United News of Bangladesh

The Taliban’s growing restrictions on internet and social media platforms are infringing upon the rights of Afghans, United Nations experts said Friday, after the country faced severe disruption to telecom services in recent weeks. Afghanistan suffered a 48-hour internet blackout from September 29, coinciding with a new “morality drive” introduced by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who had earlier ordered the suspension of fiber-optic services in several provinces. Authorities confirmed the fiber-optic shutdown but offered no explanation for the two-day nationwide outage. Although connectivity was largely restored by October 1, U.N. experts — including Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan — said the Taliban have since imposed restrictions on access to major social media platforms starting October 7. According to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat have been blocked across multiple service providers in Afghanistan. “These new restrictions, though not yet total, appear to form part of a broader and deliberate effort to control public discourse and regulate social behavior,” the U.N. team of experts said in a statement. They urged the Taliban authorities to immediately restore full access and refrain from further curbs that violate Afghans’ civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The experts warned that such shutdowns further isolate the Afghan people from the international community and sever communication with relatives abroad, who often provide vital financial support through remittances. The U.N. experts, appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, serve independently and on a voluntary basis. The Taliban government has not yet commented on the U.N. statement.  Source:AP 

Britain’s antitrust watchdog on Friday labeled Google a “strategic” player in the online search advertising market, paving the way for regulators to force the company to change its business practices to ensure more competition in that market. The Competition and Markets Authority said its investigation found that the U.S. tech giant has “strategic market status" because it has “substantial and entrenched market power” in general search and search advertising. It marks the first time the watchdog has issued the designation since new U.K. digital rules took effect at the start of the year. The label doesn't imply any wrongdoing. But the regulator said it means it has the power to consider using “proportionate, targeted" measures to make sure “general search services are open to effective competition” and that consumers and businesses are treated fairly. Online search ads appear alongside results from Google's search engine, usually tagged as “Ad” or “Sponsored" — versus online display ads, which appear on a company's website. The CMA says Google accounts for more than 90% of the U.K.'s online searches and more than 200,000 of the country's businesses rely on Google search ads to reach customers Google said it expects to face new rules and regulations on how its search service works. The CMA didn’t announce any immediate fixes, saying it plans to begin discussions later this year. The watchdog has previously outlined possible remedies, including giving users “choice screens” for rival search services when they use products like the Chrome browser and Android mobile operating system. Another proposal is forcing Google to make search results ranking and presentation fair and non-discriminatory, and give businesses an effective way to complain if they’ve been treated unfairly. “Many of the ideas for interventions that have been raised in this process would inhibit UK innovation and growth, potentially slowing product launches at a time of profound AI-based innovation,” Google's senior director for competition, Oliver Bethell, said in a blog post. “Others pose direct harm to businesses, with some warning that they may be forced to raise prices for customers.” Google, along with Apple, is the subject of a separate U.K. investigation into whether their mobile ecosystems should be given strategic market status, with a decision expected by Oct. 22.

