The FBI has announced a new project using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance national security. The project aims to help the FBI stay ahead of potential threats both in the U.S. and globally. The exact details of the project remain undisclosed.
Key Facts
The FBI is developing an AI project to improve national security.
FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement about the project.
The initiative is part of a broader embrace of AI within the U.S. government under President Donald Trump.
President Trump signed an executive order to promote AI, which includes partnerships with companies like xAI.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino leads a working group to advance technology tools for the agency.
Bongino has announced his departure in January, raising questions about future leadership of the project.
The AI project aims to counteract threats from bad actors domestically and internationally.
Some online retailers use artificial intelligence (AI) to set personalized prices for shoppers. They gather personal information, like age and browsing history, to determine how much a customer might pay.
Key Facts
Online retailers use AI to adjust prices based on personal data.
The process is called "surveillance pricing."
Personal data such as age, gender, location, and browsing history influence the prices set.
AI sifts through large amounts of data to decide on these personalized prices.
Jay Stanley from the ACLU discusses this topic with Ali Rogin.
The collected data helps retailers predict how much each customer might be willing to pay.
Apple TV has renewed the alien invasion show "Pluribus" for a second season, with plans potentially extending to four seasons. Showrunner Vince Gilligan confirmed the renewal and discussed future seasons, but a release date for Season 2 is not yet set. The show could debut in 2028 due to its high production costs.
Key Facts
"Pluribus" is renewed for a second season by Apple TV.
Vince Gilligan, the show's creator, discussed the potential for up to four seasons.
The release date for Season 2 is estimated to be in 2028.
Production costs for the show are reported as $15 million per episode.
The first season ended with Rhea Seehorn receiving a Golden Globe nomination.
"Pluribus" involves an alien parasite affecting humanity, with a few survivors resisting.
Vince Gilligan mentioned a clear ending for the series is planned.
A study published in 2026 suggests that the artificial sweetener aspartame may negatively affect heart and brain health. Researchers found that mice exposed to aspartame showed changes in heart muscle thickness and decreased cognitive function.
Key Facts
A 2026 study found aspartame might harm heart and brain health in mice.
Mice given aspartame had thicker heart muscles and lower cognitive abilities.
Aspartame is a common low-calorie sweetener in many food products.
The study suggested re-evaluating current human safety limits for aspartame.
Aspartame reduced body fat by about 20% in mice, despite other risks.
The U.S. FDA approves aspartame for use in foods and drinks.
Another study linked the sweetener erythritol with heart and brain health concerns.
A study by MIT found that using AI chatbots like ChatGPT can reduce brain activity linked to thinking and problem-solving. People using AI for tasks like writing essays showed less ability to recall their work without AI assistance. Other studies, including one by Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft, suggested that relying too much on AI could weaken critical thinking skills over time.
Key Facts
MIT researchers studied brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) on people using AI tools.
Participants using ChatGPT had less brain activity in areas related to thinking and problem-solving.
People who used AI struggled more to recall information from essays they wrote.
Studies warn that overconfidence in AI tools might reduce critical thinking efforts.
Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft found over-reliance on AI could weaken problem-solving skills.
Oxford University Press surveyed UK schoolchildren, finding some felt AI impacted their learning skills negatively.
However, Dr. Alexandra Tomescu noted many students reported AI helped them develop skills like creativity and problem-solving.
Tech workers in Gaza face challenges like having very little electricity, limited internet, and old equipment. They are working hard to complete their projects and keep their clients satisfied.
Key Facts
Gaza's tech workers include coders and engineers.
They have limited access to electricity.
The internet in Gaza is often slow or unavailable.
Many rely on outdated equipment to complete their work.
These workers are determined to finish their tech projects.
Keeping their current clients is a major goal despite these challenges.
ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, has agreed with investors, including Oracle, to manage TikTok in the US. The app's recommendation system will use American data, which might change how personalized content feels to users. The changes could influence how TikTok operates and how users experience content on the app.
Key Facts
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, signed a deal with investors to manage TikTok's business in the US.
Oracle will handle TikTok's recommendation algorithm, retrained with American user data.
The algorithm change aims to keep the app feeling safer but may affect its cultural relevance.
Current popular features like short videos and shopping are expected to remain.
Differences in personalization may arise if the US version can't fully match the global version's features.
Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake are the main investors in this deal.
Oracle, TikTok's cloud computing partner in the US, is led by Larry Ellison, an ally of President Trump.
The White House is investigating how a YouTube creator's livestream about personal finance appeared on its official website. The stream was visible for about eight minutes, during which the site usually shows live videos of President Donald Trump speaking. It is not clear if this was caused by a hack or a mistake by someone in the government.
Key Facts
A YouTube livestream about investing appeared on the White House's official website.
