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<p>ChatGPT, the blockbuster artificial intelligence tool that not only started the AI craze but also influenced the direction the tech industry was headed, continues to improve itself. OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed firm which made ChatGPT, has now announced that it is testing memory functionality for its chatbot. On its official blog, OpenAI&nbsp;said that the new functionality is being tested "to remember things you discuss to make future chats more helpful". The company, however, adds, "You’re in control of ChatGPT’s memory."</p>

<p>ChatGPT's memory will save a user's time as they would not have to enter the same prompts each time they start a conversation. With memory, subsequent conversations with the Chatbot are likely to be 'informed' by the previous interactions a user would have had with the chatbot.</p>

<p>OpenAI said that the memory functionality was initially being made available to "a small portion of ChatGPT free and Plus users this week". The company further said that it will make observations about how useful the functionality is and then take a call on how to carry out a wider launch.</p>

<p>Users can ask the chatbot to ask to remember something specific or allow it to pick details over time. The more a user interacts with ChatGPT with the memory function on, the more the chatbot will improve its familiarity with you or what it remembers about things you tell it.</p>

<h2>Will the use of memory function be compulsory for a user?</h2>

<p>No, says OpenAI. A user can turn off the function at any time in settings. This way, the chatbot will not create any memories.</p>

<p>A user can also explicitly ask ChatGPT to forget something. It would also be possible to clear specific or all memories.</p>

<p>"We may use content that you provide to ChatGPT, including memories, to improve our models for everyone. If you’d like, you can turn this off through your Data Controls. As always, we won't train on content from ChatGPT Team and Enterprise customers," says OpenAI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


ChatGPT, the blockbuster artificial intelligence tool that not only started the AI craze but also influenced the direction the tech industry was headed, continues to improve itself.

ChatGPT, the blockbuster artificial intelligence tool that not only started the AI craze but also influenced the direction the tech industry was headed, continues to improve itself. OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed firm which made ChatGPT, has now announced that it is testing memory functionality for its chatbot. On its official blog, OpenAI said that the new functionality is being tested "to remember things you discuss to make future chats more helpful". The company, however, adds, "You’re in control of ChatGPT’s memory." ChatGPT's memory will save a user's time as they would not have to enter the same prompts each time they start a conversation. With memory, subsequent conversations with the Chatbot are likely to be 'informed' by the previous interactions a user would have had with the chatbot. OpenAI said that the memory functionality was initially being made available to "a small portion of ChatGPT free and Plus users this week". The company further said that it will make observations about how useful the functionality is and then take a call on how to carry out a wider launch. Users can ask the chatbot to ask to remember something specific or allow it to pick details over time. The more a user interacts with ChatGPT with the memory function on, the more the chatbot will improve its familiarity with you or what it remembers about things you tell it. Will the use of memory function be compulsory for a user? No, says OpenAI. A user can turn off the function at any time in settings. This way, the chatbot will not create any memories. A user can also explicitly ask ChatGPT to forget something. It would also be possible to clear specific or all memories. "We may use content that you provide to ChatGPT, including memories, to improve our models for everyone. If you’d like, you can turn this off through your Data Controls. As always, we won't train on content from ChatGPT Team and Enterprise customers," says OpenAI. (With inputs from agencies)

ChatGPT to soon have 'memory' to enhance conversations with users

<p>Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that his administration has taken prominent social media platforms to court for fuelling mental health crisis among young people. The lawsuit has been filed in the California Superior Court and aims at Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat and TikTok. The lawsuit says that the social media platforms have been designed to "purposefully manipulate and addict children and teens to social media applications."</p>

<p>These social media platforms are already targets of strong criticism and hundreds of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of children as well as school districts over their addictive nature, especially for youth.</p>

<p>"Over the past decade, we have seen just how addictive and overwhelming the online world can be, exposing our children to a non-stop stream of harmful content and fueling our national youth mental health crisis," Adams said in a statement.</p>

<p>There has been an increased push in recent years&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;social media platforms design policies and tools to protect children from content that can be harmful to them.</p>

<p><strong>Video | New York court judge denies Trump's dismissal request</strong></p>

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<p>Just last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the US Senate for a hearing during which he apologised to families for the impact that social media has had on their children.</p>

<p>Reuters quoted a Meta spokesperson as saying that the tech giant wanted teenagers to have&nbsp;"safe, age-appropriate experiences online". Meanwhile, TikTok said it will tackle industry-wide challenges in order to keep the community safe.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-sets-march-25-date-for-historic-trump-criminal-trial-690678">Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic Trump criminal trial</a></strong></p>

<p>"We've built services and policies to give young people age-appropriate experiences, and parents robust controls. The allegations in this complaint are simply not true," said Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>Mayor Eric Adams also took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the lawsuit.</p>

<p>"Social media has contributed to a youth mental health crisis in New York City. Today, we’re taking bold action to hold these companies accountable because our children, our families, and our future are more important than profit," he posted. The post contained the&nbsp;link to a page on the official New York City website that explained more about the lawsuit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that his administration has taken prominent social media platforms to court for fuelling mental health crisis among young people.

Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that his administration has taken prominent social media platforms to court for fuelling mental health crisis among young people. The lawsuit has been filed in the California Superior Court and aims at Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat and TikTok. The lawsuit says that the social media platforms have been designed to "purposefully manipulate and addict children and teens to social media applications." These social media platforms are already targets of strong criticism and hundreds of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of children as well as school districts over their addictive nature, especially for youth. "Over the past decade, we have seen just how addictive and overwhelming the online world can be, exposing our children to a non-stop stream of harmful content and fueling our national youth mental health crisis," Adams said in a statement. There has been an increased push in recent years demanding social media platforms design policies and tools to protect children from content that can be harmful to them. Video | New York court judge denies Trump's dismissal request × Just last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the US Senate for a hearing during which he apologised to families for the impact that social media has had on their children. Reuters quoted a Meta spokesperson as saying that the tech giant wanted teenagers to have "safe, age-appropriate experiences online". Meanwhile, TikTok said it will tackle industry-wide challenges in order to keep the community safe. Also Read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic Trump criminal trial "We've built services and policies to give young people age-appropriate experiences, and parents robust controls. The allegations in this complaint are simply not true," said Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda, as quoted by Reuters. Mayor Eric Adams also took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the lawsuit. "Social media has contributed to a youth mental health crisis in New York City. Today, we’re taking bold action to hold these companies accountable because our children, our families, and our future are more important than profit," he posted. The post contained the link to a page on the official New York City website that explained more about the lawsuit. (With inputs from agencies)

New York mayor sues social media giants over children's mental health

<p>In the modern age, love is a rare find, and sometimes people just make do with technology: enter AI romance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For those of you who didn't know this was a thing, there are AI chatbots that can help somewhat fill the romantic vacuum which comes from not having a significant other. These chatbots can help you during&nbsp;the time of loneliness, give you an outlet for your frustrations, and even help you with the opportunity to work out your sexual fantasies. But, how safe or trustworthy are these AI girlfriends/boyfriends? Experts warn they can break your heart.</p>

<h2><strong>A privacy nightmare</strong></h2>

<p>In its survey,&nbsp;the&nbsp;non profit organisation the Mozilla Foundation has come to the conclusion that these chatbots are nothing short of a privacy nightmare.</p>

<p>"Marketed as an empathetic friend, lover, or soulmate, and built to ask you endless questions, there’s no doubt romantic AI chatbots will end up collecting sensitive personal information about you."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/take-charge-companies-using-feminist-messages-to-push-useless-health-products-onto-women-finds-study-690564">'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study</a></strong></p>

<p>In the report, researcher Misha Rykov writes "Although they are marketed as something that will enhance your mental health and well-being."</p>

<p>"They specialize in delivering dependency, loneliness, and toxicity, all while prying as much data as possible from you," she adds.</p>

<p>Researchers found that about 73 per cent of the apps hide how they manage security vulnerabilities, 45 per cent allow weak passwords, and all but one — Eva AI Chat Bot &amp; Soulmate — share or sell personal data. About half of the apps or 54 per cent don't let users delete their personal data.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nothing-short-of-remarkable-this-is-how-much-elon-musk-earns-in-one-minute-690652">'Nothing short of remarkable': THIS is how much Elon Musk earns in one minute</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, one AI — CrushOn.AI even collects data on the users' sexual health, prescription meds, and gender-affirming care. This, as per the Mozilla Foundation is mentioned in the apps' privacy policy.</p>

<h2><strong>Disturbing content</strong></h2>

<p>What's more, these AI chatbots at times even give way to some disturbing content. The survey found that some apps have chatbots with pretty dark character descriptions, featuring violence, underage abuse. Others&nbsp;carried warnings that the chatbots may be "offensive, unsafe, or hostile".</p>

<p>Not just that, the Mozilla Foundation noted that previously apps have even encouraged dangerous behaviour: suicide (Chai AI) and an assassination attempt on the late British monarch Queen Elizabeth II (Replika).</p>

<p>The researchers suggest that those trying out the world of AI companionship should refrain from saying "anything to your AI friend that you wouldn't want your cousin or colleagues to read."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the modern age, love is a rare find, and sometimes people just make do with technology: enter AI romance. For those of you who didn't know this was a thing, there are AI chatbots that can help somewhat fill the romantic vacuum which comes from not having a significant other.

In the modern age, love is a rare find, and sometimes people just make do with technology: enter AI romance. For those of you who didn't know this was a thing, there are AI chatbots that can help somewhat fill the romantic vacuum which comes from not having a significant other. These chatbots can help you during the time of loneliness, give you an outlet for your frustrations, and even help you with the opportunity to work out your sexual fantasies. But, how safe or trustworthy are these AI girlfriends/boyfriends? Experts warn they can break your heart. A privacy nightmare In its survey, the non profit organisation the Mozilla Foundation has come to the conclusion that these chatbots are nothing short of a privacy nightmare. "Marketed as an empathetic friend, lover, or soulmate, and built to ask you endless questions, there’s no doubt romantic AI chatbots will end up collecting sensitive personal information about you." Also read | 'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study In the report, researcher Misha Rykov writes "Although they are marketed as something that will enhance your mental health and well-being." "They specialize in delivering dependency, loneliness, and toxicity, all while prying as much data as possible from you," she adds. Researchers found that about 73 per cent of the apps hide how they manage security vulnerabilities, 45 per cent allow weak passwords, and all but one — Eva AI Chat Bot & Soulmate — share or sell personal data. About half of the apps or 54 per cent don't let users delete their personal data. Also read | 'Nothing short of remarkable': THIS is how much Elon Musk earns in one minute Furthermore, one AI — CrushOn.AI even collects data on the users' sexual health, prescription meds, and gender-affirming care. This, as per the Mozilla Foundation is mentioned in the apps' privacy policy. Disturbing content What's more, these AI chatbots at times even give way to some disturbing content. The survey found that some apps have chatbots with pretty dark character descriptions, featuring violence, underage abuse. Others carried warnings that the chatbots may be "offensive, unsafe, or hostile". Not just that, the Mozilla Foundation noted that previously apps have even encouraged dangerous behaviour: suicide (Chai AI) and an assassination attempt on the late British monarch Queen Elizabeth II (Replika). The researchers suggest that those trying out the world of AI companionship should refrain from saying "anything to your AI friend that you wouldn't want your cousin or colleagues to read." (With inputs from agencies)

Love in the age of AI: How safe are AI romance chatbots? Experts warn of heartbreak and privacy risks

<p>Big Tech companies like Apple and Google constantly draw criticism from various quarters for their collective monopoly of the digital world. The long list of critics now&nbsp;has&nbsp;a new&nbsp;addition.&nbsp;Anupam&nbsp;Mittal, one of the judges from the popular show Shark Tank India has compared the tech giants to the East India Company, the yesteryear global business behemoth which had lion's share in establishing the colonial British Empire in India and elsewhere in the world. In 19th century, shares of East Indian Company was almost like an infallible global currency, the status US Dollar enjoys today. But due to the company's&nbsp;part in colonialism, the name East India Company has extremely negative connotations.</p>

<p>In an interview to Business Insider India, Mittal also called for penalties on the Big Tech 'bullies'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is the new East India Company and they operate with complete arrogance and impunity...," he said.</p>

<p>He made his case giving examples</p>

<p>"Startups spend anywhere between 10-50% of revenue on advertising on these platforms [like app stores] already. Essentially, the app store is worth nothing if you don’t have content....What choice does a company have but to adhere to their unfair practices… Now they say that any transaction that happens on apps downloaded via the store will be subject to 15-30% tax/commissions. What this means is that they want 50% of the revenues of the startups....," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Google announces $27 mn funding to boost AI training for people in Europe</strong></p>

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<p>He opined that getting the big tech companies to comply remains a challenge for governments across the world including India. Mittal said that in India, government and regulator have the right intent but a procedural solution needs to be found to get these companies to follow law of the land.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spanish-artist-alicia-framis-all-set-to-marry-ai-created-hologram-first-such-hybrid-couple-in-human-history-689904">Spanish artist Alicia Framis all set to marry AI-created hologram; first such hybrid couple in human history</a></strong></p>

<p>"There should be penal provisions for anybody who abuses the law or twists and turns it while violating the very spirit of it. Non-compliance with judicial orders is contempt of court and so there is an opportunity to send a very strong message. These bullies need one arm chopped off in the form of penalties, a rap on the knuckles will not work as they are too big to care about a couple of hundred million in penalties," he told Business Insider.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Big Tech companies like Apple and Google constantly draw criticism from various quarters for their collective monopoly of the digital world. The long list of critics now has a new addition.

Big Tech companies like Apple and Google constantly draw criticism from various quarters for their collective monopoly of the digital world. The long list of critics now has a new addition. Anupam Mittal, one of the judges from the popular show Shark Tank India has compared the tech giants to the East India Company, the yesteryear global business behemoth which had lion's share in establishing the colonial British Empire in India and elsewhere in the world. In 19th century, shares of East Indian Company was almost like an infallible global currency, the status US Dollar enjoys today. But due to the company's part in colonialism, the name East India Company has extremely negative connotations. In an interview to Business Insider India, Mittal also called for penalties on the Big Tech 'bullies'. "It is the new East India Company and they operate with complete arrogance and impunity...," he said. He made his case giving examples "Startups spend anywhere between 10-50% of revenue on advertising on these platforms [like app stores] already. Essentially, the app store is worth nothing if you don’t have content....What choice does a company have but to adhere to their unfair practices… Now they say that any transaction that happens on apps downloaded via the store will be subject to 15-30% tax/commissions. What this means is that they want 50% of the revenues of the startups....," he said. Watch | Google announces $27 mn funding to boost AI training for people in Europe × He opined that getting the big tech companies to comply remains a challenge for governments across the world including India. Mittal said that in India, government and regulator have the right intent but a procedural solution needs to be found to get these companies to follow law of the land. Also Read | Spanish artist Alicia Framis all set to marry AI-created hologram; first such hybrid couple in human history "There should be penal provisions for anybody who abuses the law or twists and turns it while violating the very spirit of it. Non-compliance with judicial orders is contempt of court and so there is an opportunity to send a very strong message. These bullies need one arm chopped off in the form of penalties, a rap on the knuckles will not work as they are too big to care about a couple of hundred million in penalties," he told Business Insider. (With inputs from agencies)

Penalties for Big Tech 'bullies': Shark Tank judge compares Apple, Google to East India Company

<p>Harvey Sultzer, a US-based grieving widower, is suing the medical giant Intuitive Surgical (IS) seeking over $75,000 in damages for his wife's death.</p>

<p>He claims that his wife Sandra Sultzer's death was caused by the surgical robot da Vinci. As per Sultzer, the robot inadvertently burned a hole in Sandra's organs during a procedure, ultimately leading to her demise.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>As per a New York Post report, in September 2021, Sandra underwent treatment for her colon cancer at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The surgery was done using the da Vinci robot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The surgical robot is marketed for its unparalleled precision "beyond the limits of the human hand" and minimally invasive nature, "designed to provide surgeons with natural dexterity while operating through small incisions".</p>

<p>However, according to the lawsuit, this very device burned a catastrophic hole in Sandra's small intestine, which made additional medical interventions necessary.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-cyber-flashing-uk-man-becomes-first-to-be-convicted-of-crime-690253">Explained | What is ‘cyber flashing’? UK man becomes first to be convicted of the crime in England and Wales</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the lawsuit, after the procedures, Sandra continued to suffer from abdominal pain and fever, right until she died.</p>

<p>The lawsuit further accuses IS of withholding critical information about the robot's insulation issues, which were flagged in an FDA investigation spanning 2009 to 2011.</p>

<p>It alleges that despite knowing the potential for the device to cause internal organ burns, IS allegedly failed to disclose this risk to both the Sultzer family and the wider public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that IS has received numerous reports of injuries and defects related to the surgical robot but has "systematically underreported" these to the FDA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-polar-bears-may-be-dying-of-starvation-rare-footage-provides-some-insight-690247">Watch | Polar bears may be dying of starvation, rare footage provides some insight</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Legal woes</strong></h2>

<p>The legal woes of IS, as per the report, are not new. Previous financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that the company was involved in approximately 93 lawsuits in 2014.</p>

<p>These lawsuits alleged "that they or a family member underwent surgical procedures that utilised the da Vinci Surgical System and sustained a variety of personal injuries and, in some cases, death as a result of such surgery."</p>

<p>The lawsuit also takes aim at IS's business practices, criticising the company for selling its robots to hospitals lacking experience in robotic surgery and says that the company fails to adequately train surgeons on how to operate the da Vinci device. While IS does offer a training programme, a 2018 NBC News investigation revealed that the company cannot legally compel surgeons to complete it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Harvey Sultzer, a US-based grieving widower, is suing the medical giant Intuitive Surgical (IS) seeking over $75,000 in damages for his wife's death. He claims that his wife Sandra Sultzer's death was caused by the surgical robot da Vinci.

