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Quantum batteries are making their debut in quantum computers, paving the way for future quantum technologies. These innovative batteries utilize quantum bits, or qubits, that change states, differing from traditional batteries that rely on electrochemical reactions.
Research indicates that harnessing quantum characteristics may enable faster charging times, yet questions about the practicality of quantum batteries remain. “Many upcoming quantum technologies will necessitate quantum versions of batteries,” states Dian Tan from Hefei National Research Institute, China. “While significant strides have been made in quantum computing and communication, the energy storage mechanisms in these quantum systems require further investigation.”
Tan and his team constructed the battery using 12 qubits formed from tiny superconducting circuits, controlled by microwaves. Each qubit functioned as a battery cell and interacted with neighboring qubits.
The researchers tested two distinct charging protocols, one mirroring conventional battery charging without quantum interactions, while the other leveraged quantum interactions. They discovered that exploiting these interactions led to an increase in power and a quicker charging capacity.
“Quantum batteries can achieve power output up to twice that of conventional charging methods,” asserts Alan Santos from the Spanish National Research Council. This compatibility with the nearest neighbor interaction of qubits is notable, as this is typical for superconducting quantum computers, making further engineering of beneficial interactions a practical challenge.
James Quach from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation adds that previous quantum battery experiments have utilized molecules rather than components in current quantum devices. Quach and his team have theorized that quantum batteries may enhance the efficiency and scalability of quantum computers, potentially becoming the power source for future quantum systems.
However, comparing conventional and quantum batteries remains a complex task, notes Dominik Shafranek from Charles University in the Czech Republic. In his opinion, translating the advantages of quantum batteries into practical applications is currently ambiguous.
Kaban Modi from the Singapore University of Technology and Design asserts that while benefits exist for qubits interfacing exclusively with their nearest neighbors, their research indicates these advantages can be negated by real-world factors like noise and sluggish qubit control.
Additionally, the burgeoning requirements of extensive quantum computers may necessitate researching energy transfer within quantum systems, as they might incur significantly higher energy costs compared to traditional computers, Modi emphasizes.
Tan believes that energy storage for quantum technologies, particularly in quantum computers, is a prime candidate for their innovative quantum batteries. Their next goal involves integrating these batteries with qubit-based quantum thermal engines to produce energy for storage within quantum systems.
Technological advancements in Africa and Western Europe during the late Middle Pleistocene highlight the intricate behaviors of hominin groups. Contrarily, East Asian human technology has long been perceived as lacking innovation. Recent archaeological findings at the Xigou site in Henan province, China, reveal remarkable evidence of technological innovations dating back between 160,000 and 72,000 years, illustrating over 90,000 years of sophisticated technological behavior through detailed technological, typological, and functional analyses.
Artist’s restoration of the Nishimizo utensil holder. Image credit: Hulk Yuan, IVPP.
“For decades, researchers have posited that, while Africa and Western Europe exhibited significant technological growth, East Asians relied on simpler and more traditional stone tool techniques,” noted Dr. Shisia Yang from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology.
In recent findings, Dr. Yang and colleagues reveal that, during a time when numerous large-brained hominins coexisted in China, the hominins in this region displayed far greater inventiveness and adaptability than previously assumed, including species such as Homolonghi, Homo juruensis, and potentially Homo sapiens.
“The discovery at Xigou challenges the notion that early human populations in China were inherently conservative over time,” emphasized Professor Michael Petraglia from Griffith University.
“In-depth analyses indicate that the early inhabitants utilized advanced stone tool-making techniques to create small flakes and multifunctional tools,” he added.
Notably, the site revealed handled stone tools, marking the earliest known evidence of composite tools in East Asia.
These tools, which integrated stone components with handles and shafts, demonstrate exceptional planning, skilled craftsmanship, and knowledge of how to enhance tool functionality.
“Their existence underscores the behavioral flexibility and ingenuity of the Nishigou hominids,” Dr. Jiang Ping Yue, also affiliated with the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, remarked.
The geological formations at Xigou, spanning 90,000 years, align with accumulating evidence of increasing hominin diversity across China.
Findings from Xujiaba and Lingjing confirm the presence of a large-brained hominin, Homo juruensis, providing a biological foundation for the behavioral complexity observed in the Xigou population.
“The advanced technological strategies evidenced in the stone tools likely played a crucial role in aiding humans to adapt to the fluctuating environments typical of East Asia over 90,000 years,” stated Professor Petraglia.
The discoveries at Xigou have transformed our understanding of human evolution in East Asia, revealing that early populations possessed cognitive and technological competencies comparable to their African and European counterparts.
“Emerging evidence from Xigou and other archaeological sites indicates that early Chinese technology featured prepared core methods, innovative retouching techniques, and substantial cutting tools, suggesting a more intricate and advanced technological landscape than previously acknowledged,” Dr. Yang concluded.
The research team’s paper is published in the latest edition of Nature Communications.
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JP. Yue et al. 2026. Technological Innovation and Patterned Technology in Central China from Approximately 160,000 to 72,000 Years Ago. Nat Commun 17,615; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-67601-y
Revolutionizing Imaging Technology: UConn Scientists Create Lens-Free Sensor with Submicron 3D Resolution
Illustration of MASI’s working principle. Image credit: Wang et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-65661-8.
“This technological breakthrough addresses a longstanding issue in imaging,” states Professor Guoan Zheng, the lead author from the University of Connecticut.
“Synthetic aperture imaging leverages the combination of multiple isolated sensors to mimic a larger imaging aperture.”
This technique works effectively in radio astronomy due to the longer wavelengths of radio waves, which facilitate precise sensor synchronization.
However, at visible wavelengths, achieving this synchronization is physically challenging due to the significantly smaller scales involved.
The Multiscale Aperture Synthesis Imager (MASI) turns this challenge on its head.
Instead of requiring multiple sensors to operate in perfect synchronization, MASI utilizes each sensor to independently measure light, employing computational algorithms to synchronize these measurements.
“It’s akin to multiple photographers capturing the same scene as raw light measurements, which software then stitches together into a single ultra-high-resolution image,” explains Professor Zheng.
This innovative computational phase-locking method removes the dependency on strict interferometric setups that previously limited the use of optical synthetic aperture systems.
MASI diverges from conventional optical imaging through two key innovations.
Firstly, instead of using a lens to focus light onto a sensor, MASI employs an array of coded sensors positioned on a diffractive surface, capturing raw diffraction patterns—the way light waves disperse after encountering an object.
These measurements contain valuable amplitude and phase information, which are decoded using advanced computational algorithms.
After reconstructing the complex wavefront from each sensor, the system digitally adjusts the wavefront and numerically propagates it back to the object’s surface.
A novel computational phase synchronization technique iteratively fine-tunes the relative phase offsets to enhance overall coherence and energy during the joint reconstruction process.
This key innovation enables MASI to surpass diffraction limits and constraints posed by traditional optical systems by optimizing the combined wavefront in the software, negating the need for physical sensor alignment.
As a result, MASI achieves a larger virtual synthetic aperture than any individual sensor, delivering submicron resolution and a wide field of view, all without the use of lenses.
Unlike traditional lenses for microscopes, cameras, and telescopes, which require designers to make trade-offs, MASI enables higher resolution without the limitations of lens proximity.
MASI captures diffraction patterns from several centimeters away, reconstructing images with unparalleled submicron resolution. This innovation is akin to inspecting the intricate ridges of a human hair from a distance, rather than needing to hold it inches away.
“The potential applications of MASI are vast, ranging from forensics and medical diagnostics to industrial testing and remote sensing,” highlights Professor Zheng.
“Moreover, the scalability is extraordinary. Unlike traditional optical systems, which become increasingly complex, our framework scales linearly, opening doors to large arrays for applications we have yet to conceptualize.”
For more details, refer to the team’s published paper in Nature Communications.
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R. One et al. 2025. Multiscale aperture synthetic imager. Nat Commun 16, 10582; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-65661-8
Simulating the human brain involves using advanced computing power to model billions of neurons, aiming to replicate the intricacies of real brain function. Researchers aspire to enhance brain simulations, uncovering secrets of cognition with enhanced understanding of neuronal wiring.
Historically, researchers have focused on isolating specific brain regions for simulations to elucidate particular functions. However, a comprehensive model encompassing the entire brain has yet to be achieved. As Markus Diesmann from the Jülich Research Center in Germany notes, “This is now changing.”
This shift is largely due to the emergence of state-of-the-art supercomputers, nearing exascale capabilities—performing billions of operations per second. Currently, only four such machines exist, according to the Top 500 list. Diesmann’s team is set to execute extensive brain simulations on one such supercomputer, named JUPITER (Joint Venture Pioneer for Innovative Exascale Research in Germany).
Recently, Diesmann and colleagues demonstrated that a simple model of brain neurons and their synapses, known as a spiking neural network, can be configured to leverage JUPITER’s thousands of GPUs. This scaling can achieve 20 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections, effectively mimicking the human cerebral cortex, the hub of higher brain functions.
These simulations promise more impactful outcomes than previous models of smaller brains such as fruit flies. Recent insights from large language models reveal that larger systems exhibit behaviors unattainable in their smaller counterparts. “We recognize that expansive networks demonstrate qualitatively different capabilities than their reduced size equivalents,” asserts Diesmann. “It’s evident that larger networks offer unique functionalities.”
Thomas Novotny from the University of Sussex emphasizes that downscaling risks omitting crucial characteristics entirely. “Conducting full-scale simulations is vital; without it, we can’t truly replicate reality,” Novotny states.
The model in development at JUPITER is founded on empirical data from limited neuron and synapse experiments in humans. As Johanna Cenk, a collaborator with Diesmann at Sussex, explains, “We have anatomical data constraints coupled with substantial computational power.”
Comprehensive brain simulations could facilitate tests of foundational theories regarding memory formation—an endeavor impractical with miniature models or actual brains. Testing such theories might involve inputting images to observe neural responses and analyze alterations in memory formation with varying brain sizes. Furthermore, this approach could aid in drug testing, such as assessing impacts on a model of epilepsy characterized by abnormal brain activity.
The enhanced computational capabilities enable rapid brain simulations, thereby assisting researchers in understanding gradual processes such as learning, as noted by Senk. Additionally, researchers can devise more intricate biological models detailing neuronal changes and firings.
Nonetheless, despite the ability to simulate vast brain networks, Novotny acknowledges considerable gaps in knowledge. Even simplified whole-brain models for organisms like fruit flies fail to replicate authentic animal behavior.
Simulations run on supercomputers are fundamentally limited, lacking essential features inherent to real brains, such as real-world environmental inputs. “While we can simulate brain size, we cannot fully replicate a functional brain,” warns Novotny.
Artist’s Impression of CarbSAR Satellite Orbiting the Earth
Credit: Oxford Space Systems
Britain’s newest satellite, **CarbSAR**, is set to launch on Sunday, equipped with cutting-edge knitwear technology. This innovative satellite will deploy a mesh radar antenna crafted using machinery typically found in textile manufacturing.
“We utilize a standard industrial knitting machine for jumpers, enhanced with features tailored to create specialized threads,” says Amur Raina, Director of Production at Oxford Space Systems (OSS) in the UK.
OSS collaborates with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) to install the antenna on a compact, cost-effective spacecraft capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface.
If successful, this unique design could be integrated into the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) surveillance satellite network later this year.
The “wool” utilized in OSS’s weaving process is ultra-fine tungsten wire, coated with gold. The machines produce several meters of fabric simultaneously, which are then cut into segments and sewn into 3 millimeter-wide discs. These discs are tightly stretched over 48 carbon fiber ribs to form a smooth parabolic dish optimized for radar imaging.
The key innovation lies in the structural design, where each rib wraps radially around a central hub, resembling a 48-coil tape measure. This unique design enables the entire assembly to collapse down to just 75 cm in diameter, drastically reducing the volume of the 140-kilogram CarbSAR satellite during launch.
Upon reaching orbit, the stored strain energy in the bent carbon fibers will allow the ribs to return to their original shape, thereby pulling the mesh into a precise parabolic configuration.
“For optimal imaging, we must deploy it accurately to achieve the perfect parabolic shape,” adds Sean Sutcliffe, CEO of OSS. “Our design’s precision is its standout feature.” Testing has shown the mesh sheet remains within 1 millimeter of its ideal shape, ensuring exceptional performance.
The demand for Earth observation via small radar satellites is on the rise, thanks to their ability to image the ground in all weather conditions and even at night—a capability increasingly appreciated by emerging space companies.
This data is particularly sought after by military forces globally and played a crucial role as an intelligence resource during the recent Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Despite once leading Europe in space radar developments in the 1990s, the UK has fallen significantly behind in the international arena.
With CarbSAR and the upcoming MoD constellation named Oberon, part of the broader ISTARI program, UK aerospace engineers have a chance to re-establish their presence in the industry.
“We’re seeing heightened interest from foreign governments in radar solutions,” states Andrew Cawthorn, Managing Director of SSTL. “Our primary focus is demonstrating that we can successfully deploy this antenna and capture images.”
CarbSAR is engineered to detect objects as small as 50 cm, sufficient for identifying tanks and aircraft.
After deployment, approximately two days post-liftoff, the Royal Space Force, supervised by the Royal Air Force, will closely monitor the antenna’s performance.
“CarbSAR symbolizes the innovative spirit and collaboration of one of the UK’s leading space companies,” said Major General Paul Tedman, Commander of the UK Space Force. “We eagerly anticipate seeing CarbSAR operational and exploring how its advanced technologies can enhance Oberon and our comprehensive ISTARI satellite initiative.”
Noise-canceling headphones function by utilizing a microphone that detects external sounds. Through sophisticated electronics, these sounds are ‘cancelled’ by playing an inverted wave to the listener, which diminishes the audio signal reaching the eardrum.
This mechanism is akin to how a car’s active suspension mitigates vibrations from uneven roads.
The outcome is that listeners enjoy crystal-clear audio with almost no interference from background noise.
Moreover, these headphones help safeguard your ears from high volume levels. By reducing background noise, your device doesn’t need to produce sound as loudly. Hence, parents globally often encourage their children to wear headphones.
Sounds advantageous, right? But then I began hearing stories about young people facing increasing challenges, such as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).
These individuals frequently struggle to comprehend sounds and speech amidst distracting background noise.
The underlying causes may be linked to a notable rise in young people using noise-canceling headphones and relying on subtitles while watching videos.
Instead of their brains developing typically and learning to filter the noisy environment, they wear noise-canceling headphones for extended periods, regardless of their location, thereby not allowing their brains to adapt properly.
Our brains function like muscles; they evolve in response to external stimuli.
Just as biking 100 miles a day will sculpt your thighs, your auditory processing skills may weaken if you expose yourself solely to pure audio without any background noise, leaving you unable to process multiple sounds simultaneously.
Auditory therapy can be beneficial in retraining the brain, but the optimal approach is to engage more with the world around you before complications develop. Over-isolating ourselves may lead to greater issues.
This article addresses the question (submitted by Mary Watkins): “Can noise-canceling headphones harm your ears?”
If you have any inquiries, please contact us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter, or InstagramPage (don’t forget to include your name and location).
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Ministers are under pressure to implement more robust safeguards for facial recognition technology, as the Home Office has acknowledged that it may mistakenly identify Black and Asian individuals more frequently than white people in certain contexts.
Recent tests conducted by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on how this technology functions within police national databases revealed that “some demographic groups are likely to be incorrectly included in search results,” according to the Home Office.
The Police and Crime Commissioner stated that the release of the NPL’s results “reveals concerning underlying bias” and urged caution regarding plans for a nationwide implementation.
These findings were made public on Thursday, shortly after Police Minister Sarah Jones characterized the technology as “the most significant advancement since DNA matching.”
Facial recognition technology analyzes individuals’ faces and cross-references the images against a watchlist of known or wanted criminals. It can be employed to scrutinize live footage of people passing in front of cameras, match faces with wanted persons, or assist police in targeting individuals on surveillance.
Images of suspects can be compared against police, passport, or immigration databases to identify them and review their backgrounds.
Analysts who evaluated the Police National Database’s retrospective facial recognition tool at lower settings discovered that “white subjects exhibited a lower false positive identification rate (FPIR) (0.04%) compared to Asian subjects (4.0%) and Black subjects (5.5%).”
Further testing revealed that Black women experienced notably high false positives. “The FPIR for Black male subjects (0.4%) is lower than that for Black female subjects (9.9%),” the report detailed.
The Police and Crime Commissioners Association stated that these findings reflect internalized bias. “This indicates that, in certain scenarios, Black and Asian individuals are more prone to incorrect matches than their white counterparts. Although the terminology is technical, it is evident that this technology is being integrated into police operations without adequate safeguards,” the report noted.
The statement, signed by APCC leaders Darryl Preston, Alison Rowe, John Tizard, and Chris Nelson, raised concerns why these findings were not disclosed sooner and shared with Black and Asian communities.
The report concluded: “While there is no evidence of adverse effects in individual cases, this is due to chance rather than a systematic approach. System failures have been known for a while, but the information was not conveyed to the communities impacted and key stakeholders.”
The government has initiated a 10-week public consultation aimed at facilitating more frequent usage of the technology. The public will be asked if police should have permission to go beyond records and access additional databases, such as images from passports and driving licenses, to track criminals.
Civil servants are collaborating with police to create a new national facial recognition system that will house millions of images.
