United News of Bangladesh

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has finalised a landmark International Convention aimed at securing decent working conditions for millions of digital gig workers worldwide. The final text of the "Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026" was released by the Standard-Setting Committee during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva.  Recognizing the differences among Member States regarding the development of the platform economy, as well as the diversity of business models and work arrangements within it, the convention prioritises the need to support an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises and promotion of fair business competition. The convention addresses the rapid transformation of the global labor market driven by digital labor platforms.  While recognising that the platform economy has generated significant income, enterprise opportunities, and pathways for formalising work, the ILO highlighted critical "decent work deficits" that require strict international standards. Because digital platforms frequently operate across borders—often leaving clients, platforms, and workers in separate countries—the framework establishes a unified baseline for protection. The convention applies universally to all digital labor platforms and platform workers, encompassing those in both the formal and informal economies. Under the new treaty, member states are obligated to respect, promote, and realize Fundamental  principles Rights at Work(FPRW), including: Freedom of association and the recognition of collective bargaining rights. The elimination of forced labor, child labor, and workplace discrimination. A safe and healthy working environment, including the right of workers to remove themselves from situations posing imminent danger to their life or health without retaliation. Protection against violence and harassment, explicitly covering online abuse and threats involving third-party clients. In a major step toward addressing modern technological challenges, the convention introduces strict guidelines regarding automated decision-making and algorithmic management. Member states must require digital platforms to inform workers and their representative organisations before utilising automated systems to monitor, evaluate, or generate work-related decisions. Furthermore, the treaty mandates that platforms ensure "appropriate human involvement". Workers will have the right to request written explanations for significant automated decisions that adversely impact their access to work or schedule.  They can also demand a formal review of critical account actions, such as the non-disbursement of payments, account suspensions, or account deactivations. The text also establishes safeguards for personal data, granting workers the right to access, rectify, and erase their information, subject to local data retention laws. Account suspensions or terminations based on discriminatory or unlawful grounds are strictly prohibited. The treaty pushes for the correct classification of platform workers’ employment status based on the actual performance of work and remuneration, rather than how a company self-labels its workforce. It requires that payments be made in full, on time, and via lawful means. For platform workers recognised in an employment relationship, member states must guarantee compensation that meets or exceeds statutory minimum wages, excluding tips, and ensures reimbursement for operational expenses. Additionally, the convention orders nations to implement measures preventing the abuse of vulnerable demographics, explicitly naming migrants and refugees engaged in platform work. The convention will become legally binding for ratifying member states 12 months after the official registrations of two ILO members are logged with the Director-General of the International Labour Office. Governments are expected to implement these provisions in consultation with major employers' and workers' organisations through domestic legislation, collective agreements, or court decisions. While the framework allows member nations to temporarily exclude limited categories of platforms or workers due to substantial native complexities, they must progressively work toward expanding full protection to those sectors and document their challenges in routine reports to the ILO.

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic said Friday it has temporarily taken its newest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, offline after receiving a directive from the Trump administration aimed at preventing access by foreign nationals. The move marks the most significant effort so far by the US government to limit access to cutting-edge AI technology. Anthropic had only recently launched Fable 5, a scaled-down version of its more advanced Mythos 5 model. Access to Mythos 5 had already been tightly restricted because of cybersecurity concerns. In a statement, Anthropic said it disagreed with how the government handled the matter, noting that it received the directive on Friday afternoon without any explanation of the specific national security risks involved. The company said the government should be able to block potentially unsafe AI deployments through a process that is transparent, fair and based on technical evidence. It added that the current action did not meet those standards. Anthropic described the situation as a "misunderstanding" and expressed hope that access to the models would be restored soon. The US Commerce Department did not immediately comment on the matter. The development comes 10 days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a framework for the federal government to review the national security risks of the most advanced AI systems before they are publicly released. Under the order, AI developers can voluntarily submit their systems for review for up to one month before launch.

