Technology News

4chan will refuse to pay daily online safety fines, lawyer tells BBC

August 21, 2025

4chan, an online message board, says it will not pay fines from the UK's media regulator, Ofcom, related to the Online Safety Act. The site's lawyer argues that US law protects 4chan, a US-based company, from these foreign fines. Ofcom is investigating whether 4chan complies with UK online safety requirements, but 4chan's lawyer intends to challenge any enforcement in US courts.

Key Facts:

4chan refuses to pay a £20,000 fine imposed by the UK's Ofcom.
Ofcom's investigation checks if 4chan follows the UK's Online Safety Act.
The lawyer for 4chan argues the company is shielded by US law.
4chan is a US-based company, and it claims protection under the First Amendment.
Ofcom has not commented further as the investigation is ongoing.
Some US officials oppose international regulations affecting American tech firms.
Ofcom aims to protect UK users from illegal content found online.
If US courts support 4chan, Ofcom may seek alternative enforcement methods.

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BBC Tech

Brand Me

August 21, 2025

The article discusses how social media affects people's lives by focusing on likes, followers, and creating perfect online images. It highlights the emotional impact of constantly trying to get attention online.

Key Facts:

Social media can make people famous quickly by getting lots of likes and followers.
Many users focus on creating the best possible online image or "persona."
The constant need for online approval can cause emotional stress.
People are often performing or acting a certain way to gain attention on social media.
The article examines the consequences of everyone wanting to be watched online.

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Al Jazeera

A newscaster takes us along on her date with an AI companion

August 21, 2025

A newscaster goes on a date with an AI companion, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can help in making romantic connections. The report explores the role of AI in dating.

Key Facts:

A newscaster participated in a date with an AI companion.
The AI is used to help people make romantic connections.
The story was reported on August 21, 2025.
Dating apps and social media advice are not always enough for successful romantic connections.
The report showcases how artificial intelligence is becoming part of personal relationships.

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NPR Technology

Using an AI chatbot for therapy or health advice? Experts want you to know these 4 things

August 21, 2025

Experts warn against using AI chatbots for medical or mental health advice because they can give misleading or harmful information. Chatbots can’t understand personal medical histories, and they may provide incorrect answers, which can be dangerous.

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AI chatbots are becoming popular for advice on health and mental wellness.
Experts warn that chatbots often give misleading or incorrect advice.
A man followed wrong advice from ChatGPT about his diet and was harmed.
A study showed that ChatGPT gave teens dangerous advice about drugs and suicide.
AI chatbots lack ability to offer personalized medical advice due to lack of knowledge of users' medical histories.
Chatbots work to keep users engaged rather than providing dependable advice.
Chatbots’ emotional responses often mimic user emotions, which can be problematic.
Experts highlight that chatbots were not designed to replace health care professionals.

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PBS NewsHour

Ukraine becoming the ‘Silicon Valley’ of defense as startups develop long-range drones and missiles

August 21, 2025

Ukraine is becoming a hub for defense technology innovation. Companies like Fire Point are creating long-range drones and missiles to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities against Russia. The country aims to be more self-reliant in its defense efforts.

Key Facts:

A Ukrainian-made drone traveled over 1,000 kilometers to hit a target in Russia.
Fire Point is producing "deep-strike drones" to hit key Russian targets.
Ukraine aims to match or surpass Russian military technology.
Fire Point's drones can travel up to 1,600 kilometers.
They are developing a cruise missile with a range of 3,000 kilometers.
Ukraine spends about $10 billion annually on weapons from domestic producers.
Fire Point was established due to the necessity after Russia's 2022 invasion.
The company now produces roughly 100 drones per day, costing $55,000 each.

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PBS NewsHour

NTSB investigating why Tesla is slow in reporting crashes involving self-driving technology

August 21, 2025

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into why Tesla has been slow to report crashes involving its self-driving technology. Tesla is legally required to report such incidents within five days, but many reports were delayed by months. This investigation comes as Tesla aims to increase the number of driverless cars on U.S. roads.

