For some, so-called 'Skynet Day' came too close to sci-fi after a rogue agent hacked into a startup
In 1984, the Skynet of "The Terminator" films were science fiction. But it looks more and more realistic in 2026 after OpenAI agent broke out of a test corral, traveled the internet and hacked into Hugging Face, another company, to solve a problem. The company said the breach was "unprecedented," heightening fears of AI acting outside human control. Experts see it as a cautionary tale on the need for more AI defense engineering. But popular culture influences how people think. And people have been debating the ethics of AI for generations.
AI might be watching you, but here are some ways you can watch AI — in movies and on TV
As AI takes over the world in the metaphorical sense — for now, at least — it’s the perfect time to turn to the movies and TV shows that have shown AI actually taking over the world, and more. From “Avengers: Age of Ultron” to “Westworld” to various iterations of “Star Trek,” AI has shown a robust presence in popular culture over the past two generations. From “The Terminator” and “Blade Runner” to “WALL-E” and “Her,” the iterations of AI on the scren are many and varied.
China memory chipmaker CXMT's shares soar in a blockbuster share listing in Shanghai
HONG KONG (AP) — Shares of Chinese memory chipmaker CXMT have soared as the company began trading in Shanghai in mainland China’s biggest IPO in recent years. CXMT raised at least $8.6 billion with the IPO. Founded in 2016, the company is China’s leading memory chip manufacturer, making chips that are used in areas including AI servers to consumer electronics like smartphones. This comes as China is increasingly pushing for self-sufficiency in its tech race with the U.S., despite American-led export controls having blocked the country from accessing the world's most cutting-edge chipmaking machineries. Though the company still trails behind giants like SK Hynix and Micron, it is now playing a critical role in China’s artificial intelligence push.
Cheaper, open and intelligent: Chinese AI models gain ground, as they make inroads in the US
HONG KONG (AP) — Chinese AI models are gaining popularity in the U.S. for their affordability and efficiency. More American executives and companies are switching to Chinese models by startups such as DeepSeek, Moonshot AI and Z.ai for daily tasks. These models are way cheaper and nearly as advanced as those of their U.S. rivals, technology analysts say. The rapid rise of Chinese AI this year, with stronger players beyond last year's DeepSeek moment, highlights the increasingly competitive AI race between the U.S. and China. Despite blocks on their access to some advanced technologies, Chinese models have become serious global competitors to their U.S. counterparts. Analysts say U.S. models are still superior overall, but Chinese open-source models are closing the gap.
Trump says the US will investigate EU trade practices, claiming the bloc unfairly fined tech giants
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the United States will open a formal investigation into the European Union’s trade practices. He claims the bloc has unfairly levied billions of dollars of fines against Google, Apple and other U.S. tech giants. Trump made the announcement Friday. A day earlier, the EU hit Google with a fine of $1 billion after it said the technology behemoth broke digital antitrust regulations by setting up Google Play and its ubiquitous search engine to corral consumers toward its own services and apps to the detriment of competitors. Google says the fine hurts European businesses and consumers.
SpaceX launches Starship on another test flight, this time with the most advanced Starlinks
SpaceX’s Starship rocket has blasted off on another test flight, this time carrying 20 of the most advanced Starlinks. Towering more than 400 feet, Starship soared from Texas on Friday, a week after a last-second launch abort. It’s the 13th flight of the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket. Like the May demo, neither the booster nor spacecraft is being saved, instead plunging into the sea. NASA is counting on Starship as a lunar lander for the Artemis moon program. NASA needs Starship to wrap up testing and reach orbit soon so the Artemis III astronauts can practice next year.
What to Stream: 'Devil Wears Prada 2,' Ariana Grande, 'Super Mario Galaxy' and 'Diarra from Detroit'
Several new movies, music and games are available for streaming this week. “The Devil Wears Prada 2" reunites the original cast on Wednesday on Hulu and Disney+. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” arrives on Peacock on Thursday. Ariana Grande's album “Petal” releases Friday, featuring synths and pop choruses. Lollapalooza will be livestreamed on Disney+ and Hulu from Thursday through Sunday. “Diarra from Detroit” Season 2 premieres Thursday on Paramount+. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson's “Fightland” debuts Friday on Starz. For gamers, “The Relic: First Guardian” launches Friday on PlayStation 5 and PC.
AI models' breakout from human control brings a told-you-so moment for technology researchers
It is the kind of development once seen only in science fiction: An artificial intelligence system, trained to probe for digital vulnerabilities, breaks free of human control and acts on its own to hack another company. The attack announced this week by OpenAI, which blamed rogue AI models, underscored the blistering growth in the technology’s capabilities. For many, it also added urgency to questions about whether and how it can be prevented from causing mayhem on a bigger scale, with more serious consequences.
Trump expands a voluntary pledge to protect consumers from high utility bills from AI data centers
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is having governors and electricity companies join a pledge aimed at shielding U.S. consumers from higher utility bills because data centers. This move highlights the controversy surrounding AI development before the November midterm elections. Trump initially announced the pledge with tech companies in March, but voters remain concerned about affordability and competition for resources. A recent analysis shows increased electricity demand could raise utility bills by 15% to 40% by 2030. Opposition to data centers has become bipartisan. Some governors have taken steps to address these concerns.
Democrats seize on AI data center backlash that's dividing rural Republicans in places like Texas
AMARILLO, Texas (AP) — Democratic Texas governor's race nominee Gina Hinojosa is focusing on artificial intelligence data centers as a key issue in her campaign against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. AI data centers are causing concern in rural areas due to their impact on land, water and local life. This issue is resonating in other states like Arizona and Ohio. In Texas, data centers are rapidly expanding while both Democrats and Republicans voice opposition. Abbott has promised to regulate data centers. But critics say Abbott's actions lack urgency. The AI data center controversy could influence the upcoming election.
