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Over-reliance on chatbots can diminish critical-thinking skills, study finds

Over-reliance on chatbots can diminish critical-thinking skills, study finds

June 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A recent study from MIT found that relying too much on AI chatbots to identify fake news and images can reduce people's ability to think critically and spot misinformation on their own. While AI tools help users make correct judgments immediately, over time they may weaken users' independent skills.

Key Facts

  • The MIT study lasted four weeks and involved 67 participants.
  • Participants used AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT to determine if news headlines and images were real.
  • AI improved participants’ accuracy by 21% when used for help.
  • However, without AI help, participants’ ability to detect misinformation dropped by 15.3% by week four.
  • AI prioritizes giving a direct answer, which may limit users’ critical thinking development.
  • Similar concerns exist about other technologies, such as calculators and GPS reducing mental skills.
  • The study mainly included participants from the US and UK, so results may differ in other regions.
  • Longer studies are needed to see if these effects last beyond one month.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Tech
UK AI regulator quits after 'attempts at humour that were inappropriate'

UK AI regulator quits after 'attempts at humour that were inappropriate'

June 19, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

John Edwards, the UK's Information Commissioner, resigned after a workplace investigation found he made inappropriate attempts at humor that caused offense. The ICO, which regulates AI and data protection in the UK, is now seeking new leadership amid criticism of its effectiveness.

Key Facts

  • John Edwards was the UK's Information Commissioner since January 2022.
  • He resigned immediately after a workplace investigation into his behavior.
  • The investigation found he made inappropriate jokes that caused offense.
  • Edwards disagreed with the investigation process but accepted his position was untenable.
  • The ICO regulates artificial intelligence, data protection, and freedom of information laws in the UK.
  • The ICO has faced criticism for handling public data protection complaints.
  • Non-profit groups like the Open Rights Group have challenged the ICO for allegedly ignoring public concerns.
  • Edwards expressed pride in his work and the ICO staff’s efforts despite stepping down.
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BBC Tech BBC Top Stories
‘They kill games, we fight back’: the activists campaigning to keep video games playable

‘They kill games, we fight back’: the activists campaigning to keep video games playable

June 19, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Many online video games shut down their servers after some years, making the games unplayable. A group called Stop Killing Games started in 2024 to push for laws that keep games playable even after companies stop supporting them. They want publishers to allow players to keep using or run private servers to continue playing.

Key Facts

  • Several popular online games, like Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, had their servers shut down in 2026.
  • When servers close, players usually cannot play these games anymore.
  • Stop Killing Games was founded by YouTuber Ross Scott after Ubisoft closed The Crew’s servers.
  • The group wants governments to create legal rules so game publishers cannot simply shut down games.
  • They ask for "end-of-life plans" that let players buy or run private servers to keep playing.
  • Stop Killing Games has become an organization active in the US and Europe, using petitions, lawsuits, and political debates.
  • Ubisoft’s CEO met with European officials to discuss policies after the group’s efforts.
  • The European Commission said it cannot force companies to keep games playable due to copyright laws but will work on voluntary guidelines.
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Guardian Tech
Traitors star says he lost life savings to a scam

Traitors star says he lost life savings to a scam

June 19, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Sam Little, a contestant from the BBC show The Traitors, lost £40,000 of his life savings to a phishing scam involving cryptocurrency. He received fake messages from what looked like his bank, which led him to give scammers access to his online account, and he has not recovered the money.

Key Facts

  • Sam Little, from Yarm near Middlesbrough, lost £40,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.
  • The scam started with text messages pretending to be from his bank about login attempts.
  • During a phone call, scammers tricked him into accessing a fake website they controlled.
  • The phone call ended abruptly, and the money disappeared from his account.
  • The scam happened in January 2024, and he has not recovered the funds.
  • He reported the incident to Report Fraud, part of the City of London Police, but no investigation has started yet.
  • Cybercrime affects 4.6 million people annually in the UK, with a 31% rise in cases between 2024 and 2025.
  • Little wants to warn others to be cautious because such scams can happen to anyone.
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BBC Top Stories
Researchers using Webb telescope find "Pink Planet" is surrounded by salty clouds

Researchers using Webb telescope find "Pink Planet" is surrounded by salty clouds

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to study a space object called the "Pink Planet" or GJ504b. They found that its atmosphere contains clouds made of salt, which is a new discovery. This object is cooler than typical giant planets and could be a large exoplanet or a small brown dwarf.

