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Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds

Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds

March 20, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

A jury in San Francisco decided that Elon Musk misled Twitter investors with his public statements during his 2022 efforts to buy the company. The jury found that his claims about issues with Twitter and the potential cancellation of the $44 billion deal were misleading, affecting Twitter's stock price and causing financial harm to investors.

Key Facts

  • A jury found Elon Musk misled Twitter investors with his public statements.
  • The verdict came after a two-day deliberation in a San Francisco federal court.
  • Musk's statements suggested problems with Twitter's user metrics and hinted at backing out of the $44 billion deal.
  • These statements affected Twitter's stock price, lowering it significantly.
  • Investors claimed financial losses as a result of Musk's actions and could receive damages.
  • Musk previously faced a similar lawsuit from Tesla shareholders but won in that case.
  • Musk's public comments began in May 2022, causing market fluctuations.
  • In October 2022, Musk completed the Twitter acquisition, later renaming it X.
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BBC World BBC US BBC Top Stories
Why You May Want To Skip That Next Binge Watch

Why You May Want To Skip That Next Binge Watch

March 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Research shows that binge-watching TV is linked to sleep problems. Watching screens before bed can disrupt sleep because of blue light and exciting content that keeps the brain active.

Key Facts

  • 61% of adults say they often binge-watch TV shows.
  • Binge-watching sessions average 3-4 hours, often late at night.
  • Blue light from screens can lower melatonin levels by up to 50%, making it harder to fall asleep.
  • Watching exciting or dramatic TV shows at night can keep the brain active, affecting sleep.
  • Sleep disruption from binge-watching can cause fatigue, mood swings, and health problems.
  • Watching screens within two hours before bed has the biggest impact on sleep quality.
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Newsweek
White House urges Congress to take a light touch on AI regulations in new legislative blueprint

White House urges Congress to take a light touch on AI regulations in new legislative blueprint

March 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The White House released a plan suggesting Congress create laws about artificial intelligence that are not too strict. The goal is to address AI concerns while still promoting its growth and innovation.

Key Facts

  • The White House wants Congress to create federal AI laws that override tougher state laws.
  • The proposed plan includes six main principles for creating AI regulations.
  • These principles cover topics like protecting children and managing electricity costs.
  • Other principles focus on respecting intellectual property and preventing censorship.
  • The plan also emphasizes educating the public on AI technology.
  • House Republican leaders support the plan and want to work with Democrats in the Senate to pass the laws.
  • Agreement between both political parties is necessary but challenging due to differing opinions on AI.
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PBS NewsHour
AI Can Optimize Marketing. But Can It Build Belonging?

AI Can Optimize Marketing. But Can It Build Belonging?

March 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in marketing to make campaigns more efficient by precisely targeting existing customers. However, there are concerns that this efficiency may limit the reach of marketing strategies, preventing brands from finding new audiences and building a sense of belonging with a broader customer base.

Key Facts

  • AI in marketing helps identify potential customers and personalizes messaging quickly.
  • AI tools focus on optimizing around existing audiences and known behaviors.
  • Some marketing leaders worry AI may narrow marketing reach, limiting brand growth.
  • AI-driven campaigns rely on past data to predict future behaviors.
  • As AI improves efficiency, it may reduce exposure to new potential customers.
  • The tight targeting by AI can limit a brand's cultural relevance and broader appeal.
  • Marketing experts suggest that focusing too much on AI optimization could miss creating an emotional connection or sense of belonging with consumers.
  • Belonging, which involves emotional ties and community, is important for long-term brand success but is hard to measure or automate with AI.
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Newsweek
Luke Littler applies to trademark his face to combat AI fakes

Luke Littler applies to trademark his face to combat AI fakes

March 20, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Luke Littler, the youngest darts world champion, has applied to trademark his face to protect it from being used without permission, especially by AI-generated content. This move follows similar actions by other celebrities to safeguard their image as AI tools become more common in creating fake images and videos.

Key Facts

  • Luke Littler is the youngest darts world champion ever.
  • He applied to trademark his face with the Intellectual Property Office.
  • The trademark aims to prevent AI and others from using his face without permission.
  • Littler has previously used his image on merchandise and with brands like KP Nuts.
  • Other celebrities, like Matthew McConaughey, have also sought to protect their likeness.
  • Trademarking can help with licensing deals and deter unauthorized use.
  • Littler is already popular, having appeared at the Brit Awards and other events.
  • Trademark applications are under examination by the Intellectual Property Office.
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BBC Tech BBC Top Stories
Publisher cancels horror novel's release over AI claims

Publisher cancels horror novel's release over AI claims

March 20, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

A U.S. publisher cancelled the release of the horror novel "Shy Girl" by Mia Ballard due to concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) was used in its writing. The publisher has also stopped selling the novel in the UK, even though the author denies using AI herself, blaming an editor.

Key Facts

  • The horror novel "Shy Girl" was scheduled for a U.S. release but was cancelled by the publisher, Hachette.
  • The UK version of the book, which was released in November, will also be discontinued.
  • Mia Ballard, the author, denies using AI to write the book and claims an acquaintance used AI for editing.
  • Ballard sold nearly 2,000 copies of the book in the UK.
  • Ballard is considering legal action over the situation, stating it has negatively impacted her life and mental health.
  • The New York Times reported that this is the first known case of a major publisher pulling a book due to AI-related issues.
  • Online reviewers have suggested the book shows signs of AI use, citing formatting and language issues.
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BBC World BBC Tech
Astronomers Reveal Best Places To Hunt for Alien Life

Astronomers Reveal Best Places To Hunt for Alien Life

March 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Astronomers have identified nearly 50 rocky planets as promising spots to search for alien life. They used data from NASA and the European Space Agency to narrow down these potential habitats out of over 6,000 known exoplanets. These planets are thought to be able to support life because they are located in regions where conditions could be just right for liquid water.

Key Facts

  • Astronomers studied more than 6,000 exoplanets to find the most Earth-like ones.
  • Nearly 50 rocky planets were identified as likely places to find extraterrestrial life.
  • Data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission and NASA’s Exoplanet Archive was used.
  • The study focused on planets in the 'Goldilocks zone' where liquid water might exist.
  • 24 additional planets were noted in a more specific habitable zone.
  • Known planets like Proxima Centauri b, TRAPPIST-1f, and Kepler 186f were included.
  • Some other highlighted planets were TRAPPIST-1 d, e, f, g, and LHS 1140 b.
  • Future telescopes could use this list to guide their search for alien life.
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Newsweek
White House releases Trump's national AI plan and framework

White House releases Trump's national AI plan and framework

March 20, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump's administration released a new plan for artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, suggesting that Congress should create a national standard rather than allowing individual states to have their own rules. The plan emphasizes limiting state control and focuses on issues like AI replicas, energy usage by tech companies, and online children's safety.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration released a legislative plan for AI regulation.
  • The plan urges Congress to stop states from making their own AI laws.
  • A national AI standard is suggested to avoid different rules in each state.
  • The proposal addresses the use of AI to mimic people’s likeness or voice.
  • It includes a requirement for tech companies to pay for their extra energy use.
  • "Regulatory sandboxes" are proposed to allow AI testing under relaxed regulations.
  • Children's online safety is a key focus, with measures to empower parents.
  • There is ongoing debate over federal and state roles in AI regulation.
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Axios
IT failure leaves Hargreaves Lansdown clients unable to make transactions

IT failure leaves Hargreaves Lansdown clients unable to make transactions

March 20, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Hargreaves Lansdown, a UK financial services company, is experiencing technical problems that prevent clients from logging into their accounts and completing transactions. The company assured that there is no cybersecurity threat and client data remains safe. They are working to fix the issue and have apologized to affected customers.

Key Facts

  • Hargreaves Lansdown helps manage investments for about two million people.
  • Clients are having trouble accessing their accounts online and via mobile.
  • The company confirmed that clients' funds and data are secure.
  • The issues started on Thursday evening, impacting many clients.
  • Downdetector, a website that tracks online service outages, recorded many reports of problems.
  • Some clients have expressed frustration and financial loss due to missed trading opportunities.
  • Hargreaves Lansdown has committed to resolving the issues quickly and updating clients via their website status page.
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BBC Tech BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Lab-grown food pipe offers new hope for young patients

Lab-grown food pipe offers new hope for young patients

March 20, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Scientists in the UK have successfully grown and transplanted functioning food pipes, also known as esophagi, into mini pigs. This research could lead to future treatments for children born with missing parts of their esophagus, like two-year-old Casey Mcintyre, who currently relies on feeding tubes due to his condition.

Key Facts

  • UK scientists have lab-grown esophagi and transplanted them into mini pigs.
  • This breakthrough offers hope for children born with parts of their esophagus missing.
  • Casey Mcintyre, a two-year-old, was born with 11 cm of his esophagus missing.
  • Traditional treatments for Casey involved multiple surgeries, including moving his stomach.
  • The lab-grown esophagus was created using the animal's own cells, avoiding the need for anti-rejection drugs.
  • Göttingen minipigs were used because their anatomy is similar to that of human children.
  • Eight pigs received transplants; five survived six months and developed functional structures.
  • The treatment may be available for children within five years but is not suitable for adult conditions like cancer.
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BBC Top Stories
Three charged in the US with smuggling AI chips into China

Three charged in the US with smuggling AI chips into China

March 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Three individuals linked to Super Micro Computer face charges in the U.S. for allegedly smuggling U.S. AI chips worth $2.5 billion into China, violating export laws. The U.S. Department of Justice accuses them of using a complex scheme involving fake documents and secret routes to send the chips illegally. Super Micro was informed about the charges but is not named as a defendant in the case.

