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X faces EU probe over AI data use

Elon Musk’s X platform is under formal investigation by the Irish Data Protection Commission over its alleged use of public posts from EU users to train the Grok AI chatbot.

The probe is centred on whether X Internet Unlimited Company, the platform’s newly renamed Irish entity, has adhered to key GDPR principles while sharing publicly accessible data, like posts and interactions, with its affiliate xAI, which develops the chatbot.

Concerns have grown over the lack of explicit user consent, especially as other tech giants such as Meta signal similar data usage plans.

A move like this is part of a wider regulatory push in the EU to hold AI developers accountable instead of allowing unchecked experimentation. Experts note that many AI firms have deployed tools under a ‘build first, ask later’ mindset, an approach at odds with Europe’s strict data laws.

Should regulators conclude that public data still requires user consent, it could force a dramatic shift in how AI models are developed, not just in Europe but around the world.

Enterprises are now treading carefully. The investigation into X is already affecting AI adoption across the continent, with legal and reputational risks weighing heavily on decision-makers.

In one case, a Nordic bank halted its AI rollout midstream after its legal team couldn’t confirm whether European data had been used without proper disclosure. Instead of pushing ahead, the project was rebuilt using fully documented, EU-based training data.

The consequences could stretch far beyond the EU. Ireland’s probe might become a global benchmark for how governments view user consent in the age of data scraping and machine learning.

Instead of enforcement being region-specific, this investigation could inspire similar actions from regulators in places like Singapore and Canada. As AI continues to evolve, companies may have no choice but to adopt more transparent practices or face a rising tide of legal scrutiny.

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TheStage AI makes neural network optimisation easy

In a move set to ease one of the most stubborn hurdles in AI development, Delaware-based startup TheStage AI has secured $4.5 million to launch its Automatic NNs Analyzer (ANNA).

Instead of requiring months of manual fine-tuning, ANNA allows developers to optimise AI models in hours, cutting deployment costs by up to five times. The technology is designed to simplify a process that has remained inaccessible to all but the largest tech firms, often limited by expensive GPU infrastructure.

TheStage AI’s system automatically compresses and refines models using techniques like quantisation and pruning, adapting them to various hardware environments without locking users into proprietary platforms.

Instead of focusing on cloud-based deployment, their models, called ‘Elastic models’, can run anywhere from smartphones to on-premise GPUs. This gives startups and enterprises a cost-effective way to adjust quality and speed with a simple interface, akin to choosing video resolution on streaming platforms.

Backed by notable investors including Mehreen Malik and Atlantic Labs, and already used by companies like Recraft.ai, the startup addresses a growing need as demand shifts from AI training to real-time inference.

Unlike competitors acquired by larger corporations and tied to specific ecosystems, TheStage AI takes a dual-market approach, helping both app developers and AI researchers. Their strategy supports scale without complexity, effectively making AI optimisation available to teams of any size.

Founded by a group of PhD holders with experience at Huawei, the team combines deep academic roots with practical industry application.

By offering a tool that streamlines deployment instead of complicating it, TheStage AI hopes to enable broader use of generative AI technologies in sectors where performance and cost have long been limiting factors.

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New AI tool helps spot cataracts in babies

A groundbreaking medical device designed to detect cataracts in newborns is being enhanced with the help of AI. The Neocam, a handheld digital imaging tool created by Addenbrooke’s eye surgeon, Dr Louise Allen, allows midwives to take photos of a baby’s eyes to spot congenital cataracts — the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness.

A new AI feature under development will instantly assess whether a photo is clear enough for diagnosis, streamlining the process and reducing the need for retakes. The improvements are being developed by Cambridgeshire-based consultancy 42 Technology (42T), whose software engineers train a machine-learning model using a vast dataset of 46,000 anonymised images.

The AI project is backed by an innovation grant from Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to make Neocam more accurate and accessible, especially in areas with limited specialist care. Neocam is currently being trialled in maternity units across the UK as part of a large-scale study called DIvO, where over 140,000 babies will have their eyes screened using both traditional methods and the new device.

Although the final results are not expected until 2027, early findings suggest Neocam has already identified rare visual conditions that would have otherwise gone undetected. Dr Allen emphasised the importance of collaboration and public support for the project, saying that the AI-enhanced Neocam could make early detection of eye conditions more reliable worldwide.