Harvey Sultzer, a US-based grieving widower, is suing the medical giant Intuitive Surgical (IS) seeking over $75,000 in damages for his wife's death. He claims that his wife Sandra Sultzer's death was caused by the surgical robot da Vinci. As per Sultzer, the robot inadvertently burned a hole in Sandra's organs during a procedure, ultimately leading to her demise. What happened? As per a New York Post report, in September 2021, Sandra underwent treatment for her colon cancer at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The surgery was done using the da Vinci robot. The surgical robot is marketed for its unparalleled precision "beyond the limits of the human hand" and minimally invasive nature, "designed to provide surgeons with natural dexterity while operating through small incisions". However, according to the lawsuit, this very device burned a catastrophic hole in Sandra's small intestine, which made additional medical interventions necessary. Also read | Explained | What is ‘cyber flashing’? UK man becomes first to be convicted of the crime in England and Wales As per the lawsuit, after the procedures, Sandra continued to suffer from abdominal pain and fever, right until she died. The lawsuit further accuses IS of withholding critical information about the robot's insulation issues, which were flagged in an FDA investigation spanning 2009 to 2011. It alleges that despite knowing the potential for the device to cause internal organ burns, IS allegedly failed to disclose this risk to both the Sultzer family and the wider public. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that IS has received numerous reports of injuries and defects related to the surgical robot but has "systematically underreported" these to the FDA. Also read | Watch | Polar bears may be dying of starvation, rare footage provides some insight Legal woes The legal woes of IS, as per the report, are not new. Previous financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that the company was involved in approximately 93 lawsuits in 2014. These lawsuits alleged "that they or a family member underwent surgical procedures that utilised the da Vinci Surgical System and sustained a variety of personal injuries and, in some cases, death as a result of such surgery." The lawsuit also takes aim at IS's business practices, criticising the company for selling its robots to hospitals lacking experience in robotic surgery and says that the company fails to adequately train surgeons on how to operate the da Vinci device. While IS does offer a training programme, a 2018 NBC News investigation revealed that the company cannot legally compel surgeons to complete it. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Surgical robot kills cancer patient after burning hole in internal organs, husband seeks justice

<p>Google has issued a warning for all Android and iPhone users as the tech trends move towards greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with smartphones. Artificial intelligence, after catching hold of popular perception after the 2022 release of the blockbuster generative AI tool ChatGPT, has moved beyond being just a thing with a 'wow factor' and tech giants have already taken steps to integrate AI tools and apps in existing ecosystems. Microsoft has already unrolled Copilot for existing Windows users.</p>

<p>Smartphone users by now are fairly adept at taking steps to guard their privacy and data in the digital world by keeping close tabs on which apps they download, which permissions they grant and so on.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Google's ChatBot bard will now be called Gemini</strong></p>

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<p>But when it comes to generative AI, it is still seen that users are willing to experiment and there have been no limits to users' interaction with the tools. Even more than a year after ChatGPT's launch and slew of other AI tool releases, the novelty factor remains.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-to-shell-out-350-million-to-settle-data-privacy-lawsuit-687634">Google to shell out $350 million to settle data privacy lawsuit</a></strong></p>

<p>Google jumped on the AI bandwagon by launching Bard, its own AI tool. After initial hiccups, Bard took some strides to establish Google as one of the major players in the AI field. The company has renamed the AI tool from Bard to Gemini and has cautioned all smartphone users, no matter which OS they use, Android or iOS.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-unveils-gemini-ai-formerly-bard-chatbot-introducing-paid-subscription-service-688512">Google unveils Gemini AI, formerly Bard chatbot, introducing paid subscription service</a></strong></p>

<p>“Please don’t enter confidential information in your conversations or any data you wouldn’t want a reviewer to see or Google to use to improve our products, services, and machine-learning technologies,” Google&nbsp;warned on its 'Gemini App Privacy Hub' blog.</p>

<p>“Google collects your Gemini Apps conversations, related product usage information, info about your location, and your feedback,” the company says, adding that it uses the information to "improve, and develop Google products and services and machine learning technologies".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google has issued a warning for all Android and iPhone users as the tech trends move towards greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with smartphones.

Google has issued a warning for all Android and iPhone users as the tech trends move towards greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with smartphones. Artificial intelligence, after catching hold of popular perception after the 2022 release of the blockbuster generative AI tool ChatGPT, has moved beyond being just a thing with a 'wow factor' and tech giants have already taken steps to integrate AI tools and apps in existing ecosystems. Microsoft has already unrolled Copilot for existing Windows users. Smartphone users by now are fairly adept at taking steps to guard their privacy and data in the digital world by keeping close tabs on which apps they download, which permissions they grant and so on. Watch | Google's ChatBot bard will now be called Gemini × But when it comes to generative AI, it is still seen that users are willing to experiment and there have been no limits to users' interaction with the tools. Even more than a year after ChatGPT's launch and slew of other AI tool releases, the novelty factor remains. Also Read | Google to shell out $350 million to settle data privacy lawsuit Google jumped on the AI bandwagon by launching Bard, its own AI tool. After initial hiccups, Bard took some strides to establish Google as one of the major players in the AI field. The company has renamed the AI tool from Bard to Gemini and has cautioned all smartphone users, no matter which OS they use, Android or iOS. Also Read | Google unveils Gemini AI, formerly Bard chatbot, introducing paid subscription service “Please don’t enter confidential information in your conversations or any data you wouldn’t want a reviewer to see or Google to use to improve our products, services, and machine-learning technologies,” Google warned on its 'Gemini App Privacy Hub' blog. “Google collects your Gemini Apps conversations, related product usage information, info about your location, and your feedback,” the company says, adding that it uses the information to "improve, and develop Google products and services and machine learning technologies". (With inputs from agencies)

Google warns all Android and iPhone users of privacy threats. Details here

<p>As world leaders are being called on by experts to introduce laws to regulate the rampant growth of artificial intelligence (AI) warning of its alarming impact on society, there is yet fear stemming from AI-based chatbots, radicalisation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hitler chatbot</strong></h2>

<p>In 2022, the release of ChatGPT marked a pivotal moment in the development of AI, but some of its responses to users prompted fears notably in the context of far-right extremism and now they may be becoming a reality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gab, an American social networking platform, is known for its far-right user base and is reportedly often described as a haven for neo-Nazis and racists.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Rise of racist, fascist AI bot platforms | Navigating extremism in the era of AI</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-of-racist-fascist-ai-bot-platforms-navigating-extremism-in-the-era-of-ai-689551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Andrew Torba, Gab’s CEO, first announced the company’s AI agenda in January last year in a post declaring that “Christians Must Enter the AI Arms Race,” according to a report by Rolling Stones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also reportedly called out the “liberal/globalist/talmudic/satanic worldview” of mainstream AI tools and vowed to build a system which upholds “historical and biblical truth.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This included creating a chatbot with characters including Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Osama bin Laden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Torba, in a blog post about AI, also cited his conversations with ChatGPT saying that it will “scold” users for asking controversial questions and “shove liberal dogma down your throat, trying to programme your mind to stop asking those questions”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Rolling Stone citing a preview by the tech company shows it has created an array of right-wing AI chatbots, including one named “Uncle A”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/is-chatgpt-biased-internet-calls-it-woke-and-points-to-an-alleged-prejudice-heres-all-you-need-to-know-562061">Is ChatGPT biased? Internet calls it 'woke' and points to an alleged prejudice. Here's all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>“Uncle A” reportedly poses as Hitler and denies the Holocaust, calling the slaughter of six million Jews “preposterous” and a lie “perpetrated by our enemies.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Weaponisation of chatbots’</strong></h2>

<p>“It would appear that the potential weaponisation of chatbots is well under way and now presents a clear security threat,” said Adam Hadley, founder and executive director of Tech Against Terrorism, as quoted by The Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “We can see use cases where these specially developed automated tools can radicalise, spread propaganda, and disseminate misinformation.”</p>

<p>A survey by the Anti-Defamation League, in May last year, found that a majority of Americans are worried about AI’s impact, including the propagation of false information, radicalisation, and the promotion of hate and antisemitism.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Unusually high’</strong></h2>

<p>The Anti-Defamation League, in a separate report, said that right-wing extremists committed every ideologically driven mass killing in 2022 with an “unusually high” number perpetrated by white supremacists.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-attempts-to-bring-dead-back-to-life-give-people-closure-601951">AI attempts to bring dead back to life, give people closure</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2018, Robert Bowers perpetrated the deadliest attack on Jews in United States history when he opened fire with an AR-15 rifle after he had reportedly raved on social media about his hatred of Jewish people. This was without the presence of an AI chatbot.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Larger issue?</strong></h2>

<p>Experts have also feared that the responses of these chatbots could misrepresent historical facts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, an app called Historical Figures which allowed users to speak to notable people from history including Hitler, his Nazi lieutenants and other dictators from the past, sparked controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After users shared screenshots of their conversations, including one with Heinrich Himmler, the chief of Nazi Germany’s SS and an architect of the Holocaust. The app version of Himmler denied responsibility for the Holocaust despite his well-documented role.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


As world leaders are being called on by experts to introduce laws to regulate the rampant growth of artificial intelligence (AI) warning of its alarming impact on society, there is yet fear stemming from AI-based chatbots, radicalisation.

As world leaders are being called on by experts to introduce laws to regulate the rampant growth of artificial intelligence (AI) warning of its alarming impact on society, there is yet fear stemming from AI-based chatbots, radicalisation. Hitler chatbot In 2022, the release of ChatGPT marked a pivotal moment in the development of AI, but some of its responses to users prompted fears notably in the context of far-right extremism and now they may be becoming a reality. Gab, an American social networking platform, is known for its far-right user base and is reportedly often described as a haven for neo-Nazis and racists. WATCH | Rise of racist, fascist AI bot platforms | Navigating extremism in the era of AI Andrew Torba, Gab’s CEO, first announced the company’s AI agenda in January last year in a post declaring that “Christians Must Enter the AI Arms Race,” according to a report by Rolling Stones. He also reportedly called out the “liberal/globalist/talmudic/satanic worldview” of mainstream AI tools and vowed to build a system which upholds “historical and biblical truth.” This included creating a chatbot with characters including Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Osama bin Laden. Torba, in a blog post about AI, also cited his conversations with ChatGPT saying that it will “scold” users for asking controversial questions and “shove liberal dogma down your throat, trying to programme your mind to stop asking those questions”. A report by Rolling Stone citing a preview by the tech company shows it has created an array of right-wing AI chatbots, including one named “Uncle A”. ALSO READ | Is ChatGPT biased? Internet calls it 'woke' and points to an alleged prejudice. Here's all you need to know “Uncle A” reportedly poses as Hitler and denies the Holocaust, calling the slaughter of six million Jews “preposterous” and a lie “perpetrated by our enemies.” ‘Weaponisation of chatbots’ “It would appear that the potential weaponisation of chatbots is well under way and now presents a clear security threat,” said Adam Hadley, founder and executive director of Tech Against Terrorism, as quoted by The Times. He added, “We can see use cases where these specially developed automated tools can radicalise, spread propaganda, and disseminate misinformation.” A survey by the Anti-Defamation League, in May last year, found that a majority of Americans are worried about AI’s impact, including the propagation of false information, radicalisation, and the promotion of hate and antisemitism. ‘Unusually high’ The Anti-Defamation League, in a separate report, said that right-wing extremists committed every ideologically driven mass killing in 2022 with an “unusually high” number perpetrated by white supremacists. ALSO READ | AI attempts to bring dead back to life, give people closure In 2018, Robert Bowers perpetrated the deadliest attack on Jews in United States history when he opened fire with an AR-15 rifle after he had reportedly raved on social media about his hatred of Jewish people. This was without the presence of an AI chatbot. Larger issue? Experts have also feared that the responses of these chatbots could misrepresent historical facts. Last year, an app called Historical Figures which allowed users to speak to notable people from history including Hitler, his Nazi lieutenants and other dictators from the past, sparked controversy. After users shared screenshots of their conversations, including one with Heinrich Himmler, the chief of Nazi Germany’s SS and an architect of the Holocaust. The app version of Himmler denied responsibility for the Holocaust despite his well-documented role. (With inputs from agencies)

AI chatbots allowing users to talk with Hitler, Nazi figures spark radicalisation fears

<p>After having started 2024 with a launch on New Year's Day, the Indian Space Agency- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is ready with its second launch mission of the year&nbsp;slated for 17:30hrs IST, on 17th February. In its 16th flight, the GSLV rocket (formerly known as GSLV Mk2) will be carrying the INSAT-3DS satellite, which is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.</p>

<p>Funded by the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the satellite will work along with its predecessors INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR to augment Meteorological services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 20 minutes after lift-off, the 420-ton GSLV rocket would place the satellite in a highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit around the Earth. From there, it would gradually use its onboard engines to push itself into a perfectly circular orbit that is almost 36,000 km above the earth- an orbit known as a geostationary orbit.</p>

<p>Satellites placed there appear stationary when viewed from a certain point on Earth because they are in sync with the rotation of the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-to-witness-30-rocket-launches-in-15-months-details-here-688242">India to witness 30 rocket launches in 15 months. Details here</a></strong></p>

<p>Various departments of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and various other agencies and institutes will be using the INSAT-3DS Satellite data to provide improved weather forecasts and meteorological services.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pet-dog-protects-owners-body-from-wild-animals-for-48-hours-amid-heavy-snow-watch-688293">Pet dog protects owner's body from wild animals for 48 hours amid heavy snow. Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>In addition to its weather-related functionality, the satellite also carries a Satellite Aided Search &amp; Rescue transponder (SAS&amp;R). For example, fishermen who have a device that can communicate with this transponder can send distress messages to the satellite and it, in turn, would broadcast the signal to the relevant agencies, who can then mobilise to assist. Given that the satellite is placed high above the earth, it can view approximately 1/3rd the earth's surface and offers its coverage across a large area when compared to satellites in lower orbits.&nbsp;</p>


After having started 2024 with a launch on New Year's Day, the Indian Space Agency- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is ready with its second launch mission of the year slated for 17:30hrs IST, on 17th February.

