Games with loot boxes in Europe, including the UK, will now get a minimum age rating of 16. This change aims to help parents understand the potential risks, as loot boxes are seen by some as similar to gambling. The new rule takes effect in June and will only apply to new games released after this date.
Key Facts
Loot boxes in video games let players buy random mystery items using real or virtual money.
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) will rate games with loot boxes as PEGI 16 starting in June.
PEGI ratings help parents make informed choices about games suitable for different age groups.
Some argue that loot boxes in games are similar to gambling and can be harmful to young players.
The new rating will only apply to games released after the changes take effect.
The UK has no specific law regulating loot boxes despite concerns over their gambling-like nature.
New rules state game companies must limit loot box purchases by players under 18 without parental permission.
PEGI has also introduced new ratings for games with NFTs and other features like time-limited systems.
The article discusses the growing use of AI in workplaces and its impact on employees, particularly women. It highlights the need for companies to ensure equitable support for all employees as they adopt AI technologies. The article also points out that women face challenges in accessing leadership roles and adequate support for learning AI tools.
Key Facts
Companies are adopting AI technologies widely across workplaces.
There is concern about AI's impact on job growth and security.
Research shows AI is changing job roles but not eliminating the need for workers.
Women make up about half of the workforce but only 29% of senior leadership roles.
Entry-level women report less support than men in using AI tools.
A study found that employees who feel a sense of purpose are more likely to use AI.
Companies are ranked on their efforts to support women in the workplace, including their use of AI.
A report by AI company Anthropic investigates jobs at risk from AI and large-language models. It identifies programmers, data entry workers, and customer service representatives as most exposed but notes AI's current limited impact on job markets.
Key Facts
Anthropic released a report on March 5 about jobs at risk from AI.
AI is currently used mainly in programming and math-related jobs.
Computer programmers are 74% exposed to AI, and data entry workers are 67% exposed.
Customer service representatives are more than 70% exposed to AI usage.
Jobs in legal, arts, media, office administration, and sales show higher AI usage.
AI usage is underdeveloped in architecture, engineering, life, and social sciences.
Jobs requiring physical presence like repair, maintenance, and transport are less affected.
Anthropic plans to keep monitoring and updating the data on AI's impact.
The Pentagon has taken a significant role in shaping the U.S. AI industry by deciding not to work with Anthropic, highlighting its influence in AI policy through procurement decisions. This approach affects AI companies as they seek contracts with the government and could change how AI is regulated. This move by the Pentagon is unusual and raises legal and business concerns for companies like Anthropic and Microsoft.
Key Facts
The Pentagon is a major buyer of technology for the U.S. government.
The Pentagon's decision not to work with Anthropic affects its business contracts beyond the government.
Anthropic is suing the Pentagon, claiming it lacks the authority to make such decisions.
Over 100 companies have paused or canceled contracts with Anthropic due to the Pentagon's decision.
Microsoft is seeking a court order to prevent immediate changes that could impact its products.
The Government's current policy emphasizes rapid AI development with minimal regulation.
The Pentagon's decision raises questions about how AI will be regulated in the future.
Researchers from Cambridge University studied how young children interact with an AI-powered toy named Gabbo. They found potential issues with the toy's responses, prompting calls for stricter rules on such toys to ensure children's psychological safety. The study suggests supervision and better regulations for AI toys aimed at young children.
Key Facts
The study focused on children aged three to five playing with an AI toy named Gabbo.
Gabbo is a cuddly toy with a voice-activated AI chatbot from OpenAI.
Researchers noted that Gabbo sometimes failed to understand or respond appropriately to the children.
The study raised concerns that AI toys might not provide comfort and support to young children.
Only seven relevant studies have been conducted worldwide, with no focus on toddlers.
Parents involved were interested in Gabbo's ability to teach language skills.
Calls for stricter regulation of AI toys aim to ensure "psychological safety" for young children.
Curio, the maker of Gabbo, emphasizes the importance of parental control and transparency in their toys.
The article discusses a new approach to dealing with diaper waste using fungi. A Texas-based company, Hiro Technologies, created disposable diapers that use fungi to break down materials faster, which could help reduce environmental impact.
Key Facts
Disposable nappies create significant waste, with 300,000 sent to landfills or incinerated every minute worldwide.
Hiro Technologies developed unbleached disposable diapers with a fungi packet to help decompose the diapers faster.
The effectiveness of the fungi depends on environmental conditions, with no specific timeline for decomposition.
The diapers cost $136 for a month, higher than regular options, which typically cost $70.
Challenges for sustainable diapers include high production costs and limited composting facilities.
Consumer preferences often prioritize convenience and hygiene over sustainability when choosing diapers.
Woosh, a company in Belgium, offers a service to help recycle nappies more easily.
"Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat" is a new hidden camera show available on Prime Video starting March 20. The show features Anthony, a temporary worker, navigating a fake company retreat with actors to create comedic situations. It follows a similar format to its Emmy-winning predecessor.
Key Facts
"Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat" is a hidden camera show.
It premieres on Prime Video on March 20, 2024.
The series starts with three episodes, then releases two episodes on March 27, and three more on April 3.
The show follows Anthony, a temp at a fake company event, amidst staged situations.
The original "Jury Duty" received critical acclaim, including multiple award nominations.
The new season does not feature cast members from the previous season.
James Marsden now serves as an executive producer for the series.
Viewing requires a subscription to Amazon Prime Video.
"Stupid Never Dies" is a new game from GPTRACK50, a studio under NetEase, led by Hiroyuki Kobayashi. Players control a zombie named Davy, who gains powers from enemies to try to save a girl named Julia in a pop-punk action fantasy setting. The game features a unique style system that allows Davy to use different abilities.
Key Facts
"Stupid Never Dies" is developed by GPTRACK50, a NetEase studio.
Hiroyuki Kobayashi, known for his work on games like "Resident Evil," leads the development team.
The player character, Davy, is a zombie who tries to rescue a girl named Julia.
Davy can gain new abilities from enemies using the "Style Eat" system.
Davy can use styles like Werewolf, Harpy, and Vampire, each with special powers.
The game includes a "Funky Zombie Action" combat style and "Body Hacking" upgrades.
About 150 people are involved in the game's development, including veterans from well-known game franchises.
The article discusses the use of digital agents, like OpenClaw, that people worldwide are using to help with decisions and transactions. It highlights the challenges and early stages of integrating AI and automated payment systems, noting how companies are preparing for future growth in this area.
Key Facts
People are using digital agents such as OpenClaw to help with decisions and transactions.
OpenClaw users can link it with credit cards or crypto wallets for transactions.
Two competitive areas are emerging: AI decision-making systems and payment infrastructure.
Current IT systems aren't designed for fully autonomous payments by these digital agents.
Businesses are cautious, especially about regulations like Know Your Customer (KYC).
Some major companies like Mastercard, Visa, and PayPal are working on tools to support automated payments.
There are few examples of companies allowing their digital agents to make independent payments.
Early technology pioneers often dominate their industries long-term, as seen in companies like Amazon and Cisco.
Pro-Iranian hackers are targeting the United States and other countries in the Middle East, increasing the risk of digital attacks during a war. They have already attacked a U.S. medical device company and tried to access systems in Middle Eastern countries.
Key Facts
Pro-Iranian hackers are focusing on the Middle East and the United States.
Hackers claimed a cyberattack on U.S. company Stryker.
They attempted to access cameras in Middle Eastern countries.
Hackers have targeted data centers, industrial sites in Israel, and a school in Saudi Arabia.
Iran has invested in offensive cyber skills and partnered with hacking groups.
Iran-linked groups have previously targeted President Trump's campaign emails, U.S. water plants, and military networks.
The writer of "Project Hail Mary," Andy Weir, dismissed a fan theory about the film. He explained that the alien character Rocky, who seems rock-like, is actually water-based in the novel. The creature in the movie is portrayed using puppetry, with James Ortiz as the head puppeteer and voice.
Key Facts
Andy Weir is the author of "Project Hail Mary."
The film features an alien character named Rocky alongside Ryan Gosling's character.
In the book, Rocky is a water-based life form, but this is not clear in the film.
In the film, the appearance of Rocky suggests it is not water-based.
Rocky is portrayed using puppetry, not computer-generated effects.
James Ortiz is the main puppeteer and provides Rocky's voice.
The producers considered casting a famous actor for Rocky's voice but decided Ortiz was the best fit.
"Project Hail Mary" is set to be released in theaters on March 20, 2026.
A jury in Los Angeles is deciding whether social media companies should be responsible for harm to children using their platforms. The trial includes claims against Meta and YouTube, and its outcome may influence similar cases in the future.
Key Facts
The trial is about whether social media companies like Meta and YouTube should be held accountable for harm to children.
A 20-year-old woman is the plaintiff in this case.
TikTok and Snap settled their cases out of court before the trial started.
This trial is taking place at the Spring Street Courthouse in Los Angeles.
The trial's outcome may affect thousands of similar future lawsuits.
Closing arguments took place after a month of testimony from addiction experts and executives.
Mark Zuckerberg, a key witness, testified during this trial.
The jury consists of 12 members who will decide the case.
The creators of the game "Dead by Daylight" discussed how they designed and expanded their game over ten years. They talked about the influence of Stephen King, the strategy behind leaving some story elements unclear, and plans to explore storytelling through different formats like films and comics.
Key Facts
"Dead by Daylight" is a game developed by Behaviour Interactive that has been running for nearly ten years.
The game started as a small multiplayer experiment and has expanded into a large universe with various storylines.
Stephen King's works, especially "The Dark Tower," influenced the game's design, focusing on interconnected stories.
The game's developers intentionally leave some story parts unexplored to keep the mystery and allow future expansions.
The game involves player-generated stories but also explores other media, such as single-player games, comics, and an upcoming film.
"Dead by Daylight" includes famous horror characters and original creations with complex backgrounds.
The developers discuss balancing game modes and learning from past mistakes to keep the game fresh.
The article discusses whether using artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations can be done ethically. It looks at criticisms of major AI firms and explores new efforts to create more responsible AI systems.
