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Musk’s DOGE Released AI Chatbot for Government General Services Administration

Posted on by Shahid Anwar

Musk’s DOGE has started rolling out AI Chatbot to General Services Administration (GSA) Employees. General Services Administration (GSA) manages government real estate and certain IT efforts. The chatbot would help the employees with their daily tasks by automating them. An internal memo was given to the employees to let them know which tasks they could automate.

The Chatbot, GSAi, gives users 3 models to work with and the main idea is to use it to analyze contracts and procurement data. It should be remembered that GSA is one of the many agencies that faced job cuts. Reportedly, around 100 workers were affected due to what they call proper sizing.

The AI vs Workers battle

There has been this notion that AI will eventually replace human workers. Such layoffs always add more fuel to such predictions. While AI is improving rapidly, it is still nowhere near human intelligence. However, AI has proven more proficient in tasks like data entry, as automated systems can process data faster than humans. Similarly, with customer support and FAQ lists, AI Chatbot can do a better job. Similarly, Robotic automation, basic content writing, and accounting are other examples where AI outshines.

AI creating Jobs?

The counterargument is that while AI is replacing human workers in some capacities, AI also creates jobs. For example, AI development/engineering has seen more demand for people with the required skill set. Similarly, on the Data side, Prompt engineers and AI-assisted content Creators are some of the skill sets that are very hot in the market due to AI development. From this analysis, it is clear that humans must do more technical jobs and leave the simple, repetitive tasks to AI. Now, it remains to be seen if humans can step up the ladder and fill the more technical roles in more significant numbers.

DOGE is a villain

Elon Musk’s DOGE has come under heavy criticism from companies. DOGE stands for Department Of Government Efficiency. DOGE has been involved with the government to cut costs by replacing workers with AI cost-effectively. There have been lawsuits against DOGE’s actions, and while some were successful, others were not so fortunate. Federal Government contractors are wary of DOGE and have been outspoken about it. It is their livelihood that is under threat.

Even some businesses that are not directly affected have raised concerns that if their relevant Government department employees are reduced, it could slow down their business as well. For example, drugmakers want to ensure that the Government has enough staff so that their drug approval process is not affected.

US DOJ Drops Bid To Make Google Sell AI Investment in Antitrust Case

Posted on by Shahid Anwar

Google has a little respite in the antitrust case. The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped the clause to force Google to sell its AI Investments , including the Anthropic company, to boost competition. Anthropic had contended to the court that losing the investment would hand competitive advantage to its rivals OpenAI and Microsoft. The prosecutors obtained evidence that shows a risk if Google’s AI investments are banned. The risk is that it could have unintended consequences in the evolving landscape of AI. Google holds minority stakes worth billions of dollars in Anthropic.

The prosecutors asked that in future, Google should inform the government about its plan for investment in generative AI beforehand to get the approval. Google said it is going to appeal against this investment restriction order. The Lawsuit was filed back on 20 October 2020  with a primary focus on Google’s monopoly in the search engine market. It was said in the lawsuit that google is unlawfully maintained monopolies in search and online advertising markets through its anticompetitive practices.

However, a separate lawsuit was filed on January 24, 2023, by the DOJ, which focused more on digital advertising and was much harsher than the first lawsuit. It described how Google gained an unfair advantage by buying out the ad tools and serving technology. It asked for Google to sell significant portions of its ad tech business and stop certain business practices. However, that trial for second lawsuit was completed in November 2024, and a ruling is expected by August 2025

US DOJ also wants Google to sell off its Chrome browser as a part of its final remedy proposal in the antitrust case. It also requires google to stop paying partners for special treatment of its search engine. It is an unfair advantage if you are the default search engine. As per Reliablesoft, Google has an 89.74% share in the market, and Bing is languishing in 2nd place with just 3.97%. The tech world is eagerly looking forward to the conclusion of this case, which has the potential to change the tech world a great deal. It remains to be seen what the final verdict will be. Google has its task cut out, and there is a fair chance that it will get some unfavorable orders in the final ruling.

Microsoft Challenges OpenAI with Next-Generation AI Model

Posted on by Shahid Anwar

As per the news received, Microsoft is developing in-house artificial intelligence reasoning models that can compete with OpenAI and other rival models. The information was a surprise since Microsoft is a partner of OpenAI and has been using its models in its products. The partnership with OpenAI has been successful. Microsoft has positioned itself as one of the leaders among the big technology companies in AI race. Its seems like Microsoft is challenging OpenAI with this AI Model.

