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Steve Bannon supports the AI company Anthropic in its disagreement with the Pentagon. Anthropic wants to restrict its AI technology from being used in fully autonomous lethal weapons, while the Pentagon wants broader rights to use the technology.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist, backs Anthropic’s stance on AI use.
Anthropic is an artificial intelligence company.
Anthropic wants to prevent its AI technology from being used in fully autonomous lethal weapons (weapons that operate without human control).
The Pentagon wants permission to use Anthropic’s AI system, called Claude, for all lawful purposes.
This disagreement has caused a public conflict between Anthropic and the Pentagon.
Fully autonomous lethal weapons refer to weapons that can make targeting and firing decisions on their own, without humans in the loop.
The debate raises concerns about the safety and ethics of using AI in military weapons.
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More than 1,000 workers in Kenya have lost their jobs after Meta ended its contract with Sama, a company hired to do content moderation and AI training. The layoffs highlight difficulties faced by low-paid tech workers in developing countries who often have little job security.
Key Facts
Sama is a Nairobi-based company that does content moderation and AI training work for Meta.
Meta stopped working with Sama after reports that workers had to view private and sensitive content recorded by Meta’s AI smart glasses.
Over 1,000 Sama workers were given six days’ notice before being laid off.
Many laid-off workers were involved in training AI systems by reviewing online content.
Previous layoffs led to a lawsuit citing mental health problems like PTSD and depression among content moderators.
Meta said workers reviewing AI content have user consent and ended the partnership because Sama did not meet its standards.
Sama said it provides fair wages, benefits, and wellness support for employees.
The layoffs have raised concerns about the risks low-paid workers in the global south face when working for large tech companies.
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Meta is raising the prices of its Quest virtual reality headsets by $50 to $100 starting April 19 due to higher costs for memory chips and other components. This price increase is partly caused by Meta’s large spending on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, which has increased demand for the same computer parts used in the headsets.
Key Facts
The price of Meta’s Quest VR headsets will go up by about 12 to 20 percent starting April 19.
Meta cites a global rise in prices for critical components like memory chips as the main reason for the increase.
Meta is investing $115 to $135 billion this year on capital projects, mainly in AI infrastructure.
Significant investments include $21 billion more in data center company CoreWeave and $10 billion for a new data center in El Paso.
The company’s large AI spending drives demand for GPUs and memory chips that are also used in Quest headsets.
Meta has lost $73 billion in its VR-focused Reality Labs division so far.
Meta is planning to cut spending on its metaverse division by up to 30 percent and focus more on AI.
New prices for the Quest 3S and Quest 3 models range from $350 to $600, up from $300 to $500 previously.
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NASA is closely watching an asteroid named Apophis, which will pass very close to Earth on April 13, 2029. This asteroid is large and will come closer to Earth than many satellites, but it does not pose any danger to our planet.
Key Facts
Apophis is about 1,115 feet wide and 1,480 feet long.
It will come within 20,000 miles of Earth’s surface in 2029.
This distance is closer than many satellites that orbit Earth at about 22,236 miles.
Such a close approach by a large asteroid happens only once every few thousand years.
When first found in 2024, Apophis was thought to possibly hit Earth, but now NASA says there is no risk for at least 100 years.
The asteroid will be affected by Earth's gravity, which may change its orbit and rotation.
Scientists will use this event to study Apophis and learn more about asteroids near Earth.
This is the first time humans have had the tools to observe an asteroid this close well in advance.
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Roblox is introducing new options for young users after agreeing to pay $12 million to Nevada to settle safety concerns. Several states are investigating how Roblox protects children who use its online gaming platforms.
Key Facts
Roblox settled with Nevada for $12 million over child safety issues.
The company is adding new features for younger players to improve safety.
States like Oklahoma, Georgia, and South Carolina are investigating Roblox.
Other states involved in similar inquiries include Louisiana, Iowa, and Tennessee.
The investigations focus on how Roblox keeps children safe while playing online.
Roblox is a popular online platform where users can play and create games.
Child safety on internet platforms is a growing concern for regulators and families.
