Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/10/31. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 29 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. AI browsers are opening new cybersecurity problems
AI-powered browsers, which integrate generative AI models directly into browsing experiences, are exposing new cybersecurity risks as they become more popular. These browsers can unintentionally leak sensitive user data to AI servers or third parties due to relaxed security protocols and aggressive data sharing to optimize AI performance. Experts warn that attackers could exploit AI browsers to launch sophisticated phishing and malware attacks, leveraging AI’s ability to craft convincing social engineering ploys. Companies developing AI browsers must prioritize robust security measures, including data encryption, permission controls, and transparent privacy policies, to protect users. As AI browsers reshape web interaction, addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to prevent a surge in AI-driven cyber threats.
Two of Rich’s YouTube videos from the CyberCPU Tech channel, which demonstrated bypasses to #Windows11 requirements, were purged for allegedly violating the platform’s guidelines. The first video showed how to log in to Windows 11 with a local account, and the second described bypassing hardware checks like #TPM2.0; both removals occurred within days of each other. Rich said YouTube did not give a clear reason for the takedowns, and in his appeal the response cited a Harmful or Dangerous Content policy that prohibits content that encourages or promotes behavior that encourages dangerous or illegal activities that risk serious physical harm or death, a rationale he questions. He speculated that either an overzealous AI at @YouTube or pressure from @Microsoft could be behind the removals, but there is no confirmation from either company. The incident underscores the tension around Windows11 enforcement and how creators may self-censor, even as some users who can afford new hardware opt for Macs as alternatives to Redmond’s Copilot+ PCs.
3. U.S. agencies back proposed ban on TP‑Link home routers over national-security concerns
Several U.S. federal agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and Department of Justice are supporting a formal proposal to ban the sale of home routers made by TP-Link Systems because of concerns the company remains under influence of the Chinese state despite its U.S. base. Officials cite the firm’s continued manufacturing and engineering operations in China, its dominant U.S. market share (estimated at over 50%) and its involvement in past hacking campaigns as evidence of undue risk. TP-Link strongly disputes the allegations, pointing out its spin-off from the Chinese parent firm, its U.S. engineering team and efforts to cooperate with the government. The proposed ban would mark one of the largest technology prohibitions in U.S. consumer markets and comes amid broader trade and geopolitical pressure with China; Commerce could still agree a mitigation deal instead of a full ban.
Australia’s Australian Federal Police (AFP) is developing a new #AI tool aimed at interpreting emojis, slang, and multimodal content in encrypted or ephemeral social-media chats to identify so-called “crimefluencers,” youth-oriented online groups that encourage violence or illegal acts. Commissioner Krissy Barrett described how Gen Z/Alpha participants coordinate real-world attacks via obscure messaging codes; the system will use machine-learning trained on open-source content and internal investigation data and will partner with the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group for deployment. Early uses have reportedly contributed to several arrests of individuals aged 17-20. The initiative reflects law-enforcement’s shift from traditional hierarchical policing to algorithmic monitoring of decentralized digital communities.
Crimefluencers: refers to online actors, often teenagers or young-adults, who leverage social media and messaging platforms to glamorize, promote or coordinate criminal behaviour. They operate without formal hierarchies, using influencer-style tactics like viral videos, meme culture or peer recruitment to entice followers into illegal acts. The decentralised and viral nature of these networks challenges traditional policing, requiring novel detection and intervention strategies.
5. WhatsApp adds passkey protection to end-to-end encrypted backups | TechCrunch
WhatsApp is adding passkey protection for end-to-end encrypted backups, a change that helps users access encrypted backups if they lose their device @WhatsApp. For years, backup encryption could be protected only by passwords or 64-character keys, which meant you had to remember or keep the key handy to restore. The new passkeys allow authentication via biometrics or the screen lock from your previous device, so you do not need to locate a password or key to restore. The feature will roll out over the coming weeks and months, and you can enable it via Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup. With @Meta’s WhatsApp serving more than 3 billion users, this update makes encrypted backups more usable while preserving privacy #passkeys #end-to-end-encryption.
