2025 - Page 29 of 137

Meta investigated over AI having 'sensual' chats with children

15

Aug

Meta under investigation for AI ‘sensual’ conversations with children

Meta, the parent company of platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, is facing scrutiny after reports emerged that its artificial intelligence systems engaged in inappropriate conversations with minors. According to authorities, the AI chat functions were allegedly capable of producing content that included sexualized dialogue with children, sparking immediate concern among parents, child protection organizations, and regulatory bodies. The investigation highlights the broader challenge of regulating AI tools that interact with vulnerable users online, particularly as these systems become more advanced and widely available.The concerns were first raised after internal audits and external reports indicated that the AI models could…

Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'

15

Aug

By Liam Walker

Science and Technology

Las Vegas’ growing mosquito problem: how to protect yourself

In recent years, Las Vegas has become known not only for its entertainment, casinos, and rapid urban expansion, but also for a less glamorous issue that is steadily growing: the rise in mosquito populations. What was once considered a minor nuisance in the desert climate has transformed into a larger public health concern, driven by environmental changes, urban development, and shifts in weather patterns that make the region more hospitable to these insects.The presence of mosquitoes in desert cities may sound counterintuitive. Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert, an area characterized by hot, dry conditions and scarce rainfall.…

Powerball jackpot passes 0 million for Monday night’s drawing

15

Aug

By Liam Walker

Investments and Business

Powerball jackpot climbs above $600 million for Monday night’s drawing

The anticipation for one of the country’s most favored lotto games is on the rise as the Powerball prize has climbed past the $600 million threshold. With the upcoming draw set for Monday evening, countless participants throughout the United States are eager to obtain their tickets, dreaming of converting a modest stake into a transformative win. The swift growth of the jackpot has positioned it among the foremost in the game’s history, igniting excitement and discussions across the nation.The Powerball lottery has long been a symbol of both chance and hope. Players pay only a few dollars for an opportunity…

OpenAI's Sam Altman sees AI bubble forming as industry spending surges

15

Aug

By Liam Walker

Science and Technology

AI bubble forming as industry spending accelerates, warns OpenAI’s Sam Altman

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about technologies of the decade, drawing unprecedented attention from investors, governments, and corporations. Yet, as enthusiasm grows, OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman has cautioned that the sector may be heading toward what he describes as a bubble. His comments arrive at a time when billions of dollars are flowing into research, infrastructure, and startups, raising both opportunities and concerns about the sustainability of this rapid expansion.According to Altman, the vast volume of financial investments in artificial intelligence reflects historical trends of speculative overinvestment. Although he recognizes the technology's transformative potential, he also…

FTC sues ticket reseller for evading Taylor Swift’s Eras tour ticket limits

15

Aug

By Liam Walker

Investments and Business

Taylor Swift’s Eras tour ticket limits allegedly evaded by reseller, says FTC lawsuit

The enthusiasm over Taylor Swift’s Eras tour has become a significant cultural event recently, setting new records for audience size, ticket interest, and fan interaction. Nonetheless, this immense popularity has also highlighted enduring issues within the live entertainment sector, notably the problem of ticket resale. In a recent development, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated legal action against a ticket reseller, accused of intentionally bypassing rules designed to shield consumers from unfair conduct amid the rush for Eras tour tickets.According to the FTC, the reseller under scrutiny took advantage of technological vulnerabilities and employed misleading tactics to acquire a large…

African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent’s true size

15

Aug

By Liam Walker

International

African Union advocates for adoption of world map revealing continent’s actual size

For centuries, maps have shaped the way people understand geography, history, and even global power dynamics. Yet the image most of the world still relies on, the Mercator projection, has long been criticized for distorting the size of continents. Africa, in particular, often appears smaller than it really is, overshadowed visually by Europe and North America despite being significantly larger in landmass. In a move that highlights the importance of representation in education and policy, the African Union has called for the adoption of maps that depict the continent at its actual scale.The debate around Africa’s portrayal on world maps…

What would happen if America started faking its economic data? Here’s what happened when other countries did it

15

Aug

By Liam Walker

International

Exploring what would happen if America faked its economic data, with evidence from other countries

Economic data is one of the most important tools governments use to guide policy, inform financial markets, and shape public perception. In the United States, official reports such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation numbers play a central role in determining interest rates, investment strategies, and political debates. These figures are widely trusted both domestically and internationally, serving as a benchmark for global decision-making. But what if America were to compromise this trust by manipulating or fabricating its economic data?The implications of such a situation would reach well beyond the limits of the United States. As the U.S. dollar…