Content Policy Archives | Page 119 of 222 | Digital Watch Observatory

Most US teens use AI companion bots despite risks

A new national survey shows that roughly 72% of American teenagers, aged 13 to 17, have tried AI companion apps such as Replika, Character.AI, and Nomi, with over half interacting with them regularly.

Although some teens report benefits like practising conversation skills or emotional self-expression, significant safety concerns have emerged.

Around 34% have been left uncomfortable by the bot’s behaviour, and one-third have turned to AI for advice on serious personal issues. Worryingly, nearly a quarter of users disclosed their real names or locations in chats.

Despite frequent use, most teens still prefer real friendships—two-thirds say AI interactions are less satisfying, and 80% maintain stronger ties to human friends.

Experts warn that teens are especially vulnerable to emotional dependency, manipulative responses, and data privacy violations through these apps.

Youth advocates call for mandatory age verification, better content moderation, and expanded AI literacy education, arguing that minors should not use companionship bots until more regulations are in place and platforms become truly safe for young users.

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Generative AI now powers 20% of new Steam games

Nearly 20 percent of video games released on Steam in 2025 include generative AI, according to a new report by Totally Human Media.

The report, based on data gathered from Steam, states that around 7,818 games currently disclose using generative AI. The figure represents roughly 7 percent of the platform’s entire catalogue. For games launched in 2025, nearly one in five incorporate AI tools or openly disclose doing so.

Compared to 2024, this marks a nearly 700 percent increase in generative AI adoption, reflecting a broader industry trend towards automation and machine-generated content.

Among the most prominent titles is My Summer Car, a vehicle simulation game with over 2.5 million copies sold. The developers disclosed that the game includes ‘some AI generated paintings found inside the main house’.

Valve, the company behind Steam, began requiring game developers to disclose AI use in January 2024. While the company did not comment on the findings, the policy has enabled public tracking of AI adoption across the platform.

Community reaction to the trend has been mixed. On Reddit, many users said they would automatically add AI-driven games to their ignore lists. One commenter wrote, ‘We need to tag them so they can be an ignored category.’ Others expressed disappointment in indie developers turning to generative tools over human artists.

Some users acknowledged the complexity of the issue. A typical comment noted that while AI usage in minor elements like UI assets might be acceptable, reliance on AI for core content raises questions about value and originality. One post read, ‘What am I paying for if it’s all AI? I agree with that sentiment.’

Steam’s Next Fest, which showcases upcoming releases, drew criticism from some players who said they lost interest in promising titles upon discovering their use of generative AI.

Despite user backlash, industry momentum continues to build. Many developers see AI as a means to streamline asset creation and reduce production costs, though concerns about quality, ethics, and employment remain central to the debate.

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Google expands AI tools in Search with new subscriber perks

Google has begun rolling out new AI features in Search, introducing AI-powered phone calling to help users gather business information instead of contacting places manually.

The service, free for everyone in the US, allows people to search for businesses and have Google’s AI check pricing and availability on their behalf.

Subscribers to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra receive additional exclusive capabilities. These include access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google’s most advanced AI model, which supports complex queries such as coding or financial analysis.

Users can enable Gemini 2.5 Pro through the AI Mode tab instead of relying on the default model. Google is also launching Deep Research tools through Deep Search for in-depth investigations related to work, studies, or major life decisions.

Rather than rolling everything out all at once, Google is phasing in the features gradually. AI-powered calling is now available to all Search users in the US, while Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Research are becoming available specifically to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.

With these updates, Google aims to position Search as more than a simple information tool by transforming it into an active digital assistant capable of handling everyday tasks and complex research instead of merely providing quick answers.

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OpenAI and Shopify explore product sales via ChatGPT

OpenAI is preparing to take a commission from product sales made directly through ChatGPT, signalling a significant shift in its business model. The move aims to monetise free users by embedding e-commerce checkout within the chatbot.

Currently, ChatGPT provides product links that redirect users to external sites. In April, OpenAI partnered with Shopify to support this feature. Sources say the next step is enabling purchases without leaving the platform, with merchants paying OpenAI a fee per transaction.