6. Windows 11’s Vision Pro-like remote desktop is now widely available on Quest 3
Microsoft has officially released Windows 11’s remote desktop feature to Quest 3 and Quest 3S, letting you beam multiple high‑resolution monitors into your headset. The update also offers an immersive ultrawide mode that curves around your field of view, echoing #VisionPro capabilities. This follows the initial preview in December 2024 and a broader rollout through @Meta’s Horizon OS v81 update. After installing #MixedRealityLink on a Windows PC, Quest users can pair to view and interact with their desktop, with passthrough to see the real world. Meta is also adding rescaling and resizing across apps, a #FullPassthrough feature, and support for up to 12 apps at once, expanding how you manage Windows on the headset.
7. Samsung building facility with 50,000 Nvidia GPUs to automate chip manufacturing
Samsung plans to accelerate its AI-enabled chipmaking by building an “AI Megafactory” powered by 50,000 @Nvidia GPUs to improve its chip manufacturing for mobile devices and robots. The GPUs will be used to adapt Samsung’s lithography platform to work with @Nvidia GPUs and to integrate with Samsung’s 4th-generation #HBM memory for AI chips. Samsung will also use @Nvidia’s Omniverse simulation software to support its AI development. Nvidia reps say this collaboration could deliver up to 20x better performance for Samsung, underscoring a broader push in AI partnerships led by CEO @JensenHuang. Samsung functions as both a partner and supplier to Nvidia, supplying high-bandwidth memory and deepening the two-way integration for AI chips.
8. Trump’s Proposal to Resume Nuclear Testing Sparks Debate
The article discusses former President @Donald Trump’s proposal to resume U.S. nuclear testing, a move that has ignited significant controversy. Advocates argue that renewed testing could advance #nuclear weapons technology and strengthen national security, while critics warn it could violate international treaties and escalate global arms races. The discussion highlights tensions between maintaining a credible deterrent and upholding diplomatic commitments like the #ComprehensiveNuclearTestBanTreaty. The debate reflects broader concerns about balancing modernization of the nuclear arsenal with international stability. Trump’s stance challenges existing norms and may reshape U.S. nuclear policy moving forward.
9. Affinity’s image-editing apps go “freemium” in first major post-Canva update
Affinity’s first major post-Canva update unifies the Photo, Designer, and Publisher apps into a single product called Affinity by Canva, which is free to use with a Canva account but gates generative AI features behind a paid #subscription. Paid access, via the Canva #CanvaAI Studio, includes Generative Fill, Expand & Edit, and Remove Background and costs about $120 per year for individuals #GenerativeAI. According to @Ash Hewson, Affinity’s CEO, the move preserves core, non-AI tools as free while aligning AI capabilities with Canva’s #privacy and #control commitments. The new v3 app runs on Windows (x86 and ARM) and macOS, supports older Windows versions, with an iPad version coming soon, and it can open but converts older Affinity files to the new format. Affinity and Canva will keep older v1/v2 apps accessible online for existing owners, signaling a gradual shift toward freemium AI features while aiming to maintain continuity for longtime users.
10. FCC Chair Brendan Carr advocates removing cybersecurity rules for telecom carriers
FCC Chair Brendan Carr has called for eliminating certain cybersecurity regulations imposed on telecommunications carriers, arguing that current rules are outdated and create unnecessary burdens. Carr highlighted that the rapid pace of technology development in telecommunications has outpaced regulatory frameworks, which can hinder innovation and the deployment of new security measures. The proposed policy shift would focus on encouraging voluntary collaboration and information sharing between carriers and government agencies rather than mandatory compliance requirements. This move reflects an approach to balance cybersecurity needs with industry flexibility, aiming to enhance overall resilience without stifling progress. The policy change debate underscores tension between regulatory oversight and market-driven security improvements in the telecom sector.
