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 27 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. AI browsers are a cybersecurity time bomb
AI browsers embed AI directly into the browser, a shift that brings a more capable yet riskier browsing experience due to rushed releases, corruptible AI agents, and supercharged tracking. Atlas and Copilot Mode for Edge show how these features turn the browser into a gateway that can answer questions, summarize pages, and act on your behalf, signaling where vulnerabilities can emerge @OpenAI @Microsoft #AIbrowsers #attacksurface. Researchers have found vulnerabilities in Atlas that can exploit ChatGPT’s memory to inject malicious code, grant themselves access privileges, or deploy malware, while flaws in Comet could let attackers hijack the browser’s AI with hidden instructions, and prompt injections are described as a big frontier by @OpenAI and @Perplexity. Even with guardrails, there is a vast attack surface, and the AI memory features learn from everything you do or share, including emails and searches, creating a more invasive profile that could reveal sensitive data such as credit card details and login credentials #memory. This mix of memory, tracking, and prompt injection risk underscores the need for ongoing security scrutiny as #AIbrowsers reshape how we navigate the web.
YouTube has removed videos that showed how to bypass Windows 11’s account and hardware requirements, citing their policy against content that promotes dangerous or illegal activities risking serious physical harm or death. These videos demonstrated methods to circumvent restrictions Microsoft set for installing Windows 11, such as TPM 2.0 and account enforcement. The removal reflects YouTube’s increased moderation to discourage behavior that could potentially cause damage to devices or violate user agreements. The action highlights the tension between technology providers enforcing system requirements and user communities seeking ways to circumvent them. This incident underscores the complexity of content regulation on digital platforms when dealing with technical workarounds for popular operating systems like Windows 11.
The AFP plans to deploy a prototype AI that can translate emoji slang and Gen Z/Alpha online language to curb online crime, targeting so-called crimefluencers who coordinate harm in decentralized spaces. AFP commissioner @Krissy Barrett described the approach, noting that the tool would be a multimodal #NLP model trained on open-source data from platforms like #Instagram and #TikTok, plus internal case data and synthetic chats. It would use language embeddings and context awareness to interpret symbols like the skull emoji or pizza emoji as potential signals, distinguishing coded messages from ordinary slang. The effort is part of broader cross-border collaboration with the #FiveEyes group, and authorities have already flagged 59 suspects and arrested several aged 17 to 20. While forensics has at times outpaced digital clues in crypto-laundering cases, this AI initiative aims to strengthen prevention and investigation against evolving online crime, reflecting ongoing enforcement adaptation.
5. WhatsApp adds passkey protection to end-to-end encrypted backups | TechCrunch
WhatsApp is adding passkey support to access end-to-end encrypted backups, allowing users to unlock backups with device biometrics or the screen lock from their previous device instead of remembering a password or a 64-character key. This extends the existing end-to-end encrypted backups feature, which in 2021 allowed protection with a password or key but required users to keep them handy for restores. The passkey approach reduces the risk of losing access when a device is lost and is rolling out to WhatsApp’s more than 3 billion users in the coming weeks. To enable it, go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup to check for a passkey option. This move reinforces secure recovery while keeping backups protected, with @WhatsApp leading the rollout #passkeys #end-to-end-encryption #security
6. Windows 11’s Mixed Reality Link feature now supports the Meta Quest 3
Windows 11 has expanded its Mixed Reality Link compatibility to include the Meta Quest 3, enhancing users’ virtual reality experience by enabling direct PC connection without a cable. This feature allows Quest 3 users to access Windows apps and experiences within VR, bridging the gap between standalone VR and PC VR content. The update highlights Microsoft’s commitment to integrating its #Windows11 platform with popular VR hardware, providing seamless use across devices. By supporting Meta’s latest headset, Microsoft strengthens cooperation with major VR players like @Meta, reflecting the growing importance of mixed reality technologies. This development positions Windows 11 as a key player in the evolving landscape of virtual and mixed reality applications.
7. Samsung plans massive new AI chip factory with Nvidia investment
Samsung is set to build a $17 billion megafactory focused on #AI chip production, backed by a strategic investment from @Nvidia. This facility aims to enhance Samsung’s position in the booming AI semiconductor market by leveraging advanced fabrication technologies. The collaboration highlights the growing demand for specialized AI hardware as companies race to develop more powerful and efficient chips. Nvidia’s involvement underscores its commitment to securing supply chains and scaling production capacity in partnership with leading foundries. This move positions Samsung as a key player in the evolving AI hardware ecosystem, supporting future innovations in AI applications.
