Difference between HTTP and REST API servers


Conan Doyle • December 30, 2025


What Is an HTTP Server?


An HTTP server handles requests and responses using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the foundation of web communication. It listens for client connections, processes incoming data, and sends back content like web pages, images, or files. Popular examples include Apache and Nginx, which together power most websites worldwide.


These servers operate at the protocol level, supporting basic methods like GET for retrieving data and POST for sending it, without any strict rules on structure or design. They excel at serving static content or running simple scripts, making them essential for basic web hosting and file delivery.



What Makes a Server RESTful?


A REST API server builds on HTTP but follows specific architectural principles known as Representational State Transfer. It treats data as resources accessed through uniform URLs, using standard HTTP methods for operations.


REST enforces statelessness—each request stands alone, and emphasizes cacheability for efficiency. This style creates predictable, scalable interfaces where clients interact with resources like users or products in a consistent way. Frameworks like Express or NestJS often implement REST patterns, turning plain HTTP capabilities into structured APIs for modern applications.


Key Architectural Distinctions


The main difference lies in constraints versus freedom. HTTP servers allow any request handling logic, from custom methods to complex session management. REST servers limit themselves to HTTP's built-in features: Nouns in URLs for resources, verbs via methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and responses with status codes. This uniform interface enables better caching, layering, and client compatibility. While HTTP servers can serve anything over the protocol, REST adds rules that make APIs easier to understand and maintain across teams and tools.


How these Methods Are Used Differently


REST aligns operations with HTTP methods predictably: GET for safe reads, POST for creation, PUT for full updates, DELETE for removal, and PATCH for partial changes. This convention allows automatic caching of GET requests and idempotent operations that can be repeated safely. Plain HTTP servers might rely heavily on GET and POST only, mixing actions in request bodies or parameters. The REST approach creates clearer contracts between client and server, reducing errors in large systems.


REST has become the dominant style for public APIs, powering most web services from social platforms to payment gateways. Developers favor it for interoperability—clients in any language can consume REST endpoints easily. Plain HTTP servers remain common for internal tools, static sites, or custom protocols where full REST constraints add unnecessary overhead. Many modern backends start as HTTP servers and evolve REST layers as they grow.


Performance and Scalability Considerations

REST's stateless design and caching support horizontal scaling across servers without shared state. Layered systems can add proxies or CDNs transparently. HTTP servers without REST principles can achieve similar raw speed but often require custom solutions for caching and distribution. In practice, the structured approach of REST tends to yield more maintainable performance at scale.


When to Choose Each Approach

Use a plain HTTP server when serving static content, building simple tools, or needing maximum flexibility without architectural overhead. Opt for a REST API server when creating public interfaces, integrating multiple clients, or planning long-term maintenance in team environments. Hybrid setups are common, many applications expose REST endpoints while using basic HTTP handling internally.


