A Manhattan-based crypto investor has been charged with kidnapping an Italian man. He allegedly tortured the victim in an attempt to gain access to his Bitcoin wallet.
John Woeltz, 37, was arrested on 24 May and later appeared in court, where he pleaded not guilty to four felony charges, including kidnapping for ransom.
Police said the 28-year-old victim was held inside a rented townhouse in Soho after arriving in the US on 6 May. He was allegedly beaten, electroshocked, and threatened with a firearm when he refused to give up his wallet credentials.
The man eventually escaped and contacted the authorities. Photographs found at the scene appeared to show signs of ongoing abuse.
A woman was also taken into custody, although no charges were filed against her. Investigators have not confirmed whether any cryptocurrency was taken or what the relationship between the parties may have been.
The case comes as more crypto executives and investors seek private security due to a rise in ransom threats. In France, authorities have introduced extra protections for those in the crypto industry.
These measures follow several kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland earlier this year.
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At least 12 independent news websites in Jordan have been blocked by the authorities without any formal legal justification or opportunity for appeal. Rights groups have condemned the move as a serious violation of constitutional and international protections for freedom of expression.
The Jordanian Media Commission issued the directive on 14 May 2025, citing vague claims such as ‘spreading media poison’ and ‘targeting national symbols’, without providing evidence or naming the sites publicly.
The timing of the ban suggests it was a retaliatory act against investigative reports alleging profiteering by state institutions in humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza. Affected outlets were subjected to intimidation, and the blocks were imposed without judicial oversight or a transparent legal process.
Observers warn this sets a dangerous precedent, reflecting a broader pattern of repression under Jordan’s Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023, which grants sweeping powers to restrict online speech.
Civil society organisations call for the immediate reversal of the ban, transparency over its legal basis, and access to judicial remedies for affected platforms.
They urge a comprehensive review of the cybercrime law to align it with international human rights standards. Press freedom, they argue, is a pillar of democratic society and must not be sacrificed under the guise of combating disinformation.
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In his blog post ‘Can the Vatican mediate peace today?’, Jovan Kurbalija explores the renewed possibility of the Holy See stepping in as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. The idea, sparked by a proposal from former US President Donald Trump after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, positions the Vatican, particularly Pope Leo XIV, as a neutral ground for ceasefire negotiations.
While no concrete agreement has emerged, the Vatican’s potential role draws on its historic reputation for diplomacy rooted not in power, but in moral persuasion and enduring principles. The Holy See’s legacy as a discreet but effective mediator is long established, from its influence during the Cuban Missile Crisis to its guiding hand in colonial negotiations in the 19th century.
Pope Leo XIV, who previously denounced Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, now demonstrates a core Vatican strength: the ability to uphold moral clarity while remaining open to dialogue. This nuanced approach, increasingly rare in today’s polarised geopolitics, embodies the Vatican’s distinctive role on the global stage.
Supporting this potential initiative is the Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay Catholic association known for mediating conflicts in Mozambique, Guatemala, and the Central African Republic. Their quiet, faith-rooted diplomacy has repeatedly succeeded where formal channels have failed, reinforcing the Church’s potential impact in resolving even deeply entrenched conflicts.
In an age dominated by digital noise and political posturing, the Vatican’s patient, values-driven approach may offer a much-needed alternative. If the talks move forward, they will test the relevance of religious diplomacy in the 21st century and challenge modern assumptions about where genuine peacebuilding can begin.
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From families to international diplomacy, our ability to meet halfway allows us to survive and thrive together. Kurbalija reminds us that the word comes from the Latin for ‘promising together’—a mutual commitment rather than a concession.
In today’s world, however, standing firm is glorified while compromise is dismissed. Yet, he argues, true courage lies in embracing others’ needs without surrendering one’s principles and navigating the messy but necessary space between absolutes.
He contrasts this human necessity with how compromise is portrayed in marketing—as a flaw to be avoided—and in tech jargon, where being ‘compromised’ means a breach or failure. These modern distortions have led us to equate flexibility with defeat, instead of maturity. In truth, refusing to compromise risks far more than bending a little.
Ultimately, Kurbalija calls for a shift in mindset: rather than rejecting compromise altogether, we should learn to use it wisely, to preserve the greater good over rigid standoffs. In a world as interconnected and fragile as ours, compromise is not surrender; it’s survival.
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OpenAI has announced it will no longer pursue a full transition to a for-profit company. Instead, it will restructure its commercial arm as a public benefit corporation (PBC), retaining oversight by its nonprofit board.
The move comes after discussions with the attorneys general of California and Delaware, and growing concerns about governance and mission drift. The nonprofit board—best known for briefly removing CEO Sam Altman—will continue to oversee the company and appoint the PBC board.
Investors will now hold regular, uncapped equity in the PBC, replacing the previous 100x return cap, a change designed to attract future funding. The nonprofit will also gain a growing equity stake in the business arm.
In a message to staff, Altman said OpenAI remains committed to building AI that benefits humanity and sees this structure as the best path forward. Critics, including former staff, say questions remain about technology ownership and long-term priorities.
At the same time, Meta is positioning itself as a major rival. It recently launched a standalone AI assistant app, powered by its Llama 4 model and available across platforms including Ray-Ban smart glasses. The app includes a social Discover feed, encouraging interaction with shared AI outputs.
OpenAI’s new structure attempts to balance commercial growth with ethical governance—a model that may influence how other AI firms approach funding, control, and public accountability.
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More than 400 prominent British artists, including Dua Lipa, Elton John, and Sir Ian McKellen, have signed a letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to update UK copyright laws to protect their work from being used without consent in training AI systems. The signatories argue that current laws leave their creative output vulnerable to exploitation by tech companies, which could ultimately undermine the UK’s status as a global cultural leader.
The artists are backing a proposed amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill by Baroness Beeban Kidron, requiring AI developers to disclose when and how they use copyrighted materials. They believe this transparency could pave the way for licensing agreements that respect the rights of creators while allowing responsible AI development.
Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro and music legends like Paul McCartney and Kate Bush have joined the call, warning that creators risk ‘giving away’ their life’s work to powerful tech firms. While the government insists it is consulting all parties to ensure a balanced outcome that supports both the creative sector and AI innovation, not everyone supports the amendment.
Critics, like Julia Willemyns of the Centre for British Progress, argue that stricter copyright rules could stifle technological growth, offshore development, and damage the UK economy.
Why does it matter?
The debate reflects growing global tension between protecting intellectual property and enabling AI progress. With a key vote approaching in the House of Lords, artists are pressing for urgent action to secure a fair and sustainable path forward that upholds innovation and artistic integrity.
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We are confronted with this phenomenon through photos, video and audio recordings that can easily confuse us and force us to question our perception of reality.
And while the public often focuses on deepfakes, at the same time we are witnessing inventions and patents emerging around the world that deserve admiration, but also spark important reflection: are we nearing, or have we already crossed, the ethical red line?
For these and many other reasons, in a world where the visual and functional differences between science fiction and reality have almost disappeared, the latest inventions come as a shock.
We are now at a point where we are facing technologies that force us to redefine what we mean by the word ‘reality’.
Neuralink: Crossing the boundary between brain and machine
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease caused by damage and degeneration of motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles via peripheral nerves, leading to a progressive loss of muscle function.
However, the Neuralink chip, developed by Elon Musk’s company, has helped one patient type with their mind and speak using their voice. This breakthrough opens the door to a new form of communication where thoughts become direct interactions.
Liquid robot from South Korea
Scenes from sci-fi films are becoming reality, and in this case (thankfully), a liquid robot has a noble purpose—to assist in rescue missions and be applied in medicine.
Currently in the early prototype stage, it has been demonstrated in labs through a collaboration between MIT and Korean research institutes.
ULS exoskeleton as support for elderly care
Healthcare workers and caregivers in China have had their work greatly simplified thanks to the ULS Robotics exoskeleton, weighing only five kilograms but enabling users to lift up to 30 kilograms.
This represents a leap forward in caring for people with limited mobility, while also increasing safety and efficiency. Commercial prototypes have been tested in hospitals and industrial environments.
Another example from China that has been in use for several years. Robots equipped with AI perform precise crop spraying. The system analyses pests and targets them without the need for human presence, reducing potential health risks.
The application has become standardised, with expectations for further expansion and improvement in the near future.
The stretchable battery of the future
Researchers in Sweden have developed a flexible battery that can double in length without losing energy, making it ideal for wearable technologies.
Although not yet commercially available, it has been covered in scientific journals. The aim is for it to become a key component in bendable devices, smart clothing and medical implants.
Volonaut Airbike: A sci-fi vehicle takes off
When it comes to innovation, the Volonaut Airbike hits the mark perfectly. Designed to resemble a single-seat speeder bike from Star Wars, it represents a giant leap toward personal air travel.
Functional prototypes exist, but testing remains limited due to high production costs and regulatory hurdles related to traffic laws. Nevertheless, the Polish company behind it remains committed to this idea, and it will be exciting to follow its progress.
NEO robot: The humanoid household assistant
A Norwegian company has been developing a humanoid robot capable of performing household tasks, including gardening chores like collecting and bagging leaves or grass.
These are among the first serious steps toward domestic humanoid assistants. Currently functioning in demo mode, the robot has received backing from OpenAI.
Lenovo Yoga Solar: The laptop that loves sunlight
If you find yourself without a charger but with access to direct sunlight, this laptop will do everything it can to keep you powered. Using solar energy, 20 minutes of charging in sunlight provides around one hour of video playback.