A coalition representing major prediction market platforms, including Kalshi, Crypto.com, and Polymarket, filed a lawsuit on Friday seeking to overturn Kentucky’s newly enacted 14.25% excise tax on prediction markets. The legal challenge argues that the tax is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and conflicts with federal law. The tax, approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in April, applies to transaction fees collected by prediction market operators. These platforms allow users to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of real-world events, such as elections, economic indicators, sporting events, and geopolitical developments. The lawsuit, filed by the Coalition for Fair Markets in Kentucky state court, contends that the state is unfairly targeting prediction markets. The coalition notes that horse racing wagers in Kentucky are subject to a lower tax rate, arguing that prediction market operators are being treated less favorably. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman defended the law and pledged to fight the lawsuit. He criticized out-of-state companies for challenging Kentucky’s gaming regulations and expressed confidence that the state would prevail in court. According to the coalition, the tax could discourage federally regulated prediction markets from operating in Kentucky and push consumers toward unregulated alternatives. Kalshi stated that imposing state-specific taxes on federally supervised exchanges undermines legal, transparent markets and limits access to consumer protections. The dispute comes at a time when prediction market companies are working to gain broader acceptance among policymakers and the public. Supporters view the platforms as legitimate financial markets, while critics argue they resemble gambling operations. Ongoing legal and regulatory battles across the United States continue to shape the future of the industry. Prediction markets have also faced scrutiny over allegations of insider trading. Recent cases have included investigations into traders accused of using nonpublic or classified information to profit from event-based contracts, raising concerns about oversight and market integrity.

Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX is set to make its stock market debut on Friday in what could become the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history, drawing strong interest from both large investors and individual buyers. The company plans to sell about 555.6 million shares at $135 each, raising roughly $75 billion. The listing is expected to further boost the wealth of Musk, already the world's richest person, while providing fresh funding for SpaceX's ambitious future projects. SpaceX aims to become the first company to send humans to Mars. Musk has even tied part of his future compensation to the company's long-term goal of establishing a self-sustaining colony of one million people on the Red Planet. Speaking during a recent video discussion on his social media platform X with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, Musk said he had resisted taking SpaceX public for years. However, he said the company now needs significant investment to expand its satellite network and pursue new projects, including space-based artificial intelligence data centers. Going public will give SpaceX access to large amounts of capital, but it will also bring greater scrutiny from investors and regulators. As a publicly traded company, it will be required to disclose regular financial reports and meet stricter regulatory requirements. Despite the public listing, Musk is expected to maintain tight control over the company through a special class of shares that gives him enhanced voting rights. These shares will allow him to retain authority over major business decisions, including company strategy and leadership. In its IPO filing, SpaceX described Musk as the key force behind its success and innovation. The company also acknowledged that losing Musk could significantly affect its operations, reputation and business relationships, while finding a replacement with similar experience would be extremely difficult. Some major institutional investors have expressed concerns about the company's governance structure. Pension fund officials representing public-sector workers in California and New York recently criticized provisions that give Musk extensive control and limit shareholders' ability to pursue legal action. A major factor in SpaceX's future growth is the development of Starship, its giant reusable rocket currently undergoing testing. The company believes Starship is essential for expanding satellite launches, transporting cargo and eventually supporting missions to Mars. SpaceX has already gained a strong position in the commercial space industry through its reusable rocket technology, putting it ahead of many rivals, including Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin. The company's latest filing also highlighted artificial intelligence as a major business opportunity. SpaceX estimates the market for AI-related products and services could be worth trillions of dollars, although it has yet to show a clear path to profitability for its AI business, xAI, which merged with SpaceX earlier this year. Wall Street is closely watching the IPO because of its potential impact on major stock indexes. If the shares perform strongly, SpaceX could quickly qualify for inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 index, prompting large investment funds that track the index to buy the stock automatically. However, entry into the broader S&P 500 index is likely to take longer, as companies must meet stricter eligibility requirements, including a longer public trading history. The highly anticipated listing is expected to be one of the most closely watched market events of the year and could reshape both the space industry and the technology investment landscape.

