United News of Bangladesh

Asian stock markets mostly declined on Tuesday, following losses on Wall Street where U.S. equities pulled back from recent record highs. Oil prices, which had surged earlier due to rising tensions between the United States and Iran, retreated slightly. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures posted modest gains of about 0.1%. Trading activity across the region remained subdued, with markets in Japan, South Korea and mainland China closed for public holidays. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index dropped 1.3% to 25,757.56, while Taiwan’s Taiex index rose 0.3%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.4% to 8,659.90 after the Reserve Bank of Australia increased its key interest rate to 4.35% in response to inflation pressures driven by rising fuel and commodity costs linked to Middle East instability. This marked the central bank’s third rate hike of 0.25 percentage points this year. The bank reported Australia’s annual inflation rate stood at 4.6% through March, above its target range of 2% to 3%. Elsewhere, India’s Sensex index declined 0.7%. Geopolitical tensions remained a key concern. A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to weaken after the U.S. military said it had sunk six Iranian boats allegedly targeting civilian vessels. Despite two U.S.-flagged ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial route for global oil and gas shipments remains largely restricted. The United States has also imposed a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, while President Donald Trump launched “Project Freedom,” aimed at escorting stranded vessels through the strait. Global oil benchmarks declined after recent gains. Brent crude fell $1.13 to $113.31 per barrel after briefly exceeding $114, while U.S. crude dropped $2.04 to $104.38 per barrel. Prices had been near $70 before the conflict escalated in late February. Efforts to reach a lasting peace have stalled, with tensions rising further after the United Arab Emirates reported an Iranian attack — the first since last month’s ceasefire. Analysts warned that the situation could deteriorate further, noting that ongoing maritime operations may heighten risks in the Persian Gulf region. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 fell 0.4% to 7,200.75, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.1% to 48,941.90. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.2% to 25,067.80. Shares of GameStop plunged 10.1% after it announced plans to acquire eBay, a firm with a market value roughly four times larger. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar edged up slightly against the Japanese yen, while the euro weakened marginally against the dollar.  

New Mexico prosecutors are calling for major changes to Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, to better protect children, as the second phase of a landmark court trial begins. Opening arguments are set for Monday in a three-week bench trial that will decide whether Meta’s platforms create a public nuisance under state law by harming users, especially children. In the first phase of the case, a jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties. It found that the company knowingly harmed children’s mental health and hid information about child sexual exploitation on its platforms. Now, prosecutors are asking the court to force Meta to redesign key features of its apps. Their proposals include limiting addictive design tools, improving age verification systems, strengthening privacy settings for minors, and increasing safeguards against child exploitation. They also want changes to how content is recommended, arguing that current algorithms push users toward endless engagement. Features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and visible “like” counts are also being targeted as drivers of compulsive use. Another proposal would require child accounts to be linked with a parent or guardian and introduce a court-supervised monitor to track Meta’s compliance with safety improvements over time. Meta has said it will appeal the jury’s verdict and warned it may suspend Facebook and Instagram services in New Mexico if forced to follow what it calls unrealistic requirements. Legal experts say the case is unusual in how it challenges long-standing protections for internet companies. Eric Goldman of Santa Clara University said the legal theory of “public nuisance” is rarely applied to online platforms and may not fit well in this context. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez said the verdict in the first phase weakened the protection tech companies have long relied on under Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act, which limits liability for user-generated content. The case comes amid growing scrutiny of Big Tech, with another jury in Los Angeles also recently finding Meta and YouTube responsible for harms to children. Prosecutors argue the court order could force a broader rethink of how social media companies operate, not just Meta. They say the goal is to address what they describe as a youth mental health crisis linked to platform design. Meta, however, says it already invests heavily in child safety and claims many of the proposed measures are unnecessary or unworkable. The company also argues it is being unfairly singled out while many other apps used by teenagers face less regulation. It has invoked free speech protections, saying the proposed rules could restrict expression and interfere with parental authority. “The state’s proposed mandates infringe on parental rights and stifle free expression for all New Mexicans,” Meta said in a statement. The trial is the first to reach court among more than 40 similar lawsuits filed by U.S. state attorneys general against Meta over youth mental health concerns. Many of those cases are being handled in federal courts. Experts say the outcome could have wider implications for how social media companies are regulated in the future, especially if courts approve stricter requirements such as mandatory age verification. The first phase of the trial included six weeks of testimony from educators, mental health experts, investigators, Meta executives and former employees.

