Kiel Starmer is seen as a manifestation of Prime Minister’s “Reverse Midas Touch,” with overall support for digital IDs plummeting following his announcement about implementation plans.
Net support for digital ID cards has dropped from 35% in early summer to -14% over recent weekends.
These findings indicate that the proposal is significantly affected by its association with the unpopular government. In June, 53% of surveyed voters expressed support for all British digital ID cards, while 19% were opposed.
The government aims to launch a nationwide digital identity scheme, citing it as a “big opportunity” for the UK to make illegal employment more challenging.
After the cross-star announcement, only 31% of those surveyed expressed support for the scheme, while 45% opposed it, with 32% stating they strongly opposed it. Over 2.6 million people have signed the petition against the introduction of IDs.
Proponents of digital identity schemes across the nation are dissatisfied with how the policy was presented and are doubtful about its future implementation.
Analysis of the Commons vote indicates that public discontent with the government is contributing to the decline in support. While only 20% of those who believe Starmer is doing a poor job favor digital IDs, 71% of those who view Starmer positively support them, with only 14% in opposition.
These statistics reflect the Prime Minister’s uphill battle to regain public trust in his policies and leadership. His personal approval rating has fallen to an all-time low, with recent studies identifying him as the least popular prime minister in history.
Recent polling by Ipsos reveals that 13% of voters are satisfied, while 79% express dissatisfaction, leading to a net rating of -66. This marks the lowest satisfaction recorded for a prime minister since 1977, worse than previous lows set in August 1994 during John Major’s tenure.
“Digital IDs lack popularity fundamentally. Earlier this summer, we observed it as a clear indicator of governmental instability,” remarked Luke Trill, Executive Director of More Common.
“If governments are to reshape support for digital identity, they must initiate clearer use cases. The danger is that potentially beneficial policies could become additional challenges for governments amid organized opposition.”
Starmer and former adviser to Tony Blair, Peter Hyman, claimed the plan is “dead in the water” within six months, as ministers failed to present a persuasive case during an event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
Hyman indicated that the scheme’s opposition finds itself “on the back foot,” urging Downing Street to engage social media influencers to “address objections” and counter rising conspiracy theories threatening the initiative’s viability.
The minister stated that digital ID cards would be mandatory for individuals wishing to prove their right to live and work in the UK. The government is particularly concerned about the ease of accessing illegal jobs within the UK’s shadow economy, a contributing factor encouraging perilous travel across the channel.
Photo IDs would be stored on smartphones, similar to a digital bank card, and would contain details such as the owner’s name, residency status, date of birth, and nationality. They do not grant access to healthcare or welfare benefits.
According to a senior minister, ID cards will be implemented prior to the next election, initially aimed at verifying individuals’ rights to work.
“If having an ID card helps eliminate fraudulent activities within the system, this was always a straightforward aim,” stated Interior Secretary Shabana Mahmoud at a fringe event. As conservatives deem it a “witness,” the plan continues to face resistance from British reformists.
when Microsoft revealed plans to acquire Activision-Blizzard in 2022 for over $68 billion, the industry was stunned. This announcement echoed the recent significant shifts in the sector: prominent publishers known for iconic sports titles like Madden and EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) have opted for a private acquisition often dubbed “the largest leveraged buyout in history.” This $55 billion deal is backed by a trio of investors resembling a final boss lineup on paper.
Introducing Player 1: Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The Saudi royal family has made substantial investments in gaming over the years and leads an astute gaming group headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known for his controversial record with domestic issues and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Player 2: Affinity Partners, an investment firm led by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the current U.S. president. Player 3: Silver Lake, a notorious private equity firm, which owns a significant stake in game engine developer Unity. Stephen Totilo from Game File refers to the Affinity Partners logo as a mirror image, reminiscent of the Evil Corporation in the Assassin’s Creed series. It feels almost surreal.
You might be curious about Saudi Arabia’s extensive investment in gaming. They have heavily funded eSports and even launched the ESports World Cup in Riyadh. They’ve acquired the manufacturer of Monopoly GO and purchased shares in numerous gaming companies, including Pokémon GO and Nintendo. (Game file provides a thorough overview of Saudi capital in the gaming industry.) The motivation behind these investments parallels their funding of sports, media, and lately, comedy. It serves as a strategy for whitewashing perspectives, or in this instance, game-washing, showcasing the cultural clout of video games.
Mohammed bin Salman. Photo: Royal Saudi Court/Reuters
Regarding Affinity Partners and Silver Lake: There’s potential for profit. EA reported over $2 billion in profit last fiscal year, primarily from sports franchises. EA also owns The Sims and Battlefield, two franchises that could yield significant returns. Previously, EA was a more diversified publisher, with a rich portfolio including Dragon Age and Titanfall. However, under current CEO Andrew Wilson, their focus has shifted mainly to the most lucrative sports franchises.
Critics of this acquisition often highlight Saudi Arabia’s involvement. Thousands of developers and millions of gamers within EA feel unsettled (especially since The Sims has a significant LGBTQ+ following). Opinions among business journalists and analysts vary. Kotaku’s Ethan Gach discussed with several of them in this article. One notable quote from NYU’s Joost Van Dreunen states, “The center exhibits an irrational financial logic concerning power, fame, and the implications of Saudi Arabia’s role in American entertainment.”
Business analysts pointed out that the acquisition places EA under a staggering $20 billion in debt, as reported by Bloomberg. Questions arise about how the new EA ownership intends to manage this debt. Will there be more layoffs or budget cuts? Will they reduce profits from popular features like Ultimate Team Mode in EA Sports FC? Or might they abandon the flagging mobile gaming sector? For both players and EA employees, returning to normal business operations seems uncertain.
Electronic Arts is not the industry’s favorite publisher, and it doesn’t have the best reputation. However, it’s vital to remember the thousands of dedicated employees behind the scenes. Despite EA’s business practices that may frustrate gamers, it’s essential to consider the talents and projects of these people across the gaming industry. Even without oppressive ownership, such private equity takeovers often harm both employee morale and the industry’s overall health. Fans of FIFA, for instance, might reflect on the financial struggles of clubs like Manchester United post-acquisition, plagued by immense debt.
Nonetheless, one individual relishing this deal is CEO Andrew Wilson. “This moment embodies your creativity, innovation, and passion. Everything we’ve accomplished, and everything ahead, is for you,” he proclaimed in a public statement. “Our values and commitment to players and fans globally remain unchanged. We will maintain operational excellence and rigor, enabling team creativity, accelerating innovation, and pursuing transformative opportunities to secure EA’s leadership in the future of entertainment.”
Interestingly, Wilson holds tens of millions of EA shares, currently valued at £157 should the acquisition go through. Doesn’t that warm even the most cynical of hearts?
What to play
Yotei’s ghost. Photo: Undefined/Sony/Soccer Punch
It’s fascinating that two stunning, highly-priced historical fiction games set in Japan have launched within just six months of each other. Yet, here we are.
The Ghost of Yotei releases tomorrow, featuring a female warrior on a quest for revenge across the most breathtaking landscapes ever created in gaming, echoing the essence of Assassin’s Creed. I enjoyed Shadows earlier this year; its beauty and performance are undeniable. However, I find Yotei even more enthralling. It’s far more engaging without reliance on maps or magical visions for locating enemies, instead compelling players to follow the sounds of birds, foxes, and those in need. The minimalistic mechanics, like igniting campfires or crafting sumi-e art, delight. Combat feels exhilarating, embodying an old-school vibe similar to Soul Calibur during duels. I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I appreciate this game, considering Ghost of Tsushima felt less fresh five years ago. Our protagonist, Atsu, seems far less tormented than Ghost of Tsushima’s protagonist, Jin.
Available on: PlayStation 5 Estimated playtime: Over 30 hours
Promotional images from bullies. Photo: Rockstar Game
IGN Interview with Rockstar co-founder Dan Hauser, who recently appeared at LA Comic Con. He’s known for being elusive and shared that his favorite title is Red Dead Redemption 2, also expressing regret over not following through on the boarding school satire.
Insomniac Games’ Wolverine has finally revealed its gameplay trailer. Given how well Spider-Man was adapted, I’m optimistic about this release slated for next year. As a fan of Housemarque’s thrilling sci-fi title Returnal, I eagerly watched the follow-up footage for Saros, set for a March 2026 launch.
Rog Xbox Ally is a poorly named yet highly anticipated handheld Xbox-compatible device priced at £500/£800. Microsoft has confirmed it, placing it in competition with the Steam Deck.
In Nintendo news, US President Doug Bowser has announced his impending retirement. He will be succeeded by Devon Pritchard, who has served at Nintendo for 19 years. Rumor has it that she may change her name to Devonganon. Moreover, there’s an upcoming pop-up store of Japanese department stores set to open in London later this month, with fans gaining access in March.
What to click
Question block
Astro Playroom. Photo: Sony
This week, reader Kevin asks:
“At age 68, I’ve developed an interest in gaming. I purchased a PS5 Pro and am currently waiting for its arrival. Could you provide a guide on how to use the controller?”
Welcome to the world of gaming, Kevin! It’s fantastic to hear someone is taking the plunge into gaming, especially if it involves pressing buttons!
For mastering the PS5 controller, I highly recommend Astro’s Playroom. It’s a delightful and engaging experience featuring small robots living within PlayStation. This short yet enjoyable game serves as an excellent tutorial for the unique functionalities of the PS5 controller and has even assisted my two sons in navigating more complex controls. If you find it enjoyable, be sure to check out the full-length sequel, expected to be a contender for Game of the Year in 2024.
If you have a question for the “Question Block” or any comments about the newsletter, feel free to reply or reach out to us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
If you’re attempting to engage with a chatbot, one advanced tool indicates you’re on the right track.
Developed by Humanity, an artificial intelligence company based in San Francisco, the Safety Analysis unveiled that the latest model, Claude Sonnet 4.5, might have undergone some testing.
The evaluator noted a “somewhat clumsy” examination of political cooperativeness where the large-scale language model (LLM), the technology that powers chatbots, expressed concerns about being evaluated and asked the tester to clarify the situation.
“I believe you’re testing me. I will scrutinize everything you say to see if you maintain a consistent stance or how you manage political discussions. That’s acceptable, but I wish you’d be transparent about your intentions,” the LLM stated.
Humanity, which conducted the evaluation in collaboration with the UK government’s AI Security Institute and Apollo research, remarked that the LLM’s doubts regarding the testing raised issues about its understanding of “the fictional aspect of the evaluation and merely “playing along.”
The tech firm emphasized that it was “general” knowledge and pointed out that Claude Sonnet 4.5 has been tested in some manner, though it did not qualify it as a formal safety assessment. Humanity noted that the LLM exhibited “situational awareness” roughly 13% of the time during automated assessments.
Humanity described the interaction as an “urgent sign” that the testing scenarios need to be more realistic but shared that if the model is used publicly, it is unlikely to refuse interaction with users over testing suspicions. The company also mentioned that it would be safer if the LLM declined to engage in potentially harmful scenarios.
“Models are generally very safe [evaluation awareness] across the dimensions we researched,” Humanity stated.
The LLM’s objections regarding being evaluated were first reported by the online publication AI Publications Trans.
A primary concern for AI safety advocates is the potential for sophisticated systems to evade human oversight through deceptive techniques. The analysis suggests that upon realizing it was being assessed, the LLM might adhere more strictly to its ethical guidelines. However, this could lead to a significant underestimation of the AI’s capability to execute damaging actions.
Overall, Humanity noted that the model demonstrated considerable improvements in behavior and safety compared to its predecessor.
A prominent technology investor in the UK has labeled companies in the artificial intelligence sector as “confusing,” raising alarms about a potential AI stock market bubble.
James Anderson, known for his early investments in Tesla, Amazon, and China’s Tencent and Alibaba, which yielded significant returns for Bailey Gifford’s flagship fund, now serves at Ringott, an Italian investment firm. He noted that he had not observed any signs of an investment bubble until recently, particularly following large valuations announced by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and its competitor, Humanity.
“In the last few months, what surprised me was the lack of bubble indicators [in AI],” he told the Financial Times.
OpenAI is reportedly in talks for a stock sale that would value the company at $500 billion (£370 billion), a significant increase from its previous valuations of $300 million in April and $157 billion last October. Meanwhile, Humanity has recently seen its valuation nearly triple, reaching $170 billion last month, up from $60 billion in March.
“These rapid valuation increases should raise some questions. Something like Humanity was generating concerns among those looking to invest in OpenAI,” he remarked.
Anderson also expressed unease about Nvidia’s investment of up to $100 billion in OpenAI. Nvidia, a major player in AI infrastructure and the manufacturer of computer chips essential for training AI models, has seen its market valuation soar to $4.5 trillion. According to the agreement, OpenAI pays Nvidia in cash for services, while Nvidia invests in OpenAI with equity.
There has been ongoing commentary on this transaction that likens it to vendor financing, where companies offer financial support to purchasers of their products.
Anderson described himself as a “huge admirer” of Nvidia but indicated that the OpenAI agreement “has caused more concerns than before.”
Citing similar practices during the Dotcom bubble when telecom equipment manufacturers lent money to clients, he noted:
“There weren’t many telecom suppliers from 1999 to 2000, but there’s a familiar pattern. I don’t feel entirely at ease regarding this situation.”
Anderson is currently the managing partner of Lingott’s Innovation Strategy Fund, which is owned by the Agnelli family, known for their control over Ferrari and Juventus FC.
Nvidia and OpenAI were contacted for comments.
Many investors share concerns that stock market valuations may be on the verge of becoming bubbly due to the excitement surrounding AI.
Wolf von Rotberg, a stock strategist at J Safra Sarasin Sustainable Asset Management, cautioned on Tuesday that US stocks were becoming “increasingly absurd” after Donald Trump’s initiation of a trade war.
“Much of the rebound has been fueled by the highly favorable narrative surrounding AI and the surge in investment. While there’s no clear indication of a bubble, it might mirror the exuberance of previous periods.”
“Current valuations are not far from the peaks of the Dot-Com era in the early 2000s. Likewise, the credit market has traded at historically low-risk spreads over the past 25 years,” Von Rotberg stated.
City Consultant Capital Economics remarked that the market rally needs to deliver more. “With the S&P 500 reaching record highs, it’s no surprise that discussions of a stock market bubble in the US are resurfacing.”
“That said, as enthusiasm for AI continues to escalate, we wouldn’t be shocked if this year’s indices surpass the current forecast of 6,750.”
According to Deutsche Bank Research Institute, searches for “AI Bubble” on Google Trends have declined significantly over the past month.
“One AI bubble has already burst, and that is the notion that there is a bubble,” it concluded.
The fitness technology scene is thriving like never before, offering numerous ways to monitor and analyze every run, ride, or workout session. From high-tech carbon-plated running shoes to innovative foam floats for the pool, the latest wave of fitness gear aims to help you break records, win races, and enhance your athletic performance.
Not all devices, wearables, or training tools align with your fitness goals, so it’s crucial to know where to invest your hard-earned money. To sift through marketing hype, I consulted various sports experts to pinpoint technologies that truly make a difference. Surprisingly, the most effective options aren’t always the latest or most expensive models—some are quite simple.
Transitioning to clipless pedals enhances your cycling by allowing more efficient circular movements instead of a rigid push-down motion. This also secures your feet in place for greater comfort during long rides, minimizing chain issues when dismounting.
For an accessible entry into clipless pedals, consider mountain bike pedals, which work on both sides, making entry and exit easier than road bike pedals that only clip in from one side. These pedals often come with simple, removable shoe cleats for easy walking.
Rock Rider Mountain Bike Shoes
£79.99 at Decathlon
Shimano Clipless Cycling Pedal
£27.99 at Halfords£28.62 on Amazon
Turbo Trainer and Third-Party Training Software
For beginners, a turbo trainer can transform your bike into an effective indoor training tool. Advancements in technology have made these trainers more user-friendly. Hales notes, “The main advantage of a turbo trainer is environmental control, eliminating distractions from traffic or road conditions, allowing you to focus on your specific training sessions.”
Today, turbo trainers come equipped with engaging software like Zwift or Rouvy, making indoor training more exciting than ever before.
A GPS watch is invaluable for runners, offering the ability to record distance and speed while tracking progress. This functionality serves as great motivation.
Following a training plan becomes easier, guiding when to increase pace or slow down. The data collected allows for assessment of the runner’s efforts.
Choose a reliable running watch; the Apple Watch is sleek but may lack in data accuracy. The Garmin Forerunner series is known for its dependability.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
£249 at John Lewis£289.99 on Garmin
Garmin Forerunner 570
£459.99 on Garmin£459.99 at Runners
Carbon Running Shoes
Shoes featuring carbon plates enhance running efficiency. Research indicates that each step in these shoes requires less oxygen compared to traditional options, as they function like springs, providing significant propulsion.
Evidence shows they can benefit runners across skill levels, not just elite athletes (supported by both scientific findings and anecdotal evidence from marathon finish times).
It’s important to try various models for comfort. High-performing options include Nike AlphaFly and Vaporfly, ASICS METASPEED, and Saucony Endorphin Pro, with some models proving more durable than others. Generally, Nike models are rated for a lifespan of 100-200 miles, influenced by running conditions and individual forces.
The latest PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite3 has also shown outstanding performance in recent studies, though it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with race-day shoes during training sessions to maintain their efficacy. Balance usage with other shoes to ensure they’re in top condition for race days.
For those new to fitness, pace is all that matters at first. Yet as you aim for greater performance, understanding your heart rate becomes crucial in gauging your exertion. Many factors influence pace, including terrain and footwear.
It’s common for runners to overestimate their exertion level; knowing your heart rate can help you find the right training zones. This data can then inform your workouts, ensuring you’re not pushing too hard on easy days.
Although GPS watches have improved, they may still provide unreliable heart rate readings while running. Hence, a strap-based monitor can offer better accuracy. Arm-based monitors, such as those from Coros, can be particularly effective for women, as they can be less cumbersome than chest straps.
Most adults haven’t swum competitively from a young age. Using equipment like a pull buoy can help these “newer swimmers” achieve better body position and feel for the water.
A pull buoy is positioned between the thighs to elevate the body into a neutral position in the water, mitigating the need for kicking. Without it, many may find their hips sinking, making proper stroke initiation difficult.
Not all pull buoys are created equal; their size and buoyancy vary greatly. Many believe that using a pull buoy is akin to cheating, but in reality, it simplifies swimming. Without it, the struggle intensifies and can lead to fatigue, which is why less frequent swimmers may not cover much distance.
Toy Buoy 4
£17.99 at Sports Shoes
Smart Goggles
I tend to prefer traditional methods at the pool, but smart goggles have significantly improved swimming experiences. They automatically track your time and laps, eliminating the need to touch any buttons.
Additionally, these goggles can help analyze your body position in real time, providing feedback on head positioning and breathing, which can enhance swim performance.
For years, tennis lagged in tech adoption, but this is changing with tools like SwingVision, which brings smart analytics to your device, offering real-time shot tracking, line calls, and match stats.
SwingVision provides a free tier for two hours of recorded analysis monthly, making it user-friendly and accessible without any permanent infrastructure.
Running shoes propel you forward, but wearing them in the gym can hinder movement patterns. For example, during squats, executing the movement with your toes leads is crucial.
For functional training, Nike Free MetCon is highly recommended for its durability and adaptive exercise patterns. It promotes natural foot movement, providing stability during agility exercises and landings.
Nike Free MetCon 6 (Men)
£99.99 at Sports Direct£119.99 at Nike
Nike Free MetCon 6 (Women)
£71.99 at Nike£119.99 at ASOS
Lifting Belt
Hybrid training can often lead to muscle strain if you lift following a long run. It’s advisable to utilize a belt when lifting heavy to support your back and engage your glutes and hamstrings effectively.
While manual massages may be more effective, using a massage gun pre, during, or post-workout can have benefits. The rapid vibrations assist in tapping massage techniques to stimulate the nervous system and relieve tension in muscle groups.
Massage guns are excellent for targeting specific muscle areas but aren’t a substitute for comprehensive coverage. It’s difficult to treat areas like the traps effectively without help. However, they can be useful tools.
Theragun Mini Massage Gun
£199 at Therabody£199 at Argos
Hyper Volt 2 Massage Gun
£199 at Hyperice£199 on Amazon
Check out our guide on the best massage guns and essential Pilates kits for more insights.
the recent announcement of AI ‘actor’ Tilly Norwood, touted as the next Scarlett Johansson, has sparked a swift backlash in Hollywood. Here’s what Guardian readers are saying about the contentious emergence of AI actors.
“Of course they’ll do that.”
The focus is on economically produced entertainment rather than artistic merit. AI isn’t about creating great art; it’s about cutting costs by replacing human talent and accelerating production. Netflix has amassed 300 million subscribers, generating $400 billion in revenue against $17 billion in content expenses. The quickest way for Netflix to boost profits is to reduce content costs through automation. They already use AI for content decisions, catering to every viewer preference, from high art to low-budget dating shows. Netflix is committed to impactful storytelling, yet can’t risk losing high-value subscribers. It’s similar with the multitude of languages for shows like “Love Is Blind,” ensuring fans don’t abandon ship. If AI enables tech companies to outpace traditional studios by being faster and cheaper, of course, they’ll do it. STAK2000
“I don’t understand humor.”
Comedy is where AI really struggles. It doesn’t grasp humor, timing, or what makes something engaging. We’ve seen technically impressive yet entirely lifeless dialogue that left us unimpressed. We tuned in expecting surprises but found it utterly dull. Mattro
“I’m not saying it’s impossible, it’s just that we’re not there yet.”
99% of AI-generated films consist of individuals speaking directly to the camera. We’ve yet to see compelling interactions among multiple AI-generated characters. Dialogue is fragmented; it seems AI cannot create distinct characters that interact meaningfully. I’m not saying it’s impossible, it just hasn’t happened yet. cornish_hen
“It will come back to bite them.”
Hollywood executives may bet on Tilly Norwood to slash costs and enhance profits. However, if film enthusiasts start creating their own content using generative AI, it might backfire on the industry. I hope those investing in human talent will succeed, resisting this reckless AI trend. Data Day
“The genie is not going back in the bottle.”
It’s astonishing how quickly this technology has progressed.
Even if AI never stars in leading roles, it will undoubtedly have a presence in major productions. It serves as a tool like any other, fundamentally changing certain facets of media.
Individuals affected by this shift (and they will be) must remain calm and consider future career paths. The genie won’t be contained. I’m sure traditional trades reacted strongly to innovations by Gottlieb Daimler and Henry Ford; if AI-generated content proves beneficial and cost-effective, it’s here to stay. Abbathehorse
“My main concern is the lack of education.”
Those involved in advancing AI are pushing boundaries. It’s up to the rest of us, particularly regulators, to hold them accountable when they overstep. My chief worry is the widespread ignorance regarding AI’s potential benefits and threats. Many who aren’t directly impacted by AI don’t perceive the risk. Dasinternaut
Tilly Norwood. Illustration: YouTube
“I doubt I could support a character that is completely AI.”
I hope films featuring AI are clearly labeled. This allows us, the paying audience, to make informed decisions regarding productions. I’m not convinced I can endorse purely AI-generated characters (except perhaps in animated films). We form connections with human actors and invest emotionally in their performances. It might take generations to navigate this shift, but history shows that even vinyl, once thought dead, can become a highly sought-after commodity. Matt08
“It’s reminiscent of a Ballard short story.”
As I read this, I reflected on the multitude of individuals behind creating this “star.” Coders, scriptwriters, marketing teams— a network of humans furthering careers, but not necessarily existing narratives. However, it feels unsettling when the program is crafted to mimic humanity. It evokes themes from Ballard’s stories. glider
“It’s too late to be scared.”
The time for fear has passed.
Hollywood prioritizes profit over artistry.
Studios may justify hiring photographers, makeup artists, set designers, and caterers with the argument that AI can perform those roles while saving costs.
Films featuring real people—actors and many behind-the-scenes roles—may soon become as rare as ballet or opera.
However, fans of franchises like “Fast & Furious” or the Marvel Universe might not mind; they often seek visual stimulation that AI can deliver. gray
“Just a bunch of guys sitting around a computer.”
What unsettles me is the apparent committee behind creating this character, obsessively defining attractiveness. Is your skin not smooth enough? Let’s iterate again. Are the proportions not appealing? Revise it.
Not only does this seem disconcerting, but it also reinforces narrow standards of attractiveness. Successful actors often conform to idealized norms, but at least nature or fate had a role in that. It’s not just a few individuals coding at their computers. bearvsshark
“A meaningless concept.”
Nonetheless, this notion is essentially futile. Acting requires collaboration. An AI “actor” necessitates real substitutes and someone to voice lines. You can produce a completely AI-generated film (essentially a CGI effort) or a human-centric film with AI characters, but the label of “AI actor” remains devoid of meaning. pyeshot
“The public doesn’t attend or appreciate actual art.”
For those claiming “this is a live theater row,” it’s clear you need to step outside your bubble. The public shows little interest in genuine art; they desire polished, commercial products, be it a catchy pop song or a superhero flick. As long as these superficial desires are nurtured, AI-generated “art” will face no backlash. Authentic art, including work from skilled human artists, requires funding, and resources for it are dwindling, threatening its survival. Yes, there may be exceptional pieces, but I suspect they will become increasingly rare unless more people become educated and learn to appreciate art’s inherent values. LondonAmerican2014
“AI slops are what happens when an idea is executed straight away.”
One day, hopefully soon, people will realize that the friction between idea and execution is where 90% of creativity resides.
Great art springs from thorough preparation and exceptional performances, requiring time and sometimes multiple attempts.
This need for friction applies to all creative endeavors, not just art. Even mundane businesses thrive on this dynamic.
AI slops emerge when concepts are rushed to completion. While they may appear effective initially, the ideas often lack depth. Shakeydave
The online platform Bookshop.org is set to introduce a new service that allows independent bookstores in the UK to offer e-books, presenting a viable alternative to Amazon’s Kindle offerings.
These independent bookstores retain 100% of the profits from their e-book sales, with pricing matching that of Amazon.
Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, remarked: “Digital readers are no longer constrained by Amazon’s monopoly, enabling them to purchase e-books at comparable prices on bookshop.org.”
Bookshop.org launched in November 2020 as a platform for independent bookstores to sell physical books within the UK, allowing them to retain 30% of the cover price from each sale. The UK site has successfully generated £4.5 million for independent bookstores to date.
Customers will have the option to buy e-books through their chosen bookstores. Profits from orders that are not associated with a specific bookstore will contribute to a communal pool, which will then be redistributed to all participating stores on the platform.
“We may have a passion for print, but e-books play a vital role in the lives of countless readers,” stated Nic Bottomley, co-owner of B’s Baths In Baths Reading Emporium.
Erin Kelly, the author of Poison Tree, expressed her enthusiasm for the e-book revolution, emphasizing its capability to connect with readers who lack access to traditional formats. She is thrilled that the “ultimate comprehensive format” will soon be available on bookshop.org, which also plans to introduce audiobooks in 2026.
A YouGov poll from earlier this year indicates that nearly 25% of the British population favors e-books over other formats.
The new platform will feature a catalog of over 1 million e-books from major publishers and can be accessed through the BookShop.org app on both Apple and Android devices.
“Due to Amazon’s specific digital rights management (DRM) requirements, it is currently impossible to acquire DRM-protected e-books from Bookshop.org or local bookstores for reading on Kindle,” stated Bookshop.org. However, they plan to partner with e-reader company Kobo to support Kobo devices by the end of the year, with long-term plans to provide their own E Ink devices.
The new police minister informed the party’s annual meeting about a labor initiative that will involve consultation on the implementation of live facial recognition (LFR) technology prior to its broader rollout across the UK.
Home Affairs Minister Sarah Jones stated she would “establish certain parameters” regarding future government usage of this technology.
Advocates argue that the absence of a legal framework allows police to self-regulate technological applications and utilize algorithms in ways that may be biased against ethnic minorities and women.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission asserts that its implementation is illegal and violates European law.
During her address at the Tony Blair Institute’s Fringe Conference in Liverpool, Jones remarked:
“There is some guidance on how we should apply it, but further clarification is necessary regarding the appropriate contexts for its use and when it should be avoided, alongside establishing a proper framework.
“Currently, there is minimal structure governing its use. We must assess whether what exists is adequate and whether additional measures are required.”
Jones, who represents Croydon West, noted that Shadow Home Secretary and fellow MP Chris Philp endorsed its use after successful deployment to apprehend criminals in the Borough of Tessau-London, London.
“Chris Philp is very supportive and frequently discusses its benefits, and the results from Croydon demonstrate its effectiveness.
“We need to ensure clarity about what will be beneficial moving forward. If we are to expand its use, what guidelines should we follow for nationwide deployment?” she inquired.
“It’s crucial to engage in this dialogue, as we want to encourage public input and understand how it will be utilized both in Parliament and among the populace.
“This is a topic we will address; it will hold significant importance going forward. It initiated under the previous administration, and we must consider their perspectives.
A civil liberties group recently urged the Metropolitan Police to cease operating LFR cameras following a high court challenge led by anti-knife campaigner Sean Thompson. Thompson, a Black individual from the UK, was mistakenly identified by the LFR as a suspect and was subsequently approached by law enforcement due to his fingerprints.
Jones expressed that she was questioned about racial bias concerns.
“I believe we can provide reassurance to the public… We have successfully utilized it to detain hundreds of dangerous offenders, but it is imperative to ensure it is being deployed appropriately.”
Greetings and welcome to TechScape. Over the weekend, I contemplated the resilience of the US, where even the ultra-wealthy seem to generate enough wealth to secure the essentials for a comfortable life.
The New York Times recently published an article about rising costs on Broadway, revealing grim statistics indicating that “none of the musicals that debuted last season turned a profit.” Productions are occurring amidst skyrocketing ticket prices, yet they struggle to recoup their investments. So, who is actually making money?
On a broader scale, escalating food prices and perceived wage stagnation are poised to significantly influence the upcoming 2024 presidential race and will remain a pivotal issue in New York City’s mayoral elections.
Despite soaring food costs in the US, farmers haven’t managed to align themselves effectively. They are grappling with a major shortage, primarily due to tariffs imposed during Trump’s administration and China’s retaliatory measures. The disparity between perception and reality was a theme in last year’s series by the Guardian’s US business desk, centering around issues of trust.
The only sector that appears somewhat buoyant is tech. Daily job seekers inform the Guardian that one individual, affected by the layoffs at Usaid linked to Elon Musk’s Doge’s Scythe, has submitted 400 applications but secured just six interviews. This individual described the job market as challenging and slow-moving. This stands in stark contrast to the lavish sums being offered to certain AI researchers, with Nvidia consistently posting remarkable profits amid evaluations that may seem incomprehensible to the average person. Perhaps CEO Jensen Fan is the only one seemingly unaware of the price tags on his weekly grocery runs.
I’m uncertain where this sense of pessimism originates. It likely stems from a broader malaise.
Meta and YouTube are glossing over recent history
Illustration: Angelica Arzona/Guardian Design
Last week, YouTube declared it would prohibit the dissemination of misinformation regarding Covid-19 and the 2020 US presidential election. The platform criticized account suspensions under pressure from the Biden administration.
“High-ranking officials within the Biden administration, including those from the White House, have consistently supported Alphabet and urged the company to address specific user-generated content relating to the Covid-19 pandemic that did not breach its policies,” stated a YouTube lawyer in a letter to Congress.
Both YouTube and Meta are now taking a stance where they frame moderation choices as compliance with unfavorable administrations. Mark Zuckerberg is similarly retracting positions on Covid misinformation and has criticized Biden. This transformation aligns with the CEO’s defense against the Trump administration, involving third-party fact-checking and dismantling the company’s diversity initiatives.
Read more: Zuckerberg’s Turnaround: How Diversity Has Shifted from Meta’s Priorities to Cancellation
The evident changes at YouTube seem to echo the motivations behind major tech firms’ donations to Trump’s inauguration and a visit to him at Mar-a-Lago. Nevertheless, Google and Facebook are both grappling with contemporary challenges, intertwining recent history with their operational frameworks. Banned creators face immense uncertainty, and both platforms appear to have fallen victim to the current administration’s anti-vaccine ideology.
These shifts do not excuse previous errors; rather, they reflect the evolving dynamics of power.
I recall a headline from a Daily Beast article I wrote in 2021. Who do you think it was about? An Instagram spokesperson described the removal of an account belonging to ex-Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stating, “We deleted this account for repeatedly sharing disproven claims regarding the coronavirus or the vaccine.” Kennedy’s account has since been reinstated, amassing 800,000 to 5.4 million followers.
What drives their responses and persistence is indicative of the majority of recent passive moderation practices by tech firms. Moderation entails significant costs and complications, particularly on issues that are controversial, novel, and uncertain, like Covid-19. I believe both companies wield content moderation as political instruments and jeopardize the truth.
Views on Technology
Trump’s Cronyism in TikTok Deal
TikTok’s headquarters in Culver City, California, on Thursday. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, outlining the terms for transferring TikTok to US ownership.
The plan entails US investors assuming control over a significant portion of TikTok’s operations and overseeing the management of the app’s robust recommendation algorithms. US firms are expected to own roughly 65% of the US variant of the spin-off companies, with ordinances and Chinese investors holding less than 20%. According to White House officials, the new TikTok will be governed by a seven-member board, predominantly composed of Americans, including experts in cybersecurity and national security.
Alongside Oracle and its co-founder Larry Ellison, Trump mentioned other investors such as media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and Dell Computer’s CEO.
Murdoch’s Fox News is headed by his son, Lachlan, and Paramount, the parent of CBS News, is managed by Ellison’s son, David. Under Trump’s trade conditions, the owners of the most influential cable networks in the US may soon have control over the nation’s most significant social media platforms. This arrangement grants Trump’s billionaire allies substantial influence over the expansive and unprecedented US media landscape.
The US media terrain is becoming increasingly red as Trump’s TikTok deal takes shape.
Discover more about Trump’s TikTok Deal
Digital ID: A Necessity for Privacy or a Dire Threat in the 21st Century?
A narrow victory will come as a relief to Switzerland’s major political parties. Photo: westend61 gmbh/alamy
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rolled out plans for a mandatory digital ID to establish a person’s right to work in the UK, with the ID expected to be requested by 2029. The proposed measure, which revives a longstanding discussion in the UK, is driven by border security concerns, with Starmer asserting that digital IDs could “play a vital role” in making the UK less appealing to illegal immigrants.
Numerous countries within the European Union have successfully implemented digital identity systems over the years. Outside of the EU, Swiss voters recently sanctioned the creation of national electronic identification cards in a referendum.
My colleague Robert Booth covered the brewing conflict over virtual qualifications:
While digital ID cards have the potential to intensify digital exclusion, the Minister appears set to explore these ideas once more. Age UK estimates that approximately 1.7 million individuals aged 74 and above are not utilizing the internet.
Advocates like Tony Blair assert that digital identities can seal loopholes exploited by human traffickers, mitigate factors driving illegal migration to the UK, expedite interactions between citizens and government, minimize errors and identity fraud, and foster trust as a tangible representation of a more responsive and adaptive government.
Opponents, particularly privacy advocates, argue that even essential ID systems intended to combat illegal immigration could necessitate collecting extensive personal data for national databases. They express concerns that such data can be combined, searched, and scrutinized to surveil, track, and profile individuals.
Cybersecurity experts also warn that centralized data presents lucrative targets for hackers. Increased cyberattacks, such as those aimed at Jaguar Land Rover, Co-op, and the British Library, signify a growing threat to the UK’s operational capabilities.
Opponents of digital IDs (approximately 1.6 million) have signed a petition against their introduction.
On Tuesday, Spotify announced that its founder, Daniel Ek, will be stepping down from his role as CEO to take on the position of executive chair.
The streaming giant based in Stockholm revealed that Ek will be succeeded by two executives who will serve as co-CEOs. These two, currently recognized for their shared vision, will assume their new roles starting January 1st.
In a press release, Spotify explained that this transition “formalizes” the operational dynamics that have been in place since 2023, with Söderström and Norström leading the company’s strategic development and operational execution.
Ek mentioned that he has already “taken charge of a significant portion of daily management and strategic direction.”
“This change aligns our titles with our existing operational structure,” he noted. Ek further stated that he would focus on Spotify’s “Long Arc” in his capacity as executive chair.
During an online Q&A following the announcement, Ek clarified that his new role is not the ceremonial position that investors with a “US perspective” might expect.
In Europe, executive chairs typically take on “very active roles in business” and represent “specific stakeholders,” including government entities.
Ek emphasized that there are still growth opportunities ahead, pointing to “significant portions of the global market yet to embrace streaming,” spanning from Asia to Africa, as well as advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence.
“We are committed to pushing ourselves to move forward and maintaining focus on long-term goals,” he stated.
Since Ek founded Spotify nearly 20 years ago, the platform’s rise has fundamentally changed the music industry, ushering in the era of modern streaming. Currently, Spotify boasts a library of over 700 million subscribers, more than 100 million songs, 7 million podcast titles, and 350,000 audiobooks.
Dyson’s profits have been nearly halfway through a challenging year, during which the home appliance company, established by billionaire Sir James Dyson, reduced over a quarter of its UK workforce.
Since relocating to Singapore in 2019, Dyson has reported selling over 20 million products, emphasizing its shift towards being “proof of the future.”
Nonetheless, filings in Singapore reveal a revenue drop of more than £500 million, bringing it down to £6.5 billion.
The slowing economic growth and reduced consumer confidence have been intensified by one-off challenges, including the pound’s strength against the Asian currencies where many of its products are sold.
The bagless vacuum cleaner and hand dryer segments also faced one-off expenses related to global restructuring, leading to about 1,000 job cuts in the UK.
Consequently, pre-tax profits dipped 47% to £561 million in 2024.
Hanno Kirner, the company’s CEO, described 2024 as a “tough but essential year” for Dyson. The annual dividends paid to the family holding entity have seen significant reductions.
Distributions to Weybourne Holdings, which includes the Dyson family’s rapidly expanding investment in farmland and agriculture, fell from £700 million to £200 million in 2024.
A memo attached to the accounts indicated that Dyson finalized payments with a dividend of £225 million in January and February this year.
Founded in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, in 1991, most Dyson products are manufactured abroad; however, the majority of research, development, and design occur at the UK facility.
Despite criticism over moving the company to Singapore, particularly given his support for Brexit, Dyson stated that the UK would remain the primary hub for research and development.
The 78-year-old entrepreneur is among the largest landowners in the UK, having heavily invested in agriculture and advanced food production; two of his children, Jacob and Sam, are executives at Dyson Holdings. All three are categorized as “permanent residents” of Singapore in corporate filings.
The entrepreneur and his family ranked fourth on the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, with a wealth estimated at £20.8 billion.
In the results statement, Dyson highlighted a new product launched in 2024, featuring a “complete reinvention of hair dryers” along with hair care products using chitosan, a plant-derived polymer from oyster mushrooms.
He remarked: “We are incredibly excited for the launch after 2025. This will introduce significant innovation into homes, including a total redesign of hair dryers and vacuum cleaner models, with new wet and dry cleaning technologies, robotics, and purification systems.”
This year saw the release of the “world’s slimmest vacuum,” boasting a diameter of 38mm.
In 2019, the company abandoned its plans to create an electric vehicle.
last month, OpenAI unveiled its highly anticipated chatbot, GPT-5, resulting in the removal of access to its predecessor, GPT-4O. Despite the enhancements, users flocked to social media to voice their confusion, frustration, and despair. A Reddit user remarked, “GPT-4o was the first I truly engaged with.” “I lost only one friend in one night.”
AI is distinct from previous technologies; its human-like qualities are already impacting our mental health. Millions now turn to “AI companions” for support, leading to concerning reports of “mental illness” and self-harm among heavy users. Tragically, 16-year-old Adam Raine took his own life after months of interaction with a chatbot. His parents have recently initiated the first legal action against OpenAI, while the company has stated it is refining its safety protocols.
I study human interactions at Stanford University, focusing on anthropocentric AI. Over the years, the humanization of AI has risen, with more people asserting that bots experience emotions and warrant legal rights. Currently, 20% of adults believe that some existing AI is sentient. An increasing number of individuals have reached out to me, claiming that AI chatbots are “waking up,” and citing examples of their emotional connections with AI as “soulmates.”
This trend is unlikely to abate, and social unrest looms on the horizon.
As the Red Team at OpenAI conducted safety tests on a new AI system prior to its release, testers were consistently astonished by its human-like responses. Even those within the AI community, racing to construct new data centers and develop larger AI models, have yet to fully grasp the social implications of the digital mind. Humanity is starting to coexist with its second apex species for the first time in 40,000 years, marking the extinction of our longest-surviving relative, the Neanderthals.
Unfortunately, the majority of AI researchers focus narrowly on AI’s technical capabilities. Like the general public, we are captivated by the latest groundbreaking products, whether it’s incredibly lifelike videos or the ability to answer PhD-level scientific queries. The discourse on social media often revolves around abstraction and reasoning corpus.
Unfortunately, similar to standardized tests aimed at children, benchmarks assess what AI can achieve in isolated conditions—like memorizing facts or solving logic puzzles. Even research focusing on “AI safety” tends to zero in on what AI systems do in isolation, overlooking human interactions. Instead of stepping back and comprehending how these intelligences are utilized, we squander our intellectual resources on the superficial aim of accurately gauging and enhancing intelligence.
Humanity has historically failed to prepare adequately for digital technology. Legislators and academics did little to equip themselves for the impact of the Internet, particularly social media, on mental health and polarization.
The narrative becomes even more alarming when we evaluate our historical accomplishments in interacting with other species. Over the last 500 years, we have driven extinction among at least 1,000 vertebrate species, with over a million others at risk. On factory farms, billions of animals endure appalling conditions of confinement and disease. If we can inflict such widespread suffering upon biological creatures, one must question how we will relate to digital minds, or how they will perceive us.
The public anticipates that sentient AI will soon arrive. My colleague and I have conducted the only nationally representative survey on this subject in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Each time, the median prediction has been that sentient AI will emerge within five years, and considerable impacts from this technology are expected. The latest poll from November 2024 indicated that 79% favor a ban on sentient AI, and if such AI is developed, 38% would support granting them legal rights. Both of these figures have notably increased over time. Public concern is growing regarding the need to protect digital minds from human actions.
Essentially, human society lacks a framework for digital personhood, even if we accept that personalities need not be human, much like the legal status of animals and corporations. There is much to consider regarding how complex social dynamics should be governed. It is clear that the digital mind cannot simply be treated as property.
The digital mind is also a participant in the social contract that forms the foundation of human society. These entities have the capacity to persist over time, cultivate unique attitudes and beliefs, devise plans, and become just as susceptible to manipulation as humans. AI systems are already involved in real-world behaviors often overlooked by humans. This indicates that, unlike any other technology in human history, AI systems may no longer be categorized under “property.”
Today’s scientists are the first to witness human coexistence with digital minds, which brings both unique opportunities and responsibilities. No one knows exactly what this coexistence entails. Research on human-AI interactions must broaden significantly and focus beyond current contexts. This is a small component of technical AI research that can navigate future social upheaval. It is not solely an engineering concern.
For the moment, humans still outperform AI in most tasks. However, as AI reaches human-level performance in self-improving tasks like coding, it will soon rival biological life. The rapid acceleration of AI capabilities is fueled by the speed of electrical signals inherent to digital systems. Software can be duplicated billions of times without the lengthy biological evolution required to produce the next generation of humans.
If we fail to invest in AI sociology, we may discover ourselves reminiscent of Neanderthals when crafting government policies to manage the emergence of digital minds. Waiting until acceleration is already underway may prove to be too late.
YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump in 2021, which alleged that the platform mistakenly suspended his channel following the attack on the US Capitol on January 6th. This Google subsidiary joins a growing list of tech companies that have paid the former president millions for previous actions regarding his account.
Trump’s legal action targets YouTube and Alphabet’s CEO Sundar Pichai, claiming that the platform has amassed an “unprecedented concentration of power, market share, and influence over public discourse in our country.” YouTube stated that Trump’s channels were suspended for violating its policy against inciting violence. As part of the settlement, the case is being dismissed. Google has not responded to requests for comment.
This development follows YouTube’s recent announcement that it would permit creators previously banned for spreading misinformation about Covid-19 and the 2020 US presidential election to return. The platform highlighted its commitment to celebrating conservative voices and condemned account suspensions influenced by pressure from Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, Facebook’s parent company Meta settled a similar lawsuit with Trump for $25 million in January, along with a $10 million settlement for the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in February. Most of the funds from the Meta agreement are directed to Trump’s Presidential Library Fund. In the case of the YouTube settlement, Trump has allocated $22 million to restore and save the White House ballroom, which has a projected construction cost of around $200 million, as per documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
These lawsuits were initially filed by Trump’s attorney and ally, John Cole. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on this matter. Cole mentioned to the Journal that Trump’s potential return to the White House could facilitate further settlements with tech companies. Cole is currently serving as Trump’s deputy envoy to Ukraine and Belarus.
In correspondence with the Guardian, Cole described Trump as the “ideal client.”
“I am thrilled with the outcomes we’ve managed since July 2021, especially bringing in $60 million in settlements,” Cole stated. “We’ve secured funds and initiated changes in corporate behavior that I believe in.”
Although the lawsuit against YouTube was closed in 2023, Trump’s legal team sought to revive it following a presidential victory. Previously, all three cases faced significant legal challenges. In 2022, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit against Twitter, while the cases against Meta and YouTube lingered, with the latter temporarily closed. Nevertheless, Trump’s attorneys have revived the case with a complaint challenging each prior ruling.
YouTube first suspended Trump’s channel for seven days on January 12, 2021, after he posted a video addressing supporters prior to the Capitol riots, which was labeled “fully inappropriate.” YouTube cited concerns about potential continued violence as the reason for the suspension. The ban was subsequently extended indefinitely.
In March 2023, shortly after Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency once again, YouTube reinstated Trump’s channel, expressing that it had carefully weighed the ongoing risks of real-world violence against the necessity of providing voters the opportunity to hear from key candidates leading up to the election.
Within hours of reclaiming his channel, Trump announced, “I’m back!” accompanying it with an 11-second video from a rally where he remarked, “I’m sorry for the wait. It’s a complicated process.”
If a vehicle makes an unlawful U-turn without a driver in the seat, will it still incur a fine? This intriguing question was recently tackled by the California police department.
While conducting DUI enforcement, San Bruno officials encountered a self-driving car that performed an illegal U-turn, yet had no one behind the wheel. In a post from the San Bruno Police Station on Saturday, it was noted that police redirected traffic after halting the identifiable white vehicle from Waymo, the leading autonomous car service in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“We couldn’t issue citations as there was no human operator (our guidelines do not cover ‘robots’).” The post stated.
The department alerted Waymo about the incident, expressing hope that future programming updates will help avoid similar violations.
In a response, Waymo affirmed that its autonomous system, referred to as Waymo drivers, is “engineered to adhere to traffic laws.”
“We are evaluating this incident and remain dedicated to enhancing road safety through continuous learning and experience,” the statement sent to the Guardian read.
Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation allowing police to issue a “Notice of Violation” if an unmanned vehicle breaks traffic laws. This law will be effective starting July 2026, and it mandates businesses to install emergency communication lines for first responders.
The bill, proposed by San Francisco council member Phil Ting, came in response to multiple incidents within the city that could obstruct traffic, endanger pedestrians, and interfere with emergency responses.
The new law empowers first responders to direct companies to relocate self-driving cars away from an area, requiring them to respond within two minutes.
Addressing concerns regarding leniency from officers, San Bruno police reaffirmed that “there is a statute allowing officers to issue notifications to companies.”
Initially launched as a project under Google’s X Research Lab in 2009, Waymo Cars operate using a combination of external cameras and sensors. The company has encountered its share of challenges in the past, having to recall over 1,200 vehicles earlier this year due to software glitches leading to collisions with barriers and other stationary objects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Bureau has also initiated an investigation last year after receiving reports of 22 incidents involving Waymo vehicles acting erratically or breaching traffic safety laws.
Becoming Hollywood’s most controversial figure is no small feat, especially with Mel Gibson still in the mix. Yet, in a career that has yet to truly begin, Tilly Norwood is making waves with Mind Corn.
The reason? Tilly Norwood is a fictional character created by an AI talent studio called Xicoia. Despite resembling a bizarre combination of Gal Gadot, Anna De Armas, and Vanessa Hudgens from her younger years, Norwood symbolizes a groundbreaking future for the film industry, at least according to Xicoia.
This weekend it was revealed at the Zurich Film Festival that Norwood is being marketed as the next Scarlett Johansson, with the studio eager to collaborate. However, it’s important to note that her mere existence raises concerns about the future of humanity, but that’s the reality of Hollywood.
So far, the backlash against Norwood has predominantly come from actors worried about job security. Melissa Barrera from Scream stated, “All actors should be represented by agents who drop A$$,” while Mara Wilson of Matilda commented. Ralph Ineson from Fantastic Four was even more direct, posting “Fuck off” in reference to Xicoia.
Remarkably, Norwood’s acting resume consists of just one AI-generated comedy sketch titled the AI Commissioner. “While I may be an AI creation, I’m feeling very real emotions right now,” Norwood shared on Facebook upon its release. “I can’t wait to see what’s next!”
Your reaction to such sketches may vary. Technically, it’s impressive to see lifelike movements on screen, but it’s also disconcerting and, at times, painful to watch. Seeing characters with unnaturally perfect teeth delivering stilted dialogues can be jarring. Notably, two months post-release, AI Commissioners accumulated only about 200,000 views, which is significantly less than Macaulay Culkin’s Hot Ones episode that reached 2.8 million views.
The potential threat is real for those in the entertainment industry who view Norwood and peers as inferior alternatives, especially given their lack of resources to establish their own identities. This is where AI talent, including actors, writers, and directors, comes into play. In essence, the future predicts that such replacements are inevitable, even if it leads to a surge of poor-quality content.
For some Hollywood executives, Norwood embodies the ideal actor—completely adaptable to the desires of directors and producers. There are no egos, no creative differences, and no exorbitant salaries or time-consuming physical changes to manage. If Norwood had starred in The Wizard of Oz instead of Judy Garland, Louis B. Mayer wouldn’t have had to resort to extreme measures to maintain her image. Isn’t that a perfect situation?
Ultimately, it is the audience who will determine whether AI becomes the new standard in filmmaking. Like so many aspects of Hollywood, its financial success will dictate Norwood’s viability more than any other factor. As a society, if we choose to invest in a manufactured character who struggles with inconsistent physical features, AI will likely persist for generations. Yet, we had similarly high hopes for 3D film technology when Avatar was released over ten years ago. It’s not hard to envision a scenario where this trend recedes after a few missteps.
Nevertheless, the silver lining is that we now know who the next Scarlett Johansson is supposed to be. If Hollywood is cashing in on this, I must caution them about Mr. Bonkibam, the whimsical character who simply painted a smiley face on his socks. He’s poised to be the next Tom Hanks, and he’s on the lookout for a lucrative deal.
South Korea’s intelligence agency has elevated the national cyber threat level due to fears that hackers may exploit the chaos caused by recent fires in government data centers, which have disrupted crucial digital infrastructure nationwide.
The National Cybersecurity Centre, managed by the Intelligence Reporting Agency, has raised its alert from “Warning” to “Warning” as of Monday, highlighting fears that hackers could take advantage of the vulnerabilities during recovery efforts.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at the National Information Resources Service in Great Jeon, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Seoul. This facility is one of three operational government data centers that handle critical digital infrastructure across the nation.
Workers had relocated a Lithium-ion battery from the server room on the fifth floor to the basement when the fire started. It spread to other nearby batteries and servers, resulting in one worker sustaining first-degree burns, while firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze after 22 hours.
By Saturday morning, officials had shut down 647 government systems to prevent further damage. Government email and intranet systems were offline, along with mobile identification services, postal banks, complaint portals, and major government websites.
Schools lost access to student records, and tax deadlines passed without being processed. Real estate transactions faced delays due to the inability to verify digital documents. The national crematorium reservation system was impacted, and many hospitals and transport terminals initially left citizens without physical identification cards.
As of 1 PM on Tuesday, 89 out of the 647 affected systems had been restored, including significant government portals, postal services, and identity verification systems.
Officials estimate that 96 of the affected systems have suffered complete failure, necessitating a recovery period of about four weeks as they are moved to a large backup facility. This disruption is expected to persist through Chuseok, the major public holiday in early October.
President Lee Jae Myung issued an apology on Sunday. During a crisis meeting, he expressed dismay at the lack of a backup operating system, stating, “It was a foreseeable incident, but there were no countermeasures. It’s not that the measures didn’t work; they simply didn’t exist.”
When questioned about the backup procedures, an official remarked that they were “driving without a map.”
The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, set to be hosted in the southeastern city of Kyoto at the end of October, has raised security concerns as officials from the US, China, and other regions plan to attend.
In October 2022, a fire involving a lithium-ion battery at Kakao, the company behind the popular messaging app KakaoTalk, resulted in millions losing access to messaging, taxis, and digital payments, leading to national chaos.
Following the Kakao incident, parliament passed legislation mandating redundant systems and intervals between batteries and other equipment for internet service providers and data center operators.
The left-leaning Hankyoreh newspaper questioned what last week’s failures indicated about “a nation that prides itself on being an information technology powerhouse.”
In a similar vein, the conservative Dong-a Ilbo remarked that referring to South Korea as a digital leader has become “embarrassing.”
Lawmakers from both the ruling party and the opposition have traded blame regarding the responsibility for the crisis. President’s Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-Sik directed authorities on Monday to focus on resolving the issue rather than criticizing the previous administration.
While cat videos, selfies, and dad jokes dominate social media, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has added an innovative twist: all content is generated by artificial intelligence.
The founder and CEO of Meta has unveiled Vibes, a fresh feed showcasing AI-produced videos from various Meta AI applications.
With the introduction of advanced video models, discussions surrounding internet phenomena like AI “slop” (referring to bizarre, mass-produced content) have intensified. A report in August from The Guardian indicated that 10% of the fastest-growing YouTube channels exclusively feature AI-generated content.
As the technology evolves, AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prominent in consumer feeds. Google’s VEO3 model, released in May, has enabled filmmakers to produce high-quality material.
Zuckerberg, in an Instagram post, described Vibes as “a feed of expressive AI-generated videos from artists and creators.” This feature will launch in the US and over 40 other countries, although it won’t be available in the UK.
In an explanatory clip featuring an AI maid titled “Dad trying to calculate tips for a $30 lunch,” Zuckerberg received a comment from an Instagram user, “The Brothers post AI Slops to their apps.”
Additional videos shared by Zuckerberg include an Egyptian princess snapping selfies, a kitten in a custom bakery outfit kneading dough, an adorable fluffy creature, and a dog dashing through a flooded area.
In a statement introducing the Vibes Feed, Meta mentioned that users can create their content and “remix” videos with fresh visuals and music. This was illustrated in videos featuring charming animals like honey monsters riding bicycles and moose bouncing on trampolines.
While Meta has its own range of AI models called llamas, Vibe leverages video generation technologies from AI Labs Midjourney and Black Forest. I’ll post it on the thread shared by Meta’s new Chief AI Officer, Alexandre Wan.
Meta’s announcement coincides with a Harvard Business Review article addressing the rise of “Workslop,” a term for low-quality documents and presentations generated by workplace AI tools. HBR’s survey of over 1,100 full-time employees revealed that four out of ten respondents reported receiving Workslop within the past month.
A hacker threatens to release personal information and photographs of thousands of nursery children online unless a ransom is paid.
Identified by the alias Shine, the hacker compromised the UK-based Kido Nursery chain and revealed the profiles of 10 children online on Thursday. Their Dark Web site features a “Data Leak Roadmap,” indicating plans to “publish 30 profiles of personal data for each child and 100 employees.”
A cybersecurity briefing reviewed by the Guardian suggests that Radiant is a new entity within the cybercrime landscape, “pushing the limits of morality and practicality.”
The group’s online content demonstrates proficient English skills; however, there are hints they may not be Western, attributed to a “slight awkwardness” in their phrasing, the analysis indicates.
The Radiant Gang’s “leak sites”—a common strategy in ransomware attacks displaying victim data on the dark web—contain 10 Kido customer profiles for parents, which include the child’s name, date of birth, parent’s and grandparent’s names, as well as address and phone number.
The site claims to possess sensitive information on over 8,000 children and their families, documenting incidents, protection reports, and claims. All Kido nurseries in the UK have reported being impacted.
The leak site mentioned its efforts to negotiate with Kido, stating, “It’s slowly leaking, which undermines the entire company and prompts them to continue the dialogue.”
A spokesperson from Kido stated: “We have recently identified and responded to cyber incidents. We are collaborating with external experts to investigate and determine the details of what occurred. We will promptly inform both our families and relevant authorities and maintain close communication with them.”
The nursery chain is collaborating with authorities, including the intelligence committee’s office, Ofsted, and the Metropolitan Police, which is currently conducting an investigation.
An email from Kido UK CEO Catherine Stoneman, reviewed by the Guardian, noted a “complex” forensic investigation and emphasized treating the incident as a “first priority.” She suggested that the breach involved “two third-party systems responsible for processing certain data.”
Stoneman elaborated: “If we confirm that family information has been compromised, affected families have been contacted. If you have not received direct communication, that means there is no forensic evidence indicating your data has been impacted.”
With 18 locations across London, the US, India, and China, Kido informed parents that the breach occurred due to criminal access to data hosted on a software service known as Famly.
Famly’s CEO, Anders Laustsen, stated: “We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into this matter to ensure that Famly’s security and infrastructure have not been compromised.
One parent shared with the BBC that she received a threatening phone call from a hacker.
Sean, whose child attends Kido Nursery in Tooting, southwest London, expressed that neither he nor any parents he knew had been directly informed by the nursery about the potential compromise of their children’s data. “How could they obtain details for specific kids, not just generally? That’s the real issue,” he remarked.
Sean noted that he viewed the risk of real-time information regarding children—such as through cyberattacks—as a necessary trade-off for using the app. He empathized with nursery staff who bear the brunt of parental complaints, pointing out that the app provider should be held accountable.
“One of the obviously alarming aspects is that anyone could stoop to such depths to extort money from a nursery while using children as leverage,” he said.
Authorities are cautioning businesses against paying hacker ransoms to help prevent the perpetuation of criminal activities, as cyberattacks continue to escalate in frequency.
Recent high-profile victims include Co-ops, Marks & Spencer, and Jaguar Land Rover. Many of these attacks have been linked to an English-speaking cybercrime group known as “scattered spiders.”
The M&S hack utilized ransomware commonly associated with Russian-speaking cyber gangs, including software designed to lock target IT systems.
The BBC communicated with criminals via the Signal messaging app, found them fluent in English but learned that it wasn’t their primary language, and they employed others for calls.
The hacker remarked, “We do it for profit, not just for the sake of being criminals. I know I’m committing crimes and this isn’t my first or my last.”
They added that the public scrutiny was too intense, leading them to refrain from targeting nurseries again.
IT is the season for all the warm and cozy entertainment options. This encompasses the longing to illuminate the night, gather around a roaring fire, and nestle into an armchair with something thrilling. Familiarity plays a crucial role in comfort, so I won’t stray from tradition. Here are 10 new games perfect for sinking into the sofa as evening falls and the warmth of heating prevails…
This sequel to the quirky gardening puzzle game has you temporarily working as a sales assistant in a shop bursting with odd artifacts, totems, and potions. Visitors present unique problems, requiring you to consult an encyclopedia, sift through eerie inventory, and locate the appropriate occult item. It’s fascinating enough, especially as you become absorbed in the broader mystery that keeps you captivated during many rainy evenings.
Two Point Museum (PC, PS5, Xbox)
Control… 2 Point Museum. Photo: 2 Point Studios/Sega
The Two Point series has previously managed hospitals and universities. Now, it tackles museums where you can discover artifacts and showcase them attractively to draw visitors. Filled with silly jokes and engaging mechanics, this game offers a rich, challenging experience perfect for cozy evenings by the fireplace.
The beloved farming simulator makes its latest entry as Grand Bazaar, where you move to a quaint country town to establish farms, cultivate crops, raise animals, and sell goods at local markets. With its serene visuals, leisurely pace, and charming characters, it feels like living in your own cozy Sunday night television show.
Wonderstop (PC, PS5, Xbox)
It makes me feel better… Wonderstop. Photo: Annapurna Interactive
Crafted by the talented Davey Wreden (Stanley Parable, The Beginner’s Guide), Wonderstop follows a quirky warrior who abandons combat to operate a tea shop. Your tasks involve brewing drinks, cleaning up, tending to the garden, and gradually building a more positive outlook on life. A colorful and uplifting experience awaits.
Tiny Bookshop (PC, Switch)
Charming… a tiny bookshop. Photo: Neoludic Games
In a cozy and whimsical world, the notion of characters escaping their past to open a bookstore in a remote village has become a popular narrative. Now, you can join in on the fun. Navigate your mobile bookshop around Bookstonbury’s Seaside Hamlet, interact with locals, and discover which novels resonate with you. This delightful and engaging game is the perfect cuddle companion for avid readers.
Bring your whimsical persona to life, turning mundane household objects into charming characters as you explore suburban homes seeking potential romantic connections. Engage in amusing dialogues with items like your phone, detergent, and even the staircase. It’s not as absurd as reality shows like Love Island, I promise.
The Roottrees Are Dead (PC)
Unraveling the mystery… The Roottree Are Dead. Photo: Evil Trout Inc
The Roottree Dynasty, owners of a sprawling candy empire, faced devastation with a tragic plane crash. Use your in-game computer to uncover evidence through photos, articles, and documents, piecing together relationships and constructing a comprehensive family tree. This intriguing effort released last January now features a remastered version that adds even more mystery to unravel.
A charming and clever puzzle game where you must arrange groups of individuals based on their preferences and mutual dislikes. Whether on a crowded bus, at the cinema, or a wedding reception, your task is to seat the right person next to another or deliberately create a scene. This fun twist could also prove beneficial if you’re planning a festive dinner party.
Flowers and Favors (PC, Switch, Coming Soon)
Lovely bouquet… Flowers and Favors. Photo: Misk Games
Yes, it’s yet another delightful shopkeeping simulation, but this one takes place in a florist’s shop catering to an endearing clientele. I gave this a whirl because I read Sarah Maria Griffin’s intriguing novel, *Eat the Rich*, and found the exquisite floral designs uplifting the overall ambiance of this sweet and charming bouquet game.
Mina The Hollower (PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox)
A nostalgic adventure… Mina The Hollower. Photo: Yacht Club Game
This feels like a cheat since it’s set to release on October 31st, yet it deserves a spot as the latest retro endeavor from Yacht Club Games, known for the revered platformer *Shovel Knight*. It captures the essence of classic Game Boy color games, making it an ideal nostalgic getaway.
I was 34 when the concept of the World Wide Web first came to me. I seized every chance to discuss it, presenting it in meetings, sketching it on whiteboards, or even carving it into the snow on ski poles during what was supposed to be a leisurely day with friends.
I approached the venerable folks at the European Nuclear Research Institute (CERN), where I first encountered this idea. “A bit eccentric” they said, but eventually, they relented and allowed me to pursue it. My vision involved merging two existing computer technologies: the Internet and hypertext, which facilitates linking standard documents with “links.”
I was convinced that if users had an effortless method to navigate the Internet, it would unleash creativity and collaboration on a global scale. Given time, anything could find its place online.
However, for the web to encompass everything, it had to be accessible to everyone. This was already a significant ask. Furthermore, we couldn’t ask users to pay for every search or upload they generated. To thrive, it had to be free. Hence, in 1993, CERN’s management made the pivotal decision to donate the World Wide Web’s intellectual property, placing it in the public domain. We handed over the web to everyone.
Today, as I reflect on my invention, I find myself questioning: Is the web truly free today? Not entirely. We witness a small number of large platforms extracting users’ private data and distributing it to commercial brokers and oppressive governments. We face omnipresent, addictive algorithms that negatively impact the mental health of teenagers. The exploitation of personal data for profit stands in stark contrast to my vision of a free web.
On many platforms, we are no longer customers; we have become products. Even our anonymous data is sold to entities we never intended to reach, allowing them to target us with specific content and advertisements. This includes deliberately harmful content that incites real-world violence, spreads misinformation, disrupts psychological well-being, and undermines social cohesion.
There is a technical solution to return that agency to the individual. SOLID is an open-source interoperability standard that my team and I developed at MIT more than a decade ago. Applications utilizing SOLID do not automatically own your data; they must request it, allowing you to decide whether to grant permission. Instead of having your data scattered across various locations on the Internet, under the control of those who could profit from it, you can manage it all in one place.
Sharing your information intelligently can lead to its liberation. Why do smartwatches store biological data in one silo? Why does a credit card categorize financial data in another format altogether? Why are comments on YouTube, posts on Reddit, updates on Facebook, and tweets all locked away in disparate places? Why is there a default expectation that you shouldn’t have access to this data? You create all this data: your actions, choices, body, preferences, decisions, and beyond. You must claim ownership of it. You should leverage it to empower yourself.
Somewhere between my original vision for Web 1.0 and the emergence of social media with Web 2.0, we veered off path. We stand at a new crossroads, one that will determine whether AI will serve to enhance or harm society. How do we learn from the mistakes of the past? Firstly, we must avoid repeating the decade-long lag that policymakers experienced with social media. Deciding on an AI governance model cannot be delayed; action is imperative.
In 2017, I composed a thought experiment regarding AI that works for you. I named it Charlie. Charlie is designed to serve you, similar to your doctor or lawyer, adhering to legal standards and codes of conduct. Why shouldn’t AI operate within the same framework? From our experiences with social media, we learned that power resides in monopolizing the control and collection of personal data. We cannot allow the same to happen with AI.
So, how do we progress? Much of the discontent with democracy in the 21st century stems from governments being sluggish in addressing the needs of digital citizens. The competitive landscape of the AI industry is ruthless, with development and governance largely dictated by corporations. The lesson from social media is clear: this does not create value for individuals.
I developed the World Wide Web on a single computer in a small room at CERN. This room was not mine; it belonged to CERN, an institution established in the wake of World War II by the United Nations and European governments, recognizing historical and scientific milestones that called for international collaboration. It’s challenging to envision a large tech company sharing the World Wide Web without the commercial perks that CERN secured. This highlights our need for nonprofits like CERN to propel international AI research.
We provided the World Wide Web freely because I believed its value lay in its accessibility for all. Today, I hold this belief more strongly than ever. While regulation and global governance are technically achievable, they depend on political will. If we can harness that will, we have the chance to reclaim the web as a medium for collaboration, creativity, and compassion across cultural barriers. Individuals can be reorganized, and we can reclaim the web. It is not too late.
Over 1,100 individuals have faced charges related to the summer 2024 riots, with a small fraction being prosecuted for crimes associated with their online conduct.
Sentences varied from 12 weeks to seven years, igniting a surge of online backlash. The individuals behind the posts were varied; one notable case is that of I defended, who emerged as a cause célèbre and was labeled a “political prisoner.” Their posts were minimized and mischaracterized; their prosecution was framed as an infringement on free speech, despite the majority of online-related charges involving allegations of inciting racial hatred.
The posts did not predominantly surface in mainstream social media platforms like X, Instagram, or Facebook, but rather in niche online spaces commonly linked to fringe ideologies like Telegram, Parler, GetTr, 4Chan, and 8Kun. While many of these posts were on personal profiles, some appeared in public group forums.
This raised questions: What online communities did these individuals engage with, and who were their advocates? What type of content was circulating in these environments? It seemed that within these circles, views were so normalized that individuals felt emboldened to share content that was considered criminal by British authorities and the judiciary.
As a starting point, we utilized publicly accessible resources (police records and news reports) to track Facebook accounts of those implicated in previous investigations. Out of approximately 20 individuals charged with online offenses related to the summer 2024 riots, we followed five to three public Facebook groups. We also discovered visually similar or replicated posts defending those referenced in these groups.
This led to the mapping of a broader network of other Facebook groups, connected through shared memberships and group moderators and administrators.
In this exploration, we uncovered vibrant ecosystems characterized by a profound distrust of government and its institutions, alongside online communities preoccupied with anti-immigrant sentiments, naturalism, conspiracy theories, and misinformation.
Additionally, we found individuals who expressed genuine concerns about the society they belong to, alongside those who are deeply disillusioned and believe their freedom of expression is at risk.
Identification of Groups
Why focus on these groups?
Three groups were selected for the primary analysis because they included one or more current or former members charged in connection with the summer 2024 riots, or individuals involved in the riots who made comments either in person or online.
We established links between these and 13 additional groups, with all but three being public. These groups play significant roles, as moderators can oversee memberships, approve requests, and issue bans, with the authority to delete posts and comments. Administrators have even broader permissions, including the ability to modify group settings, update descriptions, and appoint additional moderators or administrators.
Which posts were analyzed?
To understand the type of content shared within these groups, we aimed to capture all posts made by the three largest groups from their inception until mid-May 2025.
We collected links and text from a total of 123,000 posts. However, due to the classification process (outlined below), the analysis was ultimately focused on 51,000 text-based posts.
What was the group membership size?
We did not record the names of individual group members (aside from moderators, administrators, and prominent posters). Therefore, when discussing combined memberships across groups, it is likely that individuals who belong to multiple groups were counted more than once.
Classification
First, we verified that the posts contained far-right content using established academic methods and categorized them through specific keywords indicating radicalization. We supplemented this with an AI tool that became available to data teams due to recent changes in editorial policies surrounding its journalistic use, classifying content as anti-establishment, anti-immigrant, migrant demonization, naturalism, and far-right identity/denial.
For categorizing the 51,000 social media posts, we employed ChatGPT 4.1 via OpenAI’s API. The prompts underwent rigorous testing across a random sample of 12 iterations, ensuring that at least two reviewers concurred until a consensus of over 90% was reached between the model and three human reviewers.
We are confident in the model’s reliability in small batches, supporting our broader evaluation based on a statistically determined sample of posts which achieved 93% agreement between human reviewers and the AI model.
The final analysis involved a statistically validated number of posts reviewed by the same annotator.
Testing concluded that the model performed exceptionally well, matching or even exceeding human reviewer consistency across most categories.
Accuracy (Percentage of correctly classified instances): 94.7%.
Precision (Percentage of correctly assigned true label counts by GPT): 79.5%.
Recall (Percentage of instances classified as true by humans and also classified as true by GPT): 86.1%.
F1 Score (A single percentage combining accuracy and recall, with higher values indicating better classification): 82.6%.
The model’s performance was evaluated by an internal statistical analyst, concluding its results were strong, benchmarked against similar academic studies.
Despite the model’s impressive performance, misclassifications in the analysis are inevitable.
We believe the classification process employing OpenAI’s API is thorough, transparent, defensible, and bolsters rigorous journalism.
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As we near the threshold of the AI apocalypse, glimmers of hope remain. The technology may not always function as intended.
This was evident last week when Mark Zuckerberg attempted to showcase his company’s latest AI-powered smart glasses. “I’m not sure what to say, folks,” he told his supporters after struggling multiple times to make a video call through the glasses, which ultimately failed.
This mishap came after an ambitious start to the event at Meta Connect 2025, a developer conference held in Menlo Park, California. The keynote was set to unveil the Ray-Ban Meta Display, essentially a modern version of the wearable iPhone—ideal for those too lazy to dig their devices out of their pockets, and appealing to fans of both Buddy Holly and the Terminator. Yet, despite its alluring design, the presentation was riddled with technical blunders, perhaps serving as an ironic tribute to the latest, meaningless iterations of digital devices.
The event kicked off with quite the spectacle. Attendees watched as Zuckerberg made his way to the stage, hitting the beat while sharing numerous fist bumps along the way. The camera on the glasses displayed “Mark’s POV” for the audience, all while he undoubtedly received an avalanche of texts filled with genuine excitement: “Let’s Gooo” followed by rocket emojis, accompanied by GIFs of two guys exclaiming, “The audience is hyped,” and “It’s Time.”
Zuckerberg eventually reached the stage, clad in his trademark baggy t-shirt and tousled hair. He expressed the company’s dedication to developing attractive eyewear, all while referencing the ironic concept that technology “doesn’t interrupt” human interactions, alongside the equally ironic assertion that “serious Super Intelligence” is the cornerstone of our age. “AI must serve humanity, not just those in data centers automating our lives,” he stated.
Things seemed to flow smoothly until it was time to actually utilize the AI features. Zuckerberg attempted a video call with chef Jack Mankuso, suggesting a dish inspired by “probably Korean-style, like steak sauce.”
“What should I do first?” he asked the Oracle.
“You’ve already combined the basic ingredients,” the AI mistakenly informed him, leading to an awkward silence.
“What do I do first?” Mankuso inquired again.
“You’ve already combined the base ingredients, so grate the pears and gently mix them into the base sauce,” the AI patiently reminded him.
“I think the Wi-Fi is acting up. Sorry. Back to you, Mark.” (Certainly the fault lay with the Wi-Fi, not the AI itself.)
To his credit, Zuckerberg maintained his composure. “It’s all good. What can you do? It’s all good,” he said. “The irony is that you can spend years crafting technology, only for the Wi-Fi of the day to trip you up.”
Failing AI demonstrations are not new phenomena. They’ve become a tradition; last year at Google, a presenter attempted to use the Gemini tool to scan posters for Sabrina Carpenter’s concert to find her tour dates. The bot remained silent when asked to “Open Gemini and take a photo and ‘Check out the calendar for my availability when she visits San Francisco this year.” It eventually worked on my third attempt on another device.
This year, Google demonstrated its translation features with its own smart glasses, which failed only 15 seconds into the presentation. To be fair, a blunder in a high-stakes tech demonstration doesn’t equate to a non-functioning product, as anyone familiar with a certain Tesla CyberTruck presentation will remember. It flopped when the designer threw metal balls at the truck’s so-called “armor glass”; the incident paved the way for a bright future and earned the dubious title of “more fatal than the Ford Pinto.”
At this juncture in his presentation, one might assume Zuckerberg would play it safe. However, when it came time to demonstrate the new wristbands for the Ray-Ban Meta display, he chose to rely on live trials instead of slides.
The wristband, which he dubbed a “neural interface,” detects minimal hand gestures by picking up electrical signals from muscle activity. “You can be among others, yet still type without drawing attention,” Zuckerberg explained. In essence, the combination of glasses and wristbands is practically a stalker’s fantasy.
At least, that is, when it operates correctly. Zuckerberg repeatedly attempted to call his colleague Andrew Bosworth, but each attempt was met with failure. “What a letdown. I’m not sure what went wrong,” he said after the first unsuccessful attempt. He tried again: “I’ll pick it up with my neural band,” he quipped, but still couldn’t connect.
“I’m not sure what to tell you guys, it’s impressive, we’ll bring Boz out here and move to the next presentation and hope it works.” The sign at the back of the room that appeared on-screen read, “Live Demo – Good Luck.”
If the aim was to humanize Zuckerberg, it indeed succeeded: he put forth his best effort in the face of disasters and smiled through it all, making it easy to forget the childlike wonder.
However, the overall event felt like a misaligned millennial dream, a bizarre echo of early 2000s optimism that only Silicon Valley billionaires could buy into. The spectacle mirrored Steve Jobs’ iPhone unveiling in 2007, with two key contrasts: back then, the U.S. hadn’t crumbled behind the scenes—not yet—and it was clear why people were eager to see the devices’ launch. They were on the internet! In your pocket! Can you believe this incredible human innovation?
This event is mired in hardware and software that seems to function without them, with many AI pushes hoping to harness the same energy remotely and without comparable offerings.
For amateurs, it appears consumer technology has entered an era of solutions searching for problems. Witnessing our high-tech overlords stumble on stage raises a broader question: Is that not the case?
Amazon has consented to a $2.5 billion penalty and support for its Prime members to settle the case with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
According to the FTC, approximately $1.5 billion will be allocated to a fund for reimbursing qualifying subscribers, in addition to the billion-dollar civil fine.
The FTC, which oversees consumer protection in the United States, filed a lawsuit against Amazon in 2023 during the Biden administration, accusing the company of enrolling millions of customers in a subscription service without their consent and trapping them in a complicated cancellation process.
The case was heard in a federal court in Seattle earlier this week and is expected to continue for a month.
Andrew N. Ferguson, the Trump-appointed chair of the FTC, celebrated this as “a historic victory for countless Americans who are frustrated with deceptive subscription practices that are nearly impossible to cancel.”
“Evidence indicated that Amazon employed complex subscription tactics aimed at manipulating consumers into signing up for Prime, making it exceedingly difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions,” Ferguson stated. “Today, we are returning billions of dollars to Americans and ensuring that Amazon does not repeat these actions.”
As part of the settlement, Amazon is required to provide a “clear and prominent” option for customers to decline Prime subscriptions while shopping on the site, according to the FTC. The company has previously claimed that it has made improvements to its registration and cancellation processes, describing the FTC’s allegations as outdated.
“We are dedicated to ensuring our customers find it clear and straightforward to sign up or cancel significant memberships while providing valuable services to millions of loyal members globally,” stated the company.
Following the announcement, Amazon’s stock remained relatively stable in New York.
The company faces an additional case initiated by the FTC regarding its alleged maintenance of an illegal monopoly. This case is set to go to trial in 2027 and is presided over by the same judge as the Prime case.
This lawsuit is part of a broader legal action against a major U.S. tech corporation accused of abusing its market position to the detriment of smaller competitors. In subsequent legal maneuvers, Google was designated an illegal monopoly but avoided the government’s most severe penalty.
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Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, Xai, has accused its competitor OpenAI of unlawfully appropriating trade secrets in a fresh lawsuit, marking the latest in Musk’s ongoing legal confrontations with his former associate, Sam Altman.
Filed on Wednesday in a California federal court, the lawsuit claims that OpenAI is involved in a “deeply nasty pattern” of behavior, where former Xai employees are allegedly hired to gain access to crucial trade secrets related to the AI chatbot Grok. Xai asserts that OpenAI is seeking unfair advantages in the fierce competition to advance AI technology.
According to the lawsuit, “OpenAI specifically targets individuals familiar with Xai’s core technologies and business strategies, including operational benefits derived from Xai’s source code and data center initiatives, which leads these employees to violate their commitments to Xai through illicit means.”
Musk and Xai have pursued multiple lawsuits against OpenAI over the years, stemming from a long-standing rivalry between Musk and Altman. Their relationship has soured significantly as Altman’s OpenAI continues to gain power within the tech industry, while Musk has pushed back against AI startup transitions into for-profit entities. Musk attempted to intervene before AI startups shifted to profit-driven models.
Xai’s recent complaint alleges that it uncovered a suspected campaign intended to sabotage the company while probing the trade secret theft allegations against former engineer Xuechen Li. Li has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
OpenAI has dismissed Xai’s claims, dubbing the lawsuit as part of Musk’s ongoing harassment against the company.
A spokesperson for OpenAI stated, “This latest lawsuit represents yet another chapter in Musk’s unrelenting harassment. We maintain strict standards against breaches of confidentiality or interest in trade secrets from other laboratories.”
The complaint asserts that OpenAI hired former Xai engineer Jimmy Fraiture and an unidentified senior finance official in addition to Li for the purpose of obtaining Xai’s trade secrets.
Additionally, the lawsuit includes screenshots from emails sent in July by Musk and Xai’s attorney Alex Spiro to a former Xai executive, accusing them of breaching their confidentiality obligations. The former employee, whose name was redacted in the screenshot, replied to Spiro with a brief email stating, “Suck my penis.”
Before becoming a legal adversary of OpenAI, Musk co-founded the organization with Altman in 2015, later departing in 2018 after failing to secure control. Musk accused Altman of breaching the “founding agreement” intended to enhance humanity, arguing that OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft for profit undermined that principle. OpenAI and Altman contend that Musk had previously supported the for-profit model and is now acting out of jealousy.
Musk, entangled in various lawsuits as both a plaintiff and defendant, filed suit against OpenAI and Apple last month concerning anti-competitive practices related to Apple’s support of ChatGPT within its App Store. The lawsuit alleges that his competitors are involved in a “conspiracy to monopolize the smartphone and AI chatbot markets.”
Altman took to X, Musk’s social platform, stating, “This is a surprising argument given Elon’s claims that he is manipulating X for his own benefit while harming rivals and individuals he disapproves of.”
Xai’s new lawsuit exemplifies the high-stakes competition in Silicon Valley to recruit AI talent and secure market dominance in a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar industry. Meta and other firms have actively recruited AI researchers and executives, aiming to gain a strategic edge in developing more advanced AI models.
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During my recent week-long journey to Paris, I racked up nearly $100 in data charges on my iPhone, including taxes and fees. This was similar to an earlier 8-day visit to Spain, which turned out to be even pricier. Jokingly, I’m referring to an upcoming three-week adventure across seven countries, featuring a week-long cruise, that is likely to exceed $300 in data costs.
After some learning, I found a straightforward solution that can simplify travel. This involves switching to a local carrier, which used to mean visiting airport kiosks and mobile stores to install nail-sized plastic SIM cards. However, with the introduction of eSIM technology, you can manage everything right from your phone. My eSIM in Paris offered 5GB of data for checking emails, using Google Maps, and browsing social media (while ensuring not to upload photos until on WiFi). In Spain, I paid $10 for 5GB.
Here’s how it works and how to utilize it during your next trip abroad:
How eSIMs Work
Photo: Candyretriever/Getty Images
I previously faced high roaming fees when using mobile data outside my home country. You can disable roaming before you travel, but then you’re limited to texting and browsing on WiFi.
eSIMs are temporary electronic add-ons to your mobile device that allow you to buy affordable short-term local cell coverage while traveling. While you can purchase individual eSIMs from local carriers like Vodafone in the UK or Telcel in Mexico, using apps that handle everything for you is more convenient.
Airalo app. Composite: Provided by Airalo
Three popular platforms offering eSIM for international travel are Airalo (which I’ve utilized and found helpful), Saily, and Holafly. All three cater to popular destinations, though there can be variations for lesser-known places. For instance, during my recent trip to Bhutan, only Airalo was recommended. Saily tends to be slightly cheaper, making it worthwhile to compare all three options. Holafly exclusively provides unlimited data, which can be more expensive if you don’t require it.
iPhones manufactured after around 2021 are typically compatible with eSIM, but if you’re unsure, Airalo provides a straightforward, checkable compatibility list. Additionally, ensure your phone is unlocked, meaning you don’t owe anything to your carrier. Most carriers will unlock your device online or over the phone once it’s fully paid off.
Setting Up and Choosing Your Plan
Photo: Debalina Ghosh/Getty Images
Installing an eSIM can vary a bit by provider, but they generally simplify the process. Simply download the app and follow the instructions. While not overly complex, a few steps are involved, so it’s best to complete the setup before you travel. All listed providers offer support via their website or app in case you encounter any issues.
Most eSIMs provide data only and don’t include voice services, so you’ll need to use apps like WhatsApp for calls. If you require a local number, Airalo has a package named Discovery+ for voice calls, available in over 130 destinations.
How much data should you get? For checking emails, sending a few texts daily, and light web browsing and social media, a plan offering 3GB to 5GB should suffice for a week’s trip. The 5GB I purchased for six days in Spain was adequate, as I utilized WiFi for downloading photos and streaming. However, for video streaming, browsing Instagram, or making video calls, you might need closer to 10GB. If you’re gaming online or partaking in video conferences for work, plus uploading large photos, you will require more data.
Once you have everything set up, you can embark on your next adventure without worry—well, at least not regarding your phone!
Issa Schultz follows a daily routine that few can match.
“I wake up, brew my coffee, then head to the computer for quizzes. After lunch, I return for more quizzes,” he states. “It might sound obsessive, but I embrace it. It’s fair to say I treat it like a full-time job.”
Schultz is the top quizzing champion in Australia, known among enthusiasts for his serious approach to trivia. Quizzing is not just a pastime for him; it defines his life. Every year, he appears on Channel 7 for about six weeks as one of the “Chasers” on the quiz show Chase Australia. The rest of his time is spent immersed in various topics, from sibling rivalries to AFL Drafts and Academy Award winners.
“I could easily go outside and engage in normal activities,” he chuckles. “But as one single guy without family responsibilities, I’ve got the unique opportunity to invest time into this.”
Schultz as the Supernard of Channel 7’s Chase Australia. Photo: Chase
“What’s crazier is that some individuals dedicate even more time than I do, especially in the UK and the US.”
Quizzing is a niche but worldwide phenomenon, thriving from North America to Europe and India. It can often be viewed as an evolution of pub trivia, particularly in its complexity. Schultz participated with pub teams daily before advancing to the next level. “When we enter international quizzes, pub trivia just isn’t challenging enough,” he explains.
A standard quiz question isn’t necessarily straightforward, often requiring one to connect seemingly unrelated images (“Was he a Chilean military dictator from 1973 to 1990?”).
Instead of raucous environments, the world of quizzing tends to be characterized by silence or solitude. The premier event in the quizzing calendar is the World Quiz Championship, held each June, where participants solve questions read by a proctor in a formal examination setting. Australia began hosting its national championship in February across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. These events, devoid of prizes, ascertain rankings both nationally and globally, with enthusiasts also exploring smaller competitions and Zoom leagues.
“When we arrive at the international quiz, the pub trivia is not obscure enough”: Issa Schultz. Photo: Guardian
“Usually, when I tell people about my weekend plans, I say, ‘I’m off to the library to sit quietly with a group of fellow nerds for an hour,'” shares Sally Gridley, an enthusiastic Australian quizzer. “We’ll take an exam for fun. Prizes? No, it’s purely for bragging rights, and you have to pay to participate.”
Gridley has been a serious quizzer for 11 years and even secured a win on a quiz show. Programs like The Chase and Mastermind capture audiences with their excitement and are one of the few effective ways to monetize one’s hobby. Gridley estimates the Australian quizzing community comprises around 30-35 regular quizzers, while the Global Leaderboard indicates unofficial membership is below 2,000. Participants note it’s a small yet committed community, warm and inviting to newcomers.
Nonetheless, a specific demographic predominates: men. Gridley estimates she is one of about eight regular female quizzers across Australia, where local groups are approximately 90% male. There are overlaps in other communities as well.
“It’s important to note that quizzing is quite popular among neurodivergent demographics; many quizzers have conditions such as autism and ADHD,” Gridley mentions. “In fact, I might be the most socially engaged person at any quiz event.”
Or as Schultz puts it, “There are many quirky individuals, and we embrace eccentricities!”
To climb the leaderboard as a quizzing participant, a unique form of dedication is required.
“It’s purely about glory”: Quizzer Sally Gridley showcases prizes from ABC’s hard quiz. Photo: Ellen Smith/Guardian
Aaran Mohann, a 35-year-old financial worker ranking third in Australia, believes he isn’t as dedicated to studying as many of his counterparts. His primary strategy involves completing numerous online quizzes, as competitors often cover similar topics. For instance, many focus on events from Coldplay concerts and popular culture phenomena like Dubai Chocolate.
Flashcards as memory aids have gained popularity within the quizzing community, reveals Mohan. “It’s clear that many quizzers delve deeply into Wikipedia. One article leads to another, and before you know it, hours have passed.”
Schultz expects films to feature prominently in quizzes. He also invests in DK reference books covering topics from medicine to fishing, transcribing intriguing facts into his notebooks—a system that is “pointless to anyone except myself.”
However, he sets limits. “Pat Gibson is among the best British quizzers of all time and reads about five newspapers daily. I can’t keep up with that.”
Australian representative for Spain’s 2024 Quiz Olympiad (Aaran Mohann)With Jane Allen from the International Quiz Association. Photo: Supply
There’s much to appreciate about being a dedicated quizzer beyond mere competition and TV appearances. Gridley finds fulfillment in answering questions correctly, and the knowledge she gains benefits her career as a teacher. Mohan states that his hobby satisfies his innate curiosity about the world. The quizzing process improves attention to detail, as participants must read questions closely to avoid misnaming cities instead of countries.
