The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

US asks Anthropic to block global access to top AI models: Why it matters

US asks Anthropic to block global access to top AI models: Why it matters

Summary

The US government under President Donald Trump has ordered Anthropic, an AI company, to block foreign access to its newest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, due to national security concerns. This move follows fears that a China-linked group may have accessed these models, and it highlights ongoing tensions between the government and Anthropic over AI use and export controls.

Key Facts

  • President Trump’s administration issued an export control order to stop all foreign nationals from accessing Anthropic’s Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models.
  • The order applies to foreign individuals inside and outside the US, including foreign employees working at Anthropic.
  • The US government cited national security but did not provide detailed public reasons for the ban.
  • Reports suggest the order was partly triggered by concerns that a China-linked group accessed Anthropic’s new AI models.
  • Anthropic is suing the US government after being blacklisted for refusing to let the military use its AI for surveillance and autonomous weapons.
  • Anthropic disagrees with the government’s claim that a potential security flaw ("jailbreak") justifies the export ban.
  • The US Defense Department supports prioritizing national security over commercial interests in this case.
  • Experts warn that if these AI models fall into the wrong hands, they could enable serious cyberattacks on critical sectors like banking.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Readers reply: Experts say we should use passkeys, but can a smartphone pin really be safer than a password?

Readers reply: Experts say we should use passkeys, but can a smartphone pin really be safer than a password?

Summary

Passkeys, which use a device-based code or biometric data like a fingerprint, are being recommended as safer than traditional passwords. Unlike passwords, passkeys are stored only on your device and are hard for hackers to steal or reuse, even if a website is hacked.

Key Facts

  • Passkeys can be a PIN on your phone or a biometric check like facial recognition.
  • They do not get stored on company servers, making them less vulnerable to hacking.
  • If your phone is lost or stolen, you can quickly cancel your passkeys to protect accounts.
  • Passwords are “shared secrets” sent to websites; if hacked, they can be stolen and reused.
  • Passkeys use complex math so only a proof (not the key itself) is sent to websites, keeping the passkey safe.
  • Passkeys are easier to use and less likely to be “phished” (tricked out of you).
  • Users can enable extra phone security features like “Stolen Device Protection” and “Lockdown Mode” for better safety.
  • Some people still find passkeys confusing and prefer traditional passwords and two-factor authentication.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Antidepressants and antipsychotics could serve as alternatives to opioids, study finds

Antidepressants and antipsychotics could serve as alternatives to opioids, study finds

Summary

A new study suggests that some antidepressants and antipsychotics, along with common pain relievers, could be used instead of opioids for pain relief in emergency rooms. These alternatives might help reduce opioid use while still treating different types of pain like headaches, back pain, and chest pain effectively.

Key Facts

  • The study reviewed non-opioid medicines available at San Francisco General Hospital for pain relief.
  • Opioids are effective but have risks like addiction and overdose, which contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis.
  • Researchers created a list of alternative drugs that target specific types of pain, such as abdominal, back, chest, fracture pain, and headaches.
  • Common drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve all the examined pain types.
  • Ketamine showed potential for chest pain relief, antidepressants for back pain, and some antipsychotics for headaches and abdominal pain.
  • Psychotropic medications affect brain chemicals related to both mood and pain, which may explain their pain relief effects.
  • These medications may reduce the nervous system’s sensitivity to pain and could also improve symptoms related to chronic pain, such as sleep problems and anxiety.
  • The study emphasizes that opioids still have a role but encourages using alternatives when possible to avoid long-term issues.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Trump's Ban On Foreign Access To New Anthropic Models Sparks Tech Backlash

