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UK regulator sets deadline for assessing online content risks

Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, has set a 31 March deadline for social media and online platforms to submit a risk assessment on the likelihood of users encountering illegal content. This move follows new laws passed last year requiring companies such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as ByteDance’s TikTok, to take action against criminal activities on their platforms. Under the Online Safety Act, these firms must assess and address the risks of offences like terrorism, hate crimes, child sexual exploitation, and financial fraud.

The risk assessment must evaluate how likely it is for users to come across illegal content, or how user-to-user services could facilitate criminal activities. Ofcom has warned that failure to meet the deadline could result in enforcement actions against the companies. The new regulations aim to make online platforms safer and hold them accountable for the content shared on their sites.

The deadline is part of the UK‘s broader push to regulate online content and enhance user safety. Social media giants are now facing stricter scrutiny to ensure they are addressing potential risks associated with their platforms and protecting users from harmful content.

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Super Mario Bros. challenges AI models more than expected

A group of researchers from Hao AI Lab at the University of California San Diego has suggested that Super Mario Bros. might actually be a tougher challenge for AI than Pokémon. In a recent experiment, AI models were tasked with playing the game, and while Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 performed the best, models like Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro and OpenAI’s GPT-4o struggled. The game was not the original 1985 version but instead ran in an emulator integrated with GamingAgent, a framework that provided basic instructions and screenshots for the AI to control Mario.

The AI had to generate inputs, such as Python code, based on the given instructions to navigate Mario through the game’s challenges. The researchers found that while the game required models to plan complex manoeuvres and strategies, reasoning models like OpenAI’s o1 performed worse than non-reasoning models. This is because reasoning models typically take longer to decide on actions, and in a real-time game like Super Mario Bros., timing is critical.

While games have long been used to benchmark AI, some experts question the relevance of gaming skills as a measure of technological advancement. Andrej Karpathy, a research scientist at OpenAI, has expressed concerns over the current AI evaluation process, calling it an ‘evaluation crisis.’ Despite these concerns, watching AI take on Super Mario Bros. provides an interesting glimpse into how far AI has come, even if the benchmarks remain unclear.

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Amazon invests in AI to combat flooding in Aragon

Amazon has announced plans to use AI to help reduce flood risks in Spain’s northeastern region of Aragon, where it is building new data centres.

As part of its $17.9 million investment, Amazon’s cloud computing unit AWS will modernise infrastructure and optimise agricultural water use to tackle flood concerns.

The move follows catastrophic floods that impacted large areas around Valencia and comes as AWS continues its €15.7 billion expansion in the region’s cloud infrastructure.

The region is prone to flooding, especially along the Ebro River, highest-flow river in Spain, which crosses through Aragon on its way to the Mediterranean.

Amazon will deploy advanced cloud computing technologies to create an early warning system combining real-time data collection, sensor networks, and AI-powered analysis.

However, this system will help Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, monitor flood risks more effectively and provide timely warnings to emergency services.

In addition to its technological investment, local authorities in Zaragoza are building flood defences at the Barranco de la Muerte, or Death Ravine, to mitigate future flood damage.

With these combined efforts, Amazon aims to contribute to reducing the region’s vulnerability to floods while supporting its own expanding data infrastructure.

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European groups back new cybersecurity label for cloud services

Twenty-three industry groups across Europe have urged EU officials to approve a draft cybersecurity certification for cloud services.

The certification scheme, which was introduced in 2020 by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), aims to provide governments and businesses with reliable, secure cloud service providers.

It has been under revision since last year, with changes that favour major tech firms such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.

The groups, including the American Chamber of Commerce and various EU trade associations, argue that the updated draft, which will be finalised in March 2024, strikes a balance between robust security standards and an open market.

These revisions removed political provisions, such as requirements for US tech companies to partner with EU firms for data storage, focusing instead on technical security criteria.

Despite this, concerns linger about the European Commission potentially delaying or even scrapping the certification scheme altogether. The groups have strongly urged the EU to push forward with its adoption, believing it will support Europe’s digital economy while promoting secure cloud computing solutions.

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Intel revises timeline for Ohio semiconductor plants

Intel has announced a significant delay in its planned $28 billion semiconductor manufacturing project in Ohio, pushing the completion of its first factory to 2030.

Operations are expected to begin between 2030 and 2031, extending the initial timeline by at least five years. The second factory is now scheduled for completion in 2031, with production starting in 2032.

The chipmaker is adjusting its plans in response to financial pressures following its costly push into contract chip manufacturing.

Naga Chandrasekaran, general manager of Intel Foundry Manufacturing, stated that the decision was made to align factory operations with market demand and ensure responsible capital management.

The company has also been cutting costs through workforce reductions, dividend suspensions, and a broader expense reduction strategy.

Intel’s financial restructuring follows a challenging period for the company, which has struggled to regain its position in the semiconductor industry.

The delay in Ohio’s factory construction reflects a cautious approach to investment, with the company aiming to keep operating expenses at approximately $17.5 billion for 2025.

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Musk under scrutiny over $2.4 billion FAA telecom contract

A group of US lawmakers is raising concerns over the potential involvement of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in a $2.4 billion Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) telecommunications contract originally awarded to Verizon.

Musk, who owns satellite company Starlink, has been critical of the FAA’s existing telecom system and has reportedly sought to replace Verizon’s contract with his own company’s services.

Senator Maria Cantwell and other lawmakers have expressed alarm over what they see as potential interference in a competitive bidding process. The FAA, which awarded the 15-year contract to Verizon in 2023, is now reportedly reviewing the agreement.

Musk recently admitted to making false claims about Verizon’s role in aviation safety, further fuelling concerns about his influence.

The controversy has led to bipartisan scrutiny, with senators and representatives questioning whether the government is prioritising private interests over public safety. The FAA, meanwhile, has stated it has not yet made any decision regarding the contract.

Reports indicate that Starlink terminals are being tested in Alaska, raising further speculation about Musk’s involvement in the project.

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A significant boost in Windows performance could come with Qualcomm’s latest chip

Qualcomm is reportedly developing the Snapdragon X2, a next-generation high-end processor for Windows PCs. Leaks suggest the new chip could feature up to 18 Oryon V3 cores, potentially boosting performance significantly.

The Snapdragon X2 is expected to adopt a system-in-package (SiP) design, integrating RAM and flash storage within the processor to enhance efficiency and data transfer speeds.

The processor is said to support configurations of up to 48GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, according to leaked documents. While specific clock speeds remain unknown, it is described as a high-TDP variant, indicating a focus on raw power.

Qualcomm is also reportedly testing the chip with a liquid cooling system, suggesting efforts to manage heat output in high-performance environments.

Branding for the processor is expected under the ‘Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium’ label, with a focus on competing against Intel, AMD, and Apple’s M-series chips.

Qualcomm previously confirmed its next PC processor, the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2, would include the Oryon V3 CPU, following the success of its predecessor, the Oryon V2.

The Snapdragon X2 could improve the Windows on ARM ecosystem, offering better efficiency and performance. However, software compatibility challenges remain a key concern, as ARM-based Windows devices have previously struggled with certain applications.

Official details from Qualcomm are still pending, with more information possibly emerging at industry events such as Mobile World Congress.

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DeepSeek’s transparency in AI profit projections challenges industry norms

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek has revealed that its theoretical profit margins could reach 545 percent, shedding light on the financial potential of its innovative approach to AI. The Hangzhou-based company said its V3 and R1 models’ cost-to-sales ratio during 24 hours in February highlighted the massive profitability of its AI services.

However, DeepSeek clarified that actual revenues are much lower, as many services remain free or discounted during off-peak hours, and the calculations exclude research and development costs. Despite the hypothetical nature of these margins, the disclosure comes as AI start-ups worldwide struggle to prove their business models can turn sustainable profits.

Giants like OpenAI and Anthropic experiment with various revenue streams — from subscriptions to licensing fees — while investors increasingly question how soon these companies can achieve lasting profitability. What makes DeepSeek stand out is its commitment to transparency and open-source innovation.

The company publicly shared insights into its infrastructure, explaining how it optimises server loads, reduces latency, and maximises data processing efficiency. This openness contrasts sharply with many US-based competitors’ secretive, proprietary strategies, signalling DeepSeek’s confidence in its long-term vision.

Why does it matter?

In an industry racing to build more powerful AI, DeepSeek’s willingness to share its methods and potential profitability sparks an important debate: Can a balance between innovation, openness, and sustainable revenue reshape the future of AI?

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Samsung unveils new Galaxy A-series models with AI features and enhanced photography capabilities

Samsung has unveiled its latest Galaxy A-series lineup, introducing the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26, packed with new AI-powered features. One of the standout additions is the ‘awesome intelligence’ suite, which brings advanced image editing capabilities.

Among these features is Best Face, allowing users to swap facial expressions in group photos — similar to Google Pixel’s Best Take. These tools, first seen in the Galaxy S25, aim to simplify capturing and editing moments.

The Galaxy A56 has performance upgrades, including an Exynos 1580 chip and a larger vapour chamber for better cooling. It features a 6.7-inch full HD Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP macro lens. Priced at $499, the A56 is set to launch in the US later this year, while the A36 and A26 will hit shelves in late March, costing $399 and $299, respectively.

Buyers in the UK can get their hands on the new devices starting 19 March, with prices beginning at €299 for the Galaxy A26. The series also promises long-term value, offering up to six years of Android OS and security updates, plus IP67 dust and water resistance on the A26, making these phones a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for modern features.

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US investigates UK over alleged backdoor demand for Apple data

United States officials are reviewing whether the UK breached a bilateral agreement by reportedly pressuring Apple to create a ‘backdoor’ for government access to encrypted iCloud backups.

Apple recently withdrew an encrypted storage feature for UK users following reports that it had refused to comply with such demands, which could have affected users worldwide. The Washington Post reported that Apple rejected the UK government’s request.

The US director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, confirmed in a letter to lawmakers that a legal review is underway to determine if the UK violated the CLOUD Act.

Under the agreement, neither the US nor the United Kingdom can demand data access for citizens or residents of the other country. Initial legal assessments suggest the UK’s reported demands may have overstepped its authority under the agreement.

Apple has long defended its encryption policies, arguing that creating a backdoor for government access would weaken security and leave user data vulnerable to hackers. Cybersecurity experts warn that any such backdoor, once created, would inevitably be exploited.

The tech giant has clashed with regulators over encryption before, notably in 2016 when it resisted US government efforts to unlock a terrorism suspect’s iPhone.

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