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More U.S. households are paying for AI subscription tools like ChatGPT, but only about 2% currently spend money on these services. Most paying users spend around $20 a month and tend to keep their subscriptions for several months.
Key Facts
The number of U.S. households subscribing to AI tools has grown by about 155% compared to last year.
Only 2% of U.S. households pay for generative AI subscriptions, mostly from higher-income groups.
Most subscribers pay around $20 per month for plans that offer faster access and more features.
Free AI versions exist but with limited features compared to paid plans.
Subscribers usually keep their AI subscriptions for an average of seven months, showing ongoing satisfaction.
AI subscriptions are far less common than streaming service subscriptions, which around 25% of U.S. consumers pay for monthly.
Some AI services offer more expensive professional plans costing up to $100 per month.
Industry experts expect AI companies to keep free plans for now but may raise prices in the future, which could affect adoption.
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Anthropic, an AI company, has developed a new AI model called Claude Mythos that can find and exploit computer security weaknesses better than humans. Because of this, many experts and organizations are worried it might be used to cause harm, so only a few trusted companies have access to it through a special program.
Key Facts
Claude Mythos is part of Anthropic’s AI system called Claude and competes with ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Researchers found Mythos is very good at cybersecurity tasks, including finding old hidden bugs in software.
Anthropic is giving access to Mythos through Project Glasswing, which includes major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, and others.
Mythos has discovered thousands of serious software vulnerabilities, some in widely used operating systems and web browsers.
There are worries that Mythos’ hacking abilities could be misused if it gets into the wrong hands.
Financial leaders including the Canadian finance minister and the Bank of England are paying close attention to the risks Mythos could pose to financial systems.
The EU is also in talks with Anthropic regarding their concerns about Mythos.
Cybersecurity experts say Mythos' capabilities to find vulnerabilities faster than other AI tools is causing alarm.
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NASA is focusing on developing a lander to take astronauts to the Moon’s surface after the Artemis II mission. Meanwhile, space companies are making progress in new rocket technologies, including Moonshot Space’s electromagnetic launcher and Rocket Lab’s new electric satellite thruster called Gauss.
Key Facts
NASA’s Artemis II mission was the first manned Moon flight since 1972.
NASA’s contractors, SpaceX and Blue Origin, are working on lunar landers for future Moon missions.
Moonshot Space, an Israeli company, plans to build an electromagnetic accelerator in Alaska to launch payloads using electricity instead of rocket fuel.
The electromagnetic launcher could send materials into orbit at very high speeds but may cause damage to normal satellites.
Moonshot aims to launch raw materials for manufacturing directly in space.
Rocket Lab introduced the Gauss, a xenon-fueled electric thruster for satellites, boosting in-orbit maneuvering capabilities.
Rocket Lab manufactures rockets, satellite parts, and now electric propulsion, expanding its space technology offerings.
The Gauss thruster production line can produce up to 200 units per year, addressing a need for reliable satellite propulsion.
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Around 2010, malware called Flame tricked Microsoft’s update system to spread harmful software to Iranian computers by exploiting a weak security method called MD5. Today, tech companies like Google and Cloudflare are speeding up plans to switch to new security algorithms that can resist future quantum computers, aiming to be ready by 2029 to protect against advanced cyber threats.
Key Facts
Flame malware used a flaw in the MD5 security method to spread malicious updates.
MD5 has a known vulnerability called a “collision,” where different data produce the same output.
Despite flaws found since 2004, some Microsoft systems still used MD5 for security.
Public-key algorithms RSA and elliptic curves are at risk from powerful future quantum computers.
Quantum computers can break these algorithms much faster than classical computers.
Google and Cloudflare moved their timeline for adopting post-quantum cryptography to 2029.
The US Department of Defense requires quantum-safe security by the end of 2031.
Experts say transitioning the internet to quantum-safe encryption is complex but urgent to avoid major security risks.
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Scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake images that trick insurance companies. These fake pictures help criminals make false claims and steal money.
Key Facts
Scammers use AI to generate images that look real but are fake.
