Development

Anthropic CEO warns of civilisation-level AI risk

Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei has issued a stark warning that superhuman AI could inflict civilisation-level damage unless governments and industry act far more quickly and seriously.

In a forthcoming essay, Amodei argues humanity is approaching a critical transition that will test whether political, social and technological systems are mature enough to handle unprecedented power.

Amodei believes AI systems will soon outperform humans across nearly every field, describing a future ‘country of geniuses in a data centre’ capable of autonomous and continuous creation.

He warns that such systems could rival nation-states in influence, accelerating economic disruption while placing extraordinary power in the hands of a small number of actors.

Among the gravest dangers, Amodei highlights mass displacement of white-collar jobs, rising biological security risks and the empowerment of authoritarian governments through advanced surveillance and control.

He also cautions that AI companies themselves pose systemic risks due to their control over frontier models, infrastructure and user attention at a global scale.

Despite the severity of his concerns, Amodei maintains cautious optimism, arguing that meaningful governance, transparency and public engagement could still steer AI development towards beneficial outcomes.

Without urgent action, however, he warns that financial incentives and political complacency may override restraint during the most consequential technological shift humanity has faced.

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EU and India deepen strategic partnership at the 16th New Delhi summit

The European Union and India have opened a new phase in their relationship at the 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi, marked by the conclusion of a landmark Free Trade Agreement and the launch of a Security and Defence Partnership.

These agreements signal a shared ambition to deepen economic integration while strengthening cooperation in an increasingly volatile global environment.

The EU-India Free Trade Agreement ranks among the largest trade deals worldwide, significantly reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and unlocking new opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

By improving market access and establishing clear and enforceable rules, the agreement supports more resilient supply chains, greater trade diversification and stronger joint economic security for both partners.

Alongside trade, leaders signed an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership covering maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, counterterrorism, space and defence industrial cooperation.

Negotiations were also launched on a Security of Information Agreement, paving the way for India’s participation in EU security and defence initiatives.

The Summit further expanded cooperation on innovation, emerging technologies, climate action and people-to-people ties.

Initiatives include new EU-India Innovation Hubs, closer research collaboration, enhanced labour mobility frameworks and joint efforts on clean energy, connectivity and global development, reinforcing the partnership as a defining pillar of 21st-century geopolitics.

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New AI model detects wide range of health risks via sleep analysis

Recent research indicates that AI applied to sleep pattern analysis can identify signals linked to over 130 health conditions, including heart disease, metabolic dysfunction and respiratory issues, from a single night’s sleep record.

By using machine learning to analyse detailed physiological data collected during sleep, AI models may reveal subtle patterns that correlate with existing or future health risks.

Proponents suggest that this technology could support early detection and preventative healthcare by offering a non-invasive way to screen for multiple conditions simultaneously, potentially guiding timely medical intervention.

However, clinicians stress that such AI tools should complement, not replace, formal medical evaluation and diagnosis.

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Meteorological authorities in China embrace AI for next-gen climate risk prediction

At a national meteorological work conference, the China Meteorological Administration said it will pilot an ‘imminent warning’ system and apply AI technologies to enhance detailed forecasts for extreme weather, including typhoons and heavy rain.

The initiative is part of a broader effort in 2026 to build new meteorological service systems, such as for agriculture, and improve disaster preparedness and climate risk management across the country.

Officials highlighted progress over the past year, including improved flood-season forecasting and reduced typhoon track-prediction errors. Strengthened interagency coordination and the development of new prediction products aim to support earlier warnings and better resource allocation for extreme climate events.

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Meta tests paid features on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

Subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are set to be tested as Meta explores new revenue streams while keeping core access free. Paid tiers would place selected features and advanced sharing controls behind a subscription.

Early signals indicate the subscriptions could launch within months, with each platform offering its own set of premium tools. Meta has confirmed it will trial multiple formats rather than rely on a single bundled model.

AI plays a central role in the plan, with subscribers gaining access to AI-powered features, including video generation. The recently acquired Manus AI agent will be integrated across Meta services and offered separately to business users.

User reaction is expected to influence how far the company pushes the model, including potential bundles or platform-specific pricing. Wider acceptance could encourage other social networks to adopt similar subscription strategies.

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Australia’s green energy under pressure

The renewable energy sector in Australia encounters new challenges as major tech companies establish AI data centres across the country. Projects once planned to export solar power internationally are now influenced by domestic energy demands.

Sun Cable, supported by billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew Forrest, aimed to deliver Australian solar energy to Singapore via a 4,300-kilometre sea cable. The project symbolised a vision for Australia to become a leading exporter of renewable electricity.

The rapid expansion of AI facilities is shifting energy priorities towards domestic infrastructure. Tech companies’ demand for electricity is creating new competition with planned renewable export projects.

Energy policy decisions now carry broader implications for emissions, the national grid, and Australia’s role in the global clean energy market. Careful planning will be essential to balance domestic growth with long-term renewable ambitions.

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Audi dramatically transforms AI-driven smart factories

Audi is expanding the use of AI in production and logistics by replacing local factory computers with a central cloud platform. The Edge Cloud 4 Production enables flexible, networked automation while reducing hardware needs, maintenance costs, and improving IT security.

AI applications are being deployed to improve efficiency, quality, and employee support. AI-controlled robots are taking over physically demanding tasks, cloud-based systems provide real-time worker guidance, and vision-based solutions detect defects and anomalies early in the production process.

Data-driven platforms such as the P-Data Engine and ProcessGuardAIn allow Audi to monitor manufacturing processes in real time using machine and sensor data. These tools support early fault detection, reduce follow-up costs, and form the basis for predictive maintenance and scalable quality assurance across plants.

Audi is also extending automation to complex production areas that have traditionally relied on manual work, including wiring loom manufacturing and installation. In parallel, the company is working with technology firms and research institutions such as IPAI Heilbronn to accelerate innovation, scale AI solutions, and ensure the responsible use of AI across its global production network.

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UK government makes bold move with AI tutoring trials for 450,000 pupils

The government plans to trial AI tutoring tools in secondary schools, with nationwide availability targeted for the end of 2027. The tools will be developed through a government-led tender, bringing together teachers, AI labs, and technology companies to co-create solutions aligned with classroom needs.

The initiative aims to provide personalised, one-to-one-style learning support, adapting to individual pupils’ needs and helping them catch up where they struggle. A central objective is to reduce educational inequality, with up to 450,000 disadvantaged pupils in years 9–11 potentially benefiting each year, particularly those eligible for free school meals.

AI tutoring tools are intended to complement, not replace, face-to-face teaching. Teachers will play a key role in co-designing, testing, and refining the tools, ensuring they support high-quality teaching, provide targeted help to struggling pupils, and stretch higher-performing students.

Safety and quality are positioned as non-negotiable. The tools will be rigorously tested to ensure they are safe, reliable, and aligned with the National Curriculum, and clear benchmarks will be developed for use in schools. Trials beginning later this year will generate evidence to guide wider rollout, alongside practical training for teachers and school staff to support confident and responsible use of AI.

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AfricAI positions Africa for large-scale adoption of intelligent machines

Through exclusive rights to Micropolis Robotics, AfricAI is the gateway to autonomous systems in Africa. This partnership deploys advanced robotics into industry, security, logistics, and regional infrastructure. The collaboration establishes a single entry point for high-tech automation and sustainable growth.

Micropolis will not pursue direct sales or other distributors in Africa, leaving the pan-African AI and tech platform responsible for localisation, regulation, and market rollout across the continent.

Company leaders described the partnership as a shift from software-focused AI to intelligent machines in real-world environments. According to Micropolis CEO Fareed Aljawhari, Africa is becoming the exclusive route for robotics expansion across the continent.

The agreement allows AfricAI to integrate autonomous robotics with its broader AI infrastructure stack, supporting security systems, smart cities, automated logistics, and industrial operations adapted to local conditions. Initial deployments will begin in security and infrastructure.

Analysts say the deal positions as one of Africa’s first large-scale robotics gatekeepers, potentially accelerating industrial transformation through autonomous technologies. Both firms highlighted commitments to responsible innovation and sustainable technology ecosystems.

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Facial recognition expansion anchors UK policing reforms driven by AI

UK authorities have unveiled a major policing reform programme that places AI and facial recognition at the centre of future law enforcement strategy. The plans include expanding the use of Live Facial Recognition and creating a national hub to scale AI tools across police forces.

The Home Office will fund 40 new facial recognition vans for town centres across England and Wales, significantly increasing real-time biometric surveillance capacity. Officials say the rollout responds to crime that increasingly involves digital activity.

The UK government will also invest £115 million over three years into a National Centre for AI in Policing, known as Police.AI. The centre will focus on speeding investigations, reducing paperwork and improving crime detection.

New governance measures will regulate police use of facial recognition and introduce a public register of deployed AI systems. National data standards aim to strengthen accountability and coordination across forces.

Structural reforms include creating a National Police Service to tackle serious crime and terrorism. Predictive analytics, deepfake detection and digital forensics will play a larger operational role.

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