Key Facts

  • The "Pink Planet" GJ504b orbits a star 57 light-years away from Earth.
  • GJ504b has an estimated temperature of 550 degrees Fahrenheit, cooler than most giant planets.
  • It is about 25 times the mass of Jupiter and 2.5 to 4 billion years old.
  • Its atmosphere contains water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and salt clouds.
  • Salt clouds form in temperatures too hot for water or ammonia clouds but too cool for silicate clouds.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope observed the planet using infrared light, which reveals chemical signs in its atmosphere.
  • Previous ground-based observations could not detect these atmospheric details, but Webb made it possible in about two hours.
  • This discovery helps scientists study cooler objects with different atmospheric compositions in space.
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CBS News
A bold satellite rescue mission came together in record time, but will it work?

A bold satellite rescue mission came together in record time, but will it work?

June 19, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

NASA asked three companies to build a small satellite to save the aging Swift space observatory from falling back to Earth. Katalyst Space Technologies won the $30 million contract and built a spacecraft called Link, which will grab Swift and boost its orbit to keep it working. The mission had to be done quickly because Swift is losing altitude fast due to atmospheric drag.

Key Facts

  • Swift is a space observatory launched in 2004 to detect gamma-ray bursts, powerful explosions in space.
  • Swift has no thrusters to maintain its orbit and is gradually losing altitude because of atmospheric drag.
  • The Sun’s activity has caused Earth’s atmosphere to swell, increasing drag on satellites like Swift.
  • NASA gave Katalyst Space Technologies less than a year and a $30 million budget to design and build a rescue satellite.
  • Katalyst’s spacecraft, named Link, will attach to Swift using robotic arms and push it back to a higher, safer orbit.
  • Swift is expected to fall below 186 miles altitude by October, after which it will be too low for the rescue mission.
  • Katalyst has completed the Link spacecraft and is preparing it for launch to meet the tight deadline.
  • This mission is the first attempt to extend the life of a satellite using a capturing and servicing spacecraft.
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Ars Technica
Microsoft discovers new lightweight backdoor that steals cryptocurrency

Microsoft discovers new lightweight backdoor that steals cryptocurrency

June 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Microsoft discovered a new malware called Crypto Clipper that spreads through USB drives and steals cryptocurrency wallet information by watching what users copy on their devices. The malware sends stolen data and screenshots to attackers anonymously through the Tor network, allowing criminals to redirect cryptocurrency payments to themselves.

Key Facts

  • Crypto Clipper spreads via USB drives using special shortcut files (.lnk) that run harmful code.
  • It monitors clipboard data for cryptocurrency wallet addresses or secret seed phrases that control wallets.
  • When it finds these details, it sends them along with five screenshots to attackers through the anonymous Tor network.
  • The malware replaces copied wallet addresses with ones controlled by attackers to steal payments.
  • It uses a lightweight backdoor that does not rely on traditional installation or direct internet connections.
  • Crypto Clipper hides its presence by renaming infected USB drive files to look normal.
  • Microsoft Defender antivirus tools can detect parts of this malware under specific suspicious activity names.
  • The malware’s use of scripting and anonymous communication gives attackers ongoing control and quick financial gain.
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Ars Technica
The artificial ice pyramids saving India's mountain villages

The artificial ice pyramids saving India's mountain villages

June 18, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

In the Himalayan region of Ladakh, farmers face water shortages because small glaciers that once supplied water have disappeared due to global warming. To solve this, people created artificial ice towers called ice stupas that store winter water as ice and then melt it in spring to irrigate crops. A new tech system, called the Automated Ice Reservoir (AIR), uses computers and weather data to control the freezing process more efficiently.