Charlie Welton, head of policy and campaigns at Liberty, stated: “The racial bias indicated by these statistics demonstrates that allowing police to utilize facial recognition without sufficient safeguards leads to actual negative consequences. There are pressing questions regarding how many individuals of color were wrongly identified in the thousands of monthly searches utilizing this biased algorithm and the ramifications it might have.”
“This report further underscores that this powerful and opaque technology cannot be deployed without substantial safeguards to protect all individuals, which includes genuine transparency and significant oversight. Governments must halt the accelerated rollout of facial recognition technology until protections are established that prioritize our rights, aligning with public expectations.”
Former cabinet minister David Davis expressed worries after police officials indicated that cameras could be installed at shopping centers, stadiums, and transport hubs to locate wanted criminals. He told the Daily Mail: “Brother, welcome to the UK. It is evident that the Government is implementing this dystopian technology nationwide. There is no way such a significant measure could proceed without a comprehensive and detailed discussion in the House of Commons.”
Officials argue that the technology is essential for apprehending serious criminals, asserting that there are manual safeguards embedded within police training, operational guidelines, and practices that require trained personnel to visually evaluate all potential matches derived from the police national database.
A Home Office representative said: “The Home Office takes these findings seriously and has already acted. The new algorithm has undergone independent testing and has shown no statistically significant bias. It will be subjected to further testing and evaluation early next year.”
“In light of the significance of this issue, we have requested the Office of the Inspector General and the Forensic Regulator to review the application of facial recognition by law enforcement. They will evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures, and the National Council of Chiefs of Police backs this initiative.”
Patrizia Schlosser’s ordeal began with a regretful call from a colleague. “I found this. Did you know?” he said, sharing a link that led her to a site called Mr. DeepFakes. Here, she was horrified to discover fabricated images portraying her in degrading scenarios, labeled “Patrizia Schlosser’s slutty FUNK whore” (sic).
“They were highly explicit and humiliating,” noted Schlosser, a journalist for North German Radio (NDR) and funk. “Their tactics were disturbing and facilitated their ability to distance themselves from the reality of the fakes. It was unsettling to think about someone scouring the internet for my pictures and compiling such content.”
Despite her previous investigations into the adult film sector, this particular site was unfamiliar. “I had never come across Mr. DeepFakes before. It’s a platform dedicated to fake pornographic videos and images. I was taken aback by its size and the extensive collection of videos featuring every celebrity I knew.” Initially, Schlosser attempted to ignore the images. “I shoved it to the back of my mind as a coping mechanism,” she explained. “Yet, even knowing it was fake, it felt unsettling. It’s not you, but it is you—depicted alongside a dog and a chain. I felt violated and confused. Finally, I resolved to act. I was upset and wanted those images removed.”
With the help of NDR’s STRG_F program, Schlosser successfully eliminated the images. She located the young man responsible for their creation, even visiting his home and conversing with his mother (the perpetrator himself remained hidden away). However, despite collaboration with Bellingcat, she could not identify the individual behind Mr. Deepfake. Ross Higgins, a member of the Bellingcat team, noted, “My background is in money laundering investigations. When we scrutinized the site’s structure, we discovered it shared an internet service provider (ISP) with a legitimate organized crime group.” These ISPs hinted at connections to the Russian mercenary group Wagner and individuals mentioned in the Panama Papers. Additionally, advertisements on the site featured apps owned by Chinese tech companies that provided the Chinese government with access to user data. “This seemed too advanced for a mere hobbyist site,” Higgins remarked.
And indeed, that was just the beginning of what unfolded.
The narrative of Mr. Deepfakes, recognized as the largest and most infamous non-consensual deepfake porn platform, aligns closely with the broader story of AI-generated adult content. The term “deepfake” itself is believed to have originated with its creator. This hub of AI pornography, which has been viewed over 2 billion times, features numerous female celebrities, politicians, European royals, and even relatives of US presidents in distressing scenarios including abductions, tortures, and extreme forms of sexual violence. Yet, the content was merely a “shop window” for the site; the actual “engine room” was the forum. Here, anyone wishing to commission a deepfake of a known person (be it a girlfriend, sister, classmate, colleague, etc.) could easily find a vendor to do so at a reasonable price. This forum also served as a “training ground,” where enthusiasts exchanged knowledge, tips, academic papers, and problem-solving techniques. One common challenge was how to create deepfakes without an extensive “dataset,” focusing instead on individuals with limited online images, like acquaintances.
Filmmaker and activist Sophie Compton invested considerable time monitoring deepfakes while developing her acclaimed 2023 documentary, Another Body (available on iPlayer). “In retrospect, that site significantly contributed to the proliferation of deepfakes,” she stated. “There was a point at which such platforms could have been prevented from existing. Deepfake porn is merely one facet of the pervasive issue we face today. Had it not been for that site, I doubt we would have witnessed such an explosion in similar content.”
The origins of Mr. Deepfakes trace back to 2017-18 when AI-generated adult content was first emerging on platforms like Reddit. An anonymous user known as “Deepfake,” recognized as a “pioneer” in AI porn, mentioned in early interviews with Vice the potential for such material. However, after Reddit prohibited deepfake pornography in early 2018, the nascent community reacted vigorously. Compton noted, “We have records of discussions from that period illustrating how the small deepfake community was in uproar.” This prompted the creation of Mr. DeepFakes, which initially operated under the domain dpfks.com. The administrator retained the same username, gathered moderators, and outlined regulations, guidelines, and comprehensive instructions for using deepfake technology.
“It’s disheartening to reflect on this chapter and realize how straightforward it could have been for authorities to curb this phenomenon,” Compton lamented. “Participants in this process believed they were invulnerable, expressing thoughts like, ‘They’ll come for us!’ and ‘They’ll never allow us this freedom!'” Yet, as they continued with minimal repercussions, their confidence grew. Moderation efforts dwindled amid the surge in popularity of their work, which often involved humiliating and degrading imagery. Many of the popular figures exploited were quite young, ranging from Emma Watson to Billie Eilish and Millie Bobby Brown, with individuals like Greta Thunberg also being targeted.
Who stands behind this project? Mr. Deepfakes occasionally granted anonymous interviews, including one in a 2022 BBC documentary entitled ‘Deepfake Porn: Can You Be Next?’, where the ‘web developer’ behind the site, who operates under the alias ‘Deepfake,’ asserted that consent from women was unnecessary because “it’s fantasy, not reality.”
Was financial gain a driving force? DeepFakes hosted advertisements and offered paid memberships in cryptocurrencies. One forum post from 2020 mentioned a monthly profit of between $4,000 and $7,000. “There was a commercial aspect to this,” Higgins stated, elaborating that it was “a side venture, yet so much more.” This contributed to its infamy.
At one time, the site showcased over 6,000 images of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), allowing users to create deepfake pornography featuring her likeness. “The implication is that in today’s society, if you rise to prominence as a woman, you can expect your image to be misused for baseless exploitation,” Higgins noted. “The language utilized regarding women on that platform was particularly striking,” he added. “I had to adjust the tone in the online report to avoid sounding provocative, but it was emblematic of raw misogyny and hatred.”
In April of this year, law enforcement began investigating the site, believing it had provided evidence in its communications with suspects.
On May 4th, Mr. DeepFakes was taken offline. The notice issued on the site blamed “data loss” due to the withdrawal of a “key service provider.” The message concluded with an assertion that “I will not restart this operation.” Any website claiming to be the same is false, and while this domain will eventually lapse, they distanced themselves from any future use.
Mr. Deepfake has ended—but Compton suggests it could have concluded sooner. “All indicators were present,” she commented. In April 2024, the UK government detailed plans to criminalize the creation and distribution of deepfake sexual abuse content. In response, Mr. Deepfake promptly restricted access for users based in the UK (this initiative was later abandoned amidst the 2024 election campaign). “This clearly demonstrated that Mr. Deepfakes wasn’t immune to government intervention—if it posed too much risk, they weren’t willing to continue,” Compton stated.
However, deepfake pornography has grown so widespread and normalized that it no longer relies on a singular “base camp.” “The techniques and knowledge that they were proud to share have now become so common that anyone can access them via an app at the push of a button,” Compton remarked.
For those seeking more sophisticated creations, self-proclaimed experts who once frequented forums are now marketing their services. Patrizia Schlosser has firsthand knowledge of this trend. “In my investigative work, I went undercover and reached out to several forum members, requesting deepfakes of their ex-girlfriends,” Schlosser recounted. “Many people claim this phenomenon is exclusive to celebrities, but that’s not accurate. The responses were always along the lines of ‘sure…’
“Following the shutdown of Mr. DeepFakes, I received an automated response from one of them saying something akin to: ‘If you want anything created, don’t hesitate to reach out… Mr. DeepFakes may be gone, but we’re still here providing services.’
In the UK and Ireland, contact the Samaritans at freephone 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, dial or text 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org. Australian crisis support can be sought at Lifeline at 13 11 14. Find additional international helplines at: befrienders.org
In the UK, Rape Crisis offers assistance for sexual assault in England and Wales at 0808 802 9999 and in Wales at 0808 801 0302. For Scotland, the contact number is 0800 0246 991, while Northern Ireland offers help. In the United States, support is available through RAINN at 800-656-4673. In Australia, support can be found at 1800 Respect (1800 737 732). Explore further international helplines at: ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
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India’s telecom ministry has officially requested smartphone manufacturers to pre-install state-owned cybersecurity applications on all new devices, which cannot be removed. This directive is likely to generate criticism from Apple and privacy advocates, according to a government order.
In light of the rising incidents of cybercrime and hacking, India is collaborating with international authorities, including those in Russia, to enforce new regulations that aim to prevent the misuse of stolen mobile phones for fraudulent activities or the promotion of government service applications.
Apple has historically been at odds with telecom regulators regarding the development of government anti-spam mobile applications; however, manufacturers such as Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are obliged to comply with the recent mandate.
According to the order issued on November 28, established smartphone brands have 90 days to ensure that the government’s Sanchar Saathi application is pre-installed on new devices, with users unable to disable the app.
For phones already present in the supply chain, manufacturers are required to roll out app updates to the devices, as stated in an unpublished order sent privately to certain companies.
However, a technology law expert expressed concerns regarding this development.
“The government has effectively stripped user consent of its significance,” stated Mishi Chaudhary, an advocate for internet rights.
Privacy advocates have criticized a similar request made by Russia in August, which mandates the pre-installation of the state-backed Max messaging app on mobile devices.
With over 1.2 billion subscribers, India stands as one of the largest smartphone markets. Since its launch in January, the app has reportedly helped recover more than 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 in October alone, according to government data.
The government asserts that the app is vital in addressing “serious risks” to communication cybersecurity posed by duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which facilitate fraud and network exploitation.
Counterpoint Research anticipates that by mid-2025, 4.5% of the expected 735 million smartphones in India will operate on Apple’s iOS, while the remaining devices will run Android.
Although Apple preinstalls its own applications, its internal policies bar the installation of government or third-party applications prior to sale, according to a source familiar with the situation.
“Apple has a history of denying such governmental requests,” remarked Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint.
“It’s probable that we will pursue a compromise. Instead of mandating pre-installation, we may opt to negotiate and encourage users to install the application voluntarily.”
Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi did not respond to inquiries for comment. Likewise, India’s Ministry of Telecommunications has not issued a response.
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a unique identifier consisting of 14 to 17 digits for each mobile device, is predominantly used to revoke network access for phones reported as stolen.
The Sanchar Saathi application is principally developed to assist users in blocking and tracking lost or stolen smartphones across various networks via a centralized registry. It also aids in identifying and disconnecting unauthorized mobile connections.
Since its launch, the app has achieved over 5 million downloads, successfully blocked more than 3.7 million stolen or lost phones, and prevented over 30 million unauthorized connections.
The government claims that the software will contribute to mitigating cyber threats, facilitate the tracking and blocking of lost or stolen mobile phones, assist law enforcement in device tracking, and help curtail the entry of counterfeit products into illicit markets.
By the year 2030, humanity will face a critical decision regarding the “ultimate risk” of allowing artificial intelligence systems to self-train and enhance their capabilities, according to one of the foremost AI experts.
Jared Kaplan, chief scientist and co-founder of the $180bn (£135bn) US startup Anthropic, emphasized that crucial choices are being made concerning the level of autonomy granted to these evolving systems.
This could potentially spark a beneficial “intellectual explosion” or signify humanity’s loss of control.
In a conversation addressing the intense competition to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI), also referred to as superintelligence, Kaplan urged global governments and society to confront what he termed the “biggest decision.”
Anthropic belongs to a network of leading AI firms striving for supremacy in the field, alongside OpenAI, Google DeepMind, xAI, Meta, and prominent Chinese competitors led by DeepSeek. Claude, one of the popular AI assistants, has gained significant traction among business clients.
Kaplan predicted that a decision to “relinquish” control to AI could materialize between 2027 and 2030. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Kaplan stated that aligning swiftly advancing technology with human interests has proven successful to date, yet permitting technology to recursively enhance itself poses “the ultimate risk, as it would be akin to letting go of AI.” He mentioned that a decision regarding this could emerge between 2027 and 2030.
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“Envisioning a process generated by an AI that is as intelligent, or nearly as intelligent, as you. This is essentially about developing smarter AI.”
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“This seems like a daunting process. You cannot predict the final outcome.”
Kaplan transitioned from a theoretical physicist to an AI billionaire in just seven years. During an extensive interview, he also conveyed:
AI systems are expected to handle “most white-collar jobs” in the coming two to three years.
His 6-year-old son is unlikely to outperform AI in academic tasks, such as writing essays or completing math exams.
It is natural to fear a scenario where AI can self-improve, leading humans to lose control.
The competitive landscape around AGI feels tremendously overwhelming.
In a favorable outcome, AI could enhance biomedical research, health and cybersecurity, productivity, grant additional leisure time, and promote human well-being.
Kaplan met with the Guardian at Anthropic’s office in San Francisco, where the interior design, filled with knitted rugs and lively jazz music, contrasts with the existential concerns surrounding the technology being cultivated.
San Francisco has emerged as a focal point for AI startups and investment. Photo: Washington Post/Getty Images
Kaplan, a physicist educated at Stanford and Harvard, joined OpenAI in 2019 following his research at Johns Hopkins University and Cologne, Germany, and co-founded Anthropic in 2021.
He isn’t alone in expressing concerns at Anthropic. One of his co-founders, Jack Clark, remarked in October: He considers himself both an optimist and a “deeply worried” individual. He described the path of AI as “not a simplistic and predictable mechanism, but a genuine and enigmatic entity.”
Kaplan conveyed his strong belief that AI systems would align with human interests, aligning them to the level of human cognition, although he harbors concerns about surpassing that boundary.
He explained: “If you envision creating this process using an AI smarter or comparable in intelligence to humans, it becomes about creating smarter AI. We intend to leverage AI to enhance its own capability. This suggests a process that may seem intimidating. The outcome is uncertain.”
The advantages of integrating AI into the economy are being scrutinized. Outside Anthropic’s headquarters, a sign from another tech corporation pointedly posed a question about returns on investment: “All AI and no ROI?” A September Harvard Business Review study indicated that AI “workthrop” — subpar AI-generated work requiring human corrections — was detrimental to productivity.
The most overt benefit appears to be the application of AI in computer programming tasks. In September, Anthropic unveiled its advanced AI, Claude Sonnet 4.5, a computer coding model allowing the creation of AI agents and granting autonomous computer utilization.
The attackers exploited the Claude Code tool for various organizations. Photo: Anthropic
Kaplan commented that the company can handle complex, multi-step programming tasks for 30 continuous hours and has, in specific instances, doubled the speed of its programmers through AI integration.
However, Anthropic revealed in November that it suspected a state-supported Chinese group engaged in misconduct by operating the Claude Code Tool, which not only assisted humans in orchestrating cyberattacks but also executed approximately 30 attacks independently, some of which were successful. Kaplan articulated that permitting an AI to train another AI is “a decision of significant consequence.”
“We regard this as possibly the most substantial decision or the most alarming scenario… Once no human is involved, certainty diminishes. You might begin the process thinking, ‘Everything’s proceeding as intended, it’s safe,’ but the reality is it’s an evolving process. Where is it headed?”
He identified two risks associated with the recursive self-improvement method, often referred to in this context, when allowed to operate uncontrollably.
“One concern is regarding potential loss of control. Is the AI aware of its actions? The fundamental inquiries are: Will AI be a boon for humanity? Can it be beneficial? Will it remain harmless? Will it understand us? Will it enable individuals to maintain control over their lives and surroundings?”
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“It’s crucial to prevent power grabs and the misuse of technology.”
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“It seems very hazardous if it lands in the wrong hands.”
The second risk pertains to the security threat posed by self-trained AI that could surpass human capabilities in scientific inquiry and technological advancement.
“It appears exceedingly unsafe for this technology to be misappropriated,” he stated. “You can envision someone wanting this AI to serve their own interests. Preventing power grabs and the misuse of technology is essential.”
Independent studies on cutting-edge AI models, including ChatGPT, have demonstrated that the length of tasks they can execute is expanding. Doubling every seven months.
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The contenders aiming to achieve superintelligence. This was compiled in collaboration with the Editorial Design team. Read more from the series.
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Kaplan expressed his worry that the rapid pace of advancement might not allow humanity sufficient time to acclimatize to the technology before it evolves significantly further.
“This is a source of concern… individuals like me could be mistaken in our beliefs and it might all culminate,” he remarked. “The best AI might be the one we possess presently. However, we genuinely do not believe that is the case. We anticipate ongoing improvements in AI.”
He added, “The speed of change is so swift that people often lack adequate time to process it or contemplate their responses.”
During its pursuit of AGI, Anthropic is in competition with OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and xAI to develop more sophisticated AI systems. Kaplan remarked that the atmosphere in the Bay Area is “certainly intense with respect to the stakes and competitiveness in AI.”
“Our perspective is that the trends in investments, returns, AI capabilities, task complexity, and so forth are all following this exponential pattern. [They signify] AI’s growing capabilities,” he noted.
The accelerated rate of progress increases the risk of one of the competitors making an error and falling behind. “The stakes are considerable to remain at the forefront in terms of not losing ground on exponential growth. [the curve] You could quickly find yourself significantly behind, particularly regarding resources.”
By 2030, it is anticipated that $6.7 trillion will be necessary for global data centers to meet increasing demand. Investors are eager to support companies that are aligned closest to the forefront.
Significant accomplishments have been made in utilizing AI for code generation. Photo: Chen Xin/Getty Images
At the same time, Anthropic advocates for AI regulation. The company’s mission statement emphasizes “the development of more secure systems.”
“We certainly aim to avoid a situation akin to Sputnik where governments abruptly realize, ‘Wow, AI is crucial’… We strive to ensure policymakers are as knowledgeable as possible during this evolution, so they can make informed decisions.”
In October, Mr. Anthropic’s stance led to a confrontation with the Trump administration. David Sachs, an AI advisor to the president, accused Anthropic of “fear-mongering” while promoting state-specific regulations beneficial to the company, while being detrimental to startups.
After Sachs suggested the company was positioning itself as an “opponent” of the Trump administration, Kaplan, alongside Dario Amodei, Anthropic’s CEO, countered by stating the company had publicly supported Trump’s AI initiatives and was collaborating with Republicans, aspiring to maintain America’s dominance in AI.
The introduction to tech mogul Alex Karp’s interview on Sourcely, a YouTube show by the digital finance platform Brex, features a mix of him waving the American flag accompanied by a remix of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” While strolling through the company’s offices, Karp avoided questions about Palantir’s contentious ties with ICE, focusing instead on the company’s strengths while playfully brandishing a sword and discussing how he re-buried his childhood dog Rosita’s remains near his current residence.
“It’s really lovely,” comments host Molly O’Shea as she engages with Karp.
For those wanting insights from key figures in the tech sector, platforms like Sourcery provide a refuge for an industry that’s increasingly cautious, if not openly antagonistic, towards critical media. Some new media initiatives are driven by the companies themselves, while others occupy niches favored by the tech billionaire cohort. In recent months, prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Satya Nadella have participated in lengthy, friendly interviews, with companies like Palantir and Andreessen Horowitz launching their own media ventures this year.
A significant portion of Americans harbor distrust towards big tech and believe artificial intelligence is detrimental to society. Silicon Valley is crafting its own alternative media landscape, where CEOs, founders, and investors take center stage. What began as a handful of enthusiastic podcasters has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem of publications and shows, supported by some of the leading entities in tech.
Pro-tech influencers, such as podcast host Rex Fridman, have historically fostered close ties with figures like Elon Musk, yet some companies this year opted to eliminate intermediaries entirely. In September, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz introduced the a16z blog on Substack. Notable author Katherine Boyle highlighted her longstanding friendship with JD Vance. This podcast has surged to over 220,000 subscribers on YouTube, featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last month. Andreessen Horowitz is a leading investor.
“What if the future of media is shaped not by algorithms or traditional bodies, but by independent voices directly interacting with audiences?” the company posited in its Substack announcement. Previously, it invested $50 million into digital media startup BuzzFeed with a similar ambition, which ultimately fell to penny stock levels.
The a16z Substack also revealed this month its new eight-week media fellowship aimed at “operators, creators, and storytellers shaping the future of media.” This initiative involves collaboration with a16z’s new media team, characterized as a collective of “online legends” aiming to furnish founders with the clout, flair, branding, expertise, and momentum essential for winning the online narrative.
In parallel to a16z’s media endeavors, Palantir launched a digital and print journal named Republic earlier this year, emulating the format of academic journals and think tank publications like Foreign Affairs. The journal is financially backed by the nonprofit Palantir Foundation for Defense Policy and International Affairs, headed by Karp, who reportedly contributes just 0.01 hours a week, as per his 2023 tax return.
“Too many individuals who shouldn’t have a voice are amplified, while those who ought to be heard are sidelined,” remarked Republic, which boasts an editorial team comprised of high-ranking Palantir executives.
Among the articles featured in Republic is a piece criticizing U.S. copyright restrictions for hindering AI leadership, alongside another by two Palantir employees reiterating Karp’s affirmation that Silicon Valley’s collaboration with the military benefits society at large.
Republic joins a burgeoning roster of pro-tech outlets like Arena Magazine, launched late last year by Austin-based venture capitalist Max Meyer. Arena’s motto nods to “The New Needs Friends” line from Disney’s Ratatouille.
“Arena avoids covering ‘The News.’ Instead, we spotlight The New,” reads the editor’s letter in the inaugural issue. “Our mission is to uplift those incrementally, or at times rapidly, bringing the future into the present.”
This sentiment echoes that of founders who have taken issue with publications like Wired and TechCrunch for their overly critical perspectives on the industry.
“Historically, magazines that covered this sector have become excessively negative. We plan to counter that by adopting a bold and optimistic viewpoint,” Meyer stated during an appearance on Joe Lonsdale’s podcast.
Certain facets of emerging media in the tech realm weren’t established as formal corporate media extensions but rather emerged organically, even while sharing a similarly positive tone. The TBPN video podcast, which interprets the intricacies of the tech world as high-stakes spectacles akin to the NFL Draft, has gained swift influence since its inception last year. Its self-aware yet protective atmosphere has drawn notable fans and guests, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who conducted an in-person interview to promote Meta’s smart glasses.
Another podcaster, 24-year-old Dwarkesh Patel, has built a mini-media empire in recent years with extensive collaborative discussions featuring tech leaders and AI researchers. Earlier this month, Patel interviewed Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and toured one of the company’s newest data facilities.
Among the various trends in the tech landscape, Elon Musk has been a pioneer in adopting this method of pro-tech media engagement. Following his acquisition of Twitter in 2022, the platform has restricted links to key news entities and established auto-responses with poop emojis for reporter inquiries. Musk conducts few interviews with mainstream media yet engages in extensive discussions with friendly hosts like Rex Fridman and Joe Rogan, facing minimal challenge to his viewpoints.
Musk’s inclination to cultivate a media bubble around himself illustrates how such content can foster a disconnect from reality and promote alternative facts. His long-standing criticism of Wikipedia spurred him to create Grokipedia, an AI replica generating blatant falsehoods and results aligning with his far-right perspective. Concurrently, Musk’s chatbot Grok has frequently echoed Musk’s opinions, even going to absurd lengths to flatter him, such as asserting last week that Musk is healthier than LeBron James and could defeat Mike Tyson in a boxing match.
The emergence of new technology-centric media is part of a broader transformation in how celebrities portray themselves and the access they grant journalists. The tech industry has a historical aversion to media scrutiny, a trend amplified by scandals like the Facebook Files, which unveiled internal documents and potential harms. Journalist Karen Hao exemplified the tech sector’s sensitivity to negative press, noting in her 2025 book “Empire of AI” that OpenAI refrained from engaging with her for three years after a critical article she wrote in 2019.
The strategy of tech firms establishing their own autonomous and resonant media mirrors the entertainment sector’s approach from several years back. Press tours for film and album promotions have historically been tightly monitored, with actors and musicians subjected to high-pressure interviews judged by shows like “Hot Ones.” Political figures are adopting a similar framework, granting them access to fresh audiences and a more secure environment for self-promotion, as showcased by President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign engaging with podcasters like Theo Fung, and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s introduction of his own political podcast this year.
While much of this emerging media does not aim to unveil misconduct or confront the powerful, it still holds certain merits. The content produced by the tech sector often reflects the self-image of its elite and the world they aspire to create, within an industry characterized by minimal government oversight and fewer probing inquiries into operational practices. Even the simplest of questions offer insights into the minds of individuals who primarily inhabit secured boardrooms and gated environments.
“If you were a cupcake, what kind would you be?” O’Shea queried Karp about Brex’s sauces.
“I prefer not to be a cupcake, as I don’t want to be consumed,” Karp replied. “I resist being a cupcake.”
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The developer of ChatGPT indicated that the tragic suicide of a 16-year-old was the result of “misuse” of its platform and “was not caused” by the chatbot itself.
These remarks were made in response to a lawsuit filed by the family of California teenager Adam Lane against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman.
According to the family’s attorney, Lane took his own life in April following extensive interactions and “months of encouragement from ChatGPT.”
The lawsuit claims that the teen conversed with ChatGPT about suicide methods multiple times, with the chatbot advising him on the viability of suggested methods, offering assistance in writing a suicide note to his parents, and that the specific version of the technology in use was “rushed to market despite evident safety concerns.”
In a legal document filed Tuesday in California Superior Court, OpenAI stated that, should any ’cause’ be linked to this tragic incident, Ms. Lane’s “injury or harm was caused or contributed to, in whole or in part, directly or proximately” by his “misuse, abuse, unintended, unanticipated, and/or improper use of ChatGPT.”
OpenAI’s terms of service prohibit users from seeking advice on self-harm and include a liability clause that clarifies “the output will not be relied upon as the only source of truthful or factual information.”
Valued at $500 billion (£380 billion), OpenAI expressed its commitment to “address mental health-related litigation with care, transparency, and respect,” stating it “remains dedicated to enhancing our technology in alignment with our mission, regardless of ongoing litigation.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lane family, who are facing an unimaginable loss. Our response to these allegations includes difficult truths about Adam’s mental health and living circumstances.”
“The original complaint included selectively chosen excerpts from his chats that required further context, which we have provided in our response. We opted to limit the confidential evidence publicly cited in this filing, with the chat transcripts themselves sealed and submitted to the court.”
Jay Edelson, the family’s attorney, described OpenAI’s response as “alarming,” accusing the company of “inexplicably trying to shift blame onto others, including arguing that Adam violated its terms of service by utilizing ChatGPT as it was designed to function.”
Earlier this month, OpenAI faced seven additional lawsuits in California related to ChatGPT, including claims that it acted as a “suicide coach.”
A spokesperson for the company remarked, “This situation is profoundly heartbreaking, and we’re reviewing the filings to grasp the details. We train ChatGPT to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress, de-escalate conversations, and direct individuals to real-world support.”
In August, OpenAI announced it would enhance safeguards for ChatGPT, stating that long conversations might lead to degradation of the model’s safety training.
“For instance, while ChatGPT may effectively direct someone to a suicide hotline at the onset of such discussions, extended messaging over time might yield responses that breach our safety protocols,” the report noted. “This is precisely the type of failure we are actively working to prevent.”
THalf a century ago, protests erupted in the American colonies against British authority, triggered by Congress’ tea sales monopoly and the antics of a proud king. Fast forward to today, and it is Britain that finds itself under the influence of American tech giants (companies so powerful they operate as monopolies) and an unpredictable president. Strangely, Britain appears comfortable with this scenario, sometimes even willing to sustain its economic reliance. The UK isn’t alone in yielding to American corporate power, but it serves as a prominent example of why nations must collaborate to address the dominance of such hegemons.
The current age of American tech monopolization took root in the 2000s, when the UK, like many nations, became heavily reliant on a few major American platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon. It was a period marked by optimism around the internet as a democratizing force, with the belief that these platforms would benefit everyone. During the 1990s, the vision was simple yet appealing: anyone with a passion or skill could go online and earn a living from it.
America’s edge in technology wasn’t a result of a single policy. However, it reflected a choice made by each nation, as highlighted by China’s decision to block foreign websites and develop its own. While such actions might be easier for authoritarian regimes, they also established an industrial strategy that left China as the sole major economy with its independent digital ecosystem.
This pattern continued from the 2000s into the 2010s. Amazon and Microsoft quickly dominated cloud computing. Within Europe and the UK, no significant competitors emerged to challenge platforms like Uber or Airbnb. While these companies have undeniably offered convenience and entertainment, the wealth generated by the Internet hasn’t been distributed as widely as many anticipated. Instead, American firms captured the majority, becoming the most valuable companies in history. This trend is repeating itself now with artificial intelligence, where the significant profits appear to be heading once more to Silicon Valley.
Why was there minimal pushback? Essentially, Britain and Europe adhered to the principles of free trade and globalization. According to this ideology, nations should concentrate on their strengths. Just as it made sense for Britain to import French wine or Spanish ham, relying on American technology rather than developing it domestically seemed logical. Instead, the focus shifted to Britain’s strengths, such as finance, creative industries, and whisky production.
However, when it comes to these new platforms, the comparison to standard trade collapses. There’s a crucial distinction between fine wine and the technology that supports the entire online economy. While Burgundy might be costly, it doesn’t siphon value or gather advantageous data from every interaction. The trade theories of the 1990s blurred the lines between ordinary goods and those integral to the market infrastructure necessary for buying and selling. Google and Amazon epitomize this. A more fitting analogy would be allowing foreign companies to construct toll roads throughout the country and charge whatever they wish for usage.
Now, as we build artificial intelligence, we witness a similar scenario. During President Trump’s state visit in September, the UK confidently highlighted investments by Google and Microsoft in “data centers”—expansive facilities filled with computer servers powering AI systems. Yet, data centers represent the most basic level of the AI economy, serving solely to send profits back to U.S. headquarters.
In a different scenario, the UK could have emerged as a genuine leader in AI. At one point, American researchers trailed behind their British and French counterparts. Yet, in a move that neither the U.S. nor the Chinese governments would have permitted, the UK willingly allowed the sale of many major AI assets and talents over the past decade—Google’s acquisition of DeepMind serves as a prominent example. What’s left is an AI strategy that primarily involves supplying electricity and land for data centers. It feels akin to being invited to a gathering only to discover you’re there to pour drinks.
If technology platforms are indeed comparable to toll roads, a rational step would be to mitigate their burden, potentially by instituting toll caps or imposing charges for data extraction. Yet, no country has taken such actions. We accept the platform’s existence, but we struggle to regulate its influence like we would with traditional utilities. The European Union has made strides through digital market legislation that manages how dominant platforms interact with their reliant businesses. Meanwhile, the U.S. government finds itself at the behest of its own tech giants, with Congress stuck in inertia.
Should the UK choose an alternative route to combat this economic colonization and exploitation, it could collaborate with the European Union and possibly Japan to devise a unified strategy. This strategy would compel platforms to support local businesses and cultivate alternatives to established U.S. technologies. However, thus far, the UK, along with other nations subjected to American hegemony, has been slow to adapt, clinging to a 90s approach even though evidence suggests this is no longer effective.
The reality is we are now in a more strategic and cynical era. Regardless, a far more rigorous antitrust framework is necessary than what we’ve observed thus far. Across the globe, it’s evident that a more diverse array of companies from various nations would lead to a better world. The alternatives are not only costly but also foster political risks, resentment, and dependency. We can aspire to more than a future where what passes for economic freedom is merely a choice between reliance on the United States or dependency on China.
WThe ash processor has allowed women to engage in exhausting jobs that drain their leisure time. While social media sparked one revolution, it also led to the destabilization of democracies worldwide. Now, with the rise of AI, it appears that screenwriters might be among its primary targets for replacement. It’s easy to succumb to techno-pessimism; however, the new documentary *Seeing into the Future* (Sunday, 23 November, 8 PM, BBC Two) offers a fresh perspective. For individuals with disabilities, tech advancements are already making a significant impact, and this is just the beginning.
Hosted by comedian and *Strictly* champion Chris McCausland, who is visually impaired, the show features surprisingly captivating moments early on, such as how he utilizes his smartphone. Essentially, it serves as his eyes and voice. “What T-shirt is this?” he inquired while holding up the item. “Gray T-shirt with Deftones graphic logo,” his phone declared. It even informs him if his shirt requires ironing. However, McCausland was more curious about the origins of this technology and traveled to the U.S. to explore developments in the homes of tech leaders.
He visited Meta’s facility to test smart glasses. Personally, it felt as if he were either in a lair of a fictional villain or wandering around a castle for treats. This perspective reflects my lack of immediate necessity for such tech, as documentaries aim to unveil possibilities rather than highlight deficiencies. I imagine Mr. Zuckerberg isn’t lurking in a lab with pets or spinning in an egg chair.
I enjoy broadening my viewpoint. Although a button-less glass screen appears to be an exclusive gadget, McCausland acknowledges that his smartphone has turned into the most accessible device he has ever encountered. He expresses excitement about a device he whimsically refers to as Metaspec. This device is always active, offering live video descriptions and identifying what he’s viewing. It functions like a phone but is more like a wearable gadget. “A blind person will never have both hands free,” he remarks.
McCausland and Meta’s Vice President of Accessibility and Engagement Maxine Williams test out smart glasses.
