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AI Music: The Silent Revolution Sweeping the Charts

2025-09-01

AI Music: The Silent Revolution Sweeping the Charts

Forget guitars and keyboards; a new wave of music creation is here, driven by AI. Oliver McCann, using the stage name imoliver, proves that musical talent isn't a prerequisite for chart success. His AI-generated tracks have garnered millions of streams, leading to a record deal—a first for an AI musician. This rise of AI music tools, however, has sparked a flurry of copyright lawsuits from major record labels. Simultaneously, AI's democratizing effect is empowering hobbyists, who are using it to create music at an unprecedented scale. Despite controversies over quality and ownership, the potential of AI music to reshape the industry is undeniable.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Russia Tightens Internet Grip: WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Partially Restricted

2025-08-14

Russia Tightens Internet Grip: WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Partially Restricted

Russia has partially restricted calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the need to combat crime. The government regulator claims these platforms are used for fraud, extortion, and terrorist activities, accusing the companies of ignoring requests to take countermeasures. This is the latest move in Russia's long-standing effort to control the internet, involving restrictive laws, website bans, and online traffic manipulation. While VPNs can circumvent restrictions, they are also routinely blocked. The move raises concerns about freedom of communication and government surveillance, as Russia promotes its domestically developed messaging app, MAX, as a replacement for international platforms.

(apnews.com)

Tech russia communication security

Nvidia, AMD to Share 15% of China Chip Sales Revenue with US Government

2025-08-12

Nvidia, AMD to Share 15% of China Chip Sales Revenue with US Government

Nvidia and AMD have agreed to share 15% of their revenue from chip sales to China with the U.S. government to secure export licenses. This follows a previous halt on advanced chip sales to China due to national security concerns. The deal is controversial, with critics questioning its legality and arguing it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining US national security and competitiveness in the AI race.

(apnews.com)

Tech US-China tech rivalry

Big Tech's Data Centers: Who's Paying the Price?

2025-08-10

Big Tech's Data Centers: Who's Paying the Price?

Soaring electricity bills are prompting states to grapple with the costs of powering Big Tech's energy-hungry data centers. While the precise impact is debated, growing evidence suggests that residential and commercial ratepayers are subsidizing these massive energy demands, particularly as the AI boom fuels data center expansion. States are exploring various solutions, from pressuring grid operators to developing specialized rates for data centers, but challenges remain in ensuring fair cost allocation and transparency, especially given the influence of tech giants. The question remains: will states have the political will to make Big Tech pay its fair share, or will ordinary citizens continue to bear the burden?

(apnews.com)

Tech electricity costs

Roblox Gardening Game 'Grow a Garden' Breaks Concurrent Player Records

2025-08-09

Roblox Gardening Game 'Grow a Garden' Breaks Concurrent Player Records

Grow a Garden, a viral Roblox game about gardening, has unexpectedly become a summer hit, shattering records for concurrent players and surpassing even major titles developed over years with millions of dollars. Created by a 16-year-old in just days, this low-stress, relaxing game features simple gameplay, a Minecraft-esque aesthetic, and soothing classical music. Its success has cemented Roblox's place in popular culture and sparked a debate about the definition of 'gamer', challenging traditional industry norms. The game's popularity even coincided with the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, leading to speculation about the desires of the gaming audience.

(apnews.com)

Game

AI Surveillance in Schools: A 13-Year-Old's Joke Leads to Arrest, Sparking Debate

2025-08-07

AI Surveillance in Schools: A 13-Year-Old's Joke Leads to Arrest, Sparking Debate

A 13-year-old girl's arrest for an online joke highlights the controversial use of AI-powered surveillance software in schools. The software, designed to detect threats, flagged an innocuous comment as a violent threat, leading to interrogation, a strip search, and jail time. While educators claim the technology saves lives, critics argue it criminalizes careless words and disproportionately impacts teenagers. High false alarm rates and numerous lawsuits underscore the ethical dilemmas of using AI in schools, raising questions about balancing safety with student rights and well-being.

(apnews.com)

Tech teen rights

Tech Layoffs: AI Scapegoat or Efficiency Play?

