Google Translate is receiving powerful Gemini AI upgrades that make speaking across languages feel far more natural.
The refreshed live conversation mode intelligently recognises pauses, accents, and background noise, allowing two people to talk without the rigid back-and-forth of older versions. Google says the new system should even work in noisy environments like cafes, a real-world challenge for speech technology.
The update also introduces a practice mode that pushes Translate beyond its traditional role as a utility. Users can set their skill level and goals, then receive personalised listening and speaking exercises designed to build confidence.
The tool is launching in beta for selected language pairs, such as English to Spanish or French, but it signals Google’s ambition to blend translation with education.
By bringing some advanced translation capabilities first seen on Pixel devices into the widely available Translate app, Google makes real-time multilingual communication accessible to everyone.
It’s a practical application of AI that promises to change everyday conversations and how people prepare to learn new languages.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Researchers have uncovered severe misconfigurations in two Tencent Cloud sites that exposed sensitive credentials and internal source code to the public. The flaws could have given attackers access to Tencent’s backend infrastructure and critical internal services.
Cybernews discovered the data leaks in July 2025, finding hardcoded plain-text passwords, a sensitive internal .git directory, and configuration files linked to Tencent’s load balancer and JEECG development platform.
Weak passwords, built from predictable patterns like the company name and year, increased the risk of exploitation.
The exposed data may have been accessible since April, leaving months of opportunity for scraping bots or malicious actors.
With administrative console access, attackers could have tampered with APIs, planted malicious code, pivoted deeper into Tencent’s systems, or abused the trusted domain for phishing campaigns.
Tencent confirmed the incident as a ‘known issue’ and has since closed access, though questions remain over how many parties may have already retrieved the exposed information.
Security experts warn that even minor oversights in cloud operations can cascade into serious vulnerabilities, especially for platforms trusted by millions worldwide.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
OpenAI has announced new safety measures for its popular chatbot following a lawsuit filed by the parents of a 16-year-old boy who died by suicide after relying on ChatGPT for guidance.
The parents allege the chatbot isolated their son and contributed to his death earlier in the year.
The company said it will improve ChatGPT’s ability to detect signs of mental distress, including indirect expressions such as users mentioning sleep deprivation or feelings of invincibility.
It will also strengthen safeguards around suicide-related conversations, which OpenAI admitted can break down in prolonged chats. Planned updates include parental controls, access to usage details, and clickable links to local emergency services.
OpenAI stressed that its safeguards work best during short interactions, acknowledging weaknesses in longer exchanges. It also said it is considering building a network of licensed professionals that users could access through ChatGPT.
The company added that content filtering errors, where serious risks are underestimated, will also be addressed.
The lawsuit comes amid wider scrutiny of AI tools by regulators and mental health experts. Attorneys general from more than 40 US states recently warned AI companies of their duty to protect children from harmful or inappropriate chatbot interactions.
Critics argue that reliance on chatbots for support instead of professional care poses growing risks as usage expands globally.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The State of Nevada reported a cyberattack affecting several state government systems, with recovery efforts underway. Some websites and phone lines may be slow or offline while officials restore operations.
Governor Joe Lombardo’s office stated there is no evidence that personal information has been compromised, emphasising that the issue is limited to state systems. The incident is under investigation by both state and federal authorities, although technical details have not been released.
Several agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, have been affected, prompting temporary office closures until normal operations can resume. Emergency services, including 911, continue to operate without disruption.
Officials prioritise system validation and safe restoration to prevent further disruption to state services.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Greek authorities are enforcing stricter regulations on the crypto sector to strengthen oversight and align with European standards. The move targets money laundering and tax evasion, reflecting Athens’ intent to bring order to the industry.
Digital asset exchanges and wallet providers will face a rigorous licensing process. Applicants must submit a complete business dossier, disclose management and shareholder details, and pass extensive checks before being allowed to operate.
Non-compliant platforms risk being barred from the market.