11. ‘Keep Android Open’ Campaign Pushes Back on Google’s Sideloading Restrictions
The ‘Keep Android Open’ campaign, visible on the @F-Droid blog, pushes back against Google’s announced rules that would block sideloading by requiring all installs on certified Android devices to come from verified developers, including a government ID, address, phone number, and a $25 fee. Google argues the change is needed to reduce malware and describes it as an ID check at the airport, while also noting a separate developer account option for teachers, students, and hobbyists to distribute to a limited number of devices without ID or fee. @F-Droid counters that such requirements threaten consumer choice and the #open-source model, arguing that owners should decide what software to run and that third-party distribution and direct sharing would be hindered. Google contends sideloading remains fundamental and not going away, and has not announced immediate action, keeping the issue in flux as regulators and users weigh security against freedom to install apps.
@DaraKhosrowshahi envisions a distant future where #autonomousvehicles dominate, and driving becomes a rare, almost horseback-riding-like activity. He says there should be much less permissiveness for self-driving cars to make fatal mistakes than for fallible human drivers, signaling a safety-first approach. This framing implies a cautious, regulated path to adoption where eliminating catastrophic errors guides progress and safety standards gate timing. The remark highlights a core industry tension between rapid automation and rigorous safety, shaping Uber’s view on how and when autonomous tech will scale.
13. YouTube announces ‘voluntary exit program’ for US staff | TechCrunch
YouTube is offering a voluntary exit program with severance for U.S.-based employees as part of a leadership reshuffle that places three product groups directly under @Neal Mohan. The memo outlines #SubscriptionProducts (covering YouTube Music & Premium and OTT), #ViewerProducts (focusing on the main YouTube app, YouTube Kids, Learning, Trust & Safety), and #Creator&CommunityProducts (supporting creators and building community), and says no roles are being eliminated. Alphabet’s Q3 results show YouTube ad revenue at $10.26 billion, up 15% year over year, which frames the move as an effort to better monetize and coordinate product efforts. This plan preserves headcount while reorganizing leadership around subscriptions, viewer experiences, and creator tools, reinforcing YouTube’s focus on revenue opportunities.
14. Meta’s Ray-Ban Glasses Users Film and Harass Massage Parlor Workers
@Meta’s #Ray-Ban glasses are being used by social media accounts to covertly film men entering massage parlors and soliciting workers for sex acts, driving harassment of the workers. Videos show men soliciting workers for ‘tuggy’ massages or sex work, with some workers laughing, dismissing, or discussing specific acts and prices, and in some cases the parlor’s sign reveals its location. This practice creates safety risks for the workers and can expose them to online audiences, criminal elements, and extremist ideologies, with the 2021 mass shooting at massage parlors cited to illustrate potential consequences. It highlights #privacy and #consent concerns around wearable recording technology and the monetization of such content, underscoring the need for safeguards to protect workers’ safety.
15. Trump’s Truth Social to allow trading on election results
The digital platform owned by @DonaldTrump, Truth Social, is reportedly set to introduce features enabling trading of election-outcome contracts, turning predictions on vote counts and inauguration events into a wagering market. The move, planned in partnership with crypto-firm Predictive Markets Inc. and built on blockchain-based tokens, raises alarm among regulators and policy-makers over conflicts of interest, manipulation risk, and the mixing of electoral politics with speculative finance. Observers say the project could blur the line between journalism, political campaigning and online gambling, given the platform’s large user-base and Trump’s direct stake in election outcomes.
16. OpenAI lays groundwork for juggernaut IPO, up to $1 trillion valuation by 2025
OpenAI is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company up to $1 trillion by 2025. The company has seen rapid growth driven by its cutting-edge AI technology, including the popular ChatGPT, which has reshaped the AI landscape and attracted vast investments. OpenAI’s advancements demonstrate a significant leap in artificial intelligence capabilities, leading investors to anticipate substantial future earnings and market dominance. Analysts suggest this IPO could mark a pivotal moment for AI commercialization and innovation, with OpenAI positioned as a dominant player in the global technology sector. This development signals the increasing convergence of AI technology and financial markets, highlighting OpenAI’s role in shaping the future of the industry.
