US health department unveils strategy to expand its adoption of AI technology
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has outlined a new strategy to expand its use of artificial intelligence. The 20-page document builds on the Trump administration’s enthusiastic embrace of the rapidly advancing technology. The strategy calls for embracing a “try-first” culture for AI among the workforce and encourages employees to use chatbots and AI assistants for daily tasks. It also calls for the creation of a suite of AI resources that can be used across the department. Experts said the bold plan was worth celebrating but warned that the government's embrace of AI tools shouldn't come at the expense of safety.
One Tech Tip: Up your Christmas shopping game with AI tools
AI-powered shopping assistants have become a staple in online retail, making shopping easier and more convenient. This month, new AI tools have launched just in time for the holiday season. Amazon's Rufus chatbot, Walmart's Sparky, and Target's holiday gift finder are among the latest offerings. These chatbots aim to simplify finding the perfect gift by allowing conversational searches. General-purpose AI shopping tools, like those from OpenAI and Google, can search multiple sites for personalized recommendations. Virtual try-on tools and agentic AI for purchasing are also gaining traction, enhancing the online shopping experience.
Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications
Russian authorities say they have imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service FaceTime, alleging it was being used for organizing what it called “terrorist activities.” Thursday's announcement marks another step in Russia's ongoing effort to control internet and online communications. In recent years, Russia has adopted restrictive laws and blocked noncompliant websites and platforms. After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the government blocked major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Access to YouTube also was disrupted. Authorities have further restricted internet access with widespread shutdowns of cellphone connections. Critics say these measures are aimed at tightening internet control.
OpenAI awards $40.5M to a wide range of nonprofits under new foundation structure
OpenAI has awarded $40.5 million to more than 200 nonprofits in the first round of grants it has made since it rebranded its nonprofit as the OpenAI Foundation in October. The company has committed $25 billion to fund health research and AI resilience but it hasn't given a timeline for when it will grant out those funds. OpenAI promised $50 million in grants in July, with another $9.5 million to be announced soon. The funding is unrestricted, but OpenAI encouraged projects that support AI literacy, civic life, or economic opportunity. More than 3,000 nonprofits applied for funding.
Venmo announces it is 'back up and running' following widespread service outage
Venmo says that an issue impacting the payment service has been fixed and it is “back up and running,” after users reported trouble sending and receiving money. The company said in a post on X early Thursday that, “We’re sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate you bearing with us while our team addressed this." Website Downdetector shows reports that issues began spiking at about 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday. Some people posted on social media that they were unable to pay for medication or dinner. Peer-to-peer payment apps have exploded in popularity in the last decade.
Salesforce CEO vies to overcome investors' AI skepticism while touting company's quarterly numbers
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After riding the artificial intelligence craze to new heights, business software maker Salesforce has been pummeled by a wave of investor skepticism that’s intensified the pressure on its persuasive CEO Marc Benioff to reverse the tide. Benioff got a chance to try to change the AI narrative late Wednesday with the release of his company’s latest quarterly results. The key numbers covering the August-October eclipsed the analyst projections that help steer the stock market, providing Benioff with some material to support his contention that Salesforce’s big bets on AI will yield a jackpot. Salesforce's shares gained nearly 3% after the results came out, but it's unclear if that momentum will continue Thursday.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visits Republicans as debate over intensifying AI race rages
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is making the rounds in Washington. Huang met with separately President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans on Wednesday to talk about the future of artificial intelligence amid ongoing efforts by top Silicon Valley executives to secure favorable terms for their industry. Huang warns that any restrictions on AI will halt its advancement. That's despite mounting concerns about AI’s potential pitfalls or how foreign rivals like China may use American hardware. The Trump administration in May reversed Biden-era restrictions that had prevented Nvidia and other chipmakers from exporting their chips to a wide range of countries.
Chile becomes latest country to ban smartphone use during class
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile has passed a bill outlawing the use of mobile phones and other smart devices during classes at elementary and middle schools. The new law approved late Tuesday will take effect next spring. It will make Chile the latest country to restrict smartphone use among young students to reduce its harmful effects and curb classroom distractions. The Senate already approved the school cellphone ban in principle earlier this year. But several changes were made to the bill before coming to a vote in Chile’s lower house of Congress.
Can AI ever be funny? Some comedians embrace AI tools but they're still running the show
Comedians like Jon Lajoie and King Willonius are embracing artificial intelligence tools to help them create humor. They just don't think AI is inherently funny. The rise of generative AI has stoked division and posed challenges to a number of creative industries, including comedy. But those who've been willing to experiment with AI-assisted humor find its mostly helpful as a tool that can animate or visualize their own ideas, not make people laugh on its own.
Spotify Wrapped 2025 is here and Bad Bunny has dethroned Taylor Swift as most-streamed artist
NEW YORK (AP) — Spotify Wrapped is here. And Bad Bunny is the platform's most-streamed artist for 2025. That means he has ended Taylor Swift's two-year reign in the top spot. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” was the most streamed album globally. Spotify unveiled its annual overview of individual listening trends as well as trends from around the world on Wednesday. Users can now access their top artists, songs, genres, albums and podcasts, as well as uncover which artists had the biggest year on the platform. There are a few new features on Spotify Wrapped this year. For example, the “Top Albums” feature has returned.