This occurred on the page usually reserved for presidential live videos.
The stream was visible for at least eight minutes.
The White House is investigating the incident.
It is unknown if a hacker caused this or if it was an accidental link.
No further details about the incident have been released.
ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, has made a deal with American and global investors to keep its business running in the United States. This follows pressure from the U.S. government to sell its operations due to national security concerns. It is not yet clear how this deal will affect TikTok users in the United States.
Key Facts
ByteDance owns TikTok, a popular social media app.
ByteDance made a deal with investors to operate TikTok in America.
The U.S. government wanted ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. part due to security worries.
TikTok's future user experience in the U.S. is not clear.
The pressure came from Washington, D.C., which is the capital of the U.S.
Elon Musk is under scrutiny for posting comments on social media about actress Sydney Sweeney's appearance after her appearance at a movie premiere. Musk's comments involved sharing memes and images that many saw as inappropriate, leading to divided opinions online.
Key Facts
Elon Musk posted several comments about Sydney Sweeney's physical appearance on social media.
The posts included a meme and an image, both of which were widely shared and viewed millions of times.
Some people criticized Musk for focusing on Sweeney's appearance rather than her work.
Others viewed the situation more humorously or dismissed the remarks.
Sydney Sweeney has faced heightened public scrutiny, partly because of her political affiliations and past public controversies.
Though Sweeney has not commented on Musk's recent posts, she has previously responded to public attention regarding her body.
The U.S. Navy launched a new type of attack drone from a ship for the first time. The drone, called LUCAS, is designed to be a "suicide" or one-way attack vehicle, similar to drones used in conflicts like the one in Ukraine. This development is part of efforts to improve U.S. military strategies using unmanned technology in areas where Iranian drones are a threat.
Key Facts
The drone launched is known as a LUCAS, which stands for Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System.
It was launched from the USS Santa Barbara in the Persian Gulf.
The LUCAS drone is modeled after Iranian "suicide drones" used in Ukraine.
This launch marks the first time the U.S. Navy has launched this kind of drone from a ship.
The drone is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, which focuses on developing these types of drones in the Middle East.
LUCAS can be launched using various methods, including catapults and rocket-assisted takeoff.
Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw highlighted the launch as an important step for affordable unmanned military capabilities.
The U.S. military aims to use these drones to counter threats from Iranian drones in the region.
Keith Lee won the Creator of the Year award at the first TikTok Awards held in Los Angeles. The awards, voted by fans, honored creators in various categories and coincided with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, agreeing to sell its U.S. operations. This sale involves significant stakes being sold to U.S. and global investors.
Key Facts
Keith Lee won the Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards in Los Angeles.
The awards featured 14 categories, including Storyteller of the Year and Live Creator of the Year.
The event was streamed on TikTok and Tubi and hosted by La La Anthony.
Paris Hilton, Jordan Chiles, and Bethenny Frankel were among the presenters.
The awards took place the same day TikTok's owner, ByteDance, agreed to sell its U.S. operations.
ByteDance's sale involves investors such as Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX taking major stakes.
ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake in the U.S. operations.
The deal aims to address U.S. national security concerns and is expected to close by January 22.
TikTok has agreed to sell its U.S. operations to a joint venture led by American investors. This decision follows ongoing concerns about national security linked to TikTok's Chinese ownership. The deal, valued at around $14 billion, will result in changes to how TikTok manages data and content in the U.S.
Key Facts
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. unit to an American-led group.
The joint venture will be called "TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC."
Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX will own a combined 45%.
Existing ByteDance investors will hold about one-third, and ByteDance will keep nearly 20%.
The U.S. venture will handle data protection, algorithm security, and content moderation.
Oracle will act as the trusted security partner for auditing compliance.
The sale was prompted by U.S. national security concerns regarding TikTok's Chinese ownership.
The transaction values TikTok's U.S. operations at approximately $14 billion.
The article discusses how technology is impacting traditional baking operations, particularly at a factory like Tunnock's near Glasgow. While Tunnock's uses automation for many processes, it combines this with human tasks to maintain quality and tradition. New technological advancements, such as a robot arm designed for cake decoration, show how technology could further integrate into food production.
Key Facts
Tunnock's is a family-run business that produces caramel for its wafer biscuits using both human workers and machines.
The factory uses automation but still relies on human skills for tasks like checking caramel consistency.
Machines and human workers together produce about seven million wafer bars and 4.5 million tea cakes each year.
Technology helps Tunnock's compete with larger companies in the snack industry.
A new robot arm called HIRO from Canada's Unifiller is designed to bridge the gap between traditional baking and modern efficiency by decorating cakes.
The robot arm focuses on hygiene and can handle various toppings, which is a challenge in the food industry.
