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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Boston Public Library aims to increase access to a vast historic archive using AI

August 13, 2025
The Boston Public Library is working with Harvard University and OpenAI to make historical documents easier to access. They plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) for this project.

Key Facts:

  • The Boston Public Library is starting a new project.
  • They are partnering with Harvard University.
  • OpenAI is also part of this collaboration.
  • The goal is to make hundreds of thousands of historical documents more accessible to the public.
  • They aim to use AI technology to help achieve this.
  • AI, or artificial intelligence, is a type of computer technology that can learn and make decisions.

Source Information

NPR Technology
Porn site traffic plummets as UK age verification rules enforced

Porn site traffic plummets as UK age verification rules enforced

August 13, 2025
New UK rules require porn sites to verify the age of users, leading to a big drop in traffic to these sites. Popular sites like Pornhub saw a significant decrease in visits as a result. However, some smaller, less monitored sites have seen an increase in traffic.

Key Facts:

  • The UK implemented new age verification rules for porn sites on July 25.
  • Pornhub's site traffic in the UK dropped by over 1 million visitors in two weeks.
  • Between July 24 and August 8, Pornhub's traffic decreased by 47%.
  • Traffic to another site, XVideos, also fell by 47%, and OnlyFans saw a more than 10% decrease.
  • Some smaller porn sites experienced increased visits, possibly due to less regulation.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) app downloads increased significantly after the age verification rules.
  • VPNs can hide a user's location, making it seem like they are in a different country.
  • Ofcom estimates 14 million people in the UK watch online pornography and has suggested several methods for verifying user age.

Source Information

BBC Tech
'One video about a dress made me £6,000'

'One video about a dress made me £6,000'

August 13, 2025
A person made a video about a dress and earned £6,000 from it. The video was shared on the social media platform TikTok.

Key Facts:

  • A single video focused on a dress helped someone earn £6,000.
  • The video was posted on TikTok, a popular social media app.
  • TikTok allows users to share short videos on various topics.
  • Earnings can come from video views and engagement on social media.
  • TikTok is widely used for sharing creative content, which can sometimes become viral.

Source Information

BBC Business
Sylvanian Drama lawsuit dropped – but account will change its name

Sylvanian Drama lawsuit dropped – but account will change its name

August 13, 2025
A lawsuit involving the Instagram account "Sylvanian Drama" has been dropped. However, the account must change its name.

Key Facts:

  • A lawsuit was filed against the Instagram account "Sylvanian Drama."
  • The lawsuit has been dropped.
  • The Instagram account must change its current name.
  • The issue involved social media and toys.
  • The event was reported recently, about eight minutes ago from the source.

Source Information

BBC Business

What it was like for one NPR newscaster to go on an AI date

August 13, 2025
A newscaster from NPR tried using artificial intelligence (AI) to go on a date. The experiment was part of exploring how AI can be used in personal relationships.

Key Facts:

  • An NPR newscaster participated in an experiment involving AI technology for dating.
  • The focus was on how AI could help create romantic connections.
  • Dating apps and social media were mentioned as existing tools for meeting people.
  • The report was scheduled to air on the Morning Edition program.
  • The experiment highlights the intersection of AI and personal relationships.

Source Information

NPR Technology
This missing trait could make robots more 'human'

This missing trait could make robots more 'human'

August 13, 2025
The article discusses research on how giving robots personalities could make them more relatable. It focuses on making robots with different traits, like being neurotic or anxious, instead of the usual cheerful and confident personalities.

Key Facts:

  • Science fiction often features robots with neurotic or anxious traits.
  • Real-world robots are usually designed to be confident and cheerful.
  • Researchers are exploring how robots with varied personalities could become more relatable.
  • The study is part of a broader look into robot personality research.
  • This topic is discussed in an episode of NPR's Short Wave podcast.

Source Information

NPR Home
AI start-up Perplexity makes $34.5bn bid for Google Chrome

AI start-up Perplexity makes $34.5bn bid for Google Chrome

August 13, 2025
AI start-up Perplexity offered $34.5 billion to buy Google's Chrome browser, claiming it would enhance user safety if operated independently. Google faces legal challenges regarding its dominance in search and advertising, but it has not indicated plans to sell Chrome, making the success of Perplexity's bid uncertain.

