In a recent statement, the UN highlighted the growing field of neuro-technology, which encompasses devices and software that can measure, access, or manipulate the nervous system, as posing new risks to human rights.
The UN highlighted how such technologies could challenge fundamental concepts like ‘mental integrity’, autonomy and personal identity by enabling unprecedented access to brain data.
It warned that without robust regulation, the benefits of neuro-technology may come with costs such as privacy violations, unequal access and intrusive commercial uses.
The concerns align with broader debates about how advanced technologies, such as AI, are reshaping society, ethics, and international governance.
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Hackers are experimenting with malware that taps large language models to morph in real time, according to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group. An experimental family dubbed PROMPTFLUX can rewrite and obfuscate its own code as it executes, aiming to sidestep static, signature-based detection.
PROMPTFLUX interacts with Gemini’s API to request on-demand functions and ‘just-in-time’ evasion techniques, rather than hard-coding behaviours. GTIG describes the approach as a step toward more adaptive, partially autonomous malware that dynamically generates scripts and changes its footprint.
Investigators say the current samples appear to be in development or testing, with incomplete features and limited Gemini API access. Google says it has disabled associated assets and has not observed a successful compromise, yet warns that financially motivated actors are exploring such tooling.
Researchers point to a maturing underground market for illicit AI utilities that lowers barriers for less-skilled offenders. State-linked operators in North Korea, Iran, and China are reportedly experimenting with AI to enhance reconnaissance, influence, and intrusion workflows.
Defenders are turning to AI, using security frameworks and agents like ‘Big Sleep’ to find flaws. Teams should expect AI-assisted obfuscation, emphasise behaviour-based detection, watch model-API abuse, and lock down developer and automation credentials.
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A High Court judge warned that a solicitor who pushed an expert to accept an AI-generated draft breached their duty. Mr Justice Waksman called it a gross breach and cited a case from the latest survey. He noted 14% of experts would accept such terms, which is unacceptable.
Updated guidance clarifies what limited judicial AI use is permissible. Judges may use a private ChatGPT 365 for summaries with confidential prompts. There is no duty to disclose, but the judgment must be the judge’s own.
Waksman cautioned against legal research or analysis done by AI. Hallucinated authorities and fake citations have already appeared. Experts must not let AI answer the questions they are retained to decide.
Survey findings show wider use of AI for drafting and summaries. Waksman drew a bright line between back-office aids and core duties. Convenience cannot trump independence, accuracy and accountability.
For practitioners, two rules follow. Solicitors must not foist AI-drafted expert opinions, and experts should refuse. Within courts, limited, non-determinative AI may assist, but outcomes must be human.
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Denmark has proposed an updated version of the EU’s controversial ‘chat control’ regulation, shifting from mandatory to voluntary scanning of private messages. Former MEP Patrick Breyer has warned, however, that the revision still threatens Europeans’ right to private communication.
Under the new plan, messaging providers could choose to scan chats for illegal material, but without a clear requirement for court orders. Breyer argued that this sidesteps the European Parliament’s position, which insists on judicial authorisation before any access to communications.
He also criticised the proposal for banning under-16s from using messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, claiming such restrictions would prove ineffective and easily bypassed. In addition, the plan would effectively outlaw anonymous communication, requiring users to verify their identities through IDs.
Privacy advocates say the Danish proposal could set a dangerous precedent by eroding fundamental digital rights. Civil society groups have urged EU lawmakers to reject measures that compromise secure, anonymous communication essential for journalists and whistleblowers.
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News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson warned AI companies against using unlicensed publisher content, calling recipients of ‘stolen goods’ fair game for pursuit. He said ‘wooing and suing’ would proceed in parallel, with more licensing deals expected after the OpenAI pact.
Thomson argued that high-quality data must be paid for and that ingesting material without permission undermines incentives to produce journalism. He insisted that ‘content crime does not and will not pay,’ signalling stricter enforcement ahead.
While criticising bad actors, he praised partners that recognise publisher IP and are negotiating usage rights. The company is positioning itself to monetise archives and live reporting through structured licences.
He also pointed to a major author settlement with another AI firm as a watershed for compensation over past training uses. The message: legal and commercial paths are both accelerating.
Against this backdrop, News Corp said AI-related revenues are gaining traction alongside digital subscriptions and B2B data services. Further licensing announcements are likely in the coming months.
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Microsoft AI says its work toward superintelligence will be explicitly ‘humanist’, designed to keep people at the top of the food chain. In a new blog post, Microsoft AI head Mustafa Suleyman announced a team focused on building systems that are subordinate, controllable, and designed to serve human interests.
