May 2018 Current Events: Science & Technology News

Updated September 25, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

World News | US News | Disaster News

The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for May 2018:

  1. Facebook Reveals Dating Option
  2. Twitter Users Should Change Passwords
  3. NASA Launches New Mars Mission
  4. Uber Partners with NASA
  5. Net Neutrality Rules Expire in June
  6. NASA to Fly Helicopter on Mars
  7. Amazon to Open Checkout-free Stores
  8. Net Neutrality Retained
  9. Xbox Reveals Controller for Disabled Gamers
  10. Uber Ends Driverless Car Program in Arizona
  11. Papua New Guinea Bans Facebook

Facebook Reveals Dating Option

Facebook

On May 1, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that he plans to develop a dating app. After the announcement, shares for Match fell 22%. (Reuters)

Photo Source: 123RF/Lukas Gojda

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Twitter Users Should Change Passwords

Twitter

On May 3, Twitter announced that all of its users should change their passwords. The company announced that they recently found a bug that leaves passwords unprotected. Though the issue has been fixed, and no misuse of passwords has been identified, the company is still urging all its users to proceed with caution. (CNN)

Photo Source: 123RF/ymgerman

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NASA Launches New Mars Mission

Mars

On May 5, NASA announced a new mission on Mars called InSight, that will focus on the interior of the planet. It is scheduled to land in November, and will measure the “Marsquakes” to determine how the underground rock is layered. (BBC)

Photo Source: 123RF/3000ad

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Uber Partners with NASA

Uber

On May 8, it was announced that Uber and NASA are partnering up to develop electric flying taxis. The companies hope the technology will be available in 2023. (CNN)

Photo Source: 123RF/Piotr Adamowicz

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Net Neutrality Rules Expire in June

FCC

On May 10, the FCC announced that net neutrality rules will expire on June 11, and new guidelines will be issued. The new rules require providers to warn consumers if they plan to block or slow down sites. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

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NASA to Fly Helicopter on Mars

Mars

On May 11, NASA announced plans to send a helicopter to Mars. This will mark the first time this type of aircraft will be used on another planet. (Reuters)

Photo Source: 123RF/3000ad

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Amazon to Open Checkout-free Stores

Amazon Go

On May 15, Amazon announced that it will open stores without checkout lines in Chicago and San Francisco. The pilot store for Amazon Go was in Seattle. Dates for the openings have not been released. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

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Net Neutrality Retained

Net Neutrality

On May 16, the US Senate voted to reverse the FCC’s decision to repeal net neutrality rules. Despite this bill, protecting the net neutrality rules is still expected to be an uphill battle. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

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Xbox Reveals Controller for Disabled Gamers

Xbox

On May 17, Microsoft revealed an Adaptive Controller made specifically for disabled gamers. (BBC)

Photo Source: 123RF/ Jonathan Weiss

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Uber Ends Driverless Car Program in Arizona

Uber

On May 23, it was announced that Uber is ending the driverless car program in Arizona. The decision comes two months after a pedestrian was killed by one of the cars. Despite this cancellation, Uber has stated it hopes to do self-driving tests in Pennsylvania. (BBC)

Photo Source: 123RF/ Jirapong Manustrong

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Papua New Guinea Bans Facebook

Facebook

On May 29, Papua New Guinea announced that it will ban Facebook for a month in an attempt to identify fake profiles. Communication minister Sam Basil stated that the country is looking towards a solution of creating its own rival social network. (BBC)

Photo Source: 123RF/Lukas Gojda

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