X's new feature raises questions about the foreign origins of some popular US political accounts
Over the weekend, Elon Musk’s X unveiled a feature that lets users see where an account is based. Online sleuths and experts quickly found that many popular accounts, often posting in support of the U.S. MAGA movement with thousands or hundreds of thousands of followers, are based outside the U.S. This raises concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics. Researchers at NewsGuard identified several popular accounts that appeared to be run by Americans interested in politics – but instead were based in Eastern Europe, Asia or Africa. Other users were claiming, using fabricated screenshots, that accounts were based outside the U.S. when they weren't.
Trump signs executive order for AI project called Genesis Mission to boost scientific discoveries
President Donald Trump is directing the federal government to share scientific data and use artificial intelligence to accelerate discovery, including streamlining the nation’s electric grid. Trump unveiled the “Genesis Mission” as part of an executive order he signed Monday that directs the Department of Energy and national labs to build a digital platform to concentrate in one place the nation’s scientific data. The move is part of Trump's push to make development of AI the engine of the nation’s economic future. It solicits private sector and university partners to use their AI capability to help the government solve engineering, energy and national security problems.
Alibaba's cloud business revenue soars 34% driven by AI boom
HONG KONG (AP) — China's Alibaba Group is reporting a 34% jump in revenue from its cloud business, driven by the AI boom. However, net profit for the July-September quarter fell 52% year-on-year, as an intense price war in China's e-commerce sector eroded into profitability. The company, which started out in e-commerce and later turned its focus to cloud and AI, has pledged to invest heavily in cloud computing and AI infrastructure. On Monday, Alibaba announced its upgraded AI chatbot Qwen recorded 10 million downloads in the first week after its public launch.
New limits for a rent algorithm that prosecutors say let landlords drive up prices
Real estate software company RealPage has agreed to stop sharing nonpublic information between landlords as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors had accused RealPage of helping property managers illegally drive up rents across the country. The DOJ announced the settlement Monday, more than a year after federal prosecutors filed the antitrust lawsuit under President Joe Biden. Officials accused RealPage of facilitating “algorithmic coordination,” saying its popular software let landlords coordinate without ever having to gather in a “smoke-filled room.” RealPage would not have to pay any damages or admit any wrondoing. The company says it's pleased to settle the matter.
MrBeast and the Rockefeller Foundation are teaming up to spark youth philanthropy
NEW YORK (AP) — Beast Philanthropy, the charitable organization started by MrBeast founder Jimmy Donaldson, and the Rockefeller Foundation are announcing a strategic partnership. The idea is to pair Donaldson’s unique ability to capture youth attention spans with the foundation’s 112-year history of using its resources and technology to tackle global problems. The exact issues they plan to tackle together are still being hammered out and there is no shared grantmaking to announce yet. Dr. Rajiv Shah, the president of the Rockefeller Foundation, says MrBeast can help them engage young people, inspire hope and communicate their work more accessibly. Donaldson hopes the Rockefeller Foundation can help him be more efficient and make “real, lasting change.”
Lawmakers question legality of Border Patrol license plate reader program
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers are questioning the legality of a U.S. Border Patrol program that uses predictive intelligence to detain drivers for suspicious travel. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts sent a letter Monday to Border Patrol’s parent agency, calling the license plate reader program an “invasive surveillance network.” An Associated Press investigation revealed that the program monitors millions of American drivers to identify and detain people based on travel patterns. Courts have generally upheld license plate reader collection on public roads, but scholars argue it might be unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment. Other lawmakers echoed Markey’s concerns about the program's legality.
Takeoff of China's flying taxis hits turbulence
HONG KONG (AP) — Chinese companies are rushing to deploy low-flying vehicles and drones for various uses as the country finds innovative ways to drive its economy. Flying taxis, once a sci-fi dream, are being tested in southern China, where pilotless, oval-shaped crafts hover like mini helicopters. In Shenzhen, which neighbors Hong Kong, food-delivery drones already are part of daily life and a novelty attraction for tourists. The industry is growing with support from the government, but strict airspace controls, battery limitations and other obstacles are hindering the rise of the low-altitude economy. Analysts say the industry is still in its early stages and more obvious successes in commercialization may take years.
Malaysia to ban social media for children under 16 next year
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia plans to ban social media accounts for people under 16 starting in 2026. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Sunday that the Cabinet made this decision to protect young people from online harm like cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation. The government is studying approaches from countries like Australia. Australia’s parliament has enacted the world’s first ban on social media for children under 16, starting December 10th, with hefty fines for non-compliance. Denmark has also announced plans to ban access for those under 15. These moves reflect growing global concerns about social media's impact on young children.
Clair Obscur leads the AP's list of 2025's top video games
In a year in which technology news was dominated by artificial intelligence, the outstanding video games were still being designed by human beings. Top of the list is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which Associated Press writer Lou Kesten calls “a landmark achievement" with profound storytelling, stunning graphics and music and impeccable voice acting. The rest of 2025's top 10 includes The Outer Worlds 2, Silent Hill f, Assassin's Creed Shadows, Donkey Kong Bananza, The Séance of Blake Manor, Avowed, Ghost of Yōtei, South of Midnight and The Alters.
What to know about Trump's draft proposal to curtail state AI regulations
President Donald Trump is considering pressuring states to stop regulating artificial intelligence. A draft executive order obtained by The Associated Press reveals the plan. Trump and some Republicans argue that regulations dampen innovation and growth for AI. Critics worry this benefits big AI companies with little oversight. Four states, including California and Texas, have already passed AI regulations. The draft order directs federal agencies to pressure states to not enact burdensome regulations. It also suggests a national regulatory framework. However, opposition exists within both parties, and the draft order could change. Trump is tentatively set to sign it Friday.
