United News of Bangladesh

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has limited image generation and editing to paying subscribers following a global outcry over sexualized deepfakes, including depictions of women in sexually explicit poses and, in some cases, apparent images of children. The restrictions apply to non-paying users accessing the service via Musk’s social media platform X. Since Friday, free users attempting to generate or edit images receive the message: “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features.” Premium subscribers with blue checkmarks, paying $8 a month, can still use the feature. Early reports suggest a noticeable decline in explicit deepfakes being produced. Authorities in Europe, however, have criticized the move as insufficient. Thomas Regnier of the EU Commission said, “Paid subscription or non-paid subscription, we don’t want to see such images.” The U.K. government also denounced the change, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office calling it “insulting to victims of misogyny and sexual violence” and promising potential action. France, Malaysia, India, and Brazil have also scrutinized the platform. Grok, launched in 2023, added an image-generation feature called Grok Imagine last summer, including a “spicy mode” capable of adult content. Experts warn the problem is worsened by Musk’s positioning of Grok as an edgier alternative to other chatbots and the public visibility of generated images, which allows rapid distribution. The European Commission has ordered X to retain all internal documents and data related to Grok until the end of 2026 as part of an ongoing investigation under the EU’s digital safety law. Despite the restrictions, the tool remains accessible to paying subscribers, but the global backlash underscores growing concerns over AI-generated sexual content and regulatory oversight.

Meta has finalized multiple agreements to supply nuclear-generated electricity to its artificial intelligence data centers, locking in enough power to serve the equivalent of roughly 5 million households. On Friday, the Facebook parent company announced deals with TerraPower, Oklo, and Vistra to provide nuclear energy for its Prometheus AI data center complex under construction in New Albany, Ohio. First revealed in July, Prometheus will be a 1-gigawatt data center campus spread across several facilities and is expected to begin operations later this year. The company did not disclose the financial details of the agreements. In a statement, Meta said the three partnerships will collectively support up to 6.6 gigawatts of new and existing clean power capacity by 2035. In the utility industry, one gigawatt of electricity is generally enough to supply about 750,000 homes. Meta said the projects will strengthen grid reliability, bolster the U.S. nuclear supply chain, and create jobs tied to the construction and operation of power plants across the country. Read More: Japan turns to new technology as dementia cases surge Under its agreement with TerraPower, Meta will fund the development of two Natrium nuclear reactors capable of producing up to 690 megawatts of continuous power, with delivery expected as early as 2032. The deal also gives Meta access to energy from as many as six additional Natrium units, with a combined capacity of about 2.1 gigawatts and a target start date of 2035. Meta also plans to purchase more than 2.1 gigawatts of electricity from two existing Vistra nuclear plants in Ohio, along with additional power from plant expansions in Ohio and a third Vistra facility in Pennsylvania. Vistra said the electricity generated by its Beaver Valley plant in Pennsylvania and the Davis-Besse and Perry plants in Ohio will continue to flow through the regional mid-Atlantic power grid, serving all customers. The company added that the agreements with Meta provide the stability needed to pursue 20-year license renewals for its reactors from federal regulators. Technology companies have faced increasing pressure in the already strained mid-Atlantic power grid — which includes Ohio and Pennsylvania — to develop new generation sources capable of meeting the full energy demands of large data centers. Jesse Jenkins, an energy systems expert and engineering professor at Princeton University, warned that bringing the Prometheus data center online without adding new power generation would likely drive electricity prices higher across the region. Consumers are already seeing increased bills due to existing and planned data center expansion. Read More:Tech’s biggest show returns: what to expect at CES 2026 Meta’s agreement with Oklo — a company backed by OpenAI chief Sam Altman — supports the development of a 1.2-gigawatt nuclear power complex in Pike County, Ohio, intended to supply Meta’s regional data center operations. These nuclear power deals follow Meta’s announcement in June of a separate 20-year energy agreement with Constellation Energy.

Cambodia’s arrest and extradition of a powerful tycoon accused of running a vast online scam network marks a rare strike against an industry that has stolen tens of billions of dollars worldwide. U.S. and U.K. authorities say Chen Zhi led a transnational criminal enterprise that exploited trafficked workers and defrauded victims worldwide. For victims, the scams often start small: a text offering a part-time job, asking about weekend availability or simply saying “hello.” On the other end is often a laborer halfway around the world, forced to work 12- to 16-hour days, sending message after message until someone responds. That human toll is immense. Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be trapped in forced labor, housed in sprawling compounds across Southeast Asia and compelled to run scams whose sole purpose is to take your money. Even with a high-profile arrest, dismantling the industry remains extraordinarily difficult. Here’s why: The crackdown in Myanmar The Myanmar military last October moved into one of the most well-known scam compounds — the massive KK Park, along the border with Thailand — and announced it had shut the operation down. However, work has continued uninterrupted at other scam centers in Myanmar, where people trafficked from around the world still wait to be rescued. The raid triggered a mass flight of workers. About 1,500 laborers crossed into Thailand, including hundreds from India as well as citizens from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Kenya. Thai military officials said troops later demolished several structures within the massive complex. KK Park was only one of dozens of such centers along the Thai-Myanmar border — and hundreds more scattered across Southeast Asia — underscoring how difficult it is to dismantle an industry that can quickly shift operations when under pressure. Emerging from casinos and illegal gambling Scam compounds are often sprawling complexes in rural areas, complete with sleeping quarters, shops and entertainment venues for workers. Developers typically build a single property and lease space inside to multiple companies, allowing numerous operations to run side by side. Many operate with the protection of local elites. Smaller setups also exist, tucked into a single floor of a legitimate office building or even a rented house in an urban neighborhood. The centers trace their roots to casinos — both physical and online — that proliferated across Southeast Asia over the past decade. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime counted more than 340 licensed and unlicensed casinos in the region in 2021 alone. Those casinos, often paired with junket tours, catered to high-rollers from China, where gambling is illegal, and were frequently run by Chinese criminal groups. When the COVID-19 pandemic and strict travel restrictions cut off customers, some online casinos pivoted. With revenue drying up, operators shifted to a new model: using the same infrastructure and labor to defraud targets around the world through digital scams. Relying on both trafficked and willing labor An estimated 120,000 people in Myanmar are being forced to work in online scam operations, along with another 100,000 in Cambodia, according to a 2023 report by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Those figures are rough estimates, but investigators say scam centers rely on a mix of trafficked victims and workers who arrive willingly — lured by false promises of relatively high pay and easy office jobs. Early on, most workers came from China and Chinese-speaking countries. Today, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime says laborers are recruited from at least 56 countries, ranging from Indonesia to Liberia. For many, the reality is far harsher than advertised. Workers say their passports are often confiscated to prevent them from leaving the compounds. Only senior managers and trusted lieutenants are allowed to move freely. Those who fail to meet targets risk beatings or other physical punishment. A global scourge Scammers cast a wide net, targeting victims around the world and increasingly relying on artificial intelligence-powered translation tools to overcome language barriers. In the Philippines, authorities raided a compound in March 2024 where workers were targeting Chinese nationals with a fake investment scheme. Using scripted messages, scammers posed as senior employees of the state-owned China National Petroleum Corp. and persuaded victims to invest in crude oil futures, according to a script seen by The Associated Press. Elsewhere, the impact has been just as far-reaching. Last year, about 50 South Koreans were repatriated from Cambodia after being arrested over several months on allegations they worked for online scam operations. U.S. prosecutors have also targeted the networks behind the schemes. Prosecutors in an indictment against Chen Zhi last year said his organization had scammed at least 250 Americans out of millions of dollars, including one victim who lost $400,000 in cryptocurrency. Americans lost at least $10 billion to scams tied to Southeast Asia in 2024 alone, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Cambodian authorities said Wednesday that Chen Zhi and two other Chinese citizens were extradited to China on Tuesday. Chen has dual nationality and his Cambodian citizenship was revoked in December, it said. The victims The scams take many forms, ranging from cryptocurrency investment schemes to so-called “task scams,” in which victims are asked to pay to unlock the next assignment. In some cases, small amounts of real money are paid out early on to build trust before losses escalate. Scammers often manufacture urgency, warning targets they will miss out on an opportunity unless they invest by a specific deadline. Despite government crackdowns and raids that have freed some workers and shut down individual compounds, activists say the people behind the operations largely remain untouched. New scam centers continue to surface across Southeast Asia and beyond. A United Nations report last year said scammers have extracted billions of dollars from victims using fake romantic relationships, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes, with operations reported as far away as Africa and Latin America. “If we only rescue the victims and don’t arrest anybody — especially the Chinese mafia and transnational syndicates — then there will be no point,” said Jay Kritiya, coordinator of the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking. “They can get more victims. They can scam anytime,” Kritiya said.