The distinction boils down to protocol versus principles: HTTP provides the raw communication channel, while REST adds a disciplined framework on top. Understanding this helps developers build everything from quick prototypes to robust enterprise services effectively.
HTTP Server REST API Server
Core Purpose Handles any HTTP requests/responses Structured resource-oriented API over HTTP
Architecture Flexible, no enforced rules Stateless, uniform interface, cacheable
Methods Usage Often limited to GET/POST Full use of GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH
State Management Can maintain sessions Strictly stateless
Caching Manual or basic Built-in support via HTTP headers
Scalability Depends on custom implementation Enhanced by layering and cacheability
Common Use Cases Static sites, file serving, custom protocols Public APIs, microservices, client integrations
Examples Apache, Nginx plain setups Express/NestJS with REST patterns
By Jack Sterling December 31, 2025
China's Maritime Push > Nuclear Power Enters Commercial Shipping China's shipping sector, handling 30 percent of global container traffic in 2025, unveiled plans for a groundbreaking 14,000 TEU container vessel powered by a thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR) in November announcements from CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard. This design, capable of carrying 14,000 standard containers, aims for zero-emission operations with a 200 MW thermal reactor producing 50 MW electricity via supercritical CO₂ cycle, per disclosures from senior engineer Hu Keyi. The project builds on China's experimental 2 MW TMSR in Gansu, which achieved thorium-to-uranium conversion in November 2025, the world's first in a running reactor. Design phase targets completion by 2026, with construction potentially starting later this decade. Molten Salt Reactor Basics > Safer, Compact Nuclear Design Molten salt reactors dissolve fuel in liquid salt, operating at atmospheric pressure without high-pressure water cooling common in traditional designs. This ship's 200 MW TMSR uses thorium, abundant in China, with passive safety: Overheating triggers fuel drain to a solidification chamber, containing radioactivity without active intervention. Efficiency reaches 45-50 percent via Brayton cycle, versus 33 percent in steam-based systems. The sealed module lasts 10 years before replacement, eliminating on-site refueling. Thorium produces less long-lived waste than uranium cycles. Efficiency and Long-Range Potential The reactor's compact size, no bulky cooling towers, fits maritime constraints, enabling non-stop operations for years on one charge. Negative temperature coefficient slows reactions automatically if heat rises, preventing runaways. Dual passive heat removal systems add redundancy. Compared to fossil fuels, this eliminates bunker stops and cuts emissions entirely during voyages. A backup diesel generator ensures emergency power. Environmental Benefits | Zero Emissions at Sea Shipping contributes 3 percent of global CO₂, per IMO 2025 figures. This nuclear vessel achieves true zero emissions during operations, aligning with China's carbon neutrality goal by 2060. Thorium cycle reduces proliferation risks and waste volume versus uranium. Potential fleet adoption could slash maritime emissions significantly, as one ship replaces dozens of fuel-dependent vessels. Inherent Design Protections TMSR operates at low pressure, eliminating explosion risks from steam buildup. Fail-safe drain tanks solidify fuel in emergencies, containing fission products. No meltdown possible due to liquid state and passive cooling. Sealed modular design minimizes human error during decade-long cycles. Geopolitical and Trade Implications The ship strengthens China's Belt and Road maritime links , reducing fuel dependency on vulnerable routes. Dual-use potential, matching U.S. submarine reactor power, raises concerns over naval applications. IMO lacks frameworks for commercial nuclear ships, complicating international ports. Competitors like Russia operate nuclear icebreakers, but no large commercial nuclear cargo exists globally. Regulatory and Engineering Hurdles International Maritime Organization rules remain undeveloped for nuclear merchant vessels. Port bans, as with 1960s NS Savannah, could limit routes. Waste management and emergency protocols need global standards. Scaling from 2 MW land prototype to 200 MW maritime requires further testing.
By Jack Sterling December 31, 2025
Us-Philippines Trade Relationship The US-Philippines trade relationship is a dynamic and historically significant partnership, driven by shared economic interests and strategic geopolitical ties. The two nations have long been trade allies, with the United States being one of the Philippines' largest trading partners. This relationship is characterized by a diverse array machinery, vehicles, and other high-value goods from the US. >> This economic interaction is complemented by bilateral agreements that seek to foster mutually beneficial trade. The positive trade dynamics are supported by the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement - Foundational agreement for expanding economic cooperation and resolving trade issues. - Close political and economic ties are underscored by initiatives that promote investment and innovation [ is this fair trade ? ] - encouraging businesses in both countries to explore new opportunities. The strategic location of the Philippines in Southeast Asia makes it an attractive partner for the US, serving as a gateway for trade in the broader region. Tariff Exemption For Philippine Agriculture by Trump Admin The tariff exemption on over $1 billion worth of Philippine agricultural exports to the United States holds considerable significance for the country's agricultural sector and broader economy. This exemption enhances the competitiveness of Philippine products in the U.S. market by allowing them to be priced more attractively compared to those from countries without similar trade advantages. With a reduction in trade barriers, Filipino farmers and exporters can access a wider consumer base without the added burden of tariffs, potentially increasing their sales and market share. This exemption is meant to strengthen the trade relationship between the Philippines and the United States, setting a precedent for future negotiations and cooperation in other sectors. Agricultural Products of the Philippines Being Exempt The exemption from US tariffs provides a significant boost to various Philippine agricultural products, enhancing their competitive edge in the American market. Among the key beneficiaries are tropical fruits, which have long been a staple of Philippine exports. Bananas, a major export product, will see increased demand due to the cost advantage gained through the tariff exemption. Read More about Fruit Exemptions. Coconut products, including coconut oil and desiccated coconut, also gain from this exemption. The Philippines is one of the world's largest producers of coconuts, and the reduced costs will likely lead to a rise in exports of these versatile products. Additionally, seafood such as shrimp and tuna is positioned to capitalize on the situation.
US Steel Granite City Works resume production after 2 years idle
By Bryce S December 31, 2025
U.S. Steel's Granite City Works to open after 3 year closure Founded in 1901 U.S. Steel's Granite City Works is a vital component of the American steel industry, with a rich history that reflects both the resilience and innovation inherent in the sector. Located in Granite City, Illinois , this plant has been a cornerstone of the local economy and a significant contributor to the national steel output. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century, highlighting a legacy of robust manufacturing and skilled labor. Over the years, Granite City Works has adapted to changing market demands and technological advancements, ensuring its position as a key player in steel production. This location advantage has allowed U.S. Steel to maximize its logistical capabilities, ensuring timely delivery and availability of essential materials for various industries, including automotive, construction, and energy. Granite City Works needs to meet increasing domestic steel demand. Steel Slab Production to start again after Nippon Steel sealed a deal with Trump Steel slab production is a crucial stage in the steel manufacturing process, serving as the foundational building block for various steel products. The process begins with raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone, which are transformed into molten iron in a blast furnace. This molten iron is poured into a basic oxygen furnace or electric arc furnace for further refinement, where impurities are removed, and necessary elements are added to achieve desired chemical compositions. The refined molten steel is then poured into a caster, where it solidifies into semi-finished rectangular shapes known as steel slabs. Reasons For Resuming Production at Granite City Works U.S. Steel's decision to resume steel slab production at its Granite City Works is fueled by several key factors. One significant reason is the rising demand for steel products across various industries, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing. The resurgence of these sectors post-pandemic has led to an increased need for raw steel, particularly slabs, which serve as the foundational material for many steel products. Why has Granite City Works been closed? Granite City Works Its proximity to major transportation hubs and industrial centers allows for efficient distribution and reduced transportation costs, making it an economically viable site for production. Read more on Unionization and Why they stopped production in 2023 By ramping up operations at Granite City, U.S. Steel aims to reduce its reliance on foreign imports, enhancing its ability to meet U.S. market demands more swiftly and reliably. This move also aligns with broader national interests in bolstering domestic manufacturing and supporting American jobs. U.S. Steel is likely to invest in modernizing the Granite City facility, incorporating environmentally friendly in the coming years.
By Jack Sterling December 22, 2025
In the accelerating domain of artificial intelligence hardware, Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and NVIDIA's Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) represent two pivotal architectures vying for dominance, particularly when scrutinized through the lenses of efficiency and throughput. The Explosive Growth of AI Chips in 2020's The AI chip market has solidified its role as a foundational pillar of technological progress, fueled by relentless requirements for processing power in machine learning and deep neural architectures. As of late 2025, the industry's trajectory signals robust expansion into 2026, with specialized accelerators such as Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and NVIDIA's Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) engaged in intense rivalry. These processors facilitate advancements in autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and predictive analytics, as evidenced by a global market valued around $90-100 billion in 2025 and projected to approach or exceed $120 billion the following year, reflecting broad integration across sectors. What are Alphabet TPUs ? Google Power for Deep Learning Workloads Google's TPUs embody targeted engineering in AI acceleration, purpose-built for tensor operations central to frameworks like TensorFlow. These ASICs shine in efficient matrix computations essential to neural networks, providing strong performance in both training and inference stages. Seamless incorporation into Google Cloud renders TPUs a flexible option for organizations managing vast data volumes. The latest iterations, including the seventh-generation Ironwood, prioritize energy efficiency, doubling performance per watt in some metrics, while delivering elevated throughput for large-scale cloud AI deployments. NVIDIA GPUs | Versatile Engines with Broad Ecosystem Support NVIDIA's GPUs sustain market prominence via adaptability, accommodating AI alongside rendering, simulation, and general high-performance tasks . Designs like Hopper and the succeeding Blackwell feature dedicated tensor cores tailored for AI acceleration, bolstering massive parallel execution. The CUDA ecosystem cultivates an expansive developer base, complemented by comprehensive toolkits that expedite AI implementation. This wide-ranging utility secures NVIDIA's foothold in varied domains, spanning academic research to enterprise-scale operations.
By Jack Sterling December 18, 2025
Order 66 from Mamdani The Billionaires are leaving New York in Perpetration of Zohran's Housing plan to combat Affordability Crisis On December 9, 2025, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani convened a closed-door meeting with approximately two dozen real estate executives, including developers, investors, and lenders, to address the city's housing crisis. Zohran Mamdani's Recent Meeting with Real Estate Executives: The gathering, held in Lower Manhattan , focused on strategies to increase affordable housing supply while discussing potential policy measures like rent freezes and delays in new housing approvals. Participants included members from the Partnership for New York City and real estate industry groups, marking an early engagement between the incoming administration and business leaders. Mamdani emphasized collaborative approaches to cut red tape and boost production, though specifics on timelines remained vague. The NY Affordability Crisis Driving Mamdani's Housing Agenda New York City's housing market faces persistent affordability challenges maximum rents at 80 percent AMI. Manhattan rents hit record highs in November 2025, exacerbating the crisis where production is geographically uneven and affordable units comprise only a fraction of new builds. The city completed 27,620 affordable units in 2024 through capital programs, including new construction and preservation, according to the New York Housing Conference's 2025 Tracker Report. Mamdani's plan aims to tackle these disparities by prioritizing equitable distribution across neighborhoods. Billionaires' Responsed Threating Exodus from NYC Amid Mamdani Policy Uncertainty Wealthy New Yorkers have voiced concerns over potential tax increases under Mamdani's administration, with some threatening relocation to lower-tax states. However, data from 2020-2021 indicates the city gained about 10,000 millionaires during similar periods of uncertainty, countering claims of a mass departure. Affluent residents highlight the arduous process of avoiding state and city taxes, including audits and residency requirements, as a deterrent to leaving. While some high-earners relocate to suburbs or other regions to mitigate costs, overall trends show resilience in New York's wealthy population. A Cato Institute commentary from November 2025 notes that even if billionaires stay, their employees might seek more affordable locales. Buy or Sell NYC Real Estate in 2026? Inventory and Mortgage Rate Factors The U.S. housing market in 2026 is expected to see slowly cooling prices with rising inventory, according to Ramsey Solutions' forecast. In New York, home sales dipped 0.7 percent year-over-year, but NYC bucked the trend with increased activity. Experts recommend buying in December 2025 for better deals, as per a Yahoo Finance analysis from December 8. The week of October 12-18, 2025, was highlighted as prime buying time by NAR, with surrounding weeks offering advantages. Manhattan's record rents in November underscore selling opportunities in luxury segments. Mamdani's Housing Plan: Rent Freezes and Production Delays Discussed During the December 9 meeting, Mamdani outlined potential rent freezes and delays in approving new housing, aiming to address affordability gaps where new units exceed AMI thresholds for most New Yorkers. Overall, the market shows resilience, but affordability remains a key concern.
By Alfanso C. December 18, 2025
The Prediction: A 2026 Crash Kiyosaki Says Has Already Begun Robert Kiyosaki, author of the 1997 bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, issued a stark warning in late November 2025: The "biggest crash in history" is underway, starting in the U.S. and rippling to Europe and Asia. Drawing from his 2003 book Rich Dad's Prophecy, which foresaw a market downturn tied to debt cycles, Kiyosaki points to AI-driven job losses. Kiyosaki's track record on forecasts varies: A 2022 review of his calls since then showed about 10 percent accuracy, per Finbold analysis, but his emphasis on tangible assets has resonated amid 2025's $1.2 trillion crypto market dip. He urges shifting from stocks and fiat, citing Gresham's Law—bad money drives out good—as rationale for hard assets. Kiyosaki's Preferred Crash Survivor Silver & claims Recession Odds Economists peg U.S. recession probability at 40 percent by end-2025 into 2026, per J.P. Morgan's November 2025 outlook, down from 65 percent in 2022 but up from 26 percent at 2024's close. Barclays called it "50-50" in September 2025, citing trade tensions and slowing job growth, nonfarm payrolls added just 12,000 in October, per BLS. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon echoed in October: A downturn "could hit in 2026," amid 3.25-3.5 percent Fed funds rate forecasts by Q2 2026. Polymarket odds show 31 percent chance of recession through August 2026, based on NBER announcements or two negative GDP quarters. RSM US predicts 2.2 percent GDP growth in 2026 but flags stagflation risks, with inflation "uncomfortably hot" at 3 percent. Morgan Stanley sees global GDP at 3.2 percent in 2026, but U.S. slowdowns could ripple, per their December outlook. Why Silver Shines as a Hedge according to Kiyosaki Silver's 60 percent industrial use, solar cells (80-100 mg each), EVs, and electronics, fuels demand amid 2025's 215 million ounce deficit, per Silver Institute. As a precious metal, it correlates inversely with stocks (gold-silver ratio at 80:1 in November 2025, historical crash average 60:1), per deVere Group analysis. In downturns, silver falls less than the S&P 500, gaining 71.9 percent YTD 2025 despite volatility. Kiyosaki's $200 call exceeds consensus $50-100 range but aligns with structural deficits: Supply grows 2,500-3,500 metric tons yearly, per CoinCodex, while demand surges from AI and renewables. Physical shortages spiked lease rates in 2025, echoing 2020's 50 percent rally. In Kiyosaki's worldview , silver's industrial-monetary duality.
Paul Krugman Explains 'Future Financial Crisis' is fueled by trump
By Jack Sterling December 18, 2025
Paul Krugman’S Economic Perspective Paul Krugman is a renowned economist whose insights have shaped understanding in both academic and public spheres. His work, known for its clarity and incisive analysis, often bridges complex economic theories with real-world applications, making his contributions essential in discussions of fiscal policy and global economics. Krugman, a Nobel laureate , has dedicated much of his career to examining the intricacies of economic structures and their impact on societies. Krugman's perspective is grounded in the belief that informed economic policy can prevent crises and promote equitable growth. His analysis of current policies often underscores the dangers posed by deregulation, protectionism, and unsustainable debt expansion. Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate in economics, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the economic policies implemented during Donald Trump's presidency Particularly in terms of their potential to sow the seeds of a future financial crisis. Krugman argues that Trump's approach was characterized by a significant reduction in regulatory oversight, particularly in the financial sector, coupled with substantial tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest individuals. These measures, he suggests, may have provided short-term economic boosts but at the cost of long-term stability. Krugman points to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a pivotal policy that exacerbated income inequality and ballooned the federal deficit. By favoring the wealthy, these tax cuts did little to stimulate sustainable economic growth, instead enriching those at the top and leaving the middle and lower classes with marginal benefits. Furthermore, Trump's deregulation efforts, particularly in the banking industry, echo the pre-2008 era's deregulatory environment that contributed to the financial collapse. Krugman's analysis warns of a scenario resembling past financial downturns. The Connection Between Tax Cuts And National Debt Paul Krugman, a renowned economist, has often explained how significant tax cuts can substantially increase the national debt, potentially setting the stage for a future financial crisis. The tax cuts implemented during Donald Trump's presidency are a prime example of this dynamic. These cuts primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, leading to a shortfall in government revenue while failing to generate the promised economic growth. The idea behind such tax reductions is often rooted in supply-side economics, suggesting that lowering taxes will spur investment, create jobs, and ultimately increase government revenues through heightened economic activity. However, the anticipated growth frequently falls short of these predictions. Krugman’S Predictions For A Future Financial Crisis These cuts, according to Krugman, have led to an increase in the federal deficit without substantially boosting long-term economic growth. This rising debt could constrain future government spending, especially in times of economic downturn when stimulus is most needed. He also points to the escalating trade tensions initiated by Trump's trade wars, which have disrupted global supply chains and could undermine international economic cooperation. Such tensions might lead to retaliatory measures and uncertainties that could further destabilize global markets. Krugman's analysis underscores the interconnected nature of these policies and the potential for them to trigger a crisis that could have far-reaching implications for both domestic and global economies.
By Jack Sterling December 9, 2025