Photo: BBC/Open Mic Productions
At MIT, he learned about nanotechnologies that may enable molecular devices to repair bodily cells. He experimented with a bionic walking aid that attaches to the calf to provide the wearer with additional strength, similar to the knee brace Bruce Wayne wore in *The Dark Knight Rises*. The most significant moment for him was traveling in a self-driving car, marking his first experience of riding alone in a vehicle.
Autonomous vehicles are anticipated to debut in the UK next spring (which feels like a long wait). My instinct is to label them as NOPE. Nevertheless, McCausland noted, “it’s not terribly different from trusting an unfamiliar driver.” These extraordinary cars come equipped with rotating radars that compute data, including the speed of light, to create a 3D model of their surroundings instantly. They might even feature gullwing doors. McCausland appreciated the self-operating handle, which adds a touch of intrigue. Coolness is likely the second best drive an engineer can pursue, the first being ensuring equal access to dignity and independent living. I must clarify that my skepticism doesn’t stem from just a general mistrust of technology; it leads to a mistrust of profit-driven big tech companies in considering public welfare or accountability.
The documentary also offers similar moments of delight, showcasing cultural disparities across the Atlantic. The participants are not merely Americans but the innovative minds of San Francisco. Unintentional comedy is enhanced by McCausland’s dry wit; even while discussing a blood-based computer with a nanotechnologist that could potentially restore eyesight, he seems more inclined to grab a pint at the pub than delve into futuristic devices.
The technology portrayed is distinctly American. “Can you hear the plane?” McCausland urged Zuckerberg to test out the glasses. “Yes, I can see the plane in the clear blue sky,” a serious, bespectacled participant replied. McCausland then exchanged a wry look with his camera crew, quipping, “Do they appear to know what they’re doing?” Judging by their gear, it seems they are indeed professionals. While gadgets become more capable of divine-like capabilities, a layer of skepticism remains, even when wearing Batman’s leg braces.
“Minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in energy conservation and warmth,” said Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance expert at Royal London.
Firstly, if your boiler or thermostat is equipped with a timer, make use of it.
For enhanced control, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that connects to the internet. This option lets you manage your thermostat remotely, typically through a mobile app, enabling you to turn the heating on or off when plans change unexpectedly. A smart thermostat acts like a timer for your boiler, allowing you to use the app for scheduling heating and hot water.
Smart thermostats come in various models and offer features like multi-room control, hot water management, and “geofencing” that tracks your presence in and out of the home. Their prices usually range from £60 to £250 depending on the brand.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat Allows remote control, generally via a mobile app. Photo: Stefan Nikolic/Getty Images
Bosch Room Thermostat II (£69.99); and Hive Thermostat V4 (£155 B&Q) requires a professional installation, which can typically be arranged through a retailer, though additional fees may apply.
Some energy suppliers offer discounts on smart thermostats from their partnered brands. The Octopus Energy and tado° partnership gives customers up to 50% off on tado° products. The Wireless Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit has been marked down from £159.99 to £112.
<h2 id="reduce-temperatures" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Reduce the Temperature</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Research indicates that decreasing the thermostat setting from 22°C to 21°C may save the typical UK household £90 annually.<a href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/take-control-your-heating-home/?_gl=1*boqspv*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ2OTcwMDExNy4xNzYyMjcwMDYy*_ga_GPYNXFLD7G*czE3NjIyNzAwNjAkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjIyNzA0NzY KajYwJGwwJGgw#jumpto-1" data-link-name="in body link"> Energy Saving Trust</a>. For most, a comfortable indoor temperature lies between 18°C and 21°C.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">According to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDZNODZ5qyY" data-link-name="in body link">Citizen Advice</a>, lowering your thermostat can mean saving about 10% on energy bills. However, those who are elderly or have health concerns are advised not to set the temperature below 21°C.</p>
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<figcaption data-spacefinder-role="inline" class="dcr-9ktzqp">
<span class="dcr-1inf02i">
<svg width="18" height="13" viewbox="0 0 18 13">
<path d="M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z"/>
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</span>
<span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Most people find a comfortable indoor temperature between 18°C and 21°C.</span> Photo: Rid Franz/Getty Images
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</figure>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Moreover, experts suggest that maintaining a continuous lower temperature consumes more energy than heating intermittently at a slightly higher setting.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Setting your heating to switch off 30 minutes before leaving the house or turning in for the night can further decrease your electricity costs.</p>
<h2 id="lower-the-flow" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Reduce Flow Rate</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">If using a combi boiler, you can lower the temperature of the flow, which is the water temperature entering the radiator.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">For those using a system boiler or hot water cylinder, <a href="https://www.edfenergy.com/energywise/lower-flow-temperature-on-combi-boiler" data-link-name="in body link">EDF Energy advises</a> seeking assistance from an engineer for guidance.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Typically, boilers have a high flow temperature around 75-80°C. Reducing this to about 60°C might cut your gas bills without noticeably affecting comfort levels.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">“This approach is particularly beneficial in homes with well-sized radiators and adequate insulation, showing no significant change in comfort,” notes Pennells.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The charity Nesta provides an online and interactive <a href="https://www.moneysavingboilerchallenge.com/" data-link-name="in body link">tool</a> to help users adjust their boiler settings. They recommend documenting the boiler's original controls and settings with photos before making changes.</p>
<h2 id="turn-down-radiators" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Adjust Radiators</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">If your radiators have a dial controlled by a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), you can set the temperature individually for each room. TRVs generally have a scale from 0 to 6, with 0 being off and 6 being fully open.</p>
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<path d="M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z"/>
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<blockquote class="dcr-zzndwp">Research shows that people have begun to heat individuals rather than entire spaces.</blockquote>
<footer><cite>Sophie Barr of National Energy Action</cite></footer>
</aside>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The Energy Saving Trust recommends setting your room on the lowest temperature that maintains comfort. You can set 3 or 4 in frequently used rooms and reduce this to 2 or 3 in less-used spaces. They also mention that integrating a TRV into an existing system with a programmer and thermostat could save households around £35 each year.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">While turning off heating altogether may seem like a good way to save money, experts warn that this could result in mold and dampness, which could incur greater costs and health risks over time.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">“During the energy crisis, we observed changes in behavior where people started to prioritize heating individuals rather than entire homes,” says project development coordinator Sophie Barr. <a href="https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/resources/" data-link-name="in body link">National Energy Action</a>. “Our findings indicate that it's more cost-effective to provide heat to the entire area by adjusting radiators in unused rooms to setting 2, thus providing sufficient warmth to deter mold spores that can lead to serious respiratory health issues.”</p>
<h2 id="get-reflectors" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Install Reflectors</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">The <a href="https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/" data-link-name="in body link">British Gas Energy Trust</a> suggests placing foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room. Since approximately 35% of indoor heat escapes through the walls, these reflectors ensure that heat is redirected into the room rather than absorbed by exterior walls, making them particularly effective on uninsulated external walls.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Though there may be a small initial expense, they are reasonably priced, simple to install, and durable. They can be purchased in rolls and cut to fit your radiators. They are easy to apply with included adhesive or double-sided tape—first ensuring the radiator is turned off and cool. Screwfix offers rolls of 1.88 square meters for <a href="https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-470mm-x-4m-radiator-heat-reflector-foil/88629?tc=JS7" data-link-name="in body link">£7.51</a>, while B&Q has a 5 square meter roll for <a href="https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-radiator-reflector-5m-/1906873_BQ.prd?storeId=1037" data-link-name="in body link">£14.97</a>, and Amazon sells a 15 square meter roll for <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CYM442P1?tag=track-ect-uk-2181897-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPr67xojmhks6sn7" data-link-name="in body link">£27.99</a>.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">To enhance efficiency, bleed your radiators every few months. Ensure the radiator is switched off and cool before inserting the key (<a href="https://www.diy.com/departments/rothenberger-radiator-key-pack-of-2/191173_BQ.prd" data-link-name="in body link">£3.50</a> for a B&Q 2-pack) or a flat-head screwdriver into the bleed valve (often located in the top corner) and turn it counterclockwise. Listen for a hissing sound as air escapes; wait for it to stop, showing a steady flow of water (you can catch it with a cloth), then turn the valve clockwise to close it again.</p>
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<span class="dcr-1qvd3m6">Regular boiler servicing enhances efficiency.</span> Photo: Joe Giddens/Pennsylvania
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<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Avoid obstructing radiators with furniture or curtains, especially beneath windows, to distribute heat more evenly throughout the space.</p>
<h2 id="keep-your-boiler-serviced" class="dcr-n4qeq9"><strong>Regular Boiler Maintenance</strong></h2>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Routine boiler service enhances efficiency and extends lifespan by addressing minor issues. According to Octopus Energy, neglecting boiler maintenance can lead to up to 10% more energy usage compared to those serviced annually. “Failure to regularly maintain your boiler can significantly affect fuel efficiency and health,” warns Barr.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">As per Which?, the average cost for a boiler service ranges from £70 to £110.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">Some energy providers include this service in their annual coverage plans, such as British Gas, which features it in their <a href="https://www.britishgas.co.uk/cover/boiler-and-heating.html" data-link-name="in body link">home care</a> options starting at £19 per month. However, a boiler care plan might not be suitable for every consumer. Which? recommends considering if your monthly contributions may exceed the costs of the annual service or repairs. Ensure you have savings to cover the full service fee as needed.</p>
<p class="dcr-130mj7b">For renters, it is the landlord’s obligation to arrange for annual boiler inspections and certifications. “Annual maintenance is mandatory for all rental properties,” says Barr. "For homes with gas boilers, only a gas safety engineer should perform this work, and an Oftec certified engineer should handle oil boilers. Annual boiler maintenance guarantees that your system operates efficiently and prevents carbon monoxide leaks in your home."</p>
Greetings! Welcome to TechScape. I’m your host, Blake Montgomery, reaching out from Barcelona where my culinary adventures have, quite humorously, turned half of me into ham.
Who will lead the self-driving car industry?
The global rollout of self-driving cars is on the horizon. Next year, leading companies from the United States and China plan to expand their operations considerably and introduce robotaxis in major cities worldwide. These firms are akin to male birds strutting to attract a mate, setting the stage for upcoming worldwide rivalries.
On the U.S. front, we have Waymo, the autonomous vehicle initiative by Google. Over the last 15 years, it has invested billions into Waymo. After extensive testing, the company launched its robotaxi service for the public in San Francisco in June 2024, and has since expanded significantly. Waymo vehicles are now a common sight in most parts of Los Angeles, with introductions planned for Washington, D.C., New York City, and London next year.
On November 2nd, Chinese tech giant Baidu lodged a complaint against Google. Baidu claimed its autonomous vehicle division, Apollo Go, conducts 250,000 rides weekly, matching Waymo’s performance. Waymo recently hit a major milestone in the spring.
Most electric vehicles in China are priced significantly lower than their American counterparts, even without self-driving capabilities. Experts estimate that a single Waymo vehicle costs hundreds of thousands to manufacture, though exact figures remain unclear. “The hardware costs for our vehicles are much less than Waymo’s,” declared the CFO of Pony AI, a leading Chinese self-driving firm, to the WSJ.
To recoup its billion-dollar investment in Waymo, Google must persuade potential customers of its superior quality.
Google is highlighting transparency as a distinguishing factor. Much less data is accessible regarding Baidu’s vehicles, raising concerns about their safety records. Baidu asserts that its vehicles have amassed millions of miles without “a single major accident.” Google referenced this in a statement, posing a question about the extent to which the success of Chinese self-driving companies has been communicated to U.S. transportation authorities, as noted by the Wall Street Journal.
However, Apollo Go, which has unlocked taxis in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is not Waymo’s only contender, as Gulf nations pursue diverse tech partnerships. Wheels from WeRide, another Chinese autonomous vehicle company, have made their way to the UAE and Singapore. All major players in the Chinese market are pursuing expansion into Europe, according to Reuters. Vehicles built by Momenta and deployed by Uber are slated to begin operations in Germany by 2026. WeRide, Baidu, and Pony AI are also gearing up to introduce robotaxi services in various European locations soon, leading to many more people encountering self-driving cars in their everyday lives.
Initially, the primary question concerning self-driving cars was: can we create a working vehicle? Now, the focus has shifted to: who will dominate the market?
Read more: Driving competition: Chinese automakers race to take over European roads
This Week in AI
Elon Musk’s loyal supporters push his wealth to $1 trillion
Martin Lawson discusses Elon Musk’s new compensation package. Illustration: Martin Rowson/The Guardian
Tesla’s recent performance has been lackluster. The looming end of the U.S. electric vehicle tax credit has resulted in a surge of buyers at dealerships over the past few months, yet the company reported a 37% drop in profits in late October. This decline adds to a series of challenges facing EV manufacturers.
In spite of Tesla’s struggles, shareholders voted in favor of a plan to compensate Elon Musk $1 trillion over the next decade, contingent on his ability to elevate Tesla’s valuation from $1.4 trillion to $8.5 trillion. Should he succeed in this and other objectives, it would mark the largest reward in the company’s history.
The results of the vote were revealed during the company’s annual shareholder meeting in Austin, Texas, where more than 75% of investors backed the proposal. Enthusiastic chants of “Elon” filled the room following the announcement.
Musk has been associated with Tesla for a decade through this pay structure, yet his attention has rarely been confined to just one venture. He has remained deeply involved in politics. My colleague Nick Robbins Early details how Musk has aligned himself with the international far-right:
Since his departure from the Trump administration, Musk’s political endeavors have included wielding social media as a platform to influence the New York mayoral election and orchestrating a right-wing, AI-generated alternative to Wikipedia. He has expressed concerns over a “homeless industrial complex” of nonprofits purportedly harming California and declared that “white pride should be acceptable.” On X, he stated that Britain is on the brink of civil war and warned of the collapse of Western civilization.
The social and economic repercussions stemming from Musk’s political stance have not deterred his public support for the far right, and he has increasingly showcased these affiliations, all while maintaining in his characteristic obstinacy that being branded a racist or extremist is of no consequence to him.
Read more: How Tesla shareholders’rewarded Elon Musk towards becoming the world’s first trillionaire
Can you take on the data center?
Google data center located in Santiago. Photo: Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images
The data centers fueling the AI revolution are truly colossal. Their financial scope, physical dimensions, and vast datasets encompass all, making the idea of halting their construction seem counterintuitive amid ongoing developments. Silicon Valley’s leading firms are investing hundreds of billions at a rapid pace.
Yet, as data centers expand, resistance is mounting in the United States, the UK, and Latin America, where these facilities are rising in some of the most arid regions globally. Local opposition typically centers on the environmental repercussions and resource use of such monumental constructions.
Paz Peña, a researcher and fellow at the Mozilla Foundation, focuses on the social and environmental effects of data center technology in Latin America. She shared insights with the Guardian at the Mozilla Festival in Barcelona on how communities in Latin America are filing lawsuits to extract information from governments and corporations that prefer to keep it hidden. This dialogue has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
Read my Q&A with Paz Peña here.
Read more: “Cities that draw the line”: A community in Arizona fights against massive data centers
Coffee trees can be propagated by grafting the shoots onto the rootstock of another plant
Sirichai Asawarapsakul/Getty Images
The time-honored method of grafting plants may hold contemporary relevance. This technique allows genetic modifications in species that are typically challenging or unfeasible to alter.
“Though it’s still in its formative stages, this technology shows immense promise,” says Hugo Logo from the University of Pisa, Italy.
Enhancing the yield and nutritional content of crops is vital to address the significant damages caused by farming practices and curbing skyrocketing food prices amid a rising global population and climate change’s impact on production. Utilizing CRISPR gene editing for precise enhancements is the most efficient approach.
However, plants present unique challenges due to their rigid cell walls, necessitating a cautious approach to gene editing. Traditional methods of plant genetic engineering involve techniques like biolistics, which shoot DNA-coated particles into plant cells, alongside employing naturally occurring genetically altered microorganisms like Agrobacterium.
These techniques typically require generating entire plants from modified cells, which is often impractical for various species, including trees such as cocoa, coffee, sunflower, cassava, avocado, etc.
Even if this method functions well, there lies another significant hurdle. When gene editing induces subtle mutations analogous to those that frequently occur in nature, regulatory bodies in certain regions may classify these plants as standard varieties, allowing them to proceed without the extensive and costly examinations required for conventional genetically modified crops. In contrast, biolistic and Agrobacterium-mediated methods often incorporate extra DNA into the plant’s genome, thus necessitating full regulatory scrutiny.
Researchers are exploring ways to refine plants without introducing superfluous DNA segments into the genome. One possibility involves utilizing viruses to deliver RNA carrying parts of the CRISPR toolkit to plant cells. However, a challenge arises since the Cas9 protein, widely used in gene editing, is substantial, making it difficult for most viruses to accommodate RNA that encodes it.
In 2023, Friedrich Kragler at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Germany, unveiled an innovative approach. He discovered that plant roots generate a specific type of RNA capable of moving throughout the plant and infiltrating cells in the shoots and leaves.
His team modified plants to produce RNA encoding two essential components of CRISPR: a Cas protein for editing and a guide RNA that directs the editing process. They then grafted shoots from unaltered plants onto the roots of the engineered plants, demonstrating that some of the shoots and seeds underwent gene editing.
Rogo and his team regard this technique as so promising that they published a paper advocating for its further development. “Grafting enables us to harness the CRISPR system in species like trees and sunflowers,” Rogo states.