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update brings a new feature designed to help users block spam and unwanted calls — a built-in call screening tool that acts as a virtual assistant between users and unknown callers. The feature, available on iPhone 11 and later models, can be activated by going to Settings → Apps → Phone, where users will find a new option titled Screen Unknown Callers. Choosing the “Ask Reason for Calling” option allows Siri to ask unknown callers for their name and purpose before deciding whether to connect the call. When a call is screened, users receive a live transcription of the caller’s response in message-style bubbles. They can then choose to answer, ignore, or reply with preset or custom messages that Siri reads aloud to the caller. While the feature offers an alternative to completely silencing unknown numbers, some users have reported mixed results. Many say it effectively filters robocalls and spam, but others note that legitimate callers—like delivery drivers or service technicians—sometimes hang up, mistaking the AI prompt for an answering machine. OpenAI, AMD sign partnership to build next-generation AI infrastructure If users find the feature inconvenient, it can be turned off anytime through the same settings menu. Apple’s move brings it in line with Android, where Google introduced automatic call screening for Pixel phones several years ago. The tool has since expanded to users in Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Samsung’s Galaxy devices also provide a similar option using its Bixby text call assistant. With spam and robocalls continuing to rise globally, Apple’s new screening function offers iPhone users a much-needed digital filter against the daily flood of unwanted calls. Source: AP

Growing doubts over the economic benefits of artificial intelligence are drawing the attention of financial institutions, with warnings emerging this week about a possible AI investment bubble. Officials at the Bank of England on Wednesday highlighted the increasing risk that tech stock prices, inflated by the AI boom, could sharply correct. The U.K. central bank said, The risk of a sharp market correction has increased. Hours later, the head of the International Monetary Fund echoed the concern. Global stock prices have been surging amid optimism about AI's productivity-boosting potential, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said. But she warned that financial conditions could turn abruptly, ahead of the IMF’s annual meeting next week in Washington. Signs of a potential bubble Bubbles are notoriously difficult to pinpoint, but there are signs that a bubble may be forming in AI, according to Adam Slater, lead economist at Oxford Economics. He cited rapid growth in tech stock prices, technology stocks now representing about 40% of the S&P 500, market valuations appearing stretched, and widespread optimism about AI’s future despite significant uncertainties. Optimistic projections suggest generative AI could transform the global economy, producing annual productivity gains unseen since post-World War II Europe. On the other hand, MIT economist Daron Acemoglu projects a more modest U.S. productivity gain of just 0.7% over the next decade. Slater said, You’ve got this incredibly wide range of possibilities. Nobody really knows where it’s going to land. Investor caution Investors have closely monitored a string of deals between top AI developers, such as OpenAI, and companies producing the expensive chips and data centers that power these technologies. Privately held OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, does not yet turn a profit but is now valued at $500 billion, making it the world’s most valuable startup. It recently signed major deals with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD, and a $300 billion agreement with Oracle for future data center development. The Bank of England did not single out companies by name but said equity valuations appear stretched, particularly for AI-focused tech firms, and are comparable to the peak of the 2000 dotcom bubble. With tech stocks comprising an ever-larger share of market indexes, the bank warned that markets are vulnerable if AI-related expectations turn less optimistic. Downside risks include potential shortages of electricity, data, or chips that could slow AI progress, or technological shifts that reduce demand for existing AI infrastructure. Georgieva added, Current stock valuations are heading toward levels we saw during the internet boom 25 years ago. If a sharp correction occurs, tighter financial conditions could drag down global growth. Tech leaders push back Tech executives, however, have downplayed fears of a financial bubble, describing the current AI surge as an industrial rather than a financial phenomenon. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said the AI boom could benefit society even if some companies fail, comparing it to the biotech bubble of the 1990s that produced life-saving drugs. Bezos noted that the surge in funding is creating both opportunities and confusion for investors, who struggle to distinguish good ideas from bad in the midst of excitement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned of short-term misallocations of capital and fluctuations in investment levels but expressed confidence that AI will drive unprecedented economic growth, scientific breakthroughs, and improvements in quality of life. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged that OpenAI currently lacks the funds to purchase all the chips it needs but expects the company to raise money through revenue growth, equity, or debt. He emphasized that leading AI systems are now moving beyond basic chatbots to higher-level reasoning, capable of accessing online information, analyzing documents, and providing useful outputs. Future of AI tools AI developers have been promoting AI agents that go beyond chatbots by performing tasks like coding on behalf of users. However, Forrester analyst Sudha Maheshwari noted that businesses are increasingly scrutinizing whether these tools deliver adequate returns. She warned, Every bubble inevitably bursts, and in 2026, AI will lose its sheen, trading its tiara for a hard hat. The debate continues over whether the AI boom represents transformative technological progress or a financial bubble poised for correction. Source: AP

The year 2025 has brought an impressive lineup of flagship smartphones blending elegance, performance, and innovation. Tech giants like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Sony are leading the way. These devices are redefining luxury, power, and creativity in the modern smartphone world. Let's take a look at the high-end smartphones released in 2025. Best Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far . Samsung Galaxy S25 Series The Samsung Galaxy S25 series includes the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Bringing power, style, and innovation to Android flagships, this series was launched on February 3, 2025. All models feature Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chips, Android 15 with One UI 7, and stunning Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X 120Hz displays.  The compact S25 has a 6.2-inch screen and 4000mAh battery, while the S25+ offers a 6.7-inch QHD+ display and 4900mAh battery. The top-tier S25 Ultra flaunts a 6.9-inch QHD+ display, 200MP quad camera, S Pen, and 5000mAh battery. Prices in Bangladesh start at BDT 75,000 for S25, BDT 139,999 for S25+, and 199,999 for S25 Ultra. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review: Perfect Balance of Power, Performance Apple iPhone 17 Series Released on September 19, 2025, the iPhone 17 series — including the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — showcases Apple’s finest design and power yet. All models feature Ceramic Shield 2 protection, 120Hz Super Retina XDR OLED displays, and the latest iOS 26 powered by the A19 or A19 Pro chip.  The lineup ranges from the slim 17 Air to the feature-rich 17 Pro Max with its triple 48MP cameras, LiDAR, and massive 5088mAh battery. Storage options span 256GB to 2TB, and Bangladeshi prices start around BDT 120,000, reaching up to BDT 195,000 for the top variant. Read more: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Review : Apple’s Bold Leap into the Future Oppo Find N5 Unveiled on February 19, 2025, and released a week later, the Oppo Find N5 redefines the foldable experience with its elegant 8.12-inch LTPO OLED main display and 6.62-inch cover screen, both supporting 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+. Crafted with Nanocrystal Glass, a titanium hinge, and IPX9 water resistance, it is as durable as it is premium.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) and ColorOS 15 on Android 15, performance is effortless. The 50MP triple Hasselblad-tuned cameras, 5600mAh battery, and 80W fast charging make it perfect for power users. Available in up to 1TB storage, the Find N5 costs around BDT 215,000 in Bangladesh.  Read more: Oppo A6 Max Review with Price in Bangladesh Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Launched on July 25, 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 elevates foldable innovation to new heights. Built with Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2, an advanced aluminum frame, and IP48 dust and water resistance, it is both durable and elegant. The 8.0-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display unfolds into a tablet-like experience, while the 6.5-inch cover screen ensures seamless use on the go.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) and Android 16 with One UI 8, it delivers flagship performance. Its 200MP triple camera, 4400mAh battery, and up to 1TB storage complete the package, priced around BDT 171,000 in Bangladesh.  Read more: realme 15T Review with Price in Bangladesh Motorola Razr 60 Series The Motorola Razr 60 series blends retro charm with futuristic power. It was unveiled on April 24, 2025, and launched the next day. The Razr 60 sports a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED foldable display and a 3.6-inch external screen, powered by the Dimensity 7400X (4nm) and Android 15. Its 50MP dual camera, 4500mAh battery, and sleek eco-leather finish offer premium flair at BDT 63,000.  On the other hand, the Razr 60 Ultra takes things up a notch with a 7.0-inch 165Hz Dolby Vision display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 50MP dual cameras. It also comes with a 4700mAh battery with 68W fast charging, priced at around BDT 160,000 in Bangladesh. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh in October 2025

Artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has signed a chip supply and infrastructure partnership with semiconductor maker AMD, marking a major step toward expanding its computing capacity to meet surging global AI demand, the companies announced Monday. Under the agreement, OpenAI will purchase AMD’s latest high-performance graphics chips, the upcoming Instinct MI450, which is set to debut next year. The partnership will deliver 6 gigawatts of computing power for OpenAI’s next-generation AI infrastructure, with the first batch—worth 1 gigawatt—scheduled for deployment in the second half of 2026. As part of the deal, AMD granted OpenAI a warrant to purchase up to 160 million shares, or about 10% of AMD’s common stock, based on the company’s 1.6 billion outstanding shares. The warrant will vest upon meeting milestones tied to the amount of computing power deployed and certain share price targets. The agreement also gives OpenAI the option to acquire as much as a 10% stake in AMD, according to a joint statement. Following the announcement, AMD’s shares surged nearly 24% on Monday, while Nvidia’s shares slipped 1% after months of record highs. “This partnership is a major step in building the compute capacity needed to realize AI’s full potential,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a statement. “AMD’s leadership in high-performance chips will enable us to accelerate progress and bring the benefits of advanced AI to everyone faster.” The deal represents a major boost for Santa Clara, California-based AMD, which has trailed its rival Nvidia amid the ongoing AI chip boom. It also reflects OpenAI’s strategy to diversify its chip supply chain and reduce reliance on Nvidia, whose dominance in the AI computing sector has made it the world’s most valuable company. Last month, OpenAI and Nvidia announced a $100 billion partnership to expand data center capacity by at least 10 gigawatts. Hundreds of Nvidia’s high-powered GB200 systems are already being installed at OpenAI’s flagship Stargate data center under construction in Abilene, Texas. Analysts at Barclays said the AMD deal underscores the sheer scale of AI’s computing needs rather than competition between chipmakers. “The infrastructure required to meet AI demand largely doesn’t exist today,” Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley wrote in a note to investors. “But this is further proof that the ecosystem is desperate for more compute.” Source: AP

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to block a lower court ruling that forces Google to significantly revamp its Android Play Store, following a jury decision that found the tech giant had operated an illegal monopoly. In a brief, one-line order, the Supreme Court rejected Google’s request to pause a mandate issued nearly a year ago by U.S. District Judge James Donato. The judge's ruling requires Google to make sweeping changes to how it operates its app marketplace on Android devices — which dominate the smartphone market outside of Apple’s iPhones. Key among the changes: Google must open up its entire catalog of Android apps to competing app stores, and allow these rivals to be accessed and downloaded directly through the Play Store. Google warned in a recent filing that this requirement would put over 100 million U.S. Play Store users at risk, claiming it could open the door to malicious or pirated apps. The company also said it would be forced to begin complying with the order by October 22 unless the Supreme Court intervened. Despite its objections, Google said it will begin implementing the required changes while continuing to challenge the ruling. “We believe the District Court's order compromises user safety,” the company stated. Google had previously managed to avoid implementing the changes while it appealed both the monopoly verdict and the judge’s order. But that strategy hit a wall two months ago when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Google’s bid for a stay. In its Supreme Court petition, Google argued the ruling unfairly compels it to act as a distribution platform for its competitors. However, Judge Donato said Google's exclusive grip on the Play Store — and particularly its control of in-app payments — gave it an unfair advantage and resulted in billions of dollars in annual profits. At the heart of the legal battle is the 15–30% commission Google collects on in-app transactions. This fee structure was a central issue in a 2020 antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games, creator of Fortnite. That case led to a month-long trial in federal court and ultimately a jury verdict against Google. While Epic lost a similar legal fight against Apple — with a judge ruling that the iPhone App Store was not a monopoly — Apple was still ordered to permit developers to link to other payment methods. That move led to further legal conflict, including Apple being held in contempt of court earlier this year. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney praised the Supreme Court's decision on Monday, saying it would give consumers the freedom to choose different payment options “without fees, scare screens, and friction.” Though the changes may reduce Play Store revenue, Google’s primary earnings come from its massive digital advertising business, built around its dominant search engine. That part of its empire is also under pressure: the U.S. Justice Department has declared both Google Search and segments of its ad tech operations illegal monopolies. In one DOJ case, a judge earlier this year rejected a proposal to break up Google’s search business — a decision widely seen as a temporary win for the company. Meanwhile, a separate case focused on Google's ad tech is ongoing, with final arguments set for November 17 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Healthcare AI startup Heidi has raised $65 million in a Series B funding round led by Point72 Private Investments, with participation from existing investors Blackbird, Headline, and Latitude, the growth fund of Phoenix Court. The new investment values the company at $465 million, bringing its total funding to nearly $100 million. The funds will accelerate Heidi’s goal of building an AI Care Partner designed to support clinicians by automating time-consuming administrative tasks such as clinical documentation, evidence searches, and patient follow-ups. According to research, clinicians currently spend almost as much time on administrative work as on direct patient care. In just 18 months, Heidi’s tools have saved over 18 million clinician hours by streamlining these processes. Dr. Thomas Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Heidi and a former vascular surgery resident, said: “It is untenable that healthcare demand continues to rise while clinical time continues to shrink. Building a sustainable healthcare system requires expanding clinical capacity without compromising clinician wellbeing or patient safety. That’s why I founded Heidi — to build an AI Care Partner that stands alongside clinicians, empowering them to deliver the care to which they have dedicated their lives.” Heidi now supports tens of thousands of clinicians across 200 specialties, helping facilitate more than 73 million patient consults globally. The platform currently handles over two million consults weekly in 110 languages across 116 countries. With the new investment, Heidi plans to expand its workforce and strengthen operations in the US, UK, and Canada, while deepening adoption in France, Spain, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Snapchat to charge users for storing old photos and videos The company is working with several major healthcare systems worldwide, including the UK’s Modality Partnership — in what is described as the largest deployment of ambient AI in British healthcare — and pilot programs with NHS Trusts in London and Lancashire. In the US, Heidi is collaborating with Beth Israel Lahey Health in Massachusetts and MaineGeneral in Maine. It is also the official AI partner of the Yukon Government in Canada, and is working with Australia’s Monash Health and Queensland Health Children’s Hospital. New Zealand’s Health Ministry has endorsed Heidi as one of two AI providers approved for public health trials. Sri Chandrasekar, Managing Partner at Point72 Private Investments, said: “We believe administrative burden is contributing to clinician burnout and capacity challenges across healthcare systems. Heidi’s platform has the potential to meaningfully improve how clinicians manage their administrative workflows. We’re impressed by their adoption rates and are excited to support their vision of expanding healthcare capacity while preserving the human touch in patient care.” Heidi also announced new leadership appointments: Paul Williamson, former Head of Revenue at Plaid, joins as Chief Revenue Officer, and Dr. Simon Kos, former Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft, becomes Chief Medical Officer. Williamson said: “During my career, I’ve worked with companies that have transformed their industries — from Salesforce to Plaid. Today, I join Heidi’s mission to redefine healthcare in the age of AI.” Dr. Kos added: “With Heidi by their side, clinicians not only improve their experience of delivering care but also enhance the patient experience. Heidi’s vision extends beyond ambient voice technology to a future where every clinician can use AI to expand their capacity while protecting the human touch in healthcare.”