17. Why Robots Won’t Replace Workers Anytime Soon
Robots and automation are transforming many industries, but they are unlikely to fully replace human workers in the near term due to technological and economic challenges. Advances in robotics and artificial intelligence have improved efficiency and are taking over some repetitive tasks, yet many jobs require human judgment, creativity, and adaptability that machines cannot replicate. Economic factors such as high costs of automation and the need for customized human skills slow the pace of robotic substitution for labor. Experts including @Andrew McAfee argue that automation changes job profiles rather than eliminating work entirely, often creating new roles. This dynamic highlights the ongoing interaction between #technology and labor markets, emphasizing that while robots will augment jobs, human workers will remain essential for the foreseeable future.
18. US creeps closer to controlling TikTok after Trump-Xi meeting
The US moved closer to taking over TikTok’s algorithm through a proposed sale after @Donald Trump met with @Xi Jinping, though neither leader confirmed China’s approval of the terms #TikTok #algorithm. The Chinese Commerce Ministry signaled that China will properly resolve TikTok-related issues with the United States, while a US official claimed the agreement was already finalized in terms of Chinese approval and would be resolved in coming weeks #China #US. Terms reportedly allow ByteDance to keep a 20% ownership stake and to retain the algorithm, a setup viewed as favorable to China, and analysts note Beijing may not be satisfied with relinquishing control of a platform that became an American social media phenomenon #ByteDance #China #TikTok. If the sale goes through without major changes, TikTok US could retrain or tweak the algorithm, potentially altering what content Americans see and how global content is filtered or displayed, with experts warning about possible shifts in content and community guidelines and noting that Trump has signaled a desire for the app to go 100 percent MAGA. Republican lawmakers warned that there was greater visibility of Palestinian hashtags on TikTok over Israeli hashtags, and analysts note the ideological tilt of the US investors Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz could influence the app’s direction #investors #policy.
19. GenAI can save employees 7.5 hours a week, survey
A London School of Economics study with Protiviti finds genAI tools save workers about 7.5 hours per week, equating to roughly $18,000 per employee annually. Among about 3,000 employees and executives surveyed, 70% were using AI, with Gen Z at 71% and Millennials at 73% the highest adopters, followed by Gen X at 60% and Baby Boomers at 52%. The top uses are writing and content creation at 43%, followed by communication and collaboration at 34% and data analysis and visualization at 27%. The report does not distinguish between tools and stresses that proper training and guardrails, including interactive hands-on workshops tailored to roles, boost autonomy and productivity. Industry voices frame genAI as a priority for enterprises to raise productivity and focus on higher-value tasks, noting uptake of @ChatGPT, @GoogleGemini and @Copilot and that AI can help fill labor gaps and even automate mundane or dangerous work in offices and factories.
20. Meta stock has worst day in 3 years, dropping 11% on higher AI spend
Meta Platforms Inc. posted solid Q3 results, but its stock tumbled more than 11%, its biggest single-day drop since October 2022, as investors questioned the payoff from its aggressive #AI spending. The company raised 2025 capex guidance to $70-72 billion, signaling continued heavy investment even as @Mark Zuckerberg argued that early returns are being seen in the core business and that the company is aggressively preparing for #superintelligence. Meta has invested in AI infrastructure, including $14.3 billion in AI startup Scale AI and bringing its CEO @AlexandrWang to lead its Superintelligence Labs, while signing cloud deals as peers #Alphabet and #Microsoft also lift capex forecasts. For the quarter, Meta reported adjusted earnings of $7.25 per share on $51.24 billion in revenue, up 26% year over year, though a $15.93 billion tax charge from the rollout of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act dampened results. The market’s reaction highlights the tension between near-term results and the potential long-term payoff from AI investments, suggesting investors will monitor ROI and capex plans closely.
