OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has warned that many ChatGPT users are engaging with AI in self-destructive ways. His comments follow backlash over the sudden discontinuation of GPT-4o and other older models, which he admitted was a mistake.
Altman said that users form powerful attachments to specific AI models, and while most can distinguish between reality and fiction, a small minority cannot. He stressed OpenAI’s responsibility to manage the risks for those in mentally fragile states.
Using ChatGPT as a therapist or life coach was not his concern, as many people already benefit from it. Instead, he worried about cases where advice subtly undermines a user’s long-term well-being.
The model removals triggered a huge social-media outcry, with complaints that newer versions offered shorter, less emotionally rich responses. OpenAI has since restored GPT-4o for Plus subscribers, while free users will only have access to GPT-5.
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Bo Hines, executive director of the White House Crypto Council, has announced his departure to return to the private sector. Appointed in December 2024, Hines thanked the crypto community, calling his role ‘the honour of a lifetime’ and pledging ongoing support.
The council, formed to shape US digital asset policy, released a regulatory action plan in July. Despite progress, critics argued it failed to implement a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Deputy director Patrick Witt is expected to succeed Hines, though no official appointment has been made.
Hines strongly backed expanding the government’s Bitcoin holdings through budget-neutral strategies, which is in line with Trump’s January executive order that created a national crypto stockpile.
He previously suggested revaluing US gold reserves, which are priced far below market value. Part of the gains could then be converted into Bitcoin without impacting the federal budget.
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The 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing has drawn significant attention to China’s growing humanoid robotics industry. With over 60 humanoid robots on display, the event attracted investors and tech enthusiasts alike, generating a surge in stock prices for companies such as Unitree Robotics.
The conference showcased robots performing diverse activities from industrial operations to more human-like tasks, including marathons and kickboxing, highlighting rapid AI advancements.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has supported the sector strongly, aiming for mass production and widespread adoption by 2027. The market, valued at $2.24 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to $41 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 44%.
New manufacturing facilities and advances such as carbon fibre materials are boosting the durability and agility of these robots, while companies are focusing on AI integration and teamwork capabilities.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges like high costs, AI learning complexities, and potential overvaluation remain. Experts acknowledge China is closing the gap in humanoid robotics innovation, though technical hurdles persist.
The event underscores the significant role humanoid robots could play in reshaping industries and everyday life, supported by both state initiatives and private investment.
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The UAE Ministry of Interior states that AI, surveillance, and modern laws are key to fighting crime. Offences are economic, traditional, or cyber, with data tools and legal updates improving investigations. Cybercrime is on the rise as digital technology expands.
Current measures include AI monitoring, intelligent surveillance, and new laws. Economic crimes like fraud and tax evasion are addressed through analytics and banking cooperation. Cross-border cases and digital evidence tampering continue to be significant challenges.
Traditional crimes, such as theft and assault, are addressed through cameras, patrols, and awareness drives. Some offences persist in remote or crowded areas. Technology and global cooperation have improved results in several categories.
UAE officials warn that AI and the internet of Things will lead to more sophisticated cyberattacks. Future risks include evolving criminal tactics, privacy threats, skills shortages, and balancing security and individual rights.
Opportunities include AI-powered security, stronger global ties, and better cybersecurity. Dubai Police have launched a bilingual platform to educate the public, viewing awareness as the first defence against online threats.
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OpenAI will make its GPT-4o model available again for ChatGPT Plus subscribers after replacing it with GPT-5, following complaints from users who said the change was abrupt and unwelcome.
Chief executive Sam Altman confirmed that subscribers can choose between the two models, adding that the company will monitor usage before deciding how long to keep older versions available.
The decision comes days after the debut of GPT-5, which was introduced without the option to select previous models manually.
Some users said they valued the continuity and emotional connection they had formed with GPT-4o, describing it as unique and meaningful instead of simply replaceable. Others preferred having the freedom to select a model manually rather than relying on a default.
Altman acknowledged that GPT-5’s performance appeared weaker at times, attributing it partly to a temporary malfunction in the automatic switching system.
He also said adjustments are being made to improve how the system selects the most suitable model in different scenarios.
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Google is testing a new AI-powered version of its Finance page, offering users advanced tools to explore stock market, financial, and cryptocurrency information.
