US Agencies Embrace Change: DOGE Targets COBOL, Microsoft Tightens Online Installations

The U.S. government is undergoing significant changes as the Bureau of Management and Budget (DOGE) announces plans to replace the decades-old COBOL programming language used by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This decision has sparked concerns due to the complex nature of the data involved and the tight deadline for implementing the new system. The SSA is responsible for overseeing social security benefits for over 65 million Americans, and experts warn that such a large-scale migration could disrupt payments if not managed carefully.

In parallel, Microsoft is pushing for greater reliance on online accounts for the installation of Windows 11. A recent beta version of the operating system indicates that Microsoft will soon block popular methods that allow users to bypass the account requirement during installation. However, there are already workarounds circulating online that enable installations without a Microsoft account, though they may be more complicated.

As these developments unfold, the Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest industrial fairs, is set to kick off with Canada as the partner country this year. The event serves as a platform for Canada to seek new partnerships, especially in light of trade tensions with the United States. In his opening remarks, Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation, contrasting it with the more insular approach taken by the U.S. in recent years.

In a separate announcement, Aldi has decided to discontinue its online shopping services by the end of September. The grocery chain aims to refocus on its core business and physical retail operations. Customers will still be able to place orders until the end of the month, and the company has promised to keep them informed through newsletters and website updates. This closure is expected to affect approximately 80 employees.

Additionally, discussions are reigniting in Europe regarding the potential abolition of daylight saving time. Researchers at the Technical University of East Westphalia-Lippe are advocating for a reevaluation of time zone regulations, just as Poland, currently holding the EU presidency, is exploring the matter further. The debate centers around whether to adopt standard time or summer time, as discrepancies exist between eastern and western EU countries. A proposed solution involves creating new time zones within the existing Central European Time framework, which may finally address the widespread public support for ending the biannual clock changes.

In technology news, a recent incident involving a data leak has revealed the private photos of 1.5 million users from various LGBTQ+ and dating apps. This breach highlights ongoing concerns regarding privacy and data security in the digital age. Meanwhile, a German rocket, the Spectrum, successfully launched from Norway despite a weather delay, although it tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, marking a bittersweet moment for the team behind the project.

On the automotive front, a recent survey indicates a growing majority of German drivers favor implementing speed limits on the country's famed autobahns, where unrestricted speeds currently prevail. This reflects shifting attitudes towards road safety and environmental concerns.

As the tech landscape evolves, PHP development continues to thrive, with PHP 8.3 leading in popularity among developers. The multi-tenant architecture is gaining traction for applications serving various clients, while the next version of the Kea DHCP server is nearing completion, with many enhancements being released as open-source for testing.