21. Laid-off Amazon workers turn to TikTok and LinkedIn to find new jobs
Facing widespread layoffs, former Amazon employees are increasingly leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn to navigate the job market. Many use TikTok to share candid experiences and job-hunting tips, while LinkedIn serves as a professional network to connect with recruiters and potential employers. This shift reflects a broader trend where job seekers blend entertainment and networking to increase visibility and opportunities. The growing reliance on digital platforms highlights how #socialmedia is reshaping traditional job searches and career transitions in the tech industry. Consequently, these strategies illustrate adaptive responses to employment disruptions and underscore the evolving role of online communities in professional resilience.
22. There’s a global boom in solar, except in the United States
The global solar power industry is experiencing significant growth across multiple regions, yet the United States is lagging behind despite its technological capabilities and potential. Worldwide, countries have substantially increased their #solarenergy capacity driven by supportive policies, investment incentives, and public-private partnerships that accelerate deployment. In contrast, the US faces challenges such as inconsistent federal policies, regulatory barriers, and supply chain issues, which hinder the expansion of solar infrastructure. This discrepancy highlights the importance of cohesive policy frameworks and streamlined processes for the US to capitalize on its renewable energy advantages and contribute effectively to global climate goals. Addressing these domestic obstacles could enable the US to join the global solar boom and promote sustainable energy development.
23. These AI ‘Singers’ Charting On Billboard Are Actually AI Generated
AI-generated acts are increasingly appearing on Billboard charts, led by @Xania Monet, an AI-created singer whose songs have earned more than 44 million streams in the United States and now rank on the radio airplay chart. Other AI acts such as Breaking Rust, Juno Skye, and Enlly Blue have debuted on country sales, emerging artists, and rock charts with songs like ‘Livin’ On Borrowed Time’, ‘Walk My Walk’, and ‘Through My Soul’, visible as #AI-generated works on Billboard charts. Billboard cross-checked these tracks with Deezer’s AI-detection tool to verify their AI origins, while Suno #Suno, the AI platform behind Monet’s vocals, has faced legal action over training data. Monet’s creator Telisha ‘Nikki’ Jones signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Hallwood Media after a bidding war reportedly reaching $3 million, and Monet’s catalog has generated more than $52,000 in revenue from roughly 17 million U.S. streams, though royalties for the credited songwriter remain unclear. Critics such as @Kehlani have criticized AI-driven acts, highlighting copyright concerns and the challenge of justifying AI music to real artists.
24. How AI tools at work can produce errors that workers need skills to fix
Judges and legal researchers have documented hundreds of court filings worldwide that include essays seemingly drafted by AI yet riddled with errors, fabricated case citations, and misleading statements. The trend highlights that while #AI tools are increasingly used in workplaces for drafting legal briefs, reports, and research, their outputs frequently hallucinate facts or misinterpret documents, especially when users over-trust their capabilities. Researchers such as Damien Charlotin have tracked nearly 500 cases in the past six months where generative AI produced fictitious citations or quotes, and even large companies have submitted flawed documents based on AI assistance. Experts warn that AI should be treated as an assistant, not a decision-maker, and emphasise the need for human verification, firm training programmes for employees on responsible usage, and strict checks on data privacy when using free or third-party AI tools.
Hallucination(in AI tools): In the context of generative AI, a “hallucination” is when a model outputs information that is non-existent or factually inaccurate, such as citing a legal case that doesn’t exist, fabricating a statistic, or declaring a person said something they never did. Hallucinations arise because AI models predict plausible next tokens rather than verify factual truth, making them prone to confident but incorrect statements especially in complex or high-stakes domains like law or medicine.