Key Facts

  • Three individuals, including a cofounder of Super Micro Computer, are charged with smuggling AI technology to China.
  • The alleged scheme violated U.S. export laws and involved about $2.5 billion worth of technology.
  • The U.S. Justice Department claims the defendants used fake documents and staged equipment to avoid detection.
  • The technology was reportedly sent through Taiwan and other Southeast Asian countries before reaching China.
  • Export restrictions on advanced AI chips to China have been in place since 2022.
  • One of the accused, Liaw, has been arrested in California, while another remains a fugitive.
  • Super Micro's shares fell by 8% following the announcement of the charges.
  • Nvidia, a major AI chip supplier, emphasizes strict compliance with export laws and collaborates with customers and the government on such matters.
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Al Jazeera
Is Discord Down? Thousands of Users Report Errors

Is Discord Down? Thousands of Users Report Errors

March 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Discord, an online messaging platform, experienced disruptions late Thursday, affecting thousands of users in the U.S. Over 6,500 problems were reported, with issues like failing voice calls and login problems. Discord addressed the issue and implemented a fix by early Friday morning.

Key Facts

  • Discord users in the U.S. faced disruptions late Thursday.
  • Over 6,500 issues were reported on Downdetector after 11 p.m. ET.
  • Problems included difficulty creating new voice calls and login errors.
  • Discord confirmed they were working on resolving the issue.
  • A fix was implemented by 1.45 a.m. ET, and the issue was resolved by 1.56 a.m.
  • Users reported various issues, including network errors and incorrect login codes.
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Newsweek
False online posts fuel self-diagnosis, says study

False online posts fuel self-diagnosis, says study

March 20, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

A study found that false information on social media is leading young people to self-diagnose conditions like ADHD and autism. Researchers analyzed thousands of social media posts and called for better content quality and moderation.

Key Facts

  • The study showed misinformation on social media led to more young people self-diagnosing neurological conditions.
  • Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust conducted the study.
  • They found 52% of ADHD videos and 41% of autism videos on TikTok were inaccurate, according to Dr. Alice Carter from UEA.
  • Researchers examined 27 studies analyzing over 5,000 social media posts.
  • Misinformation was higher on TikTok than on other platforms.
  • YouTube Kids had the least misinformation due to stricter content moderation policies.
  • The study highlighted that misinformation could cause delayed diagnosis for those needing help.
  • TikTok disputed the study, stating it removes harmful misinformation and provides reliable information sources.
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BBC Tech
Nasa's Moon rocket Artemis rolls back to pad for possible April launch

Nasa's Moon rocket Artemis rolls back to pad for possible April launch

March 20, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

NASA's Artemis Moon rocket is returning to the launch pad for tests before a possible early April mission. Engineers fixed a helium system issue that stopped a previous launch attempt. The mission aims to send astronauts around the Moon, which hasn’t happened in over 50 years.

Key Facts

  • NASA's Artemis Moon rocket is being moved to the launch pad for the second time.
  • The Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft are traveling four miles to Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center.
  • A problem with the rocket's helium system halted a March launch attempt.
  • Engineers have now fixed the helium issue, which is important for pressurizing propellant tanks.
  • The rocket assembly weighs about 5,000 tonnes and takes up to 12 hours to travel to the launch pad.
  • Once at the pad, engineers will perform final tests and rehearse the countdown sequence.
  • The Artemis II mission will last ten days and involve a loop around the Moon.
  • The crew for Artemis II includes astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
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Colombia's budding tech scene needs a cash boost

Colombia's budding tech scene needs a cash boost

March 20, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Colombia's tech scene is growing, led by companies like Rappi and Foodology. However, many start-ups are struggling to find funding as investment in Latin America has slowed.

Key Facts

  • Rappi, a Colombian delivery platform, is valued at over $5 billion, with more than 35 million active users.
  • Colombia has around 2,100 start-ups, making it one of the top start-up ecosystems in Latin America after Brazil.
  • Almost 80% of these start-ups are at an early stage of development.
  • Foodology, a virtual restaurant company, has raised over $60 million and expanded to Mexico and Peru.
  • Investment in Latin American start-ups surged between 2021 and 2022 but has since slowed.
  • Despite the slowdown, Colombia remains a significant hub for emerging tech businesses.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
How AI Can Help (or Hurt) Your Mental Health: 5 Prompts Experts Recommend

How AI Can Help (or Hurt) Your Mental Health: 5 Prompts Experts Recommend

March 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The article discusses the increasing use of AI in mental health support. Experts explain both the benefits and risks of AI-powered therapy, noting that while it offers immediate access and confidentiality, it might also present trust and safety issues.

Key Facts

  • AI is increasingly used in therapy, offering new ways to support mental health.
  • Many U.S. adults have mental health conditions, but there are not enough therapists available.
  • AI provides immediate help, which can be valuable for those without access to therapists.
  • Some people feel more comfortable sharing personal issues with AI than with human therapists.
  • Researchers stress the importance of ensuring AI tools are safe and effective for treating mental health issues.
  • Critics warn about the potential dangers of relying solely on AI for mental health support.
  • A small study found that many participants found AI helpful for managing their symptoms, but it has limitations, especially for complex issues.
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Newsweek
'Hotel Room Service' trend? Woman's Version of 'Bed Stacking' Goes Viral

'Hotel Room Service' trend? Woman's Version of 'Bed Stacking' Goes Viral

March 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A TikTok video by user amanda.theresa introduces a new trend called "hotel room service," a variation of "bedtime stacking" focused on self-care. This trend involves setting up a comfortable bedside arrangement to create a relaxing atmosphere similar to returning to a prepared hotel room.

Key Facts

  • Amanda.theresa's TikTok video about "hotel room service" gained over 89,000 views in two days.
  • The trend involves creating a bedside setup with items like drinks, snacks, a fan with a remote, and sleep aids.
  • The goal is to reduce evening inconvenience and mimic the comfort of a serviced hotel room.
  • This practice contrasts with "revenge bedtime procrastination," where people delay sleep for personal time.
  • Research suggests that structured pre-sleep routines can promote better sleep.
  • The trend resonates with viewers facing burnout, providing a sense of relaxation and care.
  • Amanda described the setup as offering the comforting surprise of having everything ready after a shower.
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Newsweek
Online Travel Scams: What You Need To Know Before Booking in 2026

Online Travel Scams: What You Need To Know Before Booking in 2026

March 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Online travel scams are becoming more sophisticated, using advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to deceive consumers. Scammers create fake websites and listings to trick people into booking counterfeit travel services, resulting in significant financial losses. The article describes various scams and warns consumers about red flags to look out for when booking travel online.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) noticed a 25% increase in the financial impact of fraud despite stable fraud report numbers.
  • Scammers use AI to make fake websites and emails that look real, making scams harder to detect.
  • Fake travel sites imitate actual travel company websites by copying their design, logos, and text.
  • Scammers often use fake reviews and 24/7 support claims to gain trust.
  • Consumers are advised to check for "typosquat" URLs, which are web addresses with slight misspellings.
  • New sites that lack an online presence but have many paid ads can be suspicious.
  • Scammers may ask for payments through non-traditional methods like cryptocurrency, which is unusual for legitimate businesses.
  • AI is also used to create misleading images of properties, leading to disappointment when travelers arrive onsite.
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Newsweek
Scoop: Anthropic meets with House Homeland Security behind closed doors

Scoop: Anthropic meets with House Homeland Security behind closed doors

March 19, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Anthropic's Jack Clark met with the House Homeland Security Committee to discuss AI and national security. The meeting, held privately, focused on AI technology issues like model distillation and export controls, while a separate legal battle with the Pentagon was not a main topic.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic met with the House Homeland Security Committee in a private briefing.
  • The meeting included lawmakers from both political parties.
  • Discussions focused on AI topics such as model distillation and export controls.
  • Anthropic is involved in a legal case with the federal government over supply chain risk designation.
  • The company's dispute with the Pentagon was only briefly mentioned in the meeting.
  • Sources described the meeting as "friendly."
  • The committee plans to continue holding private discussions on AI and cybersecurity.
  • Jack Clark is a co-founder of Anthropic and recently took on a new role in the company.
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Axios
White House eyes Friday rollout for AI framework

White House eyes Friday rollout for AI framework

March 19, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The White House plans to send a legislative framework for regulating artificial intelligence (AI) to Congress. This framework aims to provide federal guidelines on AI, touching on issues such as child safety and state law preemption. However, there are still disagreements in Congress about the details of the regulation.

Key Facts

  • The White House plans to release its AI framework to Congress on Friday.
  • The framework will include guidelines on child safety, communities, creators, and censorship.
  • There is a proposal to preempt state laws with a national framework.
  • Congress has disagreements, especially between the House and Senate, about AI regulation details.
  • AI companies prefer a national framework but find state laws like those in California and New York manageable.
  • The framework is expected to align with thoughts from House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie.
  • Senate Commerce is also working to advance AI legislation in coordination with the White House.
  • Pressure is mounting for Congress to act before the midterm elections.
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Axios