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Valve denies Steam data breach

Valve has confirmed that a cache of old Steam two-factor authentication codes and phone numbers, recently circulated by a hacker known as ‘Machine1337’, is indeed real, but insists it did not suffer a data breach.

Instead of pointing to its own systems, Valve explained that the leak involves outdated SMS messages, which are typically sent unencrypted and routed through multiple providers. These codes, once valid for only 15 minutes, were not linked to specific Steam accounts, passwords, or payment information.

The leaked data sparked early speculation that third-party messaging provider Twilio was the source of the breach, especially after their name appeared in the dataset. However, both Valve and Twilio denied any direct involvement, with Valve stating it does not even use Twilio’s services.

The true origin of the breach remains uncertain, and Valve acknowledged that tracing it may be difficult, as SMS messages often pass through several intermediaries before reaching users.

While the leaked information may not immediately endanger Steam accounts, Valve advised users to remain cautious. Phone numbers, when combined with other data, could still be used for phishing attacks.

Instead of relying on SMS for security, users are encouraged to activate the Steam Mobile Authenticator, which offers a more secure alternative for account verification.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the source of the breach, Valve reassured users there’s no need to change passwords or phone numbers. Still, it urged vigilance, recommending that users routinely review their security settings and remain wary of any unsolicited account notifications.

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Hackers use fake PayPal email to seize bank access

A man from Virginia fell victim to a sophisticated PayPal scam that allowed hackers to gain remote control of his computer and access his bank accounts.

After receiving a fake email about a laptop purchase, he called the number listed in the message, believing it to be legitimate. The person on the other end instructed him to enter a code into his browser, which unknowingly installed a program giving the scammer full access to his system.

Files were scanned, and money was transferred between his accounts—all while he was urged to stay on the line and visit the bank, without informing anyone.

The scam, known as a remote access attack, starts with a convincing email that appears to come from a trusted source. Instead of fixing any problem, the real aim is to deceive victims into granting hackers full control.

Once inside, scammers can steal personal data, access bank accounts, and install malware that remains even after the immediate threat ends. These attacks often unfold in minutes, using fear and urgency to manipulate targets into acting quickly and irrationally.

Quick action helped limit the damage in this case. The victim shut down his computer, contacted his bank and changed his passwords—steps that likely prevented more extensive losses. However, many people aren’t as fortunate.

Experts warn that scammers increasingly rely on psychological tricks instead of just technical ones, isolating their victims and urging secrecy during the attack.

To avoid falling for similar scams, it’s safer to verify emails by using official websites instead of clicking any embedded links or calling suspicious numbers.

Remote control should never be granted to unsolicited support calls, and all devices should have up-to-date antivirus protection and multifactor authentication enabled. Online safety now depends just as much on caution and awareness as it does on technology.

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DeepMind unveils AlphaEvolve for scientific breakthroughs

Google DeepMind has unveiled AlphaEvolve, a new AI system designed to help solve complex scientific and mathematical problems by improving how algorithms are developed.

Rather than acting like a standard chatbot, AlphaEvolve blends large language models from the Gemini family with an evolutionary approach, enabling it to generate, assess, and refine multiple solutions at once.

Instead of relying on a single output, AlphaEvolve allows researchers to submit a problem and potential directions. The system then uses both Gemini Flash and Gemini Pro to create various solutions, which are automatically evaluated.

The best results are selected and enhanced through an iterative process, improving accuracy and reducing hallucinations—a common issue with AI-generated content.

Unlike earlier DeepMind tools such as AlphaFold, which focused on narrow domains, AlphaEvolve is a general-purpose AI for coding and algorithmic tasks.

It has already shown its value by optimising Google’s own Borg data centre management system, delivering a 0.7% efficiency gain—significant given Google’s global scale.

The AI also devised a new method for multiplying complex matrices, outperforming a decades-old technique and even beating DeepMind’s specialised AlphaTensor model.

AlphaEvolve has also contributed to improvements in Google’s hardware design by optimising Verilog code for upcoming Tensor chips.

Though not publicly available yet due to its complexity, AlphaEvolve’s evaluation-based framework could eventually be adapted for smaller AI tools used by researchers elsewhere.

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Amazon launches end-to-end AI audiobook production for publishers

Amazon has announced the expansion of AI-ge n erated audiobook narration through its Audible platform, offering publishers the option to convert books into audio using synthetic voices.

The company’s new tools include more than 100 AI-generated voices across English, Spanish, French, and Italian, with variations in accents and dialects. Publishers will be able to choose between two production workflows: a fully managed Audible-led process or a self-service option using the same underlying technology.

According to Amazon, the initiative aims to scale audiobook production and increase accessibility. Audible CEO Bob Carrigan said the company’s long-term goal is to support ‘every book in every language’ through its end-to-end AI production system.

Later in 2024, Amazon will begin beta testing AI-powered translation services for audiobooks.

The services will include text-to-text translation of manuscripts—with the option of either AI or professional narration—and speech-to-speech translation designed to preserve the original narrator’s voice and tone across languages.

Human linguists will be available to review translations for accuracy and cultural context. Amazon did not indicate whether the new AI tools would replace human narrators but positioned the offering as an additional option for publishers.

The expansion comes as genera t ive AI continues to reshape content production workflows across the publishing and media industries.

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Data for Change: The PARIS21 Foundation

The Data for Change Foundation is a Geneva-based non-profit foundation with global ties to promote more, better, and equal data to enable evidence-based decisions and ensure no one is left behind. By fostering partnerships, empowering stakeholders, and leveraging technology, we aim to create a world where data enhances accountability and drives impactful, inclusive change. In close collaboration with PARIS21 (Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century), we strengthen national statistical systems (NSSs) to produce and use high-quality data for policymaking and monitoring progress. Our joint work helps countries build resilient, inclusive statistical capacities that adapt to evolving global data needs while ensuring all voices are represented.

Digital activities

One of our flagship initiatives, the SME Data Boost, supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa to build a robust data footprint. This project addresses the risk of SMEs being excluded from global trade due to missing or inadequate data, ensuring they can meet reporting requirements, remain competitive, and retain their place in global value chains. By equipping SMEs with essential tools and capabilities, the initiative fosters accountability and resilience within regional economies, helping them thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

The Gender Data Lab (GDL) in Rwanda, launched in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), PARIS21, and the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), is another example of our commitment to digital transformation. The GDL seeks to revolutionise the collection, analysis, and use of gender-disaggregated data to bridge existing gaps and inform evidence-based policymaking. By consolidating data sources and applying advanced data science techniques, the GDL equips policymakers with actionable insights to design gender-responsive policies and programmes. This initiative represents a critical step toward achieving accountability and progress on gender equality targets, such as the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and Rwanda’s Vision 2050. It also emphasises Rwanda’s leadership in ensuring accurate, accessible, gender data-informed decisions at all levels. Through its work, the GDL fosters an environment where interventions are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women and men, driving inclusive and sustainable development.

Both the SME Data Boost and the GDL exemplify how our digital activities leverage technology and innovation to enhance access to critical data. These initiatives not only strengthen statistical capacities but also promote equitable access to the tools and insights needed to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Digital policy issues

Artificial intelligence

AI regulation & AI acts in LMICs

Addressing regulatory challenges and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to ensure ethical, transparent, and inclusive adoption of AI technologies.
Advocating for context-specific AI policies that balance innovation and accountability, ensuring that LMICs can leverage AI for development while safeguarding against risks such as bias, misinformation, and data privacy concerns.
Supporting the integration of AI governance frameworks that align with global AI acts and responsible AI principles, ensuring that developing regions are not left behind in digital policy discussions.

Sustainable development

Closing SDG data gaps through digital innovation

Promoting citizen-generated data (CGD) as a complementary source to official statistics, enabling more inclusive and granular data for monitoring SDG progress.
Advocating for the integration of digital and AI-driven tools into NSSs to improve data collection, processing, and utilisation in policymaking.
Addressing issues of data ownership, privacy, and trust in the use of digital tools for SDG monitoring, particularly in LMICs.

Digital tools

Citizen-generated data platforms (in planning)

In collaboration with partners in Africa, we are developing digital platforms that empower citizens to contribute real-time, localised data to close critical SDG data gaps.

SME Data Boost

A workstream designed to help SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa establish a strong data footprint, enabling them to participate in global trade, meet reporting requirements, and stay competitive in digital economies.

Gender Data Lab (GDL)

An initiative that leverages advanced data science techniques to improve gender-disaggregated data collection and analysis, supporting evidence-based gender policies in Rwanda.

Social media channels

LinkedIn @Dataforchange:theparis21foundation

YouTube @DataForChange

Contact @info@dataforchange.net

Audible and Spotify embrace AI to scale audiobook production

Audible, Amazon’s audiobook service, announced this week that it is partnering with publishers to convert print and e-books into AI-narrated audiobooks. The move is part of Audible’s strategy to expand its catalogue quickly as competition heats up with platforms like Apple and Spotify.

Using Amazon’s AI technology, Audible now offers publishers access to more than 100 synthetic voices across English, French, Spanish, and Italian, including various accents and dialects. More language options are expected to roll out over time.

Audible also revealed plans to launch a beta version of AI-powered translation services later this year. The tool will support both text-to-text and speech-to-speech translations from English into Spanish, French, Italian, and German.

Publishers will be able to request professional linguists to review the AI translations for accuracy. Amazon began experimenting with synthetic narration in 2023, launching an invite-only virtual voice tool for self-published authors.

The tool enables authors to transform their e-books into audiobooks using AI-generated speech. Audible also allowed a group of voice actors to train AI models using their voices.

Currently, more than 50,000 titles on Audible are listed as being ‘Narrated By: Virtual Voice’, indicating strong adoption by authors who may lack the budget or resources for traditional audiobook production.

Still, the rise of AI narration has sparked debate within the publishing world. Critics argue that automated voices could compromise the emotional nuance and performance quality that listeners expect from professional narrators.

Audible’s chief rival, Spotify, is also investing in AI-powered audiobooks. In February, Spotify partnered with voice AI company ElevenLabs to accelerate audiobook production across its platform.

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Cheshire’s new AI tool flags stalking before it escalates

Cheshire Police has become the first UK force to use AI in stalking investigations, aiming to identify harmful behaviours earlier. The AI will analyse reports in real time, even as victims speak with call handlers.

The system, trained using data from the force and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, is designed to detect stalking patterns—even if the term isn’t used directly. Currently, officers in the Harm Reduction Unit manually review 10 cases a day.

Det Ch Insp Danielle Knox said AI will enhance, not replace, police work, and ethical safeguards are in place. Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price secured £300,000 to fund the initiative, saying it could be ’25 times more effective’ than manual investigation.

Survivor ‘Amy’ said earlier intervention might have prevented her violent assault. Three-quarters of the unit’s cases already lead to charges, but police hope AI will improve that success rate and offer victims faster protection.

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Google tests AI mode on Search page

Google is experimenting with a redesigned version of its iconic Search homepage, swapping the familiar ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ button for a new option called ‘AI Mode.’

The fresh feature, which began rolling out in limited tests earlier in May, is part of the company’s push to integrate more AI-driven capabilities into everyday search experiences.

According to a Google spokesperson, the change is currently being tested through the company’s experimental Labs platform, though there’s no guarantee it will become a permanent fixture.

The timing is notable, arriving just before Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference where more AI-focused updates are expected.

Such changes to Google’s main Search page are rare, but the company may feel growing pressure to adapt. Just last week, an Apple executive revealed that Google searches on Safari had declined for the first time, linking the drop to the growing popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT.

By testing ‘AI Mode,’ Google appears to be responding to this shift, exploring ways to stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven search landscape instead of sticking to its traditional layout.

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Spotify adds voice interaction to AI DJ in 60+ markets

Spotify is giving its AI DJ a major upgrade, allowing users to make voice requests for music, mood changes, and genre shifts. Previously a passive listening experience, the AI DJ now offers interactive features for Premium subscribers in more than 60 markets.

Users can now ask the AI DJ to play songs by a specific artist, switch genres, or change the vibe of a playlist entirely. The feature supports English voice commands at launch, with more languages likely to follow.

To access it, type ‘DJ’ in the Spotify search bar, then hold the DJ button in the bottom-right corner to issue a voice request. For quick changes without speaking, users can simply tap the DJ button.

Spotify first introduced the AI DJ in February 2023 in the US and Canada, later expanding the feature globally in August. In late 2023, the company also added a Spanish-speaking AI DJ to its lineup.

The new voice interactions mark Spotify’s latest step in personalising the streaming experience through AI.

Alongside the AI DJ, Spotify also offers another AI tool that allows users to create playlists using text prompts—highlighting the company’s ongoing push to integrate generative AI into music discovery and curation.

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Apple partners with BCI developers to expand accessibility

Apple has announced a new set of accessibility features arriving later this year, including a breakthrough initiative that allows users to control their devices using brain signals. The company also plans to streamline its Personal Voice tool and expand accessibility support across its platforms.

In partnership with Brain Computer Interface (BCI) developers like Synchron, Apple is working to enable users to navigate iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro using neural input.

Synchron’s device, called the Stentrode, is a stent-like implant placed in a vein near the brain’s motor cortex via a minimally invasive procedure. It reads brain signals and translates them into commands for digital interfaces.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is building system-level support for BCIs in iOS 19 and visionOS 3, including a new protocol compatible with Switch Control.

This will allow users to operate Apple devices without physical interaction, an innovation aimed at supporting individuals with conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

One early tester of the technology, Mark Jackson, who has ALS, described using his Stentrode in conjunction with Apple’s Vision Pro headset to virtually explore environments like the Swiss Alps.

While Jackson noted limitations in cursor control and speed, the collaboration marks a significant step forward in assistive technology.

In addition to brain control support, iOS 19 will enhance Apple’s Personal Voice feature, originally introduced in iOS 17. This feature enables users at risk of losing their speech to create a personalised synthetic voice.

Previously, the tool required users to record 150 phrases and process them overnight. In iOS 19, the process has been reduced to just 10 phrases, with the model processed in under a minute. Apple says the updated output will sound smoother and more natural.

Other upcoming accessibility features include a Magnifier app for Mac and App Store Nutrition Labels to help users assess the accessibility of third-party apps.

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