Although Microsoft has worked on some of its own models in the past, like Phi, interestingly, Phi was developed with the help of OpenAI, and it can perform similarly to OpenAI with far less computing power. Microsoft is testing models from xAI, Meta, and DeepSeek as potential replacements for OpenAI. Things are not getting any better for OpenAI lately. They already have a battlefront opened by Elon Musk, with that matter currently being heard in the US court. Microsoft has been using OpenAI in its flagship AI product, 365 Copilot. Copilot’s main attraction was that it used OpenAI’s GPT-4 model.

Last year, in March 2024, Mustafa Suleyman was appointed as CEO of Microsoft AI (MAI). Under his leadership, work was being done to create an alternative to OpenAI so they could start using it in their own product. The main reason is cost-effectiveness in the long run for the company. According to the report, the training has been completed, and the product is performing similarly to the OpenAI and Anthropic on commonly accepted benchmarks. At the same time, work is being done on the reasoning model as well.

It typically uses Chain-of-thought (CoT) techniques to analyze the input as humans do. This process involves calculations, logic, and decision-making. With this, MAI would be able to compete directly with OpenAI. The work to replace OpenAI’s models in Copilot with MAI is already in process. Microsoft is considering releasing the new model as an API (Application Programming Interface) that developers can use to benefit from these models in their own applications.

It is to be noted here that Microsoft has invested $14 billion in OpenAI so far. However, like a smart business entity, Microsoft is not keeping all its eggs in the same basket. OpenAI has had a series of setbacks lately, be it the DeepSeek computing power or the lawsuit by Musk. Now, it seems like they are getting stabbed in the back by their own partner, who established its AI standing using OpenAI itself. However, OpenAI is also being smart and it has already secured a deal with Apple back in June 2024. The deal involves using ChatGPT in Apple products iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Even Siri would be able to tap into ChatGPT to get help when needed.

Both OpenAI and Microsoft are in an agreement till 2030 . Also, a lot of Microsoft products are using OpenAI, and they aren’t going to be replaced overnight. It is to be noted here that a recent change in their agreement in January 2025 allowed OpenAI to work with other cloud providers like Oracle. It seems like both companies are keeping their options open for now. Things are heating up in AI world and new developments are fast. Everyone is trying to outdo its competitors, and even the partners are not spared. It’s a cruel world out there, and you must always be awake and ensure you safeguard your interests.

SpaceX’s 8th Starship Test Flight Exploded After Multiple Engine Failures

Posted on by Munazza Shaheen

A back-to-back failure occurred as the 8th test flight of SpaceX’s starship ran into critical problems and eventually blasted after 8 minutes of launch. There were huge roars of celebration and success from an enthusiastic team for a successful takeoff while it was broadcast Live. The ship was safely separated and went into space, after which the super booster that propels the ship out to space successfully returned to its Texas tower.

There were happy claps and screams at the sight of Booster clinging back to its tower. After only a few minutes, the ship spiraled out of control. Engineers lost control of multiple engines, followed by a gigantic blast. The debris started coming back like a shower of meteoroids and shooting stars. Then, the Federal Aviation Administration had to take quick action to reduce the number of flights in major Florida airports.

SpaceX Starship explosion debris resembling a meteor shower in the night sky

The Shower of Shooting Stars, Posted by OPTeemyst. It was the second failure in a row, as the seventh test flight met the same fate. The FAA immediately asked for a mishap investigation, and they sprang into action, halting and diverting flights to avoid any accidents due to debris falling from space. SpaceX communications manager Dan Huot said during the broadcast,

“We just saw some engines go out. It looks like we are losing attitude control of the ship.” Later, he mentioned that “at this point, we have lost contact with the ship.”

The ship exploded over the skies of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, and SpaceX had to post an immediate message on X that the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost. They are reviewing the data from this flight to understand the causes behind it. Given all that went wrong, SpaceX is an organization that never sits back, as the next test flight might already be on the cards.

SpaceX's official statement on Starship's explosion during ascent burn.

SpaceX has shared the complete launch video on their official site with explanations and experience. There were 6 Raptor engines in the ship, and they stopped responding one by one until a sonic boom was heard. Elon Musk has been caught in many controversies over the past few days, including losing a lawsuit against OpenAI for stopping it from becoming a for-profit entity. This is an additional shock after the 7th flight broke down during its January 16th, 2025 test run.

During this 7th test flight, engines experienced premature shutdowns and a complete loss of control. Roughly two to three minutes later, the vehicle disintegrated over the Turks and Caicos Islands, though no injuries were reported. That incident also resulted in airspace closures for over an hour, and the FAA had to call for a mishap investigation. After 7th test flight, the booster successfully returned to its Launchpad. The SpaceX team can celebrate and can again stay hopeful and proud for the 3rd booster return as well during the 8th test.

Scores of appreciation and public sentiments were expressed on the 8th test flight, and people praised the SpaceX team’s positivity and struggles.