President Donald Trump has shown growing interest in the government taking ownership stakes in U.S. companies, but his administration stepped back from a possible deal involving Spirit Airlines, which shut down operations on Saturday after failing to reach an agreement. Officials had been considering a plan for the government to invest in the struggling low-cost airline, which has faced rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war. However, talks stalled as the administration weighed whether the deal would bring financial benefits. Trump made clear his position was driven more by potential profit than ideology. “If we can help them, we will, but it has to be a good deal,” he told reporters on Friday, adding that any move must serve U.S. interests first. He did not immediately comment on the airline’s shutdown. The Republican president has increasingly supported the idea of government investment in key industries, a shift from traditional party views that favour minimal state involvement in business. Trump argues such steps are necessary to strengthen economic security and compete with countries like China. He has pointed to investments in major companies, including chipmaker Intel, as examples of how government involvement can generate returns. Trump recently claimed the U.S. made significant profits from its stake in the company. Under his administration, the government has taken or explored stakes in several sectors, including rare earth minerals, lithium, and nuclear energy, while also shaping deals involving major firms such as U.S. Steel and semiconductor companies like Nvidia and AMD. Trump has also maintained government control over mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying their value has increased as a result. Supporters say these moves help level the playing field against foreign competitors that receive state backing. Analysts note that China’s strong industrial policies have pushed the U.S. to rethink its approach. However, critics argue Trump’s strategy gives the government too much control over private industry. Tad DeHaven of the Cato Institute said the approach reflects a desire for greater influence over the economy. Others caution that such investments carry risks if not carefully managed. Monica Gorman, a former Biden administration official, said clearer rules are needed to guide when and how the government should invest in businesses. The potential Spirit Airlines deal, estimated at around $500 million, had also faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers. Trump had suggested the government could later sell its stake for profit if market conditions improved. While previous administrations have supported industries through loans and incentives, Trump’s approach has relied more on direct government ownership and executive action, marking a notable shift in U.S. economic policy.

The United States military has signed agreements with seven major technology companies to integrate their artificial intelligence systems into classified defence networks, enabling the armed forces to use AI-powered capabilities for military operations and decision-making. The Pentagon said on Friday that the deals include Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX. The companies will help “augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments,” the Defence Department said. US building unions back tech firms as demand for AI data centres surges The Pentagon is rapidly expanding AI use, which can speed up target identification, battlefield strikes, and improve logistics, including weapons maintenance and supply chains, according to a March report by the Brennan Center for Justice. However, concerns remain over privacy risks and the possibility of AI systems being used to select targets autonomously. Some agreements reportedly include requirements for human oversight in certain operations. AI in warfare has also raised global concern after its use in Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon, where U.S. technology was reportedly used for tracking targets amid rising civilian casualties.Notably, Anthropic is absent from the list following disputes with the Trump administration over AI ethics and safety in military use. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said all uses must remain lawful.OpenAI confirmed its Pentagon agreement, while officials said multiple providers were needed to avoid reliance on a single firm. Military personnel are already using AI via GenAI.mil to reduce tasks from months to days. Experts warn of “automation bias,” urging careful human oversight despite AI’s operational benefits.