Meta's Ai GPU Needs Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, has been constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to enhance user experiences across its suite of applications, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. A critical aspect of this innovation is the deployment of artificial intelligence, which drives everything from content moderation to personalized user experiences. AI's role within Meta has grown exponentially, as it powers complex algorithms that handle massive amounts of data to make real-time decisions. With billions of users interacting daily, the demand for efficient, high-performance AI infrastructure is paramount. To meet these needs, Meta has traditionally relied on NVIDIA's GPUs, known for their robust performance in handling AI workloads. However, the rapid advancements in AI have necessitated even more specialized hardware solutions. These solutions must offer swift processing capabilities, scalability, and energy efficiency to support Meta's expansive AI operations across its platforms.  As AI models become more sophisticated, requiring extensive computation for deep learning and natural language processing, the need for cutting-edge infrastructure grows. This is where custom compute chips come into play. In this quest for superior AI infrastructure, Meta has been exploring alternative options that promise to deliver enhanced performance tailored to their unique AI requirements. A potential shift towards custom chips from Google's parent company, offering Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), represents a strategic consideration for future-proofing their AI capabilities. Current Meta Partnership With Nvidia Meta Platforms has maintained a crucial partnership with Nvidia, a leading figure in the field of graphics processing and AI computing. This collaboration primarily centers around Nvidia's powerful GPUs, which have become the backbone for running sophisticated AI models and supporting Meta’s expansive infrastructure needs. These GPUs have been instrumental in training large-scale machine learning algorithms, enhancing Meta's capabilities in areas such as content recommendation, computer vision, and natural language processing. The reliance on Nvidia has enabled Meta to rapidly advance its AI initiatives, thereby improving user experiences across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Nvidia's cutting-edge technology has provided Meta with the necessary computational power to manage and process massive amounts of data efficiently. This synergy has allowed Meta to innovate continuously and remain competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape. The GPUs offer flexibility and scalability, crucial for a company that deals with billions of user interactions daily. Advantages Of Google's Custom Tpus Google's custom TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for companies like Meta, especially when considering a shift from using NVIDIA's chips. One of the primary benefits of Google's TPUs is their optimization for artificial intelligence workloads, particularly in deep learning. These chips are designed specifically to handle the heavy computational tasks required for training AI models, resulting in faster processing times and increased efficiency compared to general-purpose GPUs. Another advantage is the scalability that TPUs provide. Google's infrastructure allows organizations to scale their AI workloads seamlessly, making it easier to manage the growing demands of AI development and deployment. This scalability is essential for tech giants like Meta, which continuously expand their AI-driven services. Potential Benefits For Meta switching from NVIDIA to Google Switching from NVIDIA GPUs to custom compute chips from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, could provide several benefits for Meta, particularly in the realm of AI development and deployment. One of the primary advantages is cost efficiency. Utilizing custom tensor processing units (TPUs) could significantly reduce the expenses associated with large-scale AI operations. These chips are specifically optimized for AI tasks, offering better performance-per-dollar compared to generalized GPUs. This means Meta could achieve more with less financial outlay, potentially freeing up resources for other innovative projects. Beyond cost, the integration of Alphabet's TPUs could enhance processing speed and efficiency. These chips are designed to handle the specific computations needed for AI models more effectively, which could lead to faster training times and improved performance of AI-driven features. This capability is crucial as Meta continues to invest heavily in virtual reality, augmented reality, and other AI-powered technologies. Additionally, partnering with Alphabet might facilitate better integration and collaboration opportunities. Given the expertise and infrastructure that Google has developed around its TPUs, Meta could leverage this to speed up the development and deployment of new AI applications. This strategic shift could ultimately strengthen Meta's competitive edge in the tech industry, enabling it to innovate more rapidly and effectively. Challenges And Considerations Switching from NVIDIA to Google’s custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) presents several challenges and considerations for Meta Platforms. One significant challenge is the compatibility and integration of TPUs with Meta's existing infrastructure. Transitioning to a new hardware architecture requires extensive modifications to software, potentially disrupting ongoing projects and necessitating considerable developer resources. Additionally, TPUs might require different frameworks or APIs, demanding retraining of staff and adaptation of current AI models to maximize efficiency. Though Google’s TPUs might offer cost advantages, the initial investment in new hardware, training, and possible downtime during transition can be substantial. Meta must conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses to ensure the financial viability of such a switch. Another consideration is vendor dependency. Relying on Google for critical hardware components might limit Meta’s flexibility and bargaining power, particularly if their relationship with Google changes over time.
By Conan Doyle December 9, 2025