8. Trump Considers Restarting U.S. Nuclear Testing Program
Former President @DonaldTrump has shown interest in potentially restarting the U.S. nuclear testing program, which has been dormant since 1992. This consideration comes amidst debates over maintaining the country’s nuclear arsenal’s reliability and advancement in weapons technology. Experts warn that resuming full-scale nuclear tests could have significant geopolitical consequences and undermine international arms control agreements, such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The discussion reflects ongoing tensions in balancing national security priorities with global nonproliferation commitments. Trump’s stance highlights a shift in nuclear policy discourse during and after his administration, influencing broader defense strategies.
9. Canvas, new Affinity app, is free to use but locks AI features behind a subscription
Affinity’s new app Canvas offers a free, user-friendly platform for graphic design, appealing to both casual users and professionals. While the base app provides essential creative tools, advanced #AI functionalities that automate complex design tasks require a subscription, reflecting a strategic move to monetize AI in creative software. This subscription model balances accessibility with advanced feature access, enabling users to explore Canvas freely before committing. The approach mirrors industry trends where AI enhances productivity but often necessitates added cost. Thus, Affinity positions Canvas as approachable yet scalable for users seeking AI-powered design efficiency.
10. FCC will vote to scrap telecom cybersecurity requirements
The FCC plans a vote to undo its Jan 15 CALEA declaration (#CALEA) that obligates telecom carriers to secure networks against unlawful access, a move led by @BrendanCarr who argues the measure exceeded the agency’s authority and did not offer an effective or agile response to threats. In a blog post, @BrendanCarr labeled the declaration an \”eleventh hour\” ruling and said that discarding it would effectively abandon the related proposed rules to require cybersecurity plans and mitigation of supply-chain threats, even though the post did not directly address those rules. The move would roll back what supporters see as the government’s most substantial response to the widespread telecom cybersecurity failures exposed by China’s Salt Typhoon operation (#SaltTyphoon), which breached networks and exposed sensitive data. The article notes there are effectively no federal cybersecurity requirements for U.S. telecom operators, and it remains unclear how the FCC will supervise carriers after the reversal, especially as @JessicaRosenworcel argued that action was needed (#oversight).
11. Keep Android Open campaign pushes back on Google’s sideloading restrictions
A campaign called Keep Android Open is opposing Google’s recent sideloading restrictions that limit how users can install apps from outside the Google Play Store. Advocates argue these restrictions harm user freedom and the open nature of the Android ecosystem by reducing options for app sources and innovation. The campaign highlights that sideloading is vital for developers, advanced users, and those who need apps unavailable on Google Play. This pushback reflects broader tensions between platform control for security and maintaining openness for customization. The Keep Android Open movement emphasizes preserving user choice and platform flexibility in the face of increasing corporate control.
@DaraKhosrowshahi cautions that all cars won’t be autonomous for decades, with driving eventually becoming something like horseback riding. He argues there should be ‘much less permissiveness’ for self driving cars to make fatal mistakes than for ‘fallible’ human drivers. This stance highlights a safety‑first path that could slow the pace of autonomous adoption. By framing the transition around stringent safety standards and gradual rollout, the piece situates #autonomouscars within Uber’s cautious approach to future mobility and #safetystandards.
13. YouTube announces ‘voluntary exit program’ for US staff | TechCrunch
@YouTube is offering a voluntary exit program with severance for U.S.-based staff as it reorganizes into three product groups reporting directly to @Neal Mohan: #SubscriptionProducts, #ViewerProducts, and #CreatorAndCommunityProducts. The memo notes that no roles are being eliminated as part of the changes. The reorganization follows Alphabet’s quarterly results showing YouTube ad revenue of $10.26 billion, up 15% year over year, underscoring continued growth alongside the restructuring. The effort aims to sharpen focus on subscriptions, the viewer experience, and creator and community support, signaling a strategic realignment rather than layoffs. The move reflects leadership’s push to organize around core product areas while offering voluntary exits to staff choosing to leave.
14. Meta’s Ray-Ban Glasses Users Film And Harass Massage Parlor Workers, Raising Ethical Concerns
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have been used by some wearers to film and harass massage parlor workers without their consent, fueling ethical concerns around privacy and misuse of wearable technology. Incidents reported include covert recording in private settings, causing distress and potential harassment to individuals unaware they were being filmed. This highlights broader issues about the lack of clear regulations and controls over smart eyewear, as #privacy risks increase with the proliferation of such devices. Meta faces scrutiny over how it addresses user conduct and protects vulnerable groups from exploitation enabled by its technology. The situation underscores the urgency for responsible innovation and policy to safeguard personal privacy while advancing #augmentedreality technology.
16. OpenAI lays groundwork for IPO, up to $1 trillion valuation by 2025
OpenAI is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at up to $1 trillion by 2025, marking a significant milestone for artificial intelligence enterprises. The company has attracted substantial investment and attention due to its advancements in AI technologies, especially with products like ChatGPT, which have revolutionized AI’s integration in various industries. Analysts observe that OpenAI’s rapid growth and capability to monetize AI-driven solutions make it a juggernaut in the tech sector, signaling a strong market appetite for AI innovations. This potential IPO will not only reflect the financial promise of AI but also impact wider AI development and investment trends. Thus, OpenAI’s movement toward a public offering underscores the transformative potential of AI and reshapes expectations for future tech valuation benchmarks.
17. As Robots Take Over More Work, What Happens to All the Labor?
The increasing integration of robots into the workforce is reshaping labor markets by automating routine and manual tasks across industries. Companies deploy #automation technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs, yet this transition raises concerns about job displacement and the future role of human workers. Experts argue that while some jobs vanish, new roles emerge requiring different skills, emphasizing the need for workforce retraining and adaptation. The trend prompts policymakers and business leaders to address challenges related to income inequality and employment stability. Understanding how robotic work influences labor dynamics is crucial for navigating economic and social impacts in the evolving job landscape.
18. US creeps closer to controlling TikTok after Trump-Xi meeting
The US is advancing toward greater control over #TikTok following a high-profile meeting between former president @DonaldTrump and Chinese leader @XiJinping, reflecting ongoing concerns about data security and influence. Recent discussions have intensified the push for regulatory measures to curb Beijing’s access to American user data on the platform, highlighting national security fears. Analysts suggest this move signals a strategic shift in US tech policy aimed at countering China’s technological reach while maintaining broader geopolitical pressure. As the debate unfolds, it underscores the complex interplay between international diplomacy and digital sovereignty in the era of global social media platforms. This development aligns with growing efforts to assert US authority over foreign-owned apps deemed risks to personal and national security.
19. GenAI can save employees 7.5 hours a week — survey
GenAI tools can substantially boost employee productivity, with users saving about 7.5 hours per week and around $18,000 per year per worker, according to a London School of Economics study. The study of roughly 3,000 employees and executives found that 70 percent were using AI and that younger workers led adoption, with top uses including writing and content creation, communication and collaboration, and data analysis and visualization. Yet about 60 percent of respondents had not received AI-specific training, underscoring that with the right hands on, role-based workshops and #AItraining can unlock far greater productivity gains. The findings reinforce that enterprises should embrace #genAI as a productivity and labor-gap solution by investing in training and guardrails, with industry voices like @Melanie Freeze and @Kari Briski noting the focus on higher value tasks and practical deployment.
20. Meta stock has worst day in 3 years, dropping 11% on higher AI spend
Meta Platforms’ stock fell more than 11% in a single session, its worst day in about three years, as skepticism about the payoff from its aggressive #AI spending overshadowed strong results. The company raised its 2025 capex guidance to a range of $70 billion to $72 billion, higher than previous guidance of $66 billion to $72 billion. CEO @Mark Zuckerberg defended the plans, saying the company is already seeing returns in the core business and is aggressively building capacity to prepare for #superintelligence. Peers also boosted spending expectations, with @Alphabet lifting capex to $91 billion to $93 billion and @Microsoft signaling higher spending, while Meta has invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI and named @Alexandr Wang to lead its #AI initiative. For Q3, Meta reported adjusted earnings of $7.25 per share on $51.24 billion in revenue, up 26% year over year, and booked a $15.93 billion tax charge tied to the rollout of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
21. Laid-off Amazon employees are posting through it on social media
With @Amazon laying off about 14,000 corporate employees, laid-off workers are turning to @TikTok and @LinkedIn to share their stories and stay connected. The article notes that people post on these platforms to recount their experiences and to network with others. This use of #socialmedia can increase visibility for job seekers and facilitate connections that may lead to new opportunities during a major career disruption. It shows how large-scale layoffs are prompting workers to use public narratives on digital platforms to navigate the transition and find support and opportunities.
22. There’s a Global Boom in Solar, Except in the United States
While global solar energy capacity is rapidly increasing, the United States has lagged behind despite abundant resources. Other countries have invested heavily in #solar infrastructure, benefiting from supportive policies and innovations that drive down costs and expand market access. The U.S. faces challenges including regulatory hurdles, inconsistent federal and state incentives, and supply chain issues that have slowed adoption. This divergence suggests that without coordinated policy efforts and investment, the U.S. risks missing out on the economic and environmental benefits fueled by the global solar surge. Addressing these barriers is essential for America to regain leadership in renewable energy and meet climate goals.
23. Billboard Says AI-Powered Artists Are Increasingly Hitting The Charts
AI-powered artists are increasingly impacting the music industry by appearing on Billboard charts, reflecting a significant shift in how music is created and consumed. Platforms like #AmperMusic and #Endlesss enable creators to produce original songs using artificial intelligence, lowering barriers for emerging musicians and altering traditional music production roles. This trend demonstrates how AI is reshaping creativity, blending human input with machine-generated content to create commercially successful music. As AI tools gain traction, industry stakeholders must adapt to new challenges and opportunities involving rights, royalties, and creative ownership. The rise of AI-driven music underscores a transformative period where technology and artistry converge to redefine the future of sound.
24. AI tools reshaping work show high error rates and skills need, study finds
Artificial intelligence tools, increasingly integrated into workplace tasks, demonstrate significant error rates that challenge their reliability and demand enhanced human skills for oversight. A study reveals that despite AI’s rapid adoption, these tools frequently produce incorrect outputs, necessitating workers to have strong digital literacy and critical thinking skills to detect and correct errors. The findings highlight the gap between technological capabilities and actual performance in complex work scenarios, urging organizations to invest in training and realistic expectations for AI applications. This underscores the importance of human-AI collaboration rather than full automation in sustaining work quality. As AI continues to evolve, balancing technological benefits with user skill development becomes essential for productive and safe implementation.
25. Everyone Is Laying People Off This Week. Researchers Say They’re Going To Regret It
Many companies across various industries have initiated significant layoffs this week, a trend that researchers believe may have long-term negative consequences. Studies indicate that abrupt workforce reductions can harm morale, reduce productivity, and increase rehiring costs when market conditions improve. Researchers highlight that layoffs often hinder a company’s innovation capacity and damage its reputation among employees and customers. Despite these risks, companies pursue layoffs mainly to cut costs during economic uncertainty, which could lead to regret if the downturn proves temporary. This pattern emphasizes the need for strategic workforce planning and exploring alternatives to layoffs to maintain organizational health.
26. Amazon raises spending forecast to $125 billion as third-quarter results top estimates
Amazon posted third-quarter results that beat expectations with robust cloud growth, led by AWS revenue of $33 billion, up 20.2%. Earnings per share were $1.95, vs $1.57 expected, and total revenue reached $180.17 billion, above the $177.8 billion estimate; AWS revenue was $33B and advertising $17.7B, both topping forecasts. CEO @Andy Jassy said AWS is growing at a pace not seen since 2022, citing strong AI demand and ongoing capacity expansion of about 3.8 gigawatts in the last year. The results prompt a raised capital expenditure forecast to $125 billion for 2025, with potential increases in 2026, and the company unveiled Project Rainier, an $11 billion AI data center to run models such as @Anthropic’s Claude, while also laying off 14,000 corporate workers to improve speed.
27. Samsung’s web browser arrives on Windows, with an AI future on its radar
Samsung has rolled out a Windows desktop version of its Samsung Internet, reframing the browser as an integrated AI platform rather than a mere PC app. It supports cross‑platform syncing of bookmarks, history, and autofill, and emphasizes privacy with tracker blocking and a privacy dashboard, while positioning itself to advance its ambient AI vision. The release comes amid an AI‑browsers wave that includes @OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas, @Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode, Opera Neon, and Perplexity’s Comet, with Samsung aiming to anticipate user needs and offer more personalized assistance. Samsung Internet for Windows is available in a beta program for Windows 11 and Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) via the product page. This move situates Samsung within the growing ambient AI landscape by bringing its cross‑platform experience to the desktop.
28. Rare earth stocks rise as China delays export controls after Trump-Xi summit
China has postponed implementing tighter export controls on rare earth materials following a summit between then-President @Donald Trump and President #XiJinping. This delay resulted in a notable increase in rare earth stocks, as the market anticipated potential supply constraints. The postponement alleviates immediate concerns over restricted access to critical materials used in technology and defense industries. The decision highlights China’s strategic use of rare earths in geopolitical negotiations while impacting global supply chains. This development underscores the importance of rare earth materials in international trade and political strategy.
29. Netflix announces ten-for-one forward stock split in 2025
Netflix has declared a ten-for-one forward stock split effective in 2025, aimed at making shares more affordable for retail investors. The company stated this move will increase stock liquidity and accessibility without altering the overall market capitalization. Netflix’s announcement reflects a strategic effort to broaden its shareholder base amid increasing competition in the streaming industry. This split follows similar tactics used by tech firms to attract smaller investors and potentially stimulate trading activity. The decision signals Netflix’s intent to maintain investor interest while navigating evolving market dynamics.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/10/31! We picked, and processed 27 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! 🚀