Google has introduced Career Dreamer, a new AI-powered tool designed to help users discover career possibilities based on their skills, education, and interests. Announced in a blog post, the experiment aims to offer personalised job exploration without the need for multiple searches across different platforms.
The tool creates a ‘career identity statement’ by analysing users’ past and present roles, education, and experiences, which can be used to refine CVs or guide interview discussions. Career Dreamer also provides a visual representation of potential career paths and allows users to collaborate with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, to draft cover letters or explore further job ideas.
Unlike traditional job search platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed, Career Dreamer does not link users to actual job postings. Instead, it serves as an exploratory tool to help individuals, whether students, career changers, or military veterans, identify roles that align with their backgrounds. Currently, the experiment is available only in the United States, with no confirmation on future expansion.
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President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he was in active discussions with China over the future of TikTok, as the US seeks to broker a sale of the popular app. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that talks were ongoing, underscoring the US government’s desire to address national security concerns tied to the app’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. The move comes amid growing scrutiny over TikTok’s data security practices and potential links to the Chinese government.
The Trump administration has expressed concerns that TikTok could be used to collect sensitive data on US users, raising fears about national security risks. As a result, the US has been pushing for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company. This would be part of an effort to reduce any potential influence from the Chinese government over the app’s data and operations. However, the process has faced complexities, with discussions involving multiple stakeholders, including potential buyers.
While the negotiations continue, the future of TikTok remains uncertain. If a sale is not agreed upon, the US has indicated that it could pursue further actions, including a potential ban of the app. As these talks unfold, the outcome could have significant implications for TikTok’s millions of American users and its business operations in the US, with both sides working to find a solution that addresses the security concerns while allowing the app to continue its success.
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Hong Kong is considering approving derivatives and margin lending for virtual assets, aiming to strengthen its position as a global hub for digital assets, according to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). This move is part of the city’s broader strategy, initiated in 2022, to become a leading virtual asset trading centre, particularly after China’s cryptocurrency ban in 2021. The SFC’s CEO, Julia Leung, announced the potential inclusion of derivative products and margin lending for professional investors, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the sector.
As part of its regulatory push, the city has already issued nine virtual asset trading platform licences, with more applications under review. One such licence was granted to Bullish Group, the parent company of CoinDesk. Additionally, financial secretary Paul Chan noted that the government is working on advancing regulations for stablecoins, further solidifying Hong Kong’s ambitions in the digital asset space.
The city will soon release a detailed roadmap for virtual asset growth, which will outline future plans. Meanwhile, Hong Kong competes with cities like Singapore and Dubai, also striving to become leading centres for digital finance. The latest developments come amid a broader global shift in the cryptocurrency market, which has seen significant interest from institutional investors following regulatory changes in the US under President Trump.
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A new app designed by patients is replacing paper hospital passports to make hospital visits more convenient. Currently in use at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, UK, the app stores key medical details, including allergies, medications, phobias, and emergency contacts, allowing staff to access critical information quickly.
Jessica, who helped develop the app, highlighted its ease of use, saying it eliminates the need to carry a booklet and makes sharing information with medical staff much simpler.
With nearly 700 users already, there are plans to expand the app to other hospitals in south-west England, and NHS England has expressed interest in its wider rollout.
Consultant Saoirse Read noted that digitalisation ensures staff can still access patient details even if their phone is left at home. The app has been particularly beneficial for neurodivergent patients, helping staff tailor care to individual needs.
By understanding factors such as pain responses and phobias, hospital teams can create personalised care plans, making the experience less stressful for patients.
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Online fashion retailers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to tackle the costly issue of clothing returns, with up to 30% of purchases being sent back due to sizing problems. A study by McKinsey estimates that each return costs between $21 and $46, significantly affecting profit margins. Many customers order multiple sizes and return those that don’t fit, creating logistical headaches for retailers.
To address this, companies are adopting AI-driven sizing tools. French start-up Fringuant, for instance, uses an algorithm that analyses a shopper’s height, weight, and a quick selfie to predict the best size. Zalando, a German e-commerce giant, has also implemented its own AI-powered tool that guides customers by comparing their body shape with garment dimensions. These technologies are already helping some brands reduce return rates significantly.
Beyond sizing, AI is also improving warehouse operations to prevent shipping mistakes. Smart cameras on order pickers’ trolleys at logistics firms help ensure the right product is selected, while AI-equipped robots track stock levels, reducing errors that lead to returns. As online shopping continues to grow, retailers hope these innovations will streamline processes and boost efficiency.