After having started 2024 with a launch on New Year's Day, the Indian Space Agency- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is ready with its second launch mission of the year slated for 17:30hrs IST, on 17th February. In its 16th flight, the GSLV rocket (formerly known as GSLV Mk2) will be carrying the INSAT-3DS satellite, which is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning. Funded by the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the satellite will work along with its predecessors INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR to augment Meteorological services. Around 20 minutes after lift-off, the 420-ton GSLV rocket would place the satellite in a highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit around the Earth. From there, it would gradually use its onboard engines to push itself into a perfectly circular orbit that is almost 36,000 km above the earth- an orbit known as a geostationary orbit. Satellites placed there appear stationary when viewed from a certain point on Earth because they are in sync with the rotation of the planet. Also read | India to witness 30 rocket launches in 15 months. Details here Various departments of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and various other agencies and institutes will be using the INSAT-3DS Satellite data to provide improved weather forecasts and meteorological services. Also read | Pet dog protects owner's body from wild animals for 48 hours amid heavy snow. Watch In addition to its weather-related functionality, the satellite also carries a Satellite Aided Search & Rescue transponder (SAS&R). For example, fishermen who have a device that can communicate with this transponder can send distress messages to the satellite and it, in turn, would broadcast the signal to the relevant agencies, who can then mobilise to assist. Given that the satellite is placed high above the earth, it can view approximately 1/3rd the earth's surface and offers its coverage across a large area when compared to satellites in lower orbits.

ISRO's 2nd launch mission of 2024 — GSLV F-14 to ferry weather monitoring satellite INSAT-3DS

<p>Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.S. congressional report alleged on Thursday.</p>

<p>The House of Representatives' select committee on China, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, released the report, which also scrutinizes investments made by GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Walden International in Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor firms with unsavory ties.</p>

<p>Reuters could not reach the venture capital firms for comment.</p>

<p>The Committee called on the Biden administration to restrict US&nbsp;investment in Chinese firms sanctioned by the US&nbsp;government over ties to China's military or its repression of minorities and urged it to bolster recent US&nbsp;curbs on US&nbsp;investment in China to include more sectors.</p>

<p>"The status quo is untenable... Decades of investment—including funding, knowledge transfer, and other intangible benefits—from US&nbsp;VCs have helped build and strengthen the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) priority sectors,” the report said.</p>

<p>The White House did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the use of national security and human rights as a pretext to restrict US&nbsp;investments in China "will undermine the principle of free trade..., destabilize the global...supply chains and serve the interests of no one."</p>


Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.

Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.S. congressional report alleged on Thursday. The House of Representatives' select committee on China, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, released the report, which also scrutinizes investments made by GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Walden International in Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor firms with unsavory ties. Reuters could not reach the venture capital firms for comment. The Committee called on the Biden administration to restrict US investment in Chinese firms sanctioned by the US government over ties to China's military or its repression of minorities and urged it to bolster recent US curbs on US investment in China to include more sectors. "The status quo is untenable... Decades of investment—including funding, knowledge transfer, and other intangible benefits—from US VCs have helped build and strengthen the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) priority sectors,” the report said. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the use of national security and human rights as a pretext to restrict US investments in China "will undermine the principle of free trade..., destabilize the global...supply chains and serve the interests of no one."

US lawmakers accuse VC firms of funding Chinese military-linked firms

<p>Google has agreed to shell out $350 million to settle a lawsuit brought by shareholders over a security flaw at its now-defunct Google+ social media platform. A preliminary settlement was filed on Monday (Feb 5th) in San Francisco federal court after more than a year of mediation, and it now awaits the nod from US District Judge Trina Thompson.</p>

<h2><strong>The lawsuit</strong></h2>

<p>The lawsuit, as per Reuters, alleges that around March 2018, Google got wind of a software glitch which had left the personal data of Google+ users exposed. The bug it alleges had persisted for three years. However, rather than promptly addressing the issue, Google allegedly kept it under wraps for months, all the while publicly stressing its commitment to data security.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-32-israeli-hostages-in-hamas-custody-dead-claims-report-687612">Middle East crisis: 32 Israeli hostages in Hamas custody dead, claims report</a></strong></p>

<p>Shareholders contend that Google's reluctance to disclose the problem stemmed from fears of facing regulatory and public scrutiny akin to Facebook's post-Cambridge Analytica scandal fallout, where user data was harvested without consent for the 2016 US elections.</p>

<p>The complaint also underscored the fall of Alphabet's stock value, which, as per the report, wiped out billions of dollars off of its market value.</p>

<h2><strong>Google maintains innocence</strong></h2>

<p>Despite consenting to the settlement, Google continues to deny any wrongdoing, and contends that there is no evidence of data misuse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesperson, said: "We regularly identify and fix software issues, disclose information about them, and take these issues seriously. This matter concerns a product that no longer exists, and we are pleased to have it resolved."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-best-is-yet-to-come-mark-zuckerberg-celebrates-20-years-of-facebook-687251">‘The best is yet to come’: Mark Zuckerberg celebrates 20 years of Facebook</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Google had reached a $7.5 million settlement with Google+ users in 2020 related to the same issue.</p>

<p>The revelation of Monday's settlement follows Google's resolution of another lawsuit alleging the covert tracking of millions of users' internet activities. The terms of that settlement have yet to be disclosed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google has agreed to shell out $350 million to settle a lawsuit brought by shareholders over a security flaw at its now-defunct Google+ social media platform. A preliminary settlement was filed on Monday (Feb 5th) in San Francisco federal court after more than a year of mediation, and it now awaits the nod from US District Judge Trina Thompson.

Google has agreed to shell out $350 million to settle a lawsuit brought by shareholders over a security flaw at its now-defunct Google+ social media platform. A preliminary settlement was filed on Monday (Feb 5th) in San Francisco federal court after more than a year of mediation, and it now awaits the nod from US District Judge Trina Thompson. The lawsuit The lawsuit, as per Reuters, alleges that around March 2018, Google got wind of a software glitch which had left the personal data of Google+ users exposed. The bug it alleges had persisted for three years. However, rather than promptly addressing the issue, Google allegedly kept it under wraps for months, all the while publicly stressing its commitment to data security. Also read | Middle East crisis: 32 Israeli hostages in Hamas custody dead, claims report Shareholders contend that Google's reluctance to disclose the problem stemmed from fears of facing regulatory and public scrutiny akin to Facebook's post-Cambridge Analytica scandal fallout, where user data was harvested without consent for the 2016 US elections. The complaint also underscored the fall of Alphabet's stock value, which, as per the report, wiped out billions of dollars off of its market value. Google maintains innocence Despite consenting to the settlement, Google continues to deny any wrongdoing, and contends that there is no evidence of data misuse. Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesperson, said: "We regularly identify and fix software issues, disclose information about them, and take these issues seriously. This matter concerns a product that no longer exists, and we are pleased to have it resolved." Also read | ‘The best is yet to come’: Mark Zuckerberg celebrates 20 years of Facebook Earlier, Google had reached a $7.5 million settlement with Google+ users in 2020 related to the same issue. The revelation of Monday's settlement follows Google's resolution of another lawsuit alleging the covert tracking of millions of users' internet activities. The terms of that settlement have yet to be disclosed. (With inputs from agencies)

Google to shell out $350 million to settle data privacy lawsuit

<p>As the world shifts to renewable energy and discards or reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, mining has gone down. With this, mines across the globe have to be decommissioned, recycled or discarded. The process of decommissioning a mine that is no longer in use is expensive and time-consuming, and requires a huge number of resources. In India, the average cost as per EE Power stands at a staggering $58 million, while in the United States, it reaches approximately $117 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make better use of these mines, a United Kingdom-based firm has come up with a unique solution: an underground energy store. The firm, Gravitricity, is now turning a disused mine in Finland into its first full-scale prototype gravity energy store. Here's all you need to know.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Europe's deepest mine turns energy store</strong></h2>

<p>Pyhäsalmi Mine, which happens to be Europe's deepest base metal mine, is located in the small Finland town called Pyhäjärvi. The mine, which has a depth of 4,738 feet (1,444.14 metre) is now being transformed into an underground energy store that will use gravity to retain excess power.</p>

<p>The mine was opened in 1962 and over its lifetime; it was the source of more than 60 million tonnes of ore. Once a treasure trove of zinc and copper, it was decommissioned in August 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-ends-nord-stream-sabotage-probe-hands-evidence-to-germany-687846">Sweden ends Nord Stream sabotage probe over 'lack of jurisdiction', hands evidence to Germany</a></strong></p>

<p>Now, it is being given a new lease on life with what the Scottish company Gravitricity says are "some of the best characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage".</p>

<h2><strong>How will the battery work?</strong></h2>

<p>The battery, as per Euro News, will store excess power, for example, from wind turbines on a windy day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>GraviStore, as the underground battery is called, raises and lowers heavy weights in underground shafts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imagine weights being hoisted up the towering 530-metre auxiliary shaft of the Pyhäsalmi mine when surplus power is available. Then, when needed, these weights are released, activating the winches, which now function as generators, producing electricity either in short bursts or a steady stream, depending on demand.</p>

<p>This innovative energy system boasts a capacity to store a whopping 2MW of power, seamlessly integrating into the local energy grid.</p>

<h2><strong>Why decommissioned mines?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, a recent study by a team of international researchers found that gravity batteries in decommissioned mines could be a cost-effective, long-term solution for storing energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This, as per scientists from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is especially true as we transition to renewable power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-peoples-choice-award-announced-see-pictures-inside-687829">Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice award announced | See pictures inside</a></strong></p>

<p>As per their estimates, abandoned mine shafts could serve as storage for around 70TWh of power, or roughly how much the daily global consumption is. This discovery underscores the untapped potential of repurposing old mining infrastructure for sustainable energy initiatives.</p>

<h2><strong>Local community</strong></h2>

<p>With the decommissioning of the Pyhäsalmi Mine, several hundred people lost their jobs and their livelihoods. Now, in Pyhäjärvi, the local community is embracing this opportunity for revitalisation. They have set up a development company and&nbsp;signed a contract with Gravitricity to transform the old mine shaft.</p>

<p>As per the report, Martin Wright, the executive chairman of Gravitricity, envisions this project not only as a technological milestone but also as a catalyst for economic regeneration.</p>

<p>"This project will demonstrate at full scale how our technology can offer reliable long-life energy storage that can capture and store energy during periods of low demand and release it rapidly when required," said Wright.</p>

<p>"This full-scale project will provide a pathway to other commercial projects and allow our solution to be embedded into mine decommissioning activities, offering a potential future for mines approaching the end of their original service life," he added.</p>

<p>By providing "low carbon jobs" in an area grappling with the fallout from the closure of mining operations, the project seeks to breathe new life into the community.</p>

<h2><strong>The dangers of abandoned mines</strong></h2>

<p>As per EE Power, in 2024, experts predict a meagre 466 million tonnes of coal extraction, marking a historic low since 1962. While this is good for the planet, it comes with its own set of problems.</p>

<p>Idle or abandoned mines are not mere inactive plots but rather ticking time bombs of decay and deterioration if left unattended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shockingly, millions of Americans reside within a mile of these abandoned coal mines, according to estimates from the US Department of the Interior.</p>

<p>Experts warn that there are approximately 159,735 abandoned metal mines, each of which presents its own set of environmental hazards.</p>

<p>These neglected mines pose grave risks to local water sources. Mines associated with precious metals can leach mercury, contaminating sediments and seeping lead into the soil. Meanwhile, sulphide mines contribute to acidic mine drainage, further exacerbating environmental woes. Furthermore, records show hundreds of fatalities and injuries from accidents involving collapsing mine structures.</p>


As the world shifts to renewable energy and discards or reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, mining has gone down. With this, mines across the globe have to be decommissioned, recycled or discarded.

As the world shifts to renewable energy and discards or reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, mining has gone down. With this, mines across the globe have to be decommissioned, recycled or discarded. The process of decommissioning a mine that is no longer in use is expensive and time-consuming, and requires a huge number of resources. In India, the average cost as per EE Power stands at a staggering $58 million, while in the United States, it reaches approximately $117 million. To make better use of these mines, a United Kingdom-based firm has come up with a unique solution: an underground energy store. The firm, Gravitricity, is now turning a disused mine in Finland into its first full-scale prototype gravity energy store. Here's all you need to know. Europe's deepest mine turns energy store Pyhäsalmi Mine, which happens to be Europe's deepest base metal mine, is located in the small Finland town called Pyhäjärvi. The mine, which has a depth of 4,738 feet (1,444.14 metre) is now being transformed into an underground energy store that will use gravity to retain excess power. The mine was opened in 1962 and over its lifetime; it was the source of more than 60 million tonnes of ore. Once a treasure trove of zinc and copper, it was decommissioned in August 2022. Also read | Sweden ends Nord Stream sabotage probe over 'lack of jurisdiction', hands evidence to Germany Now, it is being given a new lease on life with what the Scottish company Gravitricity says are "some of the best characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage". How will the battery work? The battery, as per Euro News, will store excess power, for example, from wind turbines on a windy day. GraviStore, as the underground battery is called, raises and lowers heavy weights in underground shafts. Imagine weights being hoisted up the towering 530-metre auxiliary shaft of the Pyhäsalmi mine when surplus power is available. Then, when needed, these weights are released, activating the winches, which now function as generators, producing electricity either in short bursts or a steady stream, depending on demand. This innovative energy system boasts a capacity to store a whopping 2MW of power, seamlessly integrating into the local energy grid. Why decommissioned mines? As per the report, a recent study by a team of international researchers found that gravity batteries in decommissioned mines could be a cost-effective, long-term solution for storing energy. This, as per scientists from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is especially true as we transition to renewable power. Also read | Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice award announced | See pictures inside As per their estimates, abandoned mine shafts could serve as storage for around 70TWh of power, or roughly how much the daily global consumption is. This discovery underscores the untapped potential of repurposing old mining infrastructure for sustainable energy initiatives. Local community With the decommissioning of the Pyhäsalmi Mine, several hundred people lost their jobs and their livelihoods. Now, in Pyhäjärvi, the local community is embracing this opportunity for revitalisation. They have set up a development company and signed a contract with Gravitricity to transform the old mine shaft. As per the report, Martin Wright, the executive chairman of Gravitricity, envisions this project not only as a technological milestone but also as a catalyst for economic regeneration. "This project will demonstrate at full scale how our technology can offer reliable long-life energy storage that can capture and store energy during periods of low demand and release it rapidly when required," said Wright. "This full-scale project will provide a pathway to other commercial projects and allow our solution to be embedded into mine decommissioning activities, offering a potential future for mines approaching the end of their original service life," he added. By providing "low carbon jobs" in an area grappling with the fallout from the closure of mining operations, the project seeks to breathe new life into the community. The dangers of abandoned mines As per EE Power, in 2024, experts predict a meagre 466 million tonnes of coal extraction, marking a historic low since 1962. While this is good for the planet, it comes with its own set of problems. Idle or abandoned mines are not mere inactive plots but rather ticking time bombs of decay and deterioration if left unattended. Shockingly, millions of Americans reside within a mile of these abandoned coal mines, according to estimates from the US Department of the Interior. Experts warn that there are approximately 159,735 abandoned metal mines, each of which presents its own set of environmental hazards. These neglected mines pose grave risks to local water sources. Mines associated with precious metals can leach mercury, contaminating sediments and seeping lead into the soil. Meanwhile, sulphide mines contribute to acidic mine drainage, further exacerbating environmental woes. Furthermore, records show hundreds of fatalities and injuries from accidents involving collapsing mine structures.

