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Microsoft cloud services disrupted by Red Sea cable cuts

Microsoft cloud services disrupted by Red Sea cable cuts

September 07, 2025
Microsoft's Azure cloud services are facing delays due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea. These cable cuts have affected data traffic moving through the Middle East. Microsoft has rerouted traffic, but users in the region may still experience slower service.

Key Facts:

  • Microsoft's Azure cloud services are disrupted due to cable cuts under the Red Sea.
  • The disruption affects internet traffic going through the Middle East.
  • Microsoft rerouted traffic to minimize the impact, but delays may still occur.
  • Undersea cables help transmit data across continents and are crucial for internet services.
  • NetBlocks, a group monitoring internet access, noted these cuts affected countries like India, Pakistan, and the UAE.
  • The cuts happened near the Saudi city of Jeddah.
  • The damage can happen from ship anchors or targeted attacks.
  • Similar incidents have happened in the Baltic Sea, linked to geopolitical conflicts.

Source Information

BBC World
AI job anxiety: It's real, and coming at the worst time

AI job anxiety: It's real, and coming at the worst time

September 07, 2025
Many workers in the U.S. are feeling anxious about how quickly AI is being used in jobs, especially as the job market weakens. This anxiety is growing because it is unclear how AI will affect jobs, and workers feel uncertain and powerless about future changes.

Key Facts:

  • Workers at all stages of their careers are worried about AI being used more in their jobs.
  • The number of unemployed people in the U.S. is now higher than the number of job openings, a shift not seen in four years.
  • Hiring in the U.S. is slowing, with only 22,000 new jobs added in a recent month.
  • Some company leaders, like Salesforce's CEO, have reduced staff while using more AI but plan to hire more sales staff.
  • Behavioral scientists say this anxiety is due to the fast pace of AI adoption and the uncertainty it brings.
  • Some workers fear companies will use AI in ways that are not responsible.
  • Anxiety is affecting workers' views of their own value, linking it to the misconception that self-worth is defined by profession.
  • Experts suggest that AI anxiety can encourage workers to develop new skills or consider new job roles.

Source Information

Axios
Internet disruptions in Middle East and South Asia after Red Sea cable cuts

Internet disruptions in Middle East and South Asia after Red Sea cable cuts

September 07, 2025
Undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut, leading to internet disruptions in the Middle East and South Asia. Microsoft reported that the cuts affected its Azure cloud services but did not impact general network traffic. The disruptions began on September 6, 2024, causing slow speeds and intermittent internet access in several countries.

Key Facts:

  • Internet disruptions occurred in the Middle East and South Asia due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea.
  • The internet watchdog NetBlocks reported slow and intermittent access in countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the UAE, and India.
  • Microsoft confirmed these disruptions affected its Azure cloud services, the world's second largest after Amazon.
  • The disruptions began at 05:45 GMT on September 6, 2024.
  • Microsoft stated that general network traffic not passing through the Middle East was not affected.
  • Undersea cables carry global internet data and can be damaged by ships' anchors or targeted in attacks.
  • The cables affected include the SMW4 and IMEWE systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Microsoft has faced criticism for its ties to Israel amidst ongoing conflicts.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Fantasy or faith? One company's AI-generated Bible content stirs controversy

Fantasy or faith? One company's AI-generated Bible content stirs controversy

September 07, 2025
Pray.com is using AI to create videos about Bible stories, posting them on YouTube. These videos are popular, especially among younger viewers, although some theologians are skeptical about their spiritual value.

Key Facts:

  • Pray.com produces AI-generated videos that depict Bible stories.
  • The videos are popular on YouTube, with one video gathering over 750,000 views.
  • The main audience for these videos is men under the age of 30.
  • Some theologians criticize the videos for making the Bible feel like an action movie.
  • Pray.com claims their content positively impacts viewers spiritually and mentally.
  • Historically, Christianity has used technology to spread religious messages.
  • Evangelicals are often early adopters of new tech for religious storytelling.
  • The AI videos are part of a growing trend of using technology in social media to create engaging content.

Source Information

NPR Home
When is the emergency alert test on mobile phones and can you opt out?

When is the emergency alert test on mobile phones and can you opt out?

September 06, 2025
A test of the UK's emergency alert system for mobile phones is scheduled for Sunday, 7 September, at 15:00 BST. The test will send a siren sound and message to compatible smartphones connected to 4G and 5G networks. People can opt out if they wish.