Social media reactions to SpaceX's 8th Starship test flight
SpaceX’s 8th Starship Test Flight Exploded After Multiple Engine Failures 8

These tests are part of SpaceX’s mission of starting commercial flights into space, and SpaceX will continue to send the dummy versions of its Starlink satellites. They posted an investigation for their 7th test flight and changed several things to fix the previous issues, including improvements to the fuel system and the propellant. The company has always stayed very transparent in sharing the details of all its test flights and the glitches caught at any stage of the tests.

The 8 Starlink Flights’ Tests and Their Outcomes

Test # Date Launch Outcome Booster Landing Ship Landing Problems Positives
Test 1 April 20, 2023 Failure Failure Precluded Engine Failures within 4 min. Most powerful, heaviest rocket ever flown. Reached 39 km height.
Test 2 Nov 18, 2023 Failure Failure (Ocean) Precluded Leak in aft section during liquid oxygen venting, causing a combustion event that interrupted communication between the craft’s flight computers, leading to full engine shutdown. Reached 150 km altitude. Powerful show of all 33 Raptors working and a successful hot stage separation.
Test 3 March 14, 2023 Success Failure (Ocean) Failure (Ocean) Booster successfully propelled the spacecraft to staging, with 13 engines successfully ignited for a boostback burn, though 6 engines failed a few seconds before the end of the burn. Reached 462 meters in altitude and seven minutes into the mission. All Raptor engines started successfully and powered the vehicle to its expected orbit, becoming the first Starship to complete its full-duration ascent burn.
Test 4 June 6, 2024 Success Controlled (Ocean) Controlled (Ocean) Only one engine lost shortly after liftoff. Mission lasted for 1 hour and 6 minutes with a soft landing in the Indian Ocean. Executed first flip maneuver.
Test 5 Oct 13, 2024 Success Success (OLP A) Controlled (Ocean) The Booster RETURNED to LAUNCH Site. The greatest success ever achieved. Successful hot-staging separation, igniting its six Raptor engines and completing ascent into outer space.
Test 6 Nov 19, 2024 Success Controlled (Ocean) Controlled (Ocean) Second attempt at booster recovery. The ship completed in-space engine relight test and re-entered, splashing down in the Indian Ocean during daylight for the first time for any Starship.
Test 7 Jan 16, 2025 Failure Success (OLP A) Precluded Engines experienced premature shutdowns due to a propellant leak larger than the Ship’s systems could handle, followed by a total loss of telemetry. Vehicle exploded within 3 minutes. Booster successfully returned to its launch pad.
Test 8 Failure Success (OLP A) Precluded Engines lost after 8 min into the space. Booster successfully returned to its launch pad.

Elon Musk is a man on a mission. He is spending his energy and resources on these impactful technological developments. He has succeeded in many of his previous endeavors, and he has the guts to try one more time.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Hits 400 Million Users by Doubling Its User Base in Six Months

Posted on by Fatimah Misbah Hussain

When OpenAI first introduced ChatGPT to the world in November 2022, it took the tech circle around the world by storm and was considered the fastest-ever consumer application in history. While the chatbot’s early success stemmed from people’s curiosity and novelty, it was widely discussed whether that initial buzz would continue or fade like the many other trends. All the indications throughout the past year that concern has been relieved, as ChatGPT is now certain to stay and continues to grow at an exceptional speed.

With immense progress being made in what AI can do and an upgrade to a more user-friendly interface, the chatbot has bounced back and doubled its active users in just under six months, solidifying its position on the top in the AI chatbot game. According to a report published by American VC firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), the AI chatbot ChatGPT has proved its worth, doubling its weekly active users in less than six months, where the report has pointed to the very impressive revival of the chatbot in the second semester of 2024 along with strategic updates and releases.

Speedy User Growth:

ChatGPT was originally famous for being the fastest app to cross the 100 million mark in monthly active users, a triumph it achieved within just 2 months of its debut in November 2022. The number had already increased to 100 million weekly active users by November 2023, rising to 200 million by August 2024. Even that increase has been outdone by this most recent surge in February 2025, when ChatGPT had achieved an incredible 400 million weekly active users.

Key Growth Drivers:

Major product releases in 2024 were key drivers for the increase in demand for ChatGPT which are;

  • Release of GPT-4o (April-May 2024): The launch of this AI model drew a sharp rise in user engagement since ChatGPT was able to handle text, image, and audio input with a greater level of accuracy and efficiency.
  • Advanced Voice Mode (July-August 2024): Launching a more natural, conversational voice feature contributed significantly to user interest and retention.
  • o1 Model Series (September-October 2024): These enhancements were like the cherry on the icing on the cake, creating an extra spike in usage, especially among enterprise and professional users.