Why does it matter?

With growing support from institutions like the National Institute for Health and Care Research and ACT, this innovation could significantly improve childhood eye care across both urban and remote settings.

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US exempts key electronics from China import taxes

Smartphones, computers, and key tech components have been granted exemption from the latest round of US tariffs, providing relief to American technology firms heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing.

The decision, which includes products such as semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards, marks the first major rollback in President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.

The exemptions, retroactively effective from 5 April, come amid concerns from US tech giants that consumer prices would soar.

Analysts say this move could be a turning point, especially for companies like Apple and Nvidia, which source most of their hardware from China. Industry reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with suggestions that the policy shift could reshape global tech supply chains.

Despite easing tariffs on electronics, Trump has maintained a strict stance on Chinese trade, citing national security and economic independence.

The White House claims the reprieve gives firms time to shift manufacturing to the US. However, electronic goods will still face a separate 20% tariff due to China’s ties to fentanyl-related trade. Meanwhile, Trump insists high tariffs are essential leverage to renegotiate fairer global trade terms.

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Benchmark backlash hits Meta’s Maverick model

Meta’s latest open-source language model, Llama 4 Maverick, has ranked poorly on a widely used AI benchmark after the company was criticised for initially using a heavily modified, unreleased version to boost its results.

LM Arena, the platform where the performance was measured, has since updated its rules and retested Meta’s vanilla version.

The plain Maverick model, officially named ‘Llama-4-Maverick-17B-128E-Instruct,’ placed behind older competitors such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro.

Meta admitted that the stronger-performing variant used earlier had been ‘optimised for conversationality,’ which likely gave it an unfair advantage in LM Arena’s human-rated comparisons.

Although LM Arena’s reliability as a performance gauge has been questioned, the controversy has raised concerns over transparency and benchmarking practices in the AI industry.

Meta has since released its open-source model to developers, encouraging them to customise it for real-world use and provide feedback.

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Microsoft users at risk from tax-themed cyberattack

As the US tax filing deadline of April 15 approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up phishing attacks designed to exploit the urgency many feel during this stressful period.

Windows users are particularly at risk, as attackers are targeting Microsoft account credentials by distributing emails disguised as tax-related reminders.

These emails include a PDF attachment titled ‘urgent reminder,’ which contains a malicious QR code. Once scanned, it leads users through fake bot protection and CAPTCHA checks before prompting them to enter their Microsoft login details, details that are then sent to a server controlled by criminals.

Security researchers, including Peter Arntz from Malwarebytes, warn that the email addresses in these fake login pages are already pre-filled, making it easier for unsuspecting victims to fall into the trap.

Entering your password at this stage could hand your credentials to malicious actors, possibly operating from Russia, who may exploit your account for maximum profit.

The form of attack takes advantage of both the ticking tax clock and the stress many feel trying to meet the deadline, encouraging impulsive and risky clicks.

Importantly, this threat is not limited to Windows users or those filing taxes by the April 15 deadline. As phishing techniques become more advanced through the use of AI and automated smartphone farms, similar scams are expected to persist well beyond tax season.

The IRS rarely contacts individuals via email and never to request sensitive information through links or attachments, so any such message should be treated with suspicion instead of trust.

To stay safe, users are urged to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on links or scanning codes from unsolicited emails. Instead of relying on emails for tax updates or returns, go directly to official websites.

The IRS offers resources to help recognise and report scams, and reviewing this guidance could be an essential step in protecting your personal information, not just today, but in the months ahead.

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UAE experts warn on AI privacy risks in art apps

A surge in AI applications transforming selfies into Studio Ghibli-style artwork has captivated social media, but UAE cybersecurity experts are raising concerns over privacy and data misuse.

Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, warned that engaging with unofficial apps could lead to breaches or leaks of personal data. He emphasised that while AI’s benefits are clear, users must understand how their personal data is handled by these platforms.

He called for strong cybersecurity standards across all digital platforms, urging individuals to be more cautious with their data.

Media professionals are also sounding alarms. Adel Al-Rashed, an Emirati journalist, cautioned that free apps often mimic trusted platforms but could exploit user data. He advised users to stick to verified applications, noting that paid services, like ChatGPT’s Pro edition, offer stronger privacy protections.

