Hiya, a US-based company specialising in fraud and spam detection, has introduced a new Chrome browser extension to identify AI-generated deepfake voices. The tool offers free access to anyone concerned about the growing risk of voice manipulation.
The Deepfake Voice Detector analyses video and audio streams, sampling audio in just one second to determine whether a voice is genuine or artificially generated. Hiya’s technology relies on AI algorithms it integrated following the acquisition of Loccus.ai in July.
With deepfakes becoming increasingly difficult to spot, the company aims to help users stay ahead of potential misuse. Hiya president Kush Parikh emphasised the importance of launching the tool ahead of the US elections in November to address the rising threat.
A survey of 2,000 individuals conducted by Hiya revealed that one in four people encountered audio deepfakes between April and July this year. Personal voice calls emerged as the primary risk factor (61%), followed by exposure on platforms like Facebook (22%) and YouTube (17%).
A1 Austria, Eurofiber, and Quantcom have joined forces to develop a high-speed dark-fibre network connecting Frankfurt and Vienna, marking a significant advancement in European telecommunications. Scheduled for completion in December 2025, this ambitious project aims to deliver an ultra-low-latency infrastructure essential for meeting modern telecommunications’s growing demands.
By collaborating, these three providers are not only bolstering their technical capabilities but are also ensuring that the network will support a wide array of critical applications, including cloud services, media broadcasting, AI, and machine learning (ML). Furthermore, the network’s low latency will significantly enhance connectivity for key industries across Europe, making it a vital asset for telecommunications companies, fixed network operators, and global enterprises.
Ultimately, this new fibre network is poised to serve as a critical backbone for the region’s digital ecosystem, facilitating seamless communication and data exchange. As a result, it is expected to have a substantial economic impact by connecting various industries and enabling high-performance connectivity, thereby acting as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors.
Moreover, this initiative addresses the current demand for faster and more reliable data transfer and lays the groundwork for a more robust digital infrastructure in Europe, thereby fostering innovation and economic development in the years to come.
Bain & Company announced it is expanding its partnership with OpenAI to offer AI tools like ChatGPT to its clients. The firms previously formed a global alliance to introduce OpenAI technology to Bain’s clients, and the consultancy has now made OpenAI platforms, including ChatGPT Enterprise, available to its employees worldwide.
Bain is also setting up an OpenAI Centre of Excellence, managed by its own team, to further integrate AI solutions. The partnership will initially focus on developing custom solutions for the retail and healthcare life sciences industries, with plans for expansion into other sectors.
While Bain did not disclose financial details, around 50 employees will be dedicated to this collaboration, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed an appeal in its case against Ripple, though it does not challenge the court’s decision that XRP is not a security. Instead, the SEC’s appeal, submitted on 16 October, questions Ripple’s XRP sales on exchanges and personal sales by its executives, Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen.
Ripple’s chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, clarified that the ruling regarding XRP’s status as a non-security remains unchanged. Ripple is set to file its own Form C in response within seven days, and both parties will agree on a briefing schedule for the ongoing case.
The legal process is expected to take up to 90 days, with the SEC required to file its first brief within that period. Ripple’s legal team remains confident as the case progresses.
Sam Altman’s cryptocurrency project, Worldcoin, has rebranded as World Network and is intensifying its efforts to scan irises worldwide using its “orb” devices. The project’s core feature, World ID, acts as a digital passport to verify individuals as real humans, helping to distinguish them from AI bots online. At an event in San Francisco, World Network revealed an updated version of its orb device, boasting 5G connectivity and enhanced privacy features, alongside new initiatives to improve access to the technology.
Despite signing up over 6.9 million people since its launch in July 2023, the project has faced criticism from privacy advocates regarding the collection and storage of personal data. Several countries, including Spain and Portugal, have temporarily banned the use of the orb devices, while Argentina and Britain are currently reviewing the project.
Two independent candidates participated in an online debate on Thursday, engaging with an AI-generated version of incumbent congressman Don Beyer. The digital avatar, dubbed ‘DonBot’, was created using Beyer’s website and public materials to simulate his responses in the event, streamed on YouTube and Rumble.
Beyer, a Democrat seeking re-election, opted not to join the debate in person. His AI representation featured a robotic voice reading answers without imitating his tone. Independent challengers Bentley Hensel and David Kennedy appeared on camera, while the Republican candidate Jerry Torres did not participate. Viewership remained low, peaking at fewer than 20 viewers, and parts of DonBot’s responses were inaudible.
Hensel explained that the AI was programmed to provide unbiased answers using available public information. The debate tackled policy areas such as healthcare, gun control, and aid to Israel. When asked why voters should re-elect Beyer, the AI stated, ‘I believe that I can make a real difference in the lives of the people of Virginia’s 8th district.’
Although the event saw minimal impact, observers suggest the use of AI in politics could become more prevalent. The reliance on such technology raises concerns about transparency, especially if no regulations are introduced to guide its use in future elections.
Digital technology experts highlighted the need for collaboration and partnerships among African nations to tackle shared cybersecurity threats effectively. By emphasising a unified approach, participants recognised that regional cooperation is essential in addressing the complexities of cyber risks that impact businesses and governments.
Public-private partnerships were also advocated, as collaboration between the private sector and governmental agencies can foster the development of effective cybersecurity solutions, creating a safer business environment and promoting resilience against cyber threats. Additionally, they underscored the importance of identifying and valuing critical infrastructure, which is vital for informing robust security strategies. Sharing best practices among African countries can enhance defences without reinventing solutions, creating a collective strength across the continent.
Specifically, the call for harmonised cybersecurity laws across Africa aims to create consistent regulations that address capacity gaps and enhance digital security. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives are essential for equipping individuals and organisations to tackle evolving cyber challenges.
Moreover, they emphasised the need for effective incident response frameworks, as these strategies are crucial for minimising the impact of cyber incidents on businesses and governments. Ultimately, this proactive approach boosts resilience and fosters trust in the digital ecosystem, enabling Africa to navigate the complexities of the digital age confidently.
OpenAI has released the ChatGPT app for Windows, which is now available via the Microsoft Store. Like the Mac version launched earlier this year, it offers quick access to the AI-powered chatbot, allowing users to integrate AI into their daily activities.
The app is in an early release stage and limited to paid users, including Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers. A broader rollout to free-tier users is expected within the next few weeks or months. Some Mac and web version features are not yet included but are planned for future updates.
Key features missing from the Windows version include advanced voice modes, integration with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, and external authentication through GPT Builder. Users, however, can still upload files and photos using the newly introduced o1 model for analysis.
ChatGPT offers convenience features such as the ‘Alt + Space’ shortcut, which allows users to bring it into focus when multitasking. It also remembers its previous position on the screen, resetting to the centre upon reopening.
Meta has joined forces with Blumhouse, the Hollywood studio renowned for horror films, to test its new AI-driven video tool called Movie Gen that creates custom 1080p videos with sound using text-based inputs, offering filmmakers innovative ways to visualise their ideas.
The pilot project engaged prominent filmmakers, including Aneesh Chaganty, Casey Affleck, and The Spurlock Sisters, who integrated AI-generated clips into their films. Chaganty’s work is already featured on the Movie Gen website, with other contributions set to appear soon. The collaboration demonstrates how AI can become a creative partner, expanding artistic possibilities through responses to text prompts and advanced sound effects.
Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum praised the initiative, stating that these tools could empower artists to tell better stories and stressed the importance of involving creators early in the development phase. Meta aims to continue refining the tool by extending the pilot programme through 2025, encouraging user feedback to enhance its capabilities.
Alongside this initiative, Meta has expanded its AI chatbot, Meta AI, to 21 markets, including the UK and Brazil. Seen as a competitor to ChatGPT, Meta AI supports multiple languages, targeting 500 million monthly active users globally.
IHS Towers, ALTON, and the NCC have proposed a series of strategic initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, which is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, theft, and vandalism. Central to this proposal is developing a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) that emphasises collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators, regulatory bodies, and the government.
Key initiatives include establishing a secure, centralised database of all telecom infrastructure managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Additionally, mandatory routine surveillance of major telecom installations by security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police is crucial for deterring threats.
The proposal also advocates for standardised procedures for responding to incidents and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of protecting critical national information infrastructure. Regulatory support from the NCC, including establishing a dedicated committee to assist telecom operators, will further reinforce these efforts.
Maintaining secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure is essential for national security and economic growth. The interconnectedness of modern society relies heavily on a robust telecom sector, which supports critical services, including healthcare, education, and financial systems.
By prioritising infrastructure resilience and emphasising a commitment to security, Nigeria can ensure the continuity of these vital services even in the face of potential threats. This holistic approach protects the telecommunications sector and promotes sustainable economic development across the nation.