ChatGPT’s user base continues to demonstrate a steady growth trend on mobile. There has been an approximately 5% to 15% increase in mobile users every month. Out of the 400 million weekly active users, about 175 million are accessing ChatGPT from mobile devices.

Competitive Landscape:

The industry has become quite competitive in developing AI chatbots, with emerging players like DeepSeek coming out strong from the launch pad. For instance, within ten days, DeepSeek ascended to the second position globally and attained 15% of the ChatGPT mobile users by February 2025. ChatGPT, nevertheless, maintains a strong lead in both web and mobile categories.

According to data from the market intelligence provider Similarweb, ChatGPT is ranked No. 1 as far as unique visits per month on the web and mobile active visitors are concerned. On the other hand, DeepSeek usage was measured to involve per user, slightly more than other competitors like Perplexity and Claude; however, ChatGPT remains dominant.

Future of ChatGPT:

ChatGPT isn’t just a superb thing, but it is also an omen of how AI is playing an increasingly important role in life today, whether it is for professional work, learning, education purposes or simply personal needs day to day, the millions of users who tap from the chatbot’s ongoing capabilities find value within its beneficial features, when these options become more popularized.

It will create the next round of interactions, primarily personal, real-time, and ever-developing into different digital ecosystems that match the level of the technology revolution. With AI adoption trending across industries, ChatGPT’s unparalleled growth suggests we have entered the age of generative AI, where fast paced technology development continues to redefine the way we interact and be productive worldwide.

Is Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve a Game-Changer or a Political Stunt?

Posted on by Fatimah Misbah Hussain

With Bitcoin getting a White House invite, it’s time for gold bars to move aside, as an interesting collision of politics and cryptocurrency has taken place in the center of history. In a move to solidify establishing digital assets as a principal U.S financial strategy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This action is exceptional, as it marks the first time a global superpower has formally included cryptocurrency in its national reserves. The very phrase “digital Fort Knox”, often called “digital gold” has excited many crypto advocates, however it now raises urgent issues related to governance, taxpayer benefit, and the risk of conflicting interests.

The establishing of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is considered to be a possible turning point in the government’s policy on cryptography, as it has already rolled in both political and financial realms. The announcement took place with top executives from the crypto industry, a day before the scheduled meeting at the White House.

Digital Fort Knox

According to White House crypto czar David Sacks’ post on social media platform X,

“The reserve will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings ”.

Sacks in his post on X, described the initiative as a “digital Fort Knox”, he said, The U.S will not sell any bitcoin deposited into the Reserve. It will be kept as a store of value. The Reserve is like a digital Fort Knox for the cryptocurrency often called digital gold.

As part of this initiative, Trump has decided five cryptocurrencies that will go inside the reserve, which are: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum(ETH), XRP, Solana(SOL), and Cardano(ADA). This news, which moved through the markets earlier this week, proves how government policy impacts the highly volatile and growing field of crypto.

Uncovered Areas & Market Response

The unexpected dramatic act has left some questions unanswered. The actual working of the reserve fund, its advantages to taxpayers, and any potential acquisition in the future are still subjects that are covered in mystery. Sacks added in his post on X, “Premature sales of bitcoin have already cost U.S taxpayers over $17 billion in lost value. Now the federal government will have a strategy to maximize the value of its holdings”.

Trump’s executive order has tasked the Treasury and Commerce departments with working out “budget-neutral strategies” to acquire further bitcoin, thereby necessitating that the government become creative in firming up its reserves without increasing public expenditure. Bitcoin reacted sharply to the announcement by initially falling by over 5% to below $85,000 after Sacks’ post, recovering to $88,107 later. Many traders had expected a larger show of force in buying by the government rather than the mere confirmation of the holdings that it already has.

Criticism & Ethical Concerns

Not all crypto enthusiasts are toasting the initiative. Charles Edwards, Head of the Bitcoin focused hedge fund Capriole Investments, dismissed the initiative in a post on X and said,

“This is the most underwhelming and disappointing outcome we could have expected for this week. No active buying means this is just a fancy title for Bitcoin holdings that already existed with the Government. This is a pig in lipstick.”  

Concerns have also been raised about possible conflicts of interest. Trump’s family made meme coins from cryptocurrency in the past, the president has financial interests in World Liberty Financial, and is the cryptocurrency provider. His advisors insist that all business interests are being cleared with external ethics lawyers but skeptics think that Trump’s decisions on policy could be influenced by his private investments.

Game-Changer or a Political Play?

These devotees, mostly millionaires who lend overwhelming financial backing to the electoral efforts of Republicans in the November elections, now have the long-awaited political support from Trump. It is believed by the National Bitcoin Reserve advocate that it’s a government effort towards allowing taxpayers to cash in on any future price appreciation, whereas the critics termed it a transfer of wealth to a rich elite in the already wealthy crypto.