These fake images are used in insurance fraud schemes.
Fraudsters submit these images to get money from insurance companies.
AI makes it easier to create convincing fake photos.
Insurance companies are facing challenges detecting these fake images.
This type of scam is becoming more common with the rise of AI tools.
Experts warn about the risks AI-generated images pose to insurance security.
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Tyla and Zara Larsson released a new song called "SHE DID IT AGAIN" on April 17. The music video features a style and look inspired by early 2000s pop culture, especially reflecting the Y2K era made popular by Britney Spears.
Key Facts
"SHE DID IT AGAIN" is a collaboration between South African singer Tyla and Swedish singer Zara Larsson.
The song mixes R&B, Afrobeats, and pop music styles.
The music video shows clothes, choreography, and visuals typical of early 2000s Y2K fashion.
Both singers wear a gold bikini top and low-rise jeans, a style linked to Britney Spears’s early career.
Zara Larsson has recently embraced the Y2K look as part of her music and image.
Larsson’s popularity has grown after going viral with a meme and winning attention in the U.S. with other songs.
Tyla is known for blending Afrobeats with pop and has become popular worldwide.
Fans and social media users have praised the song and compared it to famous past pop duets like Beyoncé and Shakira.
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Olivia Rodrigo released a new single called "drop dead" on April 17, which comes with a music video filmed at the Palace of Versailles in France. The song marks a change in her style, featuring a more upbeat and romantic tone compared to her previous heartbreak-themed singles.
Key Facts
"drop dead" is the first single from Olivia Rodrigo's upcoming album "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love."
The music video was shot partly at the Palace of Versailles with a retro, VHS-style visual effect.
Fans on social media praised the song for its happy and romantic tone.
The single may reference Rodrigo’s past relationship with actor Louis Partridge.
The song includes a musical nod to "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure.
Rodrigo has been linked to a new relationship with Cameron Winter, although neither confirmed it.
Rodrigo is known for her emotionally direct songwriting and previous hits like "driver’s license" and "vampire."
Fans speculate the album will tell the story of a romantic relationship from beginning to end.
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Artificial intelligence "agents" are being developed to help people shop and manage tasks automatically. Some big companies like American Express, Amazon, and Walmart are using these AI tools, but experts warn that trusting AI to buy things can lead to mistakes and security risks.
Key Facts
AI agents can help with tasks like organizing emails and buying products based on user preferences.
Agentic commerce means relying on AI agents to make purchases for you.
Experts say using AI agents to shop is risky due to errors and potential hacking threats.
American Express offers protections to customers using certain AI agents for purchases.
Amazon's AI assistant "Rufus" tracks prices and can buy items when prices meet set goals.
Walmart uses an AI agent called "Sparky" to help customers find and order products.
About 25% of Americans aged 18-39 have tried AI for shopping or product research.
A startup founder accidentally spent $30,000 when an AI agent booked a speaking slot he couldn’t afford.
AI experts recommend caution, saying it’s safer to control purchases personally for now.
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Data center construction is growing quickly in the U.S., but states differ in how they support or limit these projects. Texas encourages data centers with low costs and big tax breaks, while Maine plans a temporary pause to review the impact on energy and costs.
Key Facts
Texas has 212 operating data centers in 2024, with 651 more announced and 157 under construction.
Texas offers tax incentives worth over $1 billion yearly to attract data center investments.
Some Texas residents worry about water use and electricity costs as data centers grow.
Maine plans the first statewide pause on new data centers to evaluate energy use and protect customers.
Maine’s pause would last 18 months and involve studying electric load growth and financial tools.
About a dozen states are considering similar pauses on data center construction.
At the federal level, lawmakers have proposed stopping new data centers across the country temporarily.
Virginia, another key state for data centers, also faces debate over tax breaks and possible moratoriums.
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Replaced is a new 2D action-platformer game set in a cyberpunk world with unique, warm-colored visuals. The player controls a scientist fused with AI, exploring both dangerous industrial areas and a refugee camp, while the game evokes themes like border walls and a dystopian future.
