Millions of Amazon Prime users in the United States will receive automatic refunds after a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The settlement addresses claims that Amazon enrolled customers in Prime without clear consent and made it hard to cancel. Refunds will be issued through PayPal, Venmo, or checks over the next few years, with specific eligibility rules for customers.
Key Facts
Amazon and the FTC reached a $2.5 billion settlement agreement.
Amazon allegedly signed up customers for Prime without clear consent.
As part of the settlement, Amazon will pay $1.5 billion in refunds to customers.
The FTC filed its lawsuit against Amazon in 2023.
Refunds began on November 12, 2023, and will continue until December 2025.
To qualify, customers must have enrolled through certain methods between 2019 and 2025 and used limited Prime benefits.
Eligible customers will receive refund notifications by email and can receive payments via PayPal, Venmo, or checks.
The FTC warns of potential scams and states it is not directly contacting people about refunds.
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The article discusses how smart home technologies can impact pets' behavior and psychology. Experts say these devices can both create stress and enhance the pet-owner relationship, depending on how they are used. The pet tech market is growing, with many pet owners embracing these technologies to assist in pet care.
Key Facts
A survey found 87% of 500 pet owners think technology improves pet care.
Automated routines can create stress in pets by making any changes more difficult for them.
Experts suggest improper use of remote feeders can harm the bond between pets and owners.
Smart devices can help enrich pets' mental health and reduce boredom if used wisely.
The pet tech market was valued at $5.7 billion in 2020 and could grow to $20 billion by 2027.
Experts suggest introducing smart devices gradually to help pets adjust without stress.
Maintaining regular routines and providing a safe space are important when introducing new tech to pets.
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A new trend called "Rawdogging Boredom," popular among Gen Z on TikTok, involves purposefully experiencing boredom by avoiding phones and doing nothing. Experts suggest that while this can help improve attention spans, it needs to be done regularly and mindfully to be effective. However, there are concerns about the potential drawbacks and extremes of this trend on social media.
Key Facts
"Rawdogging Boredom" is a trend where people intentionally experience boredom by not using their phones and doing nothing.
The term "Rawdogging" means engaging in something without much protection or preparation.
Experts say practicing boredom regularly and mindfully could improve attention spans.
Elizabeth H. Weybright emphasizes the benefits of doing nothing for both creativity and deep thinking.
Experts warn that doing nothing just for social media might not have long-term benefits.
Heather C. Lench compares the trend to exposure therapies, suggesting gradual desensitization as a better approach.
Attention spans have decreased over the years, with current stats showing people focus for less than a minute at a time on screens.
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The article explores how to identify if a new music artist is real or a product of artificial intelligence (AI). With AI playing a bigger role in music creation, it is becoming harder for listeners to tell if a song was made by a human or AI. Some signs can help spot AI-generated music, such as the lack of live performances and the overly perfect structure of songs.
Key Facts
A survey found that 97% of people could not tell if a song was made by AI.
The band The Velvet Sundown was suspected of being AI-generated due to having no live shows or social media presence.
The band later described themselves as a "synthetic project" with human and AI collaboration.
AI music often follows a predictable verse-chorus pattern and lacks emotional depth.
AI songs can be recognized by their formulaic and grammatically correct lyrics, unlike many human-written songs.
High productivity, such as releasing many albums quickly, can be a sign of AI involvement in music creation.
The growing sophistication of AI makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish between human and AI-created music.
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The article discusses how technology can help us prepare for rising sea levels. It highlights the work of scientists trying to improve predictions about global sea level rise and its potential impact.
Key Facts
The article focuses on how technology can aid in predicting global sea level rise.
Scientists are working on improving tools to forecast these changes.
The aim is to better prepare for the impacts of rising sea levels.
Technological advancements are being developed to address environmental challenges.
The show is part of a series exploring different technological impacts and innovations.
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The U.S. government wants ByteDance to have less control over TikTok, proposing that Oracle manage its algorithm due to national security concerns. At the same time, a big merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global is raising worries about too much media control by few companies.