Key Facts

  • Himalayan glaciers have shrunk, reducing water availability for mountain farmers in Ladakh.
  • The growing season is short, so farmers need water in early spring for their crops.
  • Traditional ice stupas are frozen water towers made by spraying water into cold air to form ice piles.
  • Managing these ice stupas was difficult because pipes could freeze and break in very cold weather.
  • Farmers had to monitor and fix the system constantly, often working in freezing conditions.
  • A company called Acres of Ice developed an Automated Ice Reservoir (AIR) system to improve ice stupa efficiency.
  • The AIR system uses computer controls and weather sensors to adjust water flow based on temperature changes.
  • The system is powered by solar panels and batteries, allowing better management of ice creation and water supply.
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BBC Tech BBC Business
FDA panel recommends mRNA flu vaccine for older adults

FDA panel recommends mRNA flu vaccine for older adults

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

An FDA advisory panel has recommended approving Moderna’s new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology. The panel voted 9-0 that the vaccine is safe and effective for people aged 50 and older.

Key Facts

  • The vaccine is based on mRNA technology, a first for flu shots.
  • The FDA panel reviewed Moderna’s mFlusiva vaccine.
  • The recommendation was unanimous with a 9-0 vote.
  • The vaccine is aimed at people 50 to 64 years old and those 65 and older.
  • Moderna is currently seeking official FDA approval for the vaccine.
  • mRNA technology has been used before in COVID-19 vaccines.
  • This new flu vaccine could offer better protection for older adults.
  • The FDA panel acts as an independent group advising the agency on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
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The Hill
Regulators greenlight plan for quick AI data center grid connections

Regulators greenlight plan for quick AI data center grid connections

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Federal regulators made new rules to help build AI data centers faster and cheaper. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) told regional electric grid operators to change how they connect big energy users, like AI data centers, to the power grid.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued new guidance on Thursday.
  • The goal is to speed up the building of AI data centers.
  • The changes also aim to reduce the costs of connecting these centers to the electric grid.
  • Regional electric grid operators must change their processes for connecting large power demands.
  • This includes connections for AI data centers and other big energy users.
  • The new rules focus on making power grid connections quicker and more efficient.
  • This move supports the growing demand for AI computing power.
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The Hill
FDA advisors unanimously vote to approve Moderna's mRNA after agency drama

FDA advisors unanimously vote to approve Moderna's mRNA after agency drama

June 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

FDA advisors voted unanimously to approve Moderna’s new seasonal mRNA flu vaccine called mRNA-1010 or mFlusiva. The vaccine was found to be more effective than standard flu shots and safe for older adults, and its approval follows earlier controversy within the FDA about reviewing the vaccine.

Key Facts

  • The FDA advisory committee voted 9–0 to support Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine.
  • The vaccine is called mRNA-1010 and branded as mFlusiva.
  • A large Phase 3 trial with over 40,000 adults aged 50+ showed it was 27% more effective than traditional flu shots.
  • A smaller Phase 3 trial with nearly 3,000 people aged 65+ showed stronger immune responses than the current high-dose flu vaccine.
  • The vaccine uses mRNA technology, the same used in Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, which allows faster development and better response to flu strains.
  • Earlier, a Trump-appointed FDA official blocked the vaccine from review, claiming the trial was inadequate, but this decision was reversed amid objections from FDA scientists.
  • The blocked official, Vinay Prasad, left FDA after other controversial decisions.
  • Moderna’s CEO expressed satisfaction with the committee’s approval and looks forward to working with the FDA.
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Ars Technica
FDA panel backs first-of-its-kind flu vaccine using mRNA technology

FDA panel backs first-of-its-kind flu vaccine using mRNA technology

June 18, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A federal health advisory panel recommended approval of a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the same science used in COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA is reviewing Moderna’s mFlusiva vaccine for people aged 50 and older before the upcoming flu season.