Suleyman says superintelligence should not be unbounded. Models will be calibrated, contextualised, and limited to align with human goals. He joined Microsoft last year as its AI CEO, which has begun rolling out its first in-house models for text, voice, and images.
The move lands amid intensifying competition in advanced AI. Under a revised agreement with OpenAI, Microsoft can now independently pursue AGI or partner elsewhere. Suleyman says Microsoft AI will reject race narratives while acknowledging the need to advance capability and governance together.
Microsoft’s initial use cases emphasise an AI companion to help people learn, act, and feel supported; healthcare assistance to augment clinicians; and tools for scientific discovery in areas such as clean energy. The intent is to combine productivity gains with stronger safety controls from the outset.
‘Humans matter more than AI,’ Suleyman writes, casting ‘humanist superintelligence’ as technology that stays on humanity’s team. He frames the programme as a guard against Pandora’s box risks by binding robust systems to explicit constraints, oversight, and application contexts.
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Microsoft apologised after Australia’s regulator said it steered Microsoft 365 users to pricier Copilot plans while downplaying cheaper Classic tiers. The move follows APAC price-rise emails and confusion over Personal and Family increases.
ACCC officials said communications may have denied customers informed choices by omitting equivalent non-AI plans. Microsoft acknowledged it could have been clearer and accepted that Classic alternatives might have saved some subscribers money under the October 2024 changes.
Redmond is offering affected customers refunds for the difference between Copilot and Classic tiers and has begun contacting subscribers in Australia and New Zealand. The company also re-sent its apology email after discovering a broken link to the Classic plans page.
Questions remain over whether similar remediation will extend to Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, which also saw price hikes earlier this year. Consumer groups are watching for consistent remedies and plain-English disclosures across all impacted markets.
Regulators have sharpened scrutiny of dark patterns, bundling, and AI-linked upsells as digital subscriptions proliferate. Clear side-by-side plan comparisons and functional disclosures about AI features are likely to become baseline expectations for compliance and customer trust.
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The award, presented at the 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, recognises global leaders whose research and policy efforts promote responsible and human-centred AI innovation. Each laureate received $30,000, a Beruniy medal, and a certificate.
Professor Virgilio Almeida was honoured for advancing ethical, inclusive AI and democratic digital governance. Human rights expert Susan Perry and computer scientist Claudia Roda were recognised for promoting youth-centred AI ethics that protect privacy, inclusion, and fairness.
The Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University in China also received the award for promoting international cooperation and responsible AI policy.
UNESCO’s Audrey Azoulay and Gayane Uemerova emphasised that ethics should guide technology to serve humanity, not restrict it. Laureates echoed the need for shared moral responsibility and global cooperation in shaping AI’s future.
The new Beruniy Prize reaffirms that ethics form the cornerstone of progress. By celebrating innovation grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and accountability, UNESCO aims to ensure AI remains a force for peace, justice, and sustainable development.
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Google is redefining education with AI designed to enhance learning, rather than replace teachers. The company has unveiled new tools grounded in learning science to support both educators and students, aiming to make learning more effective, efficient and engaging.
Through its Gemini platform, users can follow guided learning paths that encourage discovery rather than passive answers.
YouTube and Search now include conversational features that allow students to ask questions as they learn, while NotebookLM can transform personal materials into quizzes or immersive study aids.
Instructors can also utilise Google Classroom’s free AI tools for lesson planning and administrative support, thereby freeing up time for direct student engagement.
Google emphasises that its goal is to preserve the human essence of education while using AI to expand understanding. The company also addresses challenges linked to AI in learning, such as cheating, fairness, accuracy and critical thinking.
It is exploring assessment models that cannot be easily replicated by AI, including debates, projects, and oral examinations.
The firm pledges to develop its tools responsibly by collaborating with educators, parents and policymakers. By combining the art of teaching with the science of AI-driven learning, Google seeks to make education more personal, equitable and inspiring for all.
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Meta has rejected a decision by France’s Défenseur des Droits that found its Facebook algorithm discriminates against users based on gender in job advertising. The case was brought by Global Witness and women’s rights groups Fondation des Femmes and Femmes Ingénieures, who argued that Meta’s ad system violates French anti-discrimination law.
The regulator ruled that Facebook’s system treats users differently according to gender when displaying job opportunities, amounting to indirect discrimination. It recommended Meta Ireland and Facebook France make adjustments within three months to prevent gender-based bias.
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the finding and is ‘assessing its options.’ The complainants welcomed the decision, saying it confirms that platforms are not exempt from laws prohibiting gender-based distinctions in recruitment advertising.
Lawyer Josephine Shefet, representing the groups, said the ruling marks a key precedent. ‘The decision sends a strong message to all digital platforms: they will be held accountable for such bias,’ she said.
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