United News of Bangladesh

Police in Edmonton, Canada, have begun testing artificial intelligence–enabled body cameras capable of recognizing about 7,000 people on a “high-risk” watch list — a trial that could signal a major shift toward adopting facial recognition technology long deemed too invasive for law enforcement in North America. The program marks a sharp turn from 2019, when Axon Enterprise, Inc., the top body-camera manufacturer, backed away from facial recognition amid serious ethical concerns. Now, the new pilot — launched last week — is drawing intense scrutiny well beyond Edmonton, the northernmost city in North America with over a million residents. Barry Friedman, the former chair of Axon’s AI ethics board who once helped block the technology, told the Associated Press he fears the company is moving ahead without adequate transparency, public discussion or expert review. “These tools carry major costs and risks,” said Friedman, now an NYU law professor. “There must be clear evidence of their benefits before deploying them." Axon CEO Rick Smith insists the Edmonton trial is not a full-scale rollout but “early-stage field research” to evaluate performance and determine proper safeguards. Testing the system in Canada allows the company to gather independent insights and refine oversight frameworks before any future U.S. consideration, Smith wrote in a blog post. Edmonton police say the system is meant to enhance officer safety by detecting individuals flagged as violent, armed, dangerous or high-risk. The main list contains 6,341 names, with another 724 listed for serious outstanding warrants. “We want this focused strictly on serious offenders,” said Ann-Li Cooke, Axon’s director of responsible AI. Sam Altman issues ‘Code Red’ to boost ChatGPT as AI competition intensifies The outcome could influence policing globally: Axon dominates the U.S. body-camera market and is expanding in Canada, recently beating Motorola Solutions for an RCMP contract. Motorola says it can enable facial recognition on its cameras but has purposely chosen not to use the feature for proactive identification — at least for now. Alberta’s government mandated police body cameras provincewide in 2023 to increase accountability and speed up investigations. But real-time facial recognition remains divisive, with critics warning of surveillance overreach and racial bias. Some U.S. states have restricted the technology, while the European Union banned public real-time face scanning except in extreme cases. In contrast, the U.K. has embraced it, with London’s system contributing to 1,300 arrests in two years. Details about Edmonton’s pilot remain limited. Axon declined to disclose which third-party facial recognition model it uses. Police say the trial runs only in daylight through December due to Edmonton’s harsh winters and lighting challenges. About 50 officers are participating, but they won’t see any real-time match alerts; results will be reviewed afterward. In the future, police hope it may warn officers of nearby high-risk individuals when responding to calls. Privacy concerns are growing. Alberta’s privacy commissioner received a privacy impact assessment only on Dec. 2 — the day the trial was publicly announced — and is now reviewing it. University of Alberta criminologist Temitope Oriola said Edmonton’s past tensions with Indigenous and Black communities make this experiment particularly sensitive. “Edmonton is essentially a testing ground,” he said. “It could lead to improvements — but that’s not guaranteed.” Axon acknowledges accuracy challenges, especially under poor lighting, long distances or angles that disproportionately affect darker-skinned people. It insists every match will undergo human verification and says part of the test is determining how human reviewers must be trained to reduce risks. Friedman argues Axon must release its findings — and that decisions about such technology shouldn’t be left to police agencies or private companies alone. “A pilot can be valuable,” he said. “But it requires transparency and accountability. None of that is happening here. They’ve found a department willing to proceed, and they’re simply moving forward.”

Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court heard arguments Friday in a state lawsuit claiming Meta intentionally engineered Facebook and Instagram features to be addictive for young users. Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s 2024 lawsuit asserts that Meta designed these features to boost profits, affecting hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts teens who use the platforms. State Solicitor David Kravitz argued that the case focuses solely on Meta’s own design tools, saying the company’s internal research shows these features encourage addictive behavior. He emphasized that the claims do not involve Meta’s algorithms or moderation practices. Meta rejected the accusations on Friday, insisting it has long worked to support youth safety. Company attorney Mark Mosier argued the lawsuit would improperly penalize Meta for standard publishing activities, which he said are protected under the First Amendment. Mosier added: “If the state claimed the speech was false or fraudulent, its argument would be stronger. But acknowledging the content is truthful places this squarely under First Amendment protection.” Several justices, however, seemed more focused on Meta’s engagement-driving functions—such as persistent notifications—rather than the content itself. Justice Dalila Wendland said the state’s complaint centers on “incessant notifications designed to exploit teenagers’ fear of missing out,” not on Meta spreading false information. Justice Scott Kafker questioned Meta’s argument that this is simply about choosing what to publish: “This isn’t about publishing—it’s about capturing attention. The content doesn’t matter; the goal is to keep users looking.” Meta faces multiple state and federal lawsuits accusing the company of creating features—like nonstop notifications and infinite scrolling—to hook young users. In 2023, 33 states sued Meta, alleging it illegally collected data on children under 13 without parental consent. Several states, including Massachusetts, filed separate lawsuits targeting addictive design and youth harms. Investigative reports starting with a 2021 Wall Street Journal series revealed Meta knew Instagram could be harmful to teens, especially girls, citing internal research showing that 13.5% of teen girls said the app exacerbated suicidal thoughts and 17% said it worsened eating disorders. Critics argue Meta has failed to meaningfully address youth mental-health risks. A 2024 report by whistleblower Arturo Bejar and several nonprofits claimed Meta prioritized publicity-friendly features over substantive safety improvements. Meta said the report distorted the company’s efforts to protect teens

The European Union on Friday slapped a 120 million euro ($140 million) fine on X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, for violating the bloc’s digital governance rules — a move likely to heighten tensions with Washington over issues of online speech. The penalty follows a two-year investigation under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires major platforms to better protect users, curb illegal or harmful content, and increase transparency or face heavy sanctions. This is the first formal non-compliance ruling issued under the DSA. EU officials said X committed three violations involving transparency, prompting the fine. The decision risks angering U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has criticized European digital rules as unfairly aimed at American tech firms. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the penalty on X, calling it an attack on American companies and citizens. Musk echoed Rubio’s message. Vice President JD Vance also accused the EU of trying to punish X for refusing to “censor” content. EU officials rejected those claims. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier insisted the enforcement action is based solely on legal standards, not political motives or the nationality of companies. X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Regulators first laid out their concerns in mid-2024, focusing on X’s blue checkmark system, which they described as a “deceptive design” that could mislead users and expose them to manipulation. Prior to Musk’s 2022 takeover, the badges signified verified public figures. Musk’s decision to sell checkmarks for $8 a month, without robust verification, left users unable to reliably assess account authenticity, the Commission said. Officials also criticized X’s ad transparency database, which — under EU law — must display all ads, their funders, and target audiences. The Commission said X’s database suffers from poor design, limited accessibility, and long delays, hindering efforts to detect fraud and influence operations. Additionally, the platform was accused of blocking researchers from accessing public data, limiting their ability to study risks faced by European users. “Misleading users with blue checkmarks, hiding ad information, and restricting researchers have no place online in the EU,” said Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy. In a separate DSA case concluded Friday, TikTok agreed to modify its ad database to meet EU transparency standards.

European Union regulators on Friday imposed a €120 million ($140 million) fine on Elon Musk’s social media platform X for violating the bloc’s digital rules, citing risks that users could be exposed to scams and manipulation. The European Commission’s decision follows a two-year investigation under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a wide-ranging law that obliges platforms to take responsibility for user protection and remove harmful or illegal content, with fines for noncompliance. The Commission said X, formerly Twitter, breached three transparency rules under the DSA. Specifically, X’s blue checkmarks were deemed “deceptively designed,” potentially exposing users to scams. The platform also failed to meet ad database transparency standards, with delays and access barriers hindering research on digital ads, their sponsors, and target audiences. Nvidia chief courts Republicans amid debate over accelerating AI competition “Deceiving users with blue checkmarks, obscuring ad information, and restricting researcher access have no place online in the EU. The DSA protects users,” said Henna Virkunnen, EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The decision underscores EU regulators’ efforts to enforce stricter accountability for tech platforms and could provoke reactions from U.S. officials, who have previously criticized Brussels’ digital rules. Source: AP 

When the ground tremor occurs without warning, safety issues often feel incomplete until mobile apps for earthquake alerts enter the picture. Bangladesh, with its long-known vulnerability to seismic pressure, has a particular stake in fast, reliable alerts. Technology is quietly reinforcing hope here, offering ordinary phone users a chance to react milliseconds earlier. Such tools may not erase the threat, yet they help people face it with clearer information and steadier nerves. Let's explore the top reliable earthquake warning apps for smartphones that could shape preparedness strategies heading into 2025-26. Top Free Earthquake Warning Apps for Android and iOS Devices A new wave of seismic tools is reshaping how people prepare for sudden ground shifts. Here’s a quick look at the mobile apps, built to deliver faster alerts and clearer information when it counts. MyShake Earthquake Alerts Earthquake early warnings often feel abstract until the ground actually moves, which is why the system built into ‘MyShake’ tends to stand out. Developed at the UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, it sends notifications for magnitude-4.5-and-up quakes a few seconds before the shaking reaches you. This is a narrow window, yet often enough to steady yourself or move away from danger. Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Debuting in December 2025 The app has been around since February 12, 2016, and runs on both Android 9+ and iOS 12+, a broad range that keeps it accessible. Some users argue that the lead time varies a bit depending on their location. But that’s the nature of seismic networks rather than a flaw in the tool itself. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.berkeley.bsl.myshake IOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1467058529 My Earthquake Alerts People lean on quick post-event information more than full early warning systems, which is exactly where ‘My Earthquake Alerts’ finds its purpose. Released back on May 3, 2015, by JRustonApps B.V., it focuses on notifying users moments after an earthquake occurs. The alerts aim for speed and clarity rather than prediction. It’s compatible with Android 7+ and iOS 15+, giving it wide appeal among everyday users. Clean, reliable data is always helpful when there are no extra layers of scientific detail. Read more: 10 Popular Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within 10000 Taka in 2025-26 However, some might wish for pre-shaking alerts, yet the app’s strength lies in simplicity and fast reporting. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrustonapps.myearthquakealerts&hl=en IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-earthquake-alerts-feed/id975709372 LastQuake For those who prefer understanding the broader picture rather than relying on automated alarms, LastQuake offers something different. Offered by EMSC-CSEM and shaped directly by seismologists, it gathers reports from witnesses, often the first to feel a tremor. The information-centric approach uses mobile technologies to collect photos, videos, and rapid questionnaires. Though it doesn’t function as a traditional alert system, it does allow personalised notifications based on magnitude, distance, and even voice alerts. Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources Running on Android 7+ and iOS 11+, and active since June 18, 2014, it has built a reputation as a crowd-powered window into how earthquakes unfold in real time. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.emsc_csem.lastquake&hl=en IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lastquake/id890799748 Android Earthquake Alerts System Many Android users never realise their phones already carry a built-in seismic tool, one that sits quietly in the background until needed. That system, known as the ‘Android Earthquake Alerts System’, arrived in Bangladesh on July 19, 2022. It was shaped with input from seismology researchers at UC Berkeley, the same group behind ‘MyShake’. It works with most Android models running Android 5.0 or later, using the phone’s own accelerometers to sense early tremors and warn people within range. Read more: Best Free Bangladeshi Online Doctor Apps for Android, iOS Alerts appear only for magnitude-4.5-and-above quakes, which keeps the noise down but leaves room for debate about smaller, still-felt events. Anyone wanting to activate it can do so through Settings < Location < Advanced < Earthquake Alerts. QuakeFeed Earthquake Alerts iPhone users tend to take a different route, often turning to a dedicated platform such as ‘QuakeFeed’, released by Artisan Global LLC. Despite launching only in 2021, it has built a following by offering a broad spread of free features. It spans from worldwide quake mapping to hazard tracking for wildfires, hurricanes, volcanoes, and smoke. Read more: DNCC Smart Parking App: How to Utilise Smart Parking The app supports iOS 15 and up, and focuses on customisation, nearby alerts, regional filters, a 3D globe, satellite and street maps, and a fault-line layer for those who like to dig deeper. Some may find the interface a bit crowded, yet the range of tools makes it flexible for both casual users and detail-seekers. IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quakefeed-earthquake-alerts/id403037266 Pilling Up These popular mobile apps for earthquake warnings are proof of how seriously digital preparedness is moving towards 2025-2026. The built-in Android quake alerts system still stands apart for its speed and freedom from third-party dependencies. Tools like MyShake, My Earthquake Alerts, and LastQuake help both Android and iOS users stay informed, while QuakeFeed rounds out the lineup for those on iOS alone. All in all, these apps continue widening the scope of how communities brace for the next earthquake. Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps          

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang held separate meetings Wednesday with President Donald Trump and Republican senators, as tech leaders push for policies favorable to the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector — including permission to sell some of Nvidia’s top chips to competitors such as China. Huang’s closed-door briefing with GOP members of the Senate Banking Committee came as lobbying efforts and investment in AI surge, with companies projecting sweeping impacts from the technology. He and other Silicon Valley leaders argue that excessive restrictions could slow innovation, even as U.S. officials grow increasingly wary of China’s use of American hardware. Speaking before his Capitol Hill meetings, Huang reiterated support for export controls while insisting U.S. firms must retain global competitiveness. He said limiting chip performance for Chinese buyers would only push them away without hindering Beijing’s progress. Huang confirmed he also discussed export rules with Trump earlier in the day. The Trump administration in May rolled back Biden-era limits that blocked chip exports to many countries, and later approved a revenue-sharing deal allowing Nvidia and AMD to sell in China under a 15% U.S. government cut — a move that divided lawmakers. Congress broadly views high-end chip sales to China as a national security concern and has floated numerous AI-related bills this year. Sam Altman issues ‘Code Red’ to boost ChatGPT as AI competition intensifies Republican senators described the discussion with Huang as constructive, though some remained cautious. Sen. Mike Rounds said the dialogue on AI policy was “healthy,” while acknowledging differing views on export strategy. Sen. John Kennedy rejected Huang’s credibility outright, saying his financial stake made him an unsuitable adviser on China policy. Democrats, excluded from the meeting, criticized Huang’s decision to meet only with Republicans. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she wants the Nvidia chief to testify publicly and explain why his company supports chip access for Chinese manufacturers over U.S. firms seeking the same technology. Source: AP 

The year 2025 has already transformed the smartphone landscape with massive leaps in AI integration, professional-grade cameras, and elite gaming performance. As the last month of the year, December continues this legacy. If you still wish to upgrade your smartphone or want to buy an additional device, now is the time. Manufacturers are ending the year with their most innovative work yet. Let's dive into the best 10 smartphones arriving in December 2025, which are absolutely worth the wait and the hype. Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in December 2025 . Huawei Mate X7 The Huawei Mate X7, released on November 25, 2025, is a premium foldable built with aerospace-grade aluminum and a lightweight 235 g body. It features an 8-inch LTPO OLED foldable display plus a bright 6.49-inch cover screen protected by Kunlun Glass 2.  Powered by the Kirin 9030 Pro and HarmonyOS 6.0, it offers up to 1TB storage and 20GB RAM. Its triple-camera setup includes a 50MP variable aperture main lens, periscope zoom, and ultrawide sensor, with 4K video on both rear and selfie cameras. A 5525mAh battery supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. The Mate X7 is priced at 260,000 BDT.  Read more: 10 Popular Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within 10000 Taka in 2025-26 OnePlus Ace 6T The OnePlus Ace 6T, expected to debut in December 2025, is shaping up to be a powerful flagship alternative with a premium build featuring Crystal Shield Glass and an aluminium alloy frame, along with IP68/IP69K protection. Its large 6.83-inch LTPO AMOLED display delivers a silky 165 Hz refresh rate with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and running ColorOS 16 on Android 16, it promises top-tier performance. The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP OIS main sensor and an ultrawide lens, while the 16MP selfie camera handles 4K video. With up to 1TB storage, 16GB RAM, and a massive 8300mAh battery with 100W charging, the Ace 6T offers excellent value at 120,000 BDT.  Honor Magic 8 Pro (Global) The Honor Magic 8 Pro was first launched in China in October 2025, and its global version arrived in South Asian markets at the end of November. The phone features a premium design with NanoCrystal Shield protection and IP68/IP69K durability. Its 6.71-inch LTPO OLED display delivers 120Hz smoothness and an impressive 6000-nit peak brightness.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Android 16, it ensures flagship-level performance. The triple camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a powerful 200MP periscope lens, and a 50MP ultrawide. With up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, a 7100mAh battery, and 100W fast charging, it launches globally at 100,000 BDT.  Read more: Popular Home Geysers (Water Heaters) Available in Bangladesh in 2025-26 Huawei Mate 80 The Huawei Mate 80, released on November 25, 2025, arrives as a solid flagship alternative, priced at 85,000 BDT in Bangladesh. It features a sleek glass-and-aluminium design with IP68/IP69 protection and a vibrant 6.75-inch LTPO OLED display guarded by Kunlun Glass 2. Powered by the Kirin 9020 and HarmonyOS 6.0, it delivers smooth, efficient performance.  The triple-camera setup includes a versatile 50MP main sensor, a 12MP periscope lens, and a 40MP ultrawide, while the 13MP selfie camera supports AF and 4K video. With up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 5750mAh battery supported by 66W fast charging, the Mate 80 blends reliability with premium flair.  Xiaomi Poco F8 Pro The Xiaomi Poco F8 Pro, launched on November 26, 2025, delivers flagship performance at an excellent value, priced at 75,000 BDT. It sports a sleek glass-and-aluminium design with IP68 water resistance and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. The 6.59-inch AMOLED display offers 120 Hz smoothness, Dolby Vision, and an impressive 3500-nit peak brightness.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and running Android 16 with HyperOS 3, it ensures fast, responsive performance. The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide. With up to 12GB RAM, 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, and a 6210mAh battery supporting 100W fast charging, the F8 Pro feels like a flagship without the flagship price.  Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in November 2025 Sharp Aquos Sense10 The Sharp Aquos Sense10, expected to be released in December 2025, offers a compact and durable design with IP68 protection and full MIL-STD-810 certification, making it surprisingly rugged for its price. Its 6.1-inch LTPO IGZO OLED display hits a smooth 240 Hz refresh rate and an impressive 2000-nit peak brightness.  Running Android 16 on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, it delivers efficient everyday performance. The dual 50MP rear cameras and a sharp 32MP selfie lens ensure clean, stable shots with gyro-EIS support. With up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, microSD expansion, a 5000mAh battery, and 36W charging, it is a reliable mid-range choice priced at 50,000 BDT.  Motorola Moto G57 Power The Motorola Moto G57 Power, expected to launch on December 3, 2025, is built for users who want long-lasting performance without breaking the bank. It features a sturdy design with Gorilla Glass 7i protection, a soft eco-leather back, and IP64 splash resistance. Its 6.72-inch 120 Hz display offers smooth visuals, while Android 16 paired with the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 ensures reliable daily performance.  The phone includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a decent 8MP selfie shooter. With storage options up to 256GB and 12GB RAM, plus a massive 7000mAh battery supported by 33W charging, it is a solid value at 40,000 BDT.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy M17 5G Review: Mid-Range Power with Premium Touch realme P4x 5G The realme P4x 5G, releasing on December 04, is shaping up to be an impressive budget-friendly device expected to cost around 20,000 BDT. It features a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass protection. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra and running Android 15, it promises efficient performance for everyday use.  The dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP main lens and an 8MP ultrawide sensor, while the 16MP selfie camera handles clean 1080p video. With 6GB RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, a massive 7000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a stylish punch-hole design, the P4x 5G looks like great value for its segment.  OnePlus 15R The OnePlus 15R, expected to launch in December 2025, is rumoured to bring strong flagship features with a clean, stylish design built around a glass front and aluminium alloy frame. It sports a compact 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and Crystal Shield Glass protection.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and Android 15, it promises fast, efficient performance. The dual 50MP rear cameras and 16MP selfie shooter handle detailed photos and smooth 4K video. With up to 16GB RAM and as much as 1TB storage, plus a large 6260mAh battery with fast charging, the 15R looks promising.  Read more: Top Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far Honor 500 (China) The Honor 500 was launched in China on November 24, 2025. It comes with a sleek aluminium frame, a slim 7.8 mm profile, and strong IP68/IP69K protection. Its 6.55-inch AMOLED display hits an impressive 6000 nits peak brightness with 120 Hz smoothness. With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Android 16, it delivers fast and efficient performance.  The phone features a sharp 200MP main camera and a 50MP selfie shooter, both capable of 4K video. With up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a massive 8000mAh battery supported by 80W fast charging, the Honor 500 easily stands out as a power-packed mid-flagship.  Verdict The list of new smartphone releases in December 2025 is packed with powerful devices, each offering unique strengths—from cutting-edge processors and flagship cameras to long-lasting batteries and stunning displays. Whatever you prefer, this month’s lineup delivers something for every user, making it an exciting time to upgrade your device.  Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh in October 2025

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly declared a “code red,” urging employees to prioritize upgrades to ChatGPT and temporarily halt work on other upcoming products, The Wall Street Journal said Monday. In an internal memo quoted by the paper, Altman called for major improvements to ChatGPT's speed, reliability and personalization capabilities. The urgency comes as the chatbot marks three years since its launch — a milestone that initially propelled OpenAI to the forefront of the global generative AI race. But that early lead is now pressured by competitors, especially Google, which last month rolled out Gemini 3, the newest version of its AI assistant. OpenAI did not comment publicly on the memo, which was also reported by The Information. Altman recently said ChatGPT now draws more than 800 million weekly users. Despite the massive user base and a $500 billion valuation, OpenAI remains unprofitable and has more than $1 trillion in long-term financial commitments to cloud providers and chip manufacturers essential to running its AI systems. Those escalating costs have heightened investor anxieties over a potential AI bubble and whether OpenAI can generate the revenue needed to satisfy key backers such as Oracle and Nvidia. Nick Turley, OpenAI’s vice president and head of ChatGPT, wrote on social media Monday that online search is one of the major opportunities the company is targeting as it works to make ChatGPT “even more intuitive and personal.” OpenAI, Foxconn partner to build AI hardware in US While OpenAI earns money from paid subscriptions, the majority of users rely on the free version. In October, the company launched its own web browser, Atlas, in a push to compete with Google Chrome as more users turn to AI for information. However, unlike Google, OpenAI has not yet ventured into advertising on ChatGPT. According to the Journal, Altman’s memo said the company is pausing development on advertising initiatives, AI health and shopping assistants, and a personal assistant tool known as Pulse. Source: AP 

India’s communications ministry has instructed smartphone makers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity application on all new devices, a move that has sparked debate over data privacy in one of the world’s largest mobile markets. According to Monday’s directive, manufacturers must add the “Sanchar Saathi” app to every new handset within 90 days and ensure it cannot be deleted. The mandate also requires pushing the app onto existing phones through software updates, extending the requirement far beyond new models. Officials say the app — designed to help block fraud, track lost or stolen phones and shut down fake mobile connections — is crucial for telecom security. The government says it has already attracted over 5 million downloads and assisted in recovering more than 700,000 devices. But digital rights advocates warn the move undermines user consent and could open the door to expanded surveillance. MediaNama founder Nikhil Pahwa said that forcibly placing a government app on personal devices “takes away choice” and sets a precedent for future monitoring tools. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia insisted Tuesday that the system remains “voluntary,” saying users can delete the app — though the order also instructs manufacturers not to restrict its core functions, leaving key questions unanswered. The policy may face resistance from global smartphone brands, including Apple, which prohibits pre-installing third-party apps, even from governments. Similar mandates in other countries have drawn criticism; Russia recently required all phones to pre-install the MAX messaging platform, which critics say facilitates state surveillance. Source: AP 

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence carries major risks for people already struggling in a digital world, a new United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report warns. While AI offers vast potential, the benefits are likely to flow disproportionately to wealthier nations unless deliberate steps are taken to ensure inclusive access to technology and essential services. Released Tuesday, the report compares today’s moment to the industrial revolution’s “Great Divergence,” when Western nations surged ahead as others lagged behind. It argues that despite the focus on productivity and economic growth, the real issue is AI’s impact on human lives. Lead author Michael Muthukrishna stressed the need to prioritize people over technology. Communities lacking electricity, connectivity and digital skills — including the elderly, displaced populations and those hit by climate disasters — risk being excluded and overlooked in data systems powering AI tools. AI could significantly improve farming advice, medical diagnoses, disaster forecasting and poverty assessment. Yet concerns persist even in developed countries over energy-intensive data centers, rising carbon emissions, privacy threats and the spread of deepfakes and cyberattacks. The report notes that while advanced Asian economies such as China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are positioned to benefit, others — including Afghanistan, Maldives and Myanmar — lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Nearly a quarter of the Asia-Pacific region is still offline. How AI is changing the way consumers shop this holiday season UNDP economist Philip Schellekens warned that without urgent action to close digital gaps, millions could be locked out of digital payments, IDs, education and economic opportunity. He underscored the need for transparency, regulation and protections against bias and surveillance. The report concludes that AI is becoming as essential as electricity or roads, calling on governments to invest in digital infrastructure, training and fair competition to ensure every community can share in the technology’s benefits. Source: AP