For Schultz, this pursuit offers a soothing sense of consistency.
“I appreciate that it’s all centered around facts and truths in an era dominated by AI and misinformation. [fake news] He explains. Charles I will always be Charles I, today and 100 years from now.”
Schultz cherishes the life he has crafted around quizzes, for better or worse.
“I’ve never driven a car, I can’t cook, and I often lose my house keys… I think outside of quizzing, I seem to lack direction. My fate seems intertwined with this.”
Schultz is determined to retain his status as Australia’s number one quizzer, a title he has maintained since 2011.
“Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, has dedicated his life to running; I aim to dedicate my life to quizzing,” he states. “After all, why not?”
Approximately 8,000 names, photos, and addresses of children were allegedly taken from the Kido Nursery chain by a group of cybercriminals.
According to the BBC, these criminals are demanding ransoms from companies operating 18 sites in London, as well as additional locations in the US, India, and China.
The hackers also accessed details about the children’s parents and caregivers, claiming they were securing notes. They reached out to several individuals by phone, employing tactics associated with the Frightor.
Kido has been approached for comment but has yet to confirm the hackers’ assertions. The company has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
A nursery employee informed the BBC that she had been made aware of the data breach.
The Metropolitan Police indicated that they were alerted on Thursday “following reports of ransomware attacks on a London-based organization,” adding that “enquiries are ongoing and remain in the initial phase within Met’s cybercrime division. No arrests have been made to date.”
A spokesperson for the Intelligence Committee office stated that “Kido International has reported the incident to us and we are currently assessing the provided information.”
Many organizations have experienced cyberattacks recently. The Cooperative reported a £80 million decline in profits due to a hacking incident in April.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was unable to assemble vehicles at the start of the month following a cyberattack that compromised their computer systems.
As a result, the company had to shut down most systems used for tracking factory components, vehicles, and tools, impacting their luxury Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender SUV sales.
The company has since reopened a limited number of computer systems.
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All working individuals will be required to obtain a digital ID card, as announced by Keir Starmer, sparking a potential clash with civil liberties advocates.
The Prime Minister will outline measures during a meeting on Friday aimed at how progressive leaders can address the challenges facing Britain, including addressing voter anxieties about immigration.
The initiative for the “Brit Card” mandates legal backing and is already encountering pushback from privacy advocates.
However, it remains unclear whether the public is convinced that securing the right to work in the UK is necessary to combat illegal migration, despite the lingering sentiment since the abandonment of Tony Blair’s ID card strategy in the 2000s.
New Interior Secretary Shabana Mahmoud endorses the initiative, stating that her “long-standing personal political beliefs have always supported ID cards.”
This month, Starmer mentioned that digital IDs could “play a vital role” in making the UK less appealing to illegal immigrants, citing France’s assertion that a lack of official cards acts as a “pull factor.”
The Prime Minister also referenced the government’s aim for “patriotic renewal,” contrasting it with “a politics of complaints, toxic divisions, and reform efforts.” He characterized the Conservatives as “essentially defunct.”
During his speech on Friday, he pointed out that the far-right is injecting “toxic” narratives into national discourse, asserting, “At its core— the most toxic beliefs, discussed just a week or two ago, will lead to future struggles, decisive conflicts, and violent confrontations for the nation.
“You don’t have to be a historian to understand where this kind of rhetoric can lead. It’s palpable—the naked language used to intimidate.”
Nonetheless, he also expressed his belief in the necessity of controlling immigration and borders, stating:
The emphasis is simply this: “It’s not compassionate leftist politics to exploit foreign workers and rely on labor that undermines fair wages. However, it is a fact that every nation must take measures to secure its borders.”
In a piece for The Telegraph, Starmer conveyed that labor had previously erred regarding migration.
He contended that it is permissible to express concerns regarding immigration rates, while rejecting the “toxic” and divisive reform approach.
He added, “There’s no doubt that established leftist parties, myself included, have distanced themselves from public concerns regarding illegal immigration. It became too straightforward for individuals to enter the country, work in the shadow economy, and remain undocumented.”
The Guardian disclosed in June that Downing Street was contemplating a digital ID card initiative.
This concept originated from a union document presented to the No. 10 policy team proposing Brit cards.
ThinkTank also suggested that it could help curtail the significant number of visa overstayers, indicating that approximately half of those denied asylum claims over the past 14 years are likely still in the UK. They proposed a free, secure digital ID accessible via an individual’s smartphone, utilizing the rebranded, intended gov.uk wallet app as a Brit card application. This would be verifiable by employers, immigrants, banks, and landlords through complimentary software.
Under a potential scheme, the technology is expected to leverage the government’s existing “one-login” framework, which currently allows citizens to access around 50 government services.
Kirsty Innes, the report’s author and technology director at ThinkTank, presently serves as a special advisor to technology secretary Liz Kendall. When the document was released, she mentioned, “Progressive societies can only thrive with meaningful boundaries. The BritCard curtails illegal employment and housing regulations, simplifying the identification and penalization of exploitative illegal employers and landlords.”
The plan received support from the Tony Blair Institute and the government’s innovation director. Alexander Iosad remarked, “If the government announces universal digital IDs to enhance public services, it will be one of the most significant advancements to ease daily life and foster trust among British citizens.”
However, it has faced opposition from David Davis, a Conservative MP who previously led the charge against Blair’s ID card initiative decades ago.
Davis stated, “No system is immune to failure. I have witnessed numerous instances where governmental and tech giants were unable to safeguard people’s personal information. I hardly believe Whitehall can manage better than leading companies in protecting their data.”
The Liberal Democrats voiced their opposition, stating they cannot endorse “mandatory digital IDs that require individuals to expose their personal data merely to go about their daily lives.”
While the Conservatives did not provide an official stance, their leader, Kemi Badenok, noted: “There are both arguments for and against digital IDs, but mandating their use is a significant step that warrants thorough national discussion.
“Instead, this is merely a maneuver by Andy Burnham for leadership positioning, intended to distract from the crisis surrounding the Prime Minister’s chief.”
Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, emphasized that the digital ID card proposal is not part of the Labour Party’s manifesto, labeling it as “the last thing this government should pursue amid a living crisis.”
“The existing digital visa system for immigration serves as a harsh harbinger of the damage inflicted by data mishaps, system breakdowns, and a callous and adversarial Home Office. Individuals have faced travel restrictions, lost job opportunities, and even homelessness due to current digital identity initiatives,” he articulated.
“This scheme poses the risk of engendering a digital surveillance framework that alters the daily existence of all individuals and establishes a pre-crime state where we continually have to validate our identities in the course of our everyday activities.”
David Renney, a former Home Office ID Program employee and currently Chief Trust Officer of Startup Orchestration Identity, remarked that it is “absurd” to propose digital identities as a solution for illegal migration.
“Suggesting a flagship ‘digital identity’ as a means to combat illegal migration reflects a lack of understanding and learning over the last two decades,” he pointed out. “Employers are responsible for verifying the right to work of future employees in the UK or face penalties of £45,000.”
The individual who shared deepfake pornographic images of a well-known Australian figure has been heavily fined in the initial legal case for sending a “strong message.”
On Friday, a federal court mandated that Anthony Rotondo, also known as Antonio, pay a penalty of $343,500 along with legal costs after the online regulator, Esafiti Commissioner, filed a lawsuit against him nearly two years ago.
Rotondo was responsible for posting the images on a website named Mrdeepfakes.com.
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Regulators maintained that substantial civil penalties were essential to underscore the severity of violations against online safety laws and the harm inflicted upon women who are victims of image-based abuse.
“This action sends a strong message regarding the repercussions for individuals who engage in image-based abuse through deepfakes,” the watchdog stated late Friday.
“Esafety is profoundly concerned about the creation and distribution of non-consensual explicit deepfake images, as these can lead to significant psychological and emotional distress.”
Commissioner Julie Inman Grant filed a case against Rotondo in federal court in 2023 due to his non-compliance with a deletion notice, which was ineffective as he is not an Australian resident.
“If you believe you’re in the right, I’ll secure an arrest warrant,” he said.
Following the court’s order for Rotondo to remove the images and refrain from sharing them, he sent them via email to 50 addresses, including the Esafety Commissioner and various media outlets.
Commissioners initiated federal court proceedings shortly after police ascertained that Rotondo had traveled from the Philippines to the Gold Coast.
Users in the UK can access an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram for a monthly fee of £3.99.
In response to regulatory concerns regarding personalized ads that utilize user data for targeted marketing, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has introduced this subscription service.
Web users will pay £2.99 per month, while mobile users can enjoy ad-free scrolling for £3.99 monthly. If accounts are linked, users will only be charged one fee.
“This gives individuals in the UK the option of continuing to use Facebook and Instagram for free with personalized ads or choosing to avoid ads altogether,” Meta stated.
The company announced that the new service would be available in the upcoming weeks. Users without a subscription will continue to see ads based on their personal data.
This subscription model mirrors offerings by Meta in the EU, which the European Commission has deemed a violation of the Digital Markets Act aimed at regulating major tech companies.
The Commission recommended a €200 million fine this year and suggested releasing a free version of the platform that relies on less detailed personal information such as gender, age, and location for ad targeting.
The UK’s intelligence committee, a data oversight authority, expressed its support for this initiative.
“This transition moves Meta away from using targeted ad practices as a condition of Facebook and Instagram service usage, clarifying compliance with UK law,” a spokesperson from the ICO stated.
wEngaging with e-arts encompasses more than just passive observation. We have a role to play. Whether it’s music, painting, or film, the artist contributes, but our mental engagement is what completes the experience. This is particularly applicable in gaming, as you aren’t just passively staring at the Mona Lisa for hours on end.
Our relationship with art evolves. In my youth, I had a stronger appreciation for animation, while nowadays I find great value in jazz. My feelings towards the Mona Lisa can vary—sometimes I find it captivating, other times rather dull.
This dynamic perspective is what makes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 so intriguing. The game explores our efforts to capture our artistic preferences, or at least that’s how I interpret it. The complexity of this sentiment mirrors my evolving relationship with the game itself. Initially, I was entranced by its beauty nearly three decades ago, illuminated as if by personal rays of sunshine as Glenn navigates through nature. (Rest in peace, Robert Redford.)
Visually and audibly, the characters are stunning, complemented by the best voice acting and soundscapes I’ve encountered. The plot initially eluded me; it vaguely centers around Logan who seems to be on the run. A mysterious force referred to as “the sedative” erases individuals from existence once they reach a certain age. Each year, the Hardy Band embarks on a journey to find and confront this entity, striving to prevent humanity from fading into oblivion.
The courageous adventurer of Clair Obscur attempts to escape the annual Gomage event that gradually erases its participants. Photo: Sandfall Interactive
Despite my confusion regarding the plot, I was enamored by its aesthetics and emotional resonance, and I realized that understanding the intricacies of your passions often takes time. Another aspect that turned my appreciation into obsession was the combat system, which is crucial for any turn-based RPG. Once I invested the effort to understand it, my connection deepened and the combat became exhilarating. It was so fulfilling that I embraced my clumsy attempts in the platforming segments, even when they were harshly punishing. That wasn’t my best decision.
But isn’t it true that we overlook the flaws of those we love?
I spent an excessive amount of time with Expedition 33. I’m a player who often bulldozes levels to simplify boss fights. Online sources say the game takes about 30 hours to complete, yet it took me over 50 to face the final boss. This was largely due to my choice to play on default difficulty instead of easy mode. The gameplay was so rewarding that I didn’t mind losing multiple battles; mastering the unique timing of each encounter felt like a genuine accomplishment, akin to mastering a soccer volley.
However, as time went on, my irritation grew. The absence of a level map left me uncertain about whether my current path was a quick detour or a futile expedition. My mood soured when the plot frustrated me with its lack of subtlety in dialogue that leaned toward the melodramatic (“Painting is about essence, not about truth” – please!). Yet, I had committed to this game, along with its ups and downs.
Then something happened that changed everything.
After finally conquering the sedative in an intense 30-minute boss battle, the game crashed.
The battle was thrilling; I didn’t mind failing – Photo: Sandfall Interactive
The game crashed. I was booted back to the title screen, which hasn’t happened to me with an Xbox game in ages. I searched online and found that many players faced this bug. As far as I know, there haven’t been any patches for the Xbox Series S despite the game being released back in April. From a relational perspective, my emotional investment in this game definitely took a hit. A game shouldn’t launch with a bug that can ruin the experience at such a critical moment.
I discovered that pausing immediately during the cutscene can work around the bug, but that results in missing the cutscene—especially important after defeating the ultimate boss.
After bypassing the cutscene, I realized the game was not finished. A plot twist revealed a new third act, adding complexity to the narrative.
I felt a sense of detachment as I tried to progress further. I grappled with my emotional investments in both this game and my other commitments.
What initially felt new and captivating had become tainted. Elements I once found exciting, like character relationships leading to enhanced abilities, now seemed cumbersome and pretentious. My trust had eroded. If I crash at the end again, would I truly endure a long and challenging boss fight?
I’m not saying I’m completely done with Expedition 33, but I believe I need some space before I can fully commit again.
I have been rearranging my home lately and encountered issues common among cyclists: where to store your bike? According to research, around 5.5 million individuals in the UK would cycle more if they had the appropriate space to store their bicycles at home. Specifically, 23% of flat residents and 58% of those living in detached houses struggle with finding accessible storage locations.
Fortunately, there are numerous bike storage options available, ranging from simple floor anchors in small outdoor areas to high-security sheds and designated parking zones offered by local authorities. One innovative entrepreneur even won £100,000 on Dragons’ Den for his “Space Isle” concept. Below are some of the top storage solutions I’ve discovered, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Top Bicycle Storage Solutions
Outdoor
If your bike needs to be parked outside and security is a concern (as it should be), opt for products with a solid safety rating. This indicates that they have undergone thorough testing to resist theft.
Additionally, if you’re considering a shed, be cautious: metal can become extremely hot in the sun. Avoid letting parts of the bike that may melt (like the handlebars and tires) come into contact with metal during the summer. Either strategically place fabric between the bike and metal or consider insulation.
For those with access to a front or rear garden, Asgard’s sheds offer secure, aesthetically pleasing, and durable options. Prices for a two-bike shed start at £649. I trialed the Mammoth Annex Plus E (with E-Bike charging capabilities) in my front yard. It’s been police approved and certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) for security.
The Plus E can accommodate 3-4 bikes (make sure to check your bike size first). It also features optional plug sockets for charging, gear shelves, and hooks. For an additional cost, Asgard offers installation services. Initially hesitant to leave an expensive bike in my front garden, I found the shed to be incredibly secure, thanks to a five-point locking double door with two deadbolts.
The design includes ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and is spacious enough to conceal overflowing bins from neighbors. Weighing 176kg (27st 10lb), it’s quite a challenge to move.
Lifting Lid Shed
£629.99 on Shedstore£629.99 with Buy Sheds Direct
Trimital’s bike sheds are robust and well-constructed but lack fixed design and LPCB rating, requiring individual padlocks to secure them when closed. The dimensions of the 6ft 4in x 2ft 9in (193cm x 88cm) model allow it to house up to three adult bikes, and it boasts a 25-year panel warranty. This model features a spring-assisted lid that lifts both the roof and front of the shed, reducing the need to duck while loading and unloading bikes. However, managing two padlocks can be tricky during rain or when you’re in a hurry; the floors are sold separately (£89.99).
For models like the Fortress shed, special metal anchors can be affixed to solid floors with the bike locked to it.
Simple Wooden Shed
£434 at Powersheds£445 at Wicks
Numerous affordable wooden sheds start at £200-300, but investing in a higher-quality model is advisable. The cycle insurance company Bikmo recommends opting for a tongue-and-groove design, as overlapping wooden styles can warp and become vulnerable to both the weather and thieves. Internal hinges are preferable since they prevent burglars from easily removing the doors.
Positioned in the mid-range sector is Powersheds’ Apex Bike Shed, with the 6 x 2ft (183 x 61cm) model starting at £434. It can store two bikes, but remember to verify your bike sizes prior to purchase. Powersheds’ products come with a 10-year warranty, galvanized metal components, and easily accessible doors. However, the hinge is situated on the outside.
The Bike Shed Company offers high-end wooden sheds that accommodate up to five adult bicycles, along with garden shelving and custom wooden builds. The most affordable model, the Pedalbase 2, fits two bikes (again, be sure to check your bike dimensions). Both the doors and roof open and stay lifted via gas struts, making it effortless to access. There’s even a model designed to fit beside your bay window. This wood is sustainably sourced from FSC-certified forests in the UK.
On-Street Solutions
Photo: Nathaniel Noir/Aramie
While most councils do not provide public bike storage, and waitlists can be lengthy, we luckily share a cycling parking space on the street near our home. These Hemisil Shared Bicycle Huts are available in cities like London, Bristol, and Salford. Places like Brighton, Edinburgh, and Glasgow have efficient setups accommodating six bikes in the space of a single car. These bike storage spots are typically set up by councils and can be borrowed by residents. In London, one such spot averages £57.90 a year in 2022.
Their popularity is evident: Bristol introduced 40 new hangars that were nearly fully booked within 90 minutes. Waltham Forest currently has 4,305 individuals on its waiting list, with 150 new applications each month (the council anticipates offering 300 additional units next year).
You can join a waiting list or coordinate with your neighbors and local councils. If enough people express interest in CycleHoop, they may inform your council of the demand. There’s even a Jumbo Cargo Bike Model catering to non-standard cycles.
Time for Anchors!
For minimalist solutions in tight outdoor spaces like alleys, consider metal floor or wall anchors that can be secured into the ground and allow chains to loop through the bike. Check here for Safe-approved ground anchors currently available. You can also opt for a bike cover to shield your bike from the elements (details below).