Key Facts:

  • The emergency alert test occurs on 7 September at 15:00 BST.
  • It will send a siren sound and message to compatible smartphones on 4G and 5G.
  • About 87 million mobile phones in the UK could receive the alert.
  • The alert will not reach phones that are off, in airplane mode, or without 4G/5G.
  • Users can opt out by changing settings on their phones.
  • The government's test in April 2023 had technical issues, affecting some users.
  • The alert system has been used in the past for real emergencies, like during storms.
  • Domestic abuse charities caution users with secret phones to turn them off during the test.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
What scientists have learned from the biggest ever collision of black holes

What scientists have learned from the biggest ever collision of black holes

September 06, 2025
Scientists in the United States reported the largest-ever merger of two black holes, detected by gravitational wave observatories. This collision, recorded in November 2023, was shared at an international conference in the United Kingdom.

Key Facts:

  • Scientists discovered the largest black hole merger using gravitational wave detectors.
  • The collision was observed on November 23, 2023, by LIGO detectors in Washington State and Louisiana.
  • The merger created gravitational waves detected briefly for 0.1 seconds and named GW231123.
  • The merging black holes were about 100 and 140 times the mass of the Sun, producing a new black hole over 265 times the Sun's mass.
  • This new black hole is larger than the previous biggest merger, GW190521.
  • Black holes are detected through gravitational waves because they absorb light and remain invisible.
  • Roughly 300 black holes have been found using gravitational waves.
  • The collision will not affect Earth or the Milky Way galaxy.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
I ordered drug-laced vapes on Snapchat. It was as easy as picking up pizza

I ordered drug-laced vapes on Snapchat. It was as easy as picking up pizza

September 06, 2025
The BBC conducted an undercover investigation to uncover drug dealers using Snapchat to sell vape liquids that might contain the dangerous drug spice instead of THC, a chemical found in cannabis. The operation revealed how easy it is for teenagers to access these drug-laced vapes through social media platforms.

Key Facts:

  • BBC reporters posed as a schoolgirl to buy vape liquids from a drug dealer on Snapchat.
  • The vape liquids were claimed to contain THC but were suspected to have spice, a stronger and addictive drug.
  • The investigation highlighted instances where teenagers unknowingly vaped products containing spice, leading to addiction and severe health concerns.
  • Despite reporting the issue to police, the drug dealers continued their operations.
  • The dealer communicated via Snapchat, showing a menu with prices and offering delivery in Birmingham and Warwickshire.
  • Snapchat claimed to actively shut down accounts involved in drug dealings.
  • The BBC team conducted the operation with safety precautions, including constant communication among team members.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories

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Anthropic settles with authors in first-of-its-kind AI copyright infringement lawsuit

Anthropic settles with authors in first-of-its-kind AI copyright infringement lawsuit

September 05, 2025
Anthropic AI has agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a copyright lawsuit filed by authors over the use of their books to train AI models. This settlement is pending court approval and is significant in the ongoing debate over fair use in AI technology. The case involves large language models and marks a unique point in the legal landscape between AI and creative industries.

Key Facts:

  • Anthropic AI settled a copyright lawsuit with a group of authors for $1.5 billion.
  • The lawsuit involves the use of 500,000 books to train AI models.
  • Authors will receive about $3,000 for each book if the settlement is approved.
  • This case includes the first major legal decision on fair use related to generative AI.
  • Judge William Alsup will review the settlement in San Francisco.
  • Plaintiffs accused Anthropic of using books without permission or payment.
  • The case touches on how AI models use copyrighted works without direct consent.
  • The settlement may influence future licensing and compensation in AI training.

Source Information

NPR Home
How AI infrastructure is driving a sharp rise in electricity bills

How AI infrastructure is driving a sharp rise in electricity bills

September 05, 2025
Electricity bills are going up across the country. The growing use of AI and the large data centers that support it are increasing electricity demand. Geoff Bennett discussed these issues with Ari Peskoe from Harvard Law School.

Key Facts:

  • Electricity bills are increasing nationwide.
  • The growth of AI technology is a significant factor in this rise.
  • Large data centers, which AI relies on, use a lot of electricity.
  • This increased use is putting pressure on the power grid.
  • Inflation is not the only reason for higher electricity costs.
  • Geoff Bennett interviewed Ari Peskoe to understand more about these issues.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
EU slaps $3.45bn fine on Google for unfair ad practices

EU slaps $3.45bn fine on Google for unfair ad practices

September 05, 2025
The European Union has fined Google $3.45 billion for unfairly promoting its own advertising services over competitors'. The EU claims Google has abused its dominant market position in ad technology, affecting fair competition since 2014. Google disagrees with the ruling and plans to contest it in court.

