The BBC has warned a U.S.-based AI company, Perplexity, about using its content without permission. The BBC claims that Perplexity's chatbot is copying BBC material exactly as it appears on their site, which they argue is against copyright rules.
Key Facts
The BBC accuses Perplexity's chatbot of using its content without permission.
The BBC wants Perplexity to stop using its content, erase any existing use, and compensate for past use.
This is the first time the BBC has taken legal steps against an AI company for this issue.
Perplexity responded without addressing the BBC’s main points, mentioning Google's monopoly.
The BBC claims this usage breaches UK copyright laws and their own terms of service.
The BBC has identified that AI chatbots, including Perplexity's, inaccurately summarize its news stories.
The Professional Publishers Association is concerned about AI platforms disregarding UK copyright laws.
The BBC uses a file called "robots.txt" to block bots but claims Perplexity has not respected it.
Big companies are using machine-learning weather models, which are different from traditional models that rely on physics. While some of these machine-learning models have been more accurate recently, others have not performed as well. The potential for these models to improve quickly means we could see big changes in forecasting accuracy soon.
Key Facts
Machine-learning weather models are being developed by large companies.
Traditional weather forecasts rely on physics-based models that use supercomputers.
These traditional models take hours to run and use a lot of computer power.
Machine-learning models use past weather data to make predictions quickly, often in under a minute.
In recent tests, some machine-learning models were more accurate than traditional models for certain forecasts.
The accuracy of these models can vary, and improvements are happening fast.
Weather forecasts are important for safety and planning, as shown by significant damage and deaths from severe weather events.
President Donald Trump has given TikTok an additional 90 days to find a buyer in the United States. This extension delays the enforcement of a law requiring TikTok to be sold or face a ban due to national security concerns. The new deadline for the sale is September 17.
Key Facts
President Trump extended the deadline for TikTok's sale in the US by another 90 days.
A US law requires TikTok to sell its US operations or be banned because of national security worries.
TikTok's parent company is ByteDance, based in China.
TikTok must find a US buyer by September 17, according to Trump.
Trump signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the law for a third time.
The US government is concerned that TikTok might share user data with the Chinese government.
Any potential sale of TikTok will likely need approval from authorities in Beijing.
TikTok has over 170 million users in the United States.
Illegal mining is a major issue in Ghana, and technology is now being used to address this problem. The BBC Sounds program "Tech Life" discusses how these technological solutions work.
Key Facts
Illegal mining in Ghana is a significant issue.
The program "Tech Life" on BBC Sounds covers this topic.
Technology is being used to help fight illegal mining activities.
The discussion on this topic lasts for 26 minutes.
The episode is available on the BBC Sounds platform.
The UK Information Commissioner's Office fined DNA testing company 23andMe £2.31 million for a 2023 data breach that exposed the personal information of thousands of people. The breach allowed hackers to access user accounts and data using passwords from other security leaks. The company's assets are set to be sold to a new owner, TTAM Research Institute, which promises to improve data protection.
Key Facts
The data breach affected about 14,000 individual accounts and potentially exposed information related to around 6.9 million people.
Hackers used a method called "credential stuffing" to access accounts; this involves trying passwords from previous security leaks.
Sensitive information of 155,592 UK residents was compromised, including names, birth years, and health details, but not DNA records.
The UK watchdog found that 23andMe did not have strong enough security measures, like multi-factor authentication, to protect user data.
The company failed to improve its security quickly, leaving personal data at risk.
23andMe filed for bankruptcy and agreed to sell its assets to TTAM Research Institute for $305 million, with commitments to enhance data protections.
A bankruptcy court is scheduled to review the sale agreement for approval.
Both the UK and Canadian privacy watchdogs called for better protection of users' sensitive data.
Ukraine has developed a digital platform called Diia, which allows citizens to access and manage various government services through a mobile app or computer browser. Despite challenges like the Covid pandemic and an ongoing conflict, the platform has grown to include 40 government services and is used by 22.7 million people in the country.
Key Facts
Ukraine's Diia app allows access to 40 government services, such as paying taxes, registering cars, and applying for marriage licenses.