Key Facts

  • The vaccine is called mFlusiva and is made by Moderna.
  • It uses mRNA technology, which was important for COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The vaccine targets seasonal flu, especially for older adults.
  • Moderna wants full approval for people aged 50 to 64.
  • The company seeks temporary authorization for people 65 and older while more tests continue.
  • Approval could allow the vaccine to be available before winter flu season.
  • The recommendation came from a federal health advisory panel.
  • The FDA is the agency responsible for final approval.
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PBS NewsHour
Payments Revolution Won’t Happen on Slow Blockchains

Payments Revolution Won’t Happen on Slow Blockchains

June 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Stablecoins are a type of digital money that can move instantly and cheaply across borders using blockchain technology. They could enable machines, like cars and appliances, to pay each other automatically in small amounts, creating new ways for devices to do business without human intervention.

Key Facts

  • Stablecoins are digital dollars that use blockchain technology for fast, low-cost payments.
  • They offer near-instant money transfers compared to traditional systems like credit cards or SWIFT.
  • Traditional credit card fees often take about 3% of each transaction, costing businesses a lot.
  • Faster payments improve cash flow by delivering money immediately rather than days later.
  • Machines connected to the internet could soon transact with each other continuously and automatically.
  • Examples include electric cars paying for parking or charging by the minute and home solar panels selling power to neighbors.
  • This could lead to trillions of small machine-to-machine payments every day.
  • Industries like energy, telecom, cloud computing, and media could change their business models to use real-time, micro-payments instead of subscriptions or bills.
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Newsweek
NASA asks Northrop Grumman to stop working on lunar HALO module

NASA asks Northrop Grumman to stop working on lunar HALO module

June 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

NASA has asked Northrop Grumman to stop work on the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) module, part of the Lunar Gateway project orbiting the Moon. This decision reflects NASA’s shift in focus from an orbital space station to a lunar surface base.

Key Facts

  • NASA announced a shift from a lunar orbital station to a Moon base on the surface in March.
  • Work on the Lunar Gateway, a lunar orbit space station, is paused.
  • HALO is a large, pressurized module where astronauts would stay during Moon orbit missions.
  • Northrop Grumman received contracts worth $1.1 billion to design and build HALO and related systems.
  • Paragon Space Development Corp. had a $100 million contract to develop HALO’s life-support system but was told to stop work recently.
  • Northrop Grumman says HALO can be used for other lunar missions and will reassign most affected employees.
  • NASA and Northrop Grumman remain on good terms despite the stop-work order.
  • Reasons for stopping work may include the module’s large weight for Moon surface delivery or technical problems like corrosion.
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Ars Technica
Android verification is coming: Google confirms timeline and supported app stores

Android verification is coming: Google confirms timeline and supported app stores

June 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Google will start a system on September 30, 2024, to verify Android app developers in certain countries to reduce scams and malware. This system will check developers’ identities for apps both inside and outside the Google Play Store, and it will include several trusted third-party app stores.

Key Facts

  • Google’s developer verification system begins on September 30, 2024.
  • The rollout will first happen in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
  • Developers must verify their identities by paying $25 through Google’s developer console or through trusted app stores.
  • Apps from unverified developers cannot be installed on Google-certified Android devices once the system is active.
  • Verification will cover Google Play and seven third-party app stores, including Samsung Galaxy Store and Xiaomi GetApps.
  • New Google tools (APIs) will help developers register and check app status more easily.
  • A new service will appear on most phones with Android 8 or higher to block unverified apps once verification starts.
  • A special "limited distribution" option will allow hobbyists to share apps with up to 20 devices without full verification.
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Ars Technica
Apple raising prices, CEO says

Apple raising prices, CEO says

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said the company will raise the prices of its products. The increase is a response to higher costs for memory and storage chips used in their devices.

