Visitors from France accessing adult sites like PornHub, YouPorn, and RedTube will encounter a message that criticizes the nation’s age verification laws, as announced by the company on Tuesday.
A spokesperson indicated that Iro, the parent company, has set a requirement for users to be 18 years or older, responding to French legislation mandating that adult sites implement stricter measures to verify the ages of their users.
“It’s clear that Iro has made the tough choice to restrict access for French users on platforms like Pornhub, Youporn, and Redtube. Tomorrow, we will utilize these platforms to directly engage with the French public,” stated a Pornhub representative on Tuesday.
Instead of providing a vast array of adult content on PornHub, Iro aims to “directly communicate with the French populace about the dangers and invasiveness of privacy, along with the ineffectiveness of French laws,” said Solomon Friedman, owner of Iro and a partner at Ethical Capital Partners, during a video call with reporters on Tuesday.
This year, France will gradually implement new requirements for all adult sites, enabling users to verify their ages using personal information such as credit cards and identification documents.
To safeguard privacy, operators are required to offer third-party “double-blind” options that prevent the sites from accessing users’ identities.
However, Iro contends that this approach is flawed and jeopardizes user data to potential threats, hacks, and leaks.
The company argues that France should focus on the developers of operating systems like Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s iOS, and Google’s Android, rather than targeting pornographic platforms.
“Iro takes age verification seriously,” executive Alex Kekesi noted during a media call.
She emphasized that individual platforms carry a “significant risk” to privacy rights concerning age verification.
Friedman from ECP stated, “Google, Apple, and Microsoft have integrated features within their operating systems to verify a user’s age at the device level.”
The capacity to “supply age signals to any site or application” can enable control over access to adult content while keeping sensitive information private, offering a viable solution,” he argued.
“We recognize that these three companies are powerful, but that doesn’t excuse France’s actions,” he added.
Iro’s message to adult content viewers includes imagery promoting freedom, inspired by Eugene Delacroix’s renowned painting featuring nude figures.
Culture Minister Auroa Berge mentioned that if adult sites choose to block French users instead of adhering to the law, it would be “very positive.”
“Minors in France will have less access to violent, degrading, and humiliating content,” she remarked.
“If Iro prefers to withdraw from France rather than comply with our regulations, they are free to do so,” stated Clara Chappaz, the French Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology, on X.
According to Arcom, 2.3 million minors visit porn sites each month, even though they are legally prohibited from doing so.
Elsewhere in the European Union, adult content platforms face increased scrutiny. EU regulators announced last month that several sites, including Pornhub, are under investigation for failing to uphold child protection regulations.
This social media platform positions itself as a leader in youth culture, setting trends for others to follow. However, observations of music, television, and daily life in the UK suggest that TikTok is embracing a new wave of nostalgia.
The music and television of the 2000s have been rediscovered by Gen X and older Millennials, with Gen Z being the first to engage with this content.
“Sex and The City,” which aired from 1999 to 2004, now boasts 108,000 videos on the platform, doubling its count over the past year. “Gossip Girl,” running from 2007 to 2012, has 120,000 videos, while “Gilmore Girls,” from 2000 to 2007, has amassed 1 million related videos. “The Vampire Diaries,” which aired for eight years until 2017, has generated over 2 million discussions in video form.
Additionally, the revival of the British show “Skins,” a drama about Bristol teenagers that first aired in 2007, has gained significant attention.
Lily Hall, Programs and Insights Manager for TikTok UK, Ireland, and Nordics, remarked: “Fashion and beauty continue to be dominant themes, and we see a rise in interest for older music, television shows, and films as users seek comfort and authenticity from the past.”
“Currently, classic series are thriving on the platform. We’ve reintroduced this new generation to beloved old TV shows, while older users are sharing their favorites again.”
TikTok’s focus on “Britcore” content reflects the increasing demand for 2000s nostalgia, with creators sharing videos related to fashion and lifestyle, childhood toys, and discontinued snacks like pink and white mouse sweets and Cadbury animal crackers.
Crime dramas have also seen a significant impact, with a 70% increase in related videos over the past year.
The viral success of puberty content, which was collectively created in one take, has resulted in 76,000 associated videos. Other creators have revived themes from series like “Code of Silence” and “Kin.”
Interestingly, a song recorded 64 years ago, initially seen as merely a B-side, found new life on the platform. “Who’s Sorry Now” by Connie Francis has captured the attention of a younger audience, especially after the 87-year-old artist joined TikTok herself.
The track has gone viral on the platform, racking up video productions totaling over 20 million views. This resurgence occurs 65 years after Francis became the first woman to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. TikTok notes that the song has been used as a soundtrack for positive content featuring family and pets.
“This demonstrates that the TikTok community transcends genres and ages,” says Sheemashidiki, Artist Partnership Manager at TikTok. “Whether a song was released last month or decades ago, what matters is that the community can engage creatively with it.”
Email accounts have evolved beyond a traditional communication method; they are now central to the digital experience, as users access countless services ranging from shopping to social media. Therefore, forgetting a password or having your email compromised can lead to significant issues.
If you find yourself in such a situation, follow these steps to regain access to your email and secure other linked accounts.
What to do as soon as you discover your account has been compromised
Attempt to change your password from a device where you are still logged in.
Utilize familiar devices that you often use to access your email, such as your home computer or Wi-Fi-connected phones. It’s advisable to use the same browser if you have multiple installations.
Follow the account recovery process provided by your email service: Google or Microsoft. If possible, leverage your account or phone to access.
Even partial answers to recovery questions can be helpful, so provide as much information as you can, including any old passwords you may recall. Both Google and Microsoft offer guidance for this process. It may take up to 24 hours for account verification for recovery.
If all else fails, create a new email account to facilitate swift migration of your logins across various platforms and services.
Once you regain access to your account or create a new one, take the following steps
Create a unique, strong password for your email account. It should contain a minimum of 12 characters, with a mix of letters, numbers, and special symbols. Consider using Random Word Combinations or memorable lyrics and quotes, avoiding simple or easy-to-guess combinations. Use a password manager to keep track of it and other vital information.
Enable two-step verification using an app for generating codes instead of SMS text messages. Ensure you store the backup code securely.
Consider using a PassKey for authentication, which leverages devices or biometrics instead of traditional passwords, making it harder to compromise.
If you encounter issues logging in, set up a recovery email address and phone number to assist in regaining access.
It’s advisable to establish as many security questions as your account permits and answer them comprehensively. Make a note of your answers in a secure location.
Microsoft’s newest Surface laptops are compact and affordable, allowing users to enjoy many of the great features of their larger counterparts in a more portable format, while still delivering impressive performance.
The Surface Laptop 13-inch model features the latest 7th generation laptops, available in 13.8″ and 15″ sizes released last summer. It sits at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at £899 (1,099 Euro/$900/$1,699), making it an attractive option.
The design of the new 13-inch model blends elements from both the Laptop Go and its larger siblings. It features a glossy LCD touchscreen that, while not the brightest or clearest, looks great for its size. The smooth aluminum surface includes a full-size keyboard that provides a premium typing experience, outclassing many competitors.
The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The generously-sized trackpad is smooth and precise, though it features an older hinge design that some might find less tactile compared to newer models from bigger competitors. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, although clicking can be a bit awkward.
The speakers are impressive for the device’s size, and the 1080p webcam performs well even if you don’t utilize Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.
Specifications
Screen: 13in LCD 1920 x 1280 (178 ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores)
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 256 or 512GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Camera: 1080p front
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-A, 2X USB-C (3.2), Headphones
Size: 285.7 x 214.1 x 15.6mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Snapdragon X Plus
The laptop takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge using a 60W or higher power adapter (not included), achieving 50% battery in just 36 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 13-inch model is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with 8 cores (compared to 10 in larger models). While it may not lead in raw performance, it holds up well against Intel’s offerings and is sufficiently fast for a laptop of this size. Under typical workloads, it remains quiet and efficient, delivering approximately 14 hours of usage with multiple browser tabs and apps open. This is nearly double the battery life of its Intel-based predecessor and rivals Apple’s MacBook Air.
For resource-intensive tasks like large photo editing or other creative software, expect battery life to decrease by nearly half.
The Surface Laptop includes two USB-C (3.2) ports and a USB-A port, suitable for devices of this size. Notably, it lacks USB4/Thunderbolt support and instead uses USB-C for charging.
Windows 11 on Arm
Recall lets you use your timeline or search to revisit what you were doing in various apps. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The Surface runs Windows 11 effectively, avoiding the clutter of unnecessary features and software that often plague competitors. However, there are some compatibility issues with apps designed for ARM processors, like the Snapdragon model, that don’t affect those running on Intel or AMD’s x86 architecture.
Applications that aren’t specifically designed for ARM must run in emulation mode, which can slow them down significantly. Lightweight x86 applications like Evernote perform adequately but lag behind their ARM-native counterparts.
Many popular applications have ARM versions that perform seamlessly, including Google Drive. Until recently, Google Drive was not compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s essential to check for app-specific issues, especially in the creative field, as many major games, including Fortnite, face incompatibility with ARM chips.
Using Copilot in the Edge browser, instead of performing a Google search, you can ask questions related to the site you are currently visiting. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The laptop boasts a Copilot+PC feature that includes an array of Microsoft AI tools. This encompasses a recall function that captures snapshots of your activities, allowing you to revisit what was displayed at specific moments. Users can search recalls using natural language and interact with text, images, or data—like reopening websites browsed in the past.
This feature is opt-in and safely stores screenshots locally on a device protected by fingerprint security, which helps prevent the capture of sensitive information. However, some individuals may view this as a privacy risk.
Other AI tools echo those available on previous Surface models, including a sketch recognition system that can transform hand-drawn sketches into refined artwork. The standout tool is Copilot, integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Word and others in the Office Suite, provided you have a subscription. It functions as a cross between a search tool and an AI assistant, capable of performing tasks like converting data into tables or enhancing written content while working exclusively within Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Clicking serves as a new and efficient way to interact with images, objects, and text on your screen. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
Microsoft’s new “Click to do it” feature allows users to press the Windows button and click on an item on the screen to initiate an action. For example, you can use Paint to remove the background from an image or rewrite text with AI. More features are expected to roll out later this year, providing a quicker and more intuitive way to perform AI tasks on your PC.
Sustainability
The sleek aluminum lid appears premium, especially in its purple variant. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 (€1,099/$899.99/$1,699). Orders will ship starting June 10th.
In comparison, the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch costs around £944, the Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at £799, and the Surface Pro 13-inch retails for £1,029. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is available for £999.
Verdict
The Surface Laptop 13-inch offers a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s impressive Windows 11 experience.
The overall feel of the device closely resembles its larger sibling, boasting premium materials, a high-quality keyboard, and a clean Windows 11 interface. The 13-inch touchscreen is good but not as exceptional as those on larger models, and the older design of the trackpads still proves functional. Microsoft’s AI tools are evolving, but may not be a decisive factor in purchasing this device.
While the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt and facial recognition might be seen as drawbacks, the relatively lower price compensates for this, just like the less powerful chip. It’s sufficient for everyday productivity tasks and offers impressive battery life, allowing for two full working days between charges. Arm chips come with potential app compatibility concerns that should be examined prior to purchase.
Overall, the Surface Laptop is a delightful device. However, at £900 or its equivalent, it isn’t the cheapest option, and it’s worth considering whether larger, more capable models can be had for a similar price.
Pros: Clean Windows 11 interface, exceptional keyboard, decent trackpad, impressive speakers, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, solid screen, fingerprint reader, long battery life, and good performance enhanced by AI features.
Cons: Compatibility issues with ARM-based apps and games, potential for higher performance from larger siblings, absence of facial recognition, lack of USB4 support, older trackpad design, and slightly expensive for what it offers.
The refined design and premium materials set the Surface Laptop apart from the competition. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Greetings and welcome to TechScape. This week, I’ve been contemplating how different my initial foray into journalism would have been if generative AI had existed. Additionally, Elon Musk leaves a trail of perplexity behind him, while influencers explore the art of selling texts that inspire AI-generated artwork.
AI Endangers the Jobs of Recent Graduates
Executives within Genetic Artificial Intelligence shared rigorous evaluations of the entry-level job landscape last week, indicating that the positions secured with degrees might soon be at risk.
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has developed the versatile AI model Claude. In an interview with Axios last week, he projected that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs, potentially driving the overall unemployment rate to 20% within five years. A possible explanation for such alarming forecasts from AI executives may be linked to their desire to amplify the appeal of their products, suggesting they possess the capability to dismantle significant corporate structures.
Should your purchasing and employment choices align with Amodei’s vision, consider investing in his products and stay ahead of the productivity curve. Amodei announced a new iteration of CEO CLOUDE the very same week he shared these insights. Similarly, OpenAI’s Sam Altman has adopted a comparable strategy.
Nonetheless, voices outside the AI creation circle reflect Amodei’s warnings. Steve Bannon, an influential podcast host and former Trump administration member, echoed Amodei’s concerns, suggesting that automated employment will pose a significant challenge in the 2028 US presidential campaign. A March report from the Washington Post indicated that over a quarter of all US programming positions had vanished over two years, attributing this trend to the disruptive impact of ChatGPT’s release in late 2022.
A few days before Amodei’s comments, a LinkedIn executive provided a stark evaluation based on data from the social network. A New York Times essay emphasized, “You can observe the Lang below your career’s ladder.”
“Growing evidence points to artificial intelligence posing a genuine threat to a substantial number of jobs traditionally assigned to new graduates,” stated Anesh Raman, LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer.
The US Federal Reserve recently released findings regarding the job market for college graduates in the first quarter of 2025. The Federal Reserve’s report indicated, “The labor market for college graduates deteriorated significantly in the first quarter of 2025, with the unemployment rate rising to 5.8%, the highest level since 2021.” The Fed did not specify any particular causes for this decline.
AI’s influence on entry-level roles is likely to result in a restructuring of these positions. The job market might oscillate between Amodei’s bleak outlook and the pre-ChatGPT era. Familiarity with AI will become essential, akin to proficiency in Microsoft Office, and employers will expect enhanced productivity standards. If a robot can handle the majority of the tasks assigned to a junior software engineer, it will necessitate a fivefold increase in output, similar to the previous expectations.
In late April, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella claimed that AI is responsible for 30% of Microsoft’s code. This could signify the future landscape of software development. While it may hold some truth, it is also plausible that Nadella, leading a company capitalizing on the AI boom, is exaggerating its contributions in an effort to market it. Mark Zuckerberg from Meta has made even bolder assertions, suggesting that his company may no longer require mid-level coders by the end of 2025, following a 5% staff reduction.
Last year’s photo of Meta director Mark Zuckerberg. Photo: Manuel Orbegozo/Reuters
Nevertheless, the immediate transition can be quite challenging. Recent graduates may find themselves ill-equipped, as their educational experiences did not emphasize AI, leading employers to doubt their preparedness for this evolving job landscape.
This predicament is not solely the fault of graduates; employers often remain unclear about their expectations surrounding AI. Axios has been investigating Amodei’s forecast, detailing how AI job cuts are advancing rapidly. Companies are hopeful that they can find alternatives to hiring employees by banking on AI’s capacity to fulfill similar roles.
An example from journalism might serve as a cautionary tale. Entry-level journalism jobs often involve compiling news from various sources in a manner consistent with the employing organization. AI can perform this task effectively when accuracy is ensured. When I first began, I spent several years refining my skills in this area. The trends indicated by Amodei’s claims resonate within our industry, where entry-level positions are in decline. Recently, Business Insider, a digital publication focused on finance and business news, terminated 20% of its workforce, with CEO Barbara Penn asserting the newsroom will prioritize “AI-first” strategies.
Axios itself highlights revelations concerning its own AI policies during an Amodei interview.
“Axios requests that managers clarify why AI is not suitable for particular tasks before allowing it to proceed,” the disclosure notes. The parentheses signal awareness that involving AI in the writing process could be detrimental to the brand. It further indicates that there may be no intention of refilling vacant positions, suggesting that AI may soon be expected to fill those roles.
This Week in AI
Musk’s Departure Leaves a Chaotic Mark
Elon Musk at the White House in April. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Last week, Elon Musk inferred his resignation from the White House, announcing the end of his controversial tenure as the de facto director of the “Doctor of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) under President Trump. Following his announcement, Trump convened a press conference to facilitate his departure. According to The New York Times, Musk claimed he had a drug that was heavily utilized during the campaign.
My colleague Nick Robbins noted the chaos left in Musk’s wake:
As Musk departed, he orchestrated the disruption of a half-formed strategy, dismantling institutions hindered by his allies implanted in key federal posts. His exit has already induced disorder within the government and heightened uncertainty, sparking inquiries about the extent of the vague task force’s influence in his absence—while others scramble to realign programs and services he obliterated.
Musk’s initial DOGE pitch aimed to save $2 trillion from the budget by eliminating excessive waste and fraud, alongside modernizing government software to enhance agency operations. So far, DOGE asserts it will yield approximately $140 billion in savings, although its claims have been criticized for significant inaccuracies. Trump’s new tax policies, not linked to DOGE, are projected to outpace DOGE’s savings while adding $2.3 trillion to the deficit. The promise of new, modernized software frequently centers around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, which are already in use by the Biden administration.
