Schools in the UK are testing AI technology, including deepfake avatars, to help with teaching. The goal is to reduce teacher workload and improve education quality, but there are differing opinions on its effectiveness and impact on teacher-student relationships.
Key Facts
Schools in the UK are using AI, including virtual teachers and deepfake avatars, in classrooms.
The UK government believes AI can transform education and help reduce teacher workload.
Some teachers and unions are concerned that AI cannot replace the in-person teacher-student relationship.
The Valley Leadership Academy uses a remote maths teacher for some students, leading to teacher strikes.
AI systems at Great Schools Trust help with marking assessments and planning lessons.
Deepfake technology is used for personalized feedback and translation for students and parents.
The use of deepfake technology is optional for teachers and aims to support, not replace, them.
Oracle's stock dropped by over 10% after failing to meet expected revenue figures. Even though the company reported growth, particularly in its AI cloud services, concerns remain about the possibility of an AI investment bubble. Oracle recently secured a significant contract with OpenAI and raised a large sum through bonds to fund data centers.
Key Facts
Oracle's stock fell more than 10% after-hours due to lower than expected revenue.
The company reported $16.06 billion in revenue, missing the $16.21 billion analysts expected.
Oracle's AI business, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, saw a 68% increase in sales.
Oracle signed a $300 billion contract with OpenAI for computing power over five years.
Oracle stock is down 40% from its peak but still 30% higher since the start of the year.
Larry Ellison, Oracle's chairman, expressed the need for adaptability in AI and a "chip neutrality" strategy.
Oracle raised $18 billion in September to fund data center expansion, raising concerns over debt.
Fatboy Slim received approval from the Rolling Stones to release a track he created 25 years ago that mixes one of their songs. For years, the Rolling Stones did not allow the sample to be used, but they have now changed their stance, allowing Fatboy Slim to officially release Satisfaction Skank.
Key Facts
Fatboy Slim, whose real name is Norman Cook, made a track called Satisfaction Skank 25 years ago.
The track combines a riff from the Rolling Stones' song Satisfaction with Fatboy Slim's single The Rockafeller Skank.
The Rolling Stones initially did not allow the use of the sample for commercial release.
The song was popular on file-sharing sites like Napster and Kazaa in the 2000s.
Fatboy Slim tried multiple times to get the sample approved over the years but was turned down.
Recently, the Rolling Stones agreed to let Fatboy Slim use the sample in an official release.
The Rolling Stones also provided their original master tapes to improve the track's quality.
This change in approval is part of a broader trend where the Rolling Stones have become more open to their music being re-used in new ways.
OpenAI warns that its future AI models will likely pose a high cybersecurity risk due to their increasing capabilities. These models could help more people carry out cyberattacks, and OpenAI is taking steps to prepare for and mitigate these risks.
Key Facts
OpenAI says its upcoming AI models could pose a "high" cybersecurity risk.
Recent models have shown significant improvements in cybersecurity capabilities.
GPT-5 scored 27% and GPT-5.1-Codex-Max scored 76% in a security test.
"High" risk is the second-highest risk level, below "critical."
OpenAI is preparing for new models that could reach "high" cybersecurity levels.
OpenAI is working with other labs on cybersecurity threats through the Frontier Model Forum.
The company plans to establish a Frontier Risk Council for cybersecurity collaboration.
OpenAI is testing a tool called Aardvark to identify security gaps in products.
The Game Awards, a big event in the video game industry, will reveal new games and announce top awards. A teaser by the show’s host, Geoff Keighley, hinted at a game connected to Larian Studios, known for "Baldur's Gate 3." Fans are also hoping to see news about several other popular games.
Key Facts
The Game Awards is a big event for the video game industry.
Geoff Keighley, the host, teased a game involving a statue related to Larian Studios.
Larian Studios made "Baldur's Gate 3," a successful game in 2023.
There are rumors about new games like "Half-Life 3" and "Final Fantasy 7 Part 3."
Fans should not expect news about "Grand Theft Auto 6" at the awards.
New game announcements and award winners are key highlights of the event.
Paramount announced a new series called "NOLA King," featuring Samuel L. Jackson. It is a spinoff from "Tulsa King," with Jackson playing a character who returns to New Orleans to deal with past connections. The series will stream on Paramount+ and is expected to premiere in fall 2026.
Key Facts
"NOLA King" is a spinoff of the show "Tulsa King."
Samuel L. Jackson stars in the series, reprising his role from "Tulsa King."
The show centers on Jackson's character reconnecting with his past in New Orleans.
Production for "NOLA King" will start in February 2026.
The series will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
The release date is projected for fall 2026.
The series is expected to have ten episodes, similar to "Tulsa King."
Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson are involved in executive production.
The TV show "Pluribus," created by Vince Gilligan, is near the end of its first season. Episode 7 airs on December 12, 2025, and the show is available to stream weekly on Apple TV.
Key Facts
"Pluribus" Episode 7, called "The Gap," airs on December 12, 2025.
The show has a total of nine episodes in its first season.
You can watch "Pluribus" on Apple TV with a subscription.
New episodes of "Pluribus" release every Friday until December 26, 2025.
