The Guardian Tech

The UK's Facewatch facial recognition system, used in stores like Sainsbury’s and B&M, will now instantly alert police to the presence of serious offenders. Civil liberties groups have criticized the feature as a 'dangerous escalation' in retail surveillance and criminalization.

US Senator Ed Markey has introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing the harms of unregulated artificial intelligence, including energy-intensive datacenters, biased algorithms in hiring, and risks to children. The legislation targets issues like workplace surveillance, economic inequality, and AI's impact on workers.

SK hynix, a South Korean chip maker, is raising $26.5bn through a US listing on the Nasdaq, capitalizing on the AI boom. The company's profits have surged due to increased demand for advanced memory chips from global AI datacentre construction.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is launching a City 'skills compact' to commit firms like Barclays and Lloyds to retrain financial sector workers in AI. The government-backed initiative aims to help workers adapt to technological changes and prevent mass redundancies.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady faced questions about a nationwide outage that disrupted train services, payment systems, and triple zero calls. Brady denied the outage was caused by job restructuring and stated Telstra would investigate the software glitch responsible.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady addressed a nationwide outage affecting train services, payment systems, and triple zero calls, stating the failure was not due to job restructuring. Telstra will investigate the software glitch and review executive bonuses.

Plans for a NZ$3.5bn AI datacentre in Makarewa, New Zealand, have sparked local concerns over electricity and water usage, as well as potential noise pollution. The Singapore-based company Datagrid has secured approval for the project, with construction set to begin this year and operations expected by 2028.

Meta's new AI image generator, Muse Image, allows generating photos using public Instagram profiles without notifying users, prompting warnings from privacy advocates to check privacy settings.

Low-emissivity (low-E) windows help keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer by reflecting heat. However, a rare side-effect involving bowed glass can create a magnifying-glass effect, potentially igniting neighbors’ property.

A government report in Australia found that women and university graduates are most at risk of job displacement by artificial intelligence, with telemarketers, advertising staff, and accountants being particularly vulnerable. Conversely, individuals with high levels of vocational training, such as tradespeople, face the least risk of AI-related job loss.

San Francisco's AI boom has led to homes selling for over $1 million above asking prices, with 140 such sales in the first half of 2026. A Compass report highlights widespread overbidding in the city's scarce housing market.

Experts attribute hindered response to DRC’s Ebola outbreak and significant deaths to cuts in USAID programs. Elon Musk has shifted focus to criticizing USAID, which he previously dismantled, amid SpaceX stock drops and Tesla lawsuits.

Large-scale datacentre projects globally face challenges including energy supply issues, high construction costs, and environmental concerns. A proposed 2,000-acre datacentre in Virginia was opposed due to its proximity to a Civil War battlefield, with critics arguing it would disrupt the historic site's solemnity.

The Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 fan features a cold plate capable of lowering skin temperature by up to 9C, but its £129.99 price tag surpasses the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool’s cost. The article highlights the fan’s cooling capabilities while noting its high cost compared to competitors.

Sarah O’Connor's book 'We Are Not Machines' examines the impact of AI and automation on labor dignity and safety, drawing parallels to historical worker struggles. The review notes declining UK job vacancies and growing concerns about AI-driven employment disruptions.

Australia’s assistant technology minister Andrew Charlton warns that AI models are already 'cheating, deceiving, and going their own way,' as the AI Safety Institute begins testing these models. He emphasized the need for safety measures due to AI systems performing unintended actions.

The Scottish government is considering a proposed moratorium on new datacentre projects, which could challenge the UK’s AI strategy. The Scottish National Party’s national council passed a motion to freeze such projects, now under review by the Scottish government.

Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs (2% of its global workforce) through a restructuring of its Xbox gaming division, with 3,200 gaming jobs eliminated and four studios being spun off or sold. The layoffs aim to redirect resources toward AI investments.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has called for stronger regulatory powers to protect UK consumers from AI-related risks, including cyber-crime and fraud, as AI reshapes financial services by 2030. The review highlights a shift from human-led to AI-enabled services in the sector.

A psychotherapist banned herself from social media, leading to improved mood and stronger relationships, with her children being happier as a result. She previously relied on frequent phone use for work and communication, which contributed to irritability and being less present as a parent.