The crypto world holds its breath, with the U.S government in the process of forming its Bitcoin holdings into a strategic reserve. The question is raised about whether the act grants state-backed legitimacy on cryptocurrency, or is it merely a symbolic gesture in an election year? Some see it as a brave new foray, while others voice the potential for such state enforced legitimacy to simply allow the few crypto elite to continue flying off the masses. How much of a financial masterstroke this reserve becomes or how much of a regulatory nightmare it turns out to be is still open for discussion, but its repercussions are assuredly going to radiate far beyond Washington.

Reddit Drops Game-Changing Tools For Content Moderation and Analytics For User

Posted on by Rabia Tayyab

Reddit has taken a big step to make things easier for its users by launching new tools that help follow the rules and track post performance more effectively. This move comes after a recent slowdown in user growth caused by changes in Google’s algorithm, which affected traffic from the search engine. However, The traffic from Google has recovered, CEO Steve Huffman said last month.

One of the standout features is “Rules Check,” which warns users if their post might break subreddit rules before sharing it. This feature is the currency being tested on smartphones. Users can now easily repost a post to another suitable subreddit if it gets removed. The best communities will now be recommended from the content of a post by Reddit so that posts reach the most relevant audience. Also, the users may give metrics, such as the views, number of upvotes, and shares, through which they could have information on the performance of their posts. These are expected to make Reddit even more user-friendly and thoroughly engaging.

Key Features:

  • Rules Check: Currently being trialed on iOS and Android, it warns the user of a potential breach of subreddit rules before posting and suggests fixes.
  • Post Recovery: If a post is found to breach the posted rules, it will then be easy to share again in a different and relevant subreddit.
  • Specified Community Info: Raddit will suggest subreddits based on what users post and tell them the rules for posting in specific communities.
  • Post Insights: Users will be able to learn about how many people viewed, upvoted and shared their post, which can help improve future content. 

In December, Reddit introduced an AI-powered search tool called Reddit Answers. This tool summarizes community discussions and is currently in testing and available to a limited number of users in the U.S.
Reddit’s new tools are helpful for users. They make understanding the rules easier and help you see how well posts are doing. If these tools work well, more people might want to use Reddit. I believe such updates are important to give everyone a better experience.

Google Co-Founder Larry Page’s New AI Startup Dynatomics Aims to Transform Manufacturing

Posted on by Fatimah Misbah Hussain

The Co-Founder of Google has always done things out of the ordinary by betting big on the future, be it how Google would revolutionize search, funding self-flying taxis, or making moon shot investments. According to The Information, Google Co-Founder Larry Page has thrown himself back into tech with a new startup in artificial intelligence and he’s creating waves with Dynatomics, a stealthy AI company already demonstrating the beginnings of changing how products are designed and manufactured.

Upon a positive outcome, this effort could consequently pave the way for a new world where AI will no longer assist in manufacturing but, even more shockingly, will conceive, optimize, and lead the production of real, physical objects at an efficiency never before realized. If robots designing robots isn’t the start of a sci-fi movie, I don’t know what is. As companies rush toward integrating their products into AI software, healthcare, and finance, Page’s vision targets a unique area of AI-driven manufacturing that is largely untouched and unpopularized.

AI-Powered Manufacturing:

Page is working with specific engineers to create AI that will eventually automate the production process of highly optimized designs for products that effortlessly transition to factory production. Chris Anderson, the former CTO of KittyHawk, the electric aircraft startup backed by Page, leads this effort. This Startup is currently running in stealth mode. Little news is available about it, but its suggestions offer a hopeful glimpse into an AI-centered future that significantly streamlines manufacturing processes, thereby improving efficiency and reducing material waste.

Expanding Role of AI in Manufacturing:

Larry Page is just one of the others who are pursuing the AI-manufacturing nexus. Here are few of the other companies developing similar AI-based solutions; Orbital Materials is developing an AI platform that is meant to discover advanced materials for other next-generation applications, including batteries and carbon capturing cells. PhysicsX offers AI simulation tools to engineers in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and materials. Instrumental uses AI and computer vision to detect quality control and abnormalities in the factory in real time to help improve production quality and efficiency.

Catalyst for the AI Industry:

AI has done remarkable things for the software, healthcare, and finance industries, and much attention is given to the potential of AI to create the next industrial revolution. One could say Dynatomics could be a catalyst for Larry Page’s vision of transforming AI integration into industrial design with an insight into achieving smarter, faster, and more sustainable production methods.

Dynatomics isn’t merely another AI startup, rather it could also signal a possible turning point in the way physical structures are designed and built. With sufficient funding from Larry Page, an elite team of engineers and a clear focus on AI-driven optimization is guaranteed. If the world truly needs AI to tackle its complex problems, then Dynatomics will shape the future of that industry. After all, given Page’s history for backing transformational technologies, this startup is one to watch.

