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  • Expert cautions: Only 20 cloud images can create AI deepfake videos of your child

    The House has recently passed a significant bill aimed at combating revenge porn and the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes. This new legislation criminalizes the sharing of non-consensual intimate images, which include content created using artificial intelligence.

    Elliston Berry, a Texas high school student, shared insights on this development during a discussion on Fox & Friends. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the potential misuse of images and videos poses a serious threat to privacy and security.

    A troubling study out of the U.K. reveals that parents may inadvertently expose their children’s images to the risk of being analyzed and transformed into data by cloud storage services. Alarmingly, nearly half of parents are unaware of this possibility.

    In a response to growing safety concerns, New York City’s subway system is implementing artificial intelligence technology to enhance security measures. Led by Michael Kemper, the former NYPD veteran and current security officer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the initiative aims to identify suspicious behaviors in real time, contributing to a safer transit environment.

    Moreover, former First Lady Melania Trump is taking advantage of AI advancements by utilizing audio technology to create an audiobook of her memoir in multiple languages. Meanwhile, technological innovations are continuously shaping various sectors, evidenced by the introduction of the Lynx M20, a robot designed for extreme industrial conditions.

    Equipped with advanced AI algorithms, this robot can adapt its movements to complex environments, showcasing the evolving capabilities of robotics. These developments underscore the dual-edged nature of artificial intelligence, which holds great potential while also posing considerable challenges to personal security and privacy in our increasingly interconnected world.

  • Biometric Iris Scanning Technology Introduced in U.S. Cities for Enhanced Digital Identity

    Kurt Knutsson has reported on the launch of World ID’s iris scanning technology in six cities across the United States. Spearheaded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the project aims to utilize biometric iris scanning to create a digital identity, helping users differentiate themselves from bots and AI. Users will simply look into a device known as the Orb to verify their identity. World ID works by scanning a person’s iris to produce a unique IrisCode, which is securely stored on a blockchain platform.

    This allows for identity verification without disclosing sensitive personal information. After completing a scan, users receive their World ID, which can be used on platforms like Reddit, Telegram, and Shopify. As an added incentive, participants are rewarded with WLD cryptocurrency, receiving tokens equivalent to $40 that can be used, exchanged, or shared. Currently implemented in cities like Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, and San Francisco, World ID has plans to expand its reach significantly, with a target of deploying 7,500 Orb devices by the end of the year to potentially serve 180 million users.

    However, concerns regarding privacy and data security have arisen amidst the rollout. Critics argue that collecting and storing biometric data poses a significant risk to personal privacy. Regulatory bodies in Spain, Argentina, Kenya, and Hong Kong have paused or are reviewing the project due to fears about data collection practices. Furthermore, cybersecurity experts caution that once biometric information is linked to a digital identity, it becomes irretrievable, leading to potential surveillance issues.

    While World ID may enhance online security by verifying human users in an increasingly AI-driven environment, the implications of storing such sensitive data continue to spark debate. As this technology develops, the balance between security and privacy will remain a crucial consideration.

  • OpenAI’s $6.5B Acquisition Foreshadows Apple’s Major Challenges in AI Development

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently emphasized the importance of the U.S. maintaining its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) over competitors like China. In a significant move within the tech industry, OpenAI announced its acquisition of io, the AI startup founded by Jony Ive, for approximately $6.5 billion. This collaboration between Altman and the designer behind some of Apple’s most iconic products aims to create a new generation of AI devices that could shift how users interact with technology.

    This acquisition holds considerable significance. Jony Ive brings his creative expertise and a skilled team with Apple connections to OpenAI. Their goal is to design hardware that extends beyond the conventional smartphone and laptop, with plans to launch their first product in 2026.

    Although specifics are still under wraps, it is speculated that the device will be a “screenless” AI companion. The intention is to develop a product that can perceive its environment and assist users in ways that standard devices currently cannot. This move poses a fresh challenge for Apple, a company known for its design and innovation leadership.

    Investors reacted with concern, causing Apple’s stock to decline after the announcement. Unlike previous competitors like Google, OpenAI and Ive are focusing on creating AI-first experiences that may outdate the iPhone, emphasizing alternatives to traditional screens. Looking ahead, OpenAI’s ambitious vision includes a family of AI devices that prioritize seamless user interactions.

    Altman and Ive hope to redefine personal technology by developing products that integrate naturally into users’ lives. OpenAI’s goal is to ship a staggering 100 million units faster than any previous company. As OpenAI ventures deeper into consumer hardware, Apple faces mounting pressure to innovate beyond incremental updates.

    The competition is no longer solely about smartphones but about redefining the relationship between technology and users in this new AI era. The partnership between Altman and Ive could lead to significant transformations in how we perceive and utilize technology moving forward.

  • Rice-Sized Robot Promises Safer, Less Invasive Brain Surgery

    Surgeries stand to become significantly more precise and safer thanks to advancements in medical technology. A French startup called Robeauté has successfully raised around $29 million to create a revolutionary neurosurgical microrobot. This tiny device, roughly the size of a grain of rice, is designed to navigate the intricate pathways of the brain, potentially transforming how doctors approach treatments for brain tumors and other neurological issues.

    Currently, brain surgeries involve complex procedures where surgeons utilize rigid tools that can only move in straight lines. This limitation often prevents them from accessing certain tumors or problematic areas due to their proximity to critical regions that govern essential functions, like movement and speech. In many cases, the associated risks prevent surgeons from treating these tumors, leading to limited options for patients, especially given the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier for drug delivery.

    Robeauté’s microrobot aims to mitigate these challenges. Measuring about three millimeters in length, it can enter the brain through a tiny incision that is merely one millimeter wide. Unlike traditional surgical instruments, this microrobot employs curved movements to navigate through brain tissue gently and effectively.

    It uses rotating silicone rings to push aside tissues without causing harm, inspired by the locomotion of tiny insects walking on water. Inside it contains miniature surgical tools, such as a flexible needle for biopsies, allowing it to collect tissue samples or even implant electrodes for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Real-time sensors provide critical data to surgeons during procedures, enhancing monitoring and precision.

    Currently, the microrobot is in preclinical trials, testing primarily on sheep, and has shown promising results without major complications. Robeauté plans to begin human clinical trials in 2026 with a focus on microbiopsies, with aims to secure FDA approval and expand into international markets by 2030. The implications of this technology are vast, as it could facilitate earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment of brain tumors while minimizing surgical risks.

    With its potential for quicker patient recovery times and live data collection for research on neurodegenerative diseases, Robeauté’s microrobot represents a significant leap forward in neurosurgery.

  • Pope Leo XIV Leads Inaugural ‘Regina Caeli’ Prayer at Vatican

    Pope Leo XIV held his inaugural “Regina Caeli” prayer on Sunday, addressing approximately 150,000 attendees from the Loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica. This moment marked a significant occasion as he delivered the prayers in Latin, shortly after paying his respects at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

    In his address, Pope Leo expressed his eagerness to begin his duties as the Successor of Peter. He encouraged young Catholics to embrace their faith, urging them, “Do not be afraid!

    Welcome the Church’s invitation and that of Christ the Lord!”

    During his address, the pope invoked the Virgin Mary, stating, “May the Virgin Mary, whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call, always accompany us in following Jesus.” He also touched upon urgent global issues, calling for an end to conflict and advocating for peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza, including the release of hostages held by Hamas. Expressing gratitude for the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, he prayed for a “miracle of peace” in the world.

    Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, emphasizing the devastating impact of war that claimed millions of lives. His recent remarks at the College of Cardinals highlighted the need for the Catholic Church to address modern challenges, particularly the risks posed by artificial intelligence to human dignity.