The platform enables users to ask natural language questions about finance and receive detailed answers, accompanied by source links.
The new page features three main components: research, charting tools, and real-time data and news. Users can visualise financial data using technical charts such as moving averages and candlestick charts, and access live updates and news feeds related to financial markets and cryptocurrencies.
Google plans to roll out the AI-powered Finance page over the coming weeks via Google.com/finance, aiming to provide a more interactive and insightful experience for users interested in financial data and market trends.
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Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices have agreed to hand 15% of their Chinese AI chip sales revenue to the US government in return for export licences.
The arrangement, covering Nvidia’s H20 accelerator and AMD’s MI308 model, is considered unusual and could prove contentious for both companies and Beijing.
The deal reflects Washington’s willingness to link trade concessions to financial payments, but analysts note there is little precedent for such a targeted export levy.
Critics warn the move could undermine the national security rationale for export controls, making it harder to convince allies to adopt similar measures. Beijing, meanwhile, has voiced security concerns over the H20 chip’s performance and alleged vulnerabilities.
Industry observers suggest the payment requirement could discourage further expansion by US chipmakers in China, the world’s largest semiconductor importer, and give local producers an advantage in building domestic capacity.
Chinese firms such as Huawei are already increasing market share amid tighter restrictions on US technology.
The potential sums involved are significant. Before restrictions were imposed, Nvidia had generated over $7 billion in H20 sales to China in a single quarter. In comparison, AMD could earn up to $5 billion annually if full access to the market resumed.
However, uncertainties over demand and regulatory conditions remain.
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US law enforcement, alongside nine other nations, dismantled the BlackSuit ransomware gang’s infrastructure, replacing its leak site with a takedown notice after a coordinated operation. The group, formerly known as Royal, had amassed over $370 million in ransoms since 2022.
More than 450 victims were targeted across critical infrastructure sectors, with ransom demands soaring up to $60 million. Dallas suffered severe disruption in a notable attack, affecting emergency services and courts.
German authorities seized key infrastructure, securing data that is now under analysis to identify further collaborators. The operation also included confiscating servers, domains and digital assets used for extortion and money laundering.
New research indicates that members of BlackSuit may already be shifting to a new ransomware operation called Chaos. US agencies seized $2.4 million in cryptocurrency linked to a Chaos affiliate, marking a significant blow to evolving cybercrime efforts.
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Tesla has reportedly shut down its Dojo supercomputer project following multiple high-profile departures, including that of project head Peter Bannon. CEO Elon Musk ended the AI chip programme, reassigning the remaining staff to other data centre projects.
Dojo aimed to process vehicle data for autonomous driving and reduce Tesla’s reliance on Nvidia and AMD. The project faced delays, with leaders such as Jim Keller, Ganesh Venkataramanan, and Bannon departing before its closure.
About 20 former Dojo employees have joined DensityAI, a stealth startup founded by ex-Tesla staff, which is expected to work on AI chips for robots and data centres. Tesla will now rely more on Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung.
Samsung recently secured a $16.5 billion deal to supply AI chips for Tesla’s self-driving cars, robots, and data centres. Musk said Samsung’s Texas factory will produce Tesla’s AI6 chips, with AI5 chips to be made in 2026.
Musk suggested that combining AI5 and AI6 chips could form a ‘Dojo 3’ system, while Dojo 2 would not launch. The shutdown comes as Tesla restructures, with executive exits, job cuts, and renewed focus on AI integration across Musk’s companies.
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OpenAI’s new GPT‑5 model has been unveiled, and the company offers it free to all users. Three model versions, gpt‑5, gpt‑5‑mini and gpt‑5‑nano, offer developers a balance of performance, cost and latency.
CEO Sam Altman applauded India’s rapid AI adoption and hinted that India, currently OpenAI’s second‑largest market, may soon become the largest. A visit to India is planned for September.
The new GPT‑5 achieves a level of expertise akin to a PhD‑level professional and is described as a meaningful step towards AGI. OpenAI intends to make the model notably accessible through its free tier.
Head of ChatGPT Nick Turley noted that GPT‑5 significantly enhances understanding across more than twelve Indian languages, reinforcing India as a key market for localisation.
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