Food industry equipment must be easy to clean to maintain hygiene standards, which is a design focus for the developers of the robot arm.
TikTok has finalized a deal to sell its U.S. business to American investors Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX. This agreement will let TikTok continue operating in the U.S. while ensuring data protection and meeting national security standards. Half of the new TikTok U.S. joint venture will be owned by these investors, with the rest distributed among other stakeholders including the original Chinese owners, ByteDance.
Key Facts
TikTok signed a deal to sell its U.S. unit to American investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX.
The deal will close on January 22, ensuring TikTok continues to operate in the U.S.
Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX will own 15% each of the new joint venture.
ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake in the U.S. business.
A new board of directors will be majority-American, focusing on protecting U.S. data and national security.
U.S. user data will be stored in a system run by Oracle.
The TikTok algorithm will be adjusted to ensure content is free from outside influences.
President Trump signed executive orders to keep TikTok running while finalizing the deal.
The UK government plans to ban AI "nudification" apps, which allow users to edit images to remove clothing. This ban is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence against women and girls online. The new rules will make it illegal to create or distribute these apps.
Key Facts
The UK government announced a plan to ban "nudification" apps as part of efforts to address online misogyny.
These apps use AI to make images look like a person has no clothing.
Creating sexually explicit deepfake images without consent is already illegal under the Online Safety Act.
The new ban aims to prevent the creation and distribution of nudifying apps.
The government will work with tech companies to tackle intimate image abuse.
UK company SafeToNet develops AI to block sexual content in images and videos.
Calls for the ban come after increases in manipulated explicit imagery being reported by victims.
The new laws are part of a wider strategy to enhance online safety for women and girls.
Viral videos in 2025 created by artificial intelligence (AI) have gained significant popularity and viewership. These videos often depict historical events, fictional scenarios, and AI-generated personalities. However, the accuracy of these depictions is sometimes questioned, and AI's role in media is a topic of debate.
Key Facts
In 2025, many popular viral videos used AI to create content.
A popular type of video was "point of view" (POV), depicting scenes like historical events.
Some of these videos had inaccuracies, such as incorrect historical details.
An AI actress named Tilly Norwood created by Particle6 has over 68,000 Instagram followers.
The AI music creation named TaTa Taktumi, created by Timbaland, released music despite being virtual.
AI-generated animal videos, like cats playing instruments, gained millions of views for their entertainment value.
AI videos on TikTok featuring celebrities with their famous characters gained significant popularity.
The article discusses Erik Brynjolfsson's insights into artificial intelligence (AI) and its economic potential. He believes that AI should enhance human work rather than replace it and that such augmentation is key to economic growth. Brynjolfsson's background in economics and AI helps him explore these ideas at Stanford University and the Institute for Human Centered AI.
Key Facts
Erik Brynjolfsson is a leading economist and AI expert.
He works at Stanford University and the Institute for Human Centered AI.
Brynjolfsson believes AI should enhance human work rather than replace it.
Augmenting human tasks with AI may lead to significant economic benefits.
Brynjolfsson's insights are based on economic facts and analysis.
He has a diverse cultural background, having been born in Denmark and moved to the U.S.
His academic journey includes studying applied mathematics at Harvard and a Ph.D. at MIT.
A government body in the UK reports that one in three adults use AI for emotional support or social interaction. Many people use chatbots like ChatGPT and voice assistants for these purposes. The report also discusses AI's growing capabilities in cybersecurity and scientific fields.
Key Facts
One-third of UK adults use AI for emotional support or social interaction.
One in 25 people use AI for these purposes every day.
The study was conducted by the AI Security Institute (AISI) over two years.
They tested 30+ advanced AI systems in areas like cybersecurity, chemistry, and biology.
Chatbots and voice assistants are the most common AI tools used by people for emotional support.
Users felt anxious or depressed when AI companions were unavailable.
AI's ability to detect security flaws is improving rapidly, doubling every eight months.
The report discusses concerns about AI self-replication and hidden capabilities but found no current real-world evidence of these threats.
Facebook is testing a new feature that limits how many links some users can share without a subscription. The subscription starts at £9.99 per month and includes additional features like a blue verification tick. This move is seen as a way for Facebook to generate more revenue by charging for certain platform functions.
Key Facts
Facebook is testing a limit on the number of links users can share without a subscription.
The subscription costs start at £9.99 per month.
The feature includes a blue verification tick and extra account support.
Notifications about the test have been sent to some users, starting from December 16.
The test targets users in "professional mode" or those using Facebook Pages.
This is part of Meta's strategy to monetize more platform features.
Similar moves have been made by Twitter under Elon Musk, requiring payment for verification.
The test affects how creators and businesses can use Facebook to promote content.