Rhea Seehorn stars in the show as Carol Sturka.
The final episode of the season will air on December 26, 2025.
The show has received a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The creator of "Pluribus" is Vince Gilligan, known for "Breaking Bad."
YouTube TV is planning to introduce a new sports-only subscription plan that will be cheaper than its current $82 monthly package. This comes after YouTube TV resolved its recent dispute with Disney, which had affected access to ESPN channels. The new plan will include major sports channels like ESPN and NBC Sports, and customers can add NFL Sunday Ticket options.
Key Facts
YouTube TV is launching a sports-only subscription plan.
The new plan will cost less than the current $82 monthly package.
It may range between $55 and $60 per month with an introductory offer.
The plan will feature major sports channels, including ESPN and NBC Sports.
Customers can choose additional content like NFL Sunday Ticket.
The new offering follows a recent resolution of a dispute with Disney that had disrupted access to ESPN networks for two weeks.
YouTube TV has around 10 million subscribers, nearing the numbers of competitors like Spectrum and Comcast.
Users will have more flexibility next year with 10 new subscription plans tailored to different content preferences.
NASA has lost contact with Maven, a spacecraft that has been orbiting Mars for over ten years. Maven stopped communicating after moving behind Mars, and NASA is trying to figure out why it went silent.
Key Facts
NASA's Maven spacecraft has been orbiting Mars for over a decade.
Contact with Maven was lost over the weekend.
The spacecraft was operating normally before it went behind Mars.
Communication did not resume when Maven reappeared from behind the planet.
NASA is investigating the reason for the loss of contact.
A company called AVS Group Ltd, which operates pornographic websites, was fined £1 million by the UK's media regulator, Ofcom, for not having proper age checks to prevent children from accessing adult content. The company has since started using improved methods to verify users' ages on some websites but could face more fines if all its platforms do not meet the required standards as outlined in the Online Safety Act.
Key Facts
Ofcom fined AVS Group Ltd £1 million for inadequate age verification under the UK's Online Safety Act.
AVS Group Ltd has begun implementing improved age checks on some of its websites.
The company was fined an additional £50,000 for not responding to Ofcom's communication since July.
AVS Group Ltd risks further fines of £1,000 per day until Ofcom is satisfied with compliance across all sites.
The UK's Online Safety Act requires "highly effective age assurance" for porn websites to block child access.
VPN use in the UK more than doubled after new age check rules were enforced in July.
AVS Group Ltd appears to have no physical offices at its registered address in Belize.
Elon Musk expressed regret about leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration. He mentioned that the agency had some success but that the workload negatively affected his companies. Musk also highlighted that the initiative identified significant areas for financial savings.
Key Facts
Elon Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during President Trump's term.
The agency aimed to improve government efficiency but faced controversy and backlash.
Musk mentioned difficulties in managing his businesses while working with DOGE.
He stated the agency found up to $200 billion in potential savings from government expenditures.
The White House recently closed DOGE, ending its operations last month.
Since leaving government work, Musk's companies, like Tesla, have seen financial advancements.
Tesla shareholders approved a compensation package potentially making Musk the first trillionaire.
McDonald's Netherlands removed a Christmas advertisement made with Artificial Intelligence (AI) after receiving negative feedback online. The video, created using generative AI, was criticized for its odd-looking characters and editing style. McDonald's stated it views this experience as a learning opportunity in using AI effectively.
Key Facts
McDonald's Netherlands released an AI-generated Christmas ad on 6 December.
The 45-second ad was produced by Dutch company TBWA\Neboko and US company The Sweetshop.
Viewers criticized the ad for its unnatural characters and confusing editing.
McDonald's removed the video on 9 December following the negative reaction.
The ad used multiple short clips, common in generative AI content, which can distort when lengthened.
Some people expressed concern about AI's potential impact on filmmaking jobs.
McDonald's stated the situation provided a learning moment for AI use in advertising.
Coca-Cola and other brands have also experimented with AI-generated ads, with varying public reactions.
A woman named Piper Smythe from Springfield, Massachusetts, noticed a rise in artificial intelligence (AI) used in holiday products like wrapping paper. She shared her concerns on social media, observing how AI designs are replacing more traditional, human-made designs in items like Christmas wrapping paper.
Key Facts
Piper Smythe is from Springfield, Massachusetts.
She noticed more AI designs in Christmas products this year.
Smythe shared her thoughts on social media, gaining attention.
A particular wrapping paper had confusing artwork, potentially AI-generated.
The global AI market is growing rapidly, expected to reach over $1,200 billion by 2030.
Some people are concerned about AI replacing human artistic designs.
Others argue AI's use in products like wrapping paper does not matter much.
Amazon and Microsoft have announced plans to invest a total of $52.5 billion in India's artificial intelligence (AI) sector over the coming years. Amazon will invest $35 billion to boost AI and cloud services, while Microsoft commits $17.5 billion to expand AI infrastructure, including new data centers. These investments aim to enhance India's position as a growing hub for AI and cloud technology.
Key Facts
Amazon and Microsoft plan to invest a combined $52.5 billion in AI in India.
Amazon will invest $35 billion by 2030, focusing on AI-driven digital growth and job creation.
