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AI-generated photo falsely claims to show a downed Israeli jet

Following Iranian state media claims that its forces shot down two Israeli fighter jets, an image circulated online falsely purporting to show the wreckage of an F-35.

The photo, which shows a large jet crash-landing in a desert, quickly spread across platforms like Threads and South Korean forums, including Aagag and Ruliweb. An Israeli official dismissed the shootdown claim as ‘fake news’.

The image’s caption in Korean read: ‘The F-35 shot down by Iran. Much bigger than I thought.’ However, a detailed AFP analysis found the photo contained several hallmarks of AI generation.

People near the aircraft appear the same size as buses, and one vehicle appears to merge with the road — visual anomalies common in synthetic images.

In addition to size distortions, the aircraft’s markings did not match those used on actual Israeli F-35s. Lockheed Martin specifications confirm the F-35 is just under 16 metres long, unlike the oversized version shown in the image.

Furthermore, the wing insignia in the image differed from the Israeli Air Force’s authentic emblem.

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, such misinformation continues to spread rapidly. Although AI-generated content is becoming more sophisticated, inconsistencies in scale, symbols, and composition remain key indicators of digital fabrication.

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France 24 partners with Mediagenix to streamline on-demand programming

Mediagenix has entered a collaboration with French international broadcaster France 24, operated by France Médias Monde, to support its content scheduling modernisation programme.

As part of the upgrade, France 24 will adopt Mediagenix’s AI-powered, cloud-based scheduling solution to manage content across its on-demand platforms. The system promises improved operational flexibility, enabling rapid adjustments to programming in response to major events and shifting editorial priorities.

Pamela David, Engineering Manager for TV and Systems Integration at France Médias Monde, said: ‘This partnership with Mediagenix is a critical part of equipping our France 24 channels with the best scheduling and content management solutions.’

‘The system gives our staff the ultimate flexibility to adjust schedules as major events happen and react to changing news priorities.’

Françoise Semin, Chief Commercial Officer at Mediagenix, added: ‘France Médias Monde is a truly global broadcaster. We are delighted to support France 24’s evolving scheduling needs with our award-winning solution.’

Training for France 24 staff will be provided by Lapins Bleus Formation, based in Paris, ahead of the system’s planned rollout next year.

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AI diplomacy enters the spotlight with Gulf region partnerships

In a groundbreaking shift in global diplomacy, recent US-brokered AI partnerships in the Gulf region have propelled AI to the centre of international strategy. As highlighted by Slobodan Kovrlija, this development transforms the Gulf into a key AI hub, alongside the US and China.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are investing heavily in AI infrastructure—from quantum computing to sprawling data centres—as part of a calculated effort to integrate more deeply into a US-led technological sphere and counter China’s Digital Silk Road ambitions. That movement is already reshaping global dynamics.

China is racing to deepen its AI alliances with developing nations, while Russia is leveraging the expanded BRICS bloc to build alternative AI systems and promote its AI Code of Ethics. On the other hand, Europe is stepping up efforts to internationalise its ‘human-centric AI’ regulatory approach under the EU AI Act.

These divergent paths underscore how AI capabilities are now as essential to diplomacy as traditional military or economic tools, forming emerging ‘AI blocs’ that may redefine geopolitics for decades. Kovrlija emphasises that AI diplomacy is no longer a theoretical concept but a practical necessity.

Being a technological front-runner now means possessing enhanced diplomatic influence, with partnerships based on AI potentially replacing older alliance models. However, this new terrain also presents serious challenges, such as ensuring ethical standards, data privacy, and equitable access. The Gulf deals, while strategic, also open a space for joint efforts in responsible AI governance.

Why does it matter?

As the era of AI diplomacy dawns, institutions like Diplo are stepping in to prepare diplomats for this rapidly evolving landscape. Kovrlija concludes that understanding and engaging with AI diplomacy is now essential for any nation wishing to maintain its relevance and influence in global affairs.

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MSU launches first robotics and AI degree programs in Minnesota

Minnesota State University is set to break new ground this fall by launching two pioneering academic programs in robotics and AI. The university will introduce the state’s only undergraduate robotics engineering degree and the first graduate-level AI program within the Minnesota State system.

With these offerings, MSU aims to meet the fast-growing industry demand for skilled professionals in these cutting-edge fields. The programs have already drawn significant interest, with 13 students applying for the AI master’s and more expected in both tracks.

MSU officials say the curriculum combines strong theoretical foundations with hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, finance, construction, and manufacturing. Students will engage in real-world projects, building and deploying AI and robotics solutions while exploring ethical and societal implications.

University leaders emphasise that these programs are tailored to Minnesota’s economy’s needs, including a high concentration of Fortune 500 companies and a growing base of smaller firms eager to adopt AI technologies. Robotics also enjoys strong interest at the high school level, and MSU hopes to offer local students an in-state option for further study, competing with institutions in neighbouring states.

Why does it matter?

According to faculty, graduates of these programs will be well-positioned in the job market. The university sees the initiative as part of its broader mission to deliver education aligned with emerging technological trends and societal needs, ensuring Minnesota’s workforce remains competitive in an increasingly automated and AI-driven world.

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Google launches AI voice chat in Search app for Android and iOS

Google has started rolling out its new ‘Search Live in AI Mode’ for the Google app on Android and iOS, offering users the ability to have seamless voice-based conversations with Search.

Currently available only in the US for those signed up to the AI Mode experiment in Labs, the feature was previewed at last month’s Google I/O conference.