Key Facts:

  • AI start-up Perplexity made a $34.5 billion offer to buy Google Chrome.
  • Google has not announced any plans to sell its Chrome browser.
  • Chrome is the world's most popular web browser with over three billion users.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice has an antitrust case against Google.
  • A U.S. federal judge may soon rule on Google's search business.
  • Perplexity intends to keep Google as the default search engine in Chrome.
  • Tomasz Tunguz, a venture capitalist, suggested that Chrome's value might be much higher than Perplexity's offer.
  • Perplexity has shown interest in other tech acquisitions and launched an AI-powered browser named Comet.

Source Information

BBC US

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China raises concerns over Nvidia’s H20 chips with local firms: Report

China raises concerns over Nvidia’s H20 chips with local firms: Report

August 12, 2025
Chinese authorities held meetings with local tech companies like Tencent and ByteDance to discuss their purchase of Nvidia’s H20 chips. They expressed concerns about data risks and questioned why companies were not using local chip suppliers. Although no ban has been enforced, China urged companies to avoid using these chips for government purposes.

Key Facts:

  • Chinese authorities met with companies such as Tencent and ByteDance about buying Nvidia’s H20 chips.
  • Officials are worried the chips might involve data privacy risks.
  • Authorities asked companies to consider local chip suppliers instead of Nvidia.
  • Companies have not been banned from buying the H20 chips, but some were advised against using them for government-related work.
  • The H20 is a chip Nvidia designed specifically for China after export limits were placed on more advanced AI chips.
  • The US had previously banned selling the H20 to China but reversed this decision in July 2023.
  • China’s cyberspace regulator has questioned Nvidia regarding security risks posed by the H20.
  • State media have criticized Nvidia, questioning its potential security threats.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Tech Life

Tech Life

August 12, 2025
The article discusses how Singapore is handling cyber attacks from other countries and criminals. It highlights the actions Singapore is taking to protect itself from these digital threats.

Key Facts:

  • Singapore is facing cyber threats from both other countries and criminal groups.
  • The country is taking steps to manage and respond to these threats.
  • Cyber attacks involve unauthorized access to computer systems to steal or damage data.
  • Singapore's approach may include improved cybersecurity measures and policies.
  • The news was released on August 12, 2025.
  • This information is part of a 26-minute program called "Tech Life" on BBC Sounds.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Perplexity AI makes unsolicited $34.5bn bid to buy Google Chrome

Perplexity AI makes unsolicited $34.5bn bid to buy Google Chrome

August 12, 2025
Perplexity AI has made a $34.5 billion offer to buy Google Chrome from Alphabet, even though Alphabet did not offer it for sale. The move comes as increased regulatory pressure is on Google's control of the tech industry, and Perplexity aims to expand its reach with Chrome's large user base.

Key Facts:

  • Perplexity AI offered $34.5 billion in cash to buy Google Chrome from Alphabet.
  • Alphabet has not agreed to sell Chrome and was not attempting to sell it.
  • The deal would need financing beyond Perplexity's latest valuation of $18 billion.
  • Perplexity has raised $1 billion from investors like SoftBank and Nvidia.
  • Several funds are willing to finance the deal if Alphabet accepts the offer.
  • A U.S. court ruled Google holds an unlawful search monopoly, with divestiture of Chrome as a suggested remedy.
  • Chrome has over three billion users, making it an important tool for tech companies.
  • Perplexity's current AI browser, Comet, operates tasks on users' behalf, and buying Chrome would expand its user reach.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
AI is reshaping hacking. No one agrees how fast.

AI is reshaping hacking. No one agrees how fast.

August 12, 2025
Cybersecurity experts are debating how quickly AI tools are transforming hacking tactics. Some experts believe hackers lack the resources to fully use AI, giving defenders time. Others think hackers are already using AI models to find and exploit vulnerabilities.

Key Facts:

  • The cybersecurity industry is split on how AI is changing hacking.
  • Some experts say hackers don't have enough resources to use AI effectively.
  • Others believe hackers are already using AI to scan for weaknesses and write harmful software.
  • Closed meetings at Black Hat and DEF CON discussed this divide.
  • AI models aren't great at human-like decision-making yet.
  • Some predict hackers will use a target's own AI systems against them.
  • Cybersecurity companies are developing AI tools to detect and counter threats.
  • Despite advancements, current models can identify only a limited number of malicious files.