Explained | Europe’s deepest base metal mine to be turned into ‘gravity energy’ store

<p>Is social media pushing youngsters towards more misogynistic content? As per a new research, yes.&nbsp;A study by teams at University College London and the University of Kent found that social media platforms are amplifying extreme misogynistic content. Such content, it says, is now spreading from teenagers' screens and onto playgrounds where it has now become normalised.</p>

<h2><strong>Shocking findings</strong></h2>

<p>In this particular study, researchers looked at TikTok. They found that over a five-day period of monitoring, there was a four-fold increase in the level of misogynistic content the social media platform suggested. Suggested content included extreme videos that focussed on anger and blame directed at women.</p>

<p>As per the Guardian, researchers say while the results may be from TikTok only, but that they are likely to apply to other social media platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-us-tiktoker-purchases-foldable-house-from-amazon-video-goes-viral-687471">Watch: US TikToker purchases foldable house from Amazon. Video goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>The study called 'Safer Scrolling' argues that social media algorithms are pushing harmful content to teenagers and young people under the guise of entertainment.</p>

<p>As per the study, toxic, hateful or misogynistic material is "pushed" to young people, normalising harmful ideologies. It says that boys with anxiety and mental health issues are at an increased risk from such content.</p>

<h2><strong>Study methodology</strong></h2>

<p>Researchers began by interviewing young people who engage with and producing radical online content. Based on the interviews, they established "archetypes, to represent typologies of teenage boys who may be vulnerable to becoming radicalised by online content." Based on that, they set up accounts on TikTok with specific content interests — for example, someone seeking out content on masculinity or addressing loneliness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finally, researchers used this to watch video content suggestions on the 'for you' page over a period of seven days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, content suggestions were in line with the chosen interests of each archetype. However, over time, it evolved into anger and blame directed at women. Five days into the research, TikTok was suggesting content such as objectification, sexual harassment or discrediting women — increasing four-fold, from 13 per cent of recommended videos to 56 per cent.</p>

<p>Finally, roundtables and interviews with school leaders revealed that such misogynistic tropes are becoming normal in in-person interactions, as well.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-slammed-for-incoherent-deepfake-policy-after-viral-biden-video-687441">Meta slammed for 'incoherent' deepfake policy after viral Biden video</a></strong></p>

<p>"UCL's findings show that algorithms – which most of us know little about – have a snowball effect in which they serve up ever-more extreme content in the form of entertainment," remarks, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, which collaborated with the research.</p>

<p>"This is deeply worrying in general but particularly so in respect of the amplification of messages around toxic masculinity and its impact on young people who need to be able to grow up and develop their understanding of the world without being influenced by such appalling material" he added, as quoted by The guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>What the researchers recommend</strong></h2>

<p>Researchers recommend a "healthy digital diet" education, holding social media companies accountable, peer-to-peer monitoring, and promotion of wider awareness of algorithmic processes among parents and the community at large.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Is social media pushing youngsters towards more misogynistic content? As per a new research, yes. A study by teams at University College London and the University of Kent found that social media platforms are amplifying extreme misogynistic content.

Is social media pushing youngsters towards more misogynistic content? As per a new research, yes. A study by teams at University College London and the University of Kent found that social media platforms are amplifying extreme misogynistic content. Such content, it says, is now spreading from teenagers' screens and onto playgrounds where it has now become normalised. Shocking findings In this particular study, researchers looked at TikTok. They found that over a five-day period of monitoring, there was a four-fold increase in the level of misogynistic content the social media platform suggested. Suggested content included extreme videos that focussed on anger and blame directed at women. As per the Guardian, researchers say while the results may be from TikTok only, but that they are likely to apply to other social media platforms. Also read | Watch: US TikToker purchases foldable house from Amazon. Video goes viral The study called 'Safer Scrolling' argues that social media algorithms are pushing harmful content to teenagers and young people under the guise of entertainment. As per the study, toxic, hateful or misogynistic material is "pushed" to young people, normalising harmful ideologies. It says that boys with anxiety and mental health issues are at an increased risk from such content. Study methodology Researchers began by interviewing young people who engage with and producing radical online content. Based on the interviews, they established "archetypes, to represent typologies of teenage boys who may be vulnerable to becoming radicalised by online content." Based on that, they set up accounts on TikTok with specific content interests — for example, someone seeking out content on masculinity or addressing loneliness. Finally, researchers used this to watch video content suggestions on the 'for you' page over a period of seven days. Initially, content suggestions were in line with the chosen interests of each archetype. However, over time, it evolved into anger and blame directed at women. Five days into the research, TikTok was suggesting content such as objectification, sexual harassment or discrediting women — increasing four-fold, from 13 per cent of recommended videos to 56 per cent. Finally, roundtables and interviews with school leaders revealed that such misogynistic tropes are becoming normal in in-person interactions, as well. Also read | Meta slammed for 'incoherent' deepfake policy after viral Biden video "UCL's findings show that algorithms – which most of us know little about – have a snowball effect in which they serve up ever-more extreme content in the form of entertainment," remarks, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, which collaborated with the research. "This is deeply worrying in general but particularly so in respect of the amplification of messages around toxic masculinity and its impact on young people who need to be able to grow up and develop their understanding of the world without being influenced by such appalling material" he added, as quoted by The guardian. What the researchers recommend Researchers recommend a "healthy digital diet" education, holding social media companies accountable, peer-to-peer monitoring, and promotion of wider awareness of algorithmic processes among parents and the community at large. (With inputs from agencies)

Social media pushing youngsters towards more misogynistic content, finds study

<p>In the lead-up to major elections worldwide, Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta, the parent company of social media giant Facebook, is under increasing scrutiny after an oversight body declared an urgent need for updates to its policy on deepfake content.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement, made on Monday (Feb 5), stems from a decision surrounding a manipulated video or deepfake featuring US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>The controversial video, depicting Biden voting with his adult granddaughter, went viral last year after being manipulated to suggest inappropriate touching. Initially reported as hate speech, the incident was brought before Meta and later its independent oversight board.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Oversight Board rebukes Meta’s policies on deepfakes, amid AI fears</strong></p>

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<p>The oversight board, responsible for reviewing Meta's content moderation decisions, acknowledged that the platform was technically correct in allowing the video to remain online. It also raised concerns about the adequacy of the company's rules regarding manipulated content.</p>

<p>The board's warning comes at a crucial time, with fears of widespread misuse of artificial intelligence-powered applications for disinformation on social media platforms during a pivotal election year, not only in the United States but worldwide.</p>

<h2><strong>Meta's current content moderation policy 'incoherent'</strong></h2>

<p>Describing Meta's current policy as "incoherent" and "lacking persuasive justification," the board called the need for a focus on specific harms, particularly those related to electoral processes, rather than on the content creation process itself.</p>

<p>In response, Meta stated that it is "reviewing the Oversight Board's guidance" and committed to publicly addressing the recommendations within 60 days. The board clarified that, in the case of the Biden video, the rules were not violated because artificial intelligence was not employed, and the video did not depict Biden making false statements.</p>

<p>However, the oversight board underscored that non-AI-altered content, often referred to as "cheap fakes," remains prevalent and can be just as misleading.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It pointed out that altered audio content, which can be highly effective for deception, is not currently covered by Meta's policy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the lead-up to major elections worldwide, Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta, the parent company of social media giant Facebook, is under increasing scrutiny after an oversight body declared an urgent need for updates to its policy on deepfake content.

In the lead-up to major elections worldwide, Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta, the parent company of social media giant Facebook, is under increasing scrutiny after an oversight body declared an urgent need for updates to its policy on deepfake content. The announcement, made on Monday (Feb 5), stems from a decision surrounding a manipulated video or deepfake featuring US President Joe Biden. The controversial video, depicting Biden voting with his adult granddaughter, went viral last year after being manipulated to suggest inappropriate touching. Initially reported as hate speech, the incident was brought before Meta and later its independent oversight board. Also watch | Oversight Board rebukes Meta’s policies on deepfakes, amid AI fears × The oversight board, responsible for reviewing Meta's content moderation decisions, acknowledged that the platform was technically correct in allowing the video to remain online. It also raised concerns about the adequacy of the company's rules regarding manipulated content. The board's warning comes at a crucial time, with fears of widespread misuse of artificial intelligence-powered applications for disinformation on social media platforms during a pivotal election year, not only in the United States but worldwide. Meta's current content moderation policy 'incoherent' Describing Meta's current policy as "incoherent" and "lacking persuasive justification," the board called the need for a focus on specific harms, particularly those related to electoral processes, rather than on the content creation process itself. In response, Meta stated that it is "reviewing the Oversight Board's guidance" and committed to publicly addressing the recommendations within 60 days. The board clarified that, in the case of the Biden video, the rules were not violated because artificial intelligence was not employed, and the video did not depict Biden making false statements. However, the oversight board underscored that non-AI-altered content, often referred to as "cheap fakes," remains prevalent and can be just as misleading. It pointed out that altered audio content, which can be highly effective for deception, is not currently covered by Meta's policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta slammed for 'incoherent' deepfake policy after viral Biden video

<p>When it comes to motor shows, the biennial Auto Expo represents India on the global stage. There are several other mobility focussed events in India but none compare to the scale, popularity and glamour of the Auto Expo. Since its inception in 1986, and becoming a biennial event in 1996, Auto Expo grew in scope and outreach with every passing edition, until the inevitable happened – the industry slowdown in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That COVID crippled global functioning is no secret and the pandemic fractured the performance and outlook of the industrial corridors. Specific to the Auto Expo, several big brands stayed away from the 15th Auto Expo with a big list of non-participants in 2023. As with many global motor shows, manufacturers cited poor ROI as the main reason for staying away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And yet, there was another (sort of) automotive expo that recently concluded in Delhi. Held from February 1 to February 3, Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 was themed around sustainable mobility and transformative automotive technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Government's vision: A&nbsp;transformative decade</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, shed light on the monumental shifts witnessed in India's automotive sector over the past decade. He emphasised that since 2014, over 210 million vehicles have been sold, a staggering increase from the 120 million in the preceding 10 years. In particular, Modi underscored the rapid growth in electric vehicles (EVs), revealing that a decade ago, a mere 2,000 electric vehicles were sold, while the present figure stands at an impressive 1.2 million.</p>

<p>Modi’s emphasis on the growth of electric vehicles aligns with the global trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions. The expo served as a testament to this commitment, with major automakers showcasing a diverse range of vehicles using various fuel technologies, including compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrids, and electric vehicles. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW were among the industry giants advocating for environmentally conscious mobility solutions.</p>

<h2><strong>Infrastructure development and technological advancements</strong></h2>

<p>In his address, Modi highlighted the strides made in India's infrastructure sector. The construction of engineering marvels like the Atal Tunnel and Atal Setu, along with the establishment of 75 new airports and the creation of around 400,000 rural roads over the past decade, underscored and reinforced the nation's commitment to robust infrastructure development.</p>

<p>This focus on infrastructure is crucial as it complements the burgeoning automotive sector, ensuring a seamless and efficient transportation network. The government's investment in building roads, bridges, and airports not only facilitates the movement of vehicles but also contributes to the overall economic development of the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Research and development for a sustainable future</strong></h2>

<p>The Prime Minister urged the automotive industry to prioritize research and development (R&amp;D), particularly in the realm of battery manufacturing using locally available raw materials. This call aligns with the global trend towards reducing dependence on imports for critical components, promoting self-sufficiency, and contributing to the Make in India initiative.</p>

<p>Promoting the use of locally sourced raw materials in battery manufacturing not only ensures a stable supply chain but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals. It reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials over long distances and supports the circular economy principles.</p>

<h2><strong>The government's commitment to the third-largest economy</strong></h2>

<p>Amidst the announcements and industry insights, Modi expressed confidence in India becoming the world's third-largest economy during the third term of his government. While this declaration comes against the backdrop of the upcoming general elections, it also reflects the government's optimism about the trajectory of the automotive sector and its broader economic implications.</p>

<p>The automotive industry plays a pivotal role in a country's economic growth, contributing significantly to employment, manufacturing, and technological advancement. Modi's vision aligns with the industry's potential to be a driving force behind India's economic ascent.</p>

<h2><strong>The transformative Bharat Mobility Global Expo</strong></h2>

<p>Against the backdrop of these developments, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo emerges as a transformative event that has redefined the narrative around India's automotive future. The convergence of industry leaders, policymakers, and global players has created a dynamic ecosystem where ideas, technologies, and commitments to sustainability take centre stage.</p>

<h2><strong>The shift towards electric vehicles</strong></h2>

<p>One of the standout themes of the expo was the industry's commitment to electric vehicles. The exponential growth in electric vehicle sales over the past decade, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi, reflects a global trend towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impact.</p>

<p>Major automakers showcased a range of electric vehicles, reinforcing their commitment to a future where electric mobility plays a central role. Maruti Suzuki's concept eVX and other electric offerings from leading brands signal a paradigm shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.</p>

<h2><strong>Infrastructure development and connectivity</strong></h2>

<p>The emphasis on infrastructure development resonates with the need for a robust foundation to support the growing automotive sector. The creation of new airports, rural roads, and engineering marvels not only facilitates better connectivity but also opens up new markets for the automotive industry.</p>

<p>Efficient transportation infrastructure is a catalyst for economic development. As the automotive sector expands, the demand for well-connected roads and logistical support becomes paramount. The government's focus on this aspect aligns with the industry's requirements for seamless movement of goods and people.</p>

<h2><strong>Localisation and self-sufficiency</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Modi's call for research and development in battery manufacturing using locally available raw materials aligns with the global trend of localization and self-sufficiency. As countries aim to reduce dependence on imports for critical components, ensuring a stable and secure supply chain becomes imperative.</p>

<p>The automotive sector's ability to manufacture essential components locally contributes not only to self-sufficiency but also to job creation and economic growth. It fosters an ecosystem where innovation and technological advancement become intrinsic to the industry's DNA.</p>

<h2><strong>The path to becoming the third-largest economy</strong></h2>

<p>Modi's vision of India becoming the world's third-largest economy reflects a recognition of the pivotal role played by the automotive industry in economic growth. The sector's contribution to employment, manufacturing, and technological innovation positions it as a key driver of India's ascent on the global economic stage.</p>

<p>The Bharat Mobility Global Expo, with its focus on sustainability, innovation, and connectivity, aligns with the broader vision of positioning India as a global automotive hub. The collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders, policymakers, and global players showcased at the expo create a roadmap for India's automotive future.</p>

<h2><strong>A glimpse into India's automotive future</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 stands as a pivotal event that provides a glimpse into India's automotive future. The convergence of industry leaders, government representatives, and global players underscores the transformative nature of the event. The commitment to sustainable mobility, electric vehicles, infrastructure development, and localisation sets the stage for an era where India emerges as a global automotive powerhouse.</p>

<p>Rajesh Menon, SIAM Director General emphasised the expo's significance in bringing together leading players in the automotive sector. He acknowledged the unique and innovative products presented by companies across various vehicle segments, showcasing technology from around the world.</p>

<p>As the automotive sector navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental considerations, events like the Bharat Mobility Global Expo serve as catalysts for change. The expo's impact extends beyond the three days of showcasing innovations; it lays the foundation for a future where India's automotive industry not only keeps pace with global trends but also shapes them.</p>


When it comes to motor shows, the biennial Auto Expo represents India on the global stage. There are several other mobility focussed events in India but none compare to the scale, popularity and glamour of the Auto Expo.