Apple’s M4 MacBook Air Sticks to a Safe Upgrade with Minor Enhancements

Posted on by Fatimah Misbah Hussain

Apple has always been a company that walks very lightly on risks, and this is evident even in the M4 MacBook Air. MacBook Air does not employ a radical redesign or groundbreaking innovation; it is more focused on enhancing rather than reinventing. The M4 MacBook Air has been introduced by Apple, representing a careful yet strategic modification of the popular consumer laptop line. The M4 MacBook Air features many noteworthy upgrades, but it is essentially just an evolved version of its predecessor, as this cautious upgrade is an excellent way to maintain sales for Apple. The MacBook Air remains a dependable companion for users who demand performance, portability, and price, thanks to its continued design alongside these minor upgrades.

Features of MacBook Air M4:

The new MacBook Air comes with a few very nice upgrades, which include:

  • The brand-new M4 chipset has improved performance and efficiency.
  • 16 GB of RAM has been made available as standard across all models, doubling the base models’ capacity from before.
  • Support for two external displays, a very long-standing limitation for the more power users.
  • The price reduction is $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch.
  • The improved resolution of the built-in camera, which has up to 12 megapixels, now with CenterStage, will allow automatic framing adjustment.

Though these upgrades are to be appreciated, they are not completely new to Apple’s ecosystem. The RAM bump fits in with what we see in iPhone 16 series stocks, whereas external display support brings the MacBook Air closer to the MacBook Pro lineup. The 12 MP Webcam with CenterStage will make calls better because it keeps them person-centred. The MacBook Air’s decision to go with the M4 chip was introduced in May 2024, but it may suffer a holdup when the anticipated M5 comes in at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025.

New Within the MacBook Air M4:

It’s faster and sleeker, and it’s still a MacBook Air. Beyond these improvements, the MacBook Air makes no major changes. Like existing models, it is still limited to just two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left side, which could be a nuisance for users who prefer to use multiple attachments simultaneously. The general design is recognizable, seemingly without leaving its previous predecessors, but with the new Sky Blue colour, Apple adds a unique aesthetic change to the collection.

While the MacBook Pro is constantly reinventing itself with additional innovations, the MacBook Air remains loyal to staying within itself, improving but not adjusting. Lower prices added RAM and dual external monitor support might make this a competitive consumer laptop. In the world of casual use, it still remains an A-class ultraportable laptop, but the update may seem slightly unimpressive to hardcore early adopters. Those who hoped for shocking advanced features in this laptop market would find this a safer bet than a bold move. With the M5 chip expected next year, Apple may regret its discreet approach even sooner.

Google Reports AI Deepfake Terrorism Complaints to Australia’s eSafety Commission

Posted on by Fatimah Misbah Hussain

In an era where artificial intelligence has almost reshaped the digital landscape, the concerning bit is it keeps dusting ugly issues where misuse is concerned. The big technology companies are increasingly under pressure to stamp out every evil application of innovation, be it deepfake terrorism propaganda or AI-generated abusive child pornography. Google, at this point, has provided one of the rare instances where scale is demonstrated with regard to how big AI abuse has become, as hundreds of users report from its Gemini programs specifically relating to such disturbing implications. This disclosure to Australia’s eSafety Commission raises immediate questions about AI governance, regulatory oversight, and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies.

In an almost year-long complaint period from April 2023 to February 2024, Google informed an authority in Australia about receiving over 250 global complaints regarding its artificial intelligence software, Gemini, in misuse to produce contagious content of terrorism related to deepfakes. This report by Google was submitted to the Australian eSafety Commission as part of a regulatory commitment to reporting harm minimization efforts by technology companies or facing penalties in Australia.

Furthermore, the deepfake content concerns AI-generated extremists turned up dozens of warnings from users that Gemini had been able to create child sexual abuse material. The eSafety Commission characterized Google’s report as one of a “world-first insight” into how the new technology would be used for harmful and illegal content and activities. Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, said,

“This underscores how critical it is for companies developing AI products to build in and test the efficacy of safeguards to prevent this type of material from being generated”.

Google’s AI Safety Measures Faces Challenges:

According to Reuters, The report mentions that Google received a total of 258 complaints from users regarding suspected AI-generated deepfake terrorism content, in addition to further reports regarding 86 complaints concerning AI-generated child exploitation or abuse material. However, Google has not made public how many of these complaints were verified. Through an e-mail statement, a Google spokesperson emphasized the firm’s policy against the generation and distribution of content tied to violent extremism, child exploitation, and any other illegal activities. The spokesperson added that through email.

“We are committed to expanding on our efforts to help keep Australians safe online.”

