Judge orders search shakeup in Google monopoly case, but keeps hands off Chrome and default deals
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday ordered a shake-up of Google’s search engine in an attempt to curb the corrosive power of an illegal monopoly while rebuffing the U.S. government’s attempt to break up the company and impose other restraints. The 226-page decision made by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C., will likely ripple across the technological landscape at a time when the industry is being reshaped by artificial intelligence breakthroughs — including conversational “answer engines” as companies like ChatGPT and Perplexity try to upend Google’s long-held position as the internet’s main gateway.
OpenAI and Meta say they're fixing AI chatbots to better respond to teens in distress
OpenAI and Meta are adjusting how their chatbots respond to teenagers showing signs of distress. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, plans to introduce new controls for parents to link their accounts to their teen's account. Parents can choose which features to disable and receive notifications if their teen is in distress. The company says ChatGPT will redirect distressing conversations to more capable AI models. An attorney for parents who sued OpenAI for the wrongful death of their teenager criticized the changes as insufficient. Meta also says it is blocking its chatbots from discussing self-harm and suicide with teens, directing them to expert resources.
What to know about Russia's GPS jamming operation in Europe
LONDON (AP) — Bulgarian authorities aren't investigating a suspected Russian interference operation involving a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen because they say the interference is now common. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Nordic and Baltic nations have reported increased electronic disruptions. Russian authorities claim the jamming is defensive but NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggested the interference is part of a complex Russian campaign.
The success of AI music creators sparks debate on future of music industry
LONDON (AP) — Oliver McCann, a British AI music creator, uses AI to produce songs across various genres. Despite lacking musical talent, McCann signed with Hallwood Media after one of his tracks gained 3 million streams. The rise of AI tools like Suno and Udio has sparked debate about AI's role in music. Experts say AI is set to transform the industry, though its impact on the global music market remains unclear. AI-generated music is growing, but it faces legal challenges over copyright. Creators hope AI will become a mainstream part of the music world.
Humanoid robots showcase skills at Ancient Olympia. But they're on a long road to catch up to AI
ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece (AP) — Humanoid robots kicked soccer balls, boxed and even attempted archery at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia. But they also froze mid-routine for battery swaps on Monday. The spectacle at a four-day conference and display event underscored both the promise and the hurdles facing humanoid machines. They lag behind the rapid progress of artificial intelligence. Experts say limited real-world training data slows development. But collaboration among researchers, data firms and manufacturers are drawing billions in funding. Developers showcased prosthetic hands, brain cell-powered chips and other advances. It offered a fresh look at a field still wobbling but steadily marching toward practical use.
A base deep in the Swedish forest is part of Europe's hope to compete in the space race
KIRUNA, Sweden (AP) — For decades, Europe has relied upon the U.S. for its security among the stars. But the Trump administration’s “America First” policies, plus a commercial market that’s growing exponentially, has prompted Europeans to rethink their approach. The state-owned Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden, is among the sites building out orbital rocket programs to allow Europe to advance in the global space race and launch satellites from the continent’s mainland. Currently, Europe’s only space base capable of launching rockets and satellites into orbit is in the sparsely populated French Guiana. An expert believes a successful orbital launch from continental Europe could occur within the next year.
Disney to pay $10 million fine after FTC says it allowed data collection on kids
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Walt Disney Co. will pay a $10 million fine to settle a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit alleging it allowed personal data to be collected on kids under 13, violating federal law. The FTC said Tuesday Disney violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, which requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parents’ consent before collecting personal information of children under 13. According to the complaint, Disney failed to properly label some videos that it uploaded to YouTube as “Made for Kids.” The mislabeling allowed Disney, through YouTube, to collect personal data from children under 13.
AI Apocalypse? Why language surrounding tech is sounding increasingly religious
TORONTO (AP) — Geoffrey Hinton is sounding the alarm about the risks of artificial intelligence. He believes AI could become a superintelligent entity that might threaten humanity. Known as the “Godfather of AI,” Hinton has voiced concerns since leaving Google in 2023. He urges public awareness to pressure politicians for regulation. Some tech leaders, like OpenAI's Sam Altman and Anthropic's Dario Amodei, describe AI in almost divine terms. Others, like Ray Kurzweil, predict humans will merge with AI, enhancing intelligence. While some praise AI's potential, skeptics like Max Tegmark caution against unregulated development, fearing hubris in the tech industry.
Oregon could join Hawaii in mandating pay-per-mile fees for EV owners as gas tax projections fall
Oregon lawmakers gathered in Salem on Friday for a special session focused on transportation funding. But while the state Senate met as scheduled, the state House failed to reach the two-thirds quorum required to conduct business, leaving the session in limbo. The transportation funding package includes a proposal that would make Oregon the second U.S. state to require electric vehicle owners to enroll in a pay-per-mile program. States are facing transportation budget shortfalls partly stemming from projected declines in gas tax revenues as more people adopt fuel-efficient and electric cars. In 2023, Hawaii became the first state to create a mandatory road usage charge for EVs.
Online age checks are proliferating, but so are concerns they curtail internet freedom
Online age checks are on the rise in the U.S. and elsewhere, asking people for IDs or face scans to prove they are over 18 or 21 or even 13. To proponents, they’re a tool to keep children away from adult websites and other material that might be harmful to them. But opponents see a worrisome trend toward a less secure, less private and less free internet, where people can be denied access not just to pornography but news, health information and the ability to speak openly and anonymously.
