China's new AI model halts new subscriptions as demand swamps capacity
HONG KONG (AP) — The Chinese AI model Kimi K3 has suspended new subscriptions after overwhelming demand pushed its capacity close to its limits. It highlights challenges faced by Chinese AI models as the U.S.-China tech race intensifies. Moonshot AI, based in Beijing, announced the pause on Sunday, prioritizing existing subscribers while adding capacity. K3's launch last week aimed to challenge advanced models by Anthropic and OpenAI. At 2.8 trillion parameters, it's the world's largest open-source AI model. The release has pressured U.S. AI stocks, with concerns over more affordable Chinese models affecting pricing ability and demand. Other latest Chinese models, like Alibaba's Qwen3.8 Max, are also gaining global attention.
French lawmakers race to introduce an under-15 social media ban before the new school year
PARIS (AP) — French lawmakers have reached a compromise that could lead to a ban on social media for children under 15. The bill, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to take effect at the start of the new school year. Lawmakers agreed on a blanket ban after the European Commission found the initial bill incompatible with EU law. The bill excludes educational platforms and aligns with the EU Digital Services Act. If adopted, it can't be passed before August 10 due to EU notification rules. The move follows global trends as countries like Australia and the UK impose similar restrictions.
Florida GOP lawmaker and governor candidate says AI data center legislation keeps utility costs down
WASHINGTON (AP) — Florida Republican congressman and governor's race candidate Byron Donalds has announced legislation intended to prevent artificial intelligence data centers from increasing utility costs. The proposal was revealed Monday and would require data centers to source electricity and water privately, not from public systems. This aligns with a previous initiative by President Donald Trump. Donalds is backed by pro-AI groups and Trump and emphasizes protecting ratepayers. The legislation comes amid rapid data center expansion to meet AI demand. Concerns over utility bills and environmental impact have led more than 20 Florida counties to reject or pause data center construction. Donalds aims to improve efficiency and relocate centers from populated areas.
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in Miami, US Marshals Service tells AP
Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate have been arrested by federal authorities in Miami. Brady McCarron, a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service, told The Associated Press that the brothers were taken into custody on a sealed warrant. British prosecutors announced late Saturday they were seeking the extradition of the brothers on rape and sex trafficking charges. The offenses are alleged to have occurred between July 2010 and August 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement. The pending charges in the United Kingdom accused the brothers of abusing women in an area north of London, where they grew up. Their lawyers had said they denied the allegations.
Chinese AI model takes US tech industry by surprise with abilities rivaling Claude and ChatGPT
Another powerful new artificial intelligence model from China is taking the U.S. tech industry by surprise. The Beijing-based startup Moonshot on Friday unveiled its Kimi K3, the latest release from Chinese startups whose “open-source” AI technology is making the California titans of AI sweat. The technology appears to be catching up to the best versions of Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Kimi K3 topped the charts on Arena’s ranking of what it calls “front-end coding capability,” which is one measure of an AI large language model’s performance. The unveiling came shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s opening address to the nation’s annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai.
China's Xi calls for more global efforts to guide AI, chides US for its curbs on tech sharing
SHANGHAI (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more global cooperation in the development and governance of artificial intelligence, while promising support for other countries. Speaking at a conference in Shanghai, he reiterated China's objections to what he called the “overstretching” of national security concerns. Xi said AI should not be dominated by any single nation. American-led restrictions have blocked China from accessing some of the world's most advanced technologies, intensifying the rivalry between the world's two biggest economies. China plans to provide 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing countries over the next five years. Xi also announced the establishment of AI cooperation centers with various organizations in the developing world.
One Tech Tip: How to soothe thumb pain when texting and scrolling
NEW YORK (AP) — A few simple stretches can ease thumb and wrist pain from phone use. Mobile phones have gotten bigger and heavier over the years. Experts say repetitive typing and swiping can lead to more serious issues like thumb arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. When scrolling, mix up posture by switching the phone between hands and tapping with different fingers. Get a grip accessory for the back of the device to distribute weight more evenly. To ease soreness, flex the wrist back and forth and move each thumb in slow circles. If symptoms get more serious and don't go away, see a doctor.
What to Stream: Charli xcx, 'The Dink,' 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' and '72 Hours'
Charli XCX claims the dance floor is dead on her new album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” out Friday. The album features distorted guitars and processed vocals, with a pop heart intact. Meanwhile, Jake Johnson stars in “The Dink,” a comedy about pickleball, streaming July 24 on Apple TV. These are some of the streaming offerings the week of July 20. Also online will be Kevin Hart’s new Netflix comedy, “72 Hours” — it arrives July 24. The “Big Bang Theory” spinoff, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” premieres July 28 on HBO Max. Nintendo’s “Splatoon Raiders” offers a treasure hunt adventure on Switch 2, starting June 23.
AI chatbots are at risk of spreading government restrictions on online speech, a new study says
WASHINGTON (AP) — A study shows major artificial intelligence models are likely to refuse to criticize restrictive leaders worldwide. Thursday's Meta Oversight Board report warns AI systems might unintentionally extend “illegitimate restrictions on freedom of expression.” The report raises concerns the large language models powering chatbots and AI agents could fuel government influence over online speech. The findings come as countries determine how to erect guardrails around AI without impeding their ability to compete in the rapidly developing field. A separate study by scholars at U.S. universities finds U.S.-built AI models are vulnerable to foreign controls when trained on non-English-language data influenced by governments. Several AI companies have failed to respond to requests for comment.