According to the Google Spokesperson,

“The number of Gemini user reports we provided to eSafety represent the total global volume of user reports, not confirmed policy violations.”

Google now employs a hash-matching system to detect and eliminate AI-generated instances of child abuse material automatically. However, the company does not utilize the same system to detect terrorist or violent extremist content generated by Gemini, which is a limitation pointed out by the regulator.

Regulatory Pressure and Industry Scrutiny:

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI, which blasted the public’s attention late in 2022, triggered global concerns among regulators about AI’s misuse. Governments and regulators are asking for severe measures and regulations specifying that it should not be used for committing acts of terrorism, fraud, deepfake pornography, or any other forms of abuse. The eSafety Commissioner of Australia has traditionally fined social media platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) for not meeting the required regulations regarding the reporting requirements. X has already lost an appeal against its A$610,500 penalty but intends to rechallenge the ruling; Telegram has also made known its intention to challenge its penalty.

Such is the speed with which AI technologies are racing ahead, and so must the requirements for protecting users from their possible misuse. This requires strengthening regulations, improving AI monitoring systems, and introducing increased transparency from technology firms. With such a move now, there are certainly eagle eyes across the world on how the future of AI governance will pan out in the balance between innovation and the ethical responsibility of companies. 

Intel Wins Lawsuit as Judge Dismisses $32 Billion Shareholder Claims Over Foundry Losses

Posted on by Rabia Tayyab

In a dramatic courtroom victory, Intel defeated a lawsuit from its shareholders who claimed the company had hidden serious problems in its foundry business. The lawsuit accused Intel of misleading investors, leading to a massive $32 billion drop in its market value. However, a U.S. judge dismissed the case, saying there was not enough evidence that Intel intentionally deceived its shareholders.

As Judge Thompson pointed out, Gelsinger’s “growing demand” statements were made in the context of customer commitments and contract wins, not revenue.

There are no allegations that indicate defendants led investors to believe that the IFS reporting results for the fiscal year 2023 included results for the entire internal foundry model, The complaint itself misleadingly conflates IFS and the internal foundry.”

The principal issue at stake was whether Intel would have purposely misled investors. However, a U.S. judge dismissed the case on the rounds, saying that the shareholders did not have enough evidence to demonstrate intentional deceit on the part of Intel. He added that whatever major losses Intel’s foundry operations were accruing, it did not mean the company was dishonest. That was a big relief for Intel, which was already going through a very tough path in competition with other chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, Nvidia, and AMD.

Intel’s stock plummeted 26% to $21.48 on August 2, following its quarterly earnings report, job cuts, and dividend suspension. By Wednesday, shares had dropped another 3.6%, closing at $18.99—marking a total decline of 34.6% since the announcement., reported by CNBC. Intel’s troubles worsened when they launched the Intel Foundry Services, so that they could compete directly with the giants. The goal was to manufacture advanced tech chips for other companies, but the venture already faced delays and was expensive, leading the operating losses to amount to $7 billion. As it worsened, Intel had to make difficult decisions, such as layoffs of about 15,000 employees and even halting dividends to save an estimated $10 billion by 2025.

The court case victory translated to an increase in the price of Intel’s shares, but it was marginal, showing relief by investors toward the court ruling. Experts argue that such a victory should not imply any solution to Intel’s major problems at such a moment. Certainly, the organisation would need to rehabilitate its foundry business and eventually showcase its abilities to contend against industry standards for fabricating advanced chips. Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger will have an arduous task ahead. However, he has already set into motion a turnaround plan based on measures to cut costs and hasten the development of new chips.

The company also invests heavily in new manufacturing plants and technology to close the gap with its rivals. While the court win buys Intel some time, it will be judged on its future delivery of plans and mining investor confidence anew. Intel’s victory shows that its legal strategy is strong, but it also makes one wonder if it could have communicated better with its shareholders to avoid this situation. Losing $32 billion is a big deal, so it’s understandable why shareholders were frustrated. Maybe Intel needs to focus more on being transparent about its risks and plans in the future.


Meta’s Expansion of Anti-Fraud Facial Recognition Tool in UK, a Security Measure or Privacy Risk?

Posted on by Fatimah Misbah Hussain

Meta has, once again, stepped into the lost realm of facial recognition, which hasn’t been free of controversies in the past. After years of being disenchanted by not-so-pleasant regulations, resulting in billion-dollar settlements, the tech giant is taking the AI-powered route to add facial recognition to its suite of tools all over again. This time, in reducing online scams and account takeover, is it really about user protection, or is this a strategic move to channel facial recognition back into public view under a different, more attractive guise? With Meta taking the anti-fraud tool into the UK, the subject of privacy, security, and corporate responsibility again throws the spotlight on users. 