Until now, OpenAI has earned revenue mainly from ChatGPT Plus subscriptions and enterprise deals. Despite a $300 billion valuation, the company remains loss-making and seeks new commercial avenues tied to its conversational AI tools.

E-commerce integration would also challenge Google’s grip on product discovery and paid search, as more users turn to chatbots for recommendations.

Early prototypes have been shown to brands, and financial terms are under discussion. Shopify, which powers checkout on platforms like TikTok, may also provide the backend infrastructure for ChatGPT.

Product suggestions in ChatGPT are generated based on query relevance and user-specific context, including budgets and saved preferences. With memory upgrades, the chatbot can personalise results more effectively over time.

Currently, clicking on a product shows a list of sellers based on third-party data. Rankings rely mainly on metadata rather than price or delivery speed, though this is expected to evolve.

Marketers are already experimenting with ‘AIO’ — AI optimisation — to boost visibility in AI-generated product listings, similar to SEO for search engines.

An advertising agency executive said this shift could disrupt paid search and traditional ad models. Concerns are growing around how AI handles preferences and the fairness of its recommendations.

OpenAI has previously said it had ‘no active plans to pursue advertising’. However, CFO Sarah Friar recently confirmed that the company is open to ads in the future, using a selective approach.

CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI would not accept payments for preferential placement, but may charge small affiliate fees on purchases made through ChatGPT.

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Pennsylvania criminalises malicious deepfakes under new digital forgery law

Governor Shapiro has enacted a new statute enhancing Pennsylvania’s legal stance on AI-generated content by defining deceptive deepfakes as digital forgery.

The law criminalises creating and distributing such content, mainly when used for deceit, highlighting a proactive response to deepening online threats.

The legislation differentiates between uses of deepfakes: non-consensual impersonation will result in misdemeanour charges, while cases involving fraudulent intent, such as financial scams or political manipulation, are now classified as third-degree felonies.

Support for the bill was bipartisan and overwhelming in the state legislature. Its sponsors emphasised that while it deters harmful digital impersonation, it also carefully safeguards legitimate speech, including parody, satire, and artistic expression.

With Pennsylvania now among the growing number of states implementing deepfake regulations, this development aligns with a national trend to regulate AI-generated digital forgeries. It complements earlier state-level laws and federal initiatives to curb AI’s misuse without stifling innovation.

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AI Appreciation Day highlights progress and growing concerns

AI is marking another milestone as experts worldwide reflect on its rapid rise during AI Appreciation Day. From reshaping business workflows to transforming customer experiences, AI’s presence is expanding — but so are concerns over its long-term implications.

Industry leaders point to AI’s growing role across sectors. Patrick Harrington from MetaRouter highlights how control over first-party data is now seen as key instead of just processing large datasets.

Vall Herard of Saifr adds that successful AI implementations depend on combining curated data with human oversight rather than relying purely on machine-driven systems.

Meanwhile, Paula Felstead from HBX Group believes AI could significantly enhance travel experiences, though scaling it across entire organisations remains a challenge.

Voice AI is changing industries that depend on customer interaction, according to Natalie Rutgers from Deepgram. Instead of complex interfaces, voice technology is improving communication in restaurants, hospitals, and banks.

At the same time, experts like Ivan Novikov from Wallarm stress the importance of securing AI systems and the APIs connecting them, as these form the backbone of modern AI services.

While some celebrate AI’s advances, others raise caution. SentinelOne’s Ezzeldin Hussein envisions AI becoming a trusted partner through responsible development rather than unchecked growth.

Naomi Buckwalter from Contrast Security warns that AI-generated code could open security gaps instead of fully replacing human engineering, while Geoff Burke from Object First notes that AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming inevitable for businesses unable to keep pace with evolving threats.

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OpenAI economist shares four key skills for kids in AI era

As AI reshapes jobs and daily life, OpenAI’s chief economist, Ronnie Chatterji, teaches his children four core skills to help them adapt and thrive.

Instead of relying solely on technology, he believes critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and financial numeracy will remain essential.

Chatterji highlighted these skills during an episode of the OpenAI podcast, saying critical thinking helps children spot problems rather than follow instructions. Given constant changes in AI, climate, and geopolitics, he stressed adaptability as another priority.

