Digital identities Archives | Page 80 of 156

ChatGPT faces EU’s toughest platform rules after 120 million users

OpenAI’s ChatGPT could soon face the EU’s strictest platform regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), after surpassing 120 million monthly users in Europe.

A milestone that places OpenAI’s chatbot above the 45 million-user threshold that triggers heightened oversight.

The DSA imposes stricter obligations on major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and Amazon, requiring greater transparency, risk assessments, and annual fees to fund EU supervision.

The European Commission confirmed it has begun assessing ChatGPT’s eligibility for the ‘very large online platform’ status, which would bring the total number of regulated platforms to 26.

OpenAI reported that its ChatGPT search function alone had 120.4 million monthly active users across the EU in the six months ending 30 September 2025. Globally, the chatbot now counts around 700 million weekly users.

If designated under the DSA, ChatGPT would be required to curb illegal and harmful content more rigorously and demonstrate how its algorithms handle information, marking the EU’s most direct regulatory test yet for generative AI.

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EU states split over children’s social media rules

European leaders remain divided over how to restrict children’s use of social media platforms. While most governments agree stronger protections are needed, there is no consensus on enforcement or age limits.

Twenty-five EU countries, joined by Norway and Iceland, recently signed a declaration supporting tougher child protection rules online. The plan calls for a digital age of majority, potentially restricting under-15s or under-16s from joining social platforms.

France and Denmark back full bans for children below 15, while others, prefer verified parental consent. Some nations argue parents should retain primary responsibility, with the state setting only basic safeguards.

Brussels faces pressure to propose EU-wide legislation, but several capitals insist decisions should stay national. Estonia and Belgium declined to sign the declaration, warning that new bans risk overreach and calling instead for digital education.

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Suzanne Somers lives on in an AI twin

Alan Hamel says he’s moving ahead with a ‘Suzanne AI Twin’ to honor Suzanne Somers’ legacy. The project mirrors plans the couple discussed for decades. He shared an early demo at a recent conference.

Hamel describes the prototype as startlingly lifelike. He says side-by-side, he can’t tell real from AI. The goal is to preserve Suzanne’s voice, look, and mannerisms.

Planned uses include archival storytelling, fan Q&As, and curated appearances. The team is training the model on interviews, performances, and writings. Rights and guardrails are being built in.

Supporters see a new form of remembrance. Critics warn of deepfake risks and consent boundaries. Hamel says fidelity and respect are non-negotiable.

Next steps include wider testing and a controlled public debut. Proceeds could fund causes Suzanne championed. ‘It felt like talking to her,’ Hamel says.

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OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas web browser

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, a web browser built around ChatGPT to help users work and explore online more efficiently. The browser lets ChatGPT operate directly on webpages, using past conversations and browsing context to assist with tasks without copying and pasting.

Early testers say it streamlines research, study, and productivity by providing instant AI support alongside the content they are viewing.

Atlas introduces browser memories, letting ChatGPT recall context from visited sites to improve responses and automate tasks. Users stay in control, with the ability to view, archive, or delete memories.

Agent mode allows ChatGPT to perform tasks such as researching, summarising, or planning events while browsing. Safety is a priority, with safeguards to prevent unauthorised actions and options to operate in logged-out mode.

The browser is available worldwide on macOS for Free, Plus, Pro, and Go users, with Windows, iOS, and Android support coming soon. OpenAI plans to add multi-profile support, better developer tools, and improved app discoverability, advancing an agent-driven web experience with seamless AI integration.

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YouTube launches likeness detection to protect creators from AI misuse

YouTube has expanded its AI safeguards with a new likeness detection system that identifies AI-generated videos imitating creators’ faces or voices. The tool is now available to eligible members of the YouTube Partner Program after a limited pilot phase.

Creators can review detected videos and request their removal under YouTube’s privacy rules or submit copyright claims.

YouTube said the feature aims to protect users from having their image used to promote products or spread misinformation without consent.

The onboarding process requires identity verification through a short selfie video and photo ID. Creators can opt out at any time, with scanning ending within a day of deactivation.

YouTube has backed recent legislative efforts, such as the NO FAKES Act in the US, which targets deceptive AI replicas. The move highlights growing industry concern over deepfake misuse and the protection of digital identity.

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Meta strengthens protection for older adults against online scams

The US giant, Meta, has intensified its campaign against online scams targeting older adults, marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month with new safety tools and global partnerships.

Additionally, Meta said it had detected and disrupted nearly eight million fraudulent accounts on Facebook and Instagram since January, many linked to organised scam centres operating across Asia and the Middle East.

