News Archive
Pick a date to read that day's stories.
Days with a blue dot have stories.
- 01 of 10POLICY
AI firms back one website training opt-out
Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic plan to honour a shared website rule for refusing AI training. The proposal would replace separate instructions for each provider, although support will arrive on different schedules.
OUR TAKEApparently even saying no to Silicon Valley requires a common format.
Read more → - 02 of 10BUSINESS
AI spending fears send tech shares sharply lower
US technology shares fell sharply after disappointing company results. Investors questioned how quickly vast spending on AI would turn into returns.
OUR TAKEThe future remains priceless, until the market opens.
Read more → - 03 of 10SECURITY
Japan seeks wider access to AI security tools
Japan has asked Anthropic and OpenAI for wider access to advanced tools that find weaknesses in computer systems. The government wants essential service operators to make greater use of them.
OUR TAKETokyo would rather find the holes before someone else does.
Read more → - 04 of 10POLICY
African Union calls for homegrown AI capacity
The African Union has called for stronger local AI skills and technology. At a ministerial meeting in Gabon, its commissioner urged African countries to help shape global digital rules.
OUR TAKEA seat at the table does seem preferable to being on the menu.
Read more → - 05 of 10BUSINESS
China puts AI to work in Singles Day deliveries
Chinese delivery companies are using AI helpers and robots to handle the Singles Day shopping rush. STO Express says its tools can answer customer questions, plan routes and help couriers organise deliveries.
OUR TAKEThe shopping basket has acquired rather more staff than the shopper.
Read more → - 06 of 10RESEARCH
China launches AI tools for satellite weather data
China has released its first Fengyun satellite AI models for tracking extreme weather. The tools analyse typhoon images and support very short-term forecasts of severe storms.
OUR TAKEAt least this AI forecast comes with actual clouds.
Read more → - 07 of 10BUSINESS
Easol raises $30m for AI event tools
British booking platform Easol has raised $30 million, including a $10 million debt facility. Its AI helpers support event businesses with sales, customer service and missed payments.
OUR TAKEThe festival now has a tireless colleague chasing the unpaid balance.
Read more → - 08 of 10BUSINESS
Ravical raises $17m for accounting AI
Ravical has raised $17 million in a seed round led by MMC Ventures. The company plans to expand tools that help accounting firms share their best working methods and serve more clients.
OUR TAKEThe spreadsheet may finally have someone equally keen to discuss it.
Read more → - 09 of 10BUSINESS
Entourage closes €100m fund for AI and robotics
European investment firm Entourage has closed a €100 million second fund. It plans to back about 25 young companies, widening its focus to include AI and robotics.
OUR TAKEThe money comes with advice, though mercifully not always a board seat.
Read more → - 10 of 10CULTURE
Ghost hunters turn to AI to explain the unexplained
Paranormal enthusiasts are adding AI tools to their ghost-hunting kits. A Guardian report examines the new apps and the doubts about how they could recognise a ghost in the first place.
OUR TAKEAn answer with no firm basis is hardly a novelty in either field.
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