A bill related to data use and access in the UK, opposed by several prominent artists, has been passed without an amendment that would have required tech companies to declare the use of copyrighted material in AI training. The UK government plans to address copyright issues separately and proceed with other proposed changes in the bill, which aims to enhance data use for economic benefits and infrastructure improvements.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
Artists like Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa opposed the bill.
The proposed amendment wanted tech companies to declare the use of copyrights in AI training.
This amendment was not included in the final bill.
The government is conducting a separate consultation on copyright issues.
The bill includes measures to improve access to children’s data for bereaved parents and enhance NHS data sharing.
The bill also proposes creating a 3D map of underground pipes and cables in the UK.
The bill aims to help grow the economy and improve services using data.
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Disney and Universal are suing an AI company called Midjourney. They claim Midjourney's tool copies their characters, like Darth Vader and Elsa, without permission. This legal action highlights the entertainment industry's concerns about AI technology and copyright issues.
Key Facts
Disney and Universal are taking legal action against Midjourney, an AI company, for image copyright issues.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal district court in Los Angeles.
The studios argue that Midjourney's tool creates unauthorized copies of their characters.
Examples given in the lawsuit include characters like Star Wars' Yoda and Marvel's Spiderman.
Midjourney reportedly made $300 million last year.
Disney's legal officer emphasized the need for responsible AI use and protection against piracy.
Midjourney is a small company with less than a dozen full-time staffers, based in San Francisco.
Hollywood is interested in AI but has mixed feelings about its impact on the industry.
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WhatsApp has announced its support for Apple in a legal battle against the UK Home Office. The dispute concerns a government request for access to encrypted user data for national security purposes. Apple opposes this request, arguing it could harm user privacy, and WhatsApp has joined the case to protect data encryption.
Key Facts
WhatsApp supports Apple's legal fight against the UK government over access to encrypted user data.
The UK Home Office wants the right to access data for national security reasons.
Apple argues that complying with the request would affect the privacy of millions of users.
Apple and WhatsApp use encryption to keep user data secure, and they resist creating access methods for authorities.
The dispute has raised privacy and security concerns among tech companies and civil liberties groups.
WhatsApp has applied to provide evidence in the court case.
Apple initially responded by removing some of its security features in the UK and then took legal action.
The Home Office stated its commitment to protecting privacy while tackling serious crimes.
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In China, nearly half of all cars sold last year were electric vehicles (EVs). This indicates China's strong focus on and the growth of its electric car industry.
Key Facts
Electric vehicles made up almost 50% of all car sales in China last year.
The information relates to the significant increase in China's electric vehicle sector.
The article was released by BBC Sounds on June 10, 2025.
The focus is on how China is leading in electric car usage compared to other countries.
The news is available for more than a year on BBC Sounds.
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The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, is investigating the message board 4chan and porn site First Time Videos for not following online safety rules. Ofcom wants to ensure that these platforms protect users from illegal content and check the age of users properly. Other file-sharing services are also being investigated for possible child sexual abuse content.
Key Facts
Ofcom is looking into 4chan for not providing information about how it keeps users safe from illegal content.
The investigation is part of the rules in the Online Safety Act, which require online services to protect UK users.
4chan has not responded to Ofcom’s request for a risk assessment since April.
Ofcom can fine companies up to 10% of their global revenue or £18 million, whichever is more.
Seven file-sharing services are also under investigation for potential child sexual abuse content.
These services are Im.ge, Krakenfiles, Nippybox, Nippydrive, Nippyshare, Nippyspace, and Yolobit.
The porn site First Time Videos is being checked to see if it has proper age verification measures for users.
Platforms hosting age-restricted content must have strong age checks by July.
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Uber plans to test driverless taxis in London next spring using technology developed by the UK company Wayve. These tests will start earlier than initially planned due to recent changes in UK regulations. Uber is still deciding if these vehicles will be available for public use during the trial.
Key Facts
Uber will trial driverless taxis in London in spring, using Wayve's technology.