Canada has proposed banning social media use for children and teenagers under the age of 16, in a move similar to legislation recently introduced in Australia, while allowing tech companies to avoid penalties if they can prove strong safeguards to reduce harm to minors. Under the proposed “Safe Social Media Act,” platforms could bypass the restriction if they demonstrate adequate policies and systems to protect young users. The legislation also introduces broader measures to regulate AI chatbots and restrict online content deemed harmful to children, alongside the creation of a new digital safety regulator. The proposed law would establish the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, an independent body tasked with overseeing compliance by tech companies. Its members would be appointed by the federal cabinet, according to official briefing documents. The government has argued that stronger action is needed to address online risks facing children, with Culture Minister Marc Miller saying earlier that tackling online harms is a priority and stressing the urgency by stating “kids are dying.” The bill defines several categories of “harmful content,” including material that bullies children, promotes hatred or incites violence. It also proposes significant financial penalties for violations, set at the greater of $10 million or 3 per cent of a company’s global revenue. The proposal comes ahead of the G7 summit in France next week, where leaders are expected to discuss artificial intelligence governance and child protection online. Several countries have already moved to tighten online safety laws. Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for users under 16, while the United Kingdom, France and New Zealand have also introduced or considered similar measures. In the UK, authorities are reportedly considering comparable restrictions for under-16 users, while Greece is preparing to enforce a ban for children under 15 starting next year. Australia’s law, introduced late last year, bars children under 16 from creating accounts on major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, and requires companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage access. However, reports indicate enforcement challenges, with many minors still active on social media despite the ban. The Australian government has opened multiple investigations into possible non-compliance involving major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Canada’s approach differs slightly by allowing exemptions for companies that can demonstrate effective harm-reduction measures, a provision some experts say could encourage stronger safety practices across platforms. Children’s advocacy groups have welcomed parts of the proposal, saying it could improve online safety, though critics warn that broad definitions of harmful content may raise concerns over free expression and potential overreach. The legislation is expected to be debated in parliament in the coming weeks as Canada moves closer to formalizing its online safety framework.  #From BBC

The European Union has directed Meta to allow artificial intelligence chatbots operated by rival companies to access WhatsApp without charge, amid an ongoing antitrust investigation into the tech giant’s business practices. The European Commission said Meta must maintain access for third-party AI providers while regulators examine allegations that the company restricted competitors by blocking them from its WhatsApp Business API, except for Meta’s own AI assistant. Officials said the interim measure was necessary to prevent what they described as potential “serious and irreparable harm to competition” in the fast-growing AI market, adding that Meta’s actions may violate EU competition rules. The Commission launched its investigation in December 2025 after Meta barred general-purpose third-party AI assistants from using WhatsApp’s business tools, a move it said could amount to abuse of a dominant market position in Europe. As part of the decision, Meta has been given five working days to restore access for rival AI providers under the same conditions that existed before the restriction. The interim measures will remain in place while the investigation continues. EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said rapid changes in the AI sector meant competition could be harmed before a final ruling is reached. She said the move was intended to preserve consumer choice and ensure users in Europe can decide which AI assistants they want to use on WhatsApp. The Commission warned that failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10% of Meta’s global annual turnover. Meta, however, strongly rejected the decision, accusing the EU of regulatory overreach and arguing that it effectively allows major AI companies to use WhatsApp’s paid business services for free. The company said it would appeal the ruling, claiming it unfairly benefits large technology firms at the expense of European businesses that pay for access. The dispute adds to ongoing tensions between European regulators and major US tech companies. Meta has previously warned that strict EU rules could lead to a poorer user experience in Europe. The company has also faced multiple fines from the European Union, which maintains that its regulations are designed to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in digital markets. The issue has also gained political attention, with the Trump administration previously accusing the EU of unfairly targeting American technology firms.  #From BBC