    Born Robert Francis Prevost, the new pope is fluent in multiple languages and is seen as a unifying figure following his election, signaling a continuity in the Church’s focus on social justice reminiscent of Pope Leo XIII.

  • First Lady Melania Trump Launches Memoir Audiobook, Exploring New Avenues

    On May 20, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump hosted an event for White House employees’ children in celebration of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. The activities included decorating American flags in the East Garden, fostering a spirit of creativity and patriotism among the young participants. In an innovative move, Melania Trump is set to launch an audiobook of her memoir, utilizing artificial intelligence technology to create a version available in multiple languages.

    Last year, she released her first memoir titled “Melania” to positive reception. Now, she is breaking new ground with “Melania, the Audiobook,” which has been designed entirely through AI. In an exclusive statement, Melania expressed pride in being at the forefront of this new intersection between technology and publishing.

    She noted that the AI-generated voice, developed by ElevenLabs, underwent strict supervision to create a genuine connection with her personal story. This technology aims to deliver her narrative to an international audience. Mati Staniszewski, the CEO of ElevenLabs AI, conveyed excitement about collaborating with Melania Trump on this pioneering audiobook project.

    He emphasized their commitment to making the audiobook available in various languages, maintaining the personal touch by using Trump’s own voice. The English version of the audiobook is anticipated to be released on MelaniaTrump.com, with multiple language versions expected later in the year, including Spanish, Hindi, and Portuguese. To promote the audiobook, billboards will appear in iconic locations such as Times Square in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami.

    Reflecting on her journey in writing her memoir, Melania Trump described it as an emotional experience that helped her rediscover her strength and the importance of sharing her truth. Her original book, which includes a special collector’s edition with hand-selected photographs, marked her debut as an author.

  • Chicago Publication Acknowledges Inclusion of Fake AI-Generated Books in Summer Reading List

    The House has recently passed legislation aimed at combating revenge porn and the sharing of non-consensual intimate images, including those generated by artificial intelligence. Texas high school student Elliston Berry discussed this significant development on ‘Fox & Friends’.

    The bill addresses the growing concerns over privacy violations in the digital age, ensuring that individuals are protected against the exploitation of intimate images without their consent. In a related incident, the Chicago Sun-Times acknowledged that it mistakenly published an AI-generated list of fictitious books in its summer reading section.

    This list, which surfaced in a special 64-page feature, included titles that do not exist, such as “Nightshade Market” by Min Jin Lee, touted as a compelling narrative about Seoul’s underground economy. Lee confirmed via her social media that she had never authored such a work.

    Chicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell stated that the error stemmed from a freelance writer affiliated with King Features. She admitted that the content was put out without proper editorial oversight, emphasizing the need for transparency in journalism during these transformative times.

    In response, Bell announced that the newspaper would reassess its partnerships with content providers like King Features and revise its policy regarding third-party contributions. The Sun-Times has since retracted the erroneous section from its e-paper and assured subscribers that they would not be charged for the premium edition.

    The freelance writer, identified as Marco Buscaglia, used AI-generated content without disclosing this to his supervisors. In light of these events, King Features has terminated its relationship with him for breaching stricter policies surrounding AI use.

    Chicago Public Media reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism, stating that while AI can aid certain tasks, its editorial content will always be shaped by human journalists.

  • North Korea’s destroyer suffers damage during botched launch, prompting criticism from Kim Jong Un.

    During a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, President Trump expressed his confidence that relations with North Korea will take shape. This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of recent embarrassment for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the disastrous launch of a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer at the northeastern port of Chongjin.

    The event was meant to showcase North Korea’s military advancements but ended poorly when the ship slid off its launch ramp and became immobilized. Reports from state media revealed that the failure occurred due to a flatcar malfunction, which resulted in part of the destroyer getting crushed.

    While the full extent of the damages and potential injuries is unclear, South Korean satellite images indicated that the vessel was left on its side in the water. In response to the incident, Kim openly criticized military officials and shipyard workers, blaming them for what he termed a “serious accident and criminal act” caused by carelessness.