Building trades unions in the United States are emerging as key partners of major technology companies as the country rapidly expands its artificial intelligence infrastructure. Union workers are playing a central role in constructing large data centres across the country, with demand for labour rising sharply. Many unions are now increasing training programmes and recruiting more apprentices to meet the growing need. At the same time, unions have aligned themselves with tech firms and supportive government officials, often highlighting concerns that the US is in a strategic race with China to lead in AI development. Their involvement has also made them a strong voice in local debates, where communities have raised concerns about data centres over issues such as energy use, water demand, rising utility costs and noise. Union leaders have responded directly to such criticism, stressing the economic benefits these projects bring. “These projects create thousands of construction jobs in local communities,” said Rob Bair, head of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council. He added that instead of rejecting projects outright, communities should negotiate benefits such as improved project plans or funding for local services. The boom in data centre construction is proving highly beneficial for unions. In some regions, these projects now account for a large share of work hours. Union officials say apprenticeship programmes are expanding rapidly and membership is reaching record levels. North America’s Building Trades Unions reported record numbers of members and trainees in 2025, with growth driven by data centres, energy projects and government-backed investments in technology and infrastructure. The surge in demand is also linked to the high energy needs of data centres, which has led to increased construction of power plants and related infrastructure. Some unions that had struggled with declining work in recent years are now seeing renewed growth. For example, a union in Pennsylvania that had not recruited new apprentices for years is now training hundreds. Technology companies say they also need more skilled workers and are investing heavily in training programmes, often in partnership with unions.   OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said earlier this year that union construction workers are helping build the foundation of the AI economy. Google also noted that much of the workforce on its data centre projects is unionised and highlighted its funding for electrician training programmes. Union leaders acknowledge criticism over their close ties with large tech companies but argue that the projects would move forward regardless of their involvement. “If unions step back, the data centres will still be built,” said Mark McManus of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. He added that his members are involved in a large share of such projects across the country. Unions have also become active in political discussions around data centre development. They have supported projects and opposed stricter regulations in several states, including proposals to limit or delay construction. In some cases, their position has created tension with environmental groups and progressive lawmakers seeking tighter controls. At local meetings, union members have often voiced strong support for data centre projects, sometimes dominating discussions. In several cities, they have been among the few groups openly backing new developments. Supporters argue that these projects bring jobs and economic growth, while critics continue to raise concerns about environmental impact and community costs.

Teenagers in the United States are increasingly turning to social media platforms and online influencers for news, signalling a clear generational shift in how people consume information, according to a new national study. The survey by the Media Insight Project found that 57 percent of people aged 13 to 17 get news from social media at least once a day, compared with 36 percent of adults. A similar pattern was seen in reliance on influencers and independent content creators. While 43 percent of adults said they sometimes get information on national issues from such sources, the figure rises to 57 percent among teenagers. The study, a collaboration between The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the American Press Institute and journalism schools at Northwestern University and the University of Maryland, highlights the growing influence of nontraditional news sources in teens’ daily lives. Despite this shift, traditional journalism still holds importance, though trust is evolving. Robyn Tomlin, executive director of the American Press Institute, said audiences, particularly younger ones, are increasingly drawn to creators they perceive as authentic and transparent. She noted that while national and local news outlets remain trusted, the rise of personal connections with digital creators could significantly shape the future of journalism. The survey also found teenagers are more likely than adults to use search engines and artificial intelligence tools to access news. Around 40 percent of teens said they get news daily through search, while about 20 percent rely on AI chatbots. However, television and digital news platforms continue to attract similar levels of audiences across age groups. About four in 10 both adults and teenagers said they watch TV news daily, with a comparable number accessing digital news sites or apps. Tom Rosenstiel, a journalism professor at the University of Maryland involved in the study, said video-based news remains popular but is evolving in format, with platforms like YouTube offering a different experience from traditional broadcasts. Despite frequent use of influencers and AI, many teenagers remain cautious about the information they receive. Only 11 percent of teens expressed strong confidence in information from AI chatbots, compared with 4 percent of adults. Teenagers also showed greater confidence in their ability to identify AI-generated content, with about one-third saying they can clearly distinguish it from human-created material, compared with roughly one in five adults. Trust in influencers is also limited. Just 12 percent of teenagers said they have a high level of confidence in information from independent creators, though this is still higher than the 6 percent reported by adults. The study further found that teenagers are more interested in entertainment-related news, including celebrities, music, movies and sports, while adults tend to focus more on politics, business and the economy. At the same time, both groups are showing signs of news fatigue, especially regarding politics. A majority of respondents said they often or sometimes avoid political news, with around six in 10 saying they steer clear of coverage related to US President Donald Trump. Rosenstiel said many people are becoming more selective about the news they consume, partly due to a sense of being overwhelmed by current events. He added that teenagers often seek information differently, showing less interest in avoiding celebrity news or social media content. This suggests that what is considered “important” news may vary widely, posing challenges for traditional journalism in defining its role.

