Digital identities

Hackers hide malware using DNS TXT records

Hackers are increasingly exploiting DNS records to deliver malware undetected, according to new research from DomainTools.

Instead of relying on typical delivery methods such as emails or downloads, attackers now hide malicious code within DNS TXT records, part of the Domain Name System, often overlooked by security systems.

The method involves converting malware into hexadecimal code, splitting it into small segments, and storing each chunk in the TXT record of subdomains under domains like whitetreecollective.com.

Once attackers gain limited access to a network, they retrieve these chunks via ordinary-looking DNS queries, reassembling them into functioning malware without triggering antivirus or firewall alerts.

The rising use of encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS makes detecting such queries harder, especially without in-house DNS resolvers equipped for deep inspection.

Researchers also noted that attackers are using DNS TXT records for malware and embedding harmful text designed to manipulate AI systems through prompt injection.

Ian Campbell of DomainTools warns that even organisations with strong security measures struggle to detect such DNS-based threats due to the hidden nature of the traffic.

Instead of focusing solely on traditional defences, organisations are advised to monitor DNS traffic closely, log and inspect queries through internal resolvers, and restrict DNS access to trusted sources. Educating teams on these emerging threats remains essential for maintaining robust cybersecurity.

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Stay True To The Act campaign defends music rights

More than 30 European musicians have launched a united video campaign urging the European Commission to preserve the integrity of the EU AI Act.

The Stay True To The Act campaign calls on policymakers to enforce transparency and uphold copyright protections.

Artists, including Spanish singer-songwriter Álex Ubago and Poland’s Eurovision 2025 entrant Justyna Steczkowska, have voiced concern over the unauthorised use of their work to train AI models. They demand the right to be informed and the power to refuse such usage.

The EU AI Act, passed in 2024, includes provisions requiring developers to disclose the content used in AI training. However, as implementation plans develop, artists fear the law may be diluted, weakening protections for creators.

The campaign appeals for vigorous enforcement of the Act’s original principles: transparency, copyright control and fair innovation. Artists say AI and music can coexist in Europe only if ethical boundaries are upheld.

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AI brings new life to martial arts cinema legends

China is embarking on a major digital restoration project to preserve its rich martial arts film heritage. Announced at the Shanghai International Film Festival, the government-backed initiative aims to restore 100 classic kung fu movies using AI.

Unlike Hollywood’s trend of digitally recreating actors, this effort focuses on enhancing image and sound quality while preserving the original storytelling and aesthetics. Films like Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury, Jackie Chan’s Police Story, and Jet Li’s Once Upon a Time in China will receive the high-definition makeover.

The project, supported by the China Film Foundation, is being framed to safeguard cultural treasures for future generations. Officials emphasise that AI will serve only as a preservation tool, not altering the essence of these iconic works.

However, the initiative has sparked debate: some critics fear that overreliance on technology could dilute the human touch in cinema, while supporters believe this will help introduce these classics to younger global audiences who may otherwise overlook them.

In parallel, China is experimenting with a more radical approach through A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border, a fully AI-animated reboot that reimagines a beloved story rather than simply restoring it. That contrast highlights the country’s growing ambition to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology in the entertainment industry. Whether seen as a bold step toward the future or a controversial new chapter, the legendary kung fu films of the past are poised to shine again in stunning clarity.

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Google expands AI tools in Search with new subscriber perks

Google has begun rolling out new AI features in Search, introducing AI-powered phone calling to help users gather business information instead of contacting places manually.

The service, free for everyone in the US, allows people to search for businesses and have Google’s AI check pricing and availability on their behalf.

Subscribers to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra receive additional exclusive capabilities. These include access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google’s most advanced AI model, which supports complex queries such as coding or financial analysis.

Users can enable Gemini 2.5 Pro through the AI Mode tab instead of relying on the default model. Google is also launching Deep Research tools through Deep Search for in-depth investigations related to work, studies, or major life decisions.

Rather than rolling everything out all at once, Google is phasing in the features gradually. AI-powered calling is now available to all Search users in the US, while Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Research are becoming available specifically to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.

With these updates, Google aims to position Search as more than a simple information tool by transforming it into an active digital assistant capable of handling everyday tasks and complex research instead of merely providing quick answers.

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Pennsylvania criminalises malicious deepfakes under new digital forgery law

Governor Shapiro has enacted a new statute enhancing Pennsylvania’s legal stance on AI-generated content by defining deceptive deepfakes as digital forgery.

The law criminalises creating and distributing such content, mainly when used for deceit, highlighting a proactive response to deepening online threats.

The legislation differentiates between uses of deepfakes: non-consensual impersonation will result in misdemeanour charges, while cases involving fraudulent intent, such as financial scams or political manipulation, are now classified as third-degree felonies.

Support for the bill was bipartisan and overwhelming in the state legislature. Its sponsors emphasised that while it deters harmful digital impersonation, it also carefully safeguards legitimate speech, including parody, satire, and artistic expression.

With Pennsylvania now among the growing number of states implementing deepfake regulations, this development aligns with a national trend to regulate AI-generated digital forgeries. It complements earlier state-level laws and federal initiatives to curb AI’s misuse without stifling innovation.

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AI Appreciation Day highlights progress and growing concerns

AI is marking another milestone as experts worldwide reflect on its rapid rise during AI Appreciation Day. From reshaping business workflows to transforming customer experiences, AI’s presence is expanding — but so are concerns over its long-term implications.

Industry leaders point to AI’s growing role across sectors. Patrick Harrington from MetaRouter highlights how control over first-party data is now seen as key instead of just processing large datasets.