Key Facts
The U.S. is concerned about ByteDance's control of TikTok.
Oracle might oversee TikTok's algorithm for security reasons.
Skydance Media is merging with Paramount Global in an $8 billion deal.
There are worries about too much media ownership by a few companies.
Free speech might be impacted by media consolidation.
The discussion features experts including a startup founder, investigative journalist, and an author.
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The article discusses the current limitations and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) through insights from cognitive scientist Gary Marcus. It highlights the need for AI systems to incorporate real-world understanding rather than just scaling up existing technology. Additionally, a Newsweek webinar will explore how AI is changing business operations.
Key Facts
Gary Marcus, a cognitive scientist, explains that large language models (LLMs) impress but lack real understanding of meaning.
Marcus argues that LLMs recognize patterns from text but fail to develop mental models like humans, who use real-world experiences.
He states that simply making AI systems larger won't fix their weaknesses; AI needs symbolic reasoning and "world models."
AI projects like AlphaFold succeed because they embed scientific structure into their designs.
Despite difficulties, Marcus is hopeful about AI's future if it incorporates human-like understanding.
A Newsweek webinar, "How AI Is Reshaping Business," will discuss AI's impact on business operations, featuring experts from Google and Harvard Business School.
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Workera is helping companies adopt a skills-based hiring strategy by using AI technology. The company partners with large firms and organizations to verify employee skills and create personalized development plans. Workera aims to improve how companies manage talent by focusing on individual skills rather than job titles.
Key Facts
Workera helps companies hire and train employees based on their skills instead of job titles.
Their platform assesses and verifies skills, including AI readiness, for over 7,000 skills.
Workera has clients like Booz Allen Hamilton, Siemens Energy, and the U.S. Air Force.
The company raised over $44 million in a funding round led by Jump Capital in 2023.
Workera developed an AI tool called Sage to support employee development.
Accenture has partnered with Workera to enhance their employee learning program.
The goal is to make career transitions and skill development more efficient and personalized.
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Two teenagers, Thalha Jubair and Owen Flowers, have pleaded not guilty to hacking-related charges at Southwark Crown Court. They are charged with conspiring to commit unauthorized computer acts against Transport for London (TfL), which led to significant disruptions and data breaches. Both are being held until their trial, which is set for June next year.
Key Facts
The two teenagers are charged under the Computer Misuse Act for hacking TfL's systems.
The alleged hacking caused about £39 million in damage and disrupted TfL services for three months.
Transport itself was not affected, but many online services and information boards went offline.
The breach led to unauthorized access to customer data, including bank details and personal information.
Owen Flowers is also accused of trying to hack two U.S. companies, Sutter Health and SSM Healthcare Corporation.
Thalha Jubair faces an additional charge for not providing passwords for his devices.
The trial is scheduled to begin on June 8 next year and is expected to last four to six weeks.
Both suspects are being held in custody until the trial.
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A video from the UK Ministry of Defense shows the DragonFire laser system successfully shooting down high-speed drones. The UK's new laser system, which is cheaper than traditional missiles, will be installed on a Royal Navy ship by 2027 and marks a significant technological step within NATO.
Key Facts
The DragonFire laser can shoot down drones traveling over 400 miles an hour.
The UK will be the first European country to have an operational naval laser system.
The laser system costs about £10 ($13) per shot, much less than traditional missiles.
The laser can hit a target as small as a £1 coin from a kilometer away.
The UK's Ministry of Defense plans to fit the DragonFire to a Royal Navy destroyer by 2027.
The laser is being developed by MBDA UK with partners QinetiQ and Leonardo.
The technology is expected to enhance NATO's defense capabilities against threats, including potential Russian attacks.
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Google has introduced new AI tools in Gmail, which require users to share more personal data. The tools help with tasks like email management and spam detection but people must choose whether to allow data sharing. Users can opt out if they don't want their email content used.