Indonesia has urged social media companies and digital platforms to publicly disclose how many accounts belonging to users under 16 have been suspended under new government restrictions, authorities said Wednesday. “We will continue to insist that compliance alone is not enough; we must also report the figures to the public in the interest of transparency,” said Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid. The regulation, introduced at the end of March, bars children under 16 from accessing digital platforms that could expose them to risks such as pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud and addiction. Hafid noted that young people in Indonesia spend up to eight hours a day online. Not all platforms complied immediately with the rules, which affect around 70 million children and young people in the country. TikTok was the first to report progress, saying it had deactivated 1.7 million accounts belonging to underage users. Hafid suggested the country’s large user base may partly explain the slow pace of compliance among platforms. Seven of the eight platforms classified as high-risk — including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X and Bigo Live — have agreed to restrict access for children. Only Roblox has yet to commit to blocking under-16 users and did not immediately respond to requests for comment. YouTube announced its commitment three weeks after the regulation took effect but has not provided figures on how many underage accounts have been suspended. “We remain focused on protecting the community and will continue working closely with the Indonesian government to support a secure digital future for the next generation,” a YouTube spokesperson said. Restrictions on under-16 access to social media were first introduced in December in Australia, where companies removed access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children. Indonesia is the first country in Southeast Asia to adopt similar measures. Other countries, including Spain, France and United Kingdom, are also considering or implementing restrictions amid concerns about the impact of unregulated online content on children. Hafid acknowledged ongoing challenges in enforcing the rules, saying platforms are allowed to decide their own methods for verifying users’ ages. “We understand the technology will continue to evolve rapidly. However, the platform is responsible for determining the best and most appropriate technology for its needs,” she said. Critics, however, have raised concerns about enforcement, noting that reliable age verification often requires collecting sensitive personal data, which could create privacy and security risks. Some children may also bypass restrictions using false identities or accounts registered under adults, said Nenden Sekar Arum, executive director of the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet). She stressed the need for stronger government oversight of verification systems to ensure consistent enforcement. “The core problem is not the presence of children in the digital space, but how that digital space is shaped into a safe ecosystem. And how to ensure that those who are actually making this ecosystem harmful are held accountable. That is what needs to be addressed,” Arum said.

Microsoft has said it will no longer share revenue with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, marking a new step in reshaping their high-profile artificial intelligence partnership. The move comes as both companies adjust their relationship after years of close cooperation that helped fuel the global AI boom. OpenAI previously relied heavily on Microsoft’s cloud computing infrastructure to develop and run its systems, while Microsoft used OpenAI’s technology to power its Copilot AI assistant. However, the partnership has evolved as OpenAI transitions from its nonprofit origins into a more commercial structure and prepares for a potential initial public offering. The company has also expanded its cloud partnerships with Amazon, Google and Oracle to reduce reliance on Microsoft. Despite the change, OpenAI said it will continue to share a portion of its revenue with Microsoft until 2030. Both firms also confirmed that Microsoft remains OpenAI’s primary cloud provider, with Azure expected to host its products first unless technical limitations arise. Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy described the development as a “very interesting announcement” and said OpenAI’s models would soon be available on Amazon’s AI platform Bedrock. Analysts said the revised arrangement could support OpenAI’s path toward an IPO by expanding its cloud flexibility, while also giving Microsoft greater independence in developing its own AI systems and partnerships, including with rival firms.

