Time Lords abolish leap seconds over IoT and Y2K-scale risks

The General Conference on Weights and Measures (GCPM) voted to stop introducing leap seconds, citing risks to IoT devices and critical infrastructure. Preparing for a negative leap second would cost an estimated $300–600 billion, comparable to Y2K remediation. A "Continuous UTC" scheme allowing UT1 and UTC to diverge by up to 3,600 seconds takes effect next year.

• GCPM voted to end leap seconds at its 28th meeting
• Negative leap second prep cost compared to Y2K's $300–600 billion
• Continuous UTC will allow UT1 and UTC to diverge by up to 3,600 seconds
• Main risks are certificate and timing failures in IoT and smart grids