Financial regulators will monitor crypto transactions closely, with powers to freeze suspicious digital assets and trace funds. Authorities aim to prevent illegal capital flows while boosting investor confidence through enhanced transparency.
Taxation rules for crypto are expected this fall, with capital gains taxes set at 15% for private investors and potentially higher for companies. Some crypto services may also be subject to 24% VAT, with final rates announced in the coming months.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Nearly three-quarters of companies have experienced a security breach in the past year due to flaws in their software code.
According to a new SecureFlag study, 74% of organisations admitted to at least one incident caused by insecure code, with almost half suffering multiple breaches.
The report has renewed scrutiny of AI-generated code, which is growing in popularity across the industry. While some experts claim AI can outperform humans, concerns remain that these tools are reproducing insecure coding patterns at scale.
On the upside, companies are increasing developer security training. Around 44% provide quarterly updates, while 29% do so monthly.
Most use video tutorials and eLearning platforms, with a third hosting interactive events like capture-the-flag hacking games.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Perplexity has announced Comet Plus, a new service that will pay premium publishers to provide high-quality news content as an alternative to clickbait. The company has not disclosed its roster of partners or payment structure, though reports suggest a pool of $42.5 million.
Publishers have long criticised AI services for exploiting their work without compensation. Perplexity, backed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, said Comet Plus will create a fairer system and reward journalists for producing trusted content in the era of AI.
The platform introduces a revenue model based on three streams: human visits, search citations, and agent actions. Perplexity argues this approach better reflects how people consume information today, whether by browsing manually, seeking AI-generated answers, or using AI agents.
The company stated that the initiative aims to rebuild trust between readers and publishers, while ensuring that journalism thrives in a changing digital economy. The initial group of publishing partners will be revealed later.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Bitcoin has slipped below $110,000, and according to Finbold’s use of ChatGPT-5, a further drop could occur in the coming weeks. The model outlined technical resistance and seasonal factors pointing to September weakness.
Key levels around $112,000 and $106,000 are under pressure, with the AI projecting a sharp decline toward $98,000 if support breaks. Historically, September has been one of Bitcoin’s worst-performing months, adding to the bearish outlook.
Despite the short-term caution, demand from ETFs and long-term holders may offer support between $95,000 and $98,000. Longer-term technicals remain intact, with the 200-day average sitting near $95,000.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
ChatGPT is increasingly used as a travel assistant, with some travellers claiming it can save hundreds of pounds on flights. Finance influencer Casper Opala shares cost-saving tips online and said the AI tool helped him secure a flight for £70 that initially cost more than £700.
Opala shared a series of prompts that allow ChatGPT to identify hidden routes, budget airlines not listed on major platforms, and potential savings through alternative airports or separate bookings. He also suggested using the tool to monitor prices for several days or compare one-way fares with return tickets.
While many money-saving tricks have existed for years, ChatGPT condenses the process, collecting results in seconds. Opala says this efficiency is a strong starting point for cheaper travel deals.
Experts, however, warn that ChatGPT is not connected to live flight booking systems. TravelBook’s Laura Pomer noted that the AI can sometimes present inaccurate or outdated fares, meaning users should always verify results before booking.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The NFL has begun deploying Microsoft Copilot across all 32 clubs to support faster and more intelligent decision-making during games. Over 2,500 Surface Copilot+ devices have been distributed to coaches, analysts and staff for use on the sidelines and in the booth.
Teams now have access to AI-powered tools like a GitHub Copilot filter that quickly pulls key moments, such as penalties or fumbles, reducing the need to scrub through footage manually. Microsoft 365 Copilot also supports analysts with real-time trend spotting in Excel dashboards during matches.
To ensure reliability, Microsoft has provided hard-wired carts for connectivity even when Wi-Fi drops. These systems are linked to secure Windows servers managed by the NFL, safeguarding critical game data under various stadium conditions.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team has embraced the changes, calling Copilot ‘a valuable tool’ for navigating the pressure of real-time decisions. NFL leadership echoed his optimism, framing AI as essential to the future of the sport.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
