United Nations Calls For Global Cooperation To Regulate Earth Orbit Traffic - 1

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United Nations Calls For Global Cooperation To Regulate Earth Orbit Traffic

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert

A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination declared that urgent measures must be taken by nations and companies worldwide to track and effectively manage satellites in Earth’s orbit. Sharing data to avoid collisions is one of the strategies suggested by the panel in October to avoid the disruption of global communication, scientific exploration, and navigation.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • A UN panel urged nations and companies to share data and find solutions to manage satellites effectively
  • There are over 14,000 satellites and more than 120 million pieces of space junk in low Earth orbit
  • Experts fear communication disruption due to orbit traffic congestion and its increasing risks of collisions

According to Reuters , the American company Slingshot Aerospace revealed that there are over 14,000 satellites—including around 3,500 that are inactive—in low Earth orbit. Besides the satellites, there are around 120 million scattered pieces and space junk that are difficult to track.

“There’s no time to lose on space traffic coordination,” said Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and co-chair of the UN panel. “With so many objects being launched into space, we have to do everything we can to ensure space safety, and that means facilitating the sharing of information between operators, be they public or private, in order to avoid collisions.”

Low Earth orbit could become unusable unless global organizations cooperate as there is no centralized system to coordinate global satellites and particles in orbit. However, many nations and companies refuse to share private data for safety and commercial reasons.

In the past year, the risk of collision has increased by 17% and tens of thousands of new satellites in orbit are expected in the next few years.

Space innovation and global competition have been developing in the past few years, making experts warn about risks and shifting the space technology ecosystem development.

Cyber Monday Spending Surge Driven By AI, Online Shopping, And Extended Sales - 2

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Cyber Monday Spending Surge Driven By AI, Online Shopping, And Extended Sales

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Cyber Monday sets record $13.2B in sales, driven by AI, extended deals, and shifting consumer habits toward e-commerce and experiences.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • U.S. consumers expected to spend $13.2 billion on Cyber Monday, a 6.1% increase.
  • Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have extended Cyber Monday sales.
  • AI tools boost e-commerce by enhancing personalization, pricing, and customer service.

U.S. consumers are poised to set a new record for online spending on Cyber Monday, the crown jewel of the post-Thanksgiving shopping season, as reported by ABC News .

Industry analysts project that shoppers will spend an unprecedented $13.2 billion today, marking a 6.1% increase from last year, according to Adobe Analytics, says ABC News.

ABC News notes that Walmart, for instance, opened early access for its members before extending deals to all customers Sunday evening.

Cyber Monday caps off the five-day shopping spree known as “Cyber Week,” which kicks off on Thanksgiving Day. Preliminary data indicates robust spending throughout the weekend, reports ABC News.

Experts also note a growing preference for experience-driven purchases alongside traditional gift categories like toys, electronics, and beauty products, as noted by ABC News. Meanwhile, foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores continues to decline.

Sensormatic Solutions reports an 8.2% drop in Black Friday store visits compared to 2023, reflecting a shift toward online shopping convenience, says ABC News. Extended promotional periods may have further diluted in-store crowds.

An analysis by Conversion Capital says that AI is at the base of this boost in e-commerce during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, enhancing the shopping experience, increasing sales, and streamlining operations.

AI-powered tools optimize every stage of the customer journey, from personalized marketing to dynamic pricing, virtual try-ons, and advanced search capabilities, says Conversion Capital.

Retailers also rely on AI-driven chatbots to provide round-the-clock customer support, enhancing satisfaction and cutting operational costs. Fraud detection systems powered by AI protect digital transactions, mitigating risks in an era of increasing online payment fraud, says Conversion Capital.

Dynamic pricing strategies, facilitated by real-time AI analytics, allow companies to adjust prices based on demand and competition, maximizing revenue opportunities during sales events, notes Conversion Capital.

Consumer engagement has shifted significantly, with virtual technologies like AR-powered mirrors enabling shoppers to visualize products before purchase, while personalized recommendations enhance convenience, notes Conversion Capital.

Despite these advancements, concerns around data privacy and trust persist, underscoring the need for transparent AI use.

As AI adoption accelerates, the global e-commerce market is poised for unprecedented growth, shaping a seamless, data-driven shopping future that balances innovation with consumer trust.

Cyber Monday remains a crucial indicator of holiday spending trends, as millions of Americans embrace the ease of e-commerce for their seasonal shopping needs.