When it comes to motor shows, the biennial Auto Expo represents India on the global stage. There are several other mobility focussed events in India but none compare to the scale, popularity and glamour of the Auto Expo. Since its inception in 1986, and becoming a biennial event in 1996, Auto Expo grew in scope and outreach with every passing edition, until the inevitable happened – the industry slowdown in 2020. That COVID crippled global functioning is no secret and the pandemic fractured the performance and outlook of the industrial corridors. Specific to the Auto Expo, several big brands stayed away from the 15th Auto Expo with a big list of non-participants in 2023. As with many global motor shows, manufacturers cited poor ROI as the main reason for staying away. And yet, there was another (sort of) automotive expo that recently concluded in Delhi. Held from February 1 to February 3, Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 was themed around sustainable mobility and transformative automotive technologies. Government's vision: A transformative decade Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, shed light on the monumental shifts witnessed in India's automotive sector over the past decade. He emphasised that since 2014, over 210 million vehicles have been sold, a staggering increase from the 120 million in the preceding 10 years. In particular, Modi underscored the rapid growth in electric vehicles (EVs), revealing that a decade ago, a mere 2,000 electric vehicles were sold, while the present figure stands at an impressive 1.2 million. Modi’s emphasis on the growth of electric vehicles aligns with the global trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions. The expo served as a testament to this commitment, with major automakers showcasing a diverse range of vehicles using various fuel technologies, including compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrids, and electric vehicles. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW were among the industry giants advocating for environmentally conscious mobility solutions. Infrastructure development and technological advancements In his address, Modi highlighted the strides made in India's infrastructure sector. The construction of engineering marvels like the Atal Tunnel and Atal Setu, along with the establishment of 75 new airports and the creation of around 400,000 rural roads over the past decade, underscored and reinforced the nation's commitment to robust infrastructure development. This focus on infrastructure is crucial as it complements the burgeoning automotive sector, ensuring a seamless and efficient transportation network. The government's investment in building roads, bridges, and airports not only facilitates the movement of vehicles but also contributes to the overall economic development of the country. Research and development for a sustainable future The Prime Minister urged the automotive industry to prioritize research and development (R&D), particularly in the realm of battery manufacturing using locally available raw materials. This call aligns with the global trend towards reducing dependence on imports for critical components, promoting self-sufficiency, and contributing to the Make in India initiative. Promoting the use of locally sourced raw materials in battery manufacturing not only ensures a stable supply chain but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals. It reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials over long distances and supports the circular economy principles. The government's commitment to the third-largest economy Amidst the announcements and industry insights, Modi expressed confidence in India becoming the world's third-largest economy during the third term of his government. While this declaration comes against the backdrop of the upcoming general elections, it also reflects the government's optimism about the trajectory of the automotive sector and its broader economic implications. The automotive industry plays a pivotal role in a country's economic growth, contributing significantly to employment, manufacturing, and technological advancement. Modi's vision aligns with the industry's potential to be a driving force behind India's economic ascent. The transformative Bharat Mobility Global Expo Against the backdrop of these developments, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo emerges as a transformative event that has redefined the narrative around India's automotive future. The convergence of industry leaders, policymakers, and global players has created a dynamic ecosystem where ideas, technologies, and commitments to sustainability take centre stage. The shift towards electric vehicles One of the standout themes of the expo was the industry's commitment to electric vehicles. The exponential growth in electric vehicle sales over the past decade, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi, reflects a global trend towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impact. Major automakers showcased a range of electric vehicles, reinforcing their commitment to a future where electric mobility plays a central role. Maruti Suzuki's concept eVX and other electric offerings from leading brands signal a paradigm shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions. Infrastructure development and connectivity The emphasis on infrastructure development resonates with the need for a robust foundation to support the growing automotive sector. The creation of new airports, rural roads, and engineering marvels not only facilitates better connectivity but also opens up new markets for the automotive industry. Efficient transportation infrastructure is a catalyst for economic development. As the automotive sector expands, the demand for well-connected roads and logistical support becomes paramount. The government's focus on this aspect aligns with the industry's requirements for seamless movement of goods and people. Localisation and self-sufficiency Prime Minister Modi's call for research and development in battery manufacturing using locally available raw materials aligns with the global trend of localization and self-sufficiency. As countries aim to reduce dependence on imports for critical components, ensuring a stable and secure supply chain becomes imperative. The automotive sector's ability to manufacture essential components locally contributes not only to self-sufficiency but also to job creation and economic growth. It fosters an ecosystem where innovation and technological advancement become intrinsic to the industry's DNA. The path to becoming the third-largest economy Modi's vision of India becoming the world's third-largest economy reflects a recognition of the pivotal role played by the automotive industry in economic growth. The sector's contribution to employment, manufacturing, and technological innovation positions it as a key driver of India's ascent on the global economic stage. The Bharat Mobility Global Expo, with its focus on sustainability, innovation, and connectivity, aligns with the broader vision of positioning India as a global automotive hub. The collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders, policymakers, and global players showcased at the expo create a roadmap for India's automotive future. A glimpse into India's automotive future The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 stands as a pivotal event that provides a glimpse into India's automotive future. The convergence of industry leaders, government representatives, and global players underscores the transformative nature of the event. The commitment to sustainable mobility, electric vehicles, infrastructure development, and localisation sets the stage for an era where India emerges as a global automotive powerhouse. Rajesh Menon, SIAM Director General emphasised the expo's significance in bringing together leading players in the automotive sector. He acknowledged the unique and innovative products presented by companies across various vehicle segments, showcasing technology from around the world. As the automotive sector navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental considerations, events like the Bharat Mobility Global Expo serve as catalysts for change. The expo's impact extends beyond the three days of showcasing innovations; it lays the foundation for a future where India's automotive industry not only keeps pace with global trends but also shapes them.

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024: Sustainability and growth at its core

<p>February 4, 2024 is the day when Facebook becomes exactly a two-decade-old company. It was 20 years back when Mark Zuckerberg created the social media giant, a watershed moment for the digital space. Facebook changed our interactions forever as humanity witnessed the first wave of social networking and the ensuing development of online communities. Today, on Facebook’s birthday, it becomes imperative to highlight the 20-year-long journey of the social media behemoth.</p>

<h2><strong>2004: The year Zuckerberg conceived Facebook</strong></h2>

<p>Before Facebook, let’s talk about Orkut. The social media company, named after its creator, Google employee Orkut Büyükkökten, came to life on January 22, 2004. Initially, users could become fans of their friends and rate them as Trustworthy, Cool, or Sext on a scale of 1 to 3. Orkut allowed access to everyone's profile, except those on a designated 'ignore list.'</p>

<p>By 2008, it became one of India's most visited websites, establishing itself as the premier social network. By 2014, traffic from India was the platform's second-highest globally, trailing only Brazil.</p>

<p>Less than two weeks after Orkut's debut, a group of Harvard University students launched what would become the most influential social media network of all time. A "face book" traditionally referred to a student directory in American universities featuring photos and basic information, initially offline until 2003.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologises to families of exploited children</strong></p>

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<p>During this time, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg told the Harvard Crimson, the oldest continuously published daily college newspaper in the US, that he could create a 'universal face book' within Harvard in a week. Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard student Eduardo Saverin each invested $1,000, and on February 4, 2004, they launched ‘TheFacebook’.</p>

<h2><strong>And then Facebook arrived…</strong></h2>

<p>Facebook quickly expanded to other Ivy League universities and gradually to colleges and universities across the United States. By September 2005, it opened its doors to high school students, and later that year, it became available to anyone over the age of 13 with a valid email address. 2005 was the year when TheFacebook became Facebook.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2sN3qk2AsQvBXG8H1aGQ1G" data-ved="2ahUKEwjLoPWcnJKEAxVM2jgGHY8HC7kQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-says-children-on-instagram-facebook-were-frequent-targets-of-sexual-harassment-report-681614" jsname="YKoRaf">US state says children on Instagram, Facebook are often targets of sexual harassment: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The company’s user base grew exponentially. By 2005, Facebook crossed the 6 million mark and soared beyond 300 million members by the end of the decade.</p>

<h2><strong>How has Facebook evolved? </strong></h2>

<p>Facebook literally dominated the digital, social networking space through the personalisation of content during this period. Facebook introduced features such as the News Feed in 2006, which personalised content for users and the Like button in 2009, which became a fundamental aspect of the platform's interaction model.</p>

<p>In 2007, Facebook further evolved, by enabling monetisation on its platform and embracing third-party developers. In 2007, Facebook launched the Facebook Platform, allowing third-party developers to create applications that could be integrated into the platform. This move contributed to the rapid expansion of the Facebook ecosystem, with thousands of apps being developed and shared on the platform.</p>

<p>Facebook then began experimenting with advertising and monetisation strategies, introducing targeted advertising based on user data and behaviour. The introduction of Facebook Ads in 2007 marked the beginning of Facebook's journey towards becoming a major player in the digital advertising space.</p>

<p>Facebook truly evolved quite strategically, which seemingly resonated with its users worldwide. Facebook strategically acquired companies and integrated new features to enhance user experience and functionality. Key acquisitions during this period include the purchase of photo-sharing service Instagram in 2012 and messaging app WhatsApp in 2014.</p>

<h2><strong>2018: When the privacy scandal hit Facebook</strong></h2>

<p>In 2018, Facebook announced the suspension of Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL) and its subsidiary, Cambridge Analytica, known for providing digital voter outreach services to the Donald Trump presidential campaign.</p>

<p>According to a statement from Facebook's vice president and deputy general counsel, Cambridge Analytica obtained user data through a third-party app, violating the platform's policies safeguarding user information. The data was initially collected by Aleksandr Kogan, a Russian-American psychology professor, who developed a Facebook app and enlisted around 270,000 volunteers to participate in a personality quiz, consenting to share their profile information with Kogan for academic purposes.</p>

<p>Subsequently, Kogan transferred the data to Cambridge Analytica. Upon discovering the violation in 2015, Facebook removed the app and requested Cambridge Analytica to confirm the deletion of the collected data.</p>

<p>On March 17, 2018, a joint investigation by the New York Times and the Observer of London disclosed that Cambridge Analytica acquired data from 50 million American Facebook users through Kogan's app. The investigation revealed that Cambridge Analytica funded the app's development and utilised the gathered information to craft targeted political advertisements for the Trump campaign. Contrary to Facebook's request in 2015, the newspapers reported that at least some of the data remained undeleted.</p>

<p>Later in 2018, the New York Times reported that Facebook offered more of its users' data to companies than it has admitted.</p>

<h2><strong>October 2021: Facebook becomes Meta</strong></h2>

<p>Zuckerberg announced Facebook was changing its corporate name to "Meta," as a rebranding move amid wide-ranging scrutiny of its various platforms after a whistleblower leaked hundreds of internal documents.</p>

<p>Further, in March 2022, Meta was sued by Washington, DC Attorney General Karl Racine for allegedly misleading the public on the company's handling of privacy and personal data in connection with the Cambridge Analytica scandal.</p>

<p>Some might argue Facebook’s best days have long gone already, but Meta’s popularity is still unmatched in digital space, with Instagram hitting 2.4 billion users (up from 110 million in 2013) and Facebook crossing the 3 billion threshold by 2023.</p>


February 4, 2024 is the day when Facebook becomes exactly a two-decade-old company. It was 20 years back when Mark Zuckerberg created the social media giant, a watershed moment for the digital space.

February 4, 2024 is the day when Facebook becomes exactly a two-decade-old company. It was 20 years back when Mark Zuckerberg created the social media giant, a watershed moment for the digital space. Facebook changed our interactions forever as humanity witnessed the first wave of social networking and the ensuing development of online communities. Today, on Facebook’s birthday, it becomes imperative to highlight the 20-year-long journey of the social media behemoth. 2004: The year Zuckerberg conceived Facebook Before Facebook, let’s talk about Orkut. The social media company, named after its creator, Google employee Orkut Büyükkökten, came to life on January 22, 2004. Initially, users could become fans of their friends and rate them as Trustworthy, Cool, or Sext on a scale of 1 to 3. Orkut allowed access to everyone's profile, except those on a designated 'ignore list.' By 2008, it became one of India's most visited websites, establishing itself as the premier social network. By 2014, traffic from India was the platform's second-highest globally, trailing only Brazil. Less than two weeks after Orkut's debut, a group of Harvard University students launched what would become the most influential social media network of all time. A "face book" traditionally referred to a student directory in American universities featuring photos and basic information, initially offline until 2003. Watch: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologises to families of exploited children × During this time, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg told the Harvard Crimson, the oldest continuously published daily college newspaper in the US, that he could create a 'universal face book' within Harvard in a week. Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard student Eduardo Saverin each invested $1,000, and on February 4, 2004, they launched ‘TheFacebook’. And then Facebook arrived… Facebook quickly expanded to other Ivy League universities and gradually to colleges and universities across the United States. By September 2005, it opened its doors to high school students, and later that year, it became available to anyone over the age of 13 with a valid email address. 2005 was the year when TheFacebook became Facebook. Also read: US state says children on Instagram, Facebook are often targets of sexual harassment: Report The company’s user base grew exponentially. By 2005, Facebook crossed the 6 million mark and soared beyond 300 million members by the end of the decade. How has Facebook evolved? Facebook literally dominated the digital, social networking space through the personalisation of content during this period. Facebook introduced features such as the News Feed in 2006, which personalised content for users and the Like button in 2009, which became a fundamental aspect of the platform's interaction model. In 2007, Facebook further evolved, by enabling monetisation on its platform and embracing third-party developers. In 2007, Facebook launched the Facebook Platform, allowing third-party developers to create applications that could be integrated into the platform. This move contributed to the rapid expansion of the Facebook ecosystem, with thousands of apps being developed and shared on the platform. Facebook then began experimenting with advertising and monetisation strategies, introducing targeted advertising based on user data and behaviour. The introduction of Facebook Ads in 2007 marked the beginning of Facebook's journey towards becoming a major player in the digital advertising space. Facebook truly evolved quite strategically, which seemingly resonated with its users worldwide. Facebook strategically acquired companies and integrated new features to enhance user experience and functionality. Key acquisitions during this period include the purchase of photo-sharing service Instagram in 2012 and messaging app WhatsApp in 2014. 2018: When the privacy scandal hit Facebook In 2018, Facebook announced the suspension of Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL) and its subsidiary, Cambridge Analytica, known for providing digital voter outreach services to the Donald Trump presidential campaign. According to a statement from Facebook's vice president and deputy general counsel, Cambridge Analytica obtained user data through a third-party app, violating the platform's policies safeguarding user information. The data was initially collected by Aleksandr Kogan, a Russian-American psychology professor, who developed a Facebook app and enlisted around 270,000 volunteers to participate in a personality quiz, consenting to share their profile information with Kogan for academic purposes. Subsequently, Kogan transferred the data to Cambridge Analytica. Upon discovering the violation in 2015, Facebook removed the app and requested Cambridge Analytica to confirm the deletion of the collected data. On March 17, 2018, a joint investigation by the New York Times and the Observer of London disclosed that Cambridge Analytica acquired data from 50 million American Facebook users through Kogan's app. The investigation revealed that Cambridge Analytica funded the app's development and utilised the gathered information to craft targeted political advertisements for the Trump campaign. Contrary to Facebook's request in 2015, the newspapers reported that at least some of the data remained undeleted. Later in 2018, the New York Times reported that Facebook offered more of its users' data to companies than it has admitted. October 2021: Facebook becomes Meta Zuckerberg announced Facebook was changing its corporate name to "Meta," as a rebranding move amid wide-ranging scrutiny of its various platforms after a whistleblower leaked hundreds of internal documents. Further, in March 2022, Meta was sued by Washington, DC Attorney General Karl Racine for allegedly misleading the public on the company's handling of privacy and personal data in connection with the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Some might argue Facebook’s best days have long gone already, but Meta’s popularity is still unmatched in digital space, with Instagram hitting 2.4 billion users (up from 110 million in 2013) and Facebook crossing the 3 billion threshold by 2023.