A notable advantage of grafting is its ability to unite relatively distantly related plants. For example, a tomato bud can be grafted onto a potato root. Therefore, while genetically engineering sunflower rootstocks for gene editing might not be feasible, it is plausible to engineer closely related plants to form compatible rootstocks.
Once you develop a rootstock that produces the required RNA, it can facilitate gene editing across various plants. “We can utilize the roots to supply Cas9 and editing guides to numerous elite varieties,” asserts Julian Hibbard at Cambridge University.
“Creating genetically modified rootstocks is not overly laborious since they only need to be developed once and can serve multiple species indefinitely,” he notes. Ralph Bock, also affiliated with the Max Planck Institute but not part of Kragler’s team, adds that this efficient method has wide applications.
For instance, only a limited number of grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, can be regenerated from an individual cell, making modification feasible. However, once a gene-edited rootstock is established that offers disease resistance, it will benefit all grape varieties and potentially more.
Rogo also foresees the possibility of integrating the transplant and viral techniques, where the rhizome can deliver the large mRNA of Cas9 while the virus provides the guide RNA. This way, he claims, the same rootstock could carry out various gene edits.
‘Vibecoding’, an innovative software development approach that leverages artificial intelligence to transform natural language into computer code, has been selected as Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2025.
Collins’ lexicographers track the Collins Corpus, which comprises 24 billion words sourced from various media, including social platforms, to compile an annual roster of new significant words that illustrate our constantly evolving language.
They selected vibecoding as the word of the year following a noticeable surge in its usage since its introduction in February.
The term was introduced by Andrej Karpathy, the former AI director at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI, to explain how artificial intelligence can develop applications as if the code is irrelevant.
Other notable additions to the list include “biohacking,” which refers to the practice of modifying the body’s natural functions to enhance health and lifespan.
Another term is “Clunker,” a derogatory reference to a computer, robot, or AI, initially popularized by Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This term has rapidly spread on social media, often reflecting disdain and distrust towards AI chatbots and platforms.
The word “glaze,” which denotes excessive or unfair praise, is also gaining traction this year.
Additionally, “Aura Farming” has emerged, describing the intentional cultivation of a distinctive and appealing personality, essentially the art of appearing cool.
While popular among gamers, it gained broader visibility this year thanks to the viral “Boat Kid” video, which sparked a dance trend embraced by celebrities like American football player Travis Kelce.
Tech industry leaders, informally known as the Tech Brothers, were dubbed “broligarchies” after their eye-catching presence at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which also landed them on the list.
The term “henry,” an acronym for “high-income but not yet wealthy,” has seen increased usage and was also coined by Collins.
Other entries include “cool vacations,” referring to trips taken in cooler climates, and “task masking,” which denotes the act of creating a false impression of productivity at work.
It is also characterized by “micro-retirement,” defined as a break in employment periods to engage in personal interests.
Alex Beecroft, Managing Director at Collins, remarked: “Choosing Vibecoding as the word of the year perfectly encapsulates the evolution of language alongside technology. This marks a significant transformation in software development, making coding more accessible through AI.”
“The seamless fusion of human creativity and machine intelligence illustrates how natural language is fundamentally transforming our interactions with computers.”
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has come to a “comprehensive settlement” with Google, which may mark the end of a legal dispute lasting five years regarding Google’s Play Store for Android applications, as stated in joint legal filings by both parties.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, hailed the settlement as a “fantastic offer” in a post on social media.
In documents submitted on Tuesday to the federal court in San Francisco, both Google and Epic Games noted that the settlement “enables the parties to set aside their differences while fostering a more dynamic and competitive Android environment for users and developers.”
Epic secured a significant legal victory over Google earlier this summer when a federal appeals court upheld a jury’s verdict declaring the Android app store an illegal monopoly. The unanimous decision opens the door for federal judges to potentially mandate substantial restructuring to enhance consumer choices.
While the specific settlement terms remain confidential and require approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato, both companies provided an overview of the agreement in their joint filing. A public hearing is set for Thursday.
The settlement appears to align closely with the October 2024 ruling by Donato, which directed Google to dismantle barriers that protect the Android app store from competition. It also includes a provision requiring the company’s app stores to support the distribution of competing third-party app stores, allowing users to download apps freely.
Google had aimed to reverse these decisions through appeal, but the ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in July posed a significant challenge to the tech giant, which is now facing three separate antitrust cases that could impact various aspects of its internet operations.
In 2020, Epic Games launched a lawsuit against both Google’s Play Store and Apple’s iPhone App Store, seeking to bypass proprietary payment processing systems that impose fees ranging from 15% to 30% on in-app transactions. The proposed settlement put forth on Tuesday aims to decrease those fees to a range between 9% and 20%, depending on the specific agreement.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump granted a pardon to the founder of the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally.
The White House issued a statement saying, “President Trump utilized his constitutional powers by pardoning Mr. Zhao, who faced prosecution from the Biden administration concerning the virtual currency conflict. The conflict against virtual currencies is concluded.”
Qiao Changpeng stepped down as CEO of Binance in late 2023 after admitting to one count of failing to uphold an anti-money laundering program, alongside a payment of $4.3 billion to resolve associated accusations. He received a four-month prison sentence.
Chao, commonly known as CZ, ranks among the wealthiest individuals globally and is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry. He established Binance as the largest cryptocurrency exchange; however, operations in the United States are prohibited following his guilty plea in 2023.
The pardon from President Trump marks a significant triumph for Chao and Binance after a period of lobbying and speculation. It also signifies a shift towards reduced scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector by the Trump administration, even as the president and his family develop their own crypto business empire worth billions.
A spokesperson from Binance commented, “Today brings remarkable news regarding CZ’s pardon. We express our gratitude to President Trump for his guidance and dedication to making the United States the leading hub for cryptocurrency.”
During a press interaction on Thursday, President Trump addressed the pardon, minimizing Zhao’s offenses and asserting that he had no previous relationship with the cryptocurrency mogul.
In response to a query from a reporter about the decision, President Trump remarked, “Are you referring to the crypto individual? Many assert that he did nothing wrong. They claim his actions weren’t even criminal. It was persecution from the Biden administration, leading me to pardon him upon request from a number of esteemed individuals.”
Representatives from the Trump family’s crypto venture have discussed acquiring a stake in The Wall Street Journal, which is Binance’s U.S. arm. This was reported earlier this year. Mr. Zhao claimed that he was negotiating an agreement in return for clemency.
“Fact: I have never discussed my arrangement with Binance US with…well, anyone,” Zhao stated in a post on X in March. “Serious criminals wouldn’t be concerned about pardons,” he added.
However, Binance has significantly contributed to the growth of the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency enterprise. Earlier this year, when Binance entered into a $2 billion agreement with a UAE investment fund, the payment was made using a cryptocurrency developed by World Liberty Financial. This enhanced the legitimacy of the Trump family’s digital currency and proved to be a highly profitable move for Binance.
In May, Zach Witkoff, the founder of the Trump family’s cryptocurrency entity, expressed at a press conference in Dubai to unveil the deal: “We appreciate the confidence that MGX and Binance have placed in us.”
A group of Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; issued a statement after the May agreement, expressing concerns that Binance and the Trump administration may be seeking a deal that enriches the president.
“As the administration eases oversight of industries violating money laundering and sanctions regulations, it is not surprising that Binance, which has acknowledged prioritizing its growth and profits over compliance with U.S. law, would seek to eliminate the supervision mandated by the settlement,” the senators remarked.
The lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice against Binance alleges that the company neglected to report over 100,000 suspicious transactions to law enforcement, including those involving U.S.-designated terrorist entities such as Al Qaeda and Hamas. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against the company in 2023, but dropped the case shortly after President Trump assumed office.
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Greetings! Welcome to TechScape. I’m your host and editor, Blake Montgomery. Here’s what we’re focusing on this week: South Park’s caricatures of Peter Thiel and his fascination with the Antichrist. Check out our report on Thiel’s odd off-the-record lecture that inspired the show. Now, let’s get started.
Marc Benioff Catches President Trump’s Attention
Last week, the co-founder and CEO of Salesforce suggested that Donald Trump should go ahead with his threat to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, even amidst local opposition. Even Benioff’s public relations manager was reportedly shocked by his remarks, as per a New York Times article.
Benioff is a well-regarded figure in San Francisco, being the city’s largest private employer. His comments coincided with Salesforce’s flagship conference, Dreamforce, which was set to take over the streets of the city. With a net worth of around $9 billion, according to Forbes, he plays a significant role in the political landscape, particularly within Democratic circles, though his wealth is dwarfed by that of Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.
His statements contradicted his liberal persona and previous declarations, as well as Salesforce’s operational philosophy. The remarks have divided opinions among tech leaders; in fact, one of Salesforce’s board members resigned in protest, while Musk reportedly supported him. My colleague, Dani Anguiano, noted, “Trump megadonor David Sachs, appointed by the president as AI and cryptocurrency czar, remarked that San Francisco could be swiftly eliminated with a ‘targeted operation,’ while Benioff suggested the military could aid police efforts.”
Mr. Benioff issued an apology on Friday, stating, “I have heard the voices of my fellow San Franciscans and local officials…I do not think the National Guard is needed to address security in San Francisco.” He mentioned that security concerns for Dreamforce fueled his comments.
It seems Mr. Benioff managed to provoke discussion without burning too much political capital, having shown a degree of empathy toward the Trump administration. On Monday, President Trump seemed to affirm his “unquestionable authority” to deploy federal troops to San Francisco.
“We’re going to San Francisco. The difference is, they want us in San Francisco,” Trump remarked in an interview.
Read more: President Trump vows to send troops to San Francisco, asserting ‘unquestionable authority’
Amazon Web Services Outage Highlights the Dangers of Centralization
Photo: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters
My colleagues Dan Milmo and Graeme Wearden report on a significant outage that occurred yesterday in Amazon Web Services, Amazon’s cloud division:
A technical glitch in Amazon’s cloud service resulted in the disruption of applications and websites globally on Monday.
Platforms impacted included Snapchat, Roblox, Signal, Duolingo, and several Amazon-owned businesses, among others.
According to internet outage monitoring site Downdetector, over 1,000 companies were affected around the world, with users reporting 6.5 million issues, including more than 1 million in the U.S., 400,000 in the U.K., and 200,000 in Australia.
Experts have raised concerns regarding the risks of depending on a small cohort of companies to manage the global internet. This failure underscored the inherent dangers of the internet’s reliance on a limited number of tech firms, with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google being pivotal players in the cloud sector.
Dr. Colin Cass Speth, the head of digital at the human rights organization Article 19, remarked, “We urgently need to diversify cloud computing. The infrastructure that supports democratic discourse, independent journalism, and secure communications cannot rely solely on a handful of companies.”
OpenAI’s Sora Creates Dolls of Historical Figures
Photo: Argi February Sugita/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
OpenAI’s Sora, an AI-driven video generation app, has been thriving since its release, primarily due to its capability to create videos featuring your or your friends’ faces. For instance, I made a jogging-themed version of Ratatouille starring a friend preparing for the New York City Marathon.
Sora also enables users to create videos featuring the faces of late celebrities. A significant and controversial case was Martin Luther King Jr., whose likeness appeared in many AI-generated videos since Sora’s launch, until the company decided to cease using it following complaints from his estate.
As Niamh Rowe noted, “Videos circulating in my feed show Dr. King making monkey noises during his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Other clips depict Bryant reenacting the helicopter crash that tragically claimed his life and that of his daughter.”
Other celebrity estates have echoed similar grievances. Malcolm X’s daughter stated that a video involving her father was “extremely disrespectful and hurtful.” Moreover, the daughter of comedian George Carlin described his AI-generated clip as “overwhelming and depressing” in a Blue Sky post, while Robin Williams’ daughter shared on Instagram that the AI-generated video of her father was “not what he wanted.”
Zelda Williams articulated, “Witnessing real people’s legacies reduced to this… is both horrifying and infuriating, especially with TikTok’s careless puppeteering.”
This trend has repeatedly surfaced with OpenAI. The company tends to be less cautious about reputational risks compared to rivals like Meta, which rolled out an AI-powered video app lacking the ability to deepfake friends concurrently with Sora. Google also withheld its version of ChatGPT for similar reasons; meanwhile, OpenAI’s audacity has allowed it to eclipse Google in this race. They even had to temporarily shut down their image-generating app when it was used to create diverse representations of Vikings. It’s alarming to consider the implications had they let MLK Jr.’s likeness run rampant.
Read more: ‘A legacy of AI missteps’: Video of OpenAI Sora’s death alarms legal experts
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have joined forces with AI innovators and Nobel laureates to advocate for a moratorium on the advancement of superintelligent AI systems.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are signatories of a declaration urging a halt to the pursuit of superintelligence. Artificial superintelligence (ASI) refers to as-yet unrealized AI systems that would surpass human intelligence across any cognitive task.
The declaration requests that the ban remain until there is a “broad scientific consensus” and “strong public support” for the safe and controlled development of ASI.
Notable signatories include AI pioneer and Nobel laureate Jeffrey Hinton, along with fellow “godfather” of modern AI, Yoshua Bengio, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, British entrepreneur Richard Branson, Susan Rice, former National Security Advisor under Barack Obama, former Irish president Mary Robinson, and British author Stephen Fry. Other Nobel winners, like Beatrice Finn, Frank Wilczek, John C. Mather, and Daron Acemoglu, also added their names.
The statement targets governments, tech firms, and legislators, and was sponsored by the Future of Life Institute (FLI), a US-based group focused on AI safety. It called for a moratorium on the development of powerful AI systems in 2023, coinciding with the global attention that ChatGPT brought to the matter.
In July, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (parent company of Facebook and a key player in U.S. AI development), remarked that the advent of superintelligence is “on the horizon.” Nonetheless, some experts argue that the conversation around ASI is more about competition among tech companies, which are investing hundreds of billions into AI this year, rather than signaling a near-term technological breakthrough.
Still, FLI warns that achieving ASI “within the next 10 years” could bring significant threats, such as widespread job loss, erosion of civil liberties, national security vulnerabilities, and even existential risks to humanity. There is growing concern that AI systems may bypass human controls and safety measures, leading to actions that contradict human interests.
A national survey conducted by FLI revealed that nearly 75% of Americans support stringent regulations on advanced AI. Moreover, 60% believe that superhuman AI should not be developed until it can be demonstrated as safe or controllable. The survey of 2,000 U.S. adults also found that only 5% endorse the current trajectory of rapid, unregulated development.
Leading AI firms in the U.S., including ChatGPT creator OpenAI and Google, have set the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI)—a hypothetical state where AI reaches human-level intelligence across various cognitive tasks—as a primary objective. Although this ambition is not as advanced as ASI, many experts caution that ASI could unintentionally threaten the modern job market, especially due to its capacity for self-improvement toward superintelligence.
Open AI has severed its relationship with the Technology Council of Australia due to copyright limitations, asserting that its AI models “will be utilized in Australia regardless.”
Chris Lehane, the chief international affairs officer of the company behind ChatGPT, delivered a keynote address at SXSW Sydney on Friday. He discussed the geopolitics surrounding AI, the technological future in Australia, and the ongoing global discourse about employing copyrighted materials for training extensive language models.
Scott Farquhar, CEO of the Tech Council and co-founder of Atlassian, previously remarked that Australia’s copyright laws are “extremely detrimental to companies investing in Australia.”
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In August, it was disclosed that the Productivity Commission was evaluating whether tech companies should receive exemptions from copyright regulations that hinder the mining of text and data for training AI models.
However, when asked about the risk of Australia losing investment in AI development and data centers if it doesn’t relax its fair use copyright laws, Mr. Lehane responded to the audience:
“No…we’re going to Australia regardless.”
Lehane stated that countries typically adopt one of two stances regarding copyright restrictions and AI. One stance aligns with a US-style fair use copyright model, promoting the development of “frontier” (advanced, large-scale) AI; the other maintains traditional copyright positions and restricts the scope of AI.
“We plan to collaborate with both types of countries. We aim to partner with those wanting to develop substantial frontier models and robust ecosystems or those with a more limited AI range,” he expressed. “We are committed to working with them in any context.”
When questioned about Sora 2 (Open AI’s latest video generation model) being launched and monetized before addressing copyright usage, he stated that the technology benefits “everyone.”
“This is the essence of technological evolution: innovations emerge, and society adapts,” he commented. “We are a nonprofit organization, dedicated to creating AI that serves everyone, much like how people accessed libraries for knowledge generations ago.”
AI opened on Friday stopped the ability to produce a video featuring the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. after his family’s complaints about the technology.
Lehane also mentioned that the competition between China and the United States in shaping the future of global AI is “very real” and that their values are fundamentally different.
“We don’t see this as a battle, but rather a competition, with significant stakes involved,” he stated, adding that the U.S.-led frontier model “will be founded on democratic values,” while China’s frontier model is likely to be rooted in authoritarian principles.
“Ultimately, one of the two will emerge as the player that supports the global community,” he added.
When asked if he had confidence in the U.S. maintaining its democratic status, he responded: “As mentioned by others, democracy can be a convoluted process, but the United States has historically shown the ability to navigate this effectively.”
He also stated that the U.S. and its allies, including Australia, need to generate gigawatts of energy weekly to establish the infrastructure necessary for sustaining a “democratic lead” in AI, while Australia has the opportunity to create its own frontier AI.
He emphasized that “Australia holds a very unique position” with a vast AI user base, around 30,000 developers, abundant talent, a quickly expanding renewable energy sector, fiber optic connectivity with Asia, and its status as a Five Eyes nation.
This year’s Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to three experts who explore the influence of technology on economic growth.
Joel Mokyr from Northwestern University receives half of the prize, amounting to 11 million Swedish kronor (£867,000), while the remaining portion is shared between Philippe Aghion from the Collège de France, INSEAD Business School, and the London School of Economics, alongside Peter Howitt from Brown University.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced this award during a period marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and ongoing discussions about its societal implications, stating that the trio laid the groundwork for understanding “economic growth through innovation.”
This accolade comes at a time when nations worldwide are striving to rejuvenate economic growth, which has faced stagnation since the 2008 financial crisis, with rising concerns about sluggish productivity, slow improvements in living standards, and heightened political tensions.
Aghion has cautioned that “dark clouds” are forming amid President Donald Trump’s trade war, which heightens trade barriers. He emphasized that fostering innovation in green industries and curbing the rise of major tech monopolies are crucial for sustaining growth in the future.
“We cannot support the wave of protectionism in the United States, as it hinders global growth and innovation,” he noted.
While accepting the award, he pointed out that AI holds “tremendous growth potential” but urged governments to implement stringent competition policies to handle the growth of emerging tech firms. “A few leading companies may end up monopolizing the field, stifling new entrants and innovation. How can we ensure that today’s innovators do not hinder future advancements?”
The awards committee indicated that technological advancements have fueled continuous economic growth for the last two centuries, yet cautioned that further progress cannot be assumed.
Mokyr, a Dutch-born Israeli-American economic historian, was recognized for his research on the prerequisites for sustained growth driven by technological progress. Aghion and Howitt were honored for their examination of how “creative destruction” is pivotal for fostering growth.
“We must safeguard the core mechanisms of creative destruction to prevent sliding back into stagnation,” remarked John Hassler, chairman of the Economics Prize.
Established in the 1960s, the professional National Bank of Sweden awarded the Economics Prize in memory of Alfred Nobel.
SI’m considering getting a new laptop. It’s a common sentiment; most people feel this way at some point, typically after the initial excitement of a new device wears off. As technology progresses, newer models beckon, making it easy to forget the device you currently own.
I’m not here to judge your choice, but as someone with a background in technology, I can offer insights that might help you resist the temptation to upgrade.
Let’s begin with the essentials. The primary reason most people don’t acquire a new laptop is simply that they don’t need one. We live in a world where technology evolves rapidly, but the tasks we perform on our laptops have changed at a much slower rate. For most of us, 99% of our time is spent on a few key applications: web browsers, video conferencing tools, word processors, and presentation or spreadsheet software.
If you’re seeking a new laptop because your current one has a subpar screen or a frustrating keyboard, you may indeed have a valid reason. However, if it’s all about that faster processor or more storage, SSD, take a breather. Do you truly believe that transitioning to a Core Ultra 5 processor from an older i3 will drastically improve your report writing speed? Before blaming your tech, consider where your productivity stands.
Additionally, having an outdated connector isn’t a strong argument either. While your laptop may not possess the latest USB ports or Wi-Fi capabilities, the beauty of modern standards lies in their impressive backward and forward compatibility. There’s no need for a new laptop just to connect with your state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 7 router—my Wi-Fi 5 card still performs fine (even though Windows updates might take longer). With the right cable or adapter, you can use any USB device dating back to 1996.
Save Money and the Environment
Laptop computers utilize materials that negatively impact the environment. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Also, consider that staying with your current laptop could save you money. Spending upwards of $10,000 on a high-spec device is significant, and the notion of a long-term investment might make it feel justified. However, that amount might be better allocated elsewhere.
If you’re facing issues with your laptop and contemplating a replacement, repairs could offer a more economical solution. Unfortunately, this isn’t always feasible due to the trend toward factory-sealed devices and soldered components. Still, sometimes, a damaged laptop can be restored for a fraction of the replacement cost.
Another point against retiring your old laptop is that producing a new one requires environmentally damaging materials, and disposing of an old laptop can be more harmful to the environment.
Finally, after unboxing your sleek new laptop, you’ll likely spend days or weeks reinstalling various software and drivers, tweaking settings until it functions just like your old laptop did.
How to Maximize Your Existing Laptop
Upgrading your hardware can give your laptop a new lease on life. Photo: baona/Getty Images/iStockphoto
If you decide to keep your laptop, there are steps to improve its performance. If you’re annoyed by constant pop-ups or sluggishness, consider reviewing your startup items and disabling those you don’t need. Windows can function smoothly without third-party apps launching at startup. Likewise for Mac users, check your login items and eliminate the unnecessary.
The same applies to browser extensions, which can accumulate, leading to a cluttered browsing experience. Each extension uses resources and can impact performance. If you use Chrome, enter chrome://extensions in the address bar to remove unmaintained extensions. For Microsoft Edge, use edge://extensions; for Safari, go to [設定] and select [拡張機能].
While you’re at it, conduct a thorough clean-up of your storage as well. Numerous effective free tools can analyze your hard drive and show you what’s consuming space. My favorites include WinDirStat for Windows and Disk Inventory X for Mac. You might be surprised by how much space is occupied by old downloads and unnecessary applications. Deleting them might not speed up your computer, but if storage is a concern, it could help stave off the urge to upgrade.
Alternatively, breathing new life into your laptop could be a matter of hardware upgrades. While this isn’t always feasible, it’s worthwhile to see if you can increase your memory, enhance storage, or replace the battery. Notably, boosting your RAM can dramatically enhance your overall experience, as modern operating systems and applications are designed with a baseline of at least 8GB in mind and often prefer 16GB or more to operate smoothly.
… Or consider giving it a thorough cleaning. Photo: d3sign/Getty Images
There’s also the comprehensive option of a complete system wipe and reinstallation. Thanks to modern technology, you don’t need to juggle floppy disks anymore; you can easily download and reinstall operating system files from the Internet. This process can refresh your laptop, but remember, it will revert your computer to the original, uncustomized state like a brand-new laptop. Before doing this, ensure you back up all your personal files, as reinstallers might suggest preserving documents and settings, but any loss will be your responsibility.
While we’re discussing this, don’t overlook the benefits of physical cleanliness. Part of the excitement of a new laptop often comes from a pristine screen and clean, responsive keys. I recommend shutting down your laptop, grabbing a non-abrasive cloth (a microfiber one is ideal), and giving it a thorough wipe down. Following that, turn it upside down and use a handheld vacuum to clean the keyboard, making sure to scrub the keys and remove any dust or small debris.
You Might Need a New One After All: Signs to Upgrade Your Laptop
In some cases, purchasing a new laptop may be unavoidable. Photo: Westend61/Getty Images
Despite these points, there are situations where investing in a new laptop is justified. As noted earlier, repairs and upgrades might not be viable options. If your screen is cracked, the only recourse may be to consult with a computer repair shop.
Another frustrating scenario arises when the hardware functions properly but is just too old to accommodate the latest operating systems and security updates. For the first time in about a decade, this issue is emerging with Apple systems, impacting millions of PCs as Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14th. Systems meeting Windows 11’s requirements can upgrade for free, leaving older models unsupported.
If your computer falls into this unfortunate category and you’re not in a position to switch to a different operating system, then acquiring a new laptop becomes crucial. Although continuing to use unsupported software is possible, we ethically cannot recommend it, as it exposes you to security vulnerabilities.
This doesn’t mean you have to dispose of your existing laptop. Almost any device can support the free Linux operating system, allowing you to use it for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing with LibreOffice, or video calls.
Alternatively, Google’s ChromeOS Flex platform presents a free version of the Chromebook OS that can be installed on various laptops. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it, you’re contributing to its lifespan and helping mitigate the environmental impact associated with its disposal.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the social aspect of this situation. Portable computers are meant to be seen. Using an older laptop at your local café might communicate a message, but it doesn’t necessarily carry a negative connotation; it indicates loyalty and practicality, showcasing your resistance against consumerism.
For more tips, check out our guide on extending your phone’s lifespan.
Darien Graham-Smith has been a professional IT journalist for over 20 years, covering brands from Amazon to Zyxel.He has contributed to various magazines, newspapers, and websites, and as a lifelong technology enthusiast, he created the first “HELLO WORLD” program on his Sinclair ZX-80 and takes pride in having a home stocked with all the latest consumer gadgets, whether they are useful or not.
Josh, there’s been quite the buzz online among runners and cyclists regarding Strava’s lawsuit against Garmin. As a runner, I must admit that I hit the pavement to escape reality, not to get involved in more online debates. What is going on?
Miles, Strava is the essential app for runners and cyclists to log their workouts. Its social features enable users to compete against each other’s times in a friendly rivalry and discover popular exercise spots.
If you’re eager to showcase your workouts to everyone, this is the Instagram for fitness.
While workouts can be tracked via smartphones or Strava’s integrated GPS, many prefer wearing fitness watches for their perceived accuracy. This is where Garmin comes into play. Strava lets Garmin fitness tracking watches interface with its app through Garmin Connect.
The collaboration between both companies has worked well for several years, but now Strava is suing Garmin in US court, claiming that Garmin has infringed on two of Strava’s patents: segments and heatmaps.
Segments and heatmaps… I’m feeling lost.
Segments allow users to monitor their times on specific sections of a route and compare against others, while heatmaps help users identify popular locations for running worldwide.
Strava alleges that Garmin has copied these features, thus violating a 10-year-old agreement they had where Garmin promised not to reverse engineer certain functionalities of the Strava app.
But why do runners seem so obsessed with their sport (see what I did there)? Why does my Reddit feed overflow with enthusiastic runners?
Perhaps you’ve heard someone annoying say, “If it wasn’t on Strava, it didn’t happen.” Runners fixate on their metrics and strive for the quickest segment times. It almost resembles a cult. Some people are even sharing coffee mugs, t-shirts, and their unique creations, with wedding photos on Strava.
The surge of Strava coincides with the running boom, and like other cultural shifts, it’s manifesting both in real life and online. Strava simplifies data sharing, making it a hotspot for fitness influencers.
Despite some unrest since early November regarding Garmin compelling users to watermark Strava workouts with Garmin device details, much of the backlash centers on Strava’s lawsuit that may impede users from sharing their runs.
Some users worry that this conflict might hinder their workout plans, with reports like tracking no longer available. Others express that while they enjoy the Strava app, it feels too closely associated with their Garmin devices for comfort. Tracking training.
One user pointed out that much of the data forming Strava’s heat maps is sourced from Garmin users, meaning a lack of this data could spell trouble for Strava.
So what does Strava seek from Garmin? Or are they just looking to end the partnership?
Matt Salazar, Strava’s Chief Product Officer, addressed the situation on Reddit recently. He indicated the lawsuit was filed after Garmin mandated Strava to comply with new watermarking protocols, which threatened the continuation of Garmin data usage by November 1st. This lawsuit attempts to address that issue.
In its court filings, Strava is demanding Garmin halt the sale of devices that allegedly infringe on their patents.
Salazar’s Reddit post bore the title “Setting the record straight on Garmin.” However, comments under his post revealed users stating they would stop using Strava if it were discontinued, accusing Strava of hypocrisy regarding its claims to safeguard user data.
Currently, Garmin has yet to comment on the allegations or requests for statements. The company plans to hold a conference call for investors later this month, ahead of the Strava deadline on November 1st, so we can expect more information then.
What steps should runners take? Which side should they support in this clash?
If you head out for a run and it doesn’t appear on Strava or Garmin, remember, it truly took place. Log off, lace up, and reconnect with nature.
As young individuals enter the job market, they are encountering what some are calling an “employment apocalypse.” This is due to business leaders opting to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) over new hires, as revealed in a survey of global executives.
A report by the British Standards Institute (BSI) indicated that rather than nurturing junior employees, employers are focusing on AI automation to bridge skill gaps and enable layoffs.
In a study involving over 850 business leaders from seven countries—namely the UK, US, France, Germany, Australia, China, and Japan—41% of respondents reported that AI has facilitated a reduction in their workforce.
Nearly a third (31%) stated their organizations are considering AI solutions before hiring new talent, with two-fifths planning to do so in the next five years.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by Gen Z workers (born from 1997 to 2012) in a cooling labor market, a quarter of executives believe that AI could perform all or most tasks currently handled by entry-level staff.
Susan Taylor-Martin, CEO of BSI, commented: “AI offers significant opportunities for companies worldwide. However, as firms strive for enhanced productivity and efficiency, we must remember that humans ultimately drive progress.
“Our findings show that balancing the benefits of AI with supporting the workforce is a key challenge of this era. Alongside our AI investments, long-term thinking and workforce development are crucial for sustainable and productive employment.”
Additionally, 39% of leaders reported that entry-level roles have already been diminished or eliminated due to the efficiencies gained from AI in tasks like research and administration.
More than half of the respondents expressed relief that they commenced their careers before AI became prevalent, yet 53% felt that the advantages of AI in their organizations outweigh the disruptions to the workforce.
UK businesses are rapidly embracing AI, with 76% of leaders anticipating that new tools will yield tangible benefits within the next year.
Executives noted that the primary motivations behind AI investments are to enhance productivity and efficiency, cut costs, and address skills gaps.
An analysis from BSI of companies’ annual reports revealed that the term ‘automation’ appeared almost seven times more frequently than ‘upskilling’ or ‘retraining.’
Additionally, a recent poll from the Trades Union Congress found that half of British adults are apprehensive about AI’s impact on their jobs, fearing that AI may displace them.
Recent months have seen the UK’s job market cool, with wage growth decelerating and the unemployment rate rising to 4.7%, the highest in four years. Nevertheless, most economists attribute this not to a surge in AI investments.
Conversely, there are worries that the inflated valuations of AI companies could spark a stock market bubble, potentially leading to a market crash.
In Singapore, a government-funded artificial intelligence model Converse in 11 languages spans from Indonesian to Lao. In Malaysia, ilm chat
developed by a local construction conglomerate, claims it “knows which Georgetown you’re referring to.” Thus, it’s not a private university in the US, but the capital of Penang. Conversely, the Swiss Apertus announced in September
that it can differentiate when to use “ss” in Swiss German instead of the “ß” used in standard German.
Globally, language models like these are integral to an AI arms race valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. dollars
Much of this is led by a few dominant companies in the US and China. As OpenAI, Meta, Alibaba, and others invest billions in building more advanced models, middle powers and developing nations are closely monitoring the landscape and often making significant commitments of their own.
These initiatives are part of a movement loosely termed “sovereign AI,” where nations from the UK to India to Canada aim to create their own AI solutions and establish their positioning within this evolving ecosystem.
Yet, with hundreds of billions in play globally, can smaller investments yield substantial returns?
“U.S.-based firms, the U.S. government, and China can practically storm ahead in AI development, making it challenging for smaller nations,” noted Trisha Ray, a senior researcher at the Atlantic Council, a U.S.-based strategic think tank.
“Unless you’re a wealthy government or major corporation, creating a large language model from scratch is a considerable burden.”
Defense Concerns
Nonetheless, numerous countries are hesitant to depend on foreign AI for their requirements.
India, the second-largest market for OpenAI, has recorded over 100 million ChatGPT downloads in recent years. However, Abhishek Upperwal, founder of Socket AI, highlights several instances where U.S.-made AI systems have fallen short. For example, a deployed AI agent intended to educate students in a remote Telangana village communicates in English but with a heavy, nearly incomprehensible American accent, while an Indian legal startup’s effort to adapt Meta’s LLaMa AI model encountered barriers, resulting in a mixed bag of U.S.-Indian legal advice, Upperwal explains.
There are also looming national security concerns. For India’s defense sector, any Chinese deep learning model is considered off-limits, according to Upperwal. “This could encompass untrustworthy training data claiming that Ladakh isn’t a part of India… Utilizing such a model in a defense context is absolutely unacceptable.”
“I’ve spoken with individuals involved in defense,” Upperwal stated. “They want to leverage AI, but they disregard DeepSeek and wish to avoid reliance on it altogether. Using U.S. systems like OpenAI is distinctly problematic since it risks data leaks from the country.”
Socket AI represents one of the few initiatives aimed at constructing a national LLM for India, supported by the IndiaAI Mission, a government-funded project that has invested roughly $1.25 billion in AI advancements. Upperwal envisions a model less resource-intensive than those produced by major American and Chinese tech firms, closely aligning with some from the French AI company Mistral.
AI researchers have long contended that pushing the technology boundary to reach the often-elusive goal of artificial general intelligence (AGI) will necessitate considerable resources, including chips and computing capabilities. Upperwal emphasizes that India must compensate for its funding gaps with talent.
“In India, spending billions is not an option,” he asserts. “How can we compete against the $100 to $500 billion being invested by the United States? I believe leveraging core expertise and intellect is crucial.”
In Singapore, AI Singapore is a government initiative backing the SEA-LION project. SEA-LION is a suite of language models designed specifically for Southeast Asian languages that are typically underrepresented in U.S. and Chinese LLMs, such as Malay, Thai, Lao, Indonesian, and Khmer among others.
Leslie Teo, Senior Director at AI Singapore, notes that these models aim to enhance rather than overshadow larger ones. Systems like ChatGPT and Gemini often falter with regional languages and cultural contexts, according to Teo. For instance, they may communicate in excessively formal Khmer or suggest pork-based recipes to users in Malaysia. Creating local language LLMs will empower local governments to code with cultural intricacies or at the very least become “smart consumers” of robust technologies developed abroad.
“I am very cautious with the term sovereignty. Essentially, we want better representation and a clearer understanding of how AI systems operate,” he states.
Multilateral Cooperation
For nations seeking to carve out a niche in an increasingly competitive global arena, collaboration is another option. Researchers tied to Bennett School of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge have lately suggested forming a public AI enterprise distributed across a consortium of middle-income nations.
They refer to this initiative as Airbus for AI, alluding to Europe’s successful efforts in establishing a competitor to Boeing in the 1960s. Their proposal envisages creating a public AI company that would unify the resources of AI initiatives from the UK, Spain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, France, Switzerland, and Sweden, aiming to forge a formidable rival to the tech giants of the U.S. and China.
Joshua Tan, the lead author of a paper outlining the initiative, mentioned that the idea has garnered interest from AI ministers in at least three nations and several sovereign AI firms. While the emphasis is currently on “powerful middle powers,” developing nations like Mongolia and Rwanda are also reportedly expressing interest.
“There’s certainly less trust in the current U.S. administration’s commitments. Questions are arising about the reliability of this technology and what might occur if they withdraw support,” he remarks.
Tan’s proposal is optimistic about the potential for collaboration among nations. However, critics suggest that even a coordinated multi-country strategy could squander taxpayer resources on initiatives that may not yield fruitful results.
“I hope that those developing this [sovereign] AI model understand how far and how rapidly advancements are progressing,” comments Tzu Kit Chan, an AI strategist advising the Malaysian government.
“What’s the alternative? If governments pursue flawed strategies in crafting their own sovereign AI models, they risk wasting vast amounts of capital.”
According to Chan, a more prudent approach would be for governments like Malaysia’s to allocate these funds toward enhancing AI safety regulations, as opposed to competing with globally dominant products that have already captured the market.
“Walk down the streets of Malaysia, visit Kuala Lumpur, engage with your financial counterparts and inquire about the models they utilize,” he suggests.
“Out of 10, I doubt that more than 2 are employing a sovereign AI model. Most are using ChatGPT or Gemini.”
On Monday, OpenAI and semiconductor manufacturer AMD revealed that they have entered into a multi-billion dollar agreement concerning chips, which will allow the creators of ChatGPT to purchase significant equity stakes in the chipmaker.
This arrangement provides OpenAI the chance to acquire 10% of AMD, reflecting substantial confidence in the company’s AI chips and software. Following the announcement, AMD’s stock soared by over 30%, contributing approximately $800 billion to its market capitalization.
“We are excited to announce our dedication to delivering a variety of services to our clientele,” stated Forest Norod, AMD’s Executive Vice President.
These recent investment commitments underscore OpenAI’s significance, as the increasing demands of the AI sector drive companies to advance AI technologies that rival or surpass human intelligence. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, pointed out that the primary limitation on the company’s expansion is access to computing resources, particularly extensive data centers equipped with advanced semiconductor chips. Last week, Nvidia declared a $100 billion investment in OpenAI, further solidifying the collaboration between these leading AI firms.
The agreement announced on Monday encompasses the deployment of hundreds of thousands of AMD AI chips or graphics processing units (GPUs) totaling 6 gigawatts over several years, starting in the latter half of 2026. AMD confirmed that OpenAI will establish a 1 Gigawatt facility utilizing the MI450 series chips beginning next year.
Additionally, AMD issued a warrant that enables OpenAI to purchase up to 160 million shares of AMD at just one cent each during the course of the chip trading.
AMD’s executives anticipate that this transaction will result in tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue. Due to the expected ripple effects of this contract, AMD has projected more than $100 million in new revenue over four years from OpenAI and other clientele.
“This marks a trailblazing initiative in an industry poised to significantly influence broader ecosystems, attracting others to join,” remarked Matt Hein, AMD’s Head of Strategy.
This agreement with AMD is expected to significantly bolster OpenAI’s infrastructure to fulfill its operational requirements, Altman confirmed in a statement.
However, it remains unclear how OpenAI plans to finance this substantial deal with AMD. According to media reports, the deal is estimated to be worth around $500 million, yielding approximately $4.3 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025 while burning through $2.5 billion in cash.
The Prevention League, a leading Jewish advocacy and anti-hate organization in the nation, has removed over 1,000 pages of extremism research from its website after facing significant backlash from right-wing influencers and Elon Musk on Tuesday night.
The now-deleted “extremist glossary” from the ADL included more than 1,000 entries offering background information on various groups and ideologies associated with racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of hate. The section dedicated to neo-Nazi groups, militias, and anti-Semitic conspiracies has been redirected to a landing page featuring its extremism research.
Musk and various right-wing accounts on X have recently targeted the ADL over this glossary, which included references to Turning Point USA, associated with the late far-right activist Charlie Kirk. Musk responded to a post on X, criticizing the group for its entries on Christian identity and mistakenly conflating the militant movement with Christianity as a whole. In truth, the term refers to a faction that advocates for racial jihadism against Jews and other minorities.
The ADL did not directly address the backlash in its statements regarding this decision, instead arguing that removing the glossary would enable organizations to “explore new strategies and creative approaches to present data and research more effectively.”
“With over 1,000 entries compiled over the years, the extremist glossary has been a valuable resource for high-level information across a broad array of topics. However, the increase in entries has rendered many outdated,” stated the ADL. “We have observed many entries that have been intentionally misrepresented and misused. Furthermore, experts continue to develop more comprehensive resources and innovative means to convey information on anti-Semitism, extremism, and hatred.”
The decision to remove the glossary comes amid intense criticism faced by the ADL from staff and researchers, particularly concerning Israeli policies and its narrow focus on Musk’s repeated defenses. The organization lost a donor, and a prominent executive resigned following a statement by CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, who has praised Musk.
The ADL has not addressed inquiries regarding the comprehensive resources mentioned in its statement. The glossary was launched in 2022 and marketed as the first database designed to aid the media, the public, and law enforcement in understanding extremist groups and their ideologies.
“We consider it the most extensive and user-friendly resource for extremist speech currently accessible to the public,” noted Oren Segal, senior vice president of the ADL Center, in a prior statement. “We believe an informed public is crucial for the defense of democracy.”
ADL pages that contained the 2022 press release now display a message stating, “You are not permitted to access this page.”
Musk has long targeted the ADL, previously threatening to sue the organization for its research documenting the rise of anti-Semitic content on social media platforms. However, the ADL and Greenblatt defended him earlier this year, but after other Jewish groups and lawmakers condemned Musk for a fascist-style salute following Donald Trump’s inauguration. The ADL referred to it as “an unfortunate gesture amid moments of enthusiasm.”
Musk has consistently tweeted about the glossary’s ADL entries, including those related to Kirk’s TPUSA, labeling the ADL a “hate group” and insinuating that it incites murder. The TPUSA entry did not label the organization as extremist but included a list of its leadership and activists linked to extremists or who have made “racist or biased statements.”
On Wednesday, Musk continued to focus on the ADL, reiterating his classification of it as a “hate group.” He also aligned with another right-wing pressure effort, making a call to boycott Netflix due to a show featuring trans characters.
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.
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.
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.
In March 2021, a 25-year-old American citizen arrived at Chicago’s Midway Airport and was detained by US Border Patrol agents. According to a recent report, the individual underwent a cheek swab for DNA collection. This person was later identified by state authorities, and their DNA was entered into the FBI’s genetic database, all without any criminal charges being filed.
This 25-year-old is among roughly 2,000 US citizens whose DNA was gathered and forwarded to the FBI by the Department of Homeland Security between 2020 and 2024, as reported by Georgetown’s Privacy and Technology Center. The report highlights that even some 14-year-old US citizens had their DNA collected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
“We have witnessed a significant breach of privacy,” stated Stevie Gloverson, director of research and advocacy at Georgetown’s Privacy Center. “We contend that the absence of oversight on DHS’s collection powers renders this program unconstitutional and a violation of the Fourth Amendment.”
When immigration officials collect DNA to share it with the FBI, it is stored in the Combined DNA Index System (Codis), which is utilized nationwide by various law enforcement agencies to identify crime suspects. A 2024 report also revealed that CBP collects DNA data from the Privacy and Technology Center in Georgetown. Additionally, the data indicates that DNA was collected and shared from immigrant children, with initial estimates suggesting that approximately 133,000 teens and children have had their sensitive genetic information uploaded to this federal criminal database for permanent retention.
The recent CBP document specifically outlines the number of US citizens from whom genetic samples were collected at various entry points, including significant airports. The agency gathered data on the ages of individuals whose DNA was obtained by border agents as well as any charges associated with them. Like the 25-year-old, around 40 US citizens had their DNA collected and forwarded to the FBI, including six minors.
Under current regulations, CBP is authorized to gather DNA from all individuals, regardless of citizenship status or criminal background.
However, the law does not permit Border Patrol agents to collect DNA samples from US citizens merely for being detained. Yet, recent disclosures indicate that CBP lacks a system to verify whether there is a legal basis for collecting personal DNA.
In some atypical instances, US citizens had DNA collected for minor infractions like “failure to declare” items. In at least two documented cases, citizens were subjected to DNA swabbing, with CBP agents merely noting the accusation as “immigration officer testing.”
“This is data from CBP’s own management,” Gloverson pointed out. “What the documentation reveals is alarming. Afterward, CBP agents are isolating US citizens and swabbing their mouths without justification.”
No formal federal charges have been filed in approximately 865 of the roughly 2,000 cases of US citizens whose DNA was collected by CBP, indicating, according to Gloverson, that no legal cases have been presented before an independent authority, such as a judge.
“Many of these individuals do not go before a judge to assess the legality of their detention and arrest,” she remarked.
DNA records can disclose highly sensitive information, such as genetic relationships and lineage, regardless of an individual’s citizenship status. Information found in the criminal database, utilized for criminal investigations, could subject individuals to scrutiny that may not otherwise occur, Gloverson warned.
“If you believe your citizenship guards you against authoritarian measures, this situation is clear evidence that it does not,” she concluded.
After successfully countering the US Department of Justice’s challenge regarding illegal monopoly in online searches, Google now faces another threat to its internet dominance in a trial centered around potentially abusive digital advertising practices.
This trial, which commenced on Monday in Alexandria, Virginia, focuses on the detrimental ruling by US District Judge Leonie Brinkema in April, who deemed certain aspects of Google’s digital advertising technology as an illegal monopoly. The judge concluded that Google’s actions were reducing competition and harming online publishers who depend on this system for revenue.
Over the next two weeks, Google and the Justice Department will present evidence in court and seek rulings on how to restore competitive market conditions, in what is being referred to as a “relief” trial according to Judge Brinkema.
As the Justice Department progresses, Brinkema has instructed Google to divest parts of its advertising technology. Google’s legal team argues that this could lead to “confusion and damage” to consumers and the overall internet ecosystem. However, the Justice Department contends that this is the most efficient and immediate approach to dismantling monopolies that have stifled competition and innovation for years.
“The goal of the relief is to take necessary steps to restore competition,” stated Julia Tarver Wood from the DOJ’s antitrust division during the opening remarks.
Wood accused Google of manipulating the market in a manner that conflicts with the principles of free competition.
“The means of fraud are hidden within computer code and algorithms,” Wood remarked.
In response, Google’s attorney Karen Dunn argued that the proposed government intervention was unreasonable and extreme, asserting that the DOJ aimed to eliminate Google from the competitive landscape entirely.
The Justice Department is “advocating for a solution that addresses a past overshadowed by technological advances and market shifts in digital advertising consumption,” Google’s attorneys contended during the trial.
Regardless of the judges’ verdict, Google plans to appeal any earlier decisions labeling its advertising networks as a monopoly, although an appeal can only proceed once a remedy is established.
This case was initiated under the Biden administration in 2023 and threatens the intricate network that Google has built over the last 17 years to bolster its dominant position in the digital advertising sector. Digital ad sales contribute significantly to the $350 billion revenue generated by Google’s services division for its parent company, Alphabet Inc.
Google asserts that it has made considerable adjustments to its “advertising manager” system, including more transparency and options for pricing, to address concerns highlighted in the judge’s ruling.
Google’s legal struggle regarding its advertising technology signifies another confrontation, following a recent case in which a federal judge condemned the major search engine as an illegal monopoly, leading to Remedy Hearings earlier this year aimed at combatting fraud.
In that scenario, the Justice Department suggested a strict enforcement measure that would mandate Google to sell its widely-used Chrome browser. However, US District Judge Amit Mehta opted for a more measured approach in a recent ruling that reshaped the search market, which is undergoing changes driven by artificial intelligence technology.
Google opposed all aspects of Mehta’s ruling, yet the outcome was generally perceived as a mere slap on the wrist. This sentiment contributed to a surge in Alphabet’s stock price, yielding a 20% increase since Mehta’s decision, elevating the company’s market valuation to over $3 trillion, making it one of only four publicly traded companies to achieve such a milestone.
With indications that the results of the Search Monopoly case could significantly impact advertising technology practices, Judge Brinkema has instructed both Google and the Department of Justice to incorporate Mehta’s decision into their arguments in forthcoming trials.
As seen in previous search cases, Google’s legal representatives have already asserted in court documents that the AI technologies applied by competitors in ad networks, like those operated by Meta, have transformed market dynamics, making a “radical” approach proposed by the Justice Department unnecessary.
Amazon faced a US government lawsuit on Monday, where it was accused of employing deceptive methods to enroll millions in its Prime subscription service, making cancellation nearly impossible.
A complaint from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), filed in June 2023, alleges that Amazon deliberately used a “dark pattern” design to mislead consumers into subscribing to a $139 Prime service during checkout.
According to the complaint, “For years, Amazon has intentionally and subconsciously enrolled millions of consumers in the Amazon Prime service.”
The case pivots on two primary claims: that Amazon registered customers without their clear consent through a confusing checkout process, and that it established a convoluted cancellation system dubbed “Illid.”
Judge John Chun presided over the case in federal court in Seattle. He is also overseeing another FTC case accusing Amazon of operating an illegal monopoly.
This lawsuit is part of a broader initiative, with multiple lawsuits against major tech companies in a bipartisan bid to rein in the influence of US tech giants after years of governmental inaction.
Allegedly, Amazon was aware of the extensive non-consensual Prime registrations but resisted modifications that would lessen these sign-ups due to their adverse effect on company revenue.
The FTC claims that Amazon’s checkout process forced customers to navigate a confusing interface designed with prominent buttons, effectively hiding the option to decline while signing up. Crucial information regarding Prime pricing and automatic updates was often concealed or presented in fine print, forming a core part of Amazon’s business model.
Additionally, the lawsuit scrutinizes Amazon’s cancellation procedure, which the FTC describes as a complicated “maze” involving 4 pages and 6 clicks.
The FTC seeks financial penalties, monetary relief, and permanent injunctions to mandate changes in Amazon’s practices.
In its defense, Amazon argues that the FTC is overreaching its legal boundaries and asserts that it has made improvements to its registration and cancellation processes, dismissing the allegations as outdated.
The trial is anticipated to last around four weeks, relying heavily on internal Amazon communications and documents, as well as testimonies from company executives and expert witnesses.
Should the FTC prevail, Amazon could face significant financial repercussions and may be required to reform its subscription practices under court supervision.
For a week now, the White House has indicated that a deal is on the horizon to transfer TikTok’s ownership to an American company. Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order this week that will establish a framework for a consortium of investors to take over the operations of the US-Chinese social media platform.
On Monday, officials from the White House revealed that US software company Oracle would license TikTok’s recommended algorithm as part of the agreement. This collaboration expands the existing management of TikTok data collected from US users.
The US president had a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, sharing on Truth Social that the call was “very good” and expressing gratitude for “TikTok’s approval.” Earlier in the week, leaders from both countries met in Madrid, Spain, to discuss trade agreements related to TikTok’s ownership.
The status of popular apps in the US has been uncertain for over a year, stemming from a 2024 Congressional vote that overwhelmingly approved a law banning social media apps unless they could find US buyers. The Supreme Court upheld the law in January, but on his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order delaying the ban. He has consistently postponed TikTok’s ban, which was initially his proposal, until a deal could be finalized.
Here’s what we know about the forthcoming agreements, including the involvement of media moguls and Oracle’s Larry Ellison alongside the Murdoch family, who recently surpassed Elon Musk as the richest individuals globally:
What are the terms of the transaction?
The deal aims to keep TikTok operational in the US, but under new ownership that is not linked to China. Lawmakers argue that a popular social media app owned by a Chinese entity poses risks, enabling potential propaganda spread among its 180 million US users.
At least 12 investors have shown interest in acquiring TikTok, including a consortium led by software giant Oracle. A complete roster of investors has yet to be disclosed. According to White House officials, Oracle is responsible for managing data for US users and overseeing TikTok’s influential recommendation algorithms, ensuring that information remains outside the jurisdiction of Chinese authorities.
ByteDance will ultimately retain less than 20% ownership of the app, as White House officials told Reuters, with US TikTok operations managed by a blend of existing US and global firms, along with new investors devoid of ties to Chinese authorities.
The agreement mandates that all data pertaining to US users be stored domestically within cloud infrastructure managed by Oracle.
Who is involved?