Federal Push to Halt State AI Regulations As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from healthcare to hiring, states have accelerated regulatory efforts in recent months, introducing bills that mandate transparency, risk assessments, and consumer protections. A draft federal executive order, leaked on November 19, 2025, signals a direct challenge to these initiatives, directing agencies to identify and litigate against state laws deemed burdensome. This move, paused as of November 21 , reflects ongoing tensions in a landscape where 45 states considered AI-related legislation in 2025, per the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) tracker. With federal guidance fragmented, lacking comprehensive national rules—states fill the void, but the proposed order could preempt them through lawsuits and funding threats, reshaping compliance for the $200 billion U.S. AI market projected for 2026. States Leading the Charge: Recent Bills and Their Aims In October and November 2025, state lawmakers advanced measures targeting AI's societal risks, focusing on bias mitigation, deepfake disclosures, and algorithmic accountability. California's Senate Bill 53, progressing through committee on October 15, requires high-risk AI systems in employment and lending to undergo annual audits for discrimination, with fines up to $10,000 per violation. New York's RAISE Act, reintroduced October 22, compels developers of generative AI models to publish safety protocols and report incidents causing harm, aiming to curb misuse in elections and media. Illinois's House Bill 5461, cleared October 28, mandates watermarking for AI-generated content to combat deepfakes, building on its 2023 biometric privacy law that has yielded $1.2 billion in settlements since 2015. These bills emphasize developer responsibility: Audits must document bias testing, with public reports due annually, potentially affecting 60 percent of U.S. AI deployments in regulated sectors like finance and healthcare. New York's RAISE Act: Disclosure Mandates Under Fire New York's RAISE Act exemplifies state-level scrutiny, requiring large AI firms to disclose training data sources and risk mitigation steps for models over 1 billion parameters. Introduced October 22, 2025, it faced immediate pushback, with a super PAC linked to tech interests spending $500,000 on ads by November 10 opposing its "innovation-killing" clauses. Proponents cite a 2025 Brookings Institution study showing undisclosed AI biases cost U.S. businesses $100 billion yearly in errors, from hiring disparities to faulty loan approvals. The bill's mechanism: Mandatory incident reporting within 72 hours for harms exceeding $50,000, with AG enforcement powers including civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. As of November 24, it awaits assembly review, amid 15 similar disclosure bills in other states. Broader State Efforts: Moratoriums, Audits, and Deepfake Bans Beyond disclosures, states target specific harms. Colorado's AI Act, effective February 2026 but under federal scrutiny since October 30, requires impact assessments for high-risk AI in 15 sectors, with 2025 pilot audits uncovering 28 percent bias rates in public tools. Texas's Senate Bill 20, advanced November 5, bans deepfakes in elections 30 days prior to voting, with $1,000 fines per offense, addressing a 2025 rise in 200+ AI-generated attack ads nationwide. A November 17 House defense bill provision proposed a 10-year moratorium on state AI enforcement, but the Senate struck it on November 20 with near-unanimous support (98-2 vote), preserving state authority. Overall, 9.5 percent of 2025 AI bills passed, per Future of Privacy Forum data, focusing on audits (40 percent) and disclosures (35 percent). Federal Leverage AI laws' constitutionality, prioritizing those "burdening interstate commerce." This means developers face dual compliance: State audits now, potential federal overrides later. A 2025 IAPP survey shows 62 percent of firms already budgeting 15 percent more for multi-jurisdictional reviews. States' focus on audits and disclosures could slow AI deployment by 20 percent in regulated sectors, per McKinsey 2025 estimates, but also foster trust—65 percent of consumers favor such transparency, per Pew November polls. The federal pause buys time, but 40 states eyeing 2026 sessions signal escalation; Colorado's law alone prompted 25 compliance filings in Q4 2025.
By Jack Sterling December 9, 2025
Proof of Engagement vs. Proof of Authority: Blockchain Consensus Explained Simply Blockchain consensus mechanisms are the rules that decide how a network agrees on new transactions and blocks. Think of it as a group vote in a decentralized club: Everyone needs to agree the ledger is truthful, or chaos ensues. Bitcoin pioneered Proof of Work in 2009 , but energy concerns—Bitcoin consumes 150 TWh yearly, per Cambridge 2025 estimates, sparked alternatives. Today, 70 percent of blockchains use non-PoW models, per CoinGecko data. Two emerging contenders: Proof of Engagement (PoE) and Proof of Authority (PoA), each solving different problems in speed, trust, and user involvement. Proof of Authority (PoA): Trusted Guardians Run the Show Proof of Authority relies on pre-approved validators—known entities with reputation at stake—rather than anonymous miners. Introduced in 2017 by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood for Parity, PoA networks select 10-100 validators based on identity and track record. Validators stake their reputation: Misbehave, and the network blacklists them publicly. In simple terms: Imagine a private club where only vetted members (banks, corporations) can approve entries at the door. No energy-wasting puzzles—just trusted sign-offs. VeChain, a PoA leader with $2.5 billion market cap in 2025, uses 101 Authority Masternodes run by enterprises like PwC and DNV, processing 10,000+ transactions per second (TPS) at sub-cent costs. Energy footprint: Near zero compared to Proof of Work's 0.5 percent global electricity use.

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