These are autonomous cars, meaning they operate without a human driver.
UK regulations were updated to allow such trials earlier than the original 2027 target.
It is undecided if the public can use these taxis during the trial period.
UK government estimates the driverless car industry could create 38,000 jobs by 2035.
Robotaxis have been tested in other countries like the US, China, UAE, and Singapore.
In Austin, Texas, Uber's driverless taxis operate up to 20 hours a day.
Studies show automated vehicles might be less prone to accidents compared to human-driven cars.
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Drone shows are becoming more popular at events like weddings, festivals, and sports games due to their ability to create impressive light displays. These shows use multiple drones to create colorful shapes and images in the sky, and they are sometimes used as an alternative to fireworks. However, the cost of these shows can be quite high.
Key Facts
Drone shows are appearing more often at events such as weddings, festivals, and sporting events.
A wedding in New York featured a drone show with 100 to 150 drones creating personalized images in the sky.
The Glastonbury music festival in 2024 included its first-ever drone show.
In October, a record-breaking drone show in China used 10,200 drones.
Drone shows are seen as an artistic and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks.
The cost of a drone show can be high, with industry data suggesting $300 per drone.
Skymagic, a company specializing in drone shows, has produced major displays costing over $1 million.
Drones are equipped with LED lights and can fly for up to 25 minutes at a time.
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Microsoft has revealed its first handheld console, the ROG Xbox Ally, which allows players to access hundreds of games with the Game Pass subscription service. It is created with Asus and will come in two versions, releasing at the end of 2025. Microsoft has not yet announced the price for the console.
Key Facts
Microsoft unveiled a handheld console called the ROG Xbox Ally.
The console is available in two versions: a standard and an "X" version with more memory and storage.
Both versions feature a 7-inch screen with 1080p resolution.
The ROG Xbox Ally can play games natively, via the cloud, or remotely from an Xbox console.
Microsoft has partnered with Asus to make this device.
The console will release at the end of 2025, but the price is not yet disclosed.
The console allows access to other game platforms like Steam and EA Play because it runs Windows.
The device is heavier than some competitors, weighing 670g and 715g for the two versions.
New games, including 17 titles for Game Pass, were announced at the console's reveal.
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The government is thinking about setting time limits for children on social media apps, including a possible two-hour usage cap per app each day and a curfew at 10 PM. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is examining the addictive nature of apps and considering tougher online safety measures, while some campaigners argue that more decisive actions are needed to protect children online.
Key Facts
The government may introduce time limits for children using social media apps.
Proposals include a two-hour daily limit per app and a 10 PM curfew.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is reviewing how addictive apps and smartphones can be.
An online safety campaigner, Ian Russell, criticized the government for delays in implementing new safety laws.
Ian Russell's daughter died after exposure to harmful online content.
The former government's Online Safety Act has not yet been put into effect.
From July, platforms must provide age-appropriate content or face consequences.
Peter Kyle described current internet safety laws as uneven and unsatisfactory.
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The Rubin Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert is involved in mapping the universe. Ione Wells explores the observatory, while another segment of the program focuses on a new robot with a sense of touch in an Amazon warehouse.
Key Facts
The Rubin Observatory is located in Chile's Atacama Desert.
The observatory is used for mapping the universe.
Ione Wells visited the observatory to report on its activities.
A separate segment looked at a robot in an Amazon warehouse that can feel or sense touch.
The program has a total duration of 24 minutes.
The episode was first shown on June 7, 2025, at 1:30 am.
The episode will be available for 11 months.
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NatWest's mobile banking app stopped working in the UK, leaving many customers unable to access their accounts. While card payments were unaffected, some reported problems with the bank's online service. NatWest apologized and is fixing the issue, but did not provide a time for when it will be resolved.
Key Facts
NatWest's mobile banking app had an outage in the UK.
Over 3,000 people reported issues with the app on Downdetector.
NatWest's online banking service was said to be working, but some customers disagreed.