Health technology devices showcased at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas are drawing attention for their ambitious promises, but experts are warning users to be cautious about their accuracy, reliability and data privacy. Among the eye-catching products were a smart scale that scans users’ feet to monitor heart health and an egg-shaped hormone tracker that uses artificial intelligence to help women determine the best time to conceive. While manufacturers say such devices can transform personal health care, medical and technology specialists say many of the claims need closer scrutiny. Concerns have also grown as the US government moves to ease regulations on consumer health technology. During the show, the Food and Drug Administration announced it would relax oversight of so-called “low-risk” wellness products, including heart monitors and wheelchairs. The move follows a broader push by President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce barriers to AI innovation. The White House has already repealed a previous executive order that set guardrails for AI use, and the Department of Health and Human Services recently outlined a strategy to expand AI across the health sector. At CES, companies promoted technology aimed at helping people in rural areas with limited access to doctors, boosting research into women’s health and improving daily life for people with disabilities. According to Marschall Runge, a professor of medical science at the University of Michigan, AI tools can be useful in analysing medical images and easing doctors’ workloads. However, he warned that the technology can also reinforce bias and sometimes generate false information presented as fact. “I would urge people not to think that the technology is the same as a well-resourced, thoughtful, research-driven medical professional,” said Cindy Cohn, executive director of the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation. She also cautioned that privacy protections such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act do not apply to data collected by consumer devices. Companies may use that data to train AI systems or sell it to third parties, she said. “With a lot of the gadgets at CES, it’s difficult to find out where your information is going,” Cohn added. “You have to dig through the fine print, and that’s not fair for people who may rely on these tools.” Product developers, however, say their devices are filling gaps in health care and insist they take privacy seriously. Sylvia Kang, founder and CEO of Mira, said she developed the company’s egg-shaped hormone tracker after seeing friends struggle to understand their hormonal health while trying to conceive. The $250 device analyses hormone levels using a urine test and displays results on a mobile app. Kang said her company uses AI to analyse female hormone data and operates one of the world’s largest hormone health databases. She added that customer data is stored securely on the cloud and is not shared. Many products at CES focused on women’s health, an area long under-researched and underfunded. Women were excluded from clinical trials before 1993, and research into menopause and related conditions remains limited. One wearable device called Peri is designed to monitor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats during perimenopause, the transitional stage before menopause, and share the data through an app. Other companies promoted AI tools as a way to improve access to health information. A free medicine-focused chatbot called 0xmd allows users to ask medical questions, upload photos of skin conditions and translate doctors’ notes into simpler language. Its founder, Allen Au, said the tool is meant to offer a second opinion, not replace doctors. OpenAI also announced the launch of a similar platform, ChatGPT Health. Still, experts remain cautious. “These are just tools,” Cohn said. “They’re not oracles delivering the truth. They can help people ask better questions, but they are no substitute for a medical professional.”

