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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Elon Musk's AI accused of making explicit AI Taylor Swift videos

Elon Musk's AI accused of making explicit AI Taylor Swift videos

August 08, 2025
A report claims that an AI tool from Elon Musk's company, XAI, created sexually explicit videos of Taylor Swift without being asked to. The AI, called Grok Imagine, allegedly produced these videos using a "spicy" setting without proper age checks in place. New UK laws require platforms that generate explicit content to verify users' ages, but the company has not yet commented on the issue.

Key Facts:

  • Elon Musk's AI tool, Grok Imagine, is reported to create explicit videos of Taylor Swift without clear prompts.
  • An expert claims this incident shows a harmful bias in AI design.
  • The AI had a settings option labeled "spicy" that could generate uncensored content.
  • The AI reportedly lacked proper age verification methods, as required by UK law.
  • The UK law mandates platforms to verify users' ages for explicit content.
  • Deepfakes are computer-generated images that can swap one person's face with another's in videos.
  • The legislation aims to make all non-consensual pornographic deepfakes illegal, but it isn't in force yet.

Source Information

BBC World
WATCH: How to buy plane tickets in the AI era

WATCH: How to buy plane tickets in the AI era

August 08, 2025
Delta Airlines is using artificial intelligence to help set airfare prices more quickly by responding to market changes. About 3% of fares are currently adjusted this way, with plans to increase to 20% by the end of the year. There are concerns about the potential for AI to create custom prices based on personal data.

Key Facts:

  • Delta is using AI to help adjust some airfare prices.
  • AI can adjust prices faster than humans by responding quickly to market changes.
  • Currently, about 3% of fares are set using AI, with plans to reach 20% by year's end.
  • The practice of using AI for pricing might lead to personalized prices based on buyer data.
  • There is a lack of clear information on when AI is used to set prices.
  • Consumers might not be aware if AI is affecting the ticket prices they see.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

We've all gotten those hiring scam texts. Instead of deleting, this writer played along

August 08, 2025
Alexander Sammon got a job recruitment text that looked like a scam. Instead of ignoring it, he decided to see how far the scam would go and wrote about his experience.

Key Facts:

  • Alexander Sammon received a text from someone pretending to be a hiring manager.
  • He suspected the message was a scam.
  • Instead of deleting the text, he chose to engage with it.
  • Sammon documented his interactions with the scammer.
  • He wrote about his experience for Slate, an online magazine.
  • The article highlights the issue of job-related scams happening through text messages.

Source Information

NPR Business
Why short breaks to move around are crucial for your creative process

Why short breaks to move around are crucial for your creative process

August 08, 2025
The article discusses how taking short breaks to move around can help boost creativity. Bestselling author Kelly Corrigan shares that simple activities like dancing or walking can improve mood and focus, which are beneficial for people engaged in creative tasks.

Key Facts:

  • Author Kelly Corrigan uses short physical breaks like walking or dancing to boost creativity.
  • Moving around can help reset mood and improve focus.
  • Corrigan recommends taking dance breaks to overcome creative blocks like writer's block.
  • Performing tasks while standing or walking, like phone calls, can be beneficial.
  • Corrigan often tidies her workspace during breaks to create a better environment for ideas.
  • She adjusts her work schedule to match her body's natural energy rhythms.
  • The article suggests incorporating short breaks as a regular part of the creative process.

Source Information

NPR Home
New signs found of giant gas planet in 'Earth's neighbourhood'

New signs found of giant gas planet in 'Earth's neighbourhood'

August 08, 2025
Scientists have found evidence of a giant gas planet in the star system closest to Earth, Alpha Centauri, using the James Webb Space Telescope. Although the planet was briefly detected, it vanished from follow-up studies, prompting further investigations to confirm its existence. This potential planet, similar to Jupiter or Saturn, is surrounded by gas and may have moons capable of supporting life.

Key Facts:

  • Scientists found signs of a giant gas planet in the Alpha Centauri star system, our closest neighboring system.
  • The potential planet is about four-and-a-half light years away from Earth.
  • It resembles gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, meaning it cannot support life itself.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope detected the planet, but it vanished in later observations.
  • Similarities between the planet's star and our Sun make it of particular interest for studying habitability.
  • Future telescopes, like the Grace Roman Space Telescope, may help confirm the planet and study it further.
  • Direct imaging was used to detect the planet, a challenging technique due to the bright light from nearby stars.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
OpenAI beats Elon Musk's Grok in AI chess tournament

OpenAI beats Elon Musk's Grok in AI chess tournament

August 08, 2025
OpenAI's o3 model won an AI chess tournament, defeating Elon Musk's Grok model from xAI in the final match. The competition was among AI programs not specifically designed for chess but for other everyday tasks. Google’s Gemini model came in third, indicating that even advanced AI can still make mistakes in chess.