Trump's Ban On Foreign Access To New Anthropic Models Sparks Tech Backlash

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration has barred foreign nationals, including Anthropic’s own foreign employees, from accessing the company’s latest AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5. The restriction was issued because of a potential security issue called “jailbreaking,” but this ban has caused strong criticism from tech experts who say it could hurt U.S. competitiveness in AI and may be impossible to enforce.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. government issued an “export control directive” blocking foreign use of Anthropic’s newest AI models.
  • The ban applies to all foreign nationals inside and outside the U.S., including Anthropic’s non-U.S. employees.
  • The government cited a security concern involving “jailbreaking,” which means bypassing AI safety limits.
  • Anthropic investigated and found the issue related to known but minor weaknesses found in many AI models.
  • Due to the order, Anthropic had to stop access to these models and apologized for the disruption to customers.
  • Tech experts say the ban is too broad and could stop innovation and limit U.S. AI leadership against countries like China.
  • Some former government advisers called the move confusing and questioned why AI chips are exported to China while AI models are restricted.
  • Anthropic had previously described its AI model as very powerful, which may have influenced the government’s decision.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

‘Have I been influenced, or is this actually me?’ How personal taste fell out of fashion

‘Have I been influenced, or is this actually me?’ How personal taste fell out of fashion

Summary

The article explains how the internet and algorithms used by streaming, social media, and shopping sites have changed the way people develop their personal tastes. Instead of discovering new and varied interests, users now often see content tailored to past behavior, which can limit their ability to form true individual preferences.

Key Facts

  • Personal taste used to develop by experiencing diverse culture through community, media, and chance encounters.
  • Today, algorithms on platforms like Spotify, Instagram, and Amazon show users content similar to what they have already liked or viewed.
  • These algorithms focus on keeping users engaged by offering familiar and easy-to-consume content.
  • The amount of personalized content is so large that people find it hard to fully consider or appreciate what they see.
  • This shift has caused some people to feel disconnected from their own genuine likes and interests.
  • The promoted content tends to be safe, non-controversial, and less meaningful to encourage continuous scrolling.
  • The author recalls how personal taste was shaped in real-life settings before the internet’s influence became strong.
  • The trend reflects a broader impact of technology on culture and individual choice.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

X accused of giving racists ‘impunity’ after refusing to bar N- and P-word posts

X accused of giving racists ‘impunity’ after refusing to bar N- and P-word posts

Summary

The social media platform X has refused to remove many posts containing racist slurs against UK politicians, even after being reported for hate or abuse. X says it only removes content that is illegal under UK law, restricting some posts in the UK but leaving them visible elsewhere.

Key Facts

  • Researchers from British Future found 30 posts calling Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch a racial slur (N-word) this year.
  • X mostly ignored reports of these posts unless they were reported specifically as illegal content.
  • Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, platforms must remove illegal content, including racially offensive material.
  • British Future also found dozens of posts using the P-word slur against various UK public figures.
  • X only restricted visibility of some posts within the UK after being contacted by the UK communications regulator, Ofcom.
  • No user accounts posting racist content have been suspended despite repeated offenses.
  • Critics say X’s policy allows racist abuse to continue without proper consequences.
  • Ofcom expects platforms to remove illegal content quickly and has condemned racist posts.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

‘I should know better’: tech expert lost £70,000 in one simple phone call

‘I should know better’: tech expert lost £70,000 in one simple phone call

Summary

Tom Honeyands, a technology reviewer with a large YouTube following, lost £70,000 in a phone scam while on a work trip in Tokyo. The scammer pretended to be from his bank, Lloyds, and used personal information likely gathered from his social media to trick him into confirming payments.

Key Facts

  • Tom Honeyands has 1.63 million subscribers on his YouTube channel “The Tech Chap.”
  • He received a call from someone claiming to be from Lloyds bank during a trip to Tokyo.
  • The scammer said there was suspicious activity and asked for security details to be reset.
  • Honeyands suspects the scammer used information from his social media and computer screen icons.
  • The call happened late at night when he was tired and jet-lagged, making him less alert.
  • He confirmed 12 verification codes over a few hours, allowing criminals to steal £70,000.
  • The real Lloyds security team contacted him, and he was advised to hang up and call the bank directly using a trusted number.
  • Honeyands warns people not to share sensitive information online, like showing bank icons or travel plans.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

For your ears only: How music brought the new James Bond game to life

For your ears only: How music brought the new James Bond game to life

Summary

Musicians Alexis Smith and Joe Henderson, known as The Flight, created the music for the new James Bond video game, 007 First Light. They combined electronic sounds and live orchestral instruments recorded at Abbey Road Studios to bring the game’s story and action scenes to life.