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has filed confidential preliminary paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), taking a significant step toward a potential initial public offering (IPO). The San Francisco-based artificial intelligence firm announced Monday that it had submitted confidential registration documents to the SEC, though it has not yet determined a timeline for going public. “We have not decided on timing yet,” the company said in a statement, adding that remaining private still offers advantages for some of its planned initiatives. However, the filing provides flexibility to pursue a public listing sooner if deemed beneficial. The move follows a similar announcement by rival AI company Anthropic earlier this month and comes as Elon Musk’s SpaceX also advances plans for a stock market debut, highlighting growing investor interest in the rapidly expanding AI sector. OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman first suggested the possibility of an IPO last year, describing it as the most likely path forward given the company's scale and substantial capital requirements. Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit organization focused on developing artificial intelligence for public benefit, OpenAI has evolved into one of the world's most valuable technology companies, with an estimated valuation of $852 billion. Industry analysts say the filing comes at a critical time as OpenAI faces increasing competition from rivals including Anthropic’s Claude chatbot and Google’s Gemini AI assistant. “OpenAI doesn’t have many alternatives for raising the enormous capital required to support its operations,” said Emarketer analyst Nate Elliott. The company paved the way for a potential public offering by restructuring its operations last year and converting into a public benefit corporation while remaining under nonprofit oversight. OpenAI also overcame a major legal challenge last month when it secured a courtroom victory against co-founder Elon Musk, who had sought to block the company's transition to a for-profit structure. The company has yet to publicly disclose its revenue figures or a timeline for profitability. Like many AI firms, it continues to spend heavily on infrastructure, research and development. In an interview earlier this year, OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said the company was already operating with the financial discipline expected of a publicly traded firm. She noted that OpenAI’s current valuation would place it among the 15 largest companies in the S&P 500 index if it were publicly listed. Separately, Altman outlined OpenAI’s long-term goals, including developing an automated AI researcher, accelerating global economic growth and eventually providing every person with access to advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. He said the company is entering a new phase focused on broad distribution of AI benefits and ensuring that the economic gains generated by the technology are shared widely. The announcement comes amid growing debate over the future ownership and regulation of AI companies, with some policymakers advocating broader public participation in the sector’s growth.

Apple is widely expected to introduce a range of new artificial intelligence capabilities at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which opens on Monday and marks the last such event under the leadership of CEO Tim Cook before he hands over the role to John Ternus in September. The conference, held at Apple’s headquarters in Silicon Valley, draws thousands of developers from around 60 countries each year and traditionally highlights software advancements rather than new hardware products, which are typically unveiled during the company’s autumn iPhone launch events. Industry observers anticipate announcements related to enhanced AI tools and significant upgrades to Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. According to Emarketer senior analyst Gadjo Sevilla, while major hardware launches are unlikely, Apple may provide insight into future product categories such as foldable devices, wearable technology, and smart home solutions through ecosystem and developer-focused updates. He described this year’s conference as a “transition year” for the tech giant. Apple has faced increasing pressure to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI sector, where competitors have moved ahead more aggressively. The company currently relies in part on Google’s Gemini model to support some of its AI-powered features. Sevilla expects Apple to transform Siri into a more advanced AI assistant capable of holding natural conversations, remembering previous interactions, and carrying out multiple tasks through a single command. He noted that a more sophisticated, AI-driven Siri could become a core feature across Apple devices, similar to ecosystem tools such as AirDrop and Handoff that seamlessly connect iPhones, Macs and iPads. Cook announced in April that he would retire after leading Apple for 15 years. During his tenure, the company’s market value increased by more than $4 trillion, largely driven by the success of the iPhone. His successor, John Ternus, has spent 25 years at Apple and has overseen hardware engineering for key products including the iPhone, iPad and Mac over the past five years. The leadership transition comes as Apple navigates a critical period for the technology industry. The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked the most significant transformation since the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007. Although Apple promised major AI-powered features nearly two years ago, the company has struggled to deliver on some of those ambitions, leaving it under pressure to demonstrate meaningful progress in the field.  