At CES in Las Vegas, automakers and tech companies showcased a vision of cars as more than machines—vehicles that can act as proactive companions, adapting to drivers and passengers in real time. One example presented by Nvidia’s Sri Subramanian illustrated a car recognizing a child entering the back seat, knowing it’s her birthday, and playing her favorite song automatically. “Think of the car as having a soul and being an extension of your family,” Subramanian said. His demonstration highlighted the increasing sophistication of AI systems inside cars and the expanding use of personal data to enhance the driving experience. Read More: Musk’s Grok chatbot faces global backlash over sexualized AI images Exhibits across the show emphasized cars’ ability to monitor occupants’ emotions, heart rates, and safety—for instance, alerting if a child is accidentally left behind. Bosch unveiled an AI-powered system aimed at making the cabin a “proactive companion,” while Nvidia introduced Alpamayo, designed to help autonomous vehicles make complex driving decisions. CEO Jensen Huang called it a “ChatGPT moment for physical AI.” However, experts cautioned that this personalization raises concerns about data privacy. Justin Brookman of Consumer Reports noted that, unlike smartphones, cars are only recently becoming major repositories of personal information. Cameras, microphones, and sensors inside vehicles can feel intrusive, especially since cars are often seen as extensions of personal space. “People generally want more privacy but don’t always know how to protect it,” he said. Read More: Japan turns to new technology as dementia cases surge Despite privacy concerns, these AI systems offer potential safety benefits. Automotive supplier Gentex demonstrated a mock six-seater van equipped with AI sensors capable of detecting whether drivers or passengers are drowsy, improperly seated, eating, or distracted. Brian Brackenbury of Gentex said the data is processed and stored within the car, then deleted after use. “We’re not going to collect data just because we can,” he added. “Data privacy is really important.” The CES showcase reflects a broader trend toward smarter, more interactive vehicles that promise convenience and safety, while also prompting new debates about how personal data should be managed in cars.

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is under mounting international scrutiny after governments across Europe, Asia and Latin America raised alarm over the generation of sexualized images of women and children without consent. The controversy stems from Grok Imagine, an AI image-generation tool launched last year on Musk’s social media platform X. The feature allows users to create and alter images through text prompts and includes a so-called “spicy mode” that can produce adult content. Critics say the tool has been widely misused to create explicit deepfake images, including of minors. Britain’s Technology Secretary Liz Kendall demanded urgent action from X, calling the content “appalling and unacceptable.” The UK communications regulator Ofcom said it has contacted both X and Musk’s AI company, xAI, to assess compliance with the Online Safety Act, which requires platforms to remove child sexual abuse material. Similar concerns have been raised elsewhere. A Polish lawmaker cited Grok as justification for stronger digital safety laws, while the European Commission described the content as “illegal” and “disgusting,” saying it has no place in Europe. France expanded an existing investigation into X to include sexually explicit deepfakes generated by Grok. India issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding removal of unlawful content and a review of Grok’s safeguards, accusing the platform of enabling obscene and degrading images of women. Malaysia and Brazil have also launched investigations, with Brazilian lawmaker Erika Hilton urging authorities to suspend Grok’s AI features until inquiries are completed. A report by nonprofit AI Forensics found that about 2% of 20,000 Grok-generated images analyzed included people appearing to be under 18, some depicted in sexualized ways. Musk’s AI company responded to media inquiries with an automated message dismissing criticism, while X said it removes illegal content and cooperates with law enforcement. However, regulators worldwide continue to press the platform to strengthen safeguards against abuse.