Key Facts

  • Apple plans to increase product prices.
  • The price hikes are due to rising costs for memory and storage chips.
  • Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, shared this news in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
  • The interview was published on a Wednesday.
  • The price changes aim to balance Apple’s expenses with market conditions.
  • No specific products or price amounts were detailed in the interview.
  • Rising chip costs are affecting many tech companies’ pricing strategies.
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The Hill
Apple patches high-severity eavesdropping vulnerability in Beats Studio Buds

Apple patches high-severity eavesdropping vulnerability in Beats Studio Buds

June 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Apple has fixed a serious security flaw in its Beats Studio Buds earbuds that allowed nearby hackers to listen to users’ conversations without permission. The update is installed automatically when the earbuds connect to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Key Facts

  • The vulnerability, named CVE-2025-20701, affected the earbuds' Bluetooth firmware and let attackers pretend to be trusted devices.
  • This flaw could let hackers hear sounds picked up by the earbuds’ microphone if they were close enough.
  • Apple released the fix in Beats Firmware Update 1B211, delivered automatically to users’ devices.
  • The security issue was discovered by researchers Dennis Heinze and Frieder Steinmetz from the company Insinuator.
  • The flaw comes from chips made by Airoha Systems, which issued a software update to fix the problem.
  • Other headphone brands like Jabra, Bose, and JBL have also issued similar patches.
  • The attack requires the hacker to stay near the user and within Bluetooth range.
  • Experts recommend turning off Bluetooth when not in use to reduce risk.
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Ars Technica
These 9 Things Are Worse for the Environment Than AI Data Centers

These 9 Things Are Worse for the Environment Than AI Data Centers

June 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

AI data centers use a lot of electricity and water, which raises environmental concerns. However, their overall environmental impact is smaller compared to other big industries like beef production, coal power plants, cement manufacturing, and commercial aviation.

Key Facts

  • U.S. data centers used about 176 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, around 4.4% of the country's total electricity use.
  • Globally, data centers account for 1 to 2 percent of electricity usage, and this is expected to increase as AI grows.
  • AI data centers use energy, water for cooling, and create emissions during construction.
  • The environmental impact of data centers varies depending on whether they use renewable energy or fossil fuels.
  • Beef production creates large greenhouse gas emissions due to methane from cattle and resource use, exceeding emissions from air travel.
  • Coal-fired power plants are some of the largest sources of carbon dioxide, emitting more than many data center campuses.
  • Cement production contributes about 7 to 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, more than AI computing emissions.
  • Commercial aviation produces hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually, with long flights creating several tons per passenger.
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Newsweek
AI: 'Tech is profoundly political', reveals European and US values

AI: 'Tech is profoundly political', reveals European and US values

June 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

A discussion highlighted that technology is closely linked to political values. Differences between Europe and the United States in regulating technology reflect their distinct political beliefs, illustrated by the recent US export ban on advanced AI tools from the company Anthropic.

Key Facts

  • Technology has deep connections to politics, affecting how it is regulated.
  • Europe and the US have different approaches to tech regulation based on their values.
  • The US recently banned exports of the latest AI tools developed by Anthropic.
  • The discussion took place during a France24 debate segment.
  • Regulation of AI reflects broader political and ethical concerns in each region.
  • The US export ban shows how the country controls tech spread for political or security reasons.
  • The conversation was framed as part of understanding global tech governance and values.
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France24
Who is Noah Graves? AI Christian Rock Artist Fools Fans Online

Who is Noah Graves? AI Christian Rock Artist Fools Fans Online

June 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Noah Graves is not a real musician but an AI-created Christian rock artist developed by The Christian Wave project. The AI-generated music and videos have attracted many listeners online, raising questions about how people can tell the difference between real and artificial artists.

Key Facts

  • Noah Graves is an AI-generated artist made by The Christian Wave project.
  • The music combines Christian themes with rock and metalcore styles.
  • The song “Lost and Seeking” was released on May 29 and has over 88,000 views.
  • Many listeners first thought Noah Graves was a real person due to the high-quality music and videos.
  • The AI-generated music has been widely shared on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
  • Some fans appreciate the music’s emotional themes regardless of its AI origin.
  • Others feel confused or think it is misleading that the AI persona was not clearly labeled as artificial.
  • The story reflects a growing trend where AI blurs the line between real and synthetic music artists.
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Newsweek