    He demanded accountability and stated that the ship’s restoration would be crucial for maintaining state prestige. Despite the setback, naval expert Moon Keun-sik noted that North Korea’s decision to disclose the failure might signal a desire to display confidence in its military modernization efforts.

    He suggested that the lack of familiarity with large vessels among laborers could be a factor in the mishap. Meanwhile, Kim has been focusing on rapid advancements in military technology, including AI-controlled drones and a nuclear-powered submarine that poses threats to regional security.

    North Korea’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, sending thousands of troops to support Russia, further complicates its global relationships, especially with the United States and South Korea, which have ramped up military exercises.

  • Your Child’s Photos Might Be Training AI Without Your Consent

    The House of Representatives has recently passed a bill to combat the sharing of non-consensual intimate images, including those generated through artificial intelligence. This measure, highlighted during a segment featuring Texas high school student Elliston Berry on ‘Fox & Friends,’ aims to address the growing concern surrounding digital privacy and online abuse. As parents fondly capture their children’s milestones, a new study from the U.K. reveals that many of these cherished images may be analyzed and converted into data by cloud storage services. The survey conducted by Perspectus Global showed that almost half of the participating parents were unaware that services like Google Photos, Apple iCloud, Amazon Photos, and Dropbox have the capability to access and analyze their uploaded photos.

    While these companies utilize artificial intelligence to facilitate organization and enhance user experience—such as sorting images or recognizing faces—they also carry the potential for misuse. Professor Carsten Maple from the University of Warwick warns that even a small collection of ordinary photos can enable AI tools to create convincing digital replicas, including deepfake videos. Many parents unknowingly expose their children to possible exploitation by sharing everyday images online, with over half of those surveyed unaware of such risks. The study indicates that 56% of parents have automatic photo uploads enabled, leading to continuous uploading without consent.

    Alarmingly, only 43% are aware that cloud services collect metadata such as time and location. Despite the convenience these technologies offer, the sense of urgency regarding photo privacy is growing; approximately 72% of parents recognize the importance of safeguarding their family photos, and 69% acknowledge the potential dangers of digital footprints. Although this study stems from the U.K., its implications resonate globally, as families in America utilize similar technologies. Thus, pressing questions arise: Where do kids’ photos end up?

    Who accesses them? And how might they be utilized in the future? In a world dominated by artificial intelligence, a family photo may represent not only cherished memories but also data that can be manipulated and exploited.

  • Elon Musk Teams Up with Microsoft for Grok 3 Amid Ongoing OpenAI Legal Battle

    Microsoft has officially announced its partnership with Elon Musk’s xAI to host Grok 3 on its Azure platform. This collaboration comes despite Musk’s ongoing legal battle with both OpenAI and Microsoft, stemming from his allegations against OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman for deviating from the organization’s original non-profit mission by transitioning it into a profit-driven entity. The partnership will allow users to access Grok 3 along with other artificial intelligence models, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta, and Cohere.

    Musk indicated that he intends to continue pursuing legal action against OpenAI, a major competitor, and Microsoft. He made these remarks during the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, emphasizing his commitment to his lawsuit while partnering on technology initiatives. Musk’s previous association with OpenAI dates back to its founding in 2015, but he departed in 2018 due to differing visions for the future of AI.

    During a virtual segment at Microsoft’s Build developer conference in Seattle, Musk discussed the significance of Grok 3, which will initially be available for free before transitioning to a paid subscription model. Microsoft aims to differentiate its AI offerings by hosting a range of models on its Azure AI Foundry platform, asserting its commitment to creating a diverse AI ecosystem rather than relying on a single AI model. This strategy is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to appeal to developers and businesses by providing a comprehensive array of both frontier and open-source AI solutions.

    Grok 3 will be accessible to users until early June at no charge, after which a subscription will be required. With this initiative, Microsoft seeks to establish itself as a formidable player in the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence technologies.