A series of mysterious drone flights across the airspace of several European Union nations in recent weeks has sparked widespread concern among citizens and political leaders. The unprecedented number of airspace intrusions — many suspected to be linked to Russia — has raised alarm about NATO’s readiness to respond to potential threats from Moscow. Some European officials believe the incidents could be deliberate attempts by Russia to test the alliance’s defenses. On September 10, a swarm of Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO fighter jets to scramble and intercept the unmanned aircraft, shooting some of them down. It marked the first direct confrontation between NATO and Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. A few days later, NATO jets escorted three Russian warplanes out of Estonian airspace. Since then, drone sightings have been reported near airports, military installations, and critical infrastructure across Europe, prompting EU defense ministers to propose building a “drone wall” to improve detection and interception of unauthorized flights. While Russia has been accused of involvement, it has denied any deliberate actions. European authorities have released limited details about the incidents, and in several cases, governments delayed acknowledging the overflights. In Denmark, authorities received around 500 reports of drone sightings within a single day — some of which later turned out to be false alarms, such as stars mistaken for drones. Governments across Europe are still determining how to respond to such intrusions, including whether to authorize shooting down drones in real time. Airport disruptions across EuropeGermany’s Munich Airport reopened on Saturday morning after being closed twice in less than 24 hours due to drone sightings. The shutdown caused delays affecting at least 6,500 passengers. In Denmark, drone activity over Copenhagen Airport on September 22 disrupted air traffic at Scandinavia’s busiest hub. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date,” adding that Russian involvement could not be ruled out. Confusion over Afghan internet outage after purported Taliban statement found false That same evening, drone activity was reported at Norway’s Oslo Airport, forcing operations to be restricted to a single runway. Authorities are investigating whether the incidents at the two major airports were connected. Drones over Danish military basesBetween September 24 and 25, drones were seen over four smaller Danish airports, including two military bases. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the flights as “systematic” and likely conducted by a “professional” actor. Local media also reported drone sightings above or near Karup Air Base, Denmark’s largest military facility. However, the Defense Ministry declined to confirm the reports, citing operational security and ongoing investigations. Critical sites targeted in GermanyIn Germany, authorities are probing reports of unidentified drones flying over critical infrastructure in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. According to Der Spiegel, several drones were sighted on September 25 above a power plant in Kiel, as well as near a university hospital, a shipyard, and the premises of TKMS — a defense technology company. Regional Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack confirmed that “flying objects of various types and sizes” had been detected, and prosecutors have launched an investigation. The report also mentioned drones spotted over government buildings, a refinery in Heide, and a military base in Sanitz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Source: AP 

A coalition made up of healthcare providers, religious organizations, professors, and other groups has filed a federal lawsuit to block a newly imposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. They argue the fee has caused confusion and disruption for employers, foreign workers, and government agencies. President Donald Trump signed the order on September 19, claiming the H-1B program had been misused to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The policy was set to take effect just 36 hours later, leading many employers to urgently call their foreign employees back to the U.S. Filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, the lawsuit states that the H-1B program plays a vital role in hiring skilled workers in healthcare and education, contributing to U.S. innovation and economic development. “If the court doesn’t intervene, hospitals could lose doctors and nurses, churches may be left without pastors, schools could face teacher shortages, and key industries may lose critical talent,” said the Democracy Forward Foundation and Justice Action Center in a joint statement. The suit demands an immediate block of the order to stabilize the situation. The groups criticized the new fee as "Trump’s latest anti-immigration power grab." The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection — named in the lawsuit along with Trump and the State Department — have not responded to requests for comment. Congress originally created the H-1B visa to attract skilled foreign professionals for jobs that are hard to fill locally, particularly in the tech sector. According to the lawsuit, about one-third of H-1B recipients are in fields like healthcare, education, and religious services. Opponents of the program argue it is often used to hire cheaper foreign labor, with some workers earning as little as $60,000 a year — far below the six-figure salaries paid to many U.S.-based tech employees. H-1B visas are typically awarded through a lottery system. This year, Amazon led all companies with over 10,000 approvals, followed by firms like Tata Consultancy, Microsoft, Apple, and Google. California remains the state with the highest concentration of H-1B workers. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, warned that the high fee would discourage top global researchers from coming to the U.S. Mike Miller of the United Auto Workers union criticized the policy as one that “favors the wealthy and well-connected over talent and hard work.” Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, argued that the steep fee is illegal, calling it a form of taxation that Trump has no authority to impose without congressional approval. The lawsuit contends that such a major policy change cannot be enacted by executive order alone.