Content Policy

Meta unveils Llama 4 models to boost AI across platforms

Meta has launched Llama 4, its latest and most advanced family of open-weight AI models, aiming to enhance the intelligence of Meta AI across services like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger.

Instead of keeping these models cloud-restricted, Meta has made them available for download through its official Llama website and Hugging Face, encouraging wider developer access.

Two models, Llama 4 Scout and Maverick, are now publicly available. Scout, the lighter model with 17 billion active parameters, supports a 10 million-token context window and can run on a single Nvidia H100 GPU.

It outperforms rivals like Google’s Gemma 3 and Mistral 3.1 in benchmark tests. Maverick, the more capable model, uses the same number of active parameters but with 128 experts, offering competitive performance against GPT-4o and DeepSeek v3 while being more efficient.

Meta also revealed the Llama 4 Behemoth model, still in training, which serves as a teacher for the rest of the Llama 4 line. Instead of targeting lightweight use, Behemoth focuses on heavy multimodal tasks with 288 billion active parameters and nearly two trillion in total.

Meta claims it outpaces GPT-4.5, Claude Sonnet 3.7, and Gemini 2.0 Pro in key STEM-related evaluations.

These open-weight AI models allow local deployment instead of relying on cloud APIs, though some licensing limits may apply. With Scout and Maverick already accessible, Meta is gradually integrating Llama 4 capabilities into its messaging and social platforms worldwide.

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National Crime Agency responds to AI crime warning

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has pledged to ‘closely examine’ recommendations from the Alan Turing Institute after a recent report highlighted the UK’s insufficient preparedness for AI-enabled crime.

The report, from the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS), urges the NCA to create a task force to address AI crime within the next five years.

Despite AI-enabled crime being in its early stages, the report warns that criminals are rapidly advancing their use of AI, outpacing law enforcement’s ability to respond.

CETaS claims that UK police forces have been slow to adopt AI themselves, which could leave them vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated crimes, such as child sexual abuse, cybercrime, and fraud.

The Alan Turing Institute emphasises that although AI-specific legislation may be needed eventually, the immediate priority is for law enforcement to integrate AI into their crime-fighting efforts.

An initiative like this would involve using AI tools to combat AI-enabled crimes effectively, as fraudsters and criminals exploit AI’s potential to deceive.

While AI crime remains a relatively new phenomenon, recent examples such as the $25 million Deepfake CFO fraud show the growing threat.

The report also highlights the role of AI in phishing scams, romance fraud, and other deceptive practices, warning that future AI-driven crimes may become harder to detect as technology evolves.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

New Jersey criminalises the harmful use of AI deepfakes

New Jersey has become one of several US states to criminalise the creation and distribution of deceptive AI-generated media, commonly known as deepfakes. Governor Phil Murphy signed the legislation on Wednesday, introducing civil and criminal penalties for those who produce or share such media.

If deepfakes are used to commit further crimes like harassment, they may now be treated as a third-degree offence, punishable by fines up to $30,000 or up to five years in prison.

The bill was inspired by a disturbing incident at a New Jersey school where students shared explicit AI-generated images of a classmate.

Governor Murphy had initially vetoed the legislation in March, calling for changes to reduce the risk of constitutional challenges. Lawmakers later amended the bill, which passed with overwhelming support in both chambers.

Instead of ignoring the threat posed by deepfakes, the law aims to deter their misuse while preserving legitimate applications of AI.

‘This legislation takes a proactive approach,’ said Representative Lou Greenwald, one of the bill’s sponsors. ‘We are safeguarding New Jersey residents and offering justice to victims of digital abuse.’

A growing number of US states are taking similar action, particularly around election integrity and online harassment. While 27 states now target AI-generated sexual content, others have introduced measures to limit political deepfakes.

States like Texas and Minnesota have banned deceptive political media outright, while Florida and Wisconsin require clear disclosures. New Jersey’s move reflects a broader push to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and its impact on public trust and safety.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Anthropic introduces Claude to revolutionise learning and teaching

Claude for Education, launched by Anthropic, introduces a specialised AI for higher education, aiming to support universities in teaching, learning, and administration.

The initiative includes key features like Learning mode, full campus access for top universities, and partnerships with organisations like Internet2 and Instructure to integrate AI into academic tools.

Learning mode helps students develop critical thinking by guiding them through problems with Socratic questioning instead of providing direct answers. It also offers templates for research and study.

Key academic partnerships include Northeastern University, London School of Economics, and Champlain College, all of which will benefit from campus-wide access to Claude. These partnerships ensure AI’s responsible integration and accessibility for all students.

New student programs, such as the Claude Campus Ambassadors and API credit initiatives, provide opportunities for students to engage with and build on AI tools.

The launch also coincides with efforts to integrate AI into the academic plans of institutions like Northeastern University, which is pioneering AI adoption in higher education with its ‘Northeastern 2025’ initiative.

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AppLovin joins TikTok takeover frenzy

As the 5 April deadline approaches for TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer or face a US ban, the list of potential acquirers continues to grow.

Marketing platform AppLovin has submitted a preliminary bid to acquire TikTok’s operations outside of China, aiming to expand its footprint in the global digital advertising arena.

AppLovin’s move adds to the mounting interest in TikTok, with Amazon and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely also entering the fray.

These developments come amid US government concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, which officials argue poses national security risks, a claim that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have consistently denied.

The White House has taken an unusually active role in facilitating the sale.

President Donald Trump indicates openness to a deal wherein China approves the transaction in exchange for relief from US tariffs on Chinese imports.

This intertwining of trade negotiations and tech acquisitions underscores the complex geopolitical landscape influencing the fate of TikTok in the US.

Private equity firm Blackstone is also evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s US operations, potentially joining non-Chinese shareholders like Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic in contributing fresh capital.

The future of TikTok, an app used by nearly half of all Americans, remains uncertain as the deadline looms and negotiations continue.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Authors in London protest Meta’s copyright violations

A wave of protest has hit Meta’s London headquarters today as authors and publishing professionals gather to voice their outrage over the tech giant’s reported use of pirated books to develop AI tools.

Among the protesters are acclaimed novelists Kate Mosse and Tracy Chevalier and poet Daljit Nagra, who assembled in Granary Square near Meta’s King’s Cross office to deliver a complaint letter from the Society of Authors (SoA).

At the heart of the protest is Meta’s alleged reliance on LibGen, a so-called ‘shadow library’ known for hosting over 7.5 million books, many without the consent of their authors.

A recent searchable database published by The Atlantic revealed that thousands of copyrighted works, including those by renowned authors, may have been used to train Meta’s AI models, provoking public outcry and legal action in the US.

Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, chair of the SoA, condemned Meta’s reported actions as ‘illegal, shocking, and utterly devastating for writers,’ arguing that such practices devalue authors’ time and creativity.

‘A book can take a year or longer to write. Meta has stolen books so that their AI can reproduce creative content, potentially putting these same authors out of business’ she said.

Meta has denied any wrongdoing, with a spokesperson stating that the company respects intellectual property rights and believes its AI training practices comply with existing laws.

Still, the damage to trust within the creative community appears significant. Author AJ West, who discovered his novels were listed on LibGen, described the experience as a personal violation:

‘I was horrified to see that my novels were on the LibGen database, and I’m disgusted by the government’s silence on the matter,’ he said, adding, ‘To have my beautiful books ripped off like this without my permission and without a penny of compensation then fed to the AI monster feels like I’ve been mugged.’

Legal action is already underway in the US, where a group of high-profile writers, including Ta-Nehisi Coates, Junot Díaz, and Sarah Silverman, have filed a lawsuit against Meta for copyright infringement.

The suit alleges that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other top executives knew that LibGen hosts pirated content when they greenlit its use for AI development.

The protest is also aimed at UK lawmakers. Authors like Richard Osman and Kazuo Ishiguro have joined the call for British officials to summon Meta executives before parliament.

The Society of Authors has launched a petition on Change.org that has already attracted over 7,000 signatures.

Demonstrators were urged to bring placards and spread their message online using hashtags like #MetaBookThieves and #MakeItFair as they rally against alleged copyright violations and for broader protection of creative work in the age of AI.

The case, one of the lots, describes the increasingly tense relationship between the tech industry, content and data policies in training AI systems, which hardly depend on the written word and the most various literature, facts, and info from the written tradition to be trained (and thus able) to respond to most various user requests and alongside be accurate in their responses.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

TikTok bidding war intensifies as Amazon enters the fray

The roster of potential acquirers is expanding as the deadline for TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer approaches.

Amazon and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely have recently expressed interest in purchasing the popular short-video platform.

The US government has set a 5 April deadline for TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban due to national security concerns.

Stokely’s new venture, Zoop, in collaboration with the Hbar Foundation, which manages the Hedera cryptocurrency network, has submitted a late-stage bid to acquire TikTok.

Their proposal emphasises a novel ownership model to benefit creators and their communities directly.

Zoop positions itself as a mainstream, family-friendly platform, distinct from the adult-content focus of OnlyFans.

The consortium has partnered with undisclosed investors to support their bid.

Amazon has also entered the fray, confirming its interest in TikTok through a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

While Amazon has not publicly commented on the specifics, this move aligns with its longstanding ambition to establish a foothold in social media.

The tech giant previously acquired live-streaming platform Twitch and book review site Goodreads and has experimented with short-form video features akin to TikTok.

Other contenders include a group led by Oracle, with participation from venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz and private equity firm Blackstone, all exploring potential investments in TikTok’s US operations.

The White House oversees negotiations, aiming to restructure TikTok into a US-based entity with Chinese ownership reduced below 20% to comply with legal requirements.

The urgency surrounding TikTok’s sale stems from a 2024 law mandating ByteDance to divest the app by 19 January, citing national security risks.

US officials have expressed concerns that ByteDance’s ownership could enable the Chinese government to conduct influence operations and collect data on American users.

As the deadline looms, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, with multiple parties vying for platform control. ​

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Meta’s Hypernova smart glasses promise cutting-edge features and advanced display technology

Meta is preparing to launch an advanced pair of smart glasses under the codename Hypernova, featuring a built-in display and gesture control capabilities.

The new device, developed in partnership with Ray-Ban, aims to enhance user convenience by offering features such as media viewing, map navigation, and app notifications.

Unlike previous models, the Hypernova glasses will have a display located in the lower right corner of the right lens, allowing users to maintain a clear view through the left lens.

The glasses will be powered by Qualcomm silicon and run on a customised version of Android. Meta is also developing a wristband, codenamed Ceres, which will provide gesture-based controls, including pinch-to-zoom and wrist rotation.

The wristband is expected to be bundled with the glasses, offering users a more seamless and intuitive experience.

Retail pricing for the Hypernova smart glasses is expected to range between $1,000 and $1,400, significantly higher than current VR-ready smart glasses like the Viture Pro and Xreal One.

However, Meta aims to differentiate its product through enhanced functionality and fashionable design, making it an appealing option for consumers looking for both style and utility.

The Hypernova glasses are projected to hit the market by the end of 2025. Meta is also developing additional augmented reality products, including the Orion holographic glasses and research-focused Aria Gen 2 AR glasses.

Competitors like Samsung are expected to launch similar Android-based smart glasses around the same time, setting the stage for an exciting year in the wearable tech market.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Ghibli trend as proof of global dependence on AI: A phenomenon that overloaded social networks and systems

It is rare to find a person in this world (with internet access) who has not, at least once, consulted AI about some dilemma, idea, or a simple question.

The wide range of information and rapid response delivery has led humanity to embrace a ‘comfort zone’, allowing machines to reason for them, and recently, even to create animated photographs.

This brings us to a trend that, within just a few days, managed to spread across the planet through almost all meridians – the Ghibli style emerged spontaneously on social networks. When people realised they could obtain animated versions of their favourite photos within seconds, the entire network became overloaded.

Art, Painting, Person, Computer, Computer Hardware, Computer Keyboard, Electronics, Hardware, Face, Head, Cartoon, Pc, Book, Publication, Yuriko Yamaguchi

Since there was no brake mechanism, reactions from leading figures were inevitable, with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, speaking out.

He stated that the trend had surpassed all expectations and that servers were ‘strained’, making the Ghibli style available only to ChatGPT users subscribed to Plus, Pro, and Team versions.

Besides admiring AI’s incredible ability to create iconic moments within seconds, this phenomenon also raises the issue of global dependence on artificial intelligence.

Why are we all so in love with AI?

The answer to this question is rather simple, and here’s why. Imagine being able to finally transform your imagination into something visible and share all your creations with the world. It doesn’t sound bad, does it?

This is precisely where AI has made its breakthrough and changed the world forever. Just as Ghibli films have, for decades, inspired fans with their warmth and nostalgia, AI technology has created something akin to the digital equivalent of those emotions.

People are now creating and experiencing worlds that previously existed only in their minds. However, no matter how comforting it sounds, warnings are often raised about maintaining a sense of reality to avoid ‘falling into the clutches’ of a beautiful virtual world.

Balancing innovation and simplicity

Altman warned about the excessive use of AI tools, stating that even his employees are sometimes overwhelmed by the progress of artificial intelligence and the innovations it releases daily.

As a result, people are unable to adapt as quickly as AI, with information spreading faster than ever before.

However, there are also frequent cases of misuse, raising the question – where is the balance?

The culture of continuous production has led to saturation but also a lack of reflection. Perhaps this very situation will bring about the much-needed pause and encourage people to take a step back and ‘think more with their own heads’.

Ghibli is just one of many: How AI trends became mainstream

AI has been with us for a long time, but it was not as popular until major players like OpenAI, Gemini, Azure, and many others appeared. The Ghibli trend is just one of many that have become part of pop culture in recent years.

Since 2018, we have witnessed deepfake technologies, where various video clips, due to their ability to accurately recreate faces in entirely different contexts, flood social networks almost daily.

AI-generated music and audio recordings have also been among the most popular trends promoted over the past four years because they are ‘easy to use’ and offer users the feeling of creating quality content with just a few clicks.

There are many other trends that have captured the attention of the global public, such as the Avatar trend (Lensa AI), generated comics and stories (StoryAI and ComicGAN), while anime-style generators have actually existed since 2022 (Waifu Labs).

Are we really that lazy or just better organised?

The availability of AI tools at every step has greatly simplified everyday life. From applications that assist in content creation, whether written or in any other format.

For this reason, the question arises – are we lazy, or have we simply decided to better organise our free time?

This is a matter for each individual, and the easiest way to examine is to ask yourself whether you have ever consulted AI about choosing a film or music, or some activity that previously did not take much energy.

AI offers quick and easy solutions, which is certainly an advantage. However, on the other hand, excessive use of technology can lead to a loss of critical thinking and creativity.

Where is the line between efficiency and dependence if we rely on algorithms for everything? That is an answer each of us will have to find at some point.

A view on AI overload: How can we ‘break free from dependence’?

The constant reliance on AI and the comfort it provides after every prompt is appealing, but abusing it leads to a completely different extreme.

The first step towards ‘liberation’ is to admit that there is a certain level of over-reliance, which does not mean abandoning AI altogether.

Understanding the limitations of technology can definitely be the key to returning to essential human values. Digital ‘detox’ implies creative expression without technology.

Can we use technology without it becoming the sole filter through which we see the world? After all, technology is a tool, not a dominant factor in decision-making in our lives.

Ghibli trend enthusiasts – the legendary Hayao Miyazaki does not like AI

The founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, recently reacted to the trend that has overwhelmed the world. The creator of famous works such as Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and many others is vehemently opposed to the use of AI.

Known for his hand-drawn approach and whimsical storytelling, Miyazaki has addressed ethical issues, considering that trends and the mass use of AI tools are trained on large amounts of data, including copyrighted works.

Besides criticising the use of AI in animation, he believes that such tools cannot replace the human touch, authenticity, and emotions conveyed through the traditional creation process.

For Miyazaki, art is not just a product but a reflection of the artist’s soul – something machines, no matter how advanced, cannot truly replicate.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.