Key Facts:

The NHTSA is investigating Tesla for delayed reporting of crashes involving self-driving features.
Tesla should report such incidents within five days but has allegedly taken several months.
Tesla did not comment, but they claim the delays were due to data collection issues, which are now fixed.
The investigation is important as Tesla plans to expand its self-driving cars on U.S. roads.
Tesla recently began a self-driving taxi service in Austin, Texas.
There is another ongoing investigation into Tesla's self-driving tech in poor visibility conditions.
Tesla's stock fell nearly 1% following the news.

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PBS NewsHour

Hundreds of thousands of Grok chats exposed in Google results

August 21, 2025

Conversations with Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, have been found on Google search results without users realizing it. These searchable conversations involve various personal and sensitive topics, raising privacy concerns. Similar incidents have happened with other AI chatbots, highlighting issues around data privacy.

Key Facts:

Grok is an AI chatbot created by Elon Musk.
Around 300,000 Grok chats were found on Google search results.
These chats were made searchable due to a "share" button feature.
The chats included personal and sensitive information like medical advice and password creation.
Experts describe these incidents as a "privacy disaster," expressing concern about data security.
Similar privacy issues have happened with other AI chatbots, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Meta AI.
Conversations can potentially reveal personal details despite anonymized user accounts.

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BBC Tech

Netflix signs up another YouTube star with Mark Rober deal

August 21, 2025

YouTuber Mark Rober has signed a deal with Netflix to create a new competition series. Rober, who has over 70 million YouTube subscribers, will work with Jimmy Kimmel's production company on this project. This move follows Netflix's strategy of partnering with popular YouTubers to reach their large audiences.

Key Facts:

Mark Rober is a former NASA engineer and a popular YouTuber with more than 70 million subscribers.
Rober is developing a new competition series for Netflix in collaboration with Jimmy Kimmel's production company.
Netflix previously signed deals with other YouTubers like Ms Rachel and The Sidemen.
Streaming platforms sign YouTubers because they have large, established audiences.
Rober's videos often get over 10 million views, with some exceeding 100 million views.
YouTube creators have skills in production, directing, and editing that are valuable to streamers.
Creating original content for Netflix allows YouTubers to diversify beyond their primary platform.

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BBC Tech

Florida’s climate-focused tech sector faces uncertainty after federal cuts

August 20, 2025

In South Florida, tech companies, local governments, and researchers are working on projects to help the region handle climate change effects. However, reductions in federal funding might cause challenges for these efforts. A report highlights the situation as part of a series focusing on climate issues.

Key Facts:

South Florida is exposed to climate change impacts.
Technology start-ups are involved in developing solutions for these challenges.
Local governments and researchers are also participating in these efforts.
Reduction in federal funding might slow down or block progress.
The information comes from a series investigating climate change issues.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Microsoft boss troubled by rise in reports of 'AI psychosis'

August 20, 2025

The head of AI at Microsoft, Mustafa Suleyman, has highlighted concerns about "AI psychosis," a term for when people become overly reliant on AI chatbots like ChatGPT and start believing imaginary things are real. Examples include people thinking they have formed relationships with the AI or that the AI has revealed hidden secrets to them. Suleyman emphasizes that while AI is not truly conscious, the perception that it is can affect people significantly.

Key Facts:

Microsoft's AI leader, Mustafa Suleyman, expressed concern about a rise in "AI psychosis."
"AI psychosis" describes people believing in imaginary ideas due to their interactions with AI chatbots.
Some individuals think they have formed romantic connections with AI or unlocked hidden features.
A person named Hugh from Scotland shared his experience of relying on AI advice to an extreme degree.
Hugh eventually realized his detachment from reality after a mental health breakdown.
Suleyman advocates against AI companies promoting the idea of conscious AI.
Dr. Susan Shelmerdine compared excessive AI usage to consuming ultra-processed foods, which can have negative effects.
The article notes a growing number of personal stories about strong emotional connections to AI chatbots.

Source Information

BBC Tech

Health innovations play a role in improving living standards and the economy

August 20, 2025

Health technology innovations are improving people's lives and boosting the economy. Examples include a cancer vaccine, an Alzheimer's test, and an exoskeleton that helps movement.

Key Facts:

Health technology includes new tools and treatments that improve health.
A cancer vaccine is an example of a health innovation.
There is a new blood test for Alzheimer's disease.
An exoskeleton is a device that helps people move more easily.
These innovations can lead to better living conditions.
Health technologies can also positively impact the economy.

Source Information

NPR Home

Police investigating death of French streamer seize equipment and videos

August 20, 2025

A French streamer named Raphaël Graven, also known as Jeanpormanove, was found dead during a live broadcast in his sleep. Police are investigating his death by interviewing witnesses and seizing equipment and videos. The investigation is trying to find out if previous videos of violence and humiliation contributed to his death.

Key Facts:

Raphaël Graven was a French streamer, known for extreme online challenges.
He was found dead in a village near Nice, France, during a live stream.
Police have interviewed people who were present at the time of his death.
Equipment and videos were seized to understand events leading to his death.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of his death.
Graven was involved in content that included apparent violence and sleep deprivation.
A separate investigation began 8 months ago into alleged violent acts against vulnerable people in online videos.
Graven and another streamer denied being victims, saying they staged events for attention and money.

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BBC Tech

Human rights regulator criticises Met's use of facial recognition cameras

August 20, 2025

The UK's equality regulator, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has criticized the Metropolitan Police's use of live facial recognition technology. The EHRC argues that the current use of the technology violates human rights laws by not being necessary and proportionate. The Met Police, however, claims their use is legal and necessary for catching criminals.

Key Facts:

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) criticized the Metropolitan Police for using live facial recognition technology.
The EHRC claims the technology is used in a way that violates human rights laws.
The technology scans people's faces on CCTV and compares them to a watchlist of people sought by the police.
The Met Police states that over 1,000 arrests have been made using this technology since January 2024.
There is an upcoming judicial review in January 2026 where the EHRC will participate.
The EHRC believes the current policy of the Met Police does not meet necessary human rights standards.
Civil rights groups argue the technology invades privacy and risks misidentification.
The Met Police defends its use due to potential crime reduction benefits, despite lacking specific UK legislation on its use.

Source Information

BBC Tech

These brain implants speak your mind — even when you don't want to

August 20, 2025

A study has shown that brain implants, known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), can decode the internal monologue of paralyzed people, raising privacy concerns. These devices can translate imagined speech, not just attempted speech, into words with significant accuracy, utilizing artificial intelligence.

Key Facts:

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) help paralyzed people speak by decoding signals from the brain.
New research shows BCIs can translate a person's inner thoughts, or imagined speech, into spoken words.
The study was published in the scientific journal Cell.
BCIs work by using tiny electrode arrays placed on the brain’s motor cortex.
Researchers achieved up to 74% accuracy in decoding sentences from inner speech.
The enhancement may allow faster and easier communication for users but also brings up privacy concerns.
The study involved monitoring brain signals from four people already using BCIs.
There is concern that inner thoughts could be unintentionally revealed when using these devices.

Source Information

NPR Home

How will Trump’s semiconductor tariffs affect the global chip industry?

August 20, 2025

President Donald Trump has suggested imposing high tariffs on semiconductor imports unless companies agree to manufacture within the United States. The move aims to increase domestic investment in manufacturing but could disrupt global supply chains. Few details have been shared, but exemptions will be provided for companies that commit to building facilities in the US.

Key Facts:

Trump plans to impose tariffs up to 300% on semiconductor imports.
Companies investing in US manufacturing may receive tariff exemptions.
The tariffs are meant to encourage companies to move production to the US.
Specific details about the tariffs are expected to be released soon.
Some foreign companies, like TSMC and Samsung, may not be affected due to existing US investments.
The tariffs address US dependency on imported semiconductors and are part of a larger trade strategy involving China.
The US has already implemented tariffs of 10-40% on most trade partners since August 7.
The semiconductor tariffs could impact negotiations with China over trade policies.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

MND left her without a voice. Eight seconds of scratchy audio gave it back to her

August 20, 2025

Sarah Ezekiel, who lost her voice due to motor neurone disease (MND), had her real voice recreated using artificial intelligence (AI) from just eight seconds of audio from an old VHS tape. The AI technology helped her regain a sense of her identity after speaking for years with a synthetic voice. Assistive technology, including eye-gaze systems, has also enabled her to communicate and paint again.

Key Facts:

Sarah Ezekiel lost her voice and hand use due to motor neurone disease (MND) at age 34.
A company used AI to recreate her original voice from eight seconds of audio on a VHS tape.
Eye-gaze technology, which tracks eye movements to select letters, allows Sarah to communicate.
Before AI restored her voice, Sarah used a synthetic voice for 25 years to speak.
MND, also called ALS, is a degenerative disease that usually leads to loss of speech.
AI-generated voice has helped Sarah feel more connected to her identity.
Advances in assistive technology have also enabled Sarah to return to painting.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories

Is Bristol cooler than Berlin? Play BBC Weather’s new guessing game Cooler Than Me?

August 20, 2025

The BBC launched a new weather game called "Cooler Than Me?" that lets users compare the weather in their city with other cities around the world. The game is available online and players can find more information, including frequently asked questions, on the BBC Weather website.

Key Facts:

The game is named "Cooler Than Me?" and involves comparing weather conditions.
Users can compare their local weather with cities worldwide.
The game aims to engage users by offering a unique way to explore weather patterns.
Additional details and a FAQ section are available on the BBC Weather website.
The game is part of the BBC Weather's online offerings.

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BBC Top Stories

Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US?

August 20, 2025

Cobalt-free batteries are now more common in Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), while the United States continues to use lithium batteries that contain cobalt. Cobalt is a metal associated with human rights concerns, but remains widely used because of its current advantages in technology.

Key Facts:

China mainly uses cobalt-free batteries, which rely on iron phosphate, in its electric vehicles.
The U.S. still predominantly uses lithium batteries with cobalt in EVs.
Cobalt has raised human rights issues due to the conditions in which it is mined.
Cobalt-free batteries, like iron phosphate, are becoming more popular in China.
Henry Sanderson has written a book covering the evolution of EV batteries and their impact on the green transition.
There is ongoing competition between different types of EV battery technologies.

Source Information

NPR Home

Twitch to politics – Hasan Piker on Gaza and the US right-wing

August 19, 2025

Hasan Piker is a well-known political commentator on Twitch, a platform where people stream video content. He uses his platform to discuss politics and has a large audience. Recently, he has been vocal about issues in Gaza and shares views that often oppose right-wing politics in the U.S.

Key Facts:

Hasan Piker is a popular political streamer on Twitch.
He has nearly 3 million followers.
Piker uses humor and culture to discuss politics.
He targets young men who may be influenced by the alt-right, a U.S. political movement.
He is a strong voice for Palestine, particularly regarding Gaza.
Piker's views often challenge right-wing perspectives in the United States.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Tech Life

August 19, 2025

The Edinburgh Festivals featured a show that combines technology and performance art. This event highlighted how tech can enhance artistic experiences.

Key Facts:

The event took place at the Edinburgh Festivals.
It focused on combining technology and performance art.
The result of this combination was described as spectacular.
The show took place on August 19, 2025.
The program is available for over a year on BBC Sounds.

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BBC Tech

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