Foreign bloggers and international visitors are increasingly sharing their experiences of feeling safe while living in or traveling across China, describing a level of security that allows them to move around freely day and night. Among them is Tatiana Kucherova, a 31-year-old Russian who has been living in Guiyang, the capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, since 2016. Joking about life in the city, she said the biggest risk she faces at night is eating too many snacks at local night markets. Tatiana first came to China to study Chinese at Guizhou University, later completed a master's degree, found a job and eventually decided to settle there. She described Guiyang as a comfortable city with a lively nightlife, where she and her husband often enjoy late-night barbecues and evenings out with friends. What stands out most to her, however, is the sense of security. "In bars, I can leave my belongings on the table without worrying someone will take them," she said, adding that the feeling gives her peace of mind. Tatiana frequently posts photos and videos of Guizhou on social media, and says many of her friends abroad have become interested in visiting the province after seeing her content. Similar experiences are being shared by many foreign visitors as China sees a rise in international arrivals, supported by expanded visa-free entry policies, improved travel services and upgraded public facilities. Many travelers have posted videos showing everyday scenes that surprised them, including unattended luggage in public places, shopkeepers taking naps while leaving stores open and people walking alone at night without fear. A Spanish student in Beijing, Ana, recently accompanied three friends on their first trip to China. While visiting busy commercial districts in Shanghai, she said they felt comfortable carrying cameras and personal belongings without constantly worrying about theft. "I feel completely relaxed here. Even walking alone late at night doesn't make me nervous," she said. For many visitors, such experiences contrast with the safety concerns they often consider before traveling abroad. Some said they arrived expecting to take extra precautions, such as closely guarding their belongings or avoiding going out at night, only to find those measures unnecessary. French blogger Leo recently shared a video showing how he accidentally left his backpack on a bench along Shanghai's Bund waterfront. When he returned about 30 minutes later, the bag was still there. The video attracted millions of views online. An Italian content creator known as Carlo Wu said he continues to be impressed by seeing parcels left outside apartment doors and laptops unattended in public spaces even after living in Shanghai for four years. He also recalled a neighbor personally delivering a food order that had mistakenly been sent to the wrong apartment, saying such acts of kindness left a strong impression on him. According to China's Ministry of Public Security, criminal cases nationwide fell by 12.8 percent in 2025, reaching the lowest level this century. China also ranked as the world's third-safest place and fourth in the law-and-order index in Gallup's 2025 Global Safety Report. Experts attribute the country's security environment to a combination of legal enforcement, community-level governance, technological support and rapid emergency response systems. Kong Fanbin, dean of Nanjing University's Huazhi Institute for Global Governance, said public safety in China is supported not only by police but also by communities and grassroots organizations. Meanwhile, He Yanling said public security has long been treated as a key public service by Chinese authorities, with local-level governance playing an important role in maintaining social stability. Observers say China's long-term social stability, continued investment in public services and focus on peaceful development have also contributed to the strong sense of safety experienced by both residents and visitors.

Scientists in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have converted earthquake-monitoring equipment into an artificial intelligence-powered “marine stethoscope” capable of detecting the low-frequency calls of endangered whales. By integrating an island-based seismometer with deep learning algorithms, researchers captured and analyzed the sounds of Bryde’s whales in the Beibu Gulf of the South China Sea, revealing that the species remains in coastal waters and breeds for longer periods than previously recorded. Microsoft says new quantum chip is 1,000 times more reliable The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, was led by associate professor Xiao Zhuo of Guangxi Minzu University. The AI model, trained on more than 1.7 million labeled seismic samples, identified whale calls with 99 percent accuracy from a year-long dataset collected off Xieyang Island near Beihai city. Researchers found whale vocalizations as low as 5 Hz- far below human hearing and conventional hydrophone limits-traveling through the seabed and detected as micro-tremors. The signals suggest possible courtship or breeding behavior. Data showed Bryde’s whales were present from January to July 2021, contradicting earlier surveys that suggested they leave by April. Fishermen also reported sightings in July. Scientists said land-based seismometers offer a cost-effective, continuous monitoring alternative for studying migration and conserving the region’s protected Bryde’s whale population, which exceeds 70 identified individuals.