Key Internet developments

ChatGPT hit by widespread outage: ‘Our work partner is down’

A significant outage has struck ChatGPT, leaving many users unable to receive responses from the popular AI chatbot. Instead of generating answers, the service failed to react to prompts, causing widespread frustration, particularly during the busy morning work period.

Owner OpenAI has officially launched an investigation into the mysterious malfunction of ChatGPT after its status page confirmed a problem was detected.

Over a thousand complaints were registered on the outage tracking site Down Detector. Social media was flooded with reports from affected users, with one calling it an unprecedented event and another joking that their ‘work partner is down’.

Instead of a full global blackout, initial tests suggested the issue might be limited to some users, as functionality remained for others.

If you find ChatGPT is unresponsive, you can attempt several fixes instead of simply waiting. First, verify the outage is on your end by checking OpenAI’s official status page or Down Detector instead of assuming your connection is at fault.

If the service is operational, try switching to a different browser or an incognito window to rule out local cache issues. Alternatively, use the official ChatGPT mobile app to access it.

For a more thorough solution, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or as a last resort, consider using an alternative AI service like Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini to continue your work without interruption.

OpenAI is working to resolve the problem. The company advises users to check its official service status page for updates, rather than relying solely on social media reports.

The incident highlights the growing dependence on AI tools for daily tasks and the disruption caused when such a centralised service experiences technical difficulties.

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Gemini upgrade for Google Home coming soon

An upcoming upgrade for Google Home devices is set to bring a new AI assistant, Gemini, to the smart home ecosystem. A recent post by the Made by Google account on X revealed that more details will be announced on 1 October.

The move follows months of user complaints about Google Home’s performance, including issues with connectivity and the assistant’s failure to recognise basic commands.

With Gemini’s superior ability to understand natural language, the upgrade is expected to improve how users interact with their smart devices significantly. Home devices should better execute complex commands with multiple actions, such as dimming some lights while leaving others on.

However, the update will also introduce ‘Gemini Live’ to compatible devices, a feature allowing for natural, back-and-forth conversations with the AI chatbot.

The Gemini for Google Home upgrade will initially be rolled out on an early access basis. It will be available in free and paid tiers, suggesting that some more advanced features may be locked behind a subscription.

The update is anticipated to make Google Home and Nest devices more reliable and to handle complex requests easily.

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US regulators offer clarity on spot crypto products

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have announced a joint effort to clarify spot cryptocurrency trading. Regulators confirmed that US and foreign exchanges can list spot crypto products- leveraged and margin ones.

The guidance follows the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets recommendations, which called for rules that keep blockchain innovation within the country.

Regulators said they are ready to review filings, address custody and clearing, and ensure spot markets meet transparency and investor protection standards.

Under the new approach, major venues such as the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, CME Group and Cboe Global Markets could seek to list spot crypto assets. Foreign boards of trade recognised by the CFTC may also be eligible.

The move highlights a policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, with Congress and the White House pressing for greater regulatory clarity.

In July, the House of Representatives passed the CLARITY Act, a bill on crypto market structure now before the Senate. The moves and the regulators’ statement mark a key step in aligning US digital assets with established financial rules.

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Schneider joins SK Telecom on new AI data centre project in Ulsan

SK Telecom has expanded its partnership with Schneider Electric to develop an AI Data Centre (AIDC) in Ulsan.

Under the deal, Schneider Electric will supply mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment, such as switchgear, transformers, automated control systems and Uninterruptible Power Supply units.

The agreement builds on a partnership announced at Mobile World Congress 2025 and includes using Schneider’s Electrical Transient Analyser Program within SK Telecom’s data centre management system.

It will allow operations to be optimised through a digital twin model instead of relying only on traditional monitoring tools.

Both companies have also agreed on prefabricated solutions to shorten construction times, reference designs for new facilities, and joint efforts to grow the Energy-as-a-Service business.

A Memorandum of Understanding extends the partnership to other SK Group affiliates, combining battery technologies with Uninterruptible Power Supply and Energy Storage Systems.

Executives said the collaboration would help set new standards for AI data centres and create synergies across the SK Group. It is also expected to support SK Telecom’s broader AI strategy while contributing to sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.

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NVIDIA launches Spectrum-XGS to connect AI data centres

AI data centres face growing pressure as computing demands exceed the capacity of single facilities. Traditional Ethernet networks face high latency and inconsistent transfers, forcing companies to build larger centres or risk performance issues.

NVIDIA aims to tackle these challenges with its new Spectrum-XGS Ethernet technology, introducing ‘scale-across’ capabilities. The system links multiple AI data centres using distance-adaptive algorithms, congestion control, latency management, and end-to-end telemetry.

NVIDIA claims the improvements can nearly double GPU communication performance, supporting what it calls ‘giga-scale AI super-factories.’

CoreWeave plans to be among the first adopters, connecting its facilities into a single distributed supercomputer. The deployment will test if Spectrum-XGS can deliver fast, reliable AI across multiple sites without needing massive single-location centres.

While the technology promises greater efficiency and distributed computing power, its effectiveness depends on real-world infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and data synchronisation.

If successful, it could reshape AI data centre design, enabling faster services and potentially lower operational costs across industries.

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Global agencies and the FBI issue a warning on Salt Typhoon operations

The FBI, US agencies, and international partners have issued a joint advisory on a cyber campaign called ‘Salt Typhoon.’

The operation is said to have affected more than 200 US companies across 80 countries.

The advisory, co-released by the FBI, the National Security Agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Department of Defence Cyber Crime Centre, was also supported by agencies in the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy and Japan.

According to the statement, Salt Typhoon has focused on exploiting network infrastructure such as routers, virtual private networks and other edge devices.

The group has been previously linked to campaigns targeting US telecommunications networks in 2024. It has also been connected with activity involving a US National Guard network, the advisory names three Chinese companies allegedly providing products and services used in their operations.

Telecommunications, defence, transportation and hospitality organisations are advised to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Recommended actions include patching vulnerabilities, adopting zero-trust approaches and using the technical details included in the advisory.

Salt Typhoon, also known as Earth Estrie and Ghost Emperor, has been observed since at least 2019 and is reported to maintain long-term access to compromised devices.

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Google boosts Virginia with $9 billion AI and cloud projects

Alphabet’s Google has confirmed plans to invest $9 billion in Virginia by 2026, strengthening the state’s role as a hub for data infrastructure in the US.

The focus will be on AI and cloud computing, positioning Virginia at the forefront of global technological competition.

The plan includes a new Chesterfield County facility and expansion at existing campuses in Loudoun and Prince William counties. These centres are part of the digital backbone that supports cloud services and AI workloads.

Dominion Energy will supply power for the new Chesterfield project, which may take up to seven years before it is fully operational.

The rapid growth of data centres in Virginia has increased concerns about energy demand. Google said it is working with partners on efficiency and power management solutions and funding community development.

Earlier in August, the company announced a $1 billion initiative to provide every college student in Virginia with one year of free access to its AI Pro plan and training opportunities.

Google’s move follows a broader trend in the technology sector. Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta are expected to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on AI-related projects, with much dedicated to new data centres.

Northern Virginia remains the boom’s epicentre, with Loudoun County earning the name’ Data Centre Alley’ because it has concentrated facilities.

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Seemingly conscious AI may cause psychological problems and AI psychosis

Microsoft’s AI chief and DeepMind co-founder, Mustafa Suleyman, has warned that society is unprepared for AI systems that convincingly mimic human consciousness. He warned that ‘seemingly conscious’ AI could make the public treat machines as sentient.

Suleyman highlighted potential risks including demands for AI rights, welfare, and even AI citizenship. Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, AI developers have increasingly designed systems to act ‘more human’.

Experts caution that such technology could intensify mental health problems and distort perceptions of reality. The phenomenon known as AI Psychosis sees users forming intense emotional attachments or believing AI to be conscious or divine.

Suleyman called for clear boundaries in AI development, emphasising that these systems should be tools for people rather than digital persons. He urged careful management of human-AI interaction without calling for a halt to innovation.

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Google prepares Duolingo rival using Translate

Google Translate may soon evolve into a full-featured language learning tool, introducing AI-powered lessons rivalling apps like Duolingo.

The latest Translate app release recently uncovered a hidden feature called Practice. It enables users to take part in interactive learning scenarios.

Early tests allow learners to choose languages such as Spanish and French, then engage with situational exercises from beginner to advanced levels.

The tool personalises lessons using AI, adapting difficulty and content based on a user’s goals, such as preparing for specific trips.

Users can track progress, receive daily practice reminders, and customise prompts for listening and speaking drills through a dedicated settings panel.

The feature resembles gamified learning apps and may join Google’s premium AI offerings, though pricing and launch plans remain unconfirmed.

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OpenAI launches ChatGPT Go in India

OpenAI has unveiled a new subscription tier in India, called ChatGPT Go, priced at Rs 399 per month (around $4.60). The plan significantly upgrades the free version, offering users higher message limits, more image generations, increased file uploads, and extended memory.

Nick Turley, OpenAI’s vice president and head of ChatGPT, confirmed the launch on X, noting that Indian users can now pay in rupees via UPI. The move is intended to improve accessibility and make the service more affordable for a wider audience.

ChatGPT Go is far cheaper than existing plans, with ChatGPT Plus at Rs 1,999/month (around $23) and the top-tier ChatGPT Pro at Rs 19,900/month (around $230).

Turley said the launch responds to user demand for more budget-friendly options and that India will serve as the first market before expansion elsewhere.

India has become one of OpenAI’s largest markets, with CEO Sam Altman highlighting rapid AI adoption. The launch coincides with other AI companies targeting India, including Perplexity’s partnership with Airtel and Google’s free AI Pro plan for students.

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