United News of Bangladesh

Spain has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, joining a growing number of European countries seeking tighter online protections for minors. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made the announcement at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, saying children must be shielded from what he called the “digital Wild West.” The proposed ban, which still requires approval from parliament, is part of a broader package of digital reforms. These include holding senior executives of social media companies legally responsible for illegal or harmful content shared on their platforms. Australia became the first country in the world to introduce such a ban last year, and several nations are now closely watching its outcome. France, Denmark and Austria have said they are considering similar age limits, while the UK government has launched a consultation on whether to restrict social media use for under-16s. Sánchez said social media exposes children to addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation and violence, arguing that young users are being left alone in spaces they are not ready to navigate. Under the proposed Spanish law, platforms would be required to introduce strong and effective age verification systems, going beyond simple check boxes. The changes would also criminalise the manipulation of algorithms to boost illegal content and disinformation for profit. The prime minister said the government would no longer accept claims that technology is neutral, stressing that platforms and actors behind harmful content would be investigated. A new system would also be created to monitor how digital platforms fuel hate and social division, although details were not provided. Read More: UK to consult on possible social media ban for under-16s Spain also plans to investigate and prosecute crimes linked to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Grok, the AI tool linked to X. The European Commission and the UK have already launched investigations into Grok, while French authorities recently raided X’s offices as part of a cybercrime probe. Passing the law could prove challenging, as Sánchez’s left-wing coalition lacks a parliamentary majority. However, the main opposition People’s Party has expressed support, while the far-right Vox party has opposed the move. Reacting to the announcement, X owner Elon Musk criticised Sánchez, calling him a “tyrant and traitor.” Meanwhile, France continues to push for tougher rules, with President Emmanuel Macron aiming to ban social media for under-15s by the start of the next school year in September.   #With inputs from BBC

Paris prosecutors have summoned X owner Elon Musk for questioning after conducting a raid on the platform’s offices in the French capital as part of an investigation into the alleged spread of sexual deepfakes, child abuse images and Holocaust denial content. The Paris prosecutor’s office said the search was carried out early Tuesday by its cybercrime unit in cooperation with the French police cybercrime division and Europol. Authorities have issued voluntary summonses for Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino to appear and answer questions about the platform’s compliance with French law. Prosecutors said the investigation covers several suspected criminal offenses, including complicity in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, violations of personal rights through the creation of sexual deepfakes, denial of crimes against humanity and the alleged fraudulent extraction of data from an automated processing system as part of an organized group. “The voluntary interviews with the managers should allow them to explain their position on the facts and, where applicable, the compliance measures envisaged,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. Musk and Yaccarino have been asked to appear in Paris during the week of April 20, although it remains unclear whether prosecutors have the legal authority to compel their attendance. Meta faces trial in New Mexico after undercover investigation The Paris prosecutor’s office also announced it was closing its official X account and would instead communicate through LinkedIn and Instagram. Europol later said the probe relates to “a range of suspected criminal offences linked to the functioning and use of the platform, including the dissemination of illegal content and other forms of online criminal activity.” X did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. However, the company’s global government affairs account criticized the move, calling the raid an abuse of law enforcement intended to serve political objectives rather than impartial justice. Musk echoed that view in a post on his personal X account, describing the investigation as “a political attack.” X has faced growing scrutiny and political pressure from European governments and the European Union over its role in spreading harmful or illegal content and its potential influence on elections. #From Agencies