The app began with driver's licenses in 2019 and expanded during the Covid pandemic to include additional features, like Covid certificates.
Diia now offers 30 types of official documents, including gun licenses and car insurance, and has a computer portal offering 130 services.
There are 22.7 million users of Diia in Ukraine.
Ukraine has a strong IT workforce, with about 300,000 software developers, contributing to its digital government services.
Developing the Diia platform cost between five and 10 million dollars, which is relatively low compared to international hiring costs.
Ukraine built a data exchange system before launching Diia, allowing smooth data flow between government departments.
The Diia platform was used to select Ukraine's Eurovision act, demonstrating its integration into cultural and administrative activities.
WhatsApp is introducing three new advertising features globally. The ads will not appear in private chats and will use user details like location and language to suggest ads. Businesses can promote themselves and manage ads in a new section called Updates, but users linking WhatsApp to Facebook or Instagram might see more personalized ads.
Key Facts
WhatsApp is adding three new ad features worldwide.
Ads will not show in private messages, which are encrypted.
Ads will appear in the Updates section, a separate tab in the app.
User location and language will help suggest ads, not message content.
Businesses can promote ads in Updates and charge for extra content.
WhatsApp will take a 10% commission from business promotions.
Businesses can use status updates to link ads to chats.
Users linking WhatsApp with Facebook or Instagram will see more personalized ads.
Some users of Meta AI might unknowingly have their AI interaction history shared publicly. While users can choose to make posts public, this has led to privacy concerns since searches can be linked back to people's social media profiles.
Key Facts
Meta AI is an artificial intelligence tool available on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and as a standalone product.
There's a feature called the "Discover" feed where users can post their AI interactions publicly.
By default, chats are private, but users can choose to post them publicly, and there's a warning message about sharing sensitive information.
Some public posts have been traced back to users' social media accounts due to usernames and profile pictures.
Internet safety experts highlight privacy risks since users might unintentionally share sensitive information in a public feed.
Examples of public posts include AI searches related to personal exploration, school test answers, and scantily dressed characters.
Meta allows users to make their searches private through account settings.
In the UK, Meta AI can be accessed via a web browser, while in the US, it's available in an app.
Indian farmers and researchers are experimenting with growing apples in warmer parts of India, like Maharashtra, to meet rising demand. These efforts focus on using low-chill apple varieties that need fewer cold hours to grow, though success has been limited due to the warmer climate and soil conditions.
Key Facts
Jammu and Kashmir is India's largest apple-growing region.
A farmer in Maharashtra, Kakasaheb Sawant, planted apple trees in a subtropical area where temperatures can reach 43°C.
Most of Sawant's apple trees survived, and the farm has attracted visitors, but the apples are not sweet enough to sell.
India’s apple production grew by 15% over the last five years but is still not enough to meet demand, leading to increased imports.
The best apple-growing regions have long winters with temperatures between 0°C and 6°C.
Scientists are exploring low-chill apple varieties that need about 400 hours of cooler temperatures.
In Ranchi, eastern India, researchers are testing low-chill apple varieties with limited success.
These experimental apple varieties face challenges like poor climate and soil conditions and termite attacks.
Meta is taking legal action against a company accused of promoting "nudify" apps, which use artificial intelligence to create fake nude images of people without their consent. The company has sued CrushAI to stop it from advertising on their platforms, Facebook and Instagram, after a struggle to remove such ads. Meta is sharing information with other tech companies to tackle this issue, providing over 3,800 URLs of problematic content since March.
Key Facts
Meta sued a company behind CrushAI apps to stop their ads on Facebook and Instagram.
"Nudify" apps create fake nude images with AI, often without people's consent.
Meta took legal steps after months of trying to remove these ads.
Over 10,000 ads for "nudify" apps appeared on Meta’s platforms.
Meta is collaborating with other tech companies to combat these apps.
It provided over 3,800 URLs of problematic ads to other tech firms.
The use of AI in such apps raises concerns, especially for creating illegal images of children.
Meta has developed technology to identify ads that bypass its ad rules, even if they do not display nudity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