Ultimately, DOGE’s primary impact remains the disassembly of crucial government services and humanitarian support. Its cuts have targeted essential organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Officials responsible for weather predictions and disaster management have been put in jeopardy, similar to the protections offered to the Veterans Affairs Bureau. Numerous smaller agencies, including those managing homelessness policy within the Veterans Affairs Bureau, have faced shutdowns. DOGE’s measures have crippled numerous agencies, leaving uncertainty regarding whether Musk’s departing staff are tasked with updating services or merely shutting them down.
As Musk re-engages with Tesla and SpaceX, the organizations he has dismantled are left to tackle the remnants of his decisions.
As Musk resumes leadership of his tech ventures, many former employees and inexperienced engineers recruited for DOGE will still be entrenched within government departments. A prominent concern about DOGE’s future revolves around whether these staff members maintain access to sensitive government data, preserving the same authority they wielded under Musk.
Read the timeline for Musk’s ventures in Washington.
Navigating Misinformation
Influencers Selling AI Art Prompts
ChatGPT logo featured on a keyboard. Photo: Jaque Silva/Nurphoto/Rex/Shutterstock
Would you consider purchasing instructions for ChatGPT?
Two weeks ago, the Instagram account @voidstomper, known for grotesque AI-generated videos and boasting 2.2 million followers, began selling unique prompts. The offer included ten prompts that contributed to the generation of the AI-powered videos posted by the account.
voidstomper remarked, “I initially hesitated to sell these, but I’m broke and they’re still going viral. Ten horrifying raw prompts I used, which garnered millions of views. Some may be illogical, but I utilize them across all AI video platforms.” The account manager has not responded to interview requests.
It’s not an isolated case. There is a burgeoning market for selling AI prompts. According to Promptbase founder Ben Stokes, the platform currently features around 20,000 sellers participating. Thousands of prompts are sold monthly, with writers compensating for their creations since 2022.
voidstomper marketed prompts designed for specific video creations, whereas buyers receive generalized templates rather than finite directives, as stated by Stokes.
“For instance, if a prompt is for creating a vintage-style poster of a renowned landmark, it will include a section like [LANDMARK NAME]. You could customize it with your local pier or any landmark you choose to depict,” he explained.
However, why would one purchase a text string that they could input themselves?
“Certain groups seek out high-quality, robust prompts for business applications. They wish to effectively integrate AI into their products or workflows. This typically necessitates prompts that yield consistent and reliable outputs. While the general perception is that ChatGPT is free, running sufficient generations to achieve a desired result could be expensive for businesses. Thus, investing in a prompt can be a more economical solution.
Even within the niche of AI-generated art, some view the selling of prompts as absurd. Holyfool36, an Instagram and TikTok influencer previously featured in this newsletter, expressed his distaste for such practices via email: “Frankly, I find it disappointing for the art community. Generating AI doesn’t require specialized skills; most people can figure out how to adapt prompts themselves without any cost.”
“I know voidstomper personally and have interacted with him frequently. I advised that the best way to monetize this would be to sell authentic and tangible products related to that brand.
The music industry is currently facing a struggle, particularly regarding the operations of streaming services, with unsuspecting indie artists caught in the crossfire.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are inundated with AI-generated tracks, which are cheap and easy to produce. In April, Deather estimated that 20,000 fully AI-created tracks—making up 18% of new releases—were being consumed daily, nearly double the number from January. Scammers often employ bots, AI, or even humans to loop these fake songs repeatedly to generate revenue, while some exploit upload services to place counterfeit songs on legitimate artist pages, siphoning off royalties.
Spotify has begun penalizing the most egregious offenders, with the statement that it is utilizing “significant engineering resources and investigations into the detection, mitigation, and removal of artificial streaming activities.” Meanwhile, Apple Music contends that “less than 1% of all streams are manipulated.” While this might sound reassuring, the global streaming business generated $20.4 billion (according to IFPI), indicating that hundreds of millions of dollars could be lost annually to fraudulent operators.
One significant issue arises from the drastically lowered entry barriers for musicians; uploading a song to streaming platforms is now much simpler than producing CDs and vinyl. However, this ease has similarly afforded fraudsters an easier path. Though the industry has declared war on this manipulation, the automatic detection systems can mistakenly flag innocent artists, leading to their music being taken down.
Spotify’s headquarters in New York. Photo: John Nacion Imaging/Shutterstock
Darren Owen, COO of music streaming service Fuga, identified a “surge in streaming scams” spreading throughout the industry since around 2021.
Utilizing AI and machine learning, FUGA assigns a “severity score” to streaming patterns and distinguishes “nonhuman listening habits” to uncover fraudulent activities. “I wouldn’t listen to the same song on different devices at once,” Owen states. Countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, and certain areas in Eastern Europe have been flagged as hotspots for click-farm operations utilizing low-wage labor. “It’s also been revealed that organized crime is involved,” he adds.
It’s not just platforms like Germany’s Pimpyourfollower.de, which was taken down following a court order. Similar services in Canada and Brazil are also facing scrutiny from record industry trade organizations for inflating streaming numbers artificially. Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest record label, has allegedly conspired to boost play counts for Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “None Like Us.”
The Guardian has spoken with several artists who find themselves in the firing line of this manipulation war.
Darren Hemmings, managing director and musician at the music marketing company Motive Unknown, reported that a recent EP saw a track’s plays spike over 1,000—an indication of manipulation. “I don’t blame them for concluding that,” he says, but adds, “it’s very much like being judged, tried, and executed all at once.” He insists he did not manipulate his streams but couldn’t identify the cause aside from climbing popularity among real listeners.
The Northern Irish rock band Final 13 experienced their music being removed from streaming services due to a sudden spike of tens of thousands of plays. They believe this surge resulted from airplay on Radio 1, yet concluded their distributors were caught up in automated manipulation. “It’s really tough for any artist to prove they didn’t [manipulate streams], but it’s even more challenging for Spotify to justify what they did,” remarks their drummer, Doubes. “[They] take it down, and that’s the end of it.”
Matthew Whiteside at night… Photo: Julie Houden
Indie artist Adam J. Morgan, known as Naked Burner, earned over 10,000 streams in a week, likely due to his music being featured in TikTok videos, but was flagged as suspicious by distributor Routenote. “I hadn’t done anything wrong, and they offered no evidence,” he states, suspecting that it was simply due to an overly sensitive algorithm. “I spent the weekend trying to understand the problem, but Spotify informed me that my music wasn’t flagged at all.” Routenote did not respond to a request for comment.
Such takedowns can disrupt musicians, hinder marketing efforts, and ultimately affect earnings. Matthew Whiteside, who heads TNW Music Label, has faced claims of artificial streaming for three different albums. He noted that TNW Music tracks had been included in a controlled playlist. “It didn’t make sense based on genre. My distributor said I could resubmit the album for $40 each time, but that’s not feasible without assurance of success.”
“Streaming generally favors smaller acts and niche genres,” he observes. “I’d be thrilled to get 1,000 streams a month with an album.” Consequently, paying to re-upload an album can be beyond the release budget.
Deezer claims to be leading the way in implementing fraud detection mechanisms. “We monitor various metrics to help our algorithms determine user authenticity,” says Thibault Roucou, reporting director at the company’s royalties department. “When we initiate a takedown, we manually review the situation to ensure it’s a serious issue.”
Regrettably, many systems that execute takedowns often presume guilt, and the appeal processes can be so complicated that many small acts, already struggling, simply give up. Levina, who represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017, experienced her music being removed from streaming platforms without any warning. “Appealing against them is nearly impossible,” she sighs.
Levina is the chairman of the Artist Council in the Association of High-profile Artists. Photo: Sam Rockman
She is also the chair of the Artists Council within the Feature Artists Coalition, working to establish “minimum standards for what distributors should provide.” She suggests implementing a traffic light warning system, allowing artists the opportunity to present their defense or rectify issues.
Streaming platforms and distributors assert that the focus is on containment rather than complete removal. However, Owen notes that the current issue isn’t solely about scammers perpetrating large-scale manipulations but involves subtle adjustments to numerous tracks to avoid detection.
For Hemmings, this situation could result in a two-tier streaming landscape where smaller acts abandon mainstream platforms. “This might lead to the conclusion that focusing on alternative revenue streams is a wiser choice for many within the independent music community.”
Lawmakers have accused Apple and Google of benefiting from millions of pounds linked to mobile phone theft operations that police claim are orchestrated by organized crime networks in the UK, Algeria, and China.
In London alone, 80,000 mobile devices were stolen in 2024, marking a significant increase from 64,000 in 2023—an uptick of a quarter. The total street value of these devices is estimated to be around £20 million, with iPhones constituting the majority of the thefts.
During a session of the House of Representatives’ Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police indicated that smartphone manufacturers should actively work to diminish the resale value of stolen devices. They noted that companies are starting to prevent stolen phones from accessing cloud services, which could help in this regard.
However, despite calls for action since 2023, the companies have yet to respond positively, commented Darren Scates, the Metropolitan Police’s chief officer for digital data and technology.
“We’ve observed significant community impact,” remarked Martin Wrigley, a liberal Democrat on the committee. “[The companies] should implement this immediately, without excuses.”
When questioned about their inaction, representatives from the companies highlighted existing security features aimed at protecting customer data.
Simon Wingrove, Google’s software engineering manager, asserted that their system is “robust and highly effective.”
Gary Davis, Apple’s senior director of regulatory affairs, acknowledged that account disconnection due to fraud poses a challenge, as it can delete accounts that unauthorized users wish to regain access to.
Kit Malthouse, a Conservative former police minister, suggested that Apple has a strong commercial incentive to maintain the status quo, stating that the £50 million loss from stolen phones in London each year favors their business model.
He also proposed that Apple may be profiting from providing services to a vast number of users who own stolen mobile phones worldwide.
In response, Davis asserted: “We do not profit from this situation. We must reject the notion that users can somehow gain from the distress of having their phones stolen. We have invested hundreds of millions to ensure user protections.”
The Metropolitan Police reported a 15% decline in all types of thefts during April and May, with roughly two-thirds of mobile phone thefts decreasing. Commander James Conway cautioned that this is a “tentative reduction,” attributing it to enhanced police focus on mobile theft and user safety. Scotland Yard recently acquired a fleet of high-speed electric bikes to pursue thieves more effectively.
Conway noted that theft and robbery are “easy crimes to commit” in London, citing how young adults can use high-powered e-bikes to swiftly package stolen phones in silver foil or Faraday bags to evade detection, then transfer them to mid-market resellers.
The majority of stolen phones are high-end Apple models, with police estimating that such devices are sold on the streets for between £300 and £400. The trade is driven by the relatively high costs of phone usage in low-income regions. Over 90% of stolen mobile phones are reused, while the remainder is dismantled for parts, with screens being particularly valuable.
The hearing began as Malthouse witnessed an attempted phone theft by two masked individuals on a bike while en route to Congress on Tuesday morning.
oOn a recent Saturday afternoon in Kampala’s informal settlement in Uganda’s capital, a crowd of young men gathered on benches inside a dimly lit shed to enjoy the pirated version of the Hollywood comedy horror film “The Monkey.”
As the English action played out on the screen, a narrated translation in Bantu Luganda by VJ Junior, one of Uganda’s leading video jockeys, reverberated throughout the room.
By freely translating films and TV shows for local audiences, VJ Junior has become a key figure in the TV and film culture across rural and low-income areas of East Africa.
These VJs act as part narrators and part comedians, often simplifying scripts and placing them in relatable contexts. For instance, they might replace a character’s name with that of a local individual or swap out a Western concept for a Ugandan analogy.
Ugandans will view the film “The Monkey” in April at a video hall in Katwe, Kampala. Photo: Carlos Mureithi/The Guardian
In one notable scene, a father discusses his son’s absence, stating, “So I’m away because I have to carry all sorts of weird baggage and deal with it,” to which he adds, “It’s the bad… the evil… that I’ve inherited from my father, and I don’t want to share that with you.”
VJ Junior summarized this moment with: “The reason I didn’t want to be with you is that I am weighed down by burdens. I inherited mental anguish, demonic influences, curses, and more from my father.”
VJs have the ability to infuse humor, exaggeration, and distinctive sound effects into their translations, sometimes diverging significantly from the original script.
Having grown up in Kampala during the 1990s, VJ Junior, born Mary Smart Matobu, developed a passion for film and frequently enjoyed Hollywood movies translated by VJs.
VJ Junior shares that his role involves “helping people understand, entertain, and draw inspiration from films.” Photo: Carlos Mureithi/The Guardian
In 2006, he entered the field, inheriting a recording studio from his older brother, VJ Ronnie, and later moved to the U.S. to pursue filmmaking. He recalled that his debut as a VJ, while working on “Rambo III,” “lacked finesse,” but he enhanced his skills by studying iconic figures like KK The Best and VJ Jingo.
VJ Junior’s big break came in 2009 with the translation of “Promise,” a Filipino soap opera for local channel Bukedde TV. “It was a massive success and became a significant brand for me,” the 40-year-old noted. “People began to trust my work.”
rRonnie’s Entertainment, the bustling video store in Katwe, drew shoppers eager to browse shelves crammed with thousands of VJ DVDs. Employees were busy copying movies onto customers’ flash drives. A DVD would sell for 2,000 Ugandan shillings (£0.41), with the flash drive copy costing 1,000 shillings.
Shop owner Ronald Zentongo reported vending hundreds of films and television shows daily, revealing that blockbuster titles include Marvel films and series like “Prison Break” and “24.” “Customers eagerly anticipate VJ Junior’s translations.”
The culture of Ugandan video jockeys emerged from the colonial practice where evangelists provided microphones to translate Christian films for local audiences. The 1980s saw the rise of video halls as VHS foreign films became more accessible. To bridge the language gap, video hall operators enlisted VJs to translate these films into local languages in real time.
With advancements in technology, VJs have transitioned from VHS to VCDs, and now to DVDs and flash drives. Numerous websites have popped up, allowing viewers to stream and download content via subscriptions.
The industry is also diversifying; some VJs are now dubbing Ugandan films and TV shows, with new VJs translating into languages beyond Luganda, the predominant language in the country.
A DVD being sold at Ronnie Entertainment. Photo: Carlos Mureithi/The Guardian
By adapting foreign films and series for Ugandan viewers, VJs foster a sense of belonging, as noted by Imokola John Baptist, a lecturer at Makerere University. His research suggests audiences feel valued, recognized, and acknowledged, though he cautions against over-translation that may obscure core themes and messages.
Video jockeys and their distributors often find themselves at odds with authorities over copyright infringements, facing the risk of police raids on video stores leading to confiscation of DVDs and copying equipment. VJ Junior expressed that copyright issues pose significant hurdles for his business, making it “incredibly challenging” to obtain dubbing rights for foreign films.
Describing the VJ’s contribution to Ugandan society as pivotal in “helping individuals to understand, entertain, and inspire,” VJ Junior stated he typically dubs around 10 films and TV episodes each week.
“Research is essential. You need to be informed, educated,” he remarks about the skills vital for his role. “The industry is expanding, and the demand is increasing.”
tOne intriguing aspect of the console launch is the element of surprise in the first batch of games. Who could have guessed that the standout title for PlayStation would be Fireworks Simulation (Fantavision), or that the most entertaining offering in the inaugural GameCube lineup would involve racing with gigantic, transparent gloves (Super Monkey Balls)?
The most recent addition to this mix is Konami’s Survival Kids, the sole new third-party title in the Switch 2 Opening Wave. This latest entry in the cult series of Tropical Island Survival Sims by the publisher originates from Game Boy Color and was revised for the Nintendo DS under a new moniker, despite not achieving widespread international success. Players, in groups of up to four, find themselves marooned on a mystical archipelago, requiring them to gather resources, craft tools, locate food, and explore vibrant cartoon landscapes. While four players can join online, the game also supports game sharing on Switch 2, allowing one owner to connect wirelessly with others and play together.
A vibrant, manga-style setting… it’s still from Survival Kids.
Photo: Konami Digital Entertainment
Andrew Dennison, the head of game developer Unity, considers this feature to be one of the key highlights of Switch 2. “With Splitscreen, a single console renders two different game views,” he explains. “With GameShare, one view can be compressed and streamed. It renders everything three times and transmits it to the other consoles. As long as you understand the specifications of the technology, the advantages of GameShare are enjoyable. You don’t have to own the game to play.”
In contrast to survival games like Don’t Starve or Project Zomboid (or even Lost in Blue), Survival Kids does not impose lethal consequences. Although a shortage of food will slow your progress, you won’t actually starve to death. If you perish, you simply respawn nearby. “We wanted to ensure the game is enjoyable for players of all skill levels,” Dennison adds. “It’s a balancing act. I don’t want to bore experienced gamers, but I aim to streamline challenges without oversimplifying them to the point of being irrelevant.” Due to a strict NDA surrounding Switch 2 hardware, developers had limited access to external testers, resulting in Dennison testing the game within his niece and finance department.
Collaboration is key… Survival Kids
Photo: Konami Digital Entertainment
Crafting tools plays a vital role. By combining vines and sticks, players can create a fishing rod for useful items. Building an umbrella allows navigation across wide canyons. There’s no cumbersome item management; players can simply retrieve what they need from a magical spit bucket. All tools are organized in Basecamp rather than menus, allowing easy access to essentials.
Much like Overcooked, Survival Kids emphasizes streamlined cooperation and well-split tasks. It’s quicker for two individuals to chop wood and break rocks, thus establishing a labor team. Meanwhile, a culinary expert is essential for gathering plants and preparing food, which fuels the energy required for climbing cliffs and transporting heavy items. “We’ve put a lot of effort into enhancing our customer experience,” remarks Richard Jones, creative director at Konami Digital Entertainment. “This is how Basecamp functions as a communal spot. It’s essentially a shared kitchen.”
Unlike many contemporary survival sims, Survival Kids is not entirely open-ended. The objective is to explore multiple islands, providing a sense of an escape room. Players can also revisit levels for extra attempts. Despite its family-friendly appearance, the game features intriguing, challenging physics-based puzzles with various solutions. Additionally, it maintains a playful tone and humor. This is likely due to the fact that many developers at Dennison and Unity’s Stratford-Upon-Avon office previously came from Codemasters and Rare.
Will Konami bring more classic titles to Switch 2? “I know there are other Konami teams that are keen on this platform, and we can support them,” says Jones. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for at least two more projects from Konami.” For now, Survival Kids appears to be an excellent pilot for family game sharing on the new console.
In a significant shift, Marc Maron has revealed that he will be concluding his widely acclaimed podcast WTF with Marc Maron after running for nearly 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. The series finale is set to air later this year.
“After 16 years of podcasting, we’ve decided it’s been an incredible journey,” Maron stated during a recent episode. “Honestly, it’s time, folks. The WTF era is coming to a close. That’s our choice. Expect a final episode in the fall.”
Maron shared that he and his producer Brendan McDonald are feeling “exhausted” and “burned out,” yet they are “very satisfied with the work we’ve accomplished.”
When Maron launched WTF in 2009, he was already an experienced stand-up comic, having had his Air America radio shows cancelled. He began recording in his garage. Initially, WTF delved into Maron’s emotions as he connected with fellow comedians, revealing his anxieties about his career, relationships, and feelings of abandonment.
With Maron’s increased openness, the podcast transitioned from his personal struggles, including his battle with addiction, to more profound discussions related to creativity and fulfillment. The show attracted a diverse array of actors, directors, and musicians, and Maron’s conversational style inspired even the most notable guests to share untold stories.
For those looking to indulge, there are 1,600 episodes of WTF available (though earlier episodes may be behind a paywall). The highlights typically feature (male) comedians, including Conan O’Brien, Mel Brooks, and Norm MacDonald. However, some episodes, like those with Courtney Love and Ben Kingsley, haven’t been as well-received. Here are five standout episodes:
President Barack Obama recorded a WTF episode in Maron’s garage in Los Angeles. Photo: Pete Souza/White House
This episode is a landmark in podcasting, showcasing how powerful the medium can be, even attracting a sitting US president to discuss issues like parenthood, racism, and gun control in a Los Angeles garage. It’s as impactful as the subsequent episode, The President Was Here, where Maron and McDonald share experiences with the Secret Service.
In this poignant interview, Williams opens up about his battles with depression, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts. Maron later re-released it with a new introduction following Williams’ passing in 2014, and it was inducted into the Library of Congress National Records Register.
Over two captivating hours in 2010, Maron and Louis CK embarked on a therapeutic dialogue reflecting on their fractured friendship. CK expressed feelings of abandonment during a challenging period, while Maron acknowledged his hopes for CK’s success. Slate regards it as the best podcast episode ever; Maron himself, however, felt it wasn’t the best interview but found it personally beneficial.
This episode captured Maron’s initial meeting with indie filmmaker Shelton. At the time, they were both involved with others, but the chemistry was undeniable. They later fell in love and remained together until her tragic passing in 2020 from an undiagnosed blood disorder at age 54. Maron chose to re-release the interview shortly after her death, reflecting on their bond.
Known for roles like Joe Dirt and as the charmingly lascivious character in several films, Spade reveals his true humor in this episode. He shares a surprising personal story about being attacked at home, showcasing his knack for storytelling. “I had to cut him back to two days a week after that,” Spade recalls.
The iPhone designer has pledged that his upcoming AI-infused device will be guided by the belief that “humanity is better,” acknowledging his sense of “responsibility” for certain adverse effects of contemporary technology.
Sir Jony Ive mentioned that his new collaboration with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, aims to refresh its technological optimism amidst growing unease regarding the repercussions of smartphones and social media.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the London-born designer refrained from disclosing specifics about the devices he is working on at OpenAI but voiced concerns over people’s interactions with certain high-tech products.
“Many people would agree that there is an uncomfortable relationship with technology today,” he stated. He further emphasized that the design of the device is motivated by the notion that “we deserve better; humanity deserves better.”
However, Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple, expressed his feelings of accountability for the adverse effects produced by modern tech products. “Some of the negative outcomes were unintended, but I still feel responsible, and that drives my determination to create something beneficial.”
He added, “Whenever you create something new or innovate, the outcomes will be unpredictable; some will be wonderful, while others may cause harm.”
Just last month, Ive finalized the sale of hardware startup IO to OpenAI in a $6.4 billion (£4.7 billion) transaction, illustrating his creative and design leadership within the merged entity.
In a video announcing the deal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referred to the prototype devised by Ive as “the coolest technology the world has ever seen.”
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the device would be reportedly screenless, designed to be worn around the neck, and “compact and elegant like an iPod shuffle.” Mass production is projected to commence in 2027.
According to The Wall Street Journal, this device is fully attuned to the user’s environment and life, described as a third essential device for users after the MacBook Pro and iPhone.
Ive, who began his journey at Apple in 1992, expressed that the OpenAI partnership has rekindled his optimism regarding the potential of technology.
“When I first arrived here, it was a place where people genuinely aimed to serve humanity, inspire individuals, and aid creativity; that was my draw. I don’t sense that spirit here currently,” he remarked.
Ive was interviewed alongside Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
She remarked, “We observe research being conducted solely focusing on the surge of anxiety and mental health challenges among teenage girls and young people.”
Powell Jobs, who invests in Love from Business by Emerson Collective, linked to Ive’s venture, chose not to comment on whether the new OpenAI devices would rival Apple products.
“I still maintain close ties with Apple’s leadership,” she stated. “They are truly commendable individuals, and I hope for their success.”
The proprietors of Facebook and Instagram are set to assist advertisers in fully developing and targeting campaigns using artificial intelligence tools by the end of next year, potentially disrupting the traditional marketing landscape.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, which also owns WhatsApp, aims to directly reach brand marketing budgets and challenge client campaigns and media organizations managing these budgets.
The AI tool currently under development, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, will enable brands utilizing Meta’s advertising platform to generate ads by leveraging product images and planned marketing expenditures.
Meta’s platform already provides various AI tools that allow advertisers to modify existing ads before they go live on Facebook or Instagram.
These new tools could bridge the gap between traditional ad creation, planning, and purchasing roles that agents perform, while also catering to smaller advertisers who cannot afford marketing service companies.
AI tools will be capable of generating complete ads, including images, videos, and text, targeting users based on the client’s budget.
For instance, targeting parameters such as geolocation can allow holiday companies to tailor advertisements that are particularly relevant to destinations appealing to users.
Following the announcement of Meta’s planned AI rollout, investors quickly divested from some of the world’s largest marketing services.
WPP shares dropped 3% during early trading, while French firms Publicis Groupe and Havas saw declines of 3.9% and 3%, respectively.
Zuckerberg, emphasizing the shift towards AI-driven advertising, describes the evolution of these tools as a “redefinition of advertising categories.”
In April, Meta revised its financial outlook for next year, announcing plans to invest between $64 billion and $720 billion in capital expenditures, which include the costs associated with building AI infrastructure.
The company had initially projected expenses of up to $650 billion in 2025.
A study by The Guardian has revealed that over 50% of the most popular TikTok videos offering mental health advice are misleading.
As more individuals seek mental health support on social media, research has shown that numerous influencers spread misinformation, including improper treatment terminology, unrealistic “quick fix” solutions, and inaccurate claims.
Those in need of help encounter questionable advice, such as suggestions to eat oranges while showering to alleviate anxiety. Some promote untested supplements like saffron, magnesium glycinate, and sacred basil as remedies for anxiety, along with claims about healing emotional wounds in an hour. Additionally, normal emotional reactions are incorrectly framed as symptoms of borderline personality disorder or abuse.
Lawmakers and experts expressed concern about the findings, stating that social media’s harmful mental health advice is both troubling and dangerous, prompting the government to consider stricter regulations to safeguard citizens from the spread of misinformation.
The Guardian analyzed the top 100 videos associated with the #MentalHealthTips hashtag on TikTok, consulting psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic specialists.
Experts determined that 52 out of those 100 videos provided advice on trauma, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness.
David Okay, a consultant neuropsychiatrist and psychology researcher at King’s College London, examined videos related to anxiety and depression. He noted that some posts misuse treatment language, potentially creating confusion around the true nature of mental illnesses.
Many videos offered broad advice based on limited personal experiences and anecdotal evidence.
The analysis indicated that social media often oversimplifies treatment realities, reducing complex issues to catchy soundbites. Although effective treatments exist, it’s crucial to communicate that there are no quick or one-size-fits-all solutions, he emphasized.
Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist who reviewed videos on severe mental illness, stated that some content trivializes daily experiences, equating them with serious mental health diagnoses.
“This type of misinformation can mislead viewers and downplay the real challenges faced by those with serious mental illnesses,” he noted.
Amber Johnston, a psychologist recognized by the British Psychological Association who evaluated trauma-related videos, remarked that while many contain valid insights, they often overgeneralize and downplay the complexity of post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma symptoms.
“Each video misleadingly suggests a uniform experience of PTSD that can be neatly summed up in a 30-second clip. The reality is that PTSD and trauma symptoms are uniquely individual and require the attention of a trained professional,” she explained.
“TikTok disseminates misinformation by implying there are universal shortcuts and insights that might actually exacerbate viewers’ issues, rather than provide solutions,” she added.
TikTok stated that videos will be removed if they dissuade users from seeking medical help or endorse harmful treatments. In the UK, when users search for mental health terms like depression or anxiety, they are directed to NHS resources.
Labour MP Chi Onwurah mentioned that the technical committee she leads is investigating misinformation on social media. A survey highlighted serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of online safety laws in combating misleading and harmful online content.
“We know that recommendation algorithms on platforms like TikTok intensify the spread of damaging misinformation, including false mental health advice,” she noted. “Immediate action is needed to address the deficiencies of the Online Safety Act and safeguard public health and safety online.”
Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins concurred with the troubling findings and called on the government to act decisively to shield individuals from harmful misinformation.
Labour MP Paulette Hamilton, chair of the Health and Social Care Selection Committee, also raised concerns about mental health misinformation on social media. “These ‘tips’ should not replace professional, qualified support,” she insisted.
Professor Bernadka Dubicka, online safety lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, noted that while social media can raise awareness, it’s vital that people access health information grounded in the latest evidence from reliable sources. Mental disorders can only be diagnosed through a thorough evaluation by qualified mental health professionals.
A TikTok spokesperson commented, “TikTok is a platform for millions to share their authentic mental health experiences and seek supportive communities. However, we recognize the methodological limitations of this research.”
“We are committed to collaborating with the World Health Organization and NHS health experts to promote accurate information on our platform and to eliminate 98% of harmful misinformation prior to reporting,” they added.
A government representative stated that the minister is “taking steps to minimize the impact of harmful misleading content online” through the new online safety legislation.
The Utah Court of Appeals has sanctioned the attorney after it was found that he utilized ChatGPT in a filing that referenced a fictitious trial.
Earlier this week, the Utah Court of Appeals chose to take action against Richard Bednar following accusations that he submitted a brief with fabricated citations.
Based on reviewed court documents, By ABC4, Bednar along with Douglas Dalbano, another attorney from Utah who represented the petitioners, filed a “timely petition for dialogue appeal.”
Upon examining the summary prepared by the Law Clerk, it was revealed that the respondent’s counsel noted several inaccurate quotes in the case.
“It seems that parts of the petition may have been produced by AI, including citations that do not exist in the legal database (and can only be found in ChatGPT).
The report highlights that the brief cited a case named “Royer v Nelson,” which was absent from any legal database.
After discovering the false citation, Bednar expressed his “apologies” for the “errors present in the petition,” according to documents from the Utah Court of Appeals. During the April hearing, Bednar and his legal team acknowledged, “The petition contained fabricated legal authority acquired from ChatGPT and accepted responsibility for its contents.”
According to Bednar and his legal team, the “unlicensed legal assistant” drafted the outline, and Bednar did not conduct an “independent accuracy check” before filing. ABC4 further reported that Dalbano was not involved in crafting the petition, and the individual responsible for filing was a law school graduate who was subsequently let go from the firm.
The report added that Bednar had offered to cover the relevant attorneys’ fees to “rectify” the situation.
In a statement made public by ABC4, the Utah Court of Appeals commented: “I concur that employing AI for lawsuit preparation is a developing legal research tool that continues to evolve alongside technological advancements. Nonetheless, all attorneys must ensure that court submissions are accurate, emphasizing that claimants’ attorneys are liable for their filings. They included fictitious precedents produced by ChatGPT.”
As a consequence of the false citation, ABC4 reports that Bednar has been ordered to cover the respondent’s attorneys’ fees for the petition and the hearing, refund clients for time spent on preparation and attendance, and donate $1,000 to legal nonprofits and justice initiatives based in Utah.
Zia Yusuf’s message was unequivocal. From the 34th floor of the Shard, with London’s skyline as his backdrop, the chairman of Reform UK unveiled an economic strategy aimed at demonstrating his party’s serious intent.
During a full English breakfast briefing with national journalists on Friday morning, Yusuf pointed out that reform leader Nigel Farage had flown in from a hotel 5,000 miles away in Las Vegas.
As he addressed the press, an outline of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Square Mile surrounding the banks and asset managers was visible. Even if the policy ideas might echo Donald Trump’s initiatives, they are decidedly pulled from the Westminster Playbook.
Yet, the real issue with Yusuf’s message to the city wasn’t the dubious reliability of the code. The West of the Finance — it was the party’s wider tax and spending policies that raised eyebrows.
Yusuf has been polling well, and scrutiny of reform and economic plans is intensifying. Recently, Farage’s tax and spending framework faced criticism from a Labour politician who labeled it as based on the same “fantasy economics” that led to the disruptive outcomes of Liz Truss’s policies.
The fear is that Yusuf and Farage might trigger a financial meltdown akin to the disastrous mini-budget of the former prime minister. Despite the grand view from the Shard, many economists remain skeptical about the practicality of their priorities.
The proposed reforms suggest a massive tax pledge of at least £600 billion. A significant portion of the expenses revolves around raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000, an impressive leap from the current £12,570. Furthermore, they plan to raise the threshold for the UK’s 40% higher tax rate from £50,271 to £70,000.
Richard Tice, the party’s financial spokesperson, has questioned whether the total outcome of the reforms can be accurately assessed. Most politicians seem unaware of the Laffer curve. Named after US economist Arthur Laffer, this theory suggests that there exists an optimal tax rate that maximizes government revenue.
The premise is that tax reductions can invigorate economic activity, ultimately increasing revenue. While a 100% tax rate halts economic incentive altogether, the notion that tax cuts can offset their own costs has faced considerable backlash, including critique from prominent economists like Greg Mankiw, who referred to Laffer’s supporters as “charlatans and cranks.”
Tice admits there is an “optimal point,” while Yusuf asserts that reforms should “prioritize tax cuts appropriately and ensure that the figures add up.” Economists also caution that tax hikes announced by Labour could hinder economic growth.
Nevertheless, criticisms persist that the proposed reforms promise significant tax breaks without providing reliable strategies to avoid exacerbating the country’s fiscal deficit, which exceeds £10 billion.
Alongside a low UK economic growth rate, inflation that surpasses targets, rising national debt, and escalating global borrowing costs amid fears of a trade war initiated by Donald Trump, the room for further borrowing appears quite constrained.
After Farage’s recent welfare commitment, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that the fiscal policies proposed by the reforms could ultimately cost between £600 billion and £800 billion annually, taking into account previous revenues and additional expenditures. The IFS cautioned that this isn’t yet balanced by equivalent spending cuts or tax hikes elsewhere.
Yusuf mentioned that the reform plans are a work in progress and may evolve as the party formulates its 2029 manifesto. “You shouldn’t just transfer or copy-paste all the policies from the 2024 document,” he added, implying that assumptions about the manifesto for the next general election need to be reconsidered.
That seems a reasonable concern given the time frame until the next election, as the economy can shift at any moment. Workers are also criticized for backtracking on early commitments from 2024. Yet, voters are likely to demand higher expectations from government parties, especially with rising public discontent toward politicians who shift their targets.
However, Yusuf contended that savings could reliably stem from initiatives like “net-zero disposal,” eliminating overseas aid entirely, reducing “Quango expenditures” by 5% annually, and halting all funding for “exile hotels.”
“The figure I just provided could amount to as much as £7.8 billion?”
Economists at the Government Institute have expressed doubts about the feasibility of these savings, pointing out that a significant portion of the £45 billion net zero savings referenced by the reforms actually pertains to spending by the private sector rather than government expenditure.
When Truss opted for the mini-budget, she backed it with over 40 pages of financial documentation to validate her tax strategy, yet it still eroded investor confidence.
There is a genuine risk that history might repeat itself with the current reform initiatives.
tThis was an era when certain stores resembled nightclubs at the stroke of midnight, filled with a long line of eager customers.
Witnessing a crowd of gamers lined up to snag the latest hardware at midnight is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, if you happen to stroll by Smyths Toy Shop on the night of June 4th, you might just experience a nostalgia-infused event.
This particular launch marks the first major gaming console release since 2020, with fans eagerly anticipating the monumental Nintendo Switch 2.