While acknowledging the risks, social media influencer Ibrahim Al-Thahli highlighted the excitement AI brings to creative expression. He urged users to focus on education and safe engagement with the technology, underscoring the UAE’s goal to build a resilient digital economy.

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AI transforms global healthcare with major growth ahead

The healthcare sector is poised for significant growth as AI continues to revolutionise the industry. A new report from Avant Technologies predicts an influx of AI-powered solutions in healthcare, with key technology giants leading the charge.

Avant Technologies and Ainnova, in their joint venture, plan to showcase their AI-powered Vision AI platform at the 2025 Mexico Healthcare Innovation Summit.

The platform, aimed at early disease detection, is nearing approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is already in clinical trials in Southeast Asia and South America.

Apple and Amazon are also entering the AI healthcare space, with Apple launching an AI-powered health coach to guide users on diet and exercise, while Amazon is expanding its AI solutions with a healthcare chatbot.

Meanwhile, GE Healthcare has seen success with its AI-driven cardiac imaging, which has garnered FDA approval. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports AI integration in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care and early diagnosis, though it has urged regulators to be cautious of potential risks.

AI in healthcare is expected to grow exponentially, reaching a market valuation of $613 billion by 2034. The sector’s rapid expansion is driven by increasing adoption rates, particularly for early disease detection, administrative efficiency, and personalised medicine.

Despite data privacy concerns, the adoption of AI tools in fields like dermatology, oncology, and cardiovascular health is expected to surge. North America is predicted to lead the market, followed by Europe and South Asia, as more healthcare institutions embrace AI technologies.

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Hackers leak data from Indian software firm in major breach

A major cybersecurity breach has reportedly compromised a software company based in India, with hackers claiming responsibility for stealing nearly 1.6 million rows of sensitive data on 19 December 2024.

A hacker identified as @303 is said to have accessed and exposed customer information and internal credentials, with the dataset later appearing on a dark web forum via a user known as ‘frog’.

The leaked data includes email addresses linked to major Indian insurance providers, contact numbers, and possible administrative access credentials.

Analysts found that the sample files feature information tied to employees of companies such as HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, and ICICI Lombard, suggesting widespread exposure across the sector.

Despite the firm’s stated dedication to safeguarding data, the incident raises doubts about its cybersecurity protocols.

The breach also comes as India’s insurance regulator, IRDAI, has begun enforcing stricter cyber measures. In March 2025, it instructed insurers to appoint forensic auditors in advance and perform full IT audits instead of waiting for threats to surface.

A breach like this follows a string of high-profile incidents, including the Star Health Insurance leak affecting 31 million customers.

With cyberattacks in India up by 261% in early 2024 and the average cost of a breach now ₹19.5 crore, experts warn that insurance firms must adopt stronger protections instead of relying on outdated defences.

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Meta faces landmark antitrust trial

An antitrust trial against Meta commenced in Washington, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the company’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were designed to crush competition instead of fostering innovation.

Although the FTC initially approved these deals, it now claims they effectively handed Meta a monopoly. Should the FTC succeed, Meta may be forced to sell off both platforms, a move that would reshape the tech landscape.

Meta has countered by asserting that users have benefited from Instagram’s development under its ownership, instead of being harmed by diminished competition. Legal experts believe the company will focus on consumer outcomes rather than corporate intent.

Nevertheless, statements made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, such as his remark that it’s ‘better to buy than to compete,’ may prove pivotal. Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg are both expected to testify during the trial, which could span several weeks in the US.

Political tensions loom over the case, which was first launched under Donald Trump’s presidency. Reports suggest Zuckerberg has privately lobbied Trump to drop the lawsuit, while Meta has criticised the FTC’s reversal years after approving the acquisitions.

The recent dismissal of two Democratic commissioners from the FTC by Trump has raised concerns over political interference, especially as the commission now holds a Republican majority.

While the FTC seeks to challenge Meta’s dominance, experts caution that proving harm in this case will be far more difficult than in the ongoing antitrust battle against Google.

Unlike the search engine market, which is clearly monopolised, the social media space remains highly competitive, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube and X offering strong alternatives.

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