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At CES 2026, major tech companies unveiled advanced humanoid robots, including Boston Dynamics' Atlas, Chinese robots, and smart home devices. Hyundai plans to deploy Atlas in factories by 2028, marking progress in industrial automation and AI integration.
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Apple's Q1 earnings exceeded forecasts, driven by record iPhone sales and strong growth in China. The company reports a 16% revenue increase to $143.8 billion, with iPhone revenue up 23%. AI integration and new product launches are key focus areas amid investor interest.
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Since December 10, 2025, Australia has enforced a landmark ban preventing under-16s from holding accounts on major social media platforms. Over 4.7 million accounts have been deactivated or restricted across 10 platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. TikTok is also rolling out AI age-detection tech in Europe to identify under-13 users. The ban has sparked debate on child safety, privacy, and platform compliance.
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A Federal Court judge has declared a six-month police search declaration in Melbourne invalid, citing failure to consider human rights protections. The declaration allowed warrantless searches and face-covering directives, but was lifted early amid legal challenges. The ruling emphasizes the importance of human rights considerations in law enforcement powers.
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Leading experts warn that AI development risks hitting a dead end, environmental strain, and safety threats. Critics highlight the need for regulation amid concerns over resource use and potential existential dangers as AI systems grow more powerful and widespread.
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Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader and MP, has been found to have committed 17 breaches related to late declaration of outside earnings totaling over £38,000. The Standards Commissioner deemed the breaches unintentional, citing administrative errors amid Reform UK's growth. Farage accepted responsibility and apologized, while critics call for tighter rules on MPs' second jobs.
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Blue Origin announced TeraWave, a constellation of 5,408 satellites designed to deliver up to 6 terabits per second globally for enterprise and government use. Deployment begins in late 2027, positioning Blue Origin as a key player in space-based internet infrastructure alongside SpaceX and Amazon. The network targets critical data operations, not consumer internet.
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Apple and Google have agreed to pay settlements over privacy violations involving their voice assistants, Siri and Google Assistant. Both companies faced lawsuits claiming they recorded private conversations without user consent, sharing data with third parties. Apple’s settlement is $95 million, and Google’s is $68 million. Payments are capped at $20 per device.
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On February 2, 2026, the US government announced Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals funded by a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank and $1.67 billion in private capital. The initiative aims to reduce US dependence on China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, securing vital materials for manufacturing vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies. Over 55 countries are collaborating to diversify supply chains, while Japan pursues deep-sea mining innovations.
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Google plans to extend its AirDrop interoperability to more Android devices this year, enabling file sharing with iOS and macOS. The update follows recent support for Pixel 10 and aims to improve cross-platform compatibility, with broader rollout expected in March and beyond.
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Capgemini is beginning to divest its US subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, following scrutiny over its contract with ICE for skip tracing services used in immigration enforcement. The move follows recent police shootings in Minneapolis and growing political pressure from France and US lawmakers demanding transparency.
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European governments are increasingly shifting away from US-based digital services, such as Zoom and Teams, toward domestic or open-source alternatives. France plans to replace US tools with its own Visio platform by 2027, citing data security and sovereignty concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions and dependence on US tech giants.
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Indian lawmakers are proposing legislation to ban social media accounts for users under 16, citing concerns over digital addiction and data exploitation. The bill aims to shift age verification responsibilities to platforms, amid ongoing debates on youth online safety and international regulation trends.
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The UK government is investing in advanced nuclear reactors and AI-focused zones. Britain aims to meet climate goals, support the AI sector, and create jobs, with projects in Barnsley and Lanarkshire backed by government and private funds. The initiatives reflect a strategic push for technological and energy independence.
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Waymo's latest funding round values the company at $126 billion, reflecting investor confidence in its autonomous vehicle technology. The company plans to expand beyond six U.S. cities into over 20, including London and Tokyo, despite ongoing safety and regulatory challenges.
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Spain plans to ban social media for minors under 16, requiring platforms to enforce age verification. The move aims to address concerns over harmful content and mental health, aligning with similar measures in Australia, France, and other European countries. Legislation could pass next week.
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Recent reports reveal a surge in state-sponsored cyber-espionage targeting defense companies and personnel across Europe, the US, and Ukraine. Hackers impersonate employees, exploit vulnerabilities in hiring processes, and conduct targeted attacks, raising concerns over national security and industrial integrity amid geopolitical tensions.
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Danish developers have launched apps like 'Made O’Meter' and 'NonUSA' to help consumers identify and avoid American products amid rising tensions over Greenland. The apps gained significant downloads during recent diplomatic disputes, aiming to empower consumers and influence supermarket choices, though experts question their long-term impact.
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European countries including Spain, Greece, France, and Britain are debating stricter social media restrictions for minors, following Australia's December ban on under-16s. Governments cite concerns over mental health, hate speech, and disinformation, with legislation potentially passing this year to protect children online.
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As of February 2026, a landmark trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court is underway against Meta and Google's YouTube, accused of deliberately designing platforms to addict children and harm their mental health. The case centers on a 19-year-old plaintiff, KGM, and could set precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits. TikTok and Snap settled earlier. Meta denies wrongdoing, citing complex mental health factors and safeguards.
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The 'Housing for the 21st Century Act' passed without a White House-backed investor ban, despite efforts from the Biden administration. The debate centers on whether limiting large institutional investors can make homes more affordable amid rising prices and low sales. The White House views the bill as incomplete without this restriction.
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A landmark trial in Los Angeles accuses Meta and YouTube of designing platforms to be addictive, especially targeting children. The case alleges these platforms caused mental health harm, with internal memos and user testimonies highlighting profit-driven, addictive features. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
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Recent articles highlight growing concerns about AI's social and economic effects. Tech workers pursue side hustles amid job risks, while AI developers remain ambivalent about emotional intimacy tools. Work culture in Silicon Valley also faces scrutiny for its intensity and burnout risks.