Rather than expecting children to master coding alone, Chatterji argues that emotional intelligence will make humans valuable partners alongside AI.

The fourth skill he emphasises is financial numeracy, including understanding maths without calculators and maintaining writing skills even with dictation software available. Instead of predicting specific future job titles, Chatterji believes focusing on these abilities equips children for any outcome.

His approach reflects a broader trend among tech leaders, with others like Alexis Ohanian and Sam Altman also promoting AI literacy while valuing traditional skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

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Google expands NotebookLM with curated content and mobile access

While Gemini often dominates attention in Google’s AI portfolio, other innovative tools deserve the spotlight. One standout is NotebookLM, a virtual research assistant that helps users organise and interact with complex information across various subjects.

NotebookLM creates structured notebooks from curated materials, allowing meaningful engagement with the content. It supports dynamic features, including summaries and transformation options like Audio Overview, making research tasks more intuitive and efficient.

According to Google, featured notebooks are built using information from respected authors, academic institutions, and trusted nonprofits. Current topics include Shakespeare, Yellowstone National Park and more, offering a wide spectrum of well-sourced material.

Featured notebooks function just like regular ones, with added editorial quality. Users can navigate, explore, and repurpose content in ways that support individual learning and project needs. Google has confirmed the collection will grow over time.

NotebookLM remains in early development, yet the tool already shows potential for transforming everyday research tasks. Google also plans tighter integration with its other productivity tools, including Docs and Slides.

The tool significantly reduces the effort traditionally required for academic or creative research. Structured data presentation, combined with interactive features, makes information easier to consume and act upon.

NotebookLM was initially released on desktop but is now also available as a mobile app. Users can download it via the Google Play Store to create notebooks, add content, and stay productive from anywhere.

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Europe to launch Eurosky to regain digital control

Europe is taking steps to assert its digital independence by launching the Eurosky initiative, a government-backed project to reduce reliance on US tech giants.

Eurosky seeks to build European infrastructure for social media platforms and promote digital sovereignty. The goal is to ensure that the continent’s digital space is governed by European laws, values, and rules, rather than being subject to the influence of foreign companies or governments.

To support this goal, Eurosky plans to implement a decentralised content moderation system, modelled after the approach used by the Bluesky network.

Moderation, essential for removing harmful or illegal content like child exploitation or stolen data, remains a significant obstacle for new platforms. Eurosky offers a non-profit moderation service to help emerging social media providers handle this task, thus lowering the barriers to entering the market.

The project enjoys strong public and political backing. Polls show that majorities in France, Germany, and Spain prefer Europe-based platforms, with only 5% favouring US providers.

Eurosky also has support from four European governments, though their identities remain undisclosed. This momentum aligns with a broader shift in user behaviour, as Europeans increasingly turn to local tech services amid privacy and sovereignty concerns.

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How AI-generated video is reshaping the film industry

AI-generated video has evolved at breakneck speed, moving from distorted and unconvincing clips to hyper-realistic creations that rival traditional filmmaking. What was once a blurry, awkward depiction of Will Smith eating spaghetti in 2023 is now flawlessly rendered on platforms like Google’s Veo 3.

In just months, tools such as Luma Labs’ Dream Machine, OpenAI’s Sora, and Runway AI’s Gen-4 have redefined what’s possible, drawing the attention of Hollywood studios, advertisers, and artists eager to test the limits of this new creative frontier.

Major industry players are already experimenting with AI for previsualisation, visual effects, and even entire animated films. Lionsgate and AMC Networks have partnered with Runway AI, with executives exploring AI-generated family-friendly versions of blockbuster franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games.

The technology drastically cuts costs for complex scenes, making it possible to create elaborate previews—like a snowstorm filled with thousands of soldiers—for a fraction of the traditional price. However, while some see AI as a tool to expand creative possibilities, resistance remains strong.

Critics argue that AI threatens traditional artistic processes, raises ethical concerns over energy use and data training, and risks undermining human creativity. The debate mirrors past technological shifts in entertainment—inevitable yet disruptive.

As Runway and other pioneers push toward immersive experiences in augmented and virtual reality, the future of filmmaking may no longer be defined solely by Hollywood, but by anyone with access to these powerful tools.

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