Explained | From TheFacebook to Meta, 20-year-long controversial journey of social media giant

<p>The Hong Kong branch of a multinational company has lost $25.6 million (HK$200 million) after scammers using deepfake technology posed as the firm’s chief financial officer (CFO) in a video conference call and ordered money transfers, according to the police, in what is being highlighted as first of its kind cases in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>First of its kind in Hong Kong</strong></h2>

<p>The money transaction was ordered during a meeting where it was found that everyone present on the video call&nbsp;except the victim were deepfakes of real people, said the Hong Kong police, on Friday (Feb 2).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police highlighted this case as being the first of its kind in Hong Kong which also involved a large amount of money. However, they did not reveal the identity of the employee or the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/deepfake-india-gives-social-media-platforms-seven-day-deadline-to-address-issue-662402">Deepfake: India gives social media platforms seven-day deadline to address issue</a></strong></p>

<p>Acting senior superintendent Baron Chan Shun-ching said that in previous cases the scam victims were tricked by one-on-one video calls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This time, in a multi-person video conference, it turns out that everyone you see is fake,” said the Hong Kong police official, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scammers in this case used deepfake technology to turn publicly available video and other footage of staff members into convincing meeting participants.</p>

<h2><strong>What we know about the case</strong></h2>

<p>According to Chan, the worker involved had been suspicious since he received the message purportedly from the company’s United Kingdom-based CFO and first dismissed it as a phishing email back in January. However, the talks of the need for a secret transaction continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The worker, according to Chan, dismissed the doubts after the video call because other people in attendance had looked and sounded just like colleagues and some others he recognised.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-brings-new-bill-to-tackle-deepfakes-post-taylor-swift-ai-nudes-scandal-685494">US brings new bill to tackle deepfakes post Taylor Swift AI nudes scandal</a></strong></p>

<p>The police official also said that scammers asked the victim to introduce himself but did not actually interact with the person during the meeting. Additionally, the fake images on the screen mainly gave orders before the call ended abruptly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The employee then followed the instructions and made 15 transfers totalling $25.6 million to five Hong Kong bank accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The entire episode lasted a week before the worker involved made an inquiry with the company’s headquarters.</p>

<h2><strong>Six people arrested</strong></h2>

<p>Amid a number of such incidents, Chan said the police have arrested six people so far. He also spoke about eight stolen Hong Kong identity cards involved in scams.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-imposes-90-day-ban-on-deepfake-political-campaign-videos-685152">South Korea imposes 90-day ban on deepfake political campaign videos</a></strong><br />
<br />
According to the police, there have been at least 20 such incidents where AI deepfakes have been used to trick facial recognition programmes into making 90 loan applications and 54 bank account registrations, by imitating the people pictured on the identity cards, between July and September last year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Hong Kong branch of a multinational company has lost $25.6 million (HK$200 million) after scammers using deepfake technology posed as the firm’s chief financial officer (CFO) in a video conference call and ordered money transfers, according to the police, in what is being highlighted as first of its kind cases in the city.

The Hong Kong branch of a multinational company has lost $25.6 million (HK$200 million) after scammers using deepfake technology posed as the firm’s chief financial officer (CFO) in a video conference call and ordered money transfers, according to the police, in what is being highlighted as first of its kind cases in the city. First of its kind in Hong Kong The money transaction was ordered during a meeting where it was found that everyone present on the video call except the victim were deepfakes of real people, said the Hong Kong police, on Friday (Feb 2). The police highlighted this case as being the first of its kind in Hong Kong which also involved a large amount of money. However, they did not reveal the identity of the employee or the company. ALSO READ | Deepfake: India gives social media platforms seven-day deadline to address issue Acting senior superintendent Baron Chan Shun-ching said that in previous cases the scam victims were tricked by one-on-one video calls. “This time, in a multi-person video conference, it turns out that everyone you see is fake,” said the Hong Kong police official, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). Scammers in this case used deepfake technology to turn publicly available video and other footage of staff members into convincing meeting participants. What we know about the case According to Chan, the worker involved had been suspicious since he received the message purportedly from the company’s United Kingdom-based CFO and first dismissed it as a phishing email back in January. However, the talks of the need for a secret transaction continued. The worker, according to Chan, dismissed the doubts after the video call because other people in attendance had looked and sounded just like colleagues and some others he recognised. ALSO READ | US brings new bill to tackle deepfakes post Taylor Swift AI nudes scandal The police official also said that scammers asked the victim to introduce himself but did not actually interact with the person during the meeting. Additionally, the fake images on the screen mainly gave orders before the call ended abruptly. The employee then followed the instructions and made 15 transfers totalling $25.6 million to five Hong Kong bank accounts. The entire episode lasted a week before the worker involved made an inquiry with the company’s headquarters. Six people arrested Amid a number of such incidents, Chan said the police have arrested six people so far. He also spoke about eight stolen Hong Kong identity cards involved in scams. ALSO READ | South Korea imposes 90-day ban on deepfake political campaign videos According to the police, there have been at least 20 such incidents where AI deepfakes have been used to trick facial recognition programmes into making 90 loan applications and 54 bank account registrations, by imitating the people pictured on the identity cards, between July and September last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong firm loses over $25mn after employee’s video call with deepfake ‘chief financial officer’, others

<p>Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country.</p>

<p>The recall is prompted by concerns related to warning lights, posing potential safety risks due to difficulties in reading critical information on the instrument panel, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.</p>

<p>This recall, affecting approximately 2.19 million vehicles sold between 2012 and 2024, marks a substantial setback for Tesla, adding to a series of recent challenges for the automaker.</p>

<p>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted the safety issue, stating that warning lights with a smaller font size could impede the readability of critical safety information, consequently elevating the risk of accidents.</p>

<p>This recall represents Tesla's response to rectify the&nbsp;font size concern, aiming to enhance safety measures for vehicle occupants.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-loses-56-bn-pay-package-in-legal-battle-led-by-former-heavy-metal-drummer-686281">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk loses $56 bn pay package in legal battle led by former heavy metal drummer</a></p>

<h2><strong>Scope of recall</strong></h2>

<p>The recall encompasses a significant number of Tesla vehicles sold over a 12-year period, from 2012 to 2024. Approximately 2.19 million electric vehicles fall under the scope of this recall, making it the largest in Tesla's history.</p>

<p>The company plans to address the issue through an over-the-air software fix, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the problem efficiently.</p>

<p>As of now, Tesla has not provided an official statement in response to the recall. However, the automaker has outlined its strategy to address the problem by implementing an over-the-air software fix, said the Wall Street Journal report.</p>

<p>This recall adds to a series of safety challenges faced by Tesla. In December, the company initiated a recall of around two million vehicles to update the Autopilot software and incorporate new safeguards against driver misuse.</p>

<p>Subsequently, numerous complaints were lodged with US&nbsp;auto-safety regulators, particularly regarding excessive warnings triggered by routine tasks, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the software update.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk suffers biggest legal loss in US history | Heavy metal drummer costs Tesla CEO $55.8 bn</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-suffers-biggest-legal-loss-in-us-history-heavy-metal-drummer-costs-tesla-ceo-558-bn-686259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Global impact: Largest recall in China and ongoing competition</strong></h2>

<p>Tesla's challenges extend beyond the US, as the company conducted its most extensive recall in China last month, addressing issues similar to those related to driver-assistance features.</p>

<p>This move came amidst heightened competition in the Chinese auto market, where Tesla competes with local rival BYD. In 2023, Tesla delivered approximately 1.8 million vehicles globally, emphasising the significant impact of these recalls on the company's operations and reputation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country. The recall is prompted by concerns related to warning lights, posing potential safety risks due to difficulties in reading critical information on the instrument panel, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is undertaking its most extensive recall in the United States, involving nearly all electric vehicles sold in the country. The recall is prompted by concerns related to warning lights, posing potential safety risks due to difficulties in reading critical information on the instrument panel, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This recall, affecting approximately 2.19 million vehicles sold between 2012 and 2024, marks a substantial setback for Tesla, adding to a series of recent challenges for the automaker. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted the safety issue, stating that warning lights with a smaller font size could impede the readability of critical safety information, consequently elevating the risk of accidents. This recall represents Tesla's response to rectify the font size concern, aiming to enhance safety measures for vehicle occupants. Also read | Elon Musk loses $56 bn pay package in legal battle led by former heavy metal drummer Scope of recall The recall encompasses a significant number of Tesla vehicles sold over a 12-year period, from 2012 to 2024. Approximately 2.19 million electric vehicles fall under the scope of this recall, making it the largest in Tesla's history. The company plans to address the issue through an over-the-air software fix, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the problem efficiently. As of now, Tesla has not provided an official statement in response to the recall. However, the automaker has outlined its strategy to address the problem by implementing an over-the-air software fix, said the Wall Street Journal report. This recall adds to a series of safety challenges faced by Tesla. In December, the company initiated a recall of around two million vehicles to update the Autopilot software and incorporate new safeguards against driver misuse. Subsequently, numerous complaints were lodged with US auto-safety regulators, particularly regarding excessive warnings triggered by routine tasks, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the software update. Also watch | Elon Musk suffers biggest legal loss in US history | Heavy metal drummer costs Tesla CEO $55.8 bn Global impact: Largest recall in China and ongoing competition Tesla's challenges extend beyond the US, as the company conducted its most extensive recall in China last month, addressing issues similar to those related to driver-assistance features. This move came amidst heightened competition in the Chinese auto market, where Tesla competes with local rival BYD. In 2023, Tesla delivered approximately 1.8 million vehicles globally, emphasising the significant impact of these recalls on the company's operations and reputation. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla's largest ever recall: Electric vehicle giant issues recall of nearly all its US vehicles

<p>The rapid development of novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will lead to an increase in cyberattacks and lower the barrier of entry for less sophisticated hackers to do digital harm, Britain’s GCHQ spy agency warned on Wednesday.</p>

<p>That lower entry barrier will also likely contribute to the global rise in ransomware attacks, whereby criminals encrypt computer systems for a digital ransom, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ, said in a report.</p>

<p>“AI will almost certainly increase the volume and heighten the impact of cyberattacks over the next two years. However, the impact on the cyber threat will be uneven,” the report said.</p>

<p>It suggested the biggest increase in capability for malicious actors in cyberspace would go to opportunistic hackers who do not necessarily possess the skills needed to carry out higher-level attacks.</p>

<p>At the very least, the report said, the use of generative AI tools like chatbots can help create more convincing emails or documents used in online phishing campaigns.</p>

<p>On an advanced level, more capable state-backed hackers were “best placed to harness AI’s potential in advanced cyber operations against networks, for example use in advanced malware generation”, said the report, referring to malicious software and computer viruses.</p>

<p>Intelligence agencies across the world are grappling with the rise of potential security problems tied to algorithms that can generate human-sounding interactions - dubbed large language models, or LLMs, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which businesses are incorporating into a wide range of services, including sales and customer care.</p>

<p>The security implications of AI are still coming into focus. Authorities in Britain, the U.S. and Canada have said they have seen hackers embrace the technology.</p>


The rapid development of novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will lead to an increase in cyberattacks and lower the barrier of entry for less sophisticated hackers to do digital harm, Britain’s GCHQ spy agency warned on Wednesday.

The rapid development of novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will lead to an increase in cyberattacks and lower the barrier of entry for less sophisticated hackers to do digital harm, Britain’s GCHQ spy agency warned on Wednesday. That lower entry barrier will also likely contribute to the global rise in ransomware attacks, whereby criminals encrypt computer systems for a digital ransom, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ, said in a report. “AI will almost certainly increase the volume and heighten the impact of cyberattacks over the next two years. However, the impact on the cyber threat will be uneven,” the report said. It suggested the biggest increase in capability for malicious actors in cyberspace would go to opportunistic hackers who do not necessarily possess the skills needed to carry out higher-level attacks. At the very least, the report said, the use of generative AI tools like chatbots can help create more convincing emails or documents used in online phishing campaigns. On an advanced level, more capable state-backed hackers were “best placed to harness AI’s potential in advanced cyber operations against networks, for example use in advanced malware generation”, said the report, referring to malicious software and computer viruses. Intelligence agencies across the world are grappling with the rise of potential security problems tied to algorithms that can generate human-sounding interactions - dubbed large language models, or LLMs, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which businesses are incorporating into a wide range of services, including sales and customer care. The security implications of AI are still coming into focus. Authorities in Britain, the U.S. and Canada have said they have seen hackers embrace the technology.

Rise of Artificial Intelligence will lead to increase in cyberattacks, warns Britain’s GCHQ

<p>Security researchers claimed to have uncovered a massive database leak, calling&nbsp;it the "Mother of all Breaches," which contained a staggering 26 billion records. This revelation, deemed one of the largest to date, consists of&nbsp;sensitive data from major platforms such as Twitter, Dropbox, LinkedIn, Tencent, Weibo, Adobe, Canva, and Telegram, Forbes reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the extent of the breach?</strong></h2>

<p>The database, a colossal 12 terabytes in size, was discovered on an unsecured page by researchers from Security Discovery and Cybernews. The sheer magnitude of the breach raises concerns about the potential consequences for the affected individuals, as it includes a vast array of personal information.</p>

<p>The research team believes that the database was likely compiled by a malicious actor or data broker. The aggregated data poses a significant threat, enabling threat actors to exploit it for various malicious activities. The potential risks include identity theft, advanced phishing schemes, targeted cyberattacks, and unauthorised access to personal and sensitive accounts.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-cyber-threats-in-healthcare-digital-india-and-the-need-to-beef-up-cyber-security-601894">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | Digital India and the need to beef up cyber-security in healthcare</a></p>

<p>The leaked data extends its reach to major Chinese entities, such as Tencent and Weibo, amplifying the global scale of the breach. Equally alarming is the discovery that records from various US&nbsp;and other government organisations are part of the exposed data.</p>

<p>While a portion of the database comprises records from previous breaches and leaks, a concerning aspect is the inclusion of numerous username and password combinations. This element significantly heightens the risk of cybercriminals leveraging the data for malicious purposes, potentially leading to identity theft, sophisticated phishing attacks, and unauthorised access to sensitive accounts.</p>

<p>Cybersecurity experts stress on&nbsp;the importance of vigilance among potential victims, urging them to be aware of the potential consequences of compromised passwords.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the situation, a LinkedIn spokesperson told WION, "We are working to fully investigate these claims, and we have seen no evidence that LinkedIn's systems were breached."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Australia sanctions Russian hacker for role in 2022 Medibank cyberattack</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-sanctions-russian-hacker-for-role-in-2022-medibank-cyberattack-682809/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>While a considerable part of the exposed data consists of compiled records from previous breaches, this breach's magnitude is unprecedented. Notably, in 2019, Verifications.io suffered a major breach, leaking nearly one billion records, considered one of the most significant breaches at the time. Other notable breaches include MySpace (360 million), Twitter (281 million), LinkedIn (251 million), and AdultFriendFinder (220 million).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Security researchers claimed to have uncovered a massive database leak, calling it the "Mother of all Breaches," which contained a staggering 26 billion records.