 Greece’s government on Monday said a major radio communications failure that temporarily shut down the country’s airspace a day earlier was unlikely to be the result of a cyberattack, although the exact cause is still being investigated. Air traffic across Greece was halted, diverted or delayed for several hours on Sunday after interference was detected on multiple air traffic control communication channels, including backup systems. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said authorities have found no evidence pointing to a cyber incident. “There is not the slightest indication that we are dealing with a cyberattack,” he said, stressing that this assessment needed to be made clear. The Greek Civil Aviation Authority said the widespread noise across communication channels prompted a precautionary shutdown of operations. Air traffic services were gradually restored after several hours. The outage forced incoming flights to divert to neighboring countries, triggering widespread delays and leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports. Eurocontrol, the Brussels-based European air navigation safety body, assisted in rerouting aircraft during and after the disruption. It said around 120 flights were grounded on Sunday at Greece’s two busiest airports in Athens and Thessaloniki, adding that knock-on effects continued into early Monday. Greece’s Air Traffic Controllers’ Association said the incident highlighted long-standing concerns over outdated infrastructure, renewing calls for urgent modernization of air traffic control equipment. Israel hits multiple targets in Lebanon ahead of key Hezbollah disarmament talks Authorities on Monday launched both a judicial inquiry and an internal investigation to determine the cause of the failure. Separately, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Christos Dimas announced the creation of a special investigative committee comprising representatives from civil aviation authorities, the Greek air force, Eurocontrol and a state-run cyberdefence agency. Describing the incident as “very serious,” Dimas said passenger safety was never compromised.

CES 2026 kicks off this week in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest tech across robotics, healthcare, automotive, wearables, gaming, and more. Hosted by the Consumer Technology Association, the multi-day event highlights innovations aimed at consumers and businesses alike. Artificial intelligence remains a major focus. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang will unveil new productivity AI tools, while AMD CEO Lisa Su shares her vision for future AI applications. AI is also expected in other key presentations, including Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang’s. In healthcare, AI addresses personal health challenges and data gaps, such as Beyond Medicine’s prescription app for a jaw disorder and tools for breast milk research. Robotics draws attention too. LG will showcase its household assistant robot “CLOiD,” and Hyundai highlights advances in robotics and manufacturing. Extended reality, used for virtual training of robots and AI systems, is another key focus. Japan turns to new technology as dementia cases surge CES 2025 drew more than 141,000 attendees from over 150 countries; similar numbers are expected this year, with 3,500+ exhibitors. AP spoke with CTA Executive Chair and CEO Gary Shapiro about what to expect at CES 2026.  What are the key trends to watch at this year’s CES? There’s quite a lot on display. Artificial intelligence continues to take center stage, particularly in applications that are practical and user-friendly. Robotics is also a major focus, with more robots—especially humanoid models—than ever before. Health and longevity are receiving significant attention as well, with wearable devices designed for nearly every part of the body. Technology is rapidly addressing gaps in healthcare, benefiting consumers across the board. Mobility innovations are prominent too, extending beyond self-driving cars to include boats, drones, and various other transportation solutions. Finally, content creation remains a major theme, reflecting its ongoing importance in the tech landscape.  Will 2026 be the year humanoid robots start appearing in people’s homes?  Humanoid robots already exist, though performance varies. Their numbers are growing, and CES is expected to showcase even more models in the coming years. Last year’s highlight was a lifelike robotic dog that charmed attendees. Yet, humanoid robots are just one part of robotics, with many designed for specialized tasks beyond human ability.  Will AI play a bigger role in entertainment? AI is shaping the future of creativity. While AI can be creative, human ideas remain unique. The future will likely be a hybrid approach, with creators using AI to develop variations and reach wider audiences. Any notable AI devices or services for consumers? AI is appearing in many devices, with a new focus on helping people with disabilities and older adults. For example, Verizon’s CES stage highlighted ways technology can assist these communities. Robots, AI, and High-Tech innovations on display at China’s National Games  Is there a risk of an AI bubble? There’s no bubble when it comes to AI’s potential. It has the ability to tackle major issues in healthcare, food production, and the environment. Unlike the internet boom of the 1990s, today’s AI companies already generate substantial revenue and continue to attract investment. What concerns me more isn’t a market bubble, but having enough energy to support AI processing. At CES this year, a Korean company is showcasing the first small-scale nuclear-powered energy device, highlighting efforts to meet the growing power demands of AI technology.

