Digital standards

Jamie Lee Curtis calls out Zuckerberg over AI scam using her likeness

Jamie Lee Curtis has directly appealed to Mark Zuckerberg after discovering her likeness had been used without consent in an AI-generated advert.

Posting on Facebook, Curtis expressed her frustration with Meta’s lack of proper channels to report such abuse, stating she had exhausted all official avenues before resorting to a public plea.

The fake video reportedly manipulated footage from an emotional interview following the January wildfires in Los Angeles, inserting false statements under the guise of a product endorsement.

Instead of remaining silent, Curtis urged Zuckerberg to take action, saying the unauthorised content damaged her integrity and voice. Within hours of her public callout, Meta confirmed the video had been removed for breaching its policies, a rare example of a swift response.

‘It worked! Yay Internet! Shame has its value!’ she wrote in a follow-up, though she also highlighted the broader risks posed by deepfakes.

The actress joins a growing list of celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson, who’ve been targeted by AI misuse.

Swift was forced to publicly clarify her political stance after an AI video falsely endorsed Donald Trump, while Johansson criticised OpenAI for allegedly using a voice nearly identical to hers despite her refusal to participate in a project.

The issue has reignited concerns around consent, misinformation and the exploitation of public figures.

Instead of waiting for further harm, lawmakers in California have already begun pushing back. New legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom aims to protect performers from unauthorised digital replicas and deepfakes.

Meanwhile, in Washington, proposals like the No Fakes Act seek to hold tech platforms accountable, possibly fining them thousands per violation. As Curtis and others warn, without stronger protections, the misuse of AI could spiral further, threatening not just celebrities but the public as a whole.

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Some Google apps are better off without AI

With Google I/O 2025 around the corner, concerns are growing about artificial intelligence creeping into every corner of Google’s ecosystem. While AI has enhanced tools like Gmail and Photos, some users are urging Google to leave certain apps untouched.

These include fan favourites like Emoji Kitchen, Google Keep, and Google Wallet, which continue to shine due to their simplicity and human-focused design. Critics argue that introducing generative AI to these apps could diminish what makes them special.

Emoji Kitchen’s handcrafted stickers, for example, are widely praised compared to Apple’s AI-driven alternatives. Likewise, Google Keep and Wallet are valued for their light, efficient interfaces that serve clear purposes without AI interference.

Even in environments where AI might seem useful, such as Android Auto and Google Flights, the call is for restraint. Users appreciate clear menus and limited distractions over chatbots making unsolicited suggestions.

As AI continues to dominate tech conversations, a growing number of voices are asking Google to preserve the balance between innovation and usability.

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New AI tool predicts post-surgery infection risk

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) has developed a pioneering AI model, PERISCOPE, designed to predict infection risk in patients following surgery. PERISCOPE will become a standard tool at LUMC, with full implementation expected by mid-2026.

Based on data from over 250,000 surgical procedures, the tool provides a personalised risk assessment within seven to thirty days post-operation, helping healthcare providers intervene earlier and reduce complications.

The AI model, developed by PhD researcher Siri van der Meijden, uses pseudonymised patient data including medical history, vital signs and existing conditions to identify those most at risk.

During testing, PERISCOPE performed as well as experienced doctors and outperformed less experienced ones, making it a valuable decision-support tool. Once fully adopted, the tool is expected to save time, improve patient outcomes, and potentially predict other complications.

Rather than replace clinicians, it complements their judgement by offering a clear, visual dashboard of infection risk levels. Integration into hospital systems remains a challenge, but preparations are underway.

Van der Meijden continues to develop the model to expand its predictive capabilities and ensure long-term impact not only in the Netherlands, but globally.

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Lendlord introduces AI tools for property investors

Lendlord has launched LendlordAI, a suite of AI tools designed to support landlords and property investors with faster, smarter decision-making.

Available now to all users of the platform, the AI assistant offers instant insights into property listings, real-time deal analysis, and automated portfolio reviews.

The system helps estimate refurbishment costs and projected value for BRR and flip projects, while also generating summaries and even drafting emails for communication with agents or tenants.

These features aim to cut through information overload and support efficient portfolio management.

Co-founder and CEO Aviram Shahar described LendlordAI as a tailored smart assistant for professionals, reducing manual work and offering clarity in a complex investment market.

The platform also includes account-specific responses and educational resources to help users improve their knowledge.

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New AI tool boosts delivery of children’s support plans

In the US, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has introduced AI to speed up the production of special educational needs reports amid growing demand. The new system is already showing results, with 83% of plans issued within the 20-week target in April, up from just 43% the previous year.

Traditionally compiled by individual case workers, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are now being partially automated using AI trained to extract information from psychological and medical documents.

Despite the use of AI, a human case worker still reviews each report to check for accuracy and ensure the needs of the child are properly represented.

The aim is to improve both efficiency and the quality of reports by allowing staff to focus on substance rather than repetitive formatting tasks.

Councillors welcomed the move, highlighting the potential of technology to reduce backlogs and improve outcomes for families.

Alongside the AI rollout, the US council has hired more educational psychologists, reformed the application process, and increased early intervention efforts to manage rising demand.

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Cybercriminals trick users with fake AI apps

Cybercriminals are tricking users into downloading a dangerous new malware called Noodlophile by disguising it as AI software. Rather than using typical phishing tactics, attackers create convincing fake platforms that appear to offer AI-powered tools for editing videos or images.

These are promoted through realistic-looking Facebook groups and viral social media posts, some of which have received over 62,000 views.

Users are lured with promises of AI-generated content and are directed to bogus sites, one of which pretends to be CapCut AI, offering video editing features. Once users upload prompts and attempt to download the content, they unknowingly receive a malicious ZIP file.

Inside, it is a disguised program that kicks off a chain of infections, eventually installing the Noodlophile malware. However, this software can steal browser credentials, crypto wallet details, and other sensitive data.

The malware is linked to a Vietnamese developer who identifies themselves as a ‘passionate Malware Developer’ on GitHub. Vietnam has a known history of cybercrime activity targeting social media platforms like Facebook.

In some cases, the Noodlophile Stealer has been bundled with remote access tools like XWorm, which allow attackers to maintain long-term control over victims’ systems.

This isn’t the first time attackers have used public interest in AI for malicious purposes. Meta removed over 1,000 dangerous links in 2023 that exploited ChatGPT’s popularity to spread malware.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts at CYFIRMA have reported another threat: a new, simple yet effective malware called PupkinStealer, which secretly sends stolen information to hackers using Telegram bots.

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Microsoft expands cloud push across Europe

Microsoft has unveiled a new set of commitments aimed at strengthening its digital presence across Europe, pledging to expand cloud and AI infrastructure while supporting the region’s economic competitiveness.

Announced by Microsoft President Brad Smith in Brussels, the ‘European Digital Commitments’ include a promise to increase European data centre capacity by 40% within two years, bringing the total to over 200 across 16 countries.

Smith explained that Microsoft’s goal is to provide technology that helps individuals and organisations succeed, rather than simply expanding its reach. He highlighted AI as essential to modern economies, describing it as a driving force behind what he called the ‘AI economy.’

Alongside job creation, Microsoft hopes its presence will spark wider economic benefits for customers and partners throughout the continent.

To ease concerns around data security, particularly in light of US–EU geopolitical tensions, Microsoft has added clauses in agreements with European institutions allowing it to legally resist any external order to halt operations in Europe.

If such efforts failed, Microsoft has arranged for European partners to access its code stored securely in Switzerland, instead of allowing disruptions to affect vital digital services.

Although Microsoft’s investments stand to benefit Europe, they also underscore the company’s deep dependence on the region, with over a quarter of its business based there.

Smith insisted that Microsoft’s global success would not have been possible without its European footprint, and called for continued cooperation across the Atlantic—even in the face of potential tariff disputes or political strains.

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Google pays around $1.4 billion over privacy case

Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to settle a lawsuit brought by the state of Texas over allegations that it violated users’ privacy through features such as Incognito mode, Location History, and biometric data collection.

Despite the sizable sum, Google denies any wrongdoing, stating that the claims were based on outdated practices which have since been updated.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the settlement, emphasising that large tech firms are not above the law.

He accused Google of covertly tracking individuals’ locations and personal searches, while also collecting biometric data such as voiceprints and facial geometry — all without users’ consent. Paxton claimed the state’s legal challenge had forced Google to answer for its actions.

Although the settlement resolves two lawsuits filed in 2022, the specific terms and how the funds will be used remain undisclosed. A Google spokesperson maintained that the resolution brings closure to claims about past practices, instead of requiring any changes to its current products.

The case comes after a similar $1.4 billion agreement involving Meta, which faced accusations of unlawfully gathering facial recognition data. The repeated scrutiny from Texas authorities signals a broader pushback against the data practices of major tech companies.

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Starkville Utilities hit by cyberattack

Starkville Utilities, a Mississippi-based electricity and water provider that also services Mississippi State University, has revealed a data breach that may have exposed sensitive information belonging to over 11,000 individuals.

The breach, which was first detected in late October last year, led the company to disconnect its network in an attempt to contain the intrusion.

Despite these efforts, an investigation later found that attackers may have accessed personal data, including full names and Social Security numbers. Details were submitted to the Maine Attorney General’s Office, confirming the scale of the breach and the nature of the data involved.

While no reports of identity theft have emerged since the incident, Starkville Utilities has chosen to offer twelve months of free identity protection services to those potentially affected. The company maintains that it is taking additional steps to improve its cybersecurity defences.

Stolen data such as Social Security numbers often ends up on underground marketplaces instead of staying idle, where it can be used for identity fraud and other malicious activities.

The incident serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals targeting critical infrastructure and user data.

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Google unveils AI tool to boost African businesses

Google has announced the beta launch of AI Max for Search Campaigns, a new tool aimed at helping local businesses, including those across Africa, reach more customers through smarter advertising.

The feature, which builds on Google’s Gemini AI models, enhances how businesses appear in search results, even when users type unexpected or highly specific queries.

As African economies continue to embrace digital transformation, AI Max offers vital support to small and medium-sized enterprises. The tool intelligently matches search terms, customises ad text in real time, and expands URL targeting to guide users to the most relevant content.

Designed to reduce the burden on entrepreneurs managing multiple responsibilities, the tool is seen as a cost-effective way to attract higher-intent customers with minimal effort.

This initiative complements Google’s ongoing support for African businesses, including training schemes like Hustle Academy. With AI Max, entrepreneurs now have access to technology that not only adapts to their needs but also improves their visibility in an increasingly competitive digital market.

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