A new critique argues that AI companions, which went mainstream in 2025, are the wrong answer to loneliness. They offer the illusion of connection but actually deepen our self-absorption. Real companionship requires friction and otherness that algorithms can’t provide.
China is moving to tighten oversight of AI services designed for human-like emotional interaction. The draft rules target apps that simulate personality and could require intervention for user addiction. This is part of a broader push to control the consumer AI landscape.
Google appears to be testing a feature that would let users change their primary @gmail.com email address to a different @gmail.com one. The change was spotted in documentation on the Hindi version of a Google support page, with the company noting the ability is “gradually rolling out.” This would f
Google is rolling out a useful update to its Find Hub app on Android, adding multiple map layers for easier device tracking. The new views include satellite, terrain, and traffic overlays, bringing the app’s functionality closer to Google Maps.
South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang is facing a class action lawsuit following a major data breach. The suit claims the company downplayed its cybersecurity vulnerabilities in regulatory filings.
Google is shutting down its Dark Web Report service in early 2025, saying it didn’t offer enough actionable advice. Meanwhile, Texas is suing major TV manufacturers for alleged illegal data collection, and a cloud hacking competition uncovered critical vulnerabilities with an 85% success rate.
TikTok has finalized a deal to spin off its U.S. operations into a new joint venture. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX will each own 15%, with ByteDance retaining a 19.9% stake. The move aims to resolve longstanding national security concerns.
A new cybersecurity report shows AI is a double-edged sword, forcing defensive changes while becoming a top priority for IT teams. Identity threats are surging, amplified by AI, but so is the adoption of defensive AI tools.
A study from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance suggests Amazon’s algorithmic pricing is costing public schools and local governments. The report highlights wild price swings and a lack of transparency, arguing the system funnels money away from local businesses.
Microsoft has updated its guidance on AI agents in Windows 11, clarifying that users must grant explicit permission for access to personal folders. The setting applies collectively to six key directories, with options for “Allow Always,” “Ask Every Time,” or “Never Allow.” You manage these permissio