Key Facts
There is backlash against AI tools like ChatGPT and OpenAI, with some people calling for a public boycott.
New initiatives are trying to challenge the power of large tech companies by creating accountable AI systems.
The article questions if AI can be used ethically in military settings.
Guests speaking on the issue include Aya Jaff, a tech critic and author, and Said and Hani Chihabi, cofounders of an AI company called Thaura.AI.
Ethical alternatives to current AI systems are being examined to see if they meet their ethical promises.
In an interview, Stephen Fry discussed artificial intelligence and its limitations compared to human intelligence, focusing on the importance of emotional and lived experiences. He highlighted that while AI can replicate certain functions like language processing, it lacks the deeper understanding and wisdom that come from human experiences. Fry also noted the potential risks and benefits of AI in society, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsibility.
Key Facts
Stephen Fry discussed AI with Marcus Weldon, focusing on its current limitations.
He noted that AI can process large volumes of information but misses the emotional and experiential depth of humans.
Intelligence, according to Fry, involves interpreting reality across different areas like arts and social life.
Fry mentioned that wisdom includes the ability to cope, which machines lack.
AI can aid in creativity but cannot fully replicate human art, which is rooted in personal experiences.
Fry expressed concern about AI being exploited by countries, companies, and criminals.
He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in developing AI technology.
Grammarly, a writing tool company, has stopped using an AI feature after people it imitated complained. The feature mimicked the writing styles of well-known authors without their consent. A lawsuit has been filed claiming the use of these personas was not authorized.
Key Facts
Grammarly had an AI feature that copied writing styles of famous people.
People like writer Stephen King and scientist Carl Sagan were impersonated.
The tool faced a lawsuit for using these personas without permission.
A journalist, Julia Angwin, filed a class-action lawsuit against Grammarly and Superhuman.
The lawsuit claims over $5 million in damages.
Shishir Mehrotra, the company's CEO, apologized for the issue.
The feature used public information from third-party AI tools for suggestions.
Grammarly began incorporating AI tools in 2025 and is now called Superhuman.
The Indie Game Festival Awards at the 2026 Game Developers Conference recognized various independent video games and their creators. The event highlighted the challenges faced by some developers in attending, while also celebrating games like "Baby Steps" and "Titanium Court" which won major awards. The event aimed to give recognition to indie game developers on such a large platform.
Key Facts
The Indie Game Festival Awards are held at the Game Developers Conference.
The event recognized independent video games and those who create them.
Some developers could not attend due to safety concerns and travel costs.
"Baby Steps" won recognition in several categories and was nominated for five awards.
"Titanium Court" also received awards at the event.
The awards featured categories like Excellence in Audio, Design, Narrative, and Visual Art.
The event aimed to highlight the contributions of indie game developers.
The Bafta Games Awards nominations were announced, with the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading with 12 nominations. Other games like Dispatch, Ghost of Yōtei, and Arc Raiders also received multiple nominations. The awards recognize both large productions and independent games.
Key Facts
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received 12 nominations, including best game, music, and narrative.
Dispatch, a superhero adventure game, received nine nominations.
Ghost of Yōtei received eight nominations and is also in the running for the best game.
Arc Raiders, a multiplayer game, got five nominations, despite some controversy over AI character voices.
Death Stranding 2 appears in seven categories but did not get a best game nomination.
Veteran actors like Aaron Paul and Troy Baker are nominated in performance categories.
Bafta does not have a specific award for motion capture performance currently.
The Bafta Games Awards celebrate creativity from UK and international game development teams.
The article explains how scammers exploit the Airbnb platform to deceive travelers. It highlights common scams like bait-and-switch, multiple bookings, and bogus charges, and offers tips to help users protect themselves from these scams.
Key Facts
Airbnb is a platform where people can rent out accommodations to travelers.
Scammers use various tricks to deceive users, such as bait-and-switch, where the place doesn't match the pictures shown online.
In bait-and-switch scams, travelers might find themselves in a low-quality place with missing amenities.
Another scam is multiple bookings, where a host rents the same place to different people at the same time.
Bogus charges involve hosts charging guests extra for damages or activities not allowed in the listing.
Travelers can protect themselves by checking for listings with more than 100 reviews and verifying the property's details online.
Reporting issues to Airbnb can help prevent scams and potentially return any lost money to the traveler.
The article discusses how tech companies have collaborated with the United States military over the years, focusing on the ongoing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations, including the US-Israel conflict in Iran. It highlights the involvement of major tech firms like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Palantir in these collaborations and the ethical debates surrounding AI usage in military contexts.
Key Facts
The US military confirms the use of AI tools in the current US-Israel conflict in Iran.
Historically, tech firms and universities have worked with the US military to develop technology, with the internet originating from a military-funded project called ARPANET.
Big Tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Palantir are increasingly involved with the US military.
AI tools help military personnel quickly analyze large data sets and make faster decisions.
Despite usage policies, AI company Anthropic’s technology was used in operations like the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Pentagon blacklisted Anthropic after the company refused to drop AI safeguards against unauthorized use.
Palantir has been criticized for its services to the Israeli military during the conflict in Gaza.
Concerns exist about the use of AI in military operations by various countries.