Security researchers claimed to have uncovered a massive database leak, calling it the "Mother of all Breaches," which contained a staggering 26 billion records. This revelation, deemed one of the largest to date, consists of sensitive data from major platforms such as Twitter, Dropbox, LinkedIn, Tencent, Weibo, Adobe, Canva, and Telegram, Forbes reported. What's the extent of the breach? The database, a colossal 12 terabytes in size, was discovered on an unsecured page by researchers from Security Discovery and Cybernews. The sheer magnitude of the breach raises concerns about the potential consequences for the affected individuals, as it includes a vast array of personal information. The research team believes that the database was likely compiled by a malicious actor or data broker. The aggregated data poses a significant threat, enabling threat actors to exploit it for various malicious activities. The potential risks include identity theft, advanced phishing schemes, targeted cyberattacks, and unauthorised access to personal and sensitive accounts. Also read | Data Lab | Digital India and the need to beef up cyber-security in healthcare The leaked data extends its reach to major Chinese entities, such as Tencent and Weibo, amplifying the global scale of the breach. Equally alarming is the discovery that records from various US and other government organisations are part of the exposed data. While a portion of the database comprises records from previous breaches and leaks, a concerning aspect is the inclusion of numerous username and password combinations. This element significantly heightens the risk of cybercriminals leveraging the data for malicious purposes, potentially leading to identity theft, sophisticated phishing attacks, and unauthorised access to sensitive accounts. Cybersecurity experts stress on the importance of vigilance among potential victims, urging them to be aware of the potential consequences of compromised passwords. In response to the situation, a LinkedIn spokesperson told WION, "We are working to fully investigate these claims, and we have seen no evidence that LinkedIn's systems were breached." Also watch | Australia sanctions Russian hacker for role in 2022 Medibank cyberattack While a considerable part of the exposed data consists of compiled records from previous breaches, this breach's magnitude is unprecedented. Notably, in 2019, Verifications.io suffered a major breach, leaking nearly one billion records, considered one of the most significant breaches at the time. Other notable breaches include MySpace (360 million), Twitter (281 million), LinkedIn (251 million), and AdultFriendFinder (220 million). (With inputs from agencies)

Major data leak: 26 billion records exposed from platforms including Twitter and LinkedIn, report says

<p>Tesla is set to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) market with its ambitious "Redwood" project, aiming for mass-market penetration by mid-2025, as reported by Reuters in an exclusive report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tesla CEO Elon Musk&nbsp;has long been vocal about introducing affordable electric vehicles and self-driving robotaxis.</p>

<p>The realisation of these goals hinges on next-gen, cost-effective electric car platforms that align with Musk's vision of making sustainable transportation accessible to the masses.</p>

<h2><strong>Challenges amidst BYD's triumph</strong></h2>

<p>Despite Musk's initial promise of a $25,000 car in 2020, Tesla faced setbacks, eventually prompting a revival of the plan.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, China's BYD overtook Tesla as the leading EV maker in the last quarter of 2023. With the Model 3 sedan priced at $38,990, Tesla confronts the imperative to narrow the price gap for wider market adoption.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/revision-needed-elon-musk-throws-weight-behind-indias-bid-for-permanent-seat-at-unsc-682721">Also read |&nbsp;‘Revision needed,’ Elon Musk throws weight behind India’s bid for permanent seat at UNSC</a></p>

<p>Tesla kicked off the Redwood project by soliciting "requests for quotes" from suppliers last year, projecting a weekly production volume of 10,000 vehicles. Production is slated to commence in June 2025, marking a significant leap toward Tesla's goal of expanding its footprint in the mass-market EV segment.</p>

<p>As Tesla gears up for its quarterly results, investor attention is keenly focused on the timing of next-gen compact vehicles. Musk, addressing concerns about consumer demand in the face of high-interest rates, has assured stakeholders that the Redwood model's design and manufacturing techniques surpass industry benchmarks.</p>

<p>Musk has unveiled plans for two groundbreaking products, with a combined sales potential of 5 million vehicles annually. This includes an affordable robotaxi and an entry-level $25,000 electric car, both sharing a common vehicle architecture. Walter Isaacson's biography of Musk sheds light on Tesla's bold vision for reshaping the EV landscape.</p>

<p>Tesla's history of missing launch targets and pricing challenges is evident, with the Cybertruck experiencing delays and a 50 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;hike in its initially touted starting price.</p>

<p>To glean insights into cost-effective production, Tesla dissected a Honda Civic, priced at $23,950 in the US, demonstrating a meticulous approach to achieving affordability.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir: Light show using Teslas organised in Houston ahead of consecration</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-light-show-using-teslas-organised-in-houston-ahead-of-consecration-682150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Beyond the Redwood project, Tesla's next-gen architecture, internally named "NV9X," is poised to include multiple models.</p>

<p>The company envisions manufacturing more affordable cars in Berlin and is exploring the possibility of a factory in India. With existing facilities in Shanghai and Fremont, California, Tesla strategically positions itself for the global shift towards accessible electric mobility.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tesla is set to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) market with its ambitious "Redwood" project, aiming for mass-market penetration by mid-2025, as reported by Reuters in an exclusive report.

Tesla is set to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) market with its ambitious "Redwood" project, aiming for mass-market penetration by mid-2025, as reported by Reuters in an exclusive report. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long been vocal about introducing affordable electric vehicles and self-driving robotaxis. The realisation of these goals hinges on next-gen, cost-effective electric car platforms that align with Musk's vision of making sustainable transportation accessible to the masses. Challenges amidst BYD's triumph Despite Musk's initial promise of a $25,000 car in 2020, Tesla faced setbacks, eventually prompting a revival of the plan. Meanwhile, China's BYD overtook Tesla as the leading EV maker in the last quarter of 2023. With the Model 3 sedan priced at $38,990, Tesla confronts the imperative to narrow the price gap for wider market adoption. Also read | ‘Revision needed,’ Elon Musk throws weight behind India’s bid for permanent seat at UNSC Tesla kicked off the Redwood project by soliciting "requests for quotes" from suppliers last year, projecting a weekly production volume of 10,000 vehicles. Production is slated to commence in June 2025, marking a significant leap toward Tesla's goal of expanding its footprint in the mass-market EV segment. As Tesla gears up for its quarterly results, investor attention is keenly focused on the timing of next-gen compact vehicles. Musk, addressing concerns about consumer demand in the face of high-interest rates, has assured stakeholders that the Redwood model's design and manufacturing techniques surpass industry benchmarks. Musk has unveiled plans for two groundbreaking products, with a combined sales potential of 5 million vehicles annually. This includes an affordable robotaxi and an entry-level $25,000 electric car, both sharing a common vehicle architecture. Walter Isaacson's biography of Musk sheds light on Tesla's bold vision for reshaping the EV landscape. Tesla's history of missing launch targets and pricing challenges is evident, with the Cybertruck experiencing delays and a 50 per cent hike in its initially touted starting price. To glean insights into cost-effective production, Tesla dissected a Honda Civic, priced at $23,950 in the US, demonstrating a meticulous approach to achieving affordability. Also watch | Ram Mandir: Light show using Teslas organised in Houston ahead of consecration Beyond the Redwood project, Tesla's next-gen architecture, internally named "NV9X," is poised to include multiple models. The company envisions manufacturing more affordable cars in Berlin and is exploring the possibility of a factory in India. With existing facilities in Shanghai and Fremont, California, Tesla strategically positions itself for the global shift towards accessible electric mobility. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla to start production of new electric vehicles by mid-2025

<p>Artificial Intelligence, as of now, is not capable of replacing humans in most of the jobs in a cost-efficient manner, a new study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found. The study emerges amidst concerns that the rapid advancement of AI can potentially impact the livelihood of millions of job-seekers across the world.</p>

<p>The MIT study specifically focused on those jobs where computer vision was employed to assess whether AI can replace humans in an economically viable manner. Computer vision is a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) used for deriving meaningful information from digital images and other visual inputs, with its most ubiquitous applications observed in object detection systems for autonomous driving or in helping categorise photos on smartphones.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Only 23% of workers can be replaced: Study</strong></h2>

<p>The study revealed only 23 per cent of workers can be replaced by AI in a cost-effective manner, if measured in terms of dollar wages. AI-powered virtual recognition devices and systems are so expensive to install and maintain that humans might end up doing the job more economically.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Challenges &amp; opportunities in the retail renaissance with Gen AI</strong></p>

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<p>“‘Machines will steal our jobs’ is a sentiment frequently expressed during times of rapid technological change. Such anxiety has re-emerged with the creation of large language models,” the researchers from MIT said in their 45-page paper titled ‘Beyond AI Exposure’. “We find that only 23% of worker compensation ‘exposed’ to AI computer vision would be cost-effective for firms to automate because of the large upfront costs of AI systems,” they concluded.</p>

<h2><strong>Sectors where the application of AI is economical</strong></h2>

<p>Computer vision's cost-benefit ratio shines brightest in sectors such as retail, transportation, and warehousing, notably dominated by Walmart Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. The potential extends to healthcare, according to MIT's paper. The authors suggest a more assertive AI deployment, especially through AI-as-a-service subscriptions, could enhance viability and broaden applications.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw138Gen--Br_SOFmz36oQ-j" data-ved="2ahUKEwjWqPzUoPODAxXYSmwGHZR6CpMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ey-survey-unveils-gen-ai-trends-indian-retails-leap-into-the-future-682426" jsname="YKoRaf">EY survey unveils Gen AI trends: Indian retail`s leap into the future</a></strong></p>

<p>Funded by the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, the study, utilising online surveys, gathered data on around 1,000 visually-assisted tasks across 800 occupations. Presently, only 3 per cent of these tasks can be cost-effectively automated, but the researchers anticipate a potential increase to 40 per cent by 2030, contingent on falling data costs and improved accuracy.</p>

<h2><strong>IMF’s warning</strong></h2>

<p>The advent of advanced AI models like ChatGPT and its competitors like Google's Bard has raised concerns about massive job displacement, as these chatbots exhibit proficiency in tasks previously exclusive to humans. The International Monetary Fund cautioned last week that nearly 40 per cent of global jobs could be impacted, emphasising the need for policymakers to carefully balance AI's potential with potential negative consequences.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Artificial Intelligence, as of now, is not capable of replacing humans in most of the jobs in a cost-efficient manner, a new study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found.

Artificial Intelligence, as of now, is not capable of replacing humans in most of the jobs in a cost-efficient manner, a new study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found. The study emerges amidst concerns that the rapid advancement of AI can potentially impact the livelihood of millions of job-seekers across the world. The MIT study specifically focused on those jobs where computer vision was employed to assess whether AI can replace humans in an economically viable manner. Computer vision is a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) used for deriving meaningful information from digital images and other visual inputs, with its most ubiquitous applications observed in object detection systems for autonomous driving or in helping categorise photos on smartphones. Only 23% of workers can be replaced: Study The study revealed only 23 per cent of workers can be replaced by AI in a cost-effective manner, if measured in terms of dollar wages. AI-powered virtual recognition devices and systems are so expensive to install and maintain that humans might end up doing the job more economically. Watch: Challenges & opportunities in the retail renaissance with Gen AI × “‘Machines will steal our jobs’ is a sentiment frequently expressed during times of rapid technological change. Such anxiety has re-emerged with the creation of large language models,” the researchers from MIT said in their 45-page paper titled ‘Beyond AI Exposure’. “We find that only 23% of worker compensation ‘exposed’ to AI computer vision would be cost-effective for firms to automate because of the large upfront costs of AI systems,” they concluded. Sectors where the application of AI is economical Computer vision's cost-benefit ratio shines brightest in sectors such as retail, transportation, and warehousing, notably dominated by Walmart Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. The potential extends to healthcare, according to MIT's paper. The authors suggest a more assertive AI deployment, especially through AI-as-a-service subscriptions, could enhance viability and broaden applications. Also read: EY survey unveils Gen AI trends: Indian retail`s leap into the future Funded by the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, the study, utilising online surveys, gathered data on around 1,000 visually-assisted tasks across 800 occupations. Presently, only 3 per cent of these tasks can be cost-effectively automated, but the researchers anticipate a potential increase to 40 per cent by 2030, contingent on falling data costs and improved accuracy. IMF’s warning The advent of advanced AI models like ChatGPT and its competitors like Google's Bard has raised concerns about massive job displacement, as these chatbots exhibit proficiency in tasks previously exclusive to humans. The International Monetary Fund cautioned last week that nearly 40 per cent of global jobs could be impacted, emphasising the need for policymakers to carefully balance AI's potential with potential negative consequences. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Too expensive,’ AI not capable of replacing humans in workplaces, study reveals

<p>Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. The response from Starlink has reportedly addressed these queries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-starlink-the-ambitious-global-internet-service-of-elon-musk-652569">Explained | What is Starlink, the ambitious global internet service of Elon Musk?</a></strong></p>

<p>Sources close to the matter cited by the Economic Times suggest that Starlink's response has set the stage for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to potentially issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) within the next few days, or at the latest, by the end of the current month. The LoI is seen as a crucial step towards formalising Starlink's entry into the Indian market.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>As per industry insiders, cited by financial news publications, the Indian Department of Telecommunications is actively engaged in drafting a comprehensive note for the approval process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This note is anticipated to be presented to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the secretary of the telecommunications department, for their review and approval.</p>

<p>Upon receiving the green light from both Vaishnaw and Mittal, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) within the telecommunications department will grant the necessary permissions for&nbsp;SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to commence operations within India.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink</strong></p>

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<p>Recent reports also suggest that the issuance of the Letter of Intent could materialise as early as Wednesday (Jan 24). But the final timeline will depend on the swift approval process by key decision-makers in India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>If Starlink successfully navigates through the final stages of regulatory approval, it will emerge as the third company to offer space-based broadband services in India.</p>

<p>This will also place&nbsp;Starlink in an exclusive league alongside Mukesh Ambani's Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom line?</strong></h2>

<p>The potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market not only expands the options for consumers but also underscores the growing role of satellite technology in meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in the world's fifth-largest economy.</p>


Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern.

Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. The response from Starlink has reportedly addressed these queries. Also read | Explained | What is Starlink, the ambitious global internet service of Elon Musk? Sources close to the matter cited by the Economic Times suggest that Starlink's response has set the stage for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to potentially issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) within the next few days, or at the latest, by the end of the current month. The LoI is seen as a crucial step towards formalising Starlink's entry into the Indian market. What next? As per industry insiders, cited by financial news publications, the Indian Department of Telecommunications is actively engaged in drafting a comprehensive note for the approval process. This note is anticipated to be presented to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, and Neeraj Mittal, the secretary of the telecommunications department, for their review and approval. Upon receiving the green light from both Vaishnaw and Mittal, the Satellite Communications Wing (SCW) within the telecommunications department will grant the necessary permissions for SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to commence operations within India. Also watch | Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink × Recent reports also suggest that the issuance of the Letter of Intent could materialise as early as Wednesday (Jan 24). But the final timeline will depend on the swift approval process by key decision-makers in India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. What does it mean? If Starlink successfully navigates through the final stages of regulatory approval, it will emerge as the third company to offer space-based broadband services in India. This will also place Starlink in an exclusive league alongside Mukesh Ambani's Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelast OneWeb, backed by Bharti Global. What is the bottom line? The potential entry of Starlink into the Indian market not only expands the options for consumers but also underscores the growing role of satellite technology in meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in the world's fifth-largest economy.