What stands out about this launch is not just the excitement in the air, but also the surprisingly small queue. Approximately a decade ago, the hype of midnight launches began to fade. With more players opting for digital downloads, the need to go out and purchase a physical copy diminished.
The Nintendo Switch 2 could become the most significant game release ever. Photo: Richard Drew/AP
Consequently, Smyths stands as the sole UK chain participating in this event. Even in the US, which is known for its consumer culture during launch days, only Nintendo’s stores in San Francisco and New York have announced midnight openings.
This is a sharp contrast to the early 2010s. Back then, thanks to the monumental success of consoles like PlayStation, Wii, and Xbox, gaming launch events for titles like Call of Duty, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto were celebrated across thousands of stores around the globe, widely publicized and expertly managed.
For instance, Microsoft’s Halo 3 launch in the US featured actors dressed as Space Marines, with Bill Gates showing up at Best Buy in Seattle. Meanwhile, the Call of Duty Ghost event in the UK at Westfield Stratford hired a drill sergeant to rally the crowd.
“My favorite was Skyrim,” reminisces Greg Weller, who served as the UK Marketing Manager at Bethesda Softworks then. “I got the specs from the game’s flagship store on Oxford Street and decorated the entire front with Elder Scroll artwork. We even installed snow machines on the roof so that snow could cascade down Oxford Street in November. There was a competition for cosplay too.”
The launch of a console was a grand event comparable to a film premiere. For instance, during the Xbox One launch in 2013, Microsoft transformed Leicester Square into a hub of Xbox branding, complete with live performances from artists like B and Katy B. Just two weeks ago, Sony commandeered the Highline Hotel in New York, creating a massive video game arcade and showcasing games to thousands of eager fans.
Such extravagant launch events not only boosted retailer visibility but also created meaningful word-of-mouth promotion and press coverage. For fans, these gatherings offered a sense of belonging. “Having grown up gaming in the 90s, we often felt ostracized for our interests,” shares Rich Thompson, now the founder of Hull’s Black Rose Studios. “But hosting a midnight launch was electric. When Fallout 4 debuted, our local store even brought in a DJ. The atmosphere was like a celebration, with hundreds of people gathered.”
However, these late-night events occasionally spiraled into chaos. “We had one store in the city center filled with people coming out of pubs,” Thompson recounted. “Rowdy patrons sometimes caused trouble. I remember a significant fight breaking out on the night of a FIFA launch.”
Soldiers at the Midnight Release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 at Game Oxford Street, London in November 2011. Photo: Michael Bowles/Rex
In 2006, a man was tragically shot by a masked robber while attempting to claim his new PlayStation 3 during a Walmart event in Putnam, Connecticut. (He later recounted to a local newspaper how despite his injuries, he remained in the store to pick up his console.) In London, the police were so apprehensive about potential disturbances that they prohibited the PlayStation 3 Midnight Launch at all stores in the city, except for Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street.
The shift towards digital media, fierce competition from online giants like Amazon, and the devastating impact of Covid lockdowns have led to a decline in specialist high street stores. Once boasting over 600 locations in the UK, the Game retail chain now counts around 240. Data from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association reveals that physical game sales in the UK plummeted by 35% last year.
Could the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 signal a change? As observed with the resurgence in vinyl records and unexpected spikes in Blu-ray sales (a response to consumer dissatisfaction with ad-laden streaming services), there appears to be a growing interest in physical media.
Interest in physical games seems to be on the rise. Boutique publishers like Strictly Limited and Limited Run are releasing elegantly packaged modern and classic titles, while game cafes and retro arcades are flourishing.
Ultimately, the unique experience of launch events, the buzz, the shared joy, cannot be duplicated through online transactions.
“Dad took me to the store in the middle of the night for the Xbox release,” reminisces Thompson. “He had just wrapped up a 12-hour shift. He thought it would just be the two of us, but there was an enormous line. The staff were handing out drinks, Limp Bizkit was blasting through the speakers. As a 13-year-old, I couldn’t imagine anything cooler. I looked up at my dad and saw the excitement on his face mirroring my own.”
A frenzy erupted across Germany’s Autobahn and highways at the onset of one of Thursday’s busiest holiday weekends, prompted by Google Maps erroneously suggesting that extensive sections were closed.
Navigators in major cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin encountered maps populated with glaring red dots, signaling stoppages on highways spanning western, northern, southwestern, and central Germany. The disruption also impacted areas of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Users dependent on Google Maps perceived a nationwide standstill. This confusion was intensified by the fact that numerous Germans were on the move for the four-day Ascension holiday.
Reports of closures created bottlenecks on alternative routes, as motorists sought detours, resulting in extended delays. Police and traffic control were inundated with inquiries from concerned individuals seeking assistance.
Motorists who used or switched to alternative applications like Apple Maps or Waze, or who tuned into radio traffic updates, received a vastly different perspective.
On social platforms, users inquired about the chaos and expressed their dissatisfaction. “They can’t close all the highways,” one user remarked. Another quipped, “It’s like the Autobahn system has broken out in acne.”
Some speculated on whether there had been a significant terrorist incident, while others speculated about foreign meddling in a cyberattack.
The cause behind the navigation failure remains unclear.
A spokesperson from Google informed German outlets that they are currently analyzing the situation to determine the cause. They began mending the false closure notifications after receiving user reports of suspicious errors.
The spokesperson stated, “We can’t comment on a specific incident.” They highlighted that information comes from three primary sources: public data, third-party providers, and user inputs. While map data is updated frequently, the frequency varies.
“Generally, these sources form a solid foundation for accurate and timely map information,” the spokesperson added.
Road users were recommended to consult multiple resources when planning their upcoming travels.
aAs far as I recall, my wife began her daily routine with a 30-minute Candy Crush session. From her perspective, I kicked off each day by declaring it a trivial pastime. Now that I’m writing for the Guardian, I feel the need to articulate my thoughts more elegantly. Please, for your own sake, don’t follow in my footsteps. Candy Crush Soda Saga nearly derailed my life in just a week.
I appreciate the game mechanics. As Oscar Wilde famously said, those who fail to appreciate contoured chains of matching candies truly miss out on life’s joys. Wrapped in charming candy visuals—think fizzy bottles and gummy bears—the game captivates visually. Match a color bomb with a candy fish, and suddenly the colors transform, with candies resembling animated eyes gobbling up everything, creating a delightful explosion of sensory joy.
“What’s that clicking sound?” my wife inquires.
“Would you prefer tactile feedback?” I respond.
“Yeah, I thought it was damaging my phone, so I turned it off.”
“How so?”
“I felt it was exerting too much… pressure.” She compares her phone to a USS company, and herself to Scotty, who diverts an alarming amount of power from the shields.
We’ve had countless discussions about Candy Crush while playing in bed. Our dialogue has evolved from printed broadsheets to matching Jelly Beans on our mobile devices. Fortunately, you can engage with one hand while the other repeatedly punches you in the face as you reflect on the futility of your existence.
Ultimately, this game serves no purpose in the grand scheme. There’s no compelling narrative or tangible outcome. I might climb the levels with a board game pass, but whether I’m at level 150 or my wife at 8,452 (gulp!), the patterns remain unchanged.
That’s when the game unveils its microtransactions. At that point, you’re ensnared by the mechanics and candy colors, ready to spend your money quicker than the children who grab their fixes. Truly, Candy Crush Soda Saga seems like a creation that Stringer Bell would’ve devised in business school. Once praised as the most effective delivery system for poison, it’s now outperformed.
This game “suggests.” Often it’s not a coincidence when the suggestions lead to failure. The design incentivizes spending money for enjoyment. While I understand the purchase, it isn’t outright gambling—though it feels akin to it, especially now that gaming companies are screaming about setting limits, while this game implores you to continue just one more time.
I’ve lost count of my many obsessions in life. (I’ve even struggled with counting addictions.) Yet, this ranks among the worst. It took me just three days to fall dangerously deep. Last Sunday, I devoted three hours to Candy Crush Pop Saga and nearly missed the Scotland Cup final. Unlike my wife, I was left reeling for the rest of the day.
A wave of self-loathing as an addict consumes me. I recognize the futility, yet I can’t detach. At least cocaine has a quick fix. In comparison? In a week, I wasted half the time of *Twilight Princess*, or a third of *Majora’s Mask*. And those games at least provide a narrative. Had it not been for this deadline looming over me, I might have contemplated burying my phone to escape the grip of Candy Crush.
Ironically, there’s little distinction between this and the arcade games I cherished as a child. Titles like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Space Invaders were all engineered to siphon another coin for another round. They were far more repetitive. Thus, examining Candy Crush critically, I’d argue those games were time-wasters too.
But why didn’t they feel that way?
Back then, all I had was time. In my 50s, however, it feels like a dwindling resource. Perhaps if I played Galaxian now, it would feel akin to Candy Crush: a descent into a hellish gaming experience, akin to watching that event horizon movie on a treadmill while donning LEGO pants. A game that offers nothing continuously. It’s waiting for Godot, but with gummy bears instead of humans. Nothing changes; no one arrives, and the emptiness is excruciating.
Nigel Farage has announced that he will accept donations via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
He made his appearance at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, where he was introduced as a “British presidential candidate.” Farage stated:
He mentioned that the reforms are set to introduce crypto assets and digital finance legislation, aiming to reduce the tax on cryptocurrency transactions from 24% to 10%, thereby transforming the UK into a “crypto powerhouse.” He further noted that the cryptocurrency framework established by his party includes the “Bank of England’s Bitcoin Digital Reserve.”
Farage asserted that the new bill would prohibit banks from criticizing customers who engage in cryptocurrency trading.
On Thursday, the reform website underwent updates to facilitate cryptocurrency donations, with a disclaimer specifying that all contributions must comply with Election Commission regulations, and anonymous donations are prohibited.
During the conference, Farage referred to the acceptance of political donations in digital currencies as “innovative” and later commended the United States for being a “pioneer” in its approach to digital assets.
“My message to the British public, especially the youth, is to help guide our nation into the 21st century,” he said. “We must acknowledge that cryptocurrency and digital assets are here to stay.”
In his address, Farage criticized the inaction of previous Conservative governments concerning the current Labour government and the cryptocurrency landscape. He remarked: “Rishi Sunak delivered one speech about cryptocurrency when he was briefly Prime Minister. What has changed regarding London’s status as a global financial hub? Just one speech and nothing more.”
A spokesman for Reform UK confirmed that the party will accept cryptocurrency donations, with further details anticipated to be disclosed on Friday.
Reform UK is categorized under corporate governance as a private entity led by individuals, rather than functioning as a member-driven association like other political parties. The organization overseeing Reform UK is identified as Reform 2025, a nonprofit with just two members and two directors.
Medical professionals have created an artificial intelligence tool capable of predicting which men diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to benefit from treatment, potentially lowering the risk of mortality.
Abiraterone is regarded as a revolutionary treatment for the condition, which is the most prevalent cancer among men in over 100 countries. It has already enabled countless individuals with advanced prostate cancer to enjoy extended lifespans.
Nonetheless, some nations, including the UK, have ceased offering this “remarkable” medication to men whose cancer has not metastasized.
Currently, teams from the US, UK, and Switzerland are developing AI assessments that determine which men are likely to gain from Abiraterone. This “promising” advancement enhances the healthcare system to allocate medications more effectively to suitable candidates while allowing others to avoid unnecessary treatments.
The AI test was unveiled in Chicago at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the largest cancer conference globally.
Nick James, a professor specializing in prostate and bladder cancer research at the London Cancer Institute, serves as a consultant clinical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads the development team.
“Abiraterone has already greatly enhanced the prognosis for hundreds of thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer,” James stated. “We recognize that for many men whose cancer hasn’t spread yet, it can have significant implications.
“However, the treatment comes with side effects and necessitates additional monitoring for potential issues such as hypertension or liver abnormalities. It is extremely valuable to identify those most likely to truly benefit, as it may slightly elevate the risks of diabetes and heart complications.
“This research indicates that those who respond optimally to abiraterone, as well as those who fare well with standard treatments alone, can decide between hormone therapy and radiation therapy.”
The AI tool examines tumor images and identifies features that may not be discernible to the naked eye. Prostate Cancer UK, the Medical Research Council, and arterial funded teams analyzed biopsy images from over 1,000 men exhibiting high-risk prostate cancer that had not metastasized.
AI analysis pinpointed 25% of the men in the study who were most likely to gain from Abiraterone. For these individuals, the medication halved the risk of mortality.
In the study, patients received a score indicating a positive or negative biomarker. This was then compared with outcomes. Among those with biomarker-positive tumors, the risk of death was reduced from 17% to 9% after five years for one in four men.
For patients with biomarker-negative tumors, Abiraterone decreased the risk of death from 7% to 4%. The research team indicated this result was neither statistically nor clinically significant, meaning these men are better off with standard treatment alone and can avoid unnecessary therapies.
Professor Gert Attard, the research co-leader at UCL Cancer Institute, noted, “This study highlights that, within a sizable cohort of patients, new algorithms can be utilized to glean information from routinely available pathology slides to customize treatments to individual patients, thereby minimizing unnecessary interventions while maximizing the effectiveness of treatment.”
James mentioned that fewer men may require the medication than previously believed, suggesting that health services should contemplate administering it to men whose cancer hasn’t spread.
While it has been sanctioned for use within the NHS for advanced prostate cancer in England, it has yet to receive approval for newly diagnosed high-risk cases that have not metastasized. However, men with indications of high-risk cancer have had access to treatment in Scotland and Wales for two years.
“Abiraterone costs just £77 per pack compared to thousands for new treatments,” James remarked. “We sincerely hope this new research will clarify who truly benefits from this drug, especially given NHS England’s decision not to fund it for high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer cases.”
Dr. Matthew Hobbs, research director at Prostate Cancer UK, termed the AI test as “promising.” He further elaborated:
An unseen conflict unfolded earlier this month as missiles and drones flew through the night sky separating India and Pakistan.
Following the Indian government’s announcement of Operation Sindoah, rumors of Pakistan’s defeat rapidly circulated online, fueled by military strikes on Pakistan and extremist assaults in Kashmir, which prompted condemnation from Delhi towards Islamabad.
What initially started as a mere assertion on social media platforms like X quickly escalated into a cacophony boasting India’s military strength, labeled as “breaking news” and “exclusive” on one of the country’s leading news channels.
These posts and reports claimed that India had downed several Pakistani jets, captured pilots and Karachi ports, and taken control of Lahore. Additional unfounded claims suggested that the powerful chief of the Pakistani military had been arrested and a coup executed. A widely shared post stated, “We’ll be having breakfast in Rawalpindi tomorrow,” referencing the Pakistani city housing the military headquarters amidst the ongoing hostilities.
Many of these assertions included videos of explosions, collapsing buildings, and missiles being launched from the air. The issue was that none of these were factual.
“Global Trends in Hybrid Warfare”
The ceasefire on May 10th momentarily steered both nations away from the brink of full-scale war after an intense escalation in decades, triggered by extremists targeting tourist sites in Indian-controlled Kashmir—resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists from India. India swiftly condemned Pakistan for the atrocities, while Islamabad denied involvement.
Even with the cessation of military hostilities, analysts, fact-checkers, and activists have meticulously tracked the surge of misinformation that proliferated online during this conflict.
In Pakistan, misinformation also spread widely. Just before the conflict erupted, the Pakistani government lifted a ban on X, which researchers later identified as a source of misinformation, albeit not at the same magnitude as in India.
A fabricated image intended to depict fighter planes engaging in combat in Udangh Haar, India. Photo: x
Claims of military victories from Pakistan circulated heavily on social media, paralleling an uptick in recycled AI-generated footage that was amplified by mainstream media outlets, prominent journalists, and government officials, leading to false narratives about captured Indian pilots, military coups, and dismantling India’s defenses.
Additionally, fabricated reports circulated that claimed Pakistan’s cyber attacks had largely disabled India’s power infrastructure, and that Indian troops were surrendering by raising white flags. Particularly, video game simulations became a favored method of disseminating misinformation about Pakistan that portrayed India in a favorable light.
A recent report on social media conflicts surrounding the India-Pakistan situation, released last week by the civil society organization The London Story, elaborated on how platforms like X and Facebook have become fertile grounds for spreading wartime narratives, hate speech, and emotionally charged misinformation, leading to an environment rich in nationalist fervor on both sides.
In a written statement, a representative from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, claimed to have implemented “significant steps to combat misinformation,” including the removal and labeling of misleading content and limiting the reach of stories flagged by fact-checkers.
Joyojeet Pal, an associate professor at the University of Michigan’s Faculty of Information Studies, remarked that the magnitude of misinformation in India has “surpassed anything seen previously,” impacting both sides of the conflict.
PAL has noted that misinformation campaigns have outstripped the typical nationalist propaganda prevalent in both India and Pakistan.
Fraudulent images purporting to show the Narendra Modi Stadium in India on abandoned islands have circulated and been debunked on X. Photo: x
Analysts argue this exemplifies the emerging digital battleground of warfare, where strategic misinformation is weaponized to manipulate narratives and heighten tensions. Fact-checkers point out that the proliferation of misinformation, such as old footage and misleading military victory claims, mirrors earlier patterns seen in Russia’s initial stages of its conflict.
The Hate Research Centre (CSOH) based in Washington, D.C., has tracked and recorded misinformation from both nations, cautioning that the manipulation of information in the recent India-Pakistan conflict is “not an isolated occurrence but part of a larger global trend in hybrid warfare.”