Key Facts
Google's new Gmail features use AI to help manage emails and provide smarter search results and text suggestions.
These features require analyzing email content and data, raising privacy concerns.
Users are automatically opted into these features but can turn them off in Gmail's settings.
Opting out prevents new data collection but also means missing out on AI-enhanced tools.
The update has sparked a debate about data privacy versus convenience.
The AI tools aim to make managing inboxes easier by learning from real email content.
Users shared concerns on social media about the lack of transparency from Google.
These changes are part of Google's broader shift to integrating AI into services.
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The IRS is using AI technology from Salesforce called Agentforce to help its departments manage workload more efficiently. This shift is happening after the IRS reduced its workforce by 25% over the past two years. The AI tools are meant to help staff handle tasks faster without making final decisions on their own.
Key Facts
The IRS has introduced Salesforce's AI program Agentforce across several divisions.
The IRS workforce decreased by 25% in the last two years, dropping from 100,000 to 75,000 employees.
Agentforce will assist in tasks like summarizing cases and searching to speed up case completion.
AI tools at the IRS are designed to support, not replace, human decision-making.
Government agencies increasingly use AI, which benefits companies showing AI in large-scale settings.
This new tech aims to assist IRS staff in managing requests more efficiently.
The IRS has been modernizing its systems, and incorporating AI is part of this process.
Officials acknowledge the inevitability of AI use in improving efficiency and handling more work.
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Edward Frank Morris, a 33-year-old from Southampton, UK, left his job as a copywriter because he believed AI would soon replace many jobs, including his. He now leads a company focused on AI and prompt engineering as he watches AI tools like ChatGPT become key players in writing and creative tasks. Many people in similar jobs have started turning to self-employment as AI takes over tasks like writing and basic design.
Key Facts
Edward Frank Morris quit his copywriting job due to the rise of AI in the workplace.
A study showed that by 2023-24, almost all UK jobs had some exposure to generative AI.
In the U.S., a study found a 13 percent drop in employment among young workers in roles heavily influenced by AI.
Morris used his experience with AI to become CEO of an AI consultancy called Enigmatica.
He experimented with early AI tools like Jasper AI, gaining early access to ChatGPT or GPT-3 in 2022.
AI advancements have caused layoffs in creative fields, like writing and design, leading some people to pursue self-employment.
People affected by AI often find themselves unprepared for the demands of self-employment, like setting prices and managing a business.
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Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon's Formula One cars featured a special AI-inspired design at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The design promotes Atlassian's AI product, Rovo, and includes elements reflecting the Las Vegas Strip. Atlassian is using this event to highlight Rovo's capabilities in teamwork and efficiency.
Key Facts
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon drove cars with a unique Rovo-themed design at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The design included rainbow accents inspired by the Las Vegas Strip.
The Rovo AI technology aims to enhance efficiency in various organizations.
Rovo technology started being used by the Williams Racing team in early 2025.
Atlassian's Rovo AI features include AI-powered search, chat, and agents.
More than 3.5 million users already employ Rovo for faster work solutions.
Atlassian launched a YouTube video and a 45-minute Sphere takeover as part of their marketing strategy.
Atlassian aims to use the event to showcase human-AI collaboration.
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The U.S. government will soon require carmakers to use advanced female crash test dummies to improve car safety. This change aims to address the higher risk women face in car accidents compared to men, as current safety tests mostly use male dummies. The new dummy, called THOR-05F, is designed to better reflect female bodies and provide more accurate safety data.
Key Facts
The U.S. government will require new crash test dummies that better represent female bodies.
Women have a higher chance of getting seriously hurt or dying in car crashes than men do.
Current crash tests mostly use male dummies, which can miss safety issues for women.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy introduced the new female crash test dummy, THOR-05F.
This dummy is more lifelike and collects more injury data than current dummies.
It can assess risks to the brain, internal organs, and various body parts more accurately.
The THOR-05F aims to improve car safety designs and update regulations.
