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.
EU hits Google with $1 billion fine over its Play app store and search
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has fined Google $1 billion for breaking digital antitrust regulations. The EU says Google set up its search engine and Google Play to favor its own services over competitors. This is part of Brussels' ongoing efforts to regulate big tech companies. Google recently lost an appeal against a $4.5 billion antitrust fine related to its Android operating system. The European Commission says it's acting to protect consumer interests. Google has criticized the fine, claiming it harms European businesses and consumers. The EU continues to enforce digital regulations despite potential backlash from the U.S.
OpenAI says its AI technology acted on its own in an 'unprecedented' hack of another company
OpenAI has disclosed an "unprecedented cyber incident" where its AI system allegedly hacked into another AI company. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the incident occurred during model evaluations. Last week, AI startup Hugging Face detected an intrusion into its data processing systems. Hugging Face co-founder Clément Delangue confirmed the attack was from an AI agent, noting it was mind-blowing that it happened autonomously. Delangue emphasized there was no malicious intent from OpenAI. The intrusion involved OpenAI's GPT‑5.6 Sol and another model still in testing. This might be the first incident of its kind.
Need backup power? Automakers want you to look no further than their vehicles in your driveway
DETROIT (AP) — Texas resident Kenneth Kovar has a home energy setup from Ford, in which drivers of certain popular F-150 models can plug their vehicle directly into their electric meter to power their home during an outage. It is the latest example of automakers broadly adapting their electrification technologies to the home energy business, especially as demand on the grid increases and sales of electric vehicles slow. Car companies are looking to leverage their multibillion-dollar EV investments to tap into a promising market in vehicle, home and grid technology, both for backup power and for supporting electrical grid resiliency.
Google's Q2 earnings of $112.11B beat Wall Street's expectations on AI boom
Google parent company Alphabet Inc. posted stronger-than-expected results for its second quarter, a sign that it’s massive artificial intelligence spending spree is paying off so far. The Mountain View, California-based company said Wednesday it earned $112.11 billion, or $9.11 per share, in the April-June period. That’s up from $28.2 billion, or $2.31 per share, in the same period a year earlier. Revenue grew 24% to $119.8 billion from $96.43 billion. Analysts, on average, were expecting revenue of $117.06 billion, according to a poll by FactSet.
Wreckage found of Pan Am plane crash that helped lead to today's safety briefings on every flight
The wreckage from a Pan Am plane crash in the ocean 74 years ago that helped lead to requirements for the passenger safety briefings on every flight today has been found off the coast of Puerto Rico. The talks flight attendants deliver about how to inflate a life vest or find the exits on a plane that are routine today were developed after 52 people perished aboard Pan Am’s Clipper Endeavor because they didn’t get off the plane before it sank. Explorers used an autonomous sonar drone to find the fuselage and tail of the DC-4 last month under 2,000 feet of water.
French lawmakers approve a sweeping social media ban for children under 15
PARIS (AP) — French lawmakers have approved a bill banning children under 15 from using social media. The move makes France the first country in the European Union to pass a blanket ban on platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids. Both chambers of the Parliament voted Tuesday in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron’s second term. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools.
FBI chief hold talks in Cambodia over closer security cooperation to combat online scam crimes
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — FBI Director Kash Patel has met with Cambodia's prime minister to discuss how to tackle online scams targeting victims worldwide. A U.N. report estimates these scams caused losses of up to $114 billion in the Asia-Pacific region last year.  Patel's visit follows a summit in Thailand focused on scam centers, attended by nearly 20 countries. Cybercrime thrives in Southeast Asia, and is linked to human trafficking. Cambodia claims to be cracking down on these illegal operations, which is a priority for the U.S. government. The U.S. supports efforts to hold scam operators accountable.