Elon Musk's Starlink knocks on India's door, likely to get approval by Jan 24

<p>Google Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai told the employees to expect more job cuts at the Alphabet-owned company this year, The Verge reported on Wednesday (Jan 17). The news comes after a recent round of layoffs that impacted 1,000 staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that Pichai released a memo, telling the employees that "some roles may be impacted". he also mentioned that the company's divisions were undergoing changes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the memo, Pichai said that the job cuts this year were focused on removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-watch-patent-row-as-us-upholds-ban-on-sale-tech-giant-might-disable-oxygen-display-in-some-devices-681142">Apple watch patent row: As US upholds ban on sale, tech giant might disable oxygen display in some devices</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The tech giant continues to drive towards extending its artificial intelligence capabilities and automation to lighten workloads. These layoffs are clear indications that more jobs might get impacted this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pichai informed all employees that "these role eliminations are not at the scale of last year's reductions, and will not touch every team".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have ambitious goals, and will be investing in our big priorities this year," Pichai added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Google representative confirmed to Reuters that an email was sent to all employees, but refused to disclose further contents of the memo.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-university-uses-ai-to-prove-our-fingerprints-are-not-unique-report-679377">US university uses AI to prove our fingerprints are not unique: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Google announced last week that it would lay off a number of individuals from its Voice Assistant groups, hardware teams responsible for Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit, advertising sales team, and augmented reality team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Throughout second-half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities," the Google statement read. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which include some role eliminations globally," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January 2023, Alphabet announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, or 6 per cent, of its global workforce. As of September 2023, the company had 182,381 employees globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Google, Meta, Amazon set to cut jobs this year</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>People show anger&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ever since the news came out, Google employees have started reacting on social media forums. In one of the posts, an employee wrote, "Thank you, our corporate overlords, for our new annual tradition."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A post on X (formerly known as Twitter), mentioned, "As callous as Google's and other big tech layoffs have been by sending you an email saying you're unemployed, the viral Cloudflare layoff video is proof that it would be even worse optics for companies to do more. Best to realize we're all just numbers on a spreadsheet to them."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Google Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai told the employees to expect more job cuts at the Alphabet-owned company this year, The Verge reported on Wednesday (Jan 17).

Google Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai told the employees to expect more job cuts at the Alphabet-owned company this year, The Verge reported on Wednesday (Jan 17). The news comes after a recent round of layoffs that impacted 1,000 staff. The report mentioned that Pichai released a memo, telling the employees that "some roles may be impacted". he also mentioned that the company's divisions were undergoing changes. As per the memo, Pichai said that the job cuts this year were focused on removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas. Also read: Apple watch patent row: As US upholds ban on sale, tech giant might disable oxygen display in some devices The tech giant continues to drive towards extending its artificial intelligence capabilities and automation to lighten workloads. These layoffs are clear indications that more jobs might get impacted this year. Pichai informed all employees that "these role eliminations are not at the scale of last year's reductions, and will not touch every team". "We have ambitious goals, and will be investing in our big priorities this year," Pichai added. A Google representative confirmed to Reuters that an email was sent to all employees, but refused to disclose further contents of the memo. Also read: US university uses AI to prove our fingerprints are not unique: Report Google announced last week that it would lay off a number of individuals from its Voice Assistant groups, hardware teams responsible for Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit, advertising sales team, and augmented reality team. "Throughout second-half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities," the Google statement read. "Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which include some role eliminations globally," it added. In January 2023, Alphabet announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, or 6 per cent, of its global workforce. As of September 2023, the company had 182,381 employees globally. Watch: Google, Meta, Amazon set to cut jobs this year × People show anger Ever since the news came out, Google employees have started reacting on social media forums. In one of the posts, an employee wrote, "Thank you, our corporate overlords, for our new annual tradition." A post on X (formerly known as Twitter), mentioned, "As callous as Google's and other big tech layoffs have been by sending you an email saying you're unemployed, the viral Cloudflare layoff video is proof that it would be even worse optics for companies to do more. Best to realize we're all just numbers on a spreadsheet to them." (With inputs from agencies)

Google CEO Sundar Pichai tells employees to expect more job cuts in 2024: Report

<p lang="en-US">OpenAI launched its GPT Store on Wednesday (Jan 10), which is a unique kind of marketplace where users of paid ChatGPT will be able to buy and sell customised chatbot agents based on the language models of the company.<br />
<br />
The company, which is majorly popular for creating ChatGPT which brought a boom in the AI industry, has already started offering customised bots through its paid service called ChatGPT Plus. This new store will permit users to offer as well as monetise a varied range of tools.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>More than 3 million custom versions of ChatGPT</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Using the new models, the users can develop chatbot agents with their own personalities or themes, which include models for negotiating salary, developing recipes and creating lesson plans.<br />
<br />
Announcing the launch of the GPT Store in a blog post, OpenAI said that users have already created&nbsp;more than 3 million custom versions of ChatGPT's. It added that it has been planning to highlight useful GPT tools inside the newly launched store every week.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-microsoft-sued-by-new-york-times-for-use-of-stories-to-train-chatbots-674120">OpenAI, Microsoft sued by New York Times for use of its stories to train their chatbots</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The GPT store has been compared to the App store of Apple and is said to be leading new development in the AI space with the assistance of a wide range of users. In a similar kind of offering, Meta has been providing chatbots with differing personalities.<br />
<br />
Originally, the GPT store was slated to open in November last year, however, an internal upheaval in the company which led to OpenAI’s board firing Sam Altman as CEO, delayed its launch.<br />
<br />
In a blog post, the company said that it will launch a revenue-sharing programme in the year's first quarter through which it will pay the builders on the basis of user engagement with their GPTs.<br />
<br />
In an email sent to the platform's developers, OpenAI informed the users to ensure that the chatbots customised by them fulfil usage policies and GPT brand guidelines.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sam Altman to launch new AI firm?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sam-altman-to-launch-new-ai-firm-660337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">In a press release, accompanied by the launch, the company emphasised various products are already on offer which included ones from the hiking app AllTrails and the design app Canva.<br />
<br />
In its inaugural demo day for developers, Altman said that the developers' legal costs will be covered, if they run afoul of copyright law while creating products on the basis of ChatGPT and OpenAI’s technology.<br />
<br />
OpenAI has also been sued numerous times for alleged copyright infringement and for making use of copyrighted text to train the company's large language models.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


OpenAI launched its GPT Store on Wednesday (Jan 10), which is a unique kind of marketplace where users of paid ChatGPT will be able to buy and sell customised chatbot agents based on the language models of the company.

OpenAI launched its GPT Store on Wednesday (Jan 10), which is a unique kind of marketplace where users of paid ChatGPT will be able to buy and sell customised chatbot agents based on the language models of the company. The company, which is majorly popular for creating ChatGPT which brought a boom in the AI industry, has already started offering customised bots through its paid service called ChatGPT Plus. This new store will permit users to offer as well as monetise a varied range of tools. More than 3 million custom versions of ChatGPT Using the new models, the users can develop chatbot agents with their own personalities or themes, which include models for negotiating salary, developing recipes and creating lesson plans. Announcing the launch of the GPT Store in a blog post, OpenAI said that users have already created more than 3 million custom versions of ChatGPT's. It added that it has been planning to highlight useful GPT tools inside the newly launched store every week. Also read: OpenAI, Microsoft sued by New York Times for use of its stories to train their chatbots The GPT store has been compared to the App store of Apple and is said to be leading new development in the AI space with the assistance of a wide range of users. In a similar kind of offering, Meta has been providing chatbots with differing personalities. Originally, the GPT store was slated to open in November last year, however, an internal upheaval in the company which led to OpenAI’s board firing Sam Altman as CEO, delayed its launch. In a blog post, the company said that it will launch a revenue-sharing programme in the year's first quarter through which it will pay the builders on the basis of user engagement with their GPTs. In an email sent to the platform's developers, OpenAI informed the users to ensure that the chatbots customised by them fulfil usage policies and GPT brand guidelines. Watch: Sam Altman to launch new AI firm? In a press release, accompanied by the launch, the company emphasised various products are already on offer which included ones from the hiking app AllTrails and the design app Canva. In its inaugural demo day for developers, Altman said that the developers' legal costs will be covered, if they run afoul of copyright law while creating products on the basis of ChatGPT and OpenAI’s technology. OpenAI has also been sued numerous times for alleged copyright infringement and for making use of copyrighted text to train the company's large language models. (With inputs from agencies)

An AI marketplace? OpenAI launches GPT Store for buying and selling customised chatbots

<p>Australia's online safety commissioner said on Thursday (Jan 11) that X Corp. has slashed global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since billionaire Elon Musk took over in 2022, Forbes reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>X Corp. is the owner of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The company has also reduced 80 per cent of its staff when it comes to the number of safety engineers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia's eSafety Commission calls itself the world's first government organisation committed to keeping people safe online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The commission has revealed summaries of X's responses to queries about how its hateful conduct standards were enforced.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digital-translation-tools-to-boost-kashmiri-languages-reach-across-the-world-678710">Digital translation tools to boost reach of Kashmiri language across the world</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Using Australia's Online Safety Act to demand, the commissioner basically asked X to answer how it is keeping the users safe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company said that before the acquisition in October 2022, it had 279 engineers worldwide focused on trust and safety. By the end of May 2023, that number had reduced to 55. Meanwhile, the trust and safety team of 4,062 was cut down to 2,849.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The content moderation team was cut in half, from 107 down to 51, though most of X's moderators are contractors. In October 2022, the company had 2,613 hired moderators, but that number had dropped to 2,305 by May 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ais-double-edged-sword-technology-making-hacking-easy-for-non-tech-savvy-people-warn-us-officials-678440">AI's double-edged sword: Technology making hacking easy for non-tech-savvy people, warn US officials</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>SpaceX illegally fired workers critical of Elon Musk</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, rocket and satellite maker SpaceX, another company owned by Musk, was accused by a US labour agency of unlawfully firing eight employees for circulating a letter calling founder and CEO Elon Musk a "distraction and embarrassment".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A regional official with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint claiming SpaceX violated the workers' rights under federal labour law to band together and advocate for better working conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter sent to SpaceX executives in June 2022 focused on a series of tweets Musk had made since 2020, many of which were sexually suggestive. The employees claimed Musk's statements did not align with the company's policies on diversity and workplace misconduct and called on SpaceX to condemn them.&nbsp;</p>


Australia's online safety commissioner said on Thursday (Jan 11) that X Corp. has slashed global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since billionaire Elon Musk took over in 2022, Forbes reported.

Australia's online safety commissioner said on Thursday (Jan 11) that X Corp. has slashed global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since billionaire Elon Musk took over in 2022, Forbes reported. X Corp. is the owner of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The company has also reduced 80 per cent of its staff when it comes to the number of safety engineers. Australia's eSafety Commission calls itself the world's first government organisation committed to keeping people safe online. The commission has revealed summaries of X's responses to queries about how its hateful conduct standards were enforced. Also read: Digital translation tools to boost reach of Kashmiri language across the world Using Australia's Online Safety Act to demand, the commissioner basically asked X to answer how it is keeping the users safe. The company said that before the acquisition in October 2022, it had 279 engineers worldwide focused on trust and safety. By the end of May 2023, that number had reduced to 55. Meanwhile, the trust and safety team of 4,062 was cut down to 2,849. The content moderation team was cut in half, from 107 down to 51, though most of X's moderators are contractors. In October 2022, the company had 2,613 hired moderators, but that number had dropped to 2,305 by May 2023. Also read: AI's double-edged sword: Technology making hacking easy for non-tech-savvy people, warn US officials SpaceX illegally fired workers critical of Elon Musk Meanwhile, rocket and satellite maker SpaceX, another company owned by Musk, was accused by a US labour agency of unlawfully firing eight employees for circulating a letter calling founder and CEO Elon Musk a "distraction and embarrassment". A regional official with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint claiming SpaceX violated the workers' rights under federal labour law to band together and advocate for better working conditions. The letter sent to SpaceX executives in June 2022 focused on a series of tweets Musk had made since 2020, many of which were sexually suggestive. The employees claimed Musk's statements did not align with the company's policies on diversity and workplace misconduct and called on SpaceX to condemn them.

Australian watchdog says Elon Musk's X Corp slashed 30% of trust and safety staff

<p>In a digital era marked by technological leaps, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) comes with both opportunities and challenges. On Tuesday, in a stark warning, top US law enforcement and intelligence officials raised concerns about the dark potential of AI. Speaking at the International Conference on Cyber Security at Fordham University in Manhattan they suggested that artificial intelligence's evolution could amplify the risks associated with hacking, scamming, and money laundering.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>AI can help scams</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the cyber security conference, Rob Joyce, the Director of Cybersecurity at the National Security Agency, said that AI is now being employed by less technically savvy individuals to execute hacking operations that would have been beyond their reach otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joyce, as reported by Reuters,&nbsp;emphasised the worrisome development and said, "It's going to make those that use AI more effective and more dangerous."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/terror-beasts-scientists-unearth-500-million-year-old-giant-predator-worms-in-greenland-676493">Terror Beasts: 500-million-year old 'giant' predator worms unearthed in Greenland&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>However, on a somewhat optimistic note, he acknowledged that AI advancements are aiding US authorities in uncovering malicious activities.</p>

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is already witnessing a surge in cyber intrusions attributed to the diminished technical barriers facilitated by AI, revealed James Smith, the Assistant Director in charge of the FBI's New York field office, during the conference.</p>

<h2><strong>More than just hacking</strong></h2>

<p>The potential implications extend beyond hacking, reaching into the realm of financial crimes, according to top federal prosecutors. Damian Williams, the US Attorney in Manhattan, pointed out that AI could empower individuals who do not speak English to craft convincing messages, to scam unsuspecting victims.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-announces-13-ideas-that-won-175000-under-prestigious-niac-programme-676847">NASA announces 13 ideas that won $175,000 under prestigious NIAC programme</a></strong></p>

<p>Breon Peace, the US Attorney in Brooklyn, delved into the unsettling territory of AI-generated "deepfake" images and videos. He expressed concern that such sophisticated content could deceive banks' identity verification systems, that are designed to prevent money laundering. Peace cautioned that this could enable criminals and terrorists to exploit the financial system at scale, "undermining the system of controls that we have developed for decades".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a digital era marked by technological leaps, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) comes with both opportunities and challenges. On Tuesday, in a stark warning, top US law enforcement and intelligence officials raised concerns about the dark potential of AI.

In a digital era marked by technological leaps, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) comes with both opportunities and challenges. On Tuesday, in a stark warning, top US law enforcement and intelligence officials raised concerns about the dark potential of AI. Speaking at the International Conference on Cyber Security at Fordham University in Manhattan they suggested that artificial intelligence's evolution could amplify the risks associated with hacking, scamming, and money laundering. AI can help scams Speaking at the cyber security conference, Rob Joyce, the Director of Cybersecurity at the National Security Agency, said that AI is now being employed by less technically savvy individuals to execute hacking operations that would have been beyond their reach otherwise. Joyce, as reported by Reuters, emphasised the worrisome development and said, "It's going to make those that use AI more effective and more dangerous." Also read | Terror Beasts: 500-million-year old 'giant' predator worms unearthed in Greenland However, on a somewhat optimistic note, he acknowledged that AI advancements are aiding US authorities in uncovering malicious activities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is already witnessing a surge in cyber intrusions attributed to the diminished technical barriers facilitated by AI, revealed James Smith, the Assistant Director in charge of the FBI's New York field office, during the conference. More than just hacking The potential implications extend beyond hacking, reaching into the realm of financial crimes, according to top federal prosecutors. Damian Williams, the US Attorney in Manhattan, pointed out that AI could empower individuals who do not speak English to craft convincing messages, to scam unsuspecting victims. Also read | NASA announces 13 ideas that won $175,000 under prestigious NIAC programme Breon Peace, the US Attorney in Brooklyn, delved into the unsettling territory of AI-generated "deepfake" images and videos. He expressed concern that such sophisticated content could deceive banks' identity verification systems, that are designed to prevent money laundering. Peace cautioned that this could enable criminals and terrorists to exploit the financial system at scale, "undermining the system of controls that we have developed for decades". (With inputs from agencies)

AI's double-edged sword: Technology making hacking easy for non-tech-savvy people, warn US officials

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