2025-08-04

Tech Layoffs: AI Scapegoat or Efficiency Play?

The 2023 tech layoff wave has seen many companies blame AI. However, the reality is more nuanced. An Indeed report reveals a decline in tech job postings, but this isn't solely due to AI; the end of pandemic-era hiring binges also played a significant role. Some companies frame layoffs as strategic shifts towards AI and efficiency, aiming to appease Wall Street. Yet, AI's impact isn't entirely negative; it may displace some jobs but also create new ones. Currently, entry-level positions are most affected, while experienced AI specialists remain in high demand. The long-term effects of AI on the job market require further observation.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Australian Rocket Crashes After 14 Seconds, Still Deemed a Success

2025-07-30

Australian Rocket Crashes After 14 Seconds, Still Deemed a Success

Australia's first attempt at an orbital launch from its own soil ended in a crash after just 14 seconds. The Eris rocket, developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, failed to reach orbit, but the company considers the launch a success due to the successful ignition and partial flight. This marks Australia's first orbital launch attempt in over 50 years and represents a significant step for the nation's burgeoning commercial space industry. Government funding has supported the project, aiming to boost Australia's space sector.

(apnews.com)

Tech Australian space program

AI Adoption in the US: Younger Generations Embrace AI, But Limitations Remain

2025-07-30

AI Adoption in the US: Younger Generations Embrace AI, But Limitations Remain

A recent poll reveals that most US adults utilize AI for information searches, yet its application in work tasks, email drafting, and shopping remains limited. Younger adults are significantly more likely to integrate AI into their lives, employing it for brainstorming and work-related activities. The survey highlights that 60% of Americans (74% of those under 30) use AI for information retrieval at least occasionally. However, only about 40% employ AI for work tasks or idea generation, suggesting that the tech industry's promises of highly productive AI assistants haven't yet materialized for most. Younger Americans demonstrate a notably higher AI adoption rate, especially for brainstorming, with those under 30 twice as likely to use it compared to those aged 60 and older. Individuals like 34-year-old Courtney Thayer selectively utilize AI, such as using ChatGPT for meal planning and nutritional calculations, but avoid it for crucial information, particularly medical advice, due to concerns about AI inaccuracies. In summary, while information search is the most prevalent AI application, its adoption in work, email, and shopping lags, with the younger generation's greater acceptance potentially signaling a future shift in broader AI usage.

(apnews.com)

AI Generational divide

Trump Admin Seeks to Revoke Key Climate Change Finding

2025-07-30

Trump Admin Seeks to Revoke Key Climate Change Finding

The Trump administration proposed revoking the 2009 endangerment finding, which established that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, thus underpinning numerous climate regulations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims this is the largest deregulation in US history, but environmental groups fiercely oppose it, arguing it ignores worsening climate disasters. The move could eliminate tailpipe emission limits and hamper future climate action, leading to likely legal challenges.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Wyoming to Host Massive AI Data Center, Outpacing State's Total Household Energy Consumption

2025-07-30

Wyoming to Host Massive AI Data Center, Outpacing State's Total Household Energy Consumption

Cheyenne, Wyoming will soon be home to a massive artificial intelligence data center. Initially consuming more electricity than all Wyoming households combined, the facility has the potential to expand fivefold. This joint venture between Tallgrass and Crusoe will start with 1.8 gigawatts of power, scalable to 10 gigawatts – enough to power a million homes. Wyoming, a major energy exporter, will supply the data center with power generated from natural gas and renewables. While data centers are energy intensive, using renewable sources mitigates climate impact. Though unconfirmed, the project is speculated to be related to OpenAI's 'Stargate' initiative, following the recent launch of a similarly massive OpenAI data center in Texas and plans for further expansion. The project's scale raises questions about potential increases in electricity bills for residents.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Lawyers Sanctioned for Using ChatGPT's 'Hallucinations' in Court Filings

2025-07-26

Lawyers Sanctioned for Using ChatGPT's 'Hallucinations' in Court Filings

Three lawyers from Butler Snow, a high-priced firm defending Alabama's prison system, were sanctioned by a federal judge for using ChatGPT to generate court filings containing fabricated case citations. The judge called the AI-generated citations 'completely made up' and 'recklessness in the extreme'. The lawyers, who have received over $40 million in state payments since 2020, were removed from the case and the matter referred to the Alabama State Bar for potential disciplinary action. This incident highlights the risks of using AI without proper verification in legal proceedings.

(apnews.com)

Misc Legal Malpractice

Robinhood's Tokenization Gamble: Revolution or Regulatory Risk?

2025-07-21

Robinhood's Tokenization Gamble: Revolution or Regulatory Risk?

Companies like Robinhood are aggressively pushing the tokenization of real-world assets, aiming to break down barriers favoring the wealthy and increase investment transparency and accessibility. This trend leverages blockchain technology to transform assets like stocks and real estate into tradable digital tokens. While proponents see it as the next leap forward in crypto, critics worry it could undermine existing securities laws and investor protections. The tokenization of private company shares is particularly concerning, raising regulatory and potential fraud risks; OpenAI publicly disavowed Robinhood's issuance of its tokens. This has sparked a broad debate about the future of tokenization and how regulators will address this emerging trend, with a potential impact projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Record-Breaking Auction: Martian Meteorite and Dino Skeleton Fetch Millions

2025-07-19

Record-Breaking Auction: Martian Meteorite and Dino Skeleton Fetch Millions

A Sotheby's auction in New York saw a 54-pound Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, sell for over $5.3 million, setting a record for the most expensive meteorite ever sold. However, the real star was a rare juvenile Ceratosaurus nasicornis skeleton, which fetched a staggering $30.5 million after a fierce bidding war. This is only one of four known complete skeletons of this species, and the only known juvenile. The meteorite, discovered in the Sahara Desert, journeyed millions of miles through space before landing on Earth.

(apnews.com)

Tech meteorite auction dinosaur skeleton Sotheby's

Louisiana Cancels $3 Billion Coastal Restoration Project

2025-07-18

Louisiana Cancels $3 Billion Coastal Restoration Project

Louisiana has canceled a $3 billion project to repair its eroding Gulf Coast, funded by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Governor Jeff Landry deemed the project a threat to the state's way of life, while conservationists viewed it as a crucial response to climate change. The cancellation could result in Louisiana losing over $1.5 billion in unspent funds and potentially repaying the $618 million already invested. The project, aimed at rebuilding wetlands by diverting sediment-laden Mississippi River water, was halted due to escalating costs and concerns about its impact on local fisheries. The state plans a smaller, cheaper alternative, but environmental groups strongly oppose this, arguing it's insufficient to address coastal erosion.

(apnews.com)

Tech coastal restoration

Microsoft Outlook Restored After Widespread Outage

2025-07-13

Microsoft Outlook Restored After Widespread Outage

Following widespread issues accessing email accounts late Wednesday and into Thursday, Microsoft announced that affected Outlook systems are back online. The outage peaked just before noon ET Thursday, with over 2,700 users globally reporting problems such as inbox loading and sign-in failures to Downdetector. Microsoft initially encountered problems with its fix, leading to delays. By late afternoon, reports had significantly dropped, and Microsoft confirmed a configuration change resolved the impact for all users. The cause of the hours-long outage remains undisclosed.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Scottish Tidal Turbine Achieves 6.5-Year Uninterrupted Operation

2025-07-11

Scottish Tidal Turbine Achieves 6.5-Year Uninterrupted Operation

A tidal turbine submerged 40 meters off the Scottish coast has achieved a remarkable 6.5 years of continuous operation, showcasing the technology's commercial viability. This record, set by one turbine at the MeyGen project, significantly boosts investor confidence and paves the way for larger-scale tidal energy farms. The four 1.5-megawatt turbines at MeyGen currently power up to 7,000 homes annually. While still in its early stages, the project demonstrates the immense potential of tidal energy as a clean and sustainable resource. Overcoming challenges like regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns remains crucial for wider adoption, but this milestone addresses key durability questions that previously hindered investment and development.

