Robotics & AI

The Children's Commissioner for England is fiercely advocating for a government-imposed ban on AI applications that generate sexually explicit images of children. Dame Rachel de Souza is calling for an outright prohibition of "nudification" apps, which use AI to alter real photos, making individuals appear naked. De Souza accuses the government of allowing these apps to operate unchecked, leading to severe real-world consequences. A government representative stated that child sexual abuse material is illegal and outlined plans for additional offenses related to creating, possessing, or distributing AI tools designed for such content. The report highlights that this technology disproportionately affects girls and young women, with many apps specifically targeting female bodies. Fearing ex...

In a stunning turn of events, OpenAI, the powerhouse behind ChatGPT, has expressed interest in acquiring Google Chrome if the tech giant is forced to relinquish control amidst ongoing antitrust scrutiny. During a high-stakes monopoly trial, OpenAI executive Nick Turley testified on behalf of the US government, advocating for the breakup of Google due to its overwhelming dominance in the online search market. Google, however, vehemently opposes the proposed split, asserting that Chrome is not on the table and demanding the dismissal of the antitrust lawsuit. Chrome currently commands an estimated 64% of the online browser market share, dwarfing Apple's Safari, which holds 21%. Turley's testimony in Washington D.C. marks the latest chapter in the Department of Justice's (DOJ) crusade agai...

The University of Essex is stepping up to the plate, aiming to drive nationwide growth through its AI prowess. Academics are convening at a summit in Colchester to explore how their AI expertise can revolutionize the public sector. This comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer champions unleashing AI, with a massive £2bn data center planned for Loughton. Vice-chancellor Prof Maria Fasli asserts the university's ambition to be a key player in the government's AI strategy. The summit gathers Essex councillors, police, military representatives, and figures from the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, all under the guidance of Labour MP Pam Cox. Prof Fasli emphasizes Essex's long-standing commitment to AI innovation, stating, "Essex has a wealth of expertise in artificial intel...

WhatsApp is facing a storm of user backlash over its new Meta AI feature, embedded directly within the messaging app. While WhatsApp insists the AI is "entirely optional," users are discovering they can't actually remove it. The ever-present Meta AI logo – a blue circle with pink and green splashes – sits in the bottom right of the Chats screen, constantly inviting interaction with the AI chatbot. This forced integration is drawing significant frustration, with users taking to X, Bluesky, and Reddit to voice their anger. The inability to disable the feature has sparked privacy concerns and comparisons to Microsoft's controversial Recall feature, which initially launched as an always-on tool before a public outcry forced a reversal. "We think giving people these options is a good thing an...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has dropped a bombshell, declaring that films leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are officially eligible to compete for the coveted Oscar awards. This seismic shift acknowledges AI's growing influence in filmmaking, as evidenced by its role in recent industry-acclaimed productions. While AI can now be a tool in the cinematic arsenal, the Academy insists that human artistry and involvement will remain paramount in the selection process. The new rules, recommended by the Academy's Science and Technology Council, stipulate that the use of AI, including generative AI capable of creating text, images, audio, and video from simple prompts, will "neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination." This decision follows th...

Facing immense pressure to construct 5,400 new homes by 2041, Forest of Dean district councillors are exploring a radical solution: artificial intelligence. The council, already tasked with building 6,600 homes under its 2021-2041 plan, saw its mandate explode after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government imposed new, mandatory targets. This effectively doubled their workload, forcing them to identify locations for a staggering 12,000 properties in total. Council Leader Adrian Birch revealed that an AI company has been commissioned for a research project to assess the viability of using AI in the decision-making process. The goal is to expedite the process and ensure accuracy. "If we can trust the AI to get it right then we will look at whether that is a feasible option,...

A fed-up student is taking on the chaotic housing market with an innovative AI-driven platform. Daniel Virin, a 22-year-old University of Bristol student, launched Cribster to solve the nightmare of finding compatible flatmates. Virin experienced firsthand the cutthroat Bristol housing scene and decided to build a solution. Cribster's algorithm uses factors like budget, location, hobbies, and values to connect students. The goal is to create harmonious living situations, maximize housing occupancy, and ease the pressure on student lettings. Shriya Pillay, another Bristol student, highlights the frantic rush to secure housing early in the academic year. Virin emphasizes that a good living situation is crucial for a student's well-being. Cribster aims to provide a 'safe space' free from t...

A massive £1 billion cyber park is poised to transform Cheltenham, famed for its spa history and GCHQ, into the UK's cyber security epicenter. The ambitious Golden Valley project, sprawling across 116 acres, aims to unite start-ups and industry giants within a cutting-edge environment. But what does this tech surge mean for the residents of Springbank and Fiddler's Green? The development includes 3,700 new homes, 1,000 of which will be eco-friendly residences available for rent or purchase, a brand new primary school, and expansive green spaces. Plans also include restaurants, sports facilities, and community spaces for events. The park will feature the National Cyber Innovation Centre, designed to be a hub for learning and collaboration between businesses, schools, and universities. Const...

The UK government is betting big on AI to revolutionize egg production, injecting £2.6 million into a project designed to boost efficiency and hen welfare on British farms. This cutting-edge AI, dubbed Flockwise, analyzes data from farm sensors – including the sounds hens make – to proactively identify potential problems. Developed by FAI Farms, The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, and Newcastle University, the system aims to improve animal welfare and potentially lower egg prices for consumers. The AI identifies stress or illness sounds, alerting farmers for quick intervention, supplementing existing systems like BirdBox, which monitors the environment, equipment, and egg quality. Defra believes this tech will extend hens' lifespans, shrink carbon footprints, and, if implemented nationwide, ...

Nvidia, led by the charismatic Jensen Huang, is caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions over AI dominance. Huang, dubbed the 'Taylor Swift of tech,' recently visited Beijing shortly after the US government slapped new export controls on Nvidia's AI chips, requiring licenses to export the H20 chip to China. The US Commerce Department claims these measures safeguard 'national and economic security' indefinitely. Nvidia's pivotal role stems from its advanced chips, essential for generative AI applications like ChatGPT. This demand propelled Nvidia to become a tech titan, even briefly surpassing Apple in market capitalization. Washington's restrictions aim to hinder China's AI development, especially its military applications, giving the US an edge in the AI race. The US has...