The tool uses a specially adapted version of Google’s Gemini AI model, fine-tuned to deliver smarter voice interactions. It combines the model’s capabilities with Google Search’s information infrastructure to provide real-time spoken responses.

Using a technique called ‘query fan-out’, the system retrieves a wide range of web content, helping users discover more varied and relevant information.

The new mode is particularly useful when multitasking or on the go. Users can tap a ‘Live’ icon in the Google app and ask spoken queries like how to keep clothes from wrinkling in a suitcase.

Follow-up questions are handled just as naturally, and related links are displayed on-screen, letting users read more without breaking their flow.

To use the feature, users can tap a sparkle-shaped waveform icon under the Search bar or next to the search field. Once activated, a full-screen interface appears with voice control options and a scrolling list of relevant links.

Even with the phone locked or other apps open, the feature keeps running. A mute button, transcript view, and voice style settings—named Cassini, Cosmo, Neso, and Terra—offer additional control over the experience.

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Microsoft to cut thousands more jobs in July amid AI focus

Microsoft is preparing to lay off thousands more employees next month, primarily in sales teams, as it continues to shift focus toward AI.

The move follows May’s workforce reduction of 6,000 employees, about 3% of its staff, and reflects broader restructuring efforts rather than individual performance issues.

Sources cited by Bloomberg revealed that the next wave of job cuts is likely to begin in early July, following the end of Microsoft’s fiscal year. Although details may still change, internal teams across departments are expected to be impacted, with sales employees taking the largest hit.

The cuts come as Microsoft seeks to streamline operations while investing heavily in data centres and AI infrastructure.

CEO Satya Nadella previously explained that the recent layoffs were not due to poor performance but part of an organisational realignment.

During a company town hall, he stressed the emotional weight of the decision but reiterated that the cuts were necessary to reflect evolving business priorities, especially around AI.

Earlier in April, Microsoft announced that it would rely more on third-party partners to manage software sales for smaller customers.

With tens of billions of dollars allocated to AI development, executives have promised to control spending in other areas, which includes reducing staff in traditional roles like sales and marketing.

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AI pioneer warns of mass job losses

Geoffrey Hinton, often called the godfather of AI, has warned that the technology could soon trigger mass unemployment, particularly in white-collar roles. In a recent podcast interview, he said AI will eventually replace most forms of intellectual labour.

According to Hinton, jobs requiring basic reasoning or clerical tasks will be the first to go, with AI performing the work of multiple people. He expressed concern that call centre workers may already be vulnerable, while roles requiring physical skills, like plumbing, remain safer for now.

Hinton challenged the common belief that AI will create more jobs than it eliminates. He argued that unless someone has highly specialised expertise, they may find themselves outpaced by machines capable of learning and performing cognitive tasks.

He also criticised OpenAI’s recent corporate restructuring, saying the shift towards a profit-driven model risks sidelining the public interest. Hinton, alongside other critics including Elon Musk, warned that the changes could divert AI development from its original mission of serving humanity.

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Amazon restructures around AI, cuts expected

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has signalled that more job cuts are likely as the company embraces AI to streamline its operations. In a letter to staff, he said the adoption of generative AI is driving major shifts in roles, especially within corporate functions.

Jassy described generative AI as a once-in-a-lifetime technology and highlighted its growing role across Amazon services, including Alexa+, shopping tools and logistics. He pointed to smarter assistants and improved fulfilment systems as early benefits of AI investments.

While praising the efficiency gains AI delivers, Jassy admitted some roles will no longer be needed, and others will be redefined. The long-term outcome remains uncertain, but fewer corporate roles are expected as AI adoption continues.

He encouraged staff to embrace the technology by learning, experimenting and contributing to AI-related innovations. Workshops and team brainstorming were recommended as Amazon looks to reinvent itself with leaner, more agile teams.

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Canva rolls out text-to-video tool for creators

Canva has launched a new tool powered by Google’s Veo 3 model, allowing users to generate short cinematic video clips using simple text prompts. Known as ‘Create a Video Clip’, the feature produces eight-second videos with sound directly inside the Canva platform.

This marks one of the first commercial uses of Veo 3, which debuted last month. The AI tool is available to Canva Pro, Teams, Enterprise and Nonprofit users, who can generate up to five clips per month initially.

Danny Wu, Canva’s head of AI products, said the feature simplifies video creation with synchronised dialogue, sound effects and editing options. Users can integrate the clips into presentations, social media designs or other formats via Canva’s built-in video editor.

Canva is also extending the tool to users of Leonardo.Ai, a related image generation service. The feature is protected by Canva Shield, a content moderation and indemnity framework aimed at enterprise-level security and trust.

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AI helps Google curb scams and deepfakes in India

Google has introduced its Safety Charter for India to combat rising online fraud, deepfakes and cybersecurity threats. The charter outlines a collaborative plan focused on user safety, responsible AI development and protection of digital infrastructure.

AI-powered measures have already helped Google detect 20 times more scam-related pages, block over 500 million scam messages monthly, and issue 2.5 billion suspicious link warnings. Its ‘Digikavach’ programme has reached over 177 million Indians with fraud prevention tools and awareness campaigns.

Google Pay alone averted financial fraud worth ₹13,000 crore in 2024, while Google Play Protect stopped nearly 6 crore high-risk app installations. These achievements reflect the company’s ‘AI-first, secure-by-design’ strategy for early threat detection and response.

The tech giant is also collaborating with IIT-Madras on post-quantum cryptography and privacy-first technologies. Through language models like Gemini and watermarking initiatives such as SynthID, Google aims to build trust and inclusion across India’s digital ecosystem.

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