United News of Bangladesh

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) at workplaces in the United States is growing, but many employees are still reluctant to rely on the technology, according to a new Gallup poll. The survey shows that while more workers are now using AI tools regularly, concerns are also increasing about the risk of job losses. Many employees who avoid AI say they prefer traditional methods, have ethical concerns or are worried about data privacy. The poll, conducted in February, highlights a mixed picture of how AI is changing workplaces. Some workers see it as a powerful tool that improves productivity and efficiency, while others fear its negative impact. Scott Segal, a social worker in northern Virginia, said he uses AI to gather information to help elderly and vulnerable patients access healthcare services. However, he also fears that AI could eventually replace his role. “I think people in jobs that can be replaced should start planning ahead,” said the 53-year-old. The poll found that about 30% of employees use AI frequently, either daily or several times a week, while around 20% use it occasionally. Around 40% of workers said their organisations have introduced AI tools to improve operations. Among them, nearly two-thirds reported that AI has had a positive impact on their productivity and efficiency. Managers appear to benefit more from AI than other employees. About 70% of leaders who use AI at least a few times a year said it has improved their efficiency, compared to just over half of other workers. Among employees who have access to AI but choose not to use it, 46% said they prefer to continue working in their usual way. Around 40% cited ethical concerns, data privacy issues, or doubts about AI’s usefulness. About a quarter said they had tried AI but found it unhelpful, while roughly 20% felt they lacked the skills to use it properly. Thuy Pisone, a contract administrator in Maryland, said she uses AI for simple tasks but avoids it for work she can already handle confidently, such as preparing presentations. The survey also found growing concern about job security. About 18% of US workers believe their jobs could be replaced by technology, automation or AI within the next five years, up from 15% in 2025. Workers at companies already using AI are even more worried, with 23% saying job loss is at least somewhat likely in the near future. Despite these concerns, most workers are not overly anxious. Around 70% said they are not very concerned or not concerned at all about losing their jobs to AI. Segal said he is considering starting a healthcare support service if AI replaces his current role, as he believes some human-centred services will take longer to be automated. For now, he said, he is even using AI tools to plan his financial future, including retirement savings.

Viral AI-generated videos styled like Lego animations are being used to spread pro-Iran narratives during the ongoing conflict, with experts warning they represent a powerful new form of propaganda. At first glance, the fast-paced and vividly coloured clips resemble scenes from animated films. However, the content often includes images of war, injured children, fighter jets and US President Donald Trump, presenting Iran as resisting what it portrays as a dominant global power, the United States. In a recent BBC podcast, a representative of Explosive Media, one of the main creators of such videos, acknowledged that the Iranian government is a “customer” of the outlet, despite earlier claims of being fully independent. The individual, who identified himself as Mr Explosive, said his small team uses the Lego-style format because it is easily understood across cultures. The videos are widely shared by Iranian and Russian state-linked social media accounts, reaching millions of viewers. Experts say the content is highly effective. Propaganda specialist Dr Emma Briant described the videos as “highly sophisticated,” noting that AI tools trained on Western data help create culturally familiar messages for global audiences. She said the clips have collectively drawn hundreds of millions of views. The videos often mix political messaging with controversial or unverified claims. Some include references to conspiracy theories, such as alleged links between US figures and the Epstein files, for which there is no credible evidence. In one widely circulated clip, a downed US pilot is shown being captured by Iranian forces. However, US officials said the pilot was rescued by special forces on April 4 and is receiving treatment in Kuwait. The producer rejected that account, offering an alternative version without evidence. Analysts say such content can shape perceptions by rapidly spreading misleading narratives. Some social media influencers have echoed the claims made in the videos, further amplifying their reach among English-speaking audiences. The clips have become more detailed in recent months, depicting specific locations in the Gulf region being destroyed by Iranian strikes. In reality, reports suggest damage in many cases has been limited. The videos are often released shortly after major developments in the conflict, sometimes even before official announcements, indicating a coordinated and fast-moving content strategy. Explosive Media’s representative defended working with the Iranian government, calling it an “honourable” role, and dismissed criticism over misinformation and alleged bias. Researchers say this type of AI-driven messaging signals a shift in how countries communicate during conflicts, bypassing traditional media channels and directly targeting global audiences. While social media platforms have removed some accounts sharing the videos, similar content continues to reappear, highlighting the challenges of controlling such rapidly evolving digital campaigns. Source: BBC

Yahoo is turning to artificial intelligence with its new answer engine, Scout, in a fresh attempt to regain its position in online search. The AI-powered tool provides direct answers along with links to supporting sources. In a response to an AP query, Scout said Yahoo’s decline showed how early success can fade without constant innovation. Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone hopes to use AI to tap into the company’s global base of about 700 million users who still rely on its finance, sports, news and email services despite years of setbacks. Lanzone took charge after Apollo Global Management acquired Yahoo for $5 billion in 2021, far below its peak value of $125 billion during the early 2000 dot-com boom. Before that, Verizon had bought Yahoo’s core business in 2017 but failed to integrate it successfully with AOL. Years of missteps under multiple leaders weakened Yahoo’s standing, though it managed to survive, unlike some former tech giants, analysts say. Since taking over, Lanzone has focused on cutting underperforming units, selling assets like TechCrunch and shutting down AOL’s dial-up service. He says Yahoo is now profitable and generating billions in revenue. The company has also upgraded key products, including its fantasy sports platform and email service, which remains the second largest after Gmail. With Scout now rolled out to 250 million users in the US, Yahoo aims to offer simpler and more personalised search results. However, it faces tough competition from Google and AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity. Yahoo is currently using AI technology licensed from Anthropic to run Scout. Lanzone said the tool is designed to deliver answers without mimicking human conversation. Founded in the 1990s as a web directory, Yahoo lost its edge after shifting focus away from search, allowing Google to dominate the space.

India’s massive outsourcing industry, valued at around $300 billion, is facing growing uncertainty as artificial intelligence (AI) threatens to reshape its traditional business model. In recent weeks, Indian technology stocks have fallen sharply, with the Nifty IT index dropping about 20% this year and wiping out billions of dollars in investor wealth. The decline began even before fresh geopolitical tensions, largely driven by concerns that AI could disrupt the labour-intensive services that underpin the sector. For over three decades, India’s IT industry has created millions of white-collar jobs and helped build a strong middle class, boosting demand for housing, cars and lifestyle services in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Gurugram. However, fears intensified after new AI tools—such as one launched by Anthropic—claimed they could automate key tasks in legal, compliance and data management. Industry leaders have since warned that AI could significantly reduce demand for entry-level jobs, with some predicting up to half of such roles may disappear. Despite the concerns, major Indian IT firms say the risks are being overstated. They argue that while AI will change how services are delivered, it will also open new opportunities, especially in consulting and system modernisation. Analysts say the industry is likely to shift away from routine maintenance work toward higher-value advisory roles, which may reduce steady revenue streams. Some forecasts suggest slower growth in the coming years, with potential stagnation after 2031 in a worst-case scenario. Others remain optimistic. Firms like JPMorgan and HSBC believe IT companies will play a key role in helping businesses adopt AI, rather than being replaced by it. Infosys also says AI could create more jobs than it eliminates, particularly in emerging fields like AI engineering. Still, the transition may be difficult. AI-related revenue remains relatively small, and overall industry growth is expected to stay modest. Hiring is also likely to slow. Additional challenges include rising US visa costs and ongoing global uncertainties, which could increase operating expenses for Indian firms. Experts say while AI will bring long-term benefits, the sector is likely to face short-term disruptions as it adapts to a rapidly changing technological landscape. With inputs from BBC

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Thursday directed the officials concerned to introduce AI-based automation in teacher transfer processes in schools and colleges to curb lobbying and ensure greater transparency. The minister gave the directive at a view-exchange meeting with officials of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). Various measures were discussed at the meeting to address administrative weaknesses within the Education Ministry and its affiliated departments. He stressed the need for stronger coordination, open discussion and mutual cooperation to make the working environment more effective and service-oriented. “We have to reduce unnecessary gaps within the administration and build a collaborative work culture so that the speed and quality of services in the education sector improve,” he said. He urged officials to give opinions fearlessly and based on logic. Emphasising prompt resolution of teachers’ administrative issues, Milon said teachers from different regions should not have to spend unnecessary time visiting offices. “Matters related to salaries, allowances, pensions, leave, transfers, training and higher education must be disposed of within a specified timeframe.” He also underscored the importance of expanding automation and digital systems to simplify and modernise service delivery. “In future, a system can be developed enabling service seekers to easily identify the relevant desk or official according to the nature of their problems. There is no alternative to expanding online services.” When officials highlighted certain limitations in existing online systems and software management, the minister directed them to resolve the issues promptly to make administrative activities more dynamic and transparent. Senior officials of the Education Ministry and DSHE were present at the meeting.

Amazon’s smart doorbell brand Ring has ended its planned partnership with police surveillance technology firm Flock Safety, following criticism sparked by a Super Bowl commercial. The backlash came after a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl showed a lost dog being located through a network of cameras, raising concerns among viewers about the risks of an overly monitored society. However, the feature highlighted in the ad, called “Search Party,” was not connected to Flock, and Ring did not cite the advertisement as the reason for ending the collaboration. Ring said the companies jointly decided to cancel the integration after a review found that the project would need far more time and resources than initially expected. The company added that the integration was never launched and that no customer video footage was ever shared with Flock. Flock also confirmed that it never received any Ring customer data and described the decision as mutual, saying it would allow both firms to better focus on serving their own users. The company said it remains committed to helping law enforcement with tools that comply with local laws and policies. Flock operates one of the largest automated license-plate reader networks in the United States, with cameras installed in thousands of communities capturing billions of images monthly. The firm has faced criticism amid tougher immigration enforcement policies, though it says it does not directly partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and previously paused pilot programmes with border and homeland security units. Privacy concerns around Ring’s devices have resurfaced due to the ad, which used artificial intelligence to track the dog across a neighbourhood. Critics on social media warned the same technology could be used to monitor people. Russia blocks WhatsApp, urges citizens to switch to state-backed Max app The Electronic Frontier Foundation said Americans should be concerned about possible privacy erosion, noting Ring already uses facial recognition through its “Familiar Faces” feature. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Edward Markey urged Amazon CEO Andrew Jassy to discontinue that technology, saying the reaction to the commercial shows strong public opposition to constant monitoring and invasive image recognition tools.

From clumsy machines to fluid, human-like movers, the future of robotics may depend less on artificial intelligence and more on the hidden hardware that powers motion, researchers and engineers say. British YouTuber and engineer James Bruton recently drew attention online after building a giant, rideable walking robot inspired by the At-At vehicles from the Star Wars films. His aim, he said, was not only to attract viewers but also to create a walking machine that moved in a controlled and stable way rather than wobbling awkwardly. To achieve this, Bruton designed complex systems of motors and gears that act like advanced servos, allowing precise control and feedback. He later demonstrated the machine by riding it around slowly, dressed as a Stormtrooper. He is now working on an even more challenging two-legged version, which will require far greater balance and responsiveness. Bruton explained that some of his components behave like “variable springs”, capable of absorbing impact from the ground and even reversing motion when needed. Such features, he said, help the robot dynamically manage changing loads while walking. At the heart of these developments are actuators – the motors that drive movement in machines. Actuators allow robotic arms, humanoids and animal-like robots to move by rotating or extending parts of their bodies. However, experts say current actuator technology still falls far short of the efficiency, precision and adaptability seen in biological muscles. “If robots are to become more capable, their actuators need to improve dramatically,” said Mike Tolley of the University of California, San Diego. He noted that traditional direct current motors, long used in robotics, work well for high-speed tasks such as spinning fans but are poorly suited for movements that require high force and fine control, like lifting or pushing. Tolley added that safety is another concern. For robots to work alongside humans, their actuators must be easily back-driveable, meaning they can be instantly stopped or pushed back without causing injury. Many existing systems lack this capability. Energy efficiency is also a major limitation. Jenny Read, programme director for robot dexterity at technology funding agency Aria, said electric motors drain batteries quickly and can overheat at smaller scales, restricting how long robots can operate. Several companies are now trying to overcome these challenges. Germany-based engineering firm Schaeffler is developing advanced actuators for British robotics company Humanoid, focusing on energy-efficient and tightly controlled movement essential for bipedal robots. Schaeffler president David Kehr said the company is experimenting with designs that balance friction, power and back-driveability while also generating detailed data that allows computers to adjust movement in real time. The firm hopes to eventually deploy such robots in its own factories to address labour shortages, with existing workers retrained for other tasks. Meanwhile, US robotics leader Boston Dynamics has partnered with South Korea’s Hyundai Mobis to develop a new generation of actuators similar to electric power steering systems used in vehicles. Hyundai Mobis vice president Se Uk Oh said reliability and safety are critical, especially as these components will be used in humanoid robots operating near people. Beyond metal and electric motors, researchers are also exploring softer alternatives. Tolley’s team in California has developed air-powered soft robots that can move on land and in water without electronics. In one experiment, a six-legged robot walked purely through air pressure, while other designs proved resilient enough to withstand being driven over by a car. Aria is funding research into actuators made from elastomers, rubber-like materials that expand or contract when voltage is applied, mimicking biological muscles. While such technologies have yet to transform robotics, Read said persistent experimentation could eventually lead to breakthroughs. The long-term goal, experts agree, is to create robots that move with far greater elegance and adaptability. “Today’s robots still feel heavy and clunky,” Read said. “That’s completely different from how humans and animals move. True grace in robotics is still a work in progress.”   With inputs from BBC

Artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT are increasingly being used not only for information and advice, but also for emotional support and companionship, raising new questions about what machines can teach humans about listening better. Anna, a Ukrainian living in London, says she regularly uses the premium version of ChatGPT because of its ability to listen without interrupting or judging her. While she knows it is only a machine, she says its patient and consistent responses help her reflect on her thoughts and emotions. “I can rely on it to understand my issues and communicate with me in a way that suits me,” she said, asking to remain anonymous. After a recent breakup, Anna said the chatbot’s non-judgmental presence allowed her to explore her mixed feelings in a way her friends and family could not. Her experience reflects a growing trend. Research cited by Harvard Business Review shows that in 2025, therapy and companionship became the most common use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Other studies suggest that people often rate AI-generated responses as more compassionate and understanding than those written by humans, including trained crisis hotline workers. Researchers say this does not mean AI is genuinely empathetic, but rather that many people rarely experience truly non-judgmental and uninterrupted listening in everyday life. Experiments have found that people often feel more hopeful and less distressed after interacting with AI-generated responses compared to human ones. Large language models are designed to recognise emotions, reflect them back and offer supportive language. They do not interrupt, do not become impatient and do not try to dominate conversations. This creates a sense of psychological safety for users, allowing them to share difficult thoughts more freely. Experts say there are several lessons humans can learn from AI about listening, including giving uninterrupted attention, acknowledging emotions, avoiding quick judgments and resisting the urge to immediately offer solutions. Psychologists also note that people often turn conversations back to themselves by sharing similar personal stories, which can shift attention away from the speaker. AI systems, having no personal experiences, do not fall into this habit. However, researchers warn against over-reliance on AI for emotional support. While chatbots can simulate empathy, they do not possess genuine care or understanding. There are also concerns about vulnerable people forming emotional dependence on AI or being exposed to harmful advice. Michael Inzlicht, a psychologist at the University of Toronto, cautioned that AI companies could potentially manipulate users and that excessive reliance on chatbots could weaken real human connections. Despite these risks, experts say AI can still serve as a useful tool for inspiring better listening habits and greater compassion among people. “There is something uniquely meaningful about a human choosing to be present and listen,” researchers say, adding that while AI may help people feel heard, it cannot replace the depth of real human connection.   With inputs from BBC

The Ministry of Finance has urged the public to remain alert about a fake video that has recently circulated on social media, allegedly using the image and likeness of Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed for promotional purposes. According to an official media statement issued on Sunday (November 16), a vested group has been using Dr Ahmed’s image and an artificially generated voice in a misleading video, which has been promoted on Facebook as part of an advertisement or campaign. The ministry clarified that neither the content nor the claims made in the video have any connection with the Finance Ministry or the Finance Adviser. Read more: Precautionary measures taken to ensure steady food supply: Salehuddin The preliminary assessment suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) technology was used to produce the video by integrating background visuals of Dr Ahmed along with a fabricated voice-over to mislead viewers. The ministry said such misleading content could cause significant public confusion and potentially undermine the social and state dignity of the Finance Adviser. Authorities have already taken necessary steps to have the video removed and to pursue legal measures regarding the matter. The public has been advised not to engage with or rely on unverified audio-visual material circulated online, especially those related to financial issues. The ministry also urged people to verify information before making any financial decisions and to refrain from sharing or promoting suspicious online content. Read more: Pay scale process involves multiple commissions, layers of approval: Salehuddin

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) is set to introduce a new “Self-Deportation Platform” that will allow illegal residents to complete their departure procedures online, marking a shift away from traditional deportation methods. Acting Director General of Jawazat Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba announced the initiative during the Digital Government Forum 2025 in Riyadh on Thursday (6th November 2025). He said the digital platform will be launched once all security, technical, and operational measures are finalised. “This will enable violators of residency, labor, and border laws to complete their exit processes electronically,” he explained. Al-Murabba also revealed that the directorate is preparing to launch a “smart track” system to simplify airport procedures. The new track will use smart cameras capable of verifying the identities of up to 35 travelers at once, allowing them to pass through without interacting with passport officers. Read more: AI boom hits Bangladesh amid global race in ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ The Jawazat chief further announced plans to introduce “Digital Twins” technology — an advanced system that uses data models and analytics to monitor crowd movements, calculate waiting times, and assess passenger satisfaction. The technology was successfully tested during the 2024 Hajj season, reports Saudi Gazette . He added that the digital passport, already available through the “Absher” platform, is being developed further through new international agreements to expand its global use. According to Al-Murabba, the new digital systems will help streamline departure procedures, eliminating the need for passengers to go through manual passport control. Smart devices, automated verification, and connected security systems will facilitate smoother travel experiences. The Jawazat is also planning to establish a “unified gateway” for real-time exchange of passenger data between countries, improving international coordination during transit through Saudi Arabia. Highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing digital transformation, Al-Murabba said visitors to the Kingdom can already witness major advancements in passport services. The goal, he noted, is to turn Saudi Arabia’s ports of entry into AI-powered smart gateways that ensure faster and more efficient travel. He also expressed pride that Jawazat currently offers over 100 digital services through the Absher platform, benefiting more than 24 million users in 2024. Additionally, the newly launched Smart Voice Agent service now provides 24/7 assistance without human intervention, available through the number 992. Read more: Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity