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FTC probes 6 tech giants over AI chatbot safety for children
The Federal Trade Commission has launched a broad inquiry into how six major technology companies monitor AI chatbots for potential harm to children. The investigation targets OpenAI, Google's parent Alphabet, Meta, Snap, xAI, and Character.AI, asking these companies to provide detailed information about their safety measures and how they restrict minors' access to potentially inappropriate AI-generated content. What you should know: The FTC is conducting a comprehensive study rather than a formal legal investigation, focusing on how companies handle children's interactions with AI chatbots. The agency specifically asked about the prevalence of "sexually themed" responses from chatbots and what safeguards...
read Sep 11, 2025New Jersey teachers adopt AI with $1.5M in state funding
New Jersey teachers are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence as a classroom tool, with some educators creating AI-powered teaching assistants and interactive learning experiences for their students. This shift comes as the state has invested $1.5 million in grants to fund AI education programs, signaling a broader acceptance of the technology despite ongoing concerns about academic integrity and student safety. What you should know: Teachers across New Jersey are using AI platforms to create customized learning experiences and streamline classroom management. Erin Cutillo, a technology teacher at Memorial Elementary School in Howell, uses SchoolAI to create chatbots that act as teaching...
read Sep 11, 202547% of retail brands now use AI daily for business operations
Nearly half of retail brands now use artificial intelligence daily or weekly, marking a shift from experimental projects to embedded business operations, according to Amperity's 2025 State of AI in Retail survey. This mainstream adoption reflects retailers' focus on measurable outcomes like revenue growth, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency, with 97 percent planning to maintain or increase their AI investments this year. What you should know: AI integration is becoming seamless across retail operations, from customer data management to personalized marketing campaigns. "We have AI embedded across many parts of the business, which makes it feel seamless rather than experimental,"...
read Sep 11, 2025OpenSpace launches AI indoor positioning that cuts documentation time by 50%
OpenSpace has introduced an AI-powered auto-location service that provides real-time indoor positioning for smartphones on construction sites, eliminating the need for additional hardware like Bluetooth beacons. The technology addresses a longstanding pain point in construction workflows where GPS fails to work effectively indoors once buildings are enclosed, potentially transforming how contractors document and manage jobsite progress. How it works: OpenSpace's Spatial AI compares real-time sensor data from smartphones with maps generated from pre-existing 360° captures of indoor spaces on the platform. The system progressively refines location estimations even as jobsites change over time, using entirely software-based solutions rather than requiring...
read Sep 11, 2025To LEGO, and beyond! Over 1,200 students compete in California FIRST robotics challenge DECODE
Over 115 California high school engineering teams gathered at La Cañada High School for the FIRST Tech Challenge DECODE season kickoff on September 6, drawing more than 1,200 participants and family members. The event launched this year's robotics competition, where students design and build robots to compete in challenges that prepare them for STEM careers through hands-on engineering experience. What you should know: FIRST Tech Challenge is a global nonprofit program that engages students ages 4-18 in team-based robotics competitions designed to build future-ready skills. Teams work with mentors throughout the year to design, build, and program robots for competition....
read Sep 11, 2025Anker’s eufy E30 4K security camera now $20 off at $49.98
Anker's eufy E30 Indoor Cam is now available for $49.98 through Amazon, down from its usual $70 price tag. The budget-friendly security camera offers 4K resolution, 360-degree panoramic views, and AI-powered tracking capabilities, making it an attractive option for households monitoring children, pets, or general home security without ongoing subscription fees. Key features: The E30 delivers comprehensive home monitoring with advanced capabilities typically found in higher-end models. 4K Ultra-Clear recording: Provides crystal-clear 24/7 recording with built-in two-way audio for real-time communication with family members or pets. 360-degree panoramic view: Users can navigate their home's view through new app features like...
read Sep 11, 2025Seattle unveils responsible AI plan with 40 priority projects
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled a comprehensive "responsible AI plan" designed to guide the city's artificial intelligence use while positioning Seattle as a leader in the AI economy. The initiative includes frameworks for AI deployment in city operations, employee training programs, and strategic partnerships with local tech companies to tackle urban challenges like permitting delays and traffic safety. What you should know: Seattle is leveraging its position as the second-ranked city for AI talent to create a balanced approach to AI adoption in municipal operations.• The city has identified 40 priority projects where AI could improve government performance and...
read Sep 11, 2025US proposes annual permits for Samsung, SK Hynix China chip plants
Washington is considering a significant shift in how it regulates semiconductor trade with China, potentially replacing indefinite equipment import waivers for Korean chipmakers with annual permits that could reshape global memory chip production. The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed issuing yearly licenses to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea's memory chip giants, allowing them to bring American-made manufacturing equipment into their Chinese facilities under stricter oversight. This represents a notable departure from the more permissive approach these companies previously enjoyed. The stakes for Korean chipmakers Both Samsung and SK Hynix have built substantial manufacturing operations in China that...
