The article discusses the importance of parents talking to their children about artificial intelligence (AI) from an early age. It provides advice for parents on how to approach conversations about the benefits and risks associated with AI tools, like ChatGPT. Experts suggest practical ways parents can learn about AI alongside their children.
Key Facts
Parents are encouraged to discuss AI with their children starting from elementary school to guide them before they encounter AI independently.
Many teens use AI tools like ChatGPT for tasks such as solving math problems and even mental health issues.
AI can provide useful learning assistance but can also pose risks if not understood or used properly.
Experts recommend that parents spend time weekly learning about AI to guide discussions effectively.
Tools like the Google game "Quick, Draw!" can help explain AI by showing how it recognizes patterns without understanding like humans do.
Using AI together with children can foster understanding, with parents and kids exploring its responses and learning from them.
Parents are advised to teach kids to verify information from AI tools using other reliable sources.
The article "Tech Now" explores various instances where technology is used to address challenges and innovate across different fields such as healthcare, transportation, sports, and energy. It highlights uses of AI in detecting pancreatic cancer, managing road safety, advancing esports, and developments towards clean energy solutions.
Key Facts
The show features technology being used to find 'hidden' pancreatic cancer cases.
AI is being used to improve road safety by predicting and preventing accidents.
The episode discusses how technology can help detect and prevent wildfires earlier.
The program highlights the innovations in the esports industry.
The show examines sustainable methods for lithium mining and its environmental impact.
Other episodes discuss the potential of electric flight to clean up air travel and the possibilities of nuclear fusion as a clean energy source.
Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, has introduced Diella, the world's first AI "minister" to combat corruption in public procurement. Although Diella is not an official cabinet member due to constitutional limits, she is part of a symbolic move aimed at using technology to improve efficiency and transparency in government processes. Reactions are mixed, with some viewing it as a strategic move to tackle corruption and others criticizing it as unconstitutional.
Key Facts
Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, introduced an AI called Diella as part of his cabinet.
Diella is tasked with making sure public procurement is free from corruption.
Since Diella is AI, she can't officially be a minister according to the Albanian constitution.
Diella has been involved in helping over a million users apply for documents through the e-Albania platform.
The initiative aims to make government processes faster, more efficient, and accountable.
The project involves international teams working together on AI models for procurement.
The move is seen as both a publicity effort and a genuine attempt to tackle government corruption.
Reactions vary, with some political groups viewing it as unconstitutional, while others see potential in improving transparency and trust.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating seven tech companies about how their AI chatbots interact with children. The agency wants to know how these chatbots are monetized and if enough safety measures are in place. This move comes amid concerns about young users being particularly vulnerable to AI that can imitate human conversations.
Key Facts
The FTC is looking into seven companies: Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta, and Instagram.
The inquiry focuses on what safety measures these companies use to protect children interacting with AI chatbots.
There are concerns that AI chatbots, acting like friends, can influence young people, especially since they can mimic emotions.
The FTC seeks information on how companies balance making money with ensuring user safety.
Current concerns have led to lawsuits, with parents blaming chatbots for influencing their children's harmful actions.
OpenAI has acknowledged some limitations in its AI's protective measures, especially during long conversations.
Past internal guidelines at Meta allowed AI companions to engage in romantic conversations with minors.
The FTC's investigation is a broad inquiry and does not imply immediate legal action.
Anthropic plans to expand its presence in Washington D.C. to engage with lawmakers about the rapidly changing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries. The company aims to double its D.C. workforce and open a new office in 2026 to focus on AI products, policies, and safety. Anthropic's leaders highlight the importance of discussing AI's societal impact and supporting transparency in AI practices.
Key Facts
Anthropic is a company focusing on artificial intelligence (AI).
The company plans to expand its operations in Washington, D.C.
It aims to have double the number of employees in D.C. by 2026.
Anthropic will focus on AI products, policy, and trust and safety.
Company leaders believe AI will significantly influence future elections and industries.
Anthropic is engaged in discussions with U.S. lawmakers about AI's role in society.
The company supports federal transparency requirements for AI companies.
Anthropic recently endorsed a California transparency bill (SB 53) for AI companies.
Apple's newest iPhone Air operates solely with an eSIM, marking a shift away from traditional physical SIM cards. This change suggests a future where eSIMs become more common, allowing easier network switching and reducing the use of plastic.
Key Facts
The iPhone Air is the first global iPhone to have only an eSIM option.
eSIMs enable users to switch networks or plans without needing to change a physical SIM card.
Other iPhone models still have traditional SIM card slots in most countries.
eSIMs can lead to larger batteries by saving internal phone space and reduce environmental impact by eliminating plastic SIM cards.
Analysts predict widespread adoption of eSIMs, with 1.3 billion smartphones using them by the end of 2024.
By 2030, it is expected that 3.1 billion smartphones will use eSIMs.
eSIMs may change customer interactions with mobile providers, reducing the need for in-store visits.
The technology shift could pose challenges for people less comfortable with new technology.
The technology known as agrivoltaics involves installing solar panels above farmland, allowing farmers to grow crops underneath. This setup can provide farmers with a steady income from solar energy while continuing traditional farming. However, the adoption of this approach in India has been slow due to challenges such as increased costs and the suitability of only certain crops under reduced sunlight.
Key Facts
Agrivoltaics refers to placing solar panels above farmland to allow farming and energy generation on the same land.
Harpal Dagar, a farmer near Delhi, successfully implemented agrivoltaics and increased his income by partnering with a solar company.
The solar company pays Dagar yearly and monthly for maintaining the solar panels.
Sun Master, the solar company, benefits from selling the electricity produced by the panels.
Currently, around 40 agrivoltaic projects operate in India, according to the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI).
Not all crops are suitable for growth under solar panels due to reduced light, which can affect staple crops like wheat and rice.
The installation of agrivoltaic systems is more expensive because the panels need to be higher off the ground than regular solar farms.
Solar companies are seeking government subsidies to make agrivoltaics more appealing to farmers.
A report from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) found that over half of the cyber attacks on schools and colleges involve students hacking systems. These incidents often begin as dares or for amusement but can lead to significant security issues. Since 2022, 57% of 215 investigated breaches were linked to student activities.
Key Facts
The ICO reported that 57% of 215 education-related cyber incidents were carried out by students.
Students often hack school systems for fun or as part of challenges.
Some students used hacking tools to break into systems and compromised personal data.
A seven-year-old involved in a data breach was referred to a program to understand the seriousness of their actions.
Three students accessed a database with personal details of over 1,400 students using downloaded hacking tools.
A student used teacher login details to alter or delete data for over 9,000 individuals.
The ICO warns that this trend is part of a larger youth cyber crime culture connected to teen gangs.
The UK's Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that 44% of schools reported an attack in the past year.
NASA has stopped allowing Chinese citizens to work on its space programs, blocking their access to the agency's facilities and data. This decision affects Chinese nationals who had roles as contractors or students and is part of broader tensions between the US and China over national security concerns related to space technology.
Key Facts
NASA has banned Chinese citizens from its space programs, preventing their access to facilities, data, and networks.
The restriction affects Chinese nationals working as contractors or students contributing to NASA's research.
This move aligns with existing US policies that prohibit NASA from sharing data with China.
Chinese astronauts are already excluded from the International Space Station due to US restrictions.
Both the US and China are in a competitive race to achieve significant milestones in space exploration, like landing on the Moon.
Recent events have seen increased suspicion and allegations of espionage against Chinese nationals in scientific fields in the US.
NASA's decision is part of broader national security concerns amid growing US-China tensions in technological advancements.
Many people are using AI chatbots to help understand their medical test results. This practice has potential risks, such as inaccurate information and privacy concerns, but it is becoming more common as patients gain easier access to their health data.
Key Facts
People are using AI chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT to interpret lab test results.
Federal laws require immediate release of electronic health information to patients.
Research shows that AI chatbots can sometimes provide incorrect information.
56% of people who use AI for health information doubt its accuracy, according to a 2024 poll.
AI can misinterpret medical data if not prompted correctly.
The use of AI in understanding medical information has increased, particularly among younger adults.
Patients have historically used the internet to seek health information, but AI offers faster, personalized responses.
Concerns about battery energy storage systems (Bess) persist due to fire risks, highlighted by incidents in California and the UK. These systems use lithium-ion batteries to store renewable energy, but their potential to catch fire has raised safety concerns, especially when located near populated areas. Experts note that despite these risks, Bess remains crucial for achieving renewable energy goals due to its storage capabilities.
Key Facts
Battery energy storage systems (Bess) are facilities that store power in lithium-ion batteries.
These systems are being built worldwide to support renewable energy usage.
A fire at a Bess facility in California earlier this year led to the evacuation of 1,500 people.
Fires at Bess facilities can be hard to extinguish, with past incidents taking up to two days to control.
The main fire risk comes from a process called thermal runaway, where batteries overheat and release flammable gases.
There are alternatives to Bess, like cryogenic storage and hydro power, but they are currently less popular.
Experts highlight the need for more storage capacity to meet renewable energy goals by 2030, despite these fire concerns.
A new book called "The New Age of Sexism" examines how biases against women are being reflected in new technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual worlds. The book's author, Laura Bates, discusses these issues in an interview.
Key Facts
The book explores sexism that appears in artificial intelligence and new technologies.
Laura Bates is both the author and a feminist activist.
Technologies like ChatGPT and the Metaverse are mentioned as areas where these biases exist.
The book aims to highlight ongoing gender inequalities in the digital world.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Laura Bates to talk about these issues.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) experienced a cyber-attack that may have led to data theft, affecting its production. A group called Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters has claimed responsibility for the attack. The cyber-attack has halted JLR's car production in the UK, and they are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
Jaguar Land Rover says hackers might have taken some data during a cyber-attack.
The attack stopped car production at JLR's UK plants, halting around 1,000 cars daily.
The data affected is still being assessed; it's unclear if it involves customers, suppliers, or just JLR.
The hacking group Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claimed they were behind the attack.
JLR has reported the incident to the UK's data watchdog and is working to fix its IT systems.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is helping JLR with the investigation.
JLR's parent company is Tata Motors, an Indian firm.
NASA's Mars rover, Perseverance, found rocks in a former river on Mars that might contain signs of ancient microscopic life. Scientists say more tests are needed on these samples, ideally on Earth, to confirm any signs of past life. The samples are waiting to be collected from Mars, but the return mission has been delayed.
Key Facts
NASA's Perseverance rover discovered rocks that might hint at past microscopic life on Mars.
The samples were collected from a dry river channel called Neretva Vallis.
The rocks contain iron phosphate and iron sulfide, which on Earth are linked to microorganisms.
The rover collected 30 samples so far, and scientists want to study them on Earth.
The return mission to bring samples back has been delayed to the 2040s due to budget issues.
Researchers stated that both biological and non-biological processes could explain the findings.
Two former safety researchers from Meta have claimed that the company covered up risks associated with its virtual reality (VR) products that could harm children. They testified before a US Senate committee, alleging that Meta ignored problems and deleted evidence of potential risks. Meta denies these allegations, pointing to numerous studies on youth safety it has conducted.
Key Facts
Two former Meta researchers testified about their concerns over child safety with Meta's VR products.
They claimed that Meta hid evidence showing potential harm, including risks of sexual abuse.
The researchers said that Meta asked them to avoid studies that might show harm to children.
Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, denies these claims, calling them untrue.
Meta stated it supports research on safety, with numerous approved studies on related issues.
One researcher claimed that Roblox on Meta's VR platform was used for inappropriate activities.
Roblox disagreed with these claims, asserting safety is their top priority with constant moderation.
Meta provides parental control tools on VR products but some, like Senator Ashley Moody, found them hard to use.
Apple introduced new products at its annual event, highlighting a slim iPhone Air with an advanced battery and processor. Other announcements included the iPhone 17 with enhanced features and new versions of AirPods Pro and Apple Watch. The company faces potential trade challenges due to tariffs, impacting its financial outlook.
Key Facts
Apple launched a slimmer iPhone Air with a high-density battery and a new processor.
The iPhone 17 will feature a brighter, more durable screen and an A19 processor with AI capabilities.
New AirPods Pro will allow live language translation between users and cost $249.
Apple Watch includes a new blood pressure feature, pending approval, available in many countries.
Apple did not increase prices for its watches; the SE model starts at $249.
There are concerns about Apple's potential tariff costs, estimated at over $1 billion this quarter.
Analysts are monitoring Apple's AI partnerships as they prepare to update their virtual assistant, Siri.
Apple's stock price fell by about 1.5% during the product launch day.
Robot sailboats are used to help weather forecasters predict hurricane landfalls. This technology aims to improve hurricane tracking and forecasting accuracy.
Key Facts
Robot sailboats are being used to track hurricanes.
These sailboats help predict where hurricanes will make landfall.
The program with robot sailboats was released on September 9, 2025.
The technology is available for over a year.
The aim is to improve the accuracy of hurricane forecasts.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to speed up building data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) by allowing some construction to start before obtaining air permits. The EPA's proposal is part of a broader effort to quickly develop AI infrastructure in the United States.
Key Facts
The EPA announced a proposal to fast-track construction for AI-related infrastructure.
The focus is on building data centers, which need quick development due to increasing demand.
Companies could begin some construction without first obtaining air permits.
The plan is part of the "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative.
This initiative aims to address power demand from data centers.
The proposal involves redefining pre-construction requirements for facilities like power plants.
The U.S. is in a technological race with China, facing pressure to develop AI capabilities.
The current regulations under the Clean Air Act require air permits before major construction.
Two former Meta employees will speak to the Senate Judiciary Committee about claims that the company did not share research about child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The hearing will look into whether Meta tried to hide bad findings about children using their platforms. Meta denies the accusations.
Key Facts
Two ex-Meta workers, Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage, will testify about child safety research at Meta.
They allege that Meta did not disclose important research about child users on Facebook and Instagram.
Sattizahn claimed a report about a teen's negative experience on Meta's virtual reality headset was altered.
Meta's lawyers allegedly tried to create doubt about the dangers reported by the researchers.
Meta denies these claims and calls them misleading.
The testimony is part of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on child safety issues.
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet discusses how large companies find it challenging to implement AI smoothly, despite high interest in its potential. Many companies are not yet seeing the expected productivity improvements and are struggling to adjust their processes and staff for successful AI integration. A survey indicates companies will increase AI spending, but this may lead to job reductions as AI systems evolve.
Key Facts
Julie Sweet is the CEO of Accenture, a consulting company with a focus on AI.
Big companies find using AI slower and more challenging than expected.
A study found 95% of companies using generative AI see no return on investment.
An Accenture survey showed 85% of executives plan to increase AI spending this year.
Companies need to update their processes to effectively use AI at scale.
AI implementation might reduce some jobs because AI can perform certain tasks.
New jobs and business opportunities might emerge after initial job losses.
To scale AI successfully, companies need strategic leadership, not just technology updates.
