In response to prevent cheating during China’s highly competitive gaokao university entrance exams, major tech companies like ByteDance and Tencent have disabled notable AI functions. Over 13.3 million students began the four-day exams on Saturday, which are critical for university placements. Advanced AI tools, which students typically rely on for assistance, have been rendered inactive during this period, with apps like Doubao and DeepSeek explicitly stating their services would be unavailable to ensure fairness. Students expressed frustration on social media, venting about their lack of access to these resources. In addition to disabling AI tools, authorities are employing AI monitoring and stricter entry checks at exam locations, including biometric identification and signal blockers, to mitigate misconduct. Some regions even adjusted local events and traffic to prioritize exam candidates, underscoring the societal importance of the gaokao in determining young people’s futures.
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Chinese Tech Companies Halt AI Tools Amid Exam Cheating Crackdown
UK’s FCA Collaborates with Nvidia to Enable AI Innovation in Banking
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has partnered with Nvidia to create a “Supercharged Sandbox” aimed at facilitating safe experimentation with artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services. Beginning in October, UK banks will gain access to Nvidia’s advanced computing and AI technologies, allowing them to innovate without the usual regulatory hurdles. This initiative targets firms in the initial phases of AI development, providing essential data and expert support. FCA’s chief officer, Jessica Rusu, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in empowering banks to harness AI for market and consumer benefits while promoting economic growth. The sandbox addresses significant concerns over privacy and fraud, which have hindered the deployment of AI tools in finance. Alongside, challenges remain regarding compliance and effective use of new generative AI technologies, as highlighted by industry leaders at recent tech conferences.
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OpenAI Suspends ChatGPT Accounts Linked to Russian, Iranian, and Chinese Hacker Groups
OpenAI recently banned several ChatGPT accounts linked to Russian-speaking threat actors and two Chinese hacking groups. These accounts were used for malicious activities including malware development, social media automation, and research on U.S. satellite technology. The Russian-affiliated group exploited ChatGPT for refining Windows malware, implementing debugging, and enhancing operational security. Their malware, named ScopeCreep, was disguised as a legitimate tool and capable of stealing sensitive information. Similarly, the Chinese groups used ChatGPT for various cyber activities, from open-source research to developing brute-force scripts, alongside automating social media interactions across multiple platforms. Other malicious activities linked to different nations were also highlighted, involving the creation of deceptive job postings, bulk social media posts, and coordinated influence operations. OpenAI emphasized the importance of monitoring and counteracting these types of threats as they exploit AI for nefarious purposes.
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OpenAI Challenges NYT Data Preservation Order, Emphasizing User Privacy – Storyboard18
OpenAI is contesting a data preservation order issued by The New York Times that seeks the company’s user data as part of a legal matter. OpenAI argues that complying with the order would violate user privacy and confidentiality. The company raises concerns about potential misuse of sensitive information and emphasizes the need to protect the privacy rights of its users. OpenAI believes that preserving user data could set a precedent that may lead to broader implications for user protection across digital platforms. As a result, they are seeking to challenge the validity of the order in court. This case highlights the ongoing tension between media organizations seeking information in legal contexts and technology companies’ obligations to safeguard user privacy. OpenAI’s stance reflects a commitment to protecting user data amidst increasing scrutiny from legal entities and the media.
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Why Galaxy AI Outshines Gemini: 5 Key Features That Make It Smarter
Phone manufacturers have shifted their focus from just improving processors and cameras to incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), leading to innovative features. Among the major players, OpenAI’s ChatGPT significantly influences Apple’s AI, while Samsung integrates its Galaxy AI with Google’s Gemini. The Galaxy AI stands out with powerful, user-friendly features, including:
- Generative Photo Editing: Easily edit images and create art from sketches using AI within Samsung apps.
- Web Browsing Assist: Summarizes web content and provides voice summaries in multiple languages.
- Generative Wallpaper: Personalizes wallpapers based on prompts or updates them according to local weather.
- Live Transcription of Calls: Transcribes phone calls in real-time and can translate conversations for bilingual discussions.
- Smart Settings Search: Quickly locate settings using natural language queries within the device’s Settings app.
These features enhance user experience, showcasing the transformative impact of AI in smartphones.
iOS 26 Launches Today: Discover New AI Tools and Embrace a New Era of Software
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is underway, showcasing the future of its software platforms from Cupertino, California. Viewers can watch live via Apple’s website, Apple TV app, or YouTube. This year, the focus is entirely on software, with a significant change in Apple’s OS naming convention: the transition to calendar years, unveiling iOS 26 and similar updates for iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. A major visual overhaul inspired by visionOS will introduce a sleeker UI, improved transparency effects, and updated icons across devices. Core apps like Phone, Safari, and Camera will also see meaningful updates. On the AI front, Apple is introducing a smart battery management system to enhance performance. However, the anticipated next-gen Siri, rumored to leverage ChatGPT-like technology, has been postponed. The event, lacking new hardware announcements, highlights Apple’s commitment to software innovation and aims to enhance user experience amidst growing AI competition.
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Head-to-Head Showdown: Gemini Live vs. ChatGPT in 5 Voice Challenges — One Emerges Victorious!
AI assistants like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini Live are rapidly evolving with enhanced capabilities, including voice and vision. To determine which feels more human-like, both were subjected to five intricate voice-based tests.
In the contextual recall test, ChatGPT provided more creative family activity recommendations compared to Gemini Live’s generic suggestions, earning it a win. In the long-form thought test, ChatGPT surpassed Gemini with a deeper analysis of AI’s societal impacts, though it stumbled slightly during the conversation.
However, Gemini excelled in the personality and humor challenge, showcasing a natural, Gen Z-like energy. In the multimodal integration test, ChatGPT again outperformed Gemini by offering more creative and practical solutions for old bananas.
Both assistants performed well in the creative collaboration test, leading to a tie. Overall, while ChatGPT consistently demonstrated superior reasoning and creativity, Gemini shined in personality-driven interactions, making it a balanced choice for different user needs.
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Alibaba and Tencent Suspend AI Tools Amid Critical Exam Period in China – Bloomberg
Alibaba and Tencent have temporarily suspended their AI tools amid significant national exams in China. This decision reflects concerns over potential unfair advantages that AI-generated assistance could provide to students during the high-stakes assessments. The move aims to maintain integrity and ensure a level playing field, particularly as these exams can determine students’ futures. Both companies, significant players in the tech industry, are responding to growing regulatory scrutiny and societal pressures aimed at safeguarding education. As AI technology continues to evolve, balancing innovation with ethical considerations remains a critical challenge for businesses in the education sector. The suspension underscores the sensitivity surrounding exam integrity and highlights the need for responsible use of AI tools in academic settings.
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Google Gemini AI Assistant Could Incorporate Search Autocomplete Features – MSN
Google’s Gemini AI Assistant is set to incorporate a feature reminiscent of search’s autocomplete functionality. This integration aims to enhance user experience by providing quicker and more accurate responses to queries. The Gemini Assistant will utilize advanced algorithms to predict user questions and provide relevant suggestions in real-time, streamlining the search process. This development reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to improving AI technology, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. With Gemini’s ability to learn from interactions, it could offer more personalized assistance over time, adapting to individual preferences and needs. By merging AI capabilities with search features, Google aims to keep its services at the forefront of innovation, catering to users’ evolving digital habits and requirements. Overall, the incorporation of autocomplete into the Gemini AI Assistant signifies an important step toward creating a more efficient and responsive digital assistant experience for users.
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