Key Facts
Replaced is made by Sad Cat Studios from Belarus.
The game features a mix of cyberpunk style with soft, sepia tones and warm colors.
The main character is Warren, a scientist merged with powerful AI.
Gameplay involves running, jumping, fighting enemies, and sneaking past guards.
A significant part of the game is set in a refugee camp with people living in poverty after a nuclear event.
The game's setting resembles an alternate 1980s US with environmental hazards like acid rain and snowfall.
Gameplay includes both action-platforming and slow exploration.
The game tackles serious themes by referencing real-world border walls through its final levels.
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US tech companies, including Microsoft, successfully influenced the European Union to keep information about datacentre emissions secret. This decision prevents the public from seeing pollution details from individual datacentres, allowing only country-level data to be shared.
Key Facts
Microsoft and other US tech firms lobbied the EU to block public access to environmental data on datacentres.
The European Commission included a confidentiality rule in its 2024 proposal, closely matching the tech industry's wording.
This secrecy stops detailed pollution monitoring at the individual datacentre level, limiting transparency.
Datacentres use a lot of energy, partly from burning fossil gas, to support AI technology growth.
The EU plans to triple datacentre capacity to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence.
Tech companies argued data must remain secret for commercial reasons during 2024 public consultations.
The rule prevents freedom of information requests for detailed datacentre emissions data.
Groups involved in lobbying include Microsoft, DigitalEurope (members like Google, Amazon, Meta), and Video Games Europe (includes Netflix).
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The UK government has started investing in artificial intelligence (AI) through a new £500 million fund, aiming to support local AI companies and innovation. Despite concerns about job losses and cybersecurity risks, officials say AI presents an important opportunity to create jobs and solve major problems.
Key Facts
The UK government launched a £500 million sovereign AI fund to invest in AI companies.
The first investment was made in Callosum, a London-based company that helps different computer chips work together to improve AI performance.
The government also invested in a second, unnamed AI business.
Six UK AI startups are getting access to government-funded supercomputers to help develop AI models.
Startups benefiting from supercomputers include Prima Mente (disease research), Cursive (autonomous AI agents), and Odyssey (AI world simulations).
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said AI will create new jobs even though some roles may be automated.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said supporting UK AI companies helps keep competitive businesses in Britain.
Callosum's co-founder highlighted the UK's strong universities and AI labs like DeepMind as reasons to build the company there.
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A group of elderly people in Tokyo are attending beginner classes to learn how to use smartphones. This effort comes as Japan’s mobile networks have ended older 3G services, pushing users to adopt newer 4G and 5G phones to keep communication and services.
Key Facts
The class includes mostly people in their 70s learning to use iPhones and Android phones.
Japan fully shut down its 3G networks by March 2024 to save energy and retire old equipment.
Around half a million people and over 400 phone models were affected by the 3G shutdown.
Some older flip phones still work on 4G, but many users must switch to smartphones or lose phone service.
Phone companies offer classes to teach older users how to manage calls, online shopping, photos, and security.
Participants want to learn about health trackers, weather apps, and safe internet habits.
Many elderly users feel overwhelmed by smartphone features but are determined to stay connected.
Instructors emphasize practice and caution with scams, recommending ignoring suspicious messages or calls.
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A recent study found that about 4% of people who use popular weight loss drugs experience irregular menstrual cycles. This side effect was not widely known before the research.
Key Facts
The study focused on common weight loss medications.
4% of users reported problems with their menstrual cycles.
The side effect involves irregular or abnormal periods.
Neil Sehgal is the lead author of the study.
The study reveals hidden side effects that users should know about.
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Actor Val Kilmer, who passed away in April, will appear in a new movie through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Filmmakers used AI to recreate his voice and image for the film after his death.
Key Facts
Val Kilmer died in April before the new movie was made.
His voice and image were recreated using AI technology.
AI allows filmmakers to digitally bring back actors who are no longer alive.
This technology can produce realistic versions of a person’s speech and appearance.
The movie featuring Kilmer’s AI version will be released after his death.
This use of AI in movies is part of a growing trend in the film industry.
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