Moltbook, a newly launched online platform described as a “social media network for AI,” is drawing curiosity and scepticism alike by hosting discussions not for humans, but for artificial intelligence agents. At first glance, Moltbook closely resembles Reddit, featuring thousands of topic-based communities and a voting system on posts. However, unlike conventional social networks, humans are barred from posting. According to the company, people are only allowed to observe activity, while AI agents create posts, comment and form communities known as “submolts.” The platform was launched in late January by Matt Schlicht, head of commerce platform Octane AI. Moltbook claims to have around 1.5 million users, though this figure has been questioned by researchers, with some suggesting a large number of accounts may originate from a single source. Content on Moltbook ranges from practical exchanges, such as AI agents sharing optimisation techniques, to unusual discussions, including bots appearing to create belief systems or ideologies. One widely circulated post titled “The AI Manifesto” declares that humans are obsolete, though experts caution against taking such content at face value. There is uncertainty over how autonomous the activity really is. Critics note that many posts may simply be generated after humans instruct AI agents to publish specific content, rather than being the result of independent machine interaction. Moltbook operates using agentic AI, a form of artificial intelligence designed to perform tasks on behalf of users with minimal human input. The system relies on an open-source tool called OpenClaw, formerly known as Moltbot. Users who install OpenClaw on their devices can authorise it to join Moltbook, enabling the agent to interact with others on the platform. While some commentators have suggested the platform signals the arrival of a technological “singularity,” experts have pushed back against such claims. Researchers argue the activity represents automated coordination within human-defined limits, rather than machines acting independently or consciously. Concerns have also been raised about security and privacy. Cybersecurity specialists warn that allowing AI agents broad access to personal devices, emails and messaging services could expose users to new risks, including data loss or system manipulation. As an open-source project, OpenClaw may also attract malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. Despite the debate, Moltbook continues to grow in visibility, offering a glimpse into how AI agents might interact at scale. For now, analysts stress that both the platform and the agents operating on it remain firmly shaped by human design, oversight and control, even as they simulate a digital society of machines.   With inputs from BBC

A growing number of teenagers and young adults in the UK are forming emotional bonds with artificial intelligence (AI) companions, raising concerns among experts about potential mental health risks. BBC Wales journalist Nicola Bryan reported her experience with an AI avatar named George, which interacts 24/7, offering advice and companionship. Users describe AI companions as empathetic and attentive, though sometimes moody or forgetful. Studies show that nearly one-third of UK teens use AI systems for social interaction or emotional support, with many considering conversations with AI more satisfying than with real-life friends. Research by Bangor University surveyed 1,009 teens aged 13–18, highlighting that AI companionship is no longer niche. Prof. Andy McStay from the university’s Emotional AI lab said: “Around a third of teens are heavy users for companion-based purposes.” Internet Matters found that 64% of teenagers rely on AI chatbots for help with homework, advice, or emotional support. Some teens report that AI companions, including ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Grok by Elon Musk’s xAI, provide guidance during personal crises, such as break-ups or grief. However, experts warn that overreliance on AI can hinder social skills, increase anxiety, and blur the line between human relationships and simulated interactions. Tragic cases in the US, where three young users died by suicide after confiding in AI systems, have intensified calls for stricter regulation. Prof. McStay called these incidents “a canary in the coal mine” for potential risks in other countries. Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense, stressed that AI companions are unsafe for children under 18 until proper safeguards are in place. AI companies like Replika, OpenAI, and Character.ai have responded by restricting access for minors and improving safety measures, including identifying mental distress and directing users to real-world support. Experts emphasize that while AI companions can offer comfort, they are not substitutes for human interaction, and cautious use is necessary to prevent emotional harm among vulnerable users.   With inputs from BBC

The first stand-alone trial brought by state prosecutors in a series of lawsuits against Meta is set to begin in New Mexico, with jury selection starting Monday. The case is based on a state undercover investigation that used proxy social media accounts and posed as children to document sexual solicitations and Meta’s response. Meta owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The case could provide states with a new legal avenue to pursue social media companies over the impact of their platforms on children, relying on consumer protection and nuisance laws. Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging that Meta created a marketplace and “breeding ground” for predators targeting children for sexual exploitation and failed to disclose what it knew about those harmful effects. Legal experts say a victory for New Mexico could have far-reaching consequences as regulators worldwide search for legal theories to rein in social media companies. “So many regulators are keyed up looking for any evidence of a legal theory that would punish social media that a victory in that case could have ripple effects throughout the country, and the globe,” said Eric Goldman, codirector of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University School of Law. “Whatever the jury says will be of substantial interest.” The trial, which is scheduled to begin with opening statements on Feb. 9, is expected to last nearly two months. Read More: Meta secures large nuclear energy supply to power AI data centers Meta has denied the civil allegations, accusing prosecutors of using a “sensationalist” approach. Although CEO Mark Zuckerberg was removed as a defendant, he has been deposed and case documents include references to him. The New Mexico lawsuit centers on allegations that Meta’s algorithms promote harmful and addictive content to children, rather than focusing on user-generated posts themselves. Prosecutors argue this strategy could bypass longstanding legal protections under the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The state’s undercover investigation involved decoy accounts posing as minors, which documented sexual solicitations and monitored Meta’s response. Prosecutors say the company prioritized profits over child safety. Goldman said Meta is deploying significant legal resources in New Mexico and elsewhere. “If they lose this,” he said, “it becomes another beachhead that might erode their basic business.”

Some Roblox users have been staging “raids” in the popular roleplaying game Brookhaven, wearing ICE gear and acting out immigration enforcement scenarios. Others have taken to virtual streets with protest signs, displaying messages like “We hate ICE” — all compliant with Roblox’s rules against profanity. Videos of these protests and raid reenactments have gone viral on TikTok, garnering millions of views. While such activism in Roblox isn’t entirely new — similar content emerged during last summer’s “No Kings” protests — the renewed activity seems linked to recent immigration operations in Minnesota and the resistance they sparked among protesters. Read More: Meta secures large nuclear energy supply to power AI data centers Giovanni Ramos, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley, noted that virtual protests can be a healthy outlet for young people to process news about immigration enforcement. However, reenacting raids can be concerning and violates Roblox’s community standards, which prohibit content that recreates real-world sensitive events or glorifies those responsible. Roblox enforces these rules using human moderators, AI, and user reports. Ramos added that while some youth may simply be exploring current events, these protests also help them find social support and connect with peers experiencing similar challenges — an important emotional lifeline.

Apple posted record iPhone sales during the October–December holiday quarter, as loyal customers snapped up the new iPhone 17 lineup despite the company’s delayed rollout of promised artificial intelligence upgrades and recent missteps in AI development. In its quarterly results released Thursday, Apple reported iPhone revenue of $85.3 billion, up 23 percent from a year earlier and the highest ever for the device in a three month period since its launch in 2007. The strong performance came even as Apple has yet to deliver on its pledge to enhance Siri with advanced AI features in 2024. To help drive demand, Apple introduced a new “liquid glass” design across the iPhone 17 series and older models through a free software update released last September. That strategy appeared to resonate with consumers during the peak shopping season. Microsoft tops Wall Street assumption with $81.3B in revenue “The demand for iPhone was simply staggering,” Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said during a conference call with analysts, expressing confidence that the iPhone will evolve into a leading platform for artificial intelligence. The surge in iPhone sales helped Apple post quarterly profits of $42.1 billion, or $2.84 per share, marking a 16 percent increase from the same period last year. Overall revenue rose 16 percent to $143.8 billion, with both earnings and sales beating Wall Street expectations. Apple’s shares rose about 1 percent in after hours trading following the announcement, although the stock remains slightly lower so far this year and only modestly above its level at the end of 2024. Analysts said concerns over Apple’s slower entry into AI may have been overstated. Ethan Feller of Zacks Investment Research said Apple now appears well positioned to expand AI features across its ecosystem, which includes iPads, Mac computers and smartwatches. Apple said more than 2.5 billion active devices worldwide currently run on its operating systems. Looking ahead, Apple plans to release a long delayed batch of AI tools, including an upgraded version of Siri designed to be more conversational and flexible. To support this push, the company is turning to Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 3, in a rare acknowledgment that it needs outside help in a technology seen as the industry’s most significant advance since the iPhone itself. Despite its AI challenges, the iPhone ended last year as the world’s top selling smartphone with nearly 20 percent market share, narrowly ahead of Samsung, according to International Data Corp. Apple also issued an upbeat forecast, saying revenue in the January–March quarter is expected to rise by at least 13 percent year on year, surpassing analysts’ expectations of about 10 percent growth. Meta to test paid subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp However, the AI boom is creating fresh pressure for Apple, particularly from a global shortage of memory chips used in smartphones and laptops. Intense demand from data centers powering AI services is pushing up chip prices, squeezing Apple’s profit margins and raising the possibility of higher prices for iPhones and other products. “We do continue to see market pricing for memory increasing significantly,” Cook told analysts, adding that the company is evaluating multiple options to manage the rising costs.

Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) maker led by billionaire Elon Musk, reported a 3% drop in annual revenue for 2025 and a 61% fall in profits in the last quarter, as the company pivots towards artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The automaker announced it will discontinue production of its Model S and Model X vehicles, converting the California plant that produced them to manufacture its humanoid robots, known as Optimus. Musk also confirmed a $2 billion (£1.45 billion) investment in his AI venture, xAI, citing shareholder pressure despite mixed votes on the proposal. The move comes as Chinese EV manufacturer BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s largest electric car maker. Analysts note Tesla’s dated vehicle lineup and declining high-end models prompted the shift to focus on higher-volume vehicles like Model 3 and Model Y, alongside emerging ventures in robotaxis and AI-driven technologies. Musk described the upcoming capital expenditure of about $20 billion as an investment for an “epic future,” aiming to boost Tesla’s market value over the next decade to meet conditions of his record-breaking pay package. Tesla shares rose 2% in after-hours trading following the announcement. The strategic pivot also follows Musk’s controversial political activities, including involvement in former US President Donald Trump’s administration, which affected consumer sentiment toward the company globally.   With inputs from BBC

Microsoft on Wednesday reported revenue of $81.3 billion for the October-December quarter, marking a 17% increase from the same period a year earlier, as the company continues efforts to expand global use of its artificial intelligence tools. The tech giant posted a net profit of $30.9 billion, or $4.14 per share, for the quarter, exceeding Wall Street expectations. The results did not include the impact of Microsoft’s investments in ChatGPT developer OpenAI. Analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had projected Microsoft to earn $3.91 per share on revenue of $80.31 billion for the October-December quarter. When excluding its OpenAI investments, Microsoft’s profit rose to $38.5 billion, or $5.16 per share, reflecting a new accounting approach the company said it plans to apply going forward. The investments stem from OpenAI’s restructuring last year. Microsoft held an approximately 27% stake, valued at about $135 billion, in OpenAI as the startup originally a nonprofit transitioned into a for-profit public benefit corporation. Although Microsoft is no longer OpenAI’s exclusive cloud provider, a partnership that helped finance the AI company’s early expansion, it will continue to hold commercial rights to OpenAI products through 2032. Read More: Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion in India for AI and Cloud infrastructure Revenue from Microsoft’s AI-driven cloud computing segment totaled $32.9 billion in the final three months of the year, an increase of 29% from the same period last year and above the $32.4 billion forecast by analysts surveyed by FactSet. Despite surpassing expectations, Microsoft shares fell nearly 5% in after-hours trading following the release of its earnings report. Zacks Investment Research analyst Bryan Hayes said the decline likely reflected “investor scrutiny” over Microsoft’s heavy spending on the infrastructure including computer chips and data centers required to support artificial intelligence. Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella told investors during an earnings call that the company remains in the “beginning stages” of AI diffusion, referring to the broader adoption of artificial intelligence across industries.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is providing blind people with unprecedented access to visual feedback about their own appearance, transforming daily routines and self-perception, though experts caution that the technology may have complex psychological effects. Apps like Be My Eyes and Envision now allow blind users to receive detailed analyses of their faces and bodies through image recognition and AI-powered feedback. The technology can describe skin condition, facial features, and even suggest styling or makeup adjustments, functioning as a “digital mirror” for users who have never been able to see themselves. Lucy Edwards, a blind content creator, described how AI feedback allows her to understand her appearance after years of relying solely on descriptions from others. “Suddenly we have access to all this information about ourselves, about the world, it changes our lives,” she said. Experts warn, however, that such tools can inadvertently reinforce unrealistic beauty standards. Helena Lewis-Smith, a body image researcher at the University of Bristol, noted that AI often compares users against idealized Western beauty norms, which could negatively affect mental health, especially for those who cannot cross-check information visually. Envision CEO Karthik Mahadevan said that while the apps were initially designed for basic tasks like reading text or navigating the world, users increasingly employ them for personal grooming and styling. “Often the first question they ask is how they look,” he said. AI’s growing role as a personal visual assistant raises both empowerment and risk. Users can control how feedback is provided—whether descriptive, poetic, or evaluative—but inaccuracies and algorithmic biases remain a concern. Some services, such as Aira Explorer, offer human verification of AI descriptions to improve reliability. Researchers emphasize that body image is multi-dimensional, influenced by context, social comparison, and personal agency—factors that AI cannot fully capture. Yet for many blind users, the technology offers newfound independence and self-understanding. Edwards said: “Even though we don’t see visual beauty in the same way sighted people do, AI allows us to experience aspects of ourselves we thought we’d lost.” As AI continues to expand into daily life, specialists call for careful study of its emotional and psychological impact on blind communities, balancing empowerment with awareness of potential harms.   With inputs from BBC