Key Facts:

  • The European Union fined Google 2.95 billion euros ($3.45 billion).
  • The EU accuses Google of using its power to favor its own ad services.
  • This is the fourth time Google has been fined by the EU over competition issues.
  • Google allegedly abused its market position since 2014 according to the EU.
  • Google's actions were found to harm publishers, advertisers, and consumers.
  • The EU has been investigating Google's ad technology practices since 2021.
  • Google plans to challenge the EU's decision in court.
  • This decision is part of ongoing international scrutiny and fines against Google.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Google fined €2.95bn by EU for abusing advertising dominance

Google fined €2.95bn by EU for abusing advertising dominance

September 05, 2025
The European Union fined Google €2.95 billion for allegedly favoring its own advertising technology over competitors. The European Commission stated that Google's actions violated competition laws, leading to higher costs and decreased earnings for competitors and publishers. Google plans to appeal the decision.

Key Facts:

  • The EU fined Google €2.95 billion for its advertising practices.
  • The European Commission accused Google of using its own technology to gain an unfair advantage.
  • This is the third time the EU has penalized Google for competition law breaches.
  • Google argues the decision is wrong and plans to appeal.
  • The fine is one of the largest issued by the EU to a tech company.
  • Competitors faced higher costs, possibly resulting in more expensive services for consumers.
  • Google has 60 days to propose changes to its practices or face further EU action.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Anthropic to pay authors $1.5B to settle lawsuit over pirated chatbot training material

Anthropic to pay authors $1.5B to settle lawsuit over pirated chatbot training material

September 05, 2025
Anthropic, an AI company, agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a lawsuit with authors. The authors claimed their books were used without permission to train Anthropic's chatbot. This is one of the largest copyright settlements involving AI and could impact how AI companies use creative works.

Key Facts:

  • Anthropic settled a lawsuit with authors for $1.5 billion.
  • Authors said Anthropic used pirated books to train a chatbot.
  • Each book in the lawsuit is set to receive about $3,000.
  • The lawsuit involved around 500,000 books.
  • A judge previously ruled that using pirated books was illegal.
  • Anthropic agreed to delete the pirated book files as part of the settlement.
  • If the case had gone to trial, Anthropic could have faced higher costs.
  • A hearing to finalize the settlement is scheduled for a judge.

Source Information

NPR Home
Anthropic to pay authors $1.5B in landmark settlement over pirated chatbot training material

Anthropic to pay authors $1.5B in landmark settlement over pirated chatbot training material

September 05, 2025
Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, agreed to pay $1.5 billion in a settlement with book authors who accused it of using pirated copies of their books to train its chatbot. This settlement, if approved, would address claims of copyright infringement and aims to compensate authors for past uses of their work. The settlement involves about 500,000 books, with authors receiving roughly $3,000 per book.

Key Facts:

  • Anthropic agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors over pirated books used for AI training.
  • The settlement covers about 500,000 books, with authors set to receive around $3,000 each.
  • The lawsuit originated from claims that Anthropic used pirated books to train its chatbot, Claude.
  • A federal judge found Anthropic obtained millions of pirated books, which led to this legal action.
  • The authors' lawsuit was initially filed by authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnson.
  • The settlement is considered the largest copyright recovery in the context of AI technology.
  • If the case went to trial, Anthropic risked paying much more if found guilty of willful infringement.
  • A judge will review the settlement terms to decide if it will be approved.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Thousands of newborn stars dazzle in Webb Space Telescope’s latest snapshot

September 05, 2025
The Webb Space Telescope has captured a new image showing thousands of young stars in a star-forming region called the Lobster Nebula, located 5,500 light-years from Earth. This photograph highlights a cluster of baby stars known as Pismis 24 and a large cloud of dust and gas.

Key Facts:

  • The image shows a star-forming area called the Lobster Nebula.
  • The Webb Space Telescope took the photo, which features thousands of new stars.
  • The Lobster Nebula is 5,500 light-years from Earth.
  • A light-year is a distance of about 5.8 trillion miles.
  • The image also reveals a large cloud made of star-forming dust and gas.
  • The star cluster in the image is named Pismis 24.
  • The Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most powerful space telescope.
  • The telescope uses infrared to see the universe and took over five hours to capture this image.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump hosts biggest names in tech at White House dinner

September 05, 2025
President Trump held a dinner at the White House with major technology leaders. The meeting comes as the administration moves forward with legal actions against some companies in Silicon Valley.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump hosted a dinner for technology leaders at the White House.
  • The dinner took place on a Thursday night.
  • This event happened while the U.S. government is taking legal steps against certain tech companies.
  • The companies involved are located in a region known as Silicon Valley, which is famous for technology firms.
  • The event and legal actions are part of the administration's broader dealings with the tech industry.