Source Information

Axios
How to beat AI-driven custom pricing

How to beat AI-driven custom pricing

August 12, 2025
The article discusses concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) being used to set prices for products, like airline tickets. Delta Airlines has started using AI to change flight prices, and people are advised on how to handle AI-driven pricing when buying tickets.

Key Facts:

  • People are worried about AI being used to set prices for products.
  • Delta Airlines announced it is using AI to adjust prices on some flights.
  • AI-driven pricing means prices could change based on various factors.
  • Consumers are advised on strategies to handle AI-driven pricing.
  • The focus is on helping buyers protect themselves from custom pricing influenced by AI.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Musk threatens Apple and calls OpenAI boss a liar as feud deepens

Musk threatens Apple and calls OpenAI boss a liar as feud deepens

August 12, 2025
Elon Musk has threatened Apple with legal action, accusing it of making it hard for apps to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT on the App Store. He also called OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, a liar in a long-running conflict between the two tech leaders. This dispute is part of a larger rivalry between Musk and OpenAI, which focuses on the development and use of artificial intelligence.

Key Facts:

  • Elon Musk accused Apple of not promoting his apps, X and Grok, on the App Store.
  • Musk called OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, a liar over claims related to Musk's personal business interests.
  • ChatGPT is currently the top free app in the UK, while Musk's app Grok ranks third.
  • The conflict between Musk and Altman began years ago, related to the original mission of OpenAI.
  • OpenAI was founded to develop AI openly, but later started a for-profit arm in 2019.
  • Musk filed and then dropped a lawsuit claiming OpenAI focused on profits, counter to its founding mission.
  • OpenAI countersued Musk, claiming he used bad tactics to slow its AI progress.
  • Musk previously offered $100 billion to buy OpenAI, which was rejected.

Source Information

BBC Tech
'Alien: Earth' is one of the best shows so far this year

'Alien: Earth' is one of the best shows so far this year

August 12, 2025
The TV show "Alien: Earth" is a new series set in the year 2120. It features a crew working for a powerful corporation, engaging with alien species and futuristic technology. The show explores themes of human ambition and the interaction between humans and technology.

Key Facts:

  • "Alien: Earth" is set in the year 2120 and is connected to the classic "Alien" films.
  • The crew works for a corporation named Weyland-Yutani, which also appears in the original films.
  • The story involves capturing alien species and a spaceship malfunction leading to a crash on Earth.
  • There is advanced technology in the show, including cyborgs, synths (fully artificial people), and hybrids.
  • Hybrids are created by transferring human consciousness into synthetic bodies.
  • Different corporations compete to offer life-extending technologies.
  • The series is a homage to earlier "Alien" films, using similar settings and themes.

Source Information

NPR News
HMRC using AI to scour suspected tax cheats' social media

HMRC using AI to scour suspected tax cheats' social media

August 12, 2025
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK uses artificial intelligence (AI) to review social media posts as part of investigations into possible tax cheating. The AI technology assists in gathering information but does not replace human decision-making. HMRC has clarified that AI is used only in criminal investigations and not for everyday tax matters.

Key Facts:

  • HMRC uses AI technology to look at social media posts in criminal investigations of suspected tax cheats.
  • The AI is meant to help reduce administrative work and improve the detection of fraud and tax evasion.
  • Experts caution that the use of AI might lead to mistakes, such as identifying the wrong person.
  • Human oversight remains a critical part of the process to ensure correct decisions.
  • This AI use has been practiced for several years, though it became widely known through a recent report.
  • Social media reviews are not new; they have been part of investigations for years.
  • The government plans to hire 5,500 more compliance staff, indicating no job loss due to AI use.
  • Other HMRC AI initiatives aim to simplify tax processes and assist taxpayers in accessing guidance.

Source Information

BBC Tech
OpenAI's GPT-5 launch hits bumps

OpenAI's GPT-5 launch hits bumps

August 12, 2025
OpenAI released its new language model, GPT-5, but it faced criticism for having issues with basic tasks. CEO Sam Altman promised improvements and brought back older models while addressing user feedback. GPT-5 includes different types of models, some focus on reasoning, which should offer better performance.