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A US federal judge has denied a request to temporarily block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing data from seven federal agencies or making further workforce cuts. The lawsuit, brought by 14 Democratic attorneys general, argued that DOGE was overstepping its authority by reshaping agencies and obtaining vast amounts of government information. However, Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove immediate harm, allowing DOGE to continue operations.
Despite this decision, the judge acknowledged serious constitutional concerns regarding Musk’s authority. She noted that Musk had not been nominated by the US President Trump or confirmed by the Senate, raising potential violations of the Appointments Clause. In her ruling, Chutkan also criticised the Trump administration’s legal arguments, suggesting inconsistencies in its justification for DOGE’s powers.
While the restraining order was denied, the states can still pursue their case, potentially seeking a preliminary injunction to halt DOGE’s access to federal data. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez vowed to continue the legal fight, accusing Musk of destabilising government functions and acting without proper oversight. The battle over DOGE’s legitimacy is expected to intensify in the coming months.
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Despite 61 percent of Japanese people being aware of generative AI, only 9 percent have used it, a recent survey by the Nomura Research Institute revealed. Younger generations show higher adoption rates, but overall public hesitation remains, particularly among older age groups.
As Japan faces a declining workforce, the government and businesses see AI as a potential solution to boost productivity. However, concerns over privacy, security, and misinformation have slowed adoption. Financial market disruptions and regulatory actions against AI models, such as China’s DeepSeek, have further intensified scepticism.
While some companies, particularly in labour-strapped industries, are beginning to implement AI, a shortage of specialists and a lack of reliable information present significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, Japan is pushing forward with AI development, with initiatives like SoftBank’s partnership with OpenAI and government plans to regulate and promote AI use in a ‘safe and secure’ manner.
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A Russian court has fined Google 3.8 million roubles (£32,600) for hosting YouTube videos that allegedly instructed Russian soldiers on how to surrender. The ruling is part of Moscow’s ongoing crackdown on content it deems illegal, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. Google has not yet responded to the decision.
Authorities in Russia have frequently ordered foreign tech companies to remove content they claim spreads misinformation. Critics argue that the government is deliberately slowing YouTube‘s download speeds to limit access to material critical of President Vladimir Putin. Moscow denies the accusation, blaming Google for failing to upgrade its infrastructure.
President Putin has previously accused Google of being used by Washington to serve political interests. The latest fine is one of many imposed on the company as part of Russia’s broader control over digital platforms.
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In a small village in central India, a social media revolution is changing lives. Tulsi, once a quiet farming community, has become a hub of YouTube content creation, with over a quarter of its 4,000 residents involved in filming, editing, and acting. What started as an experiment by a few locals has grown into an industry, bringing financial stability and social change to the village.
The shift began in 2018 when Indian YouTubers Jai Varma and Gyanendra Shukla launched their channel, blending humour with social commentary. Their success inspired others, leading to the establishment of a government-funded production studio and a thriving local entertainment scene. For many, YouTube has become a full-time profession, generating new opportunities beyond agriculture. Women, previously limited by traditional roles, are now prominent creators and performers, using the platform to challenge social norms.
Tulsi’s impact extends beyond the internet, as several local talents have broken into regional cinema. Pinky Sahoo, once discouraged from pursuing acting, is now a film star, proving that digital fame can translate to the big screen. Others, like rapper Rajesh Diwar, hope to use YouTube to put their local culture on the global map. In a country where millions seek creative outlets, Tulsi is a shining example of how technology can reshape even the most remote communities.
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French AI company Mistral has introduced Mistral Saba, a language model tailored for Arabic-speaking users. Unlike its previous general-purpose models, Saba is designed to handle Arabic content more naturally and effectively, positioning Mistral as a competitor to US-based AI giants. The model also demonstrates strong performance in certain Indian languages due to cultural and linguistic overlaps.
The move signals Mistral’s growing interest in the Middle East, a region with increasing demand for AI-driven services. By offering an off-the-shelf model for Arabic-language support and content generation, the company aims to attract regional businesses and potential investors. Mistral has already secured funding from major US firms, but future investments from Middle Eastern partners could strengthen its global standing.
Mistral Saba is accessible via API and can be deployed on-premise, making it particularly appealing to industries such as finance, healthcare, and energy, where data privacy is crucial. The company has hinted at plans to develop more regional AI models, reinforcing its commitment to multilingual AI solutions, not just in France.
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