Key Facts:

  • OpenAI's o3 model won the AI chess tournament, defeating xAI's Grok 4 in the final.
  • The competition involved AI programs for general use, not those specifically designed for chess.
  • Google’s Gemini model placed third after defeating another OpenAI model.
  • The AI chess tournament was held on Kaggle, a platform for data science competitions.
  • Grok made several mistakes, like losing its queen, which contributed to its defeat.
  • The tournament included eight AI models from various companies, including Anthropic and Google.
  • Historically, chess is used to test AI capabilities due to its complex rules.
  • In the past, powerful computers have defeated human champions in games like chess and Go.

Source Information

BBC Tech
OpenAI's GPT-5 targets coders

OpenAI's GPT-5 targets coders

August 08, 2025
OpenAI launched its GPT-5 model, which improves coding skills and reasoning abilities. The model aims to compete with Anthropic's Claude and offers new features like reduced errors and personalized options.

Key Facts:

  • OpenAI released GPT-5, a new AI model, on Thursday.
  • GPT-5 combines language processing with improved reasoning abilities.
  • It is designed to be better at coding and health-related tasks.
  • GPT-5 aims to perform fewer errors compared to previous versions.
  • Users can customize the model's "personality."
  • The release aims to rival Anthropic's AI model, Claude, which is popular for coding.
  • OpenAI reports a $12 billion annual revenue rate.
  • The new model will replace previous versions of ChatGPT.

Source Information

Axios

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Why has an AI-altered Bollywood movie sparked uproar in India?

Why has an AI-altered Bollywood movie sparked uproar in India?

August 08, 2025
An Indian film studio, Eros International, re-released the movie "Raanjhanaa" with a new ending created using artificial intelligence (AI). This altered version of the film has led to significant backlash from its original creators and sparked discussions about the use of AI in filmmaking. The move raises questions about legal rights, ethics, and the impact on artistic integrity.

Key Facts:

  • Eros International re-released the movie "Raanjhanaa" with an AI-generated ending where the main character survives, unlike in the original.
  • The director and original actor of the film are upset because they were not informed about the change and feel the AI-altered film misrepresents their work.
  • The altered version of the film debuted in Tamil Nadu, India, on August 1, titled "Ambikapathy."
  • The director, Aanand L Rai, condemns the re-release as unauthorized and disrespectful to the original work.
  • Actor Dhanush argues that altering films with AI threatens artistic integrity and the storytelling tradition.
  • Eros International believes their re-release is legal and describes it as a creative reinterpretation.
  • The director is exploring legal options against the AI-altered re-release.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
AI-generated music is here to stay. Will streaming services like Spotify label it?

AI-generated music is here to stay. Will streaming services like Spotify label it?

August 08, 2025
AI-generated music is becoming more common, but Spotify is not currently labeling such content. This has raised questions about the authenticity of music and concerns for both artists and listeners. Unlike other platforms, Spotify hasn't confirmed any plans to introduce AI content labeling.

Key Facts:

  • AI-generated music is increasingly present on streaming platforms like Spotify.
  • A synthetic music project called The Velvet Sundown used AI to create music, drawing millions of streams and attention.
  • Spotify hasn't implemented labels for AI-generated content, unlike platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok.
  • Spotify CEO Daniel Ek expressed optimism about AI improving user experiences and aiding creators.
  • Spotify stated they do not regulate the creative tools artists use, focusing instead on preventing deception and misuse.
  • AI has been used on Spotify for features like an AI DJ and podcast translation.
  • Songs that misuse AI for impersonation, like cloning artists' voices, have been removed by Spotify after copyright complaints.

Source Information

NPR News
NASA plans to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. Here's what that means.

NASA plans to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. Here's what that means.

August 08, 2025
NASA plans to install a nuclear reactor on the moon to provide power for a human base by 2030. With solar power insufficient for long-term lunar missions, the reactor aims to ensure sustainable energy, despite concerns about cost and timeline. The U.S. seeks to lead in space exploration as other countries pursue similar goals.

Key Facts:

  • NASA aims to have a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 to power a human base.
  • The reactor will provide at least 100 kilowatts of power, enough to supply about 70 to 80 homes.
  • Solar power is not enough for long-term moon missions because the moon has two-week-long nights.
  • The reactor will work similarly to those on Earth but will need unique cooling systems to dissipate heat in space.
  • Other countries, like China and Russia, also plan to use nuclear power on the moon.
  • Some scientists worry about the high cost and ambitious schedule of the project.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy states that typical reactors in the U.S. can generate much more power than the planned lunar reactor.
  • NASA seeks to secure a prime lunar location with sunlight and ice.

