Both companies agree to safety protocols requested by the Philippine government including locating their office in the Philippines, providing age verification, cooperating with law enforcement, and faster takedown of content
In a meeting in Singapore, Meta commits to sharing subscriber and traffic data when Philippine authorities identify imminent threats of violence
‘This agreement could simply codify much of the ‘safety theater’ that Meta has been doing in recent years,’ says whistleblower Arturo Bejar, a former Meta safety engineer
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan has achieved significant progress in developing its own defence technologies and autonomous systems. Addressing the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the prime minister praised the country’s growing capabilities in robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced defence technologies. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s armed forces have made major advancements in indigenous defence production and autonomous systems. He credited the progress to strong leadership and the efforts of national institutions. He said modern technologies displayed at the exhibition reflected Pakistan’s ability to develop advanced systems locally. The prime minister highlighted that several defence-related technologies, including simulators and autonomous platforms, were designed and manufactured within the country. During his visit to the exhibition, PM Shehbaz reviewed various locally developed technologies. He said the production of advanced equipment inside Pakistan was a major achievement and demonstrated the country’s growing technical expertise. The prime minister noted that drone technology had achieved significant levels of local production, while several other important machines and systems were also being developed domestically. He said Pakistan’s armed forces have successfully used modern autonomous systems to strengthen the country’s physical and cyber security. He added that advanced technologies have enhanced the ability of security institutions to respond to emerging challenges. PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of innovation, research and technological development for Pakistan’s future. He said continued investment in artificial intelligence, robotics and modern defence systems would help strengthen national security and technological independence. The Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo brings together experts, researchers, defence professionals and technology developers to showcase advancements in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. The prime minister said such initiatives would encourage local innovation and support Pakistan’s journey toward self-reliance in advanced technologies.
Thousands of social media users found themselves locked out of their accounts on Wednesday morning. Meta’s primary networking platforms, Facebook and Instagram, suffered another major service disruption. The technical meltdown marks the second widespread failure for the tech giant within a short 72-hour window, frustrating millions of individuals and digital creators who rely heavily on these apps for daily communication, business operations, and content distribution. The disruption began escalating rapidly early Wednesday morning, with real-time outage monitoring platform Downdetector logging thousands of user complaints simultaneously. Reports reached a massive peak around 7:54 a.m. Eastern Time, as roughly 3,600 users submitted formal issue tickets across both platforms within minutes. The sudden spike highlighted a troubling trend of technical instability across Meta’s digital ecosystem. While both platforms experienced severe connectivity issues, the exact nature of the glitches varied slightly between Facebook and Instagram. For Facebook users, the operational breakdowns were distributed relatively evenly. Roughly 37% of reporting users stated that the dedicated smartphone application failed to launch or froze upon opening. Approximately 32% encountered connection errors while trying to load the desktop or mobile web browser versions. About 23% struggled with account authentication, encountering repeated login failures or session timeouts. Conversely, Instagram’s problems were heavily concentrated within its primary mobile software interface. A substantial 62% of complaints involved total application crashes or non-responsive user interfaces on mobile devices. Around 15% of users reported an inability to establish a stable connection with Instagram’s host servers. About 13% noted that their personal news feeds, stories, and direct messages failed to refresh or update properly. What makes this latest disruption particularly concerning for industry observers and users alike is its timing. Meta’s services suffered a similar widespread failure just three days prior, on Sunday morning. Experiencing two major platform breakdowns within 72 hours points to potential systemic vulnerabilities rather than an isolated, one-off server hiccup. Technology experts note that repeated infrastructure failures cast doubt on the robustness of Meta’s server architecture and automated monitoring systems. For a company that manages global communication channels for billions of daily active users, back-to-back outages raise critical questions about network redundancy and server load management. Despite the mounting complaints and widespread publicity surrounding the outage, Meta has yet to issue an official public statement or detail the underlying root cause of the disruptions. Cyber-security analysts advise users to remain patient during these service interruptions and avoid making repeated attempts to reset account passwords or click unverified account recovery links, as these actions can inadvertently trigger temporary account lockouts. Until Meta provides formal technical updates and permanently stabilizes its server networks, users and businesses relying on Facebook and Instagram will remain on edge to see if additional outages destabilize the platforms in the coming days.