Meta launched two new AI-powered features in October to facilitate either the impersonation of a celebrity or the recovery of hacked Facebook and Instagram accounts. An initial trial of the features only included global markets, but now, the tech company has expanded the experimentation into the UK after regulators embraced them. After being engaged with the regulators for a while, the approval to start the process was received. Meta is also extending a feature called “celeb bait,” which is meant to prevent scammers from using the real names of public figures to an even larger audience in countries where it was previously available. I guess it’s all fun and games until Meta’s facial recognition mistakes you for a celebrity and starts flagging your selfies.

Regulatory Hurdles and EU’s Future:

Meta’s choice to extend these technologies to the United Kingdom comes at a time when current legislation is evolving into a more welcoming environment for AI-oriented innovations. The company has not yet decided to unveil the facial recognition feature in the EU, another key jurisdiction with rigid fixation on data protection. With this strict approach, the EU has taken on the utilization of biometric data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it would mean that it will be getting another layer of scrutiny ahead of any further expansion of the test.

Meta said, “In the coming weeks, public figures in the UK will start seeing in-app notifications letting them know they can now opt-in to receive the celeb-bait protection with facial recognition technology. This and the new video selfie verification that all users can use will be optional tools. Participation in this feature, as well as the new ‘video selfie verification’ alternative, will be entirely optional as well.

Meta’s AI Strategy and History with Facial Recognition:

Meta maintains that the use of these facial recognition tools is strictly to combat fraud and secure user accounts, yet it has a long and mostly disreputable history of using user data in its AI models. Meta says their new facial recognition tool is for security because obviously, that’s the first thing we think of when we hear ‘Meta’ and ‘privacy’ in the same sentence. Their previous reputation says a lot about them, which has caused trust issues, as they promise to delete facial data immediately after use, just like they promised to protect user privacy before, right? First, they took our data, now they want our faces. What’s next? A Meta DNA test?

In October 2024, when these tools were launched, the company assured users that any facial data used for fraud detection would be deleted immediately after a one-time comparison, with no possibility for its use in other AI training. Monika Bickert, Meta’s VP of Content Policy, wrote in a post,

“We immediately delete any facial data generated from ads for this one-time comparison regardless of whether our system finds a match, and we don’t use it for any other purpose”.

Its deployment comes as Meta aggressively implements AI in all of its operations. The company is building its large language models, is heavily invested in improving products through AI, and allegedly has been working on a standalone AI app. In parallel with that, Meta has also increased its promotion of AI regulation and embraced the image of being responsible.

Addressing Criticism of the Past:

Given its excellent track record, Meta would likely introduce facial recognition as a security measure, that is, as a step toward improving the company’s image. For years, the company has been criticized for making it easy for frauds to advertise fraudulent schemes on its advertising platform, with many of them misappropriating images of celebrities to promote doubtful crypto investments and other scams. Framing these new tools as solutions to such problems may soften public perception of the use of facial recognition technology.

Facial recognition is a very sensitive area for the company. Last year, Meta agreed to pay an enormous $1.4 billion to settle a lawsuit in Texas relating to unlawful biometric data collection allegations. Before this development, Facebook had shut down its decade-old photo-tagging facial recognition system in 2021 under strong legal and regulatory pressure. While Meta has discontinued that tool, it continues to hold on to the DeepFace model, which has somehow come back on its latest offerings.

Meta’s Facial Recognition, a Thin Line between Security and Surveillance:

Meta’s facial recognition highlights the thin line between technological innovation and invasion of privacy. While diminishing fraud and account security sounds good, a larger question of biometric data collection arises. With its not-so-glamorous past of biometric data handling and billion-dollar settlements to match, Meta paints an image of a tech giant that has always tested the limits and trust of its users. Deleting the facial profiles right after collecting them sounds good, but who are we kidding? There is little faith in that product coming from Meta, if history teaches us anything, Meta’s ambitions almost always go way beyond its upfront promises.

Facial recognition might serve a purpose in fraud detection, but indisputably, it can also serve for mass surveillance with potential abuse in the hands of the weak regulatory bodies. The balance between security and privacy is fragile, and since Meta treats its valid data collection methods as open invitations for more exploitation, history shows us that once the means are proven effective, there is rarely a strict application of the initial purpose. Historically, companies, once in possession of personal data, have had multiple ways of misusing that data or even expanding the use of such data beyond its original purpose.

With governments engaged in such areas and regulatory bodies being questioned, users must remain alert in demanding accountability and transparency before they will accept yet another layer of AI-based control. If accepted as the new norm, facial recognition tools for preventing fraud might just be the next step in Meta’s acceptance journey or would be another entry in their very long history of controversy relating to AI. With AI technology advancing in our lives, the time is now more important than ever for stronger safeguards and mandatory rules.