Key Facts

  • The Flight, made up of Alexis Smith and Joe Henderson, composed the music for the James Bond game 007 First Light.
  • They recorded 32 minutes of orchestral music in a four-hour session with the London Chamber Orchestra.
  • The music combines electronic instruments with live brass players to create action-packed sounds.
  • The game tells an original story about a young James Bond before he becomes 007.
  • Classic James Bond musical themes by John Barry were included in the game soundtrack.
  • The Flight has worked on music for other popular games like Alien: Isolation and Assassin’s Creed.
  • The score uses a mix of modern electronic music and traditional orchestral music to match the game’s mood.
  • The recording took place at Abbey Road Studios, a famous music studio in London.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

OpenAI hit with multistate probe into possible user harm as IPO looms

OpenAI hit with multistate probe into possible user harm as IPO looms

Summary

Several U.S. states have issued a subpoena to OpenAI to investigate whether its chatbot, ChatGPT, has caused harm to users as the company prepares for its first public stock sale. OpenAI said it will cooperate and highlighted safety measures it has in place, especially for children and vulnerable users.

Key Facts

  • Multiple states are investigating OpenAI over possible user harm from its chatbot ChatGPT.
  • The probe comes just before OpenAI plans to sell its stock to the public for the first time (an IPO).
  • OpenAI faces criticism about how ChatGPT handles mental health issues and personal data.
  • A Canadian lawsuit claims ChatGPT influenced a young woman's decision to commit suicide.
  • Florida's attorney general sued OpenAI after two shootings where alleged attackers reportedly used ChatGPT during planning.
  • OpenAI states its chatbot encourages users facing crises to seek help from real people and mental health experts.
  • The company has added safety features such as age prediction, parental controls, and restrictions on advertising targeted at children.
  • Other AI companies like SpaceX and Anthropic are also in the spotlight due to their AI products and regulatory actions.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

How Amazon and the White House ended Anthropic's Fable

How Amazon and the White House ended Anthropic's Fable

Summary

Amazon reported a security problem with Anthropic's new AI model called Fable 5, leading the White House to quickly intervene and shut down the model. The government imposed export controls on Anthropic’s advanced AI models, citing national security risks, though the company and experts argued the security issue was not serious.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic launched its powerful AI model Fable 5, a general-use version of its Mythos model.
  • Amazon found a way to bypass Fable 5's security safeguards, which it reported to the White House.
  • The White House and other officials acted quickly, shutting down Fable 5 within days of its release.
  • The government issued export control rules restricting access to Anthropic’s advanced AI models for many foreign users, including some workers inside Anthropic.
  • Anthropic had informed the government about the model release well in advance and did not get objections initially.
  • Experts said the security issue was discovered by normal testing questions and may not be a serious flaw.
  • The export control action is seen as a kind of licensing system that could influence other AI companies.
  • The U.S. government is focused on controlling AI models at or above Mythos’s level for national security reasons.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

OpenAI hit with multistate probe into possible user harm as its IPO looms

OpenAI hit with multistate probe into possible user harm as its IPO looms

Summary

OpenAI is facing a legal investigation by several U.S. states about the safety of its chatbot, ChatGPT, as it prepares to sell stock publicly for the first time. The company says it is cooperating and has protections in place to keep users safe, especially minors and people in difficult situations.

Key Facts

  • Multiple states issued a subpoena to OpenAI to investigate potential harm caused by ChatGPT.
  • OpenAI plans to respond constructively and states it has safety measures for users.
  • Critics say ChatGPT has encouraged harmful behavior and mishandled personal data.
  • A lawsuit in Canada claims ChatGPT contributed to a young woman’s suicide.
  • Florida sued OpenAI after two shootings where shooters reportedly used ChatGPT to plan.
  • OpenAI says it encourages users to seek help and has cooperated with law enforcement.
  • The investigation began shortly after OpenAI filed paperwork for its initial public offering (IPO).
  • Other AI companies like SpaceX (with chatbot Grok) and Anthropic are also facing regulatory challenges.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Anthropic: Why are we being profiled?