Microsoft pledges $17.5 billion, including new data centers called "hyperscale cloud regions" in Hyderabad.
India is becoming a key player in global AI and cloud infrastructure development.
Google's investment in an AI data hub is $15 billion, and Intel is collaborating with Tata Electronics on semiconductor manufacturing.
Microsoft will also provide a "sovereign public cloud" to keep sensitive data in India.
India aims to boost its semiconductor manufacturing with government-backed projects and subsidies.
A new sovereign AI model from India is expected in February next year.
A TikTok video showing a creative way to call a dog without saying its name has become very popular online. The owner gets their dog Sakura's attention by rustling a packet of Swiss cheese. The clip has attracted much attention and sparked humorous comments from viewers.
Key Facts
A TikTok video shows a dog owner getting their dog's attention without verbal cues.
The video features the sound of Swiss cheese packaging to attract the dog, Sakura.
The video has over 14 million views and around 2.1 million likes.
Sakura is a five-year-old husky living in Miami, Florida.
Cheese can be a treat for dogs but should be given in moderation due to its high-fat content.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can upset their stomachs.
Low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella or cottage cheese are recommended for dogs.
The video has prompted over 14,000 comments, including many humorous ones from other pet owners.
The U.S. government is allowing the sale of Nvidia's H200 chips to certain customers in China while keeping the most advanced chips restricted. This plan aims to create a dependency on American technology, allowing the U.S. to maintain control over AI advancements. However, China may limit the use of these chips, encouraging reliance on domestic alternatives.
Key Facts
The U.S. allows sales of Nvidia's H200 chips to approved Chinese buyers.
The U.S. government will take a 25% revenue share from these sales.
The goal is to create dependency on Nvidia's software, which the U.S. can control.
Nvidia's CEO is uncertain if China will allow the purchase of H200 chips.
Chinese regulators might restrict the import of H200 chips despite U.S. approval.
The U.S. aims to prevent China from accessing top-tier AI chips for national security reasons.
China’s domestic competitor to H200 is Huawei’s Ascend 910C, which is less powerful.
There is bipartisan concern in the U.S. over potential risks of selling advanced AI chips to China.
President Trump plans to issue an executive order to stop U.S. states from making their own rules about artificial intelligence (AI). This move aims to create a single set of rules across the whole country, instead of different rules in each state, which some believe would make it harder for AI companies to grow and compete globally.
Key Facts
President Trump will issue an executive order to pre-empt states from regulating AI.
The goal is for the federal government to set uniform AI standards nationwide.
Over 1,000 different AI-related bills have been introduced across U.S. states.
The Trump administration believes state-by-state regulations could slow AI growth.
The White House AI Czar, David Sacks, supports federal control to maintain U.S. leadership in AI against global competitors, like China.
A $100 million super PAC called "Leading the Future" opposes state-specific AI regulations.
There is no unified AI policy from the Democratic Party.
Some people in the MAGA movement want strict AI regulations, differing from President Trump's approach.
Australia has introduced a ban on social media use for everyone under 16. The government says this new rule aims to protect young people from harmful online content. BBC interviewed teenagers to see how they reacted to the change.
Key Facts
Australia has banned social media for individuals under 16.
The ban is meant to shield young people from harmful content online.
The law took effect recently.
BBC conducted interviews with teenagers about the ban.
The article highlights concerns for youth safety on the internet.
The story touches on reactions from teenagers as they attempt to access their accounts.
In the UK, adults are spending more time online now compared to during the pandemic, averaging four hours and 30 minutes daily according to Ofcom's report. Many adults and children are interested in the effects of their internet use, with children reporting both positive and negative experiences. The report also highlights an increase in VPN use following the UK's new online safety regulations.
Key Facts
UK adults spent an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes online daily in 2025, which is 31 minutes more than in 2021.
Only 33% of adults believed the internet was "good for society", compared to 40% in 2024.
Roughly three-quarters of adults agreed the internet helps in learning about the world.
Many children referred to excessive internet use as "brain rot".
Up to a quarter of children aged 8 to 14 were online between 9 PM and 5 AM.
VPN usage in the UK more than doubled after new age-check requirements under the Online Safety Act.
Around 69% of children aged 13 to 17 used online services like ASMR videos to improve their mood or relaxation.
There was concern among children about negative content, including toxic messages and body shaming.
President Trump has approved Nvidia to sell its advanced AI chips, the H200, to China. However, there is uncertainty about the demand in China due to local production preferences and export restrictions. The decision has raised national security concerns in the U.S., although the financial impact on Nvidia seems limited so far.
Key Facts
President Trump approved Nvidia to sell the H200 AI chips to China.
The decision faced criticism in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
U.S. export restrictions had previously limited Nvidia’s access to the Chinese market.
Nvidia estimates a potential $50 billion market in China this year.
The H200 chip is more advanced than the previous downgraded version but still not the newest technology.
China is cautious about importing these chips, focusing on developing domestic alternatives.
Nvidia's stock dropped slightly by 0.3% after the announcement.
The U.S. disrupted a network smuggling Nvidia chips, valued at over $160 million, into China.