The European Union has fined Google about €890 million, or $1 billion. The fine punishes Google for breaking EU rules meant to control the power of big tech companies. But regulators also hinted that no more fines are coming soon, because Google is making good progress toward following the rules. The fine has two parts. The first part, €460 million, is for Google favoring its own products. When people search for things like shopping, hotels, flights, or sports scores, Google often showed its own results first instead of treating competitors fairly. The second part, €430 million, is about the Google Play app store. Google had stopped app makers from telling users about cheaper deals outside the app store. This is the first time Google has been fined under this specific EU law, called the Digital Markets Act. But counting older cases, Google has now paid six fines for unfair business practices. In total, the company has paid more than €10 billion in EU fines over about twenty years. EU officials said they are just enforcing the law. “Our job is to make sure the rules are followed,” said Teresa Ribera, the EU’s top antitrust official. Another official, Henna Virkkunen, said the goal is fair competition. Google now has 60 days to fix its practices. Google is not happy. A company spokesperson said the changes will hurt features people like, such as quick pricing for hotels and flights. He said the ruling is not really about fair competition, it is making Google’s products worse to please a small number of complainers. Even so, there is good news for Google too. The EU said Google has already started testing new ways of showing search results more fairly. It called this real progress. The EU may also apply the same rules to Google’s AI tools, like AI Overviews. Talks about this are still ongoing. Google’s changes to its app store rules were also seen as a step in the right direction. This fight is happening while tensions rise between the US and EU. The Trump administration says Europe is unfairly targeting American companies and has threatened tariffs in response. Some US lawmakers agree. Google’s fine comes after the EU already fined Apple and Meta last year under the same law. It shows the EU is serious about controlling big tech, even as pressure grows from the US side.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have inaugurated the Sky47 Karakoram One Data Centre, marking a major step towards strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. During a briefing at the facility, the prime minister was informed that the data centre would provide a strong foundation for cloud computing, data hosting and advanced digital services. Officials said the project would help Pakistan move towards technological self-reliance. The Sky47 Data Centre has the capability to support emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and high-performance computing. It is expected to play an important role in meeting the country’s growing digital and technological needs. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the modern data centre as an impressive and remarkable achievement. He praised the completion of the project in a short period, saying it reflected strong commitment, expertise and determination. The prime minister appreciated the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and the contribution of technology partner ZTE in making the project possible. He said the country’s achievements during difficult times showed that challenges could be overcome through unity, determination and hard work. Shehbaz Sharif said projects like Sky47 represent Pakistan’s future and would contribute to national progress. He thanked all stakeholders involved in delivering the facility and said such initiatives would enhance the country’s digital security and technological capabilities. Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the inauguration of the Sky47 Data Centre marked the beginning of a new era of artificial intelligence in Pakistan. She said the project would open doors to new economic opportunities and allow Pakistan to better utilise its resources, data and skilled workforce. The minister added that transforming data into practical solutions and converting artificial intelligence into economic value would be crucial for future growth. She said the global AI race would depend on secure, affordable and effective use of technology.
The United Kingdom’s new government is placing advanced technology at the center of its economic and industrial strategy, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and drone technology. The initiative reflects the government’s belief that success in the global AI race will depend not only on software development but also on the ability to design and manufacture the hardware that powers artificial intelligence systems. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said the government aims to strengthen Britain’s domestic chip industry as part of a broader plan to modernize the economy while enhancing national security. He emphasized that AI chips and semiconductor technology are becoming increasingly important in global supply chains and represent a major source of long-term economic value. The strategy is being implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration, which is combining artificial intelligence, chip production, and drone technology into a unified industrial policy. The government believes that investing in these sectors will help position Britain as a competitive player in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape. As part of the initiative, the government has committed £1.1 billion to support AI hardware development. The funding package includes £150 million specifically allocated for the direct purchase of AI chips from British companies. By becoming an early customer for domestic manufacturers, the government hopes to help local businesses expand production, strengthen supply chains, and improve their ability to compete internationally. Kanishka Narayan explained that financial investment alone will not be enough to achieve these goals. He said the government is also pursuing broader policy reforms aimed at creating an environment that encourages technological innovation and industrial growth. Among the proposed measures are changes to immigration policies designed to attract highly skilled engineers and technology specialists from around the world. The government also plans to simplify planning procedures for major infrastructure projects, allowing new manufacturing facilities and research centers to be developed more quickly. Continued public investment is expected to support research, innovation, and the commercialization of emerging technologies. Although Britain currently has a relatively small semiconductor manufacturing sector compared with major global producers, Narayan believes the country has a significant advantage in semiconductor design. British companies and researchers have earned an international reputation for designing advanced chip architectures, providing what he describes as a strong foundation for expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities. Alongside efforts to promote technological growth, the government has indicated that it intends to introduce regulations addressing the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence. Narayan stated that responsible AI development requires safeguards to protect jobs, national security, and public interests. He stressed that the government does not support unregulated technological expansion and believes innovation should be accompanied by appropriate oversight. The minister also linked Britain’s technology strategy to growing geopolitical tensions surrounding artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies. He pointed to recent export restrictions imposed by the United States on advanced AI technologies as evidence that artificial intelligence has become a significant issue in international relations and global competition. Narayan also expressed concern about maintaining British ownership and influence over important