Perfect for ecologists and digital nomads. Although not yet commercially available, it has been showcased at several major tech expos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px1iEW600Pk
What comes next: The need for smart regulation
As technology races ahead, regulation must catch up. From neurotech to autonomous robots, each innovation raises new questions about privacy, accountability, and ethics.
Governments and tech developers alike must collaborate to ensure that these inventions remain tools for good, not risks to society.
So, what is real and what is generated?
This question will only become harder to answer as time goes on. But on the other hand, if the technological revolution continues to head in a useful and positive direction, perhaps there is little to fear.
The true dilemma in this era of rapid innovation may not be about the tools themselves, but about the fundamental question: Is technology shaping us, or do we still shape it?
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Meta hosted its first-ever LlamaCon, a high-profile developer conference centred around its open-source language models. Timed to coincide with the release of its Q1 earnings, the event showcased Llama 4, Meta’s newest and most powerful open-weight model yet.
The message was clear – Meta wants to lead the next generation of AI on its own terms, and with an open-source edge. Beyond presentations, the conference represented an attempt to reframe Meta’s public image.
Once defined by social media and privacy controversies, Meta is positioning itself as a visionary AI infrastructure company. LlamaCon wasn’t just about a model. It was about a movement Meta wants to lead, with developers, startups, and enterprises as co-builders.
By holding LlamaCon the same week as its earnings call, Meta strategically emphasised that its AI ambitions are not side projects. They are central to the company’s identity, strategy, and investment priorities moving forward. This convergence of messaging signals a bold new chapter in Meta’s evolution.
The rise of Llama: From open-source curiosity to strategic priority
When Meta introduced LLaMA 1 in 2023, the AI community took notice of its open-weight release policy. Unlike OpenAI and Anthropic, Meta allowed researchers and developers to download, fine-tune, and deploy Llama models on their own infrastructure. That decision opened a floodgate of experimentation and grassroots innovation.
Now with Llama 4, the models have matured significantly, featuring better instruction tuning, multilingual capacity, and improved safety guardrails. Meta’s AI researchers have incorporated lessons learned from previous iterations and community feedback, making Llama 4 an update and a strategic inflexion point.
Crucially, Meta is no longer releasing Llama as a research novelty. It is now a platform and stable foundation for third-party tools, enterprise solutions, and Meta’s AI products. That is a turning point, where open-source ideology meets enterprise-grade execution.
Zuckerberg’s bet: AI as the engine of Meta’s next chapter
Mark Zuckerberg has rarely shied away from bold, long-term bets—whether it’s the pivot to mobile in the early 2010s or the more recent metaverse gamble. At LlamaCon, he clarified that AI is now the company’s top priority, surpassing even virtual reality in strategic importance.
He framed Meta as a ‘general-purpose AI company’, focused on both the consumer layer (via chatbots and assistants) and the foundational layer (models and infrastructure). Meta CEO envisions a world where Meta powers both the AI you talk to and the AI your apps are built on—a dual play that rivals Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI.
This bet comes with risk. Investors are still sceptical about Meta’s ability to turn research breakthroughs into a commercial advantage. But Zuckerberg seems convinced that whoever controls the AI stack—hardware, models, and tooling—will control the next decade of innovation, and Meta intends to be one of those players.
A costly future: Meta’s massive AI infrastructure investment
Meta’s capital expenditure guidance for 2025—$60 to $65 billion—is among the largest in tech history. These funds will be spent primarily on AI training clusters, data centres, and next-gen chips.
That level of spending underscores Meta’s belief that scale is a competitive advantage in the LLM era. Bigger compute means faster training, better fine-tuning, and more responsive inference—especially for billion-parameter models like Llama 4 and beyond.
However, such an investment raises questions about whether Meta can recoup this spending in the short term. Will it build enterprise services, or rely solely on indirect value via engagement and ads? At this point, no monetisation plan is directly tied to Llama—only a vision and the infrastructure to support it.
Economic clouds: Revenue growth vs Wall Street’s expectations
Meta reported an 11% year-over-year increase in revenue in Q1 2025, driven by steady performance across its ad platforms. However, Wall Street reacted negatively, with the company’s stock falling nearly 13% following the earnings report, because investors are worried about the ballooning costs associated with Meta’s AI ambitions.
Despite revenue growth, Meta’s margins are thinning, mainly due to front-loaded investments in infrastructure and R&D. While Meta frames these as essential for long-term dominance in AI, investors are still anchored to short-term profit expectations.
A fundamental tension is at play here – Meta is acting like a venture-stage AI startup with moonshot spending, while being valued as a mature, cash-generating public company. Whether this tension resolves through growth or retrenchment remains to be seen.