WASHINGTON, Apr 26 (AP/UNB) – A cellphone helped identify bank robber Okello Chatrie after he stole $195,000 from a credit union in suburban Richmond, Virginia, and evaded police until investigators used a powerful digital tracking method now under Supreme Court scrutiny. Authorities used a “geofence warrant” issued to Google, creating a virtual boundary around the crime scene. The tool collected location data of mobile devices nearby, revealing that Chatrie’s phone was present around the time of the robbery. Chatrie was later identified, and a search of his home uncovered nearly $100,000 in cash, including bank-banded notes signed by a teller. He pleaded guilty and received a nearly 12-year prison sentence, though he is now challenging the use of geofence evidence. China’s DeepSeek unveils upgraded AI model as competition with US firms intensifies The Supreme Court will decide whether such warrants violate the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches. The case raises broader questions about applying a 1791 constitutional provision to modern digital surveillance. Geofence warrants work in reverse of traditional searches, identifying all devices in a location rather than targeting a known suspect. Prosecutors say they help solve crimes without eyewitness or camera evidence, while civil liberties advocates warn they sweep in innocent people and could expand digital surveillance. Similar warrants have been used in investigations of the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riot, pipe bomb incidents in Washington, and homicide cases across several states. Courts remain divided, with some ruling them unconstitutional “general warrants,” while others uphold their use under certain conditions. A federal judge initially found a rights violation in Chatrie’s case but allowed evidence under a good-faith exception, a decision later upheld on appeal. The Supreme Court previously ruled in 2018 that long-term warrantless cellphone tracking violated privacy rights, with Chief Justice John Roberts noting the vast amount of location data collected through modern mobile networks.

Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek on Friday released preview versions of its latest AI model, stepping up competition with leading US tech firms. The new V4 model has been highly anticipated, with users keen to compare it with rivals such as ChatGPT by OpenAI, Claude from Anthropic and Gemini by Google. The company introduced “pro” and “flash” versions of the open-source V4 model, saying they offer major improvements in knowledge, reasoning ability and “agentic” functions, which allow the system to complete complex tasks on its own. DeepSeek also said the new model partly runs on chips developed by Huawei, reducing dependence on US chipmaker Nvidia. V4 follows the earlier V3 model released in late 2024. However, it was DeepSeek’s reasoning-focused R1 model, launched in January 2025, that drew global attention for being more cost-effective than similar systems from US firms. The company claims its top version, “V4 Pro Max,” performs better than OpenAI’s GPT-5.2 and Google’s Gemini 3.0-Pro in several reasoning tests, though it falls slightly behind their more advanced versions. The launch came shortly after OpenAI introduced its GPT-5.5 model. DeepSeek also said its V4 “pro” version could outperform Claude’s Sonnet 4.5 and come close to the performance of Claude’s Opus 4.5 model in handling complex tasks. The “flash” version is designed to deliver similar results in simpler tasks with faster performance. Analysts say the new model could be a strong competitor. “Based on early results, DeepSeek V4 looks highly competitive with US rivals,” said Lian Jye Su of research firm Omdia. Marina Zhang of the University of Technology Sydney described the launch as an important step for China’s AI sector as global competition grows. DeepSeek offers free chatbot services on web and mobile platforms and promotes its technology as open source, allowing developers to modify and build on it. The company said both versions of V4 can process up to 1 million tokens of information at a time, a significant increase from the 128,000-token limit in V3. Huawei confirmed its Ascend chips are compatible with the new model, highlighting China’s efforts to reduce reliance on US technology. A January report from Microsoft showed DeepSeek is gaining popularity in developing countries, especially where Huawei devices are widely used. However, some experts remain cautious. Ivan Su of Morningstar said the new model is a solid update but not as groundbreaking as the earlier R1 release. Competition in China’s AI market has also increased, while independent testing is still needed to verify DeepSeek’s performance claims. Meanwhile, tensions remain over accusations from US companies. Anthropic and OpenAI have alleged that DeepSeek used their models’ outputs to improve its own systems, a claim also echoed by US officials. China has rejected the allegations, calling them unfair attempts to limit the growth of its technology companies.