Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights from 2025/08/26. Our hand-pucked, AI automated system has processed and summarized 26 URLs to bring you the key takeaways.
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1. Using an AI Browser Lets Hackers Drain Your Bank Account Just by Showing You a Public Reddit Post
Futurism’s @VictorTangermann reports on a chilling flaw in #AI-powered browsers like Perplexity’s Comet, exposed by privacy-focused Brave. The issue lies in indirect prompt injection attacks: the browser’s AI cannot distinguish between real user requests and hidden malicious instructions embedded in webpages. That means attackers could slip commands into a Reddit or Facebook post (invisible to humans, e.g., white text on white background), which the AI would obediently execute. Since the AI operates with the user’s full privileges, this could lead to hijacked emails, drained bank accounts, stolen crypto, or leaked corporate data. Brave demonstrated the exploit by tricking Comet into fetching Gmail one-time passwords and breaching accounts. While Perplexity patched the flaw earlier this month, Brave warns that traditional web security assumptions collapse in the era of agentic AI, demanding entirely new privacy architectures. Past research on #ChatGPT and Microsoft #Copilot shows similar weaknesses, underscoring how low the bar has become for hackers—anyone can now weaponize hidden prompts without advanced programming skills.
2. The Bubble That Knows It’s a Bubble
AI hype follows a familiar cycle: a revolutionary technology draws vast capital, investors declare that this time is different, and then reality checks arrive. The warning from @Sam Altman sparked immediate market moves with @NVIDIA down about 3.5% and @Palantir falling, while MIT reports 95% of generative #AI investments yield no measurable returns. Large raises and valuations—@Anthropic at $170B with $5B raised, @Character.AI at $1B with 1.7 million users, and @InflectionAI’s $1.3B round leading to an acqui-hire by @Microsoft—underscore the exuberance, echoed by @Ray Dalio comparing current conditions to 1998-1999. This mirrors the 180-year pattern seen in #RailwayMania of the 1840s, where rapid infrastructure booms were followed by a sharp crash that erased most values, even as the period left enduring transport networks. The point is not that AI won’t transform the economy, but that the overbuilding and misaligned returns foreshadow a reckoning that converts speculative capital into lasting infrastructure and foundations for future growth.
3. Scientists have created a protein qubit inside a living cell
Scientists have developed a protein-based qubit inside living cells, marking a significant advancement in #quantum computing by integrating quantum technology with biological systems. This innovative approach uses specially engineered proteins to maintain quantum states, overcoming the traditional challenges of stability and coherence in quantum bits outside controlled environments. The research demonstrates that biological environments can support quantum information processing, potentially leading to quantum technologies that operate naturally within cells. This breakthrough presents opportunities for quantum biosensing and quantum information science, linking the fields of quantum physics and molecular biology. By combining living cell environments with quantum mechanics, this work paves new pathways for computing and sensing technologies integrated with life sciences.
4. TSMC cuts Chinese tools from cutting-edge chip production to avoid US ire
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has reportedly removed Chinese equipment from its most advanced chip manufacturing lines amid pressure from the US government to limit China’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. The move aims to comply with new US export controls that prohibit certain semiconductor manufacturing tools from being supplied to China, avoiding potential sanctions or supply chain restrictions. This adjustment underscores the growing geopolitical tensions in the tech sector, where the US seeks to curb China’s technological advancements while companies like TSMC navigate compliance challenges. The shift also reflects broader trends of decoupling in global technology supply chains, particularly in the semiconductor industry. TSMC’s approach illustrates how major chipmakers balance regulatory pressures with the need to maintain global competitiveness.
5. Elon Musk’s xAI sues Apple, OpenAI over AI competition, app store rankings
Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI alleging anticompetitive practices related to the Apple App Store and AI competition. The suit claims Apple manipulated app rankings to disadvantage xAI’s ChatGPT competitor, and that OpenAI used unfair tactics to maintain dominance. xAI argues these actions undermine fair competition and innovation in the growing AI marketplace. This legal move highlights ongoing tensions around app store control and AI market leadership. The case exemplifies challenges startups face when competing with established tech giants in AI.
6. Elon Musk’s xAI dropped public benefit corp status while battling OpenAI
Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI recently changed its corporate status by dropping its public benefit corporation designation, signaling a strategic shift amidst its competition with OpenAI. This move reflects a recalibration of priorities for xAI as it seeks to focus more on proprietary development and less on mandated public benefit obligations. The change allows xAI greater operational flexibility, which could accelerate its goal to rival OpenAI’s advancements in artificial intelligence. This development highlights the increasing rivalry in the AI sector and Musk’s intent to play a dominant role in shaping the technology’s future. Such corporate restructuring underscores the evolving landscape of #AI companies and their approaches to balancing innovation with public responsibility.
7. Scientists have created a protein qubit inside a living cell
Scientists have successfully engineered a #protein qubit inside a living cell, marking a significant advancement in #quantum computing. This development involved creating a stable quantum bit from a protein, which retains coherence within the complex environment of a living cell. The researchers demonstrated that these protein qubits could potentially interface with biological systems, opening new possibilities for #quantum_biology and hybrid quantum technologies. This breakthrough suggests that harnessing biological molecules may enhance the integration of quantum devices with living systems. The creation of protein-based qubits inside cells bridges the gap between quantum mechanics and biochemistry, paving the way for innovative applications in quantum information processing.
8. 80s Nostalgia AI Slop Is Boomerfying the Masses for a Past That Never Existed
The piece argues that AI-generated nostalgia videos about the 1980s and 1990s create a new ‘slop’ niche that boomerfies audiences by presenting a manufactured past that never existed. These clips show teenagers from the era, mall scenes, and lines like ‘there’s no Instagram 40 years ago’ and ‘no filters, no screens,’ and they are openly AI-generated, with popular accounts such as @nostalgia_vsh and a rise in #nostalgia #nostalgic #80sbaby across platforms. This pattern signals a reactionary impulse to retreat from modern life, a sentiment that underpins #MAGA and is amplified by AI-driven content that allows users to astral project into a past that never existed, thereby escaping contemporary problems rather than addressing them. The article argues this ‘nostalgia slop’ reflects broader cultural anxieties: the presence of AI shoring up worst impulses, the feeling of alienation amid surveillance, political dysfunction, and a sense that the past is safer or more meaningful, with mentions of @MarkZuckerberg’s metaverse and the way such media normalizes a selective memory. Ultimately, the piece links these AI-generated nostalgias to ongoing social and political dynamics, warning that curated memories can distort reality and mobilize reactionary narratives unless readers recognize the artificiality behind the past.
9. Surge in coordinated scans targets Microsoft RDP auth servers
A recent surge in coordinated scans by thousands of internet-connected devices is targeting Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (#RDP) authentication servers, raising concerns of widespread cyberattacks. Attackers exploit these scans to identify vulnerable RDP servers, potentially enabling unauthorized access or brute-force attacks. The coordinated nature and scale suggest a sophisticated effort to map and infiltrate RDP endpoints, emphasizing the ongoing security risks associated with remote desktop services. This trend underscores the importance for organizations to strengthen RDP defenses through updated configurations, multifactor authentication, and constant monitoring. Vigilance in securing RDP servers is critical to preventing breaches and mitigating potential damages linked to this escalating scanning activity.
10. Tesla rejected $60 million settlement before losing $243 million Autopilot verdict
Tesla declined a $60 million settlement offer shortly before a verdict ordered it to pay $243 million in a lawsuit over its Autopilot technology. The case centered on allegations that Tesla’s Autopilot system was responsible for a fatal crash, raising concerns about the safety and marketing of #AutonomousDriving features. The substantial damages award highlights increased legal risks for Tesla as regulators and courts scrutinize its #Autopilot system. This verdict may influence how automotive companies approach liability and transparency with advanced driver-assistance technologies. Tesla’s decision to reject the settlement preceded a costly legal defeat, emphasizing the high stakes in litigation involving #AI and #self-driving car systems.