The social media giant is joining the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center in the US, alongside partners including Google, Microsoft and Walmart, to strengthen investigations into large-scale fraud operations.

It is also collaborating with law enforcement and research groups such as Graphika to identify scams involving fake customer service pages, fraudulent financial recovery services and deceptive home renovation schemes.

Meta continues to roll out product updates to improve online safety. WhatsApp now warns users when they share screens with unknown contacts, while Messenger is testing AI-powered scam detection that alerts users to suspicious messages.

Across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, users can activate passkeys and complete a Security Checkup to reinforce account protection.

The company has also partnered with organisations worldwide to raise scam awareness among older adults, from digital literacy workshops in Bangkok to influencer-led safety campaigns across Europe and India.

These efforts form part of Meta’s ongoing drive to protect users through a mix of education, advanced technology and cross-industry cooperation.

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Teachers become intelligence coaches in AI-driven learning

AI is reshaping education, pushing teachers to act as intelligence coaches and co-creators instead of traditional instructors.

Experts at an international conference, hosted in Greece, to celebrate Athens College’s centennial, discussed how AI personalises learning and demands a redefined teaching role.

Bill McDiarmid, professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina, said educators must now ask students where they find their information and why they trust it.

Similarly, Yong Zhao of the University of Kansas highlighted that AI enables individualised learning, allowing every student to achieve their full potential.

Speakers agreed AI should serve as a supportive partner, not a replacement, helping schools prepare students for an active role in shaping their futures.

The event, held under Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas’ auspices, also urged caution when experimenting with AI on minors due to potential long-term risks.

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OpenAI strengthens controls after Bryan Cranston deepfake incident

Bryan Cranston is grateful that OpenAI tightened safeguards on its video platform Sora 2. The Breaking Bad actor raised concerns after users generated videos using his voice and image without permission.

Reports surfaced earlier this month showing Sora 2 users creating deepfakes of Cranston and other public figures. Several Hollywood agencies criticised OpenAI for requiring individuals to opt out of replication instead of opting in.

Major talent agencies, including UTA and CAA, co-signed a joint statement with OpenAI and industry unions. They pledged to collaborate on ethical standards for AI-generated media and ensure artists can decide how they are represented.

The incident underscores growing tension between entertainment professionals and AI developers. As generative video tools evolve, performers and studios are demanding clear boundaries around consent and digital replication.

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AI chats with ‘Jesus’ spark curiosity and criticism

Text With Jesus, an AI chatbot from Ca t loaf Software, lets users message figures like ‘Jesus’ and ‘Moses’ for scripture-quoting replies. CEO Stéphane Peter says curiosity is driving rapid growth despite accusations of blasphemy and worries about tech intruding on faith.

Built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the app now includes AI pastors and counsellors for questions on scripture, ethics, and everyday dilemmas. Peter, who describes himself as not particularly religious, says the aim is access and engagement, not replacing ministry or community.

Examples range from ‘Do not be anxious…’ (Philippians 4:6) to the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), with answers framed in familiar verse. Fans call it a safe, approachable way to explore belief; critics argue only scripture itself should speak.

Faith leaders and commentators have cautioned against mistaking AI outputs for wisdom. The Vatican has stressed that AI is a tool, not truth, and that young people need guidance, not substitution, in spiritual formation.

Reception is sharply split online. Supporters praise convenience and curiosity-spark; detractors cite theological drift, emoji-laden replies, and a ‘Satan’ mode they find chilling. The app holds a 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store from more than 2,700 reviews.

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AI still struggles to mimic natural human conversation

A recent study reveals that large language models such as ChatGPT-4, Claude, Vicuna, and Wayfarer still struggle to replicate natural human conversation. Researchers found AI over-imitates, misuses filler words, and struggles with natural openings and closings, revealing its artificial nature.

The research, led by Eric Mayor with contributions from Lucas Bietti and Adrian Bangerter, compared transcripts of human phone conversations with AI-generated ones. AI can speak correctly, but subtle social cues like timing, phrasing, and discourse markers remain hard to mimic.

Misplaced words such as ‘so’ or ‘well’ and awkward conversation transitions make AI dialogue recognisably non-human. Openings and endings also pose a challenge. Humans naturally engage in small talk or closing phrases such as ‘see you soon’ or ‘alright, then,’ which AI systems often fail to reproduce convincingly.

These gaps in social nuance, researchers argue, prevent large language models from consistently fooling people in conversation tests.

Despite rapid progress, experts caution that AI may never fully capture all elements of human interaction, such as empathy and social timing. Advances may narrow the gap, but key differences will likely remain, keeping AI speech subtly distinguishable from real human dialogue.

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