Results for "State of Play"
78 results found

Congressional Proposal Would Charge Electric Vehicle Owners $130 Annual Road Fee
A bipartisan bill in Congress would require EV and plug-in hybrid owners to pay $130 each year for road maintenance, targeting lost gas tax revenue.

Jury Dismisses Musk's OpenAI Lawsuit Over Missed Deadline
A jury threw out Musk's OpenAI lawsuit for being filed too late. The trial exposed the feud between Musk and Altman but didn't rule on OpenAI's for-profit shift.

Chrome Proposes New API for Efficient Page Updates
Google Chrome has proposed a new web API for declarative partial updates, aiming to reduce full re-renders and boost performance in complex web apps.

Phone Makers Add Special Security Modes to Block Spyware Attacks
Apple, Google and Meta now offer special security modes that protect devices from targeted spyware. These settings limit device vulnerabilities for high-risk users.

Florida Sues OpenAI Over Alleged User Exploitation Tied to Mass Shooting
Florida sued OpenAI and Sam Altman over alleged deceptive practices after a mass shooter used ChatGPT to plan an attack at FSU.

Data centers are making Phoenix even hotter by up to 4 degrees
New research shows air-cooled data centers in Arizona create thermal plumes that raise local temperatures by up to 4°F, worsening heat waves and public health risks.

Illinois Passes Landmark AI Safety Bill With Third-Party Oversight
Illinois lawmakers passed the strongest AI safety bill in the US, requiring third-party audits for companies like OpenAI and Google. Governor JB Pritzker plans to sign it into law.

UK Businesses Boost AI and Security Spending Amid Rising Cyber Threats
UK companies are increasing investments in AI and cybersecurity despite fears that new tech could introduce fresh risks. Geopolitical tensions drive the surge.

Waymo Expands Self-Driving Tests to Virginia Near Washington DC
Waymo is mapping streets in Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia. The expansion brings autonomous vehicle testing close to the nation's capital.

Pope Francis unveils 'Magnifica Humanitas' to protect human dignity in AI development
Pope Francis launches an academic foundation called 'Magnifica Humanitas' to ensure AI development respects human dignity and moral values.

US Quantum Computing Push Faces Legal Challenge
A $2 billion US government investment in nine quantum computing startups is under fire. Rep. Zoe Lofgren argues the spending violates the CHIPS Act.

EU Forces Return of User-Replaceable Batteries in Smartphones
New EU regulations require smartphones and tablets to have user-replaceable batteries, aiming to boost repairability and reduce e-waste.

FBI Warns of Fake FIFA Websites Targeting World Cup Fans
The FBI warns dozens of spoofed FIFA sites are stealing data from fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Learn how to avoid phishing scams.

Africa's Innovation Ecosystems Grow But Still Captures Only 1% of Global Activity
Africa's tech scaleup ecosystems more than doubled in a decade but represent just 1% of global figures. Four hubs dominate while clean energy emerges as a key strength.

AI-Generated Lawsuits Overwhelm Courts as Unrepresented Plaintiffs Turn to Chatbots
Individuals without lawyers are using AI tools like ChatGPT to file lawsuits. The low-quality cases, dubbed 'slopsuits,' are clogging judicial dockets and raising concerns about misuse of technology.

FBI seeks real-time access to nationwide license plate camera network
The FBI issued a request for proposals for nationwide license plate reader data in near real time. The contract would cover 75% of US locations and enable tracking of vehicles.

Black founders secure $1.1B in Q1, but VC share remains tiny
Black founders raised $1.1 billion in Q1 2025, the most quarterly funding since 2022. Yet the haul accounts for just 2% of total venture capital, underscoring persistent disparities.

Oscars Ban AI Performances and Screenplays in Rule Update
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ruled that AI-generated performances and screenplays are not eligible for Oscars. The move sets a clear boundary for artificial intelligence in Hollywood.

AI Critics Call Training Data Practices 'Unauthorized Plagiarism at Scale'
A rising number of critics argue generative AI systems rely on unauthorized copying of copyrighted work, amounting to plagiarism at unprecedented scale. The debate intensifies as lawsuits mount and regulators weigh new rules for training data.

A machine that mimics nature to explore beyond AI's limits
A new type of computing machine, inspired by natural processes, aims to solve problems that traditional AI cannot. This approach could open up new frontiers in scientific discovery.