Critical infrastructure

James Cameron warns AI could spark a real-life Terminator apocalypse

James Cameron, the director behind the iconic Terminator franchise, has warned that the real-world use of AI could lead to a catastrophic scenario similar to the series’ apocalyptic Judgement Day.

While Cameron is writing the script for Terminator 7, he has expressed concern that mixing AI with weapons systems, including nuclear defence, poses grave risks.

He explained that the rapid pace of decision-making in such systems might require superintelligent AI to respond quickly. Yet, human error has already brought the world close to disaster in the past.

Cameron also highlighted three major existential threats humanity faces: climate change, nuclear weapons, and superintelligence. He suggested that AI might ultimately offer a solution rather than just a danger, reflecting a nuanced view beyond simple dystopian fears.

His evolving perspective mirrors the Terminator franchise itself, which has long balanced the destructive potential of AI with more hopeful portrayals of technology as a possible saviour.

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France telecom exposes millions of customer records

A cyber‑attack on Bouygues Telecom has compromised the personal data of 6.4 million customers. The firm disclosed that a third party accessed personal and contractual information related to certain subscriptions.

Attackers gained access on 4 August and were blocked swiftly after detection, increasing the monitoring of the systems. Exposed data includes contact details, contractual and civil status information, business records for professional clients, and IBANs for affected users.

The cybersecurity breach did not include credit card numbers or passwords. Bouygues sent impacted customers notifications via email or text and advised vigilance against scam calls and messages.

The French data protection authority, the CNIL, has been informed, and a formal complaint has been filed. The company warned that perpetrators face up to five years in prison and a fine of €150,000 under French law.

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Microsoft Copilot launches GPT-5 Smart Mode for users

Microsoft has upgraded all its Copilot tools with OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 model, now available through a new Smart Mode.

The update brings enhanced speed and better performance across Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, GitHub Copilot, and the Windows AI chatbot pre-installed on PCs.

Users can try the Smart Mode via the Copilot website, which can be selected from a model selector below the text input. Notably, a Microsoft account is not required to use this new mode.

The Smart Mode rollout is gradual, and while not yet visible in the Windows Copilot app for everyone, early users have reported that GPT-5 delivers faster and more accurate responses compared to earlier models.

Unlike the free ChatGPT tier that limits queries and switches automatically to older versions after usage caps, Copilot offers fewer restrictions, allowing more extensive use.

Microsoft’s AI Red Team tested GPT-5 thoroughly before release, highlighting its strong safety profile and improved reasoning capabilities.

Microsoft 365 Copilot benefits from GPT-5’s advanced abilities to answer complex questions, maintain coherence over long conversations, assist with email replies, and analyse documents effectively.

GitHub Copilot has also been enhanced with GPT-5, significantly improving reasoning, code quality, and overall user experience. The upgrade positions Microsoft’s AI tools to support developers and professionals across multiple platforms better.

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Jio reports growth as it ramps up 6G and AI strategy

According to its latest annual report, Reliance Jio plans to lead in 6G and AI, aiming to deliver long-term returns for shareholders. With 191 million users, Jio is the world’s second-largest 5G provider after China.

The company is launching JioBrain, a wide-ranging AI platform for network planning, resource optimisation, and customer service. Jio intends to expand this platform beyond telecoms within India and globally.

Jio is also building a satellite communication platform and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink broadband to India. The company stated that it will combine its infrastructure and data with global partners to achieve the lowest AI operating costs globally.

Its JioFiber and JioAirFiber services have reached 18 million and 6 million homes, respectively. The goal is to connect 100 million premises through fibre and fixed wireless access technologies.

Jio has filed over 3,341 patents, including 1,654 in FY25, and now holds 485 patents in 5G and 6G, reportedly the most in India. Its digital services revenue reached ₹154,119 crore with an EBITDA of ₹65,001 crore, driven by mobility tariffs, enterprise demand, and platform expansion.

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Hubballi emerges as Infosys’ tech hub with Center for AI, cybersecurity, space

Infosys’ decision to launch a Centre for Advanced AI, Cybersecurity & Space Technology in Hubballi deepens its commitment to transforming North Karnataka into a thriving tech hub. The centre, forming part of the company’s global Living Labs network, signals strategic investment in emerging technologies grounded in regional development.

Over 1,000 employees are now based at Hubballi, where the new Living Lab delivers services across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and space technology. Strategic ties with local academic institutions like IIIT Dharwad are intended to nurture future-ready talent close to operations.

Local leaders framed the centre as a corrective to past underutilisation concerns and a driver of industry-academia collaboration. By encouraging expansion to other districts, they set the tone for inclusive growth and long-term innovation across North Karnataka.

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NVIDIA pushes back against chip backdoor demands

NVIDIA has publicly rejected calls to embed kill switches or backdoors in its AI chips amid growing political pressure. The statement follows proposals from US lawmakers and accusations by Chinese authorities.

Chief Security Officer David Reber Jr. said any such backdoor would endanger global digital infrastructure and open doors for hackers. He reaffirmed NVIDIA’s commitment to fixing vulnerabilities, not creating them.

The controversy arises as the chipmaker navigates strict US export controls while maintaining its foothold in China with the H20 chip. A Chinese agency recently claimed these chips already contain hidden controls.

Reber distinguished transparent, user-controlled tools like remote wipe from covert backdoors, arguing they serve customers without risking the system integrity of the chips.

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Apple pledges $100 billion more to boost US chip production

Apple is increasing its domestic investment by an additional $100 billion, bringing its total commitment to US manufacturing to $600 billion over the next four years.

The announcement was made by CEO Tim Cook during a joint appearance with President Donald Trump at the White House, as the administration signals plans to impose steep tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors.

The investment includes a new American Manufacturing Program aimed at expanding US production of key Apple components, such as AI servers and rare earth magnets. Facilities are already under development in states including Texas, Kentucky, and Arizona.

Apple says the initiative will support 450,000 jobs across all 50 states and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

Apple’s expanded spending arrives amid criticism of its slow progress in AI. With its ‘Apple Intelligence’ software struggling for traction, and the recent departure of foundation model head Rouming Pang to Meta, the company is now shifting focus.

Cook confirmed that investment in AI infrastructure is accelerating, with data centres expanding in five states.

While Apple’s move has drawn praise for supporting American jobs, it has also stirred controversy. Some users expressed discontent with Cook’s public alignment with Trump, despite the strategic importance of avoiding tariffs.

Trump stated that companies investing in the US would not face the proposed import charges.

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United Airlines grounds mainline flights amid tech glitch

An unexpected technical issue led United Airlines to temporarily ground all its mainline flights across key US airports. The disruption affected hundreds of departures, notably at hubs like Newark, San Francisco and Denver.

United Express flights remained unaffected, and in‑air services continued as planned. The airline reassured customers that safety was the top priority while staff worked to restore systems.

So far around 827 flights have been delayed and 23 cancelled. United confirmed that a cyberattack was not to blame for the outage.

Passengers reported delayed departures due to missing system data needed for take‑off. The airline noted delays may persist into the evening as technical fixes are completed

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US court system suffers sweeping cyber intrusion

A sweeping cyberattack has compromised the federal court filing system across multiple US states, exposing sensitive case data and informant identities. The breach affects core systems used by legal professionals and the public.

Sources say the Administrative Office of the US Courts first realised the scale of the hack in early July, with authorities still assessing the damage. Nation-state-linked actors or organised crime are suspected.

Critical systems like CM/ECF and PACER were impacted, raising fears over sealed indictments, search warrants and cooperation records now exposed. A dozen dockets were reportedly tampered with in at least one district.

Calls to modernise the ageing court infrastructure have intensified, with officials warning of rising cyber threats and the urgent need for system replacements.

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South Korean chipmakers avoid US tariffs through domestic investments

South Korea’s Trade Minister said Samsung and SK Hynix will avoid the 100% US tariffs on semiconductor imports. The exemption follows both companies’ significant investments in US chip manufacturing facilities.

Trump had warned that countries failing to produce semiconductors domestically would incur steep tariffs but offered relief for those building factories in the US.

Samsung operates two chip fabrication plants in Texas, supported by the CHIPS and Science Act. Meanwhile, SK Hynix is building a packaging plant in Indiana with government grants and loans.

Samsung’s partnership with Apple will see chips manufactured at its Texas facility supply the iPhone line, particularly image sensors for next-generation models. Analysts expect this collaboration to boost Samsung’s semiconductor sales.

Apple also announced plans to invest an additional $100 billion in US operations over the next four years, highlighting the growing importance of domestic chip production.

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