read Sep 11, 2025Young VCs, like young coders, question industry involvement
Dawn Capital partner Shamillah Bankiya warns of an "exodus" of young venture capitalists from the industry as the end of the 2022 bull run and AI's impact reshape investment dynamics. The 34-year-old, who becomes a full equity partner this week, believes the industry may be returning to its "artisanal roots" after years of excess, with young investors increasingly questioning whether venture capital remains the fastest path to wealth. The big picture: The venture capital industry is experiencing a significant talent drain as market conditions tighten and AI transforms traditional investment practices. Research by Pitchbook shows the number of active venture...
read Sep 11, 2025Construction robotics market to hit $8.47B by 2034 amid labor shortages
The advanced robotics in construction market is projected to surge from $1.53 billion in 2024 to $8.47 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 18.7%. This dramatic expansion reflects the construction industry's urgent need to address labor shortages, safety concerns, and efficiency demands through automation technologies ranging from autonomous vehicles to 3D printing robots. Why this matters: Construction companies are increasingly turning to robotics to solve persistent industry challenges while meeting growing infrastructure demands in an era of rapid urbanization. Key market drivers: Several factors are accelerating adoption of construction robotics across the industry. Labor shortages in...
read Sep 11, 2025Apple denies changing AI training rules after Trump election
Apple has strongly denied a Politico report claiming the company modified its AI training guidelines following Donald Trump's election, specifically around topics like diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), vaccines, and Trump-related content. The denial comes amid broader industry scrutiny over how tech companies handle politically sensitive topics in AI development. What Politico claimed: The publication reviewed internal documents showing Apple updated its AI training guidelines in March 2025, allegedly making significant changes to how its models handle sensitive political topics.• The report claimed sections on "intolerance" and "systemic racism" were removed from training materials.• Topics like DEI policies, Gaza, Crimea,...
read Sep 11, 2025Beyond the ankle bracelet: Oklahoma considers AI to monitor parolees with facial recognition
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a proposal from Montana-based Global Accountability to implement an AI-powered parole and probation monitoring system that would use facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for check-ins. The state could become the first in the nation to adopt the company's Absolute ID platform, which would cost approximately $2 million for a one-year pilot program covering 300 parolees and up to 40 officers. What you should know: The Absolute ID platform combines biometric identification (facial recognition and fingerprints), location tracking, and virtual boundary alerts to monitor people on parole and probation through smartphones and smartwatches. Users would scan their...
read Sep 11, 2025Hotels now need to win over both humans and AI agents, says study
Artificial intelligence agents are reshaping how hotels must approach customer loyalty, moving beyond traditional brand awareness to algorithmic optimization, according to new research from Florida Atlantic University. The study reveals that as AI agents increasingly handle travel bookings on behalf of consumers, hotels face a fundamental shift from winning human hearts to earning the trust of algorithms that filter and recommend options. What you should know: Hotels must now design loyalty strategies that appeal to both human guests and the AI systems making decisions for them. Traditional marketing approaches like emotional branding and search engine optimization are becoming insufficient as...
read Sep 11, 2025Chinese robotics startup AI2 eyes IPO after securing $70M robot deal
Chinese robotics startup AI2 Robotics plans to go public within one to two years, driven by explosive revenue growth from industrial demand for its humanoid robots. The company just secured a $70 million contract with semiconductor display manufacturer HKC Corporation for over 1,000 humanoid robots across three years—nearly five times its $15 million revenue from the first half of 2024. What you should know: AI2 Robotics is targeting aggressive growth as China's robotics sector capitalizes on long-term demographic challenges. CEO Eric Guo projects "10 times growth (in revenue) pretty much every year" as industrial automation demand accelerates. The startup has...
read Sep 11, 2025Study finds central banks only partially shielded from political influence
A new study using AI agents to simulate Federal Reserve meetings found that political pressure significantly polarizes central bank decision-making, even within institutions designed to be independent. The research by George Washington University academics suggests the Fed is "only partially insulated from politics," revealing how external scrutiny can fragment board consensus and increase dissent in monetary policy discussions. The simulation setup: Researchers created AI agents modeled on real Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members using their historical policy stances, biographies, and speeches to replicate the July 2025 meeting. The AI agents processed real-time economic data and financial news to reach...
read Sep 11, 2025OpenAI ponders South Korea data center amid Samsung and SK partnerships
OpenAI is considering building a data center in South Korea while expanding partnerships with major Korean conglomerates like Samsung and SK, according to remarks made during the launch of its Seoul office. The move aligns with South Korea's push for AI sovereignty and positions OpenAI to tap into the country's advanced semiconductor ecosystem as it prepares to manufacture its own AI chips. What you should know: OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon confirmed the company's openness to Korean infrastructure investments during a September 10 press conference. "When it comes to the hardware chip side, I think we have a lot...