Card payments through NatWest were not affected by the outage.
NatWest apologized and stated they are working quickly to fix the app.
The bank has not given a specific time for when the app will work again.
Some customers have also had issues with online banking.
Banking outages have been frequent, and NatWest has paid compensation for previous issues.
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Hackers targeted Marks & Spencer (M&S) with a ransomware attack, sending a threatening email directly to the company's CEO, Stuart Machin, demanding a ransom. The email came from a group called DragonForce and used the account of an employee from Tata Consultancy Services. Customers were later informed that their data might have been compromised.
Key Facts
Hackers sent an abusive email to M&S CEO Stuart Machin on April 23, demanding a ransom.
The email came from the hacker group called DragonForce and was sent using an employee account from Tata Consultancy Services.
The email confirmed for the first time that M&S was hacked by a ransomware group.
Hackers claimed to have encrypted M&S’s servers and stolen customer data.
The company informed customers weeks later that their data might have been stolen.
The incident connects to an ongoing hack affecting another retailer, Co-op, which DragonForce also claimed responsibility for.
Tata Consultancy Services is investigating whether its systems were involved but stated the email did not come from its system.
The ransomware group provides services on their darknet website for other cybercriminals, taking a percentage of ransoms collected.
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Airlines are making a lot of money from baggage fees, with U.S. airlines alone earning $7.27 billion last year. This has led to more people buying small suitcases that fit as hand luggage to avoid extra costs. The trend is also seen in increased social media content about packing tips and compliant luggage.
Key Facts
U.S. airlines earned $7.27 billion from baggage fees last year.
Airlines like Air Canada and Southwest have recently started charging for checked luggage.
Many travelers now opt for small suitcases that fit as carry-ons to avoid these fees.
There is a strong demand for carry-on luggage, as confirmed by a UK bag firm.
Social media content about packing and fitting bags to airline rules is becoming popular.
The overall cost of all extra airline fees worldwide is expected to be $145 billion this year, according to the International Air Transport Association.
Airlines began charging for checked bags to compete with low-cost carriers.
The first U.S. airline to charge for a checked bag on domestic flights was American Airlines in 2008.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 has been released worldwide, with many stores opening at midnight to meet eager fans. Although there are questions about its higher game prices, the strong pre-order numbers suggest significant interest in the new console.
Key Facts
The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available globally, with some stores opening at midnight for the launch.
Many customers pre-ordered the console, with UK retailer Currys reporting it's their largest gaming pre-order ever.
Some pre-orders were canceled by the supplier Game, and Nintendo paused pre-orders in the US briefly over tariff concerns.
The Switch 2's main high-profile game, Mario Kart World, costs £74.99, which is higher than usual.
Currys sold 30,000 units, citing high excitement for the release.
The original Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units since its release in 2017.
The Switch 2 continues the "hybrid" design, which allows use as both a handheld and a TV-connected console, now with a larger screen and more power.
This is the first time Nintendo has released a direct sequel to a previous console model.
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TikTok has blocked the search for the hashtag "skinnytok" because it is associated with content promoting extreme thinness and unhealthy weight loss. Users who search for this will now be directed to mental health support resources. This action follows concerns raised by eating disorder experts and digital authorities, although challenges remain as similar content may still appear elsewhere on the platform.
Key Facts
TikTok blocked the "skinnytok" hashtag to prevent access to unhealthy weight loss content.
The hashtag contains posts showing extreme dieting and exercise routines.
Users searching for "skinnytok" will now be directed to mental health resources instead.
Experts from eating disorder charities have expressed concern about the hashtag's negative impact.
The hashtag has over half a million posts linked to promoting extreme thinness.
France has seen particular concern over the trend, with experts warning about its effects on young people.
TikTok frequently reviews its safety measures to keep up with new risks.
In the past, TikTok removed "chubby filters" after they led to body image concerns.
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The BBC "Tech Life" program discusses how to protect personal data if a company faces financial trouble. It also covers China's growing electric vehicle (EV) industry and efforts using technology to fight illegal mining in Ghana.
