A series of intrusions targeting Chrome browser extensions has compromised multiple companies since mid-December, experts revealed. Among the victims is Cyberhaven, a California-based data protection company. The breach, confirmed by Cyberhaven on Christmas Eve, is reportedly part of a larger campaign aimed at developers of Chrome extensions across various industries.
Cyberhaven stated it is cooperating with federal law enforcement to address the issue. Browser extensions, commonly used to enhance web browsing, can also pose risks when maliciously altered. Cyberhaven’s Chrome extension, for example, is designed to monitor and secure client data within web-based applications.
Experts identified other compromised extensions, including those involving AI and virtual private networks. Jaime Blasco, cofounder of Texas-based Nudge Security, noted that the attacks appear opportunistic, aiming to harvest sensitive data from numerous sources. Some breaches date back to mid-December, indicating an ongoing effort.
Federal authorities, including the US cyber watchdog CISA, have redirected inquiries to the affected companies. Alphabet, maker of the Chrome browser, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
As concerns grow over the impact of smartphones on children, several European countries are implementing or debating restrictions on their use in schools. France, for example, has prohibited phones in primary and secondary schools since 2018 and recently extended the policy to include ‘digital breaks’ at some institutions. Similarly, the Netherlands and Hungary have adopted bans, with exceptions for educational purposes or special needs, while Italy, Greece, and Latvia have also imposed restrictions.
The debate is fueled by studies showing that smartphones can distract students, though some argue they can also be useful for learning. A 2023 UNESCO report recommended limiting phones in schools to support education, with more than 60 countries now following similar measures. However, enforcement remains a challenge, as some reports suggest that many students still find ways to use their devices despite the bans.
Experts remain divided on the issue. While some highlight the risks of distraction and mental health impacts, others emphasise the need for balance. ‘Banning phones can be beneficial, but we must ensure children have adequate alternatives for education and communication,’ said Ben Carter, a professor of medical statistics at King’s College London.
The trend reflects broader concerns about screen time among children, with countries like Sweden and Luxembourg calling for clearer rules to promote healthier digital habits. While opinions differ, the growing movement underscores a collective effort to create focused, engaging, and healthier learning environments.
New research by The Guardian reveals that ChatGPT Search, OpenAI’s recently launched AI-powered search tool, can be misled into generating false or overly positive summaries. By embedding hidden text in web pages, researchers demonstrated that the AI could ignore negative reviews or even produce malicious code.
The feature, designed to streamline browsing by summarising content such as product reviews, is susceptible to hidden text attacks—a well-known vulnerability in large language models. While this issue has been studied before, this marks the first time such manipulation has been proven on a live AI search tool.
OpenAI did not comment on this specific case but stated it employs measures to block malicious websites and is working to improve its defences. Experts note that competitors like Google, with more experience in search technology, have developed stronger safeguards against similar threats.
Starting Saturday, all small- and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold in the EU must use USB-C ports for charging, a move aimed at reducing waste and increasing convenience for consumers. Devices like smartphones, tablets, cameras, and headphones will now share a standardised charger, eliminating the need for multiple charging cables.
The new rule follows a 2022 vote by the European Parliament and member states to phase out alternative charging methods. Consumers can also choose to opt out of receiving a charger with new devices, further cutting down on waste. Laptop manufacturers will be required to comply with similar standards starting April 28, 2026.
Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, hailed the change as a victory for sustainability and cost savings. The measure is expected to save EU households €250 million annually and significantly reduce the waste generated by discarded chargers. The Parliament has pledged to closely monitor manufacturers as they implement the new rules.
Ireland’s burgeoning data centre industry, dominated by global tech firms like Google and Amazon, is consuming over 20% of the nation’s electricity. Rising demand has led to restrictions on new developments near Dublin until 2028, as regulators address concerns over energy use, emissions, and household electricity costs.
Efforts to expand data centres into rural areas like County Offaly promise economic opportunities but raise environmental and cultural preservation debates. Residents remain divided over renewable energy projects linked to these facilities.
As Ireland navigates energy and climate goals, questions linger about balancing technological growth with sustainability.
Google contractors improving the Gemini AI model have been tasked with comparing its responses against those of Anthropic’s Claude, according to internal documents reviewed by TechCrunch. The evaluation process involves scoring responses on criteria such as truthfulness and verbosity, with contractors given up to 30 minutes per prompt to determine which model performs better. Notably, some outputs identify themselves as Claude, sparking questions about Google’s use of its competitor’s model.
Claude’s responses, known for emphasising safety, have sometimes refused to answer prompts deemed unsafe, unlike Gemini, which has faced criticism for safety violations. One such instance involved Gemini generating responses flagged for inappropriate content. Despite Google’s significant investment in Anthropic, Claude’s terms of service prohibit its use to train or build competing AI models without prior approval.
A spokesperson for Google DeepMind stated that while the company compares model outputs for evaluation purposes, it does not train Gemini using Anthropic models. Anthropic, however, declined to comment on whether Google had obtained permission to use Claude for these tests. Recent revelations also highlight contractor concerns over Gemini producing potentially inaccurate information on sensitive topics, including healthcare.
Generative AI, has begun to mimic an intriguing aspect of human perception, the blending of sensory experiences. Research shows that humans naturally associate colours, shapes, and even sounds with flavours a phenomenon known as cross-modal correspondence. For instance, red hues often evoke sweetness, while sharp shapes suggest bitterness. AI systems, trained on human data, appear to be trained to replicate these associations, offering new perspectives on how deeply such connections are embedded in our perception.
This revelation emerged through studies where AI was tasked with answering prompts about the relationships between sensory elements, such as the sweetness of certain shapes or colours. The results closely mirrored human responses, particularly when using advanced models like ChatGPT-4. Researchers believe this reflects the biases in the data the AI was trained on, highlighting how common and universal these sensory links might be.
The potential applications of this technology are vast. Marketing, for example, could use AI to design products and packaging that enhance sensory appeal. However, experts warn that AI’s insights should complement, not replace, human creativity. While AI offers inspiration, the nuances of human perception remain essential for creating designs that resonate deeply with people.
By understanding how AI interprets sensory input, researchers hope to not only enhance technology but also unlock more about the mysteries of the human brain. As AI continues to explore the sensory dimensions, it might pave the way for innovative approaches to art, marketing, and even neuroscience.
US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Bo Hines, a former congressional candidate from North Carolina, will serve as executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets. The council, a newly formed body under Trump’s administration, will focus on shaping US policy on cryptocurrencies and digital assets. It will be chaired by David Sacks, a prominent venture capitalist and tech entrepreneur who has been dubbed the incoming administration’s ‘crypto czar.’
Hines, a political newcomer who gained attention during his congressional campaign, has been a vocal supporter of blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionise finance. In his new role, Hines will work closely with Sacks to advise the administration on regulatory frameworks, market opportunities, and the integration of digital assets into the broader economy. The appointment signals a potential shift in federal policy toward a more active and structured approach to managing the growing influence of cryptocurrencies.
David Sacks, known for his extensive experience in the tech sector and his advocacy for decentralised finance, is expected to play a leading role in the council’s direction. His appointment reflects the administration’s interest in fostering innovation while addressing concerns about security, fraud, and market stability. Together, Sacks and Hines will oversee a team of experts tasked with navigating the complexities of the digital asset landscape, aiming to position the United States as a global leader in the rapidly evolving sector.
Trump’s creation of the council underscores the importance of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in the modern economy. As the sector continues to expand, the administration’s policies could have far-reaching implications for innovation, financial regulation, and the global competitiveness of the US digital asset industry.
Italy’s antitrust authority has concluded its investigation into Booking.com, finding the travel giant’s proposed changes sufficient to resolve concerns about its dominance in the market. The probe, which began in March, scrutinised whether the company’s practices restricted competition and led to higher prices for consumers.
The Italian watchdog highlighted that Booking.com’s Preferred Partner Programme risked stifling competition by favouring certain hotels while reducing consumer choice. As part of its commitments, the platform agreed not to consider prices offered by hotels on other booking channels when managing or promoting participating properties.
These adjustments are intended to ensure fairer competition in the online travel sector, preventing practices that could inflate costs or limit options for users. By addressing these issues, Booking.com avoids further regulatory action and strengthens its position in Italy’s travel market.
Speakers at IGF 2024 highlighted digital innovation within the United Nations system, demonstrating how emerging technologies are enhancing services and operational efficiency. Representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, the UN Pension Fund, and UNICC shared their organisations’ progress and collaborative efforts.
Michael Walton, Head of Digital Services at UNHCR, detailed initiatives supporting refugees through digital tools. These include mobile apps for services and efforts to counter misinformation. Walton stressed the importance of digital inclusion and innovation to bridge gaps in education and access for vulnerable groups.
Fui Meng Liew, Chief of Digital Center of Excellence at UNICEF, emphasised safeguarding children’s data rights through a comprehensive digital resilience framework. UNICEF’s work also involves developing digital public goods, with a focus on accessibility for children with disabilities and securing data privacy.
Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio from the UN Pension Fund presented a blockchain-powered proof-of-life system that uses biometrics and AI in support of e-Government for the aging population. This system ensures beneficiaries’ security and privacy while streamlining verification processes. Similarly, Sameer Chauhan of UNICC showcased digital solutions like AI chatbots and cybersecurity initiatives supporting UN agencies.
The session’s collaborative tone extended into discussions of the UN Digital ID project, which links multiple UN agencies. Audience members raised questions on accessibility, with Nancy Marango and Sary Qasim suggesting broader use of these solutions to support underrepresented communities globally.
Efforts across UN organisations reflect a shared commitment to ethical technology use and digital inclusion. The panellists urged collaboration and transparency as key to addressing challenges such as data protection and equitable access while maintaining focus on innovation.