read Sep 11, 2025Albania appoints AI bot “Diella” as government minister to fight corruption
Albania has appointed an AI bot named Diella as a government minister to handle all public procurement contracts, marking what Prime Minister Edi Rama calls the country's first "virtually created" cabinet member. The move aims to eliminate corruption in government contracting, a persistent problem that has complicated Albania's bid for European Union membership by 2030. What you should know: Diella, which means "sun" in Albanian, will manage and award all public tenders where the government contracts private companies for various projects.• Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the appointment during his fourth term cabinet unveiling on Thursday, describing Diella as "impervious...
read Sep 11, 2025FDA to review AI mental health chatbots over safety concerns, unpredictability
The Food and Drug Administration will convene an expert advisory committee on November 6 to address regulatory challenges for AI-powered mental health devices, as concerns mount over unpredictable chatbot outputs from large language models. The move signals the agency may soon implement stricter oversight of digital mental health tools that use generative artificial intelligence. Why this matters: The FDA's focus on AI mental health devices comes as more companies release chatbots powered by large language models, whose unpredictable responses could pose safety risks to vulnerable patients seeking mental health support. What you should know: The Digital Health Advisory Committee (DHAC)...
read Sep 11, 2025PixVerse creator AIsphere raises $60M from Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba
AIsphere, the Beijing-based startup behind the popular AI video generator PixVerse, has raised $60 million in a funding round led by Alibaba Group Holding, the Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant. This marks the largest single funding amount raised by a domestic AI video generation company, reflecting the growing investment interest in China's AI video creation market as Big Tech firms seek to complement their offerings through strategic partnerships with specialized startups. Key details: The funding round included participation from Singapore-based venture capital firm Antler and the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, though the company's valuation was not disclosed....
read Sep 10, 2025517K AI workers drive rent spikes in Seattle, San Francisco and more
The artificial intelligence job boom is driving up rents in major tech hubs across the US and Canada, as more than 517,000 AI-skilled workers compete for housing in already expensive markets. This surge in high-paid tech talent is creating a double squeeze on housing costs, with AI professionals able to afford premium rents while pricing out other residents in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. The big picture: AI worker populations have exploded by more than 50% in the past year, with growth concentrated in cities that were already struggling with housing affordability before the AI revolution began....
read Sep 10, 2025RFK Jr. mandates ChatGPT for all HHS employees amid staff revolt
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has mandated that all Department of Health and Human Services employees begin using ChatGPT, according to an internal email sent Tuesday titled "AI Deployment." The directive comes amid significant backlash against Kennedy's leadership, with over 1,000 current and former HHS employees calling for his resignation in an open letter citing actions that "endanger the nation's health." What you should know: The ChatGPT deployment will be overseen by HHS's new Chief Information Officer Clark Minor, a former employee of Palantir, a data analytics company. Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill sent the email stating that "artificial intelligence is beginning...
read Sep 10, 2025Adobe launches 6 AI agents to automate marketing campaigns
Adobe has unveiled a comprehensive AI agent system designed to transform how marketing and customer experience teams manage campaigns and customer interactions. The Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) Agent Orchestrator, now generally available alongside six specialized AI agents, represents a significant shift toward automated, intelligent marketing operations that could help teams scale their efforts dramatically. The launch addresses a fundamental challenge facing modern marketing teams: managing increasingly complex customer journeys across multiple channels while delivering personalized experiences at scale. Rather than forcing marketers to juggle multiple tools and platforms, Adobe's system uses a central orchestration layer that coordinates specialized AI agents...
read Sep 10, 2025AI’s art of the deal: CarEdge’s negotiator saves buyers $1K+ by handling dealership talks
Zach Shefska, the 30-year-old CEO of CarEdge, claims his company's AI negotiator can save car buyers thousands of dollars by handling dealership negotiations without human involvement. Since launching in July, the AI system has helped over 2,000 paying customers navigate the traditionally stressful car-buying process while keeping their personal information completely private. How it works: CarEdge's AI creates anonymous email addresses and phone numbers to contact dealerships directly on behalf of customers. The system is built on large language models enhanced with CarEdge's proprietary market insights and negotiation training from six years of pricing data across hundreds of thousands of...
read Sep 10, 2025Scientists map quantum landscapes that could unlock room-temperature superconductors
Researchers are now mapping the hidden quantum landscape inside materials, a breakthrough that could lead to revolutionary discoveries comparable to the transistor's development in the late 1920s. This quantum topography may determine material properties and could unlock room-temperature superconductors or entirely new classes of materials with transformative applications. The big picture: Despite our increasingly digital world, materials science remains fundamental to modern life, from steel in construction to lithium in batteries, and this new quantum understanding could dramatically expand what's possible. Why this matters: The last major breakthrough in materials science—understanding electron energy bands in the 1920s—led directly to the...
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