex, we’re about to see a showdown — faster computers, faster politics, faster scrutiny.”

    Stay tuned: The drama unfolding between a secretive tech company and a federal agency is likely to keep you on the edge of your seat for quite some time.

    ImmigrationOS: High‑Tech Enforcement on the Move

    What It Does

    Targeting & Enforcement Prioritization – Think of it as a detective’s best buddy: it zooms in on the big bads, from transnational criminal rings to violent fugitives and visa overstayers.

    Real‑Time Self‑Deportation Tracking

    Get an up‑to‑the‑minute pulse on people who choose to walk out of the country on their own. This lets policymakers decide where to deploy resources without the guesswork.

    Full Immigration Lifecycle Service

    From sniffing out suspicious identities all the way to the final removal, ImmigrationOS streamlines the whole workflow, making deportation operations smoother and more efficient.

    How We Deliver

    • Software licenses and full configuration.
    • Engineering support to tailor the system to your needs.
    • Robust hosting that keeps everything running like a well‑oiled machine.

    Expect a polished prototype by September 25, 2025—we’ll have you looking out of the window with a grin when the new system hits the ground.

    Why This Matters

    Since 2011, federal data shows that Palantir has been an ICE contractor. Now, ImmigrationOS takes that partnership to the next level, blending cutting‑edge tech with real‑world enforcement.

    How the Federal Government is Turning Tech into a Taxpayer‑Friendly Punchline

    Picture this: a sprawling, high‑tech gadget called ImmigrationOS that’s billed at a hefty $29.8 million to the coffers. At the same time, a partnership between Palantir and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is building what they’re calling a “mega API.” It’s meant to let the IRS dig up records faster than a detective on a coffee‑fueled chase.

    Why It Matters (and It’s Got a Lot of Buzzwords)

    • ImmigrationOS is pitched as the secret weapon to punch through “critical national security objectives” that the president’s executive orders list. In plain talk: it’s a tech upgrade for border controls.
    • ICE’s justification? Think of it as the government’s way of saying, “We’re stepping into the future, and this will keep us safe.”
    • The “mega API” for the IRS: a hyper‑connected system that promises to centralize data and let clerks find what they need without flipping through endless folders.

    Taxpayer Side – Is It Worth the Price Tag?

    The $29.8 million price tag isn’t just a number; it’s a conversation starter. Investors and watchdogs will likely shout, “Yo, is that money going to flow into the right direction, or just create a new tech nightmare?” The subtler answer is that this investment might speed up processes, reduce redundancies, and ultimately save money down the line. But only if the tech runs smoothly.

    Key Takeaway

    While the numbers are massive, the real story is about how these initiatives aim to juggle efficiency with security, all while keeping the “yes, we can” spirit alive. If the new systems hit their mark, taxpayers might save time and money, but if not, the $29.8 million could feel like an overkill, and that’s a headline we’re sure everyone’ll talk about.

  • Nvidia Sets First U.S. Hub for the World’s AI Infrastructure Engines

    Nvidia Sets First U.S. Hub for the World’s AI Infrastructure Engines

    Nvidia’s Homegrown AI Factory Boom

    Why This Matters

    In a headline‑grabber move that feels like a plot twist straight out of a sci‑fi blockbuster, Nvidia announced it’s finally building AI supercomputer factories right here in the United States. This is more than a tech win; it’s a Strategic play that fits neatly into the “America First” belt, talking defense, the economy, and the chip shortage crisis that’s been a pain-point for years.

    Key Partnerships

    • TSMC – the global chip heavyweight, joining forces to sprout the next generation of AI silicon.
    • Foxconn – known for assembling Apple gadgets, now stepping up as a factory boss for Nvidia.
    • Wistron – a silent partner but a prodigious builder of high‑tech manufacturing lines.
    • Amkor – famed for precision component packaging, ensuring every chip is spot‑on.
    • SPIL – adds mass production muscle to the mix.

    What the Numbers Say

    Picture this: over 1,000,000 square feet of sizzling fabrication space under construction across Arizona and Texas. The goal? A full‑scale production line for Blackwell AI chips and supercomputers in just 12–15 months. That’s a blink‑and‑you’ll‑miss‑it timeline compared to the usual multi‑year grind.

    The industry’s forecast? Nvidia’s entire AI infrastructure rollout could jack up to $500 billion in the next four years. And the sweet line‑up they’re hinting at—“tens of ‘gigawatt AI factories’”—promises a power‑in‑a‑bag future that could fuel economies for decades.

    The Road Ahead

    Each factory isn’t just a pepper‑on‑the‑mortar piece of a greater puzzle. It’s a promise of hundreds of thousands of new jobs and a shover of trillions of dollars” in economic security. The new plants are designed to keep American borders tighter, Liberia in line, — more importantly — to keep us tech‑wise on the cutting edge worldwide.