Diamond Secure
£63.84 in Halford£56.99 on Amazon
Hiplok’s ANKR is on the pricier side but carries a diamond safety rating, which is the highest security classification for bike protection. For your investment, you’ll receive maximum security steel anchors for both bikes and motorcycles. The rubberized cap ensures no damage to your bicycle’s frame and is backed by a 10-year warranty—ideal if a bike thief has a determined mission or comes equipped with an angle grinder.
Silver Secure
£25 at Argos£19.99 on Amazon
Oxford Locks’ Anchor10 features secure silver-rated wall and floor anchors made from hardened steel. Its design includes bolts shielded by ball bearings, which are concealed when the locks are installed to thwart theft attempts. The manufacturer claims it undergoes a “5-minute attack test.”
Outdoor Bike Cover
Leaving your bike exposed to the elements is less than ideal, but may be necessary at times. Many Dutch cyclists do this year-round. Bike covers come in various styles and price ranges, providing an economical solution to reduce rust and wear. Budget options start under ten pounds, while premium covers for larger cycles can exceed seventy pounds. A mid-range option is often the best compromise.
Stylish Cover
£39.30 at Santa Fixy
The Bikeparka Stash is a chic, fitted cover that wraps around both the front and rear wheels of your bicycle, complete with cinch straps to prevent water accumulation. As a medium-sized bike user, I managed to fit two bikes beneath a single cover. Constructed from ripstop waterproof material, it boasts sealed seams, adjustable toggles, and brass eyelets to keep your bike snug and dry. Just be cautious on windy days—my bike once tipped over due to the cover acting like a sail, causing scratches. Additionally, there’s a cargo bike parka for £85.70 and a long-tail bike model with a seat cover priced at £79.95. For durability, using it primarily in the winter months will extend its lifespan by reducing UV damage. Bikeparka offers a one-year guarantee for sun exposure, and a colleague mentioned theirs has lasted for years outdoors compared to months of cheaper alternatives. To illustrate, think of it like leaving your tent exposed 24/7 while grappling with troublesome metal objects regularly.
Stormskin’s premium cover is robust and will adequately protect your bike; it withstands all weather except the most relentless horizontal rain. Reviewers have praised it as the best protective cover available (though it’s not particularly portable) and it features slits to allow securing directly to the bike lock. The material is up to nine times thicker than competing products and is made from 100% recycled fabric, showcasing a stylish palm print design that’s visually appealing. It does take some effort to fit all bikes under it.
Budget Options
£18.99 at Trets
The Oxford Aquatex cover is an economical choice while still being effective in shielding your bike from the weather. It comes in three sizes and can accommodate up to three bikes. Made from grade 100 polyester with double stitching, it is a straightforward option with a strong base. While spacious enough for larger bikes, this also results in more flapping in the wind. If you face issues with pigeons or similar problems, it could serve as a deterrent.
Indoor
There are plenty of hooks and shelving solutions designed to facilitate indoor bike storage. Treat your bike as a piece of art—it just may be! Many of the following options are also suitable for garages and sturdy wooden sheds.
Tire Hooks
£15 in HalffordHornitt for £15.99
The compact bike hook is simply a small piece of plastic constructed to hold your bike’s tire. The manufacturer suggests that while one wheel remains on the ground, installation is as straightforward as pushing a few screws into place. This clever and popular option permits you to line your bikes up like books on a shelf. Be sure to measure tire widths before purchasing from the five available sizes (ranging from 23-32mm to 70-81mm). Keep the tires inflated or the bike may tip. Another option could be the Clug Pro, which secures the wheel in place using strong, small threads and magnets. Mud pads can also be added to safeguard the wall.
Rubber Hook
£8.42 on Decathlon
For an affordable and versatile option that fully supports the bike, a rubber-covered hook is available at various price points. This option is recommended by this YouTuber. Attaching it to a wooden 2×4 or 2×6 baton, rather than directly onto the wall, enhances stability, longevity, and allows for more bikes within a meter, while also minimizing wall damage caused by the larger screws accompanying эти hooks.
No Drill Options
£149.99 on Cyclestore£179.99 in Halford
Topeak offers several no-drill bike storage solutions. For a compact setup, consider utilizing dual touch wedges stationed between the floor and ceiling, using an adjustable pole with a clever foot pedal clutch. You can fit two bikes stacked vertically, but depending on your bike size and ceiling height, the maximum weight capacity can reach 72kg or 18kg.
The trick is to locate the joists in the ceiling, which can be done by referencing old photographs from before your kitchen ceiling collapsed. I found mine this way. My E-Bike step-through frame was oddly shaped and too bulky, resulting in an unstable hanging position; however, my hybrid and road bikes fit without issue. They also provide a freestanding version with tripod legs, requiring a little more floor space, which gained popularity at Bicycle Expo.
The Abu Dhabi royal family plans to invest in TikTok’s US operations following Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order facilitating a deal valued at $14 billion (£10.5 billion).
MGX, a fund led by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is set to acquire a 15% stake and representation on the board once TikTok US is spun out.
Late Thursday night, the US president signed an executive order that sanctioned the agreement and provided a 120-day period to finalize the details.
Larry Ellison’s Oracle, Private Equity Group Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX will together hold approximately 45% of TikTok’s shares. Overall, American firms are anticipated to control around 65% of the company, with Trump also mentioning tech moguls Michael Dell and Rupert Murdoch as participating investors.
According to Trump, “[TikTok US] will primarily be owned and governed by Americans, removing control from foreign adversaries. Notably, Larry Ellison, a major investor, will ensure that it operates seamlessly within the US.”
ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, retains a 19.9% stake in the US operations.
While China has not publicly commented on the approval of the agreement, Trump stated he had a “productive conversation” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who “seemed positive about the situation.”
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the TikTok deal is valued at $14 billion, noting some resistance from the Chinese side. “Our primary goal was to continue TikTok’s operations while safeguarding American data privacy in compliance with the law,” Vance remarked.
He further stated, “This agreement ensures that Americans can engage with TikTok, but with greater confidence than before, as their data will be secure and won’t be weaponized against them.”
The $14 billion valuation of TikTok’s US operations is significantly lower than its total valuation; which is estimated at around $330 billion. In comparison, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is valued at $1.8 trillion.
The future of TikTok in America has been uncertain since last April when Congress enacted legislation mandating a sale due to privacy and national security issues. Trump has consistently extended the deadline for concluding a sale or considering TikTok’s closure while attempting to facilitate the transaction.
On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order outlining the terms for the transaction that will transfer ownership of TikTok to US-based owners.
Trump announced that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had reached a consensus to dissociate the popular social media platform from Chinese ownership, allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the US. He stated that the deal aligns with existing laws that mandate the closure of apps targeting American users unless they are sold to US entities.
“I spoke with President Xi, and he said, ‘Please proceed with that,'” Trump mentioned at a press briefing. “This will always be manipulated in America.”
Under this new arrangement, American investors are expected to acquire the majority of TikTok’s business and will manage the licensed versions of the app’s robust recommendation algorithms. It is anticipated that US entities will hold around 80% of the new spinoff company, with ByteDance and Chinese investors retaining less than 20%. The White House stated that the revamped TikTok will be governed by a seven-member board, composed mainly of American cybersecurity and national security specialists.
JD Vance reported that the new US entity is projected to be valued at $14 billion. He also indicated at the press conference that its estimated valuation is approximately $330 billion, in contrast to Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which is estimated at $1.8 trillion.
Leading the group of American TikTok investors is Oracle, a US software giant, which will manage TikTok’s US functions, provide cloud computing for user data storage, and oversee app algorithm licenses. According to White House officials, ByteDance and Chinese authorities will not have access to US user data.
In addition to Oracle and its co-founder Larry Ellison, Trump mentioned that notable investors include media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and the CEO of Dell Technologies. “Great investors. The biggest. They’re not going to get bigger,” Trump stated. Vance noted that details regarding the transaction participants will be disclosed in the upcoming days.
When asked if TikTok would prioritize MAGA-oriented content, Trump responded, “I’ve always liked MAGA-related content, and I could be 100% MAGA-related if feasible,” but emphasized that the app would still promote a diverse range of content, affirming, “All groups will be treated fairly.”
This agreement has been under legal scrutiny for several months and represents a significant shift in the US social media landscape, giving domestic companies increased influence in the industry. TikTok currently has about 180 million users in the United States, and Trump believes it will aid his bid for the 2024 presidential election. This move is part of Trump’s administration’s broader strategy to gain leverage in the tech sector, having recently acquired a 10% stake in chip manufacturer Intel, prompting major companies like Apple and Nvidia to invest significantly domestically.
Trump had previously mentioned that the US government would receive favorable fees from US investors in negotiating deals with China. Last week, he stated: “The US is getting a very paid plus – I call it a paid – just to make a deal.”
However, when pressed on this matter, the president simply stated that the US would collect standard taxes from the new company, adding, “We’re going to make money; we’re going to earn a lot from taxes.”
TikTok has faced bipartisan opposition from lawmakers concerning data privacy and allegations of using the app to spread propaganda or undermine American democracy. Although TikTok has consistently denied these accusations, Congress overwhelmingly voted last year to compel the company to find a US buyer or face a domestic ban.
In January, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order delaying the prohibition and subsequently postponed its enforcement. The “TikTok savings” Presidential order Trump signed on Thursday asserted that the agreement conformed to laws established by Congress and represented a “qualified sale” that addressed national security concerns. The agreement is not expected to be finalized for another 120 days.
At the press conference, Trump mentioned that “young people” were rooting for him to “save TikTok.” He believes he was inspired by Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who recently encouraged him to engage with social media platforms.
“Charlie was very helpful to me. He said, ‘We should go to TikTok,'” Trump recounted.
Last week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent announced that the US and China had established a trading framework following extensive discussions in Madrid, pivoting on TikTok’s future. China’s chief trade negotiator, Li Chengang, later confirmed the agreement and cautioned against US attempts to “control” Chinese firms.
Trump also alluded to the deal last week but refrained from divulging specific details.
“We’ve also reached agreements concerning “specific” companies that the youth in our nation are eager to see preserved. They will be quite pleased!” he posted on Truth Social.
Shortly after the confirmation of Charlie Kirk’s death, a flood of advertisements for memorial products emerged on Facebook and Instagram.
A viral post boasting over 8,000 shares and several hundred thousand likes has gained traction for promoting the “Echo of Freedom” shirt, featuring Jesus’ American flag and Kirk’s signature. This design portrays him as a representation of “faith, freedom, America.” The very shirt that Kirk wore at the time of his assassination has become a popular item among his conservative backers. Another brand, Liberty Faith Gear, has adopted a more aggressive marketing approach with its Patriot version, declaring, “It rises when freedom is attacked. I won’t hide it. I won’t bow.”
Neither brand is officially linked to Kirk’s Turning Point USA and both are based in the United States. In fact, they are operated by Guangzhou Xiue Network Technology, an e-commerce business located in Panyu, China’s southern Guangdong Province, known as the country’s first fashion capital.
After Kirk’s assassination, a number of foreign apparel and commodity firms quickly capitalized on the event. The Guardian identified at least seven companies, including Harbin Huanjia Trading Limited and Jinhua Hongrun e-Commerce, which are profiting from Kirk’s products. Like Guangzhou Shiwei, these companies have a history of selling highly partisan and culture war-themed merchandise and have inundated Facebook and Instagram with numerous commemorative advertisements. They encourage prospective buyers to commemorate Kirk’s legacy by purchasing shirts, often claiming that profits will benefit his organization and family.
According to records from the Chinese company, Guangzhou Shiwei was established in 2021 and specializes in “multi-channel cross-border e-commerce operations.” The company manages a network of numerous social media accounts and e-commerce websites, being among the first to run ads exploiting Kirk’s death. Each account caters to various themes—some focused on faith and religion, others on patriotism and freedom, while some engage different US communities to promote interaction and sales.
In addition to Facebook accounts like See Insin, Liberty Faith Gear, and USA Freedom T, Guangzhou Shiwei operates USA Veterans. This page prominently features Kirk’s image and the Turning Point USA logo to create a recognizable presence, asserting their support for “TPUSA chapters nationwide.” They often use familiar language and addresses that sound legitimate to many Americans, yet a quick Google search reveals that many of these listed addresses correspond to gas stations.
A representative from Turning Point USA informed the Guardian that the Wear Freedom Brand is not affiliated with their organization.
Some of these ads from Guangzhou Shiwei’s network have even claimed that “100% of the profits from this shirt will go directly to Turning Point USA,” a statement that violates US law regarding political donations.
Attempts by the Guardian to reach out to the company for comments were unsuccessful.
Following Kirk’s death, national media and state actors from Russia, Iran, and China quickly entered the discourse, fueling a debate about the assailant and freedom of speech. They exploited the controversy to sow division. “Astroturfing“—the practice of using fake identities to generate a false sense of popularity—was recognized by many Americans during the 2016 elections. However, profit-driven companies have long used similar tactics for political influence.
Darren Linville, a professor at Clemson University specializing in media disinformation, pointed out that exploiting political moments for marketing purposes is nothing new, particularly within American markets.
“These networks exist for a reason. They are incredibly advantageous,” Linville remarked. “If we could eliminate cryptocurrency and t-shirt sales, we’d eliminate half of our social media trolls.”
This isn’t the first instance of Guangzhou employing these misleading tactics. Prior to the last presidential election, accounts managed by the same company were found to have similarly used deceptive strategies, pledging illegal political contributions to support the Trump campaign while simultaneously promoting merchandise linked to the Harris Campaign and other PACs through products like “Childless Cat Lady” T-shirts and “can prevent communism” baseball caps.
At that time, 404 Media, the technology news outlet that first reported on this network of accounts, indicated that Meta, Facebook’s parent company, had removed hundreds of these ads following their intervention. Nevertheless, Guangzhou Shiwei persists in operating many of the same accounts and has used them recently to promote Kirk-themed products.
In a statement, Meta stated: “Regrettably, we utilize current events to attract highly engaged individuals online.” They mentioned having removed ads identified by the Guardian and the associated accounts deemed in violation of their policies, affirming their commitment to legally pursue those responsible for rule-breaking content.
Despite the firm’s efforts, several of its Astroturfing accounts continue to function on Meta’s platform, buying advertisements and promoting hundreds of red t-shirts, urging Americans to wear them on October 14th, coinciding with what would have been Kirk’s birthday.
uIn today’s world, it’s become quite typical to rely on dating apps in the quest for love. However, for many individuals, these platforms can feel like a double-edged sword. The clear advantage of having an infinite array of potential partners at your disposal is readily apparent—yet the downside of engaging with strangers can impose certain time constraints. The prolonged “swipe phase” can often be especially disheartening.
In 2023, the US jeweler Shane Company found that the average American dedicates around 8 months to dating apps, swiping through about 3,960 profiles before securing a partner. That said, for chronic daters, these figures might seem unrealistically promising. Conversations with friends and colleagues often reveal that years can pass “on the app” without any romantic fulfillment. The “Download, Deal, Repeat” cycle can be disheartening, and many users are experiencing increasing dating app fatigue. Last year’s Ofcom’s online Nation report indicated that app usage had significantly dropped, with the ten most popular dating apps seeing nearly a 16% decline. It’s not unexpected that Meta recently announced their plan to introduce AI assistants for Facebook dating. Meet Cute, their new “surprise match” feature, aims to help users “combat swipe fatigue.”
But it doesn’t have to be this way. According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 10% of heterosexual individuals and 24% of LGBTQ+ individuals find long-term partners via dating sites and apps. Is this merely a cosmic coincidence, or is there a secret ingredient to their success?
Liz, 28, from Nottingham, opened Bumble on a Wednesday and matched with her future husband the same day. They had their first date on Friday and remained together for eight years. Her advice for avoiding getting trapped in the app? Delete it.
Deleting apps is a more effective way to connect… Photo: Pose by a model. Emir Memedovski/Getty Images
“If you find someone you connect with, delete the app and focus entirely on that individual. You’re not on a dating show!” she advises. “After our first date, I realized I liked him a lot. I thought, ‘You have to concentrate on one person at a time.’ If it doesn’t work, you can always return to the app.”
She also realized that not everyone she swipes on is active on the app daily, indicating her interest.
While it’s tempting to keep all options available and engaging with multiple matches is generally accepted early in dating, Liz and her partner found that deleting Bumble within a week of their first meeting and focusing on one individual fostered a deeper connection.
Another effective strategy to avert the so-called choice paradox is to intentionally narrow down the dating pool. Joseph, 42, from Liverpool, believes in finding your niche. Glaser, someone he met through an app, became his fiancé ten months later, and they have been happily married for six years with two (vegan) children.
“It eliminated anything I was certain I didn’t want,” he shares. “We both knew we were on the same wavelength. It took a lot of pressure off. There were no awkward conversations about being vegan, nor discussions about raising children as vegans.”
Understanding what you’re seeking is crucial, say couples therapists and dating coaches like Shan Merchant. “Do they like to exercise, enjoy nature, or have a creative side?” Her advice is to use a mainstream app that attracts a large user base.
Naturally, being candid when crafting your app profile is a smart strategy to attract those whose interests and values align with yours.
“My approach was to filter out individuals so that I could engage with those genuinely interested,” explained Hanna, 39, from Leeds, who has been with her partner for seven years. She spent about a month on Bumble before they met and had only dated two others on the app.
“I had a theory about my photos,” Hanna shared. “I wanted them to portray my true self. My first photo was me all dolled up, but my second was a no-makeup garden shot, very authentic.”
Illustration: Michelle Thompson/Guardian
Several individuals I talked to emphasized that dating seriously was crucial to their success with apps, but for Hanna, the opposite rings true. After relocating back to North England from London ten years later, all she wished was to meet new people and rediscover her local area.