technology assets. He highlighted Arm, the Cambridge-based semiconductor design company now owned by Japan’s SoftBank, as an example of British-founded innovation whose long-term economic value should continue to benefit the United Kingdom. As part of broader government restructuring, the administration has also announced plans to dissolve the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with its responsibilities expected to be integrated into other government departments. Through increased investment, policy reforms, and strategic regulation, the UK government aims to strengthen its position in the global technology sector. By supporting semiconductor manufacturing, encouraging AI innovation, and expanding advanced industrial capabilities, Britain hopes to secure long-term economic growth while enhancing its role in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common source of support for teenagers and young adults as many begin relying on AI-powered chatbots to navigate personal conversations, relationships, and everyday social situations. Recent national studies suggest that around 20 percent of young people now seek guidance from AI companions for emotional support and relationship advice instead of turning to friends, family members, or other trusted individuals. Experts say that the growing popularity of AI chatbots reflects changing communication habits among younger generations. Many users are employing these digital tools to help write difficult text messages, prepare for challenging conversations, and better understand complicated social interactions. For many, artificial intelligence provides a convenient and accessible way to think through personal situations before speaking with others. Researchers have found that many teenagers appreciate AI because it is available at any time of the day or night. Unlike human conversations, interacting with a chatbot does not involve the immediate fear of criticism, embarrassment, or rejection. This constant availability has made AI an appealing option for individuals who may feel anxious about discussing sensitive topics with people in their lives. Clinical psychologist Joshua Goodman believes that AI chatbots can offer users a comfortable environment to explore their thoughts and emotions. He explained that conversations with artificial intelligence may feel like a safe place where young people can discuss issues they might hesitate to share with parents, teachers, or friends. This sense of privacy and emotional comfort has contributed to the increasing use of AI for personal guidance. However, mental health professionals caution that artificial intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for genuine human relationships. While AI can provide information, suggestions, and conversational support, experts emphasize that it lacks the emotional understanding, empathy, and lived experience that real people bring to meaningful relationships. Clinical psychologist Mary Alvord has warned that although AI conversations may seem safe, users should remember that perceived privacy is different from actual privacy. She pointed out that interactions with chatbots may be stored, analyzed, or processed by technology providers, meaning users should be careful about sharing highly personal or sensitive information. Experts also stress that artificial intelligence cannot fully replicate the complexity of human communication. Media psychologist Don Grant explained that chatbots are generally designed to remain supportive and non-confrontational. While this may make conversations feel comfortable, it also means users may not experience the constructive challenges, disagreements, or honest feedback that often help people develop stronger communication skills and emotional resilience. According to specialists, relying too heavily on AI for social interactions could reduce opportunities to practice real-life communication. Building confidence in conversations, resolving disagreements, and forming lasting friendships require experiences that technology cannot fully provide. Human relationships involve empathy, body language, emotional understanding, and shared experiences that remain difficult for artificial intelligence to reproduce. To encourage a healthy balance, health professionals recommend using AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for personal relationships. They advise parents, educators, and young adults to establish clear boundaries regarding AI use while continuing to prioritize conversations with family members, friends, teachers, and mental health professionals when needed. Experts also encourage young people to regularly practice face-to-face communication, participate in social activities, and develop interpersonal skills that strengthen emotional well-being. These experiences help build self-confidence, improve problem-solving abilities, and create meaningful personal connections. As artificial intelligence continues to become part of everyday life, specialists believe it can play a positive role when used responsibly. However, they emphasize that maintaining genuine human relationships remains essential for emotional growth, mental health, and long-term social development. AI may offer convenience and support, but meaningful human connection continues to be irreplaceable.
LONDON: A British lawmaker has asked a London High Court to order Elon Musk’s xAI to prevent its Grok chatbot from generating manipulated sexualised images of her without consent. Labour lawmaker Jess Asato filed the case against xAI, alleging misuse of private information and breaches of data protection laws. She is seeking permanent technical measures that would stop Grok from producing altered images of her. Asato said fake content featuring her had been created after she publicly criticised Musk and Grok. She previously said one manipulated video depicted her being drugged and prepared for a sexual assault. Her lawyers argue that the design and training of Grok enabled users to generate sexualised material involving real people. They say the case could have wider implications for artificial intelligence developers and the way privacy and data protection laws apply to AI platforms. Court documents cited by Asato’s legal team reportedly refer to internal instructions given to Grok. Her lawyers claim the system contained safeguards against assisting users involved in criminal activity but had fewer restrictions concerning adult sexual and offensive content. Asato’s lawyer, Ravi Naik, argued that the platform’s behaviour reflected decisions made by its developers. He said those decisions should have legal consequences if the system fails to comply with privacy and data protection requirements. The lawsuit comes amid growing international criticism over AI-generated sexualised images. Critics have raised concerns that such technology can be used to create non-consensual material involving women and other individuals without their knowledge. xAI previously introduced restrictions on image editing in Grok. The company said it had blocked certain requests involving people in revealing clothing where such content was illegal. However, subsequent investigations found that the safeguards did not always prevent users from generating sexualised images of people, including when users indicated that the subjects had not given consent. The controversy has also triggered legal action in other jurisdictions. Baltimore filed a lawsuit against xAI over allegedly manipulated sexualised images generated using Grok. Other cases have also emerged in the United States and the Netherlands. Grok is available through Musk’s social media platform X. The AI chatbot has faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries over its image-generation capabilities. Asato’s case could therefore become an important test of whether AI companies can be held legally responsible for harmful manipulated content generated by their systems. xAI had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the allegations. The company had also not filed a response to the lawsuit at the time of the report.