Source Information

NPR Technology
Zuckerberg, Gates and Altman lavish praise on Trump at dinner

Zuckerberg, Gates and Altman lavish praise on Trump at dinner

September 05, 2025
President Trump hosted a dinner at the White House with top tech leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Sam Altman, who praised his administration's approach. The event occurred amid discussions about government regulation of artificial intelligence and after tech CEOs invested heavily in the U.S. economy. Elon Musk was invited but did not attend the dinner.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump hosted the dinner at the White House for top tech leaders.
  • Notable attendees included Mark Zuckerberg from Meta, Bill Gates from Microsoft, and Sam Altman.
  • The dinner happened during discussions about AI regulation and the role of the government.
  • Many tech CEOs previously donated to Trump's inauguration fund.
  • Zuckerberg mentioned that Meta plans to invest $600 billion in U.S. infrastructure by 2028.
  • Bill Gates also praised Trump for creating a favorable climate for investment and manufacturing.
  • Elon Musk was invited but stated he could not attend; a representative from his company was there.
  • A reporter asked Zuckerberg about freedom of speech issues, leading to an uncomfortable moment.

Source Information

Axios
Watch: UK online speech laws 'not a good thing', says Trump

Watch: UK online speech laws 'not a good thing', says Trump

September 05, 2025
Former US President Donald Trump criticized the UK’s online speech laws, stating they were problematic. He made these comments during a dinner at the White House with tech industry leaders.

Key Facts:

  • Donald Trump mentioned UK online speech laws during a White House dinner.
  • He described the UK laws as "not a good thing."
  • The comments were made in the context of a discussion with tech leaders.
  • Trump believes "strange things" are happening with the UK's online regulations.
  • The conversation took place at a prominent event hosted by the US government.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
The green steel firms looking to revive US steelmaking

The green steel firms looking to revive US steelmaking

September 04, 2025
The article discusses efforts by U.S.-based companies like Boston Metal to make steel production more environmentally friendly by using electricity instead of fossil fuels. This method could reduce carbon emissions from steelmaking, which is a significant source of global pollution. The transition faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles and technical issues with new technologies like green hydrogen.

Key Facts:

  • Green steel involves using electricity to make steel, which is less harmful to the environment compared to traditional methods.
  • Boston Metal's process uses electricity to heat iron ore, separating iron from impurities without fossil fuels.
  • The steel industry is a major source of global carbon emissions, contributing 11% of the total.
  • U.S. steelmaking is already somewhat greener due to the use of electric arc furnaces that recycle scrap steel.
  • Boston Metal and others aim to use electricity for creating new steel, not just recycling.
  • The U.S. government under the Trump administration was not very supportive of renewable energy projects, affecting the industry's progress.
  • There are challenges when using green hydrogen for steel production, as some projects have been delayed or canceled.
  • Electric arc furnaces depend on scrap steel, which can limit their expansion, particularly in regions like China.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Melania Trump warns 'robots are here' in rare public outing

Melania Trump warns 'robots are here' in rare public outing

September 04, 2025
Melania Trump made a rare public appearance at the White House, emphasizing the importance of preparing children for an AI-driven future. She was speaking at a meeting about AI education, highlighting that the presence of robots is no longer science fiction.

Key Facts:

  • Melania Trump appeared at a White House event focusing on AI education.
  • She stated "the robots are here" and stressed preparing children for the future.
  • The event was with a White House task force on AI education.
  • This appearance is one of her few public engagements as First Lady in the second Trump administration.
  • She has championed issues like children's well-being and fought against cyberbullying.
  • Melania co-signed the Take It Down Act, tackling online posting of private images without consent.
  • Her recent activities suggest a more active role as First Lady compared to previous terms.

Source Information

BBC US
China's hacking machine wants your data and knows how to get it

China's hacking machine wants your data and knows how to get it

September 04, 2025
A recent large-scale hacking effort linked to China has targeted various figures and potentially the general public by accessing personal data. This hacking campaign, known as Salt Typhoon, reflects a shift as Chinese hackers gather extensive amounts of personal information. U.S. security services and their Western counterparts have issued warnings to alert the public and organizations about these activities.

Key Facts:

  • Chinese hackers have targeted a mix of high-profile figures and ordinary people in a large-scale operation called Salt Typhoon.
  • The FBI and other security agencies have warned that the campaign affects 600 companies across 80 countries.
  • Salt Typhoon represents a change in tactics, focusing more on collecting personal data rather than solely targeting government or infrastructure.
  • Around two dozen Western security agencies have issued an advisory on these hacking activities.
  • In past operations, Chinese hackers targeted U.S. government offices and infrastructure but are now aiming at personal data.
  • The hackers' exact motivations for collecting this personal information are unclear but could involve future cyber operations or technological advancements.
  • China’s efforts involve not just government units but also private contractor firms, complicating international responses.
  • Other countries, like Russia and North Korea, also engage in cyber espionage and hacking operations.

Source Information

Axios