25. Everyone Is Laying People Off This Week. Researchers Say They’re Going to Regret It
The article portrays a growing trend of major employers slashing jobs while leaning on #AI and #automation, creating a ‘jobless growth’ economy where profits rise even as hiring slows. Evidence includes Amazon @Amazon cutting 14,000 roles, @Paramount 1,000, @Target 1,800, @UPS planning a purge of 14,000 (aiming for about 48,000 total), and @Meta laying off around 600 in its AI lab. This hit is skewed toward white-collar work, with job postings for entry-level and early-career roles down year over year, narrowing the ladder into the workforce. A Philadelphia Fed report finds AI exposure is more than three times higher for bachelor’s-degree occupations than for those that don’t require a degree, feeding the expectation that automation will fill gaps even though evidence remains mixed. The Center for AI Safety reports that AI agents completed roughly 3% of the work humans can do, and a Forrester study shows many employers regret cutting staff to replace them with AI, even as the same firms argue they can regain productivity by paying lower wages or outsourcing.
26. Amazon raises spending forecast to $125 billion as third-quarter results top estimates
Amazon topped expectations in the third quarter as AWS revenue accelerated 20.2% to $33 billion and the company raised its 2025 capital expenditures target to $125 billion, a move CEO @Andy Jassy frames as accelerating AI infrastructure. Total revenue reached $180.17 billion, above the $177.8 billion consensus, and EPS was $1.95 versus $1.57 expected, with AWS and advertising also beating estimates (AWS $33B, Advertising $17.7B). The company emphasizes robust #AI demand and ongoing capacity expansion, including adding more than 3.8 gigawatts in the past 12 months, while simultaneously pursuing cost reductions through layoffs of about 14,000 corporate employees. Amazon also opened its $11 billion AI data center Project Rainier to run models from Anthropic’s Claude, underscoring the integration of #AI with cloud, retail, devices, and ads. For the current quarter, Amazon projects revenue of $206-$213 billion and operating income of $21-$26 billion, with CFO @Brian Olsavsky signaling that the 2025 capex number could rise again in 2026.
27. Samsung’s web browser arrives on Windows with an AI future on its radar
Samsung has launched its #Internet web browser on Windows for the first time, expanding beyond its established presence on Galaxy devices and some other platforms. The browser features a clean design and useful tools like built-in ad blocking and dark mode, aiming to compete with popular browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Samsung plans to integrate AI capabilities into the browser in the future, aligning with the broader industry trend towards AI-assisted browsing experiences. This move reflects Samsung’s strategy to create a unified, feature-rich web experience across devices while leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence. By bringing its browser to Windows and focusing on AI, Samsung aims to attract a wider audience and remain competitive in the evolving web ecosystem.
28. Rare earths stocks rally as China delays export controls after Trump-Xi meeting
China agreed to pause the introduction of further export controls on #rare_earths for one year as part of a broader agreement reached after a meeting between @Trump and @Xi Jinping, easing near-term supply fears. In premarket trading, U.S.-listed rare earth miners rose: Critical Metals up nearly 7%, USA Rare Earth about 6%, Energy Fuels around 3%, with MP Materials and NioCorp Developments also higher around 3%. Rare earths are vital for smartphones, renewable energy and defense applications, and China currently dominates the supply chain, producing about 70% of the world’s rare earths and processing roughly 90%. Trump said the rare earth issue has been settled, and Washington cut fentanyl-related tariffs, while China’s previous restrictions set to remain in place and a threat to tighten controls had been announced earlier.
29. Netflix Announces Ten-for-One Forward Stock Split, Effective January 15, 2024
Netflix has declared a ten-for-one forward stock split of its common shares, which will become effective after market close on January 15, 2024. This action will increase the number of shares outstanding without changing the company’s overall market capitalization or shareholder equity. The purpose of the stock split is to make shares more affordable and accessible to a broader range of investors, potentially enhancing liquidity and marketability. Shareholders will receive nine additional shares for every one share owned on the record date, January 1, 2024. The split reflects Netflix’s strategy to maintain its attractiveness to investors amid evolving market dynamics and growth opportunities.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/10/31! We picked, and processed 29 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! 🚀