Facebook is unveiling a revamped service designed to help people stay safe while surfing online. Facebook’s “Safety Center,” which features new tools for parents, teachers, teens and law enforcement, is the first major endeavor from the social networking site and its four-month-old global safety advisory board. The board is composed of Internet safety groups Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely, WiredSafety, Childnet International and The Family Online Safety Institute. New features include dealing with bullying online, an interactive portal and simpler design.
Tech spending boosts Intel income
Intel Corp. said Tuesday its net income in the first quarter nearly quadrupled over 2009 and reflected an overall bump in spending on technology by companies. The results sent Intel shares higher. Among other things, Intel got a lift from sales of new chips for computer servers — the kind of purchase that many companies delayed in the recession. Financial officer Stacy Smith said the demand for processors for higher-end laptops was stronger than expected.
Consumer Reports offers SUV warning
Consumer Reports has given the Lexus GX 460 SUV a rare “Don’t Buy” warning, saying a problem that occurred during routine handling tests could lead to a rollover accident in real-world driving. In the latest blow to Toyota’s reputation, the magazine said that during a test of the vehicle’s performance during unusual turns, the rear of the vehicle slid until it was nearly sideways before the electronic stability control system kicked in. Consumer Reports said in real-world driving, the scenario could cause a rollover.
Exports grow, but so does deficit
The U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in February as a small gain in exports to the highest level in 16 months was offset by a bigger jump in imports, reflecting increased demand for consumer goods from televisions to clothing. The wider deficit was a sign of a rebounding U.S. economy. Economists expect the trade deficit to rise this year but hope that expanding exports will continue to lift the fortunes of American manufacturing companies. The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that the deficit for February increased 7.4 percent to $39.7 billion. That was larger than expected.
Correction
Rep Jay Inslee, D-Wash., speaking Monday to guests of the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, had this to say about China. “China is acting in a lot of ways that are unwholesome for us and for them. We’re enablers because our deficit creates a market for their lending and provides them with tremendous sway in our relationship.” The comment was incorrectly attributed to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., in an article on Page A4 Tuesday.
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