(apnews.com)

Tech tidal energy Scotland

Peter Jackson Funds De-Extinction Project: Bringing Back the Giant Moa

2025-07-09

Peter Jackson Funds De-Extinction Project: Bringing Back the Giant Moa

Filmmaker Peter Jackson and Colossal Biosciences have partnered on a $15 million project to genetically engineer a bird resembling the extinct giant moa. Using genetic material from existing birds and advanced gene editing techniques, they aim to create a creature similar to this 12-foot-tall flightless bird. The project, while met with some scientific skepticism regarding the feasibility of fully recreating an extinct species, has garnered support from Māori scholars, highlighting the intersection of science, conservation, and cultural heritage.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Trump Tax Bill Signed Amidst Republican Celebration

2025-07-04

Trump Tax Bill Signed Amidst Republican Celebration

Amidst joyous celebrations, Republicans signed their signature tax and spending bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, overcome with emotion, expressed his belief in America and praised the bill as an audacious plan. Republican leadership lauded President Donald Trump, crediting his agenda and the White House's influence as crucial to the bill's passage. The signing ceremony was filled with selfies, Trump-esque poses, and even featured lawmakers mimicking Trump's signature dance moves.

(apnews.com)

Misc Tax Bill Republicans

US Climate Assessment Websites Vanish

2025-07-03

US Climate Assessment Websites Vanish

Websites displaying legally mandated US national climate assessments have mysteriously disappeared, raising concerns about access to crucial climate information. These reports, vital for state and local governments and the public to understand the impacts of climate change in their areas, have vanished, leaving a void in critical risk information. Scientists highlight the cost-saving and life-saving importance of these peer-reviewed reports. While the White House claims the information will be transferred to NASA, details remain scarce, and NASA and NOAA have not responded to inquiries. This action is criticized as tampering with facts and restricting public access to information, potentially increasing climate-related risks.

(apnews.com)

Tech scientific review

AI: Revolutionizing Education, One Classroom at a Time

2025-06-26

AI: Revolutionizing Education, One Classroom at a Time

A growing number of K-12 teachers in the US are leveraging AI tools to enhance their teaching, using platforms like ChatGPT to create lesson plans, grade assignments, and boost efficiency. A recent survey reveals that 60% of teachers utilized AI tools in the past year, saving approximately six hours per week and mitigating burnout. While some states have issued guidelines on AI's classroom use, challenges remain in preventing AI from replacing teacher judgment and in educating students on responsible AI usage. Many teachers are cautiously incorporating AI, using it only in later stages of projects and ensuring students retain core skills. AI is transforming education, but the crucial role of teacher judgment and students' critical thinking skills remains paramount.

(apnews.com)

Tech teacher efficiency classroom applications

16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked: A Cybersecurity Nightmare

2025-06-20

16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked: A Cybersecurity Nightmare

Cybersecurity firm Cybernews has uncovered a massive data breach exposing 16 billion login credentials across 30 datasets. The leaked information, affecting platforms like Google, Facebook, and Apple, likely stems from multiple breaches over time, possibly perpetrated by infostealers. Experts urge users to change passwords, avoid reusing credentials, and enable multi-factor authentication to mitigate the risk.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Iran Urges WhatsApp Uninstall: Security Threat or Political Crackdown?

2025-06-17

Iran Urges WhatsApp Uninstall: Security Threat or Political Crackdown?

Iranian state television accused WhatsApp of collecting user data and sending it to Israel, urging citizens to uninstall the app. WhatsApp denied these allegations, highlighting its end-to-end encryption which protects user privacy and prevents tracking of location, message content, or sharing data with governments. Despite previous bans, many Iranians use proxies and VPNs to access WhatsApp. This incident raises concerns about information security and government censorship, and underscores WhatsApp's widespread use and importance in Iran.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Denmark Deploys AI-Powered Sailboats for Baltic Sea Surveillance

2025-06-16

Denmark Deploys AI-Powered Sailboats for Baltic Sea Surveillance

Amid rising tensions in the Baltic Sea, the Danish Navy has initiated a three-month trial deploying four unmanned sailboats, dubbed 'Voyagers,' for maritime surveillance. These autonomous vessels, built by Saildrone, utilize wind and solar power and are equipped with advanced sensors, enabling months-long autonomous operations to monitor underwater infrastructure and combat illicit activities. The initiative aims to bolster Danish and NATO surveillance capabilities in the Baltic and North Seas, addressing threats such as undersea cable damage and smuggling, as part of a layered maritime monitoring system.