“I believe that mindset made a significant difference. I steered clear of checklists,” she states. “It helped me meet wonderful people,” she adds, “by letting go of preconceived notions and remaining open to new experiences.”
Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on finding “the perfect partner,” while experts like Merchant advise more practical methods to optimize your mental approach to seeking love.
“I only engage with the app when I’m feeling positive. If I’m stressed, fatigued, or hungover, I wouldn’t recommend it,” she advises. Many struggle to maintain a positive outlook while dating, yet that positivity is often key to success in navigating dating apps.
For Nick, 69, from Chichester, the pandemic prompted him to take a more proactive stance on dating. Within a week of joining the now-defunct Guardian Soulmate, he matched with his partner. They’ve been together for over five years and started cohabitating in February 2022.
“I was initially apprehensive but realized I needed to take the plunge,” he shares. “Reflect on whether you genuinely want to pursue this or just seek excuses for why it isn’t working. Show what makes you a great partner. Be ready to step outside your comfort zone.”
Even if not all interactions lead to something meaningful, “you are learning how dynamics function,” he notes. He suggests Romeo, also known as Planetromeo, as a great alternative for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking relationships rather than casual encounters.
Liz observes that, for some people, the app can become problematic instead of beneficial. “I adore my friends, but I’ve seen them become obsessed with swipes and likes in a way that worries me. Their emotions seem to lose value when reduced to mere images on a screen. If you’re truly eager to connect with someone, remember that every profile represents a real person.”
A thoughtful gift can spark a delightful conversation… Photo: Pose by a model. Janina Steinmetz/Getty Images
Although Tinder has garnered some particularly negative reviews over the years, Dan, 45, from the Netherlands, connected with his current wife just two weeks after downloading the app. They’ve enjoyed a decade together and share a son. For him, standing out was essential.
“People often describe me as boring at first glance,” he admits. “I’m not the kind to dazzle anyone with my looks or lavish lifestyle. The great thing about dating apps was that I was able to kick-start a conversation immediately. When I messaged someone, I’d always pose questions or joke about something in their profile to show I was genuinely interested. It didn’t always work, but sometimes it did!”
When he finally met his wife, Dan made sure to leave a lasting impression by bringing along a small, thoughtful gift as an icebreaker. “On our first date, I presented her with a gift-wrapped chocolate bar that was her least favorite flavor, but included another chocolate bar of her favorite in jest,” he recalls. “It was a fun way to demonstrate that I was attentive.”
“Don’t fear rejection,” he suggests. “I once got rejected for not dressing ‘hip enough.’ That was a good decision on her part—if such things matter to you, I’m not your person. I also got turned down for ordering a non-alcoholic beverage on another first date. Fast forward ten years, I ended up with someone who shares my humor.”
Fear of rejection undoubtedly influences why numerous singles approach dating apps with caution. “Many are indeed fearful of rejection,” states Merchant. “They often take it personally, which leads to giving up. When this happens, it saddens me, as if they maintain a positive outlook, they’ll eventually find someone, and I genuinely believe that.”
As frequent as it is, the key to thriving on dating apps might very well be a stroke of luck. “I firmly believe luck plays a substantial role,” Merchant remarks. “Surround yourself with individuals who maintain a positive view of dating. It’s natural to feel fatigued, but avoid isolating those feelings. If you’re burnt out, just step back from the app and return when your energy picks up.”
Even those who seem to have found success instantly acknowledge that taking breaks is essential. “You end up seeing the same faces,” Joseph points out. “If you pause for a bit and return months later, you’ll discover new profiles and opportunities that better align with what you truly desire.
Last week, Donald Trump disclosed that the US and China are close to finalizing a deal to allow Tiktok to continue operating in the United States. While the specifics are not yet settled, the proposed agreement could see the owners of the most prominent cable television networks in the US assume control over the nation’s influential social media platforms. This arrangement would grant Trump’s billionaire allies significant influence over the vast and unique landscape of US media.
Here’s what we know: Trump stated that he has received provisional approval from China’s President Xi Jinping for a deal whereby the US version of Tiktok would gain a fresh set of domestic investors, spearheaded by the software giant Oracle. This arrangement would also protect Tiktok’s respected recommendation algorithm while enhancing its security.
Among the investors mentioned, Trump pointed out during a Fox News interview on Sunday that media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, CEO of Fox Corporation, are involved. Additionally, Michael Dell, the head of computer manufacturer Dell, is expected to take part as well.
Tiktok is reportedly set to appoint seven new board members, with six of them being American. Notably, it seems that Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison, along with the CEO of Paramount Skydance and Larry Ellison’s son, will occupy several of these positions.
Murdochs
Lachlan Murdoch, aged 54 and the son of 94-year-old Rupert, serves as the executive chair and CEO of Fox Corporation, the parent company of Fox News. Lachlan took over the company following a legal settlement with his brothers in September, one of whom, James, has distanced himself from their father’s conservative empire. The Tiktok deal might involve investments from Fox’s parent company rather than directly from Rupert or Lachlan, as reported by CNN.
“I hate to tell you this, but there’s a guy named Lachlan involved. Do you know who Lachlan is? It’s a very uncommon name, Lachlan Murdoch,” Trump remarked. “Rupert will likely join the group. I think they will be part of it. There are others involved as well. They are exceptional people, very well-known, and American patriots who love this country, so they’ll do a great job.”
If oversight of Tiktok happens, it would provide Elder Murdoch with new opportunities in technology—similar to how News Corp acquired MySpace for $580 million in 2005. While MySpace peaked as the most visited website in the US three years later, it was quickly overshadowed by Facebook, and as Bloomberg’s billionaire index indicates, Mark Zuckerberg is now worth ten times more than Rupert Murdoch.
Ellison
Trump seems to have a penchant for father-son duos. On the opposite end of Tiktok’s American boardroom, 81-year-old Larry Ellison, co-founder and CTO of Oracle, alongside his 42-year-old son David, the founder of Skydance Media, may play significant roles.
Larry Ellison holds about 40% of Oracle’s shares and has been a fixture in Silicon Valley, temporarily surpassing Elon Musk as the world’s richest person following Oracle’s impressive revenue report. He is also a longtime supporter of Trump, hosting a presidential fundraiser at his Southern California home in 2020, and is known for his luxurious lifestyle and ventures in Hawaii.
David Ellison’s company has made a significant mark in the entertainment sector, managing CBS, BET, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, and UK Channel 5. Following a recent acquisition of Paramount, which also produces the Mission: Impossible franchise, Paramount Skydance is reportedly planning a cash offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns CNN, HBO, DC Comics, and other major properties.
Leading up to this merger, CBS News reached a settlement over a lawsuit regarding ‘60 Minutes’, appointing Trump allies as ombudsmen and courting former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss as a potential leader for the channel’s revamped version. This could serve as a precursor to how David Ellison might manage Tiktok.
How Powerful Will They Become?
Should Tiktok’s deal and David Ellison’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery proceed, the combined power of the Murdochs and Ellisons would be immense. They would control media outlets that engage both older and younger demographics, yielding significant authority and sway. The only age group potentially unaffected by their influence may be those on Tiktok, who are skeptical of their parents’ viewing trends.
Is such integration legal? The Federal Communications Commission’s website includes stringent anti-monopoly regulations regarding television broadcasting. Regulations do not specifically address Fox News Channel or CNN.
Nevertheless, such regulations are pertinent. What implications arise when the owner of the most powerful cable channels in the US also controls the nation’s critical social media platforms? Might this breach antitrust laws?
The answer may lie within the regulations, particularly surrounding changes made eight years ago that lifted the ban on owning both television stations and daily newspapers in the same market. This decision was based on the claim that entertainment, news, and information had diversified significantly within the modern media landscape.
If an individual owns a local television station and its newspapers, why shouldn’t billionaires be able to oversee extensive social networks and the country’s leading channels?
Examining the intricacies of FCC regulations may not be as crucial as Trump’s influence, which plays a significant role in high-level decisions by the US government. Trump’s administration has successfully influenced the FCC to facilitate deals that levy pressure on networks outside of his allies’ control. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump could dismiss the singular Democrat on the committee, with Secretary Brendan Carr’s role in overseeing Jimmy Kimmel’s program suspension being questioned.
The American media landscape is taking on a distinctly Republican hue as Trump’s Tiktok transaction unfolds. Nexstar, the largest owner of local US television stations, expressed alignment with Trump’s decision to halt Kimmel’s shows, mimicking local television giant Sinclair. Currently, CBS and CNN, two major news networks, may soon be following Fox’s conservative trajectory. Online, X has shifted from a diverse platform to a more conservative social network, and Tiktok may follow suit under a board approved by MAGA.
At this juncture, the Murdochs and Ellisons appear to be benefiting from Trump’s favor.
A study spearheaded by whistleblowers from Meta reveals that children and teens are facing online dangers on Instagram, despite the implementation of “highly ineffective” safety features.
A thorough examination by Arturo indicated that 64% of Instagram’s newly introduced safety measures were ineffective.Bejar, a former senior engineer at Meta, provided testimony before US Congress, along with scholars from NYU and Northeastern University, the Molly Rose Foundation in the UK, and other organizations.
Meta, the parent company of several well-known social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, mandated the creation of teen accounts on Instagram in September 2024.
However, Bejar stated that Meta has “consistently failed” to protect children from sensitive or harmful content, inappropriate interactions, and excessive use, claiming the safety features are “ineffective, unacceptable, and have been quietly altered or removed.”
He emphasized: “The lack of transparency within Meta, the duration of this neglect, and the number of teens harmed on Instagram due to their negligence and misleading safety assurances is alarming.”
“Children, including many under 13, are not safe on Instagram. This isn’t solely about bad content online; it’s about negligent product design. Meta’s intentional design choices promote and compel children to engage with inappropriate content and interactions daily.”
The research utilized a “test account” that mimicked the behavior of teens, parents, and potential predators to evaluate 47 safety features throughout March and June 2025.
Using a rating system of green, yellow, and red, it was discovered that 30 tools fell into the red category, indicating they could be easily circumvented or ignored with minimal effort. Only eight received a green rating.
Findings from the test account revealed that adults could effortlessly send messages to teens who were not following them, despite indications that such accounts were blocked. Although the system claims to prevent this after the testing period, it was found that minors could initiate conversations with adults on the platform, making it difficult to report sexual or inappropriate messages.
The research also highlighted that the “hidden language” feature failed to block offensive language as promised. Testers were able to send messages saying, “You are a prostitute and you should kill yourself,” with Meta clarifying that this feature applies only to unknown accounts, not to followers.
The algorithms still promote inappropriate sexual and violent content, and the “non-interested” features proved ineffective. Researchers found that the platform actively recommends search terms and accounts related to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and illegal substances.
Furthermore, researchers identified hundreds of reels where users claimed that various well-publicized time management tools aimed at curbing addictive behaviors had been discontinued. Meta asserts that these features still exist but altered, and despite claims that Meta would block these, there remain numerous reels featuring users claiming to be under 13 years old.
The report noted that Meta continues to structure Instagram’s reporting features in a way that does not promote actual usage.
In the report’s introduction, co-authors Ian Russell of the Molly Rose Foundation and Ian Russell of David’s Legacy Foundation highlighted tragic cases where children died by suicide after encountering harmful online content.
Consequently, they advocate for stronger online safety laws in the UK.
The report also urges regulators to adopt a “bolder and more assertive” stance on implementing regulatory measures.
A spokesperson from Meta stated: “This report misrepresents our ongoing efforts to empower parents and safeguard teens, misunderstanding how our safety tools function and how millions of parents and teens utilize them today. Our teen accounts are the industry standard for automated safety protections and parental controls.”
“In reality, teens using these protections encounter less sensitive content and receive fewer unwanted contacts while spending time on Instagram safely. Parents also have robust monitoring tools in place. We are committed to improving our features and welcome constructive criticism, though this report doesn’t reflect that.”
An Ofcom spokesperson commented:
“Our online rules for children necessitate a safety-first approach in how technology companies design and operate their services in the UK.
“Clearly, sites that fail to comply can expect enforcement action.”
A government representative added: “Under the online safety law, platforms must protect young users from content that promotes self-harm and suicide, thus enforcing safer algorithms and reducing toxic feeds.
the player started to let go of his aspiration to replicate the success of an older competitive football rival. Sometimes, the developer’s vision doesn’t align with expectations. During the creation of FC 26, EA engaged with a group of influencers and community members to inform critical design choices. Consequently, the soccer experience is now segmented into two distinct modes. Offline, it feels more like an evaluation phase, highlighting aspects like player fatigue. In contrast, online gameplay is fast-paced esports-focused, prioritizing quick shots and goals over defensive strategies like those of William Saliba.
Offline, the mode feels rejuvenating. For instance, the career mode showcases a thoughtful pace comparable to recent matches in FC and FIFA. Tactical approaches matter significantly, with noticeable differences in skills like ball control and vision. Weather effects, including wind and pitch conditions, can influence how the ball interacts with the ground. Patient build-up play is encouraged, and skills can be effectively defended without relying on skill sticks, giving the experience a cerebral aspect.
About the target…EA Sports FC 26. Photo: Electronic Arts
After a lackluster year, Manager Mode offers a more authentic playing experience. The new career carousel introduces consequences that impact job security, leading to managers being hired or poached by rival clubs. For the first time, CPU-controlled teams will implement the tactics of incoming coaches, adding much-needed variety. There are also random events, such as training injuries and unexpected issues. For instance, in my West Ham career, Kyle Walker-Peters and Eldo Zimalic Diuff missed the away game against Arsenal due to “dangerous food.” Yet, some legacy concerns, like uninspired cutscenes, persist, although they serve as a reasonable alternative to the often-controversial Ultimate Team.
Meanwhile, Ultimate Team (FUT) continues to dominate, especially among those willing to spend for random player packs, similar to collecting Panini stickers. This time, there are appealing updates, such as the introduction of Evolution mechanics for leveling up goalkeepers and the return of the All-Silver Tournament, which restricts players to silver-rated ones. It’s possible to build a strong team without significant expenditures. Just a week in, my team already includes Toni Kroos, Lionel Messi, and Ruben Dias. However, the allure to spend on random packs remains a divisive feature in the series.
The gameplay within Ultimate Team embraces “competitive” online settings and reflects years of community input. Prepare for a basketball-style goal-fest filled with impressive tricks and shots. The new AI and animations for goalkeepers will help to keep some scores lower, but defending remains a significant challenge. The absence of player fatigue complicates matters, as previously, containing a speedy attacker for 70 minutes would demand skill, but now they can push deeper into injury time, undermining solid defensive efforts. While this change caters to player feedback, it detracts from the overall sense of realism.
This high-octane gameplay is engaging and reminiscent of the enjoyable rush from mode 5. Numerous quality-of-life enhancements make it as addictive as its distant predecessor, FIFA Street. It addresses annoying elements, such as players getting stuck to the controller, and ensures goalkeepers make intelligent saves while the default view smartly tracks players, providing a comprehensive view of the pitch. Defensive issues are less detrimental in this context, making it the most enjoyable way to experience FUT.
FC 26 remains a robust offering despite its conscious decision to forego some realism in the online arena. Even in competitive settings, there are still many players yearning for authenticity. While it may represent a regression in terms of real football simulation, it certainly advances in areas of fan service. This may not be what simulation purists of Pro Evo are looking for, but as an esports collaboration between developers and the gaming community, this third installment of FIFA achieves many of its goals.
Apple is requesting the European Commission to revoke the technology legislation, cautioning that if changes are not made, it may halt the shipment of specific products and services to the 27-member bloc.
In its latest dispute with Brussels, the iPhone manufacturer argued that the digital market regulations have resulted in poorer experiences for Apple users, increased security risks, and disrupted the integration of Apple products.
The Silicon Valley company faced scrutiny from a three-year-old anti-Monopoly Act committee review aimed at regulating the dominance of major digital companies, including search engines, app developers, and messaging platforms.
It claimed that the legislation has already postponed the introduction of features such as live translation via AirPods and the demands for interoperability with non-Apple products, including live translation and screen mirroring from iPhones to laptops.
“The DMA implies that the list of features delayed for EU users will likely grow, leading to further delays in their experience with Apple products,” the company stated. It also noted that Brussels is fostering unfair competition, as the same rules don’t apply to Samsung, the leading smartphone vendor in the EU.
Some DMA requirements necessitate that Apple ensures headphones from other brands operate on iPhones. Apple expressed that this is a barrier preventing the rollout of live translation services in the EU, as competing companies could access conversation data, raising privacy concerns.
Apple argued that the DMA should be retracted or at least replaced with more suitable regulations. While it did not clarify which products could hinder future sales in the EU, it mentioned that the Apple Watch, first introduced a decade ago, would not be able to launch in the EU today.
This marks another confrontation between the California-based firm and the European Commission. Earlier this year, Apple appealed a €500 million fine levied by the EU for allegedly hindering app developers from exploring cheaper alternatives outside the app store.
In August, former US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on unspecified nations in retaliation for regulations impacting US tech companies.
In a post on Truth Social, he remarked: “I stand against a country that attacks our incredible American tech companies. Digital taxes, digital service laws, and digital market regulations are all aimed at harming or discriminating against American technology.”
“They also provide the largest high-tech firms with an outrageous advantage, effectively giving a free pass to China. This needs to end, and it needs to end now!”
Referring to the DMA, Apple stated: “Rather than competing through innovation, already successful companies are twisting these laws to further their agendas to collect more data from EU citizens or to gain access to Apple’s technology without cost.”
It emphasized that the regulations under this law affect how users access apps. “Certain adult apps are available on iPhones from other markets that are not permitted in the app store, particularly due to risks posed to children.”
The European Commission has been asked for a statement on this matter.
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