CSOH Executive Director Raqib Hameed Naik stated that some social media platforms experienced “significant failures” in managing and controlling the spread of disinformation generated from both India and Pakistan. Out of 427 key CSOH posts analyzed on X, many garnered nearly 10 million views, yet only 73 were flagged with warnings. X did not respond to inquiries for comment.
Initial fabricated reports from India predominantly circulated on X and Facebook, often shared by verified right-wing accounts. Numerous posts openly expressed support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which is known for its Hindu nationalist stance. Some BJP politicians even shared this content.
Deepfake videos altering the speeches of Narendra Modi and other Indian officials have been disseminated on the same platforms that propagated them. Photo: x
Examples circulating included 2023 footage of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza incorrectly labeled as Indian strikes against Pakistan, and images from Indian naval drills misrepresented as proof of an assault on Karachi Port.
Images from video games falsely portrayed as real-life footage of the Indian Air Force defeating a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet were circulated, alongside scenes from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict being claimed as “major airstrikes in Pakistan.” AI-generated visuals of purported victories for India were also disseminated, as well as manipulated videos of Turkish pilots presented in fabricated reports of captured Pakistani personnel. Additionally, doctored images were used in misleading reports about the assassination of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Many of these posts, initially generated by Indian social media users, achieved millions of views, and such misinformation was later featured in some of India’s most prominent television news segments.
“The Fog of War Accepted as Reality”
The credibility of Indian mainstream media, already diminished by the government’s strong influence under Modi, now faces difficult scrutiny. Several prominent anchors have issued public apologies.
The Indian human rights organization Citizens for Citizens (CJP) lodged a formal complaint with the broadcasting authority, citing “serious ethical violations” in the coverage of Operation Sindoah across six major television networks.
CJP Secretary Teesta Setalvad stated that these channels have completely neglected their duty as impartial news sources, turning into “propaganda collaborators”.
Kanchan Gupta, a senior adviser to India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, refuted claims of governmental involvement in the misinformation efforts. He asserted that the government is “very cautious” about misinformation and has provided clear guidelines for mainstream media reporting on the conflict.
“We established a surveillance center operating 24/7 to monitor any disinformation that could have a cascading effect, and a fact check was promptly issued. Social media platforms collaborated to eliminate a multitude of accounts promoting this misinformation.
Gupta noted “strong” notifications had been sent to several news channels for broadcasting rule violations. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the chaos of war is widely regarded as a tangible reality, wherein the nature of reporting—regardless of it being an overt or covert conflict—tends to escalate in intensity.
An anonymous collective of activists in Adelaide is persistently opposing Elon Musk’s Tesla from establishing battery factories in residential areas.
Tesla has faced global scrutiny due to Musk’s associations with the Trump administration and staunch protests fueled by beliefs that billionaires often back through his social media channels.
This week, the discontent was palpable in the South Australian capital, a significant distance from Washington, D.C.
Approximately 95% of nearly 1,000 submissions voiced opposition to Tesla’s proposals for recycling showrooms and batteries, as well as repurposing the factory. Many expressed sentiments characterized as “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk.”
To maintain decorum, the local council revised the language in several submissions to clarify references to Musk and Tesla.
“We shouldn’t profit from support. [redacted] Who is openly [redacted]? It’s a salute [redacted]. Humans.”
The world’s richest individual has declared his departure from his government efficiency role, which has often led to chaotic and detrimental consequences, including job cuts and reduced funding for US government agencies. He is now facing challenges related to his businesses, including Tesla, amid declining sales.
Meanwhile, in Adelaide, the Marion City Council has moved past community disagreements and approved the factory project for further progression, pending state government approval. The council indicated that the project is expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
Nevertheless, the protest group “Tree Not Teslas” remains committed to their cause.
Environmental organizations and others opposed to the Tesla project argue that the trees designated for removal to clear the construction site are irreplaceable. They also hold Musk personally accountable.
“Neon,” a member of Tree Not Teslas, chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, partly because the group identifies as a collective.
He noted the group’s traction has been “extraordinary,” and their website has attracted thousands of visits, though he admitted it is hard to gauge their overall impact.
Neon stated that the fight will persist as the state government weighs the council’s proposal to reclassify the site as community land.
“We’re going to push it further. We have to take action regarding the state government,” Neon declared.
“We’ve raised awareness and are encouraging more people to get involved. This issue extends beyond just Congress; it’s a fundamental matter for the state.”
He emphasized that their campaign primarily aims to safeguard the trees on the site. “… Our central focus is on preserving the green space,” he clarified.
“We are indeed advocates for electric vehicles and green energy.
“However, the industry that obliterates green spaces… is ironically labeled as ‘green.’
The council has asserted that the area has been inaccessible to the public since 2016 due to pollution. Neon countered, claiming the trees are vital for restoring the land.
Neon also echoed comments made by Councillor Sarah Lascomb, who opposed the proposal, arguing that the factory’s plans to recycle or reuse Tesla batteries do not cater to the needs of most consumers who use different brands.
The ongoing debate centers around electric vehicle batteries, with the possibility of recycling Powerwall batteries at the site.
Guardian Australia reached out to Tesla for a statement.
Neon mentioned that the council voted 8-3 in favor of seeking state government approval, despite community pushback that made the public consultation process feel like a formality.
Mayor Chris Hannah stated that the project would generate jobs and revenue for the community, asserting that Tesla would establish operations elsewhere if not in Marion. According to Hannah, Tesla has committed to preserving the most significant trees and replanting more than necessary.
Neon argued that replacing established trees with seedlings minimizes their ecological benefits.
Premier Peter Malinauskas indicated that the state welcomes significant industrial development and is reluctant to oppose Musk, emphasizing that it’s “his prerogative.”
A spokesperson for the state government stated that they appreciate investments in South Australia and job creation, and will indeed consider the proposal.
Even though leaders in the AI chip industry have raised concerns about the emergence of Chinese competitors, tech stocks experienced an upswing on Thursday, buoyed by robust results from Nvidia.
The Stoxx Europe Tech Index increased by 0.8% on Thursday, leading to a 2.4% rise in Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. Meanwhile, in the US, tech-focused NASDAQ futures surged by 2%, alongside a 6% pre-market gain for Nvidia’s shares.
The uptick in tech and artificial intelligence stocks followed Nvidia’s report that surpassed Wall Street expectations, with quarterly revenues jumping 69% to $44 billion (£32.6 billion). The company also expressed optimism that business transactions in the Middle East could offset losses from China.
In April, former US President Donald Trump announced restrictions on AI chip exports to China, effectively cutting off a significant revenue stream, although Nvidia continues to sell H20 AI chips to Chinese firms.
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang cautioned that Chinese competitors are capitalizing on the vacuum left by US trade barriers. “Chinese rivals have adapted,” Huang stated to Bloomberg TV. He noted that Huawei, which has been blacklisted by the US government, is “extremely formidable.” “Like everyone, their capabilities are multiplying each year,” Huang remarked. “The volume has also significantly increased.”
While US government policies aim to shield AI technology from Chinese influences, Huang indicated that domestic businesses are simply exploring alternative options. “The importance of the Chinese market should not be underestimated,” Huang noted. “It’s home to the largest population of AI researchers globally.”
Nvidia mentioned that it anticipates losing out on $8 billion in revenue for the second quarter due to Trump’s trade restrictions.
Tech investors felt positive after a recent judicial ruling that might challenge the president’s aggressive trade regime, as the US trade court opposed Trump’s severe tariff policies. Nonetheless, uncertainty looms since the White House has already appealed this decision from the International Trade Court based in New York.
In other news, shares of Tesla, another key player in AI technology, climbed by 2.6% after CEO Elon Musk confirmed his decision to step down from his role in the Trump administration.
Musk has been “at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) since January, ruthlessly cutting expenditures across various public sectors and institutions. He announced in April his intention to resign following a decline in Tesla’s revenue and his failure to secure a Supreme Court position, which had consumed millions in support of Republican candidates.
Nvidia surpassed Wall Street’s projections in its quarterly revenue report on Wednesday, continuing a streak of financial successes for the technology leader. For the quarter ending in April, revenue reached $44.1 billion, a 69% increase from the previous year.
The company outperformed an investor forecast of $43.3 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were reported at $0.81, falling short of the anticipated 88 cents. Additionally, data center revenue soared to $39.1 billion, marking a 73% growth year-over-year.
Nvidia remains optimistic about the AI sector, both in terms of its advanced hardware and the regulatory challenges on the horizon, which investors are keenly monitoring.
“Nvidia has once again surpassed expectations, but maintaining this lead is growing more challenging,” observed Jacob Bourne, an analyst at Emarketer. “China’s export restrictions highlight immediate geopolitical pressures, but Nvidia also faces competition as rivals like AMD strengthen their positions based on certain cost-effectiveness metrics in AI workloads.”
CEO Jensen Huang stated, “The global demand for Nvidia’s AI infrastructure is remarkably strong. Countries worldwide see AI as a vital utility, comparable to electricity and the Internet.”
The chipmaker anticipates revenues of $45 billion for the second quarter of 2026.
Nvidia’s quarterly reports over the past year reflect explosive growth. However, the company is under increasing pressure from U.S. regulations.
Donald Trump’s announcement in April regarding tightened computer chip export regulations effectively barred Nvidia from selling its primary revenue source, the H20 AI chip, to China.
“H20 products were primarily designed for the Chinese market,” the company’s first quarter revenue report stated. Consequently, Nvidia expects to miss out on $8 billion in revenue for its second quarter.
Despite this setback, Huang expressed optimism about Trump’s intentions to allow companies to export chips with limited capabilities to China.
“The president has a plan and a vision. I trust him,” he noted.
However, Huang cautioned that losing access to China’s potential $50 billion AI market could jeopardize U.S. leadership in the global AI infrastructure race. “China is one of the largest AI markets, serving as a launchpad for global success,” he stated during the revenue call.
“China’s AI will progress with or without U.S. chips,” he remarked. “The issue isn’t whether China has AI—it’s already happening; the real question is if one of the world’s largest AI markets will rely on American chips.”
The company revealed that the recent SEC claims could cost them $5.5 billion. They noted only $4.6 billion in claims in the first quarter tied to H20 excess inventory and purchase obligations. Some materials may also be reused, affecting forecasts.
In an interview with Ben Thompson, Huang described the loss as “deeply painful.” Reports suggest a revenue loss of $15 billion. In the first quarter alone, the company could not ship an additional $2.5 billion in H20 revenue.
“We have never written off so much inventory in history,” Huang remarked. “We’re not just losing $5.5 billion; we’ve also missed out on $15 billion in sales… and potentially… $3 billion in taxes.”
The tightened export regulations pose challenges: a committee within the U.S. Congress indicated that Nvidia is seeking feedback on China’s groundbreaking AI model, especially regarding Deepseek, an AI firm that mirrors products from U.S. AI companies without the same computational power.
The committee’s report alleges that Deepseek “secretly leaked American user data to the Chinese Communist Party, manipulated information to align with CCP propaganda, and trained on materials unlawfully acquired from the company.”
Despite the tightening export restrictions, analysts believe Nvidia has shown remarkable resilience this quarter.
“Amid industry integration and rising competition, geopolitical tensions have created a tougher business landscape. Nevertheless, the company has effectively focused on its operational core,” Investing.com commented.
“We’ve effectively managed supply and demand dynamics within data centers. Thus, the $4.5 billion impact from H20 during the quarter underscores NVIDIA’s ability to adapt to market changes,” they added.
Analysts also speculate that U.S.-China negotiations “might yield positive outcomes for Nvidia,” according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.
“Nvidia is the sole chipmaker propelling the AI revolution. This narrative is underscored by their results and Jensen’s optimistic remarks,” Ives stated. “This indicates a significant lead in the broader tech landscape, suggesting the AI revolution is poised for further growth, despite the tariff challenges posed by Trump.”
Though Nvidia’s Chinese operations remain uncertain, analysts note a surge in demand for Nvidia chips in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The company has benefited from AI opportunities arising from Trump’s visit, which secured $600 million for U.S. businesses.
Nvidia announced plans to sell hundreds of thousands of AI chips to Saudi Arabia, including to a startup supported by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, employing 18,000 individuals with the latest technology.
In the concluding episode of Ted Lasso’s second season, Ted sends a straightforward text to his ex-wife: “Knock, Knock.” It’s not particularly unusual, but the striking part is that this seems to be the very first message he ever sent to his son’s mother. Until now, she’s never texted him back. The empty spaces surrounding the message indicate that the characters have a history of communication.
This issue has been a thorn in the side of television. Why does Emily in Paris receive her boyfriend’s first text saying, “Hey, how about Paris?” Or when Rebecca mistakenly texts her crush using her eccentric ex-girlfriend’s best friend’s phone—why is their conversation history nonexistent when she sees a message about a house party several episodes later? In 2021, Wired journalist Zack Jason highlighted in a series of articles that these characters have no texting history, making it “not allowed and awkward to witness.”
It seems that studios and streamers have taken note. Nowadays, television writers strive to accurately portray their characters’ texting history.
In the dark comedy currently airing, friends and neighbors often text one another. When Jon Hamm’s character Coop wishes to meet up with his lover, we see a long history filled with previous booty calls, and even sexy snapshots. When his son texts his crush, it’s evident that she has previously replied with just “K.” Meanwhile, the newly released thriller series The Stolen Girl showcases text threads bursting with emojis between spouses and colleagues. Ted Lasso’s approach was revised in Season 3; viewers can now observe Ted’s interactions with various people, including a message to his upstairs neighbor stating, “I swear to you, I’m not playing music.”
“I swear to you, Mrs. Shipley, I’m not playing music”… A very unusual call in Ted Lasso’s Season 3. Photo: Amelia Tate
“It drives us all mad when there’s no text history. That’s something we’ve fought for years,” states Dave Henri, managing partner at Modern Motion, a California-based graphic design firm. The Magic Phone software can be installed on a set of prop devices. The app syncs with a Bluetooth keyboard that allows crews to trigger notifications, or a bubble that pops up when someone is typing, enabling actors to send past messages and display appropriate responses in real-time. Magic Phone allows productions to incorporate text message histories complete with convincing timestamps, and its realism is employed in several Apple TV+ productions, including morning shows, shrinks, and Ted Lasso.
“I believe studios and creatives are recognizing that viewers are accustomed to analyzing these devices,” Henri adds. “A lot of thought goes into this now because fans know to look for errors.”
A contemporary worker, Rodgers, collaborated on Ted’s extensive text history in Season 3. He notes that it went through 25 to 30 revisions before the visuals were perfected. “We engaged with the writers, directors, and showrunners, reflecting on what Ted had previously told his mother or what he said to his doctor three months back,” states Rogers. Several graphics were adjusted post-premiere to enhance viewer experience for those watching the show later. “If they realized that sending a message at 10:53 AM wasn’t feasible, they aimed to rectify it to ensure it was flawless.”
Ambika mod of The Stolen Girl. Photo: Matt Squire/Disney
An astonishing amount of effort goes into crafting what appears on the screen for just a moment. “You’re simply sending text messages, and there are 13 or 14 iterations. We think about what a character’s phone displays, what the contact image should be, or whether we even need that image,” Rogers explains. A unique gag for observant viewers shows that Ted’s mother had texted him previously, attaching a photo of a router without a plug and stating that her internet was down. “We loved the three or four different photos they provided of that router. That’s how detailed we get.”
While adding Easter eggs like this can be enjoyable, past texts must not distract from the central plot. This is because the audience tends to miss the “hero text” being sent or received during crucial moments. Script editor Charlie Neal faced this dilemma with The Stolen Girl. Important texts were written into scripts by head writers, but he filled in the conversation history, subsequently approved by writers and producers. “What’s needed is to keep the focus on what’s significant,” he emphasizes. Past texts must not be “quirky, attention-catching, or lengthy” as viewers’ attention can drift away. Conversely, overly mundane messages may also distract. If silence prevails, it becomes distracting too.
Neal even drew inspiration from his own real-life text exchanges. “What do you text your colleagues about?” might be something like, “I’m heading out for coffee, would you like something?” However, he had to ensure that nothing was added that could misrepresent the story or alter the audience’s perception of characters. Continuity is paramount—if a character receives a text on one day, it must be visible in the next day’s history, occasionally amidst random messages.
A booty call between friends and neighbors. Photo: Amelia Tate
In the end, Neal wrote 10-20 historical texts for each interaction, although only one or two appear on the screen. At one point in The Stolen Girl, a character scrolls through the DMs sent to a media outlet’s social media profiles, and Neal even had to “channel the voices of internet trolls” to craft these messages. He was also tasked with assigning names to the senders. All names displayed onscreen must receive approval from the legal department; for instance, if a journalist named Amelia Tait appears alongside another journalist named Amelia Tait, Neal named the troll after a fellow crew member.
Ultimately, while texting history may not make or break a show, it is certainly appreciated by the audience. “Today’s television viewers are so perceptive that they will notice if the minor text dated April 26th contradicts anything else in the script,” observes Neal. Actors enjoy interacting with these sound devices as well. “Helping an actor visualize and react to the message is truly one of the best experiences,” Henri remarks. Interestingly, Harrison Ford was reportedly a fan of the Magic Phone on a reduced set, and Kandy even notes how one actor’s typing appears like that of a skilled hacker due to the software, despite their actual method resembling “hunting and pecking with just two fingers.”
Nowadays, if a character’s text history is absent, viewers might feel confident that it was a deliberate choice. “When a typing bubble repeatedly appears and vanishes without any action, it’s a modern metaphor for unresolved communication,” Kandy points out—almost a sign that the text is meant to signify something. The team behind crafting these messages is pleased that their work is finally receiving recognition. “We often go unnoticed or are overshadowed in industry roles,” Rogers states. “But we’re continually evolving,” or to put it another way, people may not exclaim “OMG” at the moment, but if you know, you know (iykyk).
A A standalone spinoff from FromSoftware’s immensely popular single-player dark-fantasy game Eldenling, the multiplayer-focused Eldenling Night League is an intriguing mix that often feels like a blend of various gaming experiences.
Each session, whether solo or in a team of three, begins as players enter a compact, dense world, striving to gain strength as the rapidly closing ring constricts around them. Instead of facing other players, you will combat various monsters and explore locations directly drawn from Eldenling’s universe. After every match, players obtain upgrade materials to enhance future runs and advance the game’s narrative alongside rogue elements. This complexity can be quite overwhelming.
Race against the clock… Eldenling Night League. Photo: Bandai Namco
Each session presents a frantic race against time to develop an in-flight strategy that takes you across the map. The match unfolds over three days. In the first two days, you can quickly become a local boss, acquire minor buffs with powerful passive abilities, gain weapons with impactful skills, or evade the encroaching rings to ensure successful runs. Each night culminates in a more formidable battle than ever faced, heightening the stakes.
It’s a thrilling yet intense experience as you gear up for the final day. As dawn breaks, you find yourself ready to enter the desolate arena and confront one of several challenging mega bosses designed for group play.
Nightreign is predominantly tailored for a trio of players. You can venture solo, but this poses a significant risk. If you inadvertently fall victim to a boss attack and perish, there’s no one to revive you. Furthermore, many enemies intended for teamwork can easily overwhelm an individual player.
Going solo is not advisable… Eldenling Night League. Photo: Bandai Namco
Ultimately, this game emphasizes momentum. The urgency you feel while navigating the world is palpable. Every moment prompts the question: Am I wasting time exploring this corner? Can I defeat this boss quickly enough to secure a reward? It’s an exhilarating experience as you rush to assess equipment and make build decisions on the fly, yet it strays from the traditional FromSoftware formula, as many elements have been adapted for speed.
For instance, there’s no stats option for leveling up. Leveling has been simplified to button mashing at rest areas. While the world is filled with numerous minor enemies, defeating a couple in quick succession will only help you reach level 2; engaging with them feels minimal since tackling bosses is the key to gaining strength.
This momentum gives Nightreign a “one more run” allure, but the fast pace diminishes much of the world to mere distractions that squander your time. The glitches we’ve encountered in the review versions contribute to this irritation. Spending five minutes on a dragon only to glitch through the wall feels particularly frustrating.
One of the most criticized mechanics in the Dark Souls series was the necessity to return to the boss arena upon death. Fans were relieved when Eldenling allowed respawning just outside the arena. However, Nightreign’s experience feels like a cumbersome regression, almost Sisyphean. Each run demands approximately 35 minutes to reach the final boss, yet these bosses often have unique mechanics capable of obliterating unsuspecting teams with just a few hits. You find yourself rolling that boulder up the hill repeatedly, which feels awfully punishing.
Given Elden Ring’s triumph in adapting FromSoftware’s intricate design philosophy into an open world, it’s disappointing that the developers seem to have missed the mark with Nightreign. The repetitive nature of the game and its reliance on content borrowed from Eldenling—often haphazardly arranged—leaves the world feeling more like a fan-made mod than a unique title.
The efforts to preserve established gameplay mechanics are commendable, and defeating massive enemies alongside friends adds to the gratification of overcoming what initially felt like an insurmountable challenge. Nonetheless, the game’s pacing issues and dependence on Eldenling’s assets detract from the overall experience.
Last week, The Guardian engaged with the creators of Lili, Macbeth’s video game, which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. The prominent quote from this piece stated, “Shakespeare will write for today’s game.” Shakespeare was immersed in the Elizabethan era of theatre, a time when, much like contemporary video games, plays were regarded as mere popular entertainment and often overlooked for serious analysis or preservation! Authorities at the time similarly fretted over the violent and obscene nature of these plays and their potential influence on the masses.
If he were to embrace the notion of a 21st-century Shakespeare crafting games, what type would that entail? Our key argument is that Shakespeare was invested in populism and entertainment. Thus, if we focus on pure profit, he might develop casual smartphone games—akin to Tencent’s massively popular multiplayer arena game, King of Honor, which raked in $2.6 billion (£1.9 billion) last year. However, while the Bard had a fascination with royalty and honor (and certainly making money), it’s a stretch to envision Hamlet as a multiplayer arena-style battler. Surely, our noble characters would barely utter, “O, this would melt, thaw, and settle into dew. Before it evaporates with a barrage of sc-heat.” There’s also little room for the intricacies of storytelling or military rhetoric in battle royale games like Fortnite, despite Shakespeare’s acknowledged affinity for conflict and mortality.
No, if Shakespeare were to return in the early 21st century, it seems he would gravitate towards open-world role-playing adventures. In such a realm, he would have the freedom to craft nuanced stories with an array of characters in diverse settings. The marsh of King Lear could transform into a desolate wasteland, echoing the ravages of Fallout. Macbeth’s Castle might resemble Elden Ring’s ghostly dungeons or settings in The Witcher 3. Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, could present a captivating yet troubled rendition reminiscent of GTA’s Los Santos. The persistent themes of Shakespeare—war’s nature, revenge, madness, and free will—are at the heart of fantasy RPGs. His talent for incorporating characters from all walks of life is mirrored in the intricate social hierarchies of expansive open-world games. Shakespeare’s historical narratives blend real and fictional figures, akin to the Assassin’s Creed series, which also grapples with themes of identity, disguise, and fantasy.
“This castle has a comfortable seat”… The Witcher 3 represents the kind of open-world RPG that a reborn bard could inspire. Photo: CD Projekt Red
Moreover, open-world games possess a similarly free-form structure and psychological depth as Shakespeare’s theatrical works. They feature subplots, side quests, nonlinear timelines, and morally complex characters. Vast and sprawling, these games invite diverse interpretations; audiences often become both spectators and participants within the narrative. Likewise, Shakespeare aimed for his audiences to engage with the performance, utilizing asides, quips, and monologues to blur the lines between the stage and the audience. Today’s vocal and interactive gamers share more with Shakespeare’s Elizabethan viewers than with the polite crowds of modern theater.
This intriguing intersection of Shakespeare and open-world games is gradually gaining recognition. A few years back, the RSC commissioned three artists to explore live theater interactions with technology. One such artist, digital creator Adam Clarke, experimented with staging Shakespeare’s performances in Minecraft. Recently, I viewed Grand Theft Hamlet, an incredible documentary showcasing efforts to perform Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto during the COVID lockdowns. After all, if any genre can technically express Shakespeare’s fundamental philosophy, it’s that of open-world online video games, where everyone is merely a player on the great stage of life.
What to play
An intriguing strategy sim… Lift Lift. Photo: Adriaan de Jongh
It’s always refreshing to witness a familiar video game genre reimagined thoughtfully. Lift Lift, created by Dutch designer Adriaan de Jongh and his small team, offers a fresh take on tower defense games—think Plants vs. Zombies. In this version, the landscape is significantly more expansive, incorporating tactical elements like the capacity to lay the groundwork for new towers before gathering the necessary resources. With engaging visual aesthetics and sound effects, this strategy sim proves appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike.
Available on: PC Estimated playtime: Over 15 hours
What to read
It’s a flesh scar… Elden Ring. Photo: Bandai Namco
Writer, director, and gaming enthusiast Alex Garland has confirmed his involvement in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Elden Ring, produced by A24 and Bandai Namco. If realized, the initial moments of the film will depict the protagonist’s repeated defeats at the hands of the Tree Sentinel Knight.
Pac-Man officially turns 45! The BFI features articles tracing the game’s development, from its origins as a pizza-inspired saga to the distinct personalities of the ghosts. However, Ms. Pac-Man remains the superior game.
Game design icon Peter Molyneux recently participated in a Q&A at the Nordic Game 2025 Conference, where gi.biz shared his intriguing insights on the fate of Project Milo. If you have to ask what it is, you may never know.
For those intrigued, check out Hurt Me Plenty, an exquisite coffee table book exploring the finest first-person shooters from the 2000s. It dissects titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Half-Life 2, and Unreal Tournament, along with an obscure gem known as Code Name: Nina—an insightful overview of this pivotal era in shooter game design.
What is the strangest game you’ve ever played? Last year, I explored Harold Halibut on Game Pass, which stands out as one of the most bizarre experiences I’ve encountered. I’m eager to hear about other unusual gaming journeys.
I’ve played many peculiar titles. Seaman (the fish who speaks with Leonard Nimoy’s voice), Mr. Mosquito (where you embody a mosquito), and Catamari Damacy (where you roll up a massive ball of trash for the King of the Universe) have all left an imprint. I’ve also ventured into more obscure games like the Spectrum classic Fat Worm Blows a Sparx (you are a microscope worm trapped in a computer), the strange Amiga adventure Tone’s Tass Town (where you’re caught in a punk-infused 1980s dimension), and the quirky PlayStation 2 voyeur simulator Polaroid Pete (you’re a photographer capturing odd happenings in a park).
My personal favorite is Sega’s Ambulance Emergency Call, a game reminiscent of Crazy Taxi. If you collide too much, you have to perform CPR while transporting a critically ill patient. It was a notable arcade hit, yet it surprisingly didn’t make it to home consoles—I can’t fathom why!
If you have a blocking question or anything to share about the newsletter, please reach out to pushingbuttons@theguardian.com
On Tuesday, Donald Trump’s media organization announced that institutional investors are set to acquire $2.5 billion in stock, with plans to build Bitcoin reserves from the generated revenue.
Around 50 institutional investors are expected to put $1.5 billion into a private placement for Trump Media and Technology Group, the firm behind Truth Social, along with a $1 billion conversion of senior notes into common stock, as per the company’s statement.
Trump Media aims to utilize its revenues to establish a “Bitcoin Treasury Department.” This initiative will mirror the president’s actions and develop a “strategic Bitcoin Reserve” for the U.S. government.
Devin Nunes, former Congressman and current CEO and Chairman of Trump Media, stated in a press release: “We view Bitcoin as the pinnacle of financial freedom. Currently, Trump Media holds cryptocurrency as a significant portion of their assets. Nunes added that purchasing a substantial amount of Bitcoin will enhance subscription payments and promote a true social “utility token,” which is a form of cryptocurrency used for app purchases on a designated blockchain.
During his initial term, Trump, who once described cryptocurrency as “not money,” critiquing its value as “based on thin air,” has since shifted his perspective on technology. He was the first major candidate to accept donations in cryptocurrency during his campaign. Since assuming office, he has introduced his own cryptocurrency.
Just last week, Trump compensated 220 individuals involved in another cryptocurrency venture, Trump’s Memecoin, leading to allegations that he has blurred the lines between his responsibilities as president and personal interests during a lavish dinner at a luxury golf club in Northern Virginia.
At an event hosted at his Mar-A-Lago club in Florida during the May 2024 presidential election, Trump received confirmation that supporters from the cryptocurrency sector would significantly fund his re-election. He plans to address major Bitcoin events throughout the campaign, with Vice President JD Vance scheduled to speak at a gathering this week.
Champagne glasses clink at a bustling party in Bangkok, where elegantly dressed guests share laughter and mingle. They take turns posing with a cat, casually shifting it from one person to another. But as the camera focuses, it becomes evident that this is no ordinary pet; it’s a cub resembling a lion. A woman in a striking red cocktail dress playfully lifts the cub to her face for a kiss, all while the camera clicks.
Such clips flood social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, providing insight into Thailand’s rapidly growing lion trading industry. According to recent reports from The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand and the Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, the number of lions in captivity has more than tripled since 2018. A network of lion farms has emerged to cater to this rising demand, often managed by individuals lacking proper wildlife care experience.
Lion breeder Patama Wadee Champituck greets visitors in her nursery, where the scent of kitten formula fills the air.
“When we began, we had little experience,” she admits, noting that she has sold over 80 lions across Thailand.
The buyers include both Thai nationals and foreigners, all of whom are affluent. Prices for Thai lion cubs start at $5,000 (£3,700), with rare white cubs fetching as much as $15,000. Owning a lion comes with hefty expenses, including the need for a secure enclosure and as much as 10kg of fresh meat daily.
Most buyers desire the youngest lions possible. Although some customers purchase directly from the farm, others work with agents promoting the cubs on social media.
As these animals grow, complications frequently arise. “Some buyers can’t handle their lions,” says Patamawadi. “They often ask us to take them back.”
The report reveals that this “buyback” system forms the basis of the farm’s business model, allowing owners to experience lion ownership without a long-term commitment. Older lions can be used for breeding or sold to zoos, generating profit at each life stage.
Frequent transfers between facilities hinder the tracking of individual lions, which contributes to discrepancies between official data and actual numbers. The report identifies at least 444 captured lions, with 138 registered since 2018 with the Department of Thai National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. Researchers believe true numbers may be significantly higher due to a lack of registered sales or breeding activities.
Despite regulatory efforts, numerous loopholes persist, enabling the trade to thrive. In 2019, the government enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act, regulating ownership of non-native, CITES-listed species like lions that were previously broadly protected. Unfortunately, this legislation inadvertently fueled lion trading by creating legal avenues with significant surveillance gaps. Owning a lion requires a license; however, breeding does not have the same restrictions. Anyone legally owning a lion can breed it, and cubs only need registration once they are 60 days old, with hybrid species, such as ligers, entirely excluded from the law. Consequently, this industry, valued at over $1 million (£740,000) annually, continues to flourish.
Taweesak Anansiriwattana, a Bangkok veterinarian known as Dr. Vee, operates in a clinic on the city’s outskirts. “I do not endorse keeping lions as pets,” he states. Over the past five years, he has dealt with over 25 privately owned lions. “Our humid climate leads to common skin infections,” he adds, noting malnutrition is prevalent since many owners feed their lions only chicken when they require organ meats like liver and intestines to thrive. Enclosure requirements mandate a minimum of 3m x 3m, but Dr. Vee found that less than half of the households he visited met these criteria.
Adult animals including rare white lions and cubs from breeding farms. Photo: Anna Norman Belmdez
“There are significant welfare issues affecting these animals,” states Tom Taylor, Operations Chief of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, who co-authored the report. “Many facilities provide miserable conditions, keeping lions in dark, barren enclosures, with inadequate diets.” To satisfy demand, breeders frequently separate cubs from their mothers early, prompting rapid return to breeding cycles. Inbreeding is especially prevalent among white lions and hybrids, increasing their perceived value.
Lions not indigenous to Thailand are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. While the captive population offers little conservation benefit, Taylor warns that it opens pathways for human trafficking and elevates risks to wild lion populations. “We have credible reports indicating that Thai lions are being illegally exported, both alive and for their body parts,” he noted, explaining that these lions may be filling the market gap created by restrictions on the tiger trade.
Public safety also emerges as a critical concern, evidenced by reports of lions escaping from private enclosures and entering public areas. In 2024, a viral video featured a man driving a lion in a convertible car, triggering widespread alarm. In response, the National Parks Director announced that the government is contemplating amendments to existing laws, including tighter regulations around lion ownership.
The report advocates for emergency bans on individual ownership and commercial breeding, increased licensing requirements, and restrictions on lion cafes and photo ops. These practices are believed to elevate the allure of exotic pets. “Many individuals are attracted to owning a lion without fully grasping the ethical, financial, and safety repercussions,” states Taylor. He points out that similar trends are emerging for other non-native species, such as ring-tailed lemurs and red pandas. “We hope this report encourages the public to consider the origins of these animals, their rearing conditions, and what happens when they grow too large and dangerous to manage.”
For more coverage on extinction, explore our dedicated pages and follow Guardian App biodiversity journalists Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield.
Elon Musk has openly criticized Donald Trump’s tax plan, asserting that the US president’s financial strategy undermines the cost-saving initiatives implemented by Tesla executives.
These comments from the billionaire entrepreneur were shared with CBS during a comprehensive interview set to air this weekend on Sunday morning. Previews shared on social media included his sentiment saying, “I’m disappointed after witnessing the enormous spending bill that will escalate the fiscal deficit, harming the efforts of the Doge team.”
Musk has been at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) since January. He later informed that he would step back from the Trump administration in April following a significant drop in Tesla’s revenue.
The proposal now seems to resonate with one major piece of Trump’s legislation, which was passed by the House of Representatives last week.
The legislation fulfills several of Trump’s campaign promises, including extending tax cuts for individuals and corporations while eliminating clean energy incentives established by Joe Biden.
However, the bill also allocates funds for the construction of barriers along the US-Mexico border and includes measures for the large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants. The Non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts the bill will contribute approximately $2.3 trillion (£1.7 trillion) to the deficit, even after considering the tax cuts.
This comment fuels speculation about a potential rift growing between the billionaire and the president, whom Musk financially supported last year. Altogether, Musk’s Super Political Action Committee contributed $200 million (£148 million) to Trump’s presidential campaign before the elections in November.
F1 enthusiasts know the excitement surrounding the annual release of the officially licensed games. Luckily, F1 25, developed by Codemasters in Birmingham, continues this tradition. Players can look forward to the return of the story mode, Brake Points, enhancements in My Team, the ever-popular career mode, and an intriguing partnership with F1: Film. Perhaps the most exciting feature is the option to race three tracks in reverse direction alongside the standard layout.
F1 25 feels like a culmination of prior advancements. For instance, last year’s F1 24 introduced a new physics model that underwent refinement post-launch; it is now fully optimized for improved car handling and tire wear, complemented by stunning graphics, as Codemasters transitions to this year’s advanced console.
Stunning graphics… F1 25. Photo: Electronic Arts
This advancement allows the company to explore fantasy elements that diverge from reality. One notable feature is the narrative surrounding the fictional Conor sports team, which unfolds across 15 chapters filled with engaging soap opera-style storylines and varied racing actions.
At its core, the beloved career mode, My Team, has upped the management aspect by placing you in the role of a new team owner, which has garnered considerable focus from Codemasters. This installment requires you to select one of your two hired drivers to stay in the corporate lane, making strategic driving choices more impactful than ever. In a similar vein, new parts must be assigned to specific drivers, enhancing the authenticity and realism of the gameplay, as emphasized by Codemasters.
As always, you can take your skills online, challenge opponents under varied standards, and engage in split-screen play with friends. A new addition, the Challenge Career mode, allows for timed scenarios offline, enabling players to compete globally on leaderboards. While this feature aims at pushing you beyond your comfort zone, its benefits will only be fully realized post-launch. Notably, scenarios from F1: Film will be available as post-release episodes, giving players an opportunity to experience the thrill of driving a Formula One car, as portrayed by Brad Pitt in his role as a fictional racer.
For fans of Formula One, there’s an exciting opportunity to experience the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Austria in reverse, with modifications made to accommodate new pit lanes. This reversal adds a completely fresh and engaging twist to the racing experience.
With real-world regulations evolving and significantly impacting car performance, Formula One appears to be at the pinnacle of its era, and F1 25 beautifully exemplifies this, blending a captivating mix of nail-biting realism with fantastical elements. F1 25? The peak of F1.
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Dele Zeynep Walton sensed something was off when she emerged from a caravan in New Forest at 8 am, camping with her boyfriend. Initially frustrated by the early start, she quickly realized the car was off course, and upon approaching, found her mother appeared “hysterical.” “Right away,” she recalls, “I thought, ‘That’s Amy.'”
Amy, Walton’s younger sister, was 21 and had been struggling with mental health issues for several months. She had a passion for music technology and art, with her stunning self-portraits adorning their family home in Southampton. A big fan of Pharrell Williams, she once received five calls to join him on stage at a concert. However, as her mental health declined, she became increasingly unreachable. “For two months, I had no idea where she was or what she was doing,” Walton says.
That October morning in 2022, Walton uncovered a devastating truth. Amy was found dead in a hotel room in Slough, Berkshire, presumed to have taken her own life. In the following days, Walton and her family would begin to understand Amy’s path—a journey facilitated by a complex web of online connections.
She loved music and art… some of Amy’s self-portraits in her family home. Photo: Peter Fluid/Guardian
Walton, a 25-year-old journalist, pieced together that Amy had engaged with a suicidal promotion forum that the Guardian opted not to name. This site is linked to at least 50 deaths
in the UK and is currently under investigation by Ofcom, a regulator under the online safety law. Police investigating Amy’s death revealed that at this forum, Amy learned how to obtain the substance that ended her life and met the man who flew to Heathrow to accompany her at the end. (He was initially charged with assisting suicide, but no further action was taken.)
Sitting in the garden of her parents’ house in Southampton, Walton describes how she came to write about the events that transpired. Her book, Logoff: Human costs in the digital world
is partly a tribute to her sister and partly an exploration of the implications of everyday web browsing, fate, and the digital world that can perpetuate harm.
“I thought: I need to dedicate myself to uncovering this. Why is the public unaware of these ongoing harms? Because they are constant.” She references Vlad Nikolin-Caisley from Southampton, saying that earlier this month, a woman was arrested
on suspicion of aiding his suicide.
With a review of Aimee’s death in June, Walton hopes that online factors will be included in the investigation and that “online harm” will be acknowledged as a cause or contributing factor in her sister’s death.
This phrase has become familiar to her. “Until I lost Amy, I didn’t understand what ‘online harm’ meant,” she reflects. She first heard the term from Ian Russell, Molly’s father and a campaigner for online safety. Molly Russell was 14 when she took her life after being exposed to images and videos of self-harm. Uniquely, the coroner stated that online activity “had contributed to her death in a minimal way.” Walton hopes a similar perspective will be taken in her sister’s case, believing that calling it “suicide” alone fails to account for the impact of the digital world and places unfair blame on Amy while leaving it unregulated.
“We can become vulnerable at any time in our lives”… Amy’s photo. Photo: Peter Fluid/Guardian
Initially labeling her sister’s death a “suicide,” Walton now feels this term no longer adequately reflects Amy’s situation. When suicide is seen as a voluntary action, how much choice does a person really have when influenced by an intentional online community? And if individuals are genuinely free to choose, Walton questions, how does the algorithm continuously presenting Amy with self-harm content shape her experience? “That’s where it becomes hard for me to label it a suicide,” Walton asserts. “My intuition tells me Amy was groomed and that her decision was not entirely hers.”
Her deep dive into these issues has transformed Walton into an activist. She collaborates with Bereaved Families for Online Safety
and serves as a young people’s ambassador for People vs Big Technology. “We must address these issues head-on,” she emphasizes. “If we don’t, it fosters the belief that online safety is solely a personal responsibility.”
Walton recounts how police indicated that the man who accompanied Amy at the hotel had shared the room for 11 days prior to her passing. The room contained Amy’s notes, but Walton mentioned they were so filled with pain that they were unreadable. He later told police that he was “working.” She reveals that the man called 999 after Amy ingested the toxic substance but declined to administer CPR. Amy has since been linked to 88 deaths in the UK and the toxic substances are purportedly sourced from Kenneth Law, a Canadian under investigation by the National Crime Agency.
A New York Times investigation revealed the forum was established by two men. Walton visited the forum herself, wanting to trace her sister’s final interactions. “Many posts essentially say, ‘Your family doesn’t care about you; you should do this.’ They phrase it, ‘When are you getting on the bus?'”
Walton views this forum as a form of radicalization towards extreme behaviors that individuals may never have contemplated. She is alarmed by the thought that the man with Amy may have been “living a twisted fantasy as an incel, where a vulnerable young woman seeks to end her life.”
Prior to Amy’s death, Walton held a neutral stance on technology. Now, she describes, “The digital world is a distorted reflection of our offline world, amplifying its dangers.” In her book, her consideration of online harm victims spans a range of experiences, from Archie Batasby, who visited TikTok on the day he suffered a life-changing brain injury, to Meareg Amare Abrha, a university professor in Ethiopia who was killed after posting provocatively on Facebook. She also contemplates Amazon workers striving for better pay and conditions, alongside “Tony,” a 90-year-old neighbor who faced digital exclusion yet taught Walton how to use smartphones.
“For too long, the facade of technology has been equated with progress and innovation, which is a notion I challenge in my book,” she asserts. She recalls infamous public figures like Zuckerberg, Cook, Pichai, Bezos, and Musk, questioning, “Where are the engineers?” and stressing the interconnectedness of these power networks.
“The campaign allows survivors to regain control”… Amy’s bedroom in her family home. Photo: Peter Fluid/Guardian
Yet, Walton sometimes describes her experience as akin to being the digital equivalent of climate scientists from the 1970s. She acknowledges that her relationship with technology is complex, much like Amy’s. Her cherished memories of playing together revolve around their family computer in their parents’ bedroom.
“Chadwick and the Despicable Egg Thief – there’s video of us playing at 3 years old. We’ve played Color Games repeatedly. I’ve been taking photos with a ‘Digicam’ since I was 8, not to mention Xbox, Nintendo, computers—all just for fun!”
In a way, Walton describes her existence as a “double life.” Her book critically examines her own habits. While writing it, she lived in tracksuits, yet none of her Instagram
posts reveal this journey. She uses the app to limit her screen time and shares TikToks about “logoff.” Video calls have also allowed her family to “grieve together” after her sister’s passing, many of whom reside in Türkiye.
Promoting her book has made it tough to detach from screens. “I feel like a hypocrite!” she admits. “My screen time this week is nine and a half hours.” A day? “I don’t like it,” she replies, “I typically average six hours.”
Ultimately, she doesn’t aim for perfection, stating, “I’m in control of it all, guys.”
In her book, Walton notes, “The campaign allows survivors to reclaim the control that was taken from them,” a sentiment that resonates with her as the process seems exhausting. “Did I say that?” she questions, surprised. “But if I hadn’t engaged in this, where would that anger go? It would consume me and make me unwell.”
She has also engaged local MPs (first Royston Smith, then Darren Puffy), and Secretary of State Peter Kyle to seek answers about what occurred with Amy. “When we discuss online safety, it’s often framed in terms of protecting children. While that’s crucial, I also represent Amy; it’s about all of us. We can become vulnerable at any stage in our lives. If we focus solely on children’s safety, we become 18 and still don’t know how to navigate a healthy digital life,” she explains.
“I feel it’s my duty to Amy since I wish I could have shielded her.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears.
Balancing her grief with activism has proven challenging. “Some days I genuinely can’t handle it, or I just need a day in bed, as my body struggles to keep pace with all the emotional weight.”
“But this is my mission. Those in power only act if they feel the weight of this pain. If Mark Zuckerberg experienced the loss of a child due to online harm, perhaps he would finally understand, ‘Oh my God, I need to pay attention.'”
In the UK and Ireland, contact Samaritans at Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, call or text National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, chat at 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to reach a crisis counselor at 741741. Crisis Support Services in Australia can be reached at Lifeline at 13 1114. Additional international helplines are available at befrienders.org.
lAptops are essential tools, housing countless important documents, images, and cherished memories. Losing them is about more than just work interruptions. Here’s what to do if the unfortunate occurs:
What should I do if my laptop is lost or stolen?
Try to locate it using Microsoft or Apple’s Find My services. Lock it remotely and mark it as lost to safeguard your data.
Remove it as a trusted device from services like your Apple or Microsoft account, cloud services, online shops, or other browser apps.
Change the password for your primary accounts, such as your Apple or Microsoft account, starting with email accounts that a thief might access through password resets.
In the UK, call 101 to report the theft to the police, providing details like the laptop’s make, model, color, and serial number.
Reach out to your insurance provider. If you have coverage, your laptop might be included in some home contents policies.
Inform your bank about credit cards that might have stored information on your laptop.
Contact the laptop’s manufacturer to report the theft and request to blacklist the serial number.
What should you do immediately after getting a new laptop?
Once you acquire a replacement laptop (whether new or used), there are several precautions you can take to ensure its safety.
Establish strong passwords or long pins that are difficult to guess. Enable and utilize face or fingerprint recognition, and ensure your laptop locks the screen after a brief period or when the display turns off.
If not already activated, enable device encryption in the Privacy and Security Settings.
Set up two-step verification for your Microsoft or Apple account, along with any other accounts you use.
Regularly back up your data. On Windows, you can use Windows Backup to save files and settings, or utilize Microsoft’s OneDrive Cloud Service (5GB free). For Macs, use Time Machine to back up to an external drive, and sync iCloud with apps and files (5GB free). Alternatively, copy files to an external drive but ensure sensitive documents are encrypted before backup.
Store important documents in the cloud. Microsoft and Apple offer cloud services, but there are numerous alternatives, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Proton Drive.
Keep your proof of purchase secure, and remember your laptop’s color, model number, and serial number.
Consider insuring your laptop under your home contents policy. You may need to add it to a list of high-risk or high-value items, especially when leaving home. Alternatively, seek dedicated laptop or gadget insurance, which often includes theft protection.
The Internet can often feel overwhelming, filled with negative headlines, false information, and chaotic social media. Yet, there’s also a bright side.
Consider Shadow and Jackie, a joyful couple residing in a home with stunning views of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California. They have two children, Sunny and Gizmo, who are on the verge of embarking on their own journeys. In many ways, they embody modern American dreams, akin to reality stars and majestic bald eagles.
Since October 2015, the family has been live-streaming their nest through the environmental nonprofit group Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). Over the years, fans have tuned in to watch the Eagles share meals (primarily fish), relax, and playfully bother one another. Sandy Steers, executive director of FOBBV, occasionally playfully nudges Jackie’s tail or wing “to get a reaction from her.” “It’s quite amusing,” she notes.
The Eagle Cam concept originated with Stairs. She became interested in the nest long ago, returning when Jackie’s parents, Ricky and Lucy, were still there. “I was captivated watching Jackie grow through a spotting scope,” she recounts.
Over the years, viewer numbers have soared, with the YouTube page boasting over 638,000 subscribers and 46,000 active viewers at the time of this writing. Numerous news outlets and articles refer to these Eagles as “celebrities.” Additionally, FOBBV sells merchandise like a stuffed toy of Shadow and Jackie ($30), a tote bag ($20), and a sweatshirt ($45).
“What fascinates people is how captivating nature is and how many of us haven’t had the chance to truly observe it,” Stairs observes. “It fosters a connection with oneself and one’s emotions.”
The emotions these Eagles inspire are palpable. In addition to the birds, this platform showcases other facets of nature, reflected in a healthy comment section.
“I adore Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo; you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart!” one viewer expressed during a live chat.
“It’s about witnessing this wonderful family flourish,” another fan shared.
The Eagles earn such devoted admiration due to their personalities, Steers explains. “Jackie is serious and definitely in charge,” she clarifies. “Shadow understands all her rules, yet he remains independent.”
Jackie and Shadow’s relationship can be likened to a romantic comedy. After Ricky and Lucy moved on, Jackie nested with her first mate, Mr. B. However, a persistent young eagle kept appearing, and despite Mr. B’s efforts to ward him off, he eventually gave up and departed.
Have they always been bald eagles? “That’s largely the case, but not always,” Steers comments.
Currently, the family is well-settled. Sunny and Gizmo are the fifth and sixth chicks of this couple. The Eagle Log, maintained by FOBBV members, regularly updates the nest’s progress and recently confirmed Gizmo’s gender based on size and behavior. Sunny’s gender is still unknown, but clarity is anticipated in the days to come.
At 11 weeks old, the young eagle is nearing flight readiness. The fledge watch is currently underway, as fans eagerly await their first flights.
“They’re not entirely prepared for me,” says Steers, “but perhaps it’s just a wish that they’ll linger a bit longer.”
I first learned about Eagle Cam from a friend a few years back, but since Gizmo and Sunny hatched in March (both Pisces), I’ve kept the live stream running in a tab on my computer. During work breaks, I check in on the feathered family. It’s a delightful escape for me.
I’ve watched Sunny and Gizmo transform from small, fuzzy grey balls into large, sleek creatures with fierce beaks and sharp claws. I’ve seen Jackie feed the eaglet fish and witnessed Gizmo leaping into the air, practicing her flying (“We call it ‘winging’,” Steers notes).
At times, the atmosphere is serene—perhaps the eaglets are napping while Jackie and Shadow hunt. I also relish the tranquility of the trees swaying in the breeze and the shimmering lake. As Steers recently remarked in The Eagle Log, “Sometimes a quiet day of observation, appreciation, and love is essential for all beings’ joy.”
European officials have initiated an investigation into four adult websites suspected of inadequately preventing minors from viewing adult content.
Following a review of the companies’ policies, the European Commission criticized PornHub, StripChat, XNXX, and XVideos for not implementing adequate age verification procedures to block minors from accessing their sites.
This inquiry has been launched in accordance with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at curbing online harm such as disinformation, cyber threats, hate speech, and counterfeit merchandise. The DSA also enforces stringent measures to safeguard children online, including preventing mental health repercussions from exposure to adult materials.
The committee noted that all four platforms employed a simple one-click self-certification for age verification.
“Today marks a significant step toward child protection online in the EU, as the enforcement action we are initiating… clearly indicates our commitment to hold four major adult content platforms accountable for effectively safeguarding minors under the DSA.”
While no specific deadline has been set for concluding the investigation, officials stressed that they aim to act swiftly on potential next steps based on the platforms’ responses.
The platforms can resolve the investigation by implementing an age verification system recognized as effective by EU regulators. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue.
The DSA regulates platforms with over 45 million users, including Google, Meta, and X, while national authorities in each of the 27 member states are responsible for those that fall beneath this threshold.
On Tuesday, the committee announced that StripChat no longer qualifies as a “very large online platform.” Following the company’s appeal, its oversight will now be handled by Cyprus rather than Brussels, under its parent company, Techinius Ltd.
However, this new designation will not take effect until September, meaning that the investigation into age verification remains active.
The child protection responsibilities of StripChat will continue unchanged.
Aylo FreeSites, the parent company of Pornhub, is aware of the ongoing investigation and has stated its “full commitment” to ensuring the online safety of minors.
“We are in full compliance with the law,” the company remarked. “We believe the effective way to protect both minors and adults is to verify user age at the point of access through their device, ensuring that websites provide or restrict access to age-sensitive content based on that verification.”
Techinius has been approached for comments. A Brussels-based attorney, recently representing the parent company of XVideos (Web Group Czech Republic) and XNXX (NKL Associates) in EU legal matters, has also reached out for statements.
And has Ted been sharing ideas ever since?Ted – an abbreviation for Technology, Entertainment, Design – is a non-profit media organization based in the U.S. that hosts its annual conference…
Yes, and they offer motivational online talks. With the powerful tagline “Ideas change everything.”
So, what about them? They are concise.
A lecture? Above all? Historically speaking.
How brief are they? Just 6 minutes.
Who do you refer to? That’s Elif Shafaq.
Turkish and British authors? She’s a novelist, essayist, public speaker, and activist. She spoke at the Hay Festival in Wales.
What did she say? When she first delivered a Ted Talk, she was allowed 19 minutes, but after a decade, the limit was reduced to a strict 13.
Why? That’s what she asked Ted.
And what did Ted reply? According to Shafaq, Ted responded:
How did that make her feel? “It’s disheartening. We can’t engage for more than a few minutes,” she noted, pointing out that we live “in the age of hyperinformation.”
Is it too much to handle? Exactly. “We’re unable to process so much information,” she added. “In the long run, we may lose compassion, leading to fatigue, decreased morale, and paralysis.”
My goodness, sounds severe. Is it true our attention spans have diminished? The absence of longitudinal studies means we can’t be certain, but the public appears to believe so.
Do tell me more. But let’s continue along that line. Research fromKing’s College London in 2022 found that 49% of individuals think their attention spans are decreasing, while 50% say they can’t stop checking their phones…
Probably young people. Not just them; it’s also a challenge for middle-aged individuals. Moreover, 50% believe the typical adult attention span today is merely 8 seconds.
Sorry, what were we discussing again? The short attention span.
Oh yes, I figured as much. But how about books? Are they getting shorter too? Interestingly, a 2015 survey suggested books are now 25% longer than they were 15 years ago.
I can relate, but something is changing. Nonetheless, this year’s longlist for the international booker prize features eight books with fewer than 200 pages.
What about movies? Surely they’re getting longer? The simple answer is: No. A slightly longer explanation: likely due to marketing strategies, as studios aim to increase ticket sales.
Wait, so it seems our attention is waning while films are getting longer? Very astute. Someone should address this in a Ted Talk.
Say: “Can I make a difference in just 13 minutes?”
At the Springwood Library in the Blue Mountains, librarians arrive holding cat carriers in each hand.
Around 30children form semicircles. From each carrier, a pair of bright, sci-fi-like eyes peer into the eager crowd.
“That’s the most fascinating thing ever,” exclaims one child.
Preschoolers have just finished enjoying Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell’s *Track Cat* for the annual national simultaneous storytime.
Metacut, the two friendly robot pets, are special guests on their inaugural library tour throughout Blue Mountain, New South Wales.
The Blue Mountains City Council states that lifelike cat replicas can offer comfort and alleviate stress, particularly for children and individuals dealing with anxiety and dementia.
Metacut features an artificial heartbeat and non-allergenic fur. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Metacuts are capable of meowing and purring. They boast animated LED eyes, soft, hypoallergenic fur, and silicone legs. Yes, the artificial heartbeat resonates within.
With integrated sensors in their head, chin, and back, the cats respond to human interaction, exhibiting realistic movements upon specific voice commands.
When someone says, “I love you, Metacut,” their eyes light up with a glowing heart symbol.
Ewan, captivated by the black cat, bursts into laughter every time it turns its head towards him.
“He’s hooked,” chuckles Ewan’s mother, Amy Cameron, suggesting it’s because it resembles their family cat, Diego.
Meanwhile, 10-year-old Stella becomes enamored with the white cat’s fur, asserting that it evokes “real feelings.” Her six-year-old brother, Charlie, reminisces about Snuffle Pass, their late orange cat.
Stephanie Lambilis and her children Stella (10) and Charlie (6) play with a Metacut at Springwood Library. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Dr. Rosemary Dillon, CEO of Blue Mountains City Council, mentions that the council decided to acquire Metacut for the community after discovering them at the 2024 NSW Public Library Association Conference.
Dillon noted that library visitors started interacting with the Metacut, often seeking it out over the human staff.
Metacut has become unexpectedly popular amongst older patrons, Dillon adds. “A significant number of seniors frequent the library for companionship,” she states. “This offers an additional layer of engagement for them.”
Loneliness is a pressing national public health issue, with recent surveys indicating that one in four Australians feels isolated.
Associate Professor Alyssa Milton, a children’s mental health specialist at the University of Sydney, asserts that Metacuts may offer a comforting and reliable connection.
“Robotic pets, or real ones, can help children feel secure and acknowledged,” she explains. “Research indicates that robotic animals show promise in assisting children with various neurological developmental challenges.”
Storytime leader Elissa demonstrates one of the robot cats for the children at Springwood Library. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Milton emphasizes that libraries and community spaces play a crucial role in diminishing feelings of social isolation, and Metacut provides an alternative for families who face limitations in owning real pets due to housing circumstances or allergies.
Feedback from Springwood indicates that Metacut has become a favorite.
The children eagerly line up to interact with the animatronic pets.
Stephanie Lambilis, the mother of Stella and Charlie, mentions that the family made a special trip to Springwood just to see the cat. “It’s gentle and sweet,” she comments.
Suggestions for cat names are welcome through the “CAT-FLAP” nomination box at the library until June 7th. Naturally, Stella has submitted her choice, Snuffle Pass.
Professor Adam Guastella, a child neurodevelopment expert at the University of Sydney, mentions that robotic animals can enhance learning and social interaction.
“Early findings indicate that…robotic dogs can foster improved social communication in children with autism,” notes Guastella.
Elissa takes the cat from her carrier as children line up to meet the furry animatron. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Dr. Nathan Caruana, a cognitive psychology lecturer at Flinders University, concurs that the concept holds promise.
“Children crave attention, and it seems they find motivation with something that doesn’t pass judgment,” he explains.
However, Caruana emphasizes that his research is ongoing, and conclusive evidence supporting the use of robots as mental health tools is still developing.
After completing this tour, the robotic duo will return to what the council describes as their “previous” residences: Springwood and Katoumba Library, while also visiting other libraries for special events.
Greetings and welcome to TechScape. In this week’s edition: Apple faces challenges on several fronts, OpenAI is ramping up its ambitions, and Trump is alienating some of his supporters through cryptocurrency ventures.
Apple Grasped in Three Challenges: Tariffs, AI, and Fortnite
Once unassailable, Apple has begun to reveal vulnerabilities. CEO Tim Cook struggles to address the tariff threats that could inflate iPhone prices. The AI capabilities offered by Apple lag behind those of its competitors. Moreover, the company continues to face legal difficulties with Fortnite, losing ground in a high-stakes battle that has significant implications.
On Friday, the President issued a warning regarding a 25% tariff on iPhones not produced in the U.S. Trump stated: “I have informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect iPhones sold in the U.S. to be manufactured and assembled domestically, not in India.”
A significant majority of iPhones are assembled in China, with Trump enforcing a 145% tariff on exports. Cook, enjoying an exemption from these tariffs, mentioned in a recent earnings call that most iPhones sold in the U.S. next quarter will originate from India, presumably aiming to ease political tensions between China and the U.S.; however, it seems his strategy is falling short.
Cook opted not to join Trump on a recent trip to the Middle East, a decision that reportedly irritated the president. New York Times. Trump notably remarked that Cook was conspicuously absent among high-tech executives during his speech in Riyadh, indicating that Cook’s absence could have costly ramifications for Apple.
Domestically, Apple faces scrutiny over its prolonged efforts to weave generative artificial intelligence into its products. Currently, Apple holds over half the market share for smartphones in the U.S., yet its AI offerings fall short of the competition. For instance, Apple’s struggles with Siri remain evident as it frequently fails to play the desired song, rendering Google’s Assistant far more appealing. Create a podcast that captures intriguing aspects from Wikipedia, easily overshadowing Apple’s efforts.
Discover more about Trump’s tariff threats.
At its 2024 annual developer conference, Apple unveiled plans for its Apple Intelligence features. Summary of failed notifications. An insider spoke to the media regarding internal disarray within Apple’s AI division; this is striking for a company that prides itself on its confidentiality. Competing firms are ecstatic with their new flagship phones, leveraging AI capabilities that Apple cannot match. Siri remains nearly as incompetent as it was 15 years ago, and while the Vision Pro isn’t an AI solution, its poor performance tarnishes Apple’s reputation.
Legally, Apple continues to face setbacks in its litigation against Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, portraying itself as a beleaguered player in the tech industry. In late April, a U.S. federal judge revealed that Apple, despite circumventing orders, was infringing on regulations by failing to allow developers to link to alternative payment methods. The judge accused Apple’s top executive of “lying under oath.”
Photo: DadoRuvić/Reuters
Fortnite has made a comeback on the App Store five years after its ban, with Epic allowed to sidestep Apple’s 15% to 30% commission. While Fortnite is a popular title, it does not represent the majority of Apple’s overall App Store revenue. This legal outcome may weaken Apple’s once-tight control over its software ecosystem, allowing developers to better navigate payment options outside of the app, posing a significant threat to Apple’s digital services revenue.
Learn more about Fortnite’s responses.
Bloomberg released a report on Monday, revealing that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is questioning whether his early support of Trump was beneficial. While this is a valid inquiry, it appears that Zuckerberg has maintained control over his digital empire without yielding to the second-term president. He has neglected his company’s diversity and equity initiatives, potentially paying the price for Trump’s volatility. The chef should ponder the return on his $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration, as he seems to be dancing on a razor’s edge while avoiding bullets aimed at his feet.
OpenAI’s Expansive Week Beyond ChatGPT
Jony Ive and Sam Altman. Composite: Getty Images
This week, OpenAI secured two multi-billion dollar deals as it strives to expand beyond ChatGPT. Comparatively, its major rivals were preoccupied with launching a new version of their flagship model, Claude. While some may find this lack of product releases concerning, I’d argue it’s crucial for staying competitive against behemoths like Google, valued at $2 trillion, and Microsoft, worth $3.3 trillion. If you’re not innovating but instead planning to acquire a startup founded by an iPhone designer for billions, you’re not truly in the game.
On Wednesday, OpenAI confirmed its intention to buy IO, an unproven hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive, for $6.4 billion. Sam Altman and Ive released a blog post announcing that the IO team would integrate with OpenAI to “collaborate more closely with the San Francisco research, engineering, and product teams.” Although Ive will not be employed by OpenAI, his company is set to oversee the design aspects for OpenAI, including software. Bloomberg.
The merger’s objective appears to be clear: to develop AI-infused hardware that achieves the same iconic status as the iMac and iPhone. However, the market for devices focused solely on democratizing AI remains ambiguous. The Human Pin— a product reminiscent of what Ive creates and backed by Altman and Apple alumni—did not gain traction.
Read more about this ambitious acquisition.
On Thursday, OpenAI announced plans for a massive data center investment in Abu Dhabi, projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars. This project is part of Stargate, a $500 million initiative in AI led by Nvidia, Oracle, OpenAI, SoftBank, among others. Initially envisioned as a domestic initiative, Stargate has evolved into a global venture through its collaboration with the UAE, following Trump’s AI announcement.
As these startups initiate major advancements, OpenAI’s CEO has garnered considerable public attention this week. Two newly published books—one complimentary and one critical—chronicle the rise of OpenAI. “Optimists” by Keach Hagey in the Wall Street Journal presents a biography of Altman, while “The Atlantic Empire” by Karen Hao delineates the timeline from the company’s founding through Altman’s recent suspension and reinstatement in 2023. Together, they provide a dual narrative exploring the complexities of Sam Altman’s character. The underlying question remains: is he a visionary or a ruthless figure with a relentless pursuit of progress?
Regardless, armed with billions and having recruited Apple’s second-most recognizable figure, Altman seems determined to fill the void left by Steve Jobs.
Stay Updated on This Week’s AI News
Trump Hosts Crypto Investors at a Private Dinner
Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
Trump hosted a dinner for prominent crypto investors at a private golf club in Virginia on Thursday night. According to an analysis by The Guardian, nearly half of Trump’s top investors have incurred losses on their investments. Niamh Rowe reports:
Among the 220 winners, 95—approximately 43%—have collectively lost $8.95 million since the token’s launch in January, based on trading histories and portfolios as of May 21.
The user “Gant” has reportedly faced the most significant loss, racking up a $1.06 million deficit despite ranking fourth on the leaderboard, while “Meow” has lost $621,000 despite attaining VIP status.
$Trump has become part of the “Meme Coin” movement, referring to cryptocurrencies inspired by internet phenomena. Although Trump is a significant figure in the online culture surrounding cryptocurrency, he doesn’t equate to a meme like Dogecoin’s Shiba Inu mascot.
The definition of a Memecoin provided by Coinbase aligns $Trump with other tokens. Coinbase notes that a Memecoin is “often backed by an enthusiastic online community” and “associated with entertainment rather than practical utility.” Trump’s coin lacks any tangible financial or physical backing, representing a volatile speculative asset.
Learn more about Trump’s cryptocurrency escapades.
Elon Musk’s so-called “brand debacle” is currently unfolding in Adelaide, where residents have overwhelmingly rejected plans for a Tesla factory.
The city of Marion in South Australia is contemplating the sale of 2,664 square meters of public land. This site, which is contaminated and not accessible to the public, is being targeted by Tesla for a battery factory.
The council has engaged with the community and compiled a report detailing “geopolitical or symbolic critiques presented in submissions,” which highlight potential benefits like 100 full-time jobs, increased fee income, $56 million in economic output, and a “Tesla-led training initiative.”
Out of approximately 1,000 submissions to local councils, 95% requested the proposal be retracted, citing “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk sentiments,” as well as concerns about the environmental impact and the loss of green spaces.
While environmental issues were a factor, the primary reason residents opposed the project was Musk himself.
Opponents of the proposal didn’t hold back on their reasons for rejection—indeed, the City of Marion opted to censor some of the submissions.
“Elon Musk is [redacted] Humans and a [redacted]!” one commenter stated.
“Elon Musk and Tesla are a [redacted] against humanity,” another wrote.
“Elon Musk has completely misjudged [redacted], viewing others through a dull lens. Additional submissions suggested that the site was inappropriate for Musk. [redacted] would be a sly choice.”
“We shouldn’t profit from our support of someone who [redacted] openly [redacted],” was another perspective on Tesla’s move to Marion.
Aesthetic concerns were also raised: “Dear God,” a resident complained. “This isn’t good for anyone… [and] it mainly disrupts my roller skating route.”
More than half of the 948 community submissions came from outside the council, but locals opposed the development by a ratio of 11 to 121.
Supporters appreciated the job creation, skill development, and the “novel approach” of one of the world’s wealthiest figures.
Musk continues to face backlash due to his involvement in the Trump administration, where he established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leading to severe cuts in government programs.
Tesla’s recent profit slump has led analysts to associate the branding crisis with Musk’s actions in the White House.
Musk has refuted claims that branding is an issue, attributing the challenges to the “macro demand for vehicles” in the current economic landscape.
Mayor of Marion, Chris Hannah, indicated that most Australians are not likely to view the project through a political lens.
“However, there is indeed a core group with strong anti-fascist sentiments, directing their criticisms towards Elon Musk and his affiliations,” he remarked.
Hannah mentioned that a “natural” community reaction combined with a political campaign aims to boost the “no” votes.
“If this decision prevents the factory from moving forward, Tesla will simply relocate it elsewhere in Australia, which wouldn’t adversely affect Elon Musk’s interests,” he stated.
Many submissions referenced Musk’s interventions in U.S. and European politics, along with his controversial salute earlier this year.
According to a piece in The Guardian, a critic remarked: [sic] …This is likely to invite protests and negative attention that the neighborhood neither needs nor wants.
Tesla and South Australian government officials have emphasized the economic advantages for the region in their supportive letter, but a handful of residents contended that the land should be allocated for productive use.
Marion City staff have officially recommended that the council proceed with the land sale to Tesla, with a proposal set to be discussed at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Regulators overseeing online safety are pursuing the maximum fine of $450,000 against a man for publishing deepfake images of a well-known Australian woman on his website, marking a significant case in an Australian court.
The Esafety Commissioner has initiated legal action against Anthony Rotondo for his failure to remove “intimate images” of high-profile Australian women from the Deepfake Pornography site.
The federal courts maintain the confidentiality of the women’s real names.
The court learned that Rotondo initially defied the order while residing in the Philippines, prompting the committee to pursue legal action upon his return to Australia.
Rotondo had posted an image on Mrdeepfakes’ site.
In December 2023, Rotondo was fined after admitting to breaching the court’s order by failing to remove the image. He subsequently provided the password to delete the Deepfake image.
A representative from the Esafety Commissioner indicated that regulators are aiming for a fine between $400,000 and $450,000 for the violations of online safety law.
The spokesperson emphasized that the proposed penalty reflects the seriousness of the “significant impact on the targeted women.”
“This penalty aims to deter others from partaking in such harmful actions,” they stated.
Esafety highlighted that the creation and distribution of nonconsensual explicit deepfake images result in severe psychological and emotional harm for the victims.
The penalty hearing occurred on Monday, and the court has reserved its decision.
Additionally, federal legislation was passed in 2024, strengthening the fight against explicit deepfakes.
Esafiti Commissioner Julie Inman Grant during the Senate estimates. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP
In her introductory remarks to the Senate committee considering the bill last July, Esafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that DeepFakes have surged by 550% since 2019, with 99% of such pornographic content featuring images of women and girls.
“Abuse involving deepfake images is not only on the rise, but it is also highly gendered and incredibly distressing for the victims,” Inman Grant stated.
“To my surprise, the number of open-source AI applications like this is rapidly increasing online, often available for free and easy to use for anyone with a smartphone.
“Thus, these apps present a low barrier for perpetrators, while the repercussions for the targets are devastating and often immeasurable.”
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