Key Facts
The BBC program "Tech Life" includes a segment on protecting personal data during a company's financial issues.
In China, nearly half of all cars sold last year were electric vehicles (EVs).
The program examines China's strong growth in the electric car industry.
Another topic is the use of technology to combat illegal mining in Ghana.
Illegal mining presents significant challenges in Ghana, and tech solutions are being explored to address this issue.
The "Tech Life" program is available for over a year to listen to online.
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Pornhub, operated by the company Aylo, will stop its services in France due to a new law requiring stricter age verification for users. Aylo argues that the law threatens user privacy and believes age checks should occur at the device level. Pornhub is also withdrawing from some U.S. states over similar age verification concerns.
Key Facts
Pornhub will stop operations in France due to a law requiring porn sites to verify users' ages more carefully.
France is Pornhub's second-largest market after the United States.
Aylo, the company behind Pornhub, believes the French law could harm user privacy.
French officials say that the law will reduce children's access to harmful content.
Aylo also runs other sites like Youporn and RedTube, which will also not be available in France.
The company has previously withdrawn from some U.S. states for similar age verification reasons.
The UK and EU are implementing similar regulations to ensure online content is safe for children.
Aylo is owned by Canadian private equity firm Ethical Capital Partners.
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Senior figures from Apple and Google are discussing with UK police the best ways to handle phone theft in the country. The police suggest using each phone's unique number, called an IMEI, to block stolen phones, but the companies have concerns about potential fraud. Both firms have introduced new features to prevent thefts, while there is debate over how effectively the tech industry can tackle the issue.
Key Facts
The Metropolitan Police in the UK seized over 1,000 phones in a crackdown on theft in February.
Two-thirds of thefts in London involve phones, and many are linked to violent crimes.
An IMEI is a unique identifying number for each phone, used to block stolen devices.
While UK phone networks block stolen devices using the IMEI, this doesn't stop use in other countries.
Apple introduced Stolen Device Protection and Google added Theft Detection Lock to combat phone theft.
Police estimate 75% of stolen phones are sent abroad, mainly to China and Hong Kong.
Police are asking cloud providers to block lost or stolen devices from connecting online.
MPs expressed concern that Apple and Google have not fully committed to tackling phone theft globally.
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Recently, The North Face and Cartier reported that hackers stole customer data from their systems. While no financial information was accessed, customer names and email addresses were taken. The North Face faced a cyber attack using a method called "credential stuffing," where hackers used stolen usernames and passwords from other breaches, while Cartier experienced a different type of attack but quickly contained it.
Key Facts
The North Face and Cartier reported customer data thefts.
The North Face attack happened in April and was considered "small-scale."
Cartier's system was accessed temporarily by unauthorized individuals.
Both companies lost data like names and email addresses, but not financial info.
The North Face attack involved "credential stuffing," using stolen login details from other breaches.
Affected customers of The North Face need to change their passwords.
The UK's National Crime Agency is prioritizing catching the attackers.
Cartier enhanced its security after the incident and informed authorities.
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Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by Elon Musk, has decided not to manufacture cars in India, India's heavy industries minister said. The company plans to open two showrooms in India, but it hasn't committed to local car production despite previous incentives offered by the Indian government.
Key Facts
Tesla will open two showrooms in India for selling its cars.
The Indian government offered incentives for global electric vehicle makers to produce in India, but Tesla was not interested.
Indian minister HD Kumaraswamy said other car companies are interested in making electric cars in India, but not Tesla.
Tesla was involved in early discussions about manufacturing in India but pulled out of later talks.
President Trump mentioned it would be unfair if Tesla built a factory in India.
Tesla's plans to start a base in India were put on hold in 2022 due to local production demands from the government.
Tesla's EV sales would face challenges in India due to cost, charging infrastructure, and local road conditions.
India's Tata Motors leads the local EV market, with MG Motors in second place.
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