Specially commissioned drones will be used to carry blood donations across Wales as part of a new trial aimed at saving lives. Currently, blood processed in south Wales is transported by road, a journey that can take several hours. The Dragon’s Heart project plans to fly life-saving blood samples using drones weighing about 55 lb (25 kg) and measuring 5.5 ft (1.7 m) wide, reports BBC. The first pilot, starting early 2026, will test the blood’s safety during flight at altitudes up to 2,000 ft (610 m). The drones’ design includes a hatch in the body to control temperature and minimize vibrations. Skyports Drone Services, which operates globally, will run the flights in partnership with Snowdonia Aerospace Centre at Llanbedr airfield. The drones can take off vertically, transition to fixed-wing flight, cover up to 62 miles (100 km), land in small areas, and withstand winds up to 30 knots. The trial will initially fly blood between Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Wrexham, potentially cutting travel time by three hours. If successful, the service could expand to hospitals and support emergency responses, including ambulance 999 services, offering faster, more frequent deliveries across rural Wales.

Tesla has lost its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer after annual sales dropped for the second consecutive year, pressured by backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s political views, the end of U.S. tax incentives, and growing international competition. The company reported delivering 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, a 9% decline from the previous year. Chinese automaker BYD overtook Tesla by selling 2.26 million vehicles, becoming the new global leader in EV sales. The shift marks a dramatic turn for Tesla, once seen as an unstoppable force that surpassed traditional automakers and helped make Musk the world’s wealthiest individual. The sales slump came despite a high-profile endorsement last year from President Donald Trump, who publicly praised Musk and announced plans to purchase a Tesla after showcasing the vehicles at the White House. In the fourth quarter, Tesla delivered 418,227 vehicles, missing analysts’ already-lowered expectation of about 440,000 units, according to FactSet. Demand was further weakened by the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax credit for EV buyers, which the Trump administration phased out at the end of September. Tesla shares fell 2.6% on Friday to $438.07. Still, investors remain optimistic about the company’s long-term vision, particularly Musk’s plans to expand robotaxi services and introduce humanoid robots for home and workplace use. Reflecting that confidence, Tesla’s stock ended 2025 up roughly 11%. The most recent quarter marked the debut of lower-cost versions of the Model Y and Model 3, unveiled in October to stimulate demand. The Model Y now starts just below $40,000, while the Model 3 is priced under $37,000. These models are expected to help Tesla better compete with lower-priced Chinese vehicles in Europe and Asia. Looking ahead to earnings expected in late January, analysts anticipate a 3% decline in quarterly sales and nearly a 40% drop in earnings per share. However, many forecast a gradual recovery in sales and profits as 2026 progresses. Although Musk previously predicted a strong rebound in vehicle sales, investors have largely shifted their attention to Tesla’s evolving business focus. Musk has emphasized that the company’s future lies more in autonomous driving, energy storage, and robotics than in traditional car sales. Tesla launched its robotaxi service in Austin in June, initially with safety supervisors onboard before moving to limited testing without them. The company aims to expand the service to additional cities this year but faces stiff competition from Waymo, which has operated autonomous taxis for years, as well as regulatory hurdles. Tesla is currently subject to multiple federal safety investigations and could temporarily lose its license to sell vehicles in California following a court ruling that it misled consumers about vehicle safety. “Regulation will be a major challenge,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, noting the risks involved with autonomous technology. Still, he believes Tesla’s self-driving initiatives will ultimately prevail. Musk has said that software updates could soon allow hundreds of thousands of Teslas to operate fully autonomously, and the company plans to begin producing its steering-wheel-free Cybercab in 2026. To keep Musk engaged, Tesla’s board approved a new, potentially massive compensation package backed by shareholders in November. Musk also received a major boost recently when Delaware’s Supreme Court reinstated a $55 billion pay package originally awarded in 2018. Musk could further increase his wealth later this year if SpaceX goes public, an initial public offering that analysts expect to be one of the largest ever.