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AI platforms barred from cloning Asha Bhosle’s voice without consent

The Bombay High Court has granted ad-interim relief to Asha Bhosle, barring AI platforms and sellers from cloning her voice or likeness without consent. The 90-year-old playback singer, whose career spans eight decades, approached the court to protect her identity from unauthorised commercial use.

Bhosle filed the suit after discovering platforms offering AI-generated voice clones mimicking her singing. Her plea argued that such misuse damages her reputation and goodwill. Justice Arif S. Doctor found a strong prima facie case and stated that such actions would cause irreparable harm.

The order restrains defendants, including US-based Mayk Inc, from using machine learning, face-morphing, or generative AI to imitate her voice or likeness. Google, also named in the case, has agreed to take down specific URLs identified by Bhosle’s team.

Defendants are required to share subscriber information, IP logs, and payment details to assist in identifying infringers. The court emphasised that cloning the voices of cultural icons risks misleading the public and infringing on individuals’ rights to their identity.

The ruling builds on recent cases in India affirming personality rights and sets an important precedent in the age of generative AI. The matter is scheduled to return to court on 13 October 2025.

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FRA presents rights framework at EU Innovation Hub AI Cluster workshop in Tallinn

The EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security’s AI Cluster gathered in Tallinn on 25–26 September for a workshop focused on AI and its implications for security and rights.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) played a central role, presenting its Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment framework under the AI Act and highlighting its ongoing project on assessing high-risk AI.

A workshop that also provided an opportunity for FRA to give an update on its internal and external work in the AI field, reflecting the growing need to balance technological innovation with rights-based safeguards.

AI-driven systems in security and policing are increasingly under scrutiny, with regulators and agencies seeking to ensure compliance with EU rules on privacy, transparency and accountability.

In collaboration with Europol, FRA also introduced plans for a panel discussion on ‘The right to explanation of AI-driven individual decision-making’. Scheduled for 19 November in Brussels, the session will form part of the Annual Event of the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security.

It is expected to draw policymakers, law enforcement representatives and rights advocates into dialogue about transparency obligations in AI use for security contexts.

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Mexico drafts law to regulate AI in dubbing and animation

The Mexican government is preparing a law to regulate the use of AI in dubbing, animation, and voiceovers to prevent unauthorised voice cloning and safeguard creative rights.

Working with the National Copyright Institute and more than 128 associations, it aims to reform copyright legislation before the end of the year.

The plan would strengthen protections for actors, voiceover artists, and creative workers, while addressing contract conditions and establishing a ‘Made in Mexico’ seal for cultural industries.

A bill that is expected to prohibit synthetic dubbing without consent, impose penalties for misuse, and recognise voice and image as biometric data.

Industry voices warn that AI has already disrupted work opportunities. Several dubbing firms in Los Angeles have closed, with their projects taken over by companies specialising in AI-driven dubbing.

Startups such as Deepdub and TrueSync have advanced the technology, dubbing films and television content across languages at scale.

Unions and creative groups argue that regulation is vital to protect both jobs and culture. While AI offers efficiency in translation and production, it cannot yet replicate the emotional depth of human performance.

The law is seen as the first attempt of Mexico to balance technological innovation with the rights of workers and creators.

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Atlantic Quantum joins Google Quantum AI to advance scalable quantum hardware

Google Quantum AI has taken a major step in its pursuit of error-corrected quantum computing by integrating Atlantic Quantum, an MIT spin-out focused on superconducting hardware.

The move, while not formally labelled an acquisition, effectively brings the startup’s technology and talent into Google’s programme, strengthening its roadmap toward scalable quantum systems.

Atlantic Quantum, founded in 2021, has worked on integrating qubits with superconducting control electronics in the same cold stage.

A modular chip stack that promises to simplify design, reduce noise, and make scaling more efficient. Everything is equally important to build machines capable of solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

Google’s Hartmut Neven highlighted the approach as a way to accelerate progress toward large, fault-tolerant devices.

The startup’s journey, from MIT research labs to Google integration, has been rapid and marked by what CEO Bharath Kannan called ‘managed chaos’.

The founding team and investors were credited with pushing superconducting design forward despite the immense challenges of commercialising such cutting-edge technology.

Beyond hardware, Google gains a strong pool of engineers and researchers, enhancing its competitive edge in a field where rivals include IBM and several well-funded scale-ups.

A move that reflects a broader industry trend where research-heavy startups are increasingly folded into major technology firms to advance long-term quantum ambitions. With governments and corporations pouring resources into the race, consolidation is becoming common.

For Atlantic Quantum, joining Google ensures both technological momentum and access to resources needed for the next phase. As co-founder Simon Gustavsson put it, the work ‘does not stop here’ but continues within Google Quantum AI’s effort to deliver real-world quantum applications.

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Comet AI browser is now free as Perplexity launches Comet Plus service

Perplexity has made its Comet AI browser available to everyone for free, widening access beyond its paid user base. The browser, launched three months ago for Max subscribers, introduces new tools designed to turn web browsing into an AI-driven task assistant.

The company describes Comet as a ‘browser for agentic search’, referring to autonomous software agents capable of handling multi-step tasks for users.

Free users can access the sidecar assistant alongside tools for shopping comparisons, travel planning, budgeting, sports updates, project management, and personalised recommendations.

Max subscribers gain early access to more advanced features, including a background assistant likened to a personal mission control dashboard. The tool can draft emails, book tickets, find flights, and integrate with apps on a user’s computer, running tasks in the background with minimal intervention.

Pro users also retain access to advanced AI models and media generation tools.

Perplexity is further introducing Comet Plus, a $5-per-month standalone subscription service that acts as an AI-powered alternative to Apple News. Current Pro and Max subscribers will receive the service automatically.

The move signals Perplexity’s ambition to expand its ecosystem while balancing free accessibility with premium AI features.

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Meta faces fines in Netherlands over algorithm-first timelines

A Dutch court has ordered Meta to give Facebook and Instagram users in the Netherlands the right to set a chronological feed as their default.

The ruling follows a case brought by digital rights group Bits of Freedom, which argued that Meta’s design undermines user autonomy under the European Digital Services Act.

Although a chronological feed is already available, it is hidden and cannot be permanent. The court said Meta must make the settings accessible on the homepage and Reels section and ensure they stay in place when the apps are restarted.

If Meta does not comply within two weeks, it faces a fine of €100,000 per day, capped at €5 million.

Bits of Freedom argued that algorithmic feeds threaten democracy, particularly before elections. The court agreed the change must apply permanently rather than temporarily during campaigns.

The group welcomed the ruling but stressed it was only a small step in tackling the influence of tech giants on public debate.

Meta has not yet responded to the decision, which applies only in the Netherlands despite being based on EU law. Campaigners say the case highlights the need for more vigorous enforcement to ensure digital platforms respect user choice and democratic values.

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Oracle systems targeted in unverified data theft claims, Google warns

Google has warned that hackers are emailing company executives, claiming to have stolen sensitive data from Oracle business applications. The group behind the campaign identifies itself as affiliated with the Cl0p ransomware gang.

In a statement, Google said the attackers target executives at multiple organisations with extortion emails linked to Oracle’s E-Business Suite. The company stated that it lacks sufficient evidence to verify the claims or confirm whether any data has been taken.

Neither Cl0p nor Oracle responded to requests for comment. Google did not provide additional information about the scale or specific campaign targets.

The cl0p ransomware gang has been involved in several high-profile extortion cases, often using claims of data theft to pressure organisations into paying ransoms, even when breaches remain unverified.

Google advised recipients to treat such messages cautiously and report any suspicious emails to security teams while investigations continue.

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NIST pushes longer passphrases and MFA over strict rules

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its password guidelines, urging organisations to drop strict complexity rules. NIST states that requirements such as mandatory symbols and frequent resets often harm usability without significantly improving security.

Instead, the agency recommends using blocklists for breached or commonly used passwords, implementing hashed storage, and rate limiting to resist brute-force attacks. Multi-factor authentication and password managers are encouraged as additional safeguards.

Password length remains essential. Short strings are easily cracked, but users should be allowed to create longer passphrases. NIST recommends limiting only extremely long passwords that slow down hashing.

The new approach replaces mandatory resets with changes triggered only after suspected compromise, such as a data breach. NIST argues this method reduces fatigue while improving overall account protection.

Businesses adopting these guidelines must audit their existing policies, reconfigure authentication systems, deploy blocklists, and train employees to adapt accordingly. Clear communication of the changes will be key to ensuring compliance.

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New Gmail phishing attack hides malware inside fake PDFs

Researchers have uncovered a phishing toolkit disguised as a PDF attachment to bypass Gmail’s defences. Known as MatrixPDF, the technique blurs document text, embeds prompts, and uses hidden JavaScript to redirect victims to malicious sites.

The method exploits Gmail’s preview function, slipping past filters because the PDF contains no visible links. Users are lured into clicking a fake button to ‘open secure document,’ triggering the attack and fetching malware outside Gmail’s sandbox.

A second variation embeds scripts that connect directly to payload URLs when PDFs are opened in desktop or browser readers. Victims see permission prompts that appear legitimate, but allowing access launches downloads that compromise devices.

Experts warn that PDFs are trusted more than other file types, making this a dangerous evolution of social engineering. Once inside a network, attackers can move laterally, escalate privileges, and plant further malware.

Security leaders recommend restricting personal email access on corporate devices, increasing sandboxing capabilities, and expanding employee training initiatives. Analysts emphasise that awareness and recognition of suspicious files remain crucial in countering this new phishing threat.

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Cyberattack halts Asahi beer production in Japan

Japanese beer maker Asahi Group Holdings has halted production at its main plant following a cyberattack that caused major system failures. Orders, shipments, and call centres were suspended across the company’s domestic operations, affecting most of its 30 breweries in Japan.

Asahi said it is still investigating the cause, believed to be a ransomware infection. The company confirmed there was no external leakage of personal information or employee data, but did not provide a timeline for restoring operations.

The suspension has raised concerns over possible shortages, as beer has limited storage capacity due to freshness requirements. Restaurants and retailers are expected to feel pressure if shipments continue to be disrupted.

The impact has also spread to other beverage companies such as Kirin and Sapporo, which share transport networks. Industry observers warn that supply chain delays could ripple across the food and drinks sectors in Japan.

In South Korea, the effect remains limited for now. Lotte Asahi Liquor, the official importer, declined to comment, but industry officials noted that if the disruption continues, import schedules could also be affected.

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