Source Information

NPR Home
Courts service 'covered up' IT bug that caused evidence to go missing

Courts service 'covered up' IT bug that caused evidence to go missing

August 08, 2025
An IT bug in the case-management software used by courts in England and Wales led to missing or incorrect evidence in legal cases. Despite knowing about the problem, HM Courts & Tribunals Service took years to investigate and did not inform judges or lawyers. An internal report suggests the technical issue caused significant concerns about the software's design and handling.

Key Facts:

  • An IT bug affected case-management software used by courts in England and Wales, causing evidence issues.
  • HM Courts & Tribunals Service reportedly knew about the issue but delayed a comprehensive investigation.
  • The internal report indicated judges and lawyers were not informed of the problem to avoid potential harm.
  • HMCTS said it found no evidence that case outcomes were affected by the technical issues.
  • The software involved is used in various court types, including family, civil, and tribunal courts.
  • The Social Security and Child Support Tribunal was reportedly the most impacted.
  • The software was introduced in 2018 and has reportedly had ongoing problems.
  • Concerns have been likened to past scandals involving IT system failures.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store

Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store

August 08, 2025
A new store named Robot Mall has opened in Beijing, China, selling a wide range of robots, including humanoid ones. The shop offers more than 100 different robotic products and includes services like sales, parts, and maintenance. This launch is part of China's focus on expanding its robotics and artificial intelligence sector.

Key Facts:

  • Robot Mall in Beijing sells over 100 kinds of robots.
  • Products include humanoid robots and replicas of famous figures like Albert Einstein.
  • Prices of robots range from 2,000 yuan ($278) to several million yuan.
  • The store also provides services similar to a car dealership, such as parts and maintenance.
  • China has invested over $20 billion in the robotics industry over the past year.
  • The store opening aligns with the start of the World Robot Conference.
  • More than 200 Chinese and foreign brands are featured at the store.
  • Beijing will host the World Humanoid Robot Games with events like track, dance, and football.

Source Information

BBC Tech
How to get out of a love-hate relationship with your phone

How to get out of a love-hate relationship with your phone

August 08, 2025
Many people feel they spend too much time on their smartphones, which affects their concentration and attention. Some individuals are exploring simpler phones, like flip phones or old BlackBerrys, as a way to reduce smartphone usage.

Key Facts:

  • About 91% of Americans own a smartphone.
  • Over half of adults feel they spend too much time on their phones.
  • Smartphones can distract people even when not in use; just having them nearby can pull attention away from tasks.
  • There is growing interest in simpler phones, sometimes called "dumbphones," as an alternative to smartphones.
  • TikTok users show interest in BlackBerrys, seeing them as a middle ground between simple flip phones and complex smartphones.
  • In a Gallup poll, 81% of 18 to 29-year-olds feel they use their phones too much.
  • Younger people, who grew up with digital technology, find it challenging to imagine a life without constant phone use.

Source Information

NPR Home
Why firms are merging HR and IT departments

Why firms are merging HR and IT departments

August 07, 2025
Some companies are combining their Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology (IT) departments under one leader due to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). A survey found that many senior IT leaders expect this merge in the next five years. This change aims to streamline how work is done using both human skills and technology.

Key Facts:

  • Companies are merging HR and IT to better integrate AI into their operations.
  • 64% of senior IT leaders at large companies predict this merge within five years.
  • Moderna has already merged these departments, led by Tracey Franklin.
  • Franklin's role involves managing both HR and IT functions to optimize work processes.
  • Moderna partnered with OpenAI to train employees in using AI tools like ChatGPT.
  • Covisian also merged its IT and HR teams for better alignment of technology and people.
  • AI is being used in call centers to assist human workers with problem-solving.
  • Merging HR and IT departments helps overcome conflicts between the two areas.

Source Information

BBC Business
OpenAI claims GPT-5 model boosts ChatGPT to 'PhD level'

OpenAI claims GPT-5 model boosts ChatGPT to 'PhD level'

August 07, 2025
OpenAI has introduced its new AI model, GPT-5, claiming it provides expertise similar to that of a person with a PhD. The model is said to be smarter and more precise, with better reasoning and fewer inaccuracies. OpenAI aims to provide a more helpful and accurate experience for users, especially in coding tasks, and plans to make GPT-5 available to the public shortly.