Global headwinds: China, tariffs, and the shifting tech supply chain
Beyond internal financial pressures, Meta faces growing external challenges. Trade tensions between the US and China have disrupted the global supply chain for semiconductors, AI chips, and data centre components.
Meta’s international outlook is dimming with tariffs increasing and Chinese advertising revenue falling. That is particularly problematic because Meta’s AI infrastructure relies heavily on global suppliers and fabrication facilities. Any disruption in chip delivery, especially GPUs and custom silicon, could derail its training schedules and deployment timelines.
At the same time, Meta is trying to rebuild its hardware supply chain, including in-house chip design and alternative sourcing from regions like India and Southeast Asia. These moves are defensive but reflect how AI strategy is becoming inseparable from geopolitics.
Llama 4 in context: How it compares to GPT-4 and Gemini
Llama 4 represents a significant leap from Llama 2 and is now comparable to GPT-4 in a range of benchmarks. Early feedback suggests strong performance in logic, multilingual reasoning, and code generation.
However, how it handles tool use, memory, and advanced agentic tasks is still unclear. Compared to Gemini 1.5, Google’s flagship model, Llama 4 may still fall short in certain use cases, especially those requiring long context windows and deep integration with other Google services.
But Llama has one powerful advantage – it’s free to use, modify, and self-host. That makes Llama 4 a compelling option for developers and companies seeking control over their AI stack without paying per-token fees or exposing sensitive data to third parties.
Open source vs closed AI: Strategic gamble or masterstroke?
Meta’s open-weight philosophy differentiates it from rivals, whose models are mainly gated, API-bound, and proprietary. By contrast, Meta freely gives away its most valuable assets, such as weights, training details, and documentation.
Openness drives adoption. It creates ecosystems, accelerates tooling, and builds developer goodwill. Meta’s strategy is to win the AI competition not by charging rent, but by giving others the keys to build on its models. In doing so, it hopes to shape the direction of AI development globally.
Still, there are risks. Open weights can be misused, fine-tuned for malicious purposes, or leaked into products Meta doesn’t control. But Meta is betting that being everywhere is more powerful than being gated. And so far, that bet is paying off—at least in influence, if not yet in revenue.
Can Meta’s open strategy deliver long-term returns?
Meta’s LlamaCon wasn’t just a tech event but a philosophical declaration. In an era where AI power is increasingly concentrated and monetised, Meta chooses a different path based on openness, infrastructure, and community adoption.
The company invests tens of billions of dollars without a clear monetisation model. It is placing a massive bet that open models and proprietary infrastructure can become the dominant framework for AI development.
Meta’s move positions it as the Android of the LLM era—ubiquitous, flexible, and impossible to ignore. The road ahead will be shaped by both technical breakthroughs and external forces—regulation, economics, and geopolitics.
Whether Meta’s open-source gamble proves visionary or reckless, one thing is clear – the AI landscape is no longer just about who has the most innovative model. It’s about who builds the broadest ecosystem.
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A new report by Statewatch has revealed that the European Union is quietly laying the groundwork for the widespread use of experimental AI technologies in policing, border control, and criminal justice.
The report warns that these developments pose serious threats to transparency, accountability, and fundamental rights.
Despite the adoption of the EU AI Act in 2024, broad exemptions allow law enforcement and migration agencies to bypass safeguards, including a full exemption for certain high-risk systems until 2031.
Institutions like Europol and eu-LISA are involved in building technical infrastructure for security-focused AI, often without public knowledge or oversight.
The study also highlights how secretive working groups, such as the European Clearing Board, have influenced legislation to favour police interests.
Critics argue that these moves risk entrenching discrimination and reducing democratic control, especially at a time of rising authoritarian influence within EU institutions.
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The United Nations faces renewed financial uncertainty as Donald Trump’s administration reviews all US support for international organisations. Trump has already slashed voluntary funding across multiple UN agencies and withdrawn from bodies like the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council.
A leaked White House memo even suggests that cuts to assessed contributions—mandatory payments that keep core UN operations running—are on the table, sparking fears of a major financial crisis. While a complete US withdrawal from the UN is seen as unlikely, experts warn that the US could cripple the organisation by indefinitely halting payments, creating a gaping hole in its budget.
In 2023, the US contributed around $13 billion to the UN, covering about a quarter of its budget. The potential for missed payments raises concerns not just about immediate financial collapse, but about the future of multilateralism itself, drawing parallels to the League of Nations’ demise in the early 20th century.
The situation is complicated by internal divisions within the Republican Party, with some favouring a transactional approach to UN reform while others push a hardline, anti-multilateralist agenda. With peacekeeping budget negotiations looming and no US ambassador to the UN yet appointed, uncertainty dominates.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has launched the UN80 initiative, aiming to streamline operations and reassure sceptical donors, but it remains unclear if these reforms will be enough to placate Washington.
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