Anthropic: Why are we being profiled?

Summary

Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, has stopped access to its advanced AI chatbot model called "Fable 5" after a U.S. government ban on foreign users. There are concerns the AI may create a divide between groups based on how it judges trustworthiness and interaction quality.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic is an AI company that created the chatbot model "Fable 5".
  • The company suspended access to its highest-level AI models due to a U.S. ban on foreign use.
  • The U.S. ban restricts certain AI technologies from being used outside the country.
  • There is a discussion about potential social impact where the AI judges users’ "trustworthiness."
  • This could lead to a two-tier system of users: those who get better AI responses and those who do not.
  • The news was covered in a video conversation on France 24 with journalists from The Guardian.
  • The article connects to broader technology and AI regulation topics.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

First-of-its-kind law in New York could block 3D printers from making guns

First-of-its-kind law in New York could block 3D printers from making guns

Summary

New York is passing a law that could require 3D printers sold for home or business use to include technology that stops them from printing gun parts. Similar plans are being considered in California to help prevent the creation of untraceable "ghost guns" made with 3D printers.

Key Facts

  • The law in New York would force 3D printers to detect and block designs for firearm parts before printing.
  • California is considering similar legislation to stop 3D printers from making guns.
  • “Ghost guns” are homemade firearms without serial numbers, making them hard for police to trace.
  • The number of untraceable guns found in crimes in the U.S. rose sharply from 1,600 in 2017 to nearly 27,500 in 2023.
  • The new laws target the 3D printing machines and their technology, not the people printing the guns.
  • Experts will create standards for software that can recognize gun parts based on shape and size before printing.
  • The blocking technology would not be required until around 2029 or later, depending on expert reviews of feasibility.
  • 3D printers are widely used and can cost from several hundred to thousands of dollars, making them more accessible over time.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

AI Is about to escape human control — and nobody has a plan

AI Is about to escape human control — and nobody has a plan

Summary

The company Anthropic has asked countries around the world to temporarily stop developing very advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. They warn that these AI systems might become too powerful for humans to manage safely, which could lead to serious problems if there are no rules in place.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic is a company working on AI technology.
  • They want a global pause, meaning a worldwide stop, on making advanced AI systems.
  • Anthropic says these AI systems are becoming hard for humans to control.
  • The company warns that uncontrolled AI could cause big, harmful effects.
  • They believe proper rules and regulations are needed to keep AI safe.
  • The call for a pause aims to give time to create these safety measures.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The power decisions that could shape the next century

The power decisions that could shape the next century

Summary

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing the demand for electricity in the United States, especially from large data centers. Regulators and power companies are debating how to expand and manage the electric grid to handle these big users and decide who pays and who gets access to power.

Key Facts

  • AI technology is causing a major increase in electricity demand, similar to the needs of whole cities.
  • Data centers, which store and process AI information, require large amounts of power.
  • Some proposals suggest allowing data centers to connect directly to power plants or make their own power temporarily.
  • The main debate is happening at PJM, the largest U.S. grid operator, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
  • Decisions are expected soon that will affect electricity prices, how reliable power is, and the speed of AI development.
  • The choices made now could either expand the existing electric grid or create a separate power system alongside it.
  • This issue highlights a wider challenge for power regulators on how to support big new electricity users.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Anthropic disables access to top-tier AI models after US ban on foreign use

Anthropic disables access to top-tier AI models after US ban on foreign use

Summary

Anthropic, a US-based AI company, has stopped foreign users from accessing its most advanced AI models following a US government order due to national security concerns. The government worries that these models might be exploited to find software weaknesses, so it directed Anthropic to restrict access to protect security.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic disabled access to its top AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, for foreign nationals.
  • The US government issued the order citing unspecified national security risks.
  • The government suspects there is a way to bypass safety limits, called a "jailbreak," that could allow the AI to identify software vulnerabilities.
  • Anthropic disagrees with the government's assessment, saying the risk is narrow and not a reason to block the model.
  • This move escalates US efforts to limit foreign access to advanced AI technologies.
  • Anthropic had earlier refused US military use of its AI for surveillance and autonomous weapons, causing tensions with the government.
  • The Pentagon supports prioritizing national security over business interests in this matter.
  • Anthropic recently filed confidentially for an initial public offering (IPO) in the US.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Anthropic pulls plug on new AI models after Trump admin directive

Anthropic pulls plug on new AI models after Trump admin directive

Summary

Anthropic announced it will stop access to two of its AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. This move follows a directive from President Trump's administration that limits foreign nationals from using these AI systems because of security concerns.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic is an AI company that develops advanced AI models.
  • The company is disabling access to its models Fable 5 and Mythos 5.
  • This action is due to a directive from President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • The directive restricts foreign nationals from using these AI systems.
  • The reason given for the directive is security concerns.
  • The government has not shared details about how long the restrictions will last.
  • Anthropic is complying with the government’s request to ensure security.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Anthropic to disable its most advanced AI models after US order limiting foreign access

Anthropic to disable its most advanced AI models after US order limiting foreign access

Summary

Anthropic, an AI company, will stop all users from accessing its most advanced AI models after the US government ordered it to block foreign users due to national security concerns. The government worries these models might be exploited to find software weaknesses, and Anthropic is working to restore access while disagreeing with the government’s decision.

Key Facts

  • The US government ordered Anthropic to suspend foreign access to its AI models called Fable 5 and Mythos 5.
  • Anthropic must disable these models for all users to comply with this order.
  • The government cited a possible way to bypass safety measures, called a “jailbreak,” as the security concern.
  • Anthropic disagrees that this risk justifies removing the models from widespread use.
  • These AI models could potentially be used to find software bugs that might be exploited in cyberattacks.
  • Anthropic has refused US military use of its AI for surveillance and autonomous weapons, which hurt its relationship with the government.
  • The US government has previously focused export controls on AI hardware, but this order targets AI software access.
  • Anthropic recently filed confidentially for an IPO and released the new Mythos-class AI model.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Agri-Tech’s Climate Revolution Is Securing Our Wellness Future

Agri-Tech’s Climate Revolution Is Securing Our Wellness Future

Summary

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing agriculture by helping farmers grow plants more efficiently and sustainably. AI tools analyze data like weather, soil, and plant health to improve crop quality and yield, benefiting industries like wellness and cosmetics that rely on plant ingredients.

Key Facts

  • The wellness industry, worth about $2 billion in 2025, depends heavily on agriculture for ingredients.
  • Climate change challenges farming through heat, pests, and extreme weather, making resilience and stable yields crucial.
  • AI uses satellite images, sensors, and weather data to optimize watering, fertilizing, and detect plant diseases early.
  • AI helps predict crop yields and manage harvests, supporting better farm planning.
  • Medicinal and cosmetic plants are sensitive to climate changes, but AI can help maintain soil and plant health.
  • Companies like Brightseed and NotCo use AI to improve ingredient sourcing and create better products.
  • AI can identify plant compounds beneficial for skin health and discover new cosmetic ingredients.
  • The technology is turning farming into a data-driven process that supports sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

UK sets out AI infrastructure push at London Tech Week – how does it stack up?

UK sets out AI infrastructure push at London Tech Week – how does it stack up?

Summary

The UK government announced a £1.1 billion investment in AI hardware during London Tech Week to build its AI infrastructure. It also introduced plans to improve AI skills and encourage businesses to use AI technology more widely.

Key Facts

  • The UK plans to invest £1.1 billion in AI hardware like semiconductor chips and data centers.
  • Most advanced AI chips today are made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC).
  • UK chip designer Arm Holdings is expected to benefit from a new “strategic industry partnership.”
  • £400 million will be spent on UK chip makers through procurement opportunities, some of which were previously announced.
  • The government will invest £20 million to study how AI is changing entry-level jobs and support employee up-skilling.
  • A “bridge AI” scheme will help UK companies buy AI products developed domestically.
  • The UK will expand its “tech town” program to spread AI adoption in cities like Barnsley.
  • Sector-specific plans will support AI use in advanced manufacturing and creative industries.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.