Key Facts:

  • OpenAI launched GPT-5 with strong initial praise but received user complaints about performance.
  • CEO Sam Altman promised GPT-5 would deliver high-level intelligence to free ChatGPT users.
  • Users reported problems with GPT-5 doing simple math and geography tasks.
  • Altman acknowledged glitches and allowed the use of older models again.
  • GPT-5 consists of multiple models, including a reasoning model for better answers.
  • The company plans to improve model selection and user interface clarity.
  • GPT-5 performs well in coding tasks, but its impact hasn't gone viral like previous releases.
  • OpenAI aims to enhance access to reasoning capabilities and is making adjustments based on feedback.

Source Information

Axios
Say bye-bye to the beeps and boops of AOL's dial-up internet service

Say bye-bye to the beeps and boops of AOL's dial-up internet service

August 12, 2025
AOL plans to end its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025. Dial-up, which became popular in the 1990s, allowed computers to connect to the internet through phone lines and was known for its distinctive connection sounds. As of 2022, only 0.1% of American households still used this service.

Key Facts:

  • AOL will stop its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025.
  • Dial-up internet worked by converting computer data into audio signals to travel over phone lines.
  • The distinctive sounds of dial-up were common in the 1990s.
  • Dial-up was slow compared to today's internet, with activities like downloading a song taking several minutes.
  • AOL started offering dial-up in 1991 and used free CDs to introduce users to its service.
  • Only 0.1% of American households used dial-up internet as of 2022.
  • People in rural areas who still use dial-up will need to find alternative internet options.
  • AOL's other services, like news and email, are not affected by the end of dial-up.

Source Information

NPR Home
The tech behind genetically modified babies is getting a reboot

The tech behind genetically modified babies is getting a reboot

August 12, 2025
A new focus is emerging on the technology used to create genetically modified babies, also known as gene-editing. This topic gained attention after a scientist in China announced in 2018 that he had altered the genes of two babies.

Key Facts:

  • The use of technology to create genetically modified babies is being revisited.
  • In 2018, a Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, announced he had created the first gene-edited babies.
  • The announcement was highly controversial and considered unethical by many scientists.
  • The technique used was CRISPR, a new method at the time for editing genes.
  • Gene-editing technology continues to develop, with companies exploring its possibilities.
  • CRISPR is a tool that allows scientists to change DNA, which carries genetic information.
  • The controversy revolves around concerns about safety and ethical implications.

Source Information

NPR Home
Staff fear UK's Turing AI Institute at risk of collapse

Staff fear UK's Turing AI Institute at risk of collapse

August 11, 2025
Staff at the UK's Alan Turing Institute, a national artificial intelligence center, have raised concerns about its potential collapse due to financial and governance issues. They have made a formal complaint about the misuse of funds and poor internal culture. The Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has warned that funding may be withdrawn unless changes are made, particularly focusing on defense research.

Key Facts:

  • The Alan Turing Institute is a UK charity focused on data science and artificial intelligence research.
  • Staff have warned that the institute is at risk of collapse due to financial and governance concerns.
  • A formal complaint was submitted to the Charity Commission alleging misuse of funds and poor leadership.
  • Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has threatened to cut funding if the institute does not refocus on defense research.
  • The institute received a £100 million grant from the government last year.
  • Staff allege the board has created a fearful and defensive work culture.
  • The Charity Commission is assessing the concerns but hasn't decided if a formal investigation is needed.
  • The complaint was made anonymously by staff who fear retaliation.

Source Information

BBC Business
How to get AI to work in 22 languages

How to get AI to work in 22 languages

August 11, 2025
The article discusses efforts to implement AI translation technology in India, which has 22 official languages and numerous dialects. A delivery company, Zepto, uses this technology to help drivers like Vineet Sawant overcome language barriers by translating instructions into their preferred language. The Bhashini project is a government initiative aiming to create high-quality datasets for AI language models in India.

Key Facts:

  • Zepto uses AI translation technology to communicate delivery instructions in multiple languages.
  • Vineet Sawant, a delivery driver, benefits from instructions translated into Marathi.
  • India has 22 official languages and many dialects, complicating AI language model development.
  • Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya highlights the scarcity of high-quality data for less common languages.
  • Reverie Language Technologies provides translation tech to several Indian companies.
  • The Bhashini government project develops AI language models and translation services in 22 languages.
  • Bhashini supports over 50 government departments and 25 state governments with multilingual tech.
  • The project has developed 350 AI-based language models handling over a billion tasks.

Source Information

BBC Tech