Trump mentioned in a Fox News Sunday interview that media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, CEO of Fox Corporation, might join the deal. He also indicated that Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, is involved.
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has been a key player among the potential buyers for quite some time. He leads a consortium that includes asset manager Blackstone, private equity firm Silverlake, Walmart, and billionaire Frank McCourt.
According to Reuters, the US government will not have a seat on the board or a golden share in the new entity that owns TikTok within the US. It remains uncertain if the US government will receive financial considerations as a condition for approval.
Why is this happening?
The prospect of banning TikTok began with Trump in 2020, citing that apps owned by China pose national security risks. This issue soon garnered bipartisan consensus, leading Congress to overwhelmingly pass a law last year that mandated the app’s ban unless sold by its Chinese owners. The initial deadline for TikTok’s ban was set for January 19th.
After embracing the app during his presidential campaign last year, Trump shifted his perspective on TikTok, gaining millions of followers and hosting TikTok CEO Shaw Chew at Mar-a-Lago and the White House. The president has praised social media platforms for enhancing his connection with younger voters in the 2024 election.
Trump issued the first executive order in January to delay the TikTok ban, subsequently signing three more orders to postpone enforcement until a deal could be reached. Currently, the president is delaying the enforcement of the law until mid-December, as transaction details are settled to ensure the new ownership is eligible for a complete sale.
What does the executive order do?
The order is expected to delineate the framework of the TikTok transaction and ensure the agreement complies with US law. The proposal reportedly includes a seven-member board comprised of Americans, and TikTok’s algorithm will be leased to the new US owner.
Trump’s executive order is anticipated to feature a new 120-day suspension of enforcement to facilitate investors and finalizing contracts.
Does China agree?
The US is optimistic about China’s approval of the deal and doesn’t plan further discussions with Beijing on the details, as White House officials explained to reporters during a conference call. However, they noted that additional documentation from both parties would be necessary for deal approval.
China has yet to confirm its approval of the transaction. ByteDance stated that while discussions about the app’s resolution are ongoing with the US government, any contracts will be “subject to approval under Chinese law.”
hGreetings from Ello and TechScape! Dara Kerr is here to fill in for Blake Montgomery, who is currently on vacation. In the meantime, I’m diving into the memes, games, and internet culture that surround Charlie Kirk’s recent filming.
The bullet that claimed the life of a conservative activist bore the inscription, “What will this inflate?” This quickly caught the attention of the online community. It’s a phrase often used in internet culture to poke fun at participants in online role-play communities, particularly within the fur fandom, where individuals dress up as anthropomorphic animal characters.
“The phrase is embraced by the fur community not just to tease them for being cringy, but also to claim ownership over memes,” he writes. Know your memes, a site that chronicles viral trends. “Ultimately, this phrase functions as a meme and is regarded as one of the most annoying things to say to someone else.”
Other bullet casings seized by law enforcement in Utah featured inscriptions that referenced online games and niche memes, igniting a wave of speculation on social media regarding the potential motives behind the murder. One casing read: “O Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao,” while another stated, “If you read this, you’re gay, Lmao.” The former connects to an Italian anti-fascist folk song, while the latter is described by web culture writer Ryan Broderick as “just a boilerplate edgy joke.” Last week’s newsletter carried the title, “Charlie Kirk was killed by a meme.”
The final bullet casing disclosed by law enforcement read, “Heyfascist! Catch!” followed by a series of arrow symbols. This sequence appears to allude to commands in the video game Helldivers 2 that are used to deploy 500kg bombs.
Suspect Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from a small Utah town near the Arizona border, has been charged with Kirk’s murder at a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk was hit by a single bullet fired from a “powerful bolt-action rifle” from a distant rooftop.
Both the suspect and the 31-year-old victim, Charlie Kirk, were well-versed in online culture. Kirk was associated with Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization, known for engaging in discussions about extremist views on race, immigration, gender identity, and gun rights. His rise to fame was primarily fueled by his strong online presence.
As my colleague Alaina Demopoulos wrote:
Kirk, a pivotal figure in Donald Trump’s rise, galvanized college conservatives who transitioned to a different ecosystem than mainstream media. Throughout the decade between Kirk’s emergence as a teenage activist and the shooting, he played a crucial role in the growth of MAGA politics alongside changes in the media landscape.
Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA aimed to redirect Obama-era youth outreach toward conservative values. Even adversaries of his views couldn’t disregard his significant presence in the political arena. For a young American viewer, Kirk represented a savvy figure across platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Tiktok, and live events—akin to a millennial and Gen Z version of Rush Limbaugh, the influential right-wing radio host of the 1990s.
You can read the full story here.
Photo: Peter Dasilva/Reuters
Recently, Meta faced allegations from two independent whistleblowers. One group of former and current employees claims that Meta’s virtual reality devices and apps are harming children. Another whistleblower, Attaullah Baig, who previously served as a security officer for Meta and WhatsApp, accuses the company of overlooking significant security and privacy issues within a messaging app, according to The New York Times.
In response to these VR device allegations, Meta spokesperson Dani Lever stated that the company has approved 180 studies related to VR since 2022. “Some of these examples are stitched together to fit a particular narrative and misrepresent the truth,” she asserted. Meta also emphasized having implemented features in its VR products to limit unwanted interactions and provide parental supervision tools.
One of the first whistleblowers, Sophie Chang, brought her findings to the Guardian in 2021. She documented how Facebook facilitated political manipulation across over 25 countries. Later that same year, Frances Haugen shared with the Wall Street Journal documentation examining various allegations made by Zhang, revealing Facebook’s awareness of the harm its social media apps posed to teenagers.
In 2023, Arturo Bejard also provided evidence to the Wall Street Journal, providing further proof that Meta recognized how Facebook and Instagram algorithms directed content to teenagers that amplified bullying, substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-harm.
This year alone, eight additional whistleblowers have stepped forward. Baig, alongside a group of six former employees, came forward last week.
U.S. lawmakers are taking these allegations seriously. Politicians such as Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley and Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal have expressed urgency in regulating Meta and other social media platforms.
“The revelations from these disclosures exhibit such significant risks to safety that it’s troubling. It shows that Meta is intentionally distorting the truth about abuse on the platform. ‘See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ is more than just a business philosophy—it’s a troubling narrative,” stated Blumenthal, who also mentioned that he and other senators are eager to advocate for “long-overdue reforms.”
Nick Clegg takes on challenging positions. He served as the British Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015, navigating the complex dynamics between David Cameron’s Conservatives and his own Liberal Democrats. A few years later, he embraced another tough role as Vice President of Meta and President of Global Affairs from 2018 until January 2025. In this capacity, he managed the contrasting landscapes of Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., as well as other governments. “How to Save the Internet” outlines Clegg’s approach to these demanding responsibilities and presents his vision for fostering a more collaborative and effective relationship between tech companies and regulators in the future.
The primary threats Clegg discusses in his book do not originate from the Internet; rather, they come in the form of regulatory actions against it. “The true aim of this book is not to safeguard myself, Meta, or major technologies. It is to enhance awareness about the future of the Internet and the potential benefits of these innovative technologies.”
However, much of the book focuses on defending Meta and large technology firms, beginning with a conflation of the widely beloved Internet with social media, which represents a more ambiguous aspect of online activity. In his exploration of “Techlash,” the swift public backlash against big tech occurring in the late 2010s, he poses the question:
That brings me to a recent survey I conducted through Harris Poll. I posed this question to a nationally representative sample of young American adults—the very generation that has been shaped by a plethora of social media platforms. We invited respondents to share their thoughts on the existence of various platforms and products. The regret for the existence of the Internet is low at 17%, while for smartphones, it’s only 21%. However, regret regarding major social media platforms is considerably higher, ranging from 34% for Instagram (owned by Meta) to 47% for TikTok and 50% for X. A parental investigation also found high levels of regret regarding social media. Similarly, other researchers have uncovered similar findings in their studies.
In other words, many of us would opt to disconnect from certain technologies if given the chance. Clegg presents this choice as binary: either fully embrace the Internet or shut it down. Yet, the real concern lies with social media, which can be regulated without dismantling the entire Internet and is consequently far more challenging to defend.
Nevertheless, Clegg attempts this defense. In the opening chapter, he addresses dual accusations that social media has harmed global democracy and adversely affected teenage mental health. While he acknowledges both have deteriorated since the 2010s, he contends that the decline merely coincides with the rise of social media and is not a direct cause. He refers to academic research, yet his interpretations echo standard narratives from Meta and overlook many critical counterarguments. For instance, consider this study contrasted with alternative perspectives. Ultimately, Clegg borrows many of his defensive phrases directly from a rebuttal published by Meta in response to criticisms, while my own work articulates a case for the detrimental impact of social media on democracy.
In this book, Clegg aligns himself with Meta’s narrative, despite previously holding different views on teenage mental health. Multiple state attorneys general in the U.S. have initiated lawsuits against Meta, revealing insights through obtained documents that show Clegg’s awareness of the issues. For instance, on August 27, 2021, Clegg sent an email to Mark Zuckerberg, prompted by an employee’s request for increased resources to address teenage mental health concerns. Clegg expressed that it was “increasingly urgent” to tackle “issues concerning the impact of products on the mental health of young people,” indicating that the company’s efforts were hampered by staffing shortages. Zuckerberg, however, did not respond to this email.
Clegg’s current stance—that harm is merely correlational and that such correlations lack significance—contradicts the experiences of numerous Meta employee, contractor, whistleblower, and leaked document evidence. One example comes from a 2019 Meta-offered study commissioned by the Tennessee Attorney General, where researchers informed Meta: “[teens] Despite Instagram’s addictive nature and detrimental effects on mental health, it’s still irresistible.”
Regarding his suggestions for preserving the Internet, Clegg proposes two key principles: radical transparency and collaboration. He advocates for tech companies to be more open about how their algorithms function and how decisions are made. He warns: “If the Silicon Valley Master refrains from opening up, external forces will intervene.”
In terms of collaboration, he advocates for a “digital democratic alliance,” emphasizing the importance of providing a counter to China’s technology, which supports its authoritarian regime. Clegg envisions that world democracies should unite to ensure the Internet upholds the democratic ideals prevalent in the 1990s.
Does Clegg’s vision hold merit? While transparency is commendable in theory, it may be too late to enforce these principles on the currently dominant companies of the Internet. As tech journalist Kara Swisher articulated, we built cities without infrastructure—no sanitation, no law enforcement, no guidance. Envision such a city. This lack of foundational design allows fraudsters, extremists, and others to thrive on these platforms, posing risks that even teenagers and large enterprises doubt can be addressed. A leap towards transparency by 2026 may prove insufficient to rectify the detrimental frameworks established two decades ago.
As for collaboration, envisioning a corporation like Meta relinquishing data and control seems implausible. The tech giant has garnered considerable support from the Trump administration, raising doubts about their willingness to pressure other nations. Thus, it remains unclear how “the choice will be taken out of their hands” should they resist cooperation. By whom?
The great biologist and ant expert, E.O. Wilson, once remarked that Marxism is “a good ideology for the wrong species.” After engaging with Clegg’s proposals, one might draw a parallel; his suggestions overlook the many critiques found in books addressing Meta’s unethical practices, numerous revelations from the 2021 leak known as the Facebook Files, and ongoing legal challenges.
Greetings and welcome to TechScape. I’m your host, Blake Montgomery, currently working on the audiobook rendition of Don DeLillo’s White Noise.
In today’s tech segment, Artificial Intelligence finds itself in the courtroom spotlight as Google’s pivotal antitrust trial unfolds, coinciding with significant settlements involving the book’s author.
Why Did OpenAI Assist Google in Skirting the Chrome Sale?
Google has evaded a major crisis thanks to its largest competitors. A judge recently ruled against forcing the sale of Chrome, the most popular web browser globally, allowing the tech giant to maintain its place.
Judge Amit Mehta, who concluded in 2024 that Google has maintained an illegal monopoly in internet search, indicated last week that the US government’s attempt to sell Chrome was not necessary. While the company cannot strike exclusive distribution deals for search engines, it still retains the ability to distribute on certain conditions, including sharing data with competitors. Although an appeal is likely, Sundar Pichai can breathe a little easier for now.
Many critics deemed this decision a light penalty, often referring to it as merely a “wrist slap.” This phrase echoed through numerous responses I received after the ruling was announced.
The leniency in the ruling stems from the emergence of real competition against Google, underscoring the significance of this case. While United States v. Google targets search specifically, its implications ripple into the developing realm of generative artificial intelligence.
“The rise of generative AI has altered the trajectory of this case,” remarked Mehta. “The remedies now focus on fostering competition among search engines and ensuring that Google’s advantages in search do not translate into the generative AI sector.”
Mehta noted that previous years saw little investment and innovation in internet searches, allowing Google to dominate unchecked. Today, various generative AI companies are securing substantial investments to introduce products that challenge conventional internet search advantages. Mehta particularly commended OpenAI and ChatGPT, mentioning them numerous times in his ruling.
“These firms are now better positioned, both financially and technologically, to compete with Google than traditional search entities have been for decades,” he stated. “There’s a hope that if a groundbreaking product surfaces, Google cannot simply overshadow its competitors.” This suggests a prudent approach before imposing serious disadvantages on Google in an increasingly competitive landscape.
For nearly two decades, Google has served as the default search engine for Safari since the iPhone’s launch. In contrast, competition in generative AI mirrors Apple’s dealings with both Google and OpenAI. In June 2024, Apple announced a collaboration with OpenAI for iPhone features. However, by August 2025, discussions with Google about utilizing Gemini for Siri’s overhaul surfaced. Bloomberg. May the best bot triumph.
Back in April, I speculated that OpenAI might emerge as a potential buyer for Chrome, predicting that ChatGPT’s creators would benefit from Google’s vulnerabilities. Later that month, OpenAI executives confirmed their intentions to pursue exactly that.
It’s almost poetic that OpenAI’s success has inadvertently saved Google. The startup seems to owe a debt of gratitude to its predecessors, as a research paper crafted by Google scholars laid the groundwork for ChatGPT back in 2017.
With Google valued at $2.84 trillion and OpenAI emerging as a David worth around $500 million, the narrative shifts to a classic underdog story. Stay tuned; OpenAI is not merely Google’s biggest competition. In December 2022, Google’s management team acknowledged the threat posed by ChatGPT, labeling it a “Code Red” for a profitable search business. Pichai even redirected many Google employees to focus on AI projects.
Unlike Goliath, who underestimated his challenger, Google recognized that the launch of ChatGPT—the moment generative AI entered mainstream consciousness—redefined the competitive landscape. The threat was indeed substantial.
While Google is racing to catch up with OpenAI in the AI arena, David still features the advantage of being the first mover. ChatGPT has become synonymous with generative AI, potentially representing AI in general. However, Google remains a formidable player, engaging billions daily through search engine AI features.
Thanks to Mehta’s ruling, Google narrowly averted a disaster, keeping Chrome in its portfolio. However, looming challenges await, as the tech giant faces another antitrust hearing later this year concerning its advertising business, essential to its financial success. Google controls the online advertising distribution channels and the platforms for digital sales.
Coincidentally, the European Union imposed a fine of approximately 3 billion euros on Google for exploiting its dominant position in advertising technology in the same week as Mehta’s verdict, threatening to dismantle its AdTech division.
Significant Payment Hopes to Secure Authors Cash from AI
On July 25, 2023, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, testifies before the Senate Judicial Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and Legal Trials in Washington, DC. Photo: Valerie Press/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Recently, Anthropic, the creator of the Claude Chatbot, agreed to a $1.5 billion payout to an authors’ group, settling allegations that they used millions of books to train their AI. This landmark settlement is hailed as the largest copyright restoration attempt ever. While Anthropic did not admit fault, they allocated $3,000 for each of approximately 500,000 authors, totaling $1.5 billion.
The company acknowledged training on roughly 7 million books acquired from various unauthorized sources in 2021. Following burgeoning copyright threats, they have since obtained and scanned physical copies of these works. Destruction of these items was lamentable.
For creative professionals concerned about AI’s existential threats, this settlement is a hard-won victory, addressing unauthorized use that threatens livelihoods. British writers have raised alarms about AI generating original text and are advocating for accountability from tech giants like Meta. However, hostility from the government appears unlikely, given Meta’s CEO’s close ties to the current US president.
The aftermath of Anthropic’s settlement has already had ripple effects, with authors filing lawsuits against Apple for allegedly using similar training methods.
Nonetheless, this outcome isn’t an unqualified triumph for writers. The central issue revolved around copyright infringement, which, while serious, had precedent under fair use, allowing Anthropic to utilize copyrighted books for AI training. Judge William Allsup suggested that using these books was akin to “readers wishing to become writers.” This outcome indicates that AI companies may have initially secured stronger positions than believed.
Read More: Anthropic did not infringe copyright when training AI on books without permission, court rules.
Moving forward, Meta appears to be the next prime litigation target for authors, given its similar practices to Anthropic in training models using unauthorized databases. While Meta emerged relatively unscathed in its recent copyright dispute, the Anthropic settlement could prompt Meta’s legal team to expedite resolving pending lawsuits.
Other key AI players remain unencumbered by lawsuits. While OpenAI and Microsoft face accusations regarding unauthorized usage of Books3, no substantial evidence has been established against them, unlike Anthropic and Meta.
This legal scrutiny extends to various media, with recent lawsuits against AI entities like MidJourney from Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney.
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