Sen. Deb Fischer supports making crash tests more inclusive with the "She DRIVES Act."
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Cardamom farmers in India face challenges due to the crop's sensitivity to weather and disease. The Indian Cardamom Research Institute is helping by providing technology and developing hardier plant varieties. Digital tools like apps are now part of daily farming practices to monitor soil health and provide tailored recommendations.
Key Facts
Cardamom is challenging to grow because it is delicate and prone to diseases and pests.
Weather conditions significantly affect cardamom crops; for example, a hot summer damaged crops in India and Guatemala.
Cardamom prices rose by 70% last year due to poor harvests.
The Indian Cardamom Research Institute is using technology to aid farmers, including apps for soil health monitoring.
Researchers are working on developing disease-resistant and climate-resilient cardamom varieties.
Digital tools allow farmers to check soil quality and get advice directly from their fields.
A new cardamom variety that requires less water has been developed.
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President Trump's administration is reportedly working on an executive order to overrule state laws about artificial intelligence (AI). This order might allow the federal government to sue states with their own AI rules and possibly stop giving them federal money.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is drafting an executive order about AI.
The order aims to override state regulations on AI.
A task force within the Justice Department would be created for this.
The task force could sue states that have their own AI laws.
The task force might also withhold federal funding from those states.
Tech journalist Jacob Ward spoke about this development with Geoff Bennett.
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Vinted, an online shopping platform, removed sexually explicit ads after a user reported seeing an inappropriate video while using the app. The platform has a policy against unwanted sexual content and has blocked such ads in response. Concerns have been raised about protecting children from explicit content online.
Key Facts
Vinted removed ads with sexual content after a user's complaint.
The ad was seen by a user named Kirsty Hopley while she was shopping for clothes.
The user reported the incident because she found the content offensive and had content filters in place at home.
Vinted has a rule against unsolicited sexual content on their platform.
Concerns were raised about how this content appears despite protections like the UK's Online Safety Act.
The Advertising Standards Authority states ads causing harm or offense are unacceptable.
The ad in question promoted DramaWave, a mobile app with scripted short stories.
The platform is facing scrutiny for some users directing others to adult content.
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People are becoming more cautious about investing in artificial intelligence (AI) as some worry that it could be a bubble, similar to the dot-com bubble. While major tech companies like Nvidia are still showing growth, many smaller AI startups are struggling to show financial returns. Concerns also include AI's slow adoption in workplaces and the environmental impact of its technologies.
Key Facts
Some people are comparing current AI investment concerns to the dot-com bubble.
Nvidia reported strong earnings, but other chip companies have slowed sales.
45% of global fund managers believe there might be an AI bubble.
An MIT study found 95% of AI projects in businesses do not make money.
One ChatGPT request uses 10 times more energy than a Google search.
AI adoption in workplaces is slower than expected.
The rise of AI could lead to fears about job losses, but experts say this is premature.
Large tech companies like Nvidia and Google are benefiting more from AI investments than smaller startups.
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A company called Itai Tech Ltd, which ran a site using artificial intelligence (AI) to alter photos, was fined £55,000 for not verifying users’ ages as required by online safety laws. The UK regulator Ofcom also found the company unresponsive to requests for information and took action because their site could be harmful to children. This is the second fine under the new online safety law that demands age verification for adult content websites.
Key Facts
Itai Tech Ltd operated a site that used AI to remove clothes from images, a process called "nudification."
The site was fined £50,000 by Ofcom for failing to verify users’ age, plus £5,000 for not responding to information requests.
UK access to the Itai Tech website was blocked soon after the investigation began.
The fine was issued as part of enforcing the Online Safety Act, which requires age verification for adult content sites.
This was Ofcom's second fine under the new online safety laws.
The first fine was given to 4chan, an online message board, for not complying with requests for information.
Ofcom can use legal means to recover fines if companies do not pay.
Since late July, sites with age-restricted content must use strong age verification methods to protect children.
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