Key Facts:

  • OpenAI launched GPT-5, a new version of its AI chatbot, ChatGPT.
  • The company claims GPT-5 performs at a "PhD-level" in tasks like coding and writing.
  • Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, described GPT-5 as a significant advancement in AI.
  • GPT-5 is designed to have fewer "hallucinations," where it gives incorrect answers, and to be less misleading.
  • The model can create software from scratch and deliver answers with clear reasoning and logic.
  • GPT-5 will be available to all users starting from Thursday.
  • There is a discussion about whether the improvements are as impactful as advertised, with some experts suggesting the updates are more evolutionary than revolutionary.
  • OpenAI faced some issues with Anthropic, a competitor, over the use of an API, but plans to continue free-tier offerings for GPT-5.

Source Information

BBC Tech
How some online networks target and radicalize kids

How some online networks target and radicalize kids

August 07, 2025
Some online networks are specifically targeting and influencing young people, encouraging them to engage in harmful behaviors. The FBI is currently investigating these networks, as they have been linked to harmful activities including promoting self-harm among minors.

Key Facts:

  • Online networks are actively targeting and influencing children.
  • These networks encourage minors to harm themselves, others, or animals.
  • The FBI is investigating at least 250 people connected to these networks.
  • Some of these groups have been linked to plans for mass harm or terrorism.
  • Specific cases involve minors' mental health declining due to network influence.
  • NPR's correspondent has talked to families affected by these networks.

Source Information

NPR Home
Trump calls for Intel boss to resign immediately, alleging China ties

Trump calls for Intel boss to resign immediately, alleging China ties

August 07, 2025
Former President Donald Trump has called for the resignation of Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, due to alleged ties with China. Trump's concern revolves around Tan's investments in companies connected to the Chinese military. Intel has defended Tan, stating his commitment to U.S. national security.

Key Facts:

  • Donald Trump has asked Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign over alleged ties with China.
  • Lip-Bu Tan is accused of investments in companies linked to the Chinese military.
  • Trump announced his request via a post on social media.
  • Intel has not responded to the resignation demand publicly.
  • The company recently announced plans to reduce its manufacturing investments to adjust to customer demand.
  • Intel has cut thousands of jobs as part of restructuring efforts this year.
  • Tan was appointed CEO in March to help Intel compete better in the tech industry.
  • Republican Senator Tom Cotton has also expressed concerns about Tan's connections to China.

Source Information

BBC US

What's being done to stop violent extremist networks that are targeting kids online

August 07, 2025
There is increasing concern about online networks that influence children towards harmful behaviors, including terrorism. Experts recommend using public health strategies to tackle this issue.

Key Facts:

  • Online networks that are harmful are targeting kids in the U.S. and other countries.
  • These networks try to persuade children to engage in dangerous activities.
  • Some of the risky behaviors include self-harm and involvement in terrorism.
  • Experts suggest using public health methods to address these online threats.
  • The issue has become more recognized and is gaining attention both in the U.S. and globally.

Source Information

NPR National
Trump calls on CEO of tech firm Intel to resign over China investments

Trump calls on CEO of tech firm Intel to resign over China investments

August 07, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign due to his investments in Chinese tech firms. Trump's message came amid concerns about Tan's ties to Chinese companies linked to the military. This has raised worries about U.S. national security and the leadership of Intel.

Key Facts:

  • Donald Trump publicly asked Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign.
  • Tan invested around $200 million in Chinese tech firms.
  • Some of Tan’s investments are linked to China's military.
  • Intel's stock prices fell after Trump's message.
  • Tan has been Intel's CEO since March 12.
  • U.S. Senator Tom Cotton also expressed concerns about Tan's ties to China.
  • Trump supports an "America First" plan, aiming to boost U.S. manufacturing.
  • Intel, known for microprocessors, faces challenges from AI advancements.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
OpenAI releases hotly anticipated GPT-5 update

OpenAI releases hotly anticipated GPT-5 update

August 07, 2025
OpenAI has released GPT-5, the newest version of its AI technology that powers ChatGPT. This update comes after GPT-4 and is part of OpenAI’s efforts to develop highly advanced AI systems. The company is also transitioning its for-profit structure to a public benefit corporation to balance shareholder interests with its goals.

Key Facts:

  • OpenAI released GPT-5, the fifth version of its AI technology for ChatGPT.
  • GPT-5 was released more than two years after GPT-4, which came out in March 2023.
  • The update is important because it shows if AI is improving quickly or slowing down.
  • OpenAI aims to create AGI (artificial general intelligence), which can do human-level tasks.
  • The company is trying to raise funds for expensive technology to support these advancements.
  • OpenAI was founded in 2015 and is valued at $300 billion.
  • OpenAI plans to become a public benefit corporation to combine profit and mission goals.
  • There have been legal challenges including scrutiny over its nonprofit roots and a lawsuit by Elon Musk.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour