Google is pushing AI deeper into its services, with AI Overviews already reaching billions of users and AI Mode now added to Search. Chrome is also being rebranded as an AI-first browser.
Not all users welcome these changes. Concerns remain about accuracy, intrusive design and Google’s growing control over how information is displayed. Unlike other features, AI elements in Search cannot be turned off directly, leaving users reliant on third-party solutions.
One such solution is the new ‘Bye Bye, Google AI’ extension, which hides AI-generated results and unwanted blocks such as sponsored links, shopping sections and discussion forums.
The extension works across Chromium-based browsers, though it relies on CSS and may break when Google updates its interface.
A debate that reflects wider unease about AI in Search.
While Google claims it improves user experience, critics argue it risks spreading false information and keeping traffic within Google’s ecosystem rather than directing users to original publishers.
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Nearly a million jobs in London face change as AI reshapes the workplace.
New research suggests repetitive roles such as telemarketing, bookkeeping, and data entry will be among the most affected, with women at greater risk since they comprise much of the workforce in these sectors.
Analysts from LiveCareer UK and McKinsey reported that job adverts for roles most exposed to automation have dropped sharply in the past three years.
They warn that fewer entry-level opportunities could damage the future workforce unless businesses rethink how to balance automation with human creativity and judgement.
Some organisations are already adapting AI to support staff instead of replacing them. At Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a pharmaceutical robot works alongside clinicians, using AI to predict medicine demand and improve patient safety.
Leaders at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust argue AI should relieve staff of repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-value care.
Across industries, firms from Ford to Microsoft predict significant disruption. Ford’s chief executive has suggested AI could replace half of white-collar roles in the US, while others argue it will boost productivity instead of eliminating jobs.
Tech companies such as Snap are experimenting with AI-driven creativity tools, insisting the technology should act as an aid for workers rather than a threat to employment.
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A new malware campaign targets WordPress sites, utilising steganography and persistent backdoors to maintain unauthorised admin access. It uses two components that work together to maintain control.
The attack begins with malicious files disguised as legitimate WordPress components. These files are heavily obfuscated, create administrator accounts with hardcoded credentials, and bypass traditional detection tools. However, this ensures attackers can retain access even after security teams respond.
Researchers say the malware exploits WordPress plugin infrastructure and user management functions to set up redundant access points. It then communicates with command-and-control servers, exfiltrating system data and administrator credentials to attacker-controlled endpoints.
This campaign can allow threat actors to inject malicious code, redirect site visitors, steal sensitive data, or deploy additional payloads. Its persistence and stealth tactics make it difficult to detect, leaving websites vulnerable for long periods.
The main component poses as a fake plugin called ‘DebugMaster Pro’ with realistic metadata. Its obfuscated code creates admin accounts, contacts external servers, and hides by allowing known admin IPs.
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Elon Musk’s xAI has sued OpenAI, alleging a coordinated and unlawful campaign to steal its proprietary technology. The complaint alleges OpenAI targeted former xAI staff to steal source code, training methods, and data centre strategies.
The lawsuit claims OpenAI recruiter Tifa Chen offered large packages to engineers who then allegedly uploaded xAI’s source code to personal devices. Notable incidents include Xuechen Li confessing to code theft and Jimmy Fraiture allegedly transferring confidential files via AirDrop repeatedly.
Legal experts note the case centres on employee poaching and the definition of xAI’s ‘secret sauce,’ including GPU racking, vendor contracts, and operational playbooks.
Liability may depend on whether OpenAI knowingly directed recruiters, while the company could defend itself by showing independent creation with time-stamped records.
xAI is seeking damages, restitution, and injunctions requiring OpenAI to remove its materials and destroy models built using them. The lawsuit is Musk’s latest legal action against OpenAI, following a recent antitrust case with Apple over alleged market dominance.
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Google has unveiled two new robotics models, Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, designed to help robots better perceive, plan, and act in complex environments. The models aim to enable more capable robots to complete multi-step tasks efficiently and transparently.
Gemini Robotics 1.5 converts visual information and instructions into actions, letting robots think before acting and explain their reasoning. Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5 acts as a high-level planner, reasoning about the physical world and using tools like Google Search to support decisions.
Together, the models form an ‘agentic’ framework. ER 1.5 orchestrates a robot’s activities, while Robotics 1.5 carries them out, enabling the machines to tackle semantically complex tasks. The pairing strengthens generalisation across diverse environments and longer missions.
Google said Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5 is now available to developers through the Gemini API in Google AI Studio, while Gemini Robotics 1.5 is currently open to select partners. Both models advance robots’ reasoning, spatial awareness, and multi-tasking capabilities.
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Spotify announced new measures to address AI risks in music, aiming to protect artists’ identities and preserve trust on the platform. The company said AI can boost creativity but also enable harmful content like impersonations and spam that exploit artists and cut into royalties.
A new impersonation policy has been introduced, clarifying that AI-generated vocal clones of artists are only permitted with explicit authorisation. Spotify is strengthening processes to block fraudulent uploads and mismatches, giving artists quicker recourse when their work is misused.
The platform will launch a new spam filter this year to detect and curb manipulative practices like mass uploads and artificially short tracks. The system will be deployed cautiously, with updates added as new abuse tactics emerge, in order to safeguard legitimate creators.
In addition, Spotify will back an industry standard for AI disclosures in music credits, allowing artists and rights holders to show how AI was used in production. The company said these steps show its commitment to protecting artists, ensuring transparency, and fair royalties as AI reshapes the music industry.
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Ant International has introduced AI SHIELD, a security framework to protect AI systems used in financial services. The toolkit aims to reduce risks such as fraud, bias, and misuse in AI applications like fraud detection, payment authorisation, and customer chatbots.
At the centre of AI SHIELD is the AI Security Docker, which applies safeguards throughout development and deployment. The framework includes authentication of AI agents, continuous monitoring to block threats in real time, and ongoing adversarial testing.
Ant said the system will support over 100 million merchants and 1.8 billion users worldwide across services like Alipay+, Antom, Bettr, and WorldFirst. It will also defend against deepfake attacks and account takeovers, with the firm claiming its EasySafePay 360 tool can cut such incidents by 90%.
The initiative is part of Ant’s wider role in setting industry standards, including its work with Google on the Agent Payments Protocol, which defines how AI agents transact securely with user approval.
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Hitachi has unveiled a global AI Factory built on NVIDIA’s reference architecture to accelerate the development of physical AI solutions.
The new platform uses Hitachi iQ systems powered by NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, alongside the Spectrum-X networking platform, to deliver unified AI infrastructure for research and deployment.
Hitachi said the AI Factory will enhance its HMAX family of AI-enabled solutions across energy, mobility, industry, and technology sectors. It will allow models to interpret data from sensors and cameras, make decisions, and act in real-world environments.
The facility integrates NVIDIA AI Enterprise software and Omniverse libraries, enabling simulation and digital twin capabilities. Both firms describe the initiative as a key driver of social innovation, combining advanced AI computing with industrial applications.
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Apple and Google have urged the European Union to revisit its Digital Markets Act, arguing the law is damaging users and businesses.
Apple said the rules have forced delays to new features for European customers, including live translation on AirPods and improvements to Apple Maps. It warned that competition requirements could weaken security and slow innovation without boosting the EU economy.
Google raised concerns that its search results must now prioritise intermediary travel sites, leading to higher costs for consumers and fewer direct sales for airlines and hotels. It added that AI services may arrive in Europe up to a year later than elsewhere.
Both firms stressed that enforcement should be more consistent and user-focused. The European Commission is reviewing the Act, with formal submissions under consideration.
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OpenAI has introduced a preview of ChatGPT Pulse, a feature designed to deliver proactive and personalised updates to Pro users on mobile. Instead of waiting for users to ask questions, Pulse researches chat history, feedback, and connected apps to deliver daily insights.
The updates appear as visual cards covering relevant topics, which users can scan quickly or expand for detail. Integrations with Gmail and Google Calendar are available, enabling suggestions such as drafting meeting agendas, recommending restaurants for trips, or reminding users about birthdays.
These integrations are optional and can be switched off at any time.
Pulse is built to prioritise usefulness over screen time, offering updates that expire daily unless saved or added to chat history. Early trials with students highlighted the importance of simple feedback to refine results, and users can guide what appears by curating topics or rating suggestions.
OpenAI plans to refine the feature further before expanding its availability beyond Pro users.
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