    Why Nvidia’s “Made In America” Supercomputers Are a Game‑Changer

    Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s fearless CEO, just dropped some truth bombs about the future of AI chips right here in the U.S. “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” he boasted, and added, “Adding American manufacturing helps us better meet the incredible and growing demand for AI chips and supercomputers, strengthens our supply chain and boosts our resiliency.”

    What This Means for America

    • Local production fuels global dominance. Building AI hardware on home soil reduces our dependence on Taiwanese suppliers, who could be suddenly out of the picture—think Micronesian‑style tech embargo, but trust me, we’re better off if China’s big brother tries to throw a wrench in it.
    • Supply chain resilience gets a power‑up. With domestic factories up and running, the U.S. can keep up with the massive demand for AI chips, from electric cars to cutting‑edge drones.
    • Defense‑grade tech for the next decade. Technologies tied to AI—EVs, clean energy, humanoid robots, LEO satellites, large language models—all intertwine. Whoever controls the hardware will command the future.

    Why the Clock Is Ticking

    By the 2030s, the world is splintering into a deeper bipolar landscape, and the U.S.–China tech rivalry is already on hyper‑drive. To win the “2030” playbook, we must strengthen domestic supply chains now. Think of building your own backyard supply chain—just like planting your own heirloom seeds, but for chips!

    Grow Your Own Future—Back to Basics

    While the high‑tech fight continues, don’t forget that we’re all on planet Earth, and it starts with food. HEIRLOOM SEEDS are calling you to plant the next generation of apples, tomatoes, and kale. Here’s what’s on the menu:

    • 39 unique varieties
    • 4,500 seeds per package
    • Free shipping across the USA

    So whether you’re crunching code or planting tomatoes, it’s all about nurturing strong chains—be it silicon or soil. Support the local ecosystem and watch the future grow.

    Ready to Take Your Food Supply into Your Own Hands?

    Picture this: a simple click, a handful of seeds, and you become the chef, farmer, and gatekeeper of your own kitchen. No more grocery store limbo.

    The Quick Play‑by‑Play

    • Click the pic! Grab that vibrant photo and set the mood.
    • Buy the seeds. They’re the secret sauce that’ll turn your kitchen into a backyard garden.
    • Take charge. From sowing to tasting, you’re in control—no more impeding food lines.

    What’s Next?

    Your journey starts now, and the best part is that it’s super easy to kick off. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s get growing!

  • Electronic Arts blocks more than 300,000 attempts to cheat after launching Battlefield 6 beta

    Games giant Electronic Arts launched an open beta over the weekend for its upcoming first-person shooter Battlefield 6, and — almost immediately — the game was swamped with cheaters.

    Soon after the game’s launch, countless players complained online about encountering cheaters. In response, a member of Electronic Arts’ anti-cheat team, which goes by AC, wrote in an official forum that the company saw players report 104,000 “instances of potential cheaters” over the first two days of the game’s being online, and that it stopped 330,000 “attempts to cheat or tamper with anti-cheat controls.” 

    Like many video games today, such as Valorant, Electronic Arts uses a kernel-level anti-cheat system called Javelin, which means the system has the highest possible privileges on the computer. This allows it to monitor everything that happens on the machine with the goal of catching cheats, which are often running in the background and disguised as some other program. 

    Contact Us

    Do you develop cheats, hack video games, or work in anti-cheat? We’d love to hear from you. From a non-work device and network, you can contact Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely on Signal at +1 917 257 1382, or via Telegram and Keybase @lorenzofb, or email.

    In their post, AC admitted that this system is not a guarantee that there will be no cheaters. AC also referred to the fact that the game enforces Secure Boot, a Windows hardware-based security feature. 

    “On Secure Boot, I want to be clear that Secure Boot is not, and was not intended to be a silver bullet,” AC wrote. “Secure Boot is how you’re helping us build up our arsenal. It’s another barrier that helps us make it harder for cheat developers to create cheat programs, and makes it easier for us to detect it when they do.”

    “Anti-Cheat isn’t one and done, it’s an ever evolving battlefield, and what has worked for us previously or in different games doesn’t always work in all of them,” AC added. 

    An Electronic Arts spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company has no updated information on the numbers of players who were banned. 

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    Cheaters or game hackers are a problem for every online video game. In recent times, companies like Riot Games, makers of Valorant, and Activision, the makers of the Call of Duty series, among others, have launched kernel-level anti-cheat systems. 

    Phillip Koskinas, the director and head of anti-cheat for Riot Games, told TechCrunch earlier this year, there are several ways in which his anti-cheat system goes after cheaters, as well as cheat makers and sellers. Those include banning cheaters, taking advantage of Windows’ own security features to limit where cheats can run, fingerprinting cheaters’ hardware so they can’t just create a new fresh account to cheat with, and even infiltrating cheat communities on Discord or Telegram.