(apnews.com)

Tech unmanned sailboats maritime surveillance

AI-Powered Student Loan Fraud Explodes: Colleges and Students Targeted

2025-06-15

AI-Powered Student Loan Fraud Explodes: Colleges and Students Targeted

The rise of AI and online classes has fueled a surge in student loan fraud. Criminal rings are deploying AI chatbots as "ghost students," enrolling in online courses and collecting financial aid. California colleges reported 1.2 million fraudulent applications in 2024, resulting in 223,000 suspected fake enrollments and at least $11.1 million in losses. Victims face not only significant debt but also potential inability to enroll in needed courses due to bots filling class rosters. The US Department of Education has implemented temporary measures requiring government-issued ID, but more robust long-term solutions are under development.

(apnews.com)

Tech student loans

Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon Targeted Journalists in Europe

2025-06-12

Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon Targeted Journalists in Europe

Citizen Lab research reveals that Graphite, spyware from US-backed Israeli firm Paragon Solutions, was used to target at least three prominent European journalists, including two editors at Italian investigative news site Fanpage.it. The revelations raise concerns about potential Italian government involvement in spying on critics and broader misuse of commercial spyware. While Paragon denies wrongdoing, Italy has terminated its relationship with the company. The incident also casts a shadow on Paragon's US government contracts.

(apnews.com)

Tech

AI Boosts Efficiency for US Intelligence Agencies

2025-06-10

AI Boosts Efficiency for US Intelligence Agencies

Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, announced that AI is significantly accelerating the work of US intelligence agencies. AI is being used for tasks like human resource management and pre-declassification document scanning, drastically reducing processing time, as seen in the recent declassification of Kennedy assassination-related files. Gabbard aims to leverage private sector AI technologies to improve efficiency, allowing intelligence officers to focus on uniquely human tasks.

(apnews.com)

Tech Intelligence Agencies

US Health Secretary's Purge of Vaccine Advisory Board Sparks Outrage

2025-06-09

US Health Secretary's Purge of Vaccine Advisory Board Sparks Outrage

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee on Monday, sparking widespread criticism from medical groups. Kennedy cited conflicts of interest and plans to appoint his own team within two weeks. The move, described as a "coup," threatens to undermine public trust in vaccine science and potentially lead to a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases. It also breaks a previous promise by Kennedy and raises concerns about the impartiality of future committee members.

(apnews.com)

Tech

UK Courts Grapple with AI-Generated Fake Cases

2025-06-08

UK Courts Grapple with AI-Generated Fake Cases

Two cases in England have highlighted the misuse of AI by lawyers, leading to the citation of fabricated legal precedents. In one instance, 18 non-existent cases were cited in a £90 million lawsuit; another involved five fake cases in a housing claim. Judges warned that lawyers must verify the accuracy of AI-generated research, or face prosecution for contempt of court, or even, in severe cases, perverting the course of justice, a crime carrying a life sentence. While the lawyers involved were referred to their professional regulators, the incidents underscore the need for regulatory frameworks to address the risks and opportunities of AI in the legal field, ensuring public confidence in the justice system.

(apnews.com)

Misc

Oldest Whale Bone Tools Found, Dating Back 20,000 Years

2025-05-31

Oldest Whale Bone Tools Found, Dating Back 20,000 Years

Scientists have unearthed the oldest known evidence of humans using whale bones to make tools, dating back approximately 20,000 years. Discovered in the Bay of Biscay near Spain and France, these narrow projectiles were crafted from the bones of blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and other species. Researchers believe ancient humans likely scavenged beached whales, repurposing their bones for hunting reindeer or bison, rather than actively hunting whales themselves. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, highlights the importance of coastal resources for early human survival and pushes back the timeline of whale bone tool use.

(apnews.com)

Tech paleolithic whale bone tools

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