Vall Herard of Saifr adds that successful AI implementations depend on combining curated data with human oversight rather than relying purely on machine-driven systems.

Meanwhile, Paula Felstead from HBX Group believes AI could significantly enhance travel experiences, though scaling it across entire organisations remains a challenge.

Voice AI is changing industries that depend on customer interaction, according to Natalie Rutgers from Deepgram. Instead of complex interfaces, voice technology is improving communication in restaurants, hospitals, and banks.

At the same time, experts like Ivan Novikov from Wallarm stress the importance of securing AI systems and the APIs connecting them, as these form the backbone of modern AI services.

While some celebrate AI’s advances, others raise caution. SentinelOne’s Ezzeldin Hussein envisions AI becoming a trusted partner through responsible development rather than unchecked growth.

Naomi Buckwalter from Contrast Security warns that AI-generated code could open security gaps instead of fully replacing human engineering, while Geoff Burke from Object First notes that AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming inevitable for businesses unable to keep pace with evolving threats.

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OpenAI economist shares four key skills for kids in AI era

As AI reshapes jobs and daily life, OpenAI’s chief economist, Ronnie Chatterji, teaches his children four core skills to help them adapt and thrive.

Instead of relying solely on technology, he believes critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and financial numeracy will remain essential.

Chatterji highlighted these skills during an episode of the OpenAI podcast, saying critical thinking helps children spot problems rather than follow instructions. Given constant changes in AI, climate, and geopolitics, he stressed adaptability as another priority.

Rather than expecting children to master coding alone, Chatterji argues that emotional intelligence will make humans valuable partners alongside AI.

The fourth skill he emphasises is financial numeracy, including understanding maths without calculators and maintaining writing skills even with dictation software available. Instead of predicting specific future job titles, Chatterji believes focusing on these abilities equips children for any outcome.

His approach reflects a broader trend among tech leaders, with others like Alexis Ohanian and Sam Altman also promoting AI literacy while valuing traditional skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

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Google expands NotebookLM with curated content and mobile access

While Gemini often dominates attention in Google’s AI portfolio, other innovative tools deserve the spotlight. One standout is NotebookLM, a virtual research assistant that helps users organise and interact with complex information across various subjects.

NotebookLM creates structured notebooks from curated materials, allowing meaningful engagement with the content. It supports dynamic features, including summaries and transformation options like Audio Overview, making research tasks more intuitive and efficient.

According to Google, featured notebooks are built using information from respected authors, academic institutions, and trusted nonprofits. Current topics include Shakespeare, Yellowstone National Park and more, offering a wide spectrum of well-sourced material.

Featured notebooks function just like regular ones, with added editorial quality. Users can navigate, explore, and repurpose content in ways that support individual learning and project needs. Google has confirmed the collection will grow over time.

NotebookLM remains in early development, yet the tool already shows potential for transforming everyday research tasks. Google also plans tighter integration with its other productivity tools, including Docs and Slides.

The tool significantly reduces the effort traditionally required for academic or creative research. Structured data presentation, combined with interactive features, makes information easier to consume and act upon.

NotebookLM was initially released on desktop but is now also available as a mobile app. Users can download it via the Google Play Store to create notebooks, add content, and stay productive from anywhere.

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AI tools fuel smarter and faster marketing decisions

Nearly half of UK marketers surveyed already harness AI for essential tasks such as market research, campaign optimisation, creative asset testing, and budget allocation.

Specifically, 46 % use AI for research, 44 % generate multiple asset variants, 43.7 % optimise mid‑campaign content, and over 41 % apply machine learning to audience targeting and media planning.

These tools enable faster ideation, real‑time asset iteration, and smarter spend decisions. Campaigns can now be A/B tested in moments rather than days, freeing teams to focus on higher‑level strategic and creative work.

Industry leaders emphasise that AI serves best as a ‘co‑pilot‘, enhancing productivity and insight, not replacing human creativity.

Responsible deployment requires careful prompt design, ongoing ethical review, and maintaining a clear brand identity in increasingly automated processes.

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Mexican voice actors demand AI regulation over cloning threat

Mexican actors have raised alarm over the threat AI poses to their profession, calling for stronger regulation to prevent voice cloning without consent.

From Mexico City’s Monument to the Revolution, dozens of audiovisual professionals rallied with signs reading phrases like ‘I don’t want to be replaced by AI.’ Lili Barba, president of the Mexican Association of Commercial Announcements, said actors are urging the government to legally recognise the voice as a biometric identifier.

She cited a recent video by Mexico’s National Electoral Institute that used the cloned voice of the late actor Jose Lavat without family consent. Lavat was famous for dubbing stars like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Barba called the incident ‘a major violation we can’t allow.’

Actor Harumi Nishizawa described voice dubbing as an intricate art form. She warned that without regulation, human dubbing could vanish along with millions of creative jobs.

Last year, AI’s potential to replace artists sparked major strikes in Hollywood, while Scarlett Johansson accused OpenAI of copying her voice for a chatbot.

Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and platforms such as YouTube are now testing AI-assisted dubbing systems, with some studios promoting all-in-one AI tools,

In South Korea, CJ ENM recently introduced a system combining audio, video and character animation, highlighting the pace of AI adoption in entertainment.

Despite the tech’s growth, many in the industry argue that AI lacks the creative depth of real human performance, especially in emotional or comedic delivery. ‘AI can’t make dialogue sound broken or alive,’ said Mario Heras, a dubbing director in Mexico. ‘The human factor still protects us.’

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