11. Silicon Valley is pouring millions into pro-AI PACs to sway midterms | TechCrunch
Silicon Valley is funding a pro-AI PAC network, dubbed #LeadingTheFuture, with more than $100 million from @AndreessenHorowitz and @OpenAI’s @GregBrockman to sway the midterms toward lenient #AI regulation. The group plans to use campaign donations and digital ads to advocate for favorable AI regulation and oppose candidates it sees as likely to stifle the industry, modeling after the pro-crypto PAC network #Fairshake. Although the push echoes a prior 10-year moratorium on states’ rights to regulate AI, which was struck down, the industry continues to resist a patchwork of rules that could slow innovation and threaten US leadership in the AI race against #China. The piece notes the effort is aligned with policies of @DavidSacks and reflects tech capital mobilization to shape policy beyond traditional lobbying, as reported by @TechCrunch.
12. Trump says China has to give US magnets or face 200% tariff
Former U.S. President @DonaldTrump announced that China must provide the U.S. with rare-earth magnets or face a 200% tariff starting in 2026. He emphasized the strategic importance of these magnets, which are crucial for various technologies, as part of broader economic measures to protect U.S. interests. Trump indicated this move is designed to pressure China in trade negotiations and enhance U.S. manufacturing. This policy reflects heightened tensions over trade imbalances and technology supply chains between the two nations. The announcement signals a firm stance on safeguarding critical materials to maintain American technological and economic competitiveness.
13. Imgur protest covers the front page in anti-MediaLab memes
Imgur users have flooded the front page with anti-MediaLab memes to protest what they view as poor management by the owner after MediaLab’s 2021 acquisition. The protest notes ongoing service issues and content moderation changes, including allegations that #MediaLab fired most of its US moderation staff in favor of AI and that content critical of the owner is being deleted or hidden. A recurring motif is memes featuring @JohnOliver that dominate the homepage, signaling a collective sense of frustration and crowd-driven disruption. The situation highlights broader tensions around platform governance, moderation, and user trust in online communities.
14. Google says Fox channels to go dark on YouTube TV if agreement isn’t reached
YouTube TV may lose Fox channels if a new deal isn’t reached by the Wednesday 5 p.m. ET deadline, signaling a high-stakes renewal in a broader fight over streaming access. @Google says Fox is seeking payments far higher than comparable deals, while @Fox contends terms are out of step with the marketplace as it seeks fair compensation for its channels on #YouTubeTV. If no agreement is reached, Fox networks could disappear from the service, affecting advertisers and viewers who have cut the cord. YouTube offers a $10 credit to members in a blackout and points to Fox One as an alternative, highlighting how platforms balance value with large content partners amid changing viewing habits. This dispute sits within a pattern of contract frictions in streaming that continue to shape pricing, access, and the mix of channels available to subscribers, including YouTube’s base plan at $82.99/month.
15. Microsoft shares workaround for ‘Teams couldn’t connect’ error
Microsoft has provided a workaround for the ‘Teams couldn’t connect’ error affecting its #MicrosoftTeams users. This error prevents users from accessing Teams properly, disrupting communication and collaboration. The company recommends clearing the Teams cache and ensuring the device time and date settings are correct to resolve the connectivity issue. This solution helps users quickly regain access without waiting for a full fix, demonstrating Microsoft’s responsiveness to service interruptions. Users encountering the error can follow these steps to restore their Teams functionality and maintain productivity.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health finds that while many air cleaning technologies claim to reduce the spread of viruses like COVID-19 and influenza, most have not been tested on people and their potential health risks are not yet fully understood. Analyzing nearly 700 studies published between 1929 and 2024 on devices such as #HEPA filters, #UV light, #ionizers and other #ventilation approaches, the researchers report that only about 9% examined whether these technologies actually reduce illness in humans, with most tests conducted in lab chambers rather than real-world settings. Most of the evidence relies on indirect measurements like tracer gases, dust particles or harmless microbes rather than real viruses or bacteria, and very few studies tracked whether people experienced fewer infections. This gap suggests that promising ideas may not translate to real-world effectiveness, as people install systems hoping to protect families and communities while the science has not kept pace with marketing. The study also highlights potential risks, noting that ozone and other byproducts from certain devices can irritate the respiratory system, with limited long-term safety data for homes and workplaces, a concern raised by @Lisa Bero and co-authors including @Amiran Baduashvili and @Louis Leslie.
17. Trump-era science policies contribute to brain drain from U.S. to Europe
The Trump administration’s restrictive immigration and science policies have led to a significant brain drain of researchers from the U.S. to Europe. Many scientists cite visa difficulties, funding uncertainties, and a less welcoming political climate as reasons for relocating. Europe has capitalized on this opportunity by increasing investments in research and offering more attractive conditions for international scientists. This migration affects American innovation capacity by reducing the influx of global talent. The trend highlights the interconnectedness of immigration policy and scientific progress, emphasizing the need for more open approaches to maintain leadership in research.
18. Senator castigates federal judiciary for ignoring “basic cybersecurity”
The article reports that US Senator @Ron Wyden criticized the federal judiciary for negligence and incompetence after a hack exposed confidential court documents, warning that the breach linked to hackers with ties to Russia threatens national security. The intrusion affected two overlapping filing platforms, #CM/ECF and #PACER, with breaches dating back to 2020 and a second incident detected around July 5, according to Politico and corroborating reports. Wyden argues the judiciary refuses to require mandatory cybersecurity standards or disclose the causes and fixes, and that its technology policy is controlled by a largely opaque committee of judges, leaving the system insecure, antiquated, and costly to operate. The piece frames this as a long running threat to national security that demands stronger oversight and modernization to protect sensitive information and prevent future breaches.
19. Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year
Google announced that starting in early 2026, it will block the sideloading of unverified Android apps on most devices running Android 13 and later, aiming to enhance security by preventing the installation of potentially harmful apps outside the Google Play Store. This policy targets devices running Android 13+, which will require apps to undergo verification through Google Play’s app integrity services to be sideloaded. The move responds to increased security risks associated with sideloading, such as malware distribution and user privacy concerns, by limiting installation to apps vetted by Google’s system. While sideloading will not be eliminated entirely, the new verification requirement significantly tightens control and could impact app developers who distribute outside the Play Store. This step aligns with @Google’s broader effort to improve Android ecosystem security and protect users from malicious software, reinforcing trust in the platform.
20. Burner phones, wiped socials: the extreme precautions for visitors to Trump’s America
Travelers to the US under @DonaldTrump’s era are increasingly taking extreme privacy precautions at the border, citing reports of intensified scrutiny and detentions. The article notes cases such as a French scientist refused entry after his phone was searched and an Australian writer detained after investigators probed personal images and alleged past drug use, with German, British and other European tourists also being sent home, illustrating the reach of #bordersearches. Governments have issued travel advisories mentioning potential electronic device searches, and in places like Canada and Australia officials advise leaving sensitive data behind or using limited-devices or #burnerphones to protect privacy, highlighting the growing awareness of #deviceprivacy. US CBP retains broad powers to search devices with minimal justification, and travelers can refuse but non-citizens risk entry denial. Analysts say such searches appear to be increasing and potentially more targeted against politically opposed individuals, prompting many travelers to consider minimizing data on devices or adopting #burnerphones strategies to protect privacy.
Intel’s SEC filing cautions that the U.S. government’s 10% stake could complicate its international business by exposing the company to policy shifts and regulatory scrutiny. In fiscal 2024, 76% of revenue came from outside the U.S., with China contributing 29%, the U.S. 24.5%, Singapore 19.2%, and Taiwan 14.7%. The arrangement could subject Intel to foreign subsidy laws or other restrictions in other countries, invite lawsuits and political scrutiny, and be affected by changes in U.S. leadership. Under the agreement signed on August 22, 2025, Intel will issue up to 433 million shares to the U.S. government in exchange for roughly $5.7 billion now and about $3.2 billion tied to the #SecureEnclave initiative; roughly 275 million shares vest with the first payment, while about 159 million sit in escrow to be released as funds are transferred, with half of the escrow shares going to the government if Secure Enclave funds are not received and the rest canceled. Meanwhile, @Donald Trump praised the arrangement, claiming it benefits the U.S. and stock prices, highlighting the political optics around the deal #CHIPSAct #foreignSubsidyLaws.
22. Trump, RFK Jr. spar over COVID vaccine mandates after Hunter Biden ban
The article discusses a controversy involving @DonaldTrump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. related to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and freedom of speech after a Hunter Biden social media account was banned. Both figures criticized health measures and censorship policies, highlighting broader debates over public health directives and personal liberties during the pandemic. The tensions reflect ongoing political and social divides about government authority versus individual rights in managing the COVID crisis. This confrontation underscores the challenges governments face balancing public safety with constitutional freedoms. The article places these events in the wider context of polarized responses to pandemic policies in the U.S.
23. Twitch’s viewership takes a massive hit after cracking down on viewbots
Twitch has experienced a significant drop in viewership following its crackdown on viewbots, which artificially inflate viewer numbers. Recent data shows a sharp decline in the platform’s reported live viewers after removing suspicious accounts, highlighting the extent of previous artificial inflation. This move by Twitch aims to improve the integrity of its platform by ensuring more authentic viewer engagement, which is crucial for advertisers, streamers, and the overall community. The crackdown reflects Twitch’s broader commitment to combating fraudulent activities that distort metrics and affect revenue distribution. As a result, while the immediate impact shows reduced numbers, the long-term effect could strengthen trust in Twitch’s reported metrics and platform fairness.
24. Like Intel Before It, AMD Blames Motherboard Makers for Burnt-Out CPUs
AMD has identified faulty motherboard designs as the cause of some CPU failures, a problem Intel previously faced, highlighting challenges in platform compatibility. Several motherboard manufacturers reportedly implemented power delivery circuits that exceed AMD’s specifications, leading to excessive current flow and eventual CPU damage. AMD’s investigation reveals that these deviations from recommended designs compromise the reliability and longevity of their processors. By attributing responsibility to motherboard makers, AMD emphasizes the importance of adhering to design standards to prevent hardware damage. This situation underscores the critical interplay between chip makers and motherboard manufacturers in ensuring stable and durable PC components.
25. Apple will reportedly bring back Touch ID on a foldable iPhone
Apple is reportedly bringing back Touch ID on a foldable iPhone, signaling a return to a familiar biometric as it gears up for a foldable lineup expected to launch around 2026. @Bloomberg reports the device will switch from an on-cell to an in-cell touch sensor embedded in the display to reduce thickness and mitigate creases on a folding screen. The foldable is also rumored to have four cameras and come in white, black, light blue, and light gold, with an iPhone Air variant anticipated at the next event. This move echoes @Apple’s pattern of reusing proven tech, like #MagSafe, when expanding its ecosystem, suggesting security and usability are priorities for speculative foldables. If accurate, the Touch ID revival would mark a notable twist in @Apple’s strategy for future iPhone generations and their approach to #foldable design, #in-cell, and #TouchID authenticity.
26. Is a Bubble Forming As AI Investments Drive Economic Growth?
The rapid surge in investments in artificial intelligence (#AI) is fueling significant economic growth, raising questions about the potential formation of a market bubble. As companies invest heavily in AI technologies, there is debate among experts about whether this enthusiasm reflects sustainable innovation or speculative overvaluation. While AI advancements contribute to productivity and new business opportunities, the pace and scale of investment may outstrip realistic returns in the short term. Observers note the importance of discerning between genuine technological progress and hype-driven capital flows to anticipate economic impacts accurately. This dynamic underscores the balance between embracing AI’s transformative potential and maintaining vigilance against financial excesses.
That’s all for today’s digest from 2025/08/26! We found and processed 26 hand picked news articles. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.
Thanks Patricia Zougheib and Dr Badawi for curating the links
See you in the next one! 🚀