Apple is reportedly working on a revamped version of its Health app, which will feature an AI coach designed to help users improve their health instead of simply tracking basic data.
The AI coach will offer personalised advice based on data collected from users’ medical devices, with a particular focus on food tracking.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who initially reported on the project in 2023, now indicates that development is progressing, with the new feature expected to launch as part of iOS 19.4, possibly by spring or summer 2026.
The AI coach is currently being trained using data from Apple’s physicians, and the company plans to incorporate more medical professionals to provide health-related content, including videos, instead of relying solely on general advice. The new service is reportedly being referred to as Health+.
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The US is just days away from imposing a ban on TikTok unless a deal is struck with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The ban, set to take effect on Saturday, would affect 170 million American users of the popular app.
However, President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached in time. He extended the deadline from January to April 5 to give ByteDance more time to find a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok’s US operations.
Trump mentioned that there is significant interest from potential buyers, with private equity firm Blackstone reportedly evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s US business.
The discussions are centred on ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese shareholders, including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic. Washington’s main concern is that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance allows the Chinese government to potentially influence the app and collect data on Americans.
Despite the pressure, TikTok has yet to comment on the situation. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, TikTok faces the risk of being banned, though the app would remain on users’ devices if already installed. However, new users would not be able to download it.
The app is already banned in countries like India over similar national security concerns.
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Studio Ghibli-style artwork has gone viral on social media, with users flocking to ChatGPT’s feature to create or transform images into Japanese anime-inspired versions. Celebrities have also joined the trend, posting Ghibli-style photos of themselves.
However, what began as a fun trend has sparked concerns over copyright infringement and the ethics of AI recreating the work of established artists instead of respecting their intellectual property.
While OpenAI has allowed premium users to create Ghibli-style images, users without subscriptions can still make up to three images for free.
The rise of this feature has led to debates over whether these AI-generated images violate copyright laws, particularly as the style is closely associated with renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki.
Intellectual property lawyer Even Brown clarified that the style itself isn’t explicitly protected, but he raised concerns that OpenAI’s AI may have been trained on Ghibli’s previous works instead of using independent sources, which could present potential copyright issues.
OpenAI has responded by taking a more conservative approach with its tools, introducing a refusal feature when users attempt to generate images in the style of living artists instead of allowing such images.
Despite this, the controversy continues, as artists like Karla Ortiz are suing other AI generators for copyright infringement. Ortiz has criticised OpenAI for not valuing the work and livelihoods of artists, calling the Ghibli trend a clear example of such disregard.
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Google Maps has added a new AI-powered feature using Gemini that scans your phone’s screenshots to help plan holidays. It identifies locations from saved screenshots and suggests related spots within the app.
Called the “screenshot list,” the AI tool pulls out text from images and lets users save destinations into shareable lists. For now, it works only on iOS, with Android support on the way.
Privacy is a key focus, with all processing done on-device and the feature requiring manual activation. Google is also rolling out hotel price drop alerts and personalised trip plans via Search.
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EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen has voiced support for using a Regulation, rather than a Directive, in the upcoming Digital Networks Act.
She says this would ensure consistent implementation across all member states, avoiding the patchwork seen under current telecom rules.
Virkkunen also hinted at easing merger rules and reducing ex-ante regulation within the existing framework, the European Electronic Communications Code.
These changes, she noted, could encourage investment and help the EU meet its goal of full 5G and fibre coverage by 2030.
She criticised slow national efforts to phase out high-risk Chinese components from 5G networks, calling for stronger action.
Her stance follows pressure from MEPs concerned about ongoing cybersecurity risks and lack of enforcement.
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Korean authorities say no decision has been made on when China’s DeepSeek AI app can resume operations in the country. The app was suspended last month due to concerns over its data handling practices.
Talks are ongoing between the Personal Information Protection Commission in Korea and DeepSeek, which recently appointed a local representative and pledged to comply with Korean privacy law.
DeepSeek is considered a key player in the Korean market, but officials stress that any resumption will depend on satisfactory privacy safeguards. No timeline has been set for lifting the suspension.
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The latest draft of the EU AI Act’s Code of Practice offers a more flexible approach to copyright rules, focusing on proportionate compliance based on a provider’s size and capabilities.
However, this change comes as model providers face looming deadlines under the Act.
AI Developers must still avoid training on pirated content, respect opt-outs like robots.txt, and make reasonable efforts to prevent models from repeating copyrighted material.
However, they are no longer expected to perform exhaustive copyright checks on every dataset.
With potential fines of up to 15 million euros or 3% of global turnover, stakes remain high. Still, stakeholders welcome the clearer, more practical path to compliance, with final feedback on the draft due by the end of this month.
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Dartmouth College researchers have trialled an AI chatbot, Therabot, designed to assist with mental health care. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, the app was tested on individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and those at risk for eating disorders.
The results showed encouraging improvements, with users reporting up to a 51% reduction in depression and a 31% decrease in anxiety. These outcomes were comparable to traditional outpatient therapy.
The trial also revealed that Therabot was effective in helping individuals with eating disorder risks, leading to a 19% reduction in harmful thoughts about body image and weight issues.
Researchers noted that after eight weeks of engagement with the app, participants showed significant symptom reduction, marking progress comparable to standard cognitive therapy.
While Therabot’s success offers hope, experts highlight the importance of balancing AI with human oversight, especially in sensitive mental health applications.
The study’s authors emphasised that while AI can help improve access to therapy, particularly for those unable to access in-person care, generative AI tools must be used cautiously, as errors could have serious consequences for individuals at risk of self-harm.
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The tech firm Advanced, which provides services to the NHS, has been fined over £3 million by the UK data watchdog following a major ransomware attack in 2022.
The breach disrupted NHS systems and exposed personal data from tens of thousands across the country.
Originally facing a £6 million penalty, Advanced saw the fine halved after settling with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Regulators said the firm failed to implement multi-factor authentication, allowing hackers to access systems using stolen login details.
The LockBit attack caused widespread outages, including access to UK patient data. While Advanced acknowledged the resolution, it declined to offer further comment or name a spokesperson when contacted.
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OnlyFans’ parent company, Fenix, has been fined £1.05 million by UK regulator Ofcom for providing inaccurate information about how it verifies users’ ages. The platform, known for hosting adult content, had claimed its age-checking technology flagged anyone under 23 for additional ID checks.
However, it was later revealed the system was set to flag those under 20, prompting Ofcom to take enforcement action. Ofcom said Fenix failed in its legal obligation to provide accurate details, undermining the regulator’s ability to assess platform safety.
While Fenix accepted the penalty — leading to a 30% reduction in the fine — Ofcom stressed the importance of holding platforms to high standards, especially when protecting minors online. The investigation began in 2022 under UK regulations that predate the Online Safety Act, which is due to take full effect this year.
Why does it matter?
The act will require stronger age verification measures from platforms like OnlyFans, with a July 2025 deadline for full compliance. OnlyFans responded by affirming its commitment to transparency and welcomed the resolution of the case. While best known for adult subscriptions, the platform hosts mainstream content and launched a non-pornographic streaming service in 2023.
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