Dartmouth College researchers have trialled an AI chatbot, Therabot, designed to assist with mental health care. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, the app was tested on individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and those at risk for eating disorders.
The results showed encouraging improvements, with users reporting up to a 51% reduction in depression and a 31% decrease in anxiety. These outcomes were comparable to traditional outpatient therapy.
The trial also revealed that Therabot was effective in helping individuals with eating disorder risks, leading to a 19% reduction in harmful thoughts about body image and weight issues.
Researchers noted that after eight weeks of engagement with the app, participants showed significant symptom reduction, marking progress comparable to standard cognitive therapy.
While Therabot’s success offers hope, experts highlight the importance of balancing AI with human oversight, especially in sensitive mental health applications.
The study’s authors emphasised that while AI can help improve access to therapy, particularly for those unable to access in-person care, generative AI tools must be used cautiously, as errors could have serious consequences for individuals at risk of self-harm.
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Chinese scientists have developed a compact chip-based quantum digital signature network that drastically improves both speed and efficiency.
The system replaces bulky, expensive equipment with streamlined silicon chips, making it easier to integrate into today’s fibre networks.
The new setup allows multiple users to share a single central detector, reducing cost and complexity. By adopting a star network design and a new cryptographic protocol, the system can handle longer documents with fewer resources and lower delays.
The Chinese experiment outperformed previous quantum signature technologies, achieving reliable performance even over a 200 km fibre link.
Experts say this research opens the door to future applications in quantum e-commerce, secure communication, and digital finance.
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OpenAI is reportedly finalising a $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, potentially pushing its valuation to $300 billion. Other major investors, including Magnetar Capital and Coatue Management, are also in talks to join.
SoftBank is expected to invest $30 billion across two tranches, starting with $7.5 billion, while an additional $10 billion will be pooled from various backers.
Magnetar alone may contribute $1 billion to the deal.
This comes just months after OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in October 2024. The latest round cements its place as a dominant force in AI, drawing unprecedented investor interest as demand for its tools soars.
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WhatsApp has gained support from an adviser to the European Court of Justice in its fight against a higher fine imposed by the EU privacy watchdog.
The Irish Data Protection Authority fined WhatsApp 225 million euros ($242.2 million) in 2021 for privacy breaches.
The fine was increased after the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) intervened.
A lower tribunal had rejected WhatsApp’s challenge, saying the company lacked legal standing. However, WhatsApp appealed to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
Advocate General Tamara Capeta disagreed with the tribunal, recommending that the case be referred back to the General Court for further review.
The CJEU usually follows the adviser’s recommendations, and a final ruling is expected soon. This case could have significant implications for the fine imposed on WhatsApp.
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US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to reduce tariffs on China as part of a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the popular short-video app.
ByteDance faces an April 5 deadline to divest TikTok’s US operations or risk a nationwide ban over national security concerns.
The law mandating the sale stems from fears in Washington that Beijing could exploit the app for influence operations and data collection on American users.
Trump suggested he may extend the deadline if negotiations require more time and acknowledged China’s role in the deal’s approval. Speaking to reporters, he hinted that tariff reductions could be used as leverage to finalise an agreement.
China’s commerce ministry responded by reaffirming its stance on trade discussions, stating that engagement with Washington should be based on mutual respect and benefit.
The White House has taken an active role in brokering a potential sale, with discussions centring on major non-Chinese investors increasing their stakes to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that a framework for the deal could be reached by the April deadline.
Free speech advocates, meanwhile, continue to challenge the law, arguing that banning TikTok could violate the First Amendment rights of American users.
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Satellite-based mobile coverage could arrive in the UK by the end of 2025, with Ofcom launching a consultation on licensing direct-to-smartphone services.
The move would allow users to stay connected in areas without mast coverage using an ordinary mobile phone.
The proposal favours mobile networks teaming up with satellite operators to share frequencies in unserved regions, offering limited services like text messaging at first, with voice and data to follow.
Ofcom plans strict interference controls, and Vodafone is among those preparing to roll out such technology.
If approved, the service would be available across the UK mainland and surrounding seas, but not yet in places like the Channel Islands.
The public has until May to respond, as Ofcom seeks to modernise mobile access and help close the digital divide.
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Cybercriminals stole billions of login credentials last year using infostealer malware, putting businesses worldwide at serious risk.
These malicious tools quietly harvest passwords and session tokens from infected devices, often within minutes.
To fight back, companies must use strong multi-factor authentication, store passwords in dedicated managers, and protect devices with advanced endpoint security.
Simple browser-stored logins are no longer safe, and attackers are getting better at bypassing weak defences.
Reducing session lifespans, using hardware-backed logins, and training staff to spot phishing threats are all key to staying secure.
By combining tech with human vigilance, organisations can stay ahead of attackers and safeguard their systems and data.
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The FBI’s Denver Field Office has issued a national warning over a rising cyber threat involving fake file converter websites. These sites, posing as free tools for tasks like converting documents or media formats, are secretly distributing ransomware and malware while appearing to perform legitimate functions.
According to the FBI, users are lured by services that convert files such as ‘.doc’ to ‘.pdf’ or combine image files, but the downloaded output often contains hidden malware.
A recent case revealed that a site impersonating Convertio delivered RedLine Stealer, a dangerous strain that harvests sensitive data from browsers, crypto wallets, and applications like Telegram and Discord.
Security experts have identified multiple malicious domains involved, with active incidents reported in the US, Denver area, just weeks ago.
The FBI urges the public to avoid unknown converter sites, keep antivirus software updated, and use built-in conversion features within trusted apps.
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Quantum computing firm PsiQuantum is reportedly raising at least $750 million in a new funding round led by BlackRock, pushing the startup’s pre-money valuation to $6 billion.
The round remains ongoing, but it signals strong investor confidence in PsiQuantum’s ambitious timeline to deliver a fully functional quantum computer by 2029, or sooner.
The US, California-based company uses photonics and semiconductor techniques to produce quantum chips in partnership with GlobalFoundries at a facility in New York.
It has also secured collaborations with the governments of Australia and the US to build quantum computers in Brisbane and Chicago.
The Chicago project will anchor the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, marking a major milestone in the commercialisation of quantum technologies.
PsiQuantum faces stiff competition from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia, all of whom are making significant strides in quantum research.
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Microsoft has launched a new set of AI agents as part of its Security Copilot platform, aiming to automate key cybersecurity tasks like phishing detection, data protection, and identity management. The release includes six in-house agents and five developed with partners.
Among the tools is a phishing triage agent that can autonomously process routine alerts, freeing analysts to focus on advanced incidents.
Microsoft said its new AI-driven approach goes beyond traditional security platforms, using generative AI to prioritise threats, correlate data, and even recommend or execute responses.
The rollout also brings new capabilities to Microsoft Defender, Entra, and Purview, enhancing organisations’ ability to manage and secure AI systems.
While analysts welcome the move as a step forward in proactive cybersecurity, some warn that full reliance on one platform carries strategic risks like vendor lock-in and reduced flexibility.
Experts suggest a balanced approach that combines Microsoft’s core capabilities with specialised solutions for areas such as threat intelligence and cloud protection, helping organisations stay agile in a fast-evolving threat landscape.
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