Meta bans content from its smart glasses on Instagram if it involves surreptitious filming or harassment, amid public backlash over privacy concerns and "pervert glasses" misuse.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy initially fired popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sparking public protests and criticism. After days of unrest, Zelenskyy fired military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new military chief and Evgeniy Khmara as acting defence minister, aiming to prioritize modern, tech-driven warfare.
Extinction Rebellion activists vandalized a Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam with corrosive balloons, protesting AI's environmental impact and resource consumption. This action highlights increasing public backlash against data centers, which also face lawsuits and land disputes in the United States.
India's mandatory E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy is facing renewed public anger and political opposition. Vehicle owners report reduced mileage and potential damage, while opposition leaders demand automakers clarify compatibility for older models. The government defends the policy for reducing oil imports and aiding farmers.
OpenAI has reportedly proposed giving the US government a 5% ownership stake, valued at approximately $42.6 billion, to ease tensions with the Trump administration and address public backlash against AI. CEO Sam Altman suggested the idea to share AI's upside, with similar stakes proposed for other US AI firms.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a "dishonest leader" who betrayed his party. Raut dismissed Shinde's "trailer" remark about party defections, warning that such leaders lose public favor when their power wanes.
KEM Hospital has placed MBBS student Sejal Pawar on a 15-day forced leave and barred her from campus following a viral video of a stand-up comedy show. An FIR has been registered against her and comedian Pranit More for allegedly publishing objectionable content concerning women, consent, and deceased persons. The controversy has sparked a debate on freedom of expression.
Four Taiwanese teenagers entered the home of a severely disabled woman known locally as "Grandma's Brother" and harassed her. The incident, filmed and shared online, sparked outrage and led to the youths being identified and summoned by police. After apologizing and agreeing to community service, the victim's family decided not to press charges.
A prison installs a taxpayer-funded cooling system in corridors to protect vulnerable inmates and staff from heatwaves, sparking online criticism over the use of public funds for prisoner comfort.
South Korea's Yeoju Ceramic Festival apologizes for giving 'Made in China' miniature moon jars as prizes, contradicting its mission to promote local artisans.
As established gay dating apps face criticism for monetization and data privacy issues, new decentralized and community-driven alternatives like MeetMarket and Chunkr are gaining traction, prioritizing user control and privacy.
President Trump reversed course on an executive order mandating AI safety reviews before model release, citing competition with China. Tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, lobbied against the order, which was seen as a victory for the industry's push for rapid advancement.
A 97-year-old Australian widow was fined $1,650 by the ATO for a late tax return after her husband's death. The decision was overturned after public outcry via LinkedIn, prompting criticism of the ATO's lack of discretion in considering personal circumstances.
A proposed AI datacenter in Utah, spanning over 40,000 